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The reliability of Plume Chasing as a Remote Emission Measurement Technique in detecting NOxemissions is investigated. It allows, for example, to identify high-NOx-emitting vehicles with high precision. During a 5-day study of the CARES project, controlled Plume Chasing measurements of different types of vehicles were performed on a test track. The test track experiments included 21 different sessions with different driving properties and different test vehicles representative for a common vehicle fleet. During the experiments, the emission control systems were activated and deactivated in a blind comparison experiment. The Plume Chasing method showed excellent correlation with the averaged reference SEMS NOxdata. The main cause for deviations was found to be situations when emissions are significantly influenced by plumes from high emitting vehicles driving ahead.

Objectives.This study aimed to investigate whether introducing a digital risk assessment tool, the Swedish National Vibration Database, would increase the number of risk assessments on hand–arm and whole-body vibration. Employer and safety representatives from companies where vibration exposure is common were invited. Methods.Of the 2953 invited companies, 1916 were selected for educational intervention and the remaining 1037 companies served as a control group with no intervention. For the educational intervention, participating companies were further divided into two groups (group A, n = 26; group B, n = 47) that both received information regarding risk assessment, but group B was also informed about the digital tool. Both groups answered a questionnaire on risk assessment before the intervention and at the follow-up, 6 months later; the control group received the same questionnaire but no education (group C, n = 22). Results. Of the invited companies, only 2% chose to participate and 7% at follow-up. Seventy-eight percent of the participants had made some kind of risk assessment of vibration at follow-up. Conclusion.Due to the low participation rate among invited companies, this study is not able to draw any conclusions on whether the digital tool can be used to increase the number of risk assessments.

For manufacturers, remaining competitive depends on their ability to digitalize their business models (i.e., offer digital and digitally enhanced products and services). To achieve this, they must engage with new digital partners and help their existing suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders to digitalize. Orchestrating this growing ecosystem is challenging. Manufacturers struggle with this endeavor because of specific barriers associated with their existing legacy business model and related to their lack of digital vision, product-centric value chains, and a bias toward firm-centered profit formulas. To overcome these barriers, leading manufacturers have developed new approaches to ecosystem orchestration.

The prevailing opinion is that prefibrillar β-amyloid (Aβ) species, rather than end-stage amyloid fibrils, cause neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, although the mechanisms behind Aβ neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) exhibit spectral properties upon binding to amyloid proteins and have previously been reported to change the toxicity of Aβ1–42and prion protein. In a previous study, we showed that an LCO, pentamer formyl thiophene acetic acid (p-FTAA), changed the toxicity of Aβ1–42. Here we investigated whether an LCO, heptamer formyl thiophene acetic acid (h-FTAA), could change the toxicity of Aβ1–42by comparing its behavior with that of p-FTAA. Moreover, we investigated the effects on toxicity when Aβ with the Arctic mutation (AβArc) was aggregated with both LCOs. Cell viability assays on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells demonstrated that h-FTAA has a stronger impact on Aβ1–42toxicity than does p-FTAA. Interestingly, h-FTAA, but not p-FTAA, rescued the AβArc-mediated toxicity. Aggregation kinetics and binding assay experiments with Aβ1–42and AβArcwhen aggregated with both LCOs showed that h-FTAA and p-FTAA either interact with different species or affect the aggregation in different ways. In conclusion, h-FTAA protects against Aβ1–42and AβArctoxicity, thus showing h-FTAA to be a useful tool for improving our understanding of the process of Aβ aggregation linked to cytotoxicity.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by patchy, white skin owing to melanocyte loss. Commensal cutaneous or gut dysbiosis has been linked to various dermatological disorders. In this study, we studied the skin and gut microbiota of patients with vitiligo compared with those of healthy controls. We obtained swabs and biopsies from both lesional and nonlesional skin as well as stool and blood samples from each individual. We detected reduced richness and diversity of microbiota in the stools of subjects with vitiligo compared with the stools of the controls (P< 0.01). Skin swabs had greater α-diversity than biopsies (P< 0.001); swabs from lesional sites were primarily depleted of Staphylococcuscompared with those from nonlesional sites (P< 0.02).Sampling deeper layers from the same patients showed differences in both α- and β-diversity between samples with decreased richness and distribution of species (P< 0.01) in the lesional site. Biopsy microbiota from the lesional skin had distinct microbiota composition, which was depleted of protective Bifidobacteriumand Bacteroidesbut was enriched in Proteobacteria, Streptococcus, Mycoplasma,and mtDNA (P< 0.001); the latter increased in the same patients with heightened innate immunity and stress markers in their blood (P< 0.05). These data describe vitiligo-specific cutaneous and gut microbiota and a link between skin dysbiosis, mitochondrial damage, and immunity in patients with vitiligo.

Mosquito-borne diseases are expanding their range, and re-emerging in areas where they had subsided for decades. The extent to which climate change influences the transmission suitability and population at risk of mosquito-borne diseases across different altitudes and population densities has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent to which climate change will influence the length of the transmission season and estimate the population at risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the future, given different population densities across an altitudinal gradient.

Rechargeable batteries that use redox-active organic compounds are currently considered an energy storage technology for the future. Functionalizing redox-active groups onto conducting polymers to make conducting redox polymers (CRPs) can effectively solve the low conductivity and dissolution problems of redox-active compounds. Here, we employ a solution-processable postdeposition polymerization (PDP) method, where the rearrangements ensured by partial dissolution of intermediated trimer during polymerization were found significant to produce high-performance CRPs. We show that quinizarin (Qz)- and naphthoquinone (NQ)-based CRPs can reach their theoretical capacity through optimization of the polymerization conditions. Combining the two CRPs, with the Qz-CRP as a cathode, the NQ-CRP as an anode, and a protic ionic liquid electrolyte, yields a 0.8 V proton rocking-chair battery. The conducting additive-free all-organic proton battery exhibits a capacity of 62 mAh/g and a capacity retention of 80% after 500 cycles using rapid potentiostatic charging and galvanostatic discharge at 4.5 C.

