Search

Purpose Neele DM (Diabetologia 1999) showed that insulin suppressed apolipoprotein(a) synthesis by primary cultures of cynomolgus monkey hepatocytes. Therefore, there is a possibility that inverse association exists between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and metabolic syndorome (Mets) with insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia for coronary atherosclerosis. Sung KC (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2013) described the inverse association between Lp(a) levels and Mets and its components on an asian occupational cohort. And high levels of Lp(a) were associated with preclinical atherosclerosis, as evaluated by coronary calcium score with cardiac computed tomography. There is no similar examination on coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The purpose is to examine similar considerations on CAD patients. Method 610 subjects with angiographically demonstrated CAD were enrolled. The patients who receiving medication for dyslipidemia and Insulin administration were excluded. The blood samples for laboratory tests were collected after an over night fast. Subjects were divided into four groups according to quartiles of Lp(a) levels (mg/dL). Ranges of quartile groups of Lp(a) were Q1: Results The inverse association Lp(a) levels and Mets and its component. The comparison of Q1 (bottom quartile) versus Q4 (top quartile) was shown below; the comorbidity rate of Mets 19.5% versus 8.0% (p Conclusion There was the inverse association between Lp(a) levels and Mets and its components on CAD patients. The robust association was found between Lp(a) levels and severity of coronary atherosclerosis despite this inverse correlation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

This paper summarises the outcome of an analysis of stablecoins undertaken by the ECB Crypto-Assets Task Force. At the time of writing, the stablecoin debate lacks a common taxonomy and unambiguous terminology. This paper applies a definition that distinguishes stablecoins from existing forms of currencies – regardless of the technology used – and characterises stablecoin arrangements based on the functions they fulfil. This approach emphasises the role of technology-neutral regulation in preventing arbitrage, as well as comprehensive Eurosystem oversight, irrespective of stablecoins’ regulatory status. Against this background, this paper assesses stablecoins’ implications for the euro area based on three scenarios for the uptake of stablecoins: (i) as a crypto-assets accessory function; (ii) as a new payment method; and (iii) as an alternative store of value. While the first scenario is merely the continuation of the current state of the market and, thus far, has not posed concerns for the financial sector and/or central bank tasks, stablecoins of the type envisaged in the second scenario may reach a scale such that financial stability risks can become material, and the safety and efficiency of the payment system may be affected. The third scenario is both the least plausible and the most relevant from a monetary policy perspective. The paper concludes that the Eurosystem relies on appropriate regulation, oversight, and supervision to manage the implications of stablecoins (and the risks that stem from them) on its mandate and tasks under plausible scenarios. The Eurosystem continues monitoring the evolution of the stablecoin market and stands ready to respond to rapid changes in all possible scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Many older adult cancer survivors reduce their activity level during and after cancer treatment. Occupational therapy interventions need to flexibly address various obstacles to occupational engagement that survivors may face. OBJECTIVE: To describe the content of a participant-directed occupational therapy intervention for older adults with cancer. METHODOLOGY: Content analysis was used to describe the treatment session data from the experimental arm of a pilot randomized controlled trial in terms of activities addressed, obstacles reported, and treatment strategies utilized. RESULTS: Participants predominantly used the intervention to increase exercise engagement or address instrumental activities of daily living. The most common obstacles to occupational engagement included fatigue, finding time, weather, and pain. Regarding treatment strategies, 77% of participants chose to practice the activity with the occupational therapist, 42% requested a piece of equipment, and 11% modified the environment in order to increase activity engagement. CONCLUSION: Overall, the participant-directed intervention appears flexible enough to address various activities and obstacles to occupational engagement.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which are generic or condition-specific, are used for a number of reasons, including clinical care, clinical trials, and in national-level efforts to monitor the quality of health care delivery. Creating PROMs that meet different purposes without overburdening patients, healthcare systems, providers, and data systems is paramount. The objective of this study was to test a generalizable method to incorporate condition-specific issues into generic PROM measures as a first step to producing PROMs that efficiently provide a standardized score. This paper outlines the method and preliminary findings focused on a PROM for osteoarthritis of the knee (OA-K). We used a mixed-methods approach and PROMIS® measures to test development of a combined generic and OA-K-specific PROM. Qualitative methods included patient focus groups and provider interviews to identify impacts of OA-K important to patients. We then conducted a thematic analysis and an item gap analysis: identified areas covered by existing generic PROMIS measures, identified “gap” areas not covered, compared gap areas to legacy instruments to verify relevance, and developed new items to address gaps. We then performed cognitive testing on new items and drafted an OA-K-specific instrument based on findings. We identified 52 existing PROMIS items and developed 24 new items across 14 domains. We developed a process for creating condition-specific instruments that bridge gaps in existing generic measures. If successful, the methodology will create instruments that efficiently gather the patient’s perspective while allowing health systems, researchers, and other interested parties to monitor and compare outcomes over time, conditions, and populations.

