bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescription au long cours et dépendance aux benzodiazépines : cause ou conséquence ?
Authors: Krir M.W. , Cheikh C. Ben , Elkefi H. , Oumaya A. , Gallali S.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Les anxiolytiques sont couramment prescrits pour le traitement de l’anxiété et des troubles du sommeil. Ce sont des médicaments symptomatiques et leur usage doit cesser dès que le symptôme a disparu. Leur prescription est limitée dans les recommandations à 12 semaines au maximum. Cependant, plusieurs praticiens sont amenés à prolonger le traitement au-delà de cette durée maximale. Cette prolongation pourrait s’expliquer par le développement précoce d’une dépendance. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la prévalence de la dépendance aux benzodiazépines chez les patients sous anxiolytiques depuis 8 à 12 semaines.

Matériels et méthode

Il s’agit d’une étude transversale réalisée pendant une période d’un mois auprès de patients suivis à la consultation externe de l’hôpital militaire de Tunis et qui étaient sous benzodiazépines depuis huit à 12 semaines. L’évaluation a consisté en l’administration de l’échelle cognitive d’attachement aux benzodiazépines (ECAB) traduite en langue arabe.

Résultats

Trente-sept patients ont été inclus à cette étude avec un sex-ratio de 1,31. La moyenne d’âge était de 34,6 ans. Les pathologies les plus fréquemment retrouvées étaient les troubles anxieux (37 %), les troubles dépressifs majeurs (29 %) et les troubles de l’adaptation (21 %). La durée moyenne de prescription de benzodiazépines était de 10,9 semaines. Une dépendance aux benzodiazépines a été retrouvée chez 27 % des patients (score ECAB ≥ 6).

Conclusion

La dépendance aux anxiolytiques est un problème fréquemment rencontré en pratique quotidienne. Une fréquence assez élevée de cette dépendance a été retrouvée chez des patients sous benzodiazépines depuis moins de 12 semaines, ce qui expliquerait en partie leur prescription au long cours. Une diminution de cette durée dans les recommandations serait-elle bénéfique ?
Amélioration fonctionnelle sous palmitate de paliperidone à doses flexibles chez des patients aigus ou non aigus atteints de schizophrénie, après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux
Authors: Hargarter L. , Bergmans B. , Cherubin P. , Bjorner A. , Knegtering H. , Parellada E. , Carpiniello B. , Vidailhet P. , Mertens C. , Schreiner A.
Published: November 2013

Objectifs

Évaluer l’amélioration fonctionnelle chez des patients atteints de schizophrénie sous palmitate de paliperidone (PP) à doses flexibles après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux.

Méthodes

Analyse menée dans deux sous-groupes de patients atteints de schizophrénie : aigus (n = 202) et non aigus (n = 593) après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotiques oraux, inclus dans une étude internationale, prospective, de six mois.

Critères d’évaluation

Changement du score total à la PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), à la PSP (Personal and Psychosocial Performance scale), et à la Mini-ICF-APP (Mini International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health Rating for Activity and Participation Disorders in Psychological Illnesses).

Résultats

Les deux sous-groupes ont présenté une amélioration significative du score total à la PANSS : de 98,5 ± 20,1 à l’inclusion à 67,4 ± 24,0 à la fin de l’étude (diminution moyenne = −31,0 ± 29,0) chez les patients aigus et de 71,5 ± 14,6 à 59,7 ± 18,1 (diminution moyenne = −11,7 ± 15,9) chez les patients non aigus. Cette réponse thérapeutique était associée à une augmentation significative du score total à la PSP de 43,9 ± 15,0 à 62,9 ± 17,1 (amélioration moyenne = 19,0 ± 18,7, p <0,0001) chez les patients aigus, et de 58,1 ± 13,4 à 66,1 ± 15,7 (amélioration moyenne =8,0 ± 14,0, p < 0,0001) chez les patients non aigus. Il existait une amélioration significative du score à la Mini-ICF-APP qui diminuait de 26,8 ± 8,5 à 18,5 ± 9,8 (diminution moyenne = −8,0 ± 10,4, p < 0,0001) chez les patients aigus et de 19,8 ± 7,9 à 15,9 ± 8,8 (diminution moyenne = −4,0 ± 7,5, p < 0,0001) chez les patients non aigus.

Conclusions

L’amélioration symptomatique sous PP à doses flexibles chez des patients aigus ou non-aigus atteints de schizophrénie après échec d’un traitement par antipsychotique oral s’est accompagnée d’une amélioration fonctionnelle cliniquement significative.
Paleoenvironmental and geoarchaeological reconstruction from late Holocene slope records (Lower Huerva Valley, Ebro Basin, NE Spain)
Authors: Pérez-Lambán Fernando , Peña-Monné José Luis , Fanlo-Loras Javier , Picazo-Millán Jesús V. , Badia-Villas David , Rubio-Fernández Virginia , García-Giménez Rosario , Sampietro-Vattuone María M.
Published: November 2013

