bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of wind-forcing in the distribution of larval fish in Galway Bay, Ireland
Authors: Comerford Stephen , Brophy Deirdre
Published: September 2012

The ichthyoplankton of Galway Bay was sampled over the spring and summer of 2007 and 2008 to determine what environmental factors influenced the distribution of larval and early juvenile fish. A total of 549 fish representing 27 taxa were caught. Catches decreased throughout each sampling season, and were generally poor in 2007. Catches were numerically dominated by sprat (Sprattus sprattus), dab (Limanda limanda), sand eel (Hyperoplus immaculatus) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus). Environmental factors driving distribution of fish were modelled using a binomial generalized linear model. The strength and direction of wind in the five days preceding sampling was the only significant environmental factor. Sustained onshore winds increased the probability of encountering larval fish in the areas sampled. The rainfall, tidal state, tow depth and wind conditions during sampling were not significant. Among the parameters measured it appears that onshore winds sufficiently strong to overcome the residual circulation are the main physical driver for the distribution of larval fish in Galway Bay.
Galectin-3 is essential for reactive oxygen species production by peritoneal neutrophils from mice infected with a virulent strain ofToxoplasma gondii
Authors: ALVES C. M. O. S. , SILVA D. A. O. , AZZOLINI A. E. C. S. , MARZOCCHI-MACHADO C. M. , LUCISANO-VALIM Y. M. , ROQUE-BARREIRA M. C. , MINEO J. R.
Published: September 2012

Toxoplasma gondiistimulates a potent pro-inflammatory response and neutrophils are involved in early infection. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an endogenous modulator of inflammatory processes and anti-infective agents, but its interaction with neutrophils inT. gondiiinfection is still unclear. Here, we evaluated the role of Gal-3 in peritoneal inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by neutrophils and survival, afterin vivo T. gondiiinfection with virulent RH strain, using Gal-3 deficient and wild type mice. Animals were inoculated with thioglycollate or tachyzoites, and peritoneal cells were harvested for analysis of the influx of leukocytes. Neutrophils were isolated from peritoneal exudates from infected mice and stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to evaluate ROS production by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. Our results showed that: (1) Gal-3 upregulates peritoneal inflammation, with enhanced recruitment of neutrophils and lymphocytes after thioglycollate stimulation, but does not influence the enhanced neutrophil influx after earlyT. gondiiinfection; (2) Gal-3 upregulates ROS generation by inflammatory peritoneal neutrophils from infected mice, but downregulates its production in non-infected mice and (3) Gal-3 does not influence the survival of mice after infection with the virulentT. gondiistrain. In conclusion, Gal-3 is essential for ROS generation by neutrophils in the initial acute phase ofT. gondiiinfection and this phenomenon may constitute an attempt to control parasite growth duringin vivoinfection with theT. gondiivirulent strain.
The Tyrannicides, their Cult and the Panathenaia: A Note
Authors: Shear Julia L.
Published: September 2012

The story of the Athenian Tyrannicides Harmodios and Aristogeiton is well known to modern scholars who agree that the two men were figures of cult. The occasion for these rituals has inspired rather less agreement and the rites have often been connected with the Epitaphia. In this article, I re-examine the ritual setting of the cult. As I argue, evidence not previously brought into these discussions identifies the Panathenaia as the primary occasion for the Tyrannicides' rituals. This connection is further reinforced by other visual imagery (Panathenaic amphorae, sculpture, vase-painting) which links Harmodios and Aristogeiton to the festival of Athena and its celebration of divine victory over the Giants.
‘Heidegger and Joe:’ Revisiting the ‘thing’ in the context of a student's experience of an online community
Authors: Naughton Christopher
Published: September 2012

In many countries it has become commonplace for students at school to undertake their own composing in the classroom. At the same time students often develop their own creative musical interests outside school hours. This paper looks at how teachers might re-evaluate students’ self-initiated compositional activity. By utilising Martin Heidegger's writing, this paper seeks to contextualise a philosophical position in relation to the musical work and to question how we as educators envision the student's music, and ultimately how we come to understand and evaluate a student's work. With reference to the field of music theory and music education the intention of this paper is to open a discussion examining how we might view music as an art object seen within its own context. With reference to a case study of a student working in an online environment parallels are drawn between Heidegger's depiction of an art object as a ‘thing’ located and valued in its own context, as opposed to music seen as an object that is de-contextualised from an audience or its place of making.
Chinese-English code-mixing among China's netizens
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: September 2012

One of the most fascinating aspects of Chinese English in the contemporary age is the growing practice of code-mixing on China's Internet. This study uses participant observation to explore the ‘mixing’ practices of Chinese netizens in online social networking communities, by focusing on code-mixing in domains of government administration, pop culture and social interaction. The results of the study suggest that a mixed-code variety of Chinese English is gaining popularity in China's homegrown social networks. For the young generation in mainland China, ‘mixing’ has become part of their everyday communication practices as they build multicultural identities, transform the traditional social relationships and practice their social responsibilities, using new communication technologies as well as their linguistic and cultural repertoires.
The biggest English corner in China
Authors: Gao Shuang
Published: September 2012

