Partial Dispersion Research Articles

Design and development of Fujicalin-based axitinib liquisolid compacts for improved dissolution and bioavailability to treat renal cell carcinoma

Poor dissolution of axitinib (AXT) limits its effectiveness through the oral route. The present study investigated, prospective of liquisolid (LS) technology to improve dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of AXT to treat renal cell carcinoma. LS compacts were fabricated with PEG 200, Fujicalin SG, and Aerosil 200 as solvent, carrier, and coat material, respectively. The behavior of LS-systems during tabletting was investigated using Kawakita, Heckel, and Leuenberger analysis. LS compacts were examined for P-XRD, DSC, SEM, and in vitro drug dissolution. For optimization, a 32 full factorial design was utilized. Cell line A498 was utilized for in vitro cytotoxicity study. A bioavailability study was performed using rabbits. DSC and P-XRD analysis confirmed the transition of crystalline AXT to its partial amorphization and molecular dispersion. Consequently, LS6 demonstrated a significantly rapid drug dissolution (Q20; >99 %) than the directly compressed tablets (18.05 %). Additionally, 2.03-fold increase in oral bioavailability, and inhibited dose-dependent cell growth with 1.75-fold increased apoptosis rate. Overall, an LS6 compact consisting of 15 % AXT concentration in PEG 200 and a 20 w/w ratio of Fujicalin SG: Aerosil 200 exhibited improved formulation properties, enhanced dissolution rate, and bioavailability. Thus developed potential product may contribute low-cost production with patient-improved survival expectations.

Structural insight of fluorophosphate glasses through F/O ratio: case study of Raman and NMR spectra

Fluorophosphate glass has excellent characteristics such as low nonlinear refractive index, anomalous partial dispersion, low phonon energy, high UV transparency and high rare earth doping concentration, etc. The two anion ions of fluorine (F) and oxygen (O) and their F/O ratio in fluorophosphate glasses provide important structural characteristics of the specific glass. To explore this, a series of fluorophosphate glass samples with theoretical F/O ratios ranging from 1 to 7 were prepared, Raman spectroscopy and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were mainly employed to elucidate the structural polyhedrons made of the network chain. The underlying correlation between the Qn units and F/O ratio was explored, i.e., the Q2 unit dominate when the F/O ratio is less than 0.3, and predominantly Q2 or Q1 unit is predominant as F/O ratio ranges from 0.3 to 1, it comes to be Q1 or Q0 unit as F/O ratio further increase to 4, while it becomes Q0 when the F/O ratio is greater than 4. The applicability of this interval estimation was verified by comprehensive analyzing a variety of structural results of fluorophosphate glasses with various glass compositions. The explored interrelation between the F/O ratio and structural property is of great significance for developing low nonlinear and UV transparent fluorophosphate glasses.

Physical analysis of an acrylic resin modified by metal and ceramic nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant attention in various fields due to their unique properties and potential applications. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is an acrylic resin widely used in dentistry and medicine. However, the effect of different types of NP fillers on the physical properties of PMMA-based resins has not been thoroughly explored in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 3 different types of NP fillers on the physical properties of an experimental PMMA-based resin as a function of the NP content and concentration. Ten groups (n = 10) were designed. The specimens were composed of an acrylic resin, silicon dioxide (SiO2), cerium dioxide (CeO2), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) at the following ratios (wt%): group 1 (G1) - control; group 2 (G2) - 0.5% SiO2; group 3 (G3) - 1% SiO2; group 4 (G4) - 3% SiO2; group 5 (G5) - 0.5% CeO2; group 6 (G6) - 1% CeO2; group 7 (G7) - 3% CeO2; group 8 (G8) - 0.5% TiO2; group 9 (G9) - 1% TiO2; and group 10 (G10) - 3% TiO2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the quality of NP dispersion. Thermal stability was assessed with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effects of the abovementioned NPs on the properties of the resin were evaluated using the Archimedes principle for density, the Vickers hardness (VH) test and the impact strength (IS) test. Data analysis employed the oneand two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05. Transmission electron microscopy showed partial NP dispersion. All types of NPs enhanced the mechanical properties of the acrylic resin except for IS, which was similar to that of the control group. Among the types of NPs, irrespective of the weight percentage, CeO2 showed higher thermal stability and higher IS for 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% as compared to other groups, as well as the highest values of density at 0.5 wt%, 1 wt% and 3 wt%. Titanium oxide at 1 wt% presented a higher VH as compared to other groups. The fracture pattern was the same for all groups. Incorporating the tested NPs into the acrylic resin resulted in enhanced physical properties, primarily attributed to a lower NP content.