Slope deposits in semiarid regions are known to be very sensitive environments, especially those that occurred during the minor fluctuations of the late Holocene. In this paper we analyse Holocene colluvium genesis, composition, and paleoenvironmental meaning through the study of slope deposits in NE Spain. Two cumulative slope stages are described during this period. In the study area, both slope accumulations are superimposed and this has enabled an excellent preservation of the aggregative sequence and the paleosols corresponding to stabilisation stages.14C and TL dating, as well as archaeological remains, provide considerable chronological precision for this sequence. The origin of the accumulation of the lower unit is placed around 4295–4083 cal yr BP/2346–2134 cal yr BC (late Chalcolithic) and it developed until the Iron Age in a cooler and wetter climate (Cold Iron Age). Under favourable conditions, a soil A-horizon was formed on top of this unit. A new slope accumulation was formed during the Little Ice Age. Within the slope two morphogenetic periods ending with A-horizons are distinguished and related with two main cold–wet climatic events. The study of these slopes provides a great amount of data for the paleoenvironmental and geoarchaeological reconstruction of the late Holocene in NE Spain.
Vertical movements along the northern border of the West African Craton: the Reguibat Shield and adjacent basins
Authors: LEPRÊTRE R. , BARBARAND J. , MISSENARD Y. , LEPARMENTIER F. , FRIZON DE LAMOTTE D.
Published: November 2013

The absence of a sedimentary record on large cratonic areas often prevents the reconstruction of the history of their vertical movements. The Reguibat Rise, belonging to the West African Craton, is typically a large basement high, whose Meso-Cenozoic history is poorly known because of the extreme reduction of this sedimentary record. In this paper we present the first thermochronological data from the centre of the Reguibat Rise, and combine them with the geometry of the sedimentary formations in the adjoining Tindouf and Taoudeni basins situated north and south, respectively. Fission track analysis on apatite yields ages from 256±21 Ma to 139±8 Ma, and 120±10 Ma by (U–Th)/He dating. Two competing scenarios are tested based on these data with thermal history modelling. We favour the scenario that includes a Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous cooling of the samples, based on stratigraphical constraints and the thermochronological results. We then propose a new model for the evolution of this region and reveal the occurrence of a previously unknown major exhumation event at the Jurassic/Cretaceous transition accounting for the main present-day structures.
Outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by norovirus GII.4 Sydney variant after a wedding reception at a resort/activity centre, Finland, August 2012
Authors: POLKOWSKA A. , RÖNNQVIST M. , LEPISTÖ O. , ROIVAINEN M. , MAUNULA L. , HUUSKO S. , TOIKKANEN S. , RIMHANEN-FINNE R.
Published: November 2013

In August 2012, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among 88 persons attending a wedding reception at a resort/activity centre in Ylöjärvi, Finland. Of 39 interviewed guests, 23 met the case definition. Two persons were hospitalized. Epidemiological, laboratory and environmental investigations were conducted to characterize the outbreak and to recommend control measures. Investigation confirmed the presence of a new strain of norovirus GII.4 Sydney variant in stool specimens obtained from two wedding guests and on several environmental surfaces in the centre. In the questionnaire study, none of the foods or beverages served during the reception were significantly associated with the illness. Additional cases of gastroenteritis that occurred at the centre before and after the wedding reception supported the hypothesis of environmental transmission of norovirus. After thorough cleansing and disinfection and 1 week's quarantine, no new cases with symptoms typical for norovirus infection were identified at the centre.
Between Progressivism and Institutionalism: Albert Benedict Wolfe on Eugenics
Authors: Fiorito Luca
Published: November 2013

Albeit concerned with the biological element in social evolution, Albert B. Wolfe was among the very few economists of the progressive era who openly expressed their concerns about certain implications of eugenic rhetoric for the social science. Specifically, Wolfe questioned the strong hereditary boundaries that more extreme eugenicists suggested about human beings. A careful examination of Wolfe’s writings reveals that his reaction was rooted in the belief that many of the social problems that eugenicists attributed to hereditary limitations were actually imputable to the influence that the social, economic, and physical environment exercised on the individuals.
Using parasitic elements for implementing sectoral patch antenna array for wireless applications
Authors: Kandwal Abhishek , Khah Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the design and development of an X-band microstrip gap-coupled sectoral patch array antenna for application in wireless systems. A novel concept of bandwidth enhancement is considered for gap-coupled sectoral microstrip patch array antenna, which uses one active receiving antenna and multiple parasitic elements with finite ground plane. The parasitic elements give the possibility of creating a directive antenna beam. A broadband of 1 GHz with a return loss of −50 dB has been achieved in X-band along with a directivity of 11.1 dBi and reduced side lobe level to −23.7 for 3 dB angular width.
The Effects of Yerba Maté (Ilex Paraguariensis) Consumption on IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 Production by Bone Marrow Cells in Wistar Rats fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Carmo Luciana Simão , Rogero Marcelo Macedo , Cortez Mayara , Yamada Monica , Jacob Patrícia Silva , Bastos Deborah Helena Markowicz , Borelli Primavera , Ambrósio Fock Ricardo
Published: November 2013

