Sample records for ion release behavior

  1. Preparation and cupric ion release behavior of Cu/LDPE porous composites with tunable pore morphology for intrauterine devices.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Lian; Xia, Xianping; Xie, Changsheng; Ge, Man; Xiao, Cheng; Cai, Shuizhou

    2013-07-01

    Copper/low-density polyethylene (Cu/LDPE) porous composites are novel materials for copper-containing intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs). Here we report a method, i.e., by changing the mass ratio of two kinds of porogens that have different melting points through the combined techniques of injection molding and particulate leaching, to prepare the Cu/LDPE porous composites with tunable pore morphology. After these Cu/LDPE porous composites with different pore morphologies were obtained, the influences of pore morphologies on their cupric ion release behaviors were studied. The results show that the pore morphology has great influence on the cupric ion release behavior of Cu/LDPE porous composites. This phenomenon is caused by the different influences of different pore morphologies on the effective porosity and the surface hydrophilicity. And those results can be applied to guide the fabrication of Cu/LDPE porous composite Cu-IUDs with minimal weight at an appropriate cupric ion release rate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Investigating the role of ion-pair strategy in regulating nicotine release from patch: Mechanistic insights based on intermolecular interaction and mobility of pressure sensitive adhesive.

    PubMed

    Li, Qiaoyun; Wan, Xiaocao; Liu, Chao; Fang, Liang

    2018-07-01

    The aim of this study was to prepare a drug-in-adhesive patch of nicotine (NIC) and use ion-pair strategy to regulate drug delivery rate. Moreover, the mechanism of how ion-pair strategy regulated drug release was elucidated at molecular level. Formulation factors including pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), drug loading and counter ions (C 4 , C 6 , C 8 , C 10 , and C 12 ) were screened. In vitro release experiment and in vitro transdermal experiment were conducted to determine the rate-limiting step in drug delivery process. FT-IR and molecular modeling were used to characterize the interaction between drug and PSA. Thermal analysis and rheology study were conducted to investigate the mobility variation of PSA. The optimized patch prepared with NIC-C 8 had the transdermal profile fairly close to that of the commercial product (p > 0.05). The release rate constants (k) of NIC, NIC-C 4 and NIC-C 10 were 21.1, 14.4 and 32.4, respectively. Different release rates of NIC ion-pair complexes were attributed to the dual effect of ion-pair strategy on drug release. On one hand, ion-pair strategy enhanced the interaction between drug and PSA, which inhibited drug release. On the other hand, using ion-pair strategy improved the mobility of PSA, which facilitated drug release. Drug release behavior was determined by combined effect of two aspects above. These conclusions provided a new idea for us to regulate drug release behavior from patch. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Fluoride release and recharge behavior of a nano-filled resin-modified glass ionomer compared with that of other fluoride releasing materials.

    PubMed

    Mitra, Sumita B; Oxman, Joe D; Falsafi, Afshin; Ton, Tiffany T

    2011-12-01

    To compare the long-term fluoride release kinetics of a novel nano-filled two-paste resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI), Ketac Nano (KN) with that of two powder-liquid resin-modified glass-ionomers, Fuji II LC (FLC) and Vitremer (VT) and one conventional glass-ionomer, Fuji IX (FIX). Fluoride release was measured in vitro using ion-selective electrodes. Kinetic analysis was done using regression analysis and compared with existing models for GIs and compomers. In a separate experiment the samples of KN and two conventional glass-ionomers, FIX and Ketac Molar (KM) were subjected to a treatment with external fluoride source (Oral-B Neutra-Foam) after 3 months of fluoride release and the recharge behavior studied for an additional 7-day period. The cumulative amount of fluoride released from KN, VT and FLC and the release profiles were statistically similar but greater than that for FIX at P < 0.05. All four materials, including KN, showed a burst of fluoride ions at shorter times (t) and an overall rate dependence on t1/2 typical for glass-ionomers. The coating of KN with its primer and of DY with its adhesive did not significantly alter the fluoride release behavior of the respective materials. The overall rate for KN was significantly higher than for the compomer DY. DY showed a linear rate of release vs. t and no burst effect as expected for compomers. The nanoionomer KN showed fluoride recharge behavior similar to the conventional glass ionomers FIX and KM. Thus, it was concluded that the new RMGI KN exhibits fluoride ion release behavior similar to typical conventional and RMGIs and that the primer does not impede the release of fluoride.

  4. Effect of surface modification by nitrogen ion implantation on the electrochemical and cellular behaviors of super-elastic NiTi shape memory alloy.

    PubMed

    Maleki-Ghaleh, H; Khalil-Allafi, J; Sadeghpour-Motlagh, M; Shakeri, M S; Masoudfar, S; Farrokhi, A; Beygi Khosrowshahi, Y; Nadernezhad, A; Siadati, M H; Javidi, M; Shakiba, M; Aghaie, E

    2014-12-01

    The aim of this investigation was to enhance the biological behavior of NiTi shape memory alloy while preserving its super-elastic behavior in order to facilitate its compatibility for application in human body. The surfaces of NiTi samples were bombarded by three different nitrogen doses. Small-angle X-ray diffraction was employed for evaluating the generated phases on the bombarded surfaces. The electrochemical behaviors of the bare and surface-modified NiTi samples were studied in simulated body fluid (SBF) using electrochemical impedance and potentio-dynamic polarization tests. Ni ion release during a 2-month period of service in the SBF environment was evaluated using atomic absorption spectrometry. The cellular behavior of nitrogen-modified samples was studied using fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the effect of surface modification on super-elasticity was investigated by tensile test. The results showed the improvement of both corrosion and biological behaviors of the modified NiTi samples. However, no significant change in the super-elasticity was observed. Samples modified at 1.4E18 ion cm(-2) showed the highest corrosion resistance and the lowest Ni ion release.

  5. Tuning silver ion release properties in reactively sputtered Ag/TiOx nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiong, J.; Ghori, M. Z.; Henkel, B.; Strunskus, T.; Schürmann, U.; Deng, M.; Kienle, L.; Faupel, F.

    2017-07-01

    Silver/titania nanocomposites with strong bactericidal effects and good biocompatibility/environmental safety show a high potential for antibacterial applications. Tailoring the silver ion release is thus highly promising to optimize the antibacterial properties of such coatings and to preserve biocompatibility. Reactive sputtering is a fast and versatile method for the preparation of such Ag/TiOx nanocomposites coatings. The present work is concerned with the influence of sputter parameters on the surface morphology and silver ion release properties of reactively sputtered Ag/TiOx nanocomposites coatings showing a silver nanoparticle size distribution in the range from 1 to 20 nm. It is shown that the silver ion release rate strongly depends on the total pressure: the coatings prepared at lower pressure present a lower but long-lasting release behavior. The much denser structure produced under these conditions reduces the transport of water molecules into the coating. In addition, the influence of microstructure and thickness of titanium oxide barriers on the silver ion release were investigated intensively. Moreover, for the coatings prepared at high total pressure, it was demonstrated that stable and long-lasting silver release can be achieved by depositing a barrier with a high rate. Nanocomposites produced under these conditions show well controllable silver ion release properties for applications as antibacterial coatings.

  6. Three-dimensional, two-species magnetohydrodynamic studies of the early time behaviors of the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite G2 barium release

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xie, Lianghai, E-mail: xielh@nssc.ac.cn; Li, Lei; Wang, Jingdong

    2014-04-15

    We present a three-dimensional, two-species (Ba{sup +} and H{sup +}) MHD model to study the early time behaviors of a barium release at about 1 R{sub E} like Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite G2, with emphasis placed on the three-dimensional evolution of the barium cloud and its effects on the ambient plasma environment. We find that the perturbations caused by the cloud are the combined results of the initial injection, the radial expansion, and the diamagnetic effect and propagate as fast MHD waves in the magnetosphere. In return, the transverse expansion and the cross-B motion of barium ions aremore » constrained by the magnetic force, which lead to a field-aligned striation of ions and the decoupling of these ions from the neutrals. Our simulation shows the formation and collapse of the diamagnetic cavity in the barium cloud. The estimated time scale for the cavity evolution might be much shorter if photoionization time scale and field aligned expansion of barium ions are considered. In addition, our two species MHD simulation also finds the snowplow effect resulting from the momentum coupling between barium ions and background H{sup +}, which creates density hole and bumps in the background H{sup +} when barium ions expanding along the magnetic field lines.« less

  7. In vitro release of cupric ion from intrauterine devices: influence of frame, shape, copper surface area and indomethacin.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shuangshuang; Li, Ying; Yu, Panpan; Chen, Tong; Zhou, Weisai; Zhang, Wenli; Liu, Jianping

    2015-02-01

    The release of cupric ion from copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) in human uterus is essential for contraception. However, excessive cupric ion will cause cytotoxic effect. In this paper, we investigated the influence of device characteristics (frame, copper surface area, shape, copper type and indomethacin) on copper release for the efficacy and adverse effects vary with IUD types which may correlate to their different release behaviors. Nine types of Cu-IUDs were selected and incubated in simulated uterine fluid. They were paired for comparison based on the device properties and the release of cupric ion was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer for about 160 days. The result showed that there was a burst release during the first month and the release rate tends to slow down and become steady afterwards. In addition, the copper release was mainly influenced by frame, indomethacin and copper type (copper wire and copper sleeve) while the shape variation had little effect on copper release throughout the experiment. Moreover, the influence of copper surface area was only noticeable during the first month. These findings were seldom reported before and may provide some useful information for the design of Cu-IUDs.

  8. Development and evaluation of Ca(+ 2) ion cross-linked carboxymethyl xanthan gum tablet prepared by wet granulation technique.

    PubMed

    Maity, Siddhartha; Sa, Biswanath

    2014-08-01

    The objective of this work was to study the release behavior of prednisolone from calcium-cross-linked carboxymethyl xanthan gum (CMXG) tablets in dissolution medium having different pH values prevailing in the gastrointestinal lumen. Xanthan gum (XG) was derivatized to CMXG which was then cross-linked in situ with Ca(+2) ion during wet massing step of tablet preparation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies did not show any drug-polymer interaction although the drug underwent solid-state transformation during compression as evident from X-ray diffraction analysis. In vitro release study demonstrated that increase in the amount of Ca(+2) ion decreased the drug release, and beyond a certain amount, the drug release increased. While increase in both drug load and tablet crushing strength decreased the drug release, increase in exposure time in acid solution of pH 1.2 increased the overall release of the drug. The mechanism of drug release was non-Fickian/anomalous. The results indicated that variation in the amount of Ca(+2) ion can modulate the drug release from CMXG matrix tablets as needed.

  9. The load and release characteristics on a strong cationic ion-exchange fiber: kinetics, thermodynamics, and influences.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Jing; Gao, Yanan; Wang, Xinyu; Liu, Hongzhuo; Che, Xin; Xu, Lu; Yang, Yang; Wang, Qifang; Wang, Yan; Li, Sanming

    2014-01-01

    Ion-exchange fibers were different from conventional ion-exchange resins in their non-cross-linked structure. The exchange was located on the surface of the framework, and the transport resistance reduced significantly, which might mean that the exchange is controlled by an ionic reaction instead of diffusion. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the load and release characteristics of five model drugs with the strong cationic ion-exchange fiber ZB-1. Drugs were loaded using a batch process and released in United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) dissolution apparatus 2. Opposing exchange kinetics, suitable for the special structure of the fiber, were developed for describing the exchange process with the help of thermodynamics, which illustrated that the load was controlled by an ionic reaction. The molecular weight was the most important factor to influence the drug load and release rate. Strong alkalinity and rings in the molecular structures made the affinity between the drug and fiber strong, while logP did not cause any profound differences. The drug-fiber complexes exhibited sustained release. Different kinds and concentrations of counter ions or different amounts of drug-fiber complexes in the release medium affected the release behavior, while the pH value was independent of it. The groundwork for in-depth exploration and further application of ion-exchange fibers has been laid.

  10. The load and release characteristics on a strong cationic ion-exchange fiber: kinetics, thermodynamics, and influences

    PubMed Central

    Yuan, Jing; Gao, Yanan; Wang, Xinyu; Liu, Hongzhuo; Che, Xin; Xu, Lu; Yang, Yang; Wang, Qifang; Wang, Yan; Li, Sanming

    2014-01-01

    Ion-exchange fibers were different from conventional ion-exchange resins in their non-cross-linked structure. The exchange was located on the surface of the framework, and the transport resistance reduced significantly, which might mean that the exchange is controlled by an ionic reaction instead of diffusion. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the load and release characteristics of five model drugs with the strong cationic ion-exchange fiber ZB-1. Drugs were loaded using a batch process and released in United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) dissolution apparatus 2. Opposing exchange kinetics, suitable for the special structure of the fiber, were developed for describing the exchange process with the help of thermodynamics, which illustrated that the load was controlled by an ionic reaction. The molecular weight was the most important factor to influence the drug load and release rate. Strong alkalinity and rings in the molecular structures made the affinity between the drug and fiber strong, while logP did not cause any profound differences. The drug–fiber complexes exhibited sustained release. Different kinds and concentrations of counter ions or different amounts of drug–fiber complexes in the release medium affected the release behavior, while the pH value was independent of it. The groundwork for in-depth exploration and further application of ion-exchange fibers has been laid. PMID:25114504

  11. Surface Modification of NiTi Alloy via Cathodic Plasma Electrolytic Deposition and its Effect on Ni Ion Release and Osteoblast Behaviors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Ying; Cai, Kaiyong; Yang, Weihu; Liu, Peng

    2013-07-01

    To reduce Ni ion release and improve biocompatibility of NiTi alloy, the cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED) technique was used to fabricate ceramic coating onto a NiTi alloy surface. The formation of a coating with a rough and micro-textured surface was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry test showed that the formed coating significantly reduced the release of Ni ions from the NiTi alloy in simulated body fluid. The influence of CPED treated NiTi substrates on the biological behaviors of osteoblasts, including cell adhesion, cell viability, and osteogenic differentiation function (alkaline phosphatase), was investigated in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining of nuclei revealed that the CPED treated NiTi alloy was favorable for cell growth. Osteoblasts on CPED modified NiTi alloy showed greater cell viability than those for the native NiTi substrate after 4 and 7 days cultures. More importantly, osteoblasts cultured onto a modified NiTi sample displayed significantly higher differentiation levels of alkaline phosphatase. The results suggested that surface functionalization of NiTi alloy with ceramic coating via the CPED technique was beneficial for cell proliferation and differentiation. The approach presented here is useful for NiTi implants to enhance bone osseointegration and reduce Ni ion release in vitro.

  12. Influence of the microstructure on electrochemical corrosion and nickel release in NiTi orthodontic archwires.

    PubMed

    Briceño, J; Romeu, A; Espinar, E; Llamas, J M; Gil, F J

    2013-12-01

    The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the present phases and the chemical composition on the corrosion behavior and the nickel ion release of the NiTi orthodontic archwires. Eight Ni-Ti archwires from six commercial brands, in the as-received condition, were studied. The chemical composition, roughness, microstructure and the proportion of the phases as well as the corrosion behavior were analyzed for each archwire. The nickel ion release was characterized in artificial saliva immersion settings ranging up to 4 weeks. The results show that the presence of the martensitic phase improves corrosion resistance and significantly decreases Ni release into exterior medium in comparison with the austenitic specimens. In spite of the partial loss of superelasticity produced in the martensitic phase, it could be of great interest for biomedical applications, as it could minimize sensitization and allergies and improve biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of NiTi shape memory alloys. © 2013.

  13. Preparation of Cotton-Wool-Like Poly(lactic acid)-Based Composites Consisting of Core-Shell-Type Fibers

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jian; Zhou, Pin; Obata, Akiko; Jones, Julian R.; Kasuga, Toshihiro

    2015-01-01

    In previous works, we reported the fabrication of cotton-wool-like composites consisting of siloxane-doped vaterite and poly(l-lactic acid) (SiVPCs). Various irregularly shaped bone voids can be filled with the composite, which effectively supplies calcium and silicate ions, enhancing the bone formation by stimulating the cells. The composites, however, were brittle and showed an initial burst release of ions. In the present work, to improve the mechanical flexibility and ion release, the composite fiber was coated with a soft, thin layer consisting of poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). A coaxial electrospinning technique was used to prepare a cotton-wool-like material comprising “core-shell”-type fibers with a diameter of ~12 µm. The fibers, which consisted of SiVPC coated with a ~2-µm-thick PLGA layer, were mechanically flexible; even under a uniaxial compressive load of 1.5 kPa, the cotton-wool-like material did not exhibit fracture of the fibers and, after removing the load, showed a ~60% recovery. In Tris buffer solution, the initial burst release of calcium and silicate ions from the “core-shell”-type fibers was effectively controlled, and the ions were slowly released after one day. Thus, the mechanical flexibility and ion-release behavior of the composites were drastically improved by the thin PLGA coating. PMID:28793691

  14. Silver nanoparticles in aquatic environments: Physiochemical behavior and antimicrobial mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chiqian; Hu, Zhiqiang; Deng, Baolin

    2016-01-01

    Nanosilver (silver nanoparticles or AgNPs) has unique physiochemical properties and strong antimicrobial activities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the physicochemical behavior (e.g., dissolution and aggregation) and antimicrobial mechanisms of nanosilver in aquatic environments. The inconsistency in calculating the Gibbs free energy of formation of nanosilver [ΔGf(AgNPs)] in aquatic environments highlights the research needed to carefully determine the thermodynamic stability of nanosilver. The dissolutive release of silver ion (Ag(+)) in the literature is often described using a pseudo-first-order kinetics, but the fit is generally poor. This paper proposes a two-stage model that could better predict silver ion release kinetics. The theoretical analysis suggests that nanosilver dissolution could occur under anoxic conditions and that nanosilver may be sulfidized to form silver sulfide (Ag2S) under strict anaerobic conditions, but more investigation with carefully-designed experiments is required to confirm the analysis. Although silver ion release is likely the main antimicrobial mechanism of nanosilver, the contributions of (ion-free) AgNPs and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation to the overall toxicity of nanosilver must not be neglected. Several research directions are proposed to better understand the dissolution kinetics of nanosilver and its antimicrobial mechanisms under various aquatic environmental conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Strontium and cesium release mechanisms during unsaturated flow through waste-weathered Hanford sediments.

    PubMed

    Chang, Hyun-Shik; Um, Wooyong; Rod, Kenton; Serne, R Jeff; Thompson, Aaron; Perdrial, Nicolas; Steefel, Carl I; Chorover, Jon

    2011-10-01

    Leaching behavior of Sr and Cs in the vadose zone of Hanford site (Washington) was studied with laboratory-weathered sediments mimicking realistic conditions beneath the leaking radioactive waste storage tanks. Unsaturated column leaching experiments were conducted using background Hanford pore water focused on first 200 pore volumes. The weathered sediments were prepared by 6 months reaction with a synthetic Hanford tank waste leachate containing Sr and Cs (10(-5) and 10(-3) molal representative of LO- and HI-sediment, respectively) as surrogates for (90)Sr and (137)Cs. The mineral composition of the weathered sediments showed that zeolite (chabazite-type) and feldspathoid (sodalite-type) were the major byproducts but different contents depending on the weathering conditions. Reactive transport modeling indicated that Cs leaching was controlled by ion-exchange, while Sr release was affected primarily by dissolution of the secondary minerals. The later release of K, Al, and Si from the HI-column indicated the additional dissolution of a more crystalline mineral (cancrinite-type). A two-site ion-exchange model successfully simulated the Cs release from the LO-column. However, a three-site ion-exchange model was needed for the HI-column. The study implied that the weathering conditions greatly impact the speciation of the secondary minerals and leaching behavior of sequestrated Sr and Cs.

  16. Computational study of a calcium release-activated calcium channel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Talukdar, Keka; Shantappa, Anil

    2016-05-01

    The naturally occurring proteins that form hole in membrane are commonly known as ion channels. They play multiple roles in many important biological processes. Deletion or alteration of these channels often leads to serious problems in the physiological processes as it controls the flow of ions through it. The proper maintenance of the flow of ions, in turn, is required for normal health. Here we have investigated the behavior of a calcium release-activated calcium ion channel with pdb entry 4HKR in Drosophila Melanogaster. The equilibrium energy as well as molecular dynamics simulation is performed first. The protein is subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to find their energy minimized value. Simulation of the protein in the environment of water and ions has given us important results too. The solvation energy is also found using Charmm potential.

  17. Some effects of gas adsorption on the high temperature volatile release behavior of a terrestrial basalt, tektite and lunar soil

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Graham, D. G.; Muenow, D. W.; Gibson, E. K., Jr.

    1979-01-01

    Mass pyrograms obtained from high-temperature, mass psectrometric pyrolysis of a glassy theoleiitic submarine basalt and a tektite, ground in air to less than 64 microns, have shown N2 and SO release patterns very similar to those from the pyrolysis of mature lunar soil fines. The N2 and CO release behavior from the terrestrial samples reproduces the biomodal, high-temperature (approximately 700 and 1050 C) features from the lunar samples. Unground portions of the basalt and tektite show no release of N2 and CO during pyrolysis. Grinding also alters the release behavior and absolute amounts of H2O and CO2. It is suggested that adsorption of atmospheric gases in addition to solar wind implantation of ions may account for the wide range of values in previously reported concentrations of carbon and nitrogen from lunar fines.

  18. Statistical Characterization of Commercial 18650-Format Lithium-Ion Cell Thermal Runaway Behavior Based on Calorimetric Testing Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walker, William; Darst, John; Finegan, Donal; Bayles, Gary; Johnson, Kenneth; Darcy, Eric; Rickman, Steven

    2018-01-01

    Effective thermal management systems, designed to handle the impacts of thermal runaway (TR) and to prevent cell-to-cell propagation, are key to safe operation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery assemblies. Critical factors for optimizing these systems include the total energy released during a single cell TR event and the fraction of the total energy that is released through the cell casing vs. through the ejecta material. A unique calorimeter was utilized to examine the TR behavior of a statistically significant number of 18650-format Li-ion cells with varying manufacturers, chemistries, and capacities. The calorimeter was designed to contain the TR energy in a format conducive to discerning the fractions of energy released through the cell casing vs. through the ejecta material. Other benefits of this calorimeter included the ability to rapidly test of large quantities of cells and the intentional minimization of secondary combustion effects. High energy (270 Wh kg-1) and moderate energy (200 Wh kg-1) 18650 cells were tested. Some of the cells had an imbedded short circuit (ISC) device installed to aid in the examination of TR mechanisms under more realistic conditions. Other variations included cells with bottom vent (BV) features and cells with thin casings (0.22 l(1/4)m). After combining the data gathered with the calorimeter, a statistical approach was used to examine the probability of certain TR behavior, and the associated energy distributions, as a function of capacity, venting features, cell casing thickness and temperature.?

  19. The effect of Nb addition on mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and metal-ion release of ZrAlCuNi bulk metallic glasses in artificial body fluid.

    PubMed

    Qiu, C L; Liu, L; Sun, M; Zhang, S M

    2005-12-15

    Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) of Zr(65 - x)Nb(x)- Cu(17.5)Ni(10)Al(7.5) with Nb = 0, 2, and 5 at % were prepared by copper mold casting. Compression tests reveal that the two BMGs containing Nb exhibited superior strength and plasticity to the base alloy. The corrosion behavior of the alloys obtained was investigated in artificial body fluid by electrochemical measurements. It was found that the addition of Nb significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Zr-based BMG, as indicated by a remarkable increase in corrosion potential and pitting potential. XPS analysis revealed that the passive film formed after anodic polarization was enriched in aluminum oxide and depleted in phosphate ions for the BMGs containing Nb, which accounts for the improvement of corrosion resistance. On the other hand, metal-ion release of different BMGs were determined in PPb (ng/mL) level with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after being immersed in artificial body fluid at 37 degrees C for 20 days. It was found that the addition of Nb considerably reduced the ion release of all kinds of metals of the base system. This is probably attributed to the promoting effect of Nb on a rapid formation of highly protective film.

  20. Strontium and cesium release mechanisms during unsaturated flow through waste-weathered Hanford sediments

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chang, Hyun-Shik; Um, Wooyong; Rod, Kenton A.

    2011-10-01

    Leaching behavior of Sr and Cs in the vadose zone of Hanford site (WA, USA) was studied with laboratory-weathered sediments mimicking realistic conditions beneath the leaking radioactive waste storage tanks. Unsaturated column leaching experiments were conducted using background Hanford pore water focused on first 200 pore volumes. The weathered sediments were prepared by 6 months reaction with a synthetic Hanford tank waste leachate containing Sr and Cs (10-5 and 10-3 molal representative of LO- and HI-sediment, respectively) as surrogates for 90Sr and 137Cs. The mineral composition of the weathered sediments showed that zeolite (chabazite-type) and feldspathoid (sodalite-type) were the majormore » byproducts but different contents depending on the weathering conditions. Reactive transport modeling indicated that Cs leaching was controlled by ion-exchange, while Sr release was affected primarily by dissolution of the secondary minerals. The later release of K, Al, and Si from the HI-column indicated the additional dissolution of a more crystalline mineral (cancrinite-type). A two-site ion-exchange model successfully simulated the Cs release from the LO-column. However, a three-site ion-exchange model was needed for the HI-column. The study implied that the weathering conditions greatly impact the speciation of the secondary minerals and leaching behavior of sequestrated Sr and Cs.« less

  1. Plasma immersion ion implantation for reducing metal ion release

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Diaz, C.; Garcia, J. A.; Maendl, S.

    Plasma immersion ion implantation of Nitrogen and Oxygen on CoCrMo alloys was carried out to improve the tribological and corrosion behaviors of these biomedical alloys. In order to optimize the implantation results we were carried experiments at different temperatures. Tribocorrosion tests in bovine serum were used to measure Co, Cr and Mo releasing by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry analysis after tests. Also, X-ray Diffraction analysis were employed in order to explain any obtained difference in wear rate and corrosion tests. Wear tests reveals important decreases in rate of more than one order of magnitude for the best treatment.more » Moreover decreases in metal release were found for all the implanted samples, preserving the same corrosion resistance of the unimplanted samples. Finally this paper gathers an analysis, in terms of implantation parameters and achieved properties for industrial implementation of these treatments.« less

  2. The CAMEO barium release - E/parallel/ fields over the polar cap

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heppner, J. P.; Miller, M. L.; Pongratz, M. B.; Smith, G. M.; Smith, L. L.; Mende, S. B.; Nath, N. R.

    1981-01-01

    Four successive thermite barium releases at an altitude of 965 km over polar cap invariant latitudes 84 to 76 deg near magnetic midnight were conducted from the orbiting second stage of the vehicle that launched Nimbus 7; the releases were made as part of the CAMEO (Chemically Active Material Ejected in Orbit) program. This was the first opportunity to observe the behavior of conventional barium release when conducted at orbital velocity in the near-earth magnetic field. The principal unexpected characteristic in the release dynamics was the high, 1.4 to 2.6 km/s, initial Ba(+) expansion velocity relative to an expected velocity of 0.9 km/s. Attention is also given to neutral cloud expansion, initial ion cloud expansion, convective motion, and the characteristics of field-aligned motion. The possibility of measuring parallel electric fields over the polar cap by observing perturbations in the motion of the visible ions is assessed.

  3. Dynamics of a barium release in the magnetospheric tail

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mende, S. B.; Swenson, G. R.; Geller, S. P.; Doolittle, J. H.; Haerendel, G.

    1989-01-01

    The late time behavior of the May 13, 1985 magnetotail barium cloud is examined. The bulk dynamics of the cloud are studied based on triangulated data and data from Fabry-Perot Doppler velocity measurements. The changes in cloud morphology in relation to the in situ measurements made by the Ion Release Module satellite are discussed.

  4. In vitro biocorrosion of Co-Cr-Mo implant alloy by macrophage cells.

    PubMed

    Lin, Hsin-Yi; Bumgardner, Joel D

    2004-11-01

    We hypothesized that macrophage cells and their released reactive chemical species (RCS) affect Co-Cr-Mo alloy's corrosion properties and that alloy corrosion products change macrophage cell behavior. A custom cell culture corrosion cell was used to evaluate how culture medium, cells, and RCS altered alloy corrosion in 3-day tests. Corrosion was evaluated by measuring total charge transfer at a constant potential using a potentiostat and metal ion release by atomic emission spectroscopy. Viability, proliferation, and NO (nitric oxide) and IL-1beta (interlukin-1beta) release were used to assess cellular response to alloy corrosion products. In the presence of activated cells, total charge transfers and Co ion release were the lowest (p < 0.05). This was attributed to an enhancement of the surface oxide by RCS. Cr and Mo release were not different between cells and activated cells. Low levels of metal ions did not affect cell viability, proliferation, or NO release, though IL-1beta released from the activated cells was higher on the alloy compared to the controls. These data support the hypothesis that macrophage cells and their RCS affect alloy corrosion. Changes in alloy corrosion by cells may be important to the development of host responses to the alloy and its corrosion products.

  5. Synthesis of zinc-crosslinked thiolated alginic acid beads and their in vitro evaluation as potential enteric delivery system with folic acid as model drug.

    PubMed

    Taha, M O; Aiedeh, K M; Al-Hiari, Y; Al-Khatib, H

    2005-10-01

    The aim of this study is to explore the potential of synthetic modifications of alginic acid as a method to enhance the stability of its complexes with divalent cations under physiological conditions. A fraction of algin's carboxylic acid moieties was substituted with thiol groups to different substitution degrees through conjugating alginate to cysteine to produce alginate-cysteine (AC) conjugates. Infrared spectrophotometry and iodometry were used to characterize the resulting polymeric conjugates in terms of structure and degree of substitution. Moreover, zinc ions were used to crosslink the resulting AC polymers. Folic acid loaded beads were prepared from Zinc-crosslinked AC polymers (AC-Zn) of different cysteine substitution degrees. The generated beads were then investigated in vitro for their capacity to modify folic acid release. AC-Zn polymeric beads resisted drug release under acidic conditions (pH 1.0). However, upon transfer to a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) they released most of their contents almost immediately. This change in drug release behavior is most probably due to the sequestering of zinc cations by phosphate ions within the buffer solution to form insoluble chelates and, to a lesser extent, the ionization of the carboxylic acid and thiol moieties. Removal of zinc ions from the polymeric matrix seems to promote polymeric disintegration and subsequent drug release. A similar behavior is expected in vivo due to the presence of natural zinc sequestering agents in the intestinal fluids. AC-Zn polymers provided a novel approach for enteric drug delivery as drug release from these matrices complied with the USP specifications for enteric dosage forms.

  6. Statistical Characterization of 18650-Format Lithium-Ion Cell Thermal Runaway Energy Distributions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walker, William Q.; Rickman, Steven; Darst, John; Finegan, Donal; Bayles, Gary; Darcy, Eric

    2017-01-01

    Effective thermal management systems, designed to handle the impacts of thermal runaway (TR) and to prevent cell-to-cell propagation, are key to safe operation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery assemblies. Critical factors for optimizing these systems include the total energy released during a single cell TR event and the fraction of the total energy that is released through the cell casing vs. through the ejecta material. A unique calorimeter was utilized to examine the TR behavior of a statistically significant number of 18650-format Li-ion cells with varying manufacturers, chemistries, and capacities. The calorimeter was designed to contain the TR energy in a format conducive to discerning the fractions of energy released through the cell casing vs. through the ejecta material. Other benefits of this calorimeter included the ability to rapidly test of large quantities of cells and the intentional minimization of secondary combustion effects. High energy (270 Wh/kg) and moderate energy (200 Wh/kg) 18650 cells were tested. Some of the cells had an imbedded short circuit (ISC) device installed to aid in the examination of TR mechanisms under more realistic conditions. Other variations included cells with bottom vent (BV) features and cells with thin casings (0.22 1/4m). After combining the data gathered with the calorimeter, a statistical approach was used to examine the probability of certain TR behavior, and the associated energy distributions, as a function of capacity, venting features, cell casing thickness and temperature.

  7. Effects of chemical composition on the corrosion of dental alloys.

    PubMed

    Galo, Rodrigo; Ribeiro, Ricardo Faria; Rodrigues, Renata Cristina Silveira; Rocha, Luís Augusto; de Mattos, Maria da Glória Chiarello

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the oral environment on the corrosion of dental alloys with different compositions, using electrochemical methods. The corrosion rates were obtained from the current-potential curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effect of artificial saliva on the corrosion of dental alloys was dependent on alloy composition. Dissolution of the ions occurred in all tested dental alloys and the results were strongly dependent on the general alloy composition. Regarding the alloys containing nickel, the Ni-Cr and Ni-Cr-Ti alloys released 0.62 mg/L of Ni on average, while the Co-Cr dental alloy released ions between 0.01 and 0.03 mg/L of Co and Cr, respectively.The open-circuit potential stabilized at a higher level with lower deviation (standard deviation: Ni-Cr-6Ti = 32 mV/SCE and Co-Cr = 54 mV/SCE). The potenciodynamic curves of the dental alloys showed that the Ni-based dental alloy with >70 wt% of Ni had a similar curve and the Co-Cr dental alloy showed a low current density and hence a high resistance to corrosion compared with the Ni-based dental alloys. Some changes in microstructure were observed and this fact influenced the corrosion behavior for the alloys. The lower corrosion resistance also led to greater release of nickel ions to the medium. The quantity of Co ions released from the Co-Cr-Mo alloy was relatively small in the solutions. In addition, the quantity of Cr ions released into the artificial saliva from the Co-Cr alloy was lower than Cr release from the Ni-based dental alloys.

  8. Evaluation of ion release, cytotoxicity, and platelet adhesion of electrochemical anodized 316 L stainless steel cardiovascular stents.

    PubMed

    Díaz, M; Sevilla, P; Galán, A M; Escolar, G; Engel, E; Gil, F J

    2008-11-01

    316L Stainless steel is one of the most used metallic material in orthopedical prosthesis, osteosinthesis plates, and cardiovascular stents. One of the main problems this material presents is the nickel and chromium release, specially the Ni ion release that provokes allergy in a high number of patients. Recently, experimental applications in vitro and in vivo seem to indicate that the thickness of the nature oxide of the stainless steel results in very strong reinforcement of the biological response and reduce the ion release due to the thicker surface oxide. It is possible to grow the natural chromium oxide layer by electrolytic method such anodization. In this study, two main anodization methods to grow chromium oxide on the 316L stainless steel have been evaluated. Nickel and Chromium ions release in human blood at 37 degrees C were detected at times of 1, 6, 11, and 15 days by means of atomic absorption in a graphite furnace (GAAF). Moreover, cytocompatibility tests were carried out. Perfusion experiments were performed to evaluate morphometrically platelet interaction with the material and to explore the potential thrombogenicity. The results showed a good cytocompatibility between the material and the osteoblast-like cells. However, these anodization methods released between 2 and 10 times more nickel and chromium than the original stainless steel, depending on the method used. Besides, anodized samples shown an increase of the percentage of surface covered by platelets. Consequently, the anodization methods studied do not improve the long-term behavior of the stainless steel for its application as cardiovascular stents.

  9. Developmental toxicity of Japanese medaka embryos by silver nanoparticles and released ions in the presence of humic acid.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jun Y; Kim, Ki-Tae; Lee, Byeong G; Lim, Byung J; Kim, Sang D

    2013-06-01

    The final destination point of nanoparticles is the environment, where they remain a long period; therefore, a deep understanding of the relationship between nanoparticles and the environmental factors is required. Japanese medaka embryos were exposed to two differently prepared AgNPs: freshly prepared AgNPs and aged AgNPs. With these two AgNP preparations, we studied the impacts of humic acid in terms of embryonic toxicity, as well as the behavior of AgNPs. Aged AgNPs exhibited a lower lethal concentration (LC50) value (1.44mg/L) compared to fresh AgNPs (3.53mg/L) through 96h acute toxicity tests, due to the release of silver ions, as confirmed by kinetic analysis. The presence of humic acids considerably reduced the toxicity of aged AgNPs due to complexation with silver ions. Agglomeration, induced by interactions with humic acid, might reduce the bioavailability of AgNPs to Japanese medaka embryos. This study demonstrates that aged AgNPs releasing more silver ions are more toxic than fresh AgNPs, and humic acids play a role in reducing the toxicity of aged AgNPs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Potential release of in vivo trace metals from metallic medical implants in the human body: from ions to nanoparticles--a systematic analytical review.

    PubMed

    Matusiewicz, Henryk

    2014-06-01

    Metal ion release from metallic materials, e.g. metallic alloys and pure metals, implanted into the human body in dental and orthopedic surgery is becoming a major cause for concern. This review briefly provides an overview of both metallic alloys and pure metals used in implant materials in dental and orthopedic surgery. Additionally, a short section is dedicated to important biomaterials and their corrosive behavior in both real solutions and various types of media that model human biological fluids and tissues. The present review gives an overview of analytical methods, techniques and different approaches applied to the measurement of in vivo trace metals released into body fluids and tissues from patients carrying metal-on-metal prostheses and metal dental implants. Reference levels of ion concentrations in body fluids and tissues that have been determined by a host of studies are compiled, reviewed and presented in this paper. Finally, a collection of published clinical data on in vivo released trace metals from metallic medical implants is included. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Synthesis, characterization, and controlled release antibacterial behavior of antibiotic intercalated Mg–Al layered double hydroxides

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Yi; Zhang, Dun, E-mail: zhangdun@qdio.ac.cn

    Graphical abstract: The antibiotic anion released from Mg–Al LDHs provides a controlled release antibacterial activity against the growth of Micrococcus lysodeikticus in 3.5% NaCl solution. Highlights: ► Antibiotic anion intercalated LDHs were synthesized and characterized. ► The ion-exchange one is responsible for the release process. ► The diffusion through particle is the release rate limiting step. ► LDHs loaded with antibiotic anion have high antibacterial capabilities. -- Abstract: Antibiotic–inorganic clay composites including four antibiotic anions, namely, benzoate (BZ), succinate (SU), benzylpenicillin (BP), and ticarcillin (TC) anions, intercalated Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized via ion-exchange. Powder X-ray diffraction andmore » Fourier transform infrared spectrum analyses showed the successful intercalation of antibiotic anion into the LDH interlayer. BZ and BP anions were accommodated in the interlayer region as a bilayer, whereas SU and TC anions were intercalated in a monolayer arrangement. Kinetic simulation of the release data indicated that ion-exchange was responsible for the release process, and the diffusion through the particles was the rate-limiting step. The antibacterial capabilities of LDHs loaded with antibiotic anion toward Micrococcus lysodeikticus growth were analyzed using a turbidimetric method. Significant high inhibition rate was observed when LDH nanohybrid was introduced in 3.5% NaCl solution. Therefore, this hybrid material may be applied as nanocontainer in active antifouling coating for marine equipment.« less

  12. In vitro biocorrosion of Ti-6Al-4V implant alloy by a mouse macrophage cell line.

    PubMed

    Lin, Hsin-Yi; Bumgardner, Joel D

    2004-03-15

    Corrosion of implant alloys releasing metal ions has the potential to cause adverse tissue reactions and implant failure. We hypothesized that macrophage cells and their released reactive chemical species (RCS) affect the alloy's corrosion properties. A custom cell culture corrosion box was used to evaluate how cell culture medium, macrophage cells and RCS altered the Ti-6Al-4V corrosion behaviors in 72 h and how corrosion products affected the cells. There was no difference in the charge transfer in the presence (75.2 +/- 17.7 mC) and absence (62.3 +/- 18.8 mC) of cells. The alloy had the lowest charge transfer (28.2 +/- 4.1 mC) and metal ion release (Ti < 10 ppb, V < 2 ppb) with activated cells (releasing RCS) compared with the other two conditions. This was attributed to an enhancement of the surface oxides by RCS. Metal ion release was very low (Ti < 20 ppb, V < 10 ppb) with nonactivated cells and did not change cell morphology, viability, and NO and ATP release compared with controls. However, IL-1beta released from the activated cells and the proliferation of nonactivated cells were greater on the alloy than the controls. In summary, macrophage cells and RCS reduced the corrosion of Ti-6Al-4V alloys as hypothesized. These data are important in understanding host tissue-material interactions. Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 717-724, 2004

  13. Programmable Payload Release from Transient Polymer Microcapsules Triggered by a Specific Ion Coactivation Effect.

    PubMed

    Tang, Shijia; Tang, Liuyan; Lu, Xiaocun; Liu, Huiying; Moore, Jeffrey S

    2018-01-10

    Stimuli-responsive materials activated by a pair of molecular or ionic species are of interest in the design of chemical logic gates and signal amplification schemes. There are relatively few materials whose coactivated response has been well-characterized. Here, we demonstrate a specific ion coactivation (SICA) effect at the interfaces of transient polymer solids and liquid solutions. We found that depolymerization of the transient polymer, cyclic poly(phthalaldehyde) (cPPA), exhibited a SICA effect when the cPPA core-shell microcapsules were suspended in ion-containing acidic methanol solutions. Significant acceleration in cPPA depolymerization rate is triggered by the combination of acid and ion coactivators. Intriguingly, the SICA effect is related to the Hofmeister behavior. The SICA effect is primarily determined by anions, and cations exhibit a secondary effect that modulates the coactivation strength. Based on these observations, we developed cPPA programmable microcapsules whose payload release rates depend on the composition and concentration of the salt/acidic-methanol solutions.

  14. Tandem mass spectrometry of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide releasing aspirins: a hint into activity behavior.

    PubMed

    Crestoni, Maria Elisa; Chiavarino, Barbara; Guglielmo, Stefano; Lilla, Valentina; Fornarini, Simonetta

    2013-01-01

    Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is the most popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. However, due to its action on cyclooxygenase and its acid nature, aspirin is associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects. In an effort to minimize these side effects, NO-donor and H2S-donor ASA co-drugs have been designed and tested. Their mass spectrometric behavior is now analyzed and reported. Positive ions were obtained by electrospray ionization involving protonation or alkali metal attachment. Their dissociation processes have been studied by collision induced dissociation in a triple quadrupole instrument. High mass accuracy measurements have been recorded on a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The protonated molecules dissociate by an exclusive or largely prevailing path leading to acetyloxy-substituted benzoyl cation, namely an ASA unit. The process is reminiscent of the enzymatic hydrolysis, releasing intact ASA to a large extent. Only at higher collision energy does the formal ketene loss disrupt the ASA moiety. The gas phase chemistry of protonated ASA-releasing drugs develops along elementary dissociation steps analogous to the reactive processes in complex biological environments. This notion may provide a tool for preliminary testing of new compounds.

  15. Thermal annealing behavior of hydrogen and surface topography of H 2 + ion implanted tungsten

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, Jiandong; Jiang, Weilin; Zhu, Zihua

    2018-01-25

    Tungsten (W) has been proposed as a plasma-facing material (PFM) in fusion reactors due to its outstanding properties. Degradation of the material properties is expected to occur as a result of hydrogen (H) isotope permeation and trapping in W. In this study, two polycrystalline W plates were implanted with 80 keV H 2 + ions to a fluence of 2E21 H+/m2 at room temperature (RT). Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for sample characterization. The SIMS data shows that H atoms are distributed well beyond the ion projected range.more » Isochronal annealing appears to suggest two H release stages that might be associated with the reported activation energies. H release at RT was observed between days 10 and 70 following ion implantation, and the level was maintained over the next 60 days. In addition, FIB/SEM results exhibit H2 blister formation near the surface of the as-implanted W. The blister distribution remains unchanged after thermal annealing up to 600 °C.« less

  16. Characterization of the internal ion environment of biofilms based on charge density and shape of ion.

    PubMed

    Kurniawan, Andi; Tsuchiya, Yuki; Eda, Shima; Morisaki, Hisao

    2015-12-01

    Biofilm polymers contain both electrically positively and negatively charged sites. These charged sites enable the biofilm to trap and retain ions leading to an important role of biofilm such as nutrient recycling and pollutant purification. Much work has focused on the ion-exchange capacity of biofilms, and they are known to adsorb ions through an exchange mechanism between the ions in solution and the ions adsorbed to the charged sites on the biofilm polymer. However, recent studies suggest that the adsorption/desorption behavior of ions in a biofilm cannot be explained solely by this ion exchange mechanism. To examine the possibility that a substantial amount of ions are held in the interstitial region of the biofilm polymer by an electrostatic interaction, intact biofilms formed in a natural environment were immersed in distilled water and ion desorption was investigated. All of the detected ion species were released from the biofilms over a short period of time, and very few ions were subsequently released over more time, indicating that the interstitial region of biofilm polymers is another ion reserve. The extent of ion retention in the interstitial region of biofilms for each ion can be determined largely by charge density, |Z|/r, where |Z| is the ion valence as absolute value and r is the ion radius. The higher |Z|/r value an ion has, the stronger it is retained in the interstitial region of biofilms. Ion shape is also a key determinant of ion retention. Spherical and non-spherical ions have different correlations between the condensation ratio and |Z|/r. The generality of these findings were assured by various biofilm samples. Thus, the internal regions of biofilms exchange ions dynamically with the outside environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. [Analysis the cupric ion release characteristics of different copper raw materials in intrauterine device in vitro using ICP method].

    PubMed

    Lu, Hua; Ding, Tingting; Yao, Tianping; Sun, Jiao

    2014-05-01

    To study the Cupric ion release characteristics of different copper raw materials in intrauterine device in vitro by ICP. Reveal the relationship between purity and shape of Cu-IUD copper and copper ion release. According to a certain proportion, the copper raw materials were 100 times diluted into the simulated uterine solution at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Replaced medium at certain time points and collected soaking liquid. Using ICP analyzed the concentration of copper ion released. The largest daily release of copper ions was in the first 7 days. There was no statistically significant difference between the copper ion release amount of 99.99% and 99.95% purity copper wire (P > 0.05). The release of copper ion of the copper wire was far greater than that of the copper pipe in early stage (P < 0.01). The release amount decreased and stabilized at 56 day. Release characteristics of copper ion could effectively analysis by ICP. And in the same area, the release amount of copper ions of copper wire was greater than that of copper pipe.

  18. Sodium lauryl sulfate impedes drug release from zinc-crosslinked alginate beads: switching from enteric coating release into biphasic profiles.

    PubMed

    Taha, Mutasem O; Nasser, Wissam; Ardakani, Adel; Alkhatib, Hatim S

    2008-02-28

    The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on ionotropically cross-linked alginate beads. Different levels of SLS were mixed with sodium alginate and chlorpheniramine maleate (as loaded model drug). The resulting viscous solutions were dropped onto aqueous solutions of zinc or calcium ions for ionotropic curing. The generated beads were assessed by their drug releasing profiles, infrared and differential scanning colorimetery (DSC) traits. SLS was found to exert profound concentration-dependent impacts on the characteristics of zinc-crosslinked alginate beads such that moderate modifications in the levels of SLS switched drug release from enteric coating-like behavior to a biphasic release modifiable to sustained-release by the addition of minute amounts of xanthan gum. Calcium cross-linking failed to reproduce the same behavior, probably due to the mainly ionic nature of calcium-carboxylate bonds compared to the coordinate character of their zinc-carboxylate counterparts. Apparently, moderate levels of SLS repel water penetration into the beads, and therefore minimize chlorpheniramine release. However, higher SLS levels seem to discourage polymeric cross-linking and therefore allow biphasic drug release.

  19. Corrosion of dental magnet attachments for removable prostheses on teeth and implants.

    PubMed

    Boeckler, Arne F; Ehring, Carolin; Morton, Dean; Geis-Gerstorfer, Jürgen; Setz, Juergen M

    2009-06-01

    For a long time, the use of magnets for the anchorage of dental prostheses failed due to lack of biocompatibility and the magnets' high susceptibility to corrosion in the mouth. These facts make encapsulation of the magnetic alloy with a corrosion-resistant, tight, and functionally firm sealing necessary. Due to different products and analysis methods, it is not feasible to compare the findings for contemporary products with the sparse and rather old test results in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was the standardized control and the comparison of the corrosion behavior of modern magnetic attachments for use on teeth and dental implants. Thirty-seven components of magnetic attachments on implants and natural teeth from different alloys (NdFeB, SmCo, Ti, CrMoMnTiFe, etc.) as delivered by the manufacturers or fabricated according to their instructions were examined for their corrosion behavior using the statical immersion analysis (ISO 10271:2001). Four specimens of every product with the same design were used. An uncased SmCo magnet served as control. Analyses after 1, 4, 7, and 28 days of the storage in corrosion solution were made. The eluate was examined quantitatively on the alloy components of the respective component with the help of optical emission spectrometry (microg/cm(2)). The results were compared to the requirements of ISO standard 22674:2006. In addition, existing corrosion products were also defined in the solution after 28 days. The results were analyzed descriptively and statistically to determine possible significant differences (t-test and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon rank-sums test; p < 0.05). Dissolved metal ions could be found on all tested products. The release after 1 and 4 days was different for all specimens. In the group of implant abutments, the highest ion release after 7 days was found (all measurements microg/cm(2)): Fe (13.94, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type), Pd (1.53, Medical-anchor), Cr (1.32, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type), Ti (1.09, Magfit-IP-IDN abutment), Co (0.81, Medical-anchor), and B (0.6, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type). After 28 days, the analyzed ion release increased irregularly: Fe (173.58, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type), Pd (44.17, Medical-anchor), Cr (2.02, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type), Ti (2.11, Magfit-IP-IDN abutment), Co (26.13, Medical-anchor), B (1.77, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type), and Nd (79.18, Magfit-IP-IDN dome type). In the group of magnetic systems on natural teeth, the highest ion release after 7 days was found for Fe (4.81, Magfit DX 800 keeper), Cr (1.18, Magfit DX 800 keeper), Pd (0.21, Direct System Keeper), Ni (0.18, WR-Magnet S3 small), Co (0.12, Direct System Keeper), and Ti (0.09, Magna Cap - Mini). After 28 days, the analyzed ion release increased non-uniformly: Fe (31.92, Magfit DX 800 Keeper), Cr (6.65, Magfit DX 800 Keeper), Pd (18.19, Direct System Keeper), Ni (0.61, WR-Magnet S3 small), Co (10.94, Direct System Keeper), Ti (0.83, Magna Cap - Mini), and Pd (2.78, EFM Alloy). In contrast, the uncased control magnet showed an exponential release after 7 days of Sm ions (55.06) and Co-ions (86.83), after 28 days of Sm ions (603.91) and Co ions (950.56). The release of corrosion products of all tested products stayed significantly under the limit of 200 microg/cm(2) (ISO 22674:2006). In contrast, the non-encapsulated control magnet exceeded that limit significantly. The analysis of the corrosion behavior of modern magnetic attachments for use on teeth and dental implants according to ISO 10271:2001 showed that metal ions had dissolved on all specimens. In the case of one product, the magnet corroded. For this product, an improvement of the capsulation would be desirable. None of the products reached the limit specified in ISO 22674:2006. All products seem to be suitable for dental application. Further studies in regard to the specific biocompatibility and possible cytotoxic effects on mucosa and tissue would be desirable.

  20. Ca2+ Overload and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Instability in tric-a Null Skeletal Muscle*

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Xiaoli; Yamazaki, Daiju; Park, Ki Ho; Komazaki, Shinji; Tjondrokoesoemo, Andoria; Nishi, Miyuki; Lin, Peihui; Hirata, Yutaka; Brotto, Marco; Takeshima, Hiroshi; Ma, Jianjie

    2010-01-01

    The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle contains K+, Cl−, and H+ channels may facilitate charge neutralization during Ca2+ release. Our recent studies have identified trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) channels on SR as an essential counter-ion permeability pathway associated with rapid Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Skeletal muscle contains TRIC-A and TRIC-B isoforms as predominant and minor components, respectively. Here we test the physiological function of TRIC-A in skeletal muscle. Biochemical assay revealed abundant expression of TRIC-A relative to the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor with a molar ratio of TRIC-A/ryanodine receptor ∼5:1. Electron microscopy with the tric-a−/− skeletal muscle showed Ca2+ overload inside the SR with frequent formation of Ca2+ deposits compared with the wild type muscle. This elevated SR Ca2+ pool in the tric-a−/− muscle could be released by caffeine, whereas the elemental Ca2+ release events, e.g. osmotic stress-induced Ca2+ spark activities, were significantly reduced likely reflecting compromised counter-ion movement across the SR. Ex vivo physiological test identified the appearance of “alternan” behavior with isolated tric-a−/− skeletal muscle, i.e. transient and drastic increase in contractile force appeared within the decreasing force profile during repetitive fatigue stimulation. Inhibition of SR/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase function could lead to aggravation of the stress-induced alternans in the tric-a−/− muscle. Our data suggests that absence of TRIC-A may lead to Ca2+ overload in SR, which in combination with the reduced counter-ion movement may lead to instability of Ca2+ movement across the SR membrane. The observed alternan behavior with the tric-a−/− muscle may reflect a skeletal muscle version of store overload-induced Ca2+ release that has been reported in the cardiac muscle under stress conditions. PMID:20858894

  1. Nanostructural evolution and behavior of H and Li in ion-implanted γ-LiAlO 2

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jiang, Weilin; Zhang, Jiandong; Edwards, Danny J.

    In-situ He+ ion irradiation is performed under a helium ion microscope to study nanostructural evolution in polycrystalline gamma-LiAlO2 pellets. Various locations within a grain, across grain boundaries and at a cavity are selected. The results exhibit He bubble formation, grain-boundary cracking, nanoparticle agglomeration, increasing surface brightness with dose, and material loss from the surface. Similar brightening effects at grain boundaries are also observed under a scanning electron microscope. Li diffusion and loss from polycrystalline gamma-LiAlO2 is faster than its monocrystalline counterpart during H2+ ion implantation at elevated temperatures. There is also more significant H diffusion and release from polycrystalline pelletsmore » during thermal annealing of 300 K implanted samples. Grain boundaries and cavities could provide a faster pathway for H and Li diffusion. H release is slightly faster from the 573 K implanted monocrystalline gamma-LiAlO2 during annealing at 773 K. Metal hydrides could be formed preferentially along the grain boundaries to immobilize hydrogen.« less

  2. Computer study the oxygen release from Al melts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Y Galashev, Alexander; Rakhmanova, Oksana R.

    2018-02-01

    The behavior of oxygen ions in the Al melts under action of a constant electric field was studied by molecular dynamics. The rate of O2- ions moving up from the cathode to the melt surface increases. The time of the first ion reaching the surface decreases with increase in O2- concentration. The Al and O2- self-diffusion coefficients increase with increasing concentration of ions in the system. The structure of the neighborhood of oxygen ions was studied in detail by statistical geometry. The distributions of truncated Voronoi polyhedra according to the number of faces and of faces according to the number of sides were determined. Simplified polyhedra were obtained after elimination of small-scale thermal fluctuations from the model. The picture of the oxygen ions final location can vary greatly depending on the boundary conditions and their application sequence.

