bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost effectiveness of guideline advice for children with asthma: A literature review
Authors: Feenstra Talitha L. , Rutten‐van Mölken Maureen P.M.H. , Jager Johannes C. , van Essen‐Zandvliet Liesbeth E.M. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractAsthma is an important chronic disease among children. This study reviews the cost effectiveness of interventions in the long‐term care of asthmatic children and compares these results with treatment advice in four current guidelines. Cost‐effectiveness studies were searched for in Medline, Embase, Healthstar, Biosis, and the Office of Health Economics‐Health Economic Evaluations Database (OHE‐HEED), and the Cochrane Library was searched for meta‐analyses of clinical trials.In the four reviewed guidelines, cost effectiveness is not explicitly used as a criterion. The cost‐effectiveness studies show sufficient evidence for the cost effectiveness of treatment with inhaled steroids and for self‐management programs for severe asthmatic patients. Inclusion of these results in the guidelines would not lead to significant changes in current treatment advice. The effectiveness of various measures for trigger avoidance is not fully proven, and hence neither is their cost effectiveness. Available information on the cost effectiveness of cromolyn could be used to focus the guidelines. Finally, evidence exists that organizational interventions, e.g., the employment of asthma nurses, can result in cost savings, but it is unclear to what extent these results can be generalized.More cost‐effectiveness studies are needed, especially on long‐acting bronchodilators and self‐management programs for mild and moderate asthma, in order to help make the guidelines more informative and reduce the differences between them. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:442–454. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution in allele frequencies of predisposition‐to‐atopy genotypes in Chinese children
Authors: Leung T.F. , Tang N.L.S. , Chan I.H.S. , Li A.M. , Ha G. , Lam C.W.K. , Fok T.F. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractAsthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood; it is caused by a complex interaction between genetic factors and exposure to environmental allergens and irritants. Previous studies using the candidate gene approach showed that asthma was linked to a number of susceptibility genetic loci in Caucasian subjects. There are, however, only a few studies on asthma predisposition genes in the Chinese population. We studied the distribution of allele frequencies of I50V for the interleukin‐4 receptor, two polymorphisms in intron 2 and exon 7 for the high‐affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI‐β), R16G and E27Q for the β2‐adrenoceptor ,and R275Q (824G/A) for CC chemokine receptor 3 in Chinese children.Seventy‐six patients, with a mean age of 10.6 years, and 70 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, were studied. Significantly more subjects in the asthma group had specific IgE antibodies against environmental allergens (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 9.82). Genotyping of the six genetic markers showed that none of the six polymorphisms was associated with asthma in this cohort. The allele frequencies of I50V, R16G, and E27Q in our population were similar to those published for Asian subjects but not Caucasians. The R275Q substitution was a rare finding in our study and in the published reports.Our results demonstrate ethnic differences in polymorphisms of atopy candidate genes. Additional studies involving larger samples are required to investigate the association between asthma or atopy and the genotypes studied to date in Chinese children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:419–424. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TECHNOLOGY CHOICES FOR SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION: TRANSITIONS IN METAL MAKING
Authors: MOORS ELLEN H.M. , VERGRAGT PHILIP J. 
Published: November 2002

Many firms have been taking up the environmental challenge, primarily by implementing incremental technological changes in their production systems. We believe that incremental innovations are no longer enough. Instead, radical innovations in industrial production are necessary for achieving high-level sustainability goals. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to assess how industrial production can be managed towards sustainability goals, by focusing on technological innovations of large-scale, process-oriented firms. We focus on technology choice processes at the micro level that lead to innovations in the metals production industry. Insights into these choice processes could inform policy for promoting more sustainable industrial production. We first conceptualise "incremental" and "radical" innovations according to a technological criterion. Next, a systems-network conceptual framework is presented and applied to the analysis of technology choice processes within two steel producing firms. We argue that the awareness of a crisis, due to increased external pressures upon the production system, is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for radical innovations to be developed and implemented. Furthermore, the availability of a mature firm-internal technology network is a necessary (but not always sufficient) condition for the development of radical innovations. Heterogeneous, informal interactions with firm-external actors are also important. A high degree of technical or organisational embeddedness of the industrial production system seems to complicate the implementation of radical innovations. These options are often implemented when firms are growing. The empirical studies and conceptual framework generate conclusions about policy interventions aimed at transition to radical innovations. These interventions should be focused on the sensitivity of large firms to external pressure. In addition, more outsiders should be enrolled in the technology networks within firms. Further, the firm management should reinforce existing, firm-internal technology networks by including a high density of heterogeneous specialists. Finally, governments should tune their technology policy on business expanding programs.