‘They all speak good English. So how come they are jobless?’ The Spring Festival Gala, broadcast alive on TV across China and among international Chinese communities, is one of the most popular and widely viewed performances for Chinese people on Chinese New Year's Eve. In a situational comedy at the 2012 Gala, one Chinese lady threw out the above remark to her friend with reference to the folk she had met in a foreign country she had just visited. The tone in which she said it was intended to invoke laughter at her sarcastic comment about the presumed almightiness of English. The audience, however, only reacted with a slightly audible mumble, which evidently reflected their ambivalence on this issue. After all, many in the audience – like the general population – are currently convinced that gaining a command of English is a very good thing, if not a national pursuit. To mock their pursuit of English is almost equal to mocking their view of life. This article takes a glimpse into this national craze towards English by presenting a brief ethnography of a new form of English learning in China: ‘English educational tourism’, that is, traveling for the purpose of learning English. By doing this, it explores the relationship between English and political economy, noting how English, the language of imperialism, at its current stage (re)produces new subjectivities among Chinese people as a semiotic form of modern/cosmopolitan imagination. Before outlining this argument and introducing the specific evidence upon which I base my claims, however, it is necessary to position this article with reference to previous theorizations relevant to the English language and the Chinese context.
Is English a threat to Chinese language and culture?
Authors: Pan Lin , Seargeant Philip
Published: September 2012

In an article published inEnglish Todayin 2005, Niu and Woolf contend that:

EFL is a modern day Trojan horse filled with EFL teachers/soldiers or missionaries, armed with English words rather than bullets, intent upon re-colonizing the world to remake it in the image of Western democracy. China has brought the Trojan Horse within its gates and the army of EFL teachers is hard at work Westernizing China.
THE HARMONIC STUDY: COST-EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION OF THE USE OF THE ULTRASONIC SCALPEL IN TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY
Authors: Ruggeri Matteo , Dibidino Rossella , Marchetti Marco , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Raffaelli Marco , Cicchetti Americo
Published: September 2012

Background: Total thyroidectomy (TT) can be performed either with the traditional technique or using the ultrasound scalpel. Here, the use of the ultrasound scalpel is investigated in order to assess cost-effectiveness from an hospital, third party payer and societal perspective.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the University Hospital A. Gemelli in Rome. Data refer to 198 patients, randomized to either surgery with the ultrasound scalpel (n = 96) or traditional (n = 102) and followed for 3 months after hospital discharge. Operation time (OT) and resource consumption were recorded. Main clinical outcome investigated was quality of life (evaluated with EQ-5D).

Results: A shorter operation time (traditional: 76.36 vs ultrasound: 54.16 minutes, p < 0.001) was observed. 3 months after surgery, differences in QoL were significant (0.91 vs 0.84, p = 0.002). Concerning the hospital perspective, ultrasound scalpel allows savings of 119 EUR per patient. From a societal perspective, ultrasound scalpel is also related to lower medical resource consumption during a 3 month follow-up after discharge (traditional: 129.03 EUR vs ultrasound: 107.82 EUR) and lower non-medical resource utilization (transport/hotels costs traditional:535.51 EUR vs ultrasound: 342.77 EUR. No statistical difference was found in productivity losses up to 3 months (traditional: 377.71 EUR vs ultrasound: 385.51 EUR).

Conclusion: Allowing an overall saving of 325.36 EUR per patient, Ultrasound scalpel should be adopted for TT procedures in the “A.Gemelli” University hospital.
POST-INTRODUCTION OBSERVATION OF HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES AFTER COVERAGE: THE SPANISH PROPOSAL
Authors: Varela-Lema Leonor , Ruano-Ravina Alberto , Mota Teresa Cerdá , Ibargoyen-Roteta Nora , Imaz Inaki , Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea Inaki , Blasco-Amaro Juan Antonio , Soto-Pedre Enrique , Sampietro-Colom Laura
Published: September 2012

Objectives: When a new health technology has been approved by a health system, it is difficult to guarantee that it is going to be efficiently adopted, adequately used, and that effectiveness, safety, and consumption of resources and costs are in line with what was expected in preliminary investigations. Many governmental institutions promote the idea that efficient mechanisms should be established aimed at developing and incorporating continuous evidence into health technologies management. The purpose of this article is to stimulate the discussion on systematic post-introduction observation of health technologies.

Methods: Literature review and input of HTA experts.

Results: The study addresses the key issues related to post-introduction observation and presents a summary of the guide commissioned by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality to the Galician HTA agency for the prioritization and implementation of systematic post-introduction observation in Spain. The manuscript describes the prioritization tool developed as part of this project and discusses the main aspects of protocol development, observation implementation, and assessment of results.

