bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Walking instead of standing
Authors: Junge Florian , Konschake Wolfgang , Haase Hermann , Vollmer Marcus , Jünger Michael
Published: February 2022

Summary: Background: Leg discomfort is common in the general population. Volume increase and discomfort in the lower legs especially occur in occupations with long standing or sitting periods and less movement. Are both related to each other? Patients and methods: A time-controlled standing period of 15 min was performed in this nonrandomized controlled study to investigate the change and temporal relationship of volume increase and the occurrence of lower leg discomfort. Sensations of discomfort and the urge to move were queried using a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 (NRS). Correlation analysis was conducted between the lower leg volume and the data regarding the discomfort and urge to move in each subject. Further, linear mixed effect models were performed to detect a causal relationship between the lower leg volume and the sensations of discomfort/urge to move in the standing period. Results: Lower leg volume increased by an average of 63 ml (p<0.001) during the standing period. The sensations of discomfort increased by a mean of 3.46 points on the NRS (p<0.001) during orthostasis. Participants’ urge to move increased by 3.47 points on the NRS (p<0.001) during the standing period. A significant correlation was shown between the increase of lower leg volume and the occurrence of discomfort sensation in 9 out of 15 subjects (p<0.05) and between the increase of lower leg volume and the urge to move in 11 out of 15 subjects (p<0.05). Association was shown between volume increase and symptoms in linear mixed effects models. Conclusions: Prolonged standing with lack of movement leads to an increase in the lower leg volume and a sensation of discomfort in venous healthy subjects. Causal relationships are indicated between these variables by linear mixed effects models.
Sprachstand vierjähriger monolingual deutscher Kinder
Authors: Zaretsky Eugen , Minnen Susanne van , Lange Benjamin P. , Hey Christiane
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Sprachstand von Kindern im Kindergarten-Alter ist prädiktiv für ihre späteren Schulleistungen. Fragestellung: Untersucht wurde, wie sich der Sprachstand monolingual deutscher Kinder von 2009 bis 2019 entwickelte. Methode: Zwei Stichproben vierjähriger Kinder wurden mit dem Sprachtest „Kindersprachscreening“ (KiSS.2) untersucht und in Bezug auf metrische (Punktzahlen) und dichotomisierte (pass/fail) Ergebnisse einander gegenüber gestellt. Die erste Stichprobe ( n = 698) entstammt dem Zeitraum 2009 – 2012, die zweite ( n = 732) 2017 – 2019. Ergebnisse: Der Sprachstand verringerte sich signifikant in den KiSS.2-Untertests, dennoch blieben die dichotomisierten KiSS.2-Ergebnisse stabil. Die Mehrheit der sprachauffälligen Kinder war weder sprachpädagogisch noch therapeutisch versorgt. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Um die negative Entwicklung der letzten Jahre zu nivellieren, sind flächendeckende Sprachstandserfassung und Sprachfördermaßnahmen erforderlich.
Feedback Interactions Between the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere at Middle Latitude
Authors: Alimaganbetov M. , Streltsov A. V.
Published: February 2022

Observations show that magnetic pulsations with frequencies around 1 mHz are frequently detected simultaneously at different latitudes on the ground, in the inner magnetosphere, and in the solar wind. The coupling between oscillations in the dynamic pressure or magnetic field carried by the solar wind and the ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves detected on the ground at high latitudes has been suggested in several studies. We present results from a numerical study of ultra‐low‐frequency waves detected by the ground magnetometers at middle latitudes during substorm. We investigate the hypothesis that these waves are generated by the ionospheric feedback instability driven by the large‐scale electric field in the ionosphere. This field is associated with the surface waves propagating along the ambient magnetic field on a strong perpendicular gradient in the plasma density occurring in the equatorial magnetosphere. The gradient in the plasma density is associated with the plasmapause. The plasmapause moves to the middle latitude when the plasmasphere erodes during substorm. The energy from the external driver can be coupled to the large‐scale surface Alfvén waves traveling along the field lines into the ionosphere and generating small‐scale intense ULF waves and field‐aligned currents at middle latitudes. The simulations of the two‐fluid magnetohydrodynamics model confirm this scenario, and the numerical results show a good quantitative agreement with the observations.
On the Speciation of Iodine in Marine Aerosol
Authors: Gómez Martín Juan Carlos , Saiz‐Lopez Alfonso , Cuevas Carlos A. , Baker Alex R. , Fernández Rafael P.
Published: February 2022

We have compiled and analyzed a comprehensive data set of field observations of iodine speciation in marine aerosol. The soluble iodine content of fine aerosol (PM1) is dominated by soluble organic iodine (SOI; ∼50%) and iodide (∼30%), while the coarse fraction is dominated by iodate (∼50%), with nonnegligible amounts of iodide (∼20%). The SOI fraction shows an equatorial maximum and minima coinciding with the ocean “deserts,” which suggests a link between soluble iodine speciation in aerosol and ocean productivity. Among the major aerosol ions, organic anions and non‐sea‐salt sulfate show positive correlations with SOI in PM1. Alkali cations are positively correlated to iodate and negatively correlated with SOI and iodide in coarse aerosol. These relationships suggest that under acidic conditions iodate is reduced to HOI, which reacts with organic matter to form SOI, a possible source of iodide. In less acidic sea‐salt or dust‐rich coarse aerosols, HOI oxidation to iodate and reaction with organic matter likely compete.
Interpretable Machine Learning to Forecast SEP Events for Solar Cycle 23
Authors: Kasapis Spiridon , Zhao Lulu , Chen Yang , Wang Xiantong , Bobra Monica , Gombosi Tamas
Published: February 2022

