Constant High Level Research Articles

Mobility Performance in Retinitis Pigmentosa Under Different Lighting Simulation Conditions

This study examined the mobility performance in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) under different simulation lighting conditions. A total of twenty-one subjects with RP and twenty-one age-matched controls were enrolled. Preferred Walking Speed (PWS) were determined using a simple mobility course at 61 cd/m2 while Percentage of Preferred Walking Speed (PPWS) and error score were determined at five different illumination level which were 62, 47, 20, 6 and 1 cd/m2 using a complex mobility course. RP and normal people had similar mobility performances in simple mobility situations at a constant high light level. In lower light levels as well as in complex mobility situations, RP subjects demonstrated markedly reduced mobility performance. The relationship between PPWS and luminance was linear, with the PPWS decreasing significantly when the mobility course luminance dropped below the illumination of 20 cd/m2 . The Error score was also noted to be linearly related to log luminance. A luminance level of 20 cd/m2 may provide a useful decision point in setting indoor light levels for clinical mobility courses.

Mobility Performance in Retinitis Pigmentosa Under Different Lighting Simulation Conditions

This study examined the mobility performance in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) under different simulation lighting conditions. A total of twenty-one subjects with RP and twenty-one age-matched controls were enrolled. Preferred Walking Speed (PWS) were determined using a simple mobility course at 61 cd/m2 while Percentage of Preferred Walking Speed (PPWS) and error score were determined at five different illumination level which were 62, 47, 20, 6 and 1 cd/m2 using a complex mobility course. RP and normal people had similar mobility performances in simple mobility situations at a constant high light level. In lower light levels as well as in complex mobility situations, RP subjects demonstrated markedly reduced mobility performance. The relationship between PPWS and luminance was linear, with the PPWS decreasing significantly when the mobility course luminance dropped below the illumination of 20 cd/m2 . The Error score was also noted to be linearly related to log luminance. A luminance level of 20 cd/m2 may provide a useful decision point in setting indoor light levels for clinical mobility courses.

Mobility Performance In Retinitis Pigmentosa Under Different Lighting Simulation Conditions

This study examined the mobility performance in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) under different simulation lighting conditions. A total of twenty-one subjects with RP and twenty-one age-matched controls were enrolled. Preferred Walking Speed (PWS) were determined using a simple mobility course at 61 cd/m2 while Percentage of Preferred Walking Speed (PPWS) and error score were determined at five different illumination level which were 62, 47, 20, 6 and 1 cd/m2 using a complex mobility course. RP and normal people had similar mobility performances in simple mobility situations at a constant high light level. In lower light levels as well as in complex mobility situations, RP subjects demonstrated markedly reduced mobility performance. The relationship between PPWS and luminance was linear, with the PPWS decreasing significantly when the mobility course luminance dropped below the illumination of 20 cd/m2 . The Error score was also noted to be linearly related to log luminance. A luminance level of 20 cd/m2 may provide a useful decision point in setting indoor light levels for clinical mobility courses.

Release of powdery or granular substances from intact dangerous goods bags during road transport—Analysis of the causes and development of a test concept

AbstractThe leaks of dangerous goods from actually intact bags detected in the years 2018 to 2020 tend to be at an almost constant high level. These releases of powdery or granular dangerous goods represent violations of the sift‐proofness required in the dangerous goods regulations. This article first analyses the causes. The components of the bags that are affected by leaks are micro‐perforations, joins and closures, in particular internal sleeve valves. A distinction must be made between bags closed in conformity with or contrary to the manufacturer's instructions. The particle release is determined by a number of influencing factors of the filling substance, the packaging and other boundary conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive test concept is developed in this work, which takes all these factors into account. The application of this test concept facilitates the planning of the test setup and the experiments. On this basis, the complex mechanisms involved in the release of solid substances can be systematically investigated in the test laboratory. To prevent releases of powdery or granular substances from intact bags, it is necessary that the user has access to the closing instructions and the relevant properties of the test substance used for the design‐type approval. Further experimental investigations are needed to assess whether filling substances change their properties during transport and whether this enables them to escape.