Conclusions: The observation of prioritized health technologies after they are introduced in standard clinical practice can provide useful information for health organizations. However, implementing the observation of health technologies can require specific policy frameworks, commitment from different stakeholders, and dedicated funding.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF ALEMTUZUMAB FOR T-CELL PROLYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
Authors: Lu Lanting , Peters Jaime , Roome Chris , Stein Ken
Published: September 2012

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H) compared with conventional chemotherapy in people with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL).

Methods:We developed a decision-analytic model to assess the costs and benefits of alemtuzumab or conventional therapy based on their effects on quality of life of patients. The main outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio incorporating costs per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained over lifetime. Due to the limited data available, a large number of assumptions had to be made to construct the cost-utility model. One-way, multi-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted to explore the impact of these uncertainties. Expected values of perfect information were also calculated for four specific scenarios.

Results:Depending on different key assumptions made, the PSA suggested distinct conclusions using a willingness-to-pay threshold of 30,000 GBP per QALY gained. Using this threshold, the probability that alemtuzumab would be cost-effective varies from 0 percent to 53 percent for the four modeled scenarios. Population expected value of perfect information analysis suggests that resolving the parameter uncertainty in the analysis for people with T-PLL in the United Kingdom would have considerable value—up to 5.3 million euro.

Conclusions:Alemtuzumab appears more likely to be cost-effective if used earlier in the course of T-PLL and where it replaces the use of multiple alternative therapies. However, cost-effectiveness is highly uncertain and future research is clearly justified. Nevertheless, our analysis demonstrates the feasibility of considering the cost-effectiveness of an agent despite the presence of significant uncertainty to provide appropriate assessment information to policy makers.
THE EVOLUTION OF EARLY AWARENESS AND ALERT METHODS AND SYSTEMS
Authors: Packer Claire , Gutierrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki , Simpson Sue
Published: September 2012

In this theme section on early awareness and alert (EAA) systems and activities, we are pleased to present a series of articles covering the structure of EAA systems, their development and integration into decision making for the adoption and use of new and emerging health technologies, and the methods used by current networks, systems, and organizations.
International Rescue and Mediated Consequences
Authors: Dobos Ned
Published: September 2012

It is generally assumed that, when judging the proportionality of a humanitarian intervention, the relevant costs that must be factored into the equation are not only those brought about directly and immediately, but also those brought about via the interceding agency of other parties; the mediated consequences. Here I want to challenge that assumption. First, I argue that rebels fighting off an oppressive regime cannot reasonably be held to a standard of proportionality under which mediated consequences count fully in the calculus. Given this, I ask whether we can justify holding international rescuers – using similar means in pursuit of similar ends – to a more stringent standard. If the answer is yes, then curiously it turns out that an intervention might fail to satisfy the principle of proportionality despite its expected costs and consequences being identical to those of an insurrection which is rightly judged to satisfy that principle. I argue, however, that every attempt to justify the asymmetry has shortcomings. If this is right, then the standard of proportionality to which we hold states or coalitions engaged in armed international rescue operations should be reviewed and, arguably, relaxed.
Echoes of a Forgotten Past: Mid-Century Realism and the Legacy of International Law
Authors: Jütersonke Oliver
Published: September 2012

Those studying the work of Hans J. Morgenthau, widely considered the “founding father” of the Realist School of International Relations, have long been baffled by his views on world government and the attainment of a world state—views that, it would appear, are strikingly incompatible with the author's realism. In a 1965 article in World Politics, James P. Speer II decided that it could only be “theoretical confusion” that explained why Morgenthau could on the one hand advocate a world state as ultimately necessary in his highly successful textbook, Politics Among Nations, while writing elsewhere that world government could not resolve the conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States by peaceful means. According to Speer,

Morgenthau posits at the international level a super-Hobbesian predicament, in which the actors on the world scene are motivated by the lust for power, yet he proposes a gradualist Lockean solution whereby the international system will move, through a resurrected diplomacy, out of a precarious equilibrium of balance-of-power anarchy by a “revaluation of all values” into the “moral and political” bonds of world community, a process whose capstone will be the formal-legal institutions of world government.

This oscillation between Hobbes and Locke, Speer asserted, must be the result of Morgenthau's “commitment to the organismic mystique that comes out of German Romantic Nationalism,” although he admitted in a footnote that his reflections on the intellectual sources of Morgenthau's theories were “mere speculation.”
Unstable embodiments of musical theory and practice in theSpeculum musicae
Authors: HARNE GEORGE A.
Published: September 2012

Taking the Boethian understanding of the relation between themusicusandcantoras his point of departure, Jacobus – the author of theSpeculum musicae– develops this relation in light of new ecclesiastical realities and the Aristotelian understanding of the relation between theory and practice. Without entirely abandoning an allegiance to the priority of theory over practice and the corresponding embodiments of these categories in themusicusandcantor, Jacobus redefines these terms to create a new threefold taxonomy: the Boethianmusicuswho understands but does not perform or compose, thepracticus musicuswho both understands and practises within an ecclesiastical context (and is the equivalent of theperitus cantor), and thecantorwho sings without understanding. These developments within theSpeculum musicaefollow attempts by earlier authors to negotiate the relation between the heritage of antiquity and thecantustradition of musical practice within liturgical contexts. Jacobus's solution also differs from solutions offered by contemporary and later authors.
Tips and pearls for “true” dextroposition of the aorta in tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Bozok Sahin , Kestelli Mert , Ilhan Gökhan , Gokalp Orhan , Ozpak Berkan , Akyuz Muhammet , Ozcem Barcin , Kestelli Pınar
Published: September 2012