Studies examining associations between weight status and neighborhood built environment (BE) have shown inconsistent results and have generally focused on urban settings. However, many Americans do not live in metropolitan areas and BE impacts may be different outside of metropolitan areas. We sought to examine whether the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and neighborhood BE exists and varies by geographic region across small towns in the United States. We conducted telephone surveys with 2,156 adults and geographic information systems data in nine towns located within three geographic regions (Northeast, Texas, Washington) in 2011 and 2012. Multiple regression models examined the relationship between individual BMI and BE measures. Most physical activity variables were significantly associated with lower BMI in all geographic regions. We saw variation across geographic region in the relationship between characteristics of the BE variables and BMI. Some perceived and objectively-measured characteristics of the BE were significantly associated with adult BMI, but significant relationships varied by geographic region. For example, in the Northeast, perceived attractiveness of the neighborhood as a reason for why they chose to live there was associated with lower BMI; in Texas, the perceived presence of a fast food restaurant was negatively associated with BMI; in Washington, perceived presence of trees along the streets was associated with lower BMI. Our findings suggest that regional variation plays a role in the relationship between adult BMI and BE characteristics in small towns. Regardless of geographic location, interventions should encourage utilitarian walking and other forms of physical activity.

Purpose:Using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics benchmarks as a framework, this study examined childcare providers’ (Head Start [HS], Child and Adult Care Food Program [CACFP] funded, and non-CACFP) perspectives regarding communicating with parents about nutrition to promote children’s health.Design:Qualitative.Setting:State-licensed center-based childcare programs.Participants:Full-time childcare providers (n = 18) caring for children 2 to 5 years old from varying childcare contexts (HS, CACFP funded, and non-CACFP), race, education, and years of experience.Methods:In-person interviews using semi-structured interview protocol until saturation were achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted.Results:Two overarching themes were barriers and strategies to communicate with parents about children’s nutrition. Barriers to communication included—(a) parents are too busy to talk with providers, (b) parents offer unhealthy foods, (c) parents prioritize talking about child food issues over nutrition, (d) providers are unsure of how to communicate about nutrition without offending parents, and (e) providers are concerned if parents are receptive to nutrition education materials. Strategies for communication included—(a) recognize the benefits of communicating with parents about nutrition to support child health, (b) build a partnership with parents through education, (c) leverage policy (federal and state) to communicate positively and avoid conflict, (d) implement center-level practices to reinforce policy, and (e) foster a respectful relationship between providers and parents.Conclusion:Policy and environmental changes were recommended for fostering a respectful relationship and building a bridge between providers and parents to improve communication about children’s nutrition and health.

Two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) (e.g. MoS2) are atomically thin semiconductors that have remarkable properties for electronic applications such as having a sizable electronic bandgap and relatively high carrier mobility. The atomically thin profile also facilitates the tuning of the electronic structure via surface effects such as charge traps and surface states. Two dimensional TMDs having two different thicknesses also have different electronic structures, forming heterojunctions. Here, we discuss the excellent rectification behavior of fabricated thickness-modulated (few layer - many layer) MoS2 diodes, including a large reverse breakdown voltage exceeding 10V. The IV characteristics of the diodes can be strongly tuned by application of a gate voltage facilitating the demonstration of gate-voltage controlled tuning of simple electronic circuits. The thickness modulated diodes are also characterized for high-frequency electronic application.

