bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New developments in the detection and treatment of depression in cancer settings
Authors: Mitchell Alex J
Published: October 2011

Depression is perhaps the most important mental health complication of cancer. While major depression is relatively uncommon and often missed, clinically significant mood disorders can occur in about 40 per cent of patients. In this review, Dr Mitchell discusses screening for depression in patients in cancer settings and outlines the current treatment options. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Fear of cancer recurrence: a systematic literature review of self‐report measures
Authors: Thewes Belinda , Butow Phillis , Zachariae Robert , Christensen Soren , Simard Sébastien , Gotay Carolyn
Published: October 2011

Background

Prior research has shown that many cancer survivors experience ongoing fears of cancer recurrence (FCR) and that this chronic uncertainty of health status during and after cancer treatment can be a significant psychological burden. The field of research on FCR is an emerging area of investigation in the cancer survivorship literature, and several standardised instruments for its assessment have been developed.

Aims

This review aims to identify all available FCR‐specific questionnaires and subscales and critically appraise their properties.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken to identify instruments measuring FCR. Relevant studies were identified via Medline (1950–2010), CINAHL (1982–2010), PsycINFO (1967–2010) and AMED (1985–2010) databases, reference lists of articles and reviews, grey literature databases and consultation with experts in the field. The Medical Outcomes Trust criteria were used to examine the psychometric properties of the questionnaires.

Results

A total of 20 relevant multi‐item measures were identified. The majority of instruments have demonstrated reliability and preliminary evidence of validity. Relatively few brief measures (2–10 items) were found to have comprehensive validation and reliability data available. Several valid and reliable longer measures (>10 items) are available. Three have developed short forms that may prove useful as screening tools.

Conclusions

This analysis indicated that further refinement and validation of existing instruments is required. Valid and reliable instruments are needed for both research and clinical care. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of socioeconomic status as measured by education level on survival in breast cancer clinical trials
Authors: Herndon James E. , Kornblith Alice B. , Holland Jimmie C. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: October 2011

Objectives

This paper aims to investigate the effect of socioeconomic status, as measured by education, on the survival of breast cancer patients treated on 10 studies conducted by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B.

Methods

Sociodemographic data, including education, were reported by the patient at trial enrollment. Cox proportional hazards model stratified by treatment arm/study was used to examine the effect of education on survival among patients with early stage and metastatic breast cancer, after adjustment for known prognostic factors.

Results

The patient population included 1020 patients with metastatic disease and 5146 patients with early stage disease. Among metastatic patients, factors associated with poorer survival in the final multivariable model included African American race, never married, negative estrogen receptor status, prior hormonal therapy, visceral involvement, and bone involvement. Among early stage patients, significant factors associated with poorer survival included African American race, separated/widowed, post/perimenopausal, negative/unknown estrogen receptor status, negative progesterone receptor status, >4 positive nodes, tumor diameter >2 cm, and education. Having not completed high school was associated with poorer survival among early stage patients. Among metastatic patients, non‐African American women who lacked a high school degree had poorer survival than other non‐African American women, and African American women who lacked a high school education had better survival than educated African American women.

Conclusions

Having less than a high school education is a risk factor for death among patients with early stage breast cancer who participated in a clinical trial, with its impact among metastatic patients being less clear. Post‐trial survivorship plans need to focus on women with low social status, as measured by education. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethanol and methanol sensing characteristics of Nb‐doped TiO2 porous thin films
Authors: Nechita Violeta , Schoonman Joop , Musat Viorica
Published: October 2011

Undoped and Nb‐doped TiO2 porous thin films have been obtained through a sol–gel method using analytical grades Ti(OiC3H7)4 and Nb(OC2H5)5 as precursors. The morphology, crystalline microstructure, and the sensing properties towards ethanol and methanol of the obtained thin films have been investigated. The effects of the dopant on the film morphology and on alcohol sensing properties are discussed. Both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) measurements were performed at different temperatures in methanol and ethanol ambients to better understand the mechanisms of the alcohol detection. In the presence of a small amount of Nb, the activation energy for electrical conduction decreased. Nb doping improves the selectivity for methanol in the temperature range of 300–400 °C. The Nyquist diagrams showed complex phenomena during alcohol detection.
Assessment on thermoelectric power factor in silicon nanowire networks
Authors: Lohn Andrew J. , Coleman Elane , Tompa Gary S. , Kobayashi Nobuhiko P.
Published: October 2011

Thermoelectric devices based on three‐dimensional networks of highly interconnected silicon nanowires were fabricated and the parameters that contribute to the power factor, namely the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity were assessed. The large area (2 cm × 2 cm) devices were fabricated at low cost utilizing a highly scalable process involving silicon nanowires grown on steel substrates. Temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient was found to be weak over the range of 20–80 °C at approximately −400 µV/K for unintentionally doped devices and ±50 µV/K for p‐type and n‐type devices, respectively.
Hydrodynamic Manipulation of DNA in Nanopost Arrays: Unhooking Dynamics and Size Separation
Authors: Viero Yannick , He Qihao , Bancaud Aurélien
Published: October 2011