  3. Decrease in cytotoxicity of copper-based intrauterine devices (IUD) pretreated with 6-mercaptopurine and pterin as biocompatible corrosion inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Alvarez, Florencia; Grillo, Claudiaa; Schilardi, Patricial; Rubert, Aldo; Benítez, Guillermo; Lorente, Carolina; de Mele, Mónica Fernández Lorenzo

    2013-01-23

    The copper intrauterine device (IUD) based its contraceptive action on the release of cupric ions from a copper wire. Immediately after the insertion, a burst release of copper ions occurs, which may be associated to a variety of side effects. 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and pterin (PT) have been proposed as corrosion inhibitors to reduce this harmful release. Pretreatments with 1 × 10(-4) M 6-MP and 1 × 10(-4) M PT solutions with 1h and 3h immersion times were tested. Conventional electrochemical techniques, EDX and XPS analysis, and cytotoxicity assays with HeLa cell line were employed to investigate the corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of copper with and without treatments. Results showed that copper samples treated with PT and 6-MP solutions for 3 and 1 h, respectively, are more biocompatible than those without treatment. Besides, the treatment reduces the burst release effect of copper in simulated uterine solutions during the first week after the insertion. It was concluded that PT and 6-MP treatments are promising strategies able to reduce the side effects related to the "burst release" of copper-based IUD without altering the contraceptive action.

  4. Nanocomposites coated with xyloglucan for drug delivery: In vitro studies.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, C; Arizaga, G G C; Wypych, F; Sierakowski, M-R

    2009-02-09

    Enalaprilate (Enal), an active pharmaceutical component, was intercalated into a layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al-LDH) by an ion exchange reaction. The use of a layered double hydroxide (LDH) to release active drugs is limited by the low pH of the stomach (pH approximately 1.2), in whose condition it is readily dissolved. To overcome this limitation, xyloglucan (XG) extracted from Hymenaea courbaril (jatobá) seeds, Brazilian species, was used to protect the LDH and allow the drug to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. All the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses, transmission electronic microscopy, thermal analyses, and a kinetic study of the in vitro release was monitored by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The resulting hybrid system containing HDL-Enal-XG(3) slowly released the Enal. In an 8-h of test, the system protected 40% (w/v) of the drug. The kinetic profile showed that the drug release was a co-effect behavior, involving dissolution of inorganic material and ion exchange between the intercalated anions in the lamella and those of phosphate in the buffer solution. The nanocomposite coated protection with XG was therefore efficient in obtaining a slow release of Enal.

  5. The impact of gallium content on degradation, bioactivity, and antibacterial potency of zinc borate bioactive glass.

    PubMed

    Rahimnejad Yazdi, Alireza; Torkan, Lawrence; Stone, Wendy; Towler, Mark R

    2018-01-01

    Zinc borate glasses with increasing gallium content (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 Wt % Ga) were synthesized and their degradation, bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF), and antibacterial properties were investigated. ICP measurements showed that increased gallium content in the glass resulted in increased gallium ion release and decreased release of other ions. Degradability declined with the addition of gallium, indicating the formation of more symmetric BO 3 units with three bridging oxygens and asymmetric BO 3 units with two bridging oxygens in the glass network as the gallium content in the series increased. The formation of amorphous CaP on the glass surface after 24 h of incubation in SBF was confirmed by SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses. Finally, antibacterial evaluation of the glasses using the agar disc-diffusion method demonstrated that the addition of gallium increased the antibacterial potency of the glasses against P. aeruginosa (Gram-negative) while decreasing it against S. epidermidis (Gram-positive); considering the ion release trends, this indicates that the gallium ion is responsible for the glasses' antibacterial behavior against P. aeruginosa while the zinc ion controls the antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis. The statistical significance of the observed trends in the measurements were confirmed by applying the Kruskal-Wallis H Test. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 367-376, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Synthesis, characterization, and controlled release anticorrosion behavior of benzoate intercalated Zn-Al layered double hydroxides

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Yi; Zhang, Dun, E-mail: zhangdun@qdio.ac.cn

    2011-11-15

    Graphical abstract: The benzoate anion released from Zn-Al LDHs provides a more effective long-term protection against corrosion of Q235 carbon steel in 3.5% NaCl solution. Highlights: {yields} A benzoate anion corrosion inhibitor intercalated Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has been assembled by coprecipitation method. {yields} The kinetic simulation indicates that the ion-exchange one is responsible for the release process and the diffusion through particle is the rate limiting step. {yields} A significant reduction of the corrosion rate is observed when the LDH nanohybrid is present in the corrosive media. -- Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor-inorganic clay composite including benzoate anion intercalated Zn-Almore » layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are assembled by coprecipitation. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum analyses indicate that the benzoate anion is successfully intercalated into the LDH interlayer and the benzene planes are vertically bilayer-positioned as a quasi-guest ion-pair form in the gallery space. Kinetic simulation for the release data, XRD and FT-IR analyses of samples recovered from the release medium indicate that ion-exchange is responsible for the release process and diffusion through the particle is also indicated to be the rate-limiting step. The anticorrosion capabilities of LDHs loaded with corrosion inhibitor toward Q235 carbon steel are analyzed by polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. Significant reduction of corrosion rate is observed when the LDH nanohybrid is present in the corrosive medium. This hybrid material may potentially be applied as a nanocontainer in self-healing coatings.« less

  7. Susceptibility to corrosion and in vitro biocompatibility of a laser-welded composite orthodontic arch wire.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chao; Sun, Xinhua; Zhao, Shuang; Yu, Wenwen; Sun, Daqian

    2014-01-01

    Composite arch-wire (CoAW) is an arch wire formed by solder connection of nickel titanium shape memory alloy and stainless steel wire. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the biocompatibility of CoAW as an important foundation for its clinical application. The electrochemical corrosion and ion release behavior of CoAW upon immersion in solutions simulating oral cavity conditions were measured to evaluate the corrosion behavior of CoAW. Murine L-929 cells were co-cultured with CoAW extract to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the corrosion products in vitro. Polarization tests indicated that CoAW is resistant to corrosion in the tested artificial saliva (AS)-based solutions (chloric solution, simple AS, fluorinated AS, and protein-containing AS), and the amount of toxic copper ions released after immersion was lower than average daily dietary intake levels. The cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated the in vitro biocompatibility of CoAW. Based on the combined advantages of its base materials CoAW, with its resistance to biocorrosion and in vitro cytocompatibility, is a promising alternative material for use in orthodontic fixation applications.

  8. Rechargeable calcium phosphate orthodontic cement with sustained ion release and re-release

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ling; Weir, Michael D.; Chow, Laurence C.; Reynolds, Mark A.; Xu, Hockin H. K.

    2016-11-01

    White spot lesions (WSL) due to enamel demineralization are major complications for orthodontic treatments. Calcium phosphate (CaP) dental resins with Ca and P ion releases are promising for remineralization. However, previous Ca and P releases lasted for only weeks. Experimental orthodontic cements were developed using pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) at mass ratio of 1:1 (PE); and PE plus 10% of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 5% of bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) (PEHB). Particles of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) were incorporated into PE and PEHB at 40% filler level. Specimens were tested for bracket-enamel shear bond strength, water sorption, CaP release, and ion recharge and re-release. PEHB+40ACP had higher bracket-enamel bond strength and ion release and rechargeability than PE+40ACP. ACP incorporation into the novel orthodontic cement did not adversely affect the bracket-enamel bond strength. Ion release and re-release from the novel ACP orthodontic cement indicated favorable release and re-release patterns. The recharged orthodontic cement could release CaP ions continuously for four weeks without further recharge. Novel rechargeable orthodontic cement containing ACP was developed with a high bracket-enamel bond strength and the ability to be repeatedly recharged to maintain long-term high levels of CaP ion releases.

  9. A morphological screening of protein crystals for interferon delivery by metal ion-chelate technology.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yanbo; Shi, Kai; Wang, Shuo; Li, Xuefeng; Cui, Fude

    2010-12-01

    This study presents a preliminary exploration on extending the half-life of therapeutic proteins by crystallization strategy without new molecular entities generation. Recombinant human interferon (rhIFN) α-2b, a model protein drug in this case, was crystallized using a hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. A novel chelating technique with metal ions was employed to promote crystals formation. The effects of key factors such as seeding protein concentration, pH of the hanging drop, ionic strength of the equilibration solution, and precipitants were investigated. Size-exclusion liquid chromatography, antiviral activity determination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that both the molecular integrity and biological potency of rhIFN were not significantly affected by crystallization process. In addition, the in vitro release behavior of rhIFN from crystal lattice was characterized by an initial fast release, followed by a sustained release up to 48 hour. The work described here suggested an exciting possibility of therapeutic protein crystals as a long-acting formulation.

  10. Rechargeable calcium phosphate orthodontic cement with sustained ion release and re-release

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Ling; Weir, Michael D.; Chow, Laurence C.; Reynolds, Mark A.; Xu, Hockin H. K.

    2016-01-01

    White spot lesions (WSL) due to enamel demineralization are major complications for orthodontic treatments. Calcium phosphate (CaP) dental resins with Ca and P ion releases are promising for remineralization. However, previous Ca and P releases lasted for only weeks. Experimental orthodontic cements were developed using pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) at mass ratio of 1:1 (PE); and PE plus 10% of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 5% of bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) (PEHB). Particles of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) were incorporated into PE and PEHB at 40% filler level. Specimens were tested for bracket-enamel shear bond strength, water sorption, CaP release, and ion recharge and re-release. PEHB+40ACP had higher bracket-enamel bond strength and ion release and rechargeability than PE+40ACP. ACP incorporation into the novel orthodontic cement did not adversely affect the bracket-enamel bond strength. Ion release and re-release from the novel ACP orthodontic cement indicated favorable release and re-release patterns. The recharged orthodontic cement could release CaP ions continuously for four weeks without further recharge. Novel rechargeable orthodontic cement containing ACP was developed with a high bracket-enamel bond strength and the ability to be repeatedly recharged to maintain long-term high levels of CaP ion releases. PMID:27808251

  11. Release of major ions during rigor mortis development in kid Longissimus dorsi muscle.

    PubMed

    Feidt, C; Brun-Bellut, J

    1999-01-01

    Ionic strength plays an important role in post mortem muscle changes. Its increase is due to ion release during the development of rigor mortis. Twelve alpine kids were used to study the effects of chilling and meat pH on ion release. Free ions were measured in Longissimus dorsi muscle by capillary electrophoresis after water extraction. All free ion concentrations increased after death, but there were differences between ions. Temperature was not a factor affecting ion release in contrast to ultimate pH value. Three release mechanisms are believed to coexist: a passive binding to proteins, which stops as pH decreases, an active segregation which stops as ATP disappears and the production of metabolites due to anaerobic glycolysis.

  12. Ion release from dental casting alloys as assessed by a continuous flow system: Nutritional and toxicological implications.

    PubMed

    López-Alías, José F; Martinez-Gomis, Jordi; Anglada, Josep M; Peraire, Maria

    2006-09-01

    The aims of this study were to quantify the metallic ions released by various dental alloys subjected to a continuous flow of saliva and to estimate the nutritional and toxicological implications of such a release. Four pieces of three nickel-based, one noble, one high-noble and two copper-aluminum alloys were cast and then immersed in a continuous flow of artificial saliva for 15 days. To simulate three meals a day, casts were subjected to thrice-daily episodes, lasting 30 min each and consisting of pH decreases and salinity increases. After 15 days, the metallic ions in the artificial saliva were analyzed. Data were expressed as averaged release rate: microg/cm2/day of ion released for each alloy. The highest value of 95% Cl of each ion was adapted to a hypothetical worst scenario of a subject with 100 cm2 of exposed metal surface. The results were compared with the tolerable upper daily intake level of each ion. The copper-aluminum alloys released copper, aluminum, nickel, manganese and iron. The nickel-based alloys essentially released nickel and chromium, while the beryllium-containing alloy released beryllium and significantly more nickel. The noble and high-noble alloys were very resistant to corrosion. The amount of ions released remained far below the upper tolerable intake level, with the exception of nickel, released by beryllium-containing nickel-based alloy, whose levels approach 50% of this threshold. The daily amount of ions released seems to be far below the tolerable upper intake levels for each ion.

  13. Comparison of metal ion release from different bracket archwire combinations: an in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Karnam, Srinivas Kumar; Reddy, A Naveen; Manjith, C M

    2012-05-01

    The metal ion released from the orthodontic appliance may cause allergic reactions particularly nickel and chromium ions. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the amount of nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt and iron ions released from simulated orthodontic appliance made of new archwires and brackets. Sixty sets of new archwire, band material, brackets and ligature wires were prepared simulating fixed orthodontic appliance. These sets were divided into four groups of fifteen samples each. Group 1: Stainless steel rectangular archwires. Group 2: Rectangular NiTi archwires. Group 3: Rectangular copper NiTi archwires. Group 4: Rectangular elgiloy archwires. These appliances were immersed in 50 ml of artificial saliva solution and stored in polypropylene bottles in the incubator to simulate oral conditions. After 90 days the solution were tested for nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt and iron ions using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that high levels of nickel ions were released from all four groups, compared to all other ions, followed by release of iron ion levels. There is no significant difference in the levels of all metal ions released in the different groups. The study confirms that the use of newer brackets and newer archwires confirms the negligible release of metal ions from the orthodontic appliance. The measurable amount of metals, released from orthodontic appliances in artificial saliva, was significantly below the average dietary intake and did not reach toxic concentrations.

  14. Microstructure, Surface Characterization, and Electrochemical Behavior of New Ti-Zr-Ta-Ag Alloy in Simulated Human Electrolyte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vasilescu, Cora; Drob, Silviu Iulian; Osiceanu, Petre; Moreno, Jose Maria Calderon; Prodana, Mariana; Ionita, Daniela; Demetrescu, Ioana; Marcu, Maria; Popovici, Ion Alexandru; Vasilescu, Ecaterina

    2017-01-01

    A new Ti-20Zr-5Ta-2Ag alloy was elaborated and characterized regarding its microstructure, its native passive film composition and thickness, its surface wettability, its electrochemical behavior in Ringer solution of different pH values, and its ion release. The new alloy has a bi-phase, α + β, acicular, homogeneous microstructure (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)). Its native passive film (12-nm thicknesses) consists of the protective TiO2, ZrO2, and Ta2O5 oxides, Ti and Ta suboxides, and metallic Ag (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data). The alloy possesses high hydrophilic properties. The main electrochemical parameters of the new alloy are superior to those of Ti as a result of the beneficial influence of Zr, Ta, and Ag alloying elements, which reinforce its native passive film. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra in Ringer solutions for the new alloy displayed better values of impedances and phase angles, proving a more insulate passive film than that on the Ti surface. The main corrosion parameters for the new Ti-20Zr-5Ta-2Ag alloy are more favorable by about 25 to 38 times than those of Ti, confirming extremely resistant passive film. The new Ti-20Zr-5Ta-2Ag alloy releases into Ringer solution low quantities of Ti4+, Zr4+ metallic ions (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS)). The Ag+ ions are released in low quantity, conferring to this alloy's low antibacterial activity. All experimental results show that the new Ti-20Zr-5Ta-2Ag alloy fulfills the requirements for biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial protection.

  15. In vitro study of the effect of three hydrogen peroxide concentrations on the corrosion behavior and surface topography of alumina-reinforced dental ceramic.

    PubMed

    Abu-Eittah, Manal R; Mandour, Mona H

    2011-10-01

    This in vitro investigation studied the effect of three hydrogen peroxide (HP) concentrations (30%, 35%, 38% v/v) at two time intervals (1 and 2 hours) on the corrosion behavior and surface topography of a dental ceramic. A total of 62 Vitadur Alpha discs were constructed following manufacturer instructions. Specimens were divided into four main groups (n = 8). Group 1 (control): specimens were immersed in 4% acetic acid for 18 hours at 80°C. Groups 2, 3, and 4: specimens were immersed in 30%, 35%, and 38% HP concentrations, respectively. Each of the three groups was divided into two subgroups (a and b) according to the immersion time (1 and 2 hours, respectively). Specimens of subgroup a were further immersed in 4% acetic acid for 18 hours at 80°C and were designated as subgroup c. The corrosion behavior of the ceramic specimens were tested by solution analysis using the atomic absorption method, weight loss percent, and corrosion rate. Surface topography was investigated by surface roughness (Ra) measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results were statistically analyzed. There was a significant increase for ions leached with the increase in time of immersion for all ions at 35% and 38% HP, while at 30% HP, ions of K(+) , Al(3+) , and Si(4+) did not increase significantly with time. The results also showed that at a fixed time of immersion, all ions released were dependent on the increase of HP concentration except for Al(3+) ions (p < 0.05). The combined treatment of specimens with HP followed by acetic acid had a significant effect on the increase of ions leached (p < 0.05). The surface roughness values for all specimens increased significantly with time of immersion as well as with the increase in concentration of HP (p < 0.05). These results were confirmed with SEM. The amount of released ions is directly proportional to HP concentration and time of immersion. Specimens exposed to both HP and acetic acid showed increased weight loss and a higher corrosion rate than those exposed to acetic acid only. Surface roughness values were time and HP concentration dependent. © 2011 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

  16. Length-dependent corrosion behavior, Ni2+ release, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial ability of Ni-Ti-O nanopores anodically grown on biomedical NiTi alloy.

    PubMed

    Hang, Ruiqiang; Liu, Yanlian; Bai, Long; Zhang, Xiangyu; Huang, Xiaobo; Jia, Husheng; Tang, Bin

    2018-08-01

    In the present work, nickel-titanium-oxygen nanopores with different length (0.55-114 μm) were anodically grown on nearly equiatomic nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy. Length-dependent corrosion behavior, nickel ion (Ni 2+ ) release, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial ability were investigated by electrochemical, analytical chemistry, and biological methods. The results show constructing nanoporous structure on the NiTi alloy improve its corrosion resistance. However, the anodized samples release more Ni 2+ than that of the bare NiTi alloy, suggesting chemical dissolution of the nanopores rather than electrochemical corrosion governs the Ni 2+ release. In addition, the Ni 2+ release amount increases with nanopore length. The anodized samples show good cytocompatibility when the nanopore length is <11 μm. Encouragingly, the length scale covers the one (1-11 μm) that the nanopores showing favorable antibacterial ability. Consequently, the nanopores with length in the range of 1-11 μm are promising as coatings of biomedical NiTi alloy for anti-infection, drug delivery, and other desirable applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Aspects relating to stability of modified passive stratum on TiO2 nanostructure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ionita, Daniela; Mazare, Anca; Portan, Diana; Demetrescu, Ioana

    2011-04-01

    Two kinds of nanotube structures differing from the point of view of their dimensions were obtained using anodizing in two different fluoride electrolytes and these structures were investigated regarding stability. The nanotubes have diameters of around 100 and 65 nm, respectively, and the testing solutions were simulated body fluids (SBF) and NaCl 0.9%. As stability experiments, cyclic voltammetry was performed and ions release was measured. The quantity of released cations in time as a kinetic aspect of passive stratum behavior was followed with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and apatite forming in SBF was found with infrared spectra. This study led to a comparison between the modification and the behavior of passive stratum on nanotubes as a function of their diameters.

  18. In vitro fluoride release from a different kind of conventional and resin modified glass-ionomer cements.

    PubMed

    Selimović-Dragaš, Mediha; Hasić-Branković, Lajla; Korać, Fehim; Đapo, Nermin; Huseinbegović, Amina; Kobašlija, Sedin; Lekić, Meliha; Hatibović-Kofman, Šahza

    2013-08-01

    Fluoride release is important characteristic of glass-ionomer cements. Quantity of fluoride ions released from the glass-ionomer cements has major importance in definition of their biological activity. The objectives of this study were to define the quantity of fluoride ions released from the experimental glass-ionomer cements and to define the effect of fluoride ions released from the experimental glass-ionomer cements on their cytotoxicity. Concentrations of the fluoride ions released in the evaluated glass-ionomer cements were measured indirectly, by the fluoride-selective WTW, F500 electrode potential, combined with reference R503/D electrode. Statistical analyses of F-ion concentrations released by all glass-ionomers evaluated at two time points, after 8 and after 24 hours, show statistically higher fluoride releases from RMGICs: Vitrebond, Fuji II LC and Fuji Plus, when compared to conventional glass-ionomer cements: Fuji Triage, Fuji IX GP Fast and Ketac Silver, both after 8 and after 24 hours. Correlation coefficient between concentrations of fluoride ion released by evaluated glass-ionomer cements and cytotoxic response of UMR-106 osteoblast cell-line are relatively high, but do not reach levels of biological significance. Correlation between concentrations of fluoride ion released and cytotoxic response of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line after 8 hours is high, positive and statistically significant for conventional GICs, Fuji Triage and Fuji IX GP Fast, and RMGIC, Fuji II LC. Statistically significant Correlation coefficient between concentrations of fluoride ion released and cytotoxic response of NIH3T3 cell line after 24 hours is defined for RMGIC Fuji II LC only.

  19. The effect of weathering on ecopersistence, reactivity, and potential toxicity of naturally occurring asbestos and asbestiform minerals.

    PubMed

    Enrico Favero-Longo, Sergio; Turci, Francesco; Tomatis, Maura; Compagnoni, Roberto; Piervittori, Rosanna; Fubini, Bice

    2009-01-01

    The mechanisms underlying asbestos toxicity mainly rely on experiments performed on "laboratory" fibers, but little data is available on naturally occurring asbestos (NOA). Human exposure to NOA is subject to their ecopersistence and the modulation of their potential toxicity following weathering. The effect of weathering on three fibrous minerals from the Italian Western Alps, chrysotile, tremolite, and balangeroite-a Fe-rich asbestiform mineral-was investigated by mimicking more than 100 yr of physical (freezing-thawing/wetting-drying cycles in a climatic chamber) and biochemical forces (incubation with oxalic acid). Ion release, evaluated by means of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and variation in chemical composition, evaluated by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), indicated that weathering modified the fibers in the series: chrysotile > balangeroite > tremolite. Kinetics of ion release from the fibers (Mg, Fe, and Si) revealed different ion removal pathways. Tremolite was poorly affected. Chrysotile preferentially released cations up to a plateau, with physical and biochemical forces acting competitively. Conversely, for balangeroite, upon which weathering forces acted synergistically, the initial loss of ions facilitated further dissolution and more Si than Mg was released, suggesting an ongoing collapse of the crystal structure. Depletion of redox-reactive ions produced a significant reduction in fiber-derived *OH radicals (EPR, spin-trapping technique), but the fibrous nature was always retained. Despite weathered fibers appearing less toxic than "stored/laboratory" ones, NOA is to be considered far from safe because of fibrous nature and residual surface reactivity. Risk assessment needs to consider the effect of weathering on exposures. Both tremolite and balangeroite may contaminate, in some areas, chrysotile asbestos. However, in contrast to tremolite, balangeroite exhibits a low ecopersistence, similar to chrysotile behavior. Any contribution of balangeroite to chrysotile toxicity will thus be related to its quantitative occurrence and not to higher structural stability.

  20. A novel copper/polydimethiylsiloxane nanocomposite for copper-containing intrauterine contraceptive devices.

    PubMed

    Xu, X X; Ding, M H; Zhang, J X; Zheng, W; Li, L; Zheng, Y F

    2013-11-01

    In this article, a novel composite of copper (Cu) nanoparticles and polydimethiylsiloxane (PDMS) has been prepared and investigated for the potential application in Cu-containing intrauterine device. The Cu/PDMS composite with various mass fraction of Cu nanoparticles was fabricated via the hot vulcanizing process. The chemical structures and surface morphologies of the Cu/PDMS composites were characterized confirming the physical interaction between Cu nanoparticles and PDMS. The surface morphology observation using scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope showed the agglomeration of Cu nanoparticles in PDMS matrix and the distribution of the agglomerations was more uniform with increased amount of Cu nanoparticles. The cupric ion release behaviors of the Cu/PDMS composites with different amounts of Cu nanoparticles were investigated in simulated uterine fluid at 37°C for 150 days. The corrosion morphologies of the Cu/PDMS composites were also characterized. Both the burst release rate of the cupric ion in the first few days and the steady release rate after 30-day immersion were improved. The cytotoxicity test has been done for the Cu/PDMS composites. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Loading and release of amine drugs by ion-exchange fibers: role of amine type.

    PubMed

    Gao, Yanan; Liu, Hongzhuo; Yuan, Jing; Yang, Yang; Che, Xin; Hou, Yanlong; Li, Sanming

    2014-04-01

    With more production and application of ion-exchange fibers (IEFs), it becomes necessary to understand the interaction between IEFs and amine compounds, an important group of organic drugs and structural components of large organic molecules in biological systems. However, so far few experimental studies have been conducted to systematically investigate the exchanging mechanism of amine compounds to IEFs. Therefore, 15 amine drugs were selected to investigate the effect of amine type on the loading and release of them from the related IEFs. Loading affinity of these drugs by IEFs decreased in the order of secondary, tertiary, and primary. The following items: basicity, aromaticity, molar volume, rotatability, and so on, were emphatically discussed to address the underlying mechanism of drug loading and releasing extent and rate of IEFs. It was evident that strong alkaline drugs strengthened the ionic bond between the amine groups and IEFs, and thus the loading affinity. These results will advance the understanding of the exchanging behavior of IEFs in the drug delivery system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  2. The influence of dislocation and hydrogen on thermal helium desorption behavior in Fe9Cr alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Te; Jin, Shuoxue; Gong, Yihao; Lu, Eryang; Song, Ligang; Xu, Qiu; Guo, Liping; Cao, Xingzhong; Wang, Baoyi

    2017-11-01

    Transmutation helium may causes serious embrittlement which is considered to be due to helium from clustering as a bubble in materials. Suppression of transmutation helium can be achieved by introducing trapping sites such as dislocations and impurities in materials. Here, effects of intentionally-induced dislocations and hydrogen on helium migrate and release behaviors were investigated using thermal desorption spectrometry (TDS) technique applied to well-annealed and cold-worked Fe9Cr alloys irradiated by energetic helium/hydrogen ions. Synchronous desorption of helium and hydrogen was observed, and the microstructure states during helium release at different temperatures were analyzed. High thermally stable HenD type complexes formed in cold-worked specimens, resulting in the retardation of helium migration and release. The existence of hydrogen will strongly affect the thermal helium desorption which could be reflected in the TDS spectrum. It was confirmed that hydrogen retained in the specimens can result in obvious delay of helium desorption.

  3. Effect of Exposed Surface Area, Volume and Environmental pH on the Calcium Ion Release of Three Commercially Available Tricalcium Silicate Based Dental Cements.

    PubMed

    Rajasekharan, Sivaprakash; Vercruysse, Chris; Martens, Luc; Verbeeck, Ronald

    2018-01-13

    Tricalcium silicate cements (TSC) are used in dental traumatology and endodontics for their bioactivity which is mostly attributed to formation of calcium hydroxide during TSC hydration and its subsequent release of calcium and hydroxide ions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volume (Vol), exposed surface area (ESA) and pH of surrounding medium on calcium ion release. Three commercially available hydraulic alkaline dental cements were mixed and condensed into cylindrical tubes of varying length and diameter ( n = 6/group). For the effect of ESA and Vol, tubes were immersed in 10 mL of deionized water. To analyze the effect of environmental pH, the tubes were randomly immersed in 10 mL of buffer solutions with varying pH (10.4, 7.4 or 4.4). The solutions were collected and renewed at various time intervals. pH and/or calcium ion release was measured using a pH glass electrode and atomic absorption spectrophotometer respectively. The change of pH, short-term calcium ion release and rate at which calcium ion release reaches maximum were dependent on ESA ( p < 0.05) while maximum calcium ion release was dependent on Vol of TSC ( p < 0.05). Maximum calcium ion release was significantly higher in acidic solution followed by neutral and alkaline solution ( p < 0.05).

  4. Effect of Exposed Surface Area, Volume and Environmental pH on the Calcium Ion Release of Three Commercially Available Tricalcium Silicate Based Dental Cements

    PubMed Central

    Rajasekharan, Sivaprakash; Vercruysse, Chris; Martens, Luc; Verbeeck, Ronald

    2018-01-01

    Tricalcium silicate cements (TSC) are used in dental traumatology and endodontics for their bioactivity which is mostly attributed to formation of calcium hydroxide during TSC hydration and its subsequent release of calcium and hydroxide ions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volume (Vol), exposed surface area (ESA) and pH of surrounding medium on calcium ion release. Three commercially available hydraulic alkaline dental cements were mixed and condensed into cylindrical tubes of varying length and diameter (n = 6/group). For the effect of ESA and Vol, tubes were immersed in 10 mL of deionized water. To analyze the effect of environmental pH, the tubes were randomly immersed in 10 mL of buffer solutions with varying pH (10.4, 7.4 or 4.4). The solutions were collected and renewed at various time intervals. pH and/or calcium ion release was measured using a pH glass electrode and atomic absorption spectrophotometer respectively. The change of pH, short-term calcium ion release and rate at which calcium ion release reaches maximum were dependent on ESA (p < 0.05) while maximum calcium ion release was dependent on Vol of TSC (p < 0.05). Maximum calcium ion release was significantly higher in acidic solution followed by neutral and alkaline solution (p < 0.05). PMID:29342837

  5. In vitro fluoride release from a different kind of conventional and resin modified glass-ionomer cements

    PubMed Central

    Selimović-Dragaš, Mediha; Hasić-Branković, Lajla; Korać, Fehim; Đapo, Nermin; Huseinbegović, Amina; Kobašlija, Sedin; Lekić, Meliha; Hatibović-Kofman, Šahza

    2013-01-01

    Fluoride release is important characteristic of glass-ionomer cements. Quantity of fluoride ions released from the glass-ionomer cements has major importance in definition of their biological activity. The objectives of this study were to define the quantity of fluoride ions released from the experimental glass-ionomer cements and to define the effect of fluoride ions released from the experimental glass-ionomer cements on their cytotoxicity. Concentrations of the fluoride ions released in the evaluated glass-ionomer cements were measured indirectly, by the fluoride-selective WTW, F500 electrode potential, combined with reference R503/D electrode. Statistical analyses of F-ion concentrations released by all glass-ionomers evaluated at two time points, after 8 and after 24 hours, show statistically higher fluoride releases from RMGICs: Vitrebond, Fuji II LC and Fuji Plus, when compared to conventional glass-ionomer cements: Fuji Triage, Fuji IX GP Fast and Ketac Silver, both after 8 and after 24 hours. Correlation coefficient between concentrations of fluoride ion released by evaluated glass-ionomer cements and cytotoxic response of UMR-106 osteoblast cell-line are relatively high, but do not reach levels of biological significance. Correlation between concentrations of fluoride ion released and cytotoxic response of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line after 8 hours is high, positive and statistically significant for conventional GICs, Fuji Triage and Fuji IX GP Fast, and RMGIC, Fuji II LC. Statistically significant Correlation coefficient between concentrations of fluoride ion released and cytotoxic response of NIH3T3 cell line after 24 hours is defined for RMGIC Fuji II LC only. PMID:23988173

  6. Investigation of in situ gelling alginate formulations as a sustained release vehicle for co-precipitates of dextromethrophan and Eudragit S 100.

    PubMed

    El Maghraby, Gamal Mohamed; Elzayat, Ehab Mostafa; Alanazi, Fars Kaed

    2014-03-01

    Alginate vehicles are capable of forming a gel matrix in situ when they come into contact with gastric medium in the presence of calcium ions. However, the gel structure is pH dependent and can break after gastric emptying, leading to dose dumping. The aim of this work was to develop modified in situ gelling alginate formulations capable of sustaining dextromethorphan release throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Alginate solution (2 %, m/m) was used as a vehicle for the tested formulations. Solid matrix of the drug and Eudragit S 100 was prepared by dissolving the drug and polymer in acetone. The organic solvent was then evaporated and the deposited solid matrix was micronized, sieved and dispersed in alginate solution to obtain candidate formulations. The release behavior of dextromethorphan was monitored and evaluated in a medium simulating the gastric and intestinal pH. Drug-polymer compatibility and possible solid-state interactions suggested physical interaction through hydrogen bonding between the drug and the polymer. A significant decrease in the rate and extent of dextromethorphan release was observed with increasing Eudragit S 100 concentration in the prepared particles. Most formulations showed sustained release profiles similar to that of a commercial sustained-release liquid based on ion exchange resin. The release pattern indicated strict control of drug release both under gastric and intestinal conditions, suggesting the potential advantage of using a solid dispersion of drug-Eudragit S 100 to overcome the problem of dose dumping after the rupture of the pH dependent alginate gels.

  7. Rechargeable dental adhesive with calcium phosphate nanoparticles for long-term ion release

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Ling; Weir, Michael D.; Hack, Gary; Fouad, Ashraf F.; Xu, Hockin H. K.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives The tooth-resin bond is the weak link of restoration, with secondary caries as a main reason for failure. Calcium phosphate-containing resins are promising for remineralization; however, calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion releases last only a couple of months. The objectives of this study were to develop the first rechargeable CaP bonding agent and investigate the key factors that determine CaP ion recharge and re-release. Methods Nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) were synthesized. Pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM), ethoxylated bisphenol-A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and bisphenol-A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) were used to synthesize three adhesives (denoted PE, PEH and PEHB). NACP were mixed into adhesive at 0–30% by mass. Dentin shear bond strengths were measured. Adhesive specimens were tested for Ca and P initial ion release. Then the ion-exhausted specimens were immersed in Ca and P solution to recharge the specimens, and the recharged specimens were then used to measure ion re-release for 7 days as one cycle. Then these specimens were again recharged and the re-release was measured for 7 days as the second cycle. Three recharge/re-release cycles were tested. Results PEHB had the highest dentin bond strength (p<0.05). Increasing NACP content from 0 to 30% did not affect dentin bond strength (p>0.1), but increased CaP release and re-release (p<0.05). PEHB-NACP had the greatest recharge/re-release, and PE-NACP had the least (p<0.05). Ion release remained high and did not decrease with increasing the number of recharge/re-release cycles (p>0.1). After the third cycle, specimens without further recharge had continuous CaP ion release for 2–3 weeks. Significance Rechargeable CaP bonding agents were developed for the first time to provide long-term Ca and P ions to promote remineralization and reduce caries. Incorporation of NACP into adhesive had no negative effect on dentin bond strength. Increasing NACP filler level increased the ion recharge and re-release capability. The new CaP recharge method and PMGDM-EBPAGMA-NACP composition may have wide application in adhesives, composites and cements, to combat caries and remineralize lesions. PMID:26144190

  8. Release of nickel and chromium ions from orthodontic wires following the use of teeth whitening mouthwashes.

    PubMed

    Mirhashemi, AmirHossein; Jahangiri, Sahar; Kharrazifard, MohammadJavad

    2018-02-05

    Corrosion resistance is an important requirement for orthodontic appliances. Nickel and chromium may be released from orthodontic wires and can cause allergic reactions and cytotoxicity when patients use various mouthwashes to whiten their teeth. Our study aimed to assess the release of nickel and chromium ions from nickel titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) orthodontic wires following the use of four common mouthwashes available on the market. This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on 120 orthodontic appliances for one maxillary quadrant including five brackets, one band and half of the required length of SS, and NiTi wires. The samples were immersed in Oral B, Oral B 3D White Luxe, Listerine, and Listerine Advance White for 1, 6, 24, and 168 h. The samples immersed in distilled water served as the control group. Atomic absorption spectroscopy served to quantify the amount of released ions. Nickel ions were released from both wires at all time-points; the highest amount was in Listerine and the lowest in Oral B mouthwashes. The remaining two solutions were in-between this range. The process of release of chromium from the SS wire was the same as that of nickel. However, the release trend in NiTi wires was not uniform. Listerine caused the highest release of ions. Listerine Advance White, Oral B 3D White Luxe, and distilled water were the same in terms of ion release. Oral B showed the lowest amount of ion release.

  9. Nanocomposite hydrogels stabilized by self-assembled multivalent bisphosphonate-magnesium nanoparticles mediate sustained release of magnesium ion and promote in-situ bone regeneration.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Kunyu; Lin, Sien; Feng, Qian; Dong, Chaoqun; Yang, Yanhua; Li, Gang; Bian, Liming

    2017-12-01

    Hydrogels are appealing biomaterials for applications in regenerative medicine due to their tunable physical and bioactive properties. Meanwhile, therapeutic metal ions, such as magnesium ion (Mg 2+ ), not only regulate the cellular behaviors but also stimulate local bone formation and healing. However, the effective delivery and tailored release of Mg 2+ remains a challenge, with few reports on hydrogels being used for Mg 2+ delivery. Bisphosphonate exhibits a variety of specific bioactivities and excellent binding affinity to multivalent cations such as Mg 2+ . Herein, we describe a nanocomposite hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid and self-assembled bisphosphonate-magnesium (BP-Mg) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles bearing acrylate groups on the surface not only function as effective multivalent crosslinkers to strengthen the hydrogel network structure, but also promote the mineralization of hydrogels and mediate sustained release of Mg 2+ . The released Mg 2+ ions facilitate stem cell adhesion and spreading on the hydrogel substrates in the absence of cell adhesion ligands, and promote osteogenesis of the seeded hMSCs in vitro. Furthermore, the acellular porous hydrogels alone can support in situ bone regeneration without using exogenous cells and inductive agents, thereby greatly simplifying the approaches of bone regeneration therapy. In this study, we developed a novel bioactive nanocomposite hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid and self-assembled bisphosphonate-magnesium (BP-Mg) nanoparticles. Such hydrogels are stabilized by the multivalent crosslinking domains formed by the aggregation of Ac-BP-Mg NPs, and therefore show enhanced mechanical properties, improved capacity for mineralization, and controlled release kinetics of Mg 2+ . Moreover, the released Mg 2+ can enhance cell adhesion and spreading, and further promote the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Owing to these unique properties, these acellular hydrogels alone can well facilitate the in vivo bone regeneration at the intended sites. We believe that the strategy reported in this work opens up a new route to develop biopolymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels with enhanced physical and biological functionalities for regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Ion release and mechanical properties of calcium silicate and calcium hydroxide materials used for pulp capping.

    PubMed

    Natale, L C; Rodrigues, M C; Xavier, T A; Simões, A; de Souza, D N; Braga, R R

    2015-01-01

    To compare the ion release and mechanical properties of a calcium hydroxide (Dycal) and two calcium silicate (MTA Angelus and Biodentine) cements. Calcium and hydroxyl ion release in water from 24-h set cements were calculated from titration with HCl (n = 3). Calcium release after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days at pH 5.5 and 7.0 was measured using ICP-OES (n = 6). Flexural strength (FS) and modulus (E) were tested after 48-h storage, and compressive strength (CS) was tested after 48 h and 7 days (n = 10). Ion release and mechanical data were subjected to anova/Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney tests, respectively (α = 0.05). Titration curves revealed that Dycal released significantly fewer ions in solution than calcium silicates (P < 0.001). Calcium release remained constant at pH 7.0, whilst at pH 5.5, it dropped significantly by 24% after 21 days (P < 0.05). At pH 5.5, MTA Angelus released significantly more calcium than Dycal (P < 0.01), whilst Biodentine had superior ion release than Dycal at pH 7.0 (P < 0.01). Biodentine had superior flexural strength, flexural modulus and compressive strength than the other cements, whilst MTA Angelus had higher modulus than Dycal (P < 0.001). Immediate calcium and hydroxyl ion release in solution was significantly lower for Dycal. In general, all materials released constant calcium levels over 28 days, but release from Dycal was significantly lower than Biodentine and MTA Angelus depending on pH conditions. Biodentine had substantially higher strength and modulus than MTA Angelus and Dycal, both of which demonstrated low stress-bearing capabilities. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Do soft drinks affect metal ions release from orthodontic appliances?

    PubMed

    Mikulewicz, Marcin; Wołowiec, Paulina; Loster, Bartłomiej W; Chojnacka, Katarzyna

    2015-01-01

    The effect of orange juice and Coca Cola(®) on the release of metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliances. A continuous flow system designed for in vitro testing of orthodontic appliances was used. Orange juice/Coca Cola(®) was flowing through the system alternately with artificial saliva for 5.5 and 18.5h, respectively. The collected samples underwent a multielemental ICP-OES analysis in order to determine the metal ions release pattern in time. The total mass of ions released from the appliance into orange juice and Coca Cola(®) (respectively) during the experiment was calculated (μg): Ni (15.33; 37.75), Cr (3.604; 1.052), Fe (48.42; ≥ 156.1), Cu (57.87, 32.91), Mn (9.164; 41.16), Mo (9.999; 30.12), and Cd (0.5967; 2.173). It was found that orange juice did not intensify the release of metal ions from orthodontic appliances, whereas Coca Cola(®) caused increased release of Ni ions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  12. In vitro corrosion behavior of cast iron-platinum magnetic alloys.

    PubMed

    Watanabe, I; Hai, K; Tanaka, Y; Hisatsune, K; Atsuta, M

    2001-05-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate the corrosion resistance of cast Fe-Pt alloys of varying compositions for use as attachment keepers and to make a comparison with the corrosion resistance of magnetic stainless steel. The corrosion behavior of cast Fe-Pt alloy keepers (Fe-40 at%Pt, Fe-38 at%Pt, Fe-37 at%Pt and Fe-36 at%Pt) was evaluated by means of an immersion test and an anodic polarization test. The solutions used were a 1.0% lactic acid aqueous solution (pH=2.3) (10 ml) and 0.9% NaCl solution (pH=7.3) (10 ml). As a control, the corrosion resistance of a magnetic stainless steel keeper (SUS 447J1: HICOREX) was also measured. Chromium and platinum ions were not detected in either the 1.0% lactic acid or 0.9% NaCl solutions. The only released ions detected were the Fe ions in the 1.0% lactic acid solution. The amounts of Fe ions released from the Fe-40 at%Pt and Fe-38 at%Pt alloys were significantly (p<0.05) lower than from the Fe-37at%Pt, Fe-36 at%Pt and SUS 447J1 alloys. In the anodic polarization test, the potentials at the beginning of passivation for the four Fe-Pt alloys were higher than for the SUS 447J1 alloy in both solutions. The Fe-Pt alloys, especially the alloys with higher Pt percentages (Fe-40 and 38 at%Pt), indicated a high corrosion resistance compared to the magnetic stainless steel keeper. A reduction in the Pt percentage may decrease the corrosion resistance in the oral environment.

  13. Ion release from orthodontic brackets in 3 mouthwashes: an in-vitro study.

    PubMed

    Danaei, Shahla Momeni; Safavi, Afsaneh; Roeinpeikar, S M Mehdi; Oshagh, Morteza; Iranpour, Shiva; Omidkhoda, Maryam; Omidekhoda, Maryam

    2011-06-01

    Stainless steel orthodontic brackets can release metal ions into the saliva. Fluoridated mouthwashes are often recommended to orthodontic patients to reduce the risk of white-spot lesions around their brackets. However, little information is available regarding the effect of different mouthwashes in ion release of orthodontic brackets. The purpose of this study was to measure the amount of metal ion release from orthodontic brackets when kept in different mouthwashes. One hundred sixty stainless steel brackets (0.022-in, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) were divided randomly into 4 equal groups and immersed in Oral B (Procter & Gamble, Weybridge, United Kingdom), chlorhexidine (Shahdaru Labratories, Tehran, Iran), and Persica (Poursina Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Tehran, Iran) mouthwashes and distilled deionized water and incubated at 37°C for 45 days. Nickel, chromium, iron, copper, and manganese released from the orthodontic brackets were measured with an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. For statistical analysis, 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan multiple-range tests were used. The results showed that ion release in deionized water was significantly (P <0.05) higher than in the 3 mouthwashes. Higher ion release was found with chlorhexidine compared with the other 2 mouthwashes. There was no significant difference (P >0.05) in nickel, chromium, iron, and copper ion release in the Oral B and Persica mouthwashes. The level of manganese release was significantly different in all 4 groups. If ion release is a concern, Oral B and Persica mouthwashes might be better options than chlorhexidine for orthodontic patients with stainless steel brackets. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Observation and theory of the barium releases from the CRRES satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bernhardt, P. A.; Huba, J. D.; Scales, W. A.; Wescott, E. M.; Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.

    1992-01-01

    The relationship between releases of barium from the NASA Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) and enhanced auroral activity is discussed with reference to observational data. Barium releases were conducted at a variety of altitudes and injection velocities, and plasma irregularities are reported as a result of the interactions. Auroral activity increased within 5 min of each release, and references are made to the effects on diamagnetic cavities, bulk ion motion, and stimulated electron and ion precipitation. Artificially created structured diamagnetic cavities are noted for each release, plasma waves are generated by the high-speed ion clouds, and enhanced ionization is found in the critical ionization-velocity process. Barium releases are effective in stimulating electron precipitation, and the observed irregularities are related to cycloid bunching of the initial ion distributions.

  15. Effect of inflammatory conditions and H2O2 on bare and coated Ti-6Al-4V surfaces: Corrosion behavior, metal ion release and Ca-P formation under long-term immersion in DMEM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Höhn, Sarah; Virtanen, Sannakaisa

    2015-12-01

    The surface oxide film and calcium-phosphate (Ca-P) formation on Ti-6Al-4V during long-term immersion in biological environments play a decisive role for the biocompatibility of the implant. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the corrosion resistance, metal ion release and Ca-P formation in DMEM under physiological conditions at pH values of 7.4 and in comparison under simulated inflammatory conditions with pH 5 and in presence of H2O2. Furthermore, the influence of the immersion conditions was investigated on different surface treatments: on bare Ti-6Al-4V, after anodization, and for TiO2 nanoparticle (NP) and hydroxyapatite (HA)-incorporated TiO2-NP coatings. In the absence of H2O2, the impedance response indicated a stable thin oxide film and Ca-P formation after 28 days or 56 days depending on the coating, while under inflammatory conditions the Ca-P formation on the surface is time-delayed and dissolution of the anodized oxide layer as well as selective etching of the β-phase and phase boundaries in case of the bare alloy occur. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), however, indicates a good general corrosion behavior in all cases. The quantities of Ti, Al and V released from the bare and coated Ti-6Al-4V alloy markedly increased with decreasing pH (pH ≤ 5). Although the rapid increase of metal release was observed for all samples at pH 5, the quantities were significantly higher for the bare and anodized alloy than after coating with TiO2-NP or HA.

  16. Salt Bridge Rearrangement (SaBRe) Explains the Dissociation Behavior of Noncovalent Complexes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Loo, Rachel R. Ogorzalek; Loo, Joseph A.

    2016-06-01

    Native electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, with gas-phase activation and solution compositions that partially release subcomplexes, can elucidate topologies of macromolecular assemblies. That so much complexity can be preserved in gas-phase assemblies is remarkable, although a long-standing conundrum has been the differences between their gas- and solution-phase decompositions. Collision-induced dissociation of multimeric noncovalent complexes typically distributes products asymmetrically (i.e., by ejecting a single subunit bearing a large percentage of the excess charge). That unexpected behavior has been rationalized as one subunit "unfolding" to depart with more charge. We present an alternative explanation based on heterolytic ion-pair scission and rearrangement, a mechanism that inherently partitions charge asymmetrically. Excessive barriers to dissociation are circumvented in this manner, when local charge rearrangements access a lower-barrier surface. An implication of this ion pair consideration is that stability differences between high- and low-charge state ions usually attributed to Coulomb repulsion may, alternatively, be conveyed by attractive forces from ion pairs (salt bridges) stabilizing low-charge state ions. Should the number of ion pairs be roughly inversely related to charge, symmetric dissociations would be favored from highly charged complexes, as observed. Correlations between a gas-phase protein's size and charge reflect the quantity of restraining ion pairs. Collisionally-facilitated salt bridge rearrangement (SaBRe) may explain unusual size "contractions" seen for some activated, low charge state complexes. That some low-charged multimers preferentially cleave covalent bonds or shed small ions to disrupting noncovalent associations is also explained by greater ion pairing in low charge state complexes.

  17. Salt Bridge Rearrangement (SaBRe) Explains the Dissociation Behavior of Noncovalent Complexes.

    PubMed

    Loo, Rachel R Ogorzalek; Loo, Joseph A

    2016-06-01

    Native electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, with gas-phase activation and solution compositions that partially release subcomplexes, can elucidate topologies of macromolecular assemblies. That so much complexity can be preserved in gas-phase assemblies is remarkable, although a long-standing conundrum has been the differences between their gas- and solution-phase decompositions. Collision-induced dissociation of multimeric noncovalent complexes typically distributes products asymmetrically (i.e., by ejecting a single subunit bearing a large percentage of the excess charge). That unexpected behavior has been rationalized as one subunit "unfolding" to depart with more charge. We present an alternative explanation based on heterolytic ion-pair scission and rearrangement, a mechanism that inherently partitions charge asymmetrically. Excessive barriers to dissociation are circumvented in this manner, when local charge rearrangements access a lower-barrier surface. An implication of this ion pair consideration is that stability differences between high- and low-charge state ions usually attributed to Coulomb repulsion may, alternatively, be conveyed by attractive forces from ion pairs (salt bridges) stabilizing low-charge state ions. Should the number of ion pairs be roughly inversely related to charge, symmetric dissociations would be favored from highly charged complexes, as observed. Correlations between a gas-phase protein's size and charge reflect the quantity of restraining ion pairs. Collisionally-facilitated salt bridge rearrangement (SaBRe) may explain unusual size "contractions" seen for some activated, low charge state complexes. That some low-charged multimers preferentially cleave covalent bonds or shed small ions to disrupting noncovalent associations is also explained by greater ion pairing in low charge state complexes. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

  18. Chitosan/alginate multilayer film for controlled release of IDM on Cu/LDPE composite intrauterine devices.

    PubMed

    Tian, Kuan; Xie, Changsheng; Xia, Xianping

    2013-09-01

    To reduce such side effects as pain and bleeding caused by copper-containing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), a novel medicated intrauterine device, which is coated with an indomethacin (IDM) delivery system on the surface of copper/low-density polyethylene (Cu/LDPE) composite intrauterine device, has been proposed and developed in the present work. The IDM delivery system is a polyelectrolyte multilayer film, which is composed of IDM containing chitosan and alginate layer by layer, is prepared by using self-assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer method, and the number of the layers of this IDM containing chitosan/alginate multilayer film can be tailored by controlling the cyclic repetition of the deposition process. After the IDM containing chitosan/alginate multilayer film is obtained on the surface of Cu/LDPE composite intrauterine device, its release behavior of both IDM and cupric ion has been studied in vitro. The results show that the release duration of IDM increase with the increasing of thickness of the IDM containing chitosan/alginate multilayer film, and the initial burst release of cupric ion cannot be found in this novel medicated Cu/LDPE composite IUD. These results can be applied to guide the design of novel medicated Cu-IUD with minimal side effects for the future clinical use. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Influences of passivating elements on the corrosion and biocompatibility of super stainless steels.

    PubMed

    Yoo, Young-Ran; Jang, Soon-Geun; Oh, Keun-Taek; Kim, Jung-Gu; Kim, Young-Sik

    2008-08-01

    Biometals need high corrosion resistance since metallic implants in the body should be biocompatible and metal ion release should be minimized. In this work, we designed three kinds of super stainless steel and adjusted the alloying elements to obtain different microstructures. Super stainless steels contain larger amounts of Cr, Mo, W, and N than commercial alloys. These elements play a very important role in localized corrosion and, thus, their effects can be represented by the "pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN)." This work focused on the behavior which can arise when the bare surface of an implant in the body is exposed during walking, heavy exercise, and so on. Among the experimental alloys examined herein, Alloy Al and 316L stainless steels were mildly cytotoxic, whereas the other super austenitic, duplex, and ferritic stainless steels were noncytotoxic. This behavior is primarily related to the passive current and pitting resistance of the alloys. When the PREN value was increased, the passivation behavior in simulated body solution was totally different from that in acidic chloride solution and, thus, the Cr(2)O(3)/Cr(OH)(3) and [Metal oxide]/[Metal + Metal oxide] ratios of the passive film in the simulated body solution were larger than those in acidic chloride solution. Also, the critical current density in simulated body solution increased and, thus, active dissolution may induce metal ion release into the body when the PREN value and Ni content are increased. This behavior was closely related to the presence of EDTA in the simulated body solution. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Nickel and chromium ion release from stainless steel bracket on immersion various types of mouthwashes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mihardjanti, M.; Ismah, N.; Purwanegara, M. K.

    2017-08-01

    The stainless steel bracket is widely used in orthodontics because of its mechanical properties, strength, and good biocompatibility. However, under certain conditions, it can be susceptible to corrosion. Studies have reported that the release of nickel and chromium ions because of corrosion can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and are mutagenic. The condition of the oral environment can lead to corrosion, and one factor that can alter the oral environment is mouthwash. The aim of this study was to measure the nickel and chromium ions released from stainless steel brackets when immersed in mouthwash and aquadest. The objects consisted of four groups of 17 maxillary premolar brackets with .022 slots. Each group was immersed in a different mouthwash and aquadest and incubated at 37 °C for 30 days. After 30 days of immersion, the released ions were measured using the ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer). For statistical analysis, both the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used. The results showed differences among the four groups in the nickel ions released (p < 0.05) and the chromium ions released (p < 0.5). In conclusion, the ions released as a result of mouthwash immersion have a small value that is below the limit of daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization.

