bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of psychosocial factors amongst the oldest old: Longitudinal evidence based on the representative “survey on quality of life and subjective well‐being of the very old in North Rhine‐Westphalia”
Authors: Hajek André , Gyasi Razak M. , Kretzler Benedikt , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , König Hans‐Helmut
Published: December 2023

Objectives

There are few studies investigating the determinants of psychosocial outcomes using data exclusively from the oldest old; and even fewer that use longitudinal data. Thus, our aim was to explore the determinants of psychosocial factors (in terms of life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms) amongst the oldest old (also stratified by sex) based on representative, longitudinal data from Germany.

Methods/Design

Data from “Survey on quality of life and subjective well‐being of the very old in North Rhine‐Westphalia (NRW80+)” were used. This study includes community‐dwelling and institutionalized individuals aged 80 years and above (n = 1760 observations in the analytical sample) located in North Rhine‐Westphalia (the most populous state in Germany). The mean age was 86.6 years (SD: 4.3 years). Established instruments were used to quantify life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. Linear FE regressions were used in this study to mitigate the challenge of unobserved heterogeneity. Sex‐stratified regressions were also conducted. Results: Regressions showed that the loss of a spouse was significantly associated with worsening psychosocial factors (in terms of increases in depressive symptoms and loneliness). Furthermore, regressions revealed that increases in functional impairment were significantly associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study enhanced our understanding of the factors contributing to poorer psychosocial outcomes among the oldest old. Efforts to avoid or postpone functional impairment may contribute to more favorable psychosocial outcomes. Moreover, our current study underlines the importance of spousal relationships for psychosocial outcomes in the oldest age group.
A configural context signal simultaneously but separably drives positioning and orientation of hippocampal place fields
Authors: Cheng Han Yin , Overington Dorothy W. , Jeffery Kate J.
Published: December 2023

Effective self‐localization requires that the brain can resolve ambiguities in incoming sensory information arising from self‐similarities (symmetries) in the environment structure. We investigated how place cells use environmental cues to resolve the ambiguity of a rotationally symmetric environment, by recording from hippocampal CA1 in rats exploring a “2‐box.” This apparatus comprises two adjacent rectangular compartments, identical but with directionally opposed layouts (cue card at one end and central connecting doorway) and distinguished by their odor contexts (lemon vs. vanilla). Despite the structural and visual rotational symmetry of the boxes, no place cells rotated their place fields. The majority changed their firing fields (remapped) between boxes but some repeated them, maintaining a translational symmetry and thus adopting a relationship to the layout that was conditional on the odor. In general, the place field ensemble maintained a stable relationship to environment orientation as defined by the odors, but sometimes the whole ensemble rotated its firing en bloc, decoupling from the odor context cues. While the individual elements of these observations—odor remapping, place field repetition, ensemble rotation, and decoupling from context—have been reported in isolation, the combination in the one experiment is incompletely explained within current models. We redress this by proposing a model in which odor cues enter into a three‐way association with layout cues and head direction, creating a configural context signal that facilitates two separate processes: place field orientation and place field positioning. This configuration can subsequently still function in the absence of one of its components, explaining the ensemble decoupling from odor. We speculate that these interactions occur in retrosplenial cortex, because it has previously been implicated in context processing, and all the relevant signals converge here.
Synergistic effects of a carbon emissions trading scheme on carbon emissions and air pollution: The case of China
Authors: Li Chenggang , Jin Han , Tan Yuanyuan
Published: December 2023

Facing the dual pressures of the exacerbation of global climate change and the deterioration of the domestic environment caused by pollution, China has clearly adopted environmental regulatory measures to improve the climate environment. One measure is the carbon emissions trading scheme (CETS), which serves as a notable example of the country's efforts to improve the climate environment. We gathered panel data from 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2005 to 2018 and used the Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to empirically examine the synergistic effects of the CETS on carbon emissions and air pollution. The results indicate that CETS have been effective in reducing urban carbon emissions by approximately 9.8%. Additionally, the schemes have caused a simultaneous reduction in particulate matter (PM)2.5 emissions by 11.7% and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by approximately 9.7%, mitigating urban air pollution in China. It demonstrates that the scheme has significant synergistic effects on carbon emissions and air pollution. To achieve synergistic effects of CETS, effective measures include reducing energy intensity and upgrading the industrial structure. The implementation of CETS had heterogeneity in different conditions, and the synergistic effect of the scheme is more significant in eastern regions, large cities, and the final industrial stage. Our findings offer innovative solutions for the integrated management of carbon emissions and air pollution and provide valuable insights for policymakers to enhance China's CETS. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1112–1124. © 2023 SETAC

Key Points

The carbon emissions trading scheme (CETS) led not only to the significant reduction by approximately 9.8% in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but also effectively mitigated sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 9.7% and particulate matter (PM)2.5 emissions by approximately 11.7%. This policy highlights the synergistic impact of reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. The effective emission reduction measures of CETS are focused on reducing energy intensity and upgrading industrial structure; the proper implementation of these measures can achieve significant synergistic emission reduction. Based on the heterogeneous analysis of the pilot scheme, the synergistic effects of the CETS are particularly significant in the eastern regions, large cities, and the final industrial stages.
Cancer cases attributable to modifiable lifestyle risk factors in Switzerland between 2015 and 2019
Authors: Jiang Xing , Pestoni Giulia , Vinci Linda , Suter Flurina , Lorez Matthias , Rohrmann Sabine , Karavasiloglou Nena
Published: December 2023