We use machine learning methods to predict whether an active region (AR) which produces flares will lead to a solar energetic particle (SEP) event using Space‐Weather Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) Active Region Patches (SMARPs). This new data product is derived from maps of the solar surface magnetic field taken by the MDI aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. We survey the SMARP active regions associated with flares that appear on the solar disk between 5 June 1996 and 14 August 2010, label those that produced SEPs as positive and the rest as negative. The AR SMARP features that correspond to each flare are used to train two different types of machine learning methods, the support vector machines (SVMs) and the regression models. The results show that the SMARP data can predict whether a flare will lead to an SEP with accuracy (ACC) ≤0.72 ± 0.12 while allowing for a competitive leading time of 55.3 ± 28.6 min for forecasting the SEP events.
Mass-Fix better predicts for PFS and OS than standard methods among multiple myeloma patients participating on the STAMINA trial (BMT CTN 0702 /07LT)
Authors: Dispenzieri Angela , Krishnan Amrita , Arendt Bonnie , Blackwell Beth , Wallace Paul K. , Dasari Surendra , Vogl Dan T. , Efebera Yvonne , Fei Mingwei , Geller Nancy , Giralt Sergio , Hahn Theresa , Howard Alan , Kohlhagen Mindy , Landau Heather , Hari Parameswaran , Pasquini Marcelo C. , Qazilbash Muzaffar H. , McCarthy Philip , Shah Nina , Vesole David H. , Stadtmauer Edward , Murray David
Published: February 2022

Measuring response among patients with multiple myeloma is essential for the care of patients. Deeper responses are associated with better progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). To test the hypothesis that Mass-Fix, a mass spectrometry-based means to detect monoclonal proteins, is superior to existing methodologies to predict for survival outcomes, samples from the STAMINA trial (NCT01109004), a trial comparing three transplant approaches, were employed. Samples from 575 patients from as many as three time points (post-induction [post-I; pre-maintenance [pre-M]; 1 year post enrollment [1YR]) were tested when available. Four response parameters were assessed: Mass-Fix, serum immunofixation, complete response, and measurable residual disease (MRD) by next generation flow cytometry. Of the four response measures, only MRD and Mass-Fix predicted for PFS and OS at multiple testing points on multivariate analyses. Although MRD drove Mass-Fix from the model for PFS at post-I and pre-M, 1YR Mass-Fix was independent of 1YR MRD. For OS, the only prognostic pre-I measure was Mass-Fix, and the only 1YR measures that were prognostic on multivariate analysis were 1YR MRD and 1YR Mass-Fix. SIFE and CR were not. Mass-Fix is a powerful means to track response.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a novel predictor of venous thrombosis in polycythemia vera
Authors: Carobbio Alessandra , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , De Stefano Valerio , Masciulli Arianna , Guglielmelli Paola , Loscocco Giuseppe Gaetano , Ramundo Francesco , Rossi Elena , Kanthi Yogendra , Tefferi Ayalew , Barbui Tiziano
Published: February 2022

We investigated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of thrombosis in polycythemia vera (PV). After a median follow-up of 2.51 years, of 1508 PV patients enrolled in the ECLAP study, 82 and 84 developed arterial and venous thrombosis, respectively. Absolute counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and the NLR were tested by generalized additive models (GAM) to evaluate their trend in continuous scale of thrombotic risk. Only for venous thrombosis, we showed that baseline absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were on average respectively higher (median: 6.8 × 109/L, p = 0.002) and lower (median: 1.4 × 109/L, p = 0.001), leading to increased NLR values (median: 5.1, p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, the risk of venous thrombosis was independently associated with previous venous events (HR = 5.48, p ≤ 0.001) and NLR values ≥5 (HR = 2.13, p = 0.001). Moreover, the relative risk in both low- and high-standard risk groups was almost doubled in the presence of NLR ≥ 5. These findings were validated in two Italian independent external cohorts (Florence, n = 282 and Rome, n = 175) of contemporary PV patients. Our data support recent experimental work that venous thrombosis is controlled by innate immune cells and highlight that NLR is an inexpensive and easily accessible prognostic biomarker of venous thrombosis.
Blockade of caspase cascade overcomes malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice
Authors: Sercundes Michelle K. , Ortolan Luana S. , da Silva Julio Viviane , Bella Leonardo M. , de Castro Quirino Thatyane , Debone Daniela , Carneiro-Ramos Marcela S. , Christoffolete Marcelo A. , Martins Joilson O. , D’Império Lima Maria Regina , Alvarez José M. , Amarante-Mendes Gustavo P. , Gonçalves Lígia Antunes , Marinho Claudio R. F. , Epiphanio Sabrina
Published: February 2022