Recently, the number of mass spectrometry-based quantification assays has been increased, partially due to the global efforts of chromosome-centric human proteome project (C-HPP). Our goal at the Chromosome 19 Consortium is to provide novel selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assays of proteins coded on chromosome 19. We have selected the two most useful signature peptides (NSQVWLGR and HNLFEPEDTGQR) of human kallikrein-2 (hK2 – NX_P20151) and developed an SRM assay. Details of the analytical parameters, including multiple transitions by peptides, are presented. The endogenous levels of hK2 were determined in clinical samples (n= 35). The limit of quantification was also estimated by spiking heavy isotope-labeled peptides into seminal plasma samples at various concentrations (LOQ ≈ 29 ng/mL).

The EU Directive 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages has been welcomed by many stakeholders, but Sweden (together with Denmark), with its historically good track record regarding labour rights, is opposing it on both political and legal grounds. The Directive, the Swedish Government argues, will not fulfil its goals, and concerns, in any instance, matters that are excluded from the competence of the EU. This article describes and analyses the implementation measures in a system whose wage-setting mechanism – at least according to its own opinion – needs no support, and in which legal and political objections have been raised against the Directive.

Utilizing organic redox-active materials as electrodes is a promising strategy to enable innovative battery designs with low environmental footprint during production, which can be hard to achieve with traditional inorganic materials. Most electrode compositions, organic or inorganic, require binders for adhesion and conducting additives to enable charge transfer through the electrode, in addition to the redox-active material. Depending on the redox-active material, many types and combinations of binders and conducting additives have been considered. We designed a conducting polymer (CP), with a soluble, trimeric unit based on 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (E) and 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (P) as the repeat unit, acting as a combined binder and conducting additive. While CPs as additives have been explored earlier, in the current work, the use of a trimeric precursor enables solution processing together with the organic redox-active material. To evaluate this concept, the CP was blended with a redox polymer (RP), which contained a naphthoquinone (NQ) redox group at different ratios. The highest capacity for the total weight of the CP/RP electrode was 77 mAh/g at 1 C in the case of 30% EPE and 70% naphthoquinone-substituted poly(allylamine) (PNQ), which is 70% of the theoretical capacity given by the RP in the electrode. We further used this electrode in an aqueous battery, with a MnSO4cathode. The battery displayed a voltage of 0.95 V, retaining 93% of the initial capacity even after 500 cycles at 1 C. The strategy of using a solution-processable CP precursor opens up for new organic battery designs and facile evaluation of RPs in such.

Taste is essential for the interaction of animals with their food and has co-evolved with diet. Humans have peopled a large range of environments and present a wide range of diets, but little is known about the diversity and evolution of human taste perception. We measured taste recognition thresholds across populations differing in lifestyles (hunter gatherers and farmers from Central Africa, nomad herders, and farmers from Central Asia). We also generated genome-wide genotype data and performed association studies and selection scans in order to link the phenotypic variation in taste sensitivity with genetic variation. We found that hunter gatherers have lower overall sensitivity as well as lower sensitivity to quinine and fructose than their farming neighbors. In parallel, there is strong population divergence in genes associated with tongue morphogenesis and genes involved in the transduction pathway of taste signals in the African populations. We find signals of recent selection in bitter taste-receptor genes for all four populations. Enrichment analysis on association scans for the various tastes confirmed already documented associations and revealed novel GO terms that are good candidates for being involved in taste perception. Our framework permitted us to gain insight into the genetic basis of taste sensitivity variation across populations and lifestyles.

AbstractOverview:In the era of digitalization, manufacturing firms find it difficult to assess what is “the right” digital business model. To avoid common digitalization traps, company leaders and managers need to carefully assess each business model opportunity before committing to implementation and commercialization. We present insights from our case study about the diverse and complex issues related to digital business models. We highlight three digitalization traps and provide a three-phase framework companies can use to evaluate digital business model opportunities and make an informed decision on the commercial prospects for each model vetted.

Background: Bariatric surgery leads to a substantial weight loss (WL), however, a subset of patients undergoing surgery fails to achieve adequate WL. The reason for the individual variation in WL remains unexplained. Using an exploratory cross-disciplinary approach, we aimed to identify preoperative and early postoperative factors explaining the variation in WL after bariatric surgery. Methods: Sixty-one subjects were recruited. Eighteen subjects did not receive surgery and three subjects dropped out, leaving a total sample of 40 subjects. Physiological, social, and psychological data were collected before and 6 months after surgery. All variables were analyzed in combination using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to explain the variation in WL 18 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n= 30) and sleeve gastrectomy (n= 10). Results: Mean WL was 31% (range: 10–52%). The following preoperative factors predicted 59% of the variation in WL: type of surgery (14%), diabetes status (12%), economic resources (9%), sex (7%), binge eating disorder (7%), degree of depression (5%), household type (3%), and physical activity (1%). Including information on early responses after surgery increased the ability to predict WL to 78% and was explained by early WL (47%), changes in energy density of food consumed from a buffet meal (9%), changes in glicentin (5%), degree of depression (5%), sex (5%), type of surgery (2%), economic resources (2%), and changes in drive for thinness (1%). Conclusions: Using a cross-disciplinary approach, a substantial part of the individual variation in WL was explained by a combination of basic patient characteristics, psychological profile, and social conditions as well as physiological, psychological and behavioral responses to surgery. These results suggest that patient characteristics collected in a cross-disciplinary approach may help determine predictors for less successful WL after bariatric surgery. If verified in larger cohorts this may form the basis for individualized postoperative support to optimize WL outcome.