Lipid Fraction from Industrial Crustacean Waste and Its Potential as a Supplement for the Feed Industry: A Case Study in Argentine Patagonia

In central Patagonia, the most important crustaceans caught are the Argentine red shrimp (ARS) (Pleoticus muelleri) and the southern king crab (SKC) (Lithodes santolla). Their industrial processing generates large amounts of waste, which cause environmental pollution and ecological imbalances. The recovery of valuable compounds from this waste could bring economic benefits to the region. Comparative dry-basis proximal analysis of shells of ARS and SKC showed similar values of chitin (19 and 20%, respectively), slight but significant differences in proteins and ashes (18 and 48% for SKC and 26 and 55% for ARS), and 8 times higher content of lipids in ARS (4%) than in SKC (0.5%) shells. Nowadays, the waste generated by the processing of ARS (18000 t/year) is almost 180 times higher than that of SKC (100 t/year) and comprises not only shells but also heads (S + H). Nevertheless, taking into account that the amount of waste of SKC could increase in the future, the information about its chemical composition becomes relevant and is thus also reported in this work. The analysis of S + H of ARS showed the highest lipid content (11%), and the wet basis analysis of its fatty acids and carotenoids at different catch times showed a constant high level of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (5.0 g kg−1) and statistically significant variation in the carotenoid content, which can reach up to 158.8 mg kg−1. The results suggest potentials for recovering valuable n-3-PUFAs and carotenoids from ARS waste.

Identification, tissue characterization, and innate immune role of Angiogenin-4 expression in young broiler chickens

Intestinal epithelial cells are major producers of antimicrobial proteins, which play an important role in innate immunity. In addition to defensins, the Ribonuclease A superfamily includes important antimicrobial proteins involved in host-defense mechanisms in vertebrates. Angiogenin-4 (Ang4), a member of this RNase superfamily, has been demonstrated to be secreted by Paneth cells in mice. We have successfully cloned and characterized a new chicken gene (chAng4), found for the first time in a nonmammalian species, from intestinal epithelial and lymphoid cells. Characterization of chAng4 revealed 99% nucleotide and 97% amino acid sequence homology to mouse Ang4. Similar functional regions were identified, suggesting a role in innate immunity and regulation of gut microbiota. Furthermore, the mRNA expression pattern of chAng4 was studied in broilers in the presence or absence of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and organic acids. The results showed that one-day-old chickens expressed low levels of Ang4 in almost all the evaluated tissues (crop, proventriculus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecal tonsils), except in the bursa of Fabricius that presented the highest expression level. The addition of probiotics and organic acids for either 7 or 14 consecutive days demonstrated a direct effect of probiotics and organic acids on chAng4 expression; moreover, broilers receiving probiotics and organic acids for only 7 D showed higher levels of chAng4 expression compared with those treated for 14 D. Broilers without treatment had a constant high level of expression in cecal tonsils and bursa. In conclusion, we were able to identify and characterize a new antimicrobial gene in chickens (chAng4) throughout the gastrointestinal tract. chAng4 mRNA gene expression was associated with the presence of naturally occurring and supplemented (probiotic) bacteria. The encoded protein might have a potential bactericidal effect against intestinal nonpathogenic and pathogenic microbes, modulating the intestinal microbiota and the innate immunity, and thereby may help minimize the use of antibiotics in poultry feed.

Injectable melatonin: an anti-cancer and anti-viral treatment option

Intravenous infusion of high doses of melatonin would represent the most eligible route to treat conveniently patients hospitalized in critical care units or with undergoing oncologic therapies, wherein adequate, accurate and constant dosages and high levels of melatonin would be required. After several attempts, a stable concentrate bulk solution of 10% melatonin (Survivis®) has been successfully achieved. The injectable route is also referred for lifethreatening injuries.

Multiple Cell Signalling Pathways of Human Proinsulin C-Peptide in Vasculopathy Protection.

A major hallmark of diabetes is a constant high blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia), resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Transient or prolonged hyperglycemia can cause diabetic vasculopathy, a secondary systemic damage. C-Peptide is a product of cleavage of proinsulin by a serine protease that occurs within the pancreatic β-cells, being secreted in similar amounts as insulin. The biological activity of human C-peptide is instrumental in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and other vascular complications. The main feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus is the lack of insulin and of C-peptide, but the progressive β-cell loss is also observed in later stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus. C-peptide has multifaceted effects in animals and diabetic patients due to the activation of multiple cell signalling pathways, highlighting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal–regulated kinase ½, Akt, as well as endothelial nitric oxide production. Recent works highlight the role of C-peptide in the prevention and amelioration of diabetes and also in organ-specific complications. Benefits of C-peptide in microangiopathy and vasculopathy have been shown through conservation of vascular function, and also in the prevention of endothelial cell death, microvascular permeability, neointima formation, and in vascular inflammation. Improvement of microvascular blood flow by replacing a physiological amount of C-peptide, in several tissues of diabetic animals and humans, mainly in nerve tissue, myocardium, skeletal muscle, and kidney has been described. A review of the multiple cell signalling pathways of human proinsulin C-peptide in vasculopathy protection is proposed, where the approaches to move beyond the state of the art in the development of innovative and effective therapeutic options of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy are discussed.

PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE AND TYPOLOGICAL PERSONALITY FEATURES OF CHILDREN RESIDENTS OF RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED TERRITORIES IN THE REMOTE PERIOD OF CHORNOBYL СATASTROPHE

Objective. To evaluate the psycho-emotional state of children-residents of radioactively contaminated territories and to characterize the typological features of their personality in the remote period of the Chornobyl catastrophe. Materials and methods. Psycho-emotional status and typological personality traits were determined in 96 children aged 12 to 17 years, who resided in radioactively contaminated territories with a soil contamination density of 137Cs above 185 kBq/m-2, and were admitted for examination and treatment in the pediatric departments of the NRCRM clinic. Psycho-emotional state of children was determined using the test «non-existent animal», which was assessed in points on symptom complexes: anxiety, aggression and neuro-mental exhaustion. The questionnaire of A. Bass and A. Darkey was used to discriminate various aspects of the aggression symptom complex. In all children, the content of incorporated 137Cs was determined using a whole body counter. Results. The results of the evaluation of the psycho-emotional state of children – residents of radioactively contaminated territories in the remote period of the Chornobyl catastrophe according to the test «non-existent animal» showed, that the state of anxiety was registered in all 96 children (100 %); state of aggression – in 60 children (62.5 %); exhaustion – in 57 children (59.37 %). Depending on the prevalence of the one or another symptom complexes, or their combination, 5 groups of observations were formed and the personality traits of children characteristic for each group were determined. In the largest group I with the predominance of anxiety symptom complex (45,83 % of the total sample) were noted: stable tendency to perceive many life-threatening situations and environment, pessimistic assessment of one’s own life perspective, constant high level of anxiety. Girls were in majority in this group. For group II, which showed a combination of high rates of two symptom complexes – anxiety and aggression (18.75 % of the total sample), the characteristic personality traits were a constant high level of emotional tension, a tendency to perceive the environment with distrust and a sense of guilt that arouses. In group III of children (14.58 % of the total sample), the symptom complex of aggression with feelings of alienation, isolation and hostile attitude towards the environment prevailed. Group IV of children (16.67 % of the total sample), with the combination of signs of exhaustion and anxiety, had poor ability to concentrate, memory and attention deficit disorders, decreased learning ability, constant fatigue and irritability, apathy, inactivity, and inertia. Group V (only 4.17 % of the total sample) was characterized by low (less than 2 points) indices of all three symptom complexes. Girls were much more prone to anxiety, boys were more aggressive, sometimes accompanied by anxiety. Symptom complex of exhaustion was determined with the same frequency in both boys and girls. Conclusion. Assessment of psycho-emotional sphere of children – residents of radioactively contaminated territories in the remote period of the Chornobyl catastrophe according to the «non-existent animal» test revealed in of 100 % of children the presence of anxiety signs, in the vast majority – the state of aggression and exhaustion. There were no probable associations between the content of incorporated 137Cs (in the range from 111 to 7024 Bq) and the peculiarities of the psycho-emotional state of children. Key words: Chornobyl catastrophe, psycho-emotional state, typological personality traits.

Supersonic and Hypersonic Flight Dynamics Realization for the Spaceliner Real-Time Human-In-the-Loop Space Flight Simulator

Objectives: DLR’s real-time Human-in-the-Loop Space Flight Simulator needed an enhancement in its transonic and supersonic behavior for its advanced concept of a suborbital, hypersonic, winged passenger transport called SpaceLiner. Methods/Statistical analysis: A simulation model has been developed by geometry modeled flight dynamics for the commercial flight simulation software “X-Plane”. The presented solution is based on a real-time flight dynamics corrector application, taking table-based aerodynamic coefficients from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model experiments to overwrite X-Plane’s internal flight dynamics in the supersonic and hypersonic regime. Findings: Although compressible flow effects are considered using Prandtl-Glauert, the SpaceLiner X-Plane simulation model needed deeper investigation in its transonic and supersonic behavior, taking into account that transonic effects in X-Plane only refer to an empirical mach-divergent drag increase and the airfoil becomes an appropriate thickness ratio diamond shape under supersonic conditions. Whereas the X-Plane internal flight simulation engine delivers a high level of realism under subsonic conditions, significant deviations from the SpaceLiner aerodynamic reference database were identified in the supersonic and hypersonic regimes. An improved accuracy could be observed for two Mach test cases under corrector application usage conditions. Using X-Plane on the one hand and covering a constant accuracy throughout the whole range of regimes, subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic on the other hand, can be achieved by using the presented corrector application solution. Application/Improvements: X-Plane’s wireframe model approach was successfully fused with table-based lookup processing, delivering a constant high level of realism throughout the whole Mach range.