Malaria is an enormous burden on global health that caused 409,000 deaths in 2019. Severe malaria can manifest in the lungs, an illness known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Not much is known about the development of malaria-associated ARDS (MA-ARDS), especially regarding cell death in the lungs. We had previously established a murine model that mimics various human ARDS aspects, such as pulmonary edema, hemorrhages, pleural effusion, and hypoxemia, using DBA/2 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Here, we explored the mechanisms and the involvement of apoptosis in this syndrome. We found that apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of MA-ARDS, primarily as facilitators of the alveolar-capillary barrier breakdown. The protection of pulmonary endothelium by inhibiting caspase activation could be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent the pathogenicity of MA-ARDS. Therefore, intervention in the programmed death cell mechanism could help patients not to develop severe malaria.
Blocking the human common beta subunit of the GM-CSF, IL-5 and IL-3 receptors markedly reduces hyperinflammation in ARDS models
Authors: Wang Hao , Tumes Damon J. , Hercus Timothy R. , Yip K. H. , Aloe Christian , Vlahos Ross , Lopez Angel F. , Wilson Nick , Owczarek Catherine M. , Bozinovski Steven
Published: February 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is triggered by various aetiological factors such as trauma, sepsis and respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. Immune profiling of severe COVID-19 patients has identified a complex pattern of cytokines including granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-5, which are significant mediators of viral-induced hyperinflammation. This strong response has prompted the development of therapies that block GM-CSF and other cytokines individually to limit inflammation related pathology. The common cytokine binding site of the human common beta (βc) receptor signals for three inflammatory cytokines: GM-CSF, IL-5 and IL-3. In this study, βc was targeted with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) CSL311 in engineered mice devoid of mouse βc and βIL-3 and expressing human βc (hβcTg mice). Direct pulmonary administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused ARDS-like lung injury, and CSL311 markedly reduced lung inflammation and oedema, resulting in improved oxygen saturation levels in hβcTg mice. In a separate model, influenza (HKx31) lung infection caused viral pneumonia associated with a large influx of myeloid cells into the lungs of hβcTg mice. The therapeutic application of CSL311 potently decreased accumulation of monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils without altering lung viral loads. Furthermore, CSL311 treatment did not limit the viral-induced expansion of NK and NKT cells, or the tissue expression of type I/II/III interferons needed for efficient viral clearance. Simultaneously blocking GM-CSF, IL-5 and IL-3 signalling with CSL311 may represent an improved and clinically applicable strategy to reducing hyperinflammation in the ARDS setting.
Deciphering spatial genomic heterogeneity at a single cell resolution in multiple myeloma
Authors: Merz Maximilian , Merz Almuth Maria Anni , Wang Jie , Wei Lei , Hu Qiang , Hutson Nicholas , Rondeau Cherie , Celotto Kimberly , Belal Ahmed , Alberico Ronald , Block AnneMarie W. , Mohammadpour Hemn , Wallace Paul K. , Tario Joseph , Luce Jesse , Glenn Sean T. , Singh Prashant , Herr Megan M. , Hahn Theresa , Samur Mehmet , Munshi Nikhil , Liu Song , McCarthy Philip L. , Hillengass Jens
Published: February 2022

Osteolytic lesions (OL) characterize symptomatic multiple myeloma. The mechanisms of how malignant plasma cells (PC) cause OL in one region while others show no signs of bone destruction despite subtotal infiltration remain unknown. We report on a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) study of PC obtained prospectively from random bone marrow aspirates (BM) and paired imaging-guided biopsies of OL. We analyze 148,630 PC from 24 different locations in 10 patients and observe vast inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity based on scRNA-seq analyses. Beyond the limited evidence for spatial heterogeneity from whole-exome sequencing, we find an additional layer of complexity by integrated analysis of anchored scRNA-seq datasets from the BM and OL. PC from OL are characterized by differentially expressed genes compared to PC from BM, including upregulation of genes associated with myeloma bone disease like DKK1, HGF and TIMP-1 as well as recurrent downregulation of JUN/FOS, DUSP1 and HBB. Assessment of PC from longitudinally collected samples reveals transcriptional changes after induction therapy. Our study contributes to the understanding of destructive myeloma bone disease.
Copy number amplification of ENSA promotes the progression of triple-negative breast cancer via cholesterol biosynthesis
Authors: Chen Yi-Yu , Ge Jing-Yu , Zhu Si-Yuan , Shao Zhi-Ming , Yu Ke-Da
Published: February 2022