Muscle atrophy and cachexia are common comorbidities among patients suffering from cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and several other chronic diseases. The peptide hormone ghrelin exerts pleiotropic effects including the stimulation of growth hormone secretion and subsequent increase of insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, an important mediator of muscle growth and repair. Ghrelin also acts on inflammation, appetite, and adipogenesis and therefore has been considered a promising therapeutic target for catabolic conditions. We previously reported on the synthesis and properties of an indane based series of ghrelin receptor full agonists which led to a sustained increase of insulin-like growth factor-1 in a dog pharmacodynamic study. Herein we report on the identification of a series of pyrrolidine or piperidine based full agonists and attempted optimization to give compounds with profiles suitable for progression as clinical candidates.

Quinones have a capacity for high energy storage and exhibit facile and reversible electrochemistry in several widely different electrolytes. They are, therefore, one of the most popular compounds currently used in organic materials based electrical energy storage. Quinone electrochemistry is, however, strongly affected by the composition of the electrolyte. This report summarizes our systematic investigation of the redox chemistry of a series of quinones with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents in aqueous solution and in acetonitrile (MeCN) with tetrabutylammonium (TBA+)-, Li+-, and H+-based electrolytes. As a general trend, proton cycling, TBA+cycling, and Li+cycling resulted in the highest, the lowest, and intermediate redox potentials, respectively. We attribute this trend to stabilization of the reduced state, namely benzene-1,4-bis(olate) (Q2–), by the different counterions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that, in the fully reduced state, two Li+counterions accommodated 35% of the injected electron charges while proton counterions accommodated 69% of the injected charge, thus significantly stabilizing the reduced state. However, with the bulky TBA+as the cycling ion, this stabilization was not possible and the reduction potential was decreased. In addition, we showed that stabilization of the counterion also affected the Coulombic interaction between the successively injected charges, resulting in the well-known disproportionation of the semiquinone radical intermediate state with proton cycling, while Li+and TBA+cycling generally resulted in two consecutive redox reactions. Finally, we showed that the electrolyte strongly influences the effects of substitution with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents. A strong relationship between the redox potential and the electron-withdrawing power of the substituent was observed in the MeCN solution. However, this relationship was completely lost in aqueous solution. The reason for the loss of the relationship was addressed using a DFT explicit-solvent model and is discussed.

Despite a large number of publications describing biosensors based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), little attention has been paid to the stability and reproducibility issues of the sensor interfaces. In this work, the stability and reproducibility of faradaic EIS analyses on the aptamer/mercaptohexanol (MCH) self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-functionalized gold surfaces in ferri- and ferrocyanide solution were systematically evaluated prior to and after the aptamer-probe DNA hybridization. It is shown that the EIS data exhibited significant drift, and this significantly affected the reproducibility of the EIS signal of the hybridization. As a result, no significant difference between the charge transfer resistance (RCT) changes induced by the aptamer-target DNA hybridization and that caused by the drift could be identified. A conditioning of the electrode in the measurement solution for more than 12 h was required to reach a stable RCTbaseline prior to the aptamer-probe DNA hybridization. The monitored drift in RCTand double layer capacitance during the conditioning suggests that the MCH SAM on the gold surface reorganized to a thinner but more closely packed layer. We also observed that the hot binding buffer used in the following aptamer-probe DNA hybridization process could induce additional MCH and aptamer reorganization, and thus further drift in RCT. As a result, the RCTchange caused by the aptamer-probe DNA hybridization was less than that caused by the hot binding buffer (blank control experiment). Therefore, it is suggested that the use of high temperature in the EIS measurement should be carefully evaluated or avoided. This work provides practical guidelines for the EIS measurements. Moreover, because SAM-functionalized gold electrodes are widely used in biosensors, for example, DNA sensors, an improved understanding of the origin of the observed drift is very important for the development of well-functioning and reproducible biosensors.

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in adults. More research is needed to establish evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to generate cost-effective and fair fracture treatment. The Swedish National Patient Register is a principal source for population-based epidemiologic studies in Sweden. The validity of some–but not all–diagnoses in the register is high. Little is known regarding the validity of registration of distal radius fractures.

Eleven polybrominated diphenyl ether (tri- to deca-BDE) congeners and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (BB153) have been measured in pooled serum samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for one decade (from survey years 2005/06 through 2013/14). The pools, which are representative of the general noninstitutionalized population of the United States, encompassed thirty-two demographic groups defined by sex, race/ethnicity (Mexican American, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and all other race/ethnicities), and age (12–19, >20–39, >40–59, and ≥60 years). The adjusted geometric means were determined in a multiple linear regression model for the six congeners (BDE28, BDE47, BDE99, BDE100, BDE153, and BB153) with detectable concentrations in at least 60% of pools in each of the thirty-two demographic groups; the level of significance for all statistical comparisons thereof were determined. BDE154 and BDE209 were detected in 60% of the NHANES 2011/12 and 2013/14 pools; only these two survey periods were evaluated for these congeners. The percent change in concentration by a 2-year survey period was calculated. All examined PBDEs reported in five survey periods decreased in concentration, except BDE153, for which concentrations increased by 12.0% (95% CI 7.1–16.4) and 8.4% (95% CI 2.9–14.1) for the age groups 40–59 and ≥60 years, respectively; no significant change was observed in younger age groups. Excluding BDE153, we observed larger percentage decreases by a 2-year survey period for the age groups 12–19, 20–39, and ≥60 years compared with the age group 40–59 years. The percentage decrease by a two-year survey period ranged between −19.6% (BDE99, 20–39 years old) and −4.5% (BDE100, 40–59 years old). Although five polybrominated diphenyl ether (PDBE) congeners and BB153 are still frequently detected in the U.S. general population, PBDE concentrations have decreased since 2005–2006, likely, because of changes in manufacturing practices that started in the mid-2000s.

