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The controlled release of guest molecules from cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes is very important for specific industrial applications in foods, medicine, cosmetics, textiles, agriculture, environmental protection, and chemical materials. The term "controlled release" encompasses several related methods, including those referred to as immediate release, sustained release and targeted release. Many different CD-based controlled release systems are currently used in practical applications. CD inclusion complexes, CD coupling, supramolecular hydrogels, and supramolecular micelles are among the most common. This review systematically introduces the principles and applications of CD-based controlled release systems, providing a theoretical basis for improving the bioavailability of effective substances and broadening their range of application.

We study simple mathematical models for the dynamics of interactive wild and sterile insect populations. As well as being mathematically tractable, these models can be used as first approximations to real situations occurring with the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in which sterile males are released to reduce or eradicate a pest population. This is a method of biological control which can effectively help contain the spread of many pest insects such as the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). Models formulated in this paper are continuous-time, include a strong Allee effect that captures extinction events, and incorporate different strategies of releasing sterile insects. We perform basic studies of dynamical features of these models, with an emphasis on the condition of excitation, and the impact of the different release methods is investigated. Our findings are also demonstrated with some numerical examples.

Droplet-based microfluidics have emerged as an important tool for diverse biomedical and biological applications including, but not limited to, drug screening, cellular analysis, and bottom-up synthetic biology. Each microfluidic water-in-oil droplet contains a well-defined biocontent that, following its manipulation/maturation, has to be released into a physiological environment toward possible end-user investigations. Despite the progress made in recent years, considerable challenges still loom at achieving a precise control over the content release with sufficient speed and sensitivity. Here, we present a quantitative study in which we compare the effectiveness and biocompatibility of chemical and physical microfluidic release methods. We show the advantages of electrocoalescence of water-in-oil droplets in terms of high-throughput release applications. Moreover, we apply programmable DNA nanotechnology to achieve a segregation of the biochemical content within the droplets for the controlled filtration of the encapsulated materials. We envision that the developed bifunctional microfluidic approach, capable of content segregation and selective release, will expand the microfluidic toolbox for cell biology, synthetic biology, and biomedical applications.

Order review and release research has brought several different release methods forward to improve the performance of a manufacturing system. Two of the most recognized methods are Workload Control (WLC) and Constant Work-in-Progress (ConWIP). Both depend on a backlog of not yet released orders which is organized in a pre-shop pool. Lately, the sequencing of the backlog has received increasing attention for both methods. Existing research shows the performance-increasing potential of capacity slack-based sequencing rules. This paper analyzes this potential by further developing some of the known rules and applying them to both WLC and ConWIP using a simulating approach.

System and module suppliers are confronted with the challenge of ensuring short delivery times and high adherence to delivery dates. To achieve this target, an appropriate and largely constant work-in-progress (WIP) level is required. One way to influence the WIP of a production area is to use an order release method. The real-time collection of feedback data as well as a sufficiently high data quality can be an essential prerequisite for the successful implementation of an order release method. However, the effort involved in implementing these order release methods is not analyzed in the literature. This contribution takes up this research gap and analyzes the known methods with regard to the effort for the implementation into a central control software (e.g. enterprise resource planning system, ERP).

The broad spectrum of physical properties in functional oxide materials has attracted intensive research interest in recent years. In particular, freestanding thin films of single-crystalline functional oxides, as flexible and isolated forms of two-dimensional (2D) geometries, are expected to have great potential in integration with flexible and semiconductor devices. Here, we review the progress made in recent years in fabricating freestanding single-crystalline functional oxide films via chemical release methods and exfoliation methods. These freestanding films are mechanically flexible and thus allow the intrinsic effect of mechanical strain to be investigated. Using the engineering bending procedure, tuning the physical properties of these flexible oxide films has been realized. The currently made progress in studying the freestanding oxide films is expected to stimulate extensive research, from fundamental physics of two-dimensional materials to applications in advanced electronics.

The past decade has witnessed ongoing progress in precision medicine to improve human health. As an emerging diagnostic technique, liquid biopsy can provide real-time, comprehensive, dynamic physiological and pathological information in a noninvasive manner, opening a new window for precision medicine. Liquid biopsy depends on the sensitive and reliable detection of circulating targets (e.g., cells, extracellular vesicles, proteins, microRNAs) from body fluids, the performance of which is largely governed by recognition ligands. Aptamers are single-stranded functional oligonucleotides, capable of folding into unique tertiary structures to bind to their targets with superior specificity and affinity. Their mature evolution procedure, facile modification, and affinity regulation, as well as versatile structural design and engineering, make aptamers ideal recognition ligands for liquid biopsy. In this review, we present a broad overview of aptamer-based liquid biopsy techniques for precision medicine. We begin with recent advances in aptamer selection, followed by a summary of state-of-the-art strategies for multivalent aptamer assembly and aptamer interface modification. We will further describe aptamer-based micro-/nanoisolation platforms, aptamer-enabled release methods, and aptamer-assisted signal amplification and detection strategies. Finally, we present our perspectives regarding the opportunities and challenges of aptamer-based liquid biopsy for precision medicine.