Micro‐ or nanofabricated obstacle arrays are widely used as model matrices to perform fast DNA separations by electrophoresis. In this report, a gallery of obstacles of radii spanning from 40 to 250 nm are used to investigate the dynamics of hydrodynamic‐field‐driven DNA–nanopost collisions at the single‐molecule level. The data shows that DNA disengagement dynamics are reasonably well described by conventional electrophoretic models in the limit of a large spacing between obstacles and for moderate migration velocities. It is also demonstrated that the use of hydrodynamic flow fields to convey DNA molecules is associated with changes in the configurational space of hooking events, and to altered relaxation dynamics between consecutive collisions. This study defines experimental conditions for the efficient separation of DNA fragments of tens of base pairs, and provides a complete framework by which to understand the behavior of DNA in the course of hydrodynamic‐driven migrations through nanopost arrays.
In‐Situ Partial Sintering of Gold‐Nanoparticle Sheets for SERS Applications
Authors: He Jinbo , Lin Xiao‐Min , Divan Ralu , Jaeger Heinrich M.
Published: October 2011

A new, versatile substrate design for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is introduced that provides better illumination and collection efficiency than other solid substrates. It uses sheets of 5 nm diameter gold nanoparticles that are draped by drying‐mediated self‐assembly onto 100 nm thick silicon nitride membranes. During laser illumination, partial in‐situ sintering of the nanoparticles into larger structures with tiny gaps (≈2 nm) greatly increases the SERS enhancement factor. The detection of 1 pM of p‐mercaptoaniline and 1 fg of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene is demonstrated. The use of self‐assembled nanoparticle sheets furthermore makes it possible to perform SERS detection in situ on top of a probe solution droplet.
Evaluation of the utility of handheld XRF in meteoritics
Authors: Zurfluh Florian J. , Hofmann Beda A. , Gnos Edwin , Eggenberger Urs
Published: October 2011

We tested a handheld X‐ray fluorescence instrument with adaptable matrix correction for its suitability in meteoritics. We report here the instrument setup, precision and accuracy and present examples of applications. With a measuring time of 300 s, it is possible to collect accurate data for K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Sr and Ba that are needed for the identification of doubtful meteorites and the nondestructive classification of chondrites and achondrites. The factory‐supplied calibration curve of the instrument was fine tuned for our purposes with the use of well‐analyzed meteorite powders, pressed pellets and meteorite hand specimens as standards. Relative errors of 10% to 20% are reached for the mentioned elements. The instrument was tested in the hot desert of Oman while searching for meteorites and also in the laboratory while doing research on meteorites. The main applications of the instrument are the identification and classification of meteorites, the quantification of terrestrial elemental contamination (Sr and Ba) and detection of Mn‐rich desert varnish. It is possible to discriminate the major meteorite groups using Fe/Mn and Ni values. Handheld X‐ray fluorescence is also useful in identifying meteorites belonging to the same fall event. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nomogram predicting disease‐free survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with hepatic resection: multicenter data collection as a Project Study for Hepatic Surgery of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Beppu Toru , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Honda Goro , Tanaka Kuniya , Kotera Yoshihito , Nitta Hiroyuki , Yoshidome Hiroyuki , Hatano Etsuro , Ueno Masaki , Takamura Hiroyuki , Baba Hideo , Kosuge Tomoo , Kokudo Norihiro , Takahashi Keiichi , Endo Itaru , Wakabayashi Go , Miyazaki Masaru , Uemoto Shinji , Ohta Tetsuo , Kikuchi Ken , Yamaue Hiroki , Yamamoto Masakazu , Takada Tadahiro
Published: October 2011

Background/purpose

The aim of this study was to create a nomogram to predict the disease‐free survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with hepatic resection.

Methods

Perioperative factors were assessed in 727 hepatectomized patients with colorectal liver metastases between 2000 and 2004 at the 11 institutions of the “Project Committee of the Liver” in the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery. A nomogram was developed as a graphical representation of a stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

Perioperative mortality was 0.55%. Disease‐free and overall survival rates were 31.2 and 63.8% at 3 years, 27.2 and 47.7% at 5 years, and 24.7 and 38.5% at 10 years, respectively. Six preoperative factors were selected to create the nomogram for disease‐free survival: synchronous metastases, 3 points; primary lymph node positive, 3 points; number of tumors 2–4, 4 points and ≥5, 9 points; largest tumor diameter >5 cm, 2 points; extrahepatic metastasis at hepatectomy, 4 points, and preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 level >100, 4 points. The estimated median disease‐free survival time was easily calculated by the nomogram: >8.4 years for patients with 0 points, 1.9 years for 5 points, 1.0 years for 10 points, and the rates were lower than 0.6 years for patients with more than 10 points.

