23 research outputs found
The Pion Light-Cone Wave Function Phi_pi on the lattice: a partonic signal?
We determine the conditions required to study the pion light-cone wave
function Phi_pi with a new method: a direct display of the partons constituting
the pion. We present the preliminary results of a lattice computation of Phi_pi
following this direction. An auxiliary scalar-quark is introduced. The
spectroscopy of its bound states is studied. We observe some indications of a
partonic behavior of the system of this scalar-quark and the anti-quark.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figures, Lattice2001(matrixelement
Relevance of biomarkers across different neurodegenerative
Background: The panel of fluid- and imaging-based biomarkers available for neurodegenerative disease research is
growing and has the potential to close important gaps in research and the clinic. With this growth and increasing use,
appropriate implementation and interpretation are paramount. Various biomarkers feature nuanced differences in
strengths, limitations, and biases that must be considered when investigating disease etiology and clinical utility. For
example, neuropathological investigations of Alzheimerâs disease pathogenesis can fall in disagreement with conclusions
reached by biomarker-based investigations. Considering the varied strengths, limitations, and biases of different research
methodologies and approaches may help harmonize disciplines within the neurodegenerative disease field.
Purpose of review: Along with separate review articles covering fluid and imaging biomarkers in this issue of Alzheimerâs
Research and Therapy, we present the result of a discussion from the 2019 Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
course at the University College London. Here, we discuss themes of biomarker use in neurodegenerative disease
research, commenting on appropriate use, interpretation, and considerations for implementation across different
neurodegenerative diseases. We also draw attention to areas where biomarker use can be combined with other
disciplines to understand issues of pathophysiology and etiology underlying dementia. Lastly, we highlight novel
modalities that have been proposed in the landscape of neurodegenerative disease research and care
Participant engagement with a UK community-based preschool childhood obesity prevention programme: : a focused ethnography study
Background
Childrenâs centres in the UK provide a setting for public health programmes; offering support to families living in the most disadvantaged areas where obesity prevalence is at its highest. Health, Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) is an eight-week obesity prevention programme currently delivered in childrenâs centres across the UK. However, low participant engagement in some local authorities threatens its potential reach and impact. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing participant engagement with HENRY to describe where local intervention may support engagement efforts.
Method
A focused ethnography study was undertaken in five childrenâs centres delivering HENRY across the UK. One hundred and ninety hours of field observations, 22 interviews with staff (commissioners, HENRY co-ordinators, managers and facilitators) and six focus groups (36 parents), took place over five consecutive days in each centre. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to guide the observations and analysis of the data.
Results
Three overarching themes described the factors influencing participant engagement with HENRY: local authority decision making around childrenâs centre programmes; childrenâs centre implementation of HENRY; and the participant experience of HENRY. The results indicate that factors influencing participant engagement with public health programmes begin at the commissioning body level, influencing childrenâs centre implementation and subsequently the experience of participants. Local authority funding priorities and constraints influence availability of places and who these places are offered to, with funding often targeted towards those deemed most at need. This was perceived to have a detrimental effect on participant experience of the programme.
Conclusion
In summary, participant engagement is affected by multiple factors, working at different levels of the childrenâs centre and local authority hierarchy, most of which are at play even before participants decide whether or not they choose to enrol and maintain attendance. For programmes to achieve their optimal reach and impact, factors at the commissioning and local implementation level need to be addressed prior to addressing participant facing issues