Several modifiable lifestyle risk factors have been linked to higher cancer risk in the literature. Determining the proportion and number of cancer cases attributable to these risk factors is pivotal in informing effective cancer prevention and control plans that have the greatest effect on reducing cancer incidence. We aimed to estimate the proportion and number of incident cancer cases that were attributable to modifiable lifestyle risk factors (ie, tobacco smoking, high alcohol consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet) in Switzerland between 2015 and 2019. The exposure prevalence of selected risk factors was estimated based on the representative national nutrition survey menuCH, the associated relative risks were obtained from systematic literature reviews and the numbers of incident cancer cases were provided by the National Institute for Cancer Epidemiology and Registration. The fractions and numbers of attributable cases were calculated overall, by sex and by the three major language regions of Switzerland. The investigated modifiable risk factors combined were linked to 25.2% of potentially preventable incident cancer cases in Switzerland between 2015 and 2019. The proportion and numbers were slightly larger in males (28.4%, 6945 cases per year) than in females (21.9%, 4493 cases per year), and variations were observed between language regions. Tobacco smoking, excess body weight and high alcohol consumption were the leading contributors to lifestyle‐attributable cancer cases. The observed differences in the leading risk factors both within Switzerland and compared to other countries underline the need for regionally and nationally tailored cancer prevention and education strategies.
Unique contributions of religious and science beliefs on meaning systems in a nationally representative American sample
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Burke Jeffrey D. , David Adam B.
Published: December 2023

Individuals often hold beliefs in religion and in science, but how they mutually function is not well‐understood. We examined these conjoint influences by examining their relative contributions to individuals' global meaning systems. We also examined whether subgroups of participants could be identified in terms of relative influence of religious or science beliefs on their meaning systems. A nationally representative sample of 300 American adults completed online surveys. Results suggested that science beliefs and religion beliefs comprise separate but only modestly negatively correlated dimensions. Both contributed similarly to the explanation of world assumptions, but only religious beliefs generally predicted goals, values and sense of meaning in life. Latent profile analysis produced a three‐profile solution: one profile of moderate science and religious beliefs represented half the sample while the remainder split evenly between predominantly religious and predominantly science beliefs. In general, across most aspects of global meaning, the religious beliefs group was higher than the science beliefs and moderate beliefs in both groups. Results of this first systematic investigation of the separate effects of beliefs in religion and in science on meaning systems suggest that the balance of these beliefs is a potentially important individual difference warranting further investigation and elaboration.
Guide to providing optimal nutrition to ewes throughout the year
Authors: Shaw Lorna , Phillips Kate
Published: December 2023

Background: Nutrition is undoubtedly the single most important aspect of managing any sheep flock. Both performance and health are directly impacted by the nutritional status of the ewe; if nutrition is suboptimal this can lead to health being compromised and performance reduced. Many health challenges can be attributed to poor nutrition, with energy and protein deficits being the most common issues. Early recognition of suboptimal nutrition is an essential skill for maintaining the overall health and performance of the flock.

Aim of the article: This article aims to upskill practitioners so that they can recognise the importance of optimal nutrition and the consequences of poor feeding, and provide them with the tools to work with their clients to improve flock performance through good management.
An Updated Comprehensive Pharmacovigilance Study of Drug‐Induced Thrombocytopenia Based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Data
Authors: Kunyu Li , Shuping Shi , Chang Su , Yiyue Cao , Qinyu Xiong , Ting Zhang , Bin Wu
Published: December 2023

Drug‐induced thrombocytopenia (DIT) deserves both clinical and research attention for the serious clinical consequences and high prevalence of the condition. The current study aimed to perform a comprehensive pharmacovigilance analysis of DIT reported in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, with a particular focus on drugs associated with thrombocytopenia events. A disproportionality analysis of DIT was conducted using reports submitted to FARES from January 2004 to December 2022. Both the information component (IC) and reporting odds ratio (ROR) algorithms were applied to identify an association between target drugs and DIT events. A total of 15,940,383 cases were gathered in FAERS, 168,657 of which were related to DIT events. The top 50 drugs ranked by number of cases and ranked by signal strength were documented. The top 5 drugs ranked by number of cases were lenalidomide (10,601 cases), niraparib (3726 cases), ruxolitinib (3624 cases), eltrombopag (3483 cases), and heparin (3478 cases). The top 5 drugs ranked by signal strength were danaparoid (ROR 37.61, 95%CI 30.46‐46.45), eptifibatide (ROR 34.75, 95%CI 30.65‐39.4), inotersen (ROR 34.00, 95%CI 29.47‐39.23), niraparib (ROR 30.53, 95%CI 29.42‐31.69), and heparin (ROR 28.84, 95%CI 27.76‐29.97). The top 3 involved drug groups were protein kinase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and monoclonal antibodies and antibody‐drug conjugates. The current comprehensive pharmacovigilance study identified more drugs associated with thrombocytopenia. Although the mechanisms of DIT have been elucidated for some drugs, others still require further investigation.
Association of the TNF‐α‐308G>A gene polymorphism with left ventricular geometry and functional abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea subjects
Authors: Chen Shuqiong , Wang Jian , Shui Wen , Xing Xueqing , Zhang Zhenxia , Hou Ran
Published: December 2023