Following the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Japanese government announced the declaration of a state of emergency in April 2020, which aimed to decrease contact between people and requested that residents refrain from outings. Even in the absence of penalties, outings decreased under the declaration. We are interested in how outings declined and studied the substitution relationship between Internet use and outings. A web-based survey was conducted to collect data on Internet use and outings in a retrospective manner. The period covered by our data is from mid-February to mid-May 2020. Multilevel analysis and binomial logistic regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between Internet use and outings. The results clearly show that Internet use replaced outings. In particular, Internet use for socializing, exercise, and leisure/entertainment had a strong substitution relationship with outings. Internet use for socializing and leisure/entertainment was also associated with refraining from visiting restaurants. In contrast, there was a weak substitution relationship between Internet use for daily shopping and outings. Although telework tends to be an accepted focus of Internet use under the COVID-19 outbreak, it should not be overlooked that other uses of the Internet, such as for leisure/entertainment, also supported the decline in outings.

Walking among Latinos in US Micropolitan towns may vary by language spoken. In 2011–2012, we collected telephone survey and built environment (BE) data from adults in six towns located within micropolitan counties from two states with sizable Latino populations. We performed mixed-effects logistic regression modeling to examine relationships between ethnicity-language group [Spanish-speaking Latinos (SSLs); English-speaking Latinos (ESLs); and English-speaking non-Latinos (ENLs)] and utilitarian walking and recreational walking, accounting for socio-demographic, lifestyle and BE characteristics. Low-income SSLs reported higher amounts of utilitarian walking than ENLs (p = 0.007), but utilitarian walking in this group decreased as income increased. SSLs reported lower amounts of recreational walking than ENLs (p = 0.004). ESL–ENL differences were not significant. We identified no statistically significant interactions between ethnicity-language group and BE characteristics. Approaches to increase walking in micropolitan towns with sizable SSL populations may need to account for this group’s differences in walking behaviors.

Background The aim of this study was to increase knowledge regarding the dangers associated with tobacco use, and decrease secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use behaviors with an antitobacco messaging campaign among rural, medically underserved, blue-collar workers. Methods A quasiexperimental study was conducted with employees at two worksites. One worksite received the intervention, which consisted of nine different antitobacco messages. Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted at each worksite to assess change in knowledge and behavior; the data were compared across the two worksites. Results Two hundred twenty-two and 243 participants completed baseline and follow-up surveys at the intervention and comparison sites, respectively. A statistically significant difference was seen over time between the worksites on knowledge of the dangers of tobacco (p

Two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) (e.g. MoS2) are atomically thin semiconductors that have remarkable properties such as a sizable electronic bandgap, relatively high carrier mobility, and flexibility. The atomically thin profile also facilitates the tuning of the electronic structure via surface effects such as charge traps and surface states. Two dimensional TMDs having two different thicknesses also have different electronic structures, forming heterojunctions. Here, we discuss the excellent rectification behavior of fabricated thickness-modulated (few layer - many layer) MoS2 diodes, including a large reverse breakdown voltage exceeding 10 V. The IV characteristics of the diodes can be strongly tuned by application of a gate voltage facilitating the demonstration of gate-voltage controlled tuning of simple electronic circuits including a voltage clipper and voltage regulator. The application of thickness-modulated diodes in high-frequency electronics is also discussed.

We studied single crystals of orthorhombic ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{VO}}_{4}$ containing spin-singlet dimers of ${\mathrm{V}}^{4+}\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}(3{d}^{1})$ and those with Ti or Nb substituted for V. We found that both Ti and Nb dopings induce the evolution of a Curie-Weiss component in the magnetic susceptibility, but the rate of evolution with doping is several times higher for Nb doping. We also found that Nb doping induces the conduction of $d$ electrons. These results can be explained by the hybridization of the Nb $4d$ states with the $3d$ states of the neighboring V ions, possibly causing rearrangement of the $d$ electron in the doubly degenerate $e$ states in the V ion.