Infundibular stenosis may develop secondary to ventricular septal defect, and transannular patch plasty can affect mortality and morbidity rates. Therefore, dextroposition of the aorta has been investigated in order to eliminate discrepancies in the literature. Figures and illustrations from the selected references have been investigated and “actual dextroposition of the aorta” has been evaluated as far as the aorta is visible. A careful examination of these figures revealed the following tips and pearls for accurate diagnosis of dextroposition of the aorta: Aorta and ventricular septal defect should be adjacent for a “true” dextroposition of the aorta; the plane where the aorta exits from the ventricle should penetrate the plane of the ventricular septal defect towards the right ventricle; if the aorta and ventricular septal defect intersect at one edge, the aorta may seem to be dextroposed; new diagnostic modalities are necessary to evaluate the actual dextroposition status of the aorta for the proper planning of treatment.
Interpersonal Ambivalence in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Niemeyer Helen , Hottenrott Birgit , Schilling Lisa , Spitzer Carsten
Published: September 2012

Background:The social attitudes and interpersonal relationships of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are subject to a longstanding controversy. Whereas cognitive-behavioural researchers emphasize exaggerated pro-social attitudes in OCD like inflated responsibility and worry for other people (especially significant others), dynamic theories traditionally focus on anti-social attitudes such as latent aggression and hostility. In two recent studies, we gathered support not only for a co-existence of these seemingly opposing attitudes in OCD, but also for a functional connection: inflated responsibility in part appears to serve as a coping strategy (or “defense”) against negative interpersonal feelings.Aims:In the present study, we tested a shortened version of the Responsibility and Interpersonal Behaviours and Attitudes Questionnaire (RIBAQ-R).Method:The scale was administered to 34 participants with OCD and 34 healthy controls. The questionnaire concurrently measures pro-social and anti-social interpersonal attitudes across three subscales.Results:In line with our prior studies, patients displayed higher scores on both exaggerated pro-social attitudes (e.g. “I suffer from a strict conscience concerning my relatives”) as well as latent aggression (e.g. “Sometimes I would like to harm strangers on the street“) and suspiciousness/distrust (e.g. “I cannot even trust my own family”). A total of 59% of the patients but only 12% of the healthy controls showed marked interpersonal ambivalence (defined as scores higher than one standard deviation from the mean of the nonclinical controls on both the pro-social and at least one of the two anti-social subscales).Conclusions:The study asserts high interpersonal ambivalence in OCD. Further research is required to pinpoint both the dynamic and causal links between opposing interpersonal styles. Normalization and social competence training may prove beneficial to resolve the apparent problems of patients with OCD regarding anger expression and social conflict management.
Serum homocysteine and folate concentrations among a US cohort of adolescents before and after folic acid fortification
Authors: Enquobahrie Daniel A , Feldman Henry A , Hoelscher Deanna H , Steffen Lyn M , Webber Larry S , Zive Michelle M , Rimm Eric B , Stampfer Meir J , Osganian Stavroula K
Published: September 2012

Objective

We assessed serum homocysteine (tHcy) and folate concentrations among US adolescents before and after fortification of cereal-grain products with folic acid, and associations with demographic, behavioural and physiological factors.

Design

Observational study conducted among participants of a randomized trial.

Setting

The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) study.

Subjects

Adolescents (n2445) in grades 8 (pre-fortification, mean age 14 years) and 12 (post-fortification, mean age 18 years).

Results

Average serum concentrations of tHcy, folate and vitamin B6increased by 17 %, 16 % and 14 %, respectively, while serum concentrations of vitamin B12decreased by 11 % post-fortification. Folic acid fortification provided, on average, an additional intake of 118 μg folate/d. Male sex (P< 0·0001) and white race (P= 0·0008) were associated with significantly greater increases in tHcy concentration, while increases in BMI (P= 0·006) and serum folate concentration (P< 0·0001) were associated with significant decreases in tHcy concentration. Female sex (P< 0·0001), non-smoking (P< 0·0001), use of multivitamins (P< 0·0001) and higher dietary intake of folate (P= 0·001) were associated with significantly greater increases in serum folate concentrations. From grade 8 to grade 12, the upward age trend in serum tHcy concentration was uninterrupted in its course (P> 0·50); whereas serum folic acid concentration showed a downward trend that incurred a discrete jump upward (17 % higher;P< 0·0001) with fortification. These trends differed significantly for malesv. females (P< 0·001 for interaction).