Copy number alterations (CNAs) are pivotal genetic events in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, our integrated copy number and transcriptome analysis of 302 TNBC patients reveals that gene alpha-endosulfine (ENSA) exhibits recurrent amplification at the 1q21.3 region and is highly expressed in TNBC. ENSA promotes tumor growth and indicates poor patient survival in TNBC. Mechanistically, we identify ENSA as an essential regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis in TNBC that upregulates the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2 (SREBP2), a pivotal transcription factor in cholesterol biosynthesis. We confirm that ENSA can increase the level of p-STAT3 (Tyr705) and activated STAT3 binds to the promoter of SREBP2 to promote its transcription. Furthermore, we reveal the efficacy of STAT3 inhibitor Stattic in TNBC with high ENSA expression. In conclusion, the amplification of ENSA at the 1q21.3 region promotes TNBC progression and indicates sensitivity to STAT3 inhibitors.
Unconventional excited-state dynamics in the concerted benzyl (C7H7) radical self-reaction to anthracene (C14H10)
Authors: Kaiser Ralf. I. , Zhao Long , Lu Wenchao , Ahmed Musahid , Krasnoukhov Vladislav S. , Azyazov Valeriy N. , Mebel Alexander M.
Published: February 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are prevalent in deep space and on Earth as products in combustion processes bearing direct relevance to energy efficiency and environmental remediation. Reactions between hydrocarbon radicals in particular have been invoked as critical molecular mass growth processes toward cyclization leading to these PAHs. However, the mechanism of the formation of PAHs through radical – radical reactions are largely elusive. Here, we report on a combined computational and experimental study of the benzyl (C7H7) radical self-reaction to phenanthrene and anthracene (C14H10) through unconventional, isomer-selective excited state dynamics. Whereas phenanthrene formation is initiated via a barrierless recombination of two benzyl radicals on the singlet ground state surface, formation of anthracene commences through an exotic transition state on the excited state triplet surface through cycloaddition. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom that PAH formation via radical-radical reactions solely operates on electronic ground state surfaces and open up a previously overlooked avenue for a more “rapid” synthesis of aromatic, multi-ringed structures via excited state dynamics in the gas phase.
Non-oxidized bare copper nanoparticles with surface excess electrons in air
Authors: Chung Kyungwha , Bang Joonho , Thacharon Athira , Song Hyun Yong , Kang Se Hwang , Jang Woo-Sung , Dhull Neha , Thapa Dinesh , Ajmal C. Muhammed , Song Bumsub , Lee Sung-Gyu , Wang Zhen , Jetybayeva Albina , Hong Seungbum , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Cho Eun Jin , Baik Seunghyun , Oh Sang Ho , Kim Young-Min , Lee Young Hee , Kim Seong-Gon , Kim Sung Wng
Published: February 2022

Copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) have received extensive interest owing to their advantageous properties compared with their bulk counterparts. Although the natural oxidation of Cu NPs can be alleviated by passivating the surfaces with additional moieties, obtaining non-oxidized bare Cu NPs in air remains challenging. Here we report that bare Cu NPs with surface excess electrons retain their non-oxidized state over several months in ambient air. Cu NPs grown on an electride support with excellent electron transfer ability are encapsulated by the surface-accumulated excess electrons, exhibiting an ultralow work function of ~3.2 eV. Atomic-scale structural and chemical analyses confirm the absence of Cu oxide moiety at the outermost surface of air-exposed bare Cu NPs. Theoretical energetics clarify that the surface-accumulated excess electrons suppress the oxygen adsorption and consequently prohibit the infiltration of oxygen into the Cu lattice, provoking the endothermic reaction for oxidation process. Our results will further stimulate the practical use of metal NPs in versatile applications.
Safety and efficacy of a novel robotic transcranial doppler system in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Clare Kevin , Stein Alan , Damodara Nitesh , Feldstein Eric , Alshammari Hussein , Ali Syed , Kurian Christeena , Rosenberg Jon , Bauerschmidt Andrew , Kaur Gurmeen , Santarelli Justin , Hamilton Robert , Mayer Stephan , Gandhi Chirag D. , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: February 2022

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) secondary to vasospasm is a determinate of outcomes following non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). SAH patients are monitored using transcranial doppler (TCD) to measure cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFv). However, the accuracy and precision of manually acquired TCD can be operator dependent. The NovaGuide robotic TCD system attempts to standardize acquisition. This investigation evaluated the safety and efficacy of the NovaGuide system in SAH patients in a Neuro ICU. We retrospectively identified 48 NovaGuide scans conducted on SAH patients. Mean and maximum middle cerebral artery (MCA) CBFv were obtained from the NovaGuide and the level of agreement between CBFv and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for vasospasm was determined. Safety of NovaGuide acquisition of CBFv was evaluated based on number of complications with central venous lines (CVL) and external ventricular drains (EVD). There was significant agreement between the NovaGuide and CTA (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.74) when maximum MCA CBFv ≥ 120 cm/s was the threshold for vasospasm. 27/48 scans were carried out with CVLs and EVDs present without negative outcomes. The lack of adverse events associated with EVDs/CVLs and the strong congruence between maximal MCA CBFv and CTA illustrates the diagnostic utility of the NovaGuide.
Early experience of laparoscopic resection and comparison with open surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Park Shin-Hoo , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Kim Min-Chan , Yook Jeong-Hwan , Sohn Tae-Sung , Hyung Woo-Jin , Ryu Seung-Wan , Kurokawa Yukinori , Kim Young-Woo , Han Sang-Uk , Kim Hyung-Ho , Park Do-Joong , Kim Wook , Lee Sang-Il , Cho Haruhiko , Cho Gyu-Seok , Kim Jin-Jo , Kim Ki-Han , Yoo Moon-Won , Yang Han-Kwang
Published: February 2022