Hugs play an essential role in social bonding between people. This study evaluates the hug interactions with a robot identifying the perception. Four hug release methods in adults were applied, a short-time hug, a long-time hug, a touch-controlled hug, and a pressure-controlled hug. The social robot CASTOR was integrated into this study, a modification was made in its arms to perform the hugging action, and a pressure sensor in its upper back. 12 adults (5 females and 7 males) participated in the study. Results showed that the perception of friendliness comparing the short-time hug and the pressure-controlled hug had differences (\(p=0.036\)), making the pressure-controlled hug more friendly. In the case of natural perception, the touch-controlled hug was more natural comparing with the short-time hug (\(p=0.047\)). This study presents the feasibility of implementing CASTOR in hugging interactions.

As part of a project to introduce avian predators for biological pest control, we used hard and soft release methods to introduce Barn Owls (Tyto alba) in the urban area of Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, Malaysia. We tested five methods: (1) hard release of non-acclimated adults, (2) hard release of non-acclimated juveniles, (3) soft release of hand-reared fledglings, (4) soft release of acclimated juveniles, and (5) soft release of acclimated adults. We employed radio-tracking to analyze the success of all methods, and the movement and survival of some of the released birds. We analyzed regurgitated pellets to study the diet of the successfully introduced owls. All hard-released non-acclimated adults and non-acclimated juveniles left the study area within a few days after their release. Soft release of hand-reared fledglings was also unsuccessful, as we could only detect the radio-tracked owls for ≤10 d after their release. Of the nine acclimated juveniles that were soft released, one stayed within the study area for 25 d but eventually dispersed. The soft release using acclimated adults was the most successful release method, as 60% (3 of 5 birds) of the released owls were tracked for >30 d and became established as resident birds in the study area. We observed these adults roosting and hunting prey within the study area. Analysis of regurgitated pellets showed the resident Barn Owls preyed primarily on small mammals. Our results suggest that the most suitable method to introduce and establish Barn Owl populations in an urban area was by using soft release of acclimated adults.

First we describe the different types of biocontrol used in greenhouses and present examples of each type. Next we summarize the history of greenhouse biocontrol, which started in 1926, showed a problematic period when synthetic chemical pesticides became available after 1945, and flourished again since the 1970s. After 1970, the number of natural enemies becoming available for commercial augmentative biocontrol in greenhouses grew very fast, as well as the industry producting these control agents. Biocontrol of the most important clusters of greenhouse pests is summarized, as well as the taxonomic groups of natural enemies that play a main role in greenhouses. More than 90% of natural enemy species used in greenhouses belong to the Arthropoda and less than 10%, many belonging to the Nematoda, are non-arthropods. This is followed by sections on finding and evaluation of potential biocontrol agents, and on mass production, storage, release and quality control of natural enemies. Since the 1970s, production of biocontrol agents has moved from a cottage industry to professional research and production facilities. Many efficient agents have been identified, quality control protocols, mass-production, shipment and release methods matured, and adequate guidance for farmers has been developed. Most natural enemy species (75%) are produced in low or medium numbers per week (hundreds to a hundred thousand), and are applied in situations where only low numbers are needed, such as private gardens, hospitals, banks, and shopping malls. The other 25% of the species are produced in numbers of 100,000 to up to millions per week and regularly released in many of the greenhouse crops. Microbial pesticides are predominantly used as corrective treatments in greenhouse crops where natural enemies are providing insufficient control. Europe is still the largest commercial market for arthropod greenhouse biocontrol agents, and North America is the largest market for microbial control agents. We then continue with a discussion on the pros and cons of use of polyphagous predators, and the use of semiochemicals. Finally, we summarize factors that indicate a positive future for greenhouse biocontrol, as well as developments frustrating its implementation.

