Structure, transport and photoconductance of PbS quantum dot monolayers functionalized with a copper phthalocyanine derivative.

We simultaneously surface-functionalize PbS nanocrystals with Cu 4,4',4'',4'''-tetraaminophthalocyanine and assemble this hybrid material into macroscopic monolayers. Electron microscopy and X-ray scattering reveal a granular mesocrystalline structure with strong coherence between the atomic lattice and the superlattice of nanocrystals within each domain. Terahertz spectroscopy and field-effect transistor measurements indicate efficient coupling of holes throughout the hybrid thin film, in conjunction with a pronounced photoresponse. We demonstrate the potential of this material for optoelectronic applications by fabricating a light-effect transistor.

[Breastfeeding Rates and Duration in Germany - A Systematic Review]. / Stillhäufigkeit und Stilldauer in Deutschland ­ eine systematische Übersicht.

Aim: 20 years after establishment of the National Breastfeeding Committee, the present work, based on published data on breastfeeding, is aimed at providing insight into the development of breastfeeding behaviour in Germany. Methods: To identify relevant publications, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science using the search terms "breast feeding" or "breastfeeding" in combination with "Germany". The publication period was limited to the period 1995-2014. Results: A total of 35 studies with data on breastfeeding for the birth cohorts of 1990-2012 were identified. Most of the data had been collected in regional or local surveys, often retrospectively. About 60% of the studies had been conducted with the primary aim of collecting data on breastfeeding or infant nutrition. Over the past 2 decades, breastfeeding rates were always relatively high at the beginning (72-97%). However, they declined significantly within the first 2 months, and by the age of 6 months, only about 50% of infants were still breastfed. Conclusion: Breastfeeding support and early assistance should be offered to a greater extent in order to achieve sustainable improvement of breastfeeding frequency and duration in Germany. Regarding the quality of data collected on breastfeeding, it seems crucial to implement standardised approaches to monitor breastfeeding in Germany.

Coupled organic-inorganic nanostructures (COIN).

In this perspective, we provide an overview of the emerging field of coupled conjugates of quantum dots and organic semiconductors, referred to as "coupled organic-inorganic nanostructures" (COIN). We summarize important aspects of their optical properties and highlight suitable descriptions of their electrical transport behavior. In particular, we discuss the key role of the electronic structure at the interface of COINs and the impact of structural/morphological features on the optoelectronic properties. Finally, we comment on the physics of current quantum dot-based devices and novel opportunities provided by the application of COINs in this respect.

S3-Guidelines for the Treatment of Inflammatory Breast Disease during the Lactation Period: AWMF Guidelines, Registry No. 015/071 (short version) AWMF Leitlinien-Register Nr. 015/071 (Kurzfassung).

Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged to be the best and most complete form of nutrition for healthy infants born at term and is associated with numerous benefits in terms of infants' health, growth, immunity and development. However, breastfeeding problems often result in early weaning. Standardized treatment recommendations for breastfeeding-related diseases are necessary to optimize the care offered to breastfeeding women. Evidence and consensus based guidelines for the treatment of puerperal mastitis, sore nipples, engorgement and blocked ducts were developed on the initiative of the National Breastfeeding Committee. These guidelines were developed in accordance with the criteria set up by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (AWMF), the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. The recommendations were drawn up by an interdisciplinary group of experts and were based on a systematic search and evaluation of the literature but also took clinical experience into account. Additionally good clinical practice (GCP) in terms of expert opinion was formulated in cases where scientific investigations could not be performed or were not aimed for. This article presents a summary of the recommendations of the S3-guidelines.

Geometrical camera calibration with diffractive optical elements.

Traditional methods for geometrical camera calibration are based on calibration grids or single pixel illumination by collimated light. A new method for geometrical sensor calibration by means of diffractive optical elements (DOE) in connection with a laser beam equipment is presented. This method can be especially used for 2D-sensor array systems but in principle also for line scanners.

Quality of life and metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 treated by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple daily insulin injections.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in comparison with patients on multiple daily insulin injections (MDII). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included 49 patients (13 males, 36 females), aged 41.4+/-11.3 years (mean+/-SD) on CSII for >1 year and 79 patients (43 males, 36 females), aged 43.1+/-14.8 years on MDII for >1 year, from three Dutch diabetic clinics. There were no statistically significant differences in duration of diabetes, social class, level of education, marital status, smoking or recent admissions to hospital. The questionnaires used were a Diabetes Quality of Life scale adapted from the DCCT, the Diabetes Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ), and the WHO Well-Being Questionnaire. HbA1c was measured with an HPLC method (reference range 4.3 to 6.1 %). RESULTS: Using two-sided t-tests no statiscally significant differences were found between the patients on CSII and MDII with respect to quality of life (version A (<30 years) 4.32+/-0.22 vs 4.20+/-0.30; version B (> or =30 years) 4.18+/-0.25 vs 4.29+/-0.28), well-being (48.59+/-9.23 vs 50.99 +/-8.70), satisfaction with treatment (5.10+/-0.69 vs 5.15+/-0.71) and HbA1c (8.14+/-1.51 vs 8.47+/-1.40). Frequency of daily blood glucose monitoring was slightly higher in CSII than in MDII patients (4.52+/-1.19 vs 3.60+/-1.47; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present data indicate that patients on CSII have similar QoL based on questionnaires when compared with patients on MDII. These data suggest that in patients with less optimal control on MDII, converting the treatment strategy to CSII is not associated with decreased quality of life.

[Does breast-feeding prevent breast cancer?]. / Stillen als Brustkrebsprävention--eine Ubersicht.

Many epidemiological studies show clearly the restraining effect of breast-feeding on breast cancer. So it could be shown that breast-feeding for one year reduces the individual risk for premenopausal breast cancer by 45%. The risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in the developed countries could be decreased by 42% by increasing the breast-feeding time in life. Most authors assume that the protective value of breast-feeding is hormone-conditioned. Further theoretical implications result from the increasing knowledge of the immunologic characteristics of the mother's milk. Beside well-known positive effects of breast-feeding on children's health, breast-feeding should also be further promoted from the view of women's health.