An accelerated molecular dynamics study for investigating protein pathways using the bond-boost hyperdynamics method.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an important tool for understanding protein dynamics and the thermodynamic properties of proteins. However, due to the high computational cost of MD simulations, it is still challenging to explore a wide conformational space. To solve this problem, a variety of accelerated MD (aMD) schemes have been proposed over the past few decades.

Feasibility of Whole-Body Resistance Training With Social Support Reinforcement for Older Adults Living Alone: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.

Purpose: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of progressive whole-body resistance training with social support reinforcement for older adults living alone.

Method: This mixed methods single-group pilot study examined an intervention provided over 3 nonconsecutive days per week for 12 weeks. We evaluated quantitative data on recruitment, uptake, retention, and adherence, and measured pretest and posttest outcome scores on body composition, physical function, and psychosocial health.

Type Label Framework for Bonded Force Fields in LAMMPS.

New functionality is added to the LAMMPS molecular simulation package, which increases the versatility with which LAMMPS can interface with supporting software and manipulate information associated with bonded force fields. We introduce the "type label" framework that allows atom types and their higher-order interactions (bonds, angles, dihedrals, and impropers) to be represented in terms of the standard atom type strings of a bonded force field. Type labels increase the human readability of input files, enable bonded force fields to be supported by the OpenKIM repository, simplify the creation of reaction templates for the REACTER protocol, and increase compatibility with external visualization tools, such as VMD and OVITO.

Factors associated with medication adherence among older adults with multimorbidity: A culture perspective.

Multimorbidity is a healthcare concern. To manage diseases, older adults with multimorbidity are expected to practice health behaviors, particularly medication adherence. Studies have examined adherence issues in older patients with multiple diseases, but it remains unclear which factors affect medication adherence.

'I eat to not die': Diet and exercise experiences of older adults living alone.

Introduction: Living alone is a critical health risk factor among older adults. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining an independent and healthy life. However, it can be more difficult for older adults living alone to maintain healthy exercise and dietary habits due to their lack of social support.

Authentic learning in healthcare education: A systematic review.

Background: The increasing complexity of the clinical environment demands a higher level of clinical performance competency. New pedagogical authentic learning methods have been developed to meet this need by bridging the gap between knowledge and practice.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to examine authentic learning methods and their effects in healthcare education.

Factors associated with eHealth use among community dwelling older adults.

Background: With the proliferation of the internet and the development of internet-based healthcare interventions, eHealth is expected to be an effective complement to traditional healthcare services. However, without understanding the characteristics of the user population, eHealth itself can isolate older adults.

Aim: This study aims to identify the characteristics of internet use and the factors associated with eHealth use among older adults.

Holey Substrate-Directed Strain Patterning in Bilayer MoS.

Key properties of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials are highly strain tunable, arising from bond modulation and associated reconfiguration of the energy bands around the Fermi level. Approaches to locally controlling and patterning strain have included both active and passive elastic deformation via sustained loading and templating with nanostructures. Here, by float-capturing ultrathin flakes of single-crystal 2-MoS on amorphous holey silicon nitride substrates, we find that highly symmetric, high-fidelity strain patterns are formed.

Does the combination of resistance training and a nutritional intervention have a synergic effect on muscle mass, strength, and physical function in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Health-promoting interventions are important for preventing frailty and sarcopenia in older adults. However, there is limited evidence that nutritional interventions yield additional effects when combined with resistance training. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of nutritional interventions with resistance training and that of resistance training alone.

Association of eHealth Use, Literacy, Informational Social Support, and Health-Promoting Behaviors: Mediation of Health Self-Efficacy.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study identified the association of eHealth use, literacy, informational support, and health-promoting behaviors among older adults, as mediated by health self-efficacy. Convenience sampling was conducted at senior welfare centers in Chuncheon, in the Republic of Korea. Data analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation and via path analyses.

Effects of aquaporin-lipid molar ratio on the permeability of an aquaporin Z-phospholipid membrane system.

Aquaporins are water-permeable membrane-channel proteins found in biological cell membranes that selectively exclude ions and large molecules and have high water permeability, which makes them promising candidates for water desalination systems. To effectively apply the properties of aquaporins in the desalination process, many studies have been conducted on aquaporin-lipid membrane systems using phospholipids, which are the main component of cell membranes. Many parametric studies have evaluated the permeability of such systems with various aquaporin types and lipid compositions.

Association between social participation and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults living alone: Analysis of a nationally representative survey.