Role of surface oxide layers in the hydrogen embrittlement of austenitic stainless steels: A TOF-SIMS study

Hydrogen environment embrittlement (HEE) of low-nickel austenitic stainless steels (AISI 300 series) with different chemical compositions was studied focusing on the impact of the steels surface oxides, grain sizes and dislocation arrangements. The susceptibility of the steels to HEE is judged with respect to the relative reduction of area (RRA), where the HEE susceptibility is lower for larger RRA values.For many AISI 300 steels a linear trend is observed correlating RRA and the probability of strain induced martensite formation in tensile tests. Some steels, however, depart from the general trend, revealing greater HEE resistances.A careful examination of possible factors influencing HEE of the investigated steels reveals that high RRA values are linked to a specific type of oxide layer, namely the “high constant level oxide”, as categorized by TOF-SIMS evaluation. Thus, this type of oxide layer may be able to lower the steels HEE susceptibility. Other types of surface oxides, grain sizes and dislocation arrangements in the matrix of the particular AISI 300 steels appear to be of secondary importance.

Eccentric Overload Flywheel Training in Older Adults.

Age-related reductions in muscle strength and muscle power can have significant adverse effects on functional performance in older adults. Exercise training has been shown to be a potent stimulus for improvements in strength and power. However, investigation into how to best optimize training-related adaptations, as well as the accessibility of training methods, is needed. Traditional (TR) methods using gravity-dependent free-weights or weight machines can improve and maintain strength and power but are limited in their ability to provide constant muscle tension and high levels of muscle activation throughout the lowering (eccentric) phase of lifting. Eccentric overload (EO) training may overcome these limitations and has been shown to result in potent adaptations in both young and older adults. Methods of producing EO are significantly limited from a practical perspective. The addition of whole-body flywheel training equipment provides a practical method of producing EO and may be appropriate for older adults wanting to optimize training outcomes. Our review provides limited evidence of the use of eccentric overload flywheel training as a novel training method in seniors. Through the review of literature, EO training overcame some of the limitations set forth by traditional resistance training and demonstrated to have key benefits when combating age-related changes affecting muscle strength and muscle power. It can be concluded that EO training is an important addition to the training arsenal for older adults. Flywheel training provides a practical method of achieving EO, increasing strength and power, combating age-related adaptations, and overall improving quality of life in older adults.

Distinguising Proof of Diabetic RetinopathyDetection by Hybrid Approaches in Two Dimensional Retinal Fundus Images.

Diabetes is characterized by constant high level of blood glucose. The human body needs to maintain insulin at very constrict range. The patients who are all affected by diabetes for a long time affected by eye disease called Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). The retinal landmarks namely Optic disc is predicted and masked to decrease the false positive in the exudates detection. The abnormalities like Exudates, Microaneurysms and Hemorrhages are segmented to classify the various stages of DR. The proposed approach is employed to separate the landmarks of retina and lesions of retina for the classification of stages of DR. The segmentation algorithms like Gabor double-sided hysteresis thresholding, maximum intensity variation, inverse surface adaptive thresholding, multi-agent approach and toboggan segmentation are used to detect and segment BVs, ODs, EXs, MAs and HAs. The feature vector formation and machine learning algorithm used to classify the various stages of DR are evaluated using images available in various retinal databases, and their performance measures are presented in this paper.

Predicting trajectories of recovery in prostate cancer patients undergone Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP).

