E-contact facilitated by conversational agents reduces interethnic prejudice and anxiety in Afghanistan.

Intergroup contact occurring through indirect means such as the internet has the potential to improve intergroup relationships and may be especially beneficial in high conflict situations. Here we conducted a three-timepoint online experiment to ascertain whether the use of a conversational agent in E-contact platforms could mitigate interethnic prejudices and hostility among Afghanistan's historically segregated and persistently conflictual ethnic groups. 128 Afghans of Pashtun, Tajik, and Hazara backgrounds were assigned to one of four E-contact conditions (control with no conversational agent and three experimental groups that varied in the conversational agent settings). Participants in the experimental conditions contributed more ideas and longer opinions and showed a greater reduction in outgroup prejudice and anxiety than those in the control group. These findings demonstrate that E-contact facilitated by a conversational agent can improve intergroup attitudes even in contexts characterized by a long history of intergroup segregation and conflict.

Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped Zr0.85Y0.15O1.925:Yb3+ phosphors: dual-mode ratiometric thermometry based on near infrared up-conversion/down-shifting photoluminescence.

Ratiometric thermometry is among the emerging applications in phosphor materials. Particularly, the technique of ultrafine-space thermometry has garnered significant attention in bio-imaging. Near-infrared (NIR) light, with its high tissue permeability, serves not only as an excitation source for up-conversion photoluminescence (UCPL) but also induces down-shifting photoluminescence (DSPL) at longer wavelengths. These luminescence mechanisms offer promising avenues for bio-available thermometry. In this study, we focused on highly bio-adaptable yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Zr0.85Y0.15O1.925, and prepared phosphor materials with yttrium partially substituted by ytterbium (Yb), erbium (Er), and thulium (Tm) using a hydrothermal reaction method. The synthesized YSZ:Yb-Er/Tm phosphors with different Yb3+ contents showed multi-line UCPL in the visible to NIR region due to Er3+ and Tm3+ ions under the laser irradiation at 980 nm; in particular, it showed strong UCPL at 800 nm originating from Tm3+. Furthermore, under the same excitation conditions, the phosphor exhibited not only UCPL but also DSPL due to 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ in the deeper NIR region of 1400-1700 nm. Interestingly, these DSPLs exhibit significant PL enhancement (anti-thermal quenching; anti-TQ) with increasing temperature. The thermometric properties based on the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of UCPL, which shows normal thermal quenching, and DSPL, which shows anti-thermal quenching, demonstrated excellent temperature sensitivity (Sr > 3% K-1 @ 283 K) and temperature resolution (δT < 0.1 K @ 283 K). This study suggests that the LIR thermometry technique using UCPL/DSPL, specifically anti-TQ/normal-TQ, can contribute to further advancements in luminescence-based temperature measurement.

Relative B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Deficiency May Exist in Diastolic Dysfunction in Subclinical Population.

Background: Heart failure patients are deficient in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) but the significance of subclinical BNP deficiency is unclear. Methods and Results: A total of 1,398 subjects without cardiovascular disease, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% and BNP level <100 pg/mL, were selected from a 2005-2008 health checkup in Arita-cho, Japan, and divided into 2 groups: with and without LV diastolic dysfunction (DD+ or DD-). We performed propensity score matching on non-cardiac factors affecting BNP levels and analyzed 470 subjects in each group (372/940 men; median age, 66 years). The DD(+) group showed higher lateral E/e', an index of estimated left ventricular filling pressure, and greater prevalence of concentric hypertrophy (CH) despite similar BNP levels, suggesting a relative deficiency of BNP in DD(+) compared with DD(-). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an increase in BNP correlated with decreased odds of CH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.663, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.484-0.909, P=0.011), whereas an increase in lateral E/e' was associated with increased odds of CH (aOR, 2.881; 95% CI, 1.390-5.973; P=0.004). Furthermore, CH in combination with diastolic dysfunction independently predicted major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 3.272, 95% CI 1.215-8.809; P=0.019). Conclusions: Relative BNP deficiency was associated with CH, which had a poor prognosis in patients with diastolic dysfunction.

