bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Release of powdery or granular substances from intact dangerous goods bags during road transport—Analysis of the causes and development of a test concept
Authors: Schlick‐Hasper Eva , Bruchno Martin , Goedecke Thomas 
Published: May 2021

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.
Sarcopenia diagnosis: comparison of automated with manual computed tomography segmentation in clinical routine
Authors: Caudron Louise , Bussy Alexandre , Artemova Svetlana , Charrière Katia , El Lakkiss Salma , Moreau‐Gaudry Alexandre , Bosson Jean‐Luc , Ferretti Gilbert R. , Fontaine Eric , Bétry Cécile 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCross‐sectional muscle area (CSMA) at the mid third lumbar vertebra (L3) can be used for sarcopenia diagnosis. The measurement of CSMA is time‐consuming and thus restricted to clinical research. We aimed to compare the automatic module ABACS (Automatic Body composition Analyser using Computed tomography image Segmentation software) with manual segmentation for CSMA assessment into clinical routine.MethodsThe study population was screened retrospectively from a computed tomography‐scan (CT‐scan) database. All consecutive participants, hospitalized at the Grenoble University Hospital (CHU Grenoble Alpes) between January and May 2018, and with an abdominal CT‐scan including sagittal reconstruction were included. The software SliceOmatic complemented with the module ABACS (ABACS‐SliceOmatic) was compared with the software ImageJ. Their agreement was determined using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and visualized in Bland–Altman plots for the CSMA measurement or with Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) for sarcopenia status.ResultsData from 680 participants were analysed (mean age 59 ± 19 years, %females: 45.7). The concordance correlation coefficient between both types of software was 0.93 (CI95%: 0.92 to 0.94). Mean CSMA was significantly higher with ABACS‐SliceOmatic (mean difference: 6.51 ± 10.50 cm2; P < 0.001). Kappa agreement for sarcopenia diagnosis was moderate: 0.68 (CI95%: 0.62–0.74) and 0.71 (CI95%: 0.65–0.76) for Prado's and Derstine's definitions, respectively.ConclusionsABACS‐SliceOmatic has moderate agreement with the manual software ImageJ in a routine clinical database. Our work suggests that ABACS‐SliceOmatic should be used with caution in clinical practice. To improve its reliability, we suggest to manually validate the automatic segmentation.
Ultrasonic humidifier lung as a mimic of COVID‐19
Authors: Ro Shosei , Imai Ryosuke , Kitamura Atsushi , Jinta Torahiko , Nishimura Naoki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractChest computed tomography (CT) has been used to complement coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosis due to its high sensitivity. However, owing to the low specificity of CT findings, differential diagnosis is essential. The typical CT findings of COVID‐19 include ground‐glass opacifications and consolidations with predominant distribution in bilateral, peripheral, and subpleural parts of the lung. These imaging findings are non‐specific and may resemble other lung conditions, including ultrasonic humidifier lung, which is a condition that develops on inhaling aerosols generated by ultrasonic humidifiers. We present two patients with initial symptoms similar to COVID‐19. CT examination revealed centrilobular nodules and consolidations with upper lobe‐predominant distribution, although atypical for COVID‐19, but key findings for ultrasonic humidifier lung. Therefore, ultrasonic humidifier lung could be a differential diagnosis for COVID‐19 in dry environments. Characteristic CT findings and a history of ultrasonic humidifier use are critical to the final diagnosis.
Robotic‐assisted surgery for complicated and uncomplicated diverticulitis: A single‐surgeon case‐series comparison
Authors: Lai Debra , Horsey Michael L. , Habboosh Noor , Pudalov Natalie , Parascandola Salvatore A. , Hota Salini , Slami Abdullah al , Obias Vincent 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRobotic‐assisted techniques in colorectal surgery have dramatically increased. Comparative data on the management of uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis using robotics is lacking. The purpose of this study is to examine outcomes of patients who underwent robotic‐assisted resection in diverticulitis.MethodsA prospectively maintained database performed by a single surgeon was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent robotic‐assisted surgery (RAS) for diverticulitis from October 2009 to November 2018. Demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were assessed using χ2 or Fisher exact test with p values <0.05 considered significant. IRB approval was obtained for this study, #NCR190935.ResultsComparison revealed significant differences in operative times (222 vs. 291 min, p < 0.00001), mean estimated blood loss (130 vs. 304 cc, p = 0.0003) and mean length of stay (3.9 vs. 5.0 days, p = 0.006). Low rates of postoperative complications were observed, with no significant differences noted for conversion to laparoscopy, surgical site infection, leak, intra‐abdominal abscess, 30‐day unplanned readmission or recurrence.ConclusionPatients with complicated diverticulitis required longer operative time, had increased estimated blood loss and more often converted to an open procedure; however, overall rates of post‐operative complications were low in both groups. RAS shows promise for use in complicated diverticulitis.
