bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Thermal Conductive and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performance in Polyimide Composite: Impact of Carbon Felt‐Graphene Van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Wang Nan , Li Xiong , Xu Tongle , Song Na , Qian Gao , Ding Peng
Published: August 2024

With the widespread application of highly integrated electronic devices, the urgent development of multifunctional polymer‐based composite materials with high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and thermal conductivity capabilities is critically essential. Herein, a graphene/carbon felt/polyimide (GCF/PI) composite is prepared through constructing 3D van der Waals heterostructure by heating carbon felt and graphene at high temperature. The GCF‐3/PI composite exhibits the highest through‐plane thermal conductivity with 1.31 W·m−1·K−1, when the content of carbon felt and graphene is 14.1 and 1.4 wt.%, respectively. The GCF‐3/PI composite material achieves a thermal conductivity that surpasses pure PI by 4.9 times. Additionally, GCF‐3/PI composite shows an outstanding EMI SE of 69.4 dB compared to 33.1 dB for CF/PI at 12 GHz. The 3D van der Waals heterostructure constructed by carbon felt and graphene sheets is conducive to the formation of continuous networks, providing fast channels for the transmission of phonons and carriers. This study provides a guidance on the impact of 3D van der Waals heterostructures on the thermal and EMI shielding properties of composites.
Triple increasing positive solutions to fractional differential equations with p‐Laplacian operator
Authors: Cai Shan , Li Xiaoping
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we study the existence of positive solution to boundary value problem of fractional differential equations with
‐Laplacian operator. By using Avery–Peterson theorem, some new existence results of three increasing positive solutions are obtained.
Analysis of a quasistatic thermo‐electro‐viscoelastic contact problem modeled by variational‐hemivariational and hemivariational inequalities
Authors: Alaoui Mohammed , Bouallala Mustapha , Hassan Essoufi EL , Ouaanabi Abdelhafid
Published: August 2024

We study, from both variational and numerical perspectives, a quasistatic contact problem involving a thermo‐electro‐viscoelastic body and an electrically and thermally conductive rigid foundation. The contact is modeled by the Signorini's unilateral contact condition for the velocity field. Both the electrical and thermal conductivity conditions on the contact surface are described using the Clarke subdifferential boundary. We derive the weak formulation of the problem as a system coupling a variational‐hemivariational inequality and two hemivariational inequalities. We utilize recent results from the theory of variational‐hemivariational inequalities to establish the existence and uniqueness of the weak solution of the model. Finally, we study a fully discrete scheme for the problem using the Euler scheme and the finite element method. Under additional solution regularity assumptions, we derive error estimates for the approximate solutions.
A unified generation‐registration framework for improved MR‐based CT synthesis in proton therapy
Authors: Li Xia , Bellotti Renato , Bachtiary Barbara , Hrbacek Jan , Weber Damien C. , Lomax Antony J. , Buhmann Joachim M. , Zhang Ye
Published: August 2024

Background

The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for proton therapy treatment planning is gaining attention as a highly effective method for guidance. At the core of this approach is the generation of computed tomography (CT) images from MR scans. However, the critical issue in this process is accurately aligning the MR and CT images, a task that becomes particularly challenging in frequently moving body areas, such as the head‐and‐neck. Misalignments in these images can result in blurred synthetic CT (sCT) images, adversely affecting the precision and effectiveness of the treatment planning.

Purpose

This study introduces a novel network that cohesively unifies image generation and registration processes to enhance the quality and anatomical fidelity of sCTs derived from better‐aligned MR images.

Methods

The approach synergizes a generation network (G) with a deformable registration network (R), optimizing them jointly in MR‐to‐CT synthesis. This goal is achieved by alternately minimizing the discrepancies between the generated/registered CT images and their corresponding reference CT counterparts. The generation network employs a UNet architecture, while the registration network leverages an implicit neural representation (INR) of the displacement vector fields (DVFs). We validated this method on a dataset comprising 60 head‐and‐neck patients, reserving 12 cases for holdout testing.

Results

Compared to the baseline Pix2Pix method with MAE 124.9530.74 HU, the proposed technique demonstrated 80.987.55 HU. The unified translation‐registration network produced sharper and more anatomically congruent outputs, showing superior efficacy in converting MR images to sCTs. Additionally, from a dosimetric perspective, the plan recalculated on the resulting sCTs resulted in a remarkably reduced discrepancy to the reference proton plans.

Conclusions

This study conclusively demonstrates that a holistic MR‐based CT synthesis approach, integrating both image‐to‐image translation and deformable registration, significantly improves the precision and quality of sCT generation, particularly for the challenging body area with varied anatomic changes between corresponding MR and CT.
Time‐division multiplexing (TDM) sequence removes bias in T2 estimation and relaxation‐diffusion measurements
Authors: Liu Qiang , Gagoski Borjan , Shaik Imam Ahmed , Westin Carl‐Fredrik , Wilde Elisabeth A. , Schneider Walter , Bilgic Berkin , Grissom William A. , Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Zaitsev Maxim , Rathi Yogesh , Ning Lipeng
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To compare the performance of multi‐echo (ME) and time‐division multiplexing (TDM) sequences for accelerated relaxation‐diffusion MRI (rdMRI) acquisition and to examine their reliability in estimating accurate rdMRI microstructure measures.