Truncated GPNMB, a microglial transmembrane protein, serves as a scavenger receptor for oligomeric ß-amyloid peptide1-42 in primary type 1 microglia.

Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is up-regulated in one subtype of microglia (MG) surrounding senile plaque depositions of amyloid-beta (Aß) peptides. However, whether the microglial GPNMB can recognize the fibrous Aß peptides as ligands remains unknown. In this study, we report that the truncated form of GPNMB, the antigen for 9F5, serves as a scavenger receptor for oligomeric Aß1-42 (o-Aß1-42) in rat primary type 1 MG. 125I-labeled o-Aß1-42 exhibited specific and saturable endosomal/lysosomal degradation in primary-cultured type 1 MG from GPNMB-expressing wild-type mice, whereas the degradation activity was markedly reduced in cells from Gpnmb-knockout mice. The Gpnmb-siRNA significantly inhibits the degradation of 125I-o-Aß1-42 by murine microglial MG5 cells. Therefore, GPNMB contributes to mouse MG's o-Aß1-42 clearance. In rat primary type 1 MG, the cell surface expression of truncated GPNMB was confirmed by a flow cytometric analysis using a previously established 9F5 antibody. 125I-labeled o-Aß1-42 underwent endosomal/lysosomal degradation by rat primary type 1 MG in a dose-dependent fashion, while the 9F5 antibody inhibited the degradation. The binding of 125I-o-Aß1-42 to the rat primary type 1 MG was inhibited by 42% by excess unlabeled o-Aß1-42, and by 52% by the 9F5 antibody. Interestingly, the 125I-o-Aß1-42 degradations by MG-like cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells was inhibited by the 9F5 antibody, suggesting that truncated GPNMB also serve as a scavenger receptor for o-Aß1-42 in human MG. Our study demonstrates that the truncated GPNMB (the antigen for 9F5) binds to oligomeric form of Aß1-42 and functions as a scavenger receptor on MG, and 9F5 antibody can act as a blocking antibody for the truncated GPNMB.

Vanadium-Containing Keggin-Type Polyoxometalates, [VM12O40]3- and [VVM11O40]4- (M = Mo, W): Structural Characterization and Voltammetric, NMR, and EPR Studies Related to Electrochemical Reduction at Framework and Central Vanadium Sites.

Vanadium is accommodated in both the framework (VoutV) and central positions (VinV) in the Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs) [VinVVoutVM11O40]4- (M = Mo, W; VinVVoutVM11) and in the central position in [VinVM12O40]3- (VinVM12). The structures of the VinVVoutVM11 class have been determined by X-ray crystallography and compared to those of VinVM12 reported previously. A major feature of interest with POMs is their capacity for very extensive reduction, particularly when protonation accompanies the electron transfer step. With VinVVoutVM11 and VinVM12 POMs, knowledge as to whether reduction occurs at V or M sites and the concomitant dependence on acidity has been obtained. Frozen solution EPR spectra obtained following bulk electrolysis showed that the one-electron reduction of VinVMo12 occurs at the molybdenum framework site to give VinVMoVMo11. In contrast, EPR spectra of one-electron reduced VinVW12 at <30 K are consistent with the electron being accommodated on the central V atom in a tetrahedral environment to give VinIVW12. In the case of VinVVoutVM11, the initial reduction occurs at the framework VoutV site to give VinVVoutIVM11. The second electron is delocalized over the Mo framework in two-electron reduced VinVVoutIVMoVMo10, whereas it is accommodated on the central V site in VinIVVoutIVW11. The distance between VinIV and VoutIV in VinIVVoutIVW11 estimated as 3.5 ± 0.2 Å from analysis of the EPR spectrum is consistent with that obtained in VinVVoutVW11 from crystallographic data. Simulations of the cyclic voltammograms as a function of CF3SO3H acid concentration for the initial reduction processes provide excellent agreement with experimental data obtained in acetonitrile (0.10 M [n-Bu4N][PF6]) and allowed acid association constants to be estimated and compared with the literature values available for [XVoutVM11O40]n- (X = S (n = 3), P and As (n= 4); M = Mo, W). The interpretation of the voltammetric data is supported by 51V NMR measurements on the oxidized VV forms of the POMs.