Sarcothalia crispata is a carrageenophytic red alga from South America. The gametophytes produce kappa/iota carrageenan and the tetrasporophytes, lambda carrageenan, each with different properties and uses. The aims of this study were to determine the most effective method for obtaining S. crispata carpospores and tetraspores from southern Argentina, to evaluate the germination process of these spores, and to assess their survival and growth on different substrates. Desiccation, osmotic shock, low temperature, and spontaneous discharge were tested in the laboratory as spore release methods. The settlement and growth of sporelings were assessed on glass, ropes, shells, and gravel. No differences were found among induction methods, obtaining a higher output of tetraspores per frond area than of carpospores. After 3 months, shells and gravel showed the highest densities of carposporelings and tetrasporelings, while the lowest were observed on ropes and glass, respectively. Carposporeling survival varied between 88% on gravel and 13% on ropes; for tetrasporelings, mean survival was 5%. Sporelings attained the largest basal discs and longest erect portions on glass, and the smallest and shortest ones on ropes, those on shells and gravel being of intermediate in size. Based on these results, it can be concluded that carpospores and tetraspores from S. crispata obtained by spontaneous discharge and inoculated on shells and gravel will result in good densities, allowing germlings to develop and grow. This is the first study on reproductive aspects of S. crispata from the southwestern Atlantic coast, presenting valuable information for reliably initiating specific spore cultures. Obtaining this specific raw material separately for the extraction of kappa/iota or lambda carrageenan would lead to a better management of the resource by the carrageenan industry. Fil: Hughes, Melanie Hebe. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina Fil: Michetti, Karina Mariel. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina Fil: Leonardi, Patricia Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina

The conservation benefits of maintaining social groupings during and after animal translocations are unclear. Although some studies report improved post-release survival, others found no discernible influence on reintroduction success. Understanding the effects of social groupings is difficult because release methods can influence the animals’ ability to maintain social groups. We explored this relationship by first studying whether release protocols influenced post-release cohesion in the communal burrowing bettong Bettongia lesueur, and then investigating whether maintenance of social cohesion conferred any post-release advantage. We released bettongs into a small (8 ha) and large (2,600 ha) area and compared the proportion that maintained social groupings in the different settings. The proportion of bettongs sharing with previous warren co-occupants was higher than expected by chance in both areas, however, a significantly higher proportion of bettongs maintained social groupings in the small (75%) compared to the large release area (13%). This suggests bettongs prefer to maintain social groupings but are unable to locate members of their group in large release areas. Bettongs that did maintain social groupings showed no difference in reproductive or health outcomes compared to those that formed new social groupings, suggesting no benefit to reintroduction success. We conclude that release protocols can influence post-release cohesion, but that greater cohesion does not necessarily confer advantages to group-living animals. To test the importance of social cohesion, further research on reintroductions should compare post-release parameters for animals released using protocols that do and do not facilitate maintenance of social groupings.

Release methods can influence the outcome of reintroductions. We tested the effect of delayed, immediate and supplementary food/shelter release treatments on the reintroduction of brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula to an environment in which introduced predators, particularly foxes, were subject to control. Monitoring of 48 radio-collared possums over 3 months revealed that immediate release possums settled into a stable range significantly faster than other groups, but there were no differences in survival, dispersal distance, reproduction or body condition. Ten days after release possums from all treatment groups had lost body mass, but by day 60 most were heavier than at the time of translocation. After release, possums sometimes used shelter sites easily accessible to predators, but within 3 weeks they regularly selected safer shelter. Risky shelter selection and loss of condition immediately after release suggests that supplementary food and shelter could be beneficial, but supportive measures were rarely used or did not have the desired effect. In an environment with higher predator densities, risky shelter selection could lead to high post-release predation, and mass loss could encourage animals to forage in riskier ways, further increasing vulnerability. In these environments effective uptake of supplementary food and shelter could reduce predation risk, but supplementary measures would need to be presented in a way that maximises uptake. In contrast, if post-release predation risk is low then supportive measures may not be required. Innovative methods for providing post-release support should continue to be developed for reintroductions to areas where supportive measures are needed.

Drug-loaded polymeric microparticles have been used as long-acting injectable (LAI) depot formulations. To obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, a generic LAI depot product needs to be qualitatively (Q1) and quantitatively (Q2) the same in terms of inactive ingredients as its reference-listed drug. However, Q1/Q2 sameness as the reference-listed drug does not guarantee the same in vitro drug release profile and in vivo performance, especially when the manufacturing methods are different. There is little consensus on how the in vitro testing needs to be done to examine the release profiles of LAI depot formulations. This study examined the manufacturing differences in making risperidone-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles and their impact on the release kinetics. It also examined the impacts of in vitro testing methods on the drug release profiles. Two in-house manufactured risperidone poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles and Risperdal Consta ® were used in the study. Of the in vitro release methods tested, the orbital agitation method provided the most reproducible release profiles. The results indicate that the in vitro release kinetics depend not only on manufacturing procedures but also on the in vitro testing conditions, such as the agitation speed, vessel-dimensions, solid beads, media exchange volume, and other parameters both under real-time and accelerated testing conditions. In the current case, the in vitro experimental condition seemed to affect the drug release kinetics more than the manufacturing differences. The developed orbital agitation release testing method is simple, robust, and reproducible, which allows the comparison of in vitro release profiles of formulations that are prepared with manufacturing differences.

