Lower Thickness Research Articles

Abstract 4120583: Long term Safety and Efficacy of Ultrathin Bioabsorbable polymer sirolimus eluting Stents Versus Thin Durable polymer everolimus eluting Stents in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A systematic review and meta analysis

Background: First generation drug eluting stents (DES) with thick polymers may contribute to local vascular inflammation and late stent thrombosis. Thinner-strut DES (ultrathin), particularly those with biodegradable polymers, aim to reduce this risk by minimizing flow disturbance and vascular injury. However, the long-term safety and efficacy of ultrathin biodegradable polymer sirolimus eluting stents (BP-SES) compared to durable polymer everolimus eluting stents (DP-EES) are still uncertain. Thus, we performed a meta analysis to compare outcomes of these two stents. Methods: Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials comparing ultrathin BP SES and thin DP EES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions with long term follow-up of at least 3 years. We excluded cohort studies, case reports, editorials, conference abstracts, and animal studies. Primary outcomes were target lesion failure (TLF), cardiac death (CD), target-vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), and clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (CI-TLR). We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus. Cochrane’s ROB 2.0 tool assessed trial quality, and RevMan software (5.4) performed the meta-analysis. Results: Our analysis included ten RCTs, totaling 16,216 patients, with 9,108 in the BP SES group and 7,108 in the DP EES group. TLF occurred in 905 patients (9.94%) in the BP-SES group and 821 patients (11.55%) in the DP-EES group, with no statistically significant differences between the groups (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.01, p = 0.08). Additionally, there were no significant differences in cardiac death (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.19, p = 1.00), TV-MI (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.05, p = 0.19), and CI-TLR (RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.01, p = 0.06) between the two groups. Conclusion: The use of BP-SES did not result in higher rates of TLF, CD, TV-MI, or CI-TLR compared to DP-DES. These findings suggest that both BP-SES and DP-DES are viable options for PCI procedures, with comparable long-term safety profiles. However, some trials used strut thicknesses exceeding 70µm in cases requiring wider diameters, similar to the strut thickness in the DP-EES group. This makes it challenging to assess whether, in addition to biodegradable polymers, lower strut thickness contributes to reducing target lesion-related events. Further research may be needed to explore other relevant outcomes and to confirm these findings in diverse patient populations.

Nickel-based alloy efficient milling with ceramic tool and experimental verification in closed impeller

Nickel-based alloys are a class of materials that possess exceptional properties, including superior corrosion, oxidation, and fatigue resistance. They are increasingly utilized in high-performance critical components, particularly in the fields of aerospace engines and gas turbines. Nickel-based alloys pose significant challenges during machining due to their high cutting forces and work hardening, leading to low machining efficiency, severe tool wear, and subpar surface quality of the machined parts. To address these challenges, an orthogonal cutting experiment was conducted on GH4061 alloy to evaluate the machining performance by using monolithic ceramic milling tools. The optimal cutting parameters combination for dry cutting of nickel-based alloys was determined. The surface quality was tested and analyzed, including surface micro structure, residual stress, and surface roughness. The machining experiment was conducted on GH4061 closed impeller. The results demonstrated that high-speed cutting was more effective than low-speed cutting in improving the surface quality of the machined part. In the rough processing, monolithic ceramic milling tools was used to quickly remove the excess material. The adhesive and diffusion effects mainly contributing to the wear of the monolithic ceramic tool in GH4061 milling. Average surface roughness 1.41 μm can be obtained through dry milling using a monolithic ceramic tool with cutting speed 602.88 m/min, cutting depth 0.3 mm, cutting width 6 mm and feed per tooth 0.03 mm/z, along with metal removal rate 5184 mm3/min. High cutting speed will resulting in relatively low residual stress in the surface layer as well as a lower thickness of the surface alternation layer. Finally, a physical GH4061 closed impeller was machined to verify the proposed milling method.

A comparison of isolated limb infusion/perfusion, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and intralesional therapy as first-line treatment for patients with melanoma in-transit metastases.