Pollen morphology for successful pollination dependent on pollinator taxa in a generalist plant: relationship with foraging behavior.

Pollen morphology varies at inter- and intraspecific levels. Its interaction with pollinator behavior and morphology determines the probability of successful pollination. We tested whether pollen morphology promoting successful pollination differs depending on pollinator taxa in a generalist shrub, Weigela hortensis (Caprifoliaceae). We identified flower visitors carrying pollen from anthers to stigmas and compared the spine length and diameter of the pollen grains they carried. We found that pollen on the bodies of bumble bees and hunch-back flies and the scopae of small bees (including andrenid bees) contributed to seed production. Pollen grains on the bodies of bumble bees had longer spines than those on the scopae of andrenid bees or the bodies of hunch-back flies. Pollen grains on the bodies of bumble bees and the scopae of andrenid bees had larger diameters than those on hunch-back flies. Bumble bees collected pollen grains with shorter spines and larger diameters on their corbiculae while andrenid bees collected pollen grains with shorter spines and intermediate diameters on their scopae. The differences in morphology of pollen carried by pollinators reflected the tendency of bees to collect pollen with specific morphology into corbiculae/scopae. Our findings suggest that pollen morphology has diversified to facilitate successful pollination by pollinating partners.

Predictors of Improvement in Exercise Capacity After Cardiac Rehabilitation Differ Between Octogenarian and Young-Old Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Whether the magnitude and predictors of improvement in exercise capacity after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are the same between young-old (YO) and octogenarian (OCT) patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unknown.Methods and Results: We studied 284 YO (age range 65-69 years; mean [±SD] 67±1 years) and 65 OCT (age range ≥80 years; mean [±SD] 83±2 years) patients who participated in a post-AMI CR program. After 3 months of CR, peak oxygen uptake (PV̇O2) measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing improved significantly in both age groups (P<0.01), although the percentage increase in PV̇O2(%∆PV̇O2) was significantly smaller in the OCT than YO group (5.4±13.7% vs. 10.0±12.8%; P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that independent predictors of %∆PV̇O2were the number of outpatient CR (OPCR) sessions attended (P=0.015), left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.028), and baseline PV̇O2(P=0.0007) in the YO group; and the number of sessions attended (P=0.018), atrial fibrillation (P=0.042), and the presence of nutritional risk (Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index ≤98; P=0.036) in the OCT group. CONCLUSIONS: The predictors of improvement in exercise capacity after CR differed between the YO and OCT patients with AMI. To obtain a greater improvement in PV̇O2in CR, frequent OPCR session attendance may be necessary in both groups; in addition, particularly in OCT patients, better nutritional status may be important.

Candidate Screening for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Clinic by Fib-4 Index From Subclinical Subjects.

Background and Aims: Recognition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) at an early stage in mass screening is desirable, but difficult to achieve. We examined whether the fibrosis (Fib)-4 index, a simple index of liver stiffness/fibrosis, could be used as a screening tool to select candidates requiring expert diagnostics. Methods: Individuals who participated in annual health checks between 2006 and 2007 in Arita-cho, Saga, Japan, with no history of cardiovascular disease and EF ≥ 50% were enrolled (total 710; 258 men; median age, 59 years). Results: Participants were divided into 5 groups according to HFpEF risk: 215 (30%), 100 (14%), 171 (24%), 163 (23%), and 61 (9%) with Heart Failure Association (HFA)-PEFF scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4-6 points, respectively. The highest HFpEF risk group (HFA-PEFF score, 4-6 points) showed poor prognosis for the clinical events of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for HF (log-rank test, P = .002). The Fib-4 index was correlated with HFpEF risk stratification (rs = 0.526), and increment in the Fib-4 index was independently linked to high HFpEF risk by multiple logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.311; 95% confidence interval, 1.078-1.595; P = .007). The Fib-4 index stratified clinical prognosis (log-rank test, P < .001) was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for HF (hazard ratio, 1.305; 95% confidence interval, 1.139-1.495; P < .001). Conclusion: The Fib-4 index can be used to select appropriate candidates for a detailed examination of HFpEF in a subclinical population.