Conclusions

This nomogram can easily calculate the median and yearly disease‐free survival rates from only 6 preoperative variables. This is a very useful tool to determine the likelihood of early recurrence and the necessity for perioperative chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases after hepatic resection.
Patch size of gall‐forming aphids: deme formation revisited
Authors: Ben‐Shlomo Rachel , Inbar Moshe
Published: October 2011

Plants of the genus Pistacia (Anacardiaceae) serve as obligate hosts for a group of specialized gall‐forming aphids (Homoptera: Fordinae). The aphids regularly migrate between the Pistacia (primary) host plants and the roots of non‐specific grasses and cereals (secondary hosts). Gall density varies considerably between trees and sites. The intimate relationships between the aphids and their primary host, the natural variation of host susceptibility, and the heterogeneous geographical environment may promote local adaptation and deme formation in the aphid populations. Indeed, previous analyses of the genetic structure of the aphid Baizongia pistaciae, which forms large galls on the deciduous P. palaestina trees, suggested deme formation (Martinez et al. 2005). In this study, we analyzed the genetic structure of the B. pistaciae population at eight sites and 78 trees throughout Israel and a single population in Turkey, using two molecular markers (AFLP fingerprints and COI sequencing). The genetic distance between the Israeli populations was found to be low (D = 0.01–0.02), and there was no genetic differentiation found between any population pairs. In five of the Israeli populations, we also compared the genetic identity between aphids forming galls on the same tree and between galls on neighboring trees. The analysis indicated that the genetic identity of different galls within a tree resembles the correspondence between trees within a population. Our results showed no indication of deme formation or any hierarchical genetic substructuring within B. pistaciae populations in Israel. The extensive gene flow between aphid colonies may be explained by their dispersal abilities and the potential bridging role of the secondary hosts.
Motion of slender bodies in unsteady Stokes flow
Authors: Barta Efrath
Published: October 2011

The flow regime in the vicinity of oscillatory slender bodies, either an isolated one or a row of many bodies, immersed in viscous fluid (i.e. under creeping flow conditions) is studied. Applying the slender-body theory by distributing proper singularities on the bodies’ major axes yields reasonably accurate and easily computed solutions. The effect of the oscillations is revealed by comparisons with known Stokes flow solutions and is found to be most significant for motion along the normal direction. Streamline patterns associated with motion of a single body are characterized by formation and evolution of eddies. The motion of adjacent bodies results, with a reduction or an increase of the drag force exerted by each body depending on the direction of motion and the specific geometrical set-up. This dependence is demonstrated by parametric results for frequency of oscillations, number of bodies, their slenderness ratio and the spacing between them. Our method, being valid for a wide range of parameter values and for densely packed arrays of rods, enables simulation of realistic flapping of bristled wings of some tiny insects and of locomotion of flagella and ciliated micro-organisms, and might serve as an efficient tool in the design of minuscule vehicles. Its potency is demonstrated by a solution for the flapping of thrips.
Modelling bubble clusters in compressible liquids
Authors: Fuster D. , Colonius T.
Published: October 2011

We present a new model for bubbly cavitating flows. Based on volume-averaged equations, a subgrid model is added to account for a bubble, or multiple bubbles, within each computational cell. The model converges to the solution of ensemble-averaged bubbly flow equations for weak oscillations and monodisperse systems. In the other extreme, it also converges to the theoretical solution for a single oscillating bubble, and captures the bubble radius evolution and the pressure disturbance induced in the liquid. A substantial saving of computational time is achieved compared to ensemble-averaged models for polydisperse mixtures.
The role of Stewartson and Ekman layers in turbulent rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Kunnen Rudie P. J. , Stevens Richard J. A. M. , Overkamp Jim , Sun Chao , van Heijst GertJan F. , Clercx Herman J. H.
Published: October 2011

When the classical Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) system is rotated about its vertical axis roughly three regimes can be identified. In regime I (weak rotation) the large-scale circulation (LSC) is the dominant feature of the flow. In regime II (moderate rotation) the LSC is replaced by vertically aligned vortices. Regime III (strong rotation) is characterized by suppression of the vertical velocity fluctuations. Using results from experiments and direct numerical simulations of RB convection for a cell with a diameter-to-height aspect ratio equal to one at $\mathit{Ra}\ensuremath{\sim} 1{0}^{8} \text{{\ndash}} 1{0}^{9} $ ($\mathit{Pr}= 4\text{{\ndash}} 6$) and $0\lesssim 1/ \mathit{Ro}\lesssim 25$ we identified the characteristics of the azimuthal temperature profiles at the sidewall in the different regimes. In regime I the azimuthal wall temperature profile shows a cosine shape and a vertical temperature gradient due to plumes that travel with the LSC close to the sidewall. In regimes II and III this cosine profile disappears, but the vertical wall temperature gradient is still observed. It turns out that the vertical wall temperature gradient in regimes II and III has a different origin than that observed in regime I. It is caused by boundary layer dynamics characteristic for rotating flows, which drives a secondary flow that transports hot fluid up the sidewall in the lower part of the container and cold fluid downwards along the sidewall in the top part.
Factualism, Normativism and the Bounds of Normativity
Authors: Besch Thomas M.
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT: The paper argues that applications of the principle that “ought” implies “can” (OIC) depend on normative considerations even if the link between “ought” and “can” is logical in nature. Thus, we should reject a common, “factualist” conception of OIC and endorse weak “normativism.” Even if we use OIC as the rule “‘’therefore‘ought not’,” applying OIC is not a mere matter of facts and logic, as factualists claim, but often draws on “proto-ideals” of moral agency.