Wrapping Up Greenhouse Gas Emissions An Assessment of GHG Emission Reduction Related to Efficient Packaging Use: An Assessment of GHG Emission Reduction Related to Efficient Packaging Use
Authors: Hekkert Marko P. , Gielen Dolf J. , Worrell Ernst , Turkenburg Wim C. 
Published: November 2002

SummaryThe use of packaging materials results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through production and transport of materials and packaging and through end‐of‐life management. In this article, we investigate the potential reduction of GHGs that are related to packaging. For this purpose, we use the dynamic MATTER‐MARKAL model in which the western European energy and materials system is modeled. The results show that GHGs related to packaging can technically be reduced by up to 58% in the period 1995–2030. Current European packaging directives will result in a 10% emission reduction. Cost‐effective improved material management 1 that includes lightweighting, reusable packages, material recycling, and related strategies can contribute a 22% GHG emission reduction. An additional 13% reduction becomes cost effective when a GHG emission penalty of 100 euros per metric ton 2 (EUR/ton) is introduced (1 EUR 0.9 USD). Generally speaking, improved material management dominates the gains that can be achieved without a penalty or with low GHG emission penalties (up to 100 EUR/ton CO2 equivalent). By contrast, the reduction of emissions in materials production and waste handling dominate when high GHG penalties are applied (between 100 and 500 EUR/ton CO2 equivalent). Given the significant technical potential and the low costs, more attention should be paid to material efficiency improvement in GHG emission reduction strategies.
Does It Really Pay to Be Green? An Empirical Study of Firm Environmental and Financial Performance: An Empirical Study of Firm Environmental and Financial Performance
Authors: King Andrew A. , Lenox Michael J. 
Published: November 2002

SummaryPrevious empirical work suggests that firms with high environmental performance tend to be profitable, but questions persist about the nature of the relationship. Does stronger environmental performance really lead to better financial performance, or is the observed relationship the outcome of some other underlying firm attribute? Does it pay to have cleanrunning facilities or to have facilities in relatively clean industries? To explore these questions, we analyze 652 U.S. manufacturing firms over the time period 1987–1996. Although we find evidence of an association between lower pollution and higher financial valuation, we find that a firm's fixed characteristics and strategic position might cause this association. Our findings suggest that “When does it pay to be green?” may be a more important question than “Does it pay to be green?”
Survival in second primary malignancies of patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Di Martino Ercole , Sellhaus Bernd , Hausmann Ralf , Minkenberg Ralf , Lohmann Melanie , Esthofen Martin W 
Published: November 2002

Second primary tumours occur frequently in patients with a history of head and neck malignancies. Delays in making an early and correct diagnosis can seriously affect the therapy management and survival.This was a retrospective study of 120 patients with a history of head and neck cancer, presenting with a second primary tumour. Current follow-up strategies and the use of routine sonographic imaging of the head and neck regions were evaluated, and the impact that tumour chronology, the tumour site and the various treatment modalities have on the survival were assessed. Forty-two per cent of patients developed a metachronous second malignancy more than five years after diagnosis of the index tumour. The accuracy of colour-duplex sonography in detection of second primaries in the head and neck was 82.3 per cent. First and second primary tumours located in the larynx were observed to have the highest five-year survival rate. Patients who developed metachronous tumours had a five-year survival rate of 68.9 per cent for the index tumours, and a 26 per cent five-year survival rate with the occurrence of a second neoplasm. With synchronous tumours a mean survival time of 18 months and a five-year survival rate of 11.9 per cent was found (p < 0.0001). Where clinically appropriate an aggressive treatment strategy was employed and yielded the most favourable results with a five-year survival rate of 66.8 per cent and 35.9 per cent for index tumours and second primary malignancies, respectively.Since more than 40 per cent of the metachronous second primaries in patients with a history of head and neck malignancy occur beyond the five-year follow-up period, an extended protocol with individually adjusted close monitoring of high-risk patients seems appropriate. Colour-duplex sonography is a valuable screening investigation for the early detection of second primary tumours. The treatment of a second primary is often less successful than for the same malignancy occurring primarily. The prognosis of synchronous tumours is significantly lower when compared to malignancies of a metachronous nature, despite some encouraging individual results. Only the early implementation of aggressive treatment methods for second primaries is successful in terms of survival.
Liquid Piezoelectric Materials: Linear Electromechanical Effect in Fluid Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Máthé Marcell Tibor , Himel Md Sakhawat Hossain , Adaka Alex , Gleeson James T. , Sprunt Samuel , Salamon Péter , Jákli Antal 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe first demonstration of converse piezoelectricity in 3D fluids is presented by measuring a linear electromechanical effect in ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals. The observed piezoelectric coupling constant below 6 kHz electric field is larger than 1 nC/N, comparable to, or better than, values for the strongest solid piezoelectric materials. Symmetry considerations indicate that the alignment of the ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal in the experimental study is not optimized, so the observed signal is likely only a fraction of the theoretically achievable signal. Understanding the electromechanical response of ferroelectric nematics will enable mechanical energy harvesting and open up a new avenue for developing fluid actuators, micro positioners, and electrically tunable optical lenses.