Cerium(III) Niobate Layered Perovskites: Abnormal Optical Absorption Modulations by Tuning of B-Site Composition and Perovskite Layer Charge Control.

The cerium-introduced layered perovskite of RbCeTa2O7 has exhibited a specific optical absorption due to metal-to-metal charge transfer transitions between Ce 4f and transition metal d-orbitals to show the unique pale-green coloration, which is different from conventional coloration mechanisms. To further extend the coloring state based on the same mechanism, in this work, a series of the [Ce(Ta,Nb)2O7]- layered perovskites, Rb1-xCsx[Ce(Ta1-xNbx)2O7] (x = 0∼1), with Nb substitutions in the perovskite units have been prepared and investigated in terms of those crystal structures and optical absorption mechanism. The Rietveld analysis using the XRD profile and EXAFS analyses well refined those structures as the Dion-Jacobson-type layered perovskite. The color of solid solutions gradually changed from pale-green to dark reddish-brown with increasing amount of substituted niobium. The unique coloring state change behavior of solid solutions from pale-green to dark reddish-brown depending on the amount of the substituted niobium is not observed in the other layered perovskite analogues (e.g., La and Pr analogues). The first-principles calculation based on the density functional theory method indicated that the band structural change should be a key factor for the coloration modulation. Furthermore, the redox ability through the charge modulation of the perovskite layer, which is a specific function of the cerium-based layered perovskite, was also investigated for the niobate [CeNb2O7]- perovskite layer, resulting in the anisotropic lattice changes similar to those of a Ta analogue with different structural changes in the stacking and in-plane directions. The accompanying change in electronic structure led to a clear modulation in optical absorption, yielding a drastic change in the coloring state from dark brown to yellow.

USV-Observed Turbulent Heat Flux Induced by Late Spring Cold Dry Air Incursion over Sub-Mesoscale Warm Regions off Sanriku, Japan.

We performed oceanic and atmospheric observations in the region off the Sanriku coast, Japan, from May 11 to 5 July 2022, using a wave-propelled unmanned surface vehicle, a Wave Glider (WG). Despite the severe weather conditions of atmospheric low-pressure system crossings, we successfully measured wind, air temperature, humidity, and sea surface temperature over the course of 55 days to calculate the turbulent heat flux. The WG observed that the atmosphere became more humid due to the southerly wind along the northwestern rim of the North Pacific subtropical high. The warm Kuroshio water expanded to the southeast of Hokkaido as a result of the northward shedding of an anticyclonic mesoscale (~100 km) eddy, called a warm-core ring, from the Kuroshio Extension. The WG traversed smaller (sub-mesoscale) water regions that were warmer and saltier than the surrounding Kuroshio water. The observations indicate that cold, dry air masses advected by northerly winds following the passage of atmospheric low-pressure systems generate a substantial upward turbulent heat flux over sub-mesoscale warm water regions, contrasting to no heat flux in the surrounding Kuroshio water region.

Utility of NaMoO3 F as a Precursor for Homogeneous Distribution of Cobalt Dopants in Molybdenum Oxynitrides.

