Non-equilibrium dynamics of a system with Quantum Frustration

Using flow equations, equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics of a two-level system are investigated, which couples via non-commuting components to two independent oscillator baths. In equilibrium the two-level energy splitting is protected when the TLS is coupled symmetrically to both bath. A critical asymmetry angle separates the localized from the delocalized phase. On the other hand, real-time decoherence of a non-equilibrium initial state is for a generic initial state faster for a coupling to two baths than for a single bath.Comment: 22 pages, 9 figure

Insufficient sterilisation procedures and transmission of pathogens in developing countries

No Abstract

Occurrence of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in farming of organic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in south of Brazil

This work aims to recognize and record the occurrence of species of social wasps (Polistinae) in organic tobacco crops, as well as to point out possible species that may be used in future biological control programs. The research was conducted in Virginia-type tobacco farming with organic management in two regions in south of Brazil. The collections were carried out with Malaise trap, during the harvests 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. A total of 2.738 wasps, from which 23 species distributed in six genera was collected. Polistes was the most diverse genus (8 species), followed by Polybia, Mischocyttarus, Agelaia, Bachygastra and Protonectarina. Polybia scutellaris was the most abundant species, being considered eudominant. Agelaia multipicta and Polybia sericea with are also among the most abundant. This information is relevant for the insertion of social wasps with potential agents in the biological control of tobacco pests

Thermo-cyclically operated metal oxide gas sensor arrays for analysis of dissolved volatile organic compounds in fermentation processes: Part II – Quasi online monitoring in biogas fermentation

This study presents a quasi-online method for monitoring of dissolved volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in biogas fermentation processes with a carrier gas probe by use of thermo-cyclically operated metal oxide gas sensor arrays. Each of the two sensor arrays comprises a pure SnO$_2$ and three different SnO$_2$/additive-composites (additives: alumina, YSZ, NASICON) but differ by SnO$_2$ synthesis routes, namely Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) and Sol-Gel (SG) technique, respectively. This allowed comparative studies of the influence of layer morphology on VFA sensing characteristics. For sensitive determination of the dissolved VFAs besides high concentrations of biogas components like CO or CH$_4$, first a pre-treatment routine of the fermentation sample was introduced to remove those physically dissolved gases without losing VFAs. The Conductance-over-Time-Profiles (CTPs) of eight different sensing layers were measured simultaneously at exposure to the gases extracted from the fermentation sample at different pH conditions. Almost all the investigated SnO$_2$/additive-composites show CTP-features clearly correlating with the undissociated VFA even at concentrations below 120 ppm as referenced by GC-analysis. The lower detection limit is well below inhibitory concentration for fermentation processes. As expected, most pronounced CTPs representing actual VFAs situation were measured at pH 3, well below the pKa of the VFAs. The FSP-layers highlighted clearly better sensitivity and CTP specificity of higher quality compared to SG-layers. Among the SnO$_2$/additives, the CTP-features of the SnO$_2$(FSP)/NASICON and SnO$_2$(SG)/NASICON layers showed the best specificity to acetic and propionic acid. For the first time, quasi-online analysis of VFAs using metal oxide gas sensors for early warning of VFA-development in biogas fermentation processes was demonstrated

Effect of Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Release on Moth Infestation in Stored Tobacco

During the storage period of dry tobacco and its derivatives, insect pests such as species of Ephestia Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), popularly known as moths, cause damage to the product, being controlled mainly with physical practices and synthetic chemicals, although with limitations on their use and results. Some biological control agents, such as the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), have the potential to control these pests. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of H. hebetor release in tobacco farms and industrial warehouses, on the infestation of Ephestia spp. adults. Parasitoids were released in tobacco farmers and tobacco industry warehouses between 2016-2018, comprising two years/crop seasons. Each release consisted of 1,000 parasitoids (four times) in tobacco farmers warehouses (70 m2 ) and 30,000 (five times) in tobacco industry warehouses (8,000 m2 ). Pheromone-baited sticky traps were used to weekly monitor the average number of adults of Ephestia spp. in warehouses with (WP) and without parasitoid release (NP). The average number of adults of Ephestia spp. captured in the traps in WP environments at farmers and industry level was significantly lower than the average captured in NP from the third and fifth weeks. In the following weeks, the averages of Ephestia spp. were always significantly lower in the WP environments until the end of monitoring. Therefore, the use of H. hebetor for moth control should be considered as part of a biological control program in stored tobacco environments

Bortezomib in antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases (TAVAB): study protocol for a unicentric, non-randomised, non-placebo controlled trial

Introduction: The clinical characteristics of autoantibodymediated autoimmune diseases are diverse. Yet, medical treatment and the associated complications are similar, that is, the occurrence of long-term side effects and the problem that a significant proportion of patients are non-responders. Therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma and data from experimental models and case reports suggest an effect in the treatment of autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity. In our study, we will determine the effect of bortezomib treatment on a shared surrogate parameter for clinical efficacy, namely change in autoantibody levels, which we chose as primary parameter. Methods and analysis: We designed a phase IIa trial with altogether n=18 treatment-refractory patients suffering from myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis that will be treated with bortezomib add-on to pre-existing therapy. Primary endpoint is the change in autoantibody levels 6 months after therapy. Secondary endpoints include concomitant medication, disease-specific clinical scores and measures of quality of life and activities of daily living. Ethics and dissemination: Safety parameters include neurophysiological and clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy as well as potential central nervous system side effects determined by olfactory and neuropsychological testing. The study has been approved by the local ethical committee and first participants have already been enrolled. This proof of concept study will contribute to improve our understanding of plasma cellspecific treatment approaches by assessing its safety and efficacy in reducing serum levels of antibodies known to mediate autoimmune disorders. We plan to publish the final results of our study in a peer reviewed journal and to present our findings at international conferences. Trial registration number: NCT02102594

risk factors and impact on quality of life

Objectives Emerging evidence suggests that fatigue in myasthenia gravis (MG) is a relevant problem that negatively impacts activities of daily living (ADL). The relationship between fatigue and quality of life (QoL) has never been systematically explored in MG patients. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of fatigue and its relation to ADL and QoL as well as to identify factors associated with fatigue in MG. Material and Methods This was a cross- sectional observational study in patients with confirmed diagnosis of MG independent of disease severity. Prevalence of fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ). Impact of fatigue on ADL and QoL was assessed by the MG activities of daily living profile (MG-ADL) and the MG-specific quality-of-life instrument (MG-QoL), respectively. Association of fatigue with sociodemographics, clinical characteristics of MG, and comorbidities including mood and anxiety disorders as well as sleep disorders was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Overall, 200 MG patients were included. The observed rate of fatigue was 56.1%, of those 70.4% fulfilled the criteria of chronic fatigue (CF) with a duration of ≥6 months. Relevant fatigue was strongly associated to ADL and QoL. Factors associated with relevant fatigue were disease severity and depressive state. Furthermore, positive muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody status showed a strong association with relevant fatigue. Conclusions MG patients have a high prevalence of fatigue which negatively impacts ADL and QoL. MG-specific clinical characteristics are related to fatigue and might help to identify MG patients at risk for fatigue

Data of national dishes in the developed and developing countries in the world : their similarity and trade flows

This paper presents a database that includes information on national recipes and their ingredients for 171 countries, measures for food taste similarities between all 171 countries as well as bilateral migration and agro-food trade data for 5 years. The database can be used for analyzing e.g., the relation between food preferences and international trade or food preferences and health outcomes (e.g., obesity) across countries