Flow cytometry trituration methods and the efficiency of lysis buffer solutions efficiency are compared in this study for extraction of nuclei from fresh leaves of rice (Oryza sativa). The rRazor blade sample trituration (chopping) procedure has been widely used to release nuclei from tissues in many plant species, together and combined with different lysis buffers in many plant species for low throughput analysis. AlternativelyIn contrast, the bead beating trituration method has been barely rarely been used for DNA ploidy determination, despite it being proposed as a less tedious alternative procedure to prepare nuclear suspensions when combined with Hanson's lysis buffer. In this study, bead beating was assessed in with rice young rice leaves and compared with the traditional chopping procedure. Each trituration method was combined with one of three nuclear isolation buffers (i.e. Hanson's buffer, Otto's buffers and LB01). Bead beating was applied for the first time using any all three of the assessed Hanson, LB01 and Otto's buffers, resulting in a rapid and suitable effective procedure for ploidy determination in rice fresh rice leaves ploidy determination. In addition, bead beating saved time and money, while reducing the exposure of the user to harmful substances. TIt is concluded that he best results were obtained when Hanson's nuclear isolation buffer was combined with the bead beating trituration method.

1. Whale shark, the world's largest fish, is believed to be particularly vulnerable owing to its biological characteristics (slow growth, late maturation, great longevity) and is listed as Vulnerable by IUCN and included in Appendix II of CITES. 2. Whale sharks are occasionally encircled in tropical tuna purse-seine nets, throughout this global fishery. Although apparent immediate survival rates following encirclement and release have recently been assessed through scientific onboard observer programmes, a more rigorous methodology is still required for studying post-released survival. 3. This work provides a method for applying pop-up satellite tags and reports an enhanced release procedure for whale sharks. The first assessment of survival after release from purse-seine nets involved six whale sharks tagged between May and September 2014 in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. Five tags transmitted data: three popped up as programmed (after 30 days), while two surfaced prematurely (one after 21 and the other after 71 days (programmed to pop off after 30 and 90 days, respectively)) but showed no sign of unusual behaviour. 4. Overall, whale sharks survived at least 21 days (one at least 71 days) after release from purse-seine nets. These observations based on five large individuals (total length > 8 m), suggest that whale sharks have a good chance of survival when released with the proposed method. 5. Additional tagging in this and other oceans, especially of juveniles which may be more sensitive to encirclement and release operations, is essential to further assess whale shark post-release survival rates in tuna purse-seine fisheries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tracer gases are an effective method for assessing mine ventilation systems, especially when other techniques are impractical. Based on previously completed laboratory and field experiments, this paper discusses some common and challenging issues encountered when using tracer gases in underground mines. The discussion includes tracer release methods, sampling and analysis techniques. Additionally, the use of CFD to optimize the design of tracer gas experiments is also presented. Finally, guidelines and recommendations are provided on the use of tracer gases in the characterization of underground mine ventilation networks. This work has informed the practical use of tracer gases in mines, and this body of knowledge is expected to contribute to more efficient and more common use of tracer gases by mine engineers, which will allow for better characterization of mine ventilation system and improved safety. The findings can also be used when using the tracer gas technique in the evaluation of atmospheric environment and air quality investigation in buildings.

Clays belong to a category of silica layered ingredients that are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, either as ingredients or in combination in composites and hybrids. The specific structure of clay provides effective drug delivery systems with the ability to interact with drugs and to control release. Numerous research articles have been published in this respect and valuable results reported, mostly for oral routes. However, overview and discussion of the recent and rapidly growing research along with their theoretical principles are required for understanding and exploring the great potential of this method. To further this aim, we have provided an illustrated and comprehensive study from the point of view of a nanotechnologist, interested in investigating clay aggregate effects at the nano and meso scales for the development of nano-composites and hybrids accomplished with clay. In the first stage, a review of the molecular structure and physicochemical properties of clay are discussed and then we continue with a survey of clay and nanoclay origins, preparation methods, modification and incorporation as nano-hybrids, nano-composites, and nano and microfibers. Also their effects on drug overdose toxicity and on the mechanism of drug loading and release are discussed. Finally, this review summarizes further expansions of their progressive usage in biopharmaceutical applications with the help of integration of release methods and engineering of nanostructured clays in polymeric nanocomposites.

The current investigation was carried out to identify appropriate parameters for measuring the in vitro release of tobramycin (TOB) ophthalmic ointments and to evaluate the feasibility of in vitro release testing methods to assess the product performance. Drug release was assessed using USP dissolution apparatus IV and a modified USP dissolution apparatus I with simulated tear solution (STS) as the dissolution medium. The study variables included temperature, membrane material, source and pore size. The results demonstrated a significant influence of the membrane source and pore size on the release of TOB from the ointments. A dissolution medium temperature of 40 °C was found to be appropriate for the release studies. Both of the apparatuses were able to discriminate between the release profiles of ointments with different physicochemical/rheological properties. Maximum release rate of TOB was observed in the first hour which followed a logarithmic time dependent release. The correlation between the release rates/amounts and yield stress of the ointments was observed in both the dissolution apparatuses. These results support a rational approach to guide the in vitro release testing of TOB ophthalmic ointments.

