External Trigger Research Articles

Fabrication of 3D printed mutable drug delivery devices: a comparative study of volumetric and digital light processing printing.

Mutable devices and dosage forms have the capacity to dynamically transform dimensionally, morphologically and mechanically upon exposure to non-mechanical external triggers. By leveraging these controllable transformations, these systems can be used as minimally invasive alternatives to implants and residence devices, foregoing the need for complex surgeries or endoscopies. 4D printing, the fabrication of 3D-printed structures that evolve their shape, properties, or functionality in response to stimuli over time, allows the production of such devices. This study explores the potential of volumetric printing, a novel vat photopolymerisation technology capable of ultra-rapid printing speeds, by comparing its performance against established digital light processing (DLP) printing in fabricating hydrogel-based drug-eluting devices. Six hydrogel formulations consisting of 2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride solution, lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate, varying molecular weights of the crosslinking monomer, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and paracetamol as a model drug were prepared for both vat photopolymerisation technologies. Comprehensive studies were conducted to investigate the swelling and water sorption profiles, drug release kinetics, and physicochemical properties of each formulation. Expandable drug-eluting 4D devices were successfully fabricated within 7.5s using volumetric printing and were shown to display equivalent drug release kinetics to prints created using DLP printing, demonstrating drug release, swelling, and water sorption properties equivalent to or better than those of DLP-printed devices. The reported findings shed light on the advantages and limitations of each technology for creating these dynamic drug delivery systems and provides a direct comparison between the two technologies, while highlighting the promising potential of volumetric printing and further expanding the growing repertoire of pharmaceutical printing.

Supramolecular oligo-thymine/melamine nanobridge-driven macroscopic engineering: reprogrammable hydrogels for multi-stimuli responsive architectures

The arbitrary, modular, and reprogrammable engineering of macroscopic objects by DNA interactions remains a challenge, despite the well-established use of DNA to drive constructs at nano/micro-scale. Moreover, achieving adaptive responsiveness in assembled architectures under dynamic environmental triggers has yet to be realized. In this study, we introduce the association of oligo-thymine strands (polyT) and melamine (MA), as a low-molecular-weight cofactor, into a supramolecular DNA duplex, termed polyT-MA nanobridge. This unique nanostructure exhibits responsiveness to five external stimuli, including temperature, DNA strand, small molecule, acidic pH, and alkaline pH. The polyT-MA nanobridge is developed as the dynamic crosslinking elements for constructing multi-stimuli responsive DNA hydrogels, which exhibit physiochemical properties changes (e.g., rigidity, thermal stability) and hydrogel-to-liquid phase transitions in response to the five external triggers. Notably, the assembly of macroscopic hydrogel blocks at millimeter scale (cubes in 5 × 5 × 5 mm dimensions) into diverse architectures, e.g., linear type, cross, P-shape, T-shape, or heteromorphy, is achieved by using the non-canonical supramolecular polyT-MA nanobridges. Sequential, dynamic, and selective disassembly of polyT-MA bridged hydrogel constructs is triggered by multiple external stimuli and the rearrangement of these separated individual cubes into other architectures in LEGO styles is presented. This study provides insights into the development of advanced materials and devices with reconfigurable architectures and functionalities for intelligent nanoengineering applications.

Heating Rate Sensitive Polyethylene Terephthalate.

Smart materials react to external triggers by changing size, color, mechanical properties, or permeability. The next generation of smart materials will be able to not only recognize and react to external triggers but also to their dynamics. The only existing example of such a material is heating rate-sensitive polymorphous cross-linked syndiotactic polypropylene. This study presents a new principle of a heating rate-sensitive material on the example of cross-linked and fully amorphous quenchable semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (x-PET). The x-PET is stretched to high elongation above its melting temperature and constrained quenched to a fully amorphous state. Then the polymer is heated to 120-170°C with different heating rates. Due to its heating-rate sensitivity, x-PET shrinks to different stabilized lengths dependent on the heating rate. The new length can be used to read out the heating rate and to specifically answer to this by mechanically switching a process. Detailed analytics of this process reveal that amorphous stretched x-PET is starting the retraction above Tg and simultaneously stopping it by crystallization. The different rates of these processes result in the heating rate sensitivity of x-PET.