Method

The ME, TDM, and the reference single‐echo (SE) sequences with six TEs were implemented using Pulseq with single‐band (SB) and multi‐band 2 (MB2) acceleration factors. On a diffusion phantom, the image intensities of the three sequences were compared, and the differences were quantified using the normalized RMS error (NRMSE). Shinnar–Le Roux (SLR) pulses were implemented for the SB‐ME and SB‐SE sequences to investigate the impact of slice profiles on ME sequences. For the in‐vivo brain scan, besides the image intensity comparison and T2‐estimates, different methods were used to assess sequence‐related effects on microstructure estimation, including the relaxation diffusion imaging moment (REDIM) and the maximum‐entropy relaxation diffusion distribution (MaxEnt‐RDD).

Results

TDM performance was similar to the gold standard SE acquisition, whereas ME showed greater biases (3–4× larger NRMSEs for phantom, 2× for in‐vivo). T2 values obtained from TDM closely matched SE, whereas ME sequences underestimated the T2 relaxation time. TDM provided similar diffusion and relaxation parameters as SE using REDIM, whereas SB‐ME exhibited a 60% larger bias in the  map and on average 3.5× larger bias in the covariance between relaxation‐diffusion coefficients.

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrates that TDM provides a more accurate estimation of relaxation‐diffusion measurements while accelerating the acquisitions by a factor of 2 to 3.
Physiotherapy Outcomes Are Associated With Shorter Waiting Times, More Treatment Sessions and Younger Age: Analysis of a Clinical Database
Authors: Murtagh Shemane , Touloumis Anestis , Olivier George , Butterworth Jake , Hammerbeck Ulrike
Published: August 2024

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect over 20.3 million people in the UK, presenting a substantial economic impact on health and social services. Physiotherapy can alleviate MSK conditions, especially if delivered in the acute or sub‐acute period. However, patients often present after significant waiting times.

Objectives

Our analysis examined how waiting times and the number of treatments influenced physiotherapy outcomes for MSK conditions.

Design

Retrospective analysis of the Data for Impact, Physio First dataset.

Methods

Logistic regression models assessed the effects of symptom duration, treatment frequency, and other variables on pain, Patient‐Specific Functional Scores (PSFSs), and Goal Achievement (GA).

Results

Analysis of 15,624 patient records showed that patients treated within two weeks of symptom onset were more likely to have favourable outcomes in pain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.01, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 1.65–2.45), PSFS (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.55–2.08), and GA (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.51–2.01) compared to those treated after longer durations. Receiving four or more treatment sessions significantly improved outcomes compared with only one session (pain: OR = 4.64, PSFS: OR = 5.72, GA: OR = 1.94, all p's < 0.001), with no additional benefits beyond four sessions. Younger age was associated with better outcomes (approximately OR = 0.99 per year age difference). Other findings included better outcomes in males and in those with fewer previous episodes of the condition.

Conclusions

Shorter waiting times, a greater number of treatments, and younger patient age are associated with better physiotherapy outcomes for MSK conditions.
Safety of risdiplam in spinal muscular atrophy patients after short‐term treatment with nusinersen
Authors: Yan Yue , Feng Yijie , Jiang Liya , Jin Jianing , Mao Shanshan
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Following the approval of risdiplam, there are more possibilities for disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Non‐treatment‐naïve subjects with SMA involved in the JEWELFISH study, designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of risdiplam, were required to undergo a washout period before receiving risdiplam. This study aims to investigate the safety of administering risdiplam in patients within 90 days of receiving treatment with nusinersen.

Methods

Data were collected on SMA patients who had undergone treatment with nusinersen, and who then received risdiplam within 90 days of their last dose of nusinersen, including demographic characteristics, information on treatment with nusinersen and risdiplam, adverse events, and laboratory assessments in a follow‐up period of 90 days, presented as median (range).

Results

A total of 15 children with SMA were reported, including 8 males and 7 females. The median number of doses of previous nusinersen treatment received was 8 (6–17) doses, and the median age at first risdiplam treatment was 4.3 (1.9–11.2) years. Specifically, 8 children received risdiplam 30 days or less after their most recent nusinersen treatment, 2 at 31–60 days after nusinersen, and 5 at 61–89 days post‐nusinersen. Adverse events of pyrexia, pneumonia, vomiting and rash were reported in 4 patients.