Isolated limb infusion and perfusion (ILI/ILP) has been a mainstay treatment for unresectable melanoma in-transit metastases (ITM), but increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and intralesional therapy (talimogene laherparepvec [TVEC]) introduced several different management options. This study compares first-line ILI/ILP, ICI, and TVEC. Retrospective review from 12 international institutions included patients treated from 1990 to 2022 with first-line ILI/ILP, ICI, or TVEC for unresectable melanoma ITM. A total of 551 patients were treated, with ILI/ILP (n=356), ICI (n=125), and TVEC (n=70) with median follow-up of 5.5 years. Tumor burden was highest with ILI/ILP and lowest with TVEC (p =.002). Breslow thickness was lowest with TVEC (p =.007). TVEC was mostly used in stage IIIB disease versus IIIC for ILI/ILP and ICI (p =.01). Using ICI as the reference category, TVEC had the highest odds of a complete response (CR) (odds ratio, 1.96; p =.029) and a longer local progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.40; p =.003). ILI/ILP had shorter local PFS (HR, 1.72; p =.012), PFS (HR, 1.79; p <.001), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (HR, 1.75; p =.014), overall survival (HR, 1.82; p =.009), and melanoma-specific survival (HR, 2.29; p =.004). Stage IIIB disease had longer DMFS (HR, 0.24; p <.001) compared to IIIC/D. TVEC as first-line therapy for unresectable melanoma ITM was associated with superior CR rates and local PFS. Notably, TVEC was used in patients with a lower Breslow thickness, disease stage, and tumor burden. Therefore, when compared to ILI/ILP and ICI, TVEC should be considered as first-line therapy for unresectable stage IIIB melanoma ITM with minimal tumor burden and lower Breslow thickness.

Low thickness effect on the properties of Mn-doped ZnO thin films synthesized by sol-gel spin coating technique

In this study, 7% manganese-doped zinc oxide (MZO) thin films with varying low thicknesses were synthesized using the spin coating method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of MZO films with different film thickness, were systematically investigated. The crystallite structure, superficial morphology, and optical characteristics were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Structural analysis confirmed that all films exhibit a hexagonal wurtzite phase with a pronounced peak along the c-axis, and slight variation in low thickness significantly affected the structural parameters. The surface morphology demonstrated good uniformity, characterized by rounded grain shapes in the plane, while surface roughness was found to be increased with increasing film thickness. Optical analysis revealed that as the number of coatings increased, both transmittance and band gap energy decreased, accompanied by a redshift in the absorption edge across all samples. This behavior is attributed to light scattering, as well as an increase in the refractive index and dielectric function with visible light energy, influenced by the number of layers and corresponding crystallite size.

Evaluation and Prediction of Mechanical Properties According to Welding Methods of Ni 825/A516-70N Clad Plates

In this study, the microstructures and mechanical properties of different methods of FCAW (Flux-cored arc welding) + FCAW or FCAW + GTAW (Gas tungsten arc welding) welding on Ni825/A516-70N clad plate were investigated, using a double U groove angle on a laboratory scale. The amount of specimen deformation with FCAW + FCAW welding was ~1.5 mm, and that with FCAW + GTAW welding was ~3.6 mm. In the Vickers hardness tests, the average hardness value of the FCAW + GTAW welding specimens tended to be higher, and the hardness of the steel showed the same value. Also, in the tensile tests, the maximum strength and elongation of the FCAW + GTAW specimens were found to be higher. The SEM analysis of the welding boundaries of each specimen revealed the phenomenon of grain refinement in the specimens with FCAW + GTAW welding. This was due to the slow welding speed of this welding process and the rapid cooling rate caused by the relatively low layer thickness despite the relatively high number of weld passes. The computer simulation of the amounts of deformation were similar, with a value of 1.5 mm for FCAW + FCAW and 3.6 mm for the computer simulation, indicating the credibility of the simulation. In the computational simulation of butt welding, FCAW + GTAW showed high values for both residual stress and angular strain. The L-seam and C-seam of the demo vessel size were welded under the same conditions as the actual welding. The residual stress and angular deformation in the L-seam were 849 MPa and 2.3 mm for the FCAW + FCAW and 852 MPa and 2.9 mm for FCAW + GTAW. The residual stress and angular deformation in the C-seam were 920 MPa and 0.7 mm for FCAW + FCAW and 930 MPa and 0.9 mm for FCAW + GTAW, respectively.