ObjectiveTo identify trends of patients’ urinary and sexual dysfunctions from a clinical and psychological perspective and understand whether sociodemographic and medical predictors could differentiate among patients following different one-year longitudinal trajectories.MethodsAn Italian sample of 478 prostate cancer patients undergone Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy completed the EPIC-26 survey between July 2015 and July 2016 at the pre-hospitalization (T0), 45 days (T1) and 3 (T2), 6 (T3), 9 (T4), and 12 months (T5) after surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (age, BMI, diabetes, nerve-sparing procedure) were also collected. Latent Class Growth Analysis was conducted separately for sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence EPIC-26 subscales. The association between membership in the two longitudinal trajectories of urinary and sexual dysfunctions was assessed by considering Chi-square test and its related contingency table.ResultsPeople who have a high level of urinary incontinence at T1 are likely to have a worse recovery. Age, BMI and pre-surgical continence may affect the level of incontinence at T1 and the recovery trajectories. Patients with low and moderate sexual problems at T1 can face a moderate linear recovery, while people with high level of impotence immediately after surgery may take a longer period to solve sexual dysfunctions. Age and the pre-surgical sexual condition may impact the recovery. Finally, a great proportion of patients reported both steady problems in sexual function and constant high levels of urinary incontinence over time.ConclusionsThis study highlights different categories of patients at risk who may be important to know in order to develop personalized medical pathways and predictive models in a value-based healthcare.

Interactions Between the Gravitostat and the Fibroblast Growth Factor System for the Regulation of Body Weight

Both fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), by binding to FGF receptors (FGFRs), and activation of the gravitostat, by artificial loading, decrease the body weight (BW). Previous studies demonstrate that both the FGF system and loading have the capacity to regulate BW independently of leptin. The aim of the current study was to determine the possible interactions between the effect of increased loading and the FGF system for the regulation of BW. We observed that the BW-reducing effect of increased loading was abolished in mice treated with a monoclonal antibody directed against FGFR1c, suggesting interactions between the two systems. As serum levels of endocrine FGF21 and hepatic FGF21 mRNA were increased in the loaded mice compared with the control mice, we first evaluated the loading response in FGF21 over expressing mice with constant high FGF21 levels. Leptin treatment, but not increased loading, decreased the BW in the FGF21-overexpressing mice, demonstrating that specifically the loading effect is attenuated in the presence of high activity in the FGF system. However, as FGF21 knockout mice displayed a normal loading response on BW, FGF21 is neither mediating nor essential for the loading response. In conclusion, the BW-reducing effect of increased loading but not of leptin treatment is blocked by high activity in the FGF system. We propose that both the gravitostat and the FGF system regulate BW independently of leptin and that pharmacologically enhanced activity in the FGF system reduces the sensitivity of the gravitostat.

Intergenerational Educational Pathways and Self-Rated Health in Adolescence and Young Adulthood: Results of the German KiGGS Cohort.

Health differences in social mobility are often analysed by income differences or different occupational positions. However, in early adulthood many young people still have very diffuse income situations and are not always fully integrated into the labour market despite many having finished school. This article focusses on the link between intergenerational educational pathways and self-rated health (SRH) among young adults considering their SRH in adolescence. The data source used is the German KiGGS cohort study. The analysis sample comprises 2175 young people at baseline (t0: 2003–2006 age 14–17) and first follow-up (t1: 2009–2012 age 19–24). Combining parent’s and young people’s highest school degree, the data can trace patterns of intergenerational educational pathways (constant high level of education, upward mobility, downward mobility, constant low level of education). Young people’s SRH was recorded at t0 and t1. During adolescence and young adulthood, participants were less likely to report poor SRH if they had a constant high intergenerational education or if they were upwardly mobile. The differences were particularly striking among young adults: average marginal effects (AME) for poor SRH showed much higher risk among downwardly mobile compared to peers with an intergenerational constant high education (AME: 0.175 [0.099; 0.251]), while the upwardly mobile had a significantly lower risk for less than good SRH than peers with an intergenerational constant low level of education (AME: −0.058 [−0.113; −0.004]). In the context of great societal demands and personal developmental needs, educational differences in health tend to increase in young adulthood. Public Health should pay more attention to educational and health inequalities in young adulthood.

Trajectories of work disability and unemployment among young adults with common mental disorders