Discussion

Our study showed good safety data on patients who received risdiplam following nusinersen within the washout period of 90 days. This supplements the JEWELFISH study in the era of DMT, providing additional guidance for clinicians, but additional data from other centers is needed.
CEST effect of dimethyl sulfoxide at negative offset frequency
Authors: Su Haoyun , Law Lok Hin , Liu Yang , Huang Jianpan , Chan Kannie W. Y.
Published: August 2024

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has wide biomedical applications such as cryoprotectant and hydrophobic drug carrier. Here, we report for the first time that DMSO can generate a distinctive chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signal at around −2 ppm. Structural analogs of DMSO, including aprotic and protic solvents, also demonstrated CEST signals from −1.4 to −3.8 ppm. When CEST detectable barbituric acid (BA) was dissolved in DMSO solution and was co‐loaded to liposome, two obvious peaks at 5 and −2 ppm were observed, indicating that DMSO and related solvent system can be monitored in a label‐free manner via CEST, which can be further applied to imaging drug nanocarriers. With reference to previous studies, there could be molecular interactions or magnetization transfer pathways, such as the relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE), that lead to this detectable CEST contrast at negative offset frequencies of the Z‐spectrum. Our findings suggest that small molecules of organic solvents could be involved in magnetization transfer processes with water and readily detected by CEST magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), providing a new avenue for detecting solvent–water and solvent–drug interactions.
Public Health Financing and Population Health: What Role Do Institutions Play?
Authors: Alimi Olorunfemi Yasiru , Ogbekene Ifeanyi , Idowu Olumayowa Adeleke
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the multifaceted interactions among public health financing, institutions, and population health. It also sought to determine whether the efficacy of government health interventions to reduce child mortality and improve life expectancy in Africa's most populous country had been hampered by its institutional framework. The research analyzed the links among institutional, socioeconomic, and health variables using the autoregressive distributed lag estimator across a 37‐year period (1984–2020). The findings show that short‐term public health spending in Nigeria has a significant negative effect on health outcomes, whereas long‐term spending has a significant positive effect. Although public health financing significantly impacted long‐run life expectancy, its short‐run impact is statistically insignificant. Moreover, public health financing is positively linked with lower infant mortality in the long run but directly associated with higher rates in the short run. It further discovered that weak institutional framework is responsible for low life expectancy and high infant mortality. Institutions exert an unconditional significant negative impact on short‐ and long‐term health outcomes. Findings also show that both the short‐ and long‐term net effects of government health financing and institutions on the health outcomes are negative and statistically significant. So, institutions and public health financing are substitutes, with institutions unable to adequately improve their role in the public finance–health outcomes relations. Furthermore, the thresholds at which short‐ and long‐term institutional settings will modulate direct links between public finance and health outcomes are 5.01 and 2.62, respectively. Hence, the empirical findings validate the defective nature of the Nigerian institutional settings. Policy prescriptions for improving health outcomes are recommended based on the findings.
Coir fiber reinforced chemically functionalized ethylene butylene acrylate composites
Authors: Gupta Hariome Sharan , Palsule Sanjay
Published: August 2024

Coir fiber (COIRF) reinforced glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized ethylene butyl acrylate (CF‐EBA) composites (COIRF/CF‐EBA) were processed by extrusion and injection molding. A good COIRF/CF‐EBA interfacial adhesion was indicated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM). Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FTIR) spectroscopy established this adhesion emerging from etherification and hydrogen bonding between the functional groups of CF‐EBA and of COIRF. The composites exhibited higher tensile properties than pristine CF‐EBA, and also exhibited increase in their tensile properties with increase in COIRF contents in them. The storage modulus and loss modulus of the composites also increased as the amount of COIRF in them increased, but the values of these properties decreased with increasing temperature. Thermal stability of the composites was observed to be intermediate between that of COIRF and CF‐EBA.

Highlights

Coir Fiber/Chemically Functionalized Ethylene Butylene Acrylate Composites.

CF‐EBA/COIRF bonding by etherification and hydrogen bonding between them.

The COIRF/CF‐EBA composites show higher properties than their CF‐EBA matrix.

30/70 COIRF/CF‐EBA composite showed the highest tensile strength (10.93 MPa).

COIRF/CF‐EBA composite show thermal stability upto approx. 245°C.
Correlation between the electrical and thermal conductivity of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites with carbonaceous fillers with different dimensionality
Authors: Tubio Carmen R. , Merazzo Karla J. , Abad Maria‐Jose , Ares‐Penas Ana I. , Malet Ramón , Pérez Marc , Costa Pedro , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu
Published: August 2024

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer has received considerable attention due to its high versatility for applications, including additive manufacturing. However, its electrical and thermal transport properties limit its application potential. One route to enhance electrical and thermal conductivities is the development of ABS‐based composites by using carbonaceous fillers, which have exceptional mechanical properties and remarkable functional properties. Here, we testing the presence of carbonaceous fillers with different dimensionalities on the electrical and thermal conductivity of ABS composites. In particular, one dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes (CNT), two dimensional (2D) reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and three dimensional (3D) carbon black (CB) have been used to develop ABS‐based composites with different filler contents. A similar trend exist for the electrical and thermal conductivity results, where the highest conductivity values (electrical conductivity 0.0305 S·cm−1 and thermal conductivity 0.56 W·mK−1) being achieved for ABS‐based composites with 2D rGO filler, highlighting the relevance of specific characteristics of the 2D type filler. In addition, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of the ABS‐based composites containing rGO was superior to other 1D and 3D fillers. The stated correlation between electrical and thermal properties and their dependence on carbonaceous filler dimensionality are essential to be taken into account for properly tailoring functional properties of ABS‐based composites.