The advantages of laparoscopic resection over open surgery in the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) are not conclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative and oncologic outcome of laparoscopic resection for gastric GIST, compared to open surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected database of 1019 patients with gastric GIST after surgical resection at 13 Korean and 2 Japanese institutions. The surgical and oncologic outcomes were compared between laparoscopic and open group, through 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). The laparoscopic group (N = 318) had a lower rate of overall complications (3.5% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.024) and wound complications (0.6% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.037), shorter hospitalization days (6.68 ± 4.99 vs. 8.79 ± 6.50, P < 0.001) than the open group (N = 318). The superiority of the laparoscopic approach was also demonstrated in patients with tumors larger than 5 cm, and at unfavorable locations. The recurrence-free survival was not different between the two groups, regardless of tumor size, locational favorableness, and risk classifications. Cox regression analysis revealed that tumor size larger than 5 cm, higher mitotic count, R1 resection, and tumor rupture during surgery were independent risk factors for recurrence. Laparoscopic surgery provides lower rates of complications and shorter hospitalizations for patients with gastric GIST than open surgery.
Increased physical activity improves gut microbiota composition and reduces short-chain fatty acid concentrations in older adults with insomnia
Authors: Magzal Faiga , Shochat Tamar , Haimov Iris , Tamir Snait , Asraf Kfir , Tuchner-Arieli Maya , Even Carmel , Agmon Maayan
Published: February 2022

Physical activity (PA) can improve functional abilities, well-being, and independence in older adults with insomnia. Studies have shown that PA may be linked to changes in the gut microbiota composition and its metabolites’ concentrations. This association among older adults with insomnia, however, is yet to be determined. We explored the relationships between physical activity (PA) levels, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in this population. Forty-nine community-dwelling adults with insomnia symptoms, aged 65 and older, participated in this study. Their average daily step-count and sleep continuity measures over a two-week period were calculated based on Actigraphic recordings. Each participant provided fecal samples for the microbiome and SCFA analyses, anthropometric measures, and information via questionnaires on medical history and food consumption. The gut microbiota composition and SCFA concentrations were determined by next-generation sequencing and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Participants were divided into two groups (more and less active) according to their median step/day count. We compared the microbiota abundance and SCFA concentrations between groups and performed correlation analysis between gut microbiota abundances and study variables. Different microbiota taxa in each PA group and increased SCFAs in feces of less active individuals were found. Changes in step counts were positively or negatively associated with the relative abundance of 19 ASVs, 3 microorganisms at the family level, and 11 microorganisms at the genus level. Furthermore, significant associations were discovered among physical activity, gut microbiota, SCFAs, and sleep parameters. Our findings provide new insights on the relationship between PA, gut microbiota composition, and primary metabolites in older adults with insomnia.
Association of sedentary behaviour and physical activity with cardiometabolic health in Japanese adults
Authors: Kinoshita Keita , Ozato Naoki , Yamaguchi Tohru , Sudo Motoki , Yamashiro Yukari , Mori Kenta , Ishida Mizuri , Katsuragi Yoshihisa , Sasai Hiroyuki , Yasukawa Takuji , Murashita Koichi , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Ihara Kazushige
Published: February 2022

Although the Asian population exhibits excessive sedentary behaviour and has a high susceptibility to metabolic syndrome (MetS), the nature of these associations remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of sedentary time with cardiometabolic health and examine the association of reallocating sedentary time to light physical activity (LPA) or moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on cardiometabolic health in Japanese adults. A cross-sectional study was performed using data obtained from 758 Japanese adults. We assessed sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA using an accelerometer. Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk factors. An isotemporal substitution model was used to estimate the theoretical influence of reallocating sedentary time to LPA or MVPA. A longer sedentary time was associated with worse cardiometabolic health, including MetS. Reallocating 30 min of sedentary time to LPA was significantly associated with lower body mass index, visceral fat, insulin resistance, triglyceride, and MetS levels and increased muscle mass and HDL-C (all P < 0.05). Reallocating 30 min of sedentary time to MVPA was strongly associated with the aforementioned factors. These results demonstrate the potential beneficial effects of reallocating sedentary time to LPA and MVPA on cardiometabolic health of Asians.
Improved device efficiency and lifetime of perovskite light-emitting diodes by size-controlled polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanoparticles with dipole formation
Authors: Lee Chang Min , Choi Dong Hyun , Islam Amjad , Kim Dong Hyun , Kim Tae Wook , Jeong Geon-Woo , Cho Hyun Woo , Park Min Jae , Shah Syed Hamad Ullah , Chae Hyung Ju , Kim Kyoung-Ho , Sujak Muhammad , Lee Jae Woo , Kim Donghyun , Kim Chul Hoon , Lee Hyun Jae , Bae Tae-Sung , Yu Seung Min , Jin Jong Sung , Kang Yong-Cheol , Park Juyun , Song Myungkwan , Kim Chang-Su , Shin Sung Tae , Ryu Seung Yoon
Published: February 2022