BackgroundLabour-market marginalisation (LMM) and common mental disorders (CMDs) are serious societal problems. The aims were to describe trajectories of LMM (both work disability and unemployment) among young adults with and without CMDs, and to elucidate the characteristics associated with these trajectories.MethodsThe study was based on Swedish registers and consisted of all individuals 19–30 years with an incident diagnosis of a CMD in year 2007 (n = 7245), and a matched comparison group of individuals without mental disorders during the years 2004–07 (n = 7245). Group-based trajectory models were used to describe patterns of LMM both before, and after the incident diagnosis of a CMD. Multinomial logistic regressions investigated the associations between sociodemographic and medical covariates and the identified trajectories.ResultsTwenty-six percent (n = 1859) of young adults with CMDs followed trajectories of increasing or constant high levels of work disability, and 32 % (n = 2302) followed trajectories of increasing or constant high unemployment. In the comparison group, just 9 % (n = 665) followed increasing or constant high levels of work disability and 21 % (n = 1528) followed trajectories of increasing or constant high levels of unemployment. A lower share of young adults with CMDs followed trajectories of constant low levels of work disability (n = 4546, 63%) or unemployment (n = 2745, 38%), compared to the level of constant low work disability (n = 6158, 85%) and unemployment (n = 3385, 50%) in the comparison group. Remaining trajectories were fluctuating or decreasing. Around 50% of young adults with CMDs had persistent levels of LMM at the end of follow-up. The multinomial logistic regression revealed that educational level and comorbid mental disorders discriminated trajectories of work disability, while educational level, living area and age determined differences in trajectories of unemployment (R2difference = 0.02–0.05, p < 0.001).ConclusionsA large share, nearly 50%, of young adults with CMDs, substantially higher than in the comparison group of individuals without mental disorders, display increasing or high persistent levels of either work disability or unemployment throughout the follow-up period. Low educational level, comorbidity with other mental disorders and living in rural areas were factors that increased the probability for LMM.

Serum Cyclosporine Levels: The Influence of the Time Interval Between Interrupting the Infusion and Obtaining the Samples: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

There are controversies regarding the best way to collect blood samples for cyclosporine A (CsA) serum levels when this immunosuppressant is administered continuously through a silicone central venous catheter (CVC) to hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the time elapsed between the interruption of a continuous intravenous CsA infusion and the collection of blood samples on CsA serum levels. This randomized 2-group clinical trial involved 32 adults. In group A, blood samples were collected immediately after interrupting the medication from peripheral vein and CVC lines. In group B, the same procedures were performed 5 minutes after interrupting the infusion. We did not observe influence of the time elapsed between interruption of the infusion and collection of the samples, independent of the collection mode and the volume discarded (P > .05). The line used for the infusion maintained a constant high level when compared with different moments of collection (P > .05), whereas in the other lines, there was a significant increase when compared with the levels obtained at 24 hours and 7 days after CsA start (P = .00). The CVC line free from cyclosporine can safely be used to collect blood. The procedure can be performed immediately after interrupting the infusion, and discarding 5 mL is sufficient to obtain accurate levels. The results can help nurses choose how to collect blood samples through the CVC, thus preventing patients from having a painful and stressful procedure such as peripheral venipuncture.

Outdoor Measurement and Modeling of Perovskite Module Temperatures.

Photovoltaic cells and modules are exposed to partially rapid changing environmental parameters that influence the device temperature. The evolution of the device temperature of a perovskite module of 225 cm2 area is presented during a period of 25 days under central European conditions. The temperature of the glass–glass packaged perovskite solar module is directly measured at the back contact by a thermocouple. The device is exposed to ambient temperatures from 3 to 34 °C up to solar irradiation levels exceeding 1300 W m−2. The highest recorded module temperature is 61 °C under constant high irradiation levels. Under strong fluctuations of the global solar irradiance, temperature gradients of more than 3 K min−1 with total changes of more than 20 K are measured. Based on the experimental data, a dynamic iterative model is developed for the module temperature evolution in dependence on ambient temperature and solar irradiation. Furthermore, specific thermal device properties that enable an extrapolation of the module response beyond the measured parameter space can be determined. With this set of parameters, it can be predicted that the temperature of the perovskite layer in thin‐film photovoltaic devices is exceeding 70 °C under realistic outdoor conditions. Additionally, perovskite module temperatures can be calculated in final applications.

Disability pathways preceding death in England by socio-economic status

The role of socio-economic status (SES) in the last years of life is an under-researched aspect of health inequalities. This study examines disability patterns preceding death using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We use repeated measures latent class analysis to identify the most common pathways preceding death in terms of walking ability and limitations in activities of daily living. Three pathways emerge: one characterized by consistently low disability; a second by a constant high level of functional limitations; and a third by medium impairment. We examine how different SES indicators predict belonging to each disability pathway. Conditional on income, higher wealth is associated with a lower likelihood of belonging to the high disability pathway. Contrary to our expectations, we find no educational gradient in the pathways preceding death. Health inequalities in the last years of life seem to exist especially between individuals with different levels of wealth.