Paddy fields are an important source of atmospheric CH4, the second most important greenhouse gas. There is a strong concern that the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and global warming are further stimulating CH4 emissions, but the magnitude of this stimulation varies substantially by study, and few open-field evaluations have been conducted. Here we report results obtained at a Japanese rice free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) site under water and soil temperature elevation during two growing seasons. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of high [CO2] (ambient + 200 μmol mol−1) and elevated soil temperature (+ 2 °C) on CH4 emissions under completely open-field conditions. We found about 80% enhancement in total seasonal emissions by the additive effects of FACE and warming, indicating a strong positive feedback effect of global warming. The enhancement in CH4 emission from the FACE-effect alone (+ 26%) was statistically non-significant (P = 0.19). Nevertheless, observed positive correlations between CH4 emissions and rice biomass agreed well with previous studies, suggesting that higher photosynthesis led to greater rhizodeposition, which then acted as substrates for methanogenesis. Soil warming increased the emission by 44% (P < 0.001), which was equivalent to a Q10 of 5.5. Increased rice biomass by warming could only partly explain the enhanced CH4 emissions, but stoichiometric analysis of the electron budget indicated that even a moderate enhancement in organic matter decomposition due to soil warming can cause a large increase in CH4 production under conditions where Fe(III) reduction, which was little affected by soil warming, dominates electron-accepting processes. At later rice growth stages, advanced root senescence due to elevated temperature probably provided more substrate for methanogenesis. Our stoichiometric evaluation showed that in situ Fe reduction characteristics and root turnover in response to elevated temperature should be understood to correctly predict future CH4 emissions from paddy fields under a changing climate. Challenges remain for determination of in situ root-exudation rate and its response to FACE and warming.

Rotational electret energy harvester (EH) for human arm swing is developed. By using flexible print circuit boards for electrode/electret substrates and metal ball bearing for the rotational support, the maximum thickness for the rotational part including the eccentric mass is as thin as 3.3 mm. Output power up to 80 μW has been obtained from arm swing during walking at 1.45 m/s. A multi-axis robot is also employed for evaluation of power generation performance.

We investigate hybrid tandem solar cells that rely on the combination of solution-processed depleted-heterojunction colloidal quantum dot (CQD) and bulk heterojunction polymer:fullerene subcells. The hybrid tandem solar cell is monolithically integrated and electrically connected in series with a suitable p–n recombination layer that includes metal oxides and a conjugated polyelectrolyte. We discuss the monolithic integration of the subcells, taking into account solvent interactions with underlayers and associated constraints on the tandem architecture, and show that an adequate device configuration consists of a low bandgap CQD bottom cell and a high bandgap polymer:fullerene top cell. Once we optimize the recombination layer and individual subcells, the hybrid tandem device reaches a VOC of 1.3 V, approaching the sum of the individual subcell voltages. An impressive fill factor of 70% is achieved, further confirming that the subcells are efficiently connected via an appropriate recombination layer.

Action Learning Collaboratives (ALCs), whereby teams apply quality improvement (QI) tools and methods, have successfully improved patient care delivery and outcomes. We adapted and tested the ALC model as a community-based obesity prevention intervention focused on physical activity and healthy eating. Method. The intervention used QI tools (e.g., progress monitoring) and team-based activities and was implemented in three communities through nine monthly meetings. To assess process and outcomes, we used a longitudinal repeated-measures and mixed-methods triangulation approach with a quasi-experimental design including objective measures at three time points. Results. Most of the 97 participants were female (85.4%), White (93.8%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (95.9%). Average age was 52 years; 28.0% had annual household income of $20,000 or less; and mean body mass index was 35. Through mixed-effects models, we found some physical activity outcomes improved. Other outcomes did not significantly change. Although participants favorably viewed the QI tools, components of the QI process such as sharing goals and data on progress in teams and during meetings were limited. Participants’ requests for more education or activities around physical activity and healthy eating, rather than progress monitoring and data sharing required for QI activities, challenged ALC model implementation. Conclusions. An ALC model for community-based obesity prevention may be more effective when applied to preexisting teams in community-based organizations.

Extremely thin-absorber solar cells offer low materials utilization and simplified manufacture but require improved means to enhance photon absorption in the active layer. Here, we report enhanced-absorption colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells that feature transfer-stamped solution-processed pyramid-shaped electrodes employed in a hierarchically structured device. The pyramids increase, by up to a factor of 2, the external quantum efficiency of the device at absorption-limited wavelengths near the absorber band edge. We show that absorption enhancement can be optimized with increased pyramid angle with an appreciable net improvement in power conversion efficiency, that is, with the gain in current associated with improved absorption and extraction overcoming the smaller fractional decrease in open-circuit voltage associated with increased junction area. We show that the hierarchical combination of micron-scale structured electrodes with nanoscale films provides for an optimized enhancement at absorption-limited wavelengths. We fabricate 54.7° pyramid-patterned electrodes, conformally apply the quantum dot films, and report pyramid CQD solar cells that exhibit a 24% improvement in overall short-circuit current density with champion devices providing a power conversion efficiency of 9.2%.