An excessive consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) results in becoming overweight or obese, which triggers a chronic inflammatory condition that is associated with a high white blood cell count. Because of the potential for yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) (YM) to impact obesity, this study aimed to investigate the effects of YM consumption on the hematological response and on the production of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 by bone marrow cells from Wistar rats fed a HFD. Male Wistar rats were fed a control (CON) or HFD diet for twelve weeks. At the end of this period, the rats received YM (1 g/kg/day body weight) for 4 weeks. After euthanasia, hemograms and myelograms were evaluated, while the bone marrow cells were cultured in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the production of IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10. The consumption of YM reduced the body weight, the body adiposity, and the cholesterol levels in HFD-fed rats. Bone marrow cells from the HFD group produced more IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α, and less IL-10, when compared to cells from the control group, and YM consumption reduced the IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α production by the cells. However, cells from the HFD rats that were stimulated with LPS increased their IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α production, but YM consumption did not change this result. In summary, the consumption of YM affects the production of IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α by bone marrow cells, promotes weight loss, decreases the number of white blood cells, and significantly improves serum cholesterol level in HFD-fed rats. However, the bone marrow cells from the HFD+YM-fed rats challenged with LPS did not show improvement in the inflammatory response compared to the cells from animals fed only a HFD that were also challenged with LPS.
State-of-the-art aortic imaging: Part I - fundamentals and perspectives of CT and MRI
Authors: Rengier Fabian , Geisbüsch Philipp , Vosshenrich Rolf , Müller-Eschner Matthias , Karmonik Christof , Schoenhagen Paul , von Tengg-Kobligk Hendrik , Partovi Sasan
Published: November 2013

Over the last two decades, imaging of the aorta has undergone a clinically relevant change. As part of the change non-invasive imaging techniques have replaced invasive intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography as the former imaging gold standard for aortic diseases. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) constitute the backbone of pre- and postoperative aortic imaging because they allow for imaging of the entire aorta and its branches. The first part of this review article describes the imaging principles of CT and MRI with regard to aortic disease, shows how both technologies can be applied in every day clinical practice, offering exciting perspectives. Recent CT scanner generations deliver excellent image quality with a high spatial and temporal resolution. Technical developments have resulted in CT scan performed within a few seconds for the entire aorta. Therefore, CT angiography (CTA) is the imaging technology of choice for evaluating acute aortic syndromes, for diagnosis of most aortic pathologies, preoperative planning and postoperative follow-up after endovascular aortic repair. However, radiation dose and the risk of contrast induced nephropathy are major downsides of CTA. Optimisation of scan protocols and contrast media administration can help to reduce the required radiation dose and contrast media. MR angiography (MRA) is an excellent alternative to CTA for both diagnosis of aortic pathologies and postoperative follow-up. The lack of radiation is particularly beneficial for younger patients. A potential side effect of gadolinium contrast agents is nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). In patients with high risk of NSF unenhanced MRA can be performed with both ECG- and breath-gating techniques. Additionally, MRI provides the possibility to visualise and measure both dynamic and flow information.
Die edukative Website Dermaguard zur Prävention von Hautkrebs nach Organtransplantation
Authors: Bühler Meret N. , Feldmeyer Laurence , Wüthrich Rudolf P. , French Lars E. , Djamei Vahid , Serra Andreas L. , Hofbauer Günther F.L.
Published: November 2013

Nach einer Organtransplantation besteht für Betroffene ein erhöhtes Risiko für Hautkrebs. Ursächlich verantwortlich dafür sind vor allem die immunsuppressive Medikation und die UV-Strahlung. Konsequenter Sonnenschutz kann das Auftreten von Hautkrebs reduzieren und es bestehen bei frühzeitiger Erkennung gute Behandlungsoptionen. Leider sind sich viele Patienten und deren Betreuer dieses Risikos zu wenig bewusst, wodurch sie die einfachen aber effektiven präventiven Massnahmen ungenügend umsetzen. Anliegen dieser Arbeit ist es, Patienten nach Organtransplantation und an deren Betreuung beteiligte Personen vermehrt für die Problematik zu sensibilisieren und die Information Betroffener zu erleichtern, um damit die Prävention von Hautkrebs nach Organtransplantation zu optimieren. Eine zu diesem Zweck erstellte Website ermöglicht freien Zugang zu diversen Informationsmaterialien und bietet nebst informativem Inhalt auch interaktive und unterhaltende Elemente an.
Erfassung aggressionsauslösender und -aufrechterhaltender Faktoren bei Kindern mit oppositionellen und aggressiven Verhaltensstörungen im Eltern-, Lehrer- und Selbsturteil
Authors: Benesch Christina , Görtz-Dorten Anja , Breuer Dieter , Döpfner Manfred
Published: November 2013

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Fragebogen zum aggressiven Verhalten von Kindern (FAVK) dient der Erfassung vier möglicher aggressionsauslösender und -aufrechterhaltender Komponenten von Kindern und Jugendlichen zwischen 4 und 14 Jahren. Fragestellung: Der FAVK soll erstmals im Eltern- (n = 156), Lehrer- (n = 104) und Selbsturteil (n = 91) an einer klinischen Stichprobe (6 – 12 Jahre) untersucht werden. Methode: Überprüft werden faktorielle und interne Validität, Reliabilität und Aspekte divergenter und konvergenter Validität. Ergebnisse: Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen bestätigen das zugrundeliegende vierfaktorielle Bedingungsmodell und eine in Feldstichproben gefundene dreifaktorielle Struktur. Interne Konsistenzen der Gesamtskalen sind zufriedenstellend (α > .70), ihre Wiederholungszuverlässigkeiten nicht. Die Korrelationen der Skalen zwischen den Beurteilern fallen geringer als erwartet aus. Zumindest im Elternurteil lassen sich die konvergente und divergente Validität bestätigen. Schlussfolgerung: Unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Limitationen bestätigen die Befunde die Verwendung des FAVK in Klinik und Forschung.
Krankheitskosten der Borderline Persönlichkeitsstörung aus gesellschaftlicher Perspektive
Authors: Wagner Till , Roepke Stefan , Marschall Paul , Stiglmayr Christian , Renneberg Babette , Gieb Dieter , Dambacher Claudia , Matthies Sara , Salbach-Andrae Harriet , Fleßa Steffen , Fydrich Thomas
Published: November 2013