  1. The effect of platform switching on the levels of metal ion release from different implant–abutment couples

    PubMed Central

    Alrabeah, Ghada O; Knowles, Jonathan C; Petridis, Haralampos

    2016-01-01

    The improved peri-implant bone response demonstrated by platform switching may be the result of reduced amounts of metal ions released to the surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of metal ions released from platform-matched and platform-switched implant–abutment couples as a result of accelerated corrosion. Thirty-six titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and cobalt–chrome alloy abutments were coupled with titanium cylinders forming either platform-switched or platform-matched groups (n=6). In addition, 18 unconnected samples served as controls. The specimens were subjected to accelerated corrosion by static immersion in 1% lactic acid for 1 week. The amount of metal ions ion of each test tube was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectroscopy X-ray analyses were performed pre- and post-immersion to assess corrosion at the interface. The platform-matched groups demonstrated higher ion release for vanadium, aluminium, cobalt, chrome, and molybdenum compared with the platform-switched groups (P<0.05). Titanium was the highest element to be released regardless of abutment size or connection (P<0.05). SEM images showed pitting corrosion prominent on the outer borders of the implant and abutment platform surfaces. In conclusion, implant–abutment couples underwent an active corrosion process resulting in metal ions release into the surrounding environment. The highest amount of metal ions released was recorded for the platform-matched groups, suggesting that platform-switching concept has a positive effect in reducing the levels of metal ion release from the implant–abutment couples. PMID:27357323

  2. Nickel Ion Release from Three Types of Nickel-titanium-based Orthodontic Archwires in the As-received State and After Oral Simulation

    PubMed Central

    Ramazanzadeh, Barat Ali; Ahrari, Farzaneh; Sabzevari, Berahman; Habibi, Samaneh

    2014-01-01

    Background and aims. This study aimed to investigate release of nickel ion from three types of nickel-titanium-based wires in the as-received state and after immersion in a simulated oral environment. Materials and methods. Forty specimens from each of the single-strand NiTi (Rematitan "Lite"), multi-strand NiTi (SPEED Supercable) and Copper NiTi (Damon Copper NiTi) were selected. Twenty specimens from each type were used in the as-received state and the others were kept in deflected state at 37ºC for 2 months followed by autoclave sterilization. The as-received and recycled wire specimens were immersed in glass bottles containing 1.8 mL of artificial saliva for 28 days and the amount of nickel ion released into the electrolyte was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. The single-strand NiTi released the highest quantity of nickel ion in the as-received state and the multi-strand NiTi showed the highest ion release after oral simulation. The quantity of nickelion released from Damon Copper NiTi was the lowest in both conditions. Oral simulation followed by sterilization did not have a significant influence on nickel ion release from multi-strand NiTi and Damon Copper NiTi wires, but single-strand NiTi released statistically lower quantities of nickel ion after oral simulation. Conclusion. The multi-strand nature of Supercable did not enhance the potential of corrosion after immersion in the simulated oral environment. In vitro use of nickel-titanium-based archwires followed by sterilization did not significantly increase the amount of nickel ion released from these wires. PMID:25093049

  3. Novel rechargeable calcium phosphate nanoparticle-containing orthodontic cement.

    PubMed

    Xie, Xian-Ju; Xing, Dan; Wang, Lin; Zhou, Han; Weir, Michael D; Bai, Yu-Xing; Xu, Hockin Hk

    2017-03-01

    White spot lesions (WSLs), due to enamel demineralization, occur frequently in orthodontic treatment. We recently developed a novel rechargeable dental composite containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) with long-term calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion release and caries-inhibiting capability. The objectives of this study were to develop the first NACP-rechargeable orthodontic cement and investigate the effects of recharge duration and frequency on the efficacy of ion re-release. The rechargeable cement consisted of pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA). NACP was mixed into the resin at 40% by mass. Specimens were tested for orthodontic bracket shear bond strength (SBS) to enamel, Ca and P ion initial release, recharge and re-release. The new orthodontic cement exhibited an SBS similar to commercial orthodontic cement without CaP release (P>0.1). Specimens after one recharge treatment (e.g., 1 min immersion in recharge solution repeating three times in one day, referred to as "1 min 3 times") exhibited a substantial and continuous re-release of Ca and P ions for 14 days without further recharge. The ion re-release did not decrease with increasing the number of recharge/re-release cycles (P>0.1). The ion re-release concentrations at 14 days versus various recharge treatments were as follows: 1 min 3 times>3 min 2 times>1 min 2 times>6 min 1 time>3 min 1 time>1 min 1 time. In conclusion, although previous studies have shown that NACP nanocomposite remineralized tooth lesions and inhibited caries, the present study developed the first orthodontic cement with Ca and P ion recharge and long-term release capability. This NACP-rechargeable orthodontic cement is a promising therapy to inhibit enamel demineralization and WSLs around orthodontic brackets.

  4. Metal ion release from silver soldering and laser welding caused by different types of mouthwash.

    PubMed

    Erdogan, Ayse Tuygun; Nalbantgil, Didem; Ulkur, Feyza; Sahin, Fikrettin

    2015-07-01

    To compare metal ion release from samples welded with silver soldering and laser welding when immersed into mouthwashes with different ingredients. A total of 72 samples were prepared: 36 laser welded and 36 silver soldered. Four samples were chosen from each subgroup to study the morphologic changes on their surfaces via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each group was further divided into four groups where the samples were submerged into mouthwash containing sodium fluoride (NaF), mouthwash containing sodium fluoride + alcohol (NaF + alcohol), mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (CHX), or artificial saliva (AS) for 24 hours and removed thereafter. Subsequently, the metal ion release from the samples was measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The metal ion release among the solutions and the welding methods were compared. The Kruskal-Wallis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used for the group comparisons, and post hoc Dunn multiple comparison test was utilized for the two group comparisons. The level of metal ion release from samples of silver soldering was higher than from samples of laser welding. Furthermore, greater amounts of nickel, chrome, and iron were released from silver soldering. With regard to the mouthwash solutions, the lowest amounts of metal ions were released in CHX, and the highest amounts of metal ions were released in NaF + alcohol. SEM images were in accord with these findings. The laser welding should be preferred over silver soldering. CHX can be recommended for patients who have welded appliances for orthodontic reasons.

  5. Biotic and abiotic interactions in aquatic microcosms determine fate and toxicity of Ag nanoparticles. Part 1. Aggregation and dissolution.

    PubMed

    Unrine, Jason M; Colman, Benjamin P; Bone, Audrey J; Gondikas, Andreas P; Matson, Cole W

    2012-07-03

    To better understand their fate and toxicity in aquatic environments, we compared the aggregation and dissolution behavior of gum arabic (GA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in aquatic microcosms. There were four microcosm types: surface water; water and sediment; water and aquatic plants; or water, sediment, and aquatic plants. Dissolution and aggregation behavior of AgNPs were examined using ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, and asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation coupled to ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic and static laser light scattering, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Plants released dissolved organic matter (DOM) into the water column either through active or passive processes in response to Ag exposure. This organic matter fraction readily bound Ag ions. The plant-derived DOM had the effect of stabilizing PVP-AgNPs as primary particles, but caused GA-AgNPs to be removed from the water column, likely by dissolution and binding of released Ag ions on sediment and plant surfaces. The destabilization of the GA-AgNPs also corresponded with X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy results which suggest that 22-28% of the particulate Ag was associated with thiols and 5-14% was present as oxides. The results highlight the potential complexities of nanomaterial behavior in response to biotic and abiotic modifications in ecosystems, and may help to explain differences in toxicity of Ag observed in realistic exposure media compared to simplified laboratory exposures.

  6. A Temperature‐Responsive Smart Europium Metal‐Organic Framework Switch for Reversible Capture and Release of Intrinsic Eu3+ Ions

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Min; Song, Xue‐Zhi; Zhao, Shu‐Na; Meng, Xing; Wu, Lan‐Lan; Wang, Cheng

    2015-01-01

    Stimuli‐responsive structural transformations are emerging as a scaffold to develop a charming class of smart materials. A EuL metal‐organic framework (MOF) undergoes a reversible temperature‐stimulated single‐crystal to single‐crystal transformation, showing a specific behavior of fast capture/release of free Eu3+ in the channels at low and room temperatures. At room temperature, compound 1a is obtained with one free carboxylate group severing as further hook, featuring one‐dimensional square channels filled with intrinsic free europium ions. Trigged by lowering the ambient temperature, 1b is gained. In 1b, the intrinsic free europium ions can be fast captured by the carboxylate‐hooks anchored in the framework, resulting in the structural change and its channel distortion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a rapid and reversible switch stemming from dynamic control between noncovalent and covalent Eu–ligand interactions. Utilizing EuL MOF to detect highly explosive 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol at room temperature and low temperature provides a glimpse into the potential of this material in fluorescence sensors. PMID:27980931

  7. Titanium addition influences antibacterial activity of bioactive glass coatings on metallic implants.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, Omar; Stone, Wendy; Schemitsch, Emil H; Zalzal, Paul; Waldman, Stephen; Papini, Marcello; Towler, Mark R

    2017-10-01

    In an attempt to combat the possibility of bacterial infection and insufficient bone growth around metallic, surgical implants, bioactive glasses may be employed as coatings. In this work, silica-based and borate-based glass series were synthesized for this purpose and subsequently characterized in terms of antibacterial behavior, solubility and cytotoxicity. Borate-based glasses were found to exhibit significantly superior antibacterial properties and increased solubility compared to their silica-based counterparts, with BRT0 and BRT3 (borate-based glasses with 0 and 15 mol% of titanium dioxide incorporated, respectively) outperforming the remainder of the glasses, both borate and silicate based, in these respects. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy confirmed the release of zinc ions (Zn 2+ ), which has been linked to the antibacterial abilities of glasses SRT0, BRT0 and BRT3, with inhibition effectively achieved at concentrations lower than 0.7 ppm. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts confirmed that cell proliferation was affected by all glasses in this study, with decreased proliferation attributed to a faster release of sodium ions over calcium ions in both glass series, factor known to slow cell proliferation in vitro .

  8. Assessment of Ions released from Three Types of Orthodontic Brackets immersed in Different Mouthwashes: An in vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Nahidh, Mohammed; Garma, Noor Mh; Jasim, Esraa S

    2018-01-01

    Herbs are used widely in medicine. The purpose of the present study was to assess the ion release from gold-plated orthodontic bracket compared with other stainless steel brackets, and based on the findings of the study, the orthodontists can choose the most biocompatible brackets and mouthwashes useful in the clinical practice. A total of 150 orthodontic brackets from Orthotechnology™ Company, USA (50 stainless steel one-piece brackets, 50 stainless steel two-piece brackets, and 50 gold brackets) were immersed in four mouthwashes in addition to distilled water. Ten of each type of brackets in every media were immersed under 37°C for 45 days. Ions released in these mouthwashes were measured, and comparisons among different bracket types and among various mouthwashes were done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then with Games-Howell tests. Increased amounts of ions released in herbal mouth-washes were recorded in gold and two-piece brackets in comparison with one-piece stainless steel brackets. Herbal mouthwashes must be used with caution as they showed an increased amount of ions released in comparison with chlorhexidine. One-piece stainless steel bracket system is the most compatible bracket type, as they released the least amount of ions. One-piece stainless steel brackets are better than two-piece brackets in terms of ions released.

  9. Highly Efficient Gating of Electrically Actuated Nanochannels for Pulsatile Drug Delivery Stemming from a Reversible Wettability Switch.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qianqian; Kang, Jianxin; Xie, Zhiqiang; Diao, Xungang; Liu, Zhaoyue; Zhai, Jin

    2018-01-01

    Many ion channels in the cell membrane are believed to function as gates that control the water and ion flow through the transitions between an inherent hydrophobic state and a stimuli-induced hydration state. The construction of nanofluidic gating systems with high gating efficiency and reversibility is inspired by this hydrophobic gating behavior. A kind of electrically actuated nanochannel is developed by integrating a polypyrrole (PPy) micro/nanoporous film doped with perfluorooctanesulfonate ions onto an anodic aluminum oxide nanoporous membrane. Stemming from the reversible wettability switch of the doped PPy film in response to the applied redox potentials, the nanochannels exhibit highly efficient and reversible gating behaviors. The optimized gating ratio is over 10 5 , which is an ultrahigh value when compared with that of the existing reversibly gated nanochannels with comparable pore diameters. Furthermore, the gating behavior of the electrically actuated nanochannels shows excellent repeatability and stability. Based on this highly efficient and reversible gating function, the electrically actuated nanochannels are further applied for drug delivery, which achieves the pulsatile release of two water-soluble drug models. The electrically actuated nanochannels may find potential applications in accurate and on-demand drug therapy. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. A pure magnetite hydrogel: synthesis, properties and possible applications.

    PubMed

    Anastasova, Elizaveta I; Ivanovski, Vladimir; Fakhardo, Anna F; Lepeshkin, Artem I; Omar, Suheir; Drozdov, Andrey S; Vinogradov, Vladimir V

    2017-11-22

    A magnetite-only hydrogel was prepared for the first time by weak base mediated gelation of stable magnetite hydrosols at room temperature. The hydrogel consists of 10 nm magnetite nanoparticles linked by interparticle Fe-O-Fe bonds and has the appearance of a dark-brown viscous thixotropic material. The water content in the hydrogel could be up to 93.6% by mass while volume fraction reaches 99%. The material shows excellent biocompatibility and minor cytotoxic effects at concentrations up to 207 μg mL -1 . The gel shows excellent sorption capacity for heavy metal adsorption such as chrome and lead ions, which is 225% more than the adsorption capacity of magnetite nanoparticles. Due to thixotropic nature, the gel demonstrates mechanical stimuli-responsive release behavior with up to 98% release triggered by ultrasound irradiation. The material shows superparamagnetic behavior with a coercivity of 65 emu g -1 at 6000 Oe. The magnetite gels prepared could be used for the production of magnetite aerogels, magnetic drug delivery systems with controlled release and highly efficient sorbents for hydrometallurgy.

  11. Evaluation of magnesium ions release, biocorrosion, and hemocompatibility of MAO/PLLA-modified magnesium alloy WE42.

    PubMed

    Lu, Ping; Cao, Lu; Liu, Yin; Xu, Xinhua; Wu, Xiangfeng

    2011-01-01

    Magnesium alloys may potentially be applied as biodegradable metallic materials in cardiovascular stent. However, the high corrosion rate hinders its clinical application. In this study, a new approach was adopted to control the corrosion rate by fabricating a biocompatible micro-arc oxidation/poly-L-lactic acid (MAO/PLLA) composite coating on the magnesium alloy WE42 substrate and the biocompatibility of the modified samples was investigated. The scanning electronic microscope (SEM) images were used to demonstrate the morphology of the samples before and after being submerged in hanks solution for 4 weeks. The degradation was evaluated through the magnesium ions release rate and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test. The biocompatibility of the samples was demonstrated by coagulation time and hemolysis behavior. The result shows that the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) effectively improved the corrosion resistance by sealing the microcracks and microholes on the surface of the MAO coating. The modified samples had good compatibility. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Development of Magnesium and Siloxane-Containing Vaterite and Its Composite Materials for Bone Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Yamada, Shinya; Obata, Akiko; Maeda, Hirotaka; Ota, Yoshio; Kasuga, Toshihiro

    2015-01-01

    Development of novel biomaterials with Mg2+, Ca2+, and silicate ions releasability for bone regeneration is now in progress. Several inorganic ions have been reported to stimulate bone-forming cells. We featured Ca2+, silicate, and especially, Mg2+ ions as growth factors for osteoblasts. Various biomaterials, such as ceramic powders and organic–inorganic composites, that release the ions, have been developed and investigated for their cytocompatibilities in our previous work. Through the investigation, providing the three ions was found to be effective to activate osteogenic cells. Magnesium and siloxane-­containing vaterite was prepared by a carbonation process as an inorganic particle that can has the ability to simultaneously release Ca2+, silicate, and Mg2+ ions to biodegradable polymers. Poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA)- and bioactive PLLA-based composites containing vaterite coatings were discussed regarding their degradability and cytocompatibility using a metallic Mg substrate as Mg2+ ion source. PLLA/SiV composite film, which has a releasability of silicate ions besides Ca2+ ion, was coated on a pure Mg substrate to be compared with the PLLA/V coating. The degradability and releasability of inorganic ions were morphologically and quantitatively monitored in a cell culture medium. The bonding strength between the coatings and Mg substrates was one of the key factors to control Mg2+ ion release from the substrates. The cell culture tests were conducted using mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1 cells); cellular morphology, proliferation, and differentiation on the materials were evaluated. The PLLA/V and PLLA/SiV coatings on Mg substrates were found to enhance the proliferation, especially the PLLA/SiV coating possessed a higher ability to induce the osteogenic differentiation of the cells. PMID:26697421

  13. Behavioral impact of neurotransmitter-activated GPCRs: Muscarinic and GABAB receptors regulate C. elegans locomotion

    PubMed Central

    Dittman, Jeremy S; Kaplan, Joshua M

    2008-01-01

    Neurotransmitter released from presynaptic terminals activates both ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic receptors) and a variety of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These neurotransmitter receptors are expressed on both pre- and postsynaptic cells. Thus, each neurotransmitter acts on multiple receptor classes, generating a large repertoire of physiological responses. The impact of many ionotropic receptors on neuronal activity and behavior has been clearly elucidated; however, much less is known about how neurotransmitter-gated GPCRs regulate neurons and circuits. In C. elegans, both Acetylcholine (ACh) and GABA are released in the nerve cord and mediate fast neuromuscular excitation and inhibition during locomotion. Here we identify a muscarinic receptor (GAR-2) and the GABAB receptor dimer (GBB-1/2) that detect synaptically released ACh and GABA, respectively. Both GAR-2 and GBB-1/2 inhibited cholinergic motor neurons when ACh and GABA levels were enhanced. Loss of either GPCR resulted in movement defects, suggesting that these receptors are activated during locomotion. When the negative feedback provided by GAR-2 was replaced with positive feedback, animals became highly sensitive to ACh levels and locomotion was severely impaired. Thus, conserved GPCRs act in the nematode motor circuit to provide negative feedback and to regulate locomotory behaviors that underlie navigation. PMID:18614679

  14. Cobalt, chromium and molybdenum ions kinetics in the human body: data gained from a total hip replacement with massive third body wear of the head and neuropathy by cobalt intoxication.

    PubMed

    Pazzaglia, U E; Apostoli, P; Congiu, T; Catalani, S; Marchese, M; Zarattini, G

    2011-09-01

    A patient with a total hip replacement developed optic, acoustic and peripheral neuropathy from metal ions intoxication, due to the wear products released from the prosthesis. Subsequently the kinetics of the metal ions was studied. Massive wear and acute intoxication allowed a study of the metal ions kinetics and of EDTA treatment. Plasma and other organic fluids were saturated by each of the metal ions released from the exposed surface according to the solubility of each ion; a larger fraction of Co ions was bound within red cells, while the plasmatic fraction appeared more movable. In a patient with a prosthesis subjected to wear, the ions released are from the prosthetic and from the debris surface (spread in the body). The latter is a function of the number and size of particles. Revision of the prosthesis from the point of view of the metal ions kinetics corresponded to a reduction of the releasing surface because of debris washed out by irrigation and tissue excision; however, the metal particles spread by lymphatic circulation continued to release ions even though the source of wear had been removed. Early diagnosis of high metal wear can be ascertained with mass spectrometry and after revision high levels of metal ions can only be reduced with repeated chelating treatment. It is preferable not to revise fractured ceramic components with a polyethylene-metal articulation.

  15. Comparison of the ion exclusion chromatographic method with the Monier-Williams method for determination of total sulfite in foods.

    PubMed

    Kim, H J

    1989-01-01

    Experimental data comparing the alkali extraction/ion exclusion chromatographic method with the Monier-Williams method for determination of total sulfite are presented in (a) enzymatic and nonenzymatic browning systems, (b) vegetables containing naturally occurring sulfite, and (c) a carbohydrate-type food additive, erythorbic acid. Excellent agreement, with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.99, was observed in fresh potato samples homogenized with sulfite and allowed to react for different time intervals (enzymatic browning system). A good overall correlation was observed in dehydrated, sulfited apple samples heated for different times (nonenzymatic browning system); however, as heating time increased, higher results were obtained by the Monier-Williams method than by the alkali extraction/ion exclusion chromatographic method. The results of determining sulfite in the alkali trapping solution following acid distillation or acid treatment without heat suggested that this deviation was due to a fraction of sulfite bound to the browning reaction products in such a way that it was released by acid distillation but not by alkali extraction or acid treatment without heat. Similar behavior was demonstrated in cabbage with naturally occurring sulfite, which was released by acid distillation but not by alkali extraction or acid treatment without heat. The ion exclusion chromatographic method could overcome interference by the volatile caramelization reaction products in the Monier-Williams determination of erythorbic acid.

  16. Ion-exchange and iontophoresis-controlled delivery of apomorphine.

    PubMed

    Malinovskaja, Kristina; Laaksonen, Timo; Kontturi, Kyösti; Hirvonen, Jouni

    2013-04-01

    The objective of this study was to test a drug delivery system that combines iontophoresis and cation-exchange fibers as drug matrices for the controlled transdermal delivery of antiparkinsonian drug apomorphine. Positively charged apomorphine was bound to the ion-exchange groups of the cation-exchange fibers until it was released by mobile counter-ions in the external solution. The release of the drug was controlled by modifying either the fiber type or the ionic composition of the external solution. Due to high affinity of apomorphine toward the ion-exchanger, a clear reduction in the in vitro transdermal fluxes from the fibers was observed compared to the respective fluxes from apomorphine solutions. Changes in the ionic composition of the donor formulations affected both the release and iontophoretic flux of the drug. Upon the application of higher co-ion concentrations or co-ions of higher valence in the donor formulation, the release from the fibers was enhanced, but the iontophoretic steady-state flux was decreased. Overall, the present study has demonstrated a promising approach using ion-exchange fibers for controlling the release and iontophoretic transdermal delivery of apomorphine. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Cross-linked gelatin/nanoparticles composite coating on micro-arc oxidation film for corrosion and drug release

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Xinhua; Lu, Ping; Guo, Meiqing; Fang, Mingzhong

    2010-02-01

    A composite coating which could control drug release and biocorrosion of magnesium alloy stent materials WE42 was prepared. This composite coating was fabricated on the surface of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of the magnesium alloy, WE42, by mixing different degrees of cross-linked gelatin with well-dispersed poly( DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles. The PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction technique. Nano ZS laser diffraction particle size analyzer detected that the size of the nanoparticles to be 150-300 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the morphology of the nanoparticles and the composite coating. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the composite coating. Drug release was determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The corrosion resistance of the composite coating was improved by preventing the corrosive ions from diffusing to the MAO films. The drug release rate of paclitaxel (PTX) exhibited a nearly linear sustained-release profile with no significant burst releases.

  18. Novel rechargeable calcium phosphate nanoparticle-containing orthodontic cement

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Xian-Ju; Xing, Dan; Wang, Lin; Zhou, Han; Weir, Michael D; Bai, Yu-Xing; Xu, Hockin HK

    2017-01-01

    White spot lesions (WSLs), due to enamel demineralization, occur frequently in orthodontic treatment. We recently developed a novel rechargeable dental composite containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) with long-term calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion release and caries-inhibiting capability. The objectives of this study were to develop the first NACP-rechargeable orthodontic cement and investigate the effects of recharge duration and frequency on the efficacy of ion re-release. The rechargeable cement consisted of pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA). NACP was mixed into the resin at 40% by mass. Specimens were tested for orthodontic bracket shear bond strength (SBS) to enamel, Ca and P ion initial release, recharge and re-release. The new orthodontic cement exhibited an SBS similar to commercial orthodontic cement without CaP release (P>0.1). Specimens after one recharge treatment (e.g., 1 min immersion in recharge solution repeating three times in one day, referred to as “1 min 3 times”) exhibited a substantial and continuous re-release of Ca and P ions for 14 days without further recharge. The ion re-release did not decrease with increasing the number of recharge/re-release cycles (P>0.1). The ion re-release concentrations at 14 days versus various recharge treatments were as follows: 1 min 3 times>3 min 2 times>1 min 2 times>6 min 1 time>3 min 1 time>1 min 1 time. In conclusion, although previous studies have shown that NACP nanocomposite remineralized tooth lesions and inhibited caries, the present study developed the first orthodontic cement with Ca and P ion recharge and long-term release capability. This NACP-rechargeable orthodontic cement is a promising therapy to inhibit enamel demineralization and WSLs around orthodontic brackets. PMID:27811847

  19. Antibacterial Behavior of Additively Manufactured Porous Titanium with Nanotubular Surfaces Releasing Silver Ions.

    PubMed

    Amin Yavari, S; Loozen, L; Paganelli, F L; Bakhshandeh, S; Lietaert, K; Groot, J A; Fluit, A C; Boel, C H E; Alblas, J; Vogely, H C; Weinans, H; Zadpoor, A A

    2016-07-13

    Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has enabled fabrication of geometrically complex and fully interconnected porous biomaterials with huge surface areas that could be used for biofunctionalization to achieve multifunctional biomaterials. Covering the huge surface area of such porous titanium with nanotubes has been already shown to result in improved bone regeneration performance and implant fixation. In this study, we loaded TiO2 nanotubes with silver antimicrobial agents to equip them with an additional biofunctionality, i.e., antimicrobial behavior. An optimized anodizing protocol was used to create nanotubes on the entire surface area of direct metal printed porous titanium scaffolds. The nanotubes were then loaded by soaking them in three different concentrations (i.e., 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 M) of AgNO3 solution. The antimicrobial behavior and cell viability of the developed biomaterials were assessed. As far as the early time points (i.e., up to 1 day) are concerned, the biomaterials were found to be extremely effective in preventing biofilm formation and decreasing the number of planktonic bacteria particularly for the middle and high concentrations of silver ions. Interestingly, nanotubes not loaded with antimicrobial agents also showed significantly smaller numbers of adherent bacteria at day 1, which may be attributed to the bactericidal effect of high aspect ratio nanotopographies. The specimens with the highest concentrations of antimicrobial agents adversely affected cell viability at day 1, but this effect is expected to decrease or disappear in the following days as the rate of release of silver ions was observed to markedly decrease within the next few days. The antimicrobial effects of the biomaterials, particularly the ones with the middle and high concentrations of antimicrobial agents, continued until 2 weeks. The potency of the developed biomaterials in decreasing the number of planktonic bacteria and hindering the formation of biofilms make them promising candidates for combating peri-operative implant-associated infections.

  20. Production of silver ions from colloidal silver by nanoparticle iontophoresis system.

    PubMed

    Tseng, Kuo-Hsiung; Liao, Chih-Yu

    2011-03-01

    Metal ions, especially the silver ion, were used to treat infection before the initiation of antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on the metallic nanoparticle suspension as a reservoir for metal ion release application. For medical purposes, conversion of colloidal silver into an ionic form is necessary, but not using silver salts (e.g., AgNO3, Ag2SO4), due to the fact that the counter-ion of silver salts may cause problems to the body as the silver ion (Ag+) is consumed. The goal of this research is to develop a silver nanoparticle iontophoresis system (NIS) which can provide a relatively safe bactericidal silver ion solution with a controllable electric field. In this study, ion-selective electrodes were used to identify and observe details of the system's activity. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were performed. The experimental results show that the ion releasing peak time (R(PT)) has an inversely proportional relationship with the applied current and voltage. The ion releasing maximum level (R(ML)) and dosage (R(D)) are proportional to the current density and inversely proportional to the voltage, respectively. These results reveal that the nanoparticle iontophoresis system (NIS) is an alternative method for the controlled release of a metal ion and the ion's concentration profile, by controlling the magnitude of current density (1 microA/cm2 equal to 1 ppm/hour) and applied voltage.

  1. Behavior of chlorine during coal pyrolysis

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Shao, D.; Hutchinson, E.J.; Cao, H.; Pan, W.-P.; Chou, C.-L.

    1994-01-01

    The behavior of chlorine in Illinois coals during pyrolysis was evaluated by combined thermo-gravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-ion chromatography (TG-FTIR-IC) techniques. It was found that more than 90% of chlorine in Illinois coals (IBC-103, 105, 106, and 109) was liberated as HCl gas during pyrolysis from 300 to 600??C, with the rate reaching a maximum at 440 ??C. Similarity of the HCl and NH3 release profiles during pyrolysis of IBC-109 supports the hypothesis that the chlorine in coal may be associated with nitrogen and the chlorine is probably bonded to the basic nitrogen sites on the inner walls of coal micropores. ?? 1994 American Chemical Society.

  2. Sustained release of antibiotic complexed by multivalent ion: in vitro and in vivo study for the treatment of peritonitis.

    PubMed

    Na, Seung Yeon; Oh, Se Heang; Kim, Tae Ho; Yoon, Jin A; Lee, In Soo; Lee, Jin Ho

    2014-12-10

    The main aims of this study are (i) the development of an antibiotic complexed with multivalent ion, which can allow sustained release of the antibiotic without any additional matrix or difficult process and (ii) the feasibility study of the ion-complexed antibiotic as a therapeutic technique for peritonitis treatment. An ion-complexed antibiotic is prepared by simple mixing of two aqueous solutions containing an ionized (water-soluble) drug (tetracycline) and a multivalent counter ionic compound. The ion-complexed antibiotic shows a continuous release of the antibiotic up to 21 days, and thus prolonged anti-bacterial effect by gradual ionic exchange between the multivalent ions in the complex and same-charged monovalent ions in surrounding medium. From the in vivo animal study using a cecum perforated peritonitis mouse model, the ion-complexed antibiotic group shows sufficient anti-bacterial effect and thus effectively treat the peritonitis because of the extermination of the contaminated enteric bacteria in the peritoneum during wound healing of injury cecum (by the sustained release of antibiotic from the ion complex). These results suggest that the ion-complexed antibiotic system may be promising for the effective treatment of the peritonitis caused by frequent gastrointestinal defect in clinical fields. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Modeling the interaction and toxicity of Cu-Cd mixture to wheat roots affected by humic acids, in terms of cell membrane surface characteristics.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yi-Min; Zhou, Dong-Mei; Yuan, Xu-Yin; Zhang, Xiao-Hui; Li, Yi

    2018-05-01

    Responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling roots to the mixtures of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and humic acids (HA) were investigated using the solution culture experiments, focusing on the interaction patterns between multiple metals and their influences on root proton release. A concentration-addition multiplication (CA) model was introduced into the modeling analysis. In comparison with metal ion activities in bulk-phase solutions, the incorporation of ion activities at the root cell membrane surfaces (CMs) (denoted as {Cu 2+ } 0 and {Cd 2+ } 0 ) into the CA model could significantly improve their correlation with RRE (relative root elongation) from 0.819 to 0.927. Modeling analysis indicated that the co-existence of {Cu 2+ } 0 significantly enhanced the rhizotoxicity of {Cd 2+ } 0 , while no significant effect of {Cd 2+ } 0 on the {Cu 2+ } 0 rhizotoxicity. 10 mg/L HA stimulated the root elongation even under metal stress. Although high concentration of metal ions inhibited the root proton release rate (ΔH + ), both the low concentration of metal ions and HA treatments increased the values of ΔH + . In HA-Cu-Cd mixtures, actions of metal ions on ΔH + values were varied intricately among treatments but well modeled by the CA model. We concluded from the CA models that the electrostatic effect is vitally important for explaining the effect of {Cu 2+ } 0 on the rhizotoxicity of {Cd 2+ } 0 , while it plays no unique role in understanding the influence of {Cd 2+ } 0 on the rhizotoxicity of {Cu 2+ } 0. Thus our study provide a novel way for modeling multiple metals behaviors in the environment and understanding the mechanisms of ion interactions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Do Dietary Habits Influence Trace Elements Release from Fixed Orthodontic Appliances?

    PubMed

    Wołowiec, Paulina; Chojnacka, Katarzyna; Loster, Bartłomiej W; Mikulewicz, Marcin

    2017-12-01

    The objective was to investigate the effect of dietary habits on the release of Cr and Ni ions from orthodontic appliances by hair mineral analysis. Patients (N = 47) underwent electronic questionnaire survey to investigate the effect of dietary habits on Cr and Ni levels in hair. The research was carried out on hair sampled at the beginning and in the 4th, 8th, and 12th months of the treatment. The content of Cr and Ni in the collected samples was determined by ICP-OES. The study showed that consumption of acidic dietary products may have the effect on increasing the release of Cr and Ni ions from orthodontic appliances. The release of Cr from orthodontic appliances in patients who consumed fruit juice, coffee, yoghurt, and vinegar was higher. The coefficients enabling comparison of metal ions release pattern at a given sampling points were defined. The comparison of the coefficients yielded the information on the possible magnification of metal ions released as the result of the additional factor consumption of acidic food or drink that intensifies metal ions release. The following magnification pattern was found for chromium: coffee (7.57 times) > yoghurt (2.53) > juice (1.86) > vinegar (1.08), and for nickel: vinegar (2.2) > coffee (1.22) > juice (1.05). Yoghurt did not intensify the release of nickel. Concluding, orthodontic patients should avoid drinking/eating coffee, yoghurt, fruit juices, and vinegar.

  5. Selenite-Releasing Bone Mineral Nanoparticles Retard Bone Tumor Growth and Improve Healthy Tissue Functions In Vivo.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanhua; Hao, Hang; Liu, Haoming; Wang, Yifan; Li, Yan; Yang, Gaojie; Ma, Jun; Mao, Chuanbin; Zhang, Shengmin

    2015-08-26

    Selenite-doped bone mineral nanoparticles can retard the growth of osteosarcoma in a nude mice model, through sustained release of selenite ions. The selenite ions released from the nanoparticles through a degradation-mediated fashion inhibit tumor metastasis. Blood routine analysis indicates that selenite ions can also improve the functions of liver, kidney, and heart. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Synergistic cytotoxic effects of ions released by zinc-aluminum bronze and the metallic salts on osteoblastic cells.

    PubMed

    Grillo, Claudia A; Morales, María L; Mirífico, María V; Fernández Lorenzo de Mele, Mónica A

    2013-07-01

    The use of copper-based alloys for fixed dental crowns and bridges is increasingly widespread in several countries. The aim of this work is to study the dissolution of a zinc-aluminum-bronze and the cytotoxic effects of the ions released on UMR-106 osteoblastic cell line. Two sources of ions were used: (1) ions released by the metal alloy immersed in the cell culture and (2) salts of the metal ions. Conventional electrochemical techniques, atomic absorption spectroscopy [to obtain the average concentration of ions (AC) in solution], and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis were used to study the corrosion process. Corrosion tests revealed a strong influence of the composition of the electrolyte medium and the immersion time on the electrochemical response. The cytotoxicity was evaluated with (a) individual ions, (b) combinations of two ions, and (c) the mixture of all the ions released by a metal disc of the alloy. Importantly, synergistic cytotoxic effects were found when Al-Zn ion combinations were used at concentration levels lower than the cytotoxic threshold values of the individual ions. Cytotoxic effects in cells in the vicinity of the metal disc were also found. These results were interpreted considering synergistic effects and a diffusion controlled mechanism that yields to concentration levels, in the metal surroundings, several times higher than the measured AC value. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Crumpled graphene nanoreactors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhongying; Lv, Xiaoshu; Chen, Yantao; Liu, Dan; Xu, Xinhua; Palmore, G. Tayhas R.; Hurt, Robert H.

    2015-05-01

    Nanoreactors are material structures that provide engineered internal cavities that create unique confined nanoscale environments for chemical reactions. Crumpled graphene nanoparticles or ``nanosacks'' may serve as nanoreactors when filled with reactive or catalytic particles and engineered for a specific chemical function. This article explores the behavior of crumpled graphene nanoreactors containing nanoscale ZnO, Ag, Ni, Cu, Fe, or TiO2 particles, either alone or in combination, in a series of case studies designed to reveal their fundamental behaviors. The first case study shows that ZnO nanoparticles undergo rapid dissolution inside the nanoreactor cavity accompanied by diffusive release of soluble products to surrounding aqueous media through the irregular folded shell. This behavior demonstrates the open nature of the sack structure, which facilitates rapid small-molecule exchange between inside and outside that is a requirement for nanoreactor function. In a case study on copper and silver nanoparticles, encapsulation in graphene nanoreactors is shown in some cases to enhance their oxidation rate in aqueous media, which is attributed to electron transfer from the metal core to graphene that bypasses surface oxides and allows reduction of molecular oxygen on the high-area graphene shell. Nanoreactors also allow particle-particle electron transfer interactions that are mediated by the connecting conductive graphene, which give rise to novel behaviors such as galvanic protection of Ag nanoparticles in Ag/Ni-filled nanoreactors, and the photochemical control of Ag-ion release in Ag/TiO2-filled nanoreactors. It is also shown that internal graphene structures within the sacks provide pockets that reduce particle mobility and inhibit particle sintering during thermal treatment. Finally, these novel behaviors are used to suggest and demonstrate several potential applications for graphene nanoreactors in catalysts, controlled release, and environmental remediation.Nanoreactors are material structures that provide engineered internal cavities that create unique confined nanoscale environments for chemical reactions. Crumpled graphene nanoparticles or ``nanosacks'' may serve as nanoreactors when filled with reactive or catalytic particles and engineered for a specific chemical function. This article explores the behavior of crumpled graphene nanoreactors containing nanoscale ZnO, Ag, Ni, Cu, Fe, or TiO2 particles, either alone or in combination, in a series of case studies designed to reveal their fundamental behaviors. The first case study shows that ZnO nanoparticles undergo rapid dissolution inside the nanoreactor cavity accompanied by diffusive release of soluble products to surrounding aqueous media through the irregular folded shell. This behavior demonstrates the open nature of the sack structure, which facilitates rapid small-molecule exchange between inside and outside that is a requirement for nanoreactor function. In a case study on copper and silver nanoparticles, encapsulation in graphene nanoreactors is shown in some cases to enhance their oxidation rate in aqueous media, which is attributed to electron transfer from the metal core to graphene that bypasses surface oxides and allows reduction of molecular oxygen on the high-area graphene shell. Nanoreactors also allow particle-particle electron transfer interactions that are mediated by the connecting conductive graphene, which give rise to novel behaviors such as galvanic protection of Ag nanoparticles in Ag/Ni-filled nanoreactors, and the photochemical control of Ag-ion release in Ag/TiO2-filled nanoreactors. It is also shown that internal graphene structures within the sacks provide pockets that reduce particle mobility and inhibit particle sintering during thermal treatment. Finally, these novel behaviors are used to suggest and demonstrate several potential applications for graphene nanoreactors in catalysts, controlled release, and environmental remediation. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1-S5. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00963d

  8. Tunnel structured manganese oxide nanowires as redox active electrodes for hybrid capacitive deionization

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Byles, Bryan W.; Cullen, David A.; More, Karren Leslie

    We report that hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI), which combines a capacitive carbon electrode and a redox active electrode in a single device, has emerged as a promising method for water desalination, enabling higher ion removal capacity than devices containing two carbon electrodes. However, to date, the desalination performance of few redox active materials has been reported. For the first time, we present the electrochemical behavior of manganese oxide nanowires with four different tunnel crystal structures as faradaic electrodes in HCDI cells. Two of these phases are square tunnel structured manganese oxides, α-MnO 2 and todorokite-MnO 2. The other two phasesmore » have novel structures that cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed to have ordered and disordered combinations of structural tunnels with different dimensions. The ion removal performance of the nanowires was evaluated not only in NaCl solution, which is traditionally used in laboratory experiments, but also in KCl and MgCl 2 solutions, providing better understanding of the behavior of these materials for desalination of brackish water that contains multiple cation species. High ion removal capacities (as large as 27.8 mg g -1, 44.4 mg g -1, and 43.1 mg g -1 in NaCl, KCl, and MgCl 2 solutions, respectively) and high ion removal rates (as large as 0.112 mg g -1 s -1, 0.165 mg g -1 s -1, and 0.164 mg g -1 s -1 in NaCl, KCl, and MgCl 2 solutions, respectively) were achieved. By comparing ion removal capacity to structural tunnel size, it was found that smaller tunnels do not favor the removal of cations with larger hydrated radii, and more efficient removal of larger hydrated cations can be achieved by utilizing manganese oxides with larger structural tunnels. Extended HCDI cycling and ex situ X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the excellent stability of the manganese oxide electrodes in repeated ion removal/ion release cycles, and compositional analysis of the electrodes indicated that ion removal is achieved through both surface redox reactions and intercalation of ions into the structural tunnels. In conclusion, this work contributes to the understanding of the behavior of faradaic materials in electrochemical water desalination and elucidates the relationship between the electrode material crystal structure and the ion removal capacity/ion removal rate in various salt solutions.« less

  9. Tunnel structured manganese oxide nanowires as redox active electrodes for hybrid capacitive deionization

    DOE PAGES

    Byles, Bryan W.; Cullen, David A.; More, Karren Leslie; ...

    2017-12-18

    We report that hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI), which combines a capacitive carbon electrode and a redox active electrode in a single device, has emerged as a promising method for water desalination, enabling higher ion removal capacity than devices containing two carbon electrodes. However, to date, the desalination performance of few redox active materials has been reported. For the first time, we present the electrochemical behavior of manganese oxide nanowires with four different tunnel crystal structures as faradaic electrodes in HCDI cells. Two of these phases are square tunnel structured manganese oxides, α-MnO 2 and todorokite-MnO 2. The other two phasesmore » have novel structures that cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed to have ordered and disordered combinations of structural tunnels with different dimensions. The ion removal performance of the nanowires was evaluated not only in NaCl solution, which is traditionally used in laboratory experiments, but also in KCl and MgCl 2 solutions, providing better understanding of the behavior of these materials for desalination of brackish water that contains multiple cation species. High ion removal capacities (as large as 27.8 mg g -1, 44.4 mg g -1, and 43.1 mg g -1 in NaCl, KCl, and MgCl 2 solutions, respectively) and high ion removal rates (as large as 0.112 mg g -1 s -1, 0.165 mg g -1 s -1, and 0.164 mg g -1 s -1 in NaCl, KCl, and MgCl 2 solutions, respectively) were achieved. By comparing ion removal capacity to structural tunnel size, it was found that smaller tunnels do not favor the removal of cations with larger hydrated radii, and more efficient removal of larger hydrated cations can be achieved by utilizing manganese oxides with larger structural tunnels. Extended HCDI cycling and ex situ X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the excellent stability of the manganese oxide electrodes in repeated ion removal/ion release cycles, and compositional analysis of the electrodes indicated that ion removal is achieved through both surface redox reactions and intercalation of ions into the structural tunnels. In conclusion, this work contributes to the understanding of the behavior of faradaic materials in electrochemical water desalination and elucidates the relationship between the electrode material crystal structure and the ion removal capacity/ion removal rate in various salt solutions.« less

  10. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of ketotifen fumarate-loaded silicone hydrogel contact lenses for ocular drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jinku; Li, Xinsong; Sun, Fuqian

    2011-02-01

    The purpose of this work was to evaluate the usefulness of silicone hydrogel contact lenses loaded with ketotifen fumarate for ocular drug delivery. First, silicone contact lenses were prepared by photopolymerization of bitelechelic methacrylated polydimethylsiloxanes macromonomer, 3-methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, and N,N-dimethylacrylamide using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linker and Darocur 1173 as an initiator followed by surface plasma treatment. Then, the silicone hydrogel matrices of the contact lenses were characterized by equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR), tensile tests, ion permeability, and surface contact angle. Finally, the contact lenses were loaded with ketotifen fumarate by pre-soaking in drug solution to evaluate drug loading capacity, in vitro and in vivo release behavior of the silicone contact lenses. The results showed that ESR and ion permeability increase, and the surface contact angle and tensile strength decreased with the increase of DMA component in the silicone hydrogel. The drug loading and in vitro releases were dependent on the hydrogel composition of hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase of the contact lenses. In rabbit eyes, the pre-soaked contact lenses sustained ketotifen fumarate release for more than 24 h, which leads to a more stable drug concentration and a longer mean retention time in tear fluid than that of eye drops of 0.05%.

  11. Time-dependent chemo-electro-mechanical behavior of hydrogel-based structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leichsenring, Peter; Wallmersperger, Thomas

    2018-03-01

    Charged hydrogels are ionic polymer gels and belong to the class of smart materials. These gels are multiphasic materials which consist of a solid phase, a fluid phase and an ionic phase. Due to the presence of bound charges these materials are stimuli-responsive to electrical or chemical loads. The application of electrical or chemical stimuli as well as mechanical loads lead to a viscoelastic response. On the macroscopic scale, the response is governed by a local reversible release or absorption of water which, in turn, leads to a local decrease or increase of mass and a respective volume change. Furthermore, the chemo-electro-mechanical equilibrium of a hydrogel depends on the chemical composition of the gel and the surrounding solution bath. Due to the presence of bound charges in the hydrogel, this system can be understood as an osmotic cell where differences in the concentration of mobile ions in the gel and solution domain lead to an osmotic pressure difference. In the present work, a continuum-based numerical model is presented in order to describe the time-dependent swelling behavior of hydrogels. The numerical model is based on the Theory of Porous Media and captures the fluid-solid, fluid-ion and ion-ion interactions. As a direct consequence of the chemo-electro-mechanical equilibrium, the corresponding boundary conditions are defined following the equilibrium conditions. For the interaction of the hydrogel with surrounding mechanical structures, also respective jump condtions are formulated. Finaly, numerical results of the time-dependent behavior of a hydrogel-based chemo-sensor will be presented.

  12. Molecular dynamics simulations of intergranular fracture in UO2 with nine empirical interatomic potentials

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yongfeng Zhang; Paul C Millett; Michael R Tonks

    The intergranular fracture behavior of UO2 was studied using molecular dynamics simulations with a bicrystal model. The anisotropic fracture behavior due to the different grain boundary characters was investigated with the View the MathML source symmetrical tilt S5 and the View the MathML source symmetrical tilt S3 ({1 1 1} twin) grain boundaries. Nine interatomic potentials, seven rigid-ion plus two core–shell ones, were utilized to elucidate possible potential dependence. Initiating from a notch, crack propagation along grain boundaries was observed for most potentials. The S3 boundary was found to be more prone to fracture than the S5 one, indicated bymore » a lower energy release rate associated with the former. However, some potential dependence was identified on the existence of transient plastic deformation at crack tips, and the results were discussed regarding the relevant material properties including the excess energies of metastable phases and the critical energy release rate for intergranular fracture. In general, local plasticity at crack tips was observed in fracture simulations with potentials that predict low excess energies for metastable phases and high critical energy release rates for intergranular fracture.« less

  13. Comparison of nickel and chromium ions released from stainless steel and NiTi wires after immersion in Oral B®, Orthokin® and artificial saliva.

    PubMed

    Jamilian, Abdolreza; Moghaddas, Omid; Toopchi, Shabnam; Perillo, Letizia

    2014-07-01

    Oral environment of the mouth is a suitable place for biodegradation of alloys used in orthodontic wires. The toxicity of these alloys namely nickel and chromium has concerned the researchers about the release of these ions from orthodontic wires and brackets. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of nickel and chromium ions released from 0.018" stainless steel (SS) and NiTi wires after immersion in three solutions. One hundred and forty-four round NiTi and 144 round SS archwires with the diameters of 0.018" were immersed in Oral B®, Orthokin® and artificial saliva. The amounts of nickel and chromium ions released were measured after 1, 6, 24 hours and 7 days. Two way repeated ANOVA showed that the amount of chromium and nickel significantly increased in all solutions during all time intervals (p < 0.002). Chromium and nickel ions were released more in NiTi wire in all solutions compared with SS wire. The lowest increase rate was also seen in artificial saliva. There is general consensus in literature that even very little amounts of nickel and chromium are dangerous for human body specially when absorbed orally; therefore, knowing the precise amount of these ions released from different wires when immersed in different mouthwashes is of high priority.

  14. An evaluation of two types of nickel-titanium wires in terms of micromorphology and nickel ions' release following oral environment exposure.

    PubMed

    Ghazal, Abdul Razzak A; Hajeer, Mohammad Y; Al-Sabbagh, Rabab; Alghoraibi, Ibrahim; Aldiry, Ahmad

    2015-01-01

    This study aimed to compare superelastic and heat-activated nickel-titanium orthodontic wires' surface morphology and potential release of nickel ions following exposure to oral environment conditions. Twenty-four 20-mm-length distal cuts of superelastic (NiTi Force I®) and 24 20-mm-length distal cuts of heat-activated (Therma-Ti Lite®) nickel-titanium wires (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA) were divided into two equal groups: 12 wire segments left unused and 12 segments passively exposed to oral environment for 1 month. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze surface morphology of the wires which were then immersed in artificial saliva for 1 month to determine potential nickel ions' release by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heat-activated nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires were rougher than superelastic wires, and both types of wires released almost the same amount of Ni ions. After clinical exposure, more surface roughness was recorded for superelastic NiTi wires and heat-activated NiTi wires. However, retrieved superelastic NiTi wires released less Ni ions in artificial saliva after clinical exposure, and the same result was recorded regarding heat-activated wires. Both types of NiTi wires were obviously affected by oral environment conditions; their surface roughness significantly increased while the amount of the released Ni ions significantly declined.

  15. Impact of sodium caseinate concentration and location on magnesium release from multiple W/O/W emulsions.

    PubMed

    Bonnet, Marie; Cansell, Maud; Placin, Frédéric; Anton, Marc; Leal-Calderon, Fernando

    2010-06-15

    Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions were prepared and the rate of release of magnesium ions from the internal to the external aqueous phase was followed. Sodium caseinate was used not only as a hydrophilic surface-active species but also as a chelating agent able to bind magnesium ions. The release occurred without film rupturing (no coalescence). The kinetics of the release process depended on the location (in only one or in both aqueous compartments) and on the concentration of sodium caseinate. The rate of release increased with the concentration of sodium caseinate in the external phase and decreased when sodium caseinate was present in the inner droplets. The experiments were interpreted within the frame of a mean-field model based on diffusion, integrating the effect of ion binding. The data could be adequately fitted by considering a time-dependent permeation coefficient of the magnesium ions across the oil phase. Our results suggested that ion permeability was influenced by the state of the protein interfacial layers which itself depended on the extent of magnesium binding.

  16. Swift heavy ion irradiation of interstellar dust analogues. Small carbonaceous species released by cosmic rays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dartois, E.; Chabot, M.; Pino, T.; Béroff, K.; Godard, M.; Severin, D.; Bender, M.; Trautmann, C.

    2017-03-01

    Context. Interstellar dust grain particles are immersed in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and cosmic ray radiation environments influencing their physicochemical composition. Owing to the energetic ionizing interactions, carbonaceous dust particles release fragments that have direct impact on the gas phase chemistry. Aims: The exposure of carbonaceous dust analogues to cosmic rays is simulated in the laboratory by irradiating films of hydrogenated amorphous carbon interstellar analogues with energetic ions. New species formed and released into the gas phase are explored. Methods: Thin carbonaceous interstellar dust analogues were irradiated with gold (950 MeV), xenon (630 MeV), and carbon (43 MeV) ions at the GSI UNILAC accelerator. The evolution of the dust analogues is monitored in situ as a function of fluence at 40, 100, and 300 K. Effects on the solid phase are studied by means of infrared spectroscopy complemented by simultaneously recording mass spectrometry of species released into the gas phase. Results: Specific species produced and released under the ion beam are analyzed. Cross sections derived from ion-solid interaction processes are implemented in an astrophysical context.

  17. Corrosion characteristics of alpha-Ti and Ti2Cu composing Ti-Cu alloys.

    PubMed

    Takada, Yukyo; Okuno, Osamu

    2005-12-01

    A series of binary Ti-Cu alloys containing 5-20 mass% Cu was prepared, and the corrosion behavior of alpha-Ti and Ti2Cu composing the Ti-Cu alloys were examined based on the anodic polarization curves and released ions in 0.9% NaCl and 1% lactic acid solutions. In both solutions, the Ti-Cu alloys showed the same anodic polarization curves as titanium in the condition below 1.4 V. However, precipitation of Ti2Cu contributed to a small increase in current densitiy in the transpassive region beyond 1.4 V. The amount of Cu ions released from Ti2Cu was 0.260 and 1.003 (microg/cm2/7 days) in 0.9% NaCl and 1% lactic acid solutions respectively. Although these values were larger than those from alpha-Ti (0.0379 +/- 0.0041 and 0.0962 +/- 0.0327 (microg/cm2/7days) in NaCl and lactic acid solutions respectively), they were not greater than those from type 4 gold alloy under the same conditions.

  18. In vitro corrosion resistance of Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels.

    PubMed

    Alvarez, Kelly; Hyun, Soong-Keun; Fujimoto, Shinji; Nakajima, Hideo

    2008-11-01

    The corrosion behavior of three kinds of austenitic high nitrogen Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels was examined in acellular simulated body fluid solutions and compared with type AISI 316L stainless steel. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical techniques, the analysis of released metal ions was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the cytotoxicity was investigated in a culture of murine osteoblasts cells. Total immunity to localized corrosion in simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions was exhibited by Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels, while Lotus-type porous AISI 316L showed very low pitting corrosion resistance evidenced by pitting corrosion at a very low breakdown potential. Additionally, Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels showed a quite low metal ion release in SBF solutions. Furthermore, cell culture studies showed that the fabricated materials were non-cytotoxic to mouse osteoblasts cell line. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that the investigated alloys are biocompatible and corrosion resistant and a promising material for biomedical applications.

  19. Can disc diffusion susceptibility tests assess the antimicrobial activity of engineered nanoparticles?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kourmouli, Angeliki; Valenti, Marco; van Rijn, Erwin; Beaumont, Hubertus J. E.; Kalantzi, Olga-Ioanna; Schmidt-Ott, Andreas; Biskos, George

    2018-03-01

    The use of disc diffusion susceptibility tests to determine the antibacterial activity of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is questionable because their low diffusivity practically prevents them from penetrating through the culture media. In this study, we investigate the ability of such a test, namely the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, to determine the antimicrobial activity of Au and Ag ENPs having diameters from 10 to 40 nm on Escherichia coli cultures. As anticipated, the tests did not show any antibacterial effects of Au nanoparticles (NPs) as a result of their negligible diffusivity through the culture media. Ag NPs on the other hand exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity that was independent of their size. Considering that Ag, in contrast to Au, dissolves upon oxidation and dilution in aqueous solutions, the apparent antibacterial behavior of Ag NPs is attributed to the ions they release. The Kirby-Bauer method, and other similar tests, can therefore be employed to probe the antimicrobial activity of ENPs related to their ability to release ions rather than to their unique size-dependent properties. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  20. Behavior of pure gallium in water and various saline solutions.

    PubMed

    Horasawa, N; Nakajima, H; Takahashi, S; Okabe, T

    1997-12-01

    This study investigated the chemical stability of pure gallium in water and saline solutions in order to obtain fundamental knowledge about the corrosion mechanism of gallium-based alloys. A pure gallium plate (99.999%) was suspended in 50 mL of deionized water, 0.01%, 0.1% or 1% NaCl solution at 24 +/- 2 degrees C for 1, 7, or 28 days. The amounts of gallium released into the solutions were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The surfaces of the specimens were examined after immersion by x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the solutions containing 0.1% or more NaCl, the release of gallium ions into the solution was lowered when compared to deionized water after 28-day immersion. Gallium oxide monohydroxide was found by XRD on the specimens immersed in deionized water after 28-day immersion. XPS indicated the formation of gallium oxide/hydroxide on the specimens immersed in water or 0.01% NaCl solution. The chemical stability of pure solid gallium was strongly affected by the presence of Cl- ions in the aqueous solution.

  1. Are clinical findings of systemic titanium dispersion following implantation explained by available in vitro evidence? An evidence-based analysis.

    PubMed

    Curtin, Justin Paul; Wang, Minji

    2017-08-01

    Although the presence of titanium wear particles released into tissues is known to induce local inflammation following the therapeutic implantation of titanium devices into humans, the role that titanium ions play in adverse tissue responses has received little attention. Support that ongoing titanium ion release occurs is evidenced by the presence of ionic titanium bound to transferrin in blood, and ongoing excretion in the urine of patients with titanium devices. However, as reports documenting the presence of titanium within tissues do not distinguish between particulate and ionic forms due to technical challenges, the degree to which ionic titanium is released into tissues is unknown. To determine the potential for titanium ion release into tissues, this study evaluates available in vitro evidence relating to the release of ionic titanium under physiological conditions. This is a systematic literature review of studies reporting titanium ion release into solutions from titanium devices under conditions replicating the interstitial pH and constituents. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. Of 452 articles identified, titanium ions were reported in nine media relevant to human biology in seventeen studies. Only one study, using human serum replicated both physiological pH and the concentration of constituents while reporting the presence of titanium ions. While there is insufficient information to explain the factors that contribute to the presence of titanium ions in serum of humans implanted with titanium devices, currently available information suggests that areas of future inquiry include the role of transferrin and organic acids.

  2. Trace metal ions release from fixed orthodontic appliances and DNA damage in oral mucosa cells by in vivo studies: A literature review.