Conclusions

Fortification had a significant impact on improving folate status but not serum tHcy concentrations among US adolescents.
Evidence for nutrition transition in Kuwait: over-consumption of macronutrients and obesity
Authors: Zaghloul Sahar , Al-Hooti Suad N , Al-Hamad Nawal , Al-Zenki Sameer , Alomirah Husam , Alayan Iman , Al-Attar Hassan , Al-Othman Amani , Al-Shami Entessar , Al-Somaie Mona , Jackson Robert T
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To describe nutrient intakes and prevalence of overweight and obesity in a nationally representative sample of Kuwaitis and to compare intakes with reference values.

Design

Cross-sectional, multistage stratified, cluster sample.

Settings

National nutrition survey covering all geographical areas of the country.

Subjects

Kuwaitis (n 1704) between 3 and 86 years of age.

Results

Obesity was more prevalent among women than men (50 % and 70 % for females aged 19–50 years and ≥51 years, respectively, v. 29 % and 42 % for their male counterparts). Boys were more obese than girls, with the highest obesity rate among those aged 9–13 years (37 % and 24 % of males and females, respectively). Energy intake was higher than the estimated energy requirements for almost half of Kuwaiti children and one-third of adults. The Estimated Average Requirement was exceeded by 78–100 % of the recommendation for protein and carbohydrates. More than two-thirds of males aged ≥4 years exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Na. Conversely, less than 20 % of Kuwaitis, regardless of age, consumed 100 % or more of the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D, vitamin E, Ca, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Less than 20 % of children met the recommended level for fibre.

Conclusions

Nutrition transition among Kuwaitis was demonstrated by the increased prevalence of obesity and overweight, increased intakes of energy and macronutrients and decreased intakes of fibre and micronutrients. Interventions to increase awareness about healthy foods combined with modifications in subsidy policies are clearly warranted to increase consumption of low-energy, nutrient-dense foods.
Association between vitamin B12intake and EURRECA's prioritized biomarkers of vitamin B12in young populations: a systematic review
Authors: Iglesia Iris , Dhonukshe-Rutten Rosalie AM , Bel-Serrat Silvia , Doets Esmée L , Cavelaars Adrienne EJM , van ‘t Veer Pieter , Nissenshohn Mariela , Benetou Vassiliki , Hermoso María , Berti Cristiana , de Groot Lisette CPGM , Moreno Luis A
Published: September 2012

Objective

To review evidence on the associations between vitamin B12intake and its biomarkers, vitamin B12intake and its functional health outcomes, and vitamin B12biomarkers and functional health outcomes.

Design

A systematic review was conducted by searching electronic databases, until January 2012, using a standardized strategy developed in the EURRECA network. Relevant articles were screened and sorted based on title and abstract, then based on full text, and finally included if they met inclusion criteria. A total of sixteen articles were included in the review.

Setting

Articles covered four continents: America (n4), Europe (n8), Africa (n1) and Asia (n3).

Subjects

Population groups included healthy infants, children and adolescents, and pregnant and lactating women.

Results

From the total number of 5815 papers retrieved from the initial search, only sixteen were eligible according to the inclusion criteria: five for infants, five for children and adolescents, and six for pregnant and lactating women.

Conclusions

Only one main conclusion could be extracted from this scarce number of references: a positive association between vitamin B12intake and serum vitamin B12in the infant group. Other associations were not reported in the eligible papers or the results were not provided in a consistent manner. The low number of papers that could be included in our systematic review is probably due to the attention that is currently given to research on vitamin B12in elderly people. Our observations in the current systematic review justify the idea of performing well-designed studies on vitamin B12in young populations.
Development of a nutrient-dense food supplement for HIV-infected women in rural Kenya using qualitative and quantitative research methods
Authors: Hong Steven Y , Hendricks Kristy M , Wanke Christine , Omosa Gloria , Patta Shem , Mwero Ben , Mjomba Innocent , Queenan Jeanette , Mwamburi Mkaya
Published: September 2012

Objective

Formative research to facilitate the development, packaging and delivery of a culturally acceptable nutrition intervention for HIV-infected women in rural Kenya for an intervention trial.

Design

Focus group discussion on three areas: (i) ingredients and form of the nutrition intervention, (ii) packaging and delivery and (iii) monitoring of adherence. Two single-blind taste tests with eleven different porridge formulations of various combinations of maize flour, soyabeans, peanuts, sorghum, mung beans, dried fish, raisins and dried whole milk. Follow-up acceptability focus group discussion was also conducted.

Setting

Voi, Kenya, community based.

Subjects

Focus group discussion and two taste tests (twenty-one women aged 16–55 years). Follow-up acceptability focus group discussion (four women enrolled in intervention trial).

Results

The preferred porridge for taste consisted of maize, soyabeans and peanuts. For animal protein, dried whole milk and dried fish were used. Although the women disliked the taste of dried fish, it was acceptable if added in small undetectable quantities. Sugar over lime was favoured for taste. Women believed they could consume at least two cups of porridge per day without displacing their usual meals. The optimal delivery interval was believed to be every two weeks in individual serving packages. Women who had been consuming porridge for several weeks felt the taste was acceptable for long-term consumption.