The phlebostatic axis is the most commonly used anatomical external reference point for central venous pressure measurements. Deviation in the central venous pressure transducer alignment from the phlebostatic axis causes inadequate pressure readings, which may affect treatment decisions for critically ill patients in intensive care units.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAA) are highly persistent and bioaccumulative and have been associated with several adverse health effects. The chemical structure mainly differs in two ways: the length of the hydrophobic alkyl chain and the type of hydrophilic end group. Little is known how the chemical structure affects the toxicokinetics (TK) in different organisms. We studied the TK of four PFAA (PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFBA) with different chain lengths (4–8 carbons) and functional groups (sulfonic and carboxylic acid) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo. The time courses of the external (ambient water) and internal concentrations were determined at three exposure concentrations from 2 up to 120 h postfertilization (hpf). Three of the four PFAA showed a biphasic uptake pattern with slow uptake before hatching (around 48 hpf) and faster uptake thereafter. A two-compartment TK model adequately described the biphasic uptake pattern, suggesting that the chorion functions as an uptake barrier until 48 hpf. The bioconcentration factors (BCF) determined at 120 hpf varied widely between PFAA with averages of approximately 4000 (PFOS), 200 (PFHxS), 50 (PFOA), and 0.8 (PFBA) L kg dry weight–1, suggesting that both the alkyl chain length and the functional group influence the TK. The differences in toxic potency were reduced by 3 orders of magnitude when comparing internal effect concentrations instead of effective external concentrations.

There is considerably greater variation in metabolic rates between men than between women, in terms of basal, activity and total (daily) energy expenditure (EE). One possible explanation is that EE is associated with male sexual characteristics (which are known to vary more than other traits) such as musculature and athletic capacity. Such traits might be predicted to be most prominent during periods of adolescence and young adulthood, when sexual behaviour develops and peaks. We tested this hypothesis on a large dataset by comparing the amount of male variation and female variation in total EE, activity EE and basal EE, at different life stages, along with several morphological traits: height, fat free mass and fat mass. Total EE, and to some degree also activity EE, exhibit considerable greater male variation (GMV) in young adults, and then a decrease in the degree of GMV in progressively older individuals. Arguably, basal EE, and also morphometrics, do not exhibit this pattern. These findings suggest that single male sexual characteristics may not exhibit peak GMV in young adulthood, however total and perhaps also activity EE, associated with many morphological and physiological traits combined, do exhibit GMV most prominently during the reproductive life stages.

Overview:The development of novel digital technologies connected to the Internet of Things, along with advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, is enabling a new wave of manufacturing innovation. “Smart factories” will leverage industrial equipment that communicates with users and with other machines, automated processes, and mechanisms to facilitate real-time communication between the factory and the market to support dynamic adaptation and maximize efficiency. Smart factories can yield a range of benefits, such as increased process efficiency, product quality, sustainability, and safety and decreased costs. However, companies face immense challenges in implementing smart factories, given the large-scale, systemic transformation the move requires. We use data gathered from in-depth studies of five factories in two leading automotive manufacturers to analyze these challenges and identify the key steps needed to implement the smart factory concept. Based on our analysis, we offer a preliminary maturity model for smart factory implementation built around three overarching principles: cultivating digital people, introducing agile processes, and configuring modular technologies.

The Late Neolithic period in Scandinavia [LN, c. 2350–1700 cal BCE] marks a time of considerable changes in settlement patterns, economy, and material culture. This shift also lays the foundation for the demographic developments in the Early Bronze Age [EBA, c. 1700–1100 cal BCE]. However, little is presently known regarding the developments from these time-periods on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. During the Middle Neolithic period [MN, c. 3300–2350 cal BCE], Gotland was inhabited by groups associated with the Funnel Beaker culture [TRB, c. 4000–2700 cal BCE], and the sub-Neolithic Pitted Ware culture [PWC, c. 3300–2300 cal BCE]. Some indications of connections with the Battle Axe/Corded Ware cultures [BAC/CWC, c. 2800–2300 cal BCE] have also been found, but no typical BAC/CWC burials have been located on the island to date.

Despite substantial research efforts, the mechanisms proposed to explain weight loss after gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SL) do not explain the large individual variation seen after these treatments. A complex set of factors are involved in the onset and development of obesity and these may also be relevant for the understanding of why success with treatments vary considerably between individuals. This calls for explanatory models that take into account not only biological determinants but also behavioral, affective and contextual factors. In this prospective study, we recruited 47 women and 8 men, aged 25–56 years old, with a BMI of 45.8 ± 7.1 kg/m2from the waiting list for RYGB and SL at Køge hospital, Denmark. Pre-surgery and 1.5, 6 and 18 months after surgery we assessed various endpoints spanning multiple domains. Endpoints were selected on basis of previous studies and include: physiological measures: anthropometrics, vital signs, biochemical measures and appetite hormones, genetics, gut microbiota, appetite sensation, food and taste preferences, neural sensitivity, sensory perception and movement behaviors; psychological measures: general psychiatric symptom-load, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, personality disorder, impulsivity, emotion regulation, attachment pattern, general self-efficacy, alexithymia, internalization of weight bias, addiction, quality of life and trauma; and sociological and anthropological measures: sociodemographic measures, eating behavior, weight control practices and psycho-social factors.