Molybdenum nitrides and their related compounds have been focused as a catalyst for several reactions. Although the doping into molybdenum nitrides lead to the higher catalytic activity, the simultaneous control of the morphology, the crystallinity, and the dopant state in doped MoN cannot be easily achieved due to the limitation of the synthesis method. In this study, one of the mixed anion compounds, NaMoO3 F was used as a precursor for molybdenum oxynitrides with hexagonal MoN phase. This route led to the homogeneous distribution of cobalt in the molybdenum oxynitride compared with that obtained by the other method. The cobalt-doped molybdenum oxynitride from NaMoO3 F exhibited high oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity due to the high distribution of cobalt in the crystal. This paper proposes that the mixed anion compounds can be a unique precursor for the other materials to expand the controllability of materials toward improvement of their activity.

Electrochemical antioxidant capacity measurement: a downsized system and its application to agricultural crops.

An on-site electrochemical antioxidant capacity measurement system was developed using a screen print electrode (SPE) and circuit tester. The antioxidant capacities of eight antioxidants were evaluated with the handheld electrochemical antioxidant capacity measurement system to compare with those measured with spectroscopic methods, namely, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays, as well as the reported electrochemical method with three conventional electrodes (a glassy carbon electrode, Ag/AgCl electrode and platinum wire electrode) and a potentiostat. Additionally, the potential shifts were proportional to the logarithm of the antioxidant concentration, which obeyed the Nernstian equation. Moreover, the antioxidant capacities of extracts from vegetables (green pepper, ginger and eggplant) were measured with a handheld electrochemical system. Each measurement was finished in only ca. 3 min. The electrochemically obtained antioxidant data were comparable to those from DPPH free-radical scavenging assays and superoxide anion scavenging activity (SOSA) assays, as well as the total phenolic compound content.

Three-dimensional echocardiography for predicting mitral stenosis after MitraClip for functional mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Postprocedural mitral stenosis (MS), or increased transmitral mean pressure gradient (TMPG), is one of the limitations of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular Inc., Santa Clara, USA); however, the usefulness of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) for predicting postprocedural MS in functional mitral regurgitation (MR) has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive functional MR patients who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair using MitraClip were retrospectively studied. Postprocedural MS was defined as TMPG ≥ 5 mmHg by echocardiography. RESULTS: Ten patients had postprocedural MS, and 3D-TEE showed that patients with postprocedural MS had smaller preprocedural mitral valve orifice area (MVOA), anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter, leaflet area, and annulus area. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that leaflet area (area under the curve (AUC) 0.829), annulus area (AUC 0.813), anteroposterior diameter (AUC 0.797) and mediolateral diameter (AUC 0.803) evaluated using 3D-TEE were predictors of postprocedural MS, and their predictive abilities were higher than those of preprocedural MVOA (AUC 0.756) and preprocedural TMPG (AUC 0.716). Adding leaflet area to TMPG and MVOA resulted in higher C-statistics for predicting postprocedural MS (from 0.716 to 0.845 and from 0.756 to 0.853, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In functional MR patients treated with MitraClip, leaflet area and annulus area evaluated using 3D-TEE had high predictive values for postprocedural MS, and their predictive abilities were higher than those of preprocedural TMPG or MVOA.

Electrochromic Behavior Originating from the W6+/W5+ Redox in Aurivillius-type Tungsten-Based Layered Perovskites.

