We measure the transient photocurrent of APFO3:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells illuminated with ns-laser and sub-ms LED light sources. The ratio of the number of collective charges to the number of excited photon (external quantum efficiency, EQE) and the transient photocurrent fall times have been carried out with difference pulse durations and fluences. The EQEs characterized by ns-laser so

Although avian malarial parasites are globally distributed, the factors that affect the geographical distribution and local prevalence of different parasite lineages across host populations or species are still poorly understood. Based on the intense screening of avian malarial parasites in nine European blue tit populations, we studied whether distribution ranges as well as local adaptation, host

In hot dry climates, it is estimated that almost half the urban peak load of energy consumption is used to satisfy air-conditioning cooling demands in summer time. Since the urbanization rate in developing countries – like the case in Egypt – is rising rapidly, the pressure placed on energy resources to satisfy inhabitants’ indoor comfort requirements is consequently increasing too. This paper int

Preterm birth has been associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in infancy, but the longer-term risk is unknown. Our aim was to examine this association from birth through young adulthood.

A radiocarbon and tephra-dated sediment core from Lifebuoy Lake, located on the north-east coast of Kamchatka Peninsula, was analysed for pollen, spores, diatoms, chironomids and tephra in order to uncover regional environmental history. The 6500-year environmental history of Lifebuoy Lake correlates with the broad regional patterns of vegetation development and climate dynamics with both diatoms

Observational epidemiology has made outstanding contributions to the discovery and elucidation of relations between lifestyle factors and common complex diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Recent major advances in the understanding of the human genetics of this disease have inspired studies that seek to determine whether the risk conveyed by bona fide risk loci might be modified by lifestyle factors

cyclicCHAD is a peptide representing the α2β1 integrin binding sequence of the matrix protein chondroadherin (CHAD), which in our hands proved effective at counteracting bone loss in ovariectomised mice by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Given that bone metastases are characterised by exacerbated osteoclast activity as well, we tested this therapy in mice intracardiacally injected with the osteotro

P>Background Long-term low-level topical anti-inflammatory therapy has been suggested as a new paradigm in the treatment of atopic eczema (AE). Objectives To determine the efficacy and tolerability of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for flare prevention in AE. Methods Systematic review of randomized controlled trials reporting efficacy of topical corticosteroids and/or topical c

This study focuses on the interplay of molecular flexibility and hydrogen bonding manifested in the monoclinic (form I) and orthorhombic (form II) polymorphs of paracetamol. By means of incoherent inelastic neutron scattering and density functional theory calculations, the relaxation processes related to the methyl side-group reorientation were analyzed in detail. Our computational study demonstra

Dental implant abutments that emerge through the mucosa are rapidly covered with a salivary protein pellicle to which bacteria bind, initiating biofilm formation. In this study, adherence of early colonizing streptococci, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis to two saliva-coated anodically oxidized surfaces was compared with that on commerci

The design thinking concept emphasizes the actual activity of solving problems with a design approach, associating it to the designer's knowledge and competence instead of the intimate link between design and the physical object. Yet design consultancies still have problems charging for intangible components in their offerings and for the role of strategic consultants. We argue that the design thi

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the conditions for co-creation in a non-commercial context. The particular aim is to show how a co-creative activity is framed for the participants and the consequences of the frames for the values that are co-created in the process. Design/methodology/approach – Goffman’s frame analysis is applied to investigate how co-creation is used as a marketing strategy

The frequency of obesity has risen dramatically in recent years but only few effective and safe drugs are available. We investigated if green-plant membranes, previously shown to reduce subjective hunger and promote satiety signals, could affect body weight when given long-term. 38 women (40-65 years of age, body mass index 25-33 kg/m(2)) were randomized to dietary supplementation with either gree

In this paper, we address surgical aspects on bariatric surgery in adolescents from a nationwide Swedish study. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery was performed for 81 adolescents with morbid obesity (13-18 years), while 81 adolescents with obesity-matched by age, sex, and BMI received conventional care. Another comparison group was adults undergoing gastric bypass at the same institution during

The interaction between polyelectrolytes and counterions in confined situations and the mutual relationship between chain conformation and ion condensation is an important issue in several areas. In the biological field, it assumes particular relevance in the understanding of the packaging of nucleic acids, which is crucial in the design of gene delivery systems. In this work, a simple coarse-grai

HC-128 is an eSTREAM final portfolio stream cipher. Several authors have investigated its security and, in particular, distinguishing attacks have been considered. Still, no one has been able to provide a distinguisher stronger than the one presented by Wu in the original HC-128 paper. In this paper we first argue that the keystream requirement in Wu’s original attack is underestimated by a factor

Obesity is a global problem and in aspects of lethal ethanol intoxications virtually unexplored. The cause of death in ethanol intoxication is generally considered to be suppression of the respiratory function. Previous research indicates that respiratory function is more vulnerable in obese subjects than in those of normal weight. We hypothesized that lethal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is l

BACKGROUND: LDL oxidation in the vascular wall is associated with aldehyde modification of surrounding extracellular matrix proteins that may target autoimmune responses against vascular tissues. Here we investigated the possible influence of immunity against a malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified form of the basement membrane protein laminin on atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: IgM and IgG autoanti