Conclusions

This formative research resulted in the development, packaging and delivery of a nutrient-dense food supplement using local ingredients to meet the dietary needs of the population and acceptable for daily consumption by women in Kenya for evaluation in an intervention trial.
Recent large increases in freshwater fluxes from Greenland into the North Atlantic
Authors: Bamber Jonathan , van den Broeke Michiel , Ettema Janneke , Lenaerts Jan , Rignot Eric
Published: September 2012

Freshwater (FW) fluxes from river runoff and precipitation minus evaporation for the pan Arctic seas are relatively well documented and prescribed in ocean GCMs. Fluxes from Greenland on the other hand are generally ignored altogether, despite their potential impacts on ocean circulation and marine biology. Here, we present a reconstruction of the spatially distributed FW flux from Greenland for 1958–2010. We find a modest increase into the Arctic Ocean during this period. Fluxes into the Irminger Basin, however, have increased by fifty percent (6.3 ± 0.5 km3 yr−2) in less than twenty years. This greatly exceeds previous estimates. For the ice sheet as a whole the rate of increase since 1992 is 16.9 ± 1.8 km3 yr−2. The cumulative FW anomaly since 1995 is 3200 ± 358 km3, which is about a third of the magnitude of the Great Salinity Anomaly (GSA) of the 1970s. If this trend continues into the future, the anomaly will exceed that of the GSA by about 2025.
Evidence for multiple drivers of North Atlantic multi‐decadal climate variability
Authors: Terray Laurent
Published: September 2012

Observed North Atlantic Ocean surface temperatures have changed in a non‐monotonic and non‐uniform fashion over the last century. Here we assess the relative roles of greenhouses gases, anthropogenic aerosols, natural forcings and internal variability to the North Atlantic surface temperature decadal fluctuations using multi‐model climate simulations driven by estimates of observed external forcings. While the latter are the main source of decadal variability in the tropics and subtropics, there is a large contribution from the unforced component to subpolar Atlantic variations. Reconstruction of forced response patterns suggests that anthropogenic forcings are the main causes of the accelerated warming of the last three decades while internal variability has a dominant contribution to the early 20th‐century temperature multi‐decadal swings and recent abrupt changes in the subpolar Atlantic. Significant inter‐model spread with regard to the spatial response patterns to anthropogenic forcing leads to substantial uncertainty as to robust attribution statements for the mid‐to‐late 20th century North Atlantic warm and cold periods.
A monomeric form of iNOS can rationalise observed SAR for inhibitors of dimerisation: quantum mechanics and docking compared
Authors: Leach Andrew G. , Olsson Lise-Lotte , Warner Daniel J.
Published: September 2012

Many interaction types bind iNOS and inhibitors of its dimerization: docking methods reproduce geometries and quantum mechanics lipophilicity ligand efficiencies.
Extracellular conversion of adiponectin hexamers into trimers
Authors: Kim Jeong-a , Nuñez Martha , Briggs David B. , Laskowski Bethany L. , Chhun Jimmy J. , Eleid Joseph K. , Quon Michael J. , Tsao Tsu-Shuen
Published: September 2012

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone that exists as trimers, hexamers and larger species collectively referred to as HMW (high-molecular-weight) adiponectin. Whether hexamers or HMW adiponectin serve as precursors for trimers outside the circulation is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that adiponectin trimers can be generated from larger oligomers secreted from primary rat adipose cells or differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Purified hexameric, but not HMW, adiponectin converted into trimers in conditioned media separated from 3T3-L1 adipocytes or, more efficiently, when enclosed in the dialysis membrane in the presence of adipocytes. Several lines of evidence indicate that the conversion is mediated by an extracellular redox system. First, N-terminal epitope-tagged hexamers converted into trimers without proteolytic removal of the tag. Secondly, appearance of trimers was associated with conversion of disulfide-bonded dimers into monomers. Thirdly, thiol-reactive agents inhibited conversion into trimers. Consistent with a redox-based mechanism, purified hexamers reductively converted into trimers in defined glutathione redox buffer with reduction potential typically found in the extracellular environment while the HMW adiponectin remained stable. In addition, conversion of hexamers into trimers was enhanced by NADPH, but not by NADP+. Collectively, these data strongly suggest the presence of an extracellular redox system capable of converting adiponectin oligomers.
Photochemistry in a dense manifold of electronic states: Photodissociation of CH2ClBr
Authors: Valero Rosendo , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: September 2012

We report electronically nonadiabatic dynamics calculations including spin–orbit coupling for the photodissociation of CH2ClBr to yield Cl(2P3/2), Cl(2P1/2), Br(2P3/2), and Br(2P1/2). The potential energy is a 24 × 24 matrix (divided up here into four 6 × 6 blocks in a first approximation to the problem), in a spin-coupled fully diabatic representation obtained by combining the spin-free fourfold way with single-center spin–orbit coupling constants. The spin-free calculations are carried out by multiconfiguration quasidegenerate perturbation theory, and the fully diabatic potentials including spin–orbit coupling are fit to a matrix reactive force field. The dynamics are carried out by the coherent switches with decay of mixing method in the diabatic representation. The results show qualitative agreement with experiment.
An approach to high efficiencies using GaAs/GaInNAs multiple quantum well and superlattice solar cell
Authors: Courel Maykel , Rimada Julio C. , Hernández Luis
Published: September 2012