Highlights

Carbonaceous fillers are used to tailor several properties of ABS composites

Significant differences are established between filler type or content

Electrical percolation threshold strongly depends on the dimensionally

2D rGO more effective to improve electrical/thermal conductivities

1D CNT and 2D rGO fillers exhibit best EMI shielding properties
Preparation and mechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy resin composites modified by silicon polymer
Authors: Pan Ya‐Jie , Shi Yi‐Cheng , Bai Yan‐Kun , Yu Li‐Chao , Xu Huan , Dang Rui‐Qiong , Guan Ji‐Peng , Wang Hong‐Quan , Lu Fan , Shen Xiao‐Jun
Published: August 2024

In this work, silicone polymer (PSOL)/glass fiber (GF)/epoxy (EP) composites were prepared by employing PSOL as interfacial modifier into GF/EP composites. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were investigated to determine the optimal PSOL content. The effect of PSOL on the wettability of EP on GF was investigated. The micromorphology of the GF/EP composites was also examined by scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrate that the interfacial bonding between GF and epoxy resin was improved significantly by the addition of PSOL. Specifically, the interlaminar shear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, and blending strength of the PSOL/GF/EP composites increased by 9.28%, 13.61%, 12.66%, and 19.22%, respectively. Moreover, the original thermal stability of the composites was improved by the incorporation of PSOL. This study highlights the effectiveness of PSOL as an interfacial modifier, enhancing the overall performance of GF/EP composites while improving their thermal stability.

Highlights

Silicone polymer (PSOL)/glass fiber (GF)/epoxy (EP) composite material is made of glass fiber and epoxy resin by hand paste molding.

Silicon polymers as interface modifiers can improve the interface between glass fiber and epoxy resin.

PSOL/GF/EP composites have good mechanical properties.

The glass transition temperature of GF/EP composites was increased by silicon polymer.
Developing a recovery process for bioactives from discarded by‐products of winemaking industry based on multivariate optimization method: Deep eutectic solvents as eco‐friendly extraction media
Authors: Kavas Sena , Erbaşar Alara , Kurtulbaş Ebru , Fiorito Serena , Şahin Selin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The recovery process for bioactives from discarded by‐products of the winemaking industry is of great value considering both environmental and economic aspects.

Objective

The goal of this study is to investigate the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds by means of carboxylic acid‐based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in order to propose an environmentally friendly method based on a multivariate optimization approach.

Material and Methods

Carboxylic acid‐based DESs were designed with several molar ratios (1/1, 1/2, and 2/1). Two polyols (glycerol and ethylene glycol) were used as hydrogen bond donors, while formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid were selected as hydrogen bond acceptors. The process parameters (water content, extraction time, and solid mass) were analyzed to optimize the process through Box–Behnken design with response surface method, after determination of the best combination for the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity yields.

Results

The maximum TPC yield (153.17 ± 0.003 mg‐GAE/g‐GS) and antioxidant activity yield (82.26 ± 0.004 mg‐GAE/g‐GS) were achieved by 50% water addition into the DES (ethylene glycol/acetic acid, 1/1), 85 sec extraction time, and 0.1 g grape seed.
Pain Medication and Pain Intensity Following Hip Fractures—Analyses Based on the ProFem Cohort Study
Authors: Jobski Kathrin , Ritschel Michaela , Pöggel‐Krämer Katja , Anheier Daniela , Haastert Burkhard , Gontscharuk Veronika , Arend Werner , Baltes Marion , Stephan Astrid , Meyer Gabriele , Klüppelholz Birgit , Windolf Joachim , Thelen Simon , Jaekel Carina , Andrich Silke , Icks Andrea , Hoffmann Falk
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Pain is a common symptom following proximal femoral fractures (PFF), however, information on its treatment in terms of agents and type of use (scheduled vs. pro re nata [PRN]) is scarce. The main objective of this study was to examine pain medication regimens according to pain intensity following PFF. Furthermore, we explored the utilization of medication plans.

Methods

The “ProFem”‐study on healthcare provision, functional ability, and quality of life after PFF is a German population‐based prospective cohort study based on statutory health insurance data and individually linked survey data from different time points including information on the currently used medication. This present analysis refers to the participants' baseline interviews (about 3 months following PFF) conducted from 2018 to 2019 in the participants' private surroundings.