In microscale, the adhesion force between the object and the end-effector becomes one of the main forces affecting the micromanipulation. During operating the micro objects, adhesion force enables us pick up with only one end-effector, but high success rate and stable grasp cannot be guaranteed. Besides, the adhesion force causes the difficulty of release, and release accuracy of the existing release method is not satisfying. To solve these two key problems in micromanipulation, we proposed an optimized two-finger microhand system to achieve both stable grasp and accurate release. One micropipette mounted on a parallel compliant mechanism can be positioned in a 3D space actuated by three piezo actuators, and another micropipette is fixed. The tips of the two micropipettes are heated to form spheroids at the end, and then grinded to achieve hemispherical end-effectors for high success rate stable grasp. The motorized end-effector is coated with the gel to keep the object always stick on it when open the two finger. Then this end-effector is controlled to vibrate to overcome the adhesion force between the end-effector and the object. Experiments of grasp microbeads have been carried out to demonstrate the stable grasp with hemispherical end-effectors. The microbeads have also been released with different vibrate frequencies and amplitudes to quantify its release accuracy under different conditions. Finally, with the proposed grasp and release methods, we apply microbeads to assemble a line.

Reintroductions have increasingly become effective at restoring populations of imperiled native wildlife. How animals are reintroduced into unfamiliar environments may have pronounced impacts on behavior, survival, and reproduction. We evaluated the influence of four release methods on survival rates of translocated swift foxes at Bad River Ranches (BRR) in western South Dakota: (1) hard-release, (2) short-soft-release, (3) long-soft-release, and (4) captive born. A total of 179 foxes captured in Wyoming during 2002–2007 and in Colorado during 2006–2007 were released into BRR and the surrounding area. In addition, 43 pups born to foxes in the long-soft-release category were also released. All release methods incorporated a 14- to 21-day quarantine period. Hard-release foxes were released directly from a transport kennel, whereas short-soft-release foxes were released from soft-release pens by opening the door and allowing the foxes to leave voluntarily. Long-soft-release foxes were held for more than 250 days on-site in soft-release pens through the winter and released in the following year in early summer. During 2002–2007, survival of reintroduced foxes differed significantly ( p < 0.05) by age (adult vs. juvenile), release year, and release method. The short-soft-release method had the highest 60-day post-release survival probability compared with the other release methods. We did not detect any differences in mortality hazards between wild-born and short-soft-release foxes. Reintroduction programs based on short-soft-releases are useful for restoring or augmenting populations to advance the conservation of the swift fox.

Due to change in customer requirements, companies, especially MTO companies, started focusing on the internal flow. Therefore the study of different production planning techniques, particularly order review and release methods, in a pure flow shop is slowly becoming important. Literature shows that research so far is mostly confined in theoretical studies, but there is scarcely any evidence of applying the order review and release methods in a real time company. Therefore, the internal logistics system of a MTO company in Italy is studied. The system follows a pure flow shop configuration. After collecting the data from the company, the different parameters are determined. Two different order review and release methods, limiting, based on heuristics, and balancing, based on optimization model, are applied and compared with the current condition. The simulation results show better performance of balancing method compared to limiting method for the internal flow of the company.

Delivering software for the Cloud represents a challenge for both micro teams and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in part due to the rapid release methods adopted and the numerous ways in which software defects can be detected. We study field defect detection rates in a framework where these rates are used to refocus in-house test resources. Using an enterprise dataset, we address the question of what types of defects are found in the field and how soon after a system goes live defects are detected. Our framework can aid both micro teams and SMEs to minimise the number of defects found in the field by maximising internal usage through ‘Dogfood’ programs and by leveraging crowdsourced test methodologies.

In vitro dissolution/release tests are an important tool in the drug product development phase as well as in its quality control and the regulatory approval process. Mucosal drug delivery systems are aimed to provide both local and systemic drug action via mucosal surfaces of the body and exhibit significant differences in formulation design, as well as in their physicochemical and release characteristics. Therefore it is not possible to devise a single test system which would be suitable for release testing of such complex dosage forms. This article is aimed to provide a comprehensive review of both compendial and noncompendial methods used for in vitro dissolution/release testing of novel mucosal drug delivery systems aimed for ocular, nasal, oromucosal, vaginal and rectal administration.

