bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicare Transitional Care Management Program and Changes in Timely Postdischarge Follow-Up
Authors: Anderson Timothy S. , Herzig Shoshana J. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Yeh Robert W. , Souza Jeffrey , Landon Bruce E. 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceIn 2013, Medicare implemented payments for transitional care management (TCM) services, which provide increased reimbursement to clinicians providing ambulatory care to patients after discharge from medical facilities to the community.ObjectiveTo determine whether the introduction of TCM payments was associated with an increase in timely postdischarge follow-up.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional interrupted time-series study assessed quarterly postdischarge visit rates before (2010-2012) and after (2013-2019) TCM implementation 100% sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries discharged to the community after a hospital or skilled nursing facility stay. Data analyses were performed February 1 to December 15, 2023.ExposureImplementation of payments for TCM.Main Outcomes and MeasuresTimely postdischarge primary care follow-up, defined as receipt of a primary care ambulatory visit within 14 days of discharge. Secondary outcomes included receipt of a TCM visit and specialty care follow-up.ResultsThe study sample comprised 79 125 965 eligible discharges. Of these, 55.4% were female; 1.5% were Asian, 12.1% Black, 5.6% Hispanic, and 79.0% were White individuals; and 79.6% were beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. Timely primary care follow-up increased from 31.5% in 2010 to 38.8% in 2019 (absolute increase 7.3%), whereas specialist follow-up increased from 27.6% to 30.8% (absolute increase 3.2%). By 2019, 11.3% of eligible patients received TCM services. Interrupted time-series analyses demonstrated an increased slope of timely primary care follow-up after the introduction of TCM services (pre-TCM slope, 0.12% per quarter vs post-TCM slope, 0.29% per quarter; difference, 0.13%; 95% CI, 0.02% to 0.22%). Receipt of timely follow-up increased for all demographic groups; however, Black, Hispanic, and Medicaid dual-eligible patients and patients residing in urban areas and counties with high-level social deprivation were less likely to receive follow-up during the study period. These disparities widened for Black patients (difference-in-differences in pre-TCM vs post-TCM slope, −0.14%; 95% CI, −0.25% to −0.2%) and patients who were Medicaid dual-eligible (difference-in-differences pre-TCM vs post-TCM slope, −0.21%; 95% CI, −0.35% to −0.07%).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that Medicare’s introduction of payments for TCM services was associated with a persistent increase in the rate of timely postdischarge primary care but did not narrow demographic or socioeconomic disparities. Most beneficiaries did not receive timely primary care follow-up.
Depression Onset After a Spouse’s Cardiovascular Event
Authors: Komura Toshiaki , Tsugawa Yusuke , Kondo Naoki , Inoue Kosuke 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceAlthough cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a known risk factor for depression, evidence is lacking regarding whether and to what extent a spouse’s CVD is associated with the subsequent mental health of individuals.ObjectiveTo examine the association between CVD onset in spouses and subsequent depression.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study examined 277 142 matched married couples enrolled in the Japan Health Insurance Association health insurance program between April 2015 and March 2022, covering approximately 40% of the working-age population in Japan. Index individuals (primary insured) whose spouses (dependent) experienced incident CVD between April 2016 and March 2022 were 1:1 matched to controls whose spouses did not experience CVD. Matching was based on age, sex, income, or the onset date of the spouses’ CVD. Data analysis was conducted from April 2016 to March 2022.ExposureSpousal onset of CVD between fiscal years 2016 and 2021. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes were used to identify the composite CVD outcomes (stroke, heart failure, and myocardial infarction).Main Outcomes and MeasuresMultivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association between spouses’ new-onset CVD and individuals’ depression, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of index individuals (diabetes, hypertension, and CVD) and spouses (diabetes, hypertension, and depression). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to sex, age, income levels, and history of CVD.ResultsAmong 277 142 matched pairs of married couples, 263 610 (95.1%) had a male index individual; the mean (SD) age of index individuals was 58.2 (10.2) years. A new onset of depression was observed in 4876 individuals (1.8%). In multivariable Cox models, there was an association between the spouse’s CVD and the individuals’ depression (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.07-1.20]). The subgroup analysis found no evidence of heterogeneity in sex, age, income level, or CVD history. The results were consistent when additionally adjusted for health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and use of antihypertensive drugs) and objectively measured physical health conditions (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, glucose levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate) (hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.06-1.28]).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this nationwide cohort study of matched couples, a spouse’s onset of CVD was associated with an increased risk of an individual’s depression. These findings highlight the importance of preventive care for mental health disorders in individuals whose spouses experience incident CVD.
Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides may have an antitumor effect in γδT cells through gut microbiota and TLRs/NF‐κB pathway in mice
Authors: Chen Yinxiao , Li Zhaodong , Bai Liding , Lu Bin , Peng Yanfei , Xu Pengjuan , Song Xinbo , Bian Yuhong , Wang Xiangling , Zhao Shuwu 
Published: April 2024

Tumor immunotherapy can be a suitable cancer treatment option in certain instances. Here we investigated the potential immunomodulatory effect of oral glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GCP) on the antitumor function of γδT cells in intestinal epithelial cells in mice. We found that GCP can inhibit tumor growth and was involved in the regulation of systemic immunosuppression. GCP administration also promoted the differentiation of gut epithelia γδT cells into IFN‐γ‐producing subtype through regulation of local cytokines in gut mucosa. GCP administration increased local cytokine levels through gut microbiota and the gut mucosa Toll‐like receptors / nuclear factor kappa‐B pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that GCP might be a suitable candidate for tumor immunotherapy, although further clinical research, including clinical trials, are required to validate these results.
Conditional deficiency of Rho‐associated kinases disrupts endothelial cell junctions and impairs respiratory function in adult mice
Authors: Akamine Takahiro , Terabayashi Takeshi , Sasaki Takako , Hayashi Riku , Abe Ichitaro , Hirayama Fumihiro , Nureki Shin‐ichi , Ikawa Masahito , Miyata Haruhiko , Tokunaga Akinori , Kobayashi Takashi , Hanada Katsuhiro , Thumkeo Dean , Narumiya Shuh , Ishizaki Toshimasa 
Published: April 2024

The Ras homology (Rho) family of GTPases serves various functions, including promotion of cell migration, adhesion, and transcription, through activation of effector molecule targets. One such pair of effectors, the Rho‐associated coiled‐coil kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2), induce reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion through substrate phosphorylation. Studies on ROCK knockout mice have confirmed that ROCK proteins are essential for embryonic development, but their physiological functions in adult mice remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to examine the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 proteins in normal adult mice. Tamoxifen (TAM)‐inducible ROCK1 and ROCK2 single and double knockout mice (ROCK1flox/flox and/or ROCK2flox/flox;Ubc‐CreERT2) were generated and administered a 5‐day course of TAM. No deaths occurred in either of the single knockout strains, whereas all of the ROCK1/ROCK2 double conditional knockout mice (DcKO) had died by Day 11 following the TAM course. DcKO mice exhibited increased lung tissue vascular permeability, thickening of alveolar walls, and a decrease in percutaneous oxygen saturation compared with noninducible ROCK1/ROCK2 double‐floxed control mice. On Day 3 post‐TAM, there was a decrease in phalloidin staining in the lungs in DcKO mice. On Day 5 post‐TAM, immunohistochemical analysis also revealed reduced staining for vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and p120‐catenin at cell–cell contact sites in vascular endothelial cells in DcKO mice. Additionally, VE‐cadherin/β‐catenin complexes were decreased in DcKO mice, indicating that ROCK proteins play a crucial role in maintaining lung function by regulating cell–cell adhesion.