Simple oxide materials, typically, WO3, have been conventionally employed for electrochromic (EC) materials because of their high coloration efficiency; however, it is quite difficult to realize multiple coloration because they involve redox reactions due to single ions. On the other hand, multiple oxides are expected to show various colors when applying different voltages due to the diverse structures and combinations of ions; however, multiple oxide-type EC materials are still in the research stage, and the discovery of further EC materials is necessary. Toward the development of multiple oxide-type EC materials, tungsten-containing layered perovskites have been synthesized, and their optical properties have been evaluated. X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses revealed that the discovered tungsten-based layered perovskites Bi2Na0.5La0.5TiWO9 (BNLTW) and Bi2LaTi1.5W0.5O9 (BLTW) have an orthorhombic phase with an Aurivillius-type layered perovskite structure. EC devices fabricated with three kinds of perovskites, including well-known Aurivillius-type Bi2W2O9 (BWO), have no absorption in the visible-light region when no voltage is applied, while they show absorption over the whole visible-light spectrum to black when a voltage of +4.5 V is applied. Furthermore, with an applied voltage of -4.5, the transmittance recovered to the same level as the initial state, meaning the EC function is reversible. In this reaction, only tungsten in the perovskite framework acted as a redox-active species (W6+/W5+ redox) without the redox of the other metal ions. From the electrochemical analysis of the EC materials using cyclic voltammetry, redox peaks could be observed at -0.2 to 0.4 V for reduction and +0.1 to +0.3 V for oxidation. Interestingly, the redox potentials are linearly related to the W content in the perovskite unit, indicating that the redox potentials can be tuned by controlling the chemical formula. The coloration efficiency of the BNLTW EC device was the best at 37.1 cm2/C in the prepared perovskite-based EC device, which is comparable to that of a typical WO3 EC material.

Mechanism investigation of the enhanced oxygen storage performance of YBaCo4O7+δ synthesized by a glycine-complex decomposition method.

A YBaCo4O7 oxygen storage material has been synthesized by the glycine-complex decomposition method at a low temperature of 800 °C and its crystal structure and reaction kinetics were investigated. This sample showed the highest storage/release speed among all the reported YBaCo4O7+δ materials.

Lower B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict left ventricular concentric remodelling and insulin resistance.

AIMS: Natriuretic peptides have reportedly been associated with cardiac hypertrophy and insulin resistance; however, it has not been established if B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is associated with either insulin resistance or cardiac remodelling in a population with normal plasma BNP levels. We investigated the relationship among plasma BNP levels, insulin resistance, and left ventricular (LV) remodelling in a population with normal physiological plasma BNP levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 1632 individuals who participated in annual health checks between 2005 and 2008 in Arita-cho, Saga, Japan, 675 individuals [median (interquartile range) for age 62 (51-69) years; 227 men (34%)] with LV ejection fraction 50% and BNP level <35 pg/mL were enrolled in this study. Insulin resistance was assessed using homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). LV geometry, including LV concentric remodelling, was classified based on relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV mass index values derived from echocardiographic findings. Factors associated with insulin resistance and LV geometry were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Tertiles of BNP were inversely associated with HOMA-IR [1st tertile, 1.33 (0.76-1.74); 2nd tertile, 1.05 (0.72-1.59); 3rd tertile, 0.95 (0.66-1.58), P = 0.005]. Lower BNP was associated with the prevalence of insulin resistance, defined as HOMA-IR ≥1.37, even after full multivariate adjustment [1 SD increment in BNP = adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.740; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.601-0.912; P = 0.005]. LV concentric remodelling (RWT >0.42; LV mass index ≤115 g/m2 in men and ≤95 g/m2 in women) was observed in 107 (16%) participants, while normal LV geometry (RWT ≤0.42; LV mass index ≤115 g/m2 in men and ≤95 g/m2 in women) was seen in 423 (63%), and LV hypertrophy (LV mass index >115 g/m2 in men and >95 g/m2 in women) in 145 (21%). Both low BNP level and higher insulin resistance were independently linked to LV concentric remodelling after multivariate adjustment (1 SD increment in BNP = aOR 0.714, 95% CI 0.544-0.938, P = 0.015; HOMA-IR ≥ 1.37 vs. <1.37: aOR 1.694, 95% CI 1.004-2.857, P = 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Lower BNP levels are linked to either insulin resistance or LV concentric remodelling in a population with normal plasma BNP levels, suggesting that participants with lower natriuretic peptide level might be vulnerable to the development of metabolic disorders and LV morphological abnormalities.

Ce(iv)-centered charge-neutral perovskite layers topochemically derived from anionic [CeTa2O7]- layers.