Hintergrund: Bislang liegen in Deutschland keine Befunde über die krankheitsbedingten Kosten von Patienten mit einer Borderline Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) aus der gesellschaftlichen Perspektive vor. Fragestellung: Wie hoch sind die jährlichen Krankheitskosten pro BPS-Patient? In welchen Bereichen entstehen die höchsten Kosten? Methodik: Auf der Grundlage aktueller gesundheitsökonomischer Empfehlungen wurden die krankheitsbedingten Kosten von N = 55 BPS-Patienten in Berlin für den Zeitraum von 12 Monaten vor Beginn einer ambulanten Psychotherapie aus der gesellschaftlichen Perspektive mit einem Interview erhoben und berechnet. Ergebnisse: Die Krankheitskosten in den 12 Monaten vor der Therapie betrugen insgesamt € 26.882 (SD = € 32.275) pro BPS-Patient. € 17.976 (SD = € 23.867) davon waren direkte Kosten, € 8.906 (SD = € 15.518) wurden für indirekte Kosten berechnet. Die höchsten Kosten entstanden durch stationäre und teilstationäre Aufenthalte (M = € 13.121; SD = € 19.808) sowie durch krankheitsbedingte Erwerbsunfähigkeit (M = € 7.020; SD = € 15.099). Schlussfolgerungen: Die BPS geht mit hohen gesellschaftlichen Kosten einher, die weitaus höher sind als die durch viele andere psychische und somatische Erkrankungen bedingten Kosten.
SHAME–Entwicklung eines Fragebogens zur Erfassung positiver und negativer Aspekte von Scham
Authors: Scheel Corinna N. , Bender Caroline , Tuschen-Caffier Brunna , Jacob Gitta A.
Published: November 2013

Hintergrund: Scham wird mit unterschiedlichen psychischen Störungen, insbesondere mit der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS), aber auch mit der Einhaltung sozialer Normen und der Selbstregulation in Zusammenhang gebracht. Fragestellung: Können mit einem Instrument positive wie negative Schamaspekte erfasst werden? Methode: Ein Fragebogen (SHAME) wurde entwickelt, der körperliche und kognitive Scham als adaptive sowie existenzielle Scham als pathologisch-dysfunktionale Subskala konzipiert und itemanalytisch (Stichprobe 1) überprüft, sowie an Gesunden (Stichprobe 2) und BPS-Patientinnen (Stichprobe 3) getestet. Ergebnisse: In einer Validierungsstudie (N= 506, Stichprobe 2) weist der SHAME gute Reliabilität sowie eine stabile Faktorstruktur auf. Frauen berichteten insgesamt höhere Schamwerte als Männer. Im Vergleich zu gesunden Frauen erreichten BPS-Patientinnen insgesamt und insbesondere hinsichtlich existenzieller Scham höhere Werte. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Fragebogen SHAME erscheint geeignet für die Erfassung verschiedener Schamaspekte. Dabei kann durch existenzielle Scham ein dysfunktionaler Schamaspekt abgebildet werden, wohingegen die mittleren Ausprägungen körperlicher und kognitiver Scham in Stichprobe zwei auf funktionale Aspekte hindeuten.
Sterile Inflammation after Permanent Distal MCA Occlusion in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Möller Karoline , Boltze Johannes , Pösel Claudia , Seeger Johannes , Stahl Tobias , Wagner Daniel-Christoph
Published: November 2013

The pathophysiology of stroke is governed by immune reactions within and remote from the injured brain. Hypertension, a major cause and comorbidity of stroke, entails systemic vascular inflammation and may influence poststroke immune responses. This aspect is, however, underestimated in previous studies. Here we aimed to delineate the sequence of cellular inflammation after stroke in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and killed after 1 or 4 days. Immune cells of the peripheral blood and those which have infiltrated the injured brain were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. The spatial distribution of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes, and the infarct volume were assessed by histology. We observed a concerted infiltration of immune cells into the ischemic brain of SH rats. At day 1, primarily neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells entered the brain, whereas the situation at day 4 was dominated by microglia, macrophages, lymphatic dendritic cells, and T cells. Postischemic inflammation did not cause secondary tissue damage during the subacute stage of experimental stroke in SH rats. Considering the intrinsic vascular pathology of SH rats, our study validates this strain for further translational research in poststroke inflammation.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Lumefantrine in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women With Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Uganda
Authors: Kloprogge F , Piola P , Dhorda M , Muwanga S , Turyakira E , Apinan S , Lindegårdh N , Nosten F , Day NPJ , White NJ , Guerin PJ , Tarning J
Published: November 2013