Covalent adaptable polymer networks with CO2-facilitated recyclability

Cross-linked polymers with covalent adaptable networks (CANs) can be reprocessed under external stimuli owing to the exchangeability of dynamic covalent bonds. Optimization of reprocessing conditions is critical since increasing the reprocessing temperature costs more energy and even deteriorates the materials, while reducing the reprocessing temperature via molecular design usually narrows the service temperature range. Exploiting CO2 gas as an external trigger for lowering the reprocessing barrier shows great promise in low sample contamination and environmental friendliness. Herein, we develop a type of CANs incorporated with ionic clusters that achieve CO2-facilitated recyclability without sacrificing performance. The presence of CO2 can facilitate the rearrangement of ionic clusters, thus promoting the exchange of dynamic bonds. The effective stress relaxation and network rearrangement enable the system with rapid recycling under CO2 while retaining excellent mechanical performance in working conditions. This work opens avenues to design recyclable polymer materials with tunable dynamics and responsive recyclability.

Development and test of the laser blow-off impurity injection system in experimental advanced superconducting tokamak.

The Laser Blow-Off (LBO) impurity injection system is a crucial tool for studying impurity transport and plasma behavior. Conducting proactive impurity transport research is challenging on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) due to the uncontrollable generation of impurity sources; therefore, it is necessary to develop a laser blow-off impurity injection system for injecting controlled trace impurity particles. This study presents the design and test results of an LBO system for the EAST. The system aims to provide precise and repeatable control over the timing and quantity of impurity injection. The system primarily consists of a laser source, two mirrors, a moveable focusing lens, a target material, and a vacuum system. The movement of the focusing lens is achieved by a three-dimensional displacement system. The operation of the system is completed by a remote control system. With the accurate control system, the laser spot diameter is adjustable, allowing for modification of impurity injection quantity. The test results demonstrate that the system can rapidly detect external trigger signals and ensure precise timing for the impurity injection. Furthermore, this system can also quickly change the focal point of the laser spot, addressing the requirements for impurity injections during the experiments with less than 0.4mm position error for laser spot focusing. Test results have shown that the aluminum film material can be peeled off by the LBO system when the laser energy exceeds 650 mJ and the smallest ablation spot is about 1mm. This study is of significant importance for conducting plasma impurity transport research on the EAST.

Developing and Evaluating a Situated Assessment Instrument for Trichotillomania: The SAM2 TAI.

Measuring trichotillomania is essential for understanding and treating it effectively. Using the Situated Assessment Method (SAM2), we developed a psychometric instrument to assess hair pulling in situations where it occurs. In two studies, pullers evaluated their pulling in relevant situations, along with how much they experience factors that potentially influence it (e.g., external triggers, reduction in negative emotion, negative self-thoughts). Individual measures of pulling, averaged across situations, exhibited high test reliability, construct validity, and content validity. Large differences between situations in pulling were observed, along with large individual-situation interactions (with limited evidence distinguishing focused versus automatic pulling subtypes). In linear regressions for individual participants, factors that influence pulling tended to correlate with pulling as predicted, explaining a median 74%-83% of its variance. By identifying factors that predict pulling for each individual across situations, the SAM2 Trichotillomania Assessment Instrument (TAI) offers a rich understanding of an individual's pulling experience, potentially supporting individualized pulling interventions.