A new type of photovoltaic device where GaAs/GaInNAs multiple quantum wells (MQW) or superlattice (SL) are inserted in the i-region of a GaAs p-i-n solar cell (SC) is presented. The results suggest the device can reach record efficiencies for single-junction solar cells. A theoretical model is developed to study the performance of this device. The conversion efficiency as a function of wells width and depth is modeled for MQW solar cells. It is shown that the MQW solar cells reach high conversion efficiency values. A study of the SL solar cell viability is also presented. The conditions for resonant tunneling are established by the matrix transfer method for a superlattice with variable quantum wells width. The effective density of states and the absorption coefficient for SL structure are calculated in order to determinate the J-V characteristic. The influence of superlattice length on the conversion efficiency is researched, showing a better performance when width and cluster numbers are increased. The SL solar cell conversion efficiency is compared with the maximum conversion efficiency obtained for the MQW solar cell and shows an efficiency enhancement.
Material parameters and thermal stability of synthetic ferrimagnet free layers in magnetic tunnel junction nanopillars
Authors: Markó D. , Devolder T. , Miura K. , Ito K. , Kim Joo-Von , Chappert C. , Ikeda S. , Ohno H.
Published: September 2012

We have determined the material parameters of optimized synthetic ferrimagnet (SyF) free layers in magnetic tunnel junctions by means of magneto-resistance loops as well as microwave noise spectroscopy under constant voltage, and the field dependence thereof. By comparing the experimental data with calculated loops and spin wave modes from a 2-macrospin model, we have deduced the saturation magnetization, anisotropy, damping, and interlayer exchange coupling. From waiting time experiments of field-induced switching, the energy barrier relevant for the thermally activated switching of the free SyF has been experimentally evaluated and compared to an existing model in order to assess its consistency.
Reactive sputter deposition of pyrite structure transition metal disulfide thin films: Microstructure, transport, and magnetism
Authors: Baruth A. , Manno M. , Narasimhan D. , Shankar A. , Zhang X. , Johnson M. , Aydil E. S. , Leighton C.
Published: September 2012

Transition metal disulfides crystallizing in the pyrite structure (e.g., TMS2, with TM = Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) are a class of materials that display a remarkably diverse array of functional properties. These properties include highly spin-polarized ferromagnetism (in Co1−xFexS2), superconductivity (in CuS2), an antiferromagnetic Mott insulating ground state (in NiS2), and semiconduction with close to optimal parameters for solar absorber applications (in FeS2). Exploitation of these properties in heterostructured devices requires the development of reliable and reproducible methods for the deposition of high quality pyrite structure thin films. In this manuscript, we report on the suitability of reactive sputter deposition from metallic targets in an Ar/H2S environment as a method to achieve exactly this. Optimization of deposition temperature, Ar/H2S pressure ratio, and total working gas pressure, assisted by plasma optical emission spectroscopy, reveals significant windows over which deposition of single-phase, polycrystalline, low roughness pyrite films can be achieved. This is illustrated for the test cases of the ferromagnetic metal CoS2 and the diamagnetic semiconductor FeS2, for which detailed magnetic and transport characterization are provided. The results indicate significant improvements over alternative deposition techniques such as ex situ sulfidation of metal films, opening up exciting possibilities for all-sulfide heterostructured devices. In particular, in the FeS2 case it is suggested that fine-tuning of the sputtering conditions provides a potential means to manipulate doping levels and conduction mechanisms, critical issues in solar cell applications. Parenthetically, we note that conditions for synthesis of phase-pure monosulfides and thiospinels are also identified.
Mass transport and thermal stability of TiN/Al2O3/InGaAs nanofilms
Authors: Ceballos-Sanchez O. , Sanchez-Martinez A. , Vazquez-Lepe M. O. , Duong T. , Arroyave R. , Espinosa-Magaña F. , Herrera-Gomez A.
Published: September 2012

The structure of TiN/Al2O3 nanofilms grown on InxGa1-xAs substrates was studied with angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and density functional theory calculations. From the ARXPS studies, it was possible to characterize in detail the composition and distribution of the various layers constituting the nanofilms; the results were consistent with HRTEM micrographs. The analysis of the ARXPS data showed that annealing causes diffusion of indium atoms from the substrate into the titanium layer. It also allowed for establishing that the thickness and composition of the dielectric layers remain stable under thermal treatments.
Cherenkov radiation of shear Alfvén waves in plasmas with two ion species
Authors: Farmer W. A. , Morales G. J.
Published: September 2012