Preparation and mechanical properties of fluoropolymer composite containing polyrotaxane and nanocellulose as organic fillers

AbstractPolymer‐based composites containing functional organic fillers with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a matrix were prepared using a simple and short melt‐compounding method, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Polyrotaxane and nanocellulose were used as functional organic fillers. A PVDF/organic filler composite with improved mechanical hardness was prepared, even when using a fluoropolymer that tends to separate phases from other components. The optimum conditions for improving in Young's modulus were estimated from the composites prepared by varying the organic filler content. As a result, the Young's modulus increased to 1548 MPa, maximum stress approached 50 MPa, and strain elongation was 20% at contents of polyrotaxane:nanocellulose = 0.6 wt%:0.3 wt%. Furthermore, the miscibility of both components was evaluated based on the change in the crystallization temperature of the composite, the PVDF matrix, and each organic filler. The partial miscibility and dispersion of the organic fillers in the fluoropolymer matrix are suggested to be responsible for improving the mechanical properties.Highlights Unique composites containing nanocellulose and polyrotaxane were prepared. Organic fillers were introduced into a phase‐separable fluoropolymer matrix. Mechanical properties were improved by introduction of organic fillers. Nanocellulose seems to adsorb to the polymer chain ends of fluoropolymer. Polyrotaxane showed partial miscibility with fluoropolymer matrix.

Towards a More Conductive and Stronger Cellulose-CNTs Composite Film through Controlling the Texture

ABSTRACT Dispersion state of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) film at variant sonication time in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been studied in this work. The sonication was extended up to 120 min, and the CNF-CNTs-SDS suspension’s viscosity was measured at different times. Overall, viscosity of CNF-CNTs-SDS suspension decreased continuously as sonication continued except for the period of 60–75 min, where an increase in the viscosity was observed. Based on morphological investigations, the partial dispersion of particles at the early stage of sonication (i.e. up to 60 min) was followed by coagulation or reagglomeration of the particles during 60–75 min and increasing sonication time by 120 min led to improved dispersion of CNTs in CNFs. Likewise, the electrical conductivity and tensile strength obeyed the same trend due to improved CNTs-CNFs film’s network (30–60 and 75–120 min) and the corresponding reduction (60–75 min) caused by the partial agglomeration of CNT and CNF moieties. These findings highlight that sonication time is not a straightforward parameter and should be elaborated to reach the desired dispersion.

Dispersion controlled nanocomposite gradient index lenses

The degrees of freedom afforded by nanocomposite materials and additive manufacturing allow for the precise control over the chromatic properties of gradient index (GRIN) optics. The ability to engineer nanocomposite optical materials using blends of three or more constituents makes it possible to independently specify the refractive index gradient and the dispersion of optical materials. The refractive index spectra of the primary nanocomposite feedstock are defined relative to one another using various concentrations of monomers and nanofillers. Inkjet deposition is then used to print-compose specific feedstock to form refractive index gradients with precise control over dispersion. Arrays of 4-mm-diameter spherical GRIN lenses were fabricated using different nanomaterial compositions. The ability to positively and negatively control dispersion and to obtain achromatic performance was demonstrated. Control over partial dispersion is also shown.