A multi‐omics study to monitor senescence‐associated secretory phenotypes of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yang Jingzhi , Zhou Yinge , Wang Tianjiao , Li Na , Chao Yufan , Gao Songyan , Zhang Qun , Wu Shuo , Zhao Liang , Dong Xin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration and damage of neurons in the brain. However, developing an accurate diagnostic assay using blood samples remains a challenge in clinic practice. The aim of this study was to explore senescence‐associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) in peripheral blood using mass spectrometry based multi‐omics approach and to establish diagnostic assays for AD.MethodsThis retrospective study included 88 participants, consisting of 29 AD patients and 59 cognitively normal (CN) individuals. Plasma and serum samples were examined using high‐resolution mass spectrometry to identify proteomic and metabolomic profiles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to screen biomarkers with diagnostic potential. K‐nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm was utilized to construct a multi‐dimensional model for distinguishing AD from CN.ResultsProteomics analysis revealed upregulation of five plasma proteins in AD, including RNA helicase aquarius (AQR), zinc finger protein 587B (ZNF587B), C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibronectin (FN1), and serum amyloid A‐1 protein (SAA1), indicating their potential for AD classification. Interestingly, KNN‐based three‐dimensional model, comprising AQR, ZNF587B, and CRP, demonstrated its high accuracy in AD recognition, with evaluation possibilities of 0.941, 1.000, and 1.000 for the training, testing, and validation datasets, respectively. Besides, metabolomics analysis suggested elevated levels of serum phenylacetylglutamine (PAGIn) in AD.InterpretationThe multi‐omics outcomes highlighted the significance of the SASPs, specifically AQR, ZNF587B, CRP, and PAGIn, in terms of their potential for diagnosing AD and suggested neuronal aging‐associated pathophysiology.
A Breathable, Stretchable, and Self‐Calibrated Multimodal Electronic Skin Based on Hydrogel Microstructures for Wireless Wearables
Authors: Wang Weiyan , Yao Dijie , Wang Hao , Ding Qiongling , Luo Yibing , Ding Haojun , Yu Jiahao , Zhang He , Tao Kai , Zhang Sheng , Huo Fengwei , Wu Jin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiomimetic electronic skins (e‐skins) are widely used in wearables, smart prosthesis and soft robotics. However, multimodal e‐skins, especially those based on hydrogels, face multiple challenges for practical applications, involving multi‐sensing signal mutual interference, low breathability and stretchability. Here, a breathable and stretchable multimodal e‐skin with a multilayer film microstructure is developed to achieve self‐calibrated sensing of any two of three stimuli: strain, temperature, and humidity, with minimal crosstalk. Hydrogel fibers with different shapes are designed for strain and temperature sensing modules, and the hydrogel film is developed as a humidity sensing module. The multimodal e‐skin exhibits impressive sensing performance, including a low strain detection limit (0.03%), strain linearity (R2 = 0.990), high‐temperature sensitivity (1.77%/°C), and a wide humidity detection range (33–98% RH). Interestingly, due to the directional anisotropy in strain sensitivity of different shaped fibers, the e‐skin realizes self‐calibrated detection of strain and temperature in different directions. By introducing porous elastomer encapsulation membranes, the breathability and wearing comfort of the e‐skin are attained, while the high stretchability (100% strain) is maintained. Furthermore, a personalized human‐machine interaction system is created by integrating the e‐skin with a wireless circuit to realize real‐time and wireless gesture recognition, physiological signals monitoring, and smart prosthesis.
Atomically Deciphering the Phase Segregation in Mixed Halide Perovskite
Authors: Yang Chen‐Quan , Yin Zhi‐Wen , Li Wei , Cui Wen‐Jun , Zhou Xian‐Gang , Wang Lin‐Dong , Zhi Rui , Xu Yue‐Yu , Tao Zhi‐Wei , Sang Xiahan , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Hu Zhi‐Yi , Su Bao‐Lian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMixed‐halide perovskites show promising applications in tandem solar cells owing to their adjustable bandgap. One major obstacle to their commercialization is halide phase segregation, which results in large open‐circuit voltage deficiency and J‐V hysteresis. However, the ambiguous interplay between structural origin and phase segregation often results in aimless and unspecific optimization strategies for the device's performance and stability. An atomic scale is directly figured out the abundant Ruddlesden‐Popper anti‐phase boundaries (RP‐APBs) within a CsPbIBr2 polycrystalline film and revealed that phase segregation predominantly occurs at RP‐APB‐enriched interfaces due to the defect‐mediated lattice strain. By compensating their structural lead halide, such RP‐APBs are eliminated, and the decreasing of strain can be observed, resulting in the suppression of halide phase segregation. The present work provides the deciphering to precisely regulate the perovskite atomic structure for achieving photo‐stable mixed halide wide‐bandgap perovskites of high‐efficiency tandem solar cell commercial applications.