RESUME: Cet article défend que les applications du principe «“devoir” implique “pouvoir”» (OIC pour l’anglais ‘ought’ implies ‘can’) dépendent de considérations normatives quoique ce lien soit de nature logique. Nous devrions donc rejeter la conception «factuelle» de l’OIC et plutôt défendre un «normativisme» faible. Même en supposant que l’on utilise l’OIC comme étant la règle «“ne pas pouvoir” implique “ne pas devoir”», appliquer l’OIC n’est pas seulement une question de faits et de logique, comme le soutiennent les «factualistes», mais découle souvent de «proto-idéaux» de l’agentivité morale.
L’éthique de la vertu et le critère de l’action correcte
Authors: Gibert Martin , Rossi Mauro
Published: October 2011

RÉSUMÉ: Selon la version de l’éthique de la vertu la plus répandue (Hursthouse, 1991; Zagzebski, 1996), l’action moralement correcte dans des circonstances données est celle que ferait un agent pleinement vertueux dans ces circonstances. Ce critère soulève toutefois deux objections. Dans certaines situations, il donne des indications erronées, et dans d’autres situations, il ne donne pas d’indication du tout. Nous soutenons que ces objections sont en réalité le résultat soit d’une simple résistance imaginative, soit d’une pétition de principe. Nous proposons alors de modifier le critère en excluant le caractère de l’agent non vertueux des circonstances moralement pertinentes. Nous envisageons enfin les implications pour la question du développement moral.
Against Essential Mental Normativity Again
Authors: Steglich-Petersen Asbjørn
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT: In a recent paper (2008), I presented two arguments against the thesis that intentional states are essentially normative. In this paper, I defend those arguments from two recent responses, one from Nick Zangwill in his (2010) and one from Daniel Laurier in the present volume, and offer improvements of my arguments in light of Laurier’s criticism.
Molecular mechanisms linking adipokines to obesity-related colon cancer: focus on leptin
Authors: Drew Janice E.
Published: October 2011

Obesity is linked to increased risk of colon cancer, currently the third most common cancer. Consequently rising levels of obesity worldwide are likely to significantly impact on obesity-related colon cancers in the decades to come. Understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby obesity increases colon cancer risk is thus a focus for research to inform strategies to prevent the increasing trend in obesity-related cancers. This review will consider research on deregulation of adipokine signalling, a consequence of altered adipokine hormone secretion from excess adipose tissue, with a focus on leptin, which has been studied extensively as a potential mediator of obesity-related colon cancer. Numerous investigations using colon cell linesin vitro,in vivostudies in rodents and investigations of colon cancer patients illuminate the complexity of the interactions of leptin with colon tissues via leptin receptors expressed by the colon epithelium. Although evidence indicates a role for leptin in proliferation of colon epithelial cellsin vitro, this has been contradicted by studies in rodent models. However, recent studies have indicated that leptin may influence inflammatory mediators linked with colon cancer and also promote cell growth dependent on genotype and is implicated in growth promotion of colon cancer cells. Studies in human cancer patients indicate that there may be different tumour sub-types with varying levels of leptin receptor expression, indicating the potential for leptin to induce variable responses in the different tumour types. These studies have provided insights into the complex interplay of adipokines with responsive tissues prone to obesity-related colon cancer. Deregulation of adipokine signalling via adipokine receptors located in the colon appears to be a significant factor in obesity-related colon cancer. Molecular profiling of colon tumours will be a useful tool in future strategies to characterise the influence that adipokines may have on tumour development and subsequent therapeutic intervention. Study of the molecular mechanisms linking obesity with cancer also supports recommendations to maintain a normal body weight to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Allostasis and the developing human brain: Explicit consideration of implicit models
Authors: Ganzel Barbara L. , Morris Pamela A.
Published: October 2011