    PubMed

    Downarowicz, Patrycja; Mikulewicz, Marcin

    2017-10-01

    An overview of professional literature referring to the release of metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliances and their influence on oral mucosa in conditions of in vivo are presented, along with a detailed analysis of the exposure of the cells of cheek mucosa epithelium to metal ions. Electronic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Ebsco) were searched with no language restrictions. The relevant orthodontic journals and reference lists were checked for all eligible studies. A total of 38 scientific articles were retrieved in the initial search. However, only 7 articles met the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant differences in the levels of the amount of nickel ions, cobalt ions and chromium ions were observed in cells of cheek mucosa. The most biocompatible material used in the production of fixed orthodontic appliances is titanium, and the least biocompatible material is steel, which releases the largest amount of nickel and chromium. Metal ions are released from fixed orthodontic appliances only in the first phase of treatment. It is recommended to conduct further, long-term research on a larger number of patients to define the influence of using fixed orthodontic appliances and biological effect they might have on tissues.

  3. Glucose release in mantle tissue of Mytilus: regulation by calcium ions.

    PubMed

    Crespo, C A; Espinosa, J

    1990-09-01

    Glucose release activity in mantle tissue of Mytilus galloprovincialis was studied. Mantle tissue shows a basal glucose releasing activity. The external Ca2+ absence increases 2 to 3-fold the basal glucose release, and when A23187 (10 microM) was simultaneously present the release doubled that obtained in Ca2(+)-absence. EGTA (2 mM), chlorpromazine (200 microM) and lanthanum (3 mM) decreased the glucose release promoted by external Ca2+ absence. This and other data suggest that glucose release activity in mantle tissue might be controlled by Ca2+ ions.

  4. Controlled release of folic acid through liquid-crystalline folate nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Misra, Rahul; Katyal, Henna; Mohanty, Sanat

    2014-11-01

    The present study explores folate nanoparticles as nano-carriers for controlled drug delivery. Cross-linked nanoparticles of liquid crystalline folates are composed of ordered stacks. This paper shows that the folate nanoparticles can be made with less than 5% loss in folate ions. In addition, this study shows that folate nanoparticles can disintegrate in a controlled fashion resulting in controlled release of the folate ions. Release can be controlled by the size of nanoparticles, the extent of cross-linking and the choice of cross-linking cation. The effect of different factors like agitation, pH, and temperature on folate release was also studied. Studies were also carried out to show the effect of release medium and role of ions in the release medium on disruption of folate assembly. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  5. Retention of silver nano-particles and silver ions in calcareous soils: Influence of soil properties.

    PubMed

    Rahmatpour, Samaneh; Shirvani, Mehran; Mosaddeghi, Mohammad R; Bazarganipour, Mehdi

    2017-05-15

    The rapid production and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have led to significant release of AgNPs into the terrestrial environments. Once released into the soil, AgNPs could enter into different interactions with soil particles which play key roles in controlling the fate and transport of these nanoparticles. In spite of that, experimental studies on the retention of AgNPs in soils are very scarce. Hence, the key objective of this research was to find out the retention behavior of AgNPs and Ag(I) ions in a range of calcareous soils. A second objective was to determine the extent to which the physico-chemical properties of the soils influence the Ag retention parameters. To this end, isothermal batch experiments were used to determine the retention of Poly(vinylpyrrolidinone)-capped AgNPs (PVP-AgNPs) and Ag(I) ions by nine calcareous soils with a diversity of physico-chemical properties. The results revealed that the retention data for both PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions were well described by the classical Freundlich and Langmuir isothermal equations. The retention of PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions was positively correlated to clay and organic carbon (OC) contents as well as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils. Due to multicolinearity among the soil properties, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to group the soil properties which affect the retention of PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions. Accordingly, we identified two groups of soil properties controlling retention of PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions in the calcareous soils. The first group comprised soil solid phase parameters like clay, OC, and CEC, which generally control hetero-aggregation and adsorption reactions and the second group included soil solution variables such as EC and pH as well as Cl - and Ca 2+ concentrations, which are supposed to mainly affect homo-aggregation and precipitation reactions. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  6. Probing the magnetosphere using chemical releases from the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bernhardt, P. A.

    1992-01-01

    An overview is presented of the chemical release experiments from NASA's Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) program. Preliminary results are given for the CRRES investigations of (1) stimulated electron and ion precipitation, (2) ion transport in the magnetotail, (3) critical ionization velocity, (4) field line tracing and parallel acceleration, (5) diamagnetic cavity formation and collapse, and (6) plasma instabilities. The chemical vapor properties from a thermite release mechanism are also briefly described.

  7. Species-independent attraction to biofilms through electrical signaling

    PubMed Central

    Humphries, Jacqueline; Xiong, Liyang; Liu, Jintao; Prindle, Arthur; Yuan, Fang; Arjes, Heidi A.; Tsimring, Lev; Süel, Gürol M.

    2017-01-01

    Summary Bacteria residing within biofilm communities can coordinate their behavior through cell-to-cell signaling. However, it remains unclear if these signals can also influence the behavior of distant cells that are not part of the community. Using a microfluidic approach, we find that potassium ion channel-mediated electrical signaling generated by a Bacillus subtilis biofilm can attract distant cells. Integration of experiments and mathematical modeling indicates that extracellular potassium emitted from the biofilm alters the membrane potential of distant cells, thereby directing their motility. This electrically-mediated attraction appears to be a generic mechanism that enables cross-species interactions, as Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells also become attracted to the electrical signal released by the B. subtilis biofilm. Cells within a biofilm community can thus not only coordinate their own behavior, but also influence the behavior of diverse bacteria at a distance through long-range electrical signaling. PMID:28086091

  8. Simultaneous Delivery of Multiple Antibacterial Agents from Additively Manufactured Porous Biomaterials to Fully Eradicate Planktonic and Adherent Staphylococcus aureus.

    PubMed

    Bakhshandeh, S; Gorgin Karaji, Z; Lietaert, K; Fluit, A C; Boel, C H E; Vogely, H C; Vermonden, T; Hennink, W E; Weinans, H; Zadpoor, A A; Amin Yavari, S

    2017-08-09

    Implant-associated infections are notoriously difficult to treat and may even result in amputation and death. The first few days after surgery are the most critical time to prevent those infections, preferably through full eradication of the micro-organisms entering the body perioperatively. That is particularly important for patients with a compromised immune system such as orthopedic oncology patients, as they are at higher risk for infection and complications. Full eradication of bacteria is, especially in a biofilm, extremely challenging due to the toxicity barrier that prevents delivery of high doses of antibacterial agents. This study aimed to use the potential synergistic effects of multiple antibacterial agents to prevent the use of toxic levels of these agents and achieve full eradication of planktonic and adherent bacteria. Silver ions and vancomycin were therefore simultaneously delivered from additively manufactured highly porous titanium implants with an extremely high surface area incorporating a bactericidal coating made from chitosan and gelatin applied by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The presence of the chitosan/gelatin (Ch+Gel) coating, Ag, and vancomycin (Vanco) was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The release of vancomycin and silver ions continued for at least 21 days as measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and UV-spectroscopy. Antibacterial behavior against Staphylococcus aureus, both planktonic and in biofilm, was evaluated for up to 21 days. The Ch+Gel coating showed some bactericidal behavior on its own, while the loaded hydrogels (Ch+Gel+Ag and Ch+Gel+Vanco) achieved full eradication of both planktonic and adherent bacteria without causing significant levels of toxicity. Combining silver and vancomycin improved the release profiles of both agents and revealed a synergistic behavior that further increased the bactericidal effects.

  9. Simultaneous Delivery of Multiple Antibacterial Agents from Additively Manufactured Porous Biomaterials to Fully Eradicate Planktonic and Adherent Staphylococcus aureus

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Implant-associated infections are notoriously difficult to treat and may even result in amputation and death. The first few days after surgery are the most critical time to prevent those infections, preferably through full eradication of the micro-organisms entering the body perioperatively. That is particularly important for patients with a compromised immune system such as orthopedic oncology patients, as they are at higher risk for infection and complications. Full eradication of bacteria is, especially in a biofilm, extremely challenging due to the toxicity barrier that prevents delivery of high doses of antibacterial agents. This study aimed to use the potential synergistic effects of multiple antibacterial agents to prevent the use of toxic levels of these agents and achieve full eradication of planktonic and adherent bacteria. Silver ions and vancomycin were therefore simultaneously delivered from additively manufactured highly porous titanium implants with an extremely high surface area incorporating a bactericidal coating made from chitosan and gelatin applied by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The presence of the chitosan/gelatin (Ch+Gel) coating, Ag, and vancomycin (Vanco) was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The release of vancomycin and silver ions continued for at least 21 days as measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and UV-spectroscopy. Antibacterial behavior against Staphylococcus aureus, both planktonic and in biofilm, was evaluated for up to 21 days. The Ch+Gel coating showed some bactericidal behavior on its own, while the loaded hydrogels (Ch+Gel+Ag and Ch+Gel+Vanco) achieved full eradication of both planktonic and adherent bacteria without causing significant levels of toxicity. Combining silver and vancomycin improved the release profiles of both agents and revealed a synergistic behavior that further increased the bactericidal effects. PMID:28696671

  10. Fast-degrading PLA/ORMOGLASS fibrous composite scaffold leads to a calcium-rich angiogenic environment

    PubMed Central

    Sachot, Nadège; Roguska, Agata; Planell, Josep Anton; Lewandowska, Malgorzata; Engel, Elisabeth; Castaño, Oscar

    2017-01-01

    The success of scaffold implantation in acellular tissue engineering approaches relies on the ability of the material to interact properly with the biological environment. This behavior mainly depends on the design of the graft surface and, more precisely, on its capacity to biodegrade in a well-defined manner (nature of ions released, surface-to-volume ratio, dissolution profile of this release, rate of material resorption, and preservation of mechanical properties). The assessment of the biological behavior of temporary templates is therefore very important in tissue engineering, especially for composites, which usually exhibit complicated degradation behavior. Here, blended polylactic acid (PLA) calcium phosphate ORMOGLASS (organically modified glass) nanofibrous mats have been incubated up to 4 weeks in physiological simulated conditions, and their morphological, topographical, and chemical changes have been investigated. The results showed that a significant loss of inorganic phase occurred at the beginning of the immersion and the ORMOGLASS maintained a stable composition afterward throughout the degradation period. As a whole, the nanostructured scaffolds underwent fast and heterogeneous degradation. This study reveals that an angiogenic calcium-rich environment can be achieved through fast-degrading ORMOGLASS/PLA blended fibers, which seems to be an excellent alternative for guided bone regeneration. PMID:28744124

  11. Electrospray ionization study of tricarbonyl fac-[Re(CO)3 (PO)(X)]-type complexes: influence of ancillary co-ligands in the release of carbon monoxide.

    PubMed

    Tisato, Francesco; Porchia, Marina; Shegani, Antoni; Maina, Theodosia; Papadopoulos, Minas S; Seraglia, Roberta; Traldi, Pietro

    2018-05-08

    fac-[Re(CO) 3 (PO)(X)]-type complexes (PO = chelated bidentate tertiary phosphine(1-), X = various neutral, mono-dentate ligands) represent a class of compounds that meets the synthetic criteria for the preparation of potential carbon monoxide (CO) release molecules (CORMs) for medicinal application. The aim of our investigation was to achieve qualitative information whether the nature of the ancillary X ligand might influence the release of CO. The release of CO has been investigated by means of product ion spectrometry of electrospray ionization-generated [M + H] + species, produced by multiple collisional experiments, using an ion trap mass spectrometer. Tandem mass spectrometry applied to the protonated species [Re(CO) 3 (PO)(X) + H] + of seven complexes (those including X = OH 2 (1), isonitrile (2, 3), imidazole (4), pyridine (5) and phosphine (6, 7) show initial loss of coordinated water (1) or pyridine (5), whereas the majority of investigated entries display initial, sequential release of CO groups. The energetics of CO release have been investigated by breakdown curves for selected collisionally-activated decomposition processes involving CO, and compared with those involving X groups. The nature of the co-ligand X drives the primary loss in the MS n processes of [Re(CO) 3 (PO)(X) + H] + compounds. When X = solvent, the energetics of these decompositions follow the trend H 2 O < MeOH < CO. In each case, loss of CO is a favored fragmentation route with associated energies following the trend: N-py ≤ P-phosphine < C-isonitrile. Overall, MS n pathways indicate that [Re(PO)] (Re with chelated PO phosphine) constitutes the residual moiety. This behavior indicates that the presence of a functionalized phosphine is essential for a sequential, controlled release of CO. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  12. On the Ni-Ion release rate from surfaces of binary NiTi shape memory alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ševčíková, Jana; Bártková, Denisa; Goldbergová, Monika; Kuběnová, Monika; Čermák, Jiří; Frenzel, Jan; Weiser, Adam; Dlouhý, Antonín

    2018-01-01

    The study is focused on Ni-ion release rates from NiTi surfaces exposed in the cell culture media and human vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) culture environments. The NiTi surface layers situated in the depth of 70 μm below a NiTi oxide scale are affected by interactions between the NiTi alloys and the bio-environments. The finding was proved with use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electron microscopy experiments. As the exclusive factor controlling the Ni-ion release rates was not only thicknesses of the oxide scale, but also the passivation depth, which was two-fold larger. Our experimental data strongly suggested that some other factors, in addition to the Ni concentration in the oxide scale, admittedly hydrogen soaking deep below the oxide scale, must be taken into account in order to rationalize the concentrations of Ni-ions released into the bio-environments. The suggested role of hydrogen as the surface passivation agent is also in line with the fact that the Ni-ion release rates considerably decrease in NiTi samples that were annealed in controlled hydrogen atmospheres prior to bio-environmental exposures.

  13. Metal Ion-Loaded Nanofibre Matrices for Calcification Inhibition in Polyurethane Implants

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Charanpreet; Wang, Xungai

    2017-01-01

    Pathologic calcification leads to structural deterioration of implant materials via stiffening, stress cracking, and other structural disintegration mechanisms, and the effect can be critical for implants intended for long-term or permanent implantation. This study demonstrates the potential of using specific metal ions (MI)s for inhibiting pathological calcification in polyurethane (PU) implants. The hypothesis of using MIs as anti-calcification agents was based on the natural calcium-antagonist role of Mg2+ ions in human body, and the anti-calcification effect of Fe3+ ions in bio-prosthetic heart valves has previously been confirmed. In vitro calcification results indicated that a protective covering mesh of MI-doped PU can prevent calcification by preventing hydroxyapatite crystal growth. However, microstructure and mechanical characterisation revealed oxidative degradation effects from Fe3+ ions on the mechanical properties of the PU matrix. Therefore, from both a mechanical and anti-calcification effects point of view, Mg2+ ions are more promising candidates than Fe3+ ions. The in vitro MI release experiments demonstrated that PU microphase separation and the structural design of PU-MI matrices were important determinants of release kinetics. Increased phase separation in doped PU assisted in consistent long-term release of dissolved MIs from both hard and soft segments of the PU. The use of a composite-sandwich mesh design prevented an initial burst release which improved the late (>20 days) release rate of MIs from the matrix. PMID:28644382

  14. Plasma effects of active ion beam injections in the ionosphere at rocket altitudes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arnoldy, R. L.; Cahill, L. J., Jr.; Kintner, P. M.; Moore, T. E.; Pollock, C. J.

    1992-01-01

    Data from ARCS rocket ion beam injection experiments are primarily discussed. There are three results from this series of active experiments that are of particular interest in space plasma physics. These are the transverse acceleration of ambient ions in the large beam volume, the scattering of beam ions near the release payload, and the possible acceleration of electrons very close to the plasma generator which produce intense high frequency waves. The ability of 100 ma ion beam injections into the upper E and F regions of the ionosphere to produce these phenomena appear to be related solely to the process by which the plasma release payload and the ion beam are neutralized. Since the electrons in the plasma release do not convect with the plasma ions, the neutralization of both the payload and beam must be accomplished by large field-aligned currents (milliamperes/square meter) which are very unstable to wave growth of various modes.

  15. Metal ion release from metallothioneins: proteolysis as an alternative to oxidation.

    PubMed

    Peroza, Estevão A; dos Santos Cabral, Augusto; Wan, Xiaoqiong; Freisinger, Eva

    2013-09-01

    Metallothioneins (MTs) are among others involved in the cellular regulation of essential Zn(II) and Cu(I) ions. However, the high binding affinity of these proteins requires additional factors to promote metal ion release under physiological conditions. The mechanisms and efficiencies of these processes leave many open questions. We report here a comprehensive analysis of the Zn(II)-release properties of various MTs with special focus on members of the four main subfamilies of plant MTs. Zn(II) competition experiments with the metal ion chelator 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) in the presence of the cellular redox pair glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) show that plant MTs from the subfamilies MT1, MT2, and MT3 are remarkably more affected by oxidative stress than those from the Ec subfamily and the well-characterized human MT2 form. In addition, we evaluated proteolytic digestion with trypsin and proteinase K as an alternative mechanism for selective promotion of metal ion release from MTs. Also here the observed percentage of liberated metal ions depends strongly on the MT form evaluated. Closer evaluation of the data additionally allowed deducing the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the Zn(II) release processes. The Cu(I)-form of chickpea MT2 was used to exemplify that both oxidation and proteolysis are also effective ways to increase the transfer of copper ions to other molecules. Zn(II) release experiments with the individual metal-binding domains of Ec-1 from wheat grain reveal distinct differences from the full-length protein. This triggers the question about the roles of the long cysteine-free peptide stretches typical for plant MTs.

  16. pH- and ion-sensitive polymers for drug delivery

    PubMed Central

    Yoshida, Takayuki; Lai, Tsz Chung; Kwon, Glen S; Sako, Kazuhiro

    2013-01-01

    Introduction Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are important for effective, safe, and convenient administration of drugs. pH- and ion-responsive polymers have been widely employed in DDS for site-specific drug release due to their abilities to exploit specific pH- or ion-gradients in the human body. Areas covered Having pH-sensitivity, cationic polymers can mask the taste of drugs and release drugs in the stomach by responding to gastric low pH. Anionic polymers responsive to intestinal high pH are used for preventing gastric degradation of drug, colon drug delivery and achieving high bioavailability of weak basic drugs. Tumor-targeted DDSs have been developed based on polymers with imidazole groups or poly(β-amino ester) responsive to tumoral low pH. Polymers with pH-sensitive chemical linkages, such as hydrazone, acetal, ortho ester and vinyl ester, pH-sensitive cell-penetrating peptides and cationic polymers undergoing pH-dependent protonation have been studied to utilize the pH gradient along the endocytic pathway for intracellular drug delivery. As ion-sensitive polymers, ion-exchange resins are frequently used for taste-masking, counterion-responsive drug release and sustained drug release. Polymers responding to ions in the saliva and gastrointestinal fluids are also used for controlled drug release in oral drug formulations. Expert opinion Stimuli-responsive DDSs are important for achieving site-specific and controlled drug release; however, intraindividual, interindividual and intercellular variations of pH should be considered when designing DDSs or drug products. Combination of polymers and other components, and deeper understanding of human physiology are important for development of pH- and ion-sensitive polymeric DDS products for patients. PMID:23930949

  17. Effect of particle size on calcium release and elevation of pH of endodontic cements.

    PubMed

    Saghiri, Mohammad Ali; Asatourian, Armen; Orangi, Jafar; Lotfi, Mehrdad; Soukup, Jason W; Garcia-Godoy, Franklin; Sheibani, Nader

    2015-06-01

    Elevation of pH and calcium ion release are of great importance in antibacterial activity and the promotion of dental soft and hard tissue healing process. In this study, we evaluated the effect of particle size on the elevation of pH and the calcium ion release from calcium silicate-based dental cements. Twelve plastic tubes were divided into three groups, filled with white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA), WMTA plus 1% methylcellulose, and nano-modified WMTA (nano-WMTA), and placed inside flasks containing 10 ml of distilled water. The pH values were measured using a pH sensor 3, 24, 72, and 168 h after setting of the cements. The calcium ion release was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with same sample preparation method. Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (anova) followed by post hoc Tukey tests with significance level of P < 0.05. Nano-WMTA showed significant pH elevation only after 24 h (P < 0.05) compared with WMTA, and after 3, 24, and 72 h compared with WMTA plus 1% methylcellulose (P < 0.05). Nano-WMTA showed significantly higher calcium ion release values compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). Nano-modification of WMTA remarkably increased the calcium ion release at all time intervals postsetting, which can significantly influence the osteogenic properties of human dental pulp cells and as a consequence enhance mineralized matrix nodule formation to achieve desirable clinical outcomes. However, the increase in pH values mainly occurred during the short time postsetting. Addition of 1% methylcellulose imposed a delay in elevation of pH and calcium ion release by WMTA. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Release kinetics of vanadium from vanadium titano-magnetite: The effects of pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and foreign ions.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xingyun; Yue, Yuyan; Peng, Xianjia

    2018-02-01

    As part of a broader study of the environmental geochemistry behavior of vanadium (V), the release kinetics of V from the dissolution of natural vanadium titano-magnetite under environmentally relevant conditions was investigated. In both the acidic and basic domains, the V release rate was found to be proportional to fractional powers of hydrogen ion and dissolved oxygen activities. The dependence of the rate on dissolved oxygen can also be described in terms of the Langmuir adsorption model. The empirical rate equation is given by: r [Formula: see text] where, α=0.099-0.265, k'=3.2×10 -6 -1.7×10 -5 , K=2.7×10 4 -3.9×10 4 mol/L in acid solution (pH4.1), and α=-0.494-(-0.527), k'=2.0×10 4 -2.5×10 -11 , and K=4.1×10 3 -6.5×10 3 mol/L in basic solution (pH8.8) at 20°C. Based on the effect of temperature on the release rate of V, the activation energies of minerals at pH8.8 were determined to be 148-235kJ/mol, suggesting that the dissolution of vanadium titano-magnetite is a surface-controlled process. The presence of Na + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , NO 3 - , Cl - , SO 4 2- and CO 3 2- was found to accelerate the V release rates. This study improves the understanding of both the V pollution risk in some mine areas and the fate of V in the environment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. Enhanced corrosion resistance and cellular behavior of ultrafine-grained biomedical NiTi alloy with a novel SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, C. Y.; Nie, F. L.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S. C.; Ruan, Liqun; Valiev, R. Z.

    2011-04-01

    NiTi alloy has a unique combination of mechanical properties, shape memory effects and superelastic behavior that makes it attractive for several biomedical applications. In recent years, concerns about its biocompatibility have been aroused due to the toxic or side effect of released nickel ions, which restricts its application as an implant material. Bulk ultrafine-grained Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy (UFG NiTi) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study. A homogeneous and smooth SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating without cracks was fabricated on its surface by dip-coating method with the aim of increasing its corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility. Electrochemical tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed that the pitting corrosion potential of UFG NiTi was increased from 393 mV(SCE) to 1800 mV(SCE) after coated with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 film and the corrosion current density decreased from 3.41 μA/cm2 to 0.629 μA/cm2. Meanwhile, the sol-gel coating significantly decreased the release of nickel ions of UFG NiTi when soaked in SBF. UFG NiTi with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating exhibited enhanced osteoblast-like cells attachment, spreading and proliferation compared with UFG NiTi without coating and CG NiTi.

  20. Silver-Ion-Exchanged Nanostructured Zeolite X as Antibacterial Agent with Superior Ion Release Kinetics and Efficacy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

    PubMed

    Chen, Shaojiang; Popovich, John; Iannuzo, Natalie; Haydel, Shelley E; Seo, Dong-Kyun

    2017-11-15

    As antibiotic resistance continues to be a major public health problem, antimicrobial alternatives have become critically important. Nanostructured zeolites have been considered as an ideal host for improving popular antimicrobial silver-ion-exchanged zeolites, because with very short diffusion path lengths they offer advantages in ion diffusion and release over their conventional microsized zeolite counterparts. Herein, comprehensive studies are reported on materials characteristics, silver-ion release kinetics, and antibacterial properties of silver-ion-exchanged nanostructured zeolite X with comparisons to conventional microsized silver-ion-exchanged zeolite (∼2 μm) as a reference. The nanostructured zeolites are submicrometer-sized aggregates (100-700 nm) made up of primary zeolite particles with an average primary particle size of 24 nm. The silver-ion-exchanged nanostructured zeolite released twice the concentration of silver ions at a rate approximately three times faster than the reference. The material exhibited rapid antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 4 to 16 μg/mL after 24 h exposure in various growth media and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; >99.9% population reduction) of 1 μg/mL after 2 h in water. While high concentrations of silver-ion-exchanged nanostructured zeolite X were ineffective at reducing MRSA biofilm cell viability, efficacy increased at lower concentrations. In consideration of potential medical applications, cytotoxicity of the silver-ion-exchanged nanostructured zeolite X was also investigated. After 4 days of incubation, significant reduction in eukaryotic cell viability was observed only at concentrations 4-16-fold greater than the 24 h MIC, indicating low cytotoxicity of the material. Our results establish silver-ion-exchanged nanostructured zeolites as an effective antibacterial material against dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

  1. A cross-fostering analysis of bromine ion concentration in rats that inhaled 1-bromopropane vapor.

    PubMed

    Ishidao, Toru; Fueta, Yukiko; Ueno, Susumu; Yoshida, Yasuhiro; Hori, Hajime

    2016-06-16

    Inhaled 1-bromopropane decomposes easily and releases bromine ion. However, the kinetics and transfer of bromine ion into the next generation have not been clarified. In this work, the kinetics of bromine ion transfer to the next generation was investigated by using cross-fostering analysis and a one-compartment model. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 700 ppm of 1-bromopropane vapor for 6 h per day during gestation days (GDs) 1-20. After birth, cross-fostering was performed between mother exposure groups and mother control groups, and the pups were subdivided into the following four groups: exposure group, postnatal exposure group, gestation exposure group, and control group. Bromine ion concentrations in the brain were measured temporally. Bromine ion concentrations in mother rats were lower than those in virgin rats, and the concentrations in fetuses were higher than those in mothers on GD20. In the postnatal period, the concentrations in the gestation exposure group decreased with time, and the biological half-life was 3.1 days. Conversely, bromine ion concentration in the postnatal exposure group increased until postnatal day 4 and then decreased. This tendency was also observed in the exposure group. A one-compartment model was applied to analyze the behavior of bromine ion concentration in the brain. By taking into account the increase of body weight and change in the bromine ion uptake rate in pups, the bromine ion concentrations in the brains of the rats could be estimated with acceptable precision.

  2. α7 nicotinic ACh receptors as a ligand-gated source of Ca(2+) ions: the search for a Ca(2+) optimum.

    PubMed

    Uteshev, Victor V

    2012-01-01

    The spatiotemporal distribution of cytosolic Ca(2+) ions is a key determinant of neuronal behavior and survival. Distinct sources of Ca(2+) ions including ligand- and voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels contribute to intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis. Many normal physiological and therapeutic neuronal functions are Ca(2+)-dependent, however an excess of cytosolic Ca(2+) or a lack of the appropriate balance between Ca(2+) entry and clearance may destroy cellular integrity and cause cellular death. Therefore, the existence of optimal spatiotemporal patterns of cytosolic Ca(2+) elevations and thus, optimal activation of ligand- and voltage-gated Ca(2+) ion channels are postulated to benefit neuronal function and survival. Alpha7 nicotinic -acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are highly permeable to Ca(2+) ions and play an important role in modulation of neurotransmitter release, gene expression and neuroprotection in a variety of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In this review, the focus is placed on α7 nAChR-mediated currents and Ca(2+) influx and how this source of Ca(2+) entry compares to NMDA receptors in supporting cytosolic Ca(2+) homeostasis, neuronal function and survival.

  3. Triggered metal ion release and oxidation: Ferrocene as new mechanophore in polymers.

    PubMed

    Di Giannantonio, Michela; Ayer, Mathieu A; Verde-Sesto, Ester; Lattuada, Marco; Weder, Christoph; Fromm, Katharina M

    2018-06-13

    The introduction of mechanophores into polymers allows transducing mechanical forces into chemical reactions for e.g. self-healing, catalytic activity, or mechanochromic response. Here, the first example of mechanically induced metal ion release from a polymer is reported. Ferrocene (Fc) was incorporated as an Fe-ion releasing mechanophore into poly(methyl acrylate)s (PMAs) and polyurethanes (PUs). Sonication triggered the preferential cleavage of the polymers at the Fc units over other bonds, as shown by a kinetic study of the molar mass distribution of the cleaved Fc-containing and Fc-free reference polymers. The released and oxidized Fe2+ ions can be detected with KSCN to generate the red-colored [Fe(SCN)n(H2O)6-n)](3-n)+ or reacted with K4[Fe(CN)6] to afford Prussian blue. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Zoledronate and ion-releasing resins impair dentin collagen degradation.

    PubMed

    Tezvergil-Mutluay, A; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R; Feitosa, V P; Tay, F R; Watson, T F; Pashley, D H; Sauro, S

    2014-10-01

    This study analyzed the amounts of solubilized telopeptides cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) derived from matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CTPs) subsequent to application of a filler-free (Res.A) or an ion-releasing resin (Res.B) to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-demineralized dentin with or without zoledronate-containing primer (Zol-primer) pre-treatment. The chemical modification induced following treatments and artificial saliva (AS) storage was also analyzed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Totally EDTA-demineralized specimens were infiltrated with Res.A or Res.B with or without Zol-primer pre-treatment, light-cured, and immersed in AS for up to 4 wk. ICTP release was reduced following infiltration with Res.B and further reduced when Res.B was used with Zol-primer; remarkable phosphate mineral uptake was attained after AS storage. CTX release was increased in Res.A- and Res.B-treated dentin. However, when Zol-primer was used with Res.A, the CTX release fell significantly compared to the other tested resin-infiltration methods. In conclusion, zoledronate offers an additional inhibitory effect to the ion-releasing resins in MMP-mediated collagen degradation. However, Zol-primer induces a modest reduction in CTX release only when used with resin-based systems containing no ion-releasing fillers. © International & American Associations for Dental Research.

  5. Zoledronate and Ion-releasing Resins Impair Dentin Collagen Degradation

    PubMed Central

    Tezvergil-Mutluay, A.; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R.; Feitosa, V.P.; Tay, F.R.; Watson, T.F.; Pashley, D.H.; Sauro, S.

    2014-01-01

    This study analyzed the amounts of solubilized telopeptides cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) derived from matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CTPs) subsequent to application of a filler-free (Res.A) or an ion-releasing resin (Res.B) to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-demineralized dentin with or without zoledronate-containing primer (Zol-primer) pre-treatment. The chemical modification induced following treatments and artificial saliva (AS) storage was also analyzed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Totally EDTA-demineralized specimens were infiltrated with Res.A or Res.B with or without Zol-primer pre-treatment, light-cured, and immersed in AS for up to 4 wk. ICTP release was reduced following infiltration with Res.B and further reduced when Res.B was used with Zol-primer; remarkable phosphate mineral uptake was attained after AS storage. CTX release was increased in Res.A- and Res.B-treated dentin. However, when Zol-primer was used with Res.A, the CTX release fell significantly compared to the other tested resin-infiltration methods. In conclusion, zoledronate offers an additional inhibitory effect to the ion-releasing resins in MMP-mediated collagen degradation. However, Zol-primer induces a modest reduction in CTX release only when used with resin-based systems containing no ion-releasing fillers. PMID:25074494

  6. Antibacterial activity and ion release of bonding agent containing amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Chen; Weir, Michael D.; Cheng, Lei; Lin, Nancy; Lin-Gibson, Sheng; Chow, Laurence C.; Zhou, Xuedong; Xu, Hockin H. K.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives Recurrent caries at the margins is a primary reason for restoration failure. The objectives of this study were to develop bonding agent with the double benefits of antibacterial and remineralizing capabilities, to investigate the effects of NACP filler level and solution pH on Ca and P ion release from adhesive, and to examine the antibacterial and dentin bond properties. Methods Nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) and a quaternary ammonium monomer (dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate, DMADDM) were synthesized. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) primer and adhesive served as control. DMADDM was incorporated into primer and adhesive at 5% by mass. NACP was incorporated into adhesive at filler mass fractions of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model was used to test the antibacterial bonding agents. Calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion releases from the cured adhesive samples were measured vs. filler level and solution pH of 7, 5.5 and 4. Results Adding 5% DMADDM and 10–40% NACP into bonding agent, and water-aging for 28 days, did not affect dentin bond strength, compared to SBMP control at 1 day (p > 0.1). Adding DMADDM into bonding agent substantially decreased the biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid production. Total microorganisms, total streptococci, and mutans streptococci were greatly reduced for bonding agents containing DMADDM. Increasing NACP filler level from 10% to 40% in adhesive increased the Ca and P ion release by an order of magnitude. Decreasing solution pH from 7 to 4 increased the ion release from adhesive by 6–10 folds. Significance Bonding agents containing antibacterial DMADDM and remineralizer NACP were formulated to have Ca and P ion release, which increased with NACP filler level from 10% to 40% in adhesive. NACP adhesive was “smart” and dramatically increased the ion release at cariogenic pH 4, when these ions would be most-needed to inhibit caries. Therefore, bonding agent containing DMADDM and NACP may be promising to inhibit biofilms and remineralize tooth lesions thereby increasing the restoration longevity. PMID:24954647

  7. Antibacterial activity and ion release of bonding agent containing amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chen; Weir, Michael D; Cheng, Lei; Lin, Nancy J; Lin-Gibson, Sheng; Chow, Laurence C; Zhou, Xuedong; Xu, Hockin H K

    2014-08-01

    Recurrent caries at the margins is a primary reason for restoration failure. The objectives of this study were to develop bonding agent with the double benefits of antibacterial and remineralizing capabilities, to investigate the effects of NACP filler level and solution pH on Ca and P ion release from adhesive, and to examine the antibacterial and dentin bond properties. Nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) and a quaternary ammonium monomer (dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate, DMADDM) were synthesized. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) primer and adhesive served as control. DMADDM was incorporated into primer and adhesive at 5% by mass. NACP was incorporated into adhesive at filler mass fractions of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model was used to test the antibacterial bonding agents. Calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion releases from the cured adhesive samples were measured vs. filler level and solution pH of 7, 5.5 and 4. Adding 5% DMADDM and 10-40% NACP into bonding agent, and water-aging for 28 days, did not affect dentin bond strength, compared to SBMP control at 1 day (p>0.1). Adding DMADDM into bonding agent substantially decreased the biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid production. Total microorganisms, total streptococci, and mutans streptococci were greatly reduced for bonding agents containing DMADDM. Increasing NACP filler level from 10% to 40% in adhesive increased the Ca and P ion release by an order of magnitude. Decreasing solution pH from 7 to 4 increased the ion release from adhesive by 6-10 folds. Bonding agents containing antibacterial DMADDM and remineralizer NACP were formulated to have Ca and P ion release, which increased with NACP filler level from 10% to 40% in adhesive. NACP adhesive was "smart" and dramatically increased the ion release at cariogenic pH 4, when these ions would be most-needed to inhibit caries. Therefore, bonding agent containing DMADDM and NACP may be promising to inhibit biofilms and remineralize tooth lesions thereby increasing the restoration longevity. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Strontium (Sr) separation from seawater using titanate adsorbents: Effects of seawater matrix ions on Sr sorption behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ryu, Jungho; Hong, Hye-jin; Ryu, Taegong; Park, In-Su

    2017-04-01

    Strontium (Sr) which has many industrial applications such as ferrite magnet, ceramic, and fire works exists in seawater with the concentration of approximately 7 mg/L. In previous report estimating economic potential on recovery of various elements from seawater in terms of their commercial values and concentrations in seawater, Sr locates upper than approximate break-even line, which implies Sr recovery from seawater can be potentially profitable. Recently, Sr separation from seawater has received great attention in the environmental aspect after Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident which released much amount of radioactive Sr and Cs. Accordingly, the efficient separation of radioactive elements released to seawater has become critical as an important technological need as well as their removal from radioactive wastes. So far, it has been introduced to separate Sr from aqueous media by various methods including solvent extraction, adsorption by solid materials, and ion exchange. Among them, the adsorption technique using solid adsorbents is of great interest for selectively separating Sr from seawater with respect to low concentration level of Sr. In this study, we synthesized titanate nanotube (TiNT) by simple hydrothermal reaction, characterized its physicochemical properties, and systematically evaluated Sr sorption behavior under various reaction conditions corresponding to seawater environment. The synthesized TiNT exhibited the fibril-type nanotube structure with high specific surface area of 260 m2/g. The adsorption of Sr on TiNT rapidly occurred following pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and was in good agreement with Langmuir isotherm model, indicating maximum adsorption capacity of 97 mg/g. Based on Sr uptake and Na release with stoichiometric balance, sorption mechanism of Sr on TiNT was found to be ion-exchange between Na in TiNT lattice and Sr in solution phase, which was also confirmed by XRD and Raman analysis. Among competitive ions, Ca significantly hindered Sr sorption on TiNT, whereas Na had little effect on Sr sorption despite the sorption mechanism of Na-exchange. The effect of Ca on Sr sorption was evaluated in detail by introducing distribution coefficient (Kd) that is critical factor to determine the selectivity, revealing slightly higher selectivity for Sr. The adsorption-desoption test of Sr in real seawater medium enabled to determine Kd and concentration factor (CF) for co-existing matrix ions in seawater, and these values were assessed in both aspects of removal and recovery of Sr from seawater. The TiNT could be easily regenerated by acid treatment and reused for repeated cycle, supporting its long term use for the practical application of removing and recovering Sr from seawater.

  9. Reduction of Tribocorrosion Products When using the Platform-Switching Concept.

    PubMed

    Alrabeah, G O; Knowles, J C; Petridis, H

    2018-03-01

    The reduced marginal bone loss observed when using the platform-switching concept may be the result of reduced amounts of tribocorrosion products released to the peri-implant tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the tribocorrosion product release from various platform-matched and platform-switched implant-abutment couplings under cyclic loading. Forty-eight titanium implants were coupled with pure titanium, gold alloy, cobalt-chrome alloy, and zirconia abutments forming either platform-switched or platform-matched groups ( n = 6). The specimens were subjected to cyclic occlusal forces in a wet acidic environment for 24 h followed by static aqueous immersion for 6 d. The amount of metal ions released was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Microscopic evaluations were performed pre- and postimmersion under scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy X-ray for corrosion assessment at the interface and wear particle characterization. All platform-switched groups showed less metal ion release compared with their platform-matched counterparts within each abutment material group ( P < 0.001). Implants connected to platform-matched cobalt-chrome abutments demonstrated the highest total mean metal ion release (218 ppb), while the least total mean ion release (11 ppb) was observed in the implants connected to platform-switched titanium abutments ( P ≤ 0.001). Titanium was released from all test groups, with its highest mean release (108 ppb) observed in the implants connected to platform-matched gold abutments ( P < 0.001). SEM images showed surface tribocorrosion features such as pitting and bands of fretting scars. Wear particles were mostly titanium, ranging from submicron to 48 µm in length. The platform-matched groups demonstrated a higher amount of metal ion release and more surface damage. These findings highlight the positive effect of the platform-switching concept in the reduction of tribocorrosion products released from dental implants, which consequently may minimize the adverse tissue reactions that lead to peri-implant bone loss.

  10. Ion release, fluoride charge of and adhesion of an orthodontic cement paste containing microcapsules.

    PubMed

    Burbank, Brant D; Slater, Michael; Kava, Alyssa; Doyle, James; McHale, William A; Latta, Mark A; Gross, Stephen M

    2016-02-01

    Dental materials capable of releasing calcium, phosphate and fluoride are of great interest for remineralization. Microencapsulated aqueous solutions of these ions in orthodontic cement demonstrate slow, sustained release by passive diffusion through a permeable membrane without the need for dissolution or etching of fillers. The potential to charge a dental material formulated with microencapsulated water with fluoride by toothbrushing with over the counter toothpaste and the effect of microcapsules on cement adhesion to enamel was determined. Orthodontic cements that contained microcapsules with water and controls without microcapsules were brushed with over-the-counter toothpaste and fluoride release was measured. Adhesion measurements were performed loading orthodontic brackets to failure. Cements that contained microencapsulated solutions of 5.0M Ca(NO3)2, 0.8M NaF, 6.0MK2HPO4 or a mixture of all three were prepared. Ion release profiles were measured as a function of time. A greater fluoride charge and re-release from toothbrushing was demonstrated compared to a control with no microcapsules. Adhesion of an orthodontic cement that contained microencapsulated remineralizing agents was 8.5±2.5MPa compared to the control without microcapsules which was of 8.3±1.7MPa. Sustained release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions from cement formulated with microencapsulated remineralizing agents was demonstrated. Orthodontic cements with microcapsules show a release of bioavailable fluoride, calcium, and phosphate ions near the tooth surface while having the ability to charge with fluoride and not effect the adhesion of the material to enamel. Incorporation of microcapsules in dental materials is promising for promoting remineralization. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Release of metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliance: an in vitro study in continuous flow system.

    PubMed

    Mikulewicz, Marcin; Chojnacka, Katarzyna; Wołowiec, Paulina

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate the release of metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliances. A new system for in vitro testing of dental materials was constructed and consisted of a thermostatic glass reactor that enabled immersion of the studied material. Experimental conditions reflected the human oral cavity, with a temperature of 37°C and a saliva flow rate of 0.5mL/min. The simulated fixed orthodontic appliance made of stainless steel was evaluated. Sampling was performed at several time points during the 28-day study, and the metal ion concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The total mass of released metal ions from the appliance during 4 weeks of the experiment was as follows nickel 18.7 μg, chromium 5.47 μg, copper 31.3 μg. The estimated doses of nickel, chromium, and copper determined by extrapolation of experimental data released during the treatment period were far below the toxic dose to humans. This shows that orthodontic treatment might not be a significant source of exposure to these metal ions.

  12. The effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on metal ion release from dental casting alloys.

    PubMed

    Al-Salehi, S K; Hatton, P V; Johnson, A; Cox, A G; McLeod, C

    2008-04-01

    There are concerns that tooth bleaching agents may adversely affect dental materials. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) are more effective than water at increasing metal ion release from two typical dental casting alloys during bleaching. Discs (n = 28 for each alloy) were prepared by casting and heat treated to simulate a typical porcelain-firing cycle. Discs (n = 7) of each alloy were immersed in either 0%, 3%, 10% or 30% (w/v) HP solutions for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Samples were taken for metal ion release determination using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and the data analysed using a two-way anova followed by a one-way anova. The surface roughness of each disc was measured using a Talysurf contact profilometer before and after bleaching and the data analysed using a paired t-test. With the exception of gold, the differences in metal ion concentration after treatment with 0% (control) and each of 3%, 10% and 30% HP (w/v) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Metal ion release from the two alloys increased with increasing HP concentrations (over 3000% increase in Ni and 1400% increase in Pd ions were recorded when HP concentration increased from 0% to 30%). Surface roughness values of the samples before and after bleaching were not significantly different (P > 0.05) Exposure of the two dental casting alloys to HP solutions increased metal ion release of all the elements except gold.

  13. Cu2+, Co2+ and Cr3+ doping of a calcium phosphate cement influences materials properties and response of human mesenchymal stromal cells.

    PubMed

    Schamel, Martha; Bernhardt, Anne; Quade, Mandy; Würkner, Claudia; Gbureck, Uwe; Moseke, Claus; Gelinsky, Michael; Lode, Anja

    2017-04-01

    The application of biologically active metal ions to stimulate cellular reactions is a promising strategy to accelerate bone defect healing. Brushite-forming calcium phosphate cements were modified with low doses of Cu 2+ , Co 2+ and Cr 3+ . The modified cements released the metal ions in vitro in concentrations which were shown to be non-toxic for cells. The release kinetics correlated with the solubility of the respective metal phosphates: 17-45 wt.-% of Co 2+ and Cu 2+ , but <1 wt.-% of Cr 3+ were released within 28days. Moreover, metal ion doping led to alterations in the exchange of calcium and phosphate ions with cell culture medium. In case of cements modified with 50mmol Cr 3+ /mol β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), XRD and SEM analyses revealed a significant amount of monetite and a changed morphology of the cement matrix. Cell culture experiments with human mesenchymal stromal cells indicated that the observed cell response is not only influenced by the released metal ions but also by changed cement properties. A positive effect of modifications with 50mmol Cr 3+ or 10mmol Cu 2+ per mol β-TCP on cell behaviour was observed in indirect and direct culture. Modification with Co 2+ resulted in a clear suppression of cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, metal ion doping of the cement influences cellular activities in addition to the effect of released metal ions by changing properties of the ceramic matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Observations and theory of the AMPTE magnetotail barium releases

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bernhardt, P. A.; Roussel-Dupre, R. A.; Pongratz, M. B.; Haerendel, G.; Valenzuela, A.

    1987-01-01

    The barium releases in the magnetotail during the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) operation were monitored by ground-based imagers and by instruments on the Ion Release Module. After each release, the data show the formation of a structured diamagnetic cavity. The cavity grows until the dynamic pressure of the expanding ions balances the magnetic pressure on its surface. The magnetic field inside the cavity is zero. The barium ions collect on the surface of the cavity, producing a shell. Plasma irregularities form along magnetic field lines draped over the surface of the cavity. The scale size of the irregularities is nearly equal to the thickness of the shell. The evolution and structuring of the diamagnetic cavity are modeled using magnetohydrodynamics theory.

  15. Evaluation of superabsorbent linseed-polysaccharides as a novel stimuli-responsive oral sustained release drug delivery system.

    PubMed

    Haseeb, Muhammad Tahir; Hussain, Muhammad Ajaz; Bashir, Sajid; Ashraf, Muhammad Umer; Ahmad, Naveed

    2017-03-01

    Advancement in technology has transformed the conventional dosage forms to intelligent drug delivery systems. Such systems are helpful for targeted and efficient drug delivery with minimum side effects. Drug release from these systems is governed and controlled by external stimuli (pH, enzymes, ions, glucose, etc.). Polymeric biomaterial having stimuli-responsive properties has opened a new area in drug delivery approach. Potential of a polysaccharide (rhamnogalacturonan)-based hydrogel from Linseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) was investigated as an intelligent drug delivery material. Different concentrations of Linseed hydrogel (LSH) were used to prepare caffeine and diacerein tablets and further investigated for pH and salt solution-responsive swelling, pH-dependent drug release, and release kinetics. Morphology of tablets was observed using SEM. LSH tablets exhibited dynamic swelling-deswelling behavior with tendency to swell at pH 7.4 and in deionized water while deswell at pH 1.2, in normal saline and ethanol. Consequently, pH controlled release of the drugs was observed from tablets with lower release (<10%) at pH 1.2 and higher release at pH 6.8 and 7.4. SEM showed elongated channels in swollen then freeze-dried tablets. The drug release was greatly influenced by the amount of LSH in the tablets. Drug release from LSH tablets was governed by the non-Fickian diffusion. These finding indicates that LSH holds potential to be developed as sustained release material for tablet.

  16. Swelling of Superabsorbent Poly(Sodium-Acrylate Acrylamide) Hydrogels and Influence of Chemical Structure on Internally Cured Mortar

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krafcik, Matthew J.; Erk, Kendra A.

    Superabsorbent hydrogel particles show promise as internal curing agents for high performance concrete (HPC). These gels can absorb and release large volumes of water and offer a solution to the problem of self-dessication in HPC. However, the gels are sensitive to ions naturally present in concrete. This research connects swelling behavior with gel-ion interactions to optimize hydrogel performance for internal curing, reducing the chance of early-age cracking and increasing the durability of HPC. Four different hydrogels of poly(sodium-acrylate acrylamide) are synthesized and characterized with swelling tests in different salt solutions. Depending on solution pH, ionic character, and gel composition, diffrerent swelling behaviors are observed. As weight percent of acrylic acid increases, gels demonstrate higher swelling ratios in reverse osmosis water, but showed substantially decreased swelling when aqueous cations are present. Additionally, in multivalent cation solutions, overshoot peaks are present, whereby the gels have a peak swelling ratio but then deswell. Multivalent cations interact with deprotonated carboxylic acid groups, constricting the gel and expelling water. Mortar containing hydrogels showed reduced autogenous shrinkage and increased relative humidity.

  17. A model of solar energtic particles for use in calculating LET spectra developed from ONR-604 data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chen, J.; Chenette, D.; Guzik, T. G.; Garcia-Munoz, M.; Pyle, K. R.; Sang, Y.; Wefel, J. P.

    1994-01-01

    A model of Solar Energetic Particles (SEP) has been developed and is applied to solar flares during the 1990/1991 Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) mission using data measured by the University of Chicago instrument, ONR-604. The model includes the time-dependent behavior, heavy-ion content, energy spectrum and influence, and can accurately represent the observed SEP events in the energy range between 40 to 500 MeV/nucleon. Results are presented for the March and June, 1991 flare periods.

  18. In situ measurements of a homogeneous to heterogeneous transition in the plastic response of ion-irradiated <111> Ni microspecimens

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, Xinyu; Strickland, Daniel J.; Derlet, Peter M.

    We report on the use of quantitative in situ microcompression experiments in a scanning electron microscope to systematically investigate the effect of self-ion irradiation damage on the full plastic response of <111> Ni. In addition to the well-known irradiationinduced increases in the yield and flow strengths with increasing dose, we measure substantial changes in plastic flow intermittency behavior, manifested as stress drops accompanying energy releases as the driven material transits critical states. At low irradiation doses, the magnitude of stress drops reduces relative to the unirradiated material and plastic slip proceeds on multiple slip systems, leading to quasi-homogeneous plastic flow.more » In contrast, highly irradiated specimens exhibit pronounced shear localization on parallel slip planes, which we ascribe to the onset of defect free channels normally seen in bulk irradiated materials. Our in situ testing system and approach allows for a quantitative study of the energy release and dynamics associated with defect free channel formation and subsequent localization. As a result, this study provides fundamental insight to the nature of interactions between mobile dislocations and irradiation-mediated and damage-dependent defect structures.« less

  19. In situ measurements of a homogeneous to heterogeneous transition in the plastic response of ion-irradiated <111> Ni microspecimens

    DOE PAGES

    Zhao, Xinyu; Strickland, Daniel J.; Derlet, Peter M.; ...

    2015-02-11

    We report on the use of quantitative in situ microcompression experiments in a scanning electron microscope to systematically investigate the effect of self-ion irradiation damage on the full plastic response of <111> Ni. In addition to the well-known irradiationinduced increases in the yield and flow strengths with increasing dose, we measure substantial changes in plastic flow intermittency behavior, manifested as stress drops accompanying energy releases as the driven material transits critical states. At low irradiation doses, the magnitude of stress drops reduces relative to the unirradiated material and plastic slip proceeds on multiple slip systems, leading to quasi-homogeneous plastic flow.more » In contrast, highly irradiated specimens exhibit pronounced shear localization on parallel slip planes, which we ascribe to the onset of defect free channels normally seen in bulk irradiated materials. Our in situ testing system and approach allows for a quantitative study of the energy release and dynamics associated with defect free channel formation and subsequent localization. As a result, this study provides fundamental insight to the nature of interactions between mobile dislocations and irradiation-mediated and damage-dependent defect structures.« less

  20. Promoting angiogenesis with mesoporous microcarriers through a synergistic action of delivered silicon ion and VEGF.

    PubMed

    Dashnyam, Khandmaa; Jin, Guang-Zhen; Kim, Joong-Hyun; Perez, Roman; Jang, Jun-Hyeog; Kim, Hae-Won

    2017-02-01

    Angiogenic capacity of biomaterials is a key asset to drive vascular ingrowth during tissue repair and regeneration. Here we design a unique angiogenic microcarrier based on sol-gel derived mesoporous silica. The microspheres offer a potential angiogenic stimulator, Si ion, 'intrinsically' within the chemical structure. Furthermore, the highly mesoporous nature allows the loading and release of angiogenic growth factor 'extrinsically'. The Si ion is released from the microcarriers at therapeutic ranges (over a few ppm per day), which indeed up-regulates the expression of hypoxia inducing factor 1α (HIF1α) and stabilizes it by blocking HIF-prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) in HUVECs. This in turn activates the expression of a series of proangiogenic molecules, including bFGF, VEGF, and eNOS. VEGF is incorporated effectively within the mesopores of microcarriers and is then released continuously over a couple of weeks. The Si ion and VEGF released from the microcarriers synergistically stimulate endothelial cell functions, such as cell migration, chemotactic homing, and tubular networking. Furthermore, in vivo neo-blood vessel sprouting in chicken chorioallantoic membrane model is significantly promoted by the Si/VEGF releasing microcarriers. The current study demonstrates the synergized effects of Si ion and angiogenic growth factor through a biocompatible mesoporous microsphere delivery platform, and the concept provided here may open the door to a new co-delivery system of utilizing ions with growth factors for tissue repair and regeneration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Evaluation of calcium ion, hydroxyl ion release and pH levels in various calcium hydroxide based intracanal medicaments: An in vitro study

    PubMed Central

    Fulzele, Punit; Baliga, Sudhindra; Thosar, Nilima; Pradhan, Debaprya

    2011-01-01

    Aims: Evaluation of calcium ion and hydroxyl ion release and pH levels in various calcium hydroxide based intracanal medicaments. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate calcium and hydroxyl ion release and pH levels of calcium hydroxide based products, namely, RC Cal, Metapex, calcium hydroxide with distilled water, along with the new gutta-percha points with calcium hydroxide. Materials and Methods: The materials were inserted in polyethylene tubes and immersed in deionized water. The pH variation, Ca++ and OH- release were monitored periodically for 1 week. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests with PASW Statistics version 18 software to compare the statistical difference. Results: After 1 week, calcium hydroxide with distilled water and RC Cal raised the pH to 12.7 and 11.8, respectively, while a small change was observed for Metapex, calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points. The calcium released after 1 week was 15.36 mg/dL from RC Cal, followed by 13.04, 1.296, 3.064 mg/dL from calcium hydroxide with sterile water, Metapex and calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points, respectively. Conclusions: Calcium hydroxide with sterile water and RC Cal pastes liberate significantly more calcium and hydroxyl ions and raise the pH higher than Metapex and calcium hydroxidegutta-percha points. PMID:22346155

  2. Bio-based barium alginate film: Preparation, flame retardancy and thermal degradation behavior.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yun; Zhang, Chuan-Jie; Zhao, Jin-Chao; Guo, Yi; Zhu, Ping; Wang, De-Yi

    2016-03-30

    A bio-based barium alginate film was prepared via a facile ionic exchange and casting approach. Its flammability, thermal degradation and pyrolysis behaviors, thermal degradation mechanism were studied systemically by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL-94), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). It showed that barium alginate film had much higher LOI value (52.0%) than that of sodium alginate film (24.5%). Moreover, barium alginate film passed the UL-94 V-0 rating, while the sodium alginate film showed no classification. Importantly, peak of heat release rate (PHRR) of barium alginate film in MCC test was much lower than that of sodium alginate film, suggested that introduction of barium ion into alginate film significantly decreased release of combustible gases. TG-FTIR and Py-GC-MS results indicated that barium alginate produced much less flammable products than that of sodium alginate in whole thermal degradation procedure. Finally, a possible degradation mechanism of barium alginate had been proposed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Dye-doped nanostructure polypyrrole film for electrochemically switching solid-phase microextraction of Ni(II) and ICP-OES analysis of waste water.

