bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomly structured composite PDMS/PTFE ferroelectret soft smart material
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Shi Junjie , Sun Xinlong , Yong Sheng , Beeby Stephen P 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based ferroelectrets are an attractive material for the fabrication of human-based applications given their soft and compliant mechanical properties. The typical fabrication approach is to exploit specifically engineered void geometries fabricated by moulding and bonding layers together. Charge instability can be addressed by the addition of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles but this prevents the bonding of PDMS films. This paper illustrates a new approach to obtaining PDMS ferroelectret with random voids by promoting and trapping bubbles to create cavities within a PDMS film. A mathematical model is presented to explore the connection between the percentage of trapped bubbles in the PDMS and the equivalent piezoelectric coefficient, d33e. The process is compatible with the addition of PTFE powder to the PDMS formulation and a ratio of PTFE to PDMS of 1:3 by weight was found to increase performance achieving an initial d33e of 384 pC/N which reached a steady state value of 186 pC/N measured after 2 months after poling. The energy harvesting potential of the random void PDMS/PTFE ferroelectret was explored by cyclically compressing with a force of 300 N applied at 1 Hz. The output of the ferroelectret was found to charge a 10μF capacitor to 0.26 V after 40 seconds. The ferroelectret's performance as a pressure sensor from 0 to 300 N was explored and the optimum formulation achieved a sensitivity of 25.2 mV/N, a nonlinearity of 4% and hysteresis of 4.2% demonstrating a considerable improvement over the pure PDMS ferroelectret.
Interplay between climate and carbon cycle feedbacks could substantially enhance future warming
Authors: Kaufhold Christine , Willeit Matteo , Talento Stefanie , Ganopolski Andrey , Rockström Johan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In light of uncertainties regarding climate sensitivity and future anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, we explore the plausibility of global warming over the next millennium which is significantly higher than what is usually expected. Although efforts to decarbonize the global economy have significantly shifted global anthropogenic emissions away from the most extreme emission scenarios, intermediate emission scenarios are still plausible. Significant warming in these scenarios cannot be ruled out as uncertainties in equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) remain very large. Until now, long-term climate change projections and their uncertainties for such scenarios have not been investigated using Earth system models that account for all major carbon cycle feedbacks. Using the fast Earth system model CLIMBER-X with interactive CO2 and CH4 (the latter typically not included in most models), we performed simulations for the next millennium under extended SSP1-2.6, SSP4-3.4 and SSP2-4.5 scenarios. These scenarios are usually associated with peak global warming levels of 1.5, 2 and 3°C, respectively, for an ECS of ∼3°C, considered the best estimate in the latest IPCC report. As ECS values lower or higher than this estimate cannot be ruled out, we emulate a wide range of ECS from 2 to 5°C, defined as the ”very likely” range by the IPCC. Our results show that achieving the Paris Agreement goal of a 2°C temperature increase is only feasible for low emission scenarios and if ECS is lower than 3.5°C. With an ECS of 5°C, peak warming in all considered scenarios more than doubles compared to an ECS of 3°C. Approximately 50% of this additional warming is attributed to positive climate–carbon cycle feedbacks with comparable contributions from CO2 and CH4. The interplay between potentially high ECS and carbon cycle feedbacks could drastically enhance future warming, demonstrating the importance of properly accounting for all major climate feedbacks and associated uncertainties in projecting future climate change.
Close encounters: Behavioral responses of migrating songbirds to the perceived risk of predation
Authors: Nemes Claire E , Lindsay Andrea M , DeGroote Lucas W , Cohen Emily B 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Migrating birds face competing pressures to travel as quickly and efficiently as possible while minimizing the risk of predation en route. Despite the potential importance, antipredator behaviors in migrating songbirds have been little studied relative to time and energy tradeoffs, even as humans have introduced novel predators including free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) across the globe. Birds confronted with predators during stopover can employ antipredator behaviors to reduce their immediate mortality risk, but doing so may slow refueling or impose other costs that influence migration. We captured migrating Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) and exposed them to either a live cat, model hawk, or non-predator control in an aviary experiment to assess their behavioral responses. Birds moved lower after exposure to a model hawk but showed no significant behavioral changes in response to a cat. After release, we monitored activity levels of a subset of tagged individuals via the Motus Wildlife Telemetry System. Post-release activity level did not differ between treatment and control groups, indicating that brief predator exposure did not exert a persistent effect on this behavior. The lack of detectable responses to the cat may reflect birds navigating the tradeoff between antipredator behaviors, which are costly during migration, and reduction of predation risk. However, it could also indicate naïveté of young birds to this introduced predator, which may increase vulnerability to predation during migration. We encourage further investigation of the influence of prolonged or repeated exposure to domestic cats on songbird behavior and physiology, and ultimately migration success.
Stress T1 Mapping and Quantitative Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Suspected Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Borodzicz-Jazdzyk S , de Mooij G W , Vink C E M , van de Wiel M A , Benovoy M , Götte M J W 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims
T1 mapping reactivity (ΔT1) has been proposed as a novel contrast-free technique to detect obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The aims of the study are: 1) to compare the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived ΔT1 with quantitative perfusion (QP CMR) measures; 2) to assess the influence of sex and comorbidities on ΔT1; and 3) to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ΔT1 to detect obstructive CAD diagnosed with the invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and/or fractional flow reserve.