We previously used the theory of allostasis as the foundation for a model of the current stress process. This work highlighted the core emotional systems of the brain as the central mediator of the relationship between stress and health. In this paper, we extend this theoretical approach to consider the role of developmental timing. In doing so, we note that there are strong implicit models that underlie current developmental stress research in the social and life sciences. We endeavor to illustrate these modelsexplicitlyas we review the evidence behind each one and discuss their implications. We then extend these models to reflect recent findings from research in life span human neuroscience. The result is a new set of developmental allostatic models that provide fodder for future empirical research, as well as novel perspectives on intervention.
A developmental increase in allostatic load from ages 3 to 11 years is associated with increased schizotypal personality at age 23 years
Authors: Peskin Melissa , Raine Adrian , Gao Yu , Venables Peter H. , Mednick Sarnoff A.
Published: October 2011

Although allostatic load has been investigated in mood and anxiety disorders, no prior study has investigated developmental change in allostatic load as a precursor to schizotypal personality. This study employed a multilevel developmental framework to examine whether the development of increased allostatic load, as indicated by impaired sympathetic nervous system habituation from ages 3 to 11 years, predisposes to schizotypal personality at age 23 years. Electrodermal activity to six aversive tones was recorded in 995 subjects at age 3 years and again at 11 years. Habituation slopes at both ages were used to create groups who showed a developmental increase in habituation (decreased allostatic load), and those who showed a developmental decrease in habituation (increased allostatic load). Children who showed a developmental increase in allostatic load from ages 3 to 11 years had higher levels of schizotypal personality at 23 years. A breakdown of total schizotypy scores demonstrated specificity of findings to cognitive–perceptual features of schizotypy. Findings are the first to document a developmental abnormality in allostasis in relation to adult schizotypal personality. The relative failure to develop normal habituation to repeated stressors throughout childhood is hypothesized to result in an accumulation of allostatic load and consequently increased positive symptom schizotypy in adulthood.
Kindergarten stressors and cumulative adrenocortical activation: The “first straws” of allostatic load?
Authors: Bush Nicole R. , Obradović Jelena , Adler Nancy , Boyce W. Thomas
Published: October 2011

Using an ethnically diverse longitudinal sample of 338 kindergarten children, this study examined the effects of cumulative contextual stressors on children's developing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis regulation as an early life indicator of allostatic load. Chronic HPA axis regulation was assessed using cumulative, multiday measures of cortisol in both the fall and spring seasons of the kindergarten year. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that contextual stressors related to ethnic minority status, socioeconomic status, and family adversity each uniquely predicted children's daily HPA activity and that some of those associations were curvilinear in conformation. Results showed that the quadratic, U-shaped influences of family socioeconomic status and family adversity operate in different directions to predict children's HPA axis regulation. Results further suggested that these associations differ for White and ethnic minority children. In total, this study revealed that early childhood experiences contribute to shifts in one of the principal neurobiological systems thought to generate allostatic load, confirming the importance of early prevention and intervention efforts. Moreover, findings suggested that analyses of allostatic load and developmental theories accounting for its accrual would benefit from an inclusion of curvilinear associations in tested predictive models.
Associations among depression, perceived self-efficacy, and immune function and health in preadolescent children
Authors: Caserta Mary T. , Wyman Peter A. , Wang Hongyue , Moynihan Jan , O'Connor Thomas G.
Published: October 2011

Experimental animal studies and adult research consistently show that stress exposure and/or psychological symptoms are associated with poorer health and immune functioning. The application to children is not yet clear, however, and we lack developmental models for studies in this area. The objective of this paper was to test the hypothesis that self-reported self-efficacy and depression, two markers of psychological well-being in children, would predict immunity and rate of illnesses. The data are based on a prospective study of 141 healthy, normally developing children aged 7–13 years who were recruited from an ambulatory pediatric setting. Children completed self-efficacy and depression measures and had blood obtained for IL-6 plasma levels and natural killer cell functional assays on three occasions, 6 months apart. Parents maintained weekly child illness diaries over 1 year using a thermometer to record fever. Parent psychiatric symptoms and income were used as covariates. Results indicated that, across the three occasions of measurement collected over the 1-year period, higher perceived self-efficacy was significantly associated with lower plasma interleukin 6 concentrations. There was no overall main effect of depressive symptoms on immune measures; however, for older girls, higher depression was associated with elevated natural killer cell cytotoxicity and an increased rate of total illnesses and febrile illnesses. The findings provide some of the first evidence that psychological processes are associated with immunity and health in a normally developing sample of preadolescents. Furthermore, the pattern of results suggests a modified model of a link between psychological well-being and immunological processes in children. These results build on and expand research on the notion of allostatic load and develop a groundwork for developmental studies in this area.
Balancing the benefits and risks of public–private partnerships to address the global double burden of malnutrition
Authors: Kraak Vivica I , Harrigan Paige B , Lawrence Mark , Harrison Paul J , Jackson Michaela A , Swinburn Boyd
Published: October 2011

Objective

Transnational food, beverage and restaurant companies, and their corporate foundations, may be potential collaborators to help address complex public health nutrition challenges. While UN system guidelines are available for private-sector engagement, non-governmental organizations (NGO) have limited guidelines to navigate diverse opportunities and challenges presented by partnering with these companies through public–private partnerships (PPP) to address the global double burden of malnutrition.