The ever-increasing consumption of energy storage devices has pushed the scientific community to realize strategies toward organic electrodes with superior properties. This is owed to advantages such as economic viability and eco-friendliness. In this context, the family of conjugated dicarboxylates has emerged as an interesting candidate for the application as negative electrodes in advanced Li-ion batteries due to the revealed thermal stability, rate capability, high capacity and high cyclability. This work aims to rationalize the effects of small molecular modifications on the electrochemical properties of the terephthalate anode by means of first principles calculations. The crystal structure prediction of the investigated host compounds dilithium terephthalate (Li2TP) and diethyl terephthalate (Et2Li0TP) together with their crystal modification upon battery cycling enable us to calculate the potential profile of these materials. Distinct underlying mechanisms of the redox reactions were obtained where Li2TP comes with a disproportionation reaction while Et2Li0TP displays sequential redox reactions. This effect proved to be strongly correlated to the Li coordination number evolution upon the Li insertion into the host structures. Finally, the calculations of sublimation enthalpy inferred that polymerization techniques could easily be employed in Et2Li0TP as compared to Li2TP. Similar results are observed with methyl, propyl, and vinyl capped groups. That could be a strategy to enhance the properties of this compound placing it into the gallery of the new anode materials for state of art Li-batteries.

Background:Aerobic exercise is recommended for weight management but energy balance is often less negative than predicted from exercise energy expenditure (ExEE).Objective:To examine effects of active commuting and leisure-time exercise on fat loss in women and men with overweight and obesity.Methods:We randomized 130 younger, physically inactive women and men with overweight and obesity (body mass index: 25–35?kg?m-2) to 6 months of habitual lifestyle (control; CON, n=18), active commuting (BIKE, n=35) or leisure-time exercise of moderate (MOD, 50% VO2peak reserve, n=39) or vigorous intensity (VIG, 70% VO2peak reserve, n=38). The primary outcome was change in fat mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, which was analyzed intention-to-treat. Accumulated energy balance was calculated based on changes in body composition, and ExEE was calculated based on heart rate monitoring during exercise.Results:Testing at 3 and 6 months was completed by 95 and 90 participants, respectively. Fat mass was reduced after 3 and 6 months in BIKE (3 months: -3.6 (-5.5; -1.7) kg (mean (95% CI)); 6 months: -4.2 (-6.6; -1.9) kg; both: P<0.001), MOD (3 months: -2.2 (-3.9; -0.4) kg; 6 months: -2.6 (-4.8; -0.5) kg, both: P<0.02) and VIG (3 months: -3.4 (-5.2; -1.7) kg; 6 months: -4.5 (-6.6; -2.3) kg; both: P<0.001) compared with CON. Furthermore, fat loss was greater in VIG compared with MOD (6 months: -1.8 (-3.6; -0.1) kg, P=0.043). Based on the ExEE and the accumulated energy balance MOD compensated for the ExEE (77 (48; 106) %) but not BIKE (38 (-18; 95) %) and VIG (21 (-14; 55) %).Conclusions:A meaningful fat loss was obtained by 6 months of active commuting and leisure-time exercise, but fat loss was greater with vigorous compared with moderate intensity exercise. Active commuting is an alternative to leisure-time exercise in the management of overweight and obesity. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01962259 (main trial) and NCT01973686 (energy metabolism sub-study).

A multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay was developed for precise quantitation of 87 plasma proteins including the three isoforms of apolipoprotein E (APOE) associated with cardiovascular diseases using nanoscale liquid chromatography separation and stable isotope dilution strategy. The analytical performance of the assay was evaluated and we found an average technical variation of 4.7% in 4–5 orders of magnitude dynamic range (≈0.2 mg/L to 4.5 g/L) from whole plasma digest. Here, we report a complete workflow, including sample processing adapted to 96-well plate format and normalization strategy for large-scale studies. To further investigate the MS-based quantitation the amount of six selected proteins was measured by routinely used clinical chemistry assays as well and the two methods showed excellent correlation with high significance (p-value < 10e-5) for the six proteins, in addition for the cardiovascular predictor factor, APOB: APOA1 ratio (r = 0.969, p-value < 10e-5). Moreover, we utilized the developed assay for screening of biobank samples from patients with myocardial infarction and performed the comparative analysis of patient groups with STEMI (ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction), NSTEMI (non ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction) and type-2 AMI (type-2 myocardial infarction) patients.

The aim of this study was to characterize young dating violent offenders (DVO), and to compare them to the general population and to young offenders with violent crimes directed against other victims. We have used data from the Development of Aggressive Antisocial Behaviour Study, in all 262 young men, 18 to 25 years, convicted of violent crimes and imprisoned in the Western Region of the Swedish Prison and Probation Services. We found that young DVO offenders differed from the general population in all investigated areas; however, the group did not differ in comparisons to other young violent offenders. Our results highlight the antisocial aspects of dating violent crime being rooted in aggressive antisocial behaviour, lacking signs of any specific offender type characteristics, thus questioning the validity of crime specific treatment programs in prison for young offenders of dating violence.

