Visualising discrete structural transformations in germanium nanowires during ion beam irradiation and subsequent annealing

In this article we detail the application of electron microscopy to visualise discrete structural transitions incurring in single crystalline Ge nanowires upon Ga-ion irradiation and subsequent thermal annealing. Sequences of images for nanowires of varying diameters subjected to an incremental increase of the Ga-ion dose were obtained. Intricate transformations dictated by a nanowire's geometry indicate unusual distribution of the cascade recoils in the nanowire volume, in comparison to planar substrates. Following irradiation, the same nanowires were annealed in the TEM and corresponding crystal recovery followed in situ. Visualising the recrystallisation process, we establish that full recovery of defect-free nanowires is difficult to obtain due to defect nucleation and growth. Our findings will have large implications in designing ion beam doping of Ge nanowires for electronic devices but also for other devices that use single crystalline nanostructured Ge materials such as thin membranes, nanoparticles and nanorods

A Pilot Survey of the Integration of Technology into Counseling Practice

A random sample of 218 American Counseling Association members responded to a survey related to the integration of technology into the field of counseling pertaining to perceptions of possible barriers and benefits to providing online counseling. Results indicate that 11% of respondents currently provide some type of online counseling and that less than 20% of respondents would consider providing online counseling. Respondents identified both potential barriers and benefits of online counseling indicating that while counselors can recognize benefits to online counseling, they are still wary of potential challenges. Implications for the counseling field and future research directions are discussed

FOXA1 mutations in hormone-dependent cancers.

The forkhead protein, FOXA1, is a critical interacting partner of the nuclear hormone receptors, oestrogen receptor-α (ER) and androgen receptor (AR), which are major drivers of the two most common cancers, namely breast and prostate cancer. Over the past few years, progress has been made in our understanding of how FOXA1 influences nuclear receptor function, with both common and distinct roles in the regulation of ER or AR. Recently, another level of regulation has been described, with the discovery that FOXA1 is mutated in 1.8% of breast and 3-5% prostate cancers. In addition, a subset of both cancer types exhibit amplification of the genomic region encompassing the FOXA1 gene. Furthermore, there is evidence of somatic changes that influence the DNA sequence under FOXA1 binding regions, which may indirectly influence FOXA1-mediated regulation of ER and AR activity. These recent observations provide insight into the heterogeneity observed in ER and AR driven cancers

Mobilising knowledge in complex health systems: A call to action

Worldwide, policymakers, health system managers, practitioners and researchers struggle to use evidence to improve policy and practice. There is growing recognition that this challenge relates to the complex systems in which we work. The corresponding increase in complexity-related discourse remains primarily at a theoretical level. This paper moves the discussion to a practical level, proposing actions that can be taken to implement evidence successfully in complex systems. Key to success is working with, rather than trying to simplify or control, complexity. The integrated actions relate to co-producing knowledge, establishing shared goals and measures, enabling leadership, ensuring adequate resourcing, contributing to the science of knowledge-to-action, and communicating strategically. This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Policy Press via http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/174426416X1471255375031

Mobilising knowledge in complex health systems: a call to action

Worldwide, policymakers, health system managers, practitioners and researchers struggle to use evidence to improve policy and practice. There is growing recognition that this challenge relates to the complex systems in which we work. The corresponding increase in complexity-related discourse remains primarily at a theoretical level. This paper moves the discussion to a practical level, proposing actions that can be taken to implement evidence successfully in complex systems. Key to success is working with, rather than trying to simplify or control, complexity. The integrated actions relate to co-producing knowledge, establishing shared goals and measures, enabling leadership, ensuring adequate resourcing, contributing to the science of knowledge-to-action, and communicating strategically

Solvent vapor annealing of block copolymers in confined topographies: commensurability considerations for nanolithography

The directed self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) materials in topographically patterned substrates (i.e., graphoepitaxy) is a potential methodology for the continued scaling of nanoelectronic device technologies. In this Communication, an unusual feature size variation in BCP nanodomains under confi nement with graphoepitaxially aligned cylinder-forming poly(styrene)- block -poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS- b -P4VP) BCP is reported. Graphoepitaxy of PS- b -P4VP BCP line patterns (C II ) is accomplished via topography in hydrogen silsequioxane (HSQ) modified substrates and solvent vapor annealing (SVA). Interestingly, reduced domain sizes in features close to the HSQ guiding features are observed. The feature size reduction is evident after inclusion of alumina into the P4VP domains followed by pattern transfer to the silicon substrate. It is suggested that this nanodomain size perturbation is due to solvent swelling effects during SVA. It is proposed that using a commensurability value close to the solvent vapor annealed periodicity will alleviate this issue leading to uniform nanofins