Temperature dependent viral tropism: understanding viral seasonality and pathogenicity as applied to the avoidance and treatment of endemic viral respiratory illnesses
Authors: Shaw Stewart Patrick D. , Bach Julia L. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThis review seeks to explain three features of viral respiratory illnesses that have perplexed generations of virologists: (1) the seasonal timing of respiratory illness and the rapid response of outbreaks to weather, specifically temperature; (2) the common viruses causing respiratory illness worldwide, including year‐round disease in the Tropics; (3) the rapid arrival and termination of epidemics caused by influenza and other viruses. The inadequacy of the popular explanations of seasonality is discussed, and a simple hypothesis is proposed, called temperature dependent viral tropism (TDVT), that is compatible with the above features of respiratory illness. TDVT notes that viruses can spread more effectively if theymoderatetheir pathogenicity (thereby maintaining host mobility) and suggests that endemic respiratory viruses accomplish this by developing thermal sensitivity within a range that supports organ‐specific viral tropism within the human body, whereby they replicate most rapidly attemperatures below body temperature. This can confine them to the upper respiratory tract and allow them to avoid infecting the lungs, heart, gut etc. Biochemical and tissue‐culture studies show that ‘wild’ respiratory viruses show such natural thermal sensitivity. The typical early autumn surge of colds and the occurrence of respiratory illness in the Tropics year‐round at intermediate levels are explained by the tendency for strains to adapt their thermal sensitivity to their local climate and season. TDVT has important practical implications for preventing and treating respiratory illness including Covid‐19. It is testable with many options for experiments to increase our understanding of viral seasonality and pathogenicity.
How can the waste management sector contribute to overcoming barriers to the circular economy?
Authors: Arena Marika , Azzone Giovanni , Grecchi Manuela , Piantoni Giulia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper contributes to an emerging literature stream advocating the multifaceted involvement of the waste management sector in supporting the up‐scaling of the circular economy (CE). It explores the role of waste collection and recycling platforms in overcoming various barriers to CE implementation, inductively analyzing the case of postconsumer wood in Italy. Data were collected from multiple sources: interviews with 33 informants, participation in project meetings, site visits, and public and private documents. The case shows how waste collection platforms can perform different activities that can help address cultural, regulatory, market, and technological barriers. First, these platforms can contribute to stimulating demand for postconsumer wood, carrying out information and communication activities, and fostering the development of a positive image of the recovered material. Second, the platforms can contribute to defining and implementing the conditions to enable the activation of recycling processes.
DNA as a Natural Flame Retardant for Cellulose Acetate Polymer Mixtures
Authors: Koedel Justus , Seibt Sebastian , Callsen Christoph , Puchtler Florian , Weise Markus , Weidinger Andy , Altstaedt Volker , Ruckdäschel Holger , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe combustion properties of natural DNA mixed with the nature‐derived thermoplastic cellulose acetate (CA) were determined. The flame retarding properties of DNA in mixtures with CA were significant and concentration dependent, the higher the DNA content the better the flame retardation. Ammonia was detected during the heating of CA‐DNA mixtures. In contrast, carbon monoxide (CO) formation was distinctly reduced during combustion of the CA mixtures with DNA when compared with pure CA. Thus, DNA can be considered as a natural and re‐growing polymeric flame‐retardant for versatile applications of CA‐based thermoplastic polymers in order to form eco‐friendly polymer mixtures.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bionanomaterials and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and DNA Cleavage Activities
Authors: Tarhan Tuba , Dündar Abdurrahman , Okumuş Veysi , Çulha Mustafa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, the hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) (1), poly‐levodopa (P‐L(DP) (2), P‐L(DP) coated hBN (hBN@P(L‐DP)) (3), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated hBN@P(L‐DP) (hBN@P(L‐DP)‐AgNPs) (4) were synthesized and characterized by multiple spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, their biological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and DNA cleavage activities were determined. It is worth noting that, products 3 and 4 were newly synthesized structures. The antioxidant activities of all the nanomaterials 1, 2, 3, and 4 nanomaterials were investigated using some tests such as DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and reducing power ability. Among the synthesized nanomaterials, product 2 exhibited the highest radical scavenging (64.8±1.94 %) and reducing power activity (0.61±0.017) at a concentration of 200 mg L−1. Product 4 was determined to have antibacterial activity against all three Gram‐positive and three Gram‐negative test bacteria. In addition, all the nanomaterials were tested for cleavage activity using pBR 322 plasmid DNA, as a result of which it was determined that only product 4 showed the ability of cleavage from both chains of DNA.