    PubMed

    Shamaeli, Ehsan; Alizadeh, Naader

    2012-01-01

    A nanostructure fiber based on conducting polypyrrole synthesized by an electrochemical method has been developed, and used for electrochemically switching solid-phase microextraction (ES-SPME). The ES-SPME was prepared by the doping of eriochrome blue in polypyrrole (PPy-ECB) and used for selectively extracting the Ni(II) cation in the presence of some transition and heavy metal ions. The cation-exchange behavior of electrochemically prepared polypyrrole on stainless-steel with and without eriochrome blue (ECB) dye was characterized using ICP-OES analysis. The effects of the scan rate for electrochemical synthesis, uptake and the release potential on the extraction behavior of the PPy-ECB conductive fiber were studied. Uptake and release time profiles show that the process of electrically switched cation exchange could be completed within 250 s. The results of the present study point concerning the possibility of developing a selective extraction process for Ni(II) from waste water was explored using such a nanostructured PPy-ECB film through an electrically switched cation exchange. 2012 © The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry

  4. Price To Be Paid for Two-Metal Catalysis: Magnesium Ions That Accelerate Chemistry Unavoidably Limit Product Release from a Protein Kinase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jacobsen, Douglas M.; Bao, Zhao-Qin; O'’Brien, Patrick

    Incorporation of divalent metal ions into an active site is a fundamental catalytic tool used by diverse enzymes. Divalent cations are used by protein kinases to both stabilize ATP binding and accelerate chemistry. Kinetic analysis establishes that Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) requires simultaneous binding of two Mg 2+ ions for catalysis of phosphoryl transfer. This tool, however, comes with a price: the rate-acceleration effects are opposed by an unavoidable rate-limiting consequence of the use of two Mg 2+ ions by CDK2. The essential metal ions stabilize ADP product binding and limit the overall rate of the reaction. We demonstrate thatmore » product release is rate limiting for activated CDK2 and evaluate the effects of the two catalytically essential Mg 2+ ions on the stability of the ADP product within the active site. We present two new crystal structures of CDK2 bound to ADP showing how the phosphate groups can be coordinated by either one or two Mg 2+ ions, with the occupancy of one site in a weaker equilibrium. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that ADP phosphate mobility is more restricted when ADP is coordinated by two Mg 2+ ions compared to one. The structural similarity between the rigid ADP·2Mg product and the cooperatively assembled transition state provides a mechanistic rational for the rate-limiting ADP release that is observed. We demonstrate that although the simultaneous binding of two Mg 2+ ions is essential for efficient phosphoryl transfer, the presence of both Mg 2+ ions in the active site also cooperatively increases ADP affinity and opposes its release. Evolution of protein kinases must have involved careful tuning of the affinity for the second Mg 2+ ion in order to balance the needs to stabilize the chemical transition state and allow timely product release. The link between Mg 2+ site affinity and activity presents a chemical handle that may be used by regulatory factors as well as explain some mutational effects.« less

  5. pH and calcium ion release evaluation of pure and calcium hydroxide-containing Epiphany for use in retrograde filling

    PubMed Central

    TANOMARU-FILHO, Mário; SAÇAKI, Juliana Nogueira; FALEIROS, Frederico Bordini Chaves; GUERREIRO-TANOMARU, Juliane Maria

    2011-01-01

    Objective Hydroxyl (OH-) and calcium (Ca++) ion release was evaluated in six materials: G1) Sealer 26, G2) White mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), G3) epiphany, G4) epiphany + 10% calcium hydroxide (CH), G5) epiphany + 20% CH, and G6) zinc oxide and eugenol. Material and Methods Specimens were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in distilled water. After 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, 7, 14, and 28 days, the water was assessed for pH with a pH meter and for Ca++ release by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results G1, G2, G4, and G5 had the highest pH until 14 days (p<0.05). G1 presented the highest Ca++ release until 6 h, and G4 and G5, from 12 h through 14 days. Ca++ release was greater for G1 and G2 at 28 days. G6 released the least Ca++. Conclusion MTA, Sealer 26, epiphany, and epiphany + CH release OH - and Ca++ ions. Epiphany + CH may be an alternative as retrofilling material. PMID:21437461

  6. Chemical Stability of Bioglass in Simulated Oral Environment.

    PubMed

    Sm, Moazzami; R, Sadid Zadeh; K, Kianoush; M, Sarmad; F, Barani Karbaski; R, Amiri Daluyi; Rb, Kazemi

    2016-09-01

    Bioglasses are a series of biocompatible dental materials, which are considered as light conducting inserts in resin composite restorations. Consequently, their chemical stability is more essential when they are used in conjunction with resin composite. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the chemical stability of Bioglass with dental porcelain and resin composite by determining the amount of released K+, Na+, Ca2+ ions and silicone elements from these materials as a result of exposure to tested solutions with different pH levels including: Sodium Bicarbonate [SB, (pH=9.2)], Sodium Buffer Lactate [SBL, (pH=2.4)], Acetic Acid [AA, (pH=2.4)], and Distilled Water [DW, (pH=6.2)]. In this experimental study, forty 2.0 × 4.0 cylindrical rods for each tested material group (Dental porcelain, Resin composite and Bioglass) were prepared. They were divided into four subgroups of 10 rods each, which immersed in one of the four testing solutions in a designated container. The containers were stored at 50°C and 100% humidity for one week. The released ions were measured by using a spectrophotometer (µg/cm 2 /ml). The data were statistically analyzed by nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H test. It was observed that the tested materials released ions at different levels of concentration. The significant amounts of Sodium, Calcium, and Silicon ions release were measured in Bioglass subgroups in all the tested solutions ( p < 0.001). Potassium ion release from dental porcelain was the largest in all solutions except for AA in which Bioglass had the greatest potassium ion release ( p < 0.001). A greater structural instability was observed for Biogalss group than dental porcelain and resin composite in testing solutions with different pH levels.

  7. Effects of Ion-Releasing Tooth-Coating Material on Demineralization of Bovine Tooth Enamel

    PubMed Central

    Kawasaki, Koji; Kambara, Masaki

    2014-01-01

    We compared the effect of a novel ion-releasing tooth-coating material that contained S-PRG (surface-reaction type prereacted glass-ionomer) filler to that of non-S-PRG filler and nail varnish on the demineralization of bovine enamel subsurface lesions. The demineralization process of bovine enamel was examined using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) measurement. Ion concentrations in demineralizing solution were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic (ICP) emission spectrometry and an ion electrode. The nail varnish group and the non-S-PRG filler group showed linear demineralization. Although the nail varnish group and the non-S-PRG filler group showed linear demineralization, the S-PRG filler group did not. Further, plane-scanning by EPMA analysis in the S-PRG filler group showed no changes in Ca ion distribution, and F ions showed peak levels on the surface of enamel specimens. Most ions in the demineralizing solution were present at higher concentrations in the S-PRG filler group than in the other two groups. In conclusion, only the S-PRG filler-containing tooth-coating material released ions and inhibited demineralization around the coating. PMID:24578706

  8. Evidence for the dissolution of molybdenum during tribocorrosion of CoCrMo hip implants in the presence of serum protein.

    PubMed

    Simoes, Thiago A; Bryant, Michael G; Brown, Andy P; Milne, Steven J; Ryan, Mary; Neville, Anne; Brydson, Rik

    2016-11-01

    We have characterized CoCrMo, Metal-on-Metal (MoM) implant, wear debris particles and their dissolution following cycling in a hip simulator, and have related the results to the tribocorrosion of synthetic wear debris produced by milling CoCrMo powders in solutions representative of environments in the human body. Importantly, we have employed a modified ICP-MS sample preparation procedure to measure the release of ions from CoCrMo alloys during wear simulation in different media; this involved use of nano-porous ultrafilters which allowed complete separation of particles from free ions and complexes in solution. As a result, we present a new perspective on the release of metal ions and formation of metal complexes from CoCrMo implants. The new methodology enables the mass balance of ions relative to complexes and particles during tribocorrosion in hip simulators to be determined. A much higher release of molybdenum ions relative to cobalt and chromium has been measured. The molybdenum dissolution was enhanced by the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), possibly due to the formation of metal-protein complexes. Overall, we believe that the results could have significant implications for the analysis and interpretation of metal ion levels in fluids extracted from hip arthroplasty patients; we suggest that metal levels, including molybdenum, be analysed in these fluids using the protocol described here. We have developed an important new protocol for the analysis of metal ion levels in fluids extracted from hip implant patients and also hip simulators. Using this procedure, we present a new perspective on the release of metal ions from CoCrMo alloy implants, revealing significantly lower levels of metal ion release during tribocorrosion in hip simulators than previously thought, combined with the release of much higher percentages of molybdenum ions relative to cobalt and chromium. This work is of relevance, both from the perspective of the fundamental science and study of metal-protein interactions, enabling understanding of the ongoing problem associated with the biotribocorrosion and the link to inflammation associated with Metal-on-Metal (MoM) hip implants made from CoCrMo alloys. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Release of Gd-ions from peralkaline borosilicate glass in pure water for neutrino detection in Water-Cherenkov Detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dongol, R.; Sundaram, S. K.

    2017-09-01

    The addition of Gadolinium (Gd)-based salt, specially GdCl3, in the Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs) enhances the sensitivity to neutrino detection. However, the unwanted Cl-based byproducts, significantly reduces the transparency of water and sensitivity of WCDs. An alternative method, to introduce Gd-ions in the WCDs, is through Gd-release from a custom designed Gd-doped glass, when in contact with water. This can potentially eliminate the use of Gd-based salts and byproducts. In this work, we report the Gd-ions release for a Gd-doped peralkaline (Na/Al > 1) borosilicate glass, which closely represents photomultiplier tube (PMT) glass composition used in WCDs. The purpose of the paper is to show that the Gd-ion release from a custom designed glass in the form of beads or powders is feasible and could be used as a controlled Gd-source in future WCDs to enhance neutrino detection. In addition, we present our results of Gd-solubility in the base glass composition.

  10. Novel rechargeable calcium phosphate nanocomposite with antibacterial activity to suppress biofilm acids and dental caries.

    PubMed

    Al-Dulaijan, Yousif A; Cheng, Lei; Weir, Michael D; Melo, Mary Anne S; Liu, Huaibing; Oates, Thomas W; Wang, Lin; Xu, Hockin H K

    2018-05-01

    Rechargeable calcium phosphate (CaP) composites were developed recently. However, none of the rechargeable CaP composites was antibacterial. The objectives of this study were to develop the first rechargeable CaP composite that was antibacterial, and to investigate the effects of adding dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) into rechargeable CaP composite on ion rechargeability and re-release as well as biofilm properties. DMAHDM was synthesized via a Menschutkin reaction. Nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) were synthesized using a spray-drying technique. The resin contained ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) and pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM). Two composites were fabricated: rechargeable NACP composite, and rechargeable NACP-DMAHDM composite. Mechanical properties and ion release and recharge were measured. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model using saliva was tested. Flexural strength and elastic modulus of rechargeable NACP and NACP-DMAHDM composites matched commercial control composite (p > 0.1). NACP-DMAHDM inhibited biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid, and reduced biofilm colony-forming units (CFU) by 3-4 log. NACP and NACP-DMAHDM showed similar Ca and P ion recharge and re-release (p > 0.1). Therefore, adding DMAHDM did not compromise the ion rechargeability. One recharge yielded continuous release for 42 d. The release was maintained at the same level with increasing number of recharge cycles, indicating long-term ion release and remineralization capability. The first CaP rechargeable and antibacterial composite was developed. Adding DMAHDM into the rechargeable NACP composite did not adversely affect the Ca and P ion release and recharge, and the composite had much less biofilm growth and lactic acid production, with CFU reduction by 3-4 log. This novel CaP rechargeable composite with long-term remineralization and antibacterial properties is promising for tooth restorations to inhibit caries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Effect of Alkaline Peroxides on the Surface of Cobalt Chrome Alloy: An In Vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Vasconcelos, Glenda Lara Lopes; Curylofo, Patricia Almeida; Raile, Priscilla Neves; Macedo, Ana Paula; Paranhos, Helena Freitas Oliveira; Pagnano, Valeria Oliveira

    2018-03-24

    Removable denture hygiene care is very important for the longevity of the rehabilitation treatment; however, it is necessary to analyze the effects that denture cleansers can cause on the surfaces of prostheses. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of alkaline peroxide-effervescent tablets on the surface of cobalt-chromium alloys (Co-Cr) used in removable partial dentures. Circular metallic specimens (12 × 3 mm) were fabricated and were immersed (n = 16) in: control, Polident 3 Minute (P3M), Steradent (S), Efferdent (E), Polident for Partials (PFP), and Corega Tabs (CT). The surface roughness (μm) (n = 10) was measured before and after periods of cleanser immersion corresponding to 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. Ion release was analyzed (n = 5) for Co, Cr, and molybdenum (Mo). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and an Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were conducted in one specimen. The surface roughness data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05) with the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the solutions, and the Friedman test compared the immersion durations. Ion release analysis was performed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. There was no significant surface roughness difference when comparing the solutions (p > 0.05) and the immersion durations (p = 0.137). Regarding ion release (μg/L), CT, E, and control produced a greater release of Co ions than S (p < 0.05). CT produced a greater release of Cr ions than control, S, and P3M (p < 0.05). Finally, E caused the greatest release of Mo ions (p < 0.05). SEM confirmed that the solutions did not damage the surfaces and EDS confirmed that there were no signs of oxidation. The various solutions tested did not have any deleterious effects on the Co-Cr alloy surface. Steradent, however, presented the smallest ionic release. © 2018 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

  12. Metallic ions as therapeutic agents in tissue engineering scaffolds: an overview of their biological applications and strategies for new developments

    PubMed Central

    Mouriño, Viviana; Cattalini, Juan Pablo; Boccaccini, Aldo R.

    2012-01-01

    This article provides an overview on the application of metallic ions in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, focusing on their therapeutic applications and the need to design strategies for controlling the release of loaded ions from biomaterial scaffolds. A detailed summary of relevant metallic ions with potential use in tissue engineering approaches is presented. Remaining challenges in the field and directions for future research efforts with focus on the key variables needed to be taken into account when considering the controlled release of metallic ions in tissue engineering therapeutics are also highlighted. PMID:22158843

  13. Antibacterial and Odontogenesis Efficacy of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Combined with CO2 Laser Treatment.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Tuan-Ti; Yeh, Chia-Hung; Kao, Chia-Tze; Chen, Yi-Wen; Huang, Tsui-Hsien; Yang, Jaw-Ji; Shie, Ming-You

    2015-07-01

    Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully used in clinical applications in endodontics. Studies show that the antibacterial effects of CO2 laser irradiation are highly efficient when bacteria are embedded in biofilm because of a photothermal mechanism. The aim of this study was to confirm the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on MTA with regard to both material characterization and cell viability. MTA was irradiated with a dental CO2 laser using directly mounted fiber optics in the wound healing mode with a spot area of 0.25 cm(2) and then stored in an incubator at 100% relative humidity and 37°C for 1 day to set. The human dental pulp cells cultured on MTA were analyzed along with their proliferation and odontogenic differentiation behaviors. The results indicate that the setting time of MTA after irradiation by the CO2 laser was significantly reduced to 118 minutes rather than the usual 143 minutes. The maximum diametral tensile strength and x-ray diffraction patterns were similar to those obtained without CO2 laser irradiation. However, the CO2 laser irradiation increased the amount of Ca and Si ions released from the MTA and regulated cell behavior. CO2 laser-irradiated MTA promoted odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs, with the increased formation of mineralized nodules on the substrate's surface. It also up-regulated the protein expression of multiple markers of odontogenic and the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein protein. The current study provides new and important data about the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on MTA with regard to the decreased setting time and increased ion release. Taking cell functions into account, the Si concentration released from MTA with laser irradiation may be lower than a critical value, and this information could lead to the development of new regenerative therapies for dentin and periodontal tissue. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. 78 FR 24673 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-26

    ... involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in release of flammable electrolytes, heat damage, and... prompted by recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in release of flammable... modification of the battery system, or other actions. That AD resulted from recent incidents involving lithium...

  15. Anti-cancer activity of ZnO chips by sustained zinc ion release.

    PubMed

    Moon, Seong-Hee; Choi, Won Jin; Choi, Sik-Won; Kim, Eun Hye; Kim, Jiyeon; Lee, Jeong-O; Kim, Seong Hwan

    2016-01-01

    We report anti-cancer activity of ZnO thin-film-coated chips by sustained release of zinc ions. ZnO chips were fabricated by precisely tuning ZnO thickness using atomic layer deposition, and their potential to release zinc ions relative to the number of deposition cycles was evaluated. ZnO chips exhibited selective cytotoxicity in human B lymphocyte Raji cells while having no effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Of importance, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the ZnO chip on the viability of Raji cells was 121.5 cycles, which was comparable to 65.7 nM of daunorubicin, an anti-cancer drug for leukemia. Molecular analysis of cells treated with ZnO chips revealed that zinc ions released from the chips increased cellular levels of reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide, which led to the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic molecules (such as HIF-1α, survivin, cIAP-2, claspin, p-53, and XIAP) and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Because the anti-cancer activity of ZnO chips and the mode of action were comparable to those of daunorubicin, the development and optimization of ZnO chips that gradually release zinc ions might have clinical anti-cancer potential. A further understanding of the biological action of ZnO-related products is crucial for designing safe biomaterials with applications in disease treatment.

  16. Ion release from, and fluoride recharge of a composite with a fluoride-containing bioactive glass.

    PubMed

    Davis, Harry B; Gwinner, Fernanda; Mitchell, John C; Ferracane, Jack L

    2014-10-01

    Materials that are capable of releasing ions such as calcium and fluoride, that are necessary for remineralization of dentin and enamel, have been the topic of intensive research for many years. The source of calcium has most often been some form of calcium phosphate, and that for fluoride has been one of several metal fluoride or hexafluorophosphate salts. Fluoride-containing bioactive glass (BAG) prepared by the sol-gel method acts as a single source of both calcium and fluoride ions in aqueous solutions. The objective of this investigation was to determine if BAG, when added to a composite formulation, can be used as a single source for calcium and fluoride ion release over an extended time period, and to determine if the BAG-containing composite can be recharged upon exposure to a solution of 5000ppm fluoride. BAG 61 (61% Si; 31% Ca; 4% P; 3% F; 1% B) and BAG 81 (81% Si; 11% Ca; 4% P; 3% F; 1% B) were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The composite used was composed of 50/50 Bis-GMA/TEGDMA, 0.8% EDMAB, 0.4% CQ, and 0.05% BHT, combined with a mixture of BAG (15%) and strontium glass (85%) to a total filler load of 72% by weight. Disks were prepared, allowed to age for 24h, abraded, then placed into DI water. Calcium and fluoride release was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy and fluoride ion selective electrode methods, respectively, after 2, 22, and 222h. The composite samples were then soaked for 5min in an aqueous 5000ppm fluoride solution, after which calcium and fluoride release was again measured at 2, 22, and 222h time points. Prior to fluoride recharge, release of fluoride ions was similar for the BAG 61 and BAG 81 composites after 2h, and also similar after 22h. At the four subsequent time points, one prior to, and three following fluoride recharge, the BAG 81 composite released significantly more fluoride ions (p<0.05). Both composites were recharged by exposure to 5000ppm fluoride, although the BAG 81 composite was recharged more than the BAG 61 composite. The BAG 61 composite released substantially more calcium ions prior to fluoride recharge during each of the 2 and 22h time periods. Thereafter, the release of calcium at the four subsequent time points was not significantly different (p>0.05) for the two composites. These results show that, when added to a composite formulation, fluoride-containing bioactive glass made by the sol-gel route can function as a single source for both calcium and fluoride ions, and that the composite can be readily recharged with fluoride. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Magnetic Graphene Nanosheet-Based Microfluidic Device for Homogeneous Real-Time Electronic Monitoring of Pyrophosphatase Activity Using Enzymatic Hydrolysate-Induced Release of Copper Ion.

    PubMed

    Lin, Youxiu; Zhou, Qian; Li, Juan; Shu, Jian; Qiu, Zhenli; Lin, Yuping; Tang, Dianping

    2016-01-05

    A novel flow-through microfluidic device based on a magneto-controlled graphene sensing platform was designed for homogeneous electronic monitoring of pyrophosphatase (PPase) activity; enzymatic hydrolysate-induced release of inorganic copper ion (Cu(2+)) from the Cu(2+)-coordinated pyrophosphate ions (Cu(2+)-PPi) complex was assessed to determine enzyme activity. Magnetic graphene nanosheets (MGNS) functionalized with negatively charged Nafion were synthesized by using the wet-chemistry method. The Cu(2+)-PPi complexes were prepared on the basis of the coordination reaction between copper ion and inorganic pyrophosphate ions. Upon target PPase introduction into the detection system, the analyte initially hydrolyzed pyrophosphate ions into phosphate ions and released the electroactive copper ions from Cu(2+)-PPi complexes. The released copper ions could be readily captured through the negatively charged Nafion on the magnetic graphene nanosheets, which could be quantitatively monitored by using the stripping voltammetry on the flow-through detection cell with an external magnet. Under optimal conditions, the obtained electrochemical signal exhibited a high dependence on PPase activity within a dynamic range from 0.1 to 20 mU mL(-1) and allowed the detection at a concentration as low as 0.05 mU mL(-1). Coefficients of variation for reproducibility of the intra-assay and interassay were below 7.6 and 9.8%, respectively. The inhibition efficiency of sodium fluoride (NaF) also received good results in pyrophosphatase inhibitor screening research. In addition, the methodology afforded good specificity and selectivity, simplification, and low cost without the need of sample separations and multiple washing steps, thus representing a user-friendly protocol for practical utilization in a quantitative PPase activity.

  18. Reversible Adhesion with Polyelectrolyte Brushes Tailored via the Uptake and Release of Trivalent Lanthanum Ions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Farina, Robert; Laugel, Nicolas; Yu, Jing

    Applications of end-tethered polyelectrolyte “brushes” to modify solid surfaces have been developed and studied for their colloidal stabilization and high lubrication properties. Current efforts have expanded into biological realms and stimuli-responsive materials. Our work explores responsive and reversible aspects of polyelectrolyte brush behavior when polyelectrolyte chains interact with oppositely charged multivalent ions and complexes, which act as counterions. There is a significant void in the polyelectrolyte literature regarding interactions with multivalent species. This paper demonstrates that interactions between solid surfaces bearing negatively charged polyelectrolyte brushes are highly sensitive to the presence of trivalent lanthanum, La3+. Lanthanum cations have unique interactionsmore » with polyelectrolyte chains, in part due to their small size and hydration radius which results in a high local charge density. Using La3+ in conjunction with the surface forces apparatus (SFA), adhesion has been observed to reversibly appear and disappear upon the uptake and release, respectively, of these multivalent cations acting as counterions. In media of fixed ionic strength set by monovalent sodium salt, at I0 = 0.003 M and I0 = 0.3 M, the sign of the interaction forces between overlapping brushes changes from repulsive to attractive when La3+ concentrations reach 0.1 mol % of the total ion concentration. These results are also shown to be generally consistent with, but subtlety different from, previous polyelectrolyte brush experiments using trivalent ruthenium hexamine in the role of the multivalent counterion.« less

  19. Ion Release and Galvanic Corrosion of Different Orthodontic Brackets and Wires in Artificial Saliva.

    PubMed

    Tahmasbi, Soodeh; Sheikh, Tahereh; Hemmati, Yasamin B

    2017-03-01

    To investigate the galvanic corrosion of brackets manufactured by four different companies coupled with stainless steel (SS) or nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires in an artificial saliva solution. A total of 24 mandibular central incisor Roth brackets of four different manufacturers (American Orthodontics, Dentaurum, Shinye, ORJ) were used in this experimental study. These brackets were immersed in artificial saliva along with SS or NiTi orthodontic wires (0.016'', round) for 28 days. The electric potential difference of each bracket/ wire coupled with a saturated calomel reference electrode was measured via a voltmeter and recorded constantly. Corrosion rate (CR) was calculated, and release of ions was measured with an atomic absorption spectrometer. Stereomicroscope was used to evaluate all samples. Then, samples with corrosion were further assessed by scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze data. Among ions evaluated, release of nickel ions from Shinye brackets was significantly higher than that of other brackets. The mean potential difference was significantly lower in specimens containing a couple of Shinye brackets and SS wire compared with other specimens. No significant difference was observed in the mean CR of various groups (p > 0.05). Microscopic evaluation showed corrosion in two samples only: Shinye bracket coupled with SS wire and American Orthodontics bracket coupled with NiTi wire. Shinye brackets coupled with SS wire showed more susceptibility to galvanic corrosion. There were no significant differences among specimens in terms of the CR or released ions except the release of Ni ions, which was higher in Shinye brackets.

  20. Surface and structure modification induced by high energy and highly charged uranium ion irradiation in monocrystal spinel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yitao; Zhang, Chonghong; Song, Yin; Gou, Jie; Zhang, Liqing; Meng, Yancheng; Zhang, Hengqing; Ma, Yizhun

    2014-05-01

    Due to its high temperature properties and relatively good behavior under irradiation, magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) is considered as a possible material to be used as inert matrix for the minor actinides burning. In this case, irradiation damage is an unavoidable problem. In this study, high energy and highly charged uranium ions (290 MeV U32+) were used to irradiate monocrystal spinel to the fluence of 1.0 × 1013 ions/cm2 to study the modification of surface and structure. Highly charged ions carry large potential energy, when they interact with a surface, the release of potential energy results in the modification of surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results showed the occurrence of etching on surface after uranium ion irradiation. The etching depth reached 540 nm. The surprising efficiency of etching is considered to be induced by the deposition of potential energy with high density. The X-ray diffraction results showed that the (4 4 0) diffraction peak obviously broadened after irradiation, which indicated that the distortion of lattice has occurred. After multi-peak Gaussian fitting, four Gaussian peaks were separated, which implied that a structure with different damage layers could be formed after irradiation.

  1. Mid-Award Progress Report for Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hoffman, M. K.

    The purpose of the work proposed for this study is to investigate the behavior and transport mechanisms for cesium-137 in soils collected from contaminated sites with distinct source release scenarios. More specifically, this study aims to determine with which elements and minerals cesium-137 associates in these various environments to more reliably predict its migration in the subsurface. This will be achieved using a state-of-the-art analysis technique available at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) known as NanoSIMS. Nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry, or NanoSIMS, is a destructive surface analysis technique in which positive secondary ions are generated from the surface ofmore » a sample and then quantified based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) using mass spectrometry. The data collected about the secondary ions can then be used to create isotope-specific spatial maps with a resolution of a few hundred nanometers and depth profiles that show the variation of the secondary ion intensity with sputtering time. This should be an ideal technique for locating cesium-137 in a sample, as cesium is an easily ionized element, meaning the yield of secondary cesium (Cs) ions produced should be high and making the identification of cesium-137 straight forward.« less

  2. Stochastic steps in secondary active sugar transport

    PubMed Central

    Adelman, Joshua L.; Ghezzi, Chiara; Bisignano, Paola; Loo, Donald D. F.; Choe, Seungho; Abramson, Jeff; Rosenberg, John M.; Wright, Ernest M.; Grabe, Michael

    2016-01-01

    Secondary active transporters, such as those that adopt the leucine-transporter fold, are found in all domains of life, and they have the unique capability of harnessing the energy stored in ion gradients to accumulate small molecules essential for life as well as expel toxic and harmful compounds. How these proteins couple ion binding and transport to the concomitant flow of substrates is a fundamental structural and biophysical question that is beginning to be answered at the atomistic level with the advent of high-resolution structures of transporters in different structural states. Nonetheless, the dynamic character of the transporters, such as ion/substrate binding order and how binding triggers conformational change, is not revealed from static structures, yet it is critical to understanding their function. Here, we report a series of molecular simulations carried out on the sugar transporter vSGLT that lend insight into how substrate and ions are released from the inward-facing state of the transporter. Our simulations reveal that the order of release is stochastic. Functional experiments were designed to test this prediction on the human homolog, hSGLT1, and we also found that cytoplasmic release is not ordered, but we confirmed that substrate and ion binding from the extracellular space is ordered. Our findings unify conflicting published results concerning cytoplasmic release of ions and substrate and hint at the possibility that other transporters in the superfamily may lack coordination between ions and substrate in the inward-facing state. PMID:27325773

  3. Stochastic steps in secondary active sugar transport.

    PubMed

    Adelman, Joshua L; Ghezzi, Chiara; Bisignano, Paola; Loo, Donald D F; Choe, Seungho; Abramson, Jeff; Rosenberg, John M; Wright, Ernest M; Grabe, Michael

    2016-07-05

    Secondary active transporters, such as those that adopt the leucine-transporter fold, are found in all domains of life, and they have the unique capability of harnessing the energy stored in ion gradients to accumulate small molecules essential for life as well as expel toxic and harmful compounds. How these proteins couple ion binding and transport to the concomitant flow of substrates is a fundamental structural and biophysical question that is beginning to be answered at the atomistic level with the advent of high-resolution structures of transporters in different structural states. Nonetheless, the dynamic character of the transporters, such as ion/substrate binding order and how binding triggers conformational change, is not revealed from static structures, yet it is critical to understanding their function. Here, we report a series of molecular simulations carried out on the sugar transporter vSGLT that lend insight into how substrate and ions are released from the inward-facing state of the transporter. Our simulations reveal that the order of release is stochastic. Functional experiments were designed to test this prediction on the human homolog, hSGLT1, and we also found that cytoplasmic release is not ordered, but we confirmed that substrate and ion binding from the extracellular space is ordered. Our findings unify conflicting published results concerning cytoplasmic release of ions and substrate and hint at the possibility that other transporters in the superfamily may lack coordination between ions and substrate in the inward-facing state.

  4. Unusual doping effect of non-magnetic ion on magnetic properties of CuFe1-xGaxO2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Liran; Jin, Zhao; Chen, Borong; Xia, Nianming; Zuo, Huakun; Wang, Yeshuai; Ouyang, Zhongwen; Xia, Zhengcai

    2014-12-01

    The structural and magnetic properties of nonmagnetic Ga3+ ion doped CuFe1-xGaxO2 (x=0, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05) single crystal samples have been investigated. In pulsed high magnetic fields, the field-induced multi-step transitions were observed in all the samples. Compared with pure CuFeO2, the transition temperatures, critical magnetic fields decrease and the magnetic hysteresis of the doped samples become small, which may result from the partial release of the spin frustration and the changes of the magnetic coupling both inter- and intra-planes due to the Ga3+ dopant. The magnetization measurements show an abnormal dilution behavior, especially in a lower temperature region, the magnetic moment was enhanced due to the nonmagnetic Ga3+ ion doping, the enhancement becomes more obviously in the sample with the Ga3+ doping level of x=0.03. These results may connected with the substitution of nonmagnetic Ga3+ ions destroying the stability of ground state and affecting the stability of the ferroelectricity incommensurate phase. Based on the experimental results, a super-cell model and their magnetic diagram were assumed.

  5. Design, synthesis, characterization and cation sensing behavior of amino-naphthoquinone receptor: Selective colorimetric sensing of Cu(II) ion in nearly aqueous solution with mimicking logic gate operation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parthiban, C.; Elango, Kuppanagounder P.

    2017-03-01

    An amino-naphthoquione receptor (R1) has been rationally designed, synthesized and characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, LCMS and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The receptor exhibits an instantaneous colour change from yellow to blue selectively with Cu(II) ions in water-DMF (98:2% v/v) medium. The results of UV-Vis and fluorescence spectral studies indicates that the mechanism of sensing involves formation of a 1:1 complex between R1 and Cu(II) ion. The proposed mechanism has been confirmed through product analysis using FT-IR, UV-Vis, EPR and HRMS studies in addition to magnetic moment and elemental analysis measurements. The formed [Cu(R1)Cl2] possess a square planar geometry. The binding constant for the interaction of Cu(II) ion with the present unsubstituted quinone is found to be relatively higher than that with quinones containing electron withdrawing chlorine atom and electron releasing methyl group reported in literature. The detection limit of Cu(II) ion in aqueous solution by R1 is observed to be 8.7 nM. The detection of Cu(II) ion by R1 in aqueous solution produces remarkable changes in the electronic and fluorescence spectra, which is applied to construct logic gate at molecular level.

  6. Energetics, Ion and Water Binding of the Unfolding of AA/UU Base Pair Stacks and UAU/UAU Base Triplet Stacks in RNA.

    PubMed

    Carr, Carolyn E; Khutsishvili, Irine; Marky, Luis A

    2018-06-22

    Triplex formation occurs via interaction of a third strand with the major groove of double stranded nucleic acid, through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. In this work, we use a combination of temperature-dependent UV spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry to determine complete thermodynamic profiles for the unfolding of poly(rA)•poly(rU) (Duplex) and poly(rA)•2poly(rU) (Triplex). Our thermodynamic results are in good agreement with the much earlier work of Krakauer and Sturtevant using only UV melting techniques. The folding of these two helices yielded an uptake of ions, ΔnNa+ = 0.15 mol Na+/mol base-pair (Duplex) and 0.30 mol Na+/mole base-triplet (Triplex), which are consistent with their polymer behavior and the higher charge density parameter of triple helices. The osmotic stress technique yielded a release of structural water, ΔnW = 2 mol H2O/mol base-pair (Duplex unfolding into single strands) and an uptake of structural water, ΔnW = 2 mol H2O/mole base-pair (Triplex unfolding into Duplex and a single strand). However, an overall release of electrostricted waters is obtained for the unfolding of both complexes from pressure perturbation calorimetric experiments. In total, the ΔV values obtained for the unfolding of Triplex into Duplex and a single strand correspond to an immobilization of two structural waters and a release of three electrostricted waters. The ΔV values obtained for the unfolding of Duplex into two single strands correspond to the release of two structural waters and the immobilization of four electrostricted water molecules.

  7. Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Ions Released from Zeolites Immobilized on Cellulose Nanofiber Mats.

    PubMed

    Rieger, Katrina A; Cho, Hong Je; Yeung, Hiu Fai; Fan, Wei; Schiffman, Jessica D

    2016-02-10

    In this study, we exploit the high silver ion exchange capability of Linde Type A (LTA) zeolites and present, for the first time, electrospun nanofiber mats decorated with in-house synthesized silver (Ag(+)) ion exchanged zeolites that function as molecular delivery vehicles. LTA-Large zeolites with a particle size of 6.0 μm were grown on the surface of the cellulose nanofiber mats, whereas LTA-Small zeolites (0.2 μm) and three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous-imprinted (LTA-Meso) zeolites (0.5 μm) were attached to the surface of the cellulose nanofiber mats postsynthesis. After the three zeolite/nanofiber mat assemblies were ion-exchanged with Ag(+) ions, their ion release profiles and ability to inactivate Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12 were evaluated as a function of time. LTA-Large zeolites immobilized on the nanofiber mats displayed more than an 11 times greater E. coli K12 inactivation than the Ag-LTA-Large zeolites that were not immobilized on the nanofiber mats. This study demonstrates that by decorating nanometer to micrometer scale Ag(+) ion-exchanged zeolites on the surface of high porosity, hydrophilic cellulose nanofiber mats, we can achieve a tunable release of Ag(+) ions that inactivate bacteria faster and are more practical to use in applications over powder zeolites.

  8. Competitive adsorption-desorption reactions of two hazardous heavy metals in contaminated soils.

    PubMed

    Davari, Masoud; Rahnemaie, Rasoul; Homaee, Mehdi

    2015-09-01

    Investigating the interactions of heavy metals is imperative for sustaining environment and human health. Among those, Cd is toxic for organisms at any concentration. While Ni acts as a micronutrient at very low concentration but is hazardous toxic above certain threshold value. In this study, the chemical adsorption and desorption reactions of Ni and Cd in contaminated soils were investigated in both single and binary ion systems. Both Ni and Cd experimental data demonstrated Langmuir type adsorption. In the competitive systems, an antagonistic effect was observed, implying that both ions compete for same type of adsorption sites. Adverse effect of Cd on Ni adsorption was slightly stronger than that of opposite system, consistent with adsorption isotherms in single ion systems. Variation in ionic strength indicated that Ca, a much weaker adsorbate, could also compete with Cd and Ni for adsorption on soil particles. Desorption data indicated that Cd and Ni are adsorbed very tightly such that after four successive desorption steps, less than 0.5 % of initially adsorbed ions released into the soil solution. This implies that Ca, at concentration in equilibrium with calcite mineral, cannot adequately compete with and replace adsorbed Ni and Cd ions. This adsorption behavior was led to considerable hysteresis between adsorption and desorption in both single and binary ion systems. In the binary ion systems, desorption of Cd and Ni was increased by increase in both equilibrium concentration of adsorbed ion and concentration of competitor ion. The overall results obtained in this research indicate that Cd and Ni are strongly adsorbed in calcareous soil and Ca, the major dissolved ion, insignificantly influences metal ions adsorption. Consequently, the contaminated soils by Ni and Cd can simultaneously be remediated by environmentally oriented technologies such as phytoremediation.

  9. PULSED ION SOURCE

    DOEpatents

    Martina, E.F.

    1958-10-14

    An improved pulsed ion source of the type where the gas to be ionized is released within the source by momentary heating of an electrode occluded with the gas is presented. The other details of the ion source construction include an electron emitting filament and a positive reference grid, between which an electron discharge is set up, and electrode means for withdrawing the ions from the source. Due to the location of the gas source behind the electrode discharge region, and the positioning of the vacuum exhaust system on the opposite side of the discharge, the released gas is drawn into the electron discharge and ionized in accurately controlled amounts. Consequently, the output pulses of the ion source may be accurately controlled.

  10. Corrosion resistance and in-vitro bioactivity of BaO containing Na2O-CaO-P2O5 phosphate glass-ceramic coating prepared on 316 L, duplex stainless steel 2205 and Ti6Al4V

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Edathazhe, Akhila B.; Shashikala, H. D.

    2018-03-01

    The phosphate glass with composition 11Na2O-15BaO-29CaO-45P2O5 was coated on biomedical implant materials such as stainless steel 316 L, duplex stainless steel (DSS) 2205 and Ti6Al4V alloy by thermal enamelling method. The structural properties and composition of glass coated substrates were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The coatings were partially crystalline in nature with porous structure and pore size varied from micro to nanometer range. The polarization curve was obtained for uncoated and coated substrates from electrochemical corrosion test which was conducted at 37 °C in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS). The corrosion resistance of 316 L substrate increased after coating, whereas it decreased in case of DSS 2205 and Ti6Al4V. The XRD and SEM/EDS studies indicated the bioactive hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer formation on all the coated surfaces after electrochemical corrosion test, which improved the corrosion resistance. The observed electrochemical corrosion behavior can be explained based on protective HAp layer formation, composition and diffusion of ions on glass coated surfaces. The in-vitro bioactivity test was carried out at 37 °C in HBS solution for 14 days under static conditions for uncoated and coated substrates. pH and ion release rate measurements from the coated samples were conducted to substantiate the electrochemical corrosion test. The lower ion release rates of Na+ and Ca2+ from coated 316 L supported its higher electrochemical corrosion resistance among coated samples. Among the uncoated substrates, DSS showed higher electrochemical corrosion resistance. Amorphous calcium-phosphate (ACP) layer formation on all the coated substrates after in-vitro bioactivity test was confirmed by XRD, SEM/EDS and ion release measurements. The present work is a comparative study of corrosion resistance and bioactivity of glass coated and uncoated biomedical implants such as 316 L, DSS and Ti6Al4V.

  11. Compact microelectrode array system: tool for in situ monitoring of drug effects on neurotransmitter release from neural cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yu; Guo, Chunxian; Lim, Layhar; Cheong, Serchoong; Zhang, Qingxin; Tang, Kumcheong; Reboud, Julien

    2008-02-15

    This paper presents a compact microelectrode array (MEA) system, to study potassium ion-induced dopamine release from PC12 neural cells, without relying on a micromanipulator and a microscope. The MEA chip was integrated with a custom-made "test jig", which provides a robust electrical interfacing tool between the microchip and the macroenvironment, together with a potentiostat and a microfluidic syringe pump. This integrated system significantly simplifies the operation procedures, enhances sensing performance, and reduces fabrication costs. The achieved detection limit for dopamine is 3.8 x 10-2 muM (signal/noise, S/N = 3) and the dopamine linear calibration range is up to 7.39 +/- 0.06 muM (mean +/- SE). The effects of the extracelluar matrix collagen coating of the microelectrodes on dopamine sensing behaviors, as well as the influences of K+ and l-3,4-digydroxyphenylalanine concentrations and incubation times on dopamine release, were extensively studied. The results show that our system is well suited for biologists to study chemical release from living cells as well as drug effects on secreting cells. The current system also shows a potential for further improvements toward a multichip array system for drug screening applications.

  12. Preparation and evaluation of a timolol maleate drug-resin ophthalmic suspension as a sustained-release formulation in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Qin, Fuhong; Zeng, Li; Zhu, Yongtao; Cao, Jingjing; Wang, Xiaohui; Liu, Wei

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this work was to assess the performance of resin as an ocular delivery system. Timolol maleate (TM) was chosen as the model drug and an ion exchange resin (IER) as the carrier. The drug-resin complex was prepared using an oscillation method and then characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and drug content. After in vitro drug release study and corneal permeation study were performed, in vivo studies were performed in New Zealand albino rabbits using a suspension with particles sized 4.8 ± 1.2 μm and drug loading at 43.00 ± 0.09%. The results indicate that drug released from the drug-resin ophthalmic suspension permeated the cornea and displayed a sustained-release behavior. Drug levels in the ocular tissues after administration of the drug-resin ophthalmic suspension were significantly higher than after treatment with an eye drop formulation but were lower in body tissues and in the plasma. In conclusion, resins have great potential as effective ocular drug delivery carriers to increase ocular bioavailability of timolol while simultaneously reducing systemic drug absorption.

  13. Novel pH-sensitive IPNs of polyacrylamide-g-gum ghatti and sodium alginate for gastro-protective drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Boppana, Rashmi; Krishna Mohan, G; Nayak, Usha; Mutalik, Srinivas; Sa, Biswanath; Kulkarni, Raghavendra V

    2015-04-01

    This article reports the development of pH-sensitive interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) microbeads using polyacrylamide-grafted-gum ghatti (PAAm-g-GG) and sodium alginate (SA) for gastro-protective controlled delivery of ketoprofen. We have synthesized PAAm-grafted-GG copolymer under microwave irradiation using cerric ammonium nitrate as reaction initiator; further, the PAAm-g-GG was converted to pH-sensitive copolymer through alkaline hydrolysis. Sophisticated instrumentation techniques were used to characterize PAAm-g-GG. The IPN microbeads of PAAm-g-GG and SA, pre-loaded with ketoprofen were prepared by dual crosslinking using Ca(2+) ions and glutaraldehyde (GA). The IPN microbeads demonstrated excellent pH-sensitive behavior as noted in the pulsatile swelling test and scanning electron microscopy. IPN microbeads also showed larger amount of drug release in buffer solution of pH 7.4 as compared to drug release in solution of pH 1.2. The in vivo pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and stomach histopathology studies conducted on wistar rats confirmed the pH-sensitive controlled release of ketoprofen; IPN microbeads retarded the drug release in stomach resulting in reduced adverse effects of ketoprofen. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Bio-Corrosion of Magnesium Alloys for Orthopaedic Applications

    PubMed Central

    Brooks, Emily K.; Ehrensberger, Mark T.

    2017-01-01

    Three Mg alloys, Mg–1.34% Ca–3% Zn (MCZ), Mg–1.34% Ca–3% Zn–0.2% Sr (MCZS), and Mg–2% Sr (MS), were examined to understand their bio-corrosion behavior. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization scans were performed after 6 days of immersion in cell culture medium, and ion release and changes in media pH were tracked over a 28 day time period. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of alloy microstructure was performed to help interpret the results of the electrochemical testing. Results indicate that corrosion resistance of the alloys is as follows: MCZ > MCZS > MS. PMID:28862647

  15. Background Characterization for Thermal Ion Release Experiments with 224Ra

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kwong, H.; /Stanford U., Phys. Dept.; Rowson, P.

    The Enriched Xenon Observatory for neutrinoless double beta decay uses {sup 136}Ba identification as a means for verifying the decay's occurrence in {sup 136}Xe. A current challenge is the release of Ba ions from the Ba extraction probe, and one possible solution is to heat the probe to high temperatures to release the ions. The investigation of this method requires a characterization of the alpha decay background in our test apparatus, which uses a {sup 228}Th source that produces {sup 224}Ra daughters, the ionization energies of which are similar to those of Ba. For this purpose, we ran a backgroundmore » count with our apparatus maintained at a vacuum, and then three counts with the apparatus filled with Xe gas. We were able to match up our alpha spectrum in vacuum with the known decay scheme of {sup 228}Th, while the spectrum in xenon gas had too many unresolved ambiguities for an accurate characterization. We also found that the alpha decays occurred at a near-zero rate both in vacuum and in xenon gas, which indicates that the rate was determined by {sup 228}Th decays. With these background measurements, we can in the future make a more accurate measurement of the temperature dependency of the ratio of ions to neutral atoms released from the hot surface of the probe, which may lead to a successful method of Ba ion release.« less

  16. A Cooperative Copper Metal-Organic Framework-Hydrogel System Improves Wound Healing in Diabetes.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Jisheng; Chen, Siyu; Yi, Ji; Zhang, Hao; Ameer, Guillermo A

    2017-01-05

    Chronic non-healing wounds remain a major clinical challenge that would benefit from the development of advanced, regenerative dressings that promote wound closure within a clinically relevant time frame. The use of copper ions has shown promise in wound healing applications possibly by promoting angiogenesis. However, reported treatments that use copper ions require multiple applications of copper salts or oxides to the wound bed, exposing the patient to potentially toxic levels of copper ions and resulting in variable outcomes. Herein we set out to assess whether copper metal organic framework nanoparticles (HKUST-1 NPs) embedded within an antioxidant thermoresponsive citrate-based hydrogel would decrease copper ion toxicity and accelerate wound healing in diabetic mice. HKUST-1 and poly-(polyethyleneglycol citrate-co- N -isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN) were synthesized and characterized. HKUST-1 NP stability in a protein solution with and without embedding them in PPCN hydrogel was determined. Copper ion release, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and in vitro migration processes were measured. Wound closure rates and wound blood perfusion were assessed in vivo using the splinted excisional dermal wound diabetic mouse model. HKUST-1 NP disintegrated in protein solution while HKUST-1 NPs embedded in PPCN (H-HKUST-1) were protected from degradation and copper ions were slowly released. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis due to copper ion release were significantly reduced while dermal cell migration in vitro and wound closure rates in vivo were significantly enhanced. In vivo , H-HKUST-1 induced angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization during wound healing in diabetic mice. These results suggest that a cooperatively stabilized, copper ion-releasing H-HKUST-1 hydrogel is a promising innovative dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds.

  17. Ion release from magnesium materials in physiological solutions under different oxygen tensions.

    PubMed

    Feyerabend, Frank; Drücker, Heiko; Laipple, Daniel; Vogt, Carla; Stekker, Michael; Hort, Norbert; Willumeit, Regine

    2012-01-01

    Although magnesium as degradable biomaterial already showed clinical proof of concepts, the design of new alloys requires predictive in vitro methods, which are still lacking. Incubation under cell culture conditions to obtain "physiological" corrosion may be a solution. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of different solutions, addition of proteins and of oxygen availability on the corrosion of different magnesium materials (pure Mg, WE43, and E11) with different surface finishing. Oxygen content in solution, pH, osmolality and ion release were determined. Corrosion led to a reduction of oxygen in solution. The influence of oxygen on pH was enhanced by proteins, while osmolality was not influenced. Magnesium ion release was solution-dependent and enhanced in the initial phase by proteins with delayed release of alloying elements. The main corrosion product formed was magnesium carbonate. Therefore, cell culture conditions are proposed as first step toward physiological corrosion.

  18. Plasma irregularities caused by cycloid bunching of the CRRES G-2 barium release

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bernhardt, P. A.; Huba, J. D.; Pongratz, M. B.; Simons, D. J.; Wolcott, J. H.

    1993-01-01

    The Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) spacecraft carried a number of barium thermite canisters for release into the upper atmosphere. The barium release labeled G-2 showed evidence of curved irregularities not aligned with the ambient magnetic field B. The newly discovered curved structures can be explained by a process called cycloid bunching. Cycloid bunching occurs when plasma is created by photoionization of a neutral cloud injected at high velocity perpendicular to B. If the injection velocity is much larger than the expansion speed of the cloud, the ion trail will form a cycloid that has irregularities spaced by the product of the perpendicular injection speed and the ion gyroperiod, Images of the solar-illuminated barium ions are compared with the results of a three-dimensional kinetic simulation. Cycloid bunching is shown to be responsible for the rapid generation of both curved and field-aligned irregularities in the CRRES G-2 experiment.

  19. A novel in situ hydrophobic ion paring (HIP) formulation strategy for clinical product selection of a nanoparticle drug delivery system.

    PubMed

    Song, Young Ho; Shin, Eyoung; Wang, Hong; Nolan, Jim; Low, Susan; Parsons, Donald; Zale, Stephen; Ashton, Susan; Ashford, Marianne; Ali, Mir; Thrasher, Daniel; Boylan, Nicholas; Troiano, Greg

    2016-05-10

    The present studies were aimed at formulating AZD2811-loaded polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLA-PEG) nanoparticles with adjustable release rates without altering the chemical structures of the polymer or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This was accomplished through the use of a hydrophobic ion pairing approach. A series of AZD2811-containing nanoparticles with a variety of hydrophobic counterions including oleic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, dioctylsulfosuccinic acid, and pamoic acid is described. The hydrophobicity of AZD2811 was increased through formation of ion pairs with these hydrophobic counterions, producing nanoparticles with exceptionally high drug loading-up to five fold higher encapsulation efficiency and drug loading compared to nanoparticles made without hydrophobic ion pairs. Furthermore, the rate at which the drug was released from the nanoparticles could be controlled by employing counterions with various hydrophobicities and structures, resulting in release half-lives ranging from about 2 to 120h using the same polymer, nanoparticle size, and nanoemulsion process. Process recipe variables affecting drug load and release rate were identified, including pH and molarity of quench buffer. Ion pair formation between AZD2811 and pamoic acid as a model counterion was investigated using solubility enhancement as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to demonstrate solution-state interactions. Further evidence for an ion pairing mechanism of controlled release was provided through the measurement of API and counterion release profiles using high-performance liquid chromatography, which had stoichiometric relationships. Finally, Raman spectra of an AZD2811-pamoate salt compared well with those of the formulated nanoparticles, while single components (AZD2811, pamoic acid) alone did not. A library of AZD2811 batches was created for analytical and preclinical characterization. Dramatically improved preclinical efficacy and tolerability data were generated for the pamoic acid lead formulation, which has been selected for evaluation in a Phase 1 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT 02579226). This work clearly demonstrates the importance of assessing a wide range of drug release rates during formulation screening as a critical step for new drug product development, and how utilizing hydrophobic ion pairing enabled this promising nanoparticle formulation to proceed into clinical development. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Cytotoxicity evaluation of ceramic particles of different sizes and shapes.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Akiko; Honma, Rieko; Sumita, Masae; Hanawa, Takao

    2004-02-01

    When artificial hip or knee joints are implanted in the human body, they release metallic, ceramic, and polymeric debris into the surrounding tissues. The toxicity of the released particles is of two types: chemical, caused by the released soluble ions and monomers, and mechanical, a result of mechanical stimulation produced by the insoluble particles. In this study, the cytotoxicity of particles of TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, Si3N4, and SiC for murine fibroblasts and macrophages were examined to evaluate just their mechanical toxicity because these particles are not expected to release soluble metal ions. Different sizes and shapes of TiO2 particles were used to evaluate the effect of size and shape on particle cytotoxicity. The results suggest that the cytotoxicity of ceramic particles does not depend on their chemical species. Cytotoxicity levels were lower than those of corresponding metal ions, indicating that the mechanical toxicity of particles is lower than the chemical toxicity of released soluble ions and monomers. The differences in size did not affect the mechanical toxicity of these particles. The dendritic particles had a higher cytotoxicity level for macrophages than did spindle and spheric particles. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 244-256, 2004

  1. Surface modification and fatigue behavior of nitinol for load bearing implants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bernard, Sheldon A.

    Musculoskeletal disorders are recognized amongst the most significant human health problems that exist today. Even though considerable research and development has gone towards understanding musculoskeletal disorders, there is still lack of bone replacement materials that are appropriate for restoring lost structures and functions, particularly for load-bearing applications. Many materials on the market today, such as titanium and stainless steel, suffer from significantly higher modulus than natural bone and low bioactivity leading to stress shielding and implant loosening over longer time use. Nitinol (NiTi) is an equiatomic intermetallic compound of nickel and titanium whose unique biomechanical and biological properties contributed to its increasing use as a biomaterial. An innovative method for creating dense and porous net shape NiTi alloy parts has been developed to improve biological properties while maintaining comparable or better mechanical properties than commercial materials that are currently in use. Laser engineered net shaping (LENS(TM)) and surface electrochemistry modification was used to create dense/porous samples and micro textured surfaces on NiTi parts, respectively. Porous implants are known to promote cell adhesion and have a low elastic modulus, a combination that can significantly increase the life of an implant. However, porosity can significantly reduce the fatigue life of an implant, and very little work has been reported on the fatigue behavior of bulk porous metals, specifically on porous nitinol alloy. High-cycle rotating bending and compression-compression fatigue behavior of porous NiTi fabricated using LENS(TM) were studied. In cyclic compression loading, plastic strain increased with increasing porosity and it was evident that maximum strain was achieved during the first 50000 cycles and remained constant throughout the remaining loading. No failures were observed due to loading up to 150% of the yield strength. When subjected to rotary bending fatigue, samples demonstrated a high tolerance to failure, up to 50% of the yield stress. Using anodization, improvements to the surface wettability were made by lowering the contact angle from 32° to less than 5°, which prove to enhance the bioactivity of the nitinol surface in the cell study. The surface free energy was also calculated to show comparable properties to that of cpTi. Ni ion release was studied over a 8 week duration and found that anodization not only reduces the amount of metal ion release but also decreases the rate of release as well. This work was aimed at understanding the effects of porosity characteristics, microstructure, surface morphology and fatigue behavior of nitinol on its mechanical and biological properties.

  2. Process controls for improving bioleaching performance of both Li and Co from spent lithium ion batteries at high pulp density and its thermodynamics and kinetics exploration.