The Spatial Pedigree in Traditional Villages under the Perspective of Urban Regeneration—Taking 728 Villages in Jiangnan Region, China as Cases

In current urban regeneration, the conservation and reuse of traditional village space are significant measures to activate urban-rural development. Traditional villages in the Jiangnan region of eastern China represent the typical vernacular culture of urban-rural settlements, which affects the dynamic development of urban regeneration. Aiming at the disadvantages of the decentralization of research objects and the simplification of spatial characteristics in the research of traditional villages in the Jiangnan region, this paper will construct the spatial pedigrees of villages. This study takes 728 traditional villages in the Jiangnan region as cases. First, through on-site research, the spatial pattern of villages in isolated areas was mapped and drawn. Then, on the basis of on-site review, this study labeled the village space, summarized village space information, and used ArcGIS and BIM to create a 3D model of the village. In ArcGIS platform through SOA to establish criterion framework for recognizing the types of village pedigree. Finally, the classification of villages was spatially visualized, and a pedigree was constructed according to the type context. The research result indicates: (1) The aggregation mode of traditional villages in the south of the Jiangnan region presents the characteristics of local aggregation and partial dispersion, which are directly affected by factors such as elevation, water system, and road system. (2) Analysis of the spatial pedigrees of traditional villages through spatial types and spatial growth patterns revealed four pedigree types, including spatial environment pedigree, the spatial organization pedigree, spatial morphological pedigree, and architectural form pedigree. (3) The pedigree shows and distinguishes independent developmental context and evolved form, presenting an extended pattern of prototypes and sub-types.

PET Imaging of Leg Arteries for Determining the Input Function in PET/MRI Brain Studies Using a Compact, MRI-compatible PET System.

In this study, we used a compact, high-resolution, and MRI-compatible PET camera (VersaPET) to assess the feasibility of measuring the image-derived input function (IDIF) from arteries in the leg with the ultimate goal of enabling fully quantitative PET brain imaging without blood sampling. We used this approach in five 18F-FDG PET/MRI brain studies in which the input function was also acquired using the gold standard of serial arterial blood sampling. After accounting for partial volume, dispersion, and calibration effects, we compared the metabolic rates of glucose (MRglu) quantified from VersaPET IDIFs in 80 brain regions to those using the gold standard and achieved a bias and variability of <5% which is within the range of reported test-retest values for this type of study. We also achieved a strong linear relationship (R2 >0.97) against the gold standard across regions. The results of this preliminary study are promising and support further studies to optimize methods, validate in a larger cohort, and extend to the modeling of other radiotracers.

Realizing Ultrahigh Transconductance in Organic Electrochemical Transistor by Co-Doping PEDOT:PSS with Ionic Liquid and Dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), especially the ones with high transconductance, are highly promising in sensitive detection of chemical and biological species. However, it is still a great challenge to design and fabricate OECTs with very high transconductance. Herein, an OECT with ultrahigh transconductance is reported by introducing ionic liquid and dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBSA) simultaneously in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as the semiconductive channel. Compared with the OECT based on pristine PEDOT:PSS, the OECT based on co-doped PEDOT:PSS demonstrates a significant enhancement of transconductance from 1.85 to 22.7 mS, because of the increase in volumetric capacitance and conductivity. The enhanced transconductance is attributed to the DBSA-facilitated phase separation between the ionic liquid and PEDOT:PSS, which helps to form conductive domains of ionic liquid in PEDOT:PSS matrix, and the partial dispersion of ionic liquid in the PEDOT:PSS phase. Furthermore, by using the interdigitated electrodes as the source and drain electrodes, an ultrahigh transconductance of 180 mS is obtained, which is superior to that of the state-of-the-art OECTs. Because of the ultrahigh transconductance, the obtained OECT demonstrates sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose, making it promising in clinical diagnosis, health monitoring, and environmental surveillance.

Using Complex Probability Amplitudes to Simulate Solute Transport in Composite Porous Media

AbstractProbability amplitudes are fundamental to quantum mechanics and offer robust descriptions of complicated systems, which have allowed physicists to explain behaviors inaccessible to classical physics. This article ponders how some of the same conceptual underpinnings of the mathematics used for modeling quantum systems might be applied to subsurface water resources problems and speculates how these tools could facilitate applications on quantum computers. A probability amplitude‐based model for describing advective‐dispersive transport in porous media using linear operators is investigated. The proposed complex valued model decomposes spreading into two “sub‐continuum partial dispersion” coefficients, and this recovers classical spreading when the sum of these coefficients is the Fickian dispersion coefficient. However, the probability amplitudes have a many‐to‐one relationship to a probability distribution, so it embeds a level of heterogeneity into seemingly equivalent functions. Two propagators with different sub‐continuum coefficients may have the same macroscopic behavior when either is considered in isolation, but when they act on the other the system’s behavior changes. Differences in the amplitudes cause a reduction in spreading as velocity correlations are disrupted, despite both propagators having identical dispersion coefficients, and this cannot be achieved using classical methods without changing the dispersion coefficient. The main point is that these amplitude‐based models offer a way to embed information about the system into the propagators, instead of just “averaging it out” when making an upscaled model.

Influences of microwave exposure to flaxseed on the physicochemical stability of oil bodies: Implication of interface remodeling

This study aimed to investigate the influences of microwave (MV) exposure to flaxseed on the physicochemical stability of oil bodies (OBs) focused on the interface remodeling. The results showed that the intracellular OBs subjected to absolute rupture and then partial dispersion by protein bodies visualized by TEM following MV exposure (1–5 min; 700 W). After aqueous extraction, native flax OBs manifested excellent spherical particles with completely intact surface and wide particle size distribution (0.5–3.0 μm) examined by cryo-SEM. Upon 1–5 min of MV exposure, the defective interface integrity and beaded morphology were successively observed for flax OBs, accompanied by the impaired physical stability and rheological behavior due to the newly assembled phospholipid/protein interface. Notably, the profitable migration of phenolic compounds effectively suppressed the lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in flax OBs. Thus, MV exposure (1–5 min; 700 W) was unfavorable for improving the physical stability of flax OBs.

A theoretical framework for general design of two-materials composed diffractive fresnel lens

Near 100% of diffractive efficiency for diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is one of the most required optical performances in broadband imaging applications. Of all flat DOEs, none seems to interest researchers as much as Two-Materials Composed Diffractive Fresnel Lens (TM-DFL) among the most promising flat DOEs. An approach of the near 100% of diffractive efficiency for TM-DFL once developed to determine the design rules mainly takes the advantage of numerical computation by methods of mapping and fitting. Despite a curved line of near 100% of diffractive efficiency can be generated in the Abbe and partial dispersion diagram, it is not able to analytically elaborate the relationship between two optical materials that compose the TM-DFL. Here, we present a theoretical framework, based on the fundaments of Cauchy's equation, Abbe number, partial dispersion, and the diffraction theory of Fresnel lens, for obtaining a general design formalism, so to perform the perfect material matching between two different optical materials for achieving the near 100% of diffractive efficiency for TM-DFL in the broadband imaging applications.

Strong metal-support interaction boosting the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 in chemoselective hydrogenation

Gold catalysts have been reported as highly effective catalysts in various oxidation reactions. However, for chemoselective hydrogenation reactions, gold-based catalysts normally show much lower catalytic activity than platinum group metals, even though their selectivities are excellent. Here, we report that the chemoselective hydrogenation activity of 3-nitrostyrene to 3-vinylaniline over Au/TiO2 can be enhanced up to 3.3 times through the hydrogen reduction strategy. It is revealed that strong metal-support interaction, between gold nanoparticles (NPs) and TiO2 support, is introduced through hydrogen reduction, resulting in partial dispersion of reduced TiOx on the Au surface. The partially covered Au not only increases the perimeter of the interface between the gold NPs and the support, but also benefits H2 activation. Reaction kinetic analysis and H2-D2 exchange reaction show that H2 activation is the critical step in the hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene to 3-vinylaniline. Density functional theory calculations verify that hydrogen dissociation and hydrogen transfer are favored at the interface of gold NPs and TiO2 over the hydrogen-reduced Au/TiO2. This study provides insights for fabricating highly active gold-based catalysts for chemoselective hydrogenation reactions.