Exploring pNIPAM lyogels: Experimental study on swelling equilibria in various organic solvents and mixtures, supported by COSMO-RS analysis

Stimuli-responsive lyogels are considered to be smart materials due to their capability of undergoing significant macroscopic changes in response to external triggers. Due to their versatile and unique properties, smart lyogels exhibit great potential in various applications such as drug delivery or actuation processes. While Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) is widely known as a thermo-responsive material, it also shows significant solvent-responsive swelling behavior. For the systems tested, polar solvents induce strong swelling due to hydrogen bonding with the amide group, nonpolar solvents lead to significant shrinkage of the lyogels. The aim of this study is to investigate and to model this behavior for future application in chemical or biochemical reactors. As a current area of research, incorporating smart lyogel technology into (bio-)chemical reactors facilitates the development of smart reactor systems. Applying thermodynamic modelling with the gE model COSMO-RS on the monomer or oligomers of pNIPAM, the correlation between solvent-polymer interactions and the degree of swelling can be observed. pNIPAM derivatives exhibit low infinite dilution activity coefficients (IDACs) in polar solvents with large degrees of swelling, while displaying an increase of IDACs in nonpolar solvents. Hydrogen bonds dominate the swelling behavior of lyogels not only in pure solvents but also in mixtures of solvents with varying polarity. Even in mixtures containing high amounts of nonpolar solvents, large degrees of swelling were observed due to the uptake of the polar solvent in the lyogel matrix. This effect can be observed in binary solvent mixtures but also in representative mixtures along an esterification reaction with varying carboxylic chain length of alcohol and carboxylic acids.

From few large to many small investments: lessons for adaptive irrigation development in an uncertain world

Conventional approaches to irrigation development involve large lumpsum investments in big infrastructure that cannot adapt to changing climate and socio-economic conditions. There is an urgent need for alternative ways of investing in smallholder irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that are adaptive and avoid capital lock-in. Adaptive Investment Pathways (AdIP), inspired by the Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) concept, proposes stepwise investments to support smallholder irrigation development. AdIP builds resilience to future shocks through dynamic and flexible investment plans instead of investing in single static solutions. To develop an empirical grounding for operationalizing AdIP, we draw lessons from three case studies representing different stages of irrigation development along shallow sand river aquifers in Kenya and Zimbabwe. We retrospectively analyse the nature of investments at farm and landscape scales, and the type of risks and opportunities that farmers respond to. We find that in face of risks, farmers diversify their livelihoods, make small investments incrementally especially in response to opportunities and risks created by external triggers, and pause or reorient activity when they reach saturation points, i.e., biophysical or socio-political limits to their development objective, here irrigation development. Governments and external agencies can support smallholder irrigation development in SSA through targeted landscape scale investments that address saturation points faced by smallholders. This requires a robust participatory monitoring framework to identify and respond to saturation points, and a re-thinking of financing mechanisms which do not measure progress against a fixed schedule of investments, but instead measure continuous progress towards the development objective.

Evidence for seasonal shift in the reproduction of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in managed care in the Northern hemisphere compared to the natural habitat in the Southern hemisphere.

Ex situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting.

Substrate Channeling in Compartmentalized Nanoreactors.

Thermo- and photoresponsive nanoreactors based on shell cross-linked micelles (SCMs) for the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of ketones have been developed from poly(2-oxazoline) triblock terpolymers. The nanoreactors incorporate thermoresponsive poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) as the hydrophilic corona and are covalently cross-linked with a photoswitchable spiropyran molecule. UV irradiation or changes in temperature trigger morphology switching of the polymer-based nanoreactors that alters the hydrophobicity in separate layers of the SCMs, resulting in dynamic substrate selectivity of the ATH in water. Control experiments and kinetic studies show that the thermoresponsive outer layer induces the gated behavior for more hydrophobic substrates, whereas the photoresponsive cross-linking layer induces the gated behavior for less hydrophobic substrates. The nanoreactors mimic the multichannels in Nature, transporting substrates and reagents into the catalytic core which can be controlled through external triggers such as temperature and light wavelengths. Additionally, the nanoreactors can be easily recovered and reused with continued high activity and selectivities.

