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By adjusting the process flow of a newly developed transparent conductive adhesive (TCA), the first mechanically stable interconnection of a glued III-V on Si tandem solar cell was established utilizing a ZnO-based adhesive. The measured $V_{OC}$ of 1691 mV is a first proof of concept for the developed TCA. The functionality of the two sub-cells in the tandem device was proven by external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements. The reflectance at the bond interface of such a glued tandem solar cell remains the limiting factor. In order to reduce the optical losses, the effect of a textured silicon surface was investigated in test structures, which indeed showed reduced reflectance. Furthermore, this textured test structure showed an improved connecting resistivity as low as $83\ \mathrm{m}\Omega\text{cm}^{2}$ .

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) or medical errors (MEs) during inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations. METHODS:: A full-probability random sample of 4,371 charts from 14 inpatient psychiatric units at acute care general hospitals in Pennsylvania were reviewed in a two-stage process that comprised screening and flagging by nurses followed by review by psychiatrists. AE and ME rates were calculated overall and then stratified by patient and hospital factors. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models examined predictors of AEs and MEs. RESULTS:: An AE was identified in 14.5% of hospitalizations (95% confidence interval [CI]=11.7-17.9), and an ME was identified in 9.0% (CI=7.5-11.0). In adjusted analyses, patients with a longer length of stay and older patients had higher odds of experiencing an AE or an ME. Patients ages 31-42 (compared with ages 18-30), with commercial insurance (compared with Medicare or Medicaid or uninsured), or treated at high-volume hospitals (compared with low, medium, or very high) had lower odds of an AE. Patients age 54 or older (compared with ages 18-30), admitted during the weekend, admitted to rural hospitals (compared with urban), or treated at very-high-volume hospitals (compared with high) were more likely to experience an ME. CONCLUSIONS:: This study provides insight into factors that put patients and hospitals at increased risk of patient safety events. This information can be used to tailor improvement strategies that enhance the safety of patients treated on general hospital psychiatric units.

INTRODUCTION: Anaemia during chemotherapy is often left untreated. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are frequently used to treat overt anaemia. Their prophylactic use, however, remains controversial and raises concerns about cost-effectiveness. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of a dose-reduction schedule in anaemia prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included patients with untreated solid tumours about to receive platinum-based chemotherapy and had haemoglobin (Hb) levels ≥11 g/dL. Epoetin-α was administered at a dose level of 3 × 10,000 U weekly as soon as Hb descended to < 13 g/dL. Dose reductions to 3 × 4,000 U and 3 × 2,000 U weekly were planned in 4-week intervals if Hb stabilised in the range of 11-13 g/dL. Upon ascending to ≥13 g/dL, epoetin was discontinued. Iron supplements of 100 mg intravenous doses were given weekly. Of 37 patients who enrolled, 33 could be evaluated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Their median Hb level was 13.7 (10.9-16.2) g/dL at baseline and descended to 11.0 (7.4-13.8) g/dL by the end of chemotherapy. Anaemia (Hb < 10 g/dL) was prevented in 24 patients (73%). The mean dose requirement for epoetin-α was 3 × 5,866 U per week per patient, representing a dose reduction of 41%. Treatment failed in nine patients (27%), in part due to epoetin-α resistance in four (12%) and blood transfusion in three (9%) patients. CONCLUSION: Dose reduction was as effective as fixed doses in anaemia prophylaxis but reduced the amount of prescribed epoetin substantially.

Alterations in microvascular flow caused by hyperviscosity or thrombosis can lead to neurological symptoms. Sustained reduction in flow may produce permanent central nervous system injury. Chronic hematologic disorders which may produce hyper-viscosity syndromes include multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. More ominous, because of their abrupt and potentially catastrophic onset, are the microvascular thrombotic disorders thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Prompt recognition that the neurological findings are of hematologic origin is necessary for reversal of symptoms.

This work presents a new type of transparent conductive adhesive and its electrical and optical properties with regards to an application in III–V on Silicon tandem solar cells. The developed adhesive is based on a doped ZnO and deposited by spray coating. The optical interconnection of the two sub-cells is identified as one of the major challenges due to the reflectance at the bond and possible approaches to reduce the reflectance are investigated by optical simulations. Regarding the electrical interconnection, an ITO-based contact layer reduced the lowest measured connecting resistivity from previously 17 Ω·cm² [1] down to 0.12 Ω·cm². It is shown that the homogeneity of the bond correlates with its conductivity and can be improved by adjusting the glueing process according to the calcination process of the adhesive. Taking both the electrical and optical parameters of the transparent conductive adhesive into account, the efficiency of a triple junction solar cell was estimated.