Design

We conducted a search of electronic databases, UN system websites and grey literature to identify resources about partnerships used to address the global double burden of malnutrition. A narrative summary provides a synthesis of the interdisciplinary literature identified.

Results

We describe partnership opportunities, benefits and challenges; and tools and approaches to help NGO engage with the private sector to address global public health nutrition challenges. PPP benefits include: raising the visibility of nutrition and health on policy agendas; mobilizing funds and advocating for research; strengthening food-system processes and delivery systems; facilitating technology transfer; and expanding access to medications, vaccines, healthy food and beverage products, and nutrition assistance during humanitarian crises. PPP challenges include: balancing private commercial interests with public health interests; managing conflicts of interest; ensuring that co-branded activities support healthy products and healthy eating environments; complying with ethical codes of conduct; assessing partnership compatibility; and evaluating partnership outcomes.

Conclusions

NGO should adopt a systematic and transparent approach using available tools and processes to maximize benefits and minimize risks of partnering with transnational food, beverage and restaurant companies to effectively target the global double burden of malnutrition.
A planar compact dual-band bandpass filter using stepped impedance resonator and interdigital capacitor
Authors: Sarkar Pankaj , Ghatak Rowdra , Pal Manimala , Poddar Dipak Ranjan
Published: October 2011

In this paper a dual-band bandpass filter with sharp rejection is proposed. The filter is realized by using two half-wavelength stepped impedance resonators to operate at the passbands 2.5 and 3.5 GHz. To increase the band width further to about 45 MHz at the lower passband and 115 MHz at the higher passband, interdigital capacitors are introduced between resonator and input and output combining network. Measured insertion loss is about 1.45 and 1.7 dB at first and second passbands, respectively. A finite transmission zero in between two passbands at 2.84 GHz is realized to improve the selectivity of the filter. The design procedure to get highly selective response of the proposed filter is explicitly explained. An equivalent circuit model of proposed filter is developed that matches well with measured results.
Flow and turbulence structure around a spur dike in a channel with a large scour hole
Authors: Koken Mete , Constantinescu George
Published: October 2011

The flow and turbulence structure around a vertical‐wall spur dike that extends over the whole depth of a straight channel are investigated using detached eddy simulation (DES). The channel Reynolds number in DES and the corresponding experiment is ReD = 2.4 × 105, which is typical of applications in small rivers and outside the range where well‐resolved large eddy simulation (LES) can be conducted. The bathymetry at equilibrium scour conditions is obtained from a loose bed experiment. This paper discusses the main mechanisms which drive the growth of the scour hole upstream and downstream from the spur dike during the later stages of the scour process, and how these mechanisms change between the initial (flat bed conditions) and later stages of the scour process. Scale effects are investigated by comparing simulation results at ReD = 2.4 × 105 with those from simulations performed at a much lower Reynolds number, ReD = 18,000. Results show that while the structure of the horseshoe vortex (HV) system changes with respect to the case in which the bed is flat, the main necklace vortex of the HV system is still subject to large‐scale aperiodic oscillations, similar to the ones observed in flows past in‐stream bluff‐body obstacles mounted on a flat surface. Present results show that the amplification of the horizontal vorticity within the lower part of the separated shear layer (SSL) and the associated formation of streaks of high‐bed shear stress below the region where the SSL eddies are convected in the near‐bed region is a general feature of high‐Reynolds‐number flow past a vertical‐wall spur dike placed in a loose‐bed channel at all stages of the scour process.
Lipoprotein distribution and serum concentrations of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and bile acids: effects of monogenic disturbances in high-density lipoprotein metabolism
Authors: Steiner Carine , Holleboom Adriaan G. , Karuna Ratna , Motazacker Mohammad M. , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Tybjaerg-Hansen Anne , Rohrer Lucia , Rentsch Katharina M. , von Eckardstein Arnold
Published: October 2011