    PubMed

    Niu, Zhirui; Zou, Yikan; Xin, Baoping; Chen, Shi; Liu, Changhao; Li, Yuping

    2014-08-01

    Release of Co and Li from spent lithium ion batteries (LIBs) by bioleaching has attracted growing attentions. However, the pulp density was only 1% or lower, meaning that a huge quantity of media was required for bioleaching. In this work, bioleaching behavior of the spent LIBs at pulp densities ranging from 1% to 4% was investigated and process controls to improve bioleaching performance at pulp density of 2% were explored. The results showed that the pulp density exerted a considerable influence on leaching performance of Co and Li. The bioleaching efficiency decreased respectively from 52% to 10% for Co and from 80% to 37% for Li when pulp density rose from 1% to 4%. However, the maximum extraction efficiency of 89% for Li and 72% for Co was obtained at pulp density of 2% by process controls. Bioleaching of the spent LIBs has much greater potential to occur than traditional chemical leaching based on thermodynamics analysis. The product layer diffusion model described best bioleaching behavior of Co and Li. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. An off-line method to characterize the fission product release from uranium carbide-target prototypes developed for SPIRAL2 project

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hy, B.; Barré-Boscher, N.; Özgümüs, A.; Roussière, B.; Tusseau-Nenez, S.; Lau, C.; Cheikh Mhamed, M.; Raynaud, M.; Said, A.; Kolos, K.; Cottereau, E.; Essabaa, S.; Tougait, O.; Pasturel, M.

    2012-10-01

    In the context of radioactive ion beams, fission targets, often based on uranium compounds, have been used for more than 50 years at isotope separator on line facilities. The development of several projects of second generation facilities aiming at intensities two or three orders of magnitude higher than today puts an emphasis on the properties of the uranium fission targets. A study, driven by Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay (IPNO), has been started within the SPIRAL2 project to try and fully understand the behavior of these targets. In this paper, we have focused on five uranium carbide based targets. We present an off-line method to characterize their fission product release and the results are examined in conjunction with physical characteristics of each material such as the microstructure, the porosity and the chemical composition.

  4. Investigation of the Dissolution-Reformation Cycle of the Passive Oxide Layer on NiTi Orthodontic Archwires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uzer, B.; Birer, O.; Canadinc, D.

    2017-09-01

    Dissolution-reformation cycle of the passive oxide layer on the nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires was investigated, which has recently been recognized as one of the key parameters dictating the biocompatibility of archwires. Specifically, commercially available NiTi orthodontic archwires were immersed in artificial saliva solutions of different pH values (2.3, 3.3, and 4.3) for four different immersion periods: 1, 7, 14, and 30 days. Characterization of the virgin and tested samples revealed that the titanium oxide layer on the NiTi archwire surfaces exhibit a dissolution-reformation cycle within the first 14 days of the immersion period: the largest amount of Ni ion release occurred within the first week of immersion, while it significantly decreased during the reformation period from day 7 to day 14. Furthermore, the oxide layer reformation was catalyzed on the grooves within the peaks and valleys due to relatively larger surface energy of these regions, which eventually decreased the surface roughness significantly within the reformation period. Overall, the current results clearly demonstrate that the analyses of dissolution-reformation cycle of the oxide layer in orthodontic archwires, surface roughness, and ion release behavior constitute utmost importance in order to ensure both the highest degree of biocompatibility and an efficient medical treatment.

  5. Adsorption of tranexamic acid on hydroxyapatite: Toward the development of biomaterials with local hemostatic activity.

    PubMed

    Sarda, Stéphanie; Errassifi, Farid; Marsan, Olivier; Geffre, Anne; Trumel, Catherine; Drouet, Christophe

    2016-09-01

    This work proposes to combine tranexamic acid (TAX), a clinically used antifibrinolytic agent, and hydroxyapatite (HA), widely used in bone replacement, to produce a novel bioactive apatitic biomaterial with intrinsic hemostatic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate adsorptive behavior of the TAX molecule onto HA and to point out its release in near physiological conditions. No other phase was observed by X-ray diffraction or transmission electron microscopy, and no apparent change in crystal size was detected. The presence of TAX on the powders was lightly detected on Raman spectra after adsorption. The adsorption data could be fitted with a Langmuir-Freundlich equation, suggesting a strong interaction between adsorbed molecules and the formation of multilayers. The concentration of calcium and phosphate ions in solution remained low and stable during the adsorption process, thus ion exchange during the adsorption process could be ruled out. The release of TAX was fast during the first hours and was governed by a complex process that likely involved both diffusion and dissolution of HA. Preliminary aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) hemostasis tests offered promising results for the development of osteoconductive apatitic biomaterials with intrinsic hemostatic properties, whether for dental or orthopedic applications. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  6. Intercalation and controlled release of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid using rhombohedral [LiAl2(OH)6]Cl·xH2O

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ragavan, Anusha; Khan, Aamir I.; O'Hare, Dermot

    2006-05-01

    2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has been fully intercalated into the rhombohedral polymorph of [LiAl2(OH)6]Cl·xH2O ([rhom-Li Al] LDH) by an ion exchange method. The controlled release of 2,4-D from the interlamellar spaces of [rhom-Li Al] LDH has been studied in a phosphate buffer, natural rainwater and deionised water. In buffer solution and rainwater, the intercalated herbicide is exchanged for anions in solution. In contrast, in deionised water the herbicide is released as part of the Li+/herbicide ion pair, leading to the formation of Al(OH)3 and the solvated ions.

  7. Formation of ions and radicals from icy grains in comets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson, William M.; Gerth, Christopher; Hendricks, Charles

    1991-01-01

    Ion and radical formation in comets are thought to occur primarily by photodissociation of gas phase molecules. Experimental evidence and theoretical calculations are presented that show that some of the radical and ions can come directly from ice grains. The experimental evidence suggest that if the frozen molecules on the surface of grains undergo direct dissociation then they may be able to release radicals directly in the gas phase. If the molecules undergo predissociation it is unlikely that they will release radicals in the gas phase since they should be quenched. Calculations of this direct photodissociation mechanism further indicate that even if the parent molecule undergoes direct dissociation, the yield will not be high enough to explain the rays structure in comets unless the radicals are stored in the grains and then released when the grain evaporates. Calculations were also performed to determine the maximum number of ions that can be stored in an icy grain's radius. This number is compared with the ratio of the ion to neutral molecular density. The comparison suggests that some of the ions observed near the nucleus of the comet could have originally been present in the cometary nucleus. It is also pointed out that the presence of these ions in icy grains could lead to radical formation via electron recombination. Finally, an avalanche process was evaluated as another means of producing ions in comets.

  8. Magnesium substitution in the structure of orthopedic nanoparticles: A comparison between amorphous magnesium phosphates, calcium magnesium phosphates, and hydroxyapatites.

    PubMed

    Nabiyouni, Maryam; Ren, Yufu; Bhaduri, Sarit B

    2015-01-01

    As biocompatible materials, magnesium phosphates have received a lot of attention for orthopedic applications. During the last decade multiple studies have shown advantages for magnesium phosphate such as lack of cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, strong mechanical properties, and high biodegradability. The present study investigates the role of Mg(+2) and Ca(+2) ions in the structure of magnesium phosphate and calcium phosphate nanoparticles. To directly compare the effect of Mg(+2) and Ca(+2) ions on structure of nanoparticles and their biological behavior, three groups of nanoparticles including amorphous magnesium phosphates (AMPs) which release Mg(+2), calcium magnesium phosphates (CMPs) which release Mg(+2) and Ca(+2), and hydroxyapatites (HAs) which release Ca(+2) were studied. SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR were used to evaluate the morphology, crystallinity, and chemical properties of the particles. AMP particles were homogeneous nanospheres, whereas CMPs were combinations of heterogeneous nanorods and nanospheres, and HAs which contained heterogeneous nanosphere particles. Cell compatibility was monitored in all groups to determine the cytotoxicity effect of particles on studied MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. AMPs showed significantly higher attachment rate than the HAs after 1 day and both AMPs and CMPs showed significantly higher proliferation rate when compared to HAs after 7days. Gene expression level of osteoblastic markers ALP, COL I, OCN, OPN, RUNX2 were monitored and they were normalized to GAPDH housekeeping gene. Beta actin expression level was monitored as the second housekeeping gene to confirm the accuracy of results. In general, AMPs and CMPs showed higher expression level of osteoblastic genes after 7 days which can further confirm the stimulating role of Mg(+2) and Ca(+2) ions in increasing the proliferation rate, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Surface ligand controls silver ion release of nanosilver and its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Long, Yan-Min; Hu, Li-Gang; Yan, Xue-Ting; Zhao, Xing-Chen; Zhou, Qun-Fang; Cai, Yong; Jiang, Gui-Bin

    2017-01-01

    Understanding the mechanism of nanosilver-dependent antibacterial activity against microorganisms helps optimize the design and usage of the related nanomaterials. In this study, we prepared four kinds of 10 nm-sized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with dictated surface chemistry by capping different ligands, including citrate, mercaptopropionic acid, mercaptohexanoic acid, and mercaptopropionic sulfonic acid. Their surface-dependent chemistry and antibacterial activities were investigated. Owing to the weak bond to surface Ag, short carbon chain, and low silver ion attraction, citrate-coated AgNPs caused the highest silver ion release and the strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli , when compared to the other tested AgNPs. The study on the underlying antibacterial mechanisms indicated that cellular membrane uptake of Ag, NAD + /NADH ratio increase, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were significantly induced in both AgNP and silver ion exposure groups. The released silver ions from AgNPs inside cells through a Trojan-horse-type mechanism were suggested to interact with respiratory chain proteins on the membrane, interrupt intracellular O 2 reduction, and induce ROS production. The further oxidative damages of lipid peroxidation and membrane breakdown caused the lethal effect on E. coli . Altogether, this study demonstrated that AgNPs exerted antibacterial activity through the release of silver ions and the subsequent induction of intracellular ROS generation by interacting with the cell membrane. The findings are helpful in guiding the controllable synthesis through the regulation of surface coating for medical care purpose.

  10. CALHM1 ion channel mediates purinergic neurotransmission of sweet, bitter and umami tastes.

    PubMed

    Taruno, Akiyuki; Vingtdeux, Valérie; Ohmoto, Makoto; Ma, Zhongming; Dvoryanchikov, Gennady; Li, Ang; Adrien, Leslie; Zhao, Haitian; Leung, Sze; Abernethy, Maria; Koppel, Jeremy; Davies, Peter; Civan, Mortimer M; Chaudhari, Nirupa; Matsumoto, Ichiro; Hellekant, Göran; Tordoff, Michael G; Marambaud, Philippe; Foskett, J Kevin

    2013-03-14

    Recognition of sweet, bitter and umami tastes requires the non-vesicular release from taste bud cells of ATP, which acts as a neurotransmitter to activate afferent neural gustatory pathways. However, how ATP is released to fulfil this function is not fully understood. Here we show that calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1), a voltage-gated ion channel, is indispensable for taste-stimuli-evoked ATP release from sweet-, bitter- and umami-sensing taste bud cells. Calhm1 knockout mice have severely impaired perceptions of sweet, bitter and umami compounds, whereas their recognition of sour and salty tastes remains mostly normal. Calhm1 deficiency affects taste perception without interfering with taste cell development or integrity. CALHM1 is expressed specifically in sweet/bitter/umami-sensing type II taste bud cells. Its heterologous expression induces a novel ATP permeability that releases ATP from cells in response to manipulations that activate the CALHM1 ion channel. Knockout of Calhm1 strongly reduces voltage-gated currents in type II cells and taste-evoked ATP release from taste buds without affecting the excitability of taste cells by taste stimuli. Thus, CALHM1 is a voltage-gated ATP-release channel required for sweet, bitter and umami taste perception.

  11. Development and Evaluation of Oral Controlled Release Chlorpheniramine-Ion Exchange Resinate Suspension

    PubMed Central

    Kadam, A. U.; Sakarkar, D. M.; Kawtikwar, P. S.

    2008-01-01

    An oral controlled release suspension of chlorpheniramine maleate was prepared using ion-exchange resin technology. A strong cation exchange resin Indion 244 was utilized for the sorption of the drug and the drug resinates was evaluated for various physical and chemical parameters. The drug-resinate complex was microencapsulated with a polymer Eudragit RS 100 to further retard the release characteristics. Both the drug-resinate complex and microencapsulated drug resinate were suspended in a palatable aqueous suspension base and were evaluated for controlled release characteristic. Stability study indicated that elevated temperature did not alter the sustained release nature of the dosage form indicating that polymer membrane surrounding the core material remained intact throughout the storage period. PMID:20046790

  12. A novel gel based on an ionic complex from a dendronized polymer and ciprofloxacin: Evaluation of its use for controlled topical drug release.

    PubMed

    García, Mónica C; Cuggino, Julio C; Rosset, Clarisa I; Páez, Paulina L; Strumia, Miriam C; Manzo, Ruben H; Alovero, Fabiana L; Alvarez Igarzabal, Cecilia I; Jimenez-Kairuz, Alvaro F

    2016-12-01

    The development and characterization of a novel, gel-type material based on a dendronized polymer (DP) loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP), and the evaluation of its possible use for controlled drug release, are presented in this work. DP showed biocompatible and non-toxic behaviors in cultured cells, both of which are considered optimal properties for the design of a final material for biomedical applications. These results were encouraging for the use of the polymer loaded with CIP (as a drug model), under gel form, in the development of a new controlled-release system to be evaluated for topical administration. First, DP-CIP ionic complexes were obtained by an acid-base reaction using the high density of carboxylic acid groups of the DP and the amine groups of the CIP. The complexes obtained in the solid state were broadly characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, XRP diffraction, DSC-TG analysis and optical microscopy techniques. Gels based on the DP-CIP complexes were easily prepared and presented excellent mechanical behaviors. In addition, optimal properties for application on mucosal membranes and skin were achieved due to their high biocompatibility and acute skin non-irritation. Slow and sustained release of CIP toward simulated physiological fluids was observed in the assays (in vitro), attributed to ion exchange phenomenon and to the drug reservoir effect. An in vitro bacterial growth inhibition assay showed significant CIP activity, corresponding to 38 and 58% of that exhibited by a CIP hydrochloride solution at similar CIP concentrations, against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. However, CIP delivery was appropriate, both in terms of magnitude and velocity to allow for a bactericidal effect. In conclusion, the final product showed promising behavior, which could be exploited for the treatment of topical and mucosal opportunistic infections in human or veterinary applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Electrochemical behavior of 45S5 bioactive ceramic coating on Ti6Al4V alloy for dental applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Machado López, M. M.; Espitia Cabrera, M. I.; Faure, J.; Contreras García, M. E.

    2016-04-01

    Titanium and its alloys are widely used as implant materials because of their mechanical properties and non-toxic behavior. Unfortunately, they are not bioinert, which means that they can release ions and can only fix the bone by mechanical anchorage, this can lead to the encapsulation of dense fibrous tissue in the body. The bone fixation is required in clinical conditions treated by orthopedic and dental medicine. The proposal is to coat metallic implants with bioactive materials to establish good interfacial bonds between the metal substrate and bone by increasing bioactivity. Bioactive glasses, ceramics specifically 45 S5 Bioglass, have drawn attention as a serious functional biomaterial because osseointegration capacity. The EPD method of bioglass gel precursor was proposed in the present work as a new method to obtain 45S5/Ti6A14V for dental applications. The coatings, were thermally treated at 700 and 800°C and presented the 45 S5 bioglass characteristic phases showing morphology and uniformity with no defects, quantification percentages by EDS of Si, Ca, Na, P and O elements in the coating scratched powders, showed a good proportional relationship demonstrating the obtention of the 45S5 bioglass. The corrosion tests were carried out in Hank's solution. By Tafel extrapolation, Ti6Al4V alloy showed good corrosion resistance in Hank's solution media, by the formation of a passivation layer on the metal surface, however, in the system 45S5/Ti6Al4V there was an increase in the corrosion resistance; icon-, Ecorr and corrosion rate decreased, the mass loss and the rate of release of ions, were lower in this system than in the titanium alloy without coating.

  14. Optical observations on the CRIT-II Critical Ionization Velocity Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.; Wescott, E. M.; Haerendel, G.; Valenzuela, A.

    1990-01-01

    A rocket borne Critical Ionization Velocity (CIV0 experiment was carried out from Wallops Island at dusk on May 4, 1989. Two barium shaped charges were released below the solar terminator (to prevent photoionization) at altitudes near 400 km. The ambient ionospheric electron density was 50,000/cu cm. The neutral barium jet was directed upward and at an angle of nominally 45 degrees to B which gives approximately 3 x 10 to the 23rd neutrals with super critical velocity. Ions created by a CIV process in the region of the neutral jet would travel up along B into sunlight where they can be detected optically. Well defined ion clouds (max. brightness 750 R) were observed in both releases. An ionization rate of 0.8 percent/sec (125 sec ionization time constant) can account for the observed ion cloud near the release field line, but the ionization rate falls off with increasing distance from the release. It is concluded that a CIV process was present in the neutral jet out to about 50 km from the release, which is significantly further than allowed by current theories.

  15. Bone Cell–materials Interactions and Ni Ion Release of Anodized Equiatomic NiTi Alloy

    PubMed Central

    Bernard, Sheldon A.; Balla, Vamsi Krishna; Davies, Neal M.; Bose, Susmita; Bandyopadhyay, Amit

    2011-01-01

    Laser processed NiTi alloy was anodized for different durations in H2SO4 electrolyte with varying pH to create biocompatible surfaces with low Ni ion release as well as bioactive surfaces to enhance biocompatibility and bone cell-materials interactions. The anodized surfaces were assessed for their in vitro cell-materials interactions using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells for 3, 7 and 11 days, and Ni ion release up to 8 weeks in simulated body fluids. The results were correlated with surface morphologies of anodized surfaces characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that the anodization creates a surface with nano/micro roughness depending on anodization conditions. The hydrophilicity of NiTi surface was found to improve after anodization due to lower contact angles in cell media, which dropped from 32° to < 5°. The improved wettability of anodized surfaces is further corroborated by their high surface energy comparable to that of cp Ti. Relatively high surface energy, especially polar component, and nano/micro surface features of anodized surfaces significantly increased the number of living cells and their adherence and growth on these surfaces. Finally, a significant drop in Ni ion release from 268 ± 11 to 136 ± 15 ppb was observed for NiTi surfaces after anodization. This work indicates that anodization of NiTi alloy has a positive influence on the surface energy and surface morphology, which in turn improve bone cell-materials interactions and reduce Ni ion release in vitro. PMID:21232641

  16. Galvanic Corrosion of and Ion Release from Various Orthodontic Brackets and Wires in a Fluoride-containing Mouthwash.

    PubMed

    Tahmasbi, Soodeh; Ghorbani, Mohammad; Masudrad, Mahdis

    2015-01-01

    Background and aims. This study compared the galvanic corrosion of orthodontic wires and brackets from various manufacturers following exposure to a fluoride mouthwash. Materials and methods. This study was conducted on 24 lower central incisor 0.022" Roth brackets of four different commercially available brands (Dentaurum, American Orthodontics, ORJ, Shinye). These brackets along with stainless steel (SS) or nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires (0.016", round) were immersed in Oral-B mouthwash containing 0.05% sodium fluoride for 28 days. The electric potential (EP) difference of each bracket-wire couple was measured with a Saturated Calomel Reference Electrode (Ag/AgCl saturated with KCl) via a voltmeter. The ions released in the electrolyte weremeasured with an atomic absorption spectrometer. All the specimens were assessed under a stereomicroscope and specimens with corrosion were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results. The copper ions released from specimens with NiTi wire were greater than those of samples containing SS wire. ORJ brackets released more Cu ions than other samples. The Ni ions released from Shinye brackets were significantly more than those of other specimens (P < 0.05). Corrosion rate of brackets coupled with NiTi wires was higher than that of brackets coupled with SS wires. Light and electron microscopic observations showed greater corrosion of ORJ brackets. Conclusion. In fluoride mouthwash, Shinye and ORJ brackets exhibited greater corrosion than Dentaurum and American Orthodontics brackets. Stainless steel brackets used with NiTi wires showed greater corrosion and thus caution is recommended when using them.

  17. Corrosion, ion release and Mott-Schottky probe of chromium oxide coatings in saline solution with potential for orthopaedic implant applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ogwu, A. A.; Oje, A. M.; Kavanagh, J.

    2016-04-01

    We report our investigation on chromium oxide thin film coatings that show a negligible ion release during electrochemical corrosion testing in saline solution. The chemical constituents of the films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering were identified to be predominantly Cr2O3 based on Raman spectroscopy anti-symmetric stretching vibration modes for CrIII-O and other peaks and an FTIR spectroscopy E u vibrational mode at 409 cm-1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, multiplet fitting for 2P 3/2 and 2P 1/2 states also confirmed the predominantly Cr2O3 stoichiometry in the films. The prepared chromium oxide coatings showed superior pitting corrosion resistance compared to the native chromium oxide films on bare uncoated stainless steel when tested under open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarisation and cyclic voltammetry in saline solution. The chromium ion released into solution during the corrosion testing of stainless steel substrates coated with chromium oxide coatings was found to be negligibly small based on atomic absorption spectroscopy measurements. Our Mott-Schottky analysis investigation showed that the negligibly small ion release from the chromium oxide coated steel substrates is most likely due to a much lower defect density on the surface of the deposited coatings compared to the native oxide layer on the uncoated steel substrates. This opens up the opportunity for using chromium oxide surface coatings in hip, knee and other orthopaedic implants where possible metal ion release in vivo still poses a great challenge.

  18. Galvanic Corrosion of and Ion Release from Various Orthodontic Brackets and Wires in a Fluoride-containing Mouthwash

    PubMed Central

    Tahmasbi, Soodeh; Ghorbani, Mohammad; Masudrad, Mahdis

    2015-01-01

    Background and aims. This study compared the galvanic corrosion of orthodontic wires and brackets from various manufacturers following exposure to a fluoride mouthwash. Materials and methods. This study was conducted on 24 lower central incisor 0.022" Roth brackets of four different commercially available brands (Dentaurum, American Orthodontics, ORJ, Shinye). These brackets along with stainless steel (SS) or nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires (0.016", round) were immersed in Oral-B mouthwash containing 0.05% sodium fluoride for 28 days. The electric potential (EP) difference of each bracket-wire couple was measured with a Saturated Calomel Reference Electrode (Ag/AgCl saturated with KCl) via a voltmeter. The ions released in the electrolyte weremeasured with an atomic absorption spectrometer. All the specimens were assessed under a stereomicroscope and specimens with corrosion were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results. The copper ions released from specimens with NiTi wire were greater than those of samples containing SS wire. ORJ brackets released more Cu ions than other samples. The Ni ions released from Shinye brackets were significantly more than those of other specimens (P < 0.05). Corrosion rate of brackets coupled with NiTi wires was higher than that of brackets coupled with SS wires. Light and electron microscopic observations showed greater corrosion of ORJ brackets. Conclusion. In fluoride mouthwash, Shinye and ORJ brackets exhibited greater corrosion than Dentaurum and American Orthodontics brackets. Stainless steel brackets used with NiTi wires showed greater corrosion and thus caution is recommended when using them. PMID:26697148

  19. The Effects of Electrical Stimuli on Calcium Change and Histamine Release in Rat Basophilic Leukemia Mast Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Dan; Wu, Zu-Hui; Chen, Ji-Yao; Zhou, Lu-Wei

    2013-06-01

    We apply electric fields at different frequencies of 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 kHz to the rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) mast cells in calcium-containing or calcium-free buffers. The stimuli cause changes of the intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca2+]i as well as the histamine. The [Ca2+]i increases when the frequency of the external electric field increases from 100 Hz to 10 kHz, and then decreases when the frequency further increases from 10 kHz to 100 kHz, showing a peak at 100 kHz. A similar frequency dependence of the histamine release is also found. The [Ca2+]i and the histamine releases at 100 Hz are about the same as the values of the control group with no electrical stimulation. The ruthenium red (RR), an inhibitor to the TRPV (transient receptor potential (TRP) family V) channels across the cell membrane, is used in the experiment to check whether the electric field stimuli act on the TRPV channels. Under an electric field of 10 kHz, the [Ca2+]i in a calcium-concentration buffer is about 3.5 times as much as that of the control group with no electric stimulation, while the [Ca2+]i in a calcium-free buffer is only about 2.2 times. Similar behavior is also found for the histamine release. RR blockage effect on the [Ca2+]i decrease is statistically significant (~75%) when mast cells in the buffer with calcium are stimulated with a 10 kHz electric field in comparison with the result without the RR treatment. This proves that TRPVs are the channels that calcium ions inflow through from the extracellular environment under electrical stimuli. Under this condition, the histamine is also released following a similar way. We suggest that, as far as an electric stimulation is concerned, an application of ac electric field of 10 kHz is better than other frequencies to open TRPV channels in mast cells, and this would cause a significant calcium influx resulting in a significant histamine release, which could be one of the mechanisms for electric therapy.

  20. Nanoscale surface characterization and miscibility study of a spray-dried injectable polymeric matrix consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

    PubMed

    Meeus, Joke; Chen, Xinyong; Scurr, David J; Ciarnelli, Valeria; Amssoms, Katie; Roberts, Clive J; Davies, Martyn C; van Den Mooter, Guy

    2012-09-01

    Injectable controlled-release formulations are of increasing interest for the treatment of chronic diseases. This study aims to develop and characterize a polymeric matrix for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, consisting of two biocompatible polymers, particularly suitable for formulating poorly soluble drugs. For this matrix, the water-insoluble polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is combined with the water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Microparticles of these two polymers were prepared by spray drying. The phase behavior of the samples was studied by means of modulated differential scanning calorimetry and the results showed that phase separation occurred in the bulk sample through evidence of two mixed amorphous phases, namely, a PLGA-rich phase and a PVP-rich phase. Characterization of the samples by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the spray-dried particles were hollow with a thin shell. Because of the importance in relation to stability and drug release, information about the surface of the microparticles was collected by different complementary surface analysis techniques. Atomic force microscopy gathered information about the morphology and phase behavior of the microparticle surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of the particles revealed that the surface consisted mainly of the PLGA-rich phase. This was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at an increased sampling depth (≈ 10 nm). Nanothermal analysis proved to be an innovative way to thermally detect the presence of the PLGA-dominated surface layer and the underlying PVP phase. Taken together, this information provides a rational basis for predicting the likely drug release behavior this formulation will display. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Actions of Acute and Chronic Ethanol on Presynaptic Terminals

    PubMed Central

    Roberto, Marisa; Treistman, Steven N.; Pietrzykowski, Andrzej Z.; Weiner, Jeff; Galindo, Rafael; Mameli, Manuel; Valenzuela, Fernando; Zhu, Ping Jun; Lovinger, David; Zhang, Tao A.; Hendricson, Adam H.; Morrisett, Richard; Siggins, George Robert

    2014-01-01

    This article presents the proceedings of a symposium entitled “The Tipsy Terminal: Presynaptic Effects of Ethanol” (held at the annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, in Santa Barbara, CA, June 27, 2005). The objective of this symposium was to focus on a cellular site of ethanol action underrepresented in the alcohol literature, but quickly becoming a “hot” topic. The chairs of the session were Marisa Roberto and George Robert Siggins. Our speakers were chosen on the basis of the diverse electrophysiological and other methods used to discern the effects of acute and chronic ethanol on presynaptic terminals and on the basis of significant insights that their data provide for understanding ethanol actions on neurons in general, as mechanisms underlying problematic behavioral effects of alcohol. The 5 presenters drew from their recent studies examining the effects of acute and chronic ethanol using a range of sophisticated methods from electrophysiological analysis of paired-pulse facilitation and spontaneous and miniature synaptic currents (Drs. Weiner, Valenzuela, Zhu, and Morrisett), to direct recording of ion channel activity and peptide release from acutely isolated synaptic terminals (Dr. Treistman), to direct microscopic observation of vesicular release (Dr. Morrisett). They showed that ethanol administration could both increase and decrease the probability of release of different transmitters from synaptic terminals. The effects of ethanol on synaptic terminals could often be correlated with important behavioral or developmental actions of alcohol. These and other novel findings suggest that future analyses of synaptic effects of ethanol should attempt to ascertain, in multiple brain regions, the role of presynaptic terminals, relevant presynaptic receptors and signal transduction linkages, exocytotic mechanisms, and their involvement in alcohol’s behavioral actions. Such studies could lead to new treatment strategies for alcohol intoxication, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism. PMID:16441271

  2. Release of Native-like Gaseous Proteins from Electrospray Droplets via the Charged Residue Mechanism: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

    PubMed

    McAllister, Robert G; Metwally, Haidy; Sun, Yu; Konermann, Lars

    2015-10-07

    The mechanism whereby gaseous protein ions are released from charged solvent droplets during electrospray ionization (ESI) remains a matter of debate. Also, it is unclear to what extent electrosprayed proteins retain their solution structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations offer insights into the temporal evolution of protein systems. Surprisingly, there have been no all-atom simulations of the protein ESI process to date. The current work closes this gap by investigating the behavior of protein-containing aqueous nanodroplets that carry excess positive charge. We focus on "native ESI", where proteins initially adopt their biologically active solution structures. ESI proceeds while the protein remains entrapped within the droplet. Protein release into the gas phase occurs upon solvent evaporation to dryness. Droplet shrinkage is accompanied by ejection of charge carriers (Na(+) for the conditions chosen here), keeping the droplet at ∼85% of the Rayleigh limit throughout its life cycle. Any remaining charge carriers bind to the protein as the final solvent molecules evaporate. The outcome of these events is largely independent of the initial protein charge and the mode of charge carrier binding. ESI charge states and collision cross sections of the MD structures agree with experimental data. Our results confirm the Rayleigh/charged residue model (CRM). Field emission of excess Na(+) plays an ancillary role by governing the net charge of the shrinking droplet. Models that envision protein ejection from the droplet are not supported. Most nascent CRM ions retain native-like conformations. For unfolded proteins ESI likely proceeds along routes that are different from the native state mechanism explored here.

  3. The Snakelike Chain Character of Unstructured RNA

    PubMed Central

    Jacobson, David R.; McIntosh, Dustin B.; Saleh, Omar A.

    2013-01-01

    In the absence of base-pairing and tertiary structure, ribonucleic acid (RNA) assumes a random-walk conformation, modulated by the electrostatic self-repulsion of the charged, flexible backbone. This behavior is often modeled as a Kratky-Porod “wormlike chain” (WLC) with a Barrat-Joanny scale-dependent persistence length. In this study we report measurements of the end-to-end extension of poly(U) RNA under 0.1 to 10 pN applied force and observe two distinct elastic-response regimes: a low-force, power-law regime characteristic of a chain of swollen blobs on long length scales and a high-force, salt-valence-dependent regime consistent with ion-stabilized crumpling on short length scales. This short-scale structure is additionally supported by force- and salt-dependent quantification of the RNA ion atmosphere composition, which shows that ions are liberated under stretching; the number of ions liberated increases with increasing bulk salt concentration. Both this result and the observation of two elastic-response regimes directly contradict the WLC model, which predicts a single elastic regime across all forces and, when accounting for scale-dependent persistence length, the opposite trend in ion release with salt concentration. We conclude that RNA is better described as a “snakelike chain,” characterized by smooth bending on long length scales and ion-stabilized crumpling on short length scales. In monovalent salt, these two regimes are separated by a characteristic length that scales with the Debye screening length, highlighting the determining importance of electrostatics in RNA conformation. PMID:24314087

  4. Wound healing effect of bioactive ion released from Mg-smectite.

    PubMed

    Sasaki, Yu; Sathi, Gulsan Ara; Yamamoto, Osamu

    2017-08-01

    Bioactive ions like Mg 2+ and Si 4+ have been known as promotion factors of tissue regeneration. In the present work, Mg-smectite, consisting of Mg 2+ and Si 4+ ions, was synthesized by a solution process, and evaluated for the efficiency of the powder on wound healing in rats. White precipitates were obtained by mixing a magnesium chloride hexahydrate solution and a sodium silicate hexahydrate solution at room temperature. The precipitates mixed with a NaOH aqueous solution were subjected to hydrothermal reaction, and finally crystalline Mg-smectite powder was obtained. The crystal and molecular structure of Mg-smectite was identified by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The synthesized material was determined to be crystalline Mg-smectite. The amount of Mg 2+ and Si 4+ ions released from Mg-smectite in physiological saline was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The total amount of Si 4+ ion released from Mg-smectite was greater than that of Mg 2+ ion. To evaluate the wound healing effect of Mg-smectite, Mg-smectite powder was applied to a full-thickness surgical wound reaching the subcutaneous tissue in the rat's abdomen. At 1 and 2weeks, skin tissue was collected and subjected to histological analysis. The results for skin regeneration showed no significant difference in wound size between the control and Mg-smectite group. However, it was found that the neovascularization, collagen deposition, and maturation were notedly accelerated by applying Mg-smectite powder in comparison with the control. Mg-smectite can then be hypothesized to stimulate the regeneration of skin tissue by releasing Mg 2+ and Si 4+ ions. These results suggested that Mg-smectite could offer great potential as a wound dressing material. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Pharmaceutical Applications of Ion-Exchange Resins

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elder, David

    2005-01-01

    The historical uses of ion-exchanged resins and a summary of the basic chemical principles involved in the ion-exchanged process are discussed. Specific applications of ion-exchange are provided that include drug stabilization, pharmaceutical excipients, taste-masking agents, oral sustained-release products, topical products for local application…

  6. Results of critical velocity experiments with barium, strontium, and calcium releases from CRRES satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wescott, E. M.; Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.; Hampton, D. L.; Delamere, P. A.

    1994-01-01

    As part of the NASA Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) chemical release program in September 1990, two Ba and also one each Sr and Ca canisters of a boron-titanium thermite mixture, which vaporizes the element on ignition, were released near perigee after dusk in the South Pacific to study the critical velocity effect proposed by Alfven. The critical velocities of these three elements are 2.7, 3.5, and 5.4 km/s respectively, all well below the orbital velocity of 9.4 km/s. On September 10, 1990, a Sr and Ba pair (G-13, or critical ionization velocity (CIV) I) was released near Rarotonga at approximately 515 km altitude in a background electron density of 3.4 x 10(exp 6)/cu cm. On September 14, 1990, G-14 or CIV II released a Ca and Ba pair west of New Caledonia near 595 km at an electron density of 1.5 x 10(exp 6)/cu cm. Ions of all three elements were observed with low-light level imagers from two aircraft after they had transited up the magnetic field lines into the sunlight. Emissions from the spherically expanding neutral gas shells below the solar terminator, observed with cameras filtered for the Ba(+) ion line at 4554 A and also in unfiltered imagers for approximately 15 s after release, are probably due to excitation by hot electrons created in the CIV process. The ions created clearly lost much of their energy, which we now show can be explained by elastic collisions: Ba(+) + O. Inventories of the observed ions indicate yields of 0.15% and 1.84% for Ba in the first and second experiments, 0.02% for Sr and 0.27% for Ca. Ionization from all the releases continued along the satellite trajectory much longer (greater than 45 s) than expected for a CIV process. The ion production along the satellite track versus time typically shows a rapid rise to a peak in a few seconds followed by an exponential decrease to a level essentially constant rate. The characteristic distances for CIV I and II are 47 and 62 km, respectively. We interpret the early time rise and exponential fall to be due to CIV ionization, of 0.014% (CIV I) and 0.40% (CIV II) for the Ba releases. The later ions produced at a constant rate probably have origins from other such processes as stripping and associative ionization collisions with atmospheric constituents primarily O, and charge exchange with O(+), He(+), and H(+). We suggest that the much larger Ba ionization rate in CIV II than CIV I is due to the fact that the release occurred in the peak Ca density where hot electrons were already present.

  7. Mechanical properties and ion release from bioactive restorative composites containing glass fillers and calcium phosphate nano-structured particles.

    PubMed

    Chiari, Marina D S; Rodrigues, Marcela C; Xavier, Tathy A; de Souza, Eugen M N; Arana-Chavez, Victor E; Braga, Roberto R

    2015-06-01

    To evaluate the effect of the replacement of barium glass by dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) particles on the mechanical properties and degree of conversion (DC) of composites. Additionally, calcium and hydrogen phosphate (HPO4(2-)) release were followed for 28 days. Nine composites containing equal parts (in mols) of BisGMA and TEGDMA and 40, 50 or 60 vol% of total filler were manipulated. Filler phase was constituted by silanated barium glass and 0%, 10% or 20% of DCPD particles. DC was determined by near-FTIR. Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and modulus (E) were tested using the "piston on three balls" method, while fracture toughness (KIc) used the "single edge notched beam" method. Specimens were tested after 24h and 28 days in water. Ion release was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey (DC and ion release) or Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney (mechanical properties; alpha: 5%). DC was not affected by DCPD. The presence of DCPD reduced BFS for both storage times, while differences in E became evident after 28 days. After 24h, KIc increased with the addition of DCPD; after 28 days, however, KIc decreased only for DCPD-containing composites. Calcium release was similar for both DCPD contents and remained fairly constant during the 28-day period. Overall, HPO4(2-) release was higher at 7 days and did not decrease after 14 days. The composite with the highest filler level and 10% DCPD represented the best compromise between mechanical properties after aging in water and ion release. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Metal is not inert: role of metal ions released by biocorrosion in aseptic loosening--current concepts.

    PubMed

    Cadosch, Dieter; Chan, Erwin; Gautschi, Oliver P; Filgueira, Luis

    2009-12-15

    Metal implants are essential therapeutic tools for the treatment of bone fractures and joint replacements. The metals and metal alloys used in contemporary orthopedic and trauma surgery are well tolerated by the majority of patients. However, complications resulting from inflammatory and immune reactions to metal implants have been well documented. This review briefly discusses the different mechanisms of metal implant corrosion in the human body, which lead to the release of significant levels of metal ions into the peri-implant tissues and the systemic blood circulation. Additionally, this article reviews the effects of the released ions on bone metabolism and the immune system and discusses their involvement in the pathophysiological mechanisms of aseptic loosening and metal hypersensitivity in patients with metal implants.

  9. Mechanism of potassium ion uptake by the Na+/K+-ATPase

    PubMed Central

    Castillo, Juan P.; Rui, Huan; Basilio, Daniel; Das, Avisek; Roux, Benoît; Latorre, Ramon; Bezanilla, Francisco; Holmgren, Miguel

    2015-01-01

    The Na+/K+-ATPase restores sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) electrochemical gradients dissipated by action potentials and ion-coupled transport processes. As ions are transported, they become transiently trapped between intracellular and extracellular gates. Once the external gate opens, three Na+ ions are released, followed by the binding and occlusion of two K+ ions. While the mechanisms of Na+ release have been well characterized by the study of transient Na+ currents, smaller and faster transient currents mediated by external K+ have been more difficult to study. Here we show that external K+ ions travelling to their binding sites sense only a small fraction of the electric field as they rapidly and simultaneously become occluded. Consistent with these results, molecular dynamics simulations of a pump model show a wide water-filled access channel connecting the binding site to the external solution. These results suggest a mechanism of K+ gating different from that of Na+ occlusion. PMID:26205423

  10. Relationship between wave energy and free energy from pickup ions in the Comet Halley environment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huddleston, D. E.; Johnstone, A. D.

    1992-01-01

    The free energy available from the implanted heavy ion population at Comet Halley is calculated by assuming that the initial unstable velocity space ring distribution of the ions evolves toward a bispherical shell. Ultimately this free energy adds to the turbulence in the solar wind. Upstream and downstream free energies are obtained separately for the conditions observed along the Giotto spacecraft trajectory. The results indicate that the waves are mostly upstream propagating in the solar wind frame. The total free energy density always exceeds the measured wave energy density because, as expected in the nonlinear process of ion scattering, the available energy is not all immediately released. An estimate of the amount which has been released can be obtained from the measured oxygen ion distributions and again it exceeds that observed. The theoretical analysis is extended to calculate the k spectrum of the cometary-ion-generated turbulence.

  11. Entropy Driven Self-Assembly in Charged Lock-Key Particles.

    PubMed

    Odriozola, Gerardo; Lozada-Cassou, Marcelo

    2016-07-07

    In this work we study the lock-key model successfully used in supramolecular chemistry and particles self-assembly and gain further insight into the infinite diluted limit of the lock and key, depletant mediated, effective attraction. We discuss the depletant forces and entropy approaches to self-assembly and give details on the different contributions to the net force for a charged lock and key pair immersed in a solvent plus a primitive model electrolyte. We show a strong correlation of the force components behavior and the underlying processes of co-ion and solvent release from the cavity. In addition, we put into context the universal behavior observed for the energy-distance curves when changing the lock and key to solvent size ratio. Basically, we now show that this behavior is not always achieved and depends on the particular system geometry. Finally, we present a qualitative good agreement with experiments when changing the electrolyte concentration, valence, and cavity-key size ratio.

  12. Calculated emission rates for barium releases in space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.

    1989-01-01

    The optical emissions from barium releases in space are caused by resonance and fluorescent scattering of sunlight. Emission rates for the dominant ion and neutral lines are calculated assuming the release to be optically thin and the barium to be in radiative equilibrium with the solar radiation. The solar spectrum has deep Fraunhofer absorption lines at the primary barium ion resonances. A velocity component toward or away from the sun will Doppler shift the emission lines relative to the absorption lines and the emission rates will increase many-fold over the rest value. The Doppler brightening is important in shaped charge or satellite releases where the barium is injected at high velocities. Emission rates as a function of velocity are calculated for the 4554, 4934, 5854, 6142 and 6497 A ion emission lines and the dominant neutral line at 5535 A. Results are presented for injection parallel to the ambient magnetic field, B, and for injection at an angle to B.

  13. Energy distributions exhibited during thermal runaway of commercial lithium ion batteries used for human spaceflight applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yayathi, Sandeep; Walker, William; Doughty, Daniel; Ardebili, Haleh

    2016-10-01

    Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries provide low mass and energy dense solutions necessary for space exploration, but thermal related safety concerns impede the utilization of Li-ion technology for human applications. Experimental characterization of thermal runaway energy release with accelerated rate calorimetry supports safer thermal management systems. 'Standard' accelerated rate calorimetry setup provides means to measure the addition of energy exhibited through the body of a Li-ion cell. This study considers the total energy generated during thermal runaway as distributions between cell body and hot gases via inclusion of a unique secondary enclosure inside the calorimeter; this closed system not only contains the cell body and gaseous species, but also captures energy release associated with rapid heat transfer to the system unobserved by measurements taken on the cell body. Experiments include Boston Power Swing 5300, Samsung 18650-26F and MoliCel 18650-J Li-ion cells at varied states-of-charge. An inverse relationship between state-of-charge and onset temperature is observed. Energy contained in the cell body and gaseous species are successfully characterized; gaseous energy is minimal. Significant additional energy is measured with the heating of the secondary enclosure. Improved calorimeter apparatus including a secondary enclosure provides essential capability to measuring total energy release distributions during thermal runaway.

  14. Kinetics and Mechanisms of Chemical and Biological Agents Release from Biopolymeric Microcapsules.

    PubMed

    Vinceković, Marko; Jurić, Slaven; Đermić, Edyta; Topolovec-Pintarić, Snježana

    2017-11-08

    Kinetics and mechanisms of copper cations and Trichoderma viride spores release from uncoated and chitosan coated alginate microcapsules were investigated. The gelation of a fixed amount of sodium alginate at different concentrations of copper ion solutions resulted in distinct kinetics and release mechanisms. The increase in copper cation concentration promoted, but the presence of the chitosan layer on the microcapsule surface and the increase in microcapsule size reduced the rate of active agent release. Fitting to simple Korsmeyer-Peppas empirical model revealed that the underlying release mechanism (Fickian diffusion or a combination of the diffusion and erosion mechanisms) depends on the copper cation concentration and presence of T. viride spores. The investigation pointed out that the proper selection of formulation variables helps in designing microcapsules with the desirable release of copper ions and T. viride for plant protection and nutrition.

  15. Hydrophobic ion pairing of a minocycline/Ca(2+)/AOT complex for preparation of drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with improved sustained release.

    PubMed

    Holmkvist, Alexander Dontsios; Friberg, Annika; Nilsson, Ulf J; Schouenborg, Jens

    2016-02-29

    Polymeric nanoparticles is an established and efficient means to achieve controlled release of drugs. Incorporation of minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, into biodegradable nanoparticles may therefore provide an efficient means to combat foreign body reactions to implanted electrodes in the brain. However, minocycline is commonly associated with poor encapsulation efficiencies and/or fast release rates due to its high solubility in water. Moreover, minocycline is unstable under conditions of low and high pH, heat and exposure to light, which exacerbate the challenges of encapsulation. In this work drug loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by a modified emulsification-solvent-diffusion technique and characterized for size, drug encapsulation and in vitro drug release. A novel hydrophobic ion pair complex of minocycline, Ca(2+) ions and the anionic surfactant AOT was developed to protect minocycline from degradation and prolong its release. The optimized formulation resulted in particle sizes around 220 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 43% and showed drug release over 30 days in artificial cerebrospinal fluid. The present results constitute a substantial increase in release time compared to what has hitherto been achieved for minocycline and indicate that such particles might provide useful for sustained drug delivery in the CNS. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Synthesis and Characterization of Chlorpyrifos/Copper(II) Schiff Base Mesoporous Silica with pH Sensitivity for Pesticide Sustained Release.

    PubMed

    Chen, Huayao; Lin, Yueshun; Zhou, Hongjun; Zhou, Xinhua; Gong, Sheng; Xu, Hua

    2016-11-02

    The salicylaldehyde-modified mesoporous silica (SA-MCM-41) was prepared through a co-condensation method. Through the bridge effect from the copper ion, which also acts as the nutrition of the plant, the model drug chlorpyrifos (CH) was supported on the copper(II) Schiff base mesoporous silica (Cu-MCM-41) to form a highly efficient sustained-release system (CH-Cu-MCM-41) for pesticide delivery. The experimental results showed that the larger the concentration of the copper ion, the more adsorption capacity (AC) of Cu-MCM-41 for chlorpyrifos and the smaller its release rate. The results confirmed the existence of a coordination bond between SA-MCM-41 and copper ions as well as a coordination bond between Cu-MCM-41 and chlorpyrifos. The AC of SA-MCM-41 is 106 mg/g, while that of Cu-MCM-41 is 295 mg/g. The as-synthesized system showed significant pH sensitivity. Under the condition of pH ≤ 7, the release rate of chlorpyrifos decreased with increasing pH, whereas its release rate in weak base conditions was slightly larger than that in weak acid conditions. Meanwhile, the drug release rate of the as-synthesized system was also affected by the temperature. Their sustained-release curves can be described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation.

  17. Intercalation and controlled release properties of vitamin C intercalated layered double hydroxide

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gao, Xiaorui, E-mail: gxr_1320@sina.com; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189; Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA

    Two drug-inorganic composites involving vitamin C (VC) intercalated in Mg–Al and Mg–Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been synthesized by the calcination–rehydration (reconstruction) method. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy indicate a successful intercalation of VC into the interlayer galleries of the LDH host. Studies of VC release from the LDHs in deionised water and in aqueous CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} solutions imply that Mg{sub 3}Al–VC LDH is a better controlled release system than Mg{sub 3}Fe–VC LDH. Analysis of the release profiles using a number of kinetic models suggests a solution-dependent release mechanism, and amore » diffusion-controlled deintercalation mechanism in deionised water, but an ion exchange process in CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} solution. - Graphical abstract: Vitamin C anions have been intercalated in the interlayer space of layered double hydroxide and released in CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} solution and deionised water. - Highlights: • Vitamin C intercalated Mg–Al and Mg–Fe layered double hydroxides were prepared. • Release property of vitamin C in aqueous CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} solution is better. • Avrami-Erofe’ev and first-order models provide better fit for release results. • Diffusion-controlled and ion exchange processes occur in deionised water. • An ion exchange process occurs in CO{sub 3}{sup 2−} solution.« less

  18. Silicone adhesive matrix of verapamil hydrochloride to provide pH-independent sustained release.

    PubMed

    Tolia, Gaurav; Li, S Kevin

    2014-02-01

    Providing pH-independent oral release of weakly basic drugs with conventional matrix tablets can be challenging because of the pH-dependent solubility characteristics of the drugs and the changing pH environment along the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to use a hydrophobic polymer to overcome the issue of pH-dependent release of weakly basic model drug verapamil hydrochloride from matrix tablets without the use of organic buffers in the matrix formulations. Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) polymer was evaluated because of its unique properties of low surface energy, hydrophobicity, low glass transition temperature, high electrical resistance, and barrier to hydrogen ion diffusion. Drug release, hydrogen ion diffusion, tablet contact angle, and internal tablet microenvironment pH with matrix tablets prepared using PSA were compared with those using water-insoluble ethyl cellulose (EC). Silicone PSA films showed higher resistance to hydrogen ion diffusion compared with EC films. Verapamil hydrochloride tablets prepared using silicone PSA showed higher hydrophobicity and lower water uptake than EC tablets. Silicone PSA tablets also showed pH-independent release of verapamil and decreased in dimensions during drug dissolution. By contrast, verapamil hydrochloride tablets prepared using EC did not achieve pH-independent release.

  19. Ion release and cytotoxicity of stainless steel wires.

    PubMed

    Oh, Keun-Taek; Kim, Kyoung-Nam

    2005-12-01

    Heat treatment is generally applied to orthodontic stainless steel (SS) wires to relieve the stresses that result from their manipulation by orthodontists. The quality and thickness of the oxide films formed on the surface of heat-treated wires can vary, and it is believed that these oxide films can influence the properties of heat-treated wires. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of heat treatment and cooling methods on the amount of metal ions released and to examine the cytotoxicity of heat-treated wires. In this study, four types of SS wires (Remanium, Permachrome, Colboloy and Orthos) with a cross-sectional area of 0.41 x 0.56 mm were investigated. These wires were heat-treated in a vacuum, air, or argon environment, and were cooled in either a furnace or a water bath. Four control groups and 24 experimental groups were classified according to the type of wires, heat treatment conditions and cooling methods. In each group, the amount of nickel released as well as its cytotoxicity was investigated. The concentration of dissolved nickel ions in artificial saliva was measured for a period of up to 12 weeks. In all groups, the concentration of dissolved nickel ions in artificial saliva was lowest for the vacuum heat treatment-furnace cooling group and a significant difference was shown compared with the other experimental groups. The concentration of dissolved nickel ions in artificial saliva was highest in the groups heat-treated in air (P < 0.05), while the amount of nickel released was highest in the Remanium and Colboloy (P < 0.05). The cytotoxicity was mild in all the experimental groups but the response index of the air groups was slightly higher than in the other groups. According to these results, SS wires retain their high corrosion resistance and low ion release rate when heat-treated in a vacuum and cooled in a furnace.

  20. Rat epileptic seizures evoked by BmK {alpha}IV and its possible mechanisms involved in sodium channels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chai Zhifang; Bai Zhantao; Zhang Xuying

    2007-05-01

    This study showed that rat unilateral intracerebroventricular injection of BmK {alpha}IV, a sodium channel modulator derived from scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, induced clusters of spikes, epileptic discharges and convulsion-related behavioral changes. BmK {alpha}IV potently promoted the release of endogenous glutamate from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes. In vitro examination of the effect of BmK {alpha}IV on intrasynaptosomal free calcium concentration [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} and sodium concentration [Na{sup +}]{sub i} revealed that BmK {alpha}IV-evoked glutamate release from synaptosomes was associated with an increase in Ca{sup 2+} and Na{sup +} influx. Moreover, BmK {alpha}IV-mediated glutamate release and ion influx was completely blocked by tetrodotoxin,more » a blocker of sodium channel. Together, these results suggest that the induction of BmK {alpha}IV-evoked epileptic seizures may be involved in the modulation of BmK {alpha}IV on tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels located on the nerve terminal, which subsequently enhances the Ca{sup 2+} influx to cause an increase of glutamate release. These findings may provide some insight regarding the mechanism of neuronal action of BmK {alpha}IV in the central nervous system for understanding epileptogenesis involved in sodium channels.« less

  1. Bone cell-materials interactions and Ni ion release of anodized equiatomic NiTi alloy.

    PubMed

    Bernard, Sheldon A; Balla, Vamsi Krishna; Davies, Neal M; Bose, Susmita; Bandyopadhyay, Amit

    2011-04-01

    A laser processed NiTi alloy was anodized for different times in H(2)SO(4) electrolyte with varying pH to create biocompatible surfaces with low Ni ion release as well as bioactive surfaces to enhance biocompatibility and bone cell-material interactions. The anodized surfaces were assessed for their in vitro cell-material interactions using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells for 3, 7 and 11 days, and Ni ion release up to 8 weeks in simulated body fluids. The results were correlated with the surface morphologies of anodized surfaces characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that anodization creates a surface with nano/micro-roughness depending on the anodization conditions. The hydrophilicity of the NiTi surface was found to improve after anodization, as shown by the lower contact angles in cell medium, which dropped from 32° to <5°. The improved wettability of anodized surfaces is further corroborated by their high surface energy, comparable with that of commercially pure Ti. Relatively high surface energies, especially the polar component, and nano/micro surface features of anodized surfaces significantly increased the number of living cells and their adherence and growth on these surfaces. Finally, a significant drop in Ni ion release from 268±11 to 136±15 ppb was observed for NiTi surfaces after anodization. This work indicates that anodization of a NiTi alloy has a positive influence on the surface energy and surface morphology, which in turn improves bone cell-material interactions and reduces Ni ion release in vitro. Copyright © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Ion release and in vitro enamel fluoride uptake associated with pit and fissure sealants containing microencapsulated remineralizing agents.

    PubMed

    Burbank, Brant D; Cooper, Ryan L; Kava, Alyssa; Hartjes, Jennifer M; McHale, William A; Latta, Mark A; Gross, Stephen M

    2017-04-01

    To determine if pit-and-fissure sealants with microencapsulated remineralizing agents with sustained release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions could promote enamel fluoride uptake by demineralized tooth structure. Sealants that contained 5 w/w% microcapsules with aqueous solutions of 5M Ca(NO3)2 or 0.8M NaF or 6.0M K2HPO4 or a mixture of all three were prepared. Ion release profiles were measured as a function of time. Enamel fluoride uptake by demineralized tooth structure was determined. Sustained release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions from a sealant was demonstrated. Fluoride uptake by demineralized enamel was significantly increased compared to a control sealant manufactured without microcapsules (P< 0.01). Bovine enamel that contained 2.2±2.1 µg F/g of enamel prior to exposure to a sealant without microcapsules had 2.3±0.5 after 90 days. Enamel exposed to sealant with 5w/% NaF microcapsules went from 3.5±3.5 µg F/g of enamel prior to exposure to 148±76 after 90 days. Enamel exposed to sealant with 2 w/w% NaF, 2 w/w% Ca(NO3)2 and 1 w/w% K2HPO4 microcapsules went from 1.7±0.7 µg F/g of enamel prior to exposure to 190±137 after 90 days. Sealants with encapsulated remineralizing agents were capable of releasing biologically available fluoride, calcium, and phosphate ions. Incorporation of these microcapsules in pit and fissure sealants is a promising method for remineralization determined by enamel fluoride uptake measurements.