Triglyceride (TG) concentration is used as a marker of cardiometabolic risk. However, diurnal and possibly weekday variation exists in TG concentrations. The objective of this work was to investigate weekday variation in TG concentrations among 1.8 million blood samples drawn between 2008 and 2015 from patients in the Capital region of Denmark. Plasma TG was extracted from a central clinical laboratory information system. Weekday variation was investigated by means of linear mixed models. In addition to the profound diurnal variation, the TG concentration was 4.5% lower on Fridays compared with Mondays (P< 0.0001). The variation persisted after multiple adjustments for confounders and was consistent across all sensitivity analyses. Out-patients and in-patients, respectively, had 5.0% and 1.9% lower TG concentrations on Fridays compared with Mondays (both P< 0.0001). The highest weekday variations in TG concentrations were recorded for out-patients between the ages of 9 and 26 years, with up to 20% higher values on Mondays compared with Fridays (all P< 0.05). In conclusion, TG concentrations were highest after the weekend and gradually declined during the week. We suggest that unhealthy food intake and reduced physical activity during the weekend increase TG concentrations which track into the week. This weekday variation may carry implications for public health and future research practice.

Herein we report a mechanistic study of the charge transport in poly-3-((2,5-hydroquinone)vinyl)-1H-pyrrole by conductance measurements at various temperatures performed in situ during doping of the polypyrrole backbone in contact with an aqueous electrolyte. Charge transport was found to occur by electron hopping with associated electron transfer activation energies in the range of 0.08–0.2 eV. In situ electron paramagnetic resonance experiments indicated polarons as the dominant charge carriers and the charge transport was found to follow a second-order dependence with respect to the number of accumulated charges. Based on the findings, we present a polaron comproportionation/disproportionation model for electron conduction in poly-3-((2,5-hydroquinone)vinyl)-1H-pyrrole, thus, providing a complement to existing models for charge propagation in conducting polymers.

Children have higher polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) body burdens than adults, which may be related to hand-to-mouth behavior. We investigate associations between children’s behavior, including hand-to-mouth contacts, and markers of PBDE exposure. In addition, we investigate associations between characteristics of the home environment and exposure. Eighty-three children aged 12–36 months were recruited from North Carolina (2009–2010). Children provided blood and handwipes samples, which were analyzed for PBDEs. Parents completed questionnaires, providing demographic, behavioral, and environmental data. More active children had higher levels of PBDEs on their hands and in their bodies. For example, children who spent more time sleeping had lower exposures to PBDEs; each additional hour of sleep resulted in a 30% decrease in handwipe BDE-99 levels (P<0.001) and a 15% decrease in serum (P=0.03). After accounting for handwipe PBDE levels, children who licked their fingers while eating had higher serum PBDEs. Other behaviors were not consistently associated with serum levels. Playing with plastic toys was associated with higher handwipe levels of PBDEs, while frequent vacuuming decreased handwipe PBDE levels. Characteristics of the home environment generally were not associated with serum PBDEs. Our results suggest that certain aspects of children’s behavior and their environment impact exposure to PBDEs.

Enabling value co-creation between provider and customer is a key requirement for successful adoption of integrated product-service offerings in a capital good industrial setting. However, little is known about the barriers and conditions explaining customer's willingness to 'open up' their internal processes for value co-creation with providers. Based on a multiple exploratory case studies with four customers and four providers within the manufacturing and process industries, this study identifies three barriers to open operation (operational cultural resistance, loss of operational know-how and risk of operational conflict) which may restrict the potential for increased value co-creation and must be managed to support the adoption of integrated solutions. In addition, we identify two key conditions related to the criticality of the operational process and the state of operational competences as strong influences for which form of open operation engagement would be favoured by customer. The study holds both theoretical and practical implications.

A conducting redox polymer (CPR) based on pyrrole with a hydroquinone pendant group was synthesized through electropolymerization of the corresponding monomer. The formal potential (E0′) in aqueous solution at different pH as well as in MeCN containing equal amounts of pyridinium-triflates and the corresponding free pyridine with different pKawas investigated. E0′ could be completely recovered in MeCN, and by utilizing pyridine bases with different donor–acceptor strengths, a decrease of 61 meV/pKawas found that corresponded exactly to the pH dependence of E0′ in aqueous electrolyte. To separate the entropic and enthalpic contributions to E0′, temperature-dependent electrochemistry was performed. Two different modes of operation with changing pH/pKabetween the two media were revealed. In MeCN, E0′ varies only because of the enthalpic contribution as the entropic contribution is unaffected by change in pKa. In water, there is primarily an entropic contribution to E0′ with changing pH due to solvation of the proton. The presented results are expected to open up for new design possibilities of CRPs based on ion-coordinating redox groups for electrical energy storage.

Electrical neuromodulation by spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well‐established method for treatment of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanism behind the pain relieving effect in patients remains largely unknown. In this study, we target the human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome, a little investigated aspect of SCS mechanism of action. Two different proteomic mass spectrometry protocols were used to analyze the CSF of 14 SCS responsive neuropathic pain patients. Each patient acted as his or her own control and protein content was compared when the stimulator was turned off for 48 hours, and after the stimulator had been used as normal for three weeks. Eighty‐six proteins were statistically significantly altered in the CSF of neuropathic pain patients using SCS, when comparing the stimulator off condition to the stimulator on condition. The top 12 of the altered proteins are involved in neuroprotection (clusterin, gelsolin, mimecan, angiotensinogen, secretogranin‐1, amyloid beta A4 protein), synaptic plasticity/learning/memory (gelsolin, apolipoprotein C1, apolipoprotein E, contactin‐1, neural cell adhesion molecule L1‐like protein), nociceptive signaling (neurosecretory protein VGF), and immune regulation (dickkopf‐related protein 3). Previously unknown effects of SCS on levels of proteins involved in neuroprotection, nociceptive signaling, immune regulation, and synaptic plasticity are demonstrated. These findings, in the CSF of neuropathic pain patients, expand the picture of SCS effects on the neurochemical environment of the human spinal cord. An improved understanding of SCS mechanism may lead to new tracks of investigation and improved treatment strategies for neuropathic pain.