BA (bile acid) formation is considered an important final step in RCT (reverse cholesterol transport). HDL (high-density lipoprotein) has been reported to transport BAs. We therefore investigated the effects of monogenic disturbances in human HDL metabolism on serum concentrations and lipoprotein distributions of the major 15 BA species and their precursor C4 (7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one). In normolipidaemic plasma, approximately 84%, 11% and 5% of BAs were recovered in the LPDS (lipoprotein-depleted serum), HDL and the combined LDL (low-density lipoprotein)/VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins) fraction respectively. Conjugated BAs were slightly over-represented in HDL. For C4, the respective percentages were 23%, 21% and 56% (41% in LDL and 15% in VLDL) respectively. Compared with unaffected family members, neither HDL-C (HDL-cholesterol)-decreasing mutations in the genes APOA1 [encoding ApoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I], ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) or LCAT (lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase) nor HDL-C-increasing mutations in the genes CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) or LIPC (hepatic lipase) were associated with significantly different serum concentrations of BA and C4. Plasma concentrations of conjugated and secondary BAs differed between heterozygous carriers of SCARB1 (scavenger receptor class B1) mutations and unaffected individuals (P<0.05), but this difference was not significant after correction for multiple testing. Moreover, no differences in the lipoprotein distribution of BAs in the LPDS and HDL fractions from SCARB1 heterozygotes were observed. In conclusion, despite significant recoveries of BAs and C4 in HDL and despite the metabolic relationships between RCT and BA formation, monogenic disorders of HDL metabolism do not lead to altered serum concentrations of BAs and C4.
Direct observation of spin configuration in an exchange coupled Fe/NiO(100) system by x-ray magnetic circular- and linear- dichroism photoemission electron microscope
Authors: Arai Kuniaki , Okuda Taichi , Tanaka Arata , Fukumoto Keiki , Hasegawa Takahide , Nakamura Tetsuya , Matsushita Tomohiro , Muro Takayuki , Kakizaki Akito , Kinoshita Toyohiko
Published: October 2011

Three dimensional spin configuration in an exchange coupled Fe/NiO(100) system is investigated using a combination of photoemission electron microscopy and magnetic linear- and circular dichroism spectroscopy in the soft-x-ray range. By comparing the experimental image contrasts with a cluster model calculation including the crystal symmetry, we have successfully determined the spin configuration of the bulk antiferromagnetic NiO substrate. The easy axes of the outermost ferromagnetic Fe film and the ferromagnetic interface corresponding to the three kinds of spin axes of the antiferromagnetic NiO substrate have been assigned. We also observe that the magnetic field amplitude required for magnetization reversal depends on these initial easy axes directions. These findings are strongly related to the mechanism of exchange bias phenomena.
Temperature and bias dependence of Hanle effect in CoFe/MgO/composite Ge
Authors: Jeon Kun-Rok , Min Byoung-Chul , Park Youn-Ho , Lee Hun-Sung , Park Chang-Yup , Jo Young-Hun , Shin Sung-Chul
Published: October 2011

We have investigated the temperature and bias dependence of the Hanle effect in a composite n-type Ge system consisting of a heavily doped surface layer and a moderately doped Ge substrate, using three-terminal Hanle measurements. A large spin signal of ∼5.1 kΩμm2 and a spin lifetime of ∼105 ps are obtained at 300 K. The spin signal, spin lifetime, and their asymmetries with respect to the bias polarity have been measured over a temperature range from 5 K to 300 K. Intriguingly, an inverted Hanle effect, indicating the sign inversion of spin polarization in Ge, is observed at low temperature.
Calibration method of tilt and azimuth angles for alignment of TEM tomographic tilt series
Authors: Hayashida Misa , Terauchi Shinya , Fujimoto Toshiyuki
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the calibration method of the tilt and azimuth angles of specimen using a digital protractor and a laser autocollimator for alignment of electron tomography. It also suggests an easy method to check whether the specimen is tilted by 180.0°, and whether the azimuth angle is 0.0°; the method involves the use of two images of a rod-shaped specimen collected before and after a 180.0° tilt. The method is based on the assumption that these images are symmetric about the tilt axis when the azimuth angle is 0.0°. In addition, we used an experiment to demonstrate the effect of the incorrect angles on reconstructed images and simulated the image quality against distance away from tilt axis.
Charge distribution over dust particles in a flowing plasma
Authors: Mishra S. K. , Misra Shikha , Sodha M. S.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an analytical model for the physical understanding of the charge distribution on dust particles in meso-thermal flow of plasmas where the flow speed of plasma relative to the dust particle is larger than the ion thermal speed but much less than the thermal speed of electrons. The formulation is based on the master difference equation for population balance and the number and energy balance considerations, allowing the charge to be only an integral multiple (positive or negative) of the electronic charge. The kinetics for (i) dark complex plasmas where accretion of electrons/ionic species are the dominant charging mechanisms and (ii) illuminated complex plasmas where photoemission significantly contributes to dust charging has been developed. The expression for the mean energy associated with the accretion of ionic species over dust gains in meso-thermal flow of complex plasmas has been derived and employed to obtain the charge distribution and other relevant plasma parameters. The high speed of meso-thermal flow of the plasma influences the dust charging towards more positive character and leads to significant reduction in electron and ion densities, even in the presence of photoemission from dust grains.
Auger decay of molecular double core-hole state
Authors: Tashiro Motomichi , Ueda Kiyoshi , Ehara Masahiro
Published: October 2011