Using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics benchmarks as a framework, this study examined childcare providers' (Head Start [HS], Child and Adult Care Food Program [CACFP] funded, and non-CACFP) perspectives regarding communicating with parents about nutrition to promote children's health.Qualitative.State-licensed center-based childcare programs.Full-time childcare providers (n = 18) caring for children 2 to 5 years old from varying childcare contexts (HS, CACFP funded, and non-CACFP), race, education, and years of experience.In-person interviews using semi-structured interview protocol until saturation were achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted.Two overarching themes were barriers and strategies to communicate with parents about children's nutrition. Barriers to communication included-(a) parents are too busy to talk with providers, (b) parents offer unhealthy foods, (c) parents prioritize talking about child food issues over nutrition, (d) providers are unsure of how to communicate about nutrition without offending parents, and (e) providers are concerned if parents are receptive to nutrition education materials. Strategies for communication included-(a) recognize the benefits of communicating with parents about nutrition to support child health, (b) build a partnership with parents through education, (c) leverage policy (federal and state) to communicate positively and avoid conflict, (d) implement center-level practices to reinforce policy, and (e) foster a respectful relationship between providers and parents.Policy and environmental changes were recommended for fostering a respectful relationship and building a bridge between providers and parents to improve communication about children's nutrition and health.

By switching shell growth on and off on the (0001) facet of wurtzite CdSe cores to produce a built-in biaxial strain that lowers the optical gain threshold, we achieve continuous-wave lasing in colloidal quantum dot films. The electronic structure of colloidal quantum dots lends them a host of desirable optical properties, but they typically perform poorly as laser materials. Fengjia Fan et al. have developed a scheme for tuning this electronic structure in such a way that the barriers to laser action might be overcome. Specifically, they developed a synthesis strategy in which the shell of material encompassing the core of the quantum dot is asymmetric and compressive. This effectively squeezes the particle, thereby modifying the electronic structure to favour laser-like emissions. Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) feature a low degeneracy of electronic states at the band edges compared with the corresponding bulk material1, as well as a narrow emission linewidth2,3. Unfortunately for potential laser applications, this degeneracy is incompletely lifted in the valence band, spreading the hole population among several states at room temperature4,5,6. This leads to increased optical gain thresholds, demanding high photoexcitation levels to achieve population inversion (more electrons in excited states than in ground states—the condition for optical gain). This, in turn, increases Auger recombination losses7, limiting the gain lifetime to sub-nanoseconds and preventing steady laser action8,9. State degeneracy also broadens the photoluminescence linewidth at the single-particle level10. Here we demonstrate a way to decrease the band-edge degeneracy and single-dot photoluminescence linewidth in CQDs by means of uniform biaxial strain. We have developed a synthetic strategy that we term facet-selective epitaxy: we first switch off, and then switch on, shell growth on the (0001) facet of wurtzite CdSe cores, producing asymmetric compressive shells that create built-in biaxial strain, while still maintaining excellent surface passivation (preventing defect formation, which otherwise would cause non-radiative recombination losses). Our synthesis spreads the excitonic fine structure uniformly and sufficiently broadly that it prevents valence-band-edge states from being thermally depopulated. We thereby reduce the optical gain threshold and demonstrate continuous-wave lasing from CQD solids, expanding the library of solution-processed materials11,12 that may be capable of continuous-wave lasing. The individual CQDs exhibit an ultra-narrow single-dot linewidth, and we successfully propagate this into the ensemble of CQDs.

We study solar cell properties of single silicon wires connected at their ends to two dissimilar metals of different work functions. Effects of wire dimensions, the work functions of the metals, and minority carrier lifetimes on short circuit current as well as open circuit voltage are studied. The most efficient photovoltaic behavior is found to occur when one metal makes a Schottky contact with the wire, and the other makes an Ohmic contact. As wire length increases, both short circuit current and open circuit voltage increase before saturation occurs. Depending on the work function difference between the metals and the wire dimensions, the saturation length increases by approximately an order of magnitude with a two order magnitude increase in minority carrier length. However current per surface area exposed to light is found to decrease rapidly with increase in length. The use of a multi-contact interdigitated design for long wires is investigated to increase the photovoltaic response of the devices., Comment: 26 pages, journal paper

The purpose of this study was to determine if mobile phones interfere with adolescent sleep. We conducted a pilot test in a pediatric primary care practice of 454 patients, half female (51.2%), 12 to 20 years old (mean = 15) attending a well-child visit. Adolescents completed paper-and-pencil surveys in the waiting room. More than half took their mobile phone to bed (62.9%) and kept it turned on while sleeping (56.8%). Almost half used their phone as their alarm (45.7%). More than one-third texted after going to bed (36.7%). Two or more times per week, 7.9% were awakened by a text after going to sleep.

