bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of the Interdependency of Applied Load, Realizable Stroke and Transition Temperatures in Cyclic Tests Concerning Lifetime of Single Crystalline CuAlNi
Authors: Langhoff Moritz , Horn Simon , Krieg Romina , Krancher Christian , Hoffmann Fabian , Theiß Ralf , Dültgen Peter 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Copper-based shape memory alloys (Cu-SMA) are known for their high transition temperatures and therefore their potential for actuation applications in environments with higher temperatures than tolerable for binary NiTi. Due to the higher transition temperatures of Cu-SMA cooling rates are higher, so technical applications could work with higher dynamics. A huge disadvantage is the low durability in the lifecycle of actuation compared to NiTi-SMA. As already known, there are many factors influencing the lifetime of SMA-elements, such as applied load, stroke, and the element’s temperature during activation. Besides the SMA’s typical degradation of strain, the transition temperatures of CuAlNi are influenced under high actuation temperatures and stresses, so that they are constantly shifting over the lifetime. This behavior is not tolerable for industrial applications since it makes the designing of the actuators highly demanding and high ranges for the attainable stroke must be considered for the dimensioning process. To overcome these problems a deeper understanding of the dependencies of the values such as stroke and the activation temperature on the cycle number is necessary. In this study, the effects of electrical cyclic heating of single crystalline CuAlNi SMA wires were investigated to analyze influencing factors on the life cycle behavior. Therefore, samples were loaded with constant stresses varying from 80–200 MPa in four steps. Various actuation temperatures were applied to the specimen, from “overheated” to slightly above Af and temperatures relating to partly activated (about 50% austenite).
Fabrication of 3D Printed Thermoelectric Devices for Integration Into Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators
Authors: Zadan Mason , Patel Dinesh K. , Malakooti Mohammad H. , Yao Lining , Majidi Carmel 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Shape memory materials such as liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) have been explored as soft robotic actuators due to their high mechanical robustness and muscle-like work densities. The main drawback of LCEs is slow response times and low energy efficiencies stemming from poor thermal management. Thermoelectric devices (TED), which generate temperatures differentials across semiconductors through the Peltier effect when current is applied, have the potential to address these long response times. By introducing additive manufacturing along with conductive liquid metal (LM) traces, we introduce TED for soft robotic applications. In this study, we build on recent work in soft thermoelectric generators to create high density arrays of thermoelectric semiconductors to actively heat and cool LCEs. We describe advancements in the manufacturing of a soft TED in which we achieve a 28% fill factor of semiconductors through the use of 3D printing. We report maximum power densities of 236 μWcm−2 at ΔT = 60 °C. By coating LCE on each side of the TED we create single input multidirectional liquid crystal elastomer thermoelectric device (LCE-TED) actuators. Thermal management design challenges are discussed along with the introduction of liquid metal embedded elastomer composites (LMEE) into TED design. Lastly, we introduce an inchworm inspired soft robot walker based on these LCE-TED actuators. We highlight gait mechanics for three cycles of actuation for this soft robotic system.
Effect of Multilayer Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (DEA) Construction on Performance and Breakdown Strength
Authors: Masud Md Abdulla Al , Hines Lindsey , Ng Chin-Yee , Hu Jia 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), unlike traditional actuators, are lightweight, soft, smart materials that are proving to be attractive in a broad range of potential applications such as robotic arms, artificial muscles, medical devices, stretchable sensors, grippers, loudspeakers, and automotive lightweighting. Though they have been known and studied for decades, their use is not widespead in part due to a number of practical implementation difficulties including the need for and handling of thin dielectric layers to reduce operating voltage, strechable and stackable electrodes that don’t overly degrade performance, and poor longevity due to electrical breakdown contributed by potential flaws in the thin film and material inclusions/irregularities. This paper investigates the construction of DEA multi-layer and single-layer articles, exploring the effect of non-negligible elastomer-based electrodes with various dielectric/electrode layer thickness ratios as well as the influence of stacked dielectric layers on breakdown voltage. A balance between actuator performance and the level of required voltage for operation is shown given a set of assumptions. Furthermore, the influence of stacked dielectric layers on breakdown voltage is demonstrated, confirming previous results performed with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
Electrical Conductivity of Multifunctional Blend Composites of Polycarbonate and Polyethylene With Hybrid Fillers