Insights into Targeted and Stimulus‐Responsive Nanocarriers for Brain Cancer Treatment
Authors: Abousalman‐Rezvani Zahra , Refaat Ahmed , Dehghankelishadi Pouya , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Esser Lars , Voelcker Nicolas H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBrain cancers, especially glioblastoma multiforme, are associated with poor prognosis due to the limited efficacy of current therapies. Nanomedicine has emerged as a versatile technology to treat various diseases, including cancers, and has played an indispensable role in combatting the COVID‐19 pandemic as evidenced by the role that lipid nanocarrier‐based vaccines have played. The tunability of nanocarrier physicochemical properties —including size, shape, surface chemistry, and drug release kinetics— has resulted in the development of a wide range of nanocarriers for brain cancer treatment. These nanocarriers can improve the pharmacokinetics of drugs, increase blood‐brain barrier transfer efficiency, and specifically target brain cancer cells. These unique features would potentially allow for more efficient treatment of brain cancer with fewer side effects and better therapeutic outcomes. This review provides an overview of brain cancers, current therapeutic options, and challenges to efficient brain cancer treatment. The latest advances in nanomedicine strategies are investigated with an emphasis on targeted and stimulus‐responsive nanocarriers and their potential for clinical translation.
Flexible Artificial Mechanoreceptor Based on Microwave Annealed Morphotropic Phase Boundary of HfxZr1‐xO2 Thin Film
Authors: Jung Minhyun , Kim Seungyeob , Hwang Junghyeon , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Yunjeong , Ahn Jinho , Jeon Sanghun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe development of artificial tactile receptor systems is important in the fields of prosthetic devices, interfaces for the metaverse, and sensors. A pressure sensor and memory device may be used in this system to replicate the tactile detecting capabilities of human skin. The implementation of systems that take into account mass production and miniaturization is still difficult. Here, a flexible artificial tactile receptor built using conventional semiconductor processes that combine a vertically stacked piezoelectric sensor with neuromorphic memory is presented. As a fundamental component for both sensors and memory, hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) formed by using semiconductor deposition technique is introduced. Due to its exceptional piezoelectric performance, the morphotropic phase boundary of HZO is studied. The entire materials and processes are highly compatible with conventional semiconductor processes, including microwave annealing‐based low‐temperature crystallization. Even after 10,000 times of bending stress, the sensor and memory constructed on a flexible substrate exhibit consistent pressure detection characteristics over a wide range of 2–25 kPa. The feasibility of the approach is further demonstrated by a deep neural network simulation, which reached 90.8% braille recognition accuracy. Wearable electronics and medical devices are two examples of industrial domains that can use these flexible, exceptionally durable devices.
A High‐Efficiency Bioorthogonal Tumor‐Membrane Reactor for In Situ Selective and Sustained Prodrug Activation
Authors: Ma Yu , Zhou Yunyun , Long Jiaqin , Sun Qi , Luo Zijiang , Wang Wenjie , Hou Ting , Yin Li , Zhao Lingzhi , Peng Juanjuan , Ding Ya 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe site‐specific activation of bioorthogonal prodrugs has provided great opportunities for reducing the severe side effects of chemotherapy. However, the precise control of activation location, sustained drug production at the target site, and high bioorthogonal reaction efficiency in vivo remain great challenges. Here, we propose the construction of tumor cell membrane reactors in vivo to solve the above problems. Specifically, tumor‐targeted liposomes with efficient membrane fusion capabilities are generated to install the bioorthogonal trigger, the amphiphilic tetrazine derivative, on the surface of tumor cells. These predecorated tumor cells act as many living reactors, transforming the tumor into a “drug factory” that in situ activates an externally delivered bioorthogonal prodrug, for example intratumorally injected transcyclooctene‐caged doxorubicin. In contrast to the rapid elimination of cargo that is encapsulated and delivered by liposomes, these reactors permit stable retention of bioorthogonal triggers in tumor for 96 h after a single dose of liposomes via intravenous injection, allowing sustained generation of doxorubicin. Interestingly, an additional supplement of liposomes will compensate for the trigger consumed by the reaction and significantly improve the efficiency of the local reaction. This strategy provides a solution to the efficacy versus safety dilemma of tumor chemotherapy.