Objective Youth involvement in extracurricular activities may help prevent smoking and drinking initiation. However, the relative roles of types of extracurricular activity on these risks are unclear. Therefore, we examined the association between substance use and participation in team sports with a coach, other sports without a coach, music, school clubs, and other clubs in a nationally representative sample of US tweens. Methods We conducted telephone surveys with 6522 US students (ages 10 to 14 years) in 2003. We asked participants if they had ever tried smoking or drinking, and we asked them about their participation in extracurricular activities. We used sample weighting to produce response estimates that were representative of the population of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years at the time of data collection. Logistic regression models that adjusted for appropriate sampling weights using jackknife variance estimation tested associations with trying smoking and drinking, controlling for sociodemographics, child and parent characteristics, friend/sibling/parent substance use, and media use. Results A little over half of the students reported participating in team sports with a coach (55.5%) and without a coach (55.4%) a few times per week or more. Most had minimal to no participation in school clubs (74.2%); however, most reported being involved in other clubs (85.8%). A little less than half participated in music, choir, dance, and/or band lessons. Over half of participants involved in religious activity did those activities a few times per week or more. In the multiple regression analysis, team sport participation with a coach was the only extracurricular activity associated with lower risk of trying smoking (adjusted odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.49, 0.96) compared to none or minimal participation. Participating in other clubs was the only extracurricular activity associated with lower risk of trying drinking (adjusted odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.32, 0.99) compared to none or minimal participation. Conclusions Type of extracurricular involvement may be associated with risk of youth smoking and drinking initiation. Future research should seek to better understand the underlying reasons behind these differences.

Introduction There is great disparity in tobacco outlet density (TOD), with density highest in low-income areas and areas with greater proportions of minority residents, and this disparity may affect cancer incidence. We sought to better understand the nature of this disparity by assessing how these socio-demographic factors relate to TOD at the national level. Methods Using mixture regression analysis and all of the nearly 65,000 census tracts in the contiguous United States, we aimed to determine the number of latent disparity classes by modeling the relations of proportions of Blacks, Hispanics, and families living in poverty with TOD, controlling for urban/rural status. Results We identified six disparity classes. There was considerable heterogeneity in relation to TOD for Hispanics in rural settings. For Blacks, there was no relation to TOD in an urban moderate disparity class, and for rural census tracts, the relation was highest in a moderate disparity class. Conclusions We demonstrated the utility of classifying census tracts on heterogeneity of tobacco risk exposure. This approach provides a better understanding of the complexity of socio-demographic influences of tobacco retailing and creates opportunities for policy makers to more efficiently target areas in greatest need.

The synthesis of an array of core–shell homoepitaxial Si nanowires is demonstrated directly on glass substrates using nanowires with an average diameter of 38 nm as seed crystals. Furthermore, the array of core–shell nanowires (average length of 1.07 μm) exhibit very high optical absorption of >88% over the wavelength range λ = 300–610 nm, significantly higher than that of a thin film nanocrystalline Si film. The combination of high optical absorption and long range order are attractive for high performance large area applications such as epitaxial solar cells and image sensors.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Among the many possible routes of access for youth, school vending machines provide ready availability of sugar-sweetened beverages. The purpose of this study was to determine variation in high school student access to sugar-sweetened beverages through vending machines by geographic location - urban, town or rural - and to offer an approach for analysing school vending machine content.Cross-sectional observational study.Between October 2007 and May 2008, trained coders recorded beverage vending machine content and machine-front advertising in 113 machines across 26 schools in New Hampshire and Vermont, USA.Compared with town schools, urban schools were significantly less likely to offer sugar-sweetened beverages (P = 0.002). Rural schools also offered more sugar-sweetened beverages than urban schools, but this difference was not significant. Advertisements for sugar-sweetened beverages were highly prevalent in town schools.High school students have ready access to sugar-sweetened beverages through their school vending machines. Town schools offer the highest risk of exposure; school vending machines located in towns offer up to twice as much access to sugar-sweetened beverages in both content and advertising compared with urban locations. Variation by geographic region suggests that healthier environments are possible and some schools can lead as inspirational role models.