Experimental and numerical studies on corrosion-resistant aluminium foam sandwich panel subject to low-velocity impact

Aluminium foam sandwich panels (AFSPs) have a high impact resistance and are suitable for a wide range of engineering applications. To improve corrosion resistance, this paper proposes an anti-corrosion sandwich panel with stainless steel as the upper sheet. Drop hammer impact tests were performed on a total of ten AFSPs to investigate their dynamic response and failure patterns. To assess the deformation performance of AFSPs, a laser displacement meter was used to obtain the bottom centre displacement. The effects of the impact energy and the thickness of each component of AFSPs on the peak impact force and deformation performance were studied. Test results showed that the thickness of each component had notable effects on the impactor and bottom displacements. In addition, the effect of the unit mass of the components in AFSPs on decreasing the bottom displacement was discussed. Compared to increasing the aluminium foam and lower sheet thicknesses, increasing the upper sheet thickness was more effective in decreasing the bottom displacement. A finite element model of AFSPs was developed to conduct parameter analysis, indicating that impactors with larger diameters resulted in higher peak forces and reduced deformation of AFSPs.

Genetic risk factors underlying white matter hyperintensities and cortical atrophy

White matter hyperintensities index structural abnormalities in the cerebral white matter, including axonal damage. The latter may promote atrophy of the cerebral cortex, a key feature of dementia. Here, we report a study of 51,065 individuals from 10 cohorts demonstrating that higher white matter hyperintensity volume associates with lower cortical thickness. The meta-GWAS of white matter hyperintensities-associated cortical ‘atrophy’ identifies 20 genome-wide significant loci, and enrichment in genes specific to vascular cell types, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. White matter hyperintensities-associated cortical ‘atrophy’ showed positive genetic correlations with vascular-risk traits and plasma biomarkers of neurodegeneration, and negative genetic correlations with cognitive functioning. 15 of the 20 loci regulated the expression of 54 genes in the cerebral cortex that, together with their co-expressed genes, were enriched in biological processes of axonal cytoskeleton and intracellular transport. The white matter hyperintensities-cortical thickness associations were most pronounced in cortical regions with higher expression of genes specific to excitatory neurons with long-range axons traversing through the white matter. The meta-GWAS-based polygenic risk score predicts vascular and all-cause dementia in an independent sample of 500,348 individuals. Thus, the genetics of white matter hyperintensities-related cortical atrophy involves vascular and neuronal processes and increases dementia risk.

Lower uterine segment thickness to predict uterine rupture: a secondary analysis of PRISMA cluster randomized trial