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) can induce left ventricular remodeling. In this study, we investigated whether the TNF‐α‐308G>A polymorphism is associated with left ventricular geometry (LVG) and left ventricular functional abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy‐eight subjects were enrolled. Echocardiography and genetic data were assessed in all patients. Geometric patterns of the left ventricle were determined from the relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Genetic analysis for the TNF‐α‐308G>A SNP rs1800629 was identified by Sanger sequencing. The correlations of the TNF‐α‐308G>A polymorphism with LVG and left ventricular function were analyzed by difference analysis and logistic regression.

Results

The chi‐square test showed that there were differences in genotype distributions among the four groups (p = 0.033), such that the frequency of GA+AA genotypes was significantly higher in the concentric hypertrophy group than in the normal geometry group (p < 0.05). Independent sample T tests showed that the GA+AA genotypes had higher IVST, LVPWT, LVMI, E/e' values, and lower e' values than those of the GG genotype (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the TNF‐α‐308G>A polymorphism was independently correlated with eccentric hypertrophy (OR = 2.456, p = 0.047) and concentric hypertrophy (OR = 2.456, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

In OSA patients, the TNF‐α‐308G>A polymorphism was linked to LVG and abnormal left ventricular diastolic function, suggesting that the TNF‐α‐308G>A polymorphism may have an important influence on LVG alterations.
Quantitative analysis of fractionated electrogram area of left atrium during right atrial pacing as an indicator of left atrial electrical remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sekihara Takayuki , Oka Takafumi , Ozu Kentaro , Sakata Yasushi
Published: December 2023

Background

The clinical significance of left atrial local electrogram fractionation after restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been elucidated.

Methods

We evaluated ultrahigh‐resolution maps of the left atrium (LA) during RA pacing acquired after pulmonary vein isolation in 40 patients with AF. The association between low‐voltage area (LVA, <0.5 mV), fractionated electrogram area (FEA, the highlighted area with LUMIPOINT™ Complex Activation), the interval from onset of LA activation to wavefront collision at the mitral isthmus (LA activation time), and wave propagation velocity (WPV) was evaluated quantitatively.

Results

The total LVA, total FEA with ≥5.0 peaks or ≥7.0 peaks were 7.0 ± 7.9 cm2, 15.9 ± 12.9 cm2, and 5.2 ± 7.5 cm2, respectively. These areas were predominantly observed in the anteroseptal region. Total LVA, total FEA with ≥5.0 peaks, and total FEA with ≥5.0 peaks in the normal voltage area (NVA: ≥0.5 mV) correlated with LA activation time (R = 0.69, 0.75, and 0.71; each p < .0001). In the anterior wall, these areas correlated with regional mean WPV (R = −0.75, −0.83, and − 0.55; each p < .0001) and the extent of slow conduction area (SCA) with WPV <0.3 m/s (R = 0.89, 0.84, 0.33; p < .0001 for LVA and FEA, p < .05 for FEA located in NVA). The anterior wall FEA with ≥7.0 peaks and that in the NVA showed a better correlation in predicting anterior wall SCA (R = 0.92 and 0.86, each p < .0001).

Conclusion

Quantitative analysis of FEA together with LVA may facilitate the assessment of LA electrical remodeling.
Laparoscopic surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma: Estimating the risk of margin‐positive resection
Authors: Carlisle Kendyl , Blackburn Kyle W. , Japp Emily A. , McArdle Patrick F. , Turner Douglas J. , Terhune Julia H. , Englum Brian R. , Smith Philip W. , Hu Yinin
Published: December 2023

Background

Over recent years, there has been increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, MIS has been associated with noncurative resection and locoregional recurrence. We aimed to identify risk factors for margin‐positivity among patients who undergo MIS resection for ACC. We hypothesized that a simple nomogram can accurately identify patients most suitable for curative MIS resection.

Methods

Curative‐intent resections for ACC were identified through the National Cancer Database spanning 2010–2018. Trends in MIS utilization were reported using Pearson correlation coefficients. Factors associated with margin‐positive resection were identified among preoperatively available variables using multivariable logistic regression, then incorporated into a predictive model. Model quality was cross validated using an 80% training data set and 20% test data set.

Results

Among 1260 ACC cases, 38.6% (486) underwent MIS resection. MIS utilization increased over time at nonacademic centers (R = 0.818, p = 0.007), but not at academic centers (R = 0.009, p = 0.982). Factors associated with margin‐positive MIS resection were increasing age, nonacademic center (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8, p = 0.006), cT3 (OR: 4.7, p < 0.001) or cT4 tumors (OR: 14.6, p < 0.001), and right‐sided tumors (OR: 2.0, p = 0.006). A predictive model incorporating these four factors produced favorable c‐statistics of 0.75 in the training data set and 0.72 in the test data set. A pragmatic nomogram was created to enable bedside risk stratification.

Conclusions

An increasing proportion of ACC are resected via minimally invasive operations, particularly at nonacademic centers. Patient selection based on a few key factors can minimize the risk of noncurative surgery.
Thresholding approaches for estimating paraspinal muscle fat infiltration using T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI: Comparative analysis using water–fat MRI
Authors: Ornowski Jessica , Dziesinski Lucas , Hess Madeline , Krug Roland , Fortin Maryse , Torres‐Espin Abel , Majumdar Sharmila , Pedoia Valentina , Bonnheim Noah B. , Bailey Jeannie F.
Published: December 2023

Background

Paraspinal muscle fat infiltration is associated with spinal degeneration and low back pain, however, quantifying muscle fat using clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques continues to be a challenge. Advanced MRI techniques, including chemical‐shift encoding (CSE) based water–fat MRI, enable accurate measurement of muscle fat, but such techniques are not widely available in routine clinical practice.

Methods

To facilitate assessment of paraspinal muscle fat using clinical imaging, we compared four thresholding approaches for estimating muscle fat fraction (FF) using T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, with measurements from water–fat MRI as the ground truth: Gaussian thresholding, Otsu's method, K‐mean clustering, and quadratic discriminant analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), mean absolute errors, and mean bias errors were calculated for FF estimates from T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI with water–fat MRI for the lumbar multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), quadratus lumborum (QL), and psoas (PS), and for all muscles combined.

Results

We found that for all muscles combined, FF measurements from T1‐ and T2‐weighted images were strongly positively correlated with measurements from the water–fat images for all thresholding techniques (r = 0.70–0.86, p < 0.0001) and that variations in inter‐muscle correlation strength were much greater than variations in inter‐method correlation strength.

Conclusion

We conclude that muscle FF can be quantified using thresholded T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI images with relatively low bias and absolute error in relation to water–fat MRI, particularly in the MF and ES, and the choice of thresholding technique should depend on the muscle and clinical MRI sequence of interest.
Multilayered Microneedles for Triphasic Controlled Delivery of Small Molecules and Proteins
Authors: Wright Nathaniel , Wu Tim , Wang Yadong
Published: December 2023

Transdermal delivery is an attractive delivery method that increases bioavailability, is suitable for a wide variety of therapeutics, and offers stable delivery outcomes. However, many therapeutics are unable to readily cross the stratum corneum. Microneedles mechanically disrupt the cutaneous barrier to deliver small molecules, proteins, and vaccines. To date, microneedles have not been used in conjunction with coacervate, a liquid–liquid phase separation that protects unstable proteins. A three‐layer microneedle for the controlled release of three different molecules is designed. Through micromolding, microneedles are efficiently generated, which benefits product scalability. The microneedles have good mechanical integrity and effectively penetrate porcine skin ex vivo. The three layers, in the microneedles, release the cargo in a three‐phase manner. The released protein maintains its structure well. Moreover, layer thickness can be controlled by varying fabrication parameters. The microneedles can incorporate both small molecule drugs and protein therapeutics, thus promising uses in multi‐drug therapies through a single treatment.
The impact of water exchange on estimates of myocardial extracellular volume calculated using contrast enhanced T1 measurements: A preliminary analysis in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Sharrack Noor , Biglands John D. , Broadbent David A. , Kellman Peter , Chow Kelvin , Greenwood John P. , Levelt Eylem , Plein Sven , Buckley David L.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Guidelines recommend measuring myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) using T1‐mapping before and 10–30 min after contrast agent administration. Data are then analyzed using a linear model (LM), which assumes fast water exchange (WX) between the ECV and cardiomyocytes. We investigated whether limited WX influences ECV measurements in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with severe AS and 5 healthy controls were recruited. T1 measurements were made on a 3 T Siemens system using a multiparametric saturation‐recovery single‐shot acquisition (a) before contrast; (b) 4 min post 0.05 mmol/kg gadobutrol; and (c) 4 min, (d) 10 min, and (e) 30 min after an additional gadobutrol dose (0.1 mmol/kg). Three LM‐based ECV estimates, made using paired T1 measurements (a and b), (a and d), and (a and e), were compared to ECV estimates made using all 5 T1 measurements and a two‐site exchange model (2SXM) accounting for WX.

Results

Median (range) ECV estimated using the 2SXM model was 25% (21%–39%) for patients and 26% (22%–29%) for controls. ECV estimated in patients using the LM at 10 min following a cumulative contrast dose of 0.15 mmol/kg was 21% (17%–32%) and increased significantly to 22% (19%–35%) at 30 min (p = 0.0001). ECV estimated using the LM was highest following low dose gadobutrol, 25% (19%–38%).