  3. Controlled copper ion release from phosphate-based glasses improves human umbilical vein endothelial cell survival in a reduced nutrient environment.

    PubMed

    Stähli, Christoph; Muja, Naser; Nazhat, Showan N

    2013-02-01

    The success of tissue engineering is dependent on rapid scaffold vascularization after engraftment. Copper ions are well known to be angiogenic but exhibit cytotoxicity at elevated doses. The high sensitivity to copper concentration underlines the need of a controlled release mechanism. This study investigated the effect of copper ions released from phosphate-based glasses (PGs) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under standard growth conditions (SGC), as well as in a reduced nutrient environment (RNE) with decreased bovine serum and growth factor concentrations to approximate conditions in the core of large volume scaffolds where nutrient diffusion is limited. Initially, HUVECs were exposed to a range of CuCl(2) concentrations in order to identify an optimal response in terms of their metabolism, viability, and apoptotic activity. Under SGC, HUVEC metabolic activity and viability were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 0.44-12 ppm Cu(2+). In contrast, HUVEC death induced by the RNE was delayed by an optimal dose of 4 ppm Cu(2+), which was associated with a down-regulation of apoptosis as evidenced by caspase-3/7 activity. Copper ion release from soluble PGs of the formulation 50P(2)O(5)-30CaO-(20-x)Na(2)O-xCuO [mol%] (x=0, 1, 5 and 10) demonstrated a controllable increase with CuO content. The presence of 4 ppm copper ions released from the 10% CuO PG composition reproduced the delay in HUVEC death in the RNE, suggesting the potential of these materials to extend survival of transplanted endothelial cells in large volume scaffolds.

  4. Time-dependent release of cobalt and chromium ions into the serum following implantation of the metal-on-metal Maverick type artificial lumbar disc (Medtronic Sofamor Danek).

    PubMed

    Zeh, Alexander; Becker, Claudia; Planert, Michael; Lattke, Peter; Wohlrab, David

    2009-06-01

    In total hip endoprosthetics and consequently for TDA, metal-on-metal combinations are used with the aim of reducing wear debris. In metal-on-metal TDA the release of metal ions has until now been secondary to the main discussion. In order to investigate the ion release following the implantation of the metal-on-metal Maverick type artificial lumbar disc we measured the serum cobalt and chromium concentration following implantation of 15 Maverick TDAs (monosegmental L5/S1, n = 5; bisegmental L4/5 and L5/S1, n = 5; average age 36.5 years). Five healthy subjects (no metal implants) acted as a control group. The two measurements of the metals were carried out using the absorption spectrometry after an average of 14.8 and 36.7 months. In summary, the concentrations of cobalt and chromium ions in the serum at both follow-ups amounted on average to 3.3 microg/l (SD 2.6) for cobalt and 2.2 microg/l (SD 1.5) for chromium. These figures are similar to the figures shown in the literature following the implantation of metal-on-metal THA. After a comparison to the control group, both the chromium and cobalt levels in the serum showed visible increases regarding the first and the second follow-up. As there is still a significant release of cobalt and chromium into the serum after an average follow-up of 36.7 months a persistent release of these ions must be taken into consideration. Despite the evaluation of the systemic and local effects of the release of Cr/Co from orthopaedic implants has not yet been concluded, one should take into consideration an explanation given to patients scheduled for the implantation of a metal-on-metal TDA about these results and the benefits/risks of alternative combinations of gliding contact surfaces.

  5. Influence of 2% chlorhexidine on pH, calcium release and setting time of a resinous MTA-based root-end filling material.

    PubMed

    Jacinto, Rogério Castilho; Linhares-Farina, Giane; Sposito, Otávio da Silva; Zanchi, César Henrique; Cenci, Maximiliano Sérgio

    2015-01-01

    The addition of chlorhexidine (CHX) to a resinous experimental Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (E-MTA) based root-end filling material is an alternative to boost its antimicrobial activity. However, the influence of chlorhexidine on the properties of this material is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 2% chlorhexidine on the pH, calcium ion release and setting time of a Bisphenol A Ethoxylate Dimethacrylate/Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (Bis-EMA/MTA) based dual-cure experimental root-end filling material (E-MTA), in comparison with E-MTA without the addition of CHX and with conventional white MTA (W-MTA). The materials were placed in polyethylene tubes, and immersed in deionized water to determine pH (digital pH meter) and calcium ion release (atomic absorption spectrometry technique). The setting time of each material was analyzed using Gilmore needles. The data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%. E-MTA + CHX showed an alkaline pH in the 3 h period of evaluation, the alkalinity of which decreased but remained as such for 15 days. The pH of E-MTA + CHX was higher than the other two materials after 7 days, and lower after 30 days (p < 0.05). All of the materials were found to release calcium ions throughout the 30 days of the study. The addition of CHX increased the calcium ion release of E-MTA to levels statistically similar to W-MTA. E-MTA showed shorter initial and final setting time, compared with W-MTA (p < 0.05). The addition of 2% CHX to MTA prevented setting of the material. The addition of CHX to E-MTA increased its pH and calcium ion release. However, it also prevented setting of the material.

  6. Observations of barium ion jets in the magnetosphere using Doppler imaging systems and very sensitive imaging systems using imaging photon detectors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rees, D.; Conboy, J.; Heinz, W.; Heppner, J. P.

    1985-01-01

    Observations of four shaped charge releases from rockets launched from Alaska are described. Results demonstrate that imaging and Doppler imaging instruments, based on exploiting the imaging photon detector, provide additional insight into the motion and development of low intensity targets such as the fast ion jets produced by shaped charge releases. It is possible to trace the motion of fast ion jets to very great distances, of the order of 50,000 km, outward along the Earth's magnetic field, when the conditions are suitable for the outward (upward) motion and/or acceleration of such ion jets. It is shown that ion jets, which fade below the lower sensitivity threshold of previous instruments, do not always disappear. There is no evidence of an abrupt field-aligned shear-type acceleration.

  7. Impact of the release rate of magnesium ions in multiple emulsions (water-in-oil-in-water) containing BSA on the resulting physical properties and microstructure of soy protein gel.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Qiaomei; Zhao, Ling; Zhang, Hui; Saito, Masayoshi; Yin, Lijun

    2017-04-01

    The objective of present study was to prepare multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions that exhibit different release rates of magnesium ions; and assess their utility as coagulants in improving tofu quality. W/O/W emulsions containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) were developed for controlled release applications. An increasing BSA concentration led to an increase in viscosity and droplet size of W/O/W double emulsions, as well as a decreased release rate of encapsulated Mg 2+ from emulsions. The gelation process of soy protein was simulated by conducting dynamic viscoelastic measurements. The rate constant (k) and saturated storage modulus (G' sat ) values of soy protein gel decreased as BSA concentration increased, suggesting that BSA could slow the release of magnesium ions from double emulsions. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results showed that increased concentration of BSA created a more homogeneous microstructure of soy protein gels with smaller pores within the gel network structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. In vitro and in vivo evidence of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of metal ions released by orthodontic appliances: A review.

    PubMed

    Martín-Cameán, Ana; Jos, Ángeles; Mellado-García, Pilar; Iglesias-Linares, Alejandro; Solano, Enrique; Cameán, Ana M

    2015-07-01

    Intraoral fixed orthodontic appliances are frequently used in the clinical practice of dentistry. They are made from alloys containing different metals at various percentages. The use of these appliances leads to the long-term exposure of patients to these materials, and the potential toxic effects of this exposure raises concerns about patient safety. Thus, the biocompatibility (corrosion behaviour and toxicity) of these materials has to be evaluated prior to clinical use. In the present report, the most recent studies in the scientific literature examining metal ion release from orthodontic appliances and the toxic effects of these ions have been reviewed with a special focus on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Previous studies suggest that a case-by-case safety evaluation is required to take into account the increasing variability of materials, their composition and the manufacturing processes. Moreover, in vivo toxicity studies in regard to metal release, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity are still scarce. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo monitoring studies are needed to establish cause-effect relationships between metal ion release and biomarkers of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Further investigations could be performed to elucidate the toxic mechanisms involved in the observed effects with a special emphasis on oxidative damage. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Investigation of the Storage Behavior of Shredded Lithium-Ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles for Recycling Purposes.

    PubMed

    Grützke, Martin; Krüger, Steffen; Kraft, Vadim; Vortmann, Britta; Rothermel, Sergej; Winter, Martin; Nowak, Sascha

    2015-10-26

    Shredding of the cells is often the first step in lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling. Thus, LiNi1/3 Mn1/3 Co1/3 O2 (NMC)/graphite lithium-ion cells from a field-tested electric vehicle were shredded and transferred to tinplate or plastic storage containers. The formation of hazardous compounds within, and being released from, these containers was monitored over 20 months. The tinplate cans underwent fast corrosion as a result of either residual charge in the active battery material, which could not fully be discharged because of contact loss to the current collector, or redox reactions between the tinplate surface and metal parts of the shredded material. The headspace compositions of the containers were investigated at room temperature and 150 °C using headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). Samples of the waste material were also collected using microwave-assisted extraction and the extracts were analyzed over a period of 20 months using ion chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (IC-ESI-MS). LiPF6 was identified as a conducting salt, whereas dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, and ethylene carbonate were the main solvent components. Cyclohexylbenzene was also detected, which is an additive for overcharge protection. Diethyl carbonate, fluoride, difluorophosphate and several ionic and non-ionic alkyl (fluoro)phosphates were also identified. Importantly, dimethyl fluorophosphate (DMFP) and diethyl fluorophosphate (DEFP) were quantified using HS-GC-MS through the use of an internal standard. DMFP, DEFP, and related compounds are known as chemical warfare agents, and the presence of these materials is of great interest. In the case of this study, these hazardous materials are present but in manageable low concentrations. Nonetheless, the presence of such compounds and their potential release during an accident that may occur during shredding or recycling of large amounts of LIB waste should be considered. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. CoCr wear particles generated from CoCr alloy metal-on-metal hip replacements, and cobalt ions stimulate apoptosis and expression of general toxicology-related genes in monocyte-like U937 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Posada, Olga M., E-mail: O.M.PosadaEstefan@leeds.ac.uk; Gilmour, Denise; Tate, Rothwelle J., E-mail: r.j.tate@strath.ac.uk

    Cobalt-chromium (CoCr) particles in the nanometre size range and their concomitant release of Co and Cr ions into the patients' circulation are produced by wear at the articulating surfaces of metal-on-metal (MoM) implants. This process is associated with inflammation, bone loss and implant loosening and led to the withdrawal from the market of the DePuy ASR™ MoM hip replacements in 2010. Ions released from CoCr particles derived from a resurfacing implant in vitro and their subsequent cellular up-take were measured by ICP-MS. Moreover, the ability of such metal debris and Co ions to induce both apoptosis was evaluated with bothmore » FACS and immunoblotting. qRT-PCR was used to assess the effects on the expression of lymphotoxin alpha (LTA), BCL2-associated athanogene (BAG1), nitric oxide synthase 2 inducible (NOS2), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS), growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible alpha (GADD45A). ICP-MS showed that the wear debris released significant (p < 0.05) amounts of Co and Cr ions into the culture medium, and significant (p < 0.05) cellular uptake of both ions. There was also an increase (p < 0.05) in apoptosis after a 48 h exposure to wear debris. Analysis of qRT-PCR results found significant up-regulation (p < 0.05) particularly of NOS2 and BAG1 in Co pre-treated cells which were subsequently exposed to Co ions + debris. Metal debris was more effective as an inducer of apoptosis and gene expression when cells had been pre-treated with Co ions. This suggests that if a patient receives sequential bilateral CoCr implants, the second implant may be more likely to produce adverse effects than the first one. - Highlights: • Effects of CoCr nanoparticles and Co ions on U937 cells were investigated. • Ions released from wear debris play an important role in cellular response, • Toxicity of Co ions could be related to NO metabolic processes and apoptosis. • CoCr particles were a more effective inducer of apoptosis after cell priming. • CoCr particles were a more effective inducer of gene expression after cell priming.« less

  11. Cell studies of hybridized carbon nanofibers containing bioactive glass nanoparticles using bone mesenchymal stromal cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiu-Rui; Hu, Xiao-Qing; Jia, Xiao-Long; Yang, Li-Ka; Meng, Qing-Yang; Shi, Yuan-Yuan; Zhang, Zheng-Zheng; Cai, Qing; Ao, Yin-Fang; Yang, Xiao-Ping

    2016-12-01

    Bone regeneration required suitable scaffolding materials to support the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone-related cells. In this study, a kind of hybridized nanofibrous scaffold material (CNF/BG) was prepared by incorporating bioactive glass (BG) nanoparticles into carbon nanofibers (CNF) via the combination of BG sol-gel and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospinning, followed by carbonization. Three types (49 s, 68 s and 86 s) of BG nanoparticles were incorporated. To understand the mechanism of CNF/BG hybrids exerting osteogenic effects, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were cultured directly on these hybrids (contact culture) or cultured in transwell chambers in the presence of these materials (non-contact culture). The contributions of ion release and contact effect on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were able to be correlated. It was found that the ionic dissolution products had limited effect on cell proliferation, while they were able to enhance osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in comparison with pure CNF. Differently, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were both significantly promoted in the contact culture. In both cases, CNF/BG(68 s) showed the strongest ability in influencing cell behaviors due to its fastest release rate of soluble silicium-relating ions. The synergistic effect of CNF and BG would make CNF/BG hybrids promising substrates for bone repairing.

  12. In vitro degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of Mg–Zn–Zr alloys

    PubMed Central

    Huan, Z. G.; Leeflang, M. A.; Fratila-Apachitei, L. E.; Duszczyk, J.

    2010-01-01

    Zinc and zirconium were selected as the alloying elements in biodegradable magnesium alloys, considering their strengthening effect and good biocompatibility. The degradation rate, hydrogen evolution, ion release, surface layer and in vitro cytotoxicity of two Mg–Zn–Zr alloys, i.e. ZK30 and ZK60, and a WE-type alloy (Mg–Y–RE–Zr) were investigated by means of long-term static immersion testing in Hank’s solution, non-static immersion testing in Hank’s solution and cell-material interaction analysis. It was found that, among these three magnesium alloys, ZK30 had the lowest degradation rate and the least hydrogen evolution. A magnesium calcium phosphate layer was formed on the surface of ZK30 sample during non-static immersion and its degradation caused minute changes in the ion concentrations and pH value of Hank’s solution. In addition, the ZK30 alloy showed insignificant cytotoxicity against bone marrow stromal cells as compared with biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HA) and the WE-type alloy. After prolonged incubation for 7 days, a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation was observed. The results of the present study suggested that ZK30 could be a promising material for biodegradable orthopedic implants and worth further investigation to evaluate its in vitro and in vivo degradation behavior. PMID:20532960

  13. Negative ion generator

    DOEpatents

    Stinnett, R.W.

    1984-05-08

    A negative ion generator is formed from a magnetically insulated transmission line having a coating of graphite on the cathode for producing negative ions and a plurality of apertures on the opposed anode for the release of negative ions. Magnetic insulation keeps electrons from flowing from the cathode to the anode. A transverse magnetic field removes electrons which do escape through the apertures from the trajectory of the negative ions. 8 figs.

  14. Negative ion generator

    DOEpatents

    Stinnett, Regan W.

    1984-01-01

    A negative ion generator is formed from a magnetically insulated transmission line having a coating of graphite on the cathode for producing negative ions and a plurality of apertures on the opposed anode for the release of negative ions. Magnetic insulation keeps electrons from flowing from the cathode to the anode. A transverse magnetic field removes electrons which do escape through the apertures from the trajectory of the negative ions.

  15. Trojan-horse mechanism in the cellular uptake of silver nanoparticles verified by direct intra- and extracellular silver speciation analysis.

    PubMed

    Hsiao, I-Lun; Hsieh, Yi-Kong; Wang, Chu-Fang; Chen, I-Chieh; Huang, Yuh-Jeen

    2015-03-17

    The so-called "Trojan-horse" mechanism, in which nanoparticles are internalized within cells and then release high levels of toxic ions, has been proposed as a behavior in the cellular uptake of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). While several reports claim to have proved this mechanism by measuring AgNPs and Ag ions (I) in cells, it cannot be fully proven without examining those two components in both intra- and extracellular media. In our study, we found that even though cells take up AgNPs similarly to (microglia (BV-2)) or more rapidly than (astrocyte (ALT)) Ag (I), the ratio of AgNPs to total Ag (AgNPs+Ag (I)) in both cells was lower than that in outside media. It could be explained that H2O2, a major intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), reacts with AgNPs to form more Ag (I). Moreover, the major speciation of Ag (I) in cells was Ag(cysteine) and Ag(cysteine)2, indicating the possible binding of monomer cysteine or vital thiol proteins/peptides to Ag ions. Evidence we found indicates that the Trojan-horse mechanism really exists.

  16. Electrical Aspects of Impinging Flames

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chien, Yu-Chien

    This dissertation examines the use of electric fields as one mechanism for controlling combustion as flames are partially extinguished when impinging on nearby surfaces. Electrical aspects of flames, specifically, the production of chemi-ions in hydrocarbon flames and the use of convective flows driven by these ions, have been investigated in a wide range of applications in prior work but despite this fairly comprehensive effort to study electrical aspects of combustion, relatively little research has focused on electrical phenomena near flame extinguishment, nor for flames near impingement surfaces. Electrical impinging flames have complex properties under global influences of ion-driven winds and flow field disturbances from the impingement surface. Challenges of measurements when an electric field is applied in the system have limited an understanding of changes to the flame behavior and species concentrations caused by the field. This research initially characterizes the ability of high voltage power supplies to respond on sufficiently short time scales to permit real time electrical flame actuation. The study then characterizes the influence of an electric field on the impinging flame shape, ion current and flow field of the thermal plume associated with the flame. The more significant further examinations can be separated into two parts: 1) the potential for using electric fields to control the release of carbon monoxide (CO) from surface-impinging flames, and 2) an investigation of controlling electrically the heat transfer to a plate on which the flame impinges. Carbon monoxide (CO) results from the incomplete oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels and, while CO can be desirable in some syngas processes, it is usually a dangerous emission from forest fires, gas heaters, gas stoves, or furnaces where insufficient oxygen in the core reaction does not fully oxidize the fuel to carbon dioxide and water. Determining how carbon monoxide is released and how heat transfer from the flame to the plate can be controlled using the electric field are the two main goals of this research. Multiple diagnostic techniques are employed such as OH chemiluminescence to identify the reaction zone, OH PLIF to characterize the location of this radical species, CO released from the flame, IR imaging and OH PLIF thermometry to understand the surface and gas temperature distribution, respectively. The principal finding is that carbon monoxide release from an impinging diffusion flame results from the escape of carbon monoxide created on the fuel side of the flame along the boundary layer near the surface where it avoids oxidation by OH, which sits to the air side of the reaction sheet interface. In addition, the plate proximity to the flame has a stronger influence on the emission of toxic carbon monoxide than does the electric field strength. There is, however, a narrow region of burner to surface distance where the electric field is most effective. The results also show that heat transfer can be spatially concentrated effectively using an electric field driven ion wind, particularly at some burner to surface distances.

  17. Facile preparation of ion-imprinted composite film for selective electrochemical removal of nickel(II) ions.

    PubMed

    Du, Xiao; Zhang, Hao; Hao, Xiaogang; Guan, Guoqing; Abudula, Abuliti

    2014-06-25

    A facile unipolar pulse electropolymerization (UPEP) technique is successfully applied for the preparation of ion-imprinted composite film composed of ferricyanide-embedded conductive polypyrrole (FCN/PPy) for the selective electrochemical removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater. The imprinted heavy metal ions are found to be easily removed in situ from the growing film only by tactfully applying potential oscillation due to the unstable coordination of FCN to the imprinted ions. The obtained Ni(2+) ion-imprinted FCN/PPy composite film shows fast uptake/release ability for the removal of Ni(2+) ions from aqueous solution, and the adsorption equilibrium time is less than 50 s. The ion exchange capacity reaches 1.298 mmol g(-1) and retains 93.5% of its initial value even after 1000 uptake/release cycles. Separation factors of 6.3, 5.6, and 6.2 for Ni(2+)/Ca(2+), Ni(2+)/K(+), and Ni(2+)/Na(+), respectively, are obtained. These characteristics are attributed to the high identification capability of the ion-imprinted composite film for the target ions and the dual driving forces resulting from both PPy and FCN during the redox process. It is expected that the present method can be used for simple preparation of other ion-imprinted composite films for the separation and recovery of target heavy metal ions as well.

  18. The snakelike chain character of unstructured RNA.

    PubMed

    Jacobson, David R; McIntosh, Dustin B; Saleh, Omar A

    2013-12-03

    In the absence of base-pairing and tertiary structure, ribonucleic acid (RNA) assumes a random-walk conformation, modulated by the electrostatic self-repulsion of the charged, flexible backbone. This behavior is often modeled as a Kratky-Porod "wormlike chain" (WLC) with a Barrat-Joanny scale-dependent persistence length. In this study we report measurements of the end-to-end extension of poly(U) RNA under 0.1 to 10 pN applied force and observe two distinct elastic-response regimes: a low-force, power-law regime characteristic of a chain of swollen blobs on long length scales and a high-force, salt-valence-dependent regime consistent with ion-stabilized crumpling on short length scales. This short-scale structure is additionally supported by force- and salt-dependent quantification of the RNA ion atmosphere composition, which shows that ions are liberated under stretching; the number of ions liberated increases with increasing bulk salt concentration. Both this result and the observation of two elastic-response regimes directly contradict the WLC model, which predicts a single elastic regime across all forces and, when accounting for scale-dependent persistence length, the opposite trend in ion release with salt concentration. We conclude that RNA is better described as a "snakelike chain," characterized by smooth bending on long length scales and ion-stabilized crumpling on short length scales. In monovalent salt, these two regimes are separated by a characteristic length that scales with the Debye screening length, highlighting the determining importance of electrostatics in RNA conformation. Copyright © 2013 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Ca(2+) and OH(-) release of ceramsites containing anorthite and gehlenite prepared from waste lime mud.

    PubMed

    Qin, Juan; Yang, Chuanmeng; Cui, Chong; Huang, Jiantao; Hussain, Ahmad; Ma, Hailong

    2016-09-01

    Lime mud is a kind of solid waste in the papermaking industry, which has been a source of serious environmental pollution. Ceramsites containing anorthite and gehlenite were prepared from lime mud and fly ash through the solid state reaction method at 1050°C. The objective of this study was to explore the efficiency of Ca(2+) and OH(-) release and assess the phosphorus and copper ion removal performance of the ceramsites via batch experiments, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that Ca(2+) and OH(-) were released from the ceramsites due to the dissolution of anorthite, gehlenite and available lime. It is also concluded that gehlenite had stronger capacity for Ca(2+) and OH(-) release compared with anorthite. The Ca(2+) release could be fit well by the Avrami kinetic model. Increases of porosity, dosage and temperature were associated with increases in the concentrations of Ca(2+) and OH(-) released. Under different conditions, the ceramsites could maintain aqueous solutions in alkaline conditions (pH=9.3-10.9) and the release of Ca(2+) was not affected. The removal rates of phosphorus and copper ions were as high as 96.88% and 96.81%, respectively. The final pH values of both phosphorus and copper ions solutions changed slightly. The reuse of lime mud in the form of ceramsites is an effective strategy. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  20. Surface Behavior of Iron Sulfide Ore during Grinding with Alumina Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martín, Reyes P.; Elia, Palácios B.; Patiño, Francisco C.; Escudero, Ramiro G.; Mizraim, Uriel Flores G.; Reyes, Iván A. D.; Palazuelos, Laura Angeles

    This research was conducted to study the oxidation and surface modification of pyrite in an inert mill and alumina grinding media at different pH values. The extent and progress of the oxidation function of milling time, by measuring some physicochemical variables, zeta potential (ZP), infrared analysis and monitoring. The results indicate pyrite oxidation during grinding, releasing iron and sulfur ions to the solution increasing its concentration with the initial pH and the milling time, the ORP and DO decrease the grinding time, on the other hand presents negative values ZP pH of 9, 11 and 12, whereas at pH 5, 7 and 13, the ZP is positive, FTIR generally detect the presence of free sulfate ion molecule 1084 cm-1, goethite with the absorption band at about 794 cm-1, also occurs in a band assigned to 470 cm-1 lepidocrocite oxy iron hydroxide γ- FeOOH, nucleated species or formed during milling.

  1. Gating characteristics control glutamate receptor distribution and trafficking in vivo.

    PubMed

    Petzoldt, Astrid G; Lee, Yü-Hien; Khorramshahi, Omid; Reynolds, Eric; Plested, Andrew J R; Herzel, Hanspeter; Sigrist, Stephan J

    2014-09-08

    Glutamate-releasing synapses dominate excitatory release in the brain. Mechanisms governing their assembly are of major importance for circuit development and long-term plasticity underlying learning and memory. AMPA/Kainate-type glutamate receptors (GluRs) are tetrameric ligand-gated ion channels that open their ion-conducting pores in response to binding of the neurotransmitter. Changes in subunit composition of postsynaptic GluRs are highly relevant for plasticity and development of glutamatergic synapses [1-4]. To date, posttranslational modifications, mostly operating via the intracellular C-terminal domains (CTDs) of GluRs, are presumed to be the major regulator of trafficking [5]. In recent years, structural and electrophysiological analyses have improved our understanding of GluR gating mechanism [6-11]. However, whether conformational changes subsequent to glutamate binding may per se be able to influence GluR trafficking has remained an unaddressed question. Using a Drosophila system allowing for extended visualization of GluR trafficking in vivo, we here provide evidence that mutations changing the gating behavior alter GluR distribution and trafficking. GluR mutants associated with reduced charge transfer segregated from coexpressed wild-type GluRs on the level of individual postsynaptic densities. Segregation was lost upon blocking of evoked glutamate release. Photobleaching experiments suggested increased mobility of mutants with reduced charge transfer, which accumulated prematurely during early steps of synapse assembly, but failed to further increase their level in accordance with assembly of the presynaptic scaffold. In summary, gating characteristics seem to be a new variable for the understanding of GluR trafficking relevant to both development and plasticity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Characteristics of structure, composition, mass spectra, and iron release from the ferritin of shark liver (Sphyrna zygaena).

    PubMed

    Huang, He-Qing; Xiao, Zhi-Qun; Chen, Xu; Lin, Qing-Mei; Cai, Zong-Wei; Chen, Ping

    2004-11-01

    The ferritin consists of a protein shell constructed of 24 subunits and an iron core. The liver ferritin of Sphyrna zygaena (SZLF) purified by column chromatography is a protein composed of eight ferritins containing varying iron numbers ranging from 400+/-20 Fe3+/SZLF to 1890+/-20 Fe3+/SZLF within the protein shell. Nature SZLF (SZLFN) consisting of holoSZLF and SZLF with unsaturated iron (SZLFUI) to have been purified with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) exhibited five ferritin bands with different pI values ranging from 4.0 to 7.0 in the gel slab of isoelectric focusing (IEF). HoloSZLF purified by PAGE (SZLFE) not only had 1890+/-20 Fe3+/SZLFE but also showed an identical size of iron core observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa for SZLFE subunit was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Four peaks of molecular ions at mass/charge (m/z) ratios of 10611.07, 21066.52, 41993.16, and 63555.64 that come from the SZLFE were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), which were identified as molecular ions of the ferritin subunit (M+) and its polymers, namely, [M]2+, [M]+, [2M]+, and [3M]+, respectively. Both SZLFE and a crude extract from shark liver of S. zygaena showed similar kinetic characteristics of complete iron release with biphasic behavior. In addition, a combined technique of visible spectrometry and column chromatography was used for studying ratio of phosphate to Fe3+ within the SZLFE core. Interestingly, this ratio maintained invariable even after the iron release, which differed from that of other mammal ferritins.

  3. Cytocompatibility of Mg Alloys and the Effect of Cells on their Degradation in Biological Environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamamoto, Akiko; Kohyama, Yuko

    Biomedical application of magnesium and its alloys are highly anticipated since their corrosion reaction with water can be utilized as degradability inside the human body. Degradation ratio of Mg alloys severely influences not only their mechanical integrity along the implantation period but also their biocompatibility since toxicological reaction of surrounding tissue depends on the amount and kind of released metal ions. In this study, pure Mg and AZ-system Mg alloys were employed for cytocompatibility evaluation and the effect of cells on the degradation of the metal specimens during cell culture was also examined. Cells could grow on pure Mg and low-Al content alloy but not on high-Al content alloys even though they release less Mg2+ ions than low-Al content alloy. Higher Mg2+ ion release was observed from the specimens with good cell growth.

  4. Evaluation of Nickel and Chromium Ion Release During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer: An In Vivo Study

    PubMed Central

    Nayak, Rabindra S; Khanna, Bharti; Pasha, Azam; Vinay, K; Narayan, Anjali; Chaitra, K

    2015-01-01

    Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances with the use of stainless steel brackets and archwires made of nitinol have a corrosive potential in the oral environment. Nickel and chromium ions released from these appliances act as allergens apart from being cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in smaller quantities in the range of nanograms. This study was done to evaluate the release of nickel and chromium ions from orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Materials and Methods: Saliva samples from 30 orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with 0.022″ MBT mechanotherapy were collected prior to commencement of treatment, after initial aligning wires and after 10-12 months of treatment. Salivary nickel and chromium ion concentration was measured in parts per billion (ppb) using ICP-MS. Results: Mean, standard deviation and range were computed for the concentrations of ions obtained. Results analyzed using ANOVA indicated a statistically significant increase of 10.35 ppb in nickel ion concentration and 33.53 ppb in chromium ion concentration after initial alignment. The ionic concentration at the end of 10-12 months of treatment showed a statistically significant increase in of 17.92 ppb for chromium and a statistically insignificant decrease in nickel ion concentration by 1.58 ppb. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation for an increase in nickel concentration after aligning, but not at the end of 10-12 months. A positive correlation was seen for an increase in chromium ion concentration at both time intervals. Conclusion: Nickel and chromium ion concentration in saliva even though below the recommended daily allowance should not be ignored in light of the new knowledge regarding effects of these ions at the molecular level and the allergic potential. Careful and detailed medical history of allergy is essential. Nickel free alternatives should form an essential part of an orthodontist’s inventory. PMID:26464533

  5. Evaluation of Nickel and Chromium Ion Release During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer: An In Vivo Study.

    PubMed

    Nayak, Rabindra S; Khanna, Bharti; Pasha, Azam; Vinay, K; Narayan, Anjali; Chaitra, K

    2015-08-01

    Fixed orthodontic appliances with the use of stainless steel brackets and archwires made of nitinol have a corrosive potential in the oral environment. Nickel and chromium ions released from these appliances act as allergens apart from being cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in smaller quantities in the range of nanograms. This study was done to evaluate the release of nickel and chromium ions from orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Saliva samples from 30 orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with 0.022″ MBT mechanotherapy were collected prior to commencement of treatment, after initial aligning wires and after 10-12 months of treatment. Salivary nickel and chromium ion concentration was measured in parts per billion (ppb) using ICP-MS. Mean, standard deviation and range were computed for the concentrations of ions obtained. Results analyzed using ANOVA indicated a statistically significant increase of 10.35 ppb in nickel ion concentration and 33.53 ppb in chromium ion concentration after initial alignment. The ionic concentration at the end of 10-12 months of treatment showed a statistically significant increase in of 17.92 ppb for chromium and a statistically insignificant decrease in nickel ion concentration by 1.58 ppb. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation for an increase in nickel concentration after aligning, but not at the end of 10-12 months. A positive correlation was seen for an increase in chromium ion concentration at both time intervals. Nickel and chromium ion concentration in saliva even though below the recommended daily allowance should not be ignored in light of the new knowledge regarding effects of these ions at the molecular level and the allergic potential. Careful and detailed medical history of allergy is essential. Nickel free alternatives should form an essential part of an orthodontist's inventory.

  6. The effects of captive rearing on the behavior of newly-released whooping cranes (Grus americana)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kreger, M.D.; Hatfield, J.S.; Estevez, I.; Gee, G.F.; Clugston, D.A.

    2005-01-01

    Rearing treatments used in captivity to prepare animals for reintroduction to the wild may have a profound effect on behavior and, possibly, affect their survival after reintroduction. This study examined the behaviors of captive-reared whooping cranes (Grus americana) upon their release in Florida to determine if rearing treatments may affect the behavior of the birds and how these affect their chances of survival in the wild. Individually tagged birds were observed at the rearing facility, the U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland, from hatch to 20 weeks of age and at the release site in Central Florida for up to 6 weeks post release. The rearing treatments were parent reared (PR), hand reared (HR), and hand reared with exercise (HRE). Observations at the rearing facility are described in a previous paper. At the release site, each bird was observed for 5 min every morning (0700?1000 h) and late afternoon (1500?1800 h) during the 6-week study period. Our results indicated that most of the time, the n = 34 birds were foraging (46.03 ? 1.48%), followed by nonvigilant (20.89 ? 0.73%), vigilant (19.21 ? 0.72%), or performing comfort behaviors (11.61 ? 1.28%). Data were analyzed using mixed models repeated measures ANOVA. There were no significant behavioral differences between HR and HRE birds. PR birds were found in larger groups than HR birds during the first 2 weeks post release and greater than HR and HRE birds afterwards. This may be interpreted as an antipredator strategy for birds that relied on parental guidance during rearing. HR and HRE birds foraged more than PR birds during the first 2 weeks post release and PR birds were more vigilant during the first 2 weeks post release. Across rearing treatments, the percentages of time spent foraging and engaged in vigilant behaviors during rearing were positively correlated with their behavior upon release. If any of these behaviors can be demonstrated to have relevance for the survival of the whooping cranes after release then it may be possible to establish behavioral interventions to increase the frequencies of such behavior, so that they are perpetuated after release.

  7. Influence of Porous Spherical-Shaped Hydroxyapatite on Mechanical Strength and Bioactive Function of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Szu-Yu; Shinonaga, Yukari; Abe, Yoko; Harada, Kyoko; Arita, Kenji

    2017-01-03

    Glass-ionomer-cement (GIC) is helpful in Minimal Intervention Dentistry because it releases fluoride ions and is highly biocompatible. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms by which hydroxyapatite (HAp) improves the mechanical strength and bioactive functioning of GIC when these materials are combined to make apatite ionomer cement (AIC). A conventional GIC powder was mixed with porous, spherical-HAp particles (HApS), crystalline HAp (HAp200) or one of two types of cellulose. The micro-compressive strengths of the additive particles were measured, and various specimens were evaluated with regard to their compressive strengths (CS), fluoride release concentrations (fluoride electrode) and multi-element release concentrations. The AIC was found to release higher concentrations of fluoride (1.2 times) and strontium ions (1.5 times) compared to the control GIC. It was detected the more release of calcium originated from HApS than HAp200 in AIC. The CS of the AIC incorporating an optimum level of HAp was also significantly higher than that of the GIC. These results suggest that adding HAp can increase the release concentration of ions required for remineralization while maintaining the CS of the GIC. This effect does not result from a physical phenomenon, but rather from chemical reactions between the HAp and polyacrylic acid of GIC.

  8. Influence of Porous Spherical-Shaped Hydroxyapatite on Mechanical Strength and Bioactive Function of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement

    PubMed Central

    Chiu, Szu-Yu; Shinonaga, Yukari; Abe, Yoko; Harada, Kyoko; Arita, Kenji

    2017-01-01

    Glass-ionomer-cement (GIC) is helpful in Minimal Intervention Dentistry because it releases fluoride ions and is highly biocompatible. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms by which hydroxyapatite (HAp) improves the mechanical strength and bioactive functioning of GIC when these materials are combined to make apatite ionomer cement (AIC). A conventional GIC powder was mixed with porous, spherical-HAp particles (HApS), crystalline HAp (HAp200) or one of two types of cellulose. The micro-compressive strengths of the additive particles were measured, and various specimens were evaluated with regard to their compressive strengths (CS), fluoride release concentrations (fluoride electrode) and multi-element release concentrations. The AIC was found to release higher concentrations of fluoride (1.2 times) and strontium ions (1.5 times) compared to the control GIC. It was detected the more release of calcium originated from HApS than HAp200 in AIC. The CS of the AIC incorporating an optimum level of HAp was also significantly higher than that of the GIC. These results suggest that adding HAp can increase the release concentration of ions required for remineralization while maintaining the CS of the GIC. This effect does not result from a physical phenomenon, but rather from chemical reactions between the HAp and polyacrylic acid of GIC. PMID:28772386

  9. Silver nanoparticles embedded in zeolite membranes: release of silver ions and mechanism of antibacterial action

    PubMed Central

    Nagy, Amber; Harrison, Alistair; Sabbani, Supriya; Munson, Robert S; Dutta, Prabir K; Waldman, W James

    2011-01-01

    Background The focus of this study is on the antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles embedded within a zeolite membrane (AgNP-ZM). Methods and Results These membranes were effective in killing Escherichia coli and were bacteriostatic against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli suspended in Luria Bertani (LB) broth and isolated from physical contact with the membrane were also killed. Elemental analysis indicated slow release of Ag+ from the AgNP-ZM into the LB broth. The E. coli killing efficiency of AgNP-ZM was found to decrease with repeated use, and this was correlated with decreased release of silver ions with each use of the support. Gene expression microarrays revealed upregulation of several antioxidant genes as well as genes coding for metal transport, metal reduction, and ATPase pumps in response to silver ions released from AgNP-ZM. Gene expression of iron transporters was reduced, and increased expression of ferrochelatase was observed. In addition, upregulation of multiple antibiotic resistance genes was demonstrated. The expression levels of multicopper oxidase, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin decreased with each support use, reflecting the lower amounts of Ag+ released from the membrane. The antibacterial mechanism of AgNP-ZM is proposed to be related to the exhaustion of antioxidant capacity. Conclusion These results indicate that AgNP-ZM provide a novel matrix for gradual release of Ag+. PMID:21931480

  10. PULSED ION SOURCE

    DOEpatents

    Kilpatrick, W.D.

    1959-04-21

    A source is presented for producing high intensity pulses of ions with precise time control of pulse initiation. The approach taken is to have one of the electrodes in the source occluded with the gas to be ionized. A trigger electrode is disposed adjacent to the gas filled electrode and is pulsed with a voltage to release the gas. The other structure of the source includes an apertured anode disposed between two cathodes, the gas filled electrode and another electrode. At the same time the gas is released a low voltage pulse is applied between the anode and cathodes to establish an ionizing arc discharge. An electrode adjacent to the arc withdraws the ions.

  11. A study of tablet dissolution by magnetic resonance electric current density imaging.

    PubMed

    Mikac, Ursa; Demsar, Alojz; Demsar, Franci; Sersa, Igor

    2007-03-01

    The electric current density imaging technique (CDI) was used to monitor the dissolution of ion releasing tablets (made of various carboxylic acids and of sodium chloride) by following conductivity changes in an agar-agar gel surrounding the tablet. Conductivity changes in the sample were used to calculate spatial and temporal changes of ionic concentrations in the sample. The experimental data for ion migration were compared to a mathematical model based on a solution of the diffusion equation with moving boundary conditions for the tablet geometry. Diffusion constants for different acids were determined by fitting the model to the experimental data. The experiments with dissolving tablets were used to demonstrate the potential of the CDI technique for measurement of ion concentration in the vicinity of ion releasing samples.

  12. Speciation of the trivalent f-elements Eu(III) and Cm(III) in digestive media.

    PubMed

    Wilke, Claudia; Barkleit, Astrid; Stumpf, Thorsten; Ikeda-Ohno, Atsushi

    2017-10-01

    In case radioactive materials are released into the environment, their incorporation into our digestive system would be a significant concern. Trivalent f-elements, i.e., trivalent actinides and lanthanides, could potentially represent a serious health risk due to their chemo- and radiotoxicity, nevertheless the biochemical behavior of these elements are mostly unknown even to date. This study, therefore, focuses on the chemical speciation of trivalent f-elements in the human gastrointestinal tract. To simulate the digestive system artificial digestive juices (saliva, gastric juice, pancreatic juice and bile fluid) were prepared. The chemical speciation of lanthanides (as Eu(III)) and actinides (as Cm(III)) was determined experimentally by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and the results were compared with thermodynamic modeling. The results indicate a dominant inorganic species with phosphate/carbonate in the mouth, while the aquo ion is predominantly formed with a minor contribution of the enzyme pepsin in the stomach. In the intestinal tract the most significant species are with the protein mucin. We demonstrated the first experimental results on the chemical speciation of trivalent f-elements in the digestive media by TRLFS. The results highlight a significant gap in chemical speciation between experiments and thermodynamic modeling due to the limited availability of thermodynamic stability constants particularly for organic species. Chemical speciation strongly influences the in vivo behavior of metal ions. Therefore, the results of this speciation study will help to enhance the assessment of health risks and to improve decorporation strategies after ingestion of these (radio-)toxic heavy metal ions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Overexpressed TRPV3 ion channels in skin keratinocytes modulate pain sensitivity via prostaglandin E2

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Susan M.; Lee, Hyosang; Chung, Man-Kyo; Park, Una; Yu, Yin Yin; Bradshaw, Heather B.; Coulombe, Pierre A.; Walker, J. Michael; Caterina, Michael J.

    2009-01-01

    The ability to sense changes in the environment is essential for survival because it permits responses such as withdrawal from noxious stimuli and regulation of body temperature. Keratinocytes, which occupy much of the skin epidermis, are situated at the interface between the external environment and the body's internal milieu, and have long been appreciated for their barrier function against external insults. The recent discovery of temperature-sensitive TRPV ion channels in keratinocytes has raised the possibility that these cells also actively participate in acute temperature and pain sensation. To address this notion, we generated and characterized transgenic mice that overexpress TRPV3 in epidermal keratinocytes under the control of the keratin 14 promoter. Compared to wild-type controls, keratinocytes overexpressing TRPV3 exhibited larger currents as well as augmented prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in response to two TRPV3 agonists, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB) and heat. Thermal selection behavior and heat-evoked withdrawal behavior of naïve mice overexpressing TRPV3 were not consistently altered. Upon selective pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 with JNJ-7203212, however, the keratinocyte-specific TRPV3 transgenic mice showed increased escape responses to noxious heat relative to their wild-type littermates. Co-administration of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen, with the TRPV1 antagonist decreased inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia in transgenic but not wild-type animals. Our results reveal a previously undescribed mechanism for keratinocyte participation in thermal pain transduction through keratinocyte TRPV3 ion channels and the intercellular messenger PGE2. PMID:19091963

  14. Development of Biomimetic NiTi Alloy: Influence of Thermo-Chemical Treatment on the Physical, Mechanical and Biological Behavior

    PubMed Central

    Rupérez, Elisa; Manero, José María; Bravo-González, Luis-Alberto; Espinar, Eduardo; Gil, F.J.

    2016-01-01

    A bioactive layer, free of nickel, has been performed for its greater acceptability and reliability in clinical applications for NiTi shape memory alloys. In the first step, a safe barrier against Ni release has been produced on the surface by means of a thicker rutile/anastase protective layer free of nickel. In the second step, a sodium alkaline titanate hydrogel, which has the ability to induce apatite formation, has been performed from oxidized surface. An improvement of host tissue–implant integration has been achieved in terms of Ni ions release and the bioactivity of the treated NiTi alloys has been corroborated with both in vitro and in vivo studies. The transformation temperatures (As, Af, Ms, and Mf), as well as the critical stresses (σβ⇔M), have been slightly changed due to this surface modification. Consequently, this fact must be taken into account in order to design new surface modification on NiTi implants. PMID:28773526

  15. Novel kinetic model of the removal of divalent heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions by natural clinoptilolite.

    PubMed

    Jovanovic, Mina; Rajic, Nevenka; Obradovic, Bojana

    2012-09-30

    Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions using zeolites is widely described by pseudo-second order kinetics although this model may not be valid under all conditions. In this work, we have extended approaches used for derivation of this model in order to develop a novel kinetic model that is related to the ion exchange mechanism underlying sorption of metal ions in zeolites. The novel model assumed two reversible steps, i.e. release of sodium ions from the zeolite lattice followed by bonding of the metal ion. The model was applied to experimental results of Cu(II) sorption by natural clinoptilolite-rich zeolitic tuff at different initial concentrations and temperatures and then validated by predictions of ion exchange kinetics of other divalent heavy metal ions (i.e. Mn(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II)). Model predictions were in excellent agreements with experimental data for all investigated systems. In regard to the proposed mechanism, modeling results implied that the sodium ion release rate was constant for all investigated metals while the overall rate was mainly determined by the rate of heavy metal ion bonding to the lattice. In addition, prediction capabilities of the novel model were demonstrated requiring one experimentally determined parameter, only. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Sodium ion transport participates in non-neuronal acetylcholine release in the renal cortex of anesthetized rabbits.

    PubMed

    Shimizu, Shuji; Akiyama, Tsuyoshi; Kawada, Toru; Sata, Yusuke; Turner, Michael James; Fukumitsu, Masafumi; Yamamoto, Hiromi; Kamiya, Atsunori; Shishido, Toshiaki; Sugimachi, Masaru

    2017-09-01

    This study examined the mechanism of release of endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) in rabbit renal cortex by applying a microdialysis technique. In anesthetized rabbits, a microdialysis probe was implanted into the renal cortex and perfused with Ringer's solution containing high potassium concentration, high sodium concentration, a Na + /K + -ATPase inhibitor (ouabain), or an epithelial Na + channel blocker (benzamil). Dialysate samples were collected at baseline and during exposure to each agent, and ACh concentrations in the samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. High potassium had no effect on renal ACh release. High sodium increased dialysate ACh concentrations significantly. Ouabain increased dialysate ACh concentration significantly. Benzamil decreased dialysate ACh concentrations significantly both at baseline and under high sodium. The finding that high potassium-induced depolarization does not increase ACh release suggests that endogenous ACh is released in renal cortex mainly by non-neuronal mechanism. Sodium ion transport may be involved in the non-neuronal ACh release.

  17. Dental glass-reinforced composite for caries inhibition: Calcium phosphate ion release and mechanical properties

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Hockin H. K.; Moreau, Jennifer L.

    2010-01-01

    The two main challenges facing dental composite restorations are secondary caries and bulk fracture. Previous studies developed whisker-reinforced Ca-PO4 composites that were relatively opaque. The objective of this study was to develop an esthetic glass particle-reinforced, photo-cured calcium phosphate composite. Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) particles were incorporated into a resin for Ca and PO4 release, while glass particles provided reinforcement. Ion release and mechanical properties were measured after immersion in solutions with pH of 7, 5.5, and 4. For the composite containing 40% mass fraction of TTCP, incorporating glass fillers increased the strength (p < 0.05). Flexural strength (mean ± sd; n = 6) at 30% glass was (99 ± 18) MPa, higher than (54 ± 20) MPa at 0% glass (p < 0.05). Elastic modulus was 11 GPa at 30% glass, compared to 2 GPa without glass. At 28 d, the released Ca ion concentration was (4.61 ± 0.18) mmol/L at pH of 4, much higher than (1.14 ± 0.07) at pH of 5.5, and (0.27 ± 0.01) at pH of 7 (p < 0.05). PO4 release was also dramatically increased at cariogenic, acidic pH. The TTCP-glass composite had strength 2-3 fold that of a resin-modified glass ionomer control. In conclusion, the photo-cured TTCP-glass composite was “smart” and substantially increased the Ca and PO4 release when the pH was reduced from neutral to a cariogenic pH of 4, when these ions are most needed to inhibit tooth caries. Its mechanical properties were significantly higher than previous Ca, PO4 and fluoride releasing restoratives. Hence, the photo-cured TTCP-glass composite may have potential to provide the necessary combination of load-bearing and caries-inhibiting capabilities. PMID:19810118

  18. 78 FR 12231 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-22

    ... actions. This AD was prompted by recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in... recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in release of flammable... adoption of this rule because of recent incidents involving lithium ion battery failures that resulted in...

  19. Determination of Ni Release in NiTi SMA with Surface Modification by Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de Camargo, Eliene Nogueira; Oliveira Lobo, Anderson; Silva, Maria Margareth Da; Ueda, Mario; Garcia, Edivaldo Egea; Pichon, Luc; Reuther, Helfried; Otubo, Jorge

    2011-07-01

    NiTi SMA is a promising material in the biomedical area due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the nickel in the alloy may cause allergic and toxic reactions and thus limiting its applications. It was evaluated the influence of surface modification in NiTi SMA by nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (varying temperatures, and exposure time as follows: <250 °C/2 h, 290 °C/2 h, and 560 °C/1 h) in the amount of nickel released using immersion test in simulated body fluid. The depth of the nitrogen implanted layer increased as the implantation temperature increased resulting in the decrease of nickel release. The sample implanted in high implantation temperature presented 35% of nickel release reduction compared to reference sample.

  20. Redox-inactive metal ions modulate the reactivity and oxygen release of mononuclear non-haem iron(III)–peroxo complexes

    DOE PAGES

    Bang, Suhee; Lee, Yong -Min; Hong, Seungwoo; ...

    2014-09-14

    Redox-inactive metal ions that function as Lewis acids play pivotal roles in modulating the reactivity of oxygen-containing metal complexes and metalloenzymes, such as the oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II and its small-molecule mimics. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of non-haem iron(III)–peroxo complexes that bind redox-inactive metal ions, (TMC)FeIII–(μ,η 2:η 2-O 2)–M n+ (M n+ = Sr 2+, Ca 2+, Zn 2+, Lu 3+, Y 3+ and Sc 3+; TMC, 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). We demonstrate that the Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ complexes showed similar electrochemical properties and reactivities in one-electron oxidation or reduction reactions. However, the properties and reactivities ofmore » complexes formed with stronger Lewis acidities were found to be markedly different. In conclusion, complexes that contain Ca 2+ or Sr 2+ ions were oxidized by an electron acceptor to release O 2, whereas the release of O 2 did not occur for complexes that bind stronger Lewis acids. Furthermore, we discuss these results in the light of the functional role of the Ca 2+ ion in the oxidation of water to dioxygen by the oxygen-evolving complex.« less

  1. Redox-inactive metal ions modulate the reactivity and oxygen release of mononuclear non-haem iron(III)–peroxo complexes

    PubMed Central

    Bang, Suhee; Lee, Yong-Min; Hong, Seungwoo; Cho, Kyung-Bin; Nishida, Yusuke; Seo, Mi Sook; Sarangi, Ritimukta; Fukuzumi, Shunichi; Nam, Wonwoo

    2014-01-01

    Redox-inactive metal ions that function as Lewis acids play pivotal roles in modulating the reactivity of oxygen-containing metal complexes and metalloenzymes, such as the oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II and its small-molecule mimics. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of non-haem iron(III)–peroxo complexes that bind redox-inactive metal ions, (TMC)FeIII–(μ,η2:η2-O2)–Mn+ (Mn+ = Sr2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Lu3+, Y3+ and Sc3+; TMC, 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). We demonstrate that the Ca2+ and Sr2+ complexes showed similar electrochemical properties and reactivities in one-electron oxidation or reduction reactions. However, the properties and reactivities of complexes formed with stronger Lewis acidities were found to be markedly different. Complexes that contain Ca2+ or Sr2+ ions were oxidized by an electron acceptor to release O2, whereas the release of O2 did not occur for complexes that bind stronger Lewis acids. We discuss these results in the light of the functional role of the Ca2+ ion in the oxidation of water to dioxygen by the oxygen-evolving complex. PMID:25242490

  2. Nanodiamonds act as Trojan horse for intracellular delivery of metal ions to trigger cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Ying; Zhang, Yu; Shi, Guosheng; Yang, Jinrong; Zhang, Jichao; Li, Wenxin; Li, Aiguo; Tai, Renzhong; Fang, Haiping; Fan, Chunhai; Huang, Qing

    2015-02-05

    Nanomaterials hold great promise for applications in the delivery of various molecules with poor cell penetration, yet its potential for delivery of metal ions is rarely considered. Particularly, there is limited insight about the cytotoxicity triggered by nanoparticle-ion interactions. Oxidative stress is one of the major toxicological mechanisms for nanomaterials, and we propose that it may also contribute to nanoparticle-ion complexes induced cytotoxicity. To explore the potential of nanodiamonds (NDs) as vehicles for metal ion delivery, we used a broad range of experimental techniques that aimed at getting a comprehensive assessment of cell responses after exposure of NDs, metal ions, or ND-ion mixture: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Trypan blue exclusion text, optical microscope observation, synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. In addition, theoretical calculation and molecular dynamics (MD) computation were used to illustrate the adsorption properties of different metal ion on NDs as well as release profile of ion from ND-ion complexes at different pH values. The adsorption capacity of NDs for different metal ions was different, and the adsorption for Cu2+ was the most strong among divalent metal ions. These different ND-ion complexes then had different cytotoxicity by influencing the subsequent cellular responses. Detailed investigation of ND-Cu2+ interaction showed that the amount of released Cu2+ from ND-Cu2+ complexes at acidic lysosomal conditions was much higher than that at neutral conditions, leading to the elevation of intracellular ROS level, which triggered cytotoxicity. By theoretical approaches, we demonstrated that the functional carbon surface and cluster structures of NDs made them good vehicles for metal ions delivery. NDs played the Trojan horse role by allowing large amounts of metal ions accumulate into living cells followed by subsequent release of ions in the interior of cells, which then led to cytotoxicity. The present experimental and theoretical results provide useful insight into understanding of cytotoxicity triggered by nanoparticle-ion interactions, and open new ways in the interpretation of nanotoxicity.

  3. Dual mode ion mobility spectrometer and method for ion mobility spectrometry

    DOEpatents

    Scott, Jill R [Idaho Falls, ID; Dahl, David A [Idaho Falls, ID; Miller, Carla J [Idaho Falls, ID; Tremblay, Paul L [Idaho Falls, ID; McJunkin, Timothy R [Idaho Falls, ID

    2007-08-21

    Ion mobility spectrometer apparatus may include an ion interface that is operable to hold positive and negative ions and to simultaneously release positive and negative ions through respective positive and negative ion ports. A first drift chamber is operatively associated with the positive ion port of the ion interface and encloses an electric field therein. A first ion detector operatively associated with the first drift chamber detects positive ions from the first drift chamber. A second drift chamber is operatively associated with the negative ion port of the ion interface and encloses an electric field therein. A second ion detector operatively associated with the second drift chamber detects negative ions from said second drift chamber.

  4. Behavioral profiles of the captive juvenile whooping crane (Grus americana) as an indicator of reintroduction behavior and survival

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kreger, M.D.