Pregnancy alters the pharmacokinetic properties of many antimalarial compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of lumefantrine in pregnant and nonpregnant women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Uganda after a standard fixed oral artemether–lumefantrine treatment. Dense venous (n = 26) and sparse capillary (n = 90) lumefantrine samples were drawn from pregnant patients. A total of 17 nonpregnant women contributed with dense venous lumefantrine samples. Lumefantrine pharmacokinetics was best described by a flexible absorption model with multiphasic disposition. Pregnancy and body temperature had a significant impact on the pharmacokinetic properties of lumefantrine. Simulations from the final model indicated 27% lower day 7 concentrations in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women and a decreased median time of 0.92 and 0.42 days above previously defined critical concentration cutoff values (280 and 175 ng/ml, respectively). The standard artemether–lumefantrine dose regimen in P. falciparum malaria may need reevaluation in nonimmune pregnant women.

CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology (2013) 2, e83; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.59; advance online publication 13 November 2013
Large area hole transporter deposition in efficient solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell mini-modules
Authors: Hey Andrew S. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: November 2013

We demonstrate the viability of large area processing for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. We fabricate mini-modules comprising two photoactive regions connected in series, of 8 cm2 total active area, using the technique of doctor blade coating to deposit the hole-transporter material. For the optimized protocol we lose only 25% of the power conversion efficiency when compared to standard test devices which are only 0.12 cm2. We estimate pore-filling fractions using reflectance spectroscopy, showing that device performance is linked to changes in the volume of the mesoporous TiO2 photoanode infiltrated with hole-transporter as deposition temperature is varied.
Projected and hidden Markov models for calculating kinetics and metastable states of complex molecules
Authors: Noé Frank , Wu Hao , Prinz Jan-Hendrik , Plattner Nuria
Published: November 2013

Markov state models (MSMs) have been successful in computing metastable states, slow relaxation timescales and associated structural changes, and stationary or kinetic experimental observables of complex molecules from large amounts of molecular dynamics simulation data. However, MSMs approximate the true dynamics by assuming a Markov chain on a clusters discretization of the state space. This approximation is difficult to make for high-dimensional biomolecular systems, and the quality and reproducibility of MSMs has, therefore, been limited. Here, we discard the assumption that dynamics are Markovian on the discrete clusters. Instead, we only assume that the full phase-space molecular dynamics is Markovian, and a projection of this full dynamics is observed on the discrete states, leading to the concept of Projected Markov Models (PMMs). Robust estimation methods for PMMs are not yet available, but we derive a practically feasible approximation via Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). It is shown how various molecular observables of interest that are often computed from MSMs can be computed from HMMs/PMMs. The new framework is applicable to both, simulation and single-molecule experimental data. We demonstrate its versatility by applications to educative model systems, a 1 ms Anton MD simulation of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor protein, and an optical tweezer force probe trajectory of an RNA hairpin.
The pristine atomic structure of MoS2 monolayer protected from electron radiation damage by graphene
Authors: Algara-Siller Gerardo , Kurasch Simon , Sedighi Mona , Lehtinen Ossi , Kaiser Ute
Published: November 2013

Materials can, in principle, be imaged at the level of individual atoms with aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. However, such resolution can be attained only with very high electron doses. Consequently, radiation damage is often the limiting factor when characterizing sensitive materials. Here, we demonstrate a simple and an effective method to increase the electron radiation tolerance of materials by using graphene as protective coating. This leads to an improvement of three orders of magnitude in the radiation tolerance of monolayer MoS2. Further on, we construct samples in different heterostructure configurations to separate the contributions of different radiation damage mechanisms.
An innovative tri-directional broadband piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Su Wei-Jiun , Zu Jean
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a tri-directional piezoelectric energy harvester that is able to harvest vibration energy over a wide bandwidth from three orthogonal directions. The harvester consists of a main beam, an auxiliary beam, and a spring-mass system, with magnets integrated to introduce nonlinear force and couple the three sub-systems. Theoretical analysis and experiments were performed at constant acceleration under frequency sweeps to acquire frequency responses. The experimental results show that the voltage can achieve more than 2 V over more than 5 Hz of bandwidth with 1 MΩ load in the three orthogonal directions.
Study of cavity type antenna structure of large-area 915 MHz ultra-high frequency wave plasma device based on three-dimensional finite difference time-domain analysis
Authors: Chang Xijiang , Kunii Kazuki , Liang Rongqing , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: November 2013

A large-area planar plasma source with a resonant cavity type launcher driven by a 915 MHz ultra-high frequency wave was developed. Theoretical analysis with the three-dimensional finite difference time-domain simulation was carried out to determine the optimized launcher structure by analyzing the resonant transverse magnetic mode in the resonant cavity. Numerical result expects that the resonant electric field distribution inside the cavity dominantly consists of the TM410 mode. The resonant cavity type launcher having 8 holes in an octagonal geometry was designed to fit the resonant transverse magnetic mode. Adjusting 8 hole positions of the launcher to the field pattern of the resonant TM410 mode, we found that the plasma density increased about 40%∼50% from 1.0∼1.1 × 1011 cm−3 to ∼1.5 × 1011 cm−3 at the same incident power of 2.5 kW, compared with the previous results with the launcher having 6 holes in the hexagonal geometry. It is also noted that the electron density changes almost linearly with the incident wave power without any mode jumps.
Cationic (V, Y)-codoped TiO2 with enhanced visible light induced photocatalytic activity: A combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Khan Matiullah , Cao Wenbin
Published: November 2013