Authors: Naji Ahmed , Pötschke Petra , Ameli Amir 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Multifunctional composites are in high demand where a material needs to simultaneously satisfy several functional requirements. Bipolar plates of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are great examples of this kind, requiring very high electrical and thermal conductivities together with good mechanical properties and environmental durability. Conductive filler/polymer composites (CPCs) have shown some promise towards this application. However, achieving high levels of through-plane and in-plane electrical conductivities in CPCs while maintaining scalable processability and satisfactory level of mechanical performance is challenging. In this work, a polymeric blend system together with hybrid conductive fillers was designed, manufactured, and characterized in an attempt to obtain melt-processable, highly conductive composites. Polycarbonate (PC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were employed as the blend matrix with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the compatibilizer. Carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon fibers (CF), and graphite (G) were utilized as the conductive fillers. The HDPE was used as the minor component of blend matrix at 30 wt.% of the major matrix PC, with PC having the better affinity to the fillers. This was done to localize the conductive fillers in the major PC component of the blend. CF and G were used in ranges of 10–30 wt. % and 30–50 wt. % of the composites, respectively. CNT and PEG were fixed at 3 wt. % and 1.5 wt. %, respectively. The composites were first compounded using a twin-screw extrusion system and the test specimens were then made using compression molding process. The results showed that due to the preferential localization of the fillers in PC component of the PC/HDPE blend, the electrical conductivities were increased by about three times, compared to that of CPCs made with PC-only matrix. Consequently, high through-plane and in-plane conductivities of 10.0 and 61.1 S/cm, respectively, were achieved, which are superior to most of the previously reported results. The findings suggest that integrating blending and hybrid filler strategies could be a promising approach towards scalable manufacturing of highly conductive CPCs for applications such as bipolar plates.
Perceived discharge quality and associations with hospital readmissions and emergency department use: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Perera Tefani , Grewal Eshleen , Ghali William A , Tang Karen L 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundAt hospital discharge, care is handed over from providers to patients. Discharge encounters must prepare patients to self-manage their health, but have been found to be suboptimal. Our study objectives were to describe and determine the correlates of perceived discharge quality and to explore the association between perceived discharge quality and postdischarge outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in medical inpatients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Calgary, Canada. Perceived discharge quality was measured by the Care Transitions Measure (CTM). Linkage to administrative databases provided data for the composite outcome—90-day hospital readmission or emergency department visit. Logistic regression modelling was used to determine the association between global CTM scores, and the individual CTM components, and the composite outcome.ResultsA total of 316 patients were included in the analysis. The median CTM score was 80.0 (IQR 66.6–100.0). The distribution of CTM scores were significantly different based on comorbidity burden, with the median and maximum CTM scores being lower and the IQR being narrower, for those with six or more comorbidities compared with those with fewer comorbidities. CTM scores were not associated with the composite outcome, though a single CTM item—not understanding warning signs and symptoms—was (adjusted OR 3.46 (95% CI 1.02 to 11.73)).ConclusionPerceived quality of discharge varies based on patient burden of comorbidities. While global perceived discharge quality was not associated with postdischarge outcomes, lack of patient understanding of warning symptoms was. Discharging healthcare teams should pay special attention to these priority patient groups and specific discharge process components.
Advancing the Real-World Evidence for Medical Devices through Coordinated Registry Networks
Authors: Sedrakyan Art , Marinac-Dabic Danica , Campbell Bruce , Aryal Suvekshya , Baird Courtney E , Goodney Philip , Cronenwett Jack L , Beck Adam W , Paxton Elizabeth W , Hu Jim , Brindis Ralph , Baskin Kevin , Cowley Terrie , Levy Jeffery , Liebeskind David S , Poulose Benjamin K , Rardin Charles R , Resnic Frederic S , Tcheng James , Fisher Benjamin , Viviano Charles , Devlin Vincent , Sheldon Murray , Eldrup-Jorgensen Jens , Berlin Jesse A , Drozda Joseph , Matheny Michael E , Dhruva Sanket S , Feeney Timothy , Mitchell Kristi , Pappas Gregory 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesGenerating and using real-world evidence (RWE) is a pragmatic solution for evaluating health technologies. RWE is recognized by regulators, health technology assessors, clinicians, and manufacturers as a valid source of information to support their decision-making. Well-designed registries can provide RWE and become more powerful when linked with electronic health records and administrative databases in coordinated registry networks (CRNs). Our objective was to create a framework of maturity of CRNs and registries, so guiding their development and the prioritization of funding.Design, setting, and participantsWe invited 52 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including patient advocacy groups, academic, clinical, industry and regulatory experts to participate on a Delphi survey. Of those invited, 42 participated in the survey to provide feedback on the maturity framework for CRNs and registries. An expert panel reviewed the responses to refine the framework until the target consensus of 80% was reached. Two rounds of the Delphi were distributed via Qualtrics online platform from July to August 2020 and from October to November 2020.Main outcome measuresConsensus on the maturity framework for CRNs and registries consisted of seven domains (unique device identification, efficient data collection, data quality, product life cycle approach, governance and sustainability, quality improvement, and patient-reported outcomes), each presented with five levels of maturity.ResultsOf 52 invited experts, 41 (79.9%) responded to round 1; all 41 responded to round 2; and consensus was reached for most domains. The expert panel resolved the disagreements and final consensus estimates ranged from 80.5% to 92.7% for seven domains.ConclusionsWe have developed a robust framework to assess the maturity of any CRN (or registry) to provide reliable RWE. This framework will promote harmonization of approaches to RWE generation across different disciplines and health systems. The domains and their levels may evolve over time as new solutions become available.