A calculation is presented of the radiation pattern of shear Alfvén waves generated by a burst of charged particles in a charge-neutral plasma with two-ions of differing charge-to-mass ratios. The wake pattern is obtained for the inertial and kinetic regimes of wave propagation. Due to the presence of two ion-species, the Alfvén waves propagate within two different frequency bands separated by a gap. One band is restricted to frequencies below the cyclotron frequency of the heavier species and the other to frequencies between the ion-ion hybrid frequency and the cyclotron frequency of the lighter species. The radiation pattern in the lower frequency band is found to exhibit essentially the same properties reported in a previous study [Van Compernolle et al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 082101 (2008)] of a single species plasma. However, the upper frequency band differs from the lower one in that it always allows for the Cherenkov radiation condition to be met. The methodology is extended to examine the Alfvénic wake of point-charges in the inertial and adiabatic regimes. The adiabatic regime is illustrated for conditions applicable to fusion-born alpha particles in ITER.
Charge renormalization of bilayer elastic properties
Authors: Sknepnek Rastko , Vernizzi Graziano , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: September 2012

By combining molecular dynamics simulations and analytical arguments, we investigate the elastic properties of charged lipid bilayers. We show that electrostatic interactions between the head groups can lead to solidification of the lipid bilayer that would otherwise be in a liquid state if the charges were absent. All elastic parameters of the bilayer such as the bending rigidity κ and the two-dimensional bulk modulus λ and Young's modulus Y are found to depend on the values of the charges assigned to the lipid head groups. To extract κ and λ, we fit the molecular dynamics data to a standard elastic model for lipid bilayers. Moreover, we analytically obtain the dependence of the Young modulus Y on the relative strengths of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions in the zero temperature limit.
Electrostatic interactions between Janus particles
Authors: de Graaf Joost , Boon Niels , Dijkstra Marjolein , van Roij René
Published: September 2012

In this paper we study the electrostatic properties of “Janus” spheres with unequal charge densities on both hemispheres. We introduce a method to compare primitive-model Monte Carlo simulations of the ionic double layer with predictions of (mean-field) nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann theory. We also derive practical Derjaguin Landau Verwey Overbeek (DLVO)-like expressions that describe the Janus-particle pair interactions by mean-field theory. Using a large set of parameters, we are able to probe the range of validity of the Poisson-Boltzmann approximation, and thus of DLVO-like theories, for such particles. For homogeneously charged spheres this range corresponds well to the range that was predicted by field-theoretical studies of homogeneously charged flat surfaces. Moreover, we find similar ranges for colloids with a Janus-type charge distribution. The techniques and parameters we introduce show promise for future studies of an even wider class of charged-patterned particles.
Effect of stacking fault and temperature on deformation behaviors of nanocrystalline Mg
Authors: Song H. Y. , Li Y. L.
Published: September 2012

The effects of stacking fault (SF) spacing and temperature on the mechanical properties of Mg with SF under c-axis tension are investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results indicate that there is an optimal SF spacing for mechanical properties of Mg containing SF. The results also show that the effect of temperature on the deformation behavior is very obvious and the flow stress in Mg with SF exhibits distinctly different behavior at relatively high temperatures. The studies demonstrate that this larruping deformation behavior, at relatively high temperature, is associated with the nucleation and growth of new grain and twin. Furthermore, we find that the effect of SF spacing on the Young's modulus is very slight, regardless of temperature. The general conclusions derived from this work may provide a guideline for the design of high-performance hexagonal close-packed (hcp) metals.
Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of tryptamine and the dissociation pathway of the singly hydrated cation cluster
Authors: Gu Quanli , Knee J. L.
Published: September 2012

The relative ionization energies of tryptamine conformations are determined by zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and photoionization efficiency measurements. The relative cationic conformational stabilities are compared to the published results for the neutral molecule. In the cation, the interaction strength changes significantly between amino group and either the phenyl or the pyrrole moiety of the indole chromophore where most of the positive charge is located, leading to different conformational structures and relative conformer energies in the cation. In particular, the measured adiabatic ionization potential of isomer B is 60 928 ± 5 cm−1, at least 400 cm−1 higher than any of the 6 other tryptamine isomers which all have ionization potentials within 200 cm−1 of each other. In addition to the monomer, measurements were made on the A conformer of the tryptamine+-H2O complex including the ionization threshold and cation dissociation energy measured using a threshold photoionization fragmentation method. The water cluster exhibits an unexpectedly high ionization potential of 60 307 ± 100 cm−1, close to the conformer A monomer of 60 320 ± 100 cm−1. It also exhibits surprisingly low dissociation energy of 1750 ± 150 cm−1 compared to other H-bonding involved cation-H2O complexes which are typically several thousands of wavenumbers higher. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that upon ionization the structure of the parent molecule in the water complex remains mostly unchanged due to the rigid intermolecular double hydrogen bonded water molecule bridging the monomer backbone and its side chain thus leading to the high ionization potential in the water cluster. The surprisingly low dissociation energy measured in the cationic water complex is attributed to the formation of a much more stable structural isomer H+ in the exit channel.