Why Consumers Love Blind Boxes

With the increasing prevalence of the blind box economy, blind boxes have become a commonplace "necessity" in our daily lives, replacing their previous status as mere non-essential. Despite blind boxing becoming ubiquitous, there has been minimal research into the motivations behind why consumers are drawn to this trend. Against this background, this research will primarily utilize secondary data, complemented by a questionnaire survey, to analyse the factors driving consumers' fondness for blind boxes and analyze the factors contributing to the appeal of Blind Boxes, focusing on the popular Brand IP Marketing developed by Blind Box publishers and the "Blind Box-Funky Group" established by consumers. This study adopts the "STEPPS" theoretical framework and on this basis, also divides the reasons for the popularity of blind boxes into two aspects: user- perceived and blind box corporate offerings. It is found that Social currency and Emotions are the two main aspects of the popularity of blind boxes. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the external triggers that blind box companies intentionally create for consumers also contribute a lot. Our findings provide guidelines for the blind box companies in managing the rationale behind the Blind Box consumer market and offer fresh insights for its future development.

Prototype development of a three-stage, high-precision, low-jitter, wide-range digital delay generator fully utilizing on-chip resources.

This paper introduces the design and implementation of a prototype Digital Delay Generator (DDG) characterized by high precision, low jitter, and a wide delay range, fully realized within a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The DDG's architecture is based on an innovative combination of an embedded time-to-digital converter (TDC) and Multi-stage Time Interpolation (MTI) delay logic. The paper explores the factors influencing delay jitter during external trigger mode and carefully selects the optimal design approach for each element. The embedded TDC, which undergoes automatic calibration, accurately measures the time difference between the arrival of an external trigger and the FPGA's internal clock signal. When paired with the MTI delay logic, this allows for highly precise control over delay durations. A key aspect of this design is its sole dependence on the FPGA's built-in resources, ensuring simplicity in implementation and adaptability to various applications. Evaluation of the prototype has shown promising results, demonstrating a delay resolution as fine as 20ps and maintaining a low jitter of 105ps peak-to-peak (20ps rms) when operated in the externally triggered mode.

Detection limits and trigger rates for ultra-high energy cosmic ray detection with the EUSO-TA ground-based fluorescence telescope

EUSO-TA is a ground-based fluorescence telescope built to validate the design of ultra-high energy cosmic ray fluorescence detectors to be operated in space with the technology developed within the Joint Exploratory Missions for Extreme Universe Space Observatory (JEM-EUSO) program. It operates at the Telescope Array (TA) site in Utah, USA. With an external trigger provided by the Black Rock Mesa fluorescence detectors of the Telescope Array experiment, with EUSO-TA we observed air-showers from ultra-high energy cosmic rays, as well as laser events from the Central Laser Facility at the TA site and from portable lasers like the JEM-EUSO Global Light System prototype. Since the Black Rock Mesa fluorescence detectors have a ∼30 times larger field of view than EUSO-TA, they allow a primary energy reconstruction based on the observation of a large part of the shower evolution, including the shower maximum, while EUSO-TA observes only a part of it, usually far away from the maximum. To estimate the detection limits of EUSO-TA in energy and distance, a method was developed to re-scale their energy, taking into account that EUSO-TA observes only a portion of the air-showers. The method was applied on simulation sets with showers with different primaries, energy, direction, and impact point on the ground, as well as taking into account the experimental environment. EUSO-TA was simulated with an internal trigger and different elevation angles and electronics. The same method was then applied also to real measurements and compared to the simulations. In addition, the method can also be used to estimate the detection limits for experiments that are operated at high altitudes and in most cases can see the maximum of the showers. This was done for EUSO-SPB1, an instrument installed on a super-pressure balloon. Finally, the expected detection rates for EUSO-TA were also assessed using the prepared simulated event sets. The rates correspond to a few detections per recording session of 30 h of observation, depending on the background level and the configuration of the detector.