Results

The study population comprised 444 participants (mean age: 81.2 years, 71.0% female). Half of them reported high intensity pain, and the mean value for the EuroQol visual analogue scale was 50.8. Most commonly used analgesics were metamizole and tilidine/naloxone. Among participants with high intensity pain, 21.9% received only PRN pain medication and 17.2% no pain medication at all. Overall, 61.5% of participants presented any (printed) medication plan and only 25.2% a “federal standardized medication plan” (BMP).

Conclusion

As a substantial number of patients reports high intensity pain about 3 months following a PFF, the large proportion of those receiving no or only PRN pain medication raises questions regarding the appropriateness of the therapy. The overall low utilization of the BMP indicates potential for improvement.
Trends in the Completeness and Validity of Sources of Death Data Against the National Death Index From 2010 to 2018
Authors: Sponholtz Todd , Jamal‐Allial Aziza , Vojjala Shiva K. , Papazian Anahit , Eshete Biruk , Paullin Mark , Mahmoudpour Seyed Hamidreza , Verpillat Patrice , Beachler Daniel C.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We investigated time trends in validation performance characteristics for six sources of death data available within the Healthcare Integrated Research Database (HIRD) over 8 years.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a cohort of advanced cancer patients with linked National Death Index (NDI) data identified in the HIRD between 2010 and 2018. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for six sources of death status data and an algorithm combining data from available sources using NDI data as the reference standard. Measures were calculated for each year of the study including all members in the cohort for at least 1 day in that year.

Results

We identified 27 396 deaths from any source among 40 692 cohort members. Between 2010 and 2018, the sensitivity of the Death Master File (DMF) decreased from 0.77 (95% CI = 0.76, 0.79) to 0.12 (95% CI = 0.11, 0.14). In contrast, the sensitivity of online obituary data increased from 0.43 (95% CI = 0.41, 0.45) in 2012 to 0.71 (95% CI = 0.68, 0.73) in 2018. The sensitivity of the composite algorithm remained above 0.83 throughout the study period. PPV was observed to be high from 2010 to 2016 and decrease thereafter for all sources. Specificity and NPV remained at high levels throughout the study.

Conclusions

We observed that the sensitivity of mortality data sources compared with the NDI could change substantially between 2010 and 2018. Other validation characteristics were less variable. Combining multiple sources of mortality data may be necessary to achieve adequate performance particularly for multiyear studies.
A Dynamic Prognostic Model for Identifying Vulnerable COVID‐19 Patients at High Risk of Rapid Deterioration
Authors: Anand Priyanka , D'Andrea Elvira , Feldman William , Wang Shirley V. , Liu Jun , Brill Gregory , DiCesare Elyse , Lin Kueiyu Joshua
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We aimed to validate and, if performance was unsatisfactory, update the previously published prognostic model to predict clinical deterioration in patients hospitalized for COVID‐19, using data following vaccine availability.

Methods

Using electronic health records of patients ≥18 years, with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19, from a large care‐delivery network in Massachusetts, USA, from March 2020 to November 2021, we tested the performance of the previously developed prediction model and updated the prediction model by incorporating data after availability of COVID‐19 vaccines. We randomly divided data into development (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. We built a model predicting worsening in a published severity scale in 24 h by LASSO regression and evaluated performance by c‐statistic and Brier score.

Results

Our study cohort consisted of 8185 patients (Development: 5730 patients [mean age: 62; 44% female] and Validation: 2455 patients [mean age: 62; 45% female]). The previously published model had suboptimal performance using data after November 2020 (N = 4973, c‐statistic = 0.60. Brier score = 0.11). After retraining with the new data, the updated model included 38 predictors including 18 changing biomarkers. Patients hospitalized after Jun 1st, 2021 (when COVID‐19 vaccines became widely available in Massachusetts) were younger and had fewer comorbidities than those hospitalized before. The c‐statistic and Brier score were 0.77 and 0.13 in the development cohort, and 0.73 and 0.14 in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

The characteristics of patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 differed substantially over time. We developed a new dynamic model for rapid progression with satisfactory performance in the validation set.
Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes of Statins Discontinuation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ageeb Shahd A. , Abdelmoghith Alaa , ElGeed Hager , Awaisu Ahmed , ElMansor Abdulmoniem , Owusu Yaw B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Statins are widely prescribed for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention; however, a significant proportion of users discontinue the medication for various reasons. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of statin therapy discontinuation, its associated factors, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes within the first year of discontinuation.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from their inception to December 2022. Manual searches were also conducted on the bibliographies of relevant articles. Studies were included for qualitative data synthesis and assessed for methodological quality.