In vitro dissolution/release tests are an indispensable tool in the drug product development, its quality control and the regulatory approval process. Mucosal drug delivery systems are designed to provide both local and systemic drug action following ocular, nasal, oromucosal, vaginal or rectal administration. They exhibit significant differences in formulation design, physicochemical characteristics and drug release properties. Therefore it is not possible to devise a single method which would be suitable for release testing of such versatile and complex dosage forms. Different apparatuses and techniques for in vitro release testing for mucosal delivery systems considering the specific conditions at the administration site are described. In general, compendial apparatuses and methods should be used as a first approach in method development when applicable. However, to assure adequate simulation of conditions in vivo, novel biorelevant in vitro dissolution/release methods should be developed. Equipment set up, the selection of dissolution media and volume, membrane type, agitation speed, temperature, and assay analysis technique need to be carefully defined based on mucosal drug delivery system characteristics. All those parameters depend on the delivery system and physiological conditions at the site of application and may vary in a wide range, which will be discussed in details.

Every production planning concept that incorporates controlled order release will initially withhold jobs from the shop floor and create a pre-shop pool. Order release is a key component of the Workload Control concept that aims to maintain work-in-process within limits while ensuring due dates are met. Order release includes two decisions: (i) a sequencing decision that establishes the order in which jobs are considered for release; and, (ii) a selection decision that determines the criteria for choosing jobs for release. While selection has received much research attention, sequencing has been largely neglected. Using simulation, this study uncovers the potential for performance improvement in the sequencing decision and improves our understanding of how order release methods should be designed. Although most prior studies apply time-oriented sequencing rules and load-oriented selection rules, analysis reveals that load balancing considerations should also be incorporated in the sequencing decision. But an exclusive focus on load balancing is shown to increase mean tardiness and, paradoxically, require high workloads. A new sequencing rule is developed that only balances loads when multiple orders become urgent. It avoids high mean tardiness and allows the shop to operate at a low workload level. At the same time, the percentage tardy is reduced by up to 50% compared to a purely time-oriented rule. The findings have implications not only for Workload Control but for any concept that features order release control, such as ConWIP and Drum-Buffer-Rope.

Five new complexes of Cd(II) and Zn(II), [M(C 9 H 5 N 2 O 3 ) 2 (CH 3 OH) 2 ] ( 1 , 2 ) and [M(C 9 H 5 N 2 O 3 ) 2 (C 2 H 8 N 2 )] ( 3 , 4 ) (M = Zn(II) and Cd(II)) and [Zn(C 9 H 5 N 2 O 3 ) 2 (C 10 H 8 N 2 )] ( 5 ), have been prepared by the slowly release methods of 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline from 5-nitro-quinoline-8-yl acetate and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermal gravimetric analysis, fluorescence measurement and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All the complexes are mononuclear and show excellent luminescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.

Residual stress measurement is of critical significance to in-service security and the reliability of engineering components, and has been an active area of scientific interest. This paper offers a review of several prominent mechanical release methods for residual stress measurement and recent developments, focusing on the hole-drilling method combined with advanced optical sensing. Some promising trends for mechanical release methods are also analyzed.

Preliminary experiments that optimize release methods pave the way to larger-scale releases and proper evaluation methods. One evaluation method is before-after-control-impact, which requires that more animals remain at release areas (“site fidelity” to impact areas) than disperse to control areas. This study tested whether there are release methods that maximize fidelity to the release area and minimize dispersal to nearby areas, which might enable a before-after-control-impact experiment. Lingcod that were 17-months old at release showed greater fidelity to release areas (23% remaining one year after release) than lingcod that were 9- and 11-months old at release. None of the 17- and 21-month-old release groups were detected on more distant structured habitats 44 weeks after release, but 8% and 13% of lingcod from the 9- and 11-month-old release groups were detected at distant structured habitat. Thus, releasing 17-month-old lingcod maximized fidelity to the release area and minimized dispersal to other...

Most studies on the performance of workload control (WLC) order release methods assume products have simple structures. But, in practice, products are often complex and consist of a number of sub-assemblies that flow through a level 1 job shop before converging on several final assembly operations in a level 2 assembly shop. Evaluating the performance of release methods in this context referred to as the two-level multi-stage job shop is an important step towards improving the alignment between WLC theory and practice. We use simulation to assess the performance of four of the best-performing WLC order release methods. Results suggest that WLC order release has the potential to limit work-in-process (WIP) while reducing the percentage of tardy jobs. It is also important to consider when and where release should be controlled. Results suggest that: (1) orders should be considered for release to level 2 when the first sub-assembly is complete, rather than only when all of the sub-assemblies that make up an assembly order are complete at level 1; and, (2) exercising control at level 2 (with or without control at level 1) leads to a greater reduction in the percentage of tardy jobs than control at level 1 only.

Accelerated drug release testing is a valuable quality control tool for long-acting non-oral extended release formulations. Currently, several intravaginal ring candidates designed for the long-term delivery of steroids or anti-infective drugs are being in the developing pipeline. The present article addresses the demand for accelerated drug release methods for these formulations. We describe the development and evaluation of accelerated release methods for a steroid releasing matrix-type intravaginal ring. The drug release properties of the formulation were evaluated under real-time and accelerated test conditions. Under real-time test conditions drug release from the intravaginal ring was strongly affected by the steroid solubility in the release medium. Under sufficient sink conditions that were provided in release media containing surfactants drug release was Fickian diffusion driven. Both temperature and hydro-organic dissolution media were successfully employed to accelerate drug release from the formulation. Drug release could be further increased by combining the temperature effect with the application of a hydro-organic release medium. The formulation continued to exhibit a diffusion controlled release kinetic under the investigated accelerated conditions. Moreover, the accelerated methods were able to differentiate between different prototypes of the intravaginal ring that exhibited different release profiles under real-time test conditions. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that both temperature and hydro-organic release media are valid parameters for accelerating drug release from the intravaginal ring. Variation of either a single or both parameters yielded release profiles that correlated well with real-time release.

Clays belong to a category of silica layered ingredients that are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, either as ingredients or in combination in composites and hybrids. The specific structure of clay provides effective drug delivery systems with the ability to interact with drugs and to control release. Numerous research articles have been published in this respect and valuable results reported, mostly for oral routes. However, overview and discussion of the recent and rapidly growing research along with their theoretical principles are required for understanding and exploring the great potential of this method. To further this aim, we have provided an illustrated and comprehensive study from the point of view of a nanotechnologist, interested in investigating clay aggregate effects at the nano and meso scales for the development of nano-composites and hybrids accomplished with clay. In the first stage, a review of the molecular structure and physicochemical properties of clay are discussed and then we continue with a survey of clay and nanoclay origins, preparation methods, modification and incorporation as nano-hybrids, nano-composites, and nano and microfibers. Also their effects on drug overdose toxicity and on the mechanism of drug loading and release are discussed. Finally, this review summarizes further expansions of their progressive usage in biopharmaceutical applications with the help of integration of release methods and engineering of nanostructured clays in polymeric nanocomposites.

The formation of a gel coat around xanthan (Xan) tablets, empty or loaded with pentoxifylline (PF), and its release in media differing in pH and ionic strength by NMR, MR imaging, and two release methods were studied. The T1 and T2 NMR relaxation times in gels depend predominantly on Xan concentration; the presence of PF has negligible influence on them. It is interesting that the matrix swelling is primarily regulated by Xan despite high drug loading (25%, 50%). The gastric pH and high ionic strength of the media do not influence the position of the penetration and swelling fronts but do affect the erosion front and gel thickness. The different release profiles obtained in mixing and nonmixing in vitro methods are the consequence of matrix hydration level and erosion at the surface. In water and in diluted acid medium with low ionic strength, the main release mechanism is erosion, whereas in other media (pH 1.2, μ ≥ 0.20 M), anomalous transport dominates as was found out by fitting of measured data with theoretical model. Besides the in vitro investigation that mimics gastric conditions, mathematical modeling makes the product development more successful.

Findings from recent implementations of Workload Control (WLC) have called for research to investigate how sequence-dependent set-up times can best be handled within the design of the concept. In response, this study assesses the performance of four of the best-performing release methods from the literature in a job shop with sequence-dependent set-up times by simulation. First, the four methods are compared without considering set-up requirements at release. Second, the methods are refined to consider set-up requirements before being compared against the original methods. A release method that combines continuous and periodic release emerges as the best-performing method. Findings further suggest that considering set-up requirements at release do not have a significant positive effect on performance and may even be counterproductive: conflicting goals between the selection rules employed at release and dispatching may lead to an increase in the percentage of tardy jobs. Future research should consider wh...

Australian recreational and commercial fishers catch snapper ( Pagrus auratus ) from down to ∼120 m, often evoking barotrauma. Owing to minimum legal sizes and quotas or non-consumptive fishing practices, some afflicted fish are released, raising concerns over the potential for unaccounted fishing mortality. Two experiments were completed to quantify the (1) clinical signs of barotrauma among fish angled from 6 to 120 m (experiment 1) and (2) mortality (over 3 d) of fish with barotrauma that were released following either no treatment, venting (e.g. needle) or recompression (e.g. release weight) (experiment 2). In experiment 1, barotrauma was evident in some fish angled from 11 m and all from >20 m. Fish were considered to have barotrauma if they had a prolapsed cloaca combined with a distended coelomic cavity and/or gastric herniation into the buccal cavity. Despite similar clinical signs among fish in experiment 2, none died, however, the associated trauma raises welfare concerns. Both recompression and venting offered benefits over no treatment by returning fish to depth quickly and releasing gases, respectively. Nevertheless, the release method should be dictated by the clinical signs of barotrauma and extrinsic conditions, including the competency of the fisher (e.g. for venting), presence of predators (e.g. for recompression), and exposure to sun or warm water (e.g. no treatment). More selective gears, spatial and temporal closures, or possibly replacing minimum legal sizes with quotas in deep water only could also reduce the frequency of barotrauma among released P. auratus and therefore, negative impacts on stocks.