Aim: Social disengagement and cognitive decline commonly coexist among older adults, and living alone may be a significant risk factor for cognitive decline. This study aimed to identify differences in variables between older adults living alone and living with others; it also evaluated the association between social participation and cognitive function in older adults living alone.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed using the data collected between June and August 2017 of 10 299 nationally representative adults aged ≥65 years, obtained from the Korean Institute for Health and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The factors associated with subjective cognitive decline and cognitive function among older adults.

Aims: To explore the risk factors for subjective cognitive decline and cognitive function among older adults in South Korea.

Design: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design.

Methods: A convenience sample of 182 patients was recruited from a senior welfare center in Seoul.

Fabrication and characterization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-embedded cellulose acetate membranes for osmotically driven membrane process.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-302 (ZIF-302)-embedded cellulose acetate (CA) membranes for osmotic driven membrane process (ODMPs) were fabricated using the phase inversion method. We investigated the effects of different fractions of ZIF-302 in the CA membrane to understand their influence on ODMPs performance. Osmotic water transport was evaluated using different draw solution concentrations to investigate the effects of ZIF-302 contents on the performance parameters.

Factors Associated With Uncertainty in Illness Among People With Parkinson's Disease.

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) reported to experience uncertainty because of gradually progressive disease characteristics with no cure, and variably manifesting and unpredictable symptoms. This study was designed to identify illness-related variables influencing uncertainty in PD patients and to analyze direct and indirect paths between these variables. Data were collected from 206 participants using a structured questionnaire.

Association between diabetes mellitus and hearing impairment in American and Korean populations.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate ethnic- and sex-specific associations between DM and hearing impairment.

Methods: For this cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the U.S.

Facilitated Water Transport through Graphene Oxide Membranes Functionalized with Aquaporin-Mimicking Peptides.

Water purification by membranes is widely investigated to address concerns related to the scarcity of clean water. Achieving high flux and rejection simultaneously is a difficult challenge using such membranes because these properties are mutually exclusive in common artificial membranes. Nature has developed a method for this task involving water-channel membrane proteins known as aquaporins.

Normal mode analysis of Zika virus.

In recent years, Zika virus (ZIKV) caused a new pandemic due to its rapid spread and close relationship with microcephaly. As a result, ZIKV has become an obvious global health concern. Information about the fundamental viral features or the biological process of infection remains limited, despite considerable efforts.

Impacts of an Exercise Program and Motivational Telephone Counseling on Health-Related Quality of Life in People With Parkinson's Disease.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effects of group exercise and telephone counseling on physical and psychosocial health in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Design: This was a quasiexperimental study with a nonequivalent control group.

Methods: This study took place in Seoul, South Korea.

Understanding carbon nanotube channel formation in the lipid membrane.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been considered a prominent nano-channel in cell membranes because of their prominent ion-conductance and ion-selectivity, offering agents for a biomimetic channel platform. Using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, we clarify a construction mechanism of vertical CNT nano-channels in a lipid membrane for a long period, which has been difficult to observe in previous CNT-lipid interaction simulations. The result shows that both the lipid coating density and length of CNT affect the suitable fabrication condition for a vertical and stable CNT channel.

Dynamic characteristics of a flagellar motor protein analyzed using an elastic network model.

At the base of a flagellar motor, its rotational direction and speed are regulated by the interaction between rotor and stator proteins. A switching event occurs when the cytoplasmic rotor protein, called C-ring, changes its conformation in response to binding of the CheY signal protein. The C-ring structure consists of FliG, FliM, and FliN proteins and its conformational changes in FliM and FliG including Helix play an important role in switching the motor direction.

Normal mode-guided transition pathway generation in proteins.

The biological function of proteins is closely related to its structural motion. For instance, structurally misfolded proteins do not function properly. Although we are able to experimentally obtain structural information on proteins, it is still challenging to capture their dynamics, such as transition processes.

The influence of physical activity on risk of cardiovascular disease in people who are obese but metabolically healthy.

The metabolic outcomes of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of physical activity on the cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes of MHO. The study included participants who were followed for 10 years and recruited from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), a population-based cohort study.

Falls, a fear of falling and related factors in older adults with complex chronic disease.

Aims And Objectives: To identify factors influencing falls and the fear of falling among older adults with chronic diseases in Korea.

Background: The fear of falling and falls in older adults are significant health problems towards which healthcare providers should direct their attention. Further investigation is needed to improve nursing practice specifically decreasing risk of falls and the fear of falling in Korea.