We report on theoretical Auger electron kinetic energy distribution originated from sequential two-step Auger decays of molecular double core-hole (DCH) state, using CH4, NH3, and H2CO molecules as representative examples. For CH4 and NH3 molecules, the DCH state has an empty 1s inner-shell orbital and its Auger spectrum has two well-separated components. One is originated from the 1st Auger transition from the DCH state to the triply ionized states with one core hole and two valence holes (CVV states) and the other is originated from the 2nd Auger transition from the CVV states to quadruply valence ionized (VVVV) states. Our result on the NH3 Auger spectrum is consistent with the experimental spectrum of the DCH Auger decay observed recently [J. H. D. Eland, M. Tashiro, P. Linusson, M. Ehara, K. Ueda, and R. Feifel, Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 213005 (2010)]. In contrast to CH4 and NH3 molecules, H2CO has four different DCH states with C1s−2, O1s−2, and C1s−1O1s−1 (singlet and triplet) configurations, and its Auger spectrum has more complicated structure compared to the Auger spectra of CH4 and NH3 molecules. In the H2CO Auger spectra, the C1s−1O1s−1 DCH → CVV Auger spectrum and the CVV → VVVV Auger spectrum overlap each other, which suggests that isolation of these Auger components may be difficult in experiment. The C1s−2 and O1s−2 DCH → CVV Auger components are separated from the other components in the H2CO Auger spectra and can be observed in experiment. Two-dimensional Auger spectrum, representing a probability of finding two Auger electrons at specific pair of energies, may be obtained by four-electron coincidence detection technique in experiment. Our calculation shows that this two-dimensional spectrum is useful in understanding contributions of CVV and VVVV states to the Auger decay of molecular DCH states.
Dispersion relations for circular single and double dusty plasma chains
Authors: Tkachenko D. V. , Sheridan T. E. , Misko V. R.
Published: October 2011

We derive dispersion relations for a system of identical particles confined in a two-dimensional annular harmonic well and which interact through a Yukawa potential, e.g., a dusty plasma ring. When the particles are in a single chain (i.e., a one-dimensional ring), we find a longitudinal acoustic mode and a transverse optical mode which show approximate agreement with the dispersion relation for a straight configuration for large radii of the ring. When the radius decreases, the dispersion relations modify: there appears an anticrossing of the modes near the crossing point resulting in a frequency gap between the lower and upper branches of the modified dispersion relations. For the double chain (i.e., a two-dimensional zigzag configuration), the dispersion relation has four branches: longitudinal acoustic and optical and transverse acoustic and optical.
Features of the rupture of free hanging liquid film under the action of a thermal load
Authors: Ovcharova Alla S.
Published: October 2011

We consider a deformation and a rupture of a thin liquid film which is hanging between two solid flat walls under the action of concentrated thermal load action. A two-dimensional model is applied to describe the motion of thin layers of viscous non-isothermal liquid under micro-gravity conditions. For flow simulation, two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations are used. A computational analysis of the influence of thermal loads on the deformation and the rupture behavior of the thin freely hanging film is carried out. It is shown that the rupture of the thin film with generation of a droplet can occur under the thermal beam of specific width acting on the free surface of the film. The results of the model problem solutions are presented.
Beam-steering Vivaldi antenna based on partial Luneburg lens constructed with composite materials
Authors: Zhou Bin , Yang Yan , Li Hui , Cui Tie Jun
Published: October 2011

Beam steering has found wide applications in many areas such as wireless communications, satellite communications, and intelligent transportation systems.Different approaches have been presented to achieve the beam steering, most of which, however, are complicated and expensive. In this paper, we propose a simple and efficient principle to realize this goal based on a partial Luneburg lens. In the experiment, a traditional Vivaldi antenna is used as the platform to test the principle, in which the partial Luneburg lens is constructed by drilled-holes dielectric composite material. The measurement results show that good beam-steering performance from −20 to 20° in a broad bandwidth (8–11 GHz) has been achieved using the proposed method, and the antenna’s gain and directivity have been significantly improved in the same bandwidth after using the special lens.
Evaluation of coupling terms between intra- and intermolecular vibrations in coarse-grained normal-mode analysis: Does a stronger acid make a stiffer hydrogen bond?
Authors: Houjou Hirohiko
Published: October 2011

Using theory of harmonic normal-mode vibration analysis, we developed a procedure for evaluating the anisotropic stiffness of intermolecular forces. Our scheme for coarse-graining of molecular motions is modified so as to account for intramolecular vibrations in addition to relative translational/rotational displacement. We applied this new analytical scheme to four carboxylic acid dimers, for which coupling between intra- and intermolecular vibrations is crucial for determining the apparent stiffness of the intermolecular double hydrogen bond. The apparent stiffness constant was analyzed on the basis of a conjunct spring model, which defines contributions from true intermolecular stiffness and molecular internal stiffness. Consequently, the true intermolecular stiffness was in the range of 43–48 N m−1 for all carboxylic acids studied, regardless of the molecules’ acidity. We concluded that the difference in the apparent stiffness can be attributed to differences in the internal stiffness of the respective molecules.