Conclusion

Current guidelines on contrast agent dose for ECV measurements may lead to underestimated ECV in patients with severe AS because of limited WX. Use of a lower contrast agent dose may mitigate this effect.
Turning up the volume on neuromuscular cough medicine
Authors: Geronimo Andrew
Published: December 2023

See article on pages 213–217 in this issue.
The Use of Platelet‐Rich Fibrin and Polypropylene Mesh in Repair of Nasal Septal Perforation
Authors: Ulusoy Bülent , Uğraş Serdar , Uslu Vedat , Elsürer Çağdaş , Körez Muslu Kazım
Published: December 2023

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the use of polypropylene mesh and platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in nasal septal perforation (NSP) repair.

Study Design

Prospective experimental study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Methods

Twenty‐four adult male New Zealand rabbits were used in our study. In all subjects, a 10 × 10 mm perforation was created in the septum. The subjects were divided into 3 equal groups according to the different methods used in perforation closure. The bilateral mucosal flap was used in the control group, polypropylene mesh + bilateral mucosal flap in the mesh group, and polypropylene mesh + bilateral mucosal flap + PRF in the mesh + PRF group.

Results

NSP treatment success rate was found to be significantly higher in the mesh (4/6, 66.7%) and mesh + PRF (6/6, 100%) groups compared to the control group (0/6, 0%). Re‐epithelialization score was higher in the mesh + PRF group and the control group compared to the mesh group. While the necrosis, neutrophil, and abscess scores were highest in the mesh group, they were similar to the control group in the mesh + PRF group.

Conclusions

While polypropylene mesh significantly increases the success rate in NSP repair, it causes severe inflammatory responses. However, when polypropylene mesh is combined with PRF, it both increases the rate of perforation closure and significantly reduces the complications associated with the use of mesh.
A novel wood fiber/waterborne epoxy resin composite with high fiber content and performance fabricated by a green and simple process
Authors: Yang Zhaozhe , Chen Jian , Zhan Xun , Wu Guomin , Kong Zhenwu
Published: December 2023

Developing green and high‐strength composites with feasible manufacturing process is desirable for advanced applications in construction, transportation, automotive, aerospace, and so on. A novel green and high‐strength wood fiber (WF)/waterborne epoxy resin (WEP) composite with high fiber content, low‐cost, and simple processing was proposed in this study. WF was simply and directly mixed with WEP and the mixture was hot‐pressed to mold the composite. The optimal tensile and flexural strength of 98 MPa and 155 MPa were achieved at 80% WF content, which were superior to those of traditional WF/EP composites. The interphase thickness of 220 nm of WF/WEP composite was more than twice as high as that of 109 nm of WF/EP composite, which was resulted from the penetration of WEP in the micro‐nano structure of WF. Furthermore, the thermal performance of WF/WEP composite was also promoted compared to those of WF/EP composites. This work demonstrated that composites with high WF content could achieve high performance and exhibit significant potential in many applications.

Highlights

Wood fiber/waterborne epoxy resin composites fabricated by a green and simple process.

Optimal mechanical properties were achieved at 80% wood fiber content.

WEP penetrated in the micro‐nano structure of WF.

The composites with high WF content achieve high performance.
Investigation on carbon fiber fracture mechanism of honeycomb composites in longitudinal‐torsional ultrasonic‐assisted milling processes
Authors: Shi Zhanli , Chen Chen , Yang Zhiyong , Bao Yongjie , Gong Yongjun
Published: December 2023

A multi‐edge micro‐tooth longitudinal‐torsional ultrasonic‐assisted milling (LTUAM) model was established based on the hard brittle characteristics of carbon fiber honeycomb composites and the weak strength characteristics of the hole wall interface. The study analyzed the effects of ultrasonic characterization parameters on the cutting force, honeycomb wall width, and surface morphology. The results indicate that using LTUAM significantly reduced the cutting force and decreased the length and height of the burrs at an appropriate ultrasound amplitude. The spindle speed had the least impact on the width of the honeycomb wall, but increased with the longitudinal‐torsional ultrasonic amplitude and feed rate. The maximum error between the simulated and experimental cutting force values was approximately 19%. The longitudinal amplitude and torsional amplitude were 3 and 5 μm, respectively, the length of burrs decreased by 52.7%, and there was less delamination and tearing damage. LTUAM proved to be beneficial in improving cutting performance. Compared with conventional milling (CM), LTUAM resulted in regular fiber fracture morphology and smaller fragments on the honeycomb surface. In addition, the high‐frequency ultrasonic vibration promoted carbon fiber fracture and the surface roughness value under LTUAM was approximately 36.72% smaller than that of CM.

Highlights

Ultrasonic milling mechanism of carbon honeycomb is studied.

Kinematic simulation of the tool of carbon honeycomb was studied during LTUAM.

LTUAM promotes the fracture of carbon fibers.

A multi‐edge micro‐tooth LTUAM model was established of carbon honeycomb.

