bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrospun nanofibers for drug delivery applications: Methods and mechanism
Authors: Abdul Hameed Meera Moydeen , Mohamed Khan Syed Ali Padusha , Thamer Badr M. , Rajkumar Nirmala , El‐Hamshary Hany , El‐Newehy Mohamed 
Published: October 2022

AbstractElectrospinning procedures such as blend electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, and emulsion electrospinning have been used for the fabrication of electrospun nanofibers (ENFs) for biomedical applications. These ENFs are attracted great interest especially in drug delivery applications due to their small size, high surface area‐to‐volume, and porosity. The aim of this review is to focus on the controlled release mechanism among the different electrospinning methods, and the selectivity of hydrophilic, water‐soluble polymers as a carrier for drug. The mechanism for the drug delivery depends mainly on the method of drug loading, polymeric interactions, and the nature of polymer swelling, erosion, or degradation. This review compressed on the literature survey about the fabrication of nanofibers by different electrospinning methods, factors affecting the nanofiber morphologies, selectivity of polymeric blends for successful controlled release behavior, and the mechanism involved in the drug release steps.
Detection of circulating tumour DNA after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer
Authors: Eyck Ben M , Jansen Maurice PHM , Noordman Bo Jan , Atmodimedjo Peggy N , van der Wilk Berend J , Martens John WM , Helmijr Jean A , Beaufort Corine M , Mostert Bianca , Doukas Michail , Wijnhoven Bas PL , Lagarde Sjoerd M , van Lanschot J Jan B , Dinjens Winand NM 
Published: October 2022

AbstractActive surveillance instead of standard surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) has been proposed for patients with oesophageal cancer. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) may be used to facilitate selection of patients for surgery. We show that detection of ctDNA after nCRT seems highly suggestive of major residual disease. Tumour biopsies and blood samples were taken before, and 6 and 12 weeks after, nCRT. Biopsies were analysed with regular targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) was analysed using targeted NGS with unique molecular identifiers and digital polymerase chain reaction. cfDNA mutations matching pre‐treatment biopsy mutations confirmed the presence of ctDNA. In total, 31 patients were included, of whom 24 had a biopsy mutation that was potentially detectable in cfDNA (77%). Pre‐treatment ctDNA was detected in nine of 24 patients (38%), four of whom had incurable disease progression before surgery. Pre‐treatment ctDNA detection had a sensitivity of 47% (95% CI 24–71) (8/17), specificity of 85% (95% CI 42–99) (6/7), positive predictive value (PPV) of 89% (95% CI 51–99) (8/9), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 40% (95% CI 17–67) (6/15) for detecting major residual disease (>10% residue in the resection specimen or progression before surgery). After nCRT, ctDNA was detected in three patients, two of whom had disease progression. Post‐nCRT ctDNA detection had a sensitivity of 21% (95% CI 6–51) (3/14), specificity of 100% (95% CI 56–100) (7/7), PPV of 100% (95% CI 31–100) (3/3), and NPV of 39% (95% CI 18–64) (7/18) for detecting major residual disease. The addition of ctDNA to the current set of diagnostics did not lead to more patients being clinically identified with residual disease. These results indicate that pre‐treatment and post‐nCRT ctDNA detection may be useful in identifying patients at high risk of disease progression. The addition of ctDNA analysis to the current set of diagnostic modalities may not improve detection of residual disease after nCRT. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Influence of functional carbon nanotube and multi‐cyclic shape memory performance on thermally triggered polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Ebrahimi Amir Hossein , Sahebian Samaneh 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn this study, thermally triggered shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane‐multiwall carbon nanotube (TPU/MWCNTs) nanocomposites with varying nanofiller content (0–5 wt%) were prepared. Melt flow, morphology, and shape memory properties of TPU/MWCNTs nanocomposites were investigated. We attempt to clarify the reinforcement effect of CNTs on the shape memory behavior of TPU/MWCNTs nanocomposites. Moreover, the influence of acid treatment on surface morphology, thermal stability, and dispersion state of MWCNTs has been evaluated. Pristine MWCNTs were treated with highly concentrated nitric acid (68%) and introduced by solution mixing to TPU as an efficient reinforcement phase. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed thermal stability improvement of acid treatment MWCNTs. Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the homogenous distribution of oxidized MWCNTs in the matrix and some aggregated structures at 5 wt% nanofiller. Higher melt flow rate values were observed for composites loaded with 0.5–1 wt% ox‐MWCNTs compared with 2–5 wt% because of their better dispersion in TPU. The experimental results show a higher shape recovery ratio of TPU/ox‐MWCNTs nanocomposites than pure polyurethane (over 20%). A good shape recovery in the 90%–100% range could be obtained during a shape recovery test when ox‐MWCNTs content of 0.5–2 wt% is proposed to synthesize TPU/ox‐MWCNTs nanocomposites.