Sodium Restriction in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Colin-Ramirez Eloisa , Sepehrvand Nariman , Rathwell Sarah , Ross Heather , Escobedo Jorge , Macdonald Peter , Troughton Richard , Saldarriaga Clara , Lanas Fernando , Doughty Robert , McAlister Finlay A. , Ezekowitz Justin A. 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Sodium restriction is a nonpharmacologic treatment suggested by practice guidelines for the management of patients with heart failure (HF). In this study, we synthesized the data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of sodium restriction on clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

Methods:
In this aggregate data meta-analysis, Cochrane Central, MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase Ovid, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Plus databases were searched up to April 2, 2022. RCTs were included if they investigated the effects of sodium/salt restriction as compared to no restriction on clinical outcomes in patients with HF. Outcomes of interest included mortality, hospitalization, change in New York Heart Association functional class, and quality of life (QoL).

Results:
Seventeen RCTs were identified (834 and 871 patients in intervention and control groups, respectively). Sodium restriction did not reduce the risk of all-cause death (odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.58–1.58]), hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.62–1.13]), or the composite of death/hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.63–1.23]). The results were similar in different subgroups, except for the numerically lower risk of death with reduced sodium intake reported in RCTs with dietary sodium at the 2000 to 3000 mg/d range as opposed to <2000 mg/d (and in RCTs with versus without fluid restriction as a co-intervention). Among RCTs reporting New York Heart Association change, 2 RCTs (which accounted for two-thirds of the data) showed improvement in New York Heart Association class with sodium restriction. Substantial heterogeneity existed for QoL: 6 RCTs showed improvement of QoL and 4 RCTs showed no improvement of sodium restriction on QoL.

Conclusions:
In a meta-analysis of RCTs, sodium restriction was not associated with fewer deaths or hospitalizations in patients with HF. Dietary sodium restriction may be associated with improvements in symptoms and QoL.
Abstract P3046: Deletion Of Sarm1 Nad Hydrolase Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nizami Hina Lateef , Light Christine , Gu Haiwei , Lee Chi Fung 
Published: November 2022

Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. NAD depletion has emerged as a hallmark of cardiometabolic diseases, and hence, elevating NAD level alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy. On the other hand, inhibition of NAD consumption also maintains NAD homeostasis. SARM1 is a novel intracellular NAD hydrolase that contributes to diabetic neuropathy; however, its role in heart disease has never been described.
We assayed 243 plasma metabolites from wild-type (WT) and SARM1-KO (KO) mice by quantitative metabolomics, and found that SARM1 deficiency caused changes in more (67) metabolites in male mice than in female mice (28). Only 5 of these metabolites overlapped between male and female, indicating sex-dependent effect of SARM1 deletion on plasma metabolites. SARM1 deficiency may alter susceptibility of male mice to metabolic stress, since metabolites associated with diabetes and impaired metabolism were altered, e.g. pyridoxic acid, alloisoleucine, LPC/PC, ceramide etc. Despite the differences in plasma metabolite levels, KO mice from either sex did not show changes in cardiac structure and function at baseline.
We next tested a hypothesis that SARM1 deficiency protects mice against diabetic cardiomyopathy. WT and KO mice were challenged with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetic stress. 16-week diabetes promoted progressive systolic (fractional shortening) and diastolic dysfunction (E’/A’, e/E’) in WT male mice. SARM1 deficiency attenuated diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction, although fasting glucose levels were similarly elevated in diabetic WT and KO mice. Diabetic WT hearts showed declined NAD level, which was elevated by SARM1 deficiency. The restored NAD level in KO hearts did not change expression of other NAD hydrolases (Bst1 and CD38). Diabetic WT hearts up-regulated cardiomyopathy markers such as nppb and Nox4 mRNAs, and myh7/myh6 ratio, that were normalized by SARM1 deficiency. Chronic diabetes promoted cardiac fibrosis and upregulation of profibrotic gene expression such as ctgf and Inhbb, that were suppressed by SARM1 deficiency.