Deformation of the cell wall can be avoided by ultrasonic vibration of the cutter.
Influence of water absorption track and pre‐drying treatment on the long‐term hydrothermal aging behavior of recycled jute fabric‐reinforced composites
Authors: Yu Ying , Zhao Defang , Yu Lichao , Ren Tianxiang , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Corrosion resistance and durability are always considered in the safety design of composite materials. In this study, recycled jute woven fabrics from coffee bags were used to fabricate jute/unsaturated polyester composites. The effect of water absorption and pre‐drying treatment on the long‐term hydrothermal aging behavior of the prepared composites, as well as the aging mechanism, was discussed. The hydrothermal aging test was performed at a fixed temperature of 80°C for specified conditioning times of 24, 120, 240, 480, and 720 h. Weight gain and weight loss values were recorded and compared. The mechanical properties were evaluated using a three‐point bending test and observations of the fracture area. The results showed similar water uptake and flexural behaviors between the composites with different pre‐drying treatments, especially after long‐term hydrothermal aging. It was also found that the moisture diffusion of the composite followed a Fickian process, and the flexural properties of the bending specimens at every position reduced with the aging time and initially decreased rapidly during the first 24 h of aging. In particular, the reduction rate in flexural properties generally followed the sequence of NO.1 > NO.2 > NO.6 > NO.5. Additionally, the aging mechanism study revealed three steps for the composites during the water absorption process. The inclusion of jute fiber as a composite material in this research provides insight into the water‐absorption mechanism of jute fabric‐reinforced polymer composite (JFRP).

Highlights

Recycled jute fabric‐reinforced composites were produced using jute fabrics obtained from recycled coffee bags.

The effect of the water absorption track and pre‐drying treatment on the long‐term hydrothermal aging behavior of recycled jute fiber‐reinforced composite and its aging mechanism is discussed.

The clarification of the aging mechanism indicates that there are three steps involved in the water absorption process.

Considering jute fiber as a composite could help explain the water‐absorbing mechanism of JFRP.
Anti‐Culex pipiens activity of different pomegranate cultivars and determination of their bioactive compounds using LC‐MS profiling
Authors: Salem Alaa M. , Farag Shaimaa M. , Gad Haidy A. , Al‐Sayed Eman , El‐Ahmady Sherweit H.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels are rich in various bioactive compounds. Characterization of these compounds is crucial for the utilization of peel waste in industrial processing.

Objective

The study aimed (1) to establish and compare the metabolic profiles of the peel of seven pomegranate cultivars and (2) to identify bioactive compounds contributing to the larvicidal activity against the third instar larvae of Culex pipiens.

Materials and Methods

UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS was utilized to analyze peel methanol extracts of different pomegranate cultivars. The larvicidal activity was determined by calculating the larval mortality among the third instar larvae of C. pipiens. Multivariate data analysis was conducted to identify the metabolites that exhibited a larvicidal effect.

Results

A total of 24 metabolites, including hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, were tentatively identified in both negative and positive ionization modes. The extract of cultivar ‘Black’ exhibited the most potent larvicidal effect with LC50 values of 185.15, 156.84, and 138.12 ppm/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment, respectively. By applying chemometric techniques, the larvicidal activity could be directly correlated to the bioactive compounds punicalagin, quercetin‐O‐rhamnoside, quercetin‐O‐pentoside, and galloyl‐HHDP‐glucose.

Conclusion

The present study implemented UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS and chemometric techniques as potential tools for metabolomics analysis and differentiation between peels of different pomegranate cultivars. In addition, cultivar ‘Black’ extract could be a promising natural insecticide against mosquitoes since it is rich in bioactive compounds with larvicidal activity.
Epitaxial regrowth
Authors: Hogg Richard
Published: December 2023

How can design engineers use epitaxial regrowth to enhance semiconductor laser performance and unlock new markets? First, we need to take a closer look at the relatively mature, epitaxial regrowth process for indium phosphide (InP) lasers, commonly used in 5G, datacomms, telecoms and co‐located optics applications. Then we can consider gallium arsenide (GaAs), a less mature material system, which suits a multitude of emerging industrial, biomedical imaging, datacomms, and sensing laser applications.
Preferences for risks and benefits of treatment outcomes for chronic low back pain: Choice‐based conjoint measure development and discrete choice experiment
Authors: Wilson Leslie , Denham Alina , Ionova Yelena , O'Neill Conor , Greco Carol M. , Hassett Afton L. , Hanmer Janel , Shaikh Sana , Wolf Mehling , Berven Sigurd , Williams David , Ma Yanlei , Lotz Jeffrey , Zheng Patricia
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Understanding individual patient preferences for chronic low back pain (cLBP) outcomes is essential for targeting available therapeutic options; yet tools to elicit patient outcome preferences are limited.

Objective

To develop and test a choice‐based conjoint (CBC) measure, commonly used in behavioral economics research, to elicit what outcomes patients with cLBP want to achieve and avoid.

Design

We developed a survey‐based CBC measure to allow patients to make risk/benefit trade‐off choices between possible treatment outcomes. After extensive literature, clinician, and patient input, our measure included seven attributes: fatigue, anxiety/depression, difficulty thinking/making decisions, pain intensity, physical abilities, change in pain, and ability to enjoy life despite pain. Random‐parameters logit models were used to estimate strength of preferences, and latent class analysis was used to identify patient characteristics associated with distinct preference.