Weak Bonding and Anharmonicity in Thermoelectric ZnSb
Authors: Grønbech Thomas Bjørn Egede , Kasai Hidetaka , Zhang Jiawei , Nishibori Eiji , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Zn─Sb binary system contains two high‐performing thermoelectric materials, namely the ordered ZnSb and the disordered Zn13Sb10. Both systems exhibit low thermal conductivity, which is speculated to originate from multicentre bonding within Zn2Sb2‐rhombi. Here, the electron density of ZnSb is reported based on multipole modelling of accurate X‐ray diffraction data measured at 20 K. Topological analysis reveals that the bond paths in the rhombus are endocyclically strained and that electron density is concentrated within the rhombus rather than along its geometric bonds consistent with a multicentre bond description. However, the electron density is not equally shared between the geometric bonds of the rhombus. Electron density analysis and modelling of low‐temperature anharmonicity reveal that one Zn–Sb interaction is weaker than the other. Taken together with the orientation of bonds external to the rhombus structure, an alternative description emerges wherein the multicentre bond is more partially localised along one set of the opposite legs of the rhombus. In this description, the stronger bond can be considered a traditional 2‐centre‐2‐electron bond, while the weaker interaction is coordinative to the covalent bond. The anharmonicity and low thermal conductivity may consequently be understood as Zn rattling along the coordinative interaction.
Triazacoronene‐Based 2D Conductive Metal–Organic Framework for High‐Capacity Lithium Storage
Authors: Yin Jia‐Cheng , Lian Xin , Li Zhi‐Gang , Cheng Mingren , Liu Ming , Xu Jian , Li Wei , Xu Yunhua , Li Na , Bu Xian‐He 
Published: April 2024

Abstract2D conductive metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) have attracted increasing attention as promising electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their designable periodic motifs, large specific surface areas, and prominent electrical conductivity. However, the development of 2D c‐MOF electrode materials with functionality remains a significant challenge because of the limited electroactive ligand motifs available. Herein, a hexahydroxy‐substituted triazacoronene ligand (6OH‐TAC) is deliberately designed and synthesized, which coordinates with Cu2+ ions to form an unprecedented 2D c‐MOF (Cu‐TAC) with functionality sites of efficient lithium storage. The synergistic effect of TAC and CuO4 enables Cu‐TAC as an anode for lithium‐ion batteries with a superior reversible capacity of 772.4 mAh g−1 at 300 mA g−1, remarkable rate performance, and outstanding long‐term cyclability (83% capacity retention at 300 mA g−1 for 600 cycles). These metrics outperform almost all 2D c‐MOF‐based electrodes, shedding light on new opportunities for energy storage devices.
Fabrication and Characterization of PDMS Waveguides for Flexible Optrodes
Authors: Rudmann Linda , Scholz Daniel , Alt Marie T. , Dieter Alexander , Fiedler Eva , Moser Tobias , Stieglitz Thomas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the growth of optogenetic research, the demand for optical probes tailored to specific applications is ever rising. Specifically, for applications like the coiled cochlea of the inner ear, where planar, stiff, and nonconformable probes can hardly be used, transitioning from commonly used stiff glass fibers to flexible probes is required, especially for long‐term use. Following this demand, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with its lower Young's modulus compared to glass fibers can serve as material of choice. Hence, the long‐term usability of PDMS as a waveguide material with respect to variations in transmission and refractive index over time is investigated. Different manufacturing methods for PDMS‐based flexible waveguides are established and compared with the aim to minimize optical losses and thus maximize optical output power. Finally, the waveguides with lowest optical losses (−4.8 dB cm−1 ± 1.3 dB cm−1 at 472 nm) are successfully inserted into the optogenetically modified cochlea of a Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), where optical stimuli delivered by the waveguides evoked robust neuronal responses in the auditory pathway.
The Past, Present, and Future of Tubular Melt Electrowritten Constructs to Mimic Small Diameter Blood Vessels – A Stable Process?