Recent advances in spectrally tuned, solution-processed plasmonic nanoparticles have provided unprecedented control over light's propagation and absorption via engineering at the nanoscale. Simultaneous parallel progress in colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics offers the potential for low-cost, large-area solar power; however, these devices suffer from poor quantum efficiency in the more weakly absorbed infrared portion of the sun's spectrum. Here, we report a plasmonic-excitonic solar cell that combines two classes of solution-processed infrared materials that we tune jointly. We show through experiment and theory that a plasmonic-excitonic design using gold nanoshells with optimized single particle scattering-to-absorption cross-section ratios leads to a strong enhancement in near-field absorption and a resultant 35% enhancement in photocurrent in the performance-limiting near-infrared spectral region.

Objectives To identify geriatric obesity interventions that can guide clinical recommendations. Design Systematic review using Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE (Ovid), and PsycINFO (Proquest) from January 1, 2005, to October 12, 2015, to identify English-language randomized controlled trials. Participants Individuals aged 60 and older (mean age ≥65) and classified as having obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). Interventions Behavioral weight loss interventions not involving pharmacological or procedural therapies lasting 6 months or longer. Measurements Two investigators performed the systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria and achieved a high concordance rate (97.3%) in summarizing the primary outcomes. The three primary outcomes were weight loss, physical performance, and quality of life. Results Of 5,741 citations, 19 were included. (Six studies were unique, and the remaining 13 were based on the same study population.) Duration ranged from 6 to 18 months (n = 405 participants, age range 66.7–71.1). Weight loss in the intervention groups ranged from 0.5 to 10.7 kg (0.1–9.3%). Five studies had a resistance exercise program accompanying a dietary component. Greater weight loss was observed in groups with a dietary component than those with exercise alone. Exercise alone led to better physical function but no significant weight loss. Combined dietary and exercise components led to the greatest improvement in physical performance measures and quality of life and mitigated reductions in muscle and bone mass observed in diet-only study arms. Heterogeneous outcomes were observed, which limited the ability to synthesize the data quantitatively. Conclusions The evidence supporting geriatric obesity interventions to improve physical function and quality of life is of low to moderate quality. Well-designed trials are needed in this population.

Background To clarify the influence of hypertension and blood pressure ( BP ) control on thromboembolism and major hemorrhage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a post hoc analysis of the J‐ RHYTHM Registry was performed. Methods and Results A consecutive series of outpatients with atrial fibrillation was enrolled from 158 institutions. Of 7937 patients, 7406 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (70.8% men, 69.8±10.0 years) were followed for 2 years or until an event occurred. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, a diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, a history of hypertension, and/or antihypertensive drug use. Hypertension was an independent risk factor for major hemorrhage (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.05–2.21, P =0.027) but not for thromboembolism (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.73–1.52, P =0.787). When patients were divided into quartiles according to their systolic BP at the time closest to the event or at the end of follow‐up (Q1, CI 1.75–4.74, P CI 1.02–2.53, P =0.041) after adjustment for components of CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VAS c score, warfarin use, and antiplatelet use. A systolic BP of ≥136 mm Hg was an independent risk factor for thromboembolism and major hemorrhage. Conclusions BP control appears to be more important than a history of hypertension and baseline BP values at preventing thromboembolism and major hemorrhage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr . Unique identifier: UMIN 000001569.

A new Zn(ii) phthalocyanine (Pc) based low bandgap HTM is introduced for perovskite solar cells. Steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicated an evenly matched hole extraction efficiency between sym-HTPcH and spiro-OMeTAD. On account of the low film quality and resulting high recombination, Zn(ii) Pc normally cannot work as an effective HTM. We adopted insulating Al

A new Zn(II) phthalocyanine (Pc) based low bandgap HTM is introduced for perovskite solar cells. Steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicated an evenly matched hole extraction efficiency between sym-HTPcH and spiro-OMeTAD. On account of the low film quality and resulting high recombination, Zn(II) Pc normally cannot work as an effective HTM. We adopted insulating Al2O3 for the infiltration of sym-HTPcH to form a hybrid interfacial buffer layer, affording perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an average PCE value of up to 12.3%, which is a significant improvement with respect to the control cell without the meso-Al2O3 layer (4.21%) and is the highest value ever reported for Zn(II) phthalocyanine based devices under AM1.5G standard conditions. A hysteresis test revealed that our device structure with the new HTM exhibited a balanced charge extraction behaviour.