Setting

Online study using the Sawtooth web‐based platform.

Participants

Two hundred eleven individuals with cLBP recruited from online advertising as well as at clinical sites across multiple academic and private institutions.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Results

The most valued outcome was the highest level of physical activity (β = 1.6–1.98; p < .001), followed by avoiding cognitive difficulties (β = −1.48; p < .001). Avoidance of severe pain was comparable to avoiding constant fatigue and near‐constant depression/anxiety (β = −0.99, −1.02); p < .001). There was an association between preferences and current pain/disability status; patients with higher pain had a stronger preference to avoid severe pain, whereas those with higher disability have stronger preferences for achieving physical activity. The latent class analysis identified two distinct groups: (1) more risk‐seeking and willing to accept worse outcomes (56%); and (2) more risk‐averse with a stronger preference for achieving maximum benefits (44%).

Conclusions

Our study illuminated cLBP patient preferences for treatment outcomes and heterogeneity in these preferences. Patients stressed the importance of reaching high physical activity and avoiding cognitive declines, even over a desire to avoid pain. More work is needed to understand patient preferences to aid informed, shared decisions.
Influence of rotating dielectric barrier on discharge characteristics in multi‐needle‐plate DBD
Authors: Yu Guanglin , Peng Bangfa , Jiang Nan , Wang Ronggang , Sun Haoyang , He Junwen , Shang Kefeng , Lu Na , Li Jie
Published: December 2023

Enhancing discharge energy in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is vital for various applications. This study establishes a theoretical formula for predicting enhanced discharge in multi‐needle‐plate (MP) DBD, accounting for factors like needle count, rotation speed, and voltage frequency. Experiments validate the formula's accuracy, showing that precisely matched parameters result in enhanced discharge power, heightened streamer luminosity, and curved streamer channels. Lissajous figures in MP DBD exhibit elliptical shapes due to residual discharges during voltage fall. Statistical analysis of current pulses and discharge images confirms that dielectric plate rotation increases discharges and extends their duration during voltage fall. Numerical simulations highlight surface charge movement's role in enhancing the electric field and affecting streamer propagation direction in the air gap.
Low‐Temperature Photoluminescence Investigation of Carbon‐Doped AlGaAs Grown by MOVPE on Vicinal Substrates
Authors: Li Gan , Sodabanlu Hassanet , Hino Maui , Asami Meita , Watanabe Kentaroh , Sugiyama Masakazu , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: December 2023

AlGaAs is promising absorber material for multi‐junction solar cells (MJSC) for its tunable bandgap to match various bandgap combination designs. However, the path to achieving high‐quality AlGaAs for solar cell application remains to be determined. In this study, we grow and characterize carbon‐doped p‐Al0.375Ga0.625As on exact and vicinal GaAs(0 0 1) substrates, using metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Low‐temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurement is performed in the range from 6 K to 300 K. The Arrhenius plot of PL intensities reveals an increasing trend for non‐radiative recombination in conjunction with increasing miscut angle. The presence of atomic ordering that inversely correlates to the miscut angle is proposed to explain the PL linewidth and peak energy dependency on substrate orientation. The conflicting tendency of non‐radiative recombination and ordering with miscut angle are further validated using solar cell devices. A slightly vicinal substrate is recommended for AlGaAs solar cells according to our observation.
Estimating average treatment effects for clustered RCTs with recruitment bias
Authors: Schochet Peter Z.
Published: December 2023

In clustered randomized controlled trials (RCTs), sample recruitment is often conducted after cluster randomization. This timing can lead to recruitment bias if access to the intervention affects the composition of study‐eligible cluster entrants and study consenters. This article develops a potential outcomes framework in such settings that yields a causal estimand that pertains to the always‐recruited in either research condition. A consistent inverse probability weighting (IPW) estimator is developed using data on recruits only, and a generalized estimating equations approach is used to obtain robust clustered SE estimators that adjust for estimation error in the IPW weights. A simple data collection strategy is discussed to improve the predictive accuracy of the logit propensity score models. Simulations show that the IPW estimator achieves nominal confidence interval coverage under the assumed identification conditions. An empirical application demonstrates the methods using data from an RCT testing the effects of a behavioral health intervention in schools. An R program for estimation is available for download.
The Skin-Brain Connection and Pleasant Touch as Supportive Care for Psychocutaneous Disorders
Authors: Ferreira Bárbara Roque , Aguirre Claudia C. , Rapoport-Hubschman Nathalie , Adewuya Abiodun O. , Canchy Ludivine , Morizet David , Vincenzi Francesca , McGlone Francis P.
Published: December 2023