Authors: Bartolf‐Kopp Michael , Jungst Tomasz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMelt Electrowriting (MEW) is a continuously growing manufacturing platform. Its advantage is the consistent production of micro‐ to nanometer fibers, that stack intricately, forming complex geometrical shapes. MEW allows tuning of the mechanical properties of constructs via the geometry of deposited fibers. Due to this, MEW can create complex mechanics only seen in multi‐material compounds and serve as guiding structures for cellular alignment. The advantage of MEW is also shown in combination with other biotechnological manufacturing methods to create multilayered constructs that increase mechanical approximation to native tissues, biocompatibility, and cellular response. These features make MEW constructs a perfect candidate for small‐diameter vascular graft structures. Recently, studies have presented fascinating results in this regard, but is this truly the direction that tubular MEW will follow or are there also other options on the horizon? This perspective will explore the origins and developments of tubular MEW and present its growing importance in the field of artificial small‐diameter vascular grafts with mechanical modulation and improved biomimicry and the impact of it in convergence with other manufacturing methods and how future technologies like AI may influence its progress.
Optimizing Ultrathin 2D Transistors for Monolithic 3D Integration: A Study on Directly Grown Nanocrystalline Interconnects and Buried Contacts
Authors: Bae Junseong , Ryu Hyeyoon , Kim Dohee , Lee Chang‐Seok , Seol Minsu , Byun Kyung‐Eun , Kim Sangwon , Lee Seunghyun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe potential of monolithic 3D integration technology is largely dependent on the enhancement of interconnect characteristics which can lead to thinner stacks, better heat dissipation, and reduced signal delays. Carbon materials such as graphene, characterized by sp2 hybridized carbons, are promising candidates for future interconnects due to their exceptional electrical, thermal conductivity and resistance to electromigration. However, a significant challenge lies in achieving low contact resistance between extremely thin semiconductor channels and graphitic materials. To address this issue, an innovative wafer‐scale synthesis approach is proposed that enables low contact resistance between dry‐transferred 2D semiconductors and the as‐grown nanocrystalline graphitic interconnects. A hybrid graphitic interconnect with metal doping reduces the sheet resistance by 84% compared to an equivalent thickness metal film. Furthermore, the introduction of a buried graphitic contact results in a contact resistance that is 17 times lower than that of bulk metal contacts (>40 nm). Transistors with this optimal structure are used to successfully demonstrate a simple logic function. The thickness of active layer is maintained within sub‐7 nm range, encompassing both channels and contacts. The ultrathin transistor and interconnect stack developed here, characterized by a readily etchable interlayer and low parasitic resistance, leads to heterogeneous integration of future 3D integrated circuits (ICs).
Coupling Ni Single Atomic Sites with Metallic Aggregates at Adjacent Geometry on Carbon Support for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis
Authors: Wang Xin , Huang Run , Mao Xin , Liu Tian , Guo Panjie , Sun Hai , Mao Zhelin , Han Chao , Zheng Yarong , Du Aijun , Liu Jianwei , Jia Yi , Wang Lei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSingle atomic catalysts have shown great potential in efficiently electro‐converting O2 to H2O2 with high selectivity. However, the impact of coordination environment and introduction of extra metallic aggregates on catalytic performance still remains unclear. Herein, first a series of carbon‐based catalysts with embedded coupling Ni single atomic sites and corresponding metallic nanoparticles at adjacent geometry is synthesized. Careful performance evaluation reveals NiSA/NiNP‐NSCNT catalyst with precisely controlled active centers of synergetic adjacent Ni‐N4S single sites and crystalline Ni nanoparticles exhibits a high H2O2 selectivity over 92.7% within a wide potential range (maximum selectivity can reach 98.4%). Theoretical studies uncover that spatially coupling single atomic NiN4S sites with metallic Ni aggregates in close proximity can optimize the adsorption behavior of key intermediates *OOH to achieve a nearly ideal binding strength, which thus affording a kinetically favorable pathway for H2O2 production. This strategy of manipulating the interaction between single atoms and metallic aggregates offers a promising direction to design new high‐performance catalysts for practical H2O2 electrosynthesis.