Results

Fifty‐two studies, predominantly cohort studies (n = 38), involving 4 277 061 participants were included. The prevalence of statin discontinuation within the first year of statin initiation ranged from 0.8% to 70.5%, which was higher for primary prevention indications. Factors frequently associated with an increased likelihood of statin discontinuation included male sex, nonWhite ethnicity, smoking status, and being uninsured. Conversely, discontinuation was less likely in patients with CVD who received secondary prevention statin therapy and in patients with polypharmacy. Furthermore, age showed diverse and inconsistent relationships with statin discontinuation among various age categories. Five studies that reported the cardiovascular risk of statin discontinuation within the first year of initiation showed significantly increased risk of discontinuation, including all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.36–3.65).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of statin discontinuation and an increased likelihood of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within the first year of discontinuation, despite wide variability across published studies. This review highlights the importance of addressing the modifiable risk factors associated with statin discontinuation, such as smoking and lack of insurance coverage.
Prevalence of Polypharmacy in Elderly Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Liu Tangyi , Su Qiaoyu , Luo Hui , Lou Lijun , Zhao Lina , Kang Xiaoyu , Pan Yanglin , Nie Yongzhan
Published: August 2024

Background

Polypharmacy (PP) is common in elderly population and associated with some adverse clinical outcomes and increases healthcare burdens. We performed this systemic review and meta‐analysis to estimate worldwide prevalence of PP and explore associated factors in the elderly.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid EMBASE databases were searched for studies published until May 30, 2022. We included observational studies representative of general patients aged ≥60 in which PP was defined as multiple drugs ≥5. Studies were excluded if only a particular group of the elderly population (e.g., with diabetes) were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of PP. Random‐effect models were employed to estimate the overall or variable‐specific pooled estimates of PP. Secondary outcomes were hyperpolypharmacy (HPP, defined as multiple drugs ≥10) and PP prevalence based on different study years, genders, locations, populations, and so forth.

Results

We included 122 original observational studies with an overall population of 57 328 043 individuals in the meta‐analysis. The overall prevalence of PP and HPP in the elderly population worldwide was 39.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.5%–42.7%) and 13.3% (95% CI, 10.4%–16.5%), respectively. The prevalence of PP in Europe, Oceania, North America, Asia, and South America was 45.8% (95% CI, 41.5%–50.2%), 45.5% (95% CI, 26.7%–64.3%), 40.8% (95% CI, 29.8%–51.6%), 29.0% (95% CI, 20.0%–38.0%), and 28.4% (95% CI, 24.0%–32.8%), respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate meta‐regressions showed geographical regions of Europe or North America, age ≥70, and residence from nursing homes were independently associated with higher PP prevalence.

Conclusions

Nearly 40% of the elderly population is exposed to PP. The prevalence of PP is significantly higher in elderly individuals aged 70 or older, in developed regions and in nursing homes. It is important to focus on avoiding inappropriate PP in this population to address the growing burden of PP.
Effect of solution‐processed cesium carbonate on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Khatri Ishwor , LaGrow Alec P. , Bondarchuk Oleksandr , Nicoara Nicoleta , Sadewasser Sascha
Published: August 2024

Heavy alkali‐metal treatments have been the most recent breakthrough in improving the efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. Alkali halides are generally evaporated onto the surface of the CIGS thin film by a vacuum process. Here, we report an alternative, low‐cost solution process for the surface treatment of CIGS thin films using cesium carbonate (CsCO3) as a new route to incorporate cesium (Cs) for improving solar cell performance. CIGS thin films were fabricated using pulsed hybrid reactive magnetron sputtering and the surface treatment was performed by spin‐coating CsCO3 solution on the surface of CIGS at room temperature, followed by vacuum annealing at 400°C. The surface chemistry of the CIGS thin film changed after the treatment and the efficiency of respective solar cells improved by more than 30%, mostly driven by an enhancement in open‐circuit voltage. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the depletion of copper and the presence of Cs on the surface of the CIGS thin film. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy showed the lowering of the valence band maximum by around 0.25 eV after the treatment, which plays a positive role in reducing interfacial recombination. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy indicates the presence of Cs and depletion of Cu at the grain boundaries of the CIGS thin film. These findings open a low‐cost route for improving the performance of CIGS solar cells by surface modification using a solution process.
Place recommendations and migration
Authors: Niedomysl Thomas , Strömblad Per
Published: August 2024

The influence of personal recommendations on decision‐making is well‐established. To date, however, most research appears to have focussed on decisions of less importance. This study explores how place recommendations may have an impact on internal migration. Drawing on extraordinarily voluminous survey data, based on approximately half a million responses in Swedish municipalities between 2010 and 2018, the analyses of this paper are focused on the extent to which people would recommend friends and acquaintances to move to their respective municipalities, on the locational features influencing such recommendations, and on the relationship between recommendations and net‐migration. Contributing to research on the role of social networks in migration research, the results reveal both a widespread tendency among inhabitants to give positive place recommendations and a very strong positive association between place satisfaction and place recommendations. In addition, a tentative analysis suggests that highly recommended municipalities benefit in terms of net‐migration and, hence, population growth.
Effect of the AlGaN Multi‐Quantum Well Growth Temperature on the Efficiency of Metal‐Organic Vapor‐Phase Epitaxy‐Grown Far‐Ultraviolet‐C Light‐Emitting Diodes Emitting near 235 nm
Authors: Schilling Marcel , Susilo Norman , Muhin Anton , Cardinali Giulia , Ruschel Jan , Cho Hyun Kyong , Rass Jens , Höpfner Jakob , Wernicke Tim , Einfeldt Sven , Kneissl Michael
Published: August 2024