    2003-01-01

    Predation by bobcats (Lynx rufus) has been the greatest cause of mortality of whooping cranes (Grus americana) in the reintroduced population in Florida. This study investigated whether the behavior of juvenile cranes during captive rearing and shortly after release can be used to predict their chances of survival once released in the wild. This study also examined differences in behavior based on rearing treatments and whether differences observed during rearing continued at the release site. Experimental rearing treatments were parent reared (PR), hand reared (RR), and hand reared with exercise (HRE). Two annual cycles of cranes were observed from hatch to 20 weeks of age in captivity (n=56 birds). Post-release bebavioral data were collected at the release site for a minimum of two weeks (n=34 birds), with mortality data collected up to one year post release (n=38 birds). Behavioral time budgets were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Logistic regression was used to build a model to identify behaviors that were associated with first-year survival. During rearing, PR birds were the most vigilant. There were no behavioral differences between HR and HRE birds. Generally, rearing treatments had few long-term effects on the post-release behavior of the birds. The main behavioral differences during rearing and after release were the frequency of bouts and the percentage of time spent performing different behaviors. This may be attributed to foraging strategies and adaptation from captive conditions to the wild. Survival was not related to rearing treatment. Fifty-five percent of the birds survived the first year post-release based upon data pooled over two years. During rearing, the frequency of foraging bouts was positively correlated to survival. Survival was negatively correlated to the frequency of walking bouts during rearing, and release weight of the birds. These correlations accounted for 32 percent of the variability in survival. At the release site, 20 percent of post-release survival was negatively correlated with the frequency of non vigilant bouts. This study suggests that none of the rearing treatments confer a survival advantage during the first year post release, however, survival may be improved by encouraging additional foraging opportunities during rearing.

  5. Metal cation controls phosphate release in the myosin ATPase.

    PubMed

    Ge, Jinghua; Huang, Furong; Nesmelov, Yuri E

    2017-11-01

    Myosin is an enzyme that utilizes ATP to produce a conformational change generating a force. The kinetics of the myosin reverse recovery stroke depends on the metal cation complexed with ATP. The reverse recovery stroke is slow for MgATP and fast for MnATP. The metal ion coordinates the γ phosphate of ATP in the myosin active site. It is accepted that the reverse recovery stroke is correlated with the phosphate release; therefore, magnesium "holds" phosphate tighter than manganese. Magnesium and manganese are similar ions in terms of their chemical properties and the shell complexation; hence, we propose to use these ions to study the mechanism of the phosphate release. Analysis of octahedral complexes of magnesium and manganese show that the partial charge of magnesium is higher than that of manganese and the slightly larger size of manganese ion makes its ionic potential smaller. We hypothesize that electrostatics play a role in keeping and releasing the abstracted γ phosphate in the active site, and the stronger electric charge of magnesium ion holds γ phosphate tighter. We used stable myosin-nucleotide analog complex and Raman spectroscopy to examine the effect of the metal cation on the relative position of γ phosphate analog in the active site. We found that in the manganese complex, the γ phosphate analog is 0.01 nm further away from ADP than in the magnesium complex. We conclude that the ionic potential of the metal cation plays a role in the retention of the abstracted phosphate. © 2017 The Protein Society.

  6. NREL's Advanced Atomic Layer Deposition Enables Lithium-Ion Battery

    Science.gov Websites

    Battery Technology News Release: NREL's Advanced Atomic Layer Deposition Enables Lithium-Ion Battery increasingly demanding needs of any battery application. These lithium-ion batteries feature a hybrid solid further customized lithium-ion battery materials for high performance devices by utilizing our patented

  7. Interplay of Plasma Membrane and Vacuolar Ion Channels, Together with BAK1, Elicits Rapid Cytosolic Calcium Elevations in Arabidopsis during Aphid Feeding[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Vincent, Thomas R.; Avramova, Marieta; Canham, James; Higgins, Peter; Bilkey, Natasha; Mugford, Sam T.; Pitino, Marco; Toyota, Masatsugu

    2017-01-01

    A transient rise in cytosolic calcium ion concentration is one of the main signals used by plants in perception of their environment. The role of calcium in the detection of abiotic stress is well documented; however, its role during biotic interactions remains unclear. Here, we use a fluorescent calcium biosensor (GCaMP3) in combination with the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) as a tool to study Arabidopsis thaliana calcium dynamics in vivo and in real time during a live biotic interaction. We demonstrate rapid and highly localized plant calcium elevations around the feeding sites of M. persicae, and by monitoring aphid feeding behavior electrophysiologically, we demonstrate that these elevations correlate with aphid probing of epidermal and mesophyll cells. Furthermore, we dissect the molecular mechanisms involved, showing that interplay between the plant defense coreceptor BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 (BAK1), the plasma membrane ion channels GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR-LIKE 3.3 and 3.6 (GLR3.3 and GLR3.6), and the vacuolar ion channel TWO-PORE CHANNEL1 (TPC1) mediate these calcium elevations. Consequently, we identify a link between plant perception of biotic threats by BAK1, cellular calcium entry mediated by GLRs, and intracellular calcium release by TPC1 during a biologically relevant interaction. PMID:28559475

  8. Salt-induced effects on natural and inverse DPPC lipid membranes: Molecular dynamics simulation.

    PubMed

    Rezaei Sani, Seyed Mojtaba; Akhavan, Mojdeh; Jalili, Seifollah

    2018-08-01

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer and its neutral inverse-phosphocholine equivalent (DPCPe) were performed to find salt-induced effects on their surface structure and the nature of ion-lipid interactions. We found that the area per lipid is not considerably affected by the inversion, but the deuterium order parameter of carbon atoms in the region of carbonyl carbons changes dramatically. MD simulations indicate that Ca 2+ ions can bind to the surface of both DPPC and DPCPe membranes, but K + ions do not bind to them. In the case of Na + , however, the ions can bind to natural lipids but not to the inverse ones. Also, our results demonstrate that the hydration level of CPe bilayers is substantially lower than PC bilayers and the averaged orientation of water dipoles in the region of CPe headgroups is effectively inverted compared to PC lipids. This might be important in the interaction of the bilayer with its biological environment. Furthermore, it was found for the CPe bilayers that the enhanced peaks of the electrostatic potential profiles shift further away from the bilayer center relative to those of PC bilayers. This behavior makes the penetration of cations into the bilayer more difficult and possibly explains the experimentally observed enhanced release rates of anionic compounds in the CPe membrane. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Research on the biological activity and doxorubicin release behavior in vitro of mesoporous bioactive SiO2-CaO-P2O5 glass nanospheres

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiang; Wang, Gen; Zhang, Ying

    2017-10-01

    Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) nanospheres have been synthesized by a facile method of sacrificing template using cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant. The prepared MBG nanospheres possess high specific surface area (632 m2 g-1) as well as uniform size (∼100 nm). In addition, MBG nanospheres exhibited a quick in vitro bioactive response in simulated body fluids (SBF) and excellent bioactivity of inducing hydroxyapatite (HA) forming on the surface of MBG nanospheres. Furthermore, MBG nanospheres can sustain release of doxorubicin (DOX) with a higher encapsulation efficiency (63.6%) and show distinct degradation in PBS by releasing Si and Ca ions. The encapsulation efficiency and DOX release of MBG nanospheres could be controlled by mesoporous structure and local pH environment. The greater surface area and pore volumes of prepared MBG nanospheres are conducive to bioactive response and drug release in vitro. The amino groups in DOX can be easily protonated at acidic medium to become positively charged NH+3, which allow these drug molecules to be desorbed from the surface of MBG nanospheres via electrostatic effect. Therefore, the synthesized MBG nanospheres have a pH-sensitive drug release capability. In addition, the cytotoxicity of MBG nanospheres was assessed using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and results showed that the synthesized MBG nanospheres had no significant cytotoxicity to MC3T3 cells. These all indicated that as-prepared MBG nanospheres are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering.

  10. Use of natural clays as sorbent materials for rare earth ions: Materials characterization and set up of the operative parameters.

    PubMed

    Iannicelli-Zubiani, Elena Maria; Cristiani, Cinzia; Dotelli, Giovanni; Gallo Stampino, Paola; Pelosato, Renato; Mesto, Ernesto; Schingaro, Emanuela; Lacalamita, Maria

    2015-12-01

    Two mineral clays of the montmorillonite group were tested as sorbents for the removal of Rare Earths (REs) from liquid solutions. Lanthanum and neodymium model solutions were used to perform uptake tests in order to: (a) verify the clays sorption capability, (b) investigate the sorption mechanisms and (c) optimize the experimental parameters, such as contact time and pH. The desorption was also studied, in order to evaluate the feasibility of REs recovery from waters. The adsorption-desorption procedure with the optimized parameters was also tested on a leaching solution obtained by dissolution of a dismantled NdFeB magnet of a hard-disk. The clays were fully characterized after REs adsorption and desorption by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); the liquid phase was characterized via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses. The experimental results show that both clays are able to capture and release La and Nd ions, with an ion exchange mechanism. The best total efficiency (capture ≈ 50%, release ≈ 70%) is obtained when the uptake and release processes are performed at pH=5 and pH=1 respectively; in real leached scrap solutions, the uptake is around 40% but release efficiency is strongly decreased passing from a mono-ion system to a real system (from 80% to 5%). Furthermore, a strong matrix effect is found, with the matrix largely affecting both the uptake and the release of neodymium. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. A single mutation in a tunnel to the active site changes the mechanism and kinetics of product release in haloalkane dehalogenase LinB.

    PubMed

    Biedermannová, Lada; Prokop, Zbyněk; Gora, Artur; Chovancová, Eva; Kovács, Mihály; Damborsky, Jiří; Wade, Rebecca C

    2012-08-17

    Many enzymes have buried active sites. The properties of the tunnels connecting the active site with bulk solvent affect ligand binding and unbinding and also the catalytic properties. Here, we investigate ligand passage in the haloalkane dehalogenase enzyme LinB and the effect of replacing leucine by a bulky tryptophan at a tunnel-lining position. Transient kinetic experiments show that the mutation significantly slows down the rate of product release. Moreover, the mechanism of bromide ion release is changed from a one-step process in the wild type enzyme to a two-step process in the mutant. The rate constant of bromide ion release corresponds to the overall steady-state turnover rate constant, suggesting that product release became the rate-limiting step of catalysis in the mutant. We explain the experimental findings by investigating the molecular details of the process computationally. Analysis of trajectories from molecular dynamics simulations with a tunnel detection software reveals differences in the tunnels available for ligand egress. Corresponding differences are seen in simulations of product egress using a specialized enhanced sampling technique. The differences in the free energy barriers for egress of a bromide ion obtained using potential of mean force calculations are in good agreement with the differences in rates obtained from the transient kinetic experiments. Interactions of the bromide ion with the introduced tryptophan are shown to affect the free energy barrier for its passage. The study demonstrates how the mechanism of an enzymatic catalytic cycle and reaction kinetics can be engineered by modification of protein tunnels.

  12. Physiochemical properties of experimental nano-hybrid MTA

    PubMed Central

    Akhavan Zanjani, V; Tabari, K; Sheikh-Al-Eslamian, SM; Abrandabadi, AN

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Development of new pulp capping agents has paved the way towards the preservation of pulp vitality, which is an important goal in restorative dentistry. This study sought to assess the calcium ion release, pH and setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, an experimental formulation of nano-hybrid MTA containing nano-SiO2, nano-Al2O3 and nano-TiO2 and MTA Angelus plus nano-oxides. Methods: In this experimental study, five specimens from each material were placed in polypropylene tubes and immersed in a flask containing deionized distilled water. The quantity of calcium ions released into the solution from each material was measured at 15 minutes, one hour, and 24 hours by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The pH of the solutions was measured by using a pH meter at the respective time points. The setting time was also assessed by using a Gilmore needle. Data were analyzed by using repeated measure ANOVA. Results: The quantity of released calcium ions was not significantly different among the groups (P=0.060). All materials were alkaline and the pH at 24 hours was significantly higher than the other two time points in all groups (P<0.001). The experimental group had the shortest and the MTA Angelus had the longest setting time. All materials were alkaline and capable of releasing calcium. Addition of nanoparticles to MTA Angelus significantly decreased the setting time but had no effect on the release of calcium ions or pH. Abbreviations: MTA = mineral trioxide aggregate, VPT = vital pulp therapy PMID:29075348

  13. Rational design on controlled release ion-exchange polymeric microspheres and polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles for the delivery of water-soluble drugs through a multidisciplinary approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yongqiang

    Sulfopropyl dextran sulfate (SP-DS) microspheres and polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLN) for the delivery of water-soluble anticancer drugs and P-glycoprotein inhibitors were developed by our group recently and demonstrated effectiveness in local chemotherapy. To optimize the delivery performance of these particulate systems, particularly PLN, an integrated multidisciplinary approach was developed, based on an in-depth understanding of drug-excipient interactions, internal structure, drug loading and release mechanisms, and application of advanced modeling/optimization techniques. An artificial neural networks (ANN) simulator capable of formulation optimization and drug release prediction was developed. In vitro drug release kinetics of SP-DS microspheres, with various drug loading and in different release media, were predicted by ANN. The effects of independent variables on drug release were evaluated. Good modeling performance suggested that ANN is a useful tool to predict drug release from ion-exchange microspheres. To further improve the performance of PLN, drug-polymer-lipid interactions were characterized theoretically and experimentally using verapamil hydrochloride (VRP) as a model drug and dextran sulfate sodium (DS) as a counter-ion polymer. VRP-DS complexation followed a stoichiometric rule and solid-state transformation of VRP were observed. Dodecanoic acid (DA) was identified as the lead lipid carrier material. Based upon the optimized drug-polymer-lipid interactions, PLN with high drug loading capacity (36%, w/w) and sustained release without initial burst release were achieved. VRP remained amorphous and was molecularly dispersed within PLN. H-bonding contributed to the miscibility between the VRP-DS complex and DA. Drug release from PLN was mainly controlled by diffusion and ion-exchange processes. Drug loading capacity and particle size of PLN depend on the formulation factors of the weight ratio of drug to lipid and concentrations of surfactants applied. A three-factor spherical composite experimental design was used to map the cause-and-effect relationship. PLN with high drug loading efficiency (92%) and small particle size (100 nm) were predicted by ANN and confirmed by experiment. The roles of various factors on the properties of PLN were also investigated. In summary, this thesis demonstrates that an integrated multidisciplinary strategy ranging from preformulation to formulation to optimization is suitable for the rational design of SP-DS microspheres and PLN with desired properties.

  14. Adverse reactions to orthodontic materials.

    PubMed

    Sifakakis, I; Eliades, T

    2017-03-01

    Adverse effects can arise from the clinical use of orthodontic materials, due to the release of constituent substances (ions from alloys and monomers, degradation by-products, and additives from polymers). Moreover, intraoral aging affects the biologic properties of materials. The aim of this review is to present the currently identified major adverse effects of the metallic and polymeric components found in orthodontic appliances and materials. Corrosion in metallic orthodontic attachments releases metal ions, mainly iron, chromium, and nickel. The latter has received the greatest attention because of its reported potential for an allergic response. The formation of an oxide layer may inhibit the outward movement of ions, thereby acting as an obstacle for release. Titanium alloys have superior corrosion resistance than stainless steel. The efficiency of polymerisation is considered an essential property for all polymers. A poor polymer network is susceptible to the release of biologically reactive substances, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), which is capable of inducing hormone-related effects. The close proximity of a light-curing tip to the adhesive, pumice prophylaxis after bonding, indirect irradiation and mouth rinsing during the first hour after bonding may decrease BPA release. The adverse effects of some orthodontic materials should be considered during material selection and throughout orthodontic treatment, in order to minimise possible undesirable implications. © 2017 Australian Dental Association.

  15. Therapeutic ion-releasing bioactive glass ionomer cements with improved mechanical strength and radiopacity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fuchs, Maximilian; Gentleman, Eileen; Shahid, Saroash; Hill, Robert; Brauer, Delia

    2015-10-01

    Bioactive glasses (BG) are used to regenerate bone, as they degrade and release therapeutic ions. Glass ionomer cements (GIC) are used in dentistry, can be delivered by injection and set in situ by a reaction between an acid-degradable glass and a polymeric acid. Our aim was to combine the advantages of BG and GIC, and we investigated the use of alkali-free BG (SiO2-CaO-CaF2-MgO) with 0 to 50% of calcium replaced by strontium, as the beneficial effects of strontium on bone formation are well documented. When mixing BG and poly(vinyl phosphonic-co-acrylic acid), ions were released fast (up to 90% within 15 minutes at pH 1), which resulted in GIC setting, as followed by infrared spectroscopy. GIC mixed well and set to hard cements (compressive strength up to 35 MPa), staying hard when in contact with aqueous solution. This is in contrast to GIC prepared with poly(acrylic acid), which were shown previously to become soft in contact with water. Strontium release from GIC increased linearly with strontium for calcium substitution, allowing for tailoring of strontium release depending on clinical requirements. Furthermore, strontium substitution increased GIC radiopacity. GIC passed ISO10993 cytotoxicity test, making them promising candidates for use as injectable bone cements.

  16. Carbon-Based Solid-State Calcium Ion-Selective Microelectrode and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: A Quantitative Study of pH-Dependent Release of Calcium Ions from Bioactive Glass.

    PubMed

    Ummadi, Jyothir Ganesh; Downs, Corey J; Joshi, Vrushali S; Ferracane, Jack L; Koley, Dipankar

    2016-03-15

    Solid-state ion-selective electrodes are used as scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) probes because of their inherent fast response time and ease of miniaturization. In this study, we report the development of a solid-state, low-poly(vinyl chloride), carbon-based calcium ion-selective microelectrode (Ca(2+)-ISME), 25 μm in diameter, capable of performing an amperometric approach curve and serving as a potentiometric sensor. The Ca(2+)-ISME has a broad linear response range of 5 μM to 200 mM with a near Nernstian slope of 28 mV/log[a(Ca(2+))]. The calculated detection limit for Ca(2+)-ISME is 1 μM. The selectivity coefficients of this Ca(2+)-ISME are log K(Ca(2+),A) = -5.88, -5.54, and -6.31 for Mg(2+), Na(+), and K(+), respectively. We used this new type of Ca(2+)-ISME as an SECM probe to quantitatively map the chemical microenvironment produced by a model substrate, bioactive glass (BAG). In acidic conditions (pH 4.5), BAG was found to increase the calcium ion concentration from 0.7 mM ([Ca(2+)] in artificial saliva) to 1.4 mM at 20 μm above the surface. In addition, a solid-state dual SECM pH probe was used to correlate the release of calcium ions with the change in local pH. Three-dimensional pH and calcium ion distribution mapping were also obtained by using these solid-state probes. The quantitative mapping of pH and Ca(2+) above the BAG elucidates the effectiveness of BAG in neutralizing and releasing calcium ions in acidic conditions.

  17. Weighted West, Focused on the Indian Ocean and Cooperating across the Indo-Pacific: The Indian Navy’s New Maritime Strategy, Capabilities, and Diplomacy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-02-01

    Strategic Imperative: Benefits outweigh costs of India, US intimacies,” The Indian Express, Apr. 16, 2016, http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion...columns/ benefits -outweigh- costs -of-india-us- intimacies-the-strategic-imperative/. 28 http://ions.gov.in/about_ions. 29 In January 2016, India positioned...Cleared for Public Release DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. Weighted West, Focused

  18. Evaluation of passive oxide layer formation-biocompatibility relationship in NiTi shape memory alloys: geometry and body location dependency.

    PubMed

    Toker, S M; Canadinc, D; Maier, H J; Birer, O

    2014-03-01

    A systematic set of ex-situ experiments were carried out on Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) in order to identify the dependence of its biocompatibility on sample geometry and body location. NiTi samples with three different geometries were immersed into three different fluids simulating different body parts. The changes observed in alloy surface and chemical content of fluids upon immersion experiments designed for four different time periods were analyzed in terms of ion release, oxide layer formation, and chemical composition of the surface layer. The results indicate that both sample geometry and immersion fluid significantly affect the alloy biocompatibility, as evidenced by the passive oxide layer formation on the alloy surface and ion release from the samples. Upon a 30 day immersion period, all three types of NiTi samples exhibited lower ion release than the critical value for clinic applications. However; a significant amount of ion release was detected in the case of gastric fluid, warranting a thorough investigation prior to utility of NiTi in gastrointestinal treatments involving long-time contact with tissue. Furthermore, certain geometries appear to be safer than the others for each fluid, providing a new set of guidelines to follow while designing implants making use of NiTi SMAs to be employed in treatments targeting specific body parts. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. The transfer behavior of different ions across anion and cation exchange membranes under vanadium flow battery medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Jiawei; Li, Xianfeng; Xi, Xiaoli; Lai, Qinzhi; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Huamin

    2014-12-01

    The transfer behavior of different ions (V2+, V3+, VO2+, VO2+, H+, SO42-) across ion exchange membranes is investigated under vanadium flow battery (VFB) operating condition. VX-20 anion exchange membrane (AEM) and Nafion 115 cation exchange membrane (CEM) are selected to investigate the influence of fixed charged groups on the transfer behavior of different ions. The interaction between different ions and water is discussed in detail aiming to ascertain the variation of different ions in the charge-discharge process. Under the VFB medium, the transfer behavior and function of different ions are very different for the AEM and CEM. V2+ ions at the negative side accumulate when VFB is assembled with Nafion 115, while the VO2+ ions at the positive side accumulate for VX-20. The SO42- ions will transfer across Nafion 115 to balance the charges and the protons can balance the charges of VX-20. Finally the capacity fade mechanism of different membranes is investigated, showing that the capacity decay of VFB assembled with Nafion 115 mainly results from the cross mix of vanadium ions across the membrane, however, for VX-20, the side reactions can be the major reason. This paper provides important information about electrolyte for the application of VFB.

  20. Multifunctional mesoporous bioactive glasses for effective delivery of therapeutic ions and drug/growth factors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Chengtie; Chang, Jiang

    2014-11-10

    Regeneration of large-size bone defects represents a significant challenge clinically, which requires the use of scaffolds with multifunction, such as anti-bacterial activity, and stimulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. It is known that functional ions or drug/growth factors play an important role to stimulate tissue regeneration. Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBG) possess excellent bioactivity and drug-delivery ability as well as effective ionic release in the body fluids microenvironment due to its specific mesoporous structure and large surface area. For these reasons, functional ions (e.g. lithium (Li), strontium (Sr), Copper (Cu) and Boron (B)) and drug/growth factors (e.g. dexamethasone, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)) have been incorporated into MBG, which shows high loading efficiency and effective release. The release of therapeutic ions and drug/growth factors from MBG offers it multifunctional properties, such as improved osteogenesis, angiogenesis, anti-bacterial/cancer activity. However, there is no a systematic review about delivery of therapeutic ions and drugs/growth factors from MBG for the functional effect on the tissue regeneration despite that significant progress has been achieved in the past five years. Therefore, in this review, we mainly focused on the new advances for the functional effect of delivering therapeutic ions and drugs/growth factors on the ostegeogenesis, angiogenesis and antibacterial activity. It is expected that the review will offer new concept to develop multifunctional biomaterials for bone regeneration by the synergistic effect of therapeutic ions and drug/growth factors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Silver(I) Ions Ultrasensitive Detection at Carbon Electrodes—Analysis of Waters, Tobacco Cells and Fish Tissues

    PubMed Central

    Krizkova, Sona; Krystofova, Olga; Trnkova, Libuse; Hubalek, Jaromir; Adam, Vojtech; Beklova, Miroslava; Horna, Ales; Havel, Ladislav; Kizek, Rene

    2009-01-01

    We used carbon paste electrodes and a standard potentiostat to detect silver ions. The detection limit (3 Signal/Noise ratio) was estimated as 0.5 μM. A standard electrochemical instrument microanalysis of silver(I) ions was suggested. As a working electrode a carbon tip (1 mL) or carbon pencil was used. Limits of detection estimated by dilution of a standard were 1 (carbon tip) or 10 nM (carbon pencil). Further we employed flow injection analysis coupled with carbon tip to detect silver(I) ions released in various beverages and mineral waters. During first, second and third week the amount of silver(I) ions releasing into water samples was under the detection limit of the technique used for their quantification. At the end of a thirteen weeks long experiment the content of silver(I) ions was several times higher compared to the beginning of release detected in the third week and was on the order of tens of nanomoles. In subsequent experiments the influence of silver(I) ions (0, 5 and 10 μM) on a plant model system (tobacco BY-2 cells) during a four-day exposition was investigated. Silver(I) ions were highly toxic to the cells, which was revealed by a double staining viability assay. Moreover we investigated the effect of silver(I) ions (0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.5 μM) on guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Content of Ag(I) increased with increasing time of the treatment and applied concentrations in fish tissues. It can be concluded that a carbon tip or carbon pencil coupled with a miniaturized potentiostat can be used for detection of silver(I) ions in environmental samples and thus represents a small, portable, low cost and easy-to-use instrument for such purposes. PMID:22399980

  2. One and two fluid numerical investigations of solar wind gas releases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harold, James Benedict

    1993-01-01

    The dynamics of gas releases into high Mach number flowing plasmas are investigated. Emphasis is placed on systems of intermediate magnetization for which the scale size of the release lies between the ion and electron Larmor radii. The study is motivated by the December 1984 AMPTE (Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorer) solar wind barium release in which, contrary to the predictions of MHD theory, the barium cloud shifted transverse to the solar wind (in the uwind x B0 direction) before eventually turning downstream. Particular emphasis is given to identifying mechanisms responsible for this lateral motion. A modified MHD cold fluid approach that takes advantage of the supersonic nature of the problem forms the basis of this work. Two specific models are developed which incorporate large effective ion Larmor radius effects. The first is for a single ion species, the second for two ion species. Two physical effects are identified which are not present in the conventional MHD system: the Hall effect, based on a Hall magnetic drift wave, and a hybrid electrostatic ion cyclotron mode. Linear analysis shows that the effect of the Hall term is to propagate the upwind magnetic field compression azimuthally to the downwind side of the cloud, leading to a quasi-steady state field compression on the -uwind x BO side of the cloud. The cyclotron mode can lead to a similar compression through deflection of the solar wind ions into the uwind x BO direction. In each case the resulting compression leads to a transverse acceleration of the cloud. The relative importance of these two mechanisms is shown to depend on deltac / rc, the ratio of the collisionless skin depth to the cloud size. Nonlinear, two-dimensional simulations are performed for each model. These simulations produce the expected field compressions and the resultant lateral acceleration, in general qualitative agreement with the AMPTE experiment. The dependence of these mechanisms on the ratio deltac / rc is demonstrated. While no simulations are performed that precisely duplicate the parameters of the AMPTE release, the results suggest that the Hall effect, and possibly deflection of the solar wind by the cyclotron mode, constitute plausible mechanisms for the AMPTE shift.

  3. Antibacterial activity of resin composites containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler.

    PubMed

    Miki, Saeki; Kitagawa, Haruaki; Kitagawa, Ranna; Kiba, Wakako; Hayashi, Mikako; Imazato, Satoshi

    2016-09-01

    A surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler is a technology of interest for providing bio-functions to restorative materials. Resin composites containing S-PRG filler have been reported to show less plaque accumulation and reduced bacterial attachment. In this study, experimental resin composites containing S-PRG filler at various concentrations were fabricated, and the inhibitory effects on bacterial growth on their surface and the association of ions released from S-PRG filler with antibacterial activity were evaluated. Five kinds of experimental resin composites containing S-PRG filler at 0, 13.9, 27.3, 41.8, or 55.9 (vol.%) were fabricated. Streptococcus mutans was cultured on the cured discs for 18h to examine the growth of bacteria in contact with the surface of the experimental resins. The concentrations of Al(3+), BO3(3-), F(-), Na(+), SiO3(2-), or Sr(2+) released from each experimental resin into water were measured. The standardized solutions of each ion were prepared at the concentrations determined to be released from the experimental resin, and their inhibitory effects of single ion species on S. mutans growth were evaluated by using each standardized solution. Resin composites containing S-PRG filler at 13.9 (vol.%) or greater inhibited S. mutans growth on their surface. When S. mutans was incubated in the presence of six kinds of ions at the concentrations released from the resin composite containing S-PRG filler at 55.9 (vol.%), a significant reduction in bacterial number was observed for BO3(3-), F(-), Al(3+), and SiO3(2-). Among these four ions, BO3(3-) and F(-) demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect on S. mutans growth. Our findings suggest that resin composites containing S-PRG filler inhibit the growth of S. mutans on their surface. BO3(3-), F(-), Al(3+) and SiO3(2-) released from S-PRG filler have the ability to inhibit S. mutans growth, and the inhibitory effects are mainly attributed to release of BO3(3-) and F(-). Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Influence of phosphoproteins' biomimetic analogs on remineralization of mineral-depleted resin-dentin interfaces created with ion-releasing resin-based systems.

    PubMed

    Sauro, Salvatore; Osorio, Raquel; Watson, Timothy F; Toledano, Manuel

    2015-07-01

    The study aimed at evaluating the remineralization of acid-etched dentin pre-treated with primers containing biomimetic analogs and bonded using an ion-releasing light-curable resin-based material. An experimental etch-and-rinse adhesive system filled with Ca(2+), PO4(3-)-releasing Ca-Silicate micro-fillers was created along with two experimental primers containing biomimetic analogs such as sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) and/or polyaspartic acid (PLA). Dentin specimens etched with 37% H3PO4 were pre-treated with two different aqueous primers containing the polyanionic biomimetic analogs or deionized water and subsequently bonded using the experimental resin-based materials. The specimens were sectioned and analyzed by AFM/nanoindentation to evaluate changes in the modulus of elasticity (Ei) across the resin-dentin interface at different AS storage periods (up to 90 days). Raman cluster analysis was also performed to evaluate the chemical changes along the interface. The phosphate uptake by the acid-etched dentin was evaluated using the ATR-FTIR. Additional resin-dentin specimens were tested for microtensile bond strength. SEM examination was performed after de-bonding, while confocal laser microscopy was used to evaluate the interfaces ultramorphology and micropermeability. Both biomimetic primers induced phosphate uptake by acid-etched dentin. Specimens created with the ion-releasing resin in combination with the pre-treatment primers containing either PLA and TMA showed the greatest recovery of the Ei of the hybrid layer, with no decrease in μTBS (p>0.05) after 3-month AS storage. The ion-releasing resin applied after use of the biomimetic primers showed the greatest reduction in micropermeability due to mineral precipitation; these results were confirmed using SEM. The use of the ion-releasing resin-based system applied to acid-etched dentin pre-treated with biomimetic primers containing analogs of phosphoproteins such as poly-l-aspartic acid and/or sodium trimetaphosphate provides a suitable bonding approach for biomimetic remineralization of resin-dentin interfaces. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Examining mechanism of toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mashock, Michael J.

    Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are an up and coming technology increasingly being used in industrial and consumer applications and thus may pose risk to humans and the environment. In the present study, the toxic effects of CuO NPs were studied with two model organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans. The role of released Cu ions during dissolution of CuO NPs in growth media were studied with freshly suspended, aged NPs, and the released Cu 2+ fraction. Exposures to the different Cu treatments showed significant inhibition of S. cerevisiae cellular metabolic activity. Inhibition from the NPs was inversely proportional to size and was not fully explained by the released Cu ions. S. cerevisiae cultures grown under respiring conditions demonstrated greater metabolic sensitivity when exposed to CuO NPs compared to cultures undergoing fermentation. The cellular response to both CuO NPs and released Cu ions on gene expression was analyzed via microarray analysis after an acute exposure. It was observed that both copper exposures resulted in an increase in carbohydrate storage, a decrease in protein production, protein misfolding, increased membrane permeability, and cell cycle arrest. Cells exposed to NPs up-regulated genes related to oxidative phosphorylation but also may be inducing cell cycle arrest by a different mechanism than that observed with released Cu ions. The effect of CuO NPs on C. elegans was examined by using several toxicological endpoints. The CuO NPs displayed a more inhibitory effect, compared to copper sulfate, on nematode reproduction, feeding, and development. We investigated the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate on neuronal health, a known tissue vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity. In transgenic C. eleganswith neurons expressing a green fluorescent protein reporter, neuronal degeneration was observed in up to 10% of the population after copper oxide nanoparticle exposure. Additionally, nematode mutant strains containing gene knockouts in the divalent-metal transporters smf-1 and smf-2 showed increased tolerance to copper exposure. These results lend credence to the hypothesis that some toxicological effects to eukaryotic organisms from copper oxide nanoparticle exposure may be due to properties specific to the nanoparticles and not solely from the released copper ions.

  6. Investigation of drug loading and in vitro release mechanisms of insulin-lauryl sulfate complex loaded PLGA nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Shi, K; Cui, F; Yamamoto, H; Kawashima, Y

    2008-12-01

    Insulin, a water soluble peptide hormone, was hydrophobically ion-paired with sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) at the stoichiometric molar ratio of 6:1. The obtained insulin-SDS complex precipitation was subsequently formulated in biodegradable poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles by a modified spontaneous emulsion solvent diffusion method. Compared with a conventional method for free insulin encapsulation, direct dissolution of SDS-paired insulin in the non-aqueous organic phase led to an increase in drug recovery from 42.5% to 89.6%. The more hydrophobic complex contributes to the improved affinity of insulin to the polymer matrix, resulting in a higher drug content in the nanoparticles. The drug loading was investigated by determining initial burst release at the first 30 min. The results showed that 64.8% of recovered drug were preferentially surface bound on complex loaded nanoparticles. The in vitro drug release was characterized by an initial burst and subsequent delayed release in dissolution media of deionized water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Compared with that in PBS, nanoparticles in deionized water medium presented very low initial burst release (15% vs. 65%) and incomplete cumulative release (25% vs. 90%) of the drug. In addition, dialysis experiments were performed to clarify the form of the released insulin in the dissolution media. The results suggested that the ion-pair complex was sensitive to ionic strength, insulin was released from the particular matrix as complex form and subsequently suffered dissociation from SDS in buffer saline. Moreover, the in vivo bioactivity of the SDS-paired insulin and nanoparticulate formulations were evaluated in mice by estimation of their blood sugar levels. The results showed that the bioactivity of insulin was unaltered after the ion-pairing process.

  7. Patch test reactivity to a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy and stainless steel in metal-allergic patients in correlation to the metal ion release.

    PubMed

    Summer, Burkhard; Fink, Ulrich; Zeller, Richard; Rueff, Franziska; Maier, Sonja; Roider, Gabriele; Thomas, Peter

    2007-07-01

    Nickel, chromium, and cobalt released from stainless steel and CoCrMo alloys have been postulated to trigger hypersensitivity reactions. The objective of this study was to assess the ion release from a CoCrMo alloy and stainless steel in vitro and the cutaneous reactivity to it by patch test. 52 metal-allergic patients and 48 non-allergic controls were patch tested to stainless steel and CoCrMo discs. In addition, using atomic absorption spectrometry, the release of nickel, cobalt, and chromium from both materials was assessed upon 2-day exposure to distilled water, artificial sweat (AS), and cell culture medium. There was low nickel ion release from stainless steel (0.3-0.46 microg/cm(2)/2 days) and CoCrMo discs (up to 0.33 microg/cm(2)/2 days) into the different elution media. Chromium release from the 2 materials was also very low (0.06-0.38 microg/cm(2)/2 days from stainless steel and 0.52-1.36 microg/cm(2)/2 days from CoCrMo alloy). In contrast, AS led to abundant cobalt release (maximally 18.94 microg/cm(2)/2 days) from the CoCrMo discs, with concomitant eczematous reaction upon patch testing: 0 of the 52 metal-allergic patients reacted to stainless steel discs and 5 of the 52 patients to CoCrMo discs (all 5 patients were cobalt allergic and 3 also nickel and chromium allergic). None of the controls reacted to the discs. Apart from nickel being a focus of allergological research, our results point to the possibly underestimated association of cobalt release and potential hyperreactivity to CoCrMo alloy.

  8. The physical properties and ion release of CPP-ACP-modified calcium silicate-based cements.

    PubMed

    Dawood, A E; Manton, D J; Parashos, P; Wong, Rhk; Palamara, Jea; Stanton, D P; Reynolds, E C

    2015-12-01

    This study investigated the physical properties and ion release of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)-modified calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) and compared the properties of a trial mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with two commercially available CSCs, Biodentine(™) and Angelus(®) MTA. The setting time, solubility, compressive strength and Vickers surface microhardness of the three CSCs incorporated with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% (w/w) CPP-ACP were investigated. Release of calcium (Ca(2+) ), phosphate ions (Pi ) and pH of the test cements were measured after 24, 72, 168 and 336 h of storage. The addition of up to 1.0% CPP-ACP into Biodentine(™) and 0.5% into the other cements did not adversely affect their physical properties except for the setting time. The addition of 0.5% CPP-ACP increased Ca(2+) released from Biodentine(™) (after 168 and 336 h), Angelus(®) MTA (after 168 h) and the trial MTA (after 72 h). The addition of 1.0-3.0% CPP-ACP increased Ca(2+) and Pi released from all the cements. Biodentine(™) released more Ca(2+) particularly in the early stages and showed shorter setting time and higher mechanical properties than the other cements. The mechanical properties of Angelus(®) MTA and the trial MTA were similar. All the cements produced highly alkaline storage solutions. Up to 1.0% CPP-ACP in Biodentine(™) improves Ca(2+) and Pi release and 0.5% CPP-ACP in Angelus(®) MTA and the trial MTA improves Ca(2+) release without altering the mechanical properties and solubility. The addition of CPP-ACP into CSCs prolonged the setting time. © 2015 Australian Dental Association.

  9. Reactive Transport of Marcellus Shale Waters in Natural Aquifers: the Role of Mineralogical Compositions and Spatial Distribution Patterns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Z.; Wen, H.; Li, L.

    2017-12-01

    Accidental release of Marcellus Shale waters (MSW) can release high concentrations of chemicals that can deteriorate groundwater quality. It is important to understand the reactive transport and fate of chemicals from MSW. Natural aquifers typically have complex mineralogical compositions and are heterogeneous with large spatial variation in terms of physical and geochemical properties. To investigate the effects of mineralogical compositions, flow-through experiments and reactive transport modeling were carried out using 3 large columns (5 cm×50 cm, Quartz, Calcite, and Vermiculite). Results indicate calcite immobilizes heavy metals by precipitation and solid solution partitioning (coprecipitation). Vermiculite retards heavy metals through ion exchange. The sorbed chemicals however slowly release back to the groundwater. Na and Ca transport similarly to Br in Qtz and Cal columns however become sorbed in Vrm column during release through ion exchange by 27.8% and 46.5%, respectively and later slowly release back to aqueous phase. To understand the role of mineral spatial patterns, three 2D flow-cell (40 cm×12 cm×1 cm) experiments were carried out. All flow cells have the same clay mass within quartz matrix but different spatial patterns characterized by the relative length of the clay zone ( 0, ¼, ½) of the domain length (L). Results show that in the uniform column, ion exchange dominates and most Ba sorbs to the solid phase, to an extent Ba cannot precipitate out with SO4 as barite. In 1/2-Zone, however, most Ba precipitates as barite. In 1/4-Zone, both ion exchange and mineral precipitation occur. In general, the 1/2-Zone has the smallest ion exchange capacity for other species including Na, Ca, Mg, K and heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) as well. Our flow cell experiment emphasizes the importance of mineral spatial patterns in regulating not only reaction rates but also the type of reactions in controlling the reactive transport of MSW chemicals. The column study suggests in carbonate rich aquifers, carbonate facilitate natural attenuation. In clay-rich aquifers, such as sandstone aquifers, clay helps alleviate the cation during MSW release however these sorbed cations will ultimately release back to the aqueous phase. In sand and gravel aquifers, mixing process primarily controls the concentration level.

  10. Vesicular and non-vesicular glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens in conditions of a forced change of behavioral strategy.

    PubMed

    Saul'skaya, N B; Mikhailova, M O

    2005-09-01

    Studies on Sprague-Dawley rats used intracerebral dialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography to identify sources of glutamate release into the intercellular space of the nucleus accumbens during forced correction of food-related behavior, i.e., on presentation to the feeding rat of a conditioned signal previously combined with a pain stimulus or on replacement of a food reinforcement with an inedible food substitute. The results showed that glutamate release observed in the nucleus accumbens during these tests can be prevented by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), which blocks exocytosis, but not by (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine (5 microM), which blocks non-vesicular glutamate release. Conversely, administration of (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine halved baseline glutamate release, while administration of tetrodotoxin had no effect on this process. These data provide evidence that different mechanisms control glutamate release into the intercellular space of this nucleus in baseline conditions and in conditions of evoked correction of feeding behavior: the source of baseline glutamate release is non-vesicular glutamate release, while glutamate release seen during forced correction of feeding behavior results from increases in synaptic release.

  11. Biodegradable, elastomeric coatings with controlled anti-proliferative agent release for magnesium-based cardiovascular stents.

    PubMed

    Gu, Xinzhu; Mao, Zhongwei; Ye, Sang-Ho; Koo, Youngmi; Yun, Yeoheung; Tiasha, Tarannum R; Shanov, Vesselin; Wagner, William R

    2016-08-01

    Vascular stent design continues to evolve to further improve the efficacy and minimize the risks associated with these devices. Drug-eluting coatings have been widely adopted and, more recently, biodegradable stents have been the focus of extensive evaluation. In this report, biodegradable elastomeric polyurethanes were synthesized and applied as drug-eluting coatings for a relatively new class of degradable vascular stents based on Mg. The dynamic degradation behavior, hemocompatibility and drug release were investigated for poly(carbonate urethane) urea (PCUU) and poly(ester urethane) urea (PEUU) coated magnesium alloy (AZ31) stents. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) coated and bare stents were employed as control groups. The PCUU coating effectively slowed the Mg alloy corrosion in dynamic degradation testing compared to PEUU-coated, PLGA-coated and bare Mg alloy stents. This was confirmed by electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and magnesium ion release experiments. PCUU-coating of AZ31 was also associated with significantly reduced platelet adhesion in acute blood contact testing. Rat vascular smooth muscle cell (rSMC) proliferation was successfully inhibited when paclitaxel was released from pre-loaded PCUU coatings. The corrosion retardation, low thrombogenicity, drug loading capacity, and high elasticity make PCUU an attractive option for drug eluting coating on biodegradable metallic cardiovascular stents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Nanobodies that block gating of the P2X7 ion channel ameliorate inflammation.

    PubMed

    Danquah, Welbeck; Meyer-Schwesinger, Catherine; Rissiek, Björn; Pinto, Carolina; Serracant-Prat, Arnau; Amadi, Miriam; Iacenda, Domenica; Knop, Jan-Hendrik; Hammel, Anna; Bergmann, Philine; Schwarz, Nicole; Assunção, Joana; Rotthier, Wendy; Haag, Friedrich; Tolosa, Eva; Bannas, Peter; Boué-Grabot, Eric; Magnus, Tim; Laeremans, Toon; Stortelers, Catelijne; Koch-Nolte, Friedrich

    2016-11-23

    Ion channels are desirable therapeutic targets, yet ion channel-directed drugs with high selectivity and few side effects are still needed. Unlike small-molecule inhibitors, antibodies are highly selective for target antigens but mostly fail to antagonize ion channel functions. Nanobodies-small, single-domain antibody fragments-may overcome these problems. P2X7 is a ligand-gated ion channel that, upon sensing adenosine 5'-triphosphate released by damaged cells, initiates a proinflammatory signaling cascade, including release of cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β). To further explore its function, we generated and characterized nanobodies against mouse P2X7 that effectively blocked (13A7) or potentiated (14D5) gating of the channel. Systemic injection of nanobody 13A7 in mice blocked P2X7 on T cells and macrophages in vivo and ameliorated experimental glomerulonephritis and allergic contact dermatitis. We also generated nanobody Dano1, which specifically inhibited human P2X7. In endotoxin-treated human blood, Dano1 was 1000 times more potent in preventing IL-1β release than small-molecule P2X7 antagonists currently in clinical development. Our results show that nanobody technology can generate potent, specific therapeutics against ion channels, confirm P2X7 as a therapeutic target for inflammatory disorders, and characterize a potent new drug candidate that targets P2X7. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  13. The effect of CPP-ACP-propolis chewing gum on calcium and phosphate ion release on caries-active subjects’ saliva and the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hasnamudhia, F.; Bachtiar, E. W.; Sahlan, M.; Soekanto, S. A.

    2017-08-01

    The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of CPP-APP and propolis wax if they are combined in a chewing gum formulation, observed from the calcium and phosphate ion level released by CPP-ACP and the emphasis of Streptococcus mutans mass in the biofilm by propolis wax on caries-active subjects’ saliva. Chewing gum simulation was done in vitro on 25 caries-active subjects’ saliva using five concentrations of chewing gum (0% propolis + 0% CPP-ACP, 0% propolis + CPP-ACP, 2% propolis + CPP-ACP, 4% propolis + CPP-ACP, and 6% propolis + CPP-ACP) and was then tested using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to analyze calcium ion levels, an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer to analyze phosphate ion levels, and a biofilm assay using crystal violet to analyze the decline in biofilm mass. After the chewing simulation, calcium ion levels on saliva+gum eluent increased significantly compared to the saliva control, with the highest calcium level released by CPP-ACP + 2% propolis chewing gum. There was an insignificant phosphate level change between the saliva control and saliva+gum eluent. There was also a significant decline of S. mutans biofilm mass in the saliva+gum eluent, mostly by the CPP-ACP chewing gum and CPP-ACP + 6% propolis. The CPP-ACP-propolis chewing gum simulation generated the largest increase in calcium and phosphate ion level and the largest decline in S. mutans biofilm mass.

  14. Multisite Ion Model in Concentrated Solutions of Divalent Cations (MgCl2 and CaCl2): Osmotic Pressure Calculations

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Accurate force field parameters for ions are essential for meaningful simulation studies of proteins and nucleic acids. Currently accepted models of ions, especially for divalent ions, do not necessarily reproduce the right physiological behavior of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Saxena and Sept (J. Chem. Theor. Comput.2013, 9, 3538–3542) described a model, called the multisite-ion model, where instead of treating the ions as an isolated sphere, the charge was split into multiple sites with partial charge. This model provided accurate inner shell coordination of the ion with biomolecules and predicted better free energies for proteins and nucleic acids. Here, we expand and refine the multisite model to describe the behavior of divalent ions in concentrated MgCl2 and CaCl2 electrolyte solutions, eliminating the unusual ion–ion pairing and clustering of ions which occurred in the original model. We calibrate and improve the parameters of the multisite model by matching the osmotic pressure of concentrated solutions of MgCl2 to the experimental values and then use these parameters to test the behavior of CaCl2 solutions. We find that the concentrated solutions of both divalent ions exhibit the experimentally observed behavior with correct osmotic pressure, the presence of solvent separated ion pairs instead of direct ion pairs, and no aggregation of ions. The improved multisite model for (Mg2+ and Ca2+) can be used in classical simulations of biomolecules at physiologically relevant salt concentrations. PMID:25482831

  15. IONIC EFFECTS ON LIGNIFICATION AND PEROXIDASE IN TISSUE CULTURES

    PubMed Central

    Lipetz, Jacques; Garro, Anthony J.

    1965-01-01

    Crown-gall tumor tissue cultures release peroxidase into the medium in response to the concentration of specific ions in the medium. This release is not due to diffusion from cut surfaces or injured cells. Calcium, magnesium, and ammonium were, in that order, most effective in increasing peroxidase release. The enzyme was demonstrated cytochemically on the cell walls and in the cytoplasm. Cell wall fractions, exhaustively washed in buffer, still contained bound peroxidase. This bound peroxidase could be released by treating the wall fractions with certain divalent cations or ammonium. The order of effectiveness for removing the enzyme from the washed cell walls is: Ca++ ≈ Sr++ > Ba++ > Mg++ > NH4 +. These data support the thesis presented that specific ions can control the deposition of lignin on cell walls by affecting the peroxidase levels on these walls. PMID:19866650

  16. Examination of an aloe vera galacturonate polysaccharide capable of in situ gelation for the controlled release of protein therapeutics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McConaughy, Shawn David

    A therapeutic delivery platform has been investigated with the ultimate goal of designing a sustained protein release matrix utilizing an in-situ gelling, acidic polysaccharide derived from the Aloe vera plant. The Aloe vera polysaccharide (AvP) has been examined in order to determine how chemical composition, structure, molecular weight and solution behavior affect gelation and protein/peptide delivery. Correlations are drawn between structural characteristics and solution behavior in order to determine the impact of polymer conformation and solvation on gel formation under conditions designed to simulate nasal applications. Steady state and dynamic rheology, classic and dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, pulse field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy have been employed to gain insight into the effects of galacturonic acid content, degree of methylation, entanglement and ionic strength on both solution behavior and the hydrogel state which ultimately governs protein/peptide release. This dissertation is divided into two sections. In the first section, a series of Aloe vera polysaccharides (AvP), from the pectin family have been structurally characterized indicating high galacturonic acid (GalA) content, low degree of methylester substitution (DM), low numbers of rhamnose residues and high molecular weight with respect to pectins extracted from traditional sources. The behavior of AvP was examined utilizing dilute solution, low-shear rheological techniques for specific molecular weight samples at selected conditions of ionic strength. From these dilute aqueous solution studies, the Mark-Houwink-Sakurada (MHS) constants (K and alpha), persistence length (Lp) and inherent chain stiffness (B parameter) were determined, indicating an expanded random coil in aqueous salt solutions. The critical concentration for transition from dilute to concentrated solution, C e, was determined by measuring both the zero shear viscosity and fluorescence emission of the probe molecule 1,8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulphonic acid (1,8-ANS) as a function of polymer concentration. Correlations are drawn between viscosity experiments and measurement of zeta potential. Increased degrees of intermolecular interactions are responsible for a shift of Ce to lower polymer concentrations with increasing ionic strength. Additionally, dynamic rheology data are presented highlighting the ability of AvP to form gels at low polymer and calcium ion concentrations, exemplifying the technological potential of this polysaccharide for in-situ drug delivery. In the second section, properties of Aloe vera galacturonate hydrogels formed via Ca2+ crosslinking have been studied in regard to key parameters influencing gel formation including molecular weight, ionic strength and molar ratio of Ca2+ to COO- functionality. Dynamic oscillatory rheology and pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG-NMR) studies have been conducted on hydrogels formed at specified Ca2+ concentrations in the presence and absence of Na+ and K+ ions, in order to assess the feasibility of in situ gelation for controlled delivery of therapeutics. Aqueous Ca2+ concentrations similar to those present in nasal and subcutaneous fluids induce the formation of elastic Aloe vera polysaccharide (AvP) hydrogel networks. By altering the ratio of Ca2+ to COO- functionality, networks may be tailored to provide elastic modulus (G') values between 20 and 20,000 Pa. The Aloe vera polysaccharide exhibits time dependent phase separation in the presence of monovalent electrolytes. Thus the relative rates of calcium induced gelation and phase separation become major considerations when designing a system for in situ delivery applications where both monovalent (Na+, K+) and divalent (Ca2+) ions are present. PFG-NMR and fluorescence microscopy confirm that distinctly different morphologies are present in gels formed in the presence and absence 0.15 M NaCl. Curve fitting of theoretical models to experimental release profiles of fluorescein labeled dextrans indicate diffusion rates are related to hydrogel morphology. These studies suggest that for efficient in situ release of therapeutic agents, polymer concentrations should be maintained above the critical entanglement concentration (Ce, 0.60 wt%) when [Ca2+]/[COO -] ratios are less than 1. Additionally, the monovalent electrolyte concentration in AvP solutions should not exceed 0.10 M prior to Ca 2+ crosslinking.

  17. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yusa, Kazuyuki; Yamamoto, Osamu; Fukuda, Masayuki

    Highlights: {yields} We isolated the Zn{sup 2+} ions (eluted Zn{sup 2+} ion; EZ) from zinc-incorporated titanium implant. {yields} The EZ promoted the cell viability in hBMCs. {yields} The EZ stimulated preosteoblast and osteoblast marker gene expression in hBMCs. {yields} The hBMCs supplemented with EZ showed typically cell morphology when osteoblast maturing. {yields} It is revealed that the EZ also stimulates the calcium deposition of hBMCs. -- Abstract: Zinc is one of the trace elements which induce the proliferation and the differentiation of the osteoblast. In the previous study, we found that zinc ions (Zn{sup 2+} ion)-releasing titanium implants had excellentmore » bone fixation using a rabbit femurs model. In this study, we isolated the Zn{sup 2+} ions (eluted Zn{sup 2+} ion; EZ) released from the implant surface, and evaluated the effect of EZ on the osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (hBMCs). In the result, it was found that the EZ stimulated cell viability, osteoblast marker gene (type I collagen, osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP)) expressions and calcium deposition in hBMCs.« less

  18. Preferential heating of light ions during an ionospheric Ar(+) injection experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pollock, C. J.; Chandler, M. O.; Moore, T. E.; Arnoldy, R. L.; Kintner, P. M.; Chesney, S.; Cahill, L. J., Jr.

    1995-01-01

    The Argon Release for Controlled Studies (ARCS) 4 sounding rocket was launched northward into high altitude from Poker Flat Research Range on February 23, 1990. The vehicle crossed geomagnetic field lines containing discrete auroral activity. An instrumented subpayload released 100-eV and 200-eV Ar(+) ion beams sequentially, in a direction largely perpendicular to both the local geomagnetic field and the subpayload spin axis. The instrumented main payload was separated along field lines from the beam emitting subpayload by a distance which increased at a steady rate of approximately 2.4 m/s. Three dimensional mass spectrometric ion observations of ambient H(+) and O(+) ions, obtained on board the main payload, are presented. Main payload electric field observations in the frequency range 0-16 kHz, are also presented. These observations are presented to demonstrate the operation of transverse ion acceleration, which was differential with respect to ion mass, primarily during 100-eV beam operations. The preferential transverse acceleration of ambient H(+) ions, as compared with ambient O(+) ions, during the second, third, fourth, and fifth 100-eV beam operations, is attributed to a resonance among the injected Ar(+) ions, beam-generated lower hybrid waves, and H(+) ions in the tail of the ambient thermal distribution. This work provides experimental support of processes predicted by previously published theory and simulations.

  19. Pharmaceutical Applications of Ion-Exchange Resins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elder, David P.

    2005-04-01

    The historical uses of ion-exchange resins and a summary of the basic chemical principles involved in the ion-exchange process are discussed. Specific applications of ion-exchange resins are provided. The utility of these agents to stabilize drugs are evaluated. Commonly occurring chemical and physical incompatibilities are reviewed. Ion-exchange resins have found applicability as inactive pharmaceutical constituents, particularly as disintegrants (inactive tablet ingredient whose function is to rapidly disrupt the tablet matrix on contact with gastric fluid). One of the more elegant approaches to improving palatability of ionizable drugs is the use of ion-exchange resins as taste-masking agents. The selection, optimization of drug:resin ratio and particle size, together with a review of scaleup of typical manufacturing processes for taste-masked products are provided. Ion-exchange resins have been extensively utilized in oral sustained-release products. The selection, optimization of drug:resin ratio and particle size, together with a summary of commonly occurring commercial sustained-release products are discussed. Ion-exchange resins have also been used in topical products for local application to the skin, including those where drug flux is controlled by a differential electrical current (ionotophoretic delivery). General applicability of ion-exchange resins, including ophthalmic delivery, nasal delