Design of Magnetic Hydrogels for Hyperthermia and Drug Delivery

Hydrogels are spatially organized hydrophilic polymeric systems that exhibit unique features in hydrated conditions. Among the hydrogel family, composite hydrogels are a special class that are defined as filler-containing systems with some tailor-made properties. The composite hydrogel family includes magnetic-nanoparticle-integrated hydrogels. Magnetic hydrogels (MHGs) show magneto-responsiveness, which is observed when they are placed in a magnetic field (static or oscillating). Because of their tunable porosity and internal morphology they can be used in several biomedical applications, especially diffusion-related smart devices. External stimuli may influence physical and chemical changes in these hydrogels, particularly in terms of volume and shape morphing. One of the most significant external stimuli for hydrogels is a magnetic field. This review embraces a brief overview of the fabrication of MHGs and two of their usages in the biomedical area: drug delivery and hyperthermia-based anti-cancer activity. As for the saturation magnetization imposed on composite MHGs, they are easily heated in the presence of an alternating magnetic field and the temperature increment is dependent on the magnetic nanoparticle concentration and exposure time. Herein, we also discuss the mode of different therapies based on non-contact hyperthermia heating.

Functional evaluation in inherited retinal disease

Functional assessments are a fundamental part of the clinical evaluation of patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Their importance and impact have become increasingly notable, given the significant breadth and number of clinical trials and studies investigating multiple avenues of intervention across a wide range of IRDs, including gene, pharmacological and cellular therapies. Moreover, the fact that many clinical trials are reporting improvements in vision, rather than the previously anticipated structural stability/slowing of degeneration, makes functional evaluation of primary relevance. In this review, we will describe a range of methods employed to characterise retinal function and functional vision, beginning with tests variably included in the clinic, such as visual acuity, electrophysiological assessment and colour discrimination, and then discussing assessments often reserved for clinical trials/research studies such as photoaversion testing, full-field static perimetry and microperimetry, and vision-guided mobility testing; addressing perimetry in greatest detail, given it is commonly a primary outcome metric. We will focus on how these tests can help diagnose and monitor particular genotypes, also noting their limitations/challenges and exploring analytical methodologies for better exploiting functional measurements, as well as how they facilitate patient inclusion and stratification in clinical trials and serve as outcome measures.

Study on Bearing Mechanism of Split Grouting Pile Based on Finite Element Simulation

In order to realize the directional and controllable splitting of splitting grouting, the field grouting test was carried out. Using a new grouting pipe designed, the splitting direction and size of the branch vein are effectively controlled through the control of grouting pressure and grouting amount. In order to explore the bearing characteristics of split grouting pile and provide necessary parameters for the design of split grouting pile composite foundation in engineering practice, the field static load test and indoor geotechnical test of split grouting pile are designed, and the ultimate bearing capacity of single pile and necessary soil parameters are obtained. In order to make up for the limitations of field static load test, the three-dimensional finite element model of pile, soil and branch vein of split grouting pile is established by using the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The finite element analysis results are compared with the measured values of field test, and the variation laws of pile shaft axial force, stress and displacement of branch vein at different depths, pile side friction, etc. are further explored, Through these changes, the interaction and load transfer mechanism between pile and soil are analyzed, which provides a reference for optimal design.

Solving the Problem of Operational Accounting of Well Drilling Results in a Full-Scale Model of Unique Gas Condensate Fields

Today, strategic planning of field development is based on full-field static and flow simulation models which are regularly updated as part of field surveillance programs and by integrating the actual results of drilling and testing of new production and exploration wells and integrated interpretation of seismic surveys and reservoir core and fluid laboratory analyses. One of the key factors for the success of investment projects is how quick and flexible the decision-making process is. Therefore, in modern conditions, prompt integration of new data into full-field flow simulation models followed by their processing, analysis, and decision-making on adjusting the strategic goals is of particular relevance for oil and gas production companies. For unique multi-reservoir fields containing dozens of reservoirs, hundreds of accumulations and wells, it is hardly possible to promptly update full-field static and flow simulation models within less than 6-12 months, therefore, the decisions are made in the absence of up-to-date models, which may lead to poor quality of production forecasts. The purpose of the study was to develop an approach to the modeling of unique fields, which would allow prompt integration of new data in a full-field flow simulation model while keeping the level of detail without significant time input.

California Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Evaluations in the Field: Static-99R and Diagnostic Field Reliability

Tests and diagnoses used in sexually violent predator (SVP) evaluations must be reliable, as reliability is foundational to validity. The current study contained a stratified sample of evaluations of 395 individuals referred as potential SVPs between 2012 and 2017. Each individual was initially evaluated by at least two experts. The sample included three groups: individuals not meeting SVP criteria ( N = 200, or 400 evaluations), individuals meeting SVP criteria ( N = 95, with 190 evaluations), and individuals where evaluators disagreed ( N = 100, with 200 evaluations). The sample also included 200 subsequent independent evaluations on these “disagree” cases. Static-99R score intraclass coefficient (ICC) interrater reliability was good to excellent within each group and overall. Evaluators scored the Static-99R within one point of each other 87% of the time. Cohen’s kappa diagnostic agreement for Pedophilic Disorder was substantial. ASPD and substance abuse kappa were in the “fair” range, while OSPD diagnoses in the positive group were at the “moderate” level of agreement. Ethnic differences in diagnoses were consistent with other studies, with equivalent Static-99R ICC values across ethnic groups. There were no significant differences between state civil servants versus contracted experts in Static-99R ratings or final determinations. The results suggest that Static-99R scores have acceptable reliability in these evaluations, and Pedophilic Disorder (the most common paraphilic disorder in our study) and OSPD can be reliably diagnosed. We discuss limitations of the study, as well as the need for care in high-stakes evaluations given the imperfect reliability of psychological measurements.

THERMO-MECHANICAL MODEL FOR CONCRETE PAVEMENT

This paper describes a numerical thermo-mechanical model for concrete pavement, implemented in OOFEM software. The thermal part is a heat transfer problem with appropriate initial and boundary conditions (sun irradiation, radiation and convection), calibrated from experimental data. Heat release from cement hydration is also included, calibrated for commonly used cements to demonstrate the difference that can be achieved with the binder selection. The mechanical part of the problem is composed of a 3D elastic concrete slab, subsoil Winkler-Pasternak elements and 1D interface elements, allowing separation in tension. The Winkler-Pasternak constants C1 and C2 were firstly determined from TP170 document and refined later from static load tests on the highway. The model validates well temperature field, static load test and provide several useful insight such as feasible time for summer casting, stress/strain fields and slab separation from the base.

Field Static Load Tests of Post-Grouted Piles under Various Failure Conditions

In practice, inappropriate test set-up and design will result in pile eccentricity, reducing pile bearing capacity. Also, inappropriate piling will reduce the strength of the upper part of concrete. These pile elements under inappropriate design and construction are easy to be overlooked since they are invisible. Because the research focuses on the pile failure behaviour under different conditions, this paper aims to determine the outcomes of pile foundation under eccentric loading, pile with inadequate concrete strength, and pile with punching failure. Four concrete piles were cast, and compressive static load tests (SLTs) were performed. The top part of the first pile was cast with inadequate concrete strength. The other two piles were cast with achieved concrete strength; however, one of these applied with eccentric loading. The third pile was the standard pile, and the fourth pile was tested until punching failure occurred. For the fourth pile, the T-Z method was used for determining the failure characteristics. It is discovered that, for the pile with inadequate concrete strength, the cracks occurred at the pile head, and the concrete crushed at 0.9–1.2 m below the ground; for the pile suffering eccentricity, the partial concrete crushed, and the concrete from the opposite side suffered tension fracture; for the pile suffering punching failure, the crack on the soil extends up to 50 mm. Traditional result presentations and interpretations were also provided. Furthermore, it was found that, for the pile suffering punching failure, the shaft resistance increased as the loads increased, and after the loading achieved the maximum resistance, the loading transferred to the pile tip and finally led to the destruction of the pile-soil system.

Calibration-free regional RF shims for MR spectroscopy

Purpose: Sufficient control of the RF transmit field (B1+) in small regions-of-interest (ROIs) is critical for single voxel MR spectroscopy at ultra-high field. Static RF shimming, using parallel transmit (pTx), can improve B1+, but must be calibrated for each participant and ROI, which limits its applicability. Additionally, specific-absorption-rate (SAR) becomes hard to predict. This work aimed to find RF shims, which can be applied to any participant, to produce the desired |B1+| within pre-defined target ROIs. Methods: RF shims were found offline by joint-optimisation on a database, comprising B1+ maps from 11 subjects, considering ROIs in occipital cortex, hippocampus and posterior-cingulate, as well as the whole brain. The B1+ magnitude achieved using calibration-free RF shims was compared to a tailored shimming approach, and MR spectra were acquired using tailored and calibration-free RF shimming in 4 participants. Global and local 10g SAR deposition were modelled. Results: Calibration-free RF shims resulted in similar |B1+| in small ROIs compared to tailored shimming, in addition to producing spectra of excellent quality and equivalent SNR. Only a small database size was required. SAR deposition was reduced compared to operating in quadrature mode for all ROIs. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that static RF shims, optimised offline for small regions in single voxel MRS, avoid the need for lengthy B1+ mapping and pTx optimisation for each ROI and participant. Furthermore, power settings may be increased when using calibration-free shims to better take advantage of the flexibility provided by RF shimming for regional acquisition at ultra-high field.

Microstructures and Elemental Distribution of Magnetic Field Pre-Treated Fluted Pumpkin Leaf

There is a scarcity of studies on the use of magnetic field for food pretreatment, especially in relation to a knowledge on the pretreatment at the level of microstructures and elemental distribution of food. Therefore, the effect of magnetic field pretreatment on the microstructures and elemental distribution (Na, K, Ca, Mg and Fe) of fluted pumpkin leaf was studied. Three types of magnetic field (static, pulse and alternating) in combination with varying magnetic field strength (5–30 mT) and pretreatment time (5–25 min) were used as variable factors. Fresh (untreated) and blanched samples were used for experiment control. After the pretreatment, all samples were dried at 50 °C and analysed in terms of microstructure and elemental distribution using scanning electron machine. Results showed that fresh and blanched samples of fluted pumpkin leaf exhibited microstructural features that were clearly different from samples pretreated by magnetic field. Pretreated samples showed contents of: 1.3–4.35% sodium; 1.20–3.42% potassium; 1.19–6.10% calcium; 0–5.10% magnesium and 1.22–6.62% iron. Changes in microstructures of samples caused by magnetic field pretreatment led consequently to better retention/improvement in elemental distribution in contrast to blanched and fresh samples in majority of cases.