The effect of the active region growth temperature (TMQW) on the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of AlGaN‐based far‐ultraviolet‐C light‐emitting diodes (far‐UVC LEDs) emitting near 235 nm is investigated. AlGaN multi‐quantum well (MQW) active regions are grown at temperatures between 850 and 1100 °C by metal‐organic vapor‐phase epitaxy, while special care is taken to keep aluminum mole fractions and thicknesses constant for all MQWs. Temperature‐ and excitation‐power‐dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy reveal a more than tenfold increase of the radiative recombination efficiency (RRE) when the growth temperature increases from 850 to 1020–1060 °C. The output powers for mounted far‐UVC LEDs at 0.2 A increase from 0.5 mW for TMQW of 900 °C to 2.5 mW for TMQW of 1020 °C, corresponding to an increase in EQE from 0.04% to 0.23% at 0.2 A. However, lifetime measurements reveal a reduction of the L70 lifetime from 400 to 1 h when TMQW increases from 900 to 1060 °C. In this investigation, it is shown that optimizing the growth conditions provides a promising approach to further increase the RRE and EQE and lifetime of far‐UVC LEDs.
Geometric Variability‐Aware Thermal Characteristics Modeling of Nanoscale Silicon Gate‐All‐around Nanowire Transistor
Authors: Feng Xiaoyue , Luo Kun , Zhan Guohui , Xu Lijun , Xu Qinzhi , Wu Zhenhua
Published: August 2024

Thermal management becomes increasingly important in silicon gate‐all‐around (GAA) field‐effect transistor (FETs) for 3 nm technology node and beyond. The channel thermal conductivity significantly differs from bulk silicon. Precise determination of thermal conductivity is crucial for device evaluation and optimization. This study investigates the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires, examining the complex interplay between size and channel orientation. The conventional nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) method is used with the standard Stillinger–Weber potential at the atomic scale. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires along the [100] direction increases monotonically with both length (L) and cross‐sectional side length (D). Conversely, the [110] direction exhibits nonmonotonic variation in thermal conductivity with D, due to increased acoustic–optic phonon scattering. For GAA FET devices with a silicon nanowire channel ofL = 20 nm andD = 5 nm, the NEMD calculations yield thermal conductivities of 10.8 W m·K−1for the [100] direction and 25.3 W m·K−1for the [110] direction. Subsequently, the self‐heating effect (SHE) in silicon nanowire GAA FETs by technology computer‐aided design with the modified channel conductivity is analyzed. The results suggest that silicon nanowires with the [110] transport direction are more suitable for device design.
Enhanced UV Photoresponse Performances of TiO2/Bi2Se3 Heterostructure‐Based Photoelectrochemical Photodetector
Authors: Yang Jinhai , Ye Yanhong , Yu Ruiyang , Yang Han , Qiao Hui , Huang Zongyu , Qi Xiang
Published: August 2024

Bi2Se3 has a unique surface state and excellent electron transport performance, but because of its narrow band gap, Bi2Se3‐based photodetectors are difficult to achieve high response to ultraviolet (UV) light. In this paper, the TiO2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure was constructed by spin‐coating TiO2 on Bi2Se3 film, and TiO2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure‐based photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetector was constructed, and a series of measurements were carried out. The measure results showed that the photoresponse performance of TiO2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure‐based photodetector was improved in the visible region, and the performance in the UV was further improved. This is because the type ii band alignment between TiO2 and Bi2Se3 is beneficial for the effective separation and transfer of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs, reducing recombination losses and enhancing the overall photoresponse. In addition, under the action of the built‐in electric field formed by the heterostructure, the photogenerated electrons and holes are easier to separate, which reduces the recombination probability of the photogenerated electron‐hole pair and improves the photoelectric conversion efficiency. In the UV, TiO2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure can make more efficient use of the light absorption characteristics of TiO2 and absorb more photons, resulting in a larger photocurrent. These results indicate that TiO2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure‐based photodetector has great application potential in the UV.
Impact of Time and Handwashing on Infection Inference in Scenario‐Based Exposures Among Adults and Children in Japan
Authors: Furumi Fumikazu , Nishio Yumiko
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has underscored the importance of preventive measures like handwashing and mask‐wearing. However, preschoolers often struggle to comprehend disease transmission. This study examined how time and handwashing impact adults’ and preschoolers’ inferential processes related to infectious disease transmission.