Piperazinium Nano Silica Sulfonate: An Efficient Catalyst for the Hantzsch Reaction
Authors: Mousapour Maryam , Shirini Farhad 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPiperazinium nano silica sulfonate (PNSS) is simply prepared by the reaction of piperazine with nano sized silica sulfuric acid. After preparation it was completely characterized using different techniques including FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, FESEM, EDS and TEM analysis. In continue PNSS was efficiently used for the promotion of the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines and 1,8‐dioxo‐decahydroacridines through unsymmetrical and symmetrical Hantzsch condensation reaction. High yields, short reaction times, ease of preparation and reusability of the catalyst, easy work‐up procedure and solvent‐free conditions are among the most important advantages of this method.
A New Triterpene, Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activities of Hedyotis uncinella
Authors: Liu Ling‐Fei , Assani Israa , Wang Chun‐Gu , Chen Lei , Sun Bo , Li Yan , Chen Zhi , Liao Zhi‐Xin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA new triterpene, 3‐formyl‐oleanolic acid (1), with ten known compounds (2–11) were isolated from the whole dried plant of Hedyotis uncinella Hook. et Arn. The structures of all compounds were determined by various spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant activities and the antiproliferative activities were evaluated. The results provided insight into the antioxidant and anticancer components of Hedyotis uncinella in further development and research.
Conductive PNIPAM/CMCS/MWCNT/PANI hydrogel with temperature, pressure and pH sensitivity
Authors: Zhan Tianyu , Xie Houpeng , Mao Jie , Wang Sui , Hu Yufang , Guo Zhiyong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this work, a temperature‐sensitive conductive hybrid hydrogel is prepared by in situ polymerization on MWCNT reinforced PNIPAM/CMCS hydrogels. MWCNT and PANI combined the PNIPAM/CMCS matrix with physical and chemical crosslinking that improved the stiffness and elasticity of hydrogel. Due to good mechanical stretchability, high electrical conductivity, thermal responsiveness and pH sensitivity, this hydrogel has potential in the application of wearable devices, temperature sensitive sensor and pH detector.Polymer hydrogels with stimulus‐response characteristics with good electrical properties have great potential in electrical, electrochemical, and biomedical devices. Here, a temperature‐sensitive conductive hybrid hydrogel is prepared using in‐situ polymerized polyaniline (PANI) on PNIPAM/CMCS/MWCNT hydrogel substrate. The network of physical and chemical crosslinking endows the PNIPAM/CMCS/MWCNT/PANI hydrogel with highly porous structures, which greatly enhances the mechanical properties and enhances the stability. The hybrid hydrogel as a strain sensor shows high sensitivity (gauge factor 3.603) and outstanding linear dependence of sensitivity on strain. The hybrid hydrogels can be used to construct highly sensitive temperature alertor based on circuit disconnection caused by volume shrinkage at high temperatures. Moreover, the hybrid hydrogels can also be used as pH sensor to monitor changes of acid and alkali in the solution.
Strategies for Constructing and Operating DNA Origami Linear Actuators
Authors: Benson Erik , Carrascosa Marzo Rafael , Bath Jonathan , Turberfield Andrew J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLinear actuators are ubiquitous components at all scales of engineering. DNA nanotechnology offers a unique opportunity for bottom‐up assembly at the molecular scale, providing nanoscale precision with multiple methods for constructing and operating devices. In this paper, DNA origami linear actuators with up to 200 nm travel, based on a rail threading a topologically locked slider, are demonstrated. Two strategies, one‐ and two‐pot assembly, are demonstrated whereby the two components are folded from one or two DNA scaffold strands, respectively. In order to control the position of the slider on the rail, the rail and the inside of the slider are decorated with single‐stranded oligonucleotides with distinct sequences. Two positioning strategies, based on diffusion and capture of signaling strands, are used to link the slider reversibly to determined positions on the rail with high yield and precision. These machine components provide a basis for applications in molecular machinery and nanoscale manufacture including programmed chemical synthesis.
Learning Quantitative Literacy: A Sixth‐Grade Disciplinary Literacy Unit
Authors: Brock Cynthia H. , Wiest Lynda R. , Thrailkill Laurie (Darian) 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, we focused on the implementation of a disciplinary literacy inquiry unit with a group of sixth‐grade students. Guided by us, students learned about a local budgetary crisis, researched subtopics of interest to them (e.g., the effect of budget cuts on school athletics), and then wrote letters to their state’s governor sharing their concerns and striving to persuade him about their concerns when making budgetary decisions. These letters then became part of the public sphere through local news coverage. Our purpose in this article is to share and critique the implementation of a unit that was embedded in an authentic context.