To employ TiO2 as an efficient photocatalyst, high reactivity under visible light and improved separation of photoexcited carriers are required. An effective co-doping approach is applied to modify the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 by doping vanadium (transition metal) and yttrium (rare earth element). V and/or Y codoped TiO2 was prepared using hydrothermal method without any post calcination for crystallization. Based on density functional theory, compensated and noncompensated V, Y codoped TiO2 models were constructed and their structural, electronic, and optical properties were calculated. Through combined experimental characterization and theoretical modeling, V, Y codoped TiO2 exhibited high absorption coefficient with enhanced visible light absorption. All the prepared samples showed pure anatase phase and spherical morphology with uniform particle distribution. Electronic band structure demonstrates that V, Y codoping drastically reduced the band gap of TiO2. It is found that both the doped V and Y exist in the form of substitutional point defects replacing Ti atom in the lattice. The photocatalytic activity, evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange, displays that the codoped TiO2 sample exhibits enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. The synergistic effects of V and Y drastically improved the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area, visible light absorption, and electron-hole pair's separation leading to the enhanced visible light catalytic activity.
Shape controlled Sn doped ZnO nanostructures for tunable optical emission and transport properties
Authors: Rakshit T. , Manna I. , Ray S. K.
Published: November 2013

Pure and Sn doped ZnO nanostructures have been grown on SiO2/Si substrates by vapor-solid technique without using any catalysts. It has been found that the morphology of the nanostructures depend strongly on the growth temperature and doping concentration. By proper tuning of the growth temperature, morphology of pure ZnO can be changed from tetrapods to multipods. On the other hand, by varying the doping concentration of Sn in ZnO, the morphology can be tuned from tetrapods to flower-like multipods to nanowires. X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that the nanostructures have a preferred (0002) growth orientation, and they are tensile strained with the increase of Sn doping in ZnO. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence characteristics of these nanostructures have been investigated in the range from 10 to 300 K. Pure ZnO tetrapods exhibited less defect state emissions than that of pure ZnO multipods. The defect emission is reduced with low concentration of Sn doping, but again increases at higher concentration of doping because of increased defects. Transport properties of pure and Sn doped ZnO tetrapods have been studied using complex-plane impedance spectroscopy. The contribution from the arms and junctions of a tetrapod could be distinguished. Sn doped ZnO samples showed lower conductivity but higher relaxation time than that of pure ZnO tetrapods.
Refractive indices in the whole transmission range of partially deuterated KDP crystals
Authors: Zhu Lili , Zhang Xiang , Xu Mingxia , Liu Baoan , Ji Shaohua , Zhang Lisong , Zhou Hailiang , Liu Fafu , Wang Zhengping , Sun Xun
Published: November 2013

Refractive indices of partially deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals with 55%, 70% and 80% deuterium contents were measured by auto-collimation method at 293 K between 0.254 to 1.529 μm. Dependence of refractive indices of DKDP on deuterium content show different trend in the infrared region as in uv-visible region. Dependence of n2 (the square of refractive index) on the mole fraction of deuterium shows a difference between pure KDP and partially deuterated KDP. The Sellmeier equations were obtained by the least square method. The non-critical phase matching angles calculated from the fitted formula were in good agreement with laser experiment results, by which the reliability of these Sellmeier equations was confirmed.
Eradicating Bodies in Invasive Plant Management
Authors: Atchison Jennifer , Head Lesley
Published: November 2013

It is increasingly acknowledged that invasive plant management, although a significant global issue, is a matter of coexistence rather than control. Nevertheless an adversarial rhetoric dominated by discourses of war and winning persists. This paper focuses on the bodies of plants, the animals with which they become entangled, and the humans who are charged with eradicating them. Plants help to rethink bodily difference beyond the human, extending feminist theories that have contributed to increased recognition of nonhuman difference. Bodies are a barely acknowledged scale of invasive plant management, which is usually conceptualised in landscape terms. Our empirical focus is the eradication of three species in northwestern Australia: Mimosa ( Mimosa pigra), Gamba Grass ( Andropogon gayanus), and Neem ( Azadirachta indica). By paying attention to plant difference and illuminating the experience of invasive plant managers, we show how eradication manages the intersecting timespaces of different bodies in order to stop plants becoming collectives. We identify contradictions in the regulation and application of borders, which are less permeable for some animals than for all humans. We also draw attention to the questions of risk—for humans and others—in the process of killing plants. For embodied geographies, a plant perspective opens up new ways of thinking about bodily boundaries: in particular the individual/collective divide. The implication for invasive plant management is that, even at the eradication end of the spectrum, effective management is an uncertain process that involves living in association with invasive plants rather than living separately from them.
The Abscisic Acid Pathway Has Multifaceted Effects on the Accumulation of Bamboo mosaic virus
Authors: Alazem Mazen , Lin Kuan-Yu , Lin Na-Sheng
Published: November 2013

Accepted 29 October 2013.