Measurement and investigation of mechanical properties of a partial oxide dispersion strengthened Zircaloy-4 tube via an instrumented indentation test

The formation of a partial oxide dispersion strengthened (here denoted as P-ODS) layer on the surface of a Zircaloy-4 (Zry-4) tube is regarded as one of the effective ways to increase the strength of the Zry-4 tube at a bulk scale. This consequently enhances the resistance to ballooning and rupture under accident conditions. In this study, the mechanical properties such as the yield strength of a P-ODS Zry-4 tube at local scale were investigated by micro instrumented indentation testing (IIT). The P-ODS layer was formed on the surface of the Zry-4 tube by a laser beam scanning (LBS) method that uses Y2O3 particles. The IIT was performed at a cross-sectional plane of the P-ODS Zry-4 tube using a spherical indenter. Several regions, including the base Zry-4 tube and P-ODS layer, were considered as indentation points. As a result, the mechanical properties of the P-ODS Zry-4 tube at the local scale were effectively obtained from the IIT. Considerable strength enhancement of the P-ODS layer was observed by comparing with the base Zry-4 tube. Furthermore, the strength enhancement was studied using microstructure-based strengthening models such as Orowan and Hall-Petch to predict the amount of strengthening theoretically. From the suggested strengthening models, the strengthening of the P-ODS layer was effectively investigated, and the results can be useful for both fabricating and simulating the P-ODS Zry-4 tube.

Estimating Hansen solubility parameters of organic pigments by group contribution methods

• A new group contribution method for estimation of HSP has been developed. • The developed method significantly improves HSP estimation of organic pigments. • An uncertainty analysis provides a confidence interval for group contributions and estimations. The Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) are frequently used for solvent selection and characterization of polymers, and are directly related to the suspension behavior of pigments in solvent mixtures. The performance of currently available group contribution (GC) methods for HSP were evaluated and found to be insufficient for computer-aided product design (CAPD) of paints and coatings. A revised and, for this purpose, improved GC method is presented for estimating HSP of organic compounds, intended for organic pigments. Due to the significant limitations of GC methods, an uncertainty analysis and parameter confidence intervals are provided in order to better quantify the estimation accuracy of the proposed approach. Compared to other applicable GC methods, the prediction error is reduced significantly with average absolute errors of 0.45 MPa 1/2 , 1.35 MPa 1/2 , and 1.09 MPa 1/2 for the partial dispersion ( δ D ), polar ( δ P ) and hydrogen-bonding ( δ H ) solubility parameters respectively for a database of 1106 compounds. The performance for organic pigments is comparable to the overall method performance, with higher average errors for δ D and lower average errors for δ P and δ H .

THE CHANGES OF WOUND MACROPHAGES IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Purulent-necrotic lesions of the extremities require amputation in 30-50% of cases. Among all cases of lower extremity amputations 50-70% are due to diabetes. Moreover, 5 out of 6 amputations, not related to the traumatic injury of the limb, are performed in patients with diabetes. The mortality rate among patients with diabetes, who undergo amputation varies from 28 to 40%, and 5-year surveillance is only 10-25%. The study of ultrastructural changes of macrophages on the 3rd day of treatment revealed masses of chaotically located fibrillar structures in the cytoplasm of macrophages that occasionally had an increased electron density. This phenomenon was observed in the purulent-necrotic areas of soft tissues of patients from the main group, compared to the control group. In all cases, mitochondria were enlarged in size, swollen, with a light matrix and contained a reduced amount of cristae. The cristae were deformed and shortened. Swollen matrix in mitochondria led to the formation of vacuoles on their place containing fine-grained contents. The nucleus had a usual form and size with the presence of single invaginations. Chromatin was predominantly concentrated in the form of solid electron-dense masses or evenly distributed throughout the nucleus. There were nuclei with partial chromatin dispersion. The contents of the nuclei included granular, fibrillar, and fine vacuolar material. The nuclear membrane folding did not fluctuate significantly. The folds did not cover the whole surface of the nucleus. In some areas invaginates were represented by the continuation of perinuclear space only. The nuclear envelop pores, which connect the contents of the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm, have been observed. The cytoplasm between the zones of the plate complex was occupied by small mitochondria, single polysomal rosettes, and cisternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum, which was represented by extended intracellular channels and vacuolar formations. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum was predominantly located in the central part. The surface of macrophages in the process of their differentiation from monocytes was relatively plane. Occasionally there occurred small processes or pseudopodia. The number of pinocytic vesicles surrounded by a border was reduced in poorly differentiated cells. Ozone therapy stimulates the functional activity of wound macrophages, as it causes destructive changes in these cells without necrotic lesions. Intravenous introduction of ozonized saline con-tributes to the elimination of wound macrophag-es, mainly through genetically programmed cell death (apoptosis), which plays a significant role in the regulatory mechanisms of the inflammato-ry process.