Methods

Thirty‐eight Japanese adults aged 18–23 years (8 men; 30 women) and 36 Japanese children aged 5–6 years (15 boys; 21 girls) participated in this study. Participants were presented with scenarios involving an infectious individual who was present (1) at the same time, (2) immediately before, or (3) the previous day. Scenarios were presented via PowerPoint for adults and as a picture‐story for preschoolers, with questions on infection likelihood pre‐ and post‐handwashing.

Results

Both age groups perceived a significantly higher likelihood of infection for same‐time exposure than for other exposures. Preschoolers estimated a lower likelihood of infection than adults ( = 0.25). Handwashing significantly reduced perceived infection risk, particularly for same‐time ( = 0.34) and immediately after ( = 0.10) exposures.

Conclusion

This study highlights the critical need for age‐appropriate communication about infection prevention, particularly for young children. Preschoolers exhibited a more positive perception of infectious disease transmission, which necessitates reinforcing multiple preventive measures beyond handwashing. The findings underscore the importance of considering cognitive development and the influence of contemporary experiences like the COVID‐19 pandemic when educating about disease transmission. Future research should further explore the relationship between cognitive development, individual differences, and infection reasoning to enhance public health strategies for varying age groups.
Positional Accuracy of 3D Printed Quantum Emitter Fiber Couplers
Authors: Weber Ksenia , Thiele Simon , Hentschel Mario , Herkommer Alois , Giessen Harald
Published: August 2024

Precise positioning of optical elements plays a key role in the performance of optical systems. While additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing enable the creation of entire complex micro‐objectives in one step, thus rendering lens alignment unnecessary, certain applications require precise positional alignment of the printing process with respect to the substrate. For example, in order to efficiently couple quantum emitters to single‐mode fibers, which is a crucial step in the development of real world quantum networks, precise alignment between the emitter, the coupling optics, and the single‐mode fiber is of utmost importance. In this work, the positioning accuracy of a Photonics Professional GT (Nanoscribe GmbH) 3D printing machine is evaluated by using the integrated piezo stage to align to gold markers that is manufactured via e‐beam lithography. By running a statistical analysis of 38 printing cycles, a mean positional error of only 80 nm is determined. Additionally, an entire system is 3D printed that can couple quantum emitters to optical single‐mode fibers. Examining the focal spot of the 3D printed micro‐optics, a positional accuracy of ≈ 1 µm in all three dimensions is found, as well as excellent quality of the focal spot.
Quality control of robotic floor‐tiling by the modifications on technology parameters and adhesive properties
Authors: Wu Kai , Zhang Yanrong , Kong Xiangming , Zhang Shuang , Gao Liang
Published: August 2024

Floor‐tiling robotics are increasingly employed in on‐site building constructions owing to their remarkable benefits on rising working efficiency and reducing labor costs. In this study, a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model of robotic tiling was established for the first time, construction parameters and adhesive properties were modified, and their influences on the quality of robotic floor‐tiling were systematically investigated by tracking the mechanical behaviors of tiles and adhesive during tiling and the interfacial defects after tiling. Results indicated that the established FSI model was feasible for assessing robotic tiling quality with a deviation of less than 2%. The adhesive extruded horizontally was evenly distributed in cylindrical strips. An increase in the number of extrusion pipes slightly improved the tiling quality. Compared with the leveling loads of compression and vertical vibration, shear vibration could effectively eliminate tile rebounding and enlarge the contact area of tile–adhesive by up to 135.85%. Moderate increases in the amplitude and frequency of shear vibration resulted in lower rebounding and larger contact areas. An appropriate increase of yield stress heightened tiling quality by keeping the extrusive appearance of the adhesive, increasing slightly tile rebounding and enlarging the contact area of tile–adhesive to 0.625 m2. As yield stress was excessively high, tremendous elastic deformations of adhesive led to remarkable tile rebounding and small contact areas of 0.375 m2.
Scalar‐on‐function regression: Estimation and inference under complex survey designs
Authors: Smirnova Ekaterina , Cui Erjia , Tabacu Lucia , Leroux Andrew
Published: August 2024

Increasingly, large, nationally representative health and behavioral surveys conducted under a multistage stratified sampling scheme collect high dimensional data with correlation structured along some domain (eg, wearable sensor data measured continuously and correlated over time, imaging data with spatiotemporal correlation) with the goal of associating these data with health outcomes. Analysis of this sort requires novel methodologic work at the intersection of survey statistics and functional data analysis. Here, we address this crucial gap in the literature by proposing an estimation and inferential framework for generalizable scalar‐on‐function regression models for data collected under a complex survey design. We propose to: (1) estimate functional regression coefficients using weighted score equations; and (2) perform inference using novel functional balanced repeated replication and survey‐weighted bootstrap for multistage survey designs. This is the first frequentist study to discuss the estimation of scalar‐on‐function regression models in the context of complex survey studies and to assess the validity of various inferential techniques based on re‐sampling methods via a comprehensive simulation study. We implement our methods to predict mortality using diurnal activity profiles measured via wearable accelerometers using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003‐2006 data. The proposed computationally efficient methods are implemented in R software package surveySoFR.