Shell-thickness-dependent photoinduced electron transfer from CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots to TiO2 films

We demonstrate the electron transfer (ET) processes from CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) into porous anatase TiO2 films by time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The rate and efficiency of ET can be controlled by changing the core diameter and the shell thickness. It is found that the ET rates decrease exponentially at the decay constants of 1.1 and 1.4 nm–1 with increasing ZnS shell thickness for core diameters of 2.5 and 4.0 nm, respectively, in agreement with the electron tunneling model. This shows that optimized ET efficiency and QD stability can be realized by controlling the shell thickness

Ancient variation of the AvrPm17 gene in powdery mildew limits the effectiveness of the introgressed rye Pm17 resistance gene in wheat

Introgressions of chromosomal segments from related species into wheat are important sources of resistance against fungal diseases. The durability and effectiveness of introgressed resistance genes upon agricultural deployment is highly variable-a phenomenon that remains poorly understood, as the corresponding fungal avirulence genes are largely unknown. Until its breakdown, the Pm17 resistance gene introgressed from rye to wheat provided broad resistance against powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis). Here, we used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping to identify the corresponding wheat mildew avirulence effector AvrPm17. It is encoded by two paralogous genes that exhibit signatures of reoccurring gene conversion events and are members of a mildew sublineage specific effector cluster. Extensive haplovariant mining in wheat mildew and related sublineages identified several ancient virulent AvrPm17 variants that were present as standing genetic variation in wheat powdery mildew prior to the Pm17 introgression, thereby paving the way for the rapid breakdown of the Pm17 resistance. QTL mapping in mildew identified a second genetic component likely corresponding to an additional resistance gene present on the 1AL.1RS translocation carrying Pm17. This gene remained previously undetected due to suppressed recombination within the introgressed rye chromosomal segment. We conclude that the initial effectiveness of 1AL.1RS was based on simultaneous introgression of two genetically linked resistance genes. Our results demonstrate the relevance of pathogen-based genetic approaches to disentangling complex resistance loci in wheat. We propose that identification and monitoring of avirulence gene diversity in pathogen populations become an integral part of introgression breeding to ensure effective and durable resistance in wheat

Modélisation de la volatilité des rendements Bitcoin par les modèles GARCH non paramétriques

Objectif: L’objectif de cet article est de mettre en évidence l'efficacité du modèle GARCH non paramétrique pour la prédiction des prix futurs du Bitcoin. Méthodologie: L’utilisation de modèles GARCH paramétriques pour caractériser la volatilité des rendements Bitcoin est très utilisé dans la  littérature empirique. Alternativement, nous considérons une approche non paramétrique pour modéliser et prévoir la volatilité des rendements Bitcoin. Résultats: Nous montrons que la prévision de volatilité du modèle GARCH non paramétrique donne des performances supérieures par rapport à  une classe étendue de modèles GARCH paramétriques. Originalité/pertinence : L’amélioration de la précision des prévisions de la volatilité des rendements Bitcoin basée sur le modèle GARCH non  paramétrique suggère que cette méthode offre une alternative attrayante et viable par rapport aux modèles paramétriques GARCH couramment utilisés. English title: Modelling the volatility of Bitcoin returns using Nonparametric GARCH models Objective: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the nonparametric GARCH model for the prediction of future Bitcoin  prices. Methodology: The use of parametric GARCH models to characterize the volatility of Bitcoin returns iswidely used in the empirical literature. Alternatively, we consider a non-parametric approach to model and forecast the volatility of Bitcoin returns. Results: We show that the volatility forecast of the nonparametric GARCH model yields superiorperformance compared to an extended class of parametric GARCH models.Originality / relevance: The improved accuracy of forecasting the volatility of Bitcoin returns based on the nonparametric GARCH model suggests that this method offers an attractive and viable alternative to commonly used GARCH parametric models..   &nbsp

Rehabilitation following Pinning of an Ulnar Fracture with Radial Head Dislocation

Study design: Case report. Background and Purpose: Although upper extremity injuries and fractures are common in children, fractures of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head represent a small portion of the upper extremity fractures. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy intervention of such a fracture-dislocation in a child. Case Description: The patient was a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with a fracture of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head. She had a pinning of the ulnar fracture. Six and one half weeks after injury, physical therapy was initiated, consisting of 6 visits over a 3-week period. Physical therapy intervention included range of motion and strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques, and instruction in a home exercise program. Outcomes: The patient demonstrated improved range of motion, strength, and functional use of her right arm. Discussion: The use of manual therapy techniques in combination with range of motion and strengthening exercises may lead to beneficial initial effects of elbow range of motion and arm function