Changes in the chemical compound and local atomic structure of ultrathin surface layers of Fe due to implantation of argon and oxygen ions

In this work, we consider the effect of irradiation in Ar+ → O+ and O+ → Ar+ sequences on changes in the chemical compound, type of chemical bond and the local atomic structure of ultrathin (~20 nm) iron surface layers. Investigation of the chemical compound and the type of chemical bond of the ion-modified surface was carried out by the XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and Auger electron spectroscopy. The study of changes in the local atomic structure was carried out by an XAFS-like method — electron energy loss fine structure (EELFS) spectroscopy. The parameters of the local atomic environment of oxygen and iron — partial interatomic distances, dispersion parameters, and coordination numbers — were obtained by analyzing atomic pair correlation functions. Analysis of experimental data showed that the two-stage irradiation of iron significantly changes the chemical compound and local atomic structure of the initial surface. This leads to formation of an oxide layer of greater depth than in the case of irradiation with only oxygen ions.

Efficient Algorithms for the Partial Sum Dispersion Problem

Efficient Algorithms for the Partial Sum Dispersion Problem

Heat-induced hollow microcapsule formation using fava bean legumin

This study evaluated the effects of extrinsic factors on the formation of hollow microcapsules (HMs) using fava bean legumin. It was found that the ability of HM formation was highly dependent on NaCl concentration, heating temperature and pH value, where the optimum conditions were 0.05 M NaCl, temperature close to 80 °C and pH 7.17. The protein concentration in the range of 2–10 g/L had minimal influence on the ability of HM formation, while higher protein concentration contributed to form more HMs. The size of the majority of particles allocated within a fine micrometer size range of 1–10 μm and the hollow internal structure exhibited either one vacuole or multi-vacuoles. Formation of NaCl-induced relatively stable, small protein micro-domains could be regard as a precursor of the subsequent HM formation via heating, and the hollow structure could be induced by a balance of partial dispersion of proteins from the clusters to the aqueous phase and formation of permanent linking between the remaining proteins.

Plasma Turbulence at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko: Rosetta Observations.

We perform a power spectral analysis of magnetic field fluctuations measured by the Rosetta spacecraft's magnetometer at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. We interpret the power spectral signatures in terms of plasma turbulent processes and discover that different turbulent processes are prominent during different active phases of the comet. During the weakly active phase of the comet, dominant injection is prominent at low frequencies near 10-2 Hz, while partial energy cascade or dispersion is prominent at high frequencies near 10-1 Hz. During the intermediately active phase, uniform injection is prominent at low frequencies, while partial energy cascade or dispersion is prominent at high frequencies. During the strongly active phase of the comet, we find that partial energy cascade or dissipation is dominant at low frequencies, while partial energy cascade, dissipation, or dispersion is dominant at high frequencies. We infer that the temporal variations of the turbulent processes occur due to the evolution of the plasma environment of the comet as it orbits the Sun.