Methods and results
This study retrospectively analyzed 51 patients with suspected obstructive CAD who underwent CMR including rest and adenosine stress first-pass perfusion and native T1 mapping (MOLLI). A moderate correlation was found between pooled rest and stress native T1 mapping and MBF (Pearson’s r=0.476; p&lt;0.001). When stratified by MPR, ischemic myocardium had significantly lower stress T1 mapping values (p&lt;0.001) and ΔT1 (p=0.005) vs. nonischemic myocardium. Male sex and history of diabetes were independently associated with lower ΔT1. The optimal cut-off value of Δ T1 to detect impaired MPR on a per-vessel basis was ≤5.4%, with an AUC of 0.662 (95% CI: 0.563-0.752, p=0.003), sensitivity of 84% (95% CI: 67-95) and specificity of 46% (95% CI: 34-58). When validated against ICA, stress T1 and Δ T1 did not reach statistical significance in detecting obstructive CAD.

Conclusion
ΔT1 is significantly influenced by sex and comorbidities and has poor diagnostic accuracy for detecting myocardial ischemia. Therefore, the clinical utility of ΔT1 in a real-world cohort of patients to detect obstructive CAD is limited.
Successful treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated fulminant myocarditis with abatacept and ruxolitinib: a case report
Authors: Wadden Elena , Lai Carol , Grivas Petros , Bhatia Shailender , Portuguese Andrew J , Salem Joe-Elie , Moslehi Javid J , Cheng Richard K 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a class of cancer immunotherapy with growing indications for treatment of various malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that block inhibitory pathways in immune cells, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4), programmed death 1 receptor (PD1), and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PDL1), to activate the immune system. However, these agents can disrupt self-tolerance and lead to immune-related adverse events. Fulminant myocarditis, a feared complication of ICIs, can be highly fatal, and there is a need for effective treatment options.

Case summary
A 70-year-old patient with recurrent metastatic disease of urothelial carcinoma subsequently developed fulminant myocarditis after receiving eight cycles of pembrolizumab. He developed cardiogenic shock and required inotropes and a percutaneous microaxial flow pump placement for temporary mechanical circulatory support. He received methylprednisolone initially and then was started on second-line immunosuppression agents, ruxolitinib and abatacept, for steroid-refractory myocarditis. Abatacept is thought to inhibit activation of T-cell CTLA4 and PD1/PDL1 pathways and reverse ICI-activated pathways. Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that impairs immune activation through suppressing cytokine sensing and production and T-cell activation. After these treatments, the patient subsequently clinically improved and his myocarditis resolved.

Discussion
This case highlights ICI myocarditis refractory to corticosteroids leading to treatment with second-line immunosuppression. As immunotherapies are increasingly applied to a broader range of cancers, further research is needed to evaluate the optimal treatment strategy for ICI-related myocarditis and other immune-related adverse events.
Little evidence that posttraumatic stress is associated with diurnal hormone dysregulation in Turkana pastoralists
Authors: Zefferman Matthew R , Baumgarten Michael D , Trumble Benjamin C , Mathew Sarah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Research in industrialized populations suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder may be associated with decreased cortisol or testosterone sensitivity, resulting in a blunted diurnal rhythm. However, the evolutionary implications of this association are unclear. Studies have primarily been conducted in Western industrialized populations, so we do not know whether hormonal blunting is a reliable physiological response to PTSD or stems from factors unique to industrialized settings. Furthermore, existing studies combine PTSD from diverse types of traumas, and comparison groups with and without PTSD differ along multiple dimensions, making it hard to know if PTSD or other life factors drive the blunted cortisol response. We conducted a study among n = 60 male Turkana pastoralists, aged between about 18-65 years in Kenya, exposed to high levels of lethal inter-ethnic cattle raiding. 28% of men in this area have PTSD symptom severity that would qualify them for a provisional PTSD diagnosis. Saliva samples were collected at three points to compare the cortisol and testosterone profiles of Turkana warriors with and without PTSD. Contrary to existing work, our preregistered analysis found little evidence for a difference in the hormonal profiles of warriors with high versus low PTSD symptom severity. Our results imply that the relationship between PTSD and hormonal diurnal variation may vary across populations and ecologies or that the association documented in Western populations stems from other correlated life factors. Studies in a wider range of populations and ecological contexts are needed to understand the evolutionary underpinnings of hormonal responses to trauma.
Exploring patient, informal caregiver and nurse experiences with home-based hospital-level care for decompensated heart failure: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lubbers-Wolterink Rinske , van Os-Medendorp Harmieke , Jansen Klomp Wouter , Kamphorst Kim 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims
Hospitals are encouraged to provide care closer to patients’ homes. This study investigates how patients, informal caregivers and nurses experience home-based hospital-level care for decompensated heart failure.