Psikopatoloji Araştırmalarında Yeni Bir Yöntem: Ağ Analizi

Though network analysis has a long history in both natural and social sciences it has emerged as a new method in psychology in recent years. Unlike medical disorders, mental disorders are not observable in laboratory. However, we can identify them by the way of observable symptoms. According to the network perspective, a disorder occurs when an external event triggers a psychological symptom. Activated symptom also interacts with other symptoms and forms a pattern of symptoms. Network approach criticizes traditional categorical diagnostic approach and focuses on symptom organization. Probably, treating the most effective symptom will accelerate recovery process and provide more effective treatment. Network analysis can be used in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Psychological networks provide opportunities to investigate direction of the relationship among symptoms, comorbidity, external triggers of psychological symptoms, effectiveness of treatment, comparison of symptom pattern according to sample characteristics. Despite the utility of psychological networks, accuracy of them has been questioned and certain methods to prove accuracy of networks proposed as response. Technological progress in recent years enabled network analysis to be more eligible in psychology. R Statistics software is very useful in network analysis which is totally free and open sourced and supported by many additional packages. This review article aims is to provide information about usage of network analysis in psychology, especially in clinical research. In the first part historical and theoretical background of network analysis was introduced and in the following parts structure, validity of psychological networks and R Statistics Software which is used for conducting network analysis were explained briefly.

Flexible perovskite photodetector with room‐temperature self‐healing capability without external trigger

Flexible perovskite photodetector with room‐temperature self‐healing capability without external trigger

Dual-trigger release of berberine chloride from the gelatin/perfluorohexane core–shell structure

BackgroundThe development of smart nanocarriers that enable controlled drug release in response to internal and external triggers is an emerging approach for targeted therapy. This study focused on designing pH-sensitive, ultrasound-responsive gelatin/perfluorohexane (PFH) nanodroplets loaded with berberine chloride as a model drug.ResultsThe nanodroplets were prepared using an emulsion technique and optimized by varying process parameters like homogenization rate, polymer concentration, surfactant, drug, and perfluorocarbon content. The optimal formulation yielded nanodroplets with a particle size of 281.7 nm, a drug encapsulation efficiency of 66.8 ± 1.7%, and a passive drug release of 15.4 ± 0.2% within 24 h. Characterization confirmed successful encapsulation and pH-responsive behavior. Ultrasound stimulation significantly enhanced drug release, with 150 kHz being more effective than 1 MHz in triggering acoustic droplet vaporization while minimizing heat generation. After 10 min of radiation, the optimal formulation showed 89.4% cumulative drug release. The nanodroplets displayed stability over 1 month at 4°C.ConclusionsOverall, the dual-triggered nanodroplets demonstrate excellent potential for controlled delivery and targeted release of berberine chloride.Graphical abstract

Review study of Psoriasis in Iraq

Abstracts are written in Indonesian and English. Describe the introduction, the purpose of writting, research methods, result and conclusion. Minimum 150 and maximum 250 words.. Psoriasis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with predominantly skin and joint involvement. Beyond the physical dimensions of disease, psoriasis has an extensive emotional and psychosocial effect on patients, affecting social functioning and interpersonal relationships. As a disease of systemic inflammation, psoriasis is associated with multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and malignancy. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and a skin biopsy is seldom required. Depending on the severity of disease, appropriate treatment can be initiated. For mild to moderate disease, first-line treatment involves topical therapies including corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, and combination products. These topical treatments are efficacious and can be safely initiated and prescribed by primary care physicians. Patients with more severe and refractory symptoms might require further evaluation by a dermatologist for systemic therapy .Psoriasis is a chronic, noncommunicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease for which there is no cure and with great negative impact on patients’ quality of life . It can occur at any age. The etiology of psoriasis remains unclear. Psoriasis can also be provoked by external and internal triggers, including mild trauma, sunburn, infections, systemic drugs and stress . Psoriasis involves the skin and nails, and is associated with a number of comorbidities. Skin lesions are localized or generalized, mostly symmetrical, sharply demarcated, red papules and plaques, and usually covered with white or silver scales. Lesions cause itching, stinging and pain. Individuals with psoriasis are reported to be at increased risk of developing other serious clinical conditions such as cardiovascular and other noncommunicable diseases . Psoriasis causes great physical, emotional and social burden . Disfiguration, disability and marked loss of productivity are common challenges for people with psoriasis. Topical and systemic therapies as well as phototherapy are available.

Study of silicon photomultipliers for the readout of a lead/scintillating-fiber calorimeter

The KLOE electromagnetic calorimeter is expected to be reused in the Near Detector complex of the DUNE experiment at Fermilab. The possible substitution of traditional Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) in the refurbished calorimeter is the object of this investigation. A block of the KLOE lead-scintillating fiber calorimeter has been equipped with light guides and external trigger scintillators. The signals induced by cosmic rays and environmental radioactivity have been collected by SiPM arrays on one side of the calorimeter, and by conventional PMTs on the opposite side. Efficiency, stability, and timing resolution of SiPMs have been studied and compared with KLOE-PMTs performance. Conclusions about the convenience of substituting PMTs with SiPMs are drawn.

Harnessing stimuli‐responsive biomaterials for advanced biomedical applications

AbstractCell behavior is intricately intertwined with the in vivo microenvironment and endogenous pathways. The ability to guide cellular behavior toward specific goals can be achieved by external stimuli, notably electricity, light, ultrasound, and magnetism, simultaneously harnessed through biomaterial‐mediated responses. These external triggers become focal points within the body due to interactions with biomaterials, facilitating a range of cellular pathways: electrical signal transmission, biochemical cues, drug release, cell loading, and modulation of mechanical stress. Stimulus‐responsive biomaterials hold immense potential in biomedical research, establishing themselves as a pivotal focal point in interdisciplinary pursuits. This comprehensive review systematically elucidates prevalent physical stimuli and their corresponding biomaterial response mechanisms. Moreover, it delves deeply into the application of biomaterials within the domain of biomedicine. A balanced assessment of distinct physical stimulation techniques is provided, along with a discussion of their merits and limitations. The review aims to shed light on the future trajectory of physical stimulus‐responsive biomaterials in disease treatment and outline their application prospects and potential for future development. This review is poised to spark novel concepts for advancing intelligent, stimulus‐responsive biomaterials.

Thermochromic Polymer Nanocomposites for the Heat Detection System: Recent Progress on Properties, Applications, and Challenges.

Reversible thermochromic polymers have emerged as compelling candidates in recent years, captivating attention for their application in heat detection systems. This comprehensive review navigates through the multifaceted landscape, intricately exploring both the virtues and hurdles inherent in their integration within these systems. Their innate capacity to change colour in response to temperature fluctuations renders reversible thermochromic nanocomposites promising assets for heat detection technologies. However, despite their inherent potential, certain barriers hinder their widespread adoption. Factors such as a restricted colour spectrum, reliance on external triggers, and cost considerations have restrained their pervasive use. For instance, these polymer-based materials exhibit utility in the domain of building insulation, where their colour-changing ability serves as a beacon, flagging areas of heat loss or inadequate insulation, thus alerting building managers and homeowners to potential energy inefficiencies. Nevertheless, the limited range of discernible colours may impede precise temperature differentiation. Additionally, dependency on external stimuli, such as electricity or UV light, can complicate implementation and inflate costs. Realising the full potential of these polymer-based materials in heat detection systems necessitates addressing these challenges head-on. Continuous research endeavours aimed at augmenting colour diversity and diminishing reliance on external stimuli offer promising avenues to enhance their efficacy. Hence, this review aims to delve into the intricate nuances surrounding reversible thermochromic nanocomposites, highlighting their transformative potential in heat detection and sensing. By exploring their mechanisms, properties, and current applications, this manuscript endeavours to shed light on their significance, providing insights crucial for further research and potential applications.