Thermally conductive and mechanically strengthened bio‐epoxy/boron nitride nanocomposites: The effects of particle size, shape, and combination
Authors: Aghajani Ali , Ehsani Morteza , Khajavi Ramin , Kalaee Mohammadreza , Zaarei Davood 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBio‐epoxy composites containing boron nitride (BN) particles with different size and shape (0D spherical micro‐ and nanoparticles, 1D nanotubes (T), and 2D nanosheets (S)) are prepared and revealed appropriate thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. Systems containing one or two BN nanoparticles showed evenly dispersed structures because of applying high‐shear, ultrasonic, or combination of these methods. Microscopic analysis proved that high‐shear assisted ultrasonic technique ended up in an homogeneously dispersed BN nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix. The combination of platelet‐like and tubular nanoparticles synergistically enhanced both the thermal stability and thermal conductivity of epoxy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermographs appeared a sharp peak demonstrating excessive thermal energy released because of network formation of BN conductive fillers. The bi‐oepoxy containing equal weight fractions of T and S (1:1 w/w ratio) showed the highest thermal conductivity and tensile strength values of 2.21 W/m.K and 80 MPa, respectively. In conclusion, properties of epoxy nanocomposites are affected by the filler network formation, such that conductive incorporation of 3 wt.% of BN platelet‐like and nanotubes increased thermal conductivity up to 1400% and mechanical properties up to 50% with respect to the neat epoxy.
Existence and perceived application of pain management protocols in German neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Ulmer Melissa , Martakis Kyriakos , Scholten Nadine , Kuntz Ludwig 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe explored the existence and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pain management (PM) in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and identified the factors associated with their application in practice. This study was part of the Safety4NICU project, a cross‐sectional survey conducted from 2015 to 2016. All 224 German NICUs were invited to participate, providing written consent from the head neonatologist and head nurse. We distributed questionnaires to the head neonatologist, the head nurse, and the NICU staff (physicians and nurses). We asked the head neonatologist whether written SOPs for PM existed, and we asked the staff whether these SOPs were applied in their daily routine. We received evaluable responses from 468 physicians and 1251 nurses from 76 NICUs. Of these 76 NICUs, the head neonatologists from 54 NICUs (71.1%) reported that written SOPs for PM exist. However, only 48.5% of the physicians and 53.7% of the nurses declared that these existing SOPs were also applied. We found various predictors for the existing SOPs as being applied, depending on the profession. For physicians, clinical training was important (OR: 2.482, p ≤ 0.05), while for nurses their working experience was a decisive predictor (OR: 1.265, p ≤ 0.05). For both, a high level of perceived cooperative norms between physicians and nurses increased the probability that SOPs for PM were applied, whereas a high bed turnover rate decreased that probability. According to the responses from head neonatologists, written SOPs for PM were common in German NICUs. However, if management strategies on pain existed, this did not mean that these were directly applied in the daily routine. Clinical training of the staff, the promotion of adequate interprofessional cooperation, as well as allowing time to deal with these SOPs might be all essential measures to strengthen the application.