Herein, an unprecedented report is presented on the incorporation of size-dependent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capping into a conventional hole transport layer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The hole transport layer blocks ion-diffusion/migration in methylammonium-lead-bromide (MAPbBr3)-based perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) as a modified interlayer. The PVP-capped 90 nm AuNP device exhibited a seven-fold increase in efficiency (1.5%) as compared to the device without AuNPs (0.22%), where the device lifetime was also improved by 17-fold. This advancement is ascribed to the far-field scattering of AuNPs, modified work function and carrier trapping/detrapping. The improvement in device lifetime is attributed to PVP-capping of AuNPs which prevents indium diffusion into the perovskite layer and surface ion migration into PEDOT:PSS through the formation of induced electric dipole. The results also indicate that using large AuNPs (> 90 nm) reduces exciton recombination because of the trapping of excess charge carriers due to the large surface area.
Aligned CuO nanowire array for a high performance visible light photodetector
Authors: Jo Min-Seung , Song Hyeon-Joo , Kim Beom-Jun , Shin Yoo-Kyum , Kim Sung-Ho , Tian Xu , Kim Sang-Min , Seo Min-Ho , Yoon Jun-Bo
Published: February 2022

Recently, copper oxide (CuO) has drawn much attention as a promising material in visible light photodetection with its advantages in ease of nanofabrication. CuO allows a variety of nanostructures to be explored to enhance the optoelectrical performance such as photogenerated carriers scattering and bandgap engineering. However, previous researches neglect in-depth analysis of CuO’s light interaction effects, restrictively using random orientation such as randomly arranged nanowires, single nanowires, and dispersed nanoparticles. Here, we demonstrate an ultra-high performance CuO visible light photodetector utilizing perfectly-aligned nanowire array structures. CuO nanowires with 300 nm-width critical dimension suppressed carrier transport in the dark state and enhanced the conversion of photons to carriers; additionally, the aligned arrangement of the nanowires with designed geometry improved the light absorption by means of the constructive interference effect. The proposed nanostructures provide advantages in terms of dark current, photocurrent, and response time, showing unprecedentedly high (state-of-the-art) optoelectronic performance, including high values of sensitivity (S = 172.21%), photo-responsivity (R = 16.03 A/W, λ = 535 nm), photo-detectivity (D* = 7.78 × 1011 Jones), rise/decay time (τr/τd = 0.31 s/1.21 s).
Lamina-associated polypeptide 2α is required for intranuclear MRTF-A activity
Authors: Sidorenko Ekaterina , Sokolova Maria , Pennanen Antti P. , Kyheröinen Salla , Posern Guido , Foisner Roland , Vartiainen Maria K.
Published: February 2022

Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a coactivator of serum response factor (SRF), regulates the expression of many cytoskeletal genes in response to cytoplasmic and nuclear actin dynamics. Here we describe a novel mechanism to regulate MRTF-A activity within the nucleus by showing that lamina-associated polypeptide 2α (Lap2α), the nucleoplasmic isoform of Lap2, is a direct binding partner of MRTF-A, and required for the efficient expression of MRTF-A/SRF target genes. Mechanistically, Lap2α is not required for MRTF-A nuclear localization, unlike most other MRTF-A regulators, but is required for efficient recruitment of MRTF-A to its target genes. This regulatory step takes place prior to MRTF-A chromatin binding, because Lap2α neither interacts with, nor specifically influences active histone marks on MRTF-A/SRF target genes. Phenotypically, Lap2α is required for serum-induced cell migration, and deregulated MRTF-A activity may also contribute to muscle and proliferation phenotypes associated with loss of Lap2α. Our studies therefore add another regulatory layer to the control of MRTF-A-SRF-mediated gene expression, and broaden the role of Lap2α in transcriptional regulation.
Moderation effect of mammography screening among women with multiple chronic conditions
Authors: Hsieh Hui-Min , Shen Cheng-Ting , Chen Ling-Sui , Chen Fang-Ming , Yeh Shu-Chuan
Published: February 2022

Comorbidity substantially affects breast cancer risk and prognosis. However, women with chronic conditions are less likely to participate in mammography screening. Few studies have examined potential benefits of mammography in women with chronic conditions. This study investigated the moderation effects of mammography screening on early stage breast cancer and all-cause mortality among women aged 50–69 years with chronic conditions in Taiwan. We used a matched cohort design with four nationwide population databases, and an exact matching approach to match groups with different chronic conditions. Women population aged 50–69 years in 2010 in Taiwan were studied. A generic Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) measure was used to identify chronic illness burden. The sample sizes of each paired matched group with CCI scores of 0, 1, 2, or 3+ were 170,979 using a 1-to-1 exact matching. Conditional logistic regressions with interaction terms were used to test moderation effect, and adjusted predicted probabilities and marginal effects to quantify average and incremental chronic conditions associated with outcome measures. Statistical analyses were conducted in 2020–2021. Women with more chronic conditions were less likely to participate in mammography screening or to receive early breast cancer diagnoses, but were at greater risk of mortality. However, mammography participation increased the likelihood of early breast cancer diagnosis (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.36–1.60) and decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.51–0.55). The interaction terms of CCI and mammography participation indicated significantly increased benefits of early breast cancer diagnosis and decreased risk of all-cause mortality as chronic illness increased. Mammography participation significantly moderated the link between comorbidity and outcome measures among women with chronic conditions. Hence, it is important for public health policy to promote mammography participation for women with multiple chronic conditions.
Anxiety levels moderate the association between visual acuity and health-related quality of life in chronic eye disease patients
Authors: Senra Hugo , Hernandez-Moreno Laura , Moreno Natacha , Macedo António Filipe
Published: February 2022

The current study examines the potential moderating effect of depression and anxiety on the relationship between visual acuity and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic eye diseases. Of the 71 patients, 37 (52%) were female and 34 (48%) were male, age (mean ± SD) was 69 ± 12 years. A significant multivariate regression model was found for patients’ health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L index) (R2 = 0.43, p < 0.001), in which visual acuity (logMAR) (p < 0.001), anxiety (HADS-A) (p = 0.007), and age of diagnosis (p = 0.04)  were independently associated with health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). The moderation model for anxiety (R2 = 0.47, F = 5.91, p < 0.001) revealed a significant interaction of visual acuity and levels of anxiety in relation to health-related quality of life. Conditional effects analysis suggested that higher logMAR values (which indicate more vision loss) were associated with lower EQ-5D-5L index (indicating worse health-related quality of life), this relationship being stronger (even more negative), when levels of anxiety are high. Clinical and rehabilitation services providing care for chronic eye disease patients should include regular checks for patients’ levels of anxiety, even in patients who still have preserved visual acuity, to help preventing a synergistic source of long-term poor quality of life and disability.
Towards real-world neuroscience using mobile EEG and augmented reality
Authors: Krugliak Alexandra , Clarke Alex
Published: February 2022

Our visual environment impacts multiple aspects of cognition including perception, attention and memory, yet most studies traditionally remove or control the external environment. As a result, we have a limited understanding of neurocognitive processes beyond the controlled lab environment. Here, we aim to study neural processes in real-world environments, while also maintaining a degree of control over perception. To achieve this, we combined mobile EEG (mEEG) and augmented reality (AR), which allows us to place virtual objects into the real world. We validated this AR and mEEG approach using a well-characterised cognitive response—the face inversion effect. Participants viewed upright and inverted faces in three EEG tasks (1) a lab-based computer task, (2) walking through an indoor environment while seeing face photographs, and (3) walking through an indoor environment while seeing virtual faces. We find greater low frequency EEG activity for inverted compared to upright faces in all experimental tasks, demonstrating that cognitively relevant signals can be extracted from mEEG and AR paradigms. This was established in both an epoch-based analysis aligned to face events, and a GLM-based approach that incorporates continuous EEG signals and face perception states. Together, this research helps pave the way to exploring neurocognitive processes in real-world environments while maintaining experimental control using AR.
Synthesis of gold nanocrystals with chiral morphology, chiral ligand and more exposed high-index facets as electrocatalyst for the oxidation of glucose enantiomers with high enantioselectivity and catalytic activity
Authors: Ruiyi Li , Xiaobo Wang , Yuanfeng Peng , Pengwu Xu , Haiyan Zhu , Zaijun Li , Xiulan Sun
Published: February 2022

We reported one way for synthesis of chiral gold nanocrystal.
Polymerization of phenylacetylene catalyzed by rhodium(i) complexes with N-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Angoy Marta , Jiménez M. Victoria , Lahoz Fernando J. , Vispe Eugenio , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J.
Published: February 2022

Rhodium complexes with functionalized NHC ligands catalyze the polymerization of phenylacetylene to give very high molar mass stereoregular polymers. Surprisingly, some chloro-complexes are much more active than related cationic precursors also.
Vanadium pentaoxide-doped waste plastic-derived graphene nanocomposite for supercapacitors: a comparative electrochemical study of low and high metal oxide doping
Authors: Sahoo Nirvik , Tatrari Gaurav , Tewari Chetna , Karakoti Manoj , Bohra Bhashkar Singh , Danadapat Anirban
Published: February 2022

We report the bulk phase synthesis of graphene sheets using waste plastic (WP) as a precursor following a modified pyrolysis approach.
Voltammetric and impedimetric determinations of selenium(iv) by an innovative gold-free poly(1-aminoanthraquinone)/multiwall carbon nanotube-modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Ali Asmaa Galal , Altahan Mahmoud Fatehy , Beltagi Amr Mohamed , Hathoot Abla Ahmed , Abdel-Azzem Magdi
Published: February 2022

The selenite ion is quantified electrochemically by selective complexation with poly(1-aminoanthraquione) to give a piaselenol complex on a modified p-AAQ/MWCNTs/CPE sensor.
Surface modification and characterization of waste derived carbon particles to reinforce photo-cured shape memory composites
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad , Karim Ramzan Abdul , Ameen Faiza , Mumtaaz Muhammad Waseem
Published: February 2022

Carbon fillers have been a source of inspiration to accommodate a range of surface chemistries for different applications.
An electrochemical sensor based on a MOF/ZnO composite for the highly sensitive detection of Cu(ii) in river water samples
Authors: Li Zhenshan , Li Qi , Jiang Rong , Qin Yan , Luo Yan , Li Jinsong , Kong Wei , Yang Zhiguo , Huang Chao , Qu Xin , Wang Tao , Cui Lin , Wang Gang , Yang Shengchao , Liu Zhiyong , Guo Xuhong
Published: February 2022

Cu(ii) ions are one of the most common forms of copper present in water and can cause bioaccumulation and toxicity in the human body; therefore, sensitive and selective detection methods are required.
Two-dimensional MXene enabled carbon quantum dots@Ag with enhanced catalytic activity towards the reduction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Chen Yingxin , Yang Chunli , Huang Xiaotong , Li Lu , Yu Na , Xie Huan , Zhu Zebin , Yuan Yong , Zhou Lihua
Published: February 2022

