Light scattering properties of self-organized nanostructured substrates for thin-film solar cells.

We investigate the scattering properties of novel kinds of nano-textured substrates, fabricated in a self-organized fashion by defocused ion beam sputtering. These substrates provide strong and broadband scattering of light and can be useful for applications in thin-film solar cells. In particular, we characterize the transmitted light in terms of haze and angle-resolved scattering, and we compare our results with those obtained for the commonly employed Asahi-U texture. The results indicate that the novel substrate has better scattering properties compared to reference Asahi-U substrates. We observe super-Lambertian light scattering behavior in selected spectral and angular regions due to the peculiar morphology of the nano-textured interface, which combines high aspect ratio pseudo random structures with a one-dimensional periodic pattern. The enhancement of light absorption observed in a prototype thin film semiconductor absorber grown on nano-textured glass with respect to an Asahi-U substrate further confirms the superior light trapping properties of the novel substrate.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on neuroplasticity in older adults: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D can improve muscle function and reduce falls, but whether it can strengthen neural connections within the brain and nervous system is not known. This 10-week randomised controlled trial indicates that treatment with 2,000 IU/day vitamin D3 does not significantly alter neuroplasticity relative to placebo in older adults. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on neuroplasticity, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and muscle strength and function in older adults. METHODS: This was a 10-week double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial in which 26 older adults with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD] concentrations 25-60 nmol/L were randomised to 2,000 IU/day vitamin D3 or matched placebo. Single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the motor cortex was used to assess changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), as measures of corticospinal excitability and inhibition respectively, by recording electromyography (EMG) responses to stimulation from the wrist extensors. Changes in muscle strength, stair climbing power, gait (timed-up-and-go), dynamic balance (four square step test), serum 25(OH)D and BDNF concentrations were also measured. RESULTS: After 10 weeks, mean 25(OH)D levels increased from 46 to 81 nmol/L in the vitamin D group with no change in the placebo group. The vitamin D group experienced a significant 8-11% increase in muscle strength and a reduction in cortical excitability (MEP amplitude) and SICI relative to baseline (all P < 0.05), but these changes were not significantly different from placebo. There was no effect of vitamin D on muscle power, function or BDNF. CONCLUSIONS: Daily supplementation with 2,000 IU vitamin D3 for 10 weeks had no significant effect on neuroplasticity compared to placebo, but the finding that vitamin D treatment alone was associated with a decrease in corticospinal excitability and intracortical inhibition warrants further investigation as this suggests that it may improve the efficacy of neural transmission within the corticospinal pathway.

Bullosis diabeticorum.

The authors present a case of bullous dermatosis in a diabetic patient. The lesions were drained and deroofed, and at 1-year follow-up, the patient related no problems. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these lesions will avoid infection and ulceration.