Our data suggest a protective effect of SARM1 deficiency on diabetic cardiomyopathy in male mice. The effects of SARM1 deficiency on diabetic hearts could be sex-dependent and remain to be determined.
Nonoptimal component placement of the human connectome supports variable brain dynamics
Authors: Hayward Christopher James , Huo Siyu , Chen Xue , Kaiser Marcus 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Neural systems are shaped by multiple constraints, balancing region communication with the cost of establishing and maintaining physical connections. It has been suggested that the lengths of neural projections be minimized, reducing their spatial and metabolic impact on the organism. However, long-range connections are prevalent in the connectomes across various species, and thus, rather than rewiring connections to reduce length, an alternative theory proposes that the brain minimizes total wiring length through a suitable positioning of regions, termed component placement optimization. Previous studies in nonhuman primates have refuted this idea by identifying a nonoptimal component placement, where a spatial rearrangement of brain regions in silico leads to a reduced total wiring length. Here, for the first time in humans, we test for component placement optimization. We show a nonoptimal component placement for all subjects in our sample from the Human Connectome Project (N = 280; aged 22–30 years; 138 females), suggesting the presence of constraints—such as the reduction of processing steps between regions—that compete with the elevated spatial and metabolic costs. Additionally, by simulating communication between brain regions, we argue that this suboptimal component placement supports dynamics that benefit cognition.
In-Egg-Quality: Teaching Perpetuation of Wealth Inequity Across the Lifespan Through a Hands-On Activity
Authors: Governale Amy 
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Poverty is a central concept in many fields of psychology, yet poorly designed activities regarding wealth inequality may backfire or cause students to become defensive. Statement of the Problem: Many students hold misperceptions about class mobility and lack an understanding of how systemic barriers perpetuate poverty across the lifespan. The activity described demonstrates how access to resources is often not sufficient to reduce wealth inequality over time. Literature Review: Wealth inequity in America has worsened since the 1970s. Subjective perceptions of income are often predictive of well-being above and beyond objective measures. Students’ misperceptions of social class mobility may be changed through activities that elucidate privilege and oppression across different groups. Teaching Implications: The activity included opportunities for hands-on learning as well as critical reflection in small groups and with the larger class. Students reported the activity was engaging, emotional, and connected to real-life contexts. Conclusion: Activities that ask students to confront their misperceptions about class mobility and personal understanding of privilege and oppression in a non-threatening way may facilitate greater understanding and empathy towards low-income groups.
The complexing of cationic copolymer MPC30-DEA70 with TGF-β1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide and transfection into cardiomyocytes in vitro
Authors: Agyekum Godfred Amfo , Zhang Min , Li Fei , Sun Min , Zhang Fengyun , Yang Yu , Lu Yuan , Chen Minmin , Zhang Zhuoqi 
Published: November 2022

Although gene therapy is an attractive option for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the ideal gene delivery systems are still under investigation and must meet the following criteria: safety, adequate gene transfer efficiency, and stable expression of the transgene for a duration appropriate for treating the disease. In this study, we developed a cationic phosphorylcholine-containing diblock copolymer, namely MPC30-DEA70, as carrier systems to deliver a chemically synthesized transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1) antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) into cardiomyocytes (CMs) to observe the cell transfection efficiency of MPC30-DEA70 and the inhibition effect on the expression of TGF-β1. MPC30-DEA70/TGF-β1 AS-ODN complexes were formed through complexation between copolymer MPC30-DEA70 (N) and AS-ODN (P) at different N/P ratios and were characterized by DNA electrophoresis. Notably, the cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition assay showed that the MPC30-DEA70 had low cytotoxicity to CMs within the effective transfection dosage range (<20 μL/mL). CLSM/TEM images displayed that most of the AS-ODN molecules engulfed by cells were located around the cell nuclei, and a few entered into the cell nuclei without harming the organelles in the cell. Transfection studies from CMs indicated a steady increase of transfection efficiency with increasing N/P ratios. The expression levels of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein in CMs were significantly inhibited at high N/P ratios. This study shows that MPC30-DEA70 can function as an effective transgenic vector into CMs and that TGF-β1 AS-ODN delivered by MPC30-DEA70 can silence the expression of the TGF-β1 gene efficiently and specifically and thereafter antagonize TGF-β1-mediated biological function in cardiomyocytes.