Psychodermatology is a subdiscipline of dermatology at the intersection of dermatology, psychiatry, and psychology. In dermatology clinical practice, patients may present with skin disease that affects their mental health, or skin disorders induced or worsened by psychological/psychiatric problems so there is a need for specialised education of dermatologists, as well as multidisciplinary teams, to achieve better management of these patients. Understanding the interaction between the central nervous system and the skin underlying psychocutaneous disorders could help identify alternative therapies that may improve patient well-being. The concept of pleasurable touch has received increasing attention following the discovery of C-tactile (CT) fibres. While afferent C-fibre stimulation is usually associated with pain, temperature, or itch, CT-fibres are stimulated optimally by a stimulus not in the nociceptor range but by a gentle, low-force stroking. As this affective touch may counteract unpleasurable sensations, such as pain and itch, and elicit positive feelings, the potential benefits of gentle touch and massage are interesting for dermatological, especially psychocutaneous, disorders. Here we provide an overview of the skin-brain connection to help understand the benefits of touch and massage, as illustrated with studies on atopic dermatitis and burns, as an adjunct to dermatological treatment for improving patient well-being and optimising treatment outcomes.
Preparation of Cellulose Nanofibrils with the Pretreatments using Inexpensive Protic Ionic Liquids based on Dimeric Oxalic Acid Anions
Authors: Zhu Deqin , Xu Xiaoxiao , Liu Jingjing , Lan Wenbo , Wei Ligang , Li Kunlan , Liu Na , An Qingda , Shao Guolin , Zhai Shangru
Published: December 2023

Preparation of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) with the pretreatments using alkanolamine‐based protic ionic liquids (PILs) with dimeric oxalic acid anions ([(HOA)(H2OA)]−) was fully investigated. The cation type [ethanolamine ([MEA]+), diethanolamine ([DEA]+), triethanolamine ([TEA]+)], and water addition greatly influenced the CNF yields. Under the pretreatment conditions of 110 °C and 3 h, the CNF yields with different PIL‐based systems followed the order: [MEA][(HOA)(H2OA)]>[DEA][(HOA)(H2OA)]>[TEA][(HOA)(H2OA)], similar to their swelling capacities. The highest CNF yield of 85.0 % was obtained after the pretreatment with [MEA][(HOA)(H2OA)]‐water containing 30 wt % PILs. The optimal pH range of PILs‐water was 1.10–1.15. The good recyclability indicated that these inexpensive PILs can be employed as a simple and efficient pretreatment system for preparing CNFs. The physicochemical properties of the prepared CNFs were greatly changed by varying the PILs’ pretreatment systems. The thermal stability of CNFs was intimately connected with the crystalline structures and hydrogen bonding modes.
Enhanced Quantum Transport in Nitrogen‐substituted Dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene
Authors: Ghosh Angsula , Chaudhuri Puspitapallab
Published: December 2023

Stable [8]Annulene‐based hydrocarbons have gained significant attention recently for their potential applications in the development of responsive materials. These hydrocarbons consist of an eight‐membered carbon ring, which imparts them with exceptional stability and structural simplicity. In this study, we systematically replaced one or more carbon atoms at various positions within the dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraenes (dbCOT) with nitrogen atoms and conducted a detailed theoretical investigation to comprehend their characteristics within the realm of single‐molecular electronics. Utilizing DFT, we systematically examined the structural features, energetics, and several electric and spectroscopic properties of original, reduced, and nitrogen‐substituted dbCOTs. The natural singlet dbCOT exhibits a symmetric tub‐shaped molecular structure, while the triplet configuration adopts a planar and symmetric structure, with the former demonstrating greater energetic stability. The substitutions of carbon with nitrogen atoms affect the structural symmetry in different forms, depending on the position and bonding properties of the nitrogen atoms. Most of the substituted configurations, in comparison to natural dbCOT, exhibit absorption of UV‐Vis radiation at longer wavelengths. The reduction in the HOMO‐LUMO gap results in enhanced electrical conductivity in substituted‐dbCOTs, potentially advantageous for technological applications. Notably, the spatial orientation of dbCOTs with respect to the leads exerts significant influence on the charge transfer process.
Preparation of CO2‐activated Porous Graphene for Enhancing the Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage Properties of Co9S8 Material
Authors: Jia Hongsheng , Li Siqi , Wang Yubo , E Yuanlong , Han Miao , Su Yugang
Published: December 2023

In this work, Co9S8 hydrogen storage material was synthesized by mechanical alloying. To improve the electrocatalytic activity and conductivity of Co9S8, a series of porous reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) materials were fabricated via a facile CO2 activation treatment of RGO at different processing times. The composites of Co9S8 doping with different amount of PRGO were manufactured through ball milling. During the electrochemical hydrogen storage test, the porous Co9S8+PRGO exhibited higher discharge capacity than Co9S8+NRGO and conventional Co9S8. Moreover, the CO2 activation time and additive amount of PRGO had significant impact on the electrochemical properties of Co9S8. Ultimately, the electrode of 6 wt.% PRGO‐2 modified Co9S8 attained the optimum discharge capacity of 653 mAh/g. The special porous structure and high specific surface area of porous graphene could provide more electrochemical active sites and facilitate the hydrogen diffusion. After PRGO modification, the cycling stability, high‐rate dischargeability (HRD) and kinetic properties of Co9S8 were also enhanced. It can be concluded that porous graphene possesses better effect than conventional graphene in improving the performance of hydrogen storage alloy.