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a key role in modulating plant responses to different biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the effect of ABA on virus infection is not fully understood. Here, we describe the effects of the ABA pathway on the accumulation of Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in two different hosts: Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. We report that ABA2 plays a critical role in the accumulation of BaMV and CMV. Mutants downstream of ABA2 (aao3, abi1-1, abi3-1, and abi4-1) were susceptible to BaMV, indicating that the ABA pathway downstream of ABA2 is essential for BaMV resistance. The aba2-1 mutant decreased the accumulation of BaMV (+)RNA, (–)RNA, and coat protein, with the most dramatic effect being observed for (–)RNA. These findings were further validated by the use of virus-induced gene silencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in N. benthamiana. In addition, infecting N. benthamiana with BaMV or CMV increased ABA contents and activated the SA and ABA pathways, thereby disrupting the antagonism between these two cascades. Our findings uncover a novel role for ABA2 in supporting BaMV and CMV accumulation, distinct from the opposing role of its downstream genes.
The Sinorhizobium meliloti EmrAB Efflux System Is Regulated by Flavonoids Through a TetR-Like Regulator (EmrR)
Authors: Rossbach Silvia , Kunze Kati , Albert Susann , Zehner Susanne , Göttfert Michael
Published: November 2013

The divergently oriented Sinorhizobium meliloti emrAB (SMc03168 and SMc03167) and emrR (SMc03169) genes are predicted to encode an efflux system of the major facilitator superfamily and a TetR-like transcriptional regulator, respectively. The transcription of the emrA gene was found to be inducible by flavonoids, including luteolin and apigenin, which are known inducers of the nodulation genes in S. meliloti. Interestingly, quercetin, which does not induce nodulation genes, was also a potent inducer of emrA, indicating that NodD is not directly involved in regulation of emrA. The likely regulator of emrAB is EmrR, which binds to palindrome-like sequences in the intergenic region. Several modifications of the palindromes, including an increase of the spacing between the two half sites, prevented binding of EmrR. Binding was also impaired by the presence of luteolin. Mutations in emrA had no obvious effect on symbiosis. This was in contrast to the emrR mutant, which exhibited a symbiotic deficiency with Medicago sativa. Conserved binding sites for TetR-like regulators within the intergenic regions between the emrAB and emrR genes were identified in many symbiotic and pathogenic members of the order Rhizobiales.
Winter Wheat Cultivars with Temperature-Sensitive Resistance to Wheat streak mosaic virus Do Not Recover from Early-Season Infections
Authors: Price Jacob A. , Simmons Angela R. , Rashed Arash , Workneh Fekede , Rush Charles M.
Published: November 2013

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), Triticum mosaic virus, and Wheat mosaic virus, all vectored by the wheat curl mite Aceria tosichella Keifer, frequently cause devastating losses to winter wheat production throughout the central and western Great Plains. Resistant ‘Mace’ and ‘RonL are commercially available and contain the wsm1 and wsm2 genes, respectively, for resistance to WSMV. However, the resistance in these cultivars is temperature sensitive, ineffective above 27°C, and does not protect against the other common wheat viruses. The majority of winter wheat in the Southern Great Plains is planted in early fall as a dual-purpose crop for both grazing and grain production. Early planting exposes wheat plants to warmer temperatures above the threshold for effective resistance. Studies were conducted to determine whether the resistance found in these cultivars would give infected plants the ability to recover as temperatures cooled to a range conducive to effective genetic resistance. RonL, Mace, ‘TAM 111’, ‘TAM 112’, and ‘Karl 92’ wheat were infested with WSMV viruliferous mites at temperatures above the resistance threshold. After the initial 4-week infection period, plants were subjected to progressively cooler temperatures during the winter months, well below the resistance threshold. Throughout the study, plant samples were taken to quantify virus titer and mite populations. Resistant RonL and Mace, which became severely infected during the initial infection period, were not able to recover even when temperatures dropped below the resistance threshold. However, TAM 112 showed resistance to WSMV but, more importantly, it also showed resistance to the wheat curl mite, because the mite population in this cultivar was significantly lower than on all other cultivars. The results of this study are significant in that they represent the first evidence of quantitative resistance to both WSMV and the wheat curl mite in a single wheat cultivar. Resistance to the wheat curl mite has potential to reduce losses to all mite-vectored virus diseases of wheat and not just WSMV.
On an instability exhibited by the ballistic-diffusive heat conduction model of Xu and Hu
Authors: Christov Ivan C. , Jordan P. M.
Published: November 2013

We show that the constitutive relation for the thermal flux proposed by Xu & Hu (2011) admits an unconditional instability. We also highlight the difference between mathematical models containing delay and those that include relaxation effects.
Marine mollusc predator-escape behaviour altered by near-future carbon dioxide levels
Authors: Watson Sue-Ann , Lefevre Sjannie , McCormick Mark I. , Domenici Paolo , Nilsson Göran E. , Munday Philip L.
Published: November 2013