Additional file 1. IPCRG scaling up activities.

Most studies of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) youth have obtained data from the perspective of either children or parents, but not both simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to examine child and parent perspectives on parenting in a large community-based sample of children with and without ADHD. We identified children in grades 4–6 and their parents through surveys administered to a random sample of public schools. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine independent associations between child and parent characteristics and the presence of ADHD while controlling for covariates and clustering by school. Sufficient data were achieved for 2,509 child/parent dyads. Ten percent of youths (n = 240) had been diagnosed with ADHD. Compared with those without ADHD, those with ADHD were more commonly male (67.9 vs. 48.0 %, p

Aluminum foam is porous material and it is superior property which is light weight , absorption sound, heat insulation and energy absorption than other materials. In present the panel of aluminum foam sandwich panel to use as structural materials is adhered with adhesive or wax for adhesion. The aim of this study is to clarify producing conditions to make sandwich panel by melt drag process. Melt drag process is single roll strip casting process. Producing aluminum alloy strip and adhering foam are at a time.

Marketing on television showcases less-healthful options, with emerging research suggesting movies promote similar products. Given the obesity epidemic, understanding advertising to youth should be a public health imperative. The objective of this study was to estimate youth impressions to food and beverages delivered through movies.Impressions were calculated by dividing US receipts annually into average movie ticket prices, then multiplying this by the number of brand appearances. Examination by ratings, product types and ages were conducted by Spearman rank correlation coefficient tests.Youth in the USA saw over 3 billion food, beverage or food-retail establishment (FRE) impressions on average, annually from 1996 to 2005. Those aged 12-18 viewed over half of all impressions, with PG-13-rated movies containing 61.5% of impressions. There were no significant trends in brand appearances by food, beverage or FRE impressions over the decade, although there was a decreasing trend in R-rated impressions for both foods (P0.01) and beverages (P0.01), but not FREs (P= 0.08).Movies promote billions of food and beverage impressions annually to youth. Given the public health crisis of obesity, future research should further investigate these trends, as well as the potential association of these unhealthy exposures in youth.

In this paper, we reports our recent studies of the electrical and crystalline properties of heteroepitaxial Ge1-xSnx layers with various Sn content of 0~25%. We examined Ga-doping in strained Ge1-xSnx layers for developing source/drain stressor in CMOS applications and investigated the effect of Sn on the doping profile. The impact of Sn on carrier properties has been also studied with the Hall measurement of Ge1-xSnx/SOI structures. Also, we achieved the epitaxial growth of Ge1-xSnx layers with a Sn content as high as 25% on InP considering misfit between the epitaxial layer and substrate.

Alignment failure sometimes occurs during the rubbing process because the rubbing cloth comes in direct contacts with the surface of the alignment film. A number of researches observed and evaluated the surface of the alignment film after the rubbing process had been reported. The real-time rubbing process has not been observed directly yet, though. In this study, the movement of the piles of the rubbing cloth during the rubbing process was observed with a high-speed camera. Furthermore, the relationship between the rubbing scratch on the alignment films and the movement of the pile was investigated. It was found that the movement of the pile affected the rubbing scratches.

Lateral forces between wheels and rails must be reduced in order that rolling stock runs safely and smoothly on curved tracks. The excessive lateral force will cause not only derailment of rolling stock but also destruction of tracks, rail corrugation, track irregularity, squeal noise and wear. It is important to reduce lateral force of wheels in curves, so new wheel-tread profiles and steerable bogie structures have been developed up to now, however, they cannot solve various problems in curving perfectly. In this article, the authors propose three methods for improvement of running performance on curves by using existing types of wheels and rails, and analyse the effects of three methods by numerical simulation. According to analytical results, the authors conclude that ‘expansion of gauge widening’, and ‘larger rail inclination angle of inner rail installation’ or ‘asymmetrically inclined grinding of inner rail head’ can get sufficient rolling radius difference, and are effective for improvement of running performance on curved tracks.