One pot ‘click’ reactions: tandem enantioselective biocatalytic epoxide ring opening and [3+2] azide alkyne cycloaddition

Halohydrin dehalogenase (HheC) can perform enantioselective azidolysis of aromatic epoxides to 1,2-azido alcohols which are subsequently ligated to alkynes producing chiral hydroxy triazoles in a one-pot procedure with excellent enantiomeric excess.

Production of Entangled X-rays through Nonlinear Double Compton Scattering

An accessible source for the production of entangled x-rays is crucial for the field of high-energy quantum optics. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the entanglement and polarisation of the two photons emitted by an electron in an intense laser wave (nonlinear double Compton scattering), by working within the framework of strong-field QED. By identifying a contribution to the emission probability stemming from the electron being on-shell or off-shell between the two photons emissions, we show that the entangled photons are generated via the off-shell contribution, which can be distinguished from those emitted via the on-shell channel by a polarisation measurement. We also provide an intuitive picture to explain the entanglement and propose an experiment to produce and isolate entangled x-rays.Comment: Contains an article and Supplemental Materia

Work-sports enrichment in amateur runners : A diary study

Abstract: Many employees worldwide combine a job with serious, goal-oriented ambitions in the athletic domain. However, scientific knowledge about day-to-day linkages between work and sports is lacking. We filled this gap in the literature by examining how experiences at work can enrich sports after work. Extending the work-home resources model to the work-sports interface, we posited that proactive work behaviors positively relate to work engagement – a state that may permeate into the sports domain and relate to positive sports outcomes. We conducted a diary study among 170 working recreational runners (598 measurement occasions). Within a three-week period, participants completed two surveys on days they worked and ran after work. Survey 1, completed at the end of the workday, covering proactive work behavior and work engagement, and survey 2, completed after running and covering running performance. The results of multilevel structural equation modeling indicated that on days employees showed more proactive behavior, they also reported higher work engagement. In turn, on days they reported higher work engagement, they recorded a steadier running pace. We discuss how these findings support the phenomenon of work-to-sports spillover and contribute to the current understanding of the interplay between work and sports

Mechanical Noise Improves the Vibration Perception Threshold of the Foot in People With Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Mechanical noise may improve somatosensation at the dorsal side of the foot, but the effect at the plantar side of the foot, the side most at risk for foot ulceration, is unknown. Moreover, techniques used in research so far have several problems that limit applicability in daily practice. Piezoelectric actuators may provide mechanical noise with better clinical applicability. We assessed the effects of piezoelectric actuators generating mechanical noise on the vibration perception threshold (VPT) at the plantar side of the foot in people with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: Double-blind within-subjects design in a controlled laboratory setting including participants with diabetic neuropathy (N = 40; 18 male; mean age 69.6 years; mean duration of diabetes 14.1 years; mean BMI 30.5). VPT was measured at three plantar foot locations with and without mechanical noise applied via piezoelectric actuators. Results: Mechanical noise improved VPT at metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) 1 (left 39.3V vs 43.5V; right 39.0 vs 42.6 V), MTP5 (left 37.5V vs 41.7V; right 34.5V vs 40.8V) and the heel (left 40.0V vs 44.0V; right 39.3V vs 41.0V), all P <.001. Conclusions: Mechanical noise improves VPT at the plantar side of the foot in people with diabetic neuropathy. This is an important step for further development of insoles using mechanical noise that may have the potential to improve VPT and decrease the risk of foot ulceration

What influences a patient's decision to use custom-made orthopaedic shoes?

BACKGROUND: Despite potential benefits, some patients decide not to use their custom-made orthopaedic shoes (OS). Factors are known in the domains ‘usability’, ‘communication and service’, and ‘opinion of others’ that influence a patient’s decision to use OS. However, the interplay between these factors has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the interplay between factors concerning OS, and the influences thereof on a patient’s decision to use OS. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data by means of sequential data analysis and triangulation. Priority was given to the qualitative part. Qualitative data was gathered with a semi-structured interview covering the three domains. Data was analysed using the framework approach. Quantitative data concerned the interplay between factors and determining a rank-order for the importance of factors of ‘usability’. RESULTS: A patient’s decision to use OS was influenced by various factors indicated as being important and by acceptance of their OS. Factors of ‘usability’ were more important than factors of ‘communication’; the ‘opinion of others’ was of limited importance. An improvement of walking was indicated as the most important factor of ‘usability’. The importance of other factors (cosmetic appearance and ease of use) was determined by reaching a compromise between these factors and an improvement of walking. CONCLUSIONS: A patient’s decision to use OS is influenced by various factors indicated as being important and by acceptance of their OS. An improvement of walking is the most important factor of ‘usability’, the importance of other factors (cosmetic appearance and ease of use) is determined by reaching compromises between these factors and an improvement of walking. Communication is essential to gain insight in a patient’s acceptance and in the compromises they are willing to reach. This makes communication the key for clinicians to influence a patient’s decision to use OS