Layered perovskites have been extensively investigated in many research fields, such as electronics, catalysis, optics, energy, and magnetics, because of the fascinating chemical properties that are generated by the specific structural features of perovskite frameworks. Furthermore, the interlayers of these structures can be chemically modified through ion exchange to form nanosheets. To further expand the modification of layered perovskites, we have demonstrated an advance in the new structural concept of layered perovskite "charge-neutral perovskite layers" by manipulating the perovskite layer itself. A charge-neutral perovskite layer in [CeIVTa2O7] was synthesized through a soft chemical oxidative reaction based on anionic [CeIIITa2O7]- layers. The Ce oxidation state for the charge-neutral [CeIVTa2O7] layers was found to be tetravalent by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. The atomic arrangements were determined through scattering transmission electron microscopy and extended XAFS (EXAFS) analysis. The framework structure was simulated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the results of which were in good agreement with those of the EXAFS spectra quantitative analysis. The anionic [CeIIITa2O7]- layers exhibited optical absorption in the near infrared (NIR) region at approximately 1000 nm, whereas the level of NIR absorption decreased in the [CeIVTa2O7] charge-neutral layer due to the disappearance of the Ce 4f electrons. In addition, the chemical reactivity of the charge-neutral [CeIVTa2O7] layers was investigated by chemical reduction with ascorbic acid, resulting in the reduction of the [CeIVTa2O7] layers to form anionic [CeIIITa2O7]- layers. Furthermore, the anionic [CeIIITa2O7]- layers exhibited redox activity which the Ce in the perovskite unit can be electrochemically oxidized and reduced. The synthesis of the "charge-neutral" perovskite layer indicated that diverse features were generated by systematically tuning the electronic structure through the redox control of Ce; such diverse features have not been found in conventional layered perovskites. This study could demonstrate the potential for developing innovative, unique functional materials with perovskite structures.

Improvement of the Oxygen Storage/Release Speed of YBaCo4O7+δ Synthesized by a Glycine-Complex Decomposition Method.

The present study explores the oxygen storage capacity of YBaCo4O7+δ prepared by a glycine-complex decomposition method. We reported for the first time that the YBaCo4O7+δ sample was successfully synthesized at such a low temperature of 800 °C by this method. The YBCO-800 N sample exhibited a faster oxygen absorption/desorption speed than that of high calcination temperature samples, and the time required for complete oxygen storage/release was 5 and 6 min at 360 °C, respectively. Moreover, the superior performance observed for this product in the temperature swing adsorption process makes it a promising candidate in oxygen production technologies. This research demonstrated that the glycine-complex decomposition method is an effective method for improving the oxygen storage property of YBaCo4O7+δ and provides a new insight into designing other novel oxygen storage materials.

Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Exercise Capacity Regardless of the Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ECR) enhances exercise capacity. This study examined the relationship between the 2 responses.Methods and Results:Sixty-four consecutive HFrEF patients who participated in a 3-month ECR program after CRT were investigated. Patients were categorized according to a median improvement in peak oxygen uptake (PV̇O2) after ECR of 7% as either good (n=32; mean percentage change in PV̇O2[%∆PV̇O2]=23.2%) or poor (n=32; mean %∆PV̇O2=2.5%) responders. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the good and poor responders, except for PV̇O2(51% vs. 59%, respectively; P=0.01). The proportion of good CRT responders was similar between the good and poor responders (%∆LVEF ≥10%; 53% vs. 47%, respectively; P=NS). Overall, there was no significant correlation between %∆LVEF after CRT and %∆PV̇O2after ECR. Notably, among poor CRT responders (n=32), the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (0% vs. 29%; P<0.03) and baseline PV̇O2(48% vs. 57%; P<0.05) were significantly lower among those with a good (n=15) than poor (n=17) response to ECR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFrEF, good ECR and CRT responses are unrelated. A good PV̇O2response to ECR can be achieved even in poor CRT responders, particularly in those with a sinus rhythm or low baseline PV̇O2.