How does bridging social capital relate to health-behavior, overweight and obesity among low and high educated groups? A cross-sectional analysis of GLOBE-2014

Background: Social capital is an important determinant of health, but how specific sub-dimensions of social capital affect health and health-related behaviors is still unknown. To better understand its role for health inequalities, it is important to distinguish between bonding social capital (connections between homogenous network members; e.g. similar educational level) and bridging social capital (connections between heterogeneous network members). In this study, we test the hypotheses that, 1) among low educational groups, bridging social capital is positively associated with health-behavior, and negatively associated with overweight and obesity, and 2) among high educational groups, bridging social capital is negatively associated with health-behavior, and positively with overweight and obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional data on educational level, health-behavior, overweight and obesity from participants (25-75 years; Eindhoven, the Netherlands) of the 2014-survey of the GLOBE study were used (N = 2702). Social capital ("How

The band gap scaling laws in group IV nanotubes

By using the first-principles calculations, the band gap properties of nanotubes formed by group IV elements have been investigated systemically. Our results reveal that for armchair nanotubes, the energy gaps at K points in the Brillouin zone decrease as 1/r scaling law with the radii (r) increasing, while they are scaled by −1/r 2 + C at Γ points, here, C is a constant. Further studies show that such scaling law of K points is independent of both the chiral vector and the type of elements. Therefore, the band gaps of nanotubes for a given radius can be determined by these scaling laws easily. Interestingly, we also predict the existence of indirect band gap for both germanium and tin nanotubes. Our new findings provide an efficient way to determine the band gaps of group IV element nanotubes by knowing the radii, as well as to facilitate the design of functional nanodevices

Trapped in vicious cycles: unraveling the health experiences and needs of adults living with socioeconomic insecurity

Background: This study explores the role of health in daily life and needs of Dutch adults (aged 25–49) experiencing one or more forms of socioeconomic insecurity stemming from their financial, housing, or employment situations. Methods: 28 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the Netherlands between October 2022 and February 2023. The interview guide included questions on participants’ socioeconomic situation, the role of health in their daily lives, their health-related and broader needs. Data was interpreted using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. An advisory board consisting of adults with lived experiences of socioeconomic insecurity were consulted at multiple stages of the study (recruitment, interview guide, interpretation of results). Results: Housing insecurity was widely experienced by participants. When asked about their financial situation, most participants expressed having no issues getting by, but later on, described vigorous efforts to minimize expenses. Participants’ narratives revealed four key themes in relation to the role of health in daily life and associated needs. Firstly, socioeconomic insecurity led to diminished control over life, which led to the disruption of routines. Secondly, experiencing socioeconomic insecurity compelled participants to prioritize stress reduction and mental health improvement through calming yet potentially damaging coping mechanisms. Thirdly, those who experienced little opportunity for improvement in their already long-lasting socioeconomic insecurity shared a sense of stagnation in life, which co-occurred with stagnation in unhealthy routines and diminished well-being. Fourthly, participants expressed the need for someone to speak with. This support may help participants regain control over their lives, identify opportunities for more socioeconomic security, and focus on increased health and well-being. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the challenges individuals face in dealing with socioeconomic insecurity, how it may affect their health, and their needs. Gaining perspective for improved socioeconomic security and having accessible professional support tailored to self-identified needs could have health-promoting effects for individuals living with socioeconomic insecurity. It is recommended to integrate professional support and assistance regarding social security into health policies and interventions. In future research, measures of financial strain should be adjusted to include the effort needed to get by

Importance of interorbital charge transfers for the metal-to-insulator transition of BaVS3_3

The underlying mechanism of the metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) in BaVS$_3$ is investigated, using dynamical mean-field theory in combination with density functional theory. It is shown that correlation effects are responsible for a strong charge redistribution, which lowers the occupancy of the broader \a1g band in favor of the narrower $E_g$ bands. This resolves several discrepancies between band theory and the experimental findings, such as the observed value of the charge-density wave ordering vector associated with the MIT, and the presence of local moments in the metallic phase.Comment: improved discussion, new figure, added reference

Metabolite essentiality elucidates robustness of Escherichia coli metabolism

Complex biological systems are very robust to genetic and environmental changes at all levels of organization. Many biological functions of Escherichia coli metabolism can be sustained against single-gene or even multiple-gene mutations by using redundant or alternative pathways. Thus, only a limited number of genes have been identified to be lethal to the cell. In this regard, the reaction-centric gene deletion study has a limitation in understanding the metabolic robustness. Here, we report the use of flux-sum, which is the summation of all incoming or outgoing fluxes around a particular metabolite under pseudo-steady state conditions, as a good conserved property for elucidating such robustness of E. coli from the metabolite point of view. The functional behavior, as well as the structural and evolutionary properties of metabolites essential to the cell survival, was investigated by means of a constraints-based flux analysis under perturbed conditions. The essential metabolites are capable of maintaining a steady flux-sum even against severe perturbation by actively redistributing the relevant fluxes. Disrupting the flux-sum maintenance was found to suppress cell growth. This approach of analyzing metabolite essentiality provides insight into cellular robustness and concomitant fragility, which can be used for several applications, including the development of new drugs for treating pathogens.Comment: Supplements available at http://stat.kaist.ac.kr/publication/2007/PJKim_pnas_supplement.pd

Dynamics of the complex food environment underlying dietary intake in low-income groups:a systems map of associations extracted from a systematic umbrella literature review

Background: Inequalities in obesity pertain in part to differences in dietary intake in different socioeconomic groups. Examining the economic, social, physical and political food environment of low-income groups as a complex adaptive system – i.e. a system of multiple, interconnected factors exerting non-linear influence on an outcome, can enhance the development and assessment of effective policies and interventions by honouring the complexity of lived reality. We aimed to develop and apply novel causal loop diagramming methods in order to construct an evidence-based map of the underlying system of environmental factors that drives dietary intake in low-income groups. Methods: A systematic umbrella review was conducted on literature examining determinants of dietary intake and food environments in low-income youths and adults in high/upper-middle income countries. Information on the determinants and associations between determinants was extracted from reviews of quantitative and qualitative studies. Determinants were organised using the Determinants of Nutrition and Eating (DONE) framework. Associations were synthesised into causal loop diagrams that were subsequently used to interpret the dynamics underlying the food environment and dietary intake. The map was reviewed by an expert panel and systems-based analysis identified the system paradigm, structure, feedback loops and goals. Results: Findings from forty-three reviews and expert consensus were synthesised in an evidence-based map of the complex adaptive system underlying the food environment influencing dietary intake in low-income groups. The system was interpreted as operating within a supply-and-demand, economic paradigm. Five sub-systems (‘geographical accessibility’, ‘household finances’, ‘household resources’, ‘individual influences’, ‘social and cultural influences’) were presented as causal loop diagrams comprising 60 variables, conveying goals which undermine healthy dietary intake. Conclusions: Our findings reveal how poor dietary intake in low-income groups can be presented as an emergent property of a complex adaptive system that sustains a food environment that increases the accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of unhealthy foods. In order to reshape system dynamics driving unhealthy food environments, simultaneous, diverse and innovative strategies are needed to facilitate longer-term management of household finances and socially-oriented practices around healthy food production, supply and intake. Ultimately, such strategies must be supported by a system paradigm which prioritises health.</p