The Johnsonian April 15, 1949

The Johnsonian is the weekly student newspaper of Winthrop University. It is published during fall and spring semesters with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. We have proudly served the Winthrop and Rock Hill community since 1923.https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/thejohnsonian1940s/1231/thumbnail.jp

Retrofit energy conservation in residential buildings in southern California

The common energy conservation techniques (ECTs) that can be retrofit-installed into residential buildings are surveyed. The quantity of saved energy for heating and cooling attributable to each ECT is evaluated for three common modes of heating: natural gas heating at 60/therm; heating via heat pump at $1.20/therm; and electric resistance heating at$2.40/therm. In every case, a life cycle cost comparison is made between the long term revenue due to energy conservation and a safe and conventional alternative investment that might be available to the prudent homeowner. The comparison between investment in an ECT and the alternative investment is brought into perspective using the life cycle payback period and an economic Figure of Merit (FOM). The FOM allows for relative ranking between candidate ECTs. Because the entire spectrum of winter heating climates in California is surveyed, the decision maker can determine whether or not a considered ECT is recommended in a given climate, and under what conditions an ECT investment becomes attractive

Cardiometabolic risk through an integrative classification combining physical activity and sedentary behavior in European adolescents: HELENA study

This study aims to compare adolescents’ cardiometabolic risk score through an integrative classification of physical activity (PA), which involves the combination of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB). The cardiometabolic risk score was lower in adolescents meeting the MVPA recommendation and with less time spent in SB in comparison to the high-SB & Inactive group (p < 0.05). However, no difference in cardiometabolic risk score was established between High-SB or Low-SB groups in inactive adolescents. It is important to note that CRF was the only variable that showed a significant modification (higher) when children were compared from the category of physically inactive with “active” but not from high- to low-SB. Being physically active is the most significant and protective outcome in adolescents to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Lower SB does not exhibit a significant and extra beneficial difference.The HELENA project was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034). The data for this study were gathered under the auspices of the HELENA project, and further analysis was additionally supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Grants RYC-2010-05957 and RYC-2011-09011), the Spanish Ministry of Health: Maternal, Child Health and Development Network (Grants RD08/0072 and RD16/0022), the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (MICINN-FEDER), and the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)

Boundary thinking in landscape architecture and boundary-spanning roles of landscape architects

Landscape architects play important roles in addressing societal challenges. To successfully address these challenges, this essay argues that they need to expand their understanding of boundaries and engage in boundary thinking. Distinguishing between physical, mental and socially constructed boundaries, we characterise boundary thinking as a creative process and productive motive in designing landscapes. Subsequently, we present four types of boundary-spanning roles for landscape architects to perform—the subject-based designer, the visionary narrator, the process-based designer, and the design-led entrepreneur—and point to the cognitive and social capacities needed to play any of these roles. We propose for landscape architecture to consider boundary thinking in agenda setting discourses and to include boundary spanning into practice. We suggest three avenues to pursue in realising professional opportunities: exploring the roles landscape architects play, understanding the environment that enables boundary-spanning work, and developing boundary theory in landscape architectural research

Food portion sizes and their relationship with energy, and nutrient intakes in adolescents: The HELENA study

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the associations between portion sizes (PSs) from different food groups and energy, as well as nutrient intakes in European adolescents. Methods A sample of 1631 adolescents (54.2 % girls) were included from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional (HELENA) study. Mean food PS was calculated by dividing the total intake of the items by the number of eating occasions of these consumed items. To determine the key items for analysis, foods were ranked by frequency of consumption. A one-way between-groups analysis of covariance was used to test for significant differences in means across tertiles. A multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out, adjusting for age, sex, maternal education, body mass index, and using country as a level. Results Energy intake increased with elevated intakes of energy-dense foods. Large portions of rice and other grains, starch roots and potatoes, and meat substitutes, nuts, and pulses were associated with increased carbohydrate and fiber intake. Larger portions of cheese and butter and animal fat were significantly associated with a higher fat intake. Lower intakes of some vitamins and micronutrients were noticed with consumption of larger portions of high energy-dense foods, such as desserts and pudding, margarine and vegetable oil, and butter and animal fat. Conclusions Large food PSs may be associated with positive energy, as well as macro- and micronutrient intake. Moreover, the findings from this study may help the future development of dietary guidance in general and specific to PSs, and support targeted strategies to address intakes of certain nutrients in European adolescents