BackgroundThird-trimester lower uterine segment thickness (LUST) is associated with uterine rupture during trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) but threshold values vary according to the approach used (lower values with vaginal ultrasound, higher values with abdominal ultrasound). ObjectiveTo estimate the optimal LUST cut-off value combining vaginal and abdominal ultrasound to predict uterine rupture during TOLAC. Study DesignWe performed a secondary analysis of PRISMA cluster randomized trial including women with a single previous cesarean who underwent ultrasound LUST measurement at 34-38 weeks using the thinnest measurement obtained by combining transvaginal and transabdominal measurements. Participants in the intervention group were informed about the risk of uterine rupture according to LUST reported in 3 categories [≥2.5 mm: low risk - TOLAC is safe; 2.0-2.4 mm: intermediate-risk - TOLAC is safe under specific conditions (e.g. Grobman estimate of vaginal delivery of at or above 70 percent and/or having a history of vaginal delivery; estimated fetal weight below 4000 grams; inter-delivery interval ≥18 months); <2.0 mm: high-risk for uterine rupture]. Delivery outcomes including uterine rupture were compared using non-parametric analyses and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. ResultsAmong 3460 participants, 2809 (81%); 385 (11%); and 266 (8%) were identified at low-; intermediate-; and high-risk for uterine rupture, respectively. As expected, low-risk participants were more likely to undergo TOLAC (49% vs 46% vs 13%; p<0.001) and more likely to undergo labor induction (16% vs 12% vs 3%, respectively; p<0.001) than intermediate-risk and high-risk participants. Four (0.3%) cases of uterine rupture during TOLAC occurred among 1382 low-risk participants but none among the intermediate-risk (0/178) and high-risk (0/35) participants (p=0.73). Among low-risk participants, uterine rupture was associated with LUST combining vaginal and abdominal ultrasound (area under the ROC curve : 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.86 – 0.99; p<0.001) with all cases occuring among women with LUST between 2.5 and 3.0 mm (4/371 or 1.1%) compared to none (0/1011) among those with LUST ≥3.0 mm (p<0.01). ConclusionsThird-trimester LUST measurement influences the rates of TOLAC and uterine rupture. TOLAC appears to be associated with a low risk of uterine rupture with a LUST between 2.0 and 2.4 mm under specific conditions. However, these conditions should perhaps be extended to patients with a LUST of less than 3.0 mm, as we found an increase in uterine ruptures in this sub-group (between 2.5 and 3.0 mm) who had no special conditions to comply with. LUST ≥3.0 mm combining vaginal and abdominal ultrasound was associated with a very low risk for uterine rupture. A large-scale study using these new parameters would have the potential to demonstrate a reduction in uterine ruptures during TOLAC.

Approximate P3 equation analysis in multi-layer slab media: steady-state and time-domain based on the diffusion model

This study aimed to establish a steady-state and time-domain solutions for the approximate P3 equation in arbitrary multi-layer slab media for light propagation, based on a diffusion model with an isotropic point source in the first layer and extrapolated boundary conditions. Spatially resolved diffuse reflectance and transmittance were calculated using the steady-state approximation of the P3 equation, whereas temporally resolved diffuse reflectance and transmittance were derived from the time-domain approximation. The validity of the approximate P3 solutions was confirmed by comparing their results with Monte Carlo simulations. In steady-state analysis, the approximate P3 equation demonstrated superior accuracy to the diffusion equation for reflectance, particularly at smaller thicknesses. Accuracy further improved as the absorption coefficient and detection distance increased. For transmittance, the approximate P3 equation closely matched the diffusion equation at low thickness, but divergence occurred with higher absorption. In time-domain analysis, the approximate P3 equation aligned closely with Monte Carlo simulations at peak values, while its numerical values were close approximations of the diffusion equation away from the peak. The potential application of the approximate P3 equation in multi-layer media offers significant advancements for optical non-invasive detection and treatment techniques, enabling the extraction of optical parameters from such media.

Bone turnover, areal BMD, and bone microarchitecture by second-generation high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

Thalassemic osteopathy includes low bone mass and impaired bone microarchitecture. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of bone quantity (osteoporosis) and quality (microarchitecture) in a cohort of adult patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Patients with TDT (n = 63) and age- and BMI-matched controls (n = 63) were recruited in the study. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA Hologic scanner. P1NP and β-CTX were estimated by electrochemiluminescence assay. Bone geometry and volumetric BMD (vBMD) were estimated by second-generation high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Bone turnover marker β-CTX was significantly lower in the TDT group, but there was no difference in P1NP levels. Low bone mass (Z ≤ -2) was present in greater proportion of patients both at lumbar spine (LS) (54 vs 0%; p = .001) and femoral neck (FN) (33 vs 8%; p = .001). Hypogonadism was associated with low BMD at FN (OR 10.0; 95% CI, 1.2-86; p = .01) and low hemoglobin with low BMD at LS (OR 1.58; 95% CI, 0.96-2.60; p = .07). The mean trabecular bone score was also significantly lower in patients compared with controls (1.261 ± 0.072 vs 1.389 ± 0.058). Total, cortical and trabecular vBMD were significantly lower in cases than controls. The trabecular number and cortical thickness were significantly lower and trabecular separation higher in cases than controls. Adults with TDT have significantly lower areal, cortical and trabecular vBMD. The bone microarchitecture is also significantly impaired in terms of lower number and wider spacing of trabeculae as well as lower cortical thickness and area at both radius and tibia.

Fabrication of polydopamine doped helical/chiral porous carbon fiber (HPCFs@PDA) and N-doped carbon layers (HPCFs@NCLs) for their application as wave absorber with ultrawide EAB

A new class of wave absorbing materials HPCFst@PDA and HPCFst@NCLs (where HPCFs describes helical/chiral porous carbon fiber, t refers to carbonization 700, 800 °C, PDA ascribed to poly (dopamine), and NCLs corresponds to nitrogen doped carbon layers) with helical/chiral, hierarchical, multi-layered structural morphology containing different heterostructures was triumphantly constructed through single-step carbonization of HPCFst. The HPCFst biomass fiber was go through self-polymerization of dopamine and we get HPCFs700@PDA, HPCFs800@PDA as an intermediate product. Finally, the PDA doped HPCFs biomass (HPCFs700@PDA, HPCFs800@PDA) was effectively transformed into NCLs from inside toward outside (HPCFs700@NCLs, HPCFs800@NCLs) through carbonization. Notably, HPCFs exhibit helical/chiral, hierarchical porous morphology with hetero-interfaces (such as dipole interfaces) that improve dielectric loss, while PDA and NCLs ameliorate wave absorber conductivity, through generation of polarization centers, heterointerfaces and resulting in considerable dielectric loss. Moreover, HPCFs with such unique structural morphology provide additional loss mechanism through cross-polarization that improve dissipation/attenuation of microwave. The microwave absorption mechanism of HPCFst@PDA(1–3), HPCFst@NCLs(1–3) (where 1, 2, 3 refer to filler content 27.50, 30.00, 32.50%wt PDA derived absorber and 20.00, 22.50, 25.00%wt NCLs filler) and their structure active relationship are further elucidated. Evidently, HPCFs700@PDA2 gained reflection loss (RL) of −51.60 dB at 13.60 GHz, across the broad spectrum of frequencies (EAB, RL ≤ −10 dB) covers 6.70 GHz (11.30–18.00 GHz) at 2.70 mm thickness. The EAB ameliorate to the value of 7.20 GHz (10.70–18.00 GHz) at thickness of 2.80 mm. While HPCFs700@NCLs2 RL was improved to −63.00 dB at 2.40 mm thickness with EAB 5.10 GHz (11.40–16.50) at 13.30 GHz frequency. Likewise, HPCFs800@PDA2 RL elevates to the value of −53.40 dB with adequate EAB covering 12.80–18.00 GHz (5.20 GHz) at higher values of 14.40 GHz and 2.10 mm thickness. For HPCFs800@NCLs2, the RL is as high as −65.40 dB at 9.90 GHz, with an effective thickness of 3.20 mm covering 7.50–11.20 GHz (3.20 GHz) EAB. At matching thickness of 2.00 mm the EAB covers 13.80–18.00 (4.20 GHz). Their top-notch microwave absorption capabilities with widened EAB at lower matching thickness demonstrate potentially promising prospects of HPCFst@PDA and HPCFst@NCLs as wave absorbing materials.

Full-scale experimental study on the smoke descent and stratification in a two-storey building with varying ventilation conditions

This paper presents a full-scale experimental research on the smoke descent and stratification in a two-storey residential building under the coupling influences of vertical connection channels and ventilation conditions. The two floors were connected by one atrium and one stair, and the fire source was located on the second floor. Wood crib and gasoline were selected as representative fuels to reflect typical residential fire scenarios, with heat release rates of 82kW and 140kW, respectively. The states of the building openings were varied to simulate different ventilation conditions. Results showed that the smoke tended to spread in the ridge direction due to the structural limitations of slope roofs. The temperature distribution in both the ridge and slope directions was obtained. A special “three-zone” smoke stratification structure including upper smoke layer, intermediate air layer and lower smoke layer is observed, which is significantly different from the well-known “two-zone” model. The “three-zone” stratification resulted in a nonmonotonic vertical temperature distribution in the atrium. The lower smoke layer thickness Zl,g was found to be greatly affected by ventilation conditions. Based on the boundary layer theories and the law of energy conservation, a series of expressions were established to calculate Zl,g and intermediate air layer thickness δw, which are the key parameters of the “three-zone” stratification. The theoretical calculations matched the experimental data well and explained the sharp trends of δw and Zl,g under different ventilation conditions. This study can provide theoretical guidance about fire detection, smoke exhaust and people evacuation in residential buildings.

Comparison of microstructural evolution and high temperature oxidation behavior of AlCoCrFeNiTi and AlCoCrFeNiZr high-entropy alloy coatings

In this study, the isothermal oxidation behaviors of HEA coating systems with AlCoCrFeNiTi and AlCoCrFeNiZr contents were evaluated by comparing microstructurally and investigated in terms of potential applications of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). For this reason, their oxidation resistance under isothermal conditions, as well as diffusion phenomena occurring at the bond and top coating interface, were investigated. CoNiCrAlY bond coating was applied to the surface of a Nickel-based superalloy substrate by high velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spraying. HEA coating materials were produced by using the mechanical alloying (MA) process. The mechanical activated synthesized HEAs were sprayed on a CoNiCrAlY bond coating by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS). The microstructural changes at the coating interface of CoNiCrAlY, AlCoCrFeNiTi and AlCoCrFeNiZr (HEAs) coatings resulting from oxidation processes at 1200 °C for 5, 25, 50 and 100 h, and the formation and growth behaviors of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer were investigated. The present results demonstrate a potential of HEAs in TBC applications. After oxidation tests, crystal lattice transformations took place in both coating systems. In the AlCoCrFeNiZr-HEA TBC system, an increase in diffusion rate, oxygen permeability, and consequently TGO layer thickness was observed by the transformation from the cubic lattice structure to a monoclinic lattice structure with a larger volume. In the AlCoCrFeNiTi-HEA TBC system, the transformation of a narrow rhombohedral lattice with tight planes was maintained. Therefore, the TBC system with AlCoCrFeNiTi-HEA has a lower TGO layer thickness compared to the TBC system with AlCoCrFeNiZr-HEA and has a longer service life against oxidation failure at high operating temperatures. As a result of the production, experimental studies and high temperature oxidation test studies under service conditions, it was seen that AlCoCrFeNiTi and AlCoCrFeNiZr-HEA coatings can be used in the structure of TBC systems.

Structural MRI findings in the brain related to pain distribution in chronic overlapping pain conditions: An explorative case-control study in females with fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorder-related chronic pain and pain-free controls.

Few neuroimaging studies have investigated structural brain differences associated with variations in pain distribution. To explore structural differences of the brain in fibromyalgia (FM), temporomandibular disorder pain (TMD) and healthy pain-free controls (CON) using structural and diffusion MRI. A case-control exploratory study with three study groups with different pain distribution were recruited: FM (n = 16; mean age [standard deviation]: 44 [14] years), TMD (n = 17, 39 [14] years) and CON (n = 10, 37 [14] years). Participants were recruited at the University Dental Clinic in Malmö, Sweden. T1-weighted and diffusion MRIs were acquired, clinical and psychosocial measures were obtained. Main outcome measures were subcortical volume, cortical thickness, white matter microstructure and whole brain grey matter intensity. Patients with FM had smaller volume in the right thalamus than patients with TMD (p = .020) and CON (p = .030). The right thalamus volume was negatively correlated to pain intensity (r = -0.37, p = .022) and pain-related disability (r = -0.45, p = .004). The FM group had lower cortical thickness in the right anterior prefrontal cortex than CON (p = .005). Cortical thickness in this area was negatively correlated to pain intensity (r [37] = - 0.48, p = .002). This study suggests that thalamus grey matter alterations are associated with FM and TMD, and that anterior prefrontal cortex grey matter alterations are associated with FM but not TMD. Studies on chronic overlapping pain conditions are needed in relation to possible nociplastic pain mechanisms in the brain and central nervous system.

Aqueous fibrous membrane electrolyte for ultrathin flexible Zinc-air batteries

Membrane electrolytes are key to constructing planar energy storage devices of low thickness and high flexibility, requesting simultaneous optimization of ionic conductivity and mechanical stability. Herein, aqueous phase electrospinning (APE) was implemented to co-spin polyvinyl alcohol and pullulan polysaccharide for fabricating crosslinked fibrous membrane electrolytes. While the hydroxyl-rich polymeric backbone grafted with quaternary ammonium endows a strong hydrogen-bonding network affording a large ionic conductivity of 30.2 mS cm−1, the cellulose-braced fibrous structure manifests a high tensile strength of 4.6 MPa. What’s more, the porous structure of the membrane electrolyte with enhanced charge mobility and uniformity helps to guide homogeneous Zn plating/stripping with suppressed dendrite growth. As a result, the assembled ultrathin flexible ZAB delivers a superb round-trip energy efficiency of 59.8 %, a maximum power density of 102 mW cm−2 and a long-term cycling stability over 100 h at 5 mA cm−2. By innovating the concept and methodology of aqueous fibrous membrane electrolytes, this study opens up a new chapter on the development of solid electrolytes in aqueous battery systems for powering wearable electronics.

Detection resolving power of SiC Timepix3 detector to electrons, neutrons, ions and protons

Silicon Carbide is a suitable semiconductor sensor for radiation measurement and nuclear applications. It has been recently implemented as a position-sensitive and radiation imaging device coupled to the Timepix3 ASIC chip in the form of a miniaturized radiation camera MiniPIX-Timepix3 SiC. In this work we systematically evaluate the detection resolving power to different radiation species: electrons, fast neutrons, ions and protons. Experimental calibrations were made at well-defined reference fields in terms of particle type, energy and direction. The spectral-sensitive tracking response and characteristic morphology of the particle tracks are analyzed by pattern recognition algorithms. The low thickness of the radiation sensitive volume (65 μm) of the SiC sensor limits the directional tracking response and angular resolution. Three broad classes of particle-type events are resolved. The detector together with suitable data processing can be used for radiation dosimetry and particle tracking tasks in space, particle therapy, nuclear physics and nuclear reactors and particle accelerator environments.

Optimizing IOT Network Performance: A Study on Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) Technologies for Smart City Applications

Abstract: This research explores with a specific focus on smart city applications, how to optimise the execution of Web of Things (IoT) networks by utilising breakthroughs in Low-Powered Wide Area Networks (LPWAN). As IoT devices proliferate and generate vast amounts of data, having a competent network becomes essential, especially when dealing with low device thickness and limited power availability. This analysis provides a detailed energy consumption model tailored to LoRaWAN, based on a deeper understanding of its functional components in Internet of Things scenarios. The review uses MATLAB for replication and looks at two clear scenarios: the standard allocation of spreading factors without optimisation and an improved method that uses particle swarm optimisation (PSO) for dynamic spreading factor work. The results show that the network energy consumption dropped significantly, from 6.3997×10^ (- 17) Joules to 2.5230×10^(- 17) Joules, along with increased throughput, decreased parcel misfortune, and decreased idleness. Through a detailed analysis of several parameters, such as network density and data transfer efficiency, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the suggested optimisation model in terms of improving battery efficiency and overall network performance. Finally, the findings demonstrate how efficient LPWAN systems may provide robust and useful IoT environments, which are essential for the successful implementation of smart city initiatives.

Association between focal amyloid deposition and cognitive impairment in individuals below the amyloid threshold.

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of individuals with amyloid levels below the threshold. To achieve this, we differentiated between two groups: those with global amyloid negativity but focal deposition [G(-)F(+)] and those without focal deposition [G(-)F(-)]. A total of 2,677 participants were diagnosed with cognitive unimpairment (CU) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MRI-based regional centiloid (CL) values were used to establish threshold values for each brain region. After applying a cutoff of 20 rdcCL to identify amyloid positivity, participants who were globally amyloid-negative were grouped into three categories: those who showed focal amyloid uptake [G(-)F(+)], individuals without focal amyloid deposition but with relatively high CL(HC) levels comparable to those in the focal uptake group [G(-)F(-) HC)], and those with relatively low CL(LC) levels [G(-)F(-) LC]. We compared the neuropsychological test results and brain structural changes between these groups using ANCOVA. The G(-)F(+) group demonstrated a lower cortical thickness (P < 0.001) than the G(-)F(-) HC group. In neuropsychological tests, the G(-)F(+) group exhibited lower the Seoul Verbal Learning Test delayed recall (SVLT-DR) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and showed progressed clinical status in the clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes (CDR-SOB) compared to the G(-)F(-) HC group (P < 0.001). The subsequent sensitivity analyses confirmed the persistence of these findings. Individuals with focal amyloid deposition [G(-)F(+)] exhibited higher rates of cognitive impairment compared to patients with similar levels of amyloid, underscoring the importance of monitoring the progression of focal uptake, even when it remains below the amyloid threshold.

Effect of additives on the microstructure and properties of pulsed electrodeposited copper foils

ABSTRACT A low-roughness ultra-thin copper foil was prepared by pulsed electrodeposition with a duty cycle 60%, pulse frequency of 600 Hz on titanium. The influence of sodium 3,3'-dithiodipropane sulphonate (SPS), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), gelatin and collagen additives on the microstructure, mechanical properties and electrochemical behaviour of electrolytic copper foil was explored. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism of SPS and collagen additives on electrodeposited copper were discussed. The results showed that at 0.08 g L−1 collagen concentration, the lowest thickness, the highest microhardness and the optimal surface roughness were achieved (5.12 μm, 279.63 HV and 1.885 μm, respectively). X-ray diffraction results confirmed that electrolytic copper foils prepared when SPS was introduced into the blank solution had a preferred orientation of (220) texture, which benefitted from the synergistic effect of copper ions and additives. The intermediates formed by the additive and Cu+ occupied the active sites on the cathode surface that increased the nucleation sites for deposition. In addition, the formed complexes can act as a barrier to narrow ion deposition channels and inhibit the growth of Cu ions.

Longitudinal evidence for a mutually reinforcing relationship between white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness in cognitively unimpaired older adults

BackgroundFor over three decades, the concomitance of cortical neurodegeneration and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has sparked discussions about their coupled temporal dynamics. Longitudinal studies supporting this hypothesis nonetheless remain scarce.MethodsWe applied global and regional bivariate latent growth curve modelling to determine the extent to which WMH and cortical thickness were interrelated over a four-year period. For this purpose, we leveraged longitudinal MRI data from 451 cognitively unimpaired participants (DELCODE; median age 69.71 [IQR 65.51, 75.50] years; 52.32% female). Participants underwent MRI sessions annually over a four-year period (1815 sessions in total, with roughly four MRI sessions per participant). We adjusted all models for demographics and cardiovascular risk.ResultsOur findings were three-fold. First, larger WMH volumes were linked to lower cortical thickness (σ = -0.165, SE = 0.047, Z = -3.515, P < 0.001). Second, individuals with higher WMH volumes experienced more rapid cortical thinning (σ = -0.226, SE = 0.093, Z = -2.443, P = 0.007), particularly in temporal, cingulate, and insular regions. Similarly, those with lower initial cortical thickness had faster WMH progression (σ = -0.141, SE = 0.060, Z = -2.336, P = 0.009), with this effect being most pronounced in temporal, cingulate, and insular cortices. Third, faster WMH progression was associated with accelerated cortical thinning (σ = -0.239, SE = 0.139, Z = -1.710, P = 0.044), particularly in frontal, occipital, and insular cortical regions.ConclusionsOur study suggests that cortical thinning and WMH progression could be mutually reinforcing rather than parallel, unrelated processes, which become entangled before cognitive deficits are detectable.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00007966, 04/05/2015).