Methods and results
This mixed-methods study employed semi-structured interviews with 11 patients and 4 informal caregivers, a questionnaire administrated to 16 nurses from the Intensive Care, Cardiac Care and general cardiology ward, and interviews with 4 nurses, supplemented by two group discussions.
A convenience sample was utilized, member checks were performed, and two researchers analysed the patient interviews using thematic analysis based on the Normalization Process Theory. Five overarching themes emerged: 1) Appreciation of personal environment, routines, and autonomy. 2) Quality of care. 3) Commitment to the treatment. 4) Influence of personal characteristics. 5) Changing role of informal caregivers.
Regarding nurse satisfaction, findings were mapped according to Proctor et al.’s implementation outcomes: Acceptability: hospital-at-home care increases job satisfaction, through increased autonomy, personalized care, and patient satisfaction; Appropriateness: hospital-at-home was perceived positively, although safety and adherence needed attention; Adoption: hospital-at-home was not particularly challenging but offered a refreshing change; Feasibility: On-call duty impacted personal commitments for some nurses; Fidelity: information folders with clear protocols were deemed helpful.

Conclusion
Patients, caregivers, and nurses generally favour home-based heart failure treatment over hospital-based treatment. Key conditions include comprehensive education on home treatment, adherence support like dietary restriction maintenance, prioritizing patient autonomy, recognizing caregiver burden, and exploring cost-effective strategies such as collaboration with home care organizations.
Visceral Adipose Tissue is Associated with Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Premature Coronary Artery Disease: Sub-analysis of the GEA study cohort
Authors: Medina-Urrutia Aida X , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Martínez-Sánchez Froylan D , Posadas-Sánchez Rosalinda , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Martínez-Alvarado María del Rocío , Jorge-Galarza Esteban , Juárez-Rojas Juan G 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been related to coronary artery disease (CAD), but its association with recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in premature CAD (pCAD) has not been fully explored. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of VAT on recurrent MACE in patients with pCAD.

Methods
This was a retrospective sub-analysis of 853 patients with pCAD from the GEA cohort study. VAT was measured by computed tomography at baseline. The primary outcome was the recurrence of MACE over 5 years of follow-up. Likewise, the association of VAT with non-fatal and fatal MACE was analyzed as a secondary outcome. Cox regression models were fitted and adjusted by confounders obtained at baseline to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR).

Results
The median age of the patients was 53 years, and 80% were male, with a median follow-up of 4.9 years. Overall, 10% of the patients had recurrent MACE (6.5% non-fatal and 3.6% fatal) with an incidence rate of 18.5 (95% CI: 18.0-19.0) events per 1,000 person-years. VAT was positively associated with MACE. Those in the upper tertile (VAT ≥ 194 cm²) had the highest risk for total (aHR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.37-5.35; p=0.004) and non-fatal (aHR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.49-8.61; p=0.004) MACE. Fatal MACE was not statistically associated (aHR: 2.13; 95% CI: 0.72-6.35; p=0.174).

Conclusion
Among patients with pCAD, VAT increased the risk of recurrent MACE despite adequate pharmacological treatment. These results suggest that VAT could be considered an emergent risk factor and a promising target for residual cardiovascular risk reduction.
Parent-Child Disconnectedness and Older European Adults’ Mental Health: Do Patterns Differ by Marital Status and Gender?
Authors: Jessee Lisa , Carr Deborah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Disconnectedness from one’s adult child(ren) can undermine older adults’ well-being. However, the psychological consequences of disconnectedness may differ across marital contexts and by gender. Drawing on stress and normative violation frameworks, we examine the association between parent-child disconnectedness and European older adults’ depressive symptoms, and the extent to which these patterns differ by marital status (married; remarried; cohabiting; divorced; widowed; and never married) and gender.

Methods
We used pooled data from eight waves (2004-2022) of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, n=216,469) and multivariable pooled OLS regression to evaluate whether marital status and gender moderate the association between disconnectedness and depressive symptoms. Analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic, health, survey year, and contextual covariates.