Synthesis and surface modification of sunflower oil‐based non‐isocyanate polyurethane: Physicochemical and antibacterial properties
Authors: del Pilar Maya María , Torres Susana , Gartner Carmiña 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this work, non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) films are synthesized from sunflower oil (SFO) with the object of using a renewable resource and establishing a nonpolluting process. SFO also has the advantage of having a higher level of unsaturation than other commercial oils, which provides more reactive sites to be chemically modified. This feature enables a higher degree of conversion to the two monomers, cyclocarbonate, and polyamine‐polyol. NIPU is obtained from their mixture and further crosslinking at 90°C allows the films with suitable mechanical properties to be used in biomedical applications. However, NIPU does not show antibacterial activity, so the surface must be modified. Two methods are used: layer‐by‐layer coating of alginate‐chitosan, and immersion in tea tree oil (TTO), previously activating the surface with acrylic acid (AANIPU). Surface modifications are confirmed by increased hydrophilicity, thermochemical changes, and a drop in mechanical performance. TTO on NIPU films inhibits bacterial growth against S. aureus and E. Coli. NIPU and AANIPU can be accepted as noncytotoxic, while incorporation of the two agents can produce cytotoxicity. No previous reports of such modifications have been found on NIPU films, which appear as promising alternatives for biomedical applications.
Impact on casting die diameter size on microstructure and fractographic studies of Al2024 alloy reinforced with fly ash and SiC hybrid composites
Authors: Kumar Subbaraya M. , Konanur Vishwanathaiah Mahendra , Achuta Roa Bharatish , Basavanappa Manjunath , Namadev Nagaraj , Nagaral Madeva 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe development of metal matrix composites is important for industrial applications that require lightweight materials with high strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. In this investigation, Al2024 alloy was reinforced with fly ash and silicon (SiC) carbide hybrid composites using the stir‐squeeze cast technique. Two sets of composites were fabricated: one with 3 wt% fly ash and 3 wt% SiC, and the other with 3 wt% fly ash, 5 wt% SiC, and 3 wt% fly ash, 7 wt% SiC The composites were prepared using 25 and 75 mm diameter dies. Microstructural characterization of the specimens was performed using scanning electron microscope, X‐ray powder diffraction, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. Mechanical properties, such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and hardness, were determined according to American Society for Testing and Materials standards. The hybrid composites fabricated in the 25 mm diameter cast iron molds exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to those prepared in the 75 mm diameter molds. The addition of fly ash and SiC particulates enhanced the mechanical properties of the Al2024 alloy. These composites showed improved strength, toughness, and ductility.
Combatting conspiracies in the classroom: Teacher strategies and perceived outcomes
Authors: Jerome Lee , Kisby Ben , McKay Steve 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article draws on data from a specially commissioned representative survey, which elicited responses from 7691 teachers in primary and secondary schools in England, to examine how teachers perceive young people's engagement with a variety of different conspiracy theories in school settings and how they respond to them. Approximately 40% of teachers report encountering students who supported conspiracy theories. In response, teachers use a wide range of contradictory strategies, including opening up discussion, closing it down, challenging students in class and reporting individuals as safeguarding concerns. The research evidence suggests that several of these strategies are likely to be ineffective or even backfire to reinforce conspiracy thinking. Unsurprisingly then, few teachers report successful responses. The article concludes that the evidence of possible negative impacts of unprepared teachers confronting conspiracy theories at school means that teachers need to be better equipped through training, support and further research.
Harnessing tumor‐derived exosomes: A promising approach for the expansion of clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic outcome of prostate cancer
Authors: Pirouzpanah Mohammad‐Bagher , Babaie Soraya , Pourzeinali Samira , Valizadeh Hamed , Malekeh Samira , Şahin Fikrettin , Farshbaf‐Khalili Azizeh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractProstate cancer is the second leading cause of men's death worldwide. Although early diagnosis and therapy for localized prostate cancer have improved, the majority of men with metastatic disease die from prostate cancer annually. Therefore, identification of the cellular‐molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of prostate cancer is essential for overcoming controlled proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that mediate most cells' interactions and contain membrane proteins, cytosolic and nuclear proteins, extracellular matrix proteins, lipids, metabolites, and nucleic acids. Exosomes play an essential role in paracrine pathways, potentially influencing Prostate cancer progression through a wide variety of mechanisms. In the present review, we outline and discuss recent progress in our understanding of the role of exosomes in the Prostate cancer microenvironment, like their involvement in prostate cancer occurrence, progression, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance. We also present the latest findings regarding the function of exosomes as biomarkers, direct therapeutic targets in prostate cancer, and the challenges and advantages associated with using exosomes as natural carriers and in exosome‐based immunotherapy. These findings are a promising avenue for the expansion of potential clinical approaches.