Objectives:: Increased energy expenditure (EE) has been proposed as an important mechanism for weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, this has never been investigated in a controlled setting independent of changes in energy balance. Similarly, only few studies have investigated the effect of RYGB on glycaemic control per se. Here, we investigated the effect of RYGB on EE, appetite, glycaemic control and specific signalling molecules compared with a control group in comparable negative energy balance. Subjects/Methods:: Obese normal glucose-tolerant participants were randomized to receive RYGB after 8 (n=14) or 12 weeks (n=14). The protocol included a visit at week 0 and three visits (weeks 7, 11 and 78) where 24-h EE, appetite and blood parameters were assessed. Participants followed a low-calorie diet from weeks 0–11, with those operated at week 12 serving as a control group for those operated at week 8. Results:: Compared with controls, RYGB-operated participants had lower body composition-adjusted 24-h EE and basal EE 3 weeks postoperatively (both P&lt;0.05) but EE parameters at week 78 were not different from preoperative values (week 7). Surgery changed the postprandial response of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY3–36(PYY), ghrelin, cholecystokinin, fibroblast growth factor-19 and bile acids (all P&lt;0.05). Particularly, increases in GLP-1, PYY and decreases in ghrelin were associated with decreased appetite. None of HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance), Matsuda index, the insulinogenic index, the disposition index and fasting hepatic insulin clearance were different between the groups, but RYGB operated had lower fasting glucose (P&lt;0.05) and the postprandial glucose profile was shifted to the left (P&lt;0.01). Conclusions:: Our data do not support that EE is increased after RYGB. More likely, RYGB promotes weight loss by reducing appetite, partly mediated by changes in gastrointestinal hormone secretion. Furthermore, we found that the early changes in glycaemic control after RYGB is to a large extent mediated by caloric restriction.

Terephthalate-substituted thiophene derivatives are promising redox-active components for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. In this study, we present the synthesis of substituted 2-(thiophen-3-yl)terephthalate derivatives (TTDs) as suitable monomers for thiophene-based conducting redox polymers, along with their characterization by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, utilizing the universal solvation model based on solute electron density (SMD), were used to predict both the first and the second reduction potentials of these TTDs. The computational results showed good agreement with the experimental data in nonaqueous acetonitrile solvent, with mean absolute errors of 30 and 40 mV for the first and second reduction steps, respectively. Time-dependent (TD) DFT calculations on TTDs indicated terephthalate local transitions at both 200 and 240 nm and charge-transfer transitions above 300 nm by examination of the involved molecular orbitals.

Responses to disasters and crises are often characterized by decisions made in situations of urgency and uncertainty. Decisions are often made under time constraints and without full knowledge of the consequences of the available options. This paper investigates the role of time and knowledge in the practical governance of disasters and crises. It empirically examines the sense-making and risk governance practices developed in response to the consequences of two detrimental storms that affected a forest area in Sweden. The data were gathered in an interview study of forest advisors at a public agency, forest associations, and private companies. The analysis indicates that the actors’ adjustments to their perception of available time (time regime) and the accessibility of knowledge (desktop knowledge) explain how certain risk governing practices evolved. Thus, of greatest significance is not what is known and unknown but who knows what and when.

•Amyloid Precursor Protein correlates inversely to fatigue in MS.•Fatigued MS patients show significantly lower concentrations of APP than MS patients without fatigue and borderline significantly lower levels than controls.•Amyloid Precursor Protein might be used as a possible biomarker for fatigue in MS.•Although higher levels of APP has been shown to correlate to dementia, this is the first time lower levels of APP has been found in any patient group.•Normalization of APP by Natalizumab may mediate the fatigue alleviating effect and explain why Natalizumab is the only conventional treatment shown to reduce fatigue.

The combination of small, high charge capacity molecules as pendant groups with a conducting polymer backbone having good electronic conductivity upon doping, gives the possibility to design a high capacity conducting redox polymer material for electric energy storage applications. The desired synergetic effect of the two components requires energy matching as well as chemical compatibility of the pendant group and the polymer backbone. Here we investigate the matching of diethyl terephthalate (DeT) with the thiophene-based conducting polymers polythiophene (PT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and polyphenylthiophene. We show that a stable and well-defined electrochemical response of DeT is achieved, together with all conducting polymers except for PT in tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate electrolyte, indicating good energy match as well as chemical compatibility between DeT and polymers. By varying the size of ammonium cations in the electrolytes, we further show how this size affects the conductivity and the cycling stability of the polymers and also that the n-doping performance of all conducting polymers can be improved by the use of smaller alkyl ammonium cations. On the basis of these results, we suggest that PEDOT and PT are suitable candidates for a polymer backbone in conducting redox polymers with DeT pendant groups.

The authors investigated the impact on fee load of variations in the frequency with which commodity trading advisers update their high-water mark. They documented crystallization frequencies used in practice, analyzed the effect on fee load, and found that the crystallization frequency set by the manager significantly affects fee load and should thus be a relevant consideration for investors. We investigated the impact on fees paid by investors of variations in the frequency with which commodity trading advisers (CTAs) or managed futures update their high-water mark (HWM). Although this aspect of hedge funds’ fee structure might be neglected in fee negotiations, the “crystallization” frequency has a material impact on the fee level that investors pay. Therefore, the issue is of high relevance for investors that are invested in or wish to allocate to CTAs or other hedge fund categories. The crystallization frequency is an important element of any performance-based fee structure that includes a high-water-mark provision.In our study, we first documented the crystallization frequency commonly used by managed futures. We found that in the majority of cases, the high-water mark is updated quarterly. This finding contrasts with the view expressed in prior academic research that hedge funds commonly charge the incentive fee annually, at the end of the year. Furthermore, using data on managed futures from BarclayHedge for 1994–2012, we studied the impact of crystallization frequency on the average annual fee load that investors pay. We first estimated CTAs’ gross returns by using the funds’ headline fee levels and assuming quarterly crystallization. We then used gross returns as inputs for a block bootstrap approach to simulate the track record of CTA funds. The final step consisted of applying a standard 2/20 fee structure but varying the crystallization frequency. In this way, we were able to quantify the average annual fee load for different crystallization frequencies under realistic conditions.The results that we report in the article provide investors with a number of useful insights. We found that the expected total fee load charged by the hedge fund manager increases with the crystallization frequency. In the case of CTAs and assuming a 2/20 fee structure, shifting from annual to quarterly crystallization leads to a 49 bp increase in the average annual fee load (as a percentage of assets under management). These results imply that funds with different (identical) headline fee levels can have remarkably similar (different) fee loads. We quantified the trade-off between crystallization frequency and performance fee level. Specifically, our results suggest that an incentive fee of 15% under monthly crystallization leads to the same total fee load as an incentive fee of 20% under annual crystallization.Our results imply that the effect of crystallization frequency on fees is important for investors evaluating and comparing different fund investments. Headline fee levels do not tell the whole story when a high-water-mark provision is used. Considering the crystallization frequency should allow a more informed choice when investing in CTAs or other investment vehicles with a high-water-mark provision.

Gold nanoparticles have been used since antiquity for the production of red-colored glasses. More recently, it was determined that this color is caused by plasmon resonance, which additionally increases the material’s nonlinear optical response, allowing for the improvement of numerous optical devices. Interest in silica fibers containing gold nanoparticles has increased recently, aiming at the integration of nonlinear devices with conventional optical fibers. However, fabrication is challenging due to the high temperatures required for silica processing and fibers with gold nanoparticles were solely demonstrated using sol–gel techniques. We show a new fabrication technique based on standard preform/fiber fabrication methods, where nanoparticles are nucleated by heat in a furnace or by laser exposure with unprecedented control over particle size, concentration, and distribution. Plasmon absorption peaks exceeding 800 dB m–1at 514–536 nm wavelengths were observed, indicating higher achievable nanoparticle concentrations than previously reported. The measured resonant nonlinear refractive index, (6.75 ± 0.55) × 10–15m2W–1, represents an improvement of >50×.

The paper addresses which customer values, related to sustainable management of operation for Functional Products, are of interest during manufacturing companies’ marketing and sales processes. Based on an empirical study covering five manufacturing companies, a set of customer values, which are categorized using Hill's [28] framework in order to understand whether they are important and why,is proposed. The analysis has generated a set of twenty-three potential values, whereof nine are considered as specific for contexts embodying Functional Products.Thus, the findings identify critical values to considerprior to, andwhen, selling Functional Products. Further, the results have important implications for the design and development of Functional Products in light of ongoing transformations within the manufacturing industry.

The self-discharge behavior of organic electrodes and symmetric devices for sustainable energy storage, composed of electrodes containing a thin layer of polypyrrole coated onto a high surface area cellulose matrix, has been studied for the first time using different electrode sizes and electrolytes. Experimental data from open circuit measurements of the individual electrode potentials of charged symmetrical two-electrode energy storage devices as a function of time were evaluated based on three different self-discharge models. This evaluation clearly showed that the self-discharge process of the positive electrode is governed by a previously undetected activation-controlled faradaic reaction while the self-discharge of the negative electrode is due to diffusion controlled oxidation involving oxygen dissolved in the electrolyte. Potentiostatic three-electrode measurements and spectroelectrochemical experiments also showed that protons as well as maleimide were released from positively polarized polypyrrole electrodes. These new findings clearly show that the self-discharge of the cells originate from two different types of reactions on the positive and negative electrodes and that the main contribution to the self-discharge of the cells comes from an activation controlled reaction involving the positive electrode. These results provide an improved understanding of polypyrrole based devices and also yield new possibilities for the development of stable conducting polymer system for energy storage applications.

Herein, polypyridine (P25Py) is for the first time evaluated as an anode material for organic matter based electric energy storage devices. P25Py is synthesized both chemically and electrochemically and the influence of electrolyte and solvent on the doping behavior of the material is investigated in propylene carbonate and acetonitrile with LiClO4and TBAPF6. A battery consisting of P25Py coupled to a lithium metal disc is assembled and the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of the conjugated polymer is analyzed. In all electrolyte combinations P25Py is conductive and shows reversible redox chemistry between −1.0 and −2.0 V vs ferrocene with capacitive response characteristics. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of the material can be described by a Randles equivalent circuit with a finite length Warburg diffusion element in which the diffusion coefficient of the cations increases with increasing doping level of the polymer. In the battery cell configuration the polymer shows reversible cycling with no capacity fading during the first 100 cycles without conducting additives. P25Py thus provides a promising alternative conducting polymer base for electrical energy storage applications which expands both the potential widow as well as the electrolyte compatibility of the flora of known conducting polymers.