Selective sidewall wetting of polymer blocks in hydrogen silsesquioxane directed self-assembly of PS-b-PDMS

We show the importance of sidewall chemistry for the graphoepitaxial alignment of PS-b-PDMS using prepatterns fabricated by electron beam lithography of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) and by deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography on SiO2 thin films. Density multiplication of polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) within both prepatterns was achieved by using a room temperature dynamic solvent annealing environment. Selective tuning of PS and PDMS wetting on the HSQ template sidewalls was also achieved through careful functionalization of the template and substrate surface using either brush or a self-assembled trimethylsilyl monolayer. PDMS selectively wets HSQ sidewalls treated with a brush layer of PDMS, whiereas PS is found to selectively wet HSQ sidewalls treated with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) to produce a trimethylsilyl-terminated surface. The etch resistance of the aligned polymer was also evaluated to understand the implications of using block copolymer patterns which have high etch resistance, self-forming (PDMS) wetting layers at both interfaces. The results outlined in this work may have direct applications in nanolithography for continued device scaling toward the end-of-roadmap era

Factors associated with social participation amongst elders in rural Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional mixed methods analysis

Background: Populations of low and middle-income countries are ageing rapidly; there is a need for policies that support an increase in the duration of old age lived in good health. There is growing evidence that social participation protects against morbidity and mortality, but few studies explore patterns of social participation. Analysis of baseline quantitative and qualitative data from a trial of the impact of Elders’ Clubs on health and wellbeing in the hill country of Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to better understand the extent of, and influences on, social participation among elders. Methods: We analysed data from 1028 baseline survey respondents and from 12 focus group discussions. Participants were consenting elders, aged over 60 years, living in Tamil tea plantation communities or Sinhala villages in 40 randomly selected local government divisions. We assessed participation in organised social activities using self-reported attendance during the previous year. Multivariable regression analyses were used to explore associations with community and individual factors. The quantitative findings were complemented by thematic analysis of focus group discussion transcripts. Results: Social participation in these poor, geographically isolated communities was low: 63% reported ‘no’ or ‘very low’ engagement with organised activities. Plantation community elders reported significantly less participation than village elders. Attendance at religious activities was common and valued. Individual factors with significant positive association with social participation in multivariable analyses were being younger, male, Sinhala, married, employed, and satisfied with one’s health. Domestic work and cultural constraints often prevented older women from attending organised activities. Conclusions: Elders likely to benefit most from greater social contact are those most likely to face barriers, including older women, the oldest old, those living alone and those in poor health. Understanding these barriers can inform strategies to overcome them. This might include opportunities for both informal and formal social contact close to elders’ homes, consulting elders, providing childcare, improving physical access, advocating with elders’ families and religious leaders, and encouraging mutual support and inter-generational activities. Influences on social participation are interrelated and vary with the history, culture and community environment. Further study is required in other low and middle-income country contexts

Fabrication of MoS2 nanowire arrays and layered structures via the self-assembly of block copolymers

The electronics industry is beginning to show interest in 2D molybdenum disulfide (2D‐MoS2) as a potential device material due to its low band gap and high mobility. However, current methods for its synthesis are not “fab” friendly and require harsh environments and processes. Here, a novel method to prepare MoS2 nanowire arrays and layered structures via self‐assembly of a block copolymer system is reported. Well‐controlled films of microphase separated line‐space nanopatterns have been achieved by solvent annealing process. The self‐assembled films are used as “templates” for the generation of nonstoichometric molybdenum oxide by in situ inclusion technique following UV/Ozone treatment. Well‐ordered array of MoS2 and a layered structure are then prepared by chemical vapor deposition using sulfur powder at lower temperature. The surface morphology, crystal structure, and phases are examined by different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. This strategy can be extended to several other 2D materials systems and open the pathway toward better optoelectronic and nanoelectromechanical systems