Ocean acidification poses a range of threats to marine invertebrates; however, the potential effects of rising carbon dioxide (CO
2
) on marine invertebrate behaviour are largely unknown. Marine gastropod conch snails have a modified foot and operculum allowing them to leap backwards rapidly when faced with a predator, such as a venomous cone shell. Here, we show that projected near-future seawater CO
2
levels (961 µatm) impair this escape behaviour during a predator–prey interaction. Elevated-CO
2
halved the number of snails that jumped from the predator, increased their latency to jump and altered their escape trajectory. Physical ability to jump was not affected by elevated-CO
2
indicating instead that decision-making was impaired. Antipredator behaviour was fully restored by treatment with gabazine, a GABA antagonist of some invertebrate nervous systems, indicating potential interference of neurotransmitter receptor function by elevated-CO
2
, as previously observed in marine fishes. Altered behaviour of marine invertebrates at projected future CO
2
levels could have potentially far-reaching implications for marine ecosystems.
Large-scale distribution of hybridogenetic lineages in a Spanish desert ant
Authors: Darras Hugo , Leniaud Laurianne , Aron Serge
Published: November 2013

Recently, a unique case of hybridogenesis at a social level was reported in local populations of the desert ants
Cataglyphis
. Queens mate with males originating from a different genetic lineage than their own to produce hybrid workers, but they use parthenogenesis for the production of reproductive offspring (males and females). As a result, non-reproductive workers are all inter-lineage hybrids, whereas the sexual line is purely maternal. Here, we show that this unorthodox reproductive system occurs in all populations of the ant
Cataglyphis hispanica
. Remarkably, workers are hybrids of the same two genetic lineages along a 400 km transect crossing the whole distribution range of the species. These results indicate that social hybridogenesis in
C. hispanica
allows their maintenance over time and across a large geographical scale of two highly divergent genetic lineages, despite their constant hybridization. The widespread distribution of social hybridogenesis in
C. hispanica
supports that this reproductive strategy has been evolutionarily conserved over a long period.
How superdiffusion gets arrested: ecological encounters explain shift from Lévy to Brownian movement
Authors: de Jager Monique , Bartumeus Frederic , Kölzsch Andrea , Weissing Franz J. , Hengeveld Geerten M. , Nolet Bart A. , Herman Peter M. J. , van de Koppel Johan
Published: November 2013

Ecological theory uses Brownian motion as a default template for describing ecological movement, despite limited mechanistic underpinning. The generality of Brownian motion has recently been challenged by empirical studies that highlight alternative movement patterns of animals, especially when foraging in resource-poor environments. Yet, empirical studies reveal animals moving in a Brownian fashion when resources are abundant. We demonstrate that Einstein's original theory of collision-induced Brownian motion in physics provides a parsimonious, mechanistic explanation for these observations. Here, Brownian motion results from frequent encounters between organisms in dense environments. In density-controlled experiments, movement patterns of mussels shifted from Lévy towards Brownian motion with increasing density. When the analysis was restricted to moves not truncated by encounters, this shift did not occur. Using a theoretical argument, we explain that any movement pattern approximates Brownian motion at high-resource densities, provided that movement is interrupted upon encounters. Hence, the observed shift to Brownian motion does not indicate a density-dependent change in movement strategy but rather results from frequent collisions. Our results emphasize the need for a more mechanistic use of Brownian motion in ecology, highlighting that especially in rich environments, Brownian motion emerges from ecological interactions, rather than being a default movement pattern.
Clay preference and particle transport behavior of Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): A laboratory study
Authors: Wang Cai , Henderson Gregg
Published: November 2013

Although preference and utilization of clay have been studied in many higher termites, little attention has been paid to lower termites, especially subterranean termites. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, can modify its habitat by using clay to fill tree cavities. Here, the biological significance of clay on C. formosanus was investigated. Choice tests showed that significantly more termites aggregated in chambers where clay blocks were provided, regardless of colony group, observation period, or nutritional condition (fed or starved). No‐choice tests showed that clay had no observable effect on survivorship, live or dry biomass, water content, and tunneling activity after 33–35 d. However, clay appeared to significantly decrease filter paper consumption (dry weight loss). Active particle (sand, paper, and clay) transport behavior was observed in both choice and no‐choice tests. When present, clay was preferentially spread on the substrate, attached to the smooth surfaces of the containers, and used to line sand tunnels. Mechanisms and potential application of clay attraction are discussed.
Impact of home parenteral nutrition on daily life: A qualitative study of eight patients
Authors: Tsang Pui Yan , Carey Sharon
Published: November 2013

Aim

Existing qualitative research reveals that people on home parenteral nutrition often experience psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, and social impairment. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of home parenteral nutrition on daily living in a cohort of Australian patients.

Methods

All eight patients receiving home parenteral nutrition at a large tertiary hospital were recruited for a semistructured interview face‐to‐face or by phone. Questions for interview included impact of home parenteral nutrition on general life, eating habits, social life and quality of living. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used.

Results

Analysis showed that participants feel that home parenteral nutrition has many restrictions due to stringent regimens and limitations in being able to participate in activities such as swimming and travelling. Despite these restrictions, patients felt home parenteral nutrition had improved their quality of living, and it was seen as a life‐saving intervention. Eating habits were changed due to medical conditions rather than due to home parenteral nutrition. Social life of participants was not greatly affected.

Conclusion

Patients reported that their daily living was improved by home parenteral nutrition despite the associated burdens. Health professionals should consider earlier initiation of home parenteral nutrition in intestinal failure patients to improve quality of living for these patients. A more structured multidisciplinary model of care would ensure that patients have access to psychological support where required.