Results
Disconnectedness rates range from 1 percent among older adults in their first marriages to 13-14 percent among divorced and remarried men and 17 percent among never married men. Men have consistently higher rates of disconnectedness than women. Parent-child disconnectedness is associated with heightened depressive symptoms in many marital and gender categories. However, moderation analyses show the strongest associations in marital contexts in which disconnectedness is rare (first marriage, especially among women). Disconnectedness also is associated with heightened depressive symptoms among widowed and divorced persons, yet has negligible effects among remarried persons.

Discussion
We discuss the implications of disconnectedness for older adults’ socioemotional and caregiving needs. We encourage interventions that focus on engaging older adults’ supportive familial or non-familial ties rather than re-establishing potentially distressing ties with a disconnected child.
Self-Reported Visual Difficulty and Mortality Risk Among Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Recurrent Falls
Authors: Xu Shu , Burr Jeffrey A , Song Qian , Ehrlich Joshua R 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Visual difficulty is associated with an increased risk of mortality, however the mechanisms accounting for the link between visual difficulty and mortality have not been described. This study examined the association between visual difficulty, recurrent falls, and mortality risk among Americans aged 65 and older.

Methods
This longitudinal study employed data from the 2015-2020 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N=7,039). Visual difficulty was assessed by questions regarding self-reported near and distance vision and the use of visual aids. Recurrent falls were defined as experiencing a fall more than one time within the last year. Discrete-time survival models with a structural equation modeling-based approach were estimated for the associations between visual difficulty, recurrent falls, and all-cause mortality.

Results
Among the respondents, 8.1% reported visual difficulty at baseline. Compared to those without visual difficulty, older adults with visual difficulty were more likely to experience recurrent falls. Having visual difficulty at baseline was associated with experiencing recurrent falls in the following wave (β (log hazard odds)=0.12, p&lt;0.001) and with mortality in subsequent waves (β=0.39, p&lt;0.001). The association of visual difficulty with mortality was mediated by recurrent falls (β =0.05, p&lt;0.001).

Discussion
Compared to those with normal vision, older adults with visual difficulty are more likely to experience recurrent falls, which may in turn increase the risk of mortality. Future research should investigate other potential pathways to gain a more complete understanding of the relationship between visual difficulty and mortality risk.
Social Relations of Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities from a Life Course Perspective
Authors: van Heumen Lieke , Heller Tamar , van den Helder Claire 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and objectives
Research has yet to seek a more complete understanding of how people aging with intellectual disabilities experience their social relations, and how their earlier life experiences impact the development of their social relations. This study investigated the experiences of older adults with intellectual disabilities with their social relations from a life course perspective.

Research Design and Methods
A process of paired recruitment generated a sample of 12 adults with intellectual disabilities age 50 and over with at least one key support person each. Data collection consisted of in-depth qualitative life history interviews with the participants and their key support persons using lifelines.

Results
Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts demonstrated that the participants’ social relations facilitated positive experiences in the first parts of their lives. The participants felt their lives were disrupted by several transitions as they reached young and middle adulthood such as moving out of the family home, parental divorce and the deaths of parents. Challenging social encounters such as abuse, bullying and conflicts caused distress and negatively impacted the participants’ well-being at various points in their lives. Finally, participants simultaneously expressed feelings of belonging and longing as central to their social well-being in late life.

Discussion and Implications
Study findings highlight complex experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities with their social relations across their lives. They promote further development of strategies for person centered planning such as social network mapping and life story work to better support adults with intellectual disabilities as they age.
Older LGBTQ+ Canadians’ Experiences of Prejudice and Discrimination over the Life Course
Authors: Hurd Laura , Mahal Raveena 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Amidst the growing global visibility of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals, the predominantly American research has established that they face continued prejudice and discrimination. Yet, few studies outside of the United States have examined their life course experiences, including those related to adverse events. Building on the existing research, the present qualitative study uses a life-course perspective to explore older LGBTQ+ Canadians’ experiences of prejudice and discrimination.

Research Design and Methods
We recruited and conducted multiple, in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 30 LGBTQ+ Canadian individuals, aged 65 to 83, about their life course experiences, including if and how they had been treated differently because of their gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages. Interview transcriptions were coded and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis.

Results
All 30 participants reported traumatic and adverse experiences in patterned ways across the life course. Whereas they often faced abuse and harassment in childhood and young adulthood, they frequently reported institutionally situated prejudice and discrimination in mid-life. Despite changing laws and social norms, in later life participants were subjected to targeted mistreatment and systemic neglect and exclusion as a result of their gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages.

Discussion and Implications
Findings from this study corroborate previous research and shed light on the ways that prejudice and discrimination have often permeated the lives of older LGBTQ+ Canadians. The research also points to the continued and urgent need to fight bigotry through education, policy, and progressive legislation.