CQD@Ag/MXene has an outstanding catalytic activity for the PNP reduction with high mass-normalized rate constant of 5700 s−1 g−1. It is mainly due to the high adsorption rate to PNP and the efficient promotion of forming H radicals.
Automated flow and real-time analytics approach for screening functional group tolerance in heterogeneous catalytic reactions
Authors: Simon Kevin , Sagmeister Peter , Munday Rachel , Leslie Kevin , Hone Christopher A. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: February 2022

An automated continuous flow and real-time analytics platform facilitates the generation of quantitative data to understand the sensitivity of the reaction performance in the presence of different functional groups and heterocycles.
Professor Daoben Zhu: a giant in organic solids in China
Authors: Zhang Qichun , Hu Wenping , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen , Pei Qibing , Zhu Jia
Published: February 2022

Guest editors Qichun Zhang, Wenping Hu, Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, Qibing Pei and Jia Zhu introduce this Journal of Materials Chemistry C issue in honour of Professor Daoben Zhu on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Research on joint optimization model and algorithm of multi‐area generation and reserve with considering its availability
Authors: Xu Dan , Liang Fang , Cheng Qian , Zhou Jingyang , Tang Junjie
Published: February 2022

The reserve sharing amongst the interconnected power systems will facilitate the improvements on their anti‐disturbance capability and operating economy. Based on the design of reserve sharing mechanism across different areas, a multi‐area generation‐reserve sharing model is constructed. The stochastic fluctuation of load and wind power will cause the power grid to be in an unpredictable random state when the reserve is needed, and the transmission capacity constraint of the power grid may restrict the effective deployment of the reserve. To address these issues, a max‐min bi‐level optimization model is proposed to check the reserve availability. The joint generation and reserve optimization sub‐model, together with the reserve check sub‐model, constitutes the two‐stage robust optimization model in this paper. The column‐and‐constraint generation (C&CG), algorithm is adopted to solve the proposed model. The modified IEEE 118‐node test case is used to verify the proposed model and algorithm. The test results indicate that the proposed method can realize the multi‐area generation‐reserve joint optimization under the condition of guaranteeing the reserve availability, and it possesses the advantage of high efficiency in dealing with stochastic scenarios.
Liability for Damage to Health Due to Limited Access to Health Care during Emergency of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bílek Stanislav
Published: February 2022

Most successful companies have established effective marketing communication as a useful tool for selling their products to customers. The research explored the ways of communication of a selected internet subject, its methods of addressing customers and how effective the communication of the specific enterprise is not only during covid19 pandemic. We carried out a SWOT analysis, conducted a questionnaire survey and made detailed This paper discusses the responsibility / liability of the state and health service providers in relation to limited access by individuals to preventive as well as other outpatient or inpatient care as a result of the measures of the Government of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic during a declared state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic /referred to as SARS CoV-2/. The paper provides a legal analysis of the current legislation in health care services and the circumstances under which health care may be refused by its provider and discusses the possibilities of claiming compensation for damages incurred by affected persons as a result of limited access to health care. The survey is mainly focused on civil liability for non-pecuniary damage to health and human life and liability under the Crisis Management Act of the Czech Republic.
Adaptation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Neklyudova Natalia
Published: February 2022

The article analyses static data that show the deterioration of the situation of SMEs around the world, both in developed and developing countries. Measures taken by governments to support SMEs and overcome the crisis were considered in the analysis. In most cases, they turned out to be insufficient to help reach the pre-pandemic economic level. The article also confirms that the self-employed and female entrepreneurs have suffered most. Industries such as tourism, construction industry, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, and services have suffered major loss.
Employee Engagement as a Factor of Internal Entrepreneurship
Authors: Shavrovskaya Marina , Borodina Oksana
Published: February 2022

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the topic of developing employee engagement both in the scientific community and in business. Managers are beginning to realize that not only the technologies used, but also the personnel who can be involved in work, submit ideas on how to improve it, or, conversely, silently carry out job descriptions, which can help to occupy leading positions. The purpose of this study is to analyze publications on employee engagement from 2017-2021, as well as the subjects of their study and research. The main hypothesis is that scientists are interested in various aspects of staff involvement, but of particular interest is how it is interconnected with the effectiveness of the organization. The results of this review form the basis for further discussion on approaches and tools for developing engagement as a factor of internal entrepreneurship.
Editorial
Authors: Gutenbrunner Christoph , Gaulke Ralph
Published: February 2022

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

Hilfsmittel und technische Hilfen sind seit jeher fester Bestandteil der Therapie und
Rehabilitation rheumatischer Erkrankungen. Sie sind als körpernahe Hilfen
für den Gelenkschutz und die Führung von Bewegungen, aber auch zur
Kompensation ausgefallener Funktionen wichtig. Hilfsmittel können auch zur
Verbesserung von Aktivitäten und Teilhabe beitragen, z. B. im Sinne
adaptierter Gerätschaften und Werkzeuge bis hin zur spezifisch-ergonomischen
Gestaltung der häuslichen und Arbeitsplatzumgebung. Eine zentrale Rolle
haben vor allem auch die unterschiedlichen Mobilitätshilfen.