False negatives in the newborn screening for cystic fibrosis in Western Andalusia: Results from a 10‐year experience
Authors: Escudero‐Ávila Rocío , Delgado‐Pecellín Carmen , Moreno‐Valera M. José , Carrasco‐Hernández Laura , Quintana‐Gallego M. Esther , Delgado‐Pecellín Isabel 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in the Caucasian population, with an incidence of 1:5000 live births. In 2011, the screening of CF was implemented in the Andalusian Public Health newborn screening program by using immunoreactive trypsinogen and chloride sweat test (IRT/IRT/sweat test) determinations. Since then, 79 children have been diagnosed with CF in our health area (Western Andalusia). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of this screening method and to examinate the characteristics of those CF infants who had a negative screening but who were later diagnosed.In the 2011–2021 period 462,049 newborns were screened for CF using a two‐step IRT determination and chloride sweat test. Sixty‐three infants were diagnosed with CF in our health area thanks to the screening, and 15 CF children had a negative screening result and were finally diagnosed by molecular sequencing of the CFTR gene. The most frequent symptoms that led to the diagnosis of those false negative (FN) patients were hyponatremic dehydration (mean age 9.75 ± 1.5 months) and recurrent wheezing (mean age 24 ± 14.5 months). The molecular analysis of the CFTR gene on those FN showed a diversity of genotypes, identifying more than 10 different mutations.ConclusionThe rate of FN patients obtained in this study is inadmissibly high, and the protocol used in this region has not been updated despite the advances in genetic testing in the past 10 years. An improvement on CF newborn screening should be implemented, adding molecular analysis of the CFTR gene.
Fault detection and stabilization of integrator chains under noisy state measurements
Authors: Jbara Adam 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA family of homogeneous controllers is proposed, which utilize noisy state measurements for stabilization of integrator chains subject to system faults and disturbances. In the absence of sampling noises, the exact system stabilization is ensured in spite of some system faults. The same controllers also practically stabilize generally disturbed integrator chains. Controllers demonstrate strong noise‐reduction capabilities, and system faults are robustly detected. The stabilization accuracy is estimated in the presence of noises and faults. Simulation confirms the theoretical results.
The burgeoning field of sustainable investment: Past, present and future
Authors: Beisenbina Marzhan , Fabregat‐Aibar Laura , Barberà‐Mariné Maria‐Glòria , Sorrosal‐Forradellas Maria‐Teresa 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe current concern with sustainability issues pervades all scientific fields. Sustainable investment is not an exception judging by the significant increase in the literature. This work provides an extensive up‐to‐date overview of studies on sustainable investment, revealing current trends, identifying gaps and future research topics. A total of 1091 documents are reviewed and bibliometric analysis is used with two approaches: data analysis and conceptual structure of the field. Additionally, a classification into 12 categories by topic is proposed. The results show that more than 40% of the publications belong to analysis of classical investment tools with a gradual evolution towards the concept of “green” instruments. Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) strategies have changed over time from “screening” to the current “best‐in‐class”, “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration” and “impact investing.” The results of the study are valuable for academics and practitioners, as they show the current state of knowledge, evolution paths and emerging topics.
Ionic Signal Amplification of DNA in a Nanopore
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Yokota Kazumichi , He Yuhui , Kawai Tomoji 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIonic signal amplification is a key challenge for single‐molecule analyses by solid‐state nanopore sensing. Here, a permittivity gradient approach for amplifying ionic blockade characteristics of DNA in a nanofluidic channel is reported. The transmembrane ionic current response is found to change substantially through modifying the liquid permittivity at one side of a pore with an organic solvent. Imposing positive liquid permittivity gradients with respect to the direction of DNA electrophoresis, this study observes the resistive ionic signals to become larger due to the varying contributions of molecular counterions. On the contrary, negative gradients render adverse effects causing conductive ionic current pulses upon polynucleotide translocations. Most importantly, both the positive and negative gradients are demonstrated to be capable of amplifying the ionic signals by an order of magnitude with a 1.3‐fold difference in the transmembrane liquid dielectric constants. This phenomenon allows a novel way to enhance the single‐molecule sensitivity of nanopore sensing that may be useful in analyzing secondary structures and genome sequence of DNA by ionic current measurements.
Review of studies on concrete columns confined by lateral reinforcement under axial compression and lateral cyclic loading
Authors: Hou Chongchi , Zheng Wenzhong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe restraint of lateral reinforcement can effectively improve the bearing capacity and deformation capacity of confined concrete columns. Generally, the behavior of confined concrete column under axial compression and lateral cyclic loading is a complex process and has been the subject of numerous studies dating from last century. This paper presents a review to summarize and discuss the investigations of concrete columns confined by lateral reinforcements under axial compression and lateral cyclic loading with the aim of obtaining a clear understanding on the mechanism and performance of confined concrete column. In this paper, a test database of confined concrete columns under axial compression and lateral cyclic loading is established, presented, and evaluated. The detailed provisions of confined concrete columns from current codes are concluded and it is found that these codes neglect the beneficial effect of lateral reinforcement on shear bearing capacity of confined concrete columns under lateral cyclic loading. Additionally, the stress–strain models and development of lateral reinforcement strain/stress in confined concrete columns under axial compression are mainly presented and discussed. Moreover, theoretical and experimental studies on seismic behavior of confined concrete columns are evaluated, including compression‐flexure calculation, shear bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and other detailed requirements. Furthermore, main influential factors of confined concrete columns under axial compression and lateral cyclic loading are discussed, respectively and it is founded that the synergy work of longitudinal and lateral reinforcement, and the deformation coordinated relationship between lateral reinforcement and core concrete significantly affect the bearing capacity and deformation capacity of confined concrete columns. Therefore, further studies are suggested to optimize and quantify the strength grade combination relationship between lateral reinforcement, longitudinal reinforcement, and concrete to achieve economical design and construction.
Performance evaluation of electrode design and material for a large animal electrical impedance tomography belt
Authors: Brabant Olivia , Loroesch Sarah , Adler Andy , Waldmann Andreas D. , Raisis Anthea , Mosing Martina 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundElectrical impedance tomography (EIT) produces lung ventilation images via a thoracic electrode belt. Robust electrode design and material, providing low electrode skin contact impedance (SCI), is needed in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to compare three EIT electrode designs and materials.MethodsSimulations of cylindrical, rectangular and spiked electrode designs were used to evaluate electrode SCI as a function of electrode size, where skin contact was uneven. Gold‐plated washers (EGW), zinc‐plated rivets (EZR) and zinc‐galvanised spikes (EZS) were assigned randomly on two interconnected EIT belts. Gel was applied to the cranial or caudal belt and placed on 17 standing cattle. SCI was recorded at baseline and 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 minutes later.ResultsSimulations that involved electrodes with a greater skin contact area had lower and more uniform SCI. In cattle, SCI decreased with all electrodes over time (p < 0.01). Without gel, no difference was found between EGW and EZS, while SCI was higher for EZR (p < 0.03). With gel, SCI was lower in EGW and EZR (p < 0.026), with the SCI in EGW being the lowest (p < 0.01).LimitationsLow numbers of animals and static electrode position may affect SCI.ConclusionsElectrode design is important for EIT measurement, with larger electrode designs able to compensate for the use of less conductive materials. Gel is not necessary to achieve acceptable SCI in large animals.
Application of systems analysis to safety incident investigations in a single centre using anaesthesia as an example
Authors: McMillan Matt W. , Lehnus Kristina 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundSystems analysis is widely recommended for patient safety investigations in medicine, but the method is poorly described in the veterinary literature.MethodsAnaesthetic safety incidents were discussed in debriefs and then reported on standardised forms. Investigators performed informal interviews with team members involved in case management and interrogated clinical records. Finally, incidents were discussed during morbidity and mortality conferences. Systems analysis involved developing a timeline for the case, identifying any care delivery problems (CDPs) that occurred and contributing factors associated with them, and developing control measures to reduce system weaknesses.ResultsFrom 15 incidents, 32 CDPs were identified. These were categorised into 11 thematic groups. Misdiagnosis (n= 8), human resource allocation (n= 8), failure in planning (n= 6) and technical error (n= 5) were most frequent. Individual factors were identified in 15 (100%), team factors in 12 (80.0%), animal and owner factors in 11 (73.3%), organisation factors in 10 (66.7%), work environmental factors in 10 (66.7%) and task and technology factors in four (26.7%) investigations. Numerous immediate and longer term recommendations were made regarding how to manage systems weaknesses.LimitationsInvestigations were limited to pre‐procedural anaesthetic safety incidents.ConclusionsSystems analysis applied to incident investigations can highlight areas for improvement within veterinary healthcare systems.
Medical management of gastric distension secondary to massive dry beet pulp ingestion in a dog
Authors: Janse van Vuuren Katie M. , Walker Meagan A. , Hoddinott Katie L. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, spayed, female Jack Russell terrier dog presented after ingestion of 0.135 kg of dried beet pulp pellets. Survey radiographs revealed severe gastric distension. The dog was hospitalised and received intravenous fluids, analgesics and an antiemetic and recovered without complication. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of medical management of gastric distension secondary to beet pulp ingestion in a dog. This case illustrates that surgical intervention of severe gastric distension secondary to dry beet pulp ingestion may not be required. Close monitoring for evidence of gastric obstruction or perforation is warranted.
Are sponge cities the solution to China's growing urban flooding problems?
Authors: Fu Guangtao , Zhang Chi , Hall Jim W. , Butler David 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNature‐based solutions have been promoted as a sustainable solution for urban stormwater management and they are currently adopted at an unprecedented speed and scale to build sponge cities in China, with a primary aim to solving urban flood problems. However, there are limits to how much rainfall sponge cities can absorb, hence, they are unlikely to be a panacea for flooding problems in cities. We argue that bottom‐up community‐based measures are essential part of the intervention development framework that is required to transform sponge cities into flood resilient cities. This community‐based approach can effectively build on the distinctive and unique feature of Chinese cities, that is, the prevalence of gated communities, which provides a solid foundation for implementing community‐based measures for flood management. A range of such community‐based measures including resilience mapping, property‐based resistant and resilient measures, flood insurance, and social resilience building are discussed. Flood resilience building does not just mean investments in gray–green–blue infrastructure, it requires social transformation toward flood resilient communities. This article provides a roadmap for the next stage development of sponge cities which plays a key role in coping with extreme storm events and adapting to climate change in cities.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Science of Water > Water Extremes
Amino‐group excites vitality in nitrogen‐rich energetic salts of triazolium
Authors: Li Junyan , Wu Jinting , Zhao Tingxing , Li Hongbo , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIncorporating amino groups is an efficient strategy for the tuning properties of energetic materials. However, there is no unanimous conclusion on the effect of the number of amino groups (−NH2) on performance. Therefore, in this study, different number of −NH2of four energetic salts of triazolium based on oxadiazole and triazole were designed and synthesized. The structure features of energetic salts4–6were then investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractions and Hirshfeld surfaces analyses. Afterward, the effects of −NH2were evaluated by thermal stability, impact sensitivity and detonation performance. All these energetic salts were insensitive to mechanical stimulation (IS >40 J), but the thermal decomposition temperatures of energetic salt5–7with −NH2are 24 °C to 54 °C higher than energetic salt4without −NH2. Moreover, energetic salt5with one −NH2has the highest theoretical detonation properties compared to those without −NH2(4) and with two −NH2(6,7). These observations revealed that appropriate amount of −NH2can lead to desirable increase in the energetic properties, and this work can offer guidance for the design and synthesis of further energetic salts.