Understanding the performance of a drug product in vivo plays a key role in the development of meaningful in vitro drug release methodology. In case of functional chewing gums, the mode and the mechanism of release and the site of application differ significantly from other conventional solid oral dosage forms and require a special consideration to extract meaningful information from clinical studies. In the current study, suitable drug release methodology was developed to predict the in vivo performance of an investigated chewing gum product. Different parameters of the drug release testing apparatus described in the Ph. Eur. and Pharmeuropa were evaluated. Drug release data indicate that the parameters, chewing distance, chewing frequency and twisting motion, affect the drug release. Higher drug release was observed when the frequency was changed from 40 chews/min to 60 chews/min for apparatus A and B, as was the case for the twisting motion when changed from 20o to 40o for apparatus B. As far as the chewing distance is concerned, the release rate was in the following order; apparatus A: 0.3 mm > 0.5 mm > 0.7 mm; apparatus B: 1.4 mm > 1.6 mm > 1.8 mm. A suitable apparatus set-up for in vitro release testing was identified. The method will be useful for the establishment of in vitro in vivo correlations (IVIVC) for medicated chewing gums. Interchangeability of the apparatus for a product is not generally recommended without prior knowledge of the performance of the product, as the construction and principle of operation for the apparatus differ considerably.

Release methods used in species restoration can affect the success of establishment and survival of released animals. We evaluated the effect of age at release and sex on the length of the dependence period of hacked captive-bred juvenile Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja). Between 2002 and 2007, we released 34 (19 males and 15 females) young eagles in Panama and Belize. To test the effect of age, these eagles were divided into two age classes: younger age class 1 (5–7 mo old) and older age class 2 (18–22 mo old). Survival (hacking success) was lower for the younger release age (70%) compared to the older release age (100%; Z = −2.05, P = 0.040). This difference in hacking success was attributed to the extended period of dependence on provisioned food by the younger (18.9 ± 1.3 mo [SE]) compared to older eagles (1.5 ± 0.8 mo). Between-sex comparisons showed that the average length of the dependence period was longer for males of age class 1 (males = 21.8 mo vs. females = 14.3 mo) and for femal...

Objectives This review highlights current methods and strategies for accelerated in-vitro drug release testing of extended-release parenteral dosage forms such as polymeric microparticulate systems, lipid microparticulate systems, in-situ depot-forming systems and implants. Key findings Extended-release parenteral dosage forms are typically designed to maintain the effective drug concentration over periods of weeks, months or even years. Consequently, ‘real-time’ in-vitro release tests for these dosage forms are often run over a long time period. Accelerated in-vitro release methods can provide rapid evaluation and therefore are desirable for quality control purposes. To this end, different accelerated in-vitro release methods using United States Pharmacopeia (USP) apparatus have been developed. Different mechanisms of accelerating drug release from extended-release parenteral dosage forms, along with the accelerated in-vitro release testing methods currently employed are discussed. Summary Accelerated in-vitro release testing methods with good discriminatory ability are critical for quality control of extended-release parenteral products. Methods that can be used in the development of in-vitro–in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) are desirable; however, for complex parenteral products this may not always be achievable.

Biodegradable polymeric microneedles were developed as a method for achieving sustained transdermal drug release. These microneedles have potential as a patient-friendly substitute for conventional sustained release methods. However, they have limitations related to the difficulty of achieving separation of the needles into the skin. We demonstrated that microneedle separation into the skin was mediated by hydrogel swelling in response to contact with body fluid after the needles were inserted into the skin. The hydrogel microparticles were synthesized by an emulsification method using poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm). The microneedles were fabricated by micromolding poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) after filling the cavities of the mold with the hydrogel microparticles. The failure of microneedle tips caused by hydrogel swelling was studied in regard to contact with water, insertion of microneedles into porcine cadaver skin in vitro, stress-strain behavior, and insertion into the back skin of a hairless mouse in vivo. The drug delivery property of the hydrogel particles was investigated qualitatively by inserting polymer microneedles into porcine cadaver skin in vitro, and the sustained release property of PLGA microneedles containing hydrogel microparticles was studied quantitatively using the Franz cell model. The hydrogel particles absorbed water quickly, resulting in the cracking of the microneedles due to the difference in volume expansion between the needle matrix polymer and the hydrogel particles. The swollen particles caused the microneedles to totally breakdown, leaving the microneedle tips in the porcine cadaver skin in vitro and in the hairless mouse skin in vivo. Model drugs encapsulated in biodegradable polymer microneedles and hydrogel microparticles were successfully delivered by releasing microneedles into the skin.