Schistosoma mansoni and soil transmtted helminths in olive baboons and potential zoonosis
Authors: Fredrick Maloba , Danson Mwangi , John Kagira , Stanislaus Kivai , David Ndeereh , Maina Ngotho , Michael Gicheru , Suleiman Mbaruk , Mercy Akinyi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractZoonotic pathogens are among the most important causes of ill health all over the world. The presence of these pathogens in free ranging baboons may have significant implications for humans. In Kenya, the encroachment of wildlife habitats has led to increased interaction between humans and wildlife especially non‐human primates. The current study therefore aimed at investigating any possible zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at the human–wildlife interface in two park borders and a ranch in Kenya, namely, Tsavo West National Park, Tana River Primate Reserve and Mutara Ranch, Laikipia, Kenya. One hundred and forty‐seven baboons were used in the study. They were trapped in the wild, sampled for stool marked and then released back to the wild. Gastrointestinal (GIT) helminths identified were Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum, Enterobius spp and Trichuris Trichiura from all the three sites while Schistosoma mansoni was only detected from Tsavo baboons and with very low incidence (2.1%). The prevalence of these parasites varied among the sites but significant difference in prevalence was only noted in Strongyloides and Oesophagostomum (p < 0.05) among the three sites. This therefore implies that even with control measures instituted on the human population, baboons will always be a source of zoonotic GIT helminths especially S. mansoni even if the incidence are low. There is need to put in place measures aiming to reduce their interactions with humans and also try to control these infections in the baboons.
Wind tunnel experiments on a NACA 633‐418 airfoil with different types of leading edge roughness
Authors: Krog Kruse Emil , Bak Christian , Olsen Anders Smærup 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe NACA 633‐418 airfoil has been tested in the new Poul la Cour Wind Tunnel at the Technical University of Denmark, Risø campus, to expand the publicly available data of airfoils with leading edge roughness. The airfoil was constructed with an exchangeable leading edge. The clean airfoil showed good agreement with results from other high‐quality wind tunnels. The airfoil was equipped with three heights of zigzag tape, a trip strip, three sandpaper types, and leading edge cavities with different modifications. In general, increasing zigzag tape heights reduce the maximum lift, whereas the increase in drag is less affected by the zigzag tape height. Almost the same reduction in maximum lift is seen for the different sandpaper types. However, the drag increases with the coarseness of the sandpaper. The highest zigzag tape and coarsest sandpaper resulted in the highest penalty on the aerodynamics. A combination of sandpaper and cavities showed the largest reduction in maximum lift and the highest increase in drag.
The Impact of United Kingdom and Malaysia's Inherent Health Systems on Their COVID‐19 Responses: A Comparison of Containment Strategies
Authors: Allaham Shereen , Demel Isabel‐Cathérine , Nur Intesar , Abu Salim Faizul Nizam , Manikam Logan 
Published: May 2021

In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID‐19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Given the novelty of the virus, and hence, lack of official guidance on effective containment strategies, individual countries opted for different containment approaches ranging from herd immunity to strict lockdown. The opposing strategies followed by the United Kingdom and its former colony, Malaysia, stand exemplary for this. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was implemented for testing in both counties. Malaysia acted with strict quarantining rules and infection surveillance. The United Kingdom followed an initially lenient, herd‐immunity approach with strict lockdown only enforced weeks later. Although based on the same health‐care structure historically, Malaysia developed a more unified health system compared with the United Kingdom. We suggest that this more centralized structure could be one possible explanation for why Malaysia was able to react in a more timely and efficient manner, despite its closer geographic proximity to China. We further explore how the differences in testing and quarantining strategy, as well as political situation and societal compliance could account for the discrepancy in the United Kingdom's versus Malaysia's relative success of COVID‐19 containment.
Nanoparticle‐based applications for cervical cancer treatment in drug delivery, gene editing, and therapeutic cancer vaccines
Authors: Zhou Peijie , Liu Wei , Cheng Yong , Qian Dong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCervical cancer is a leading cause of gynecological tumor related deaths worldwide. The applications of conventional approaches such as chemoradiotherapy and surgery are restricted due to their side effects and drug resistances. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as novel choices, their clinical response rates are rather limited. To date there is a lack of effective treatment regimens for patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. Recently nanomaterials like liposomes, dendrimers, and polymers are considered as promising delivery carriers with advantages of tumor‐specific administration, reduced toxicity, and improved biocompatibility. Here, we review the applications of nanoparticles in the fields of drug delivery, CRISPR based genome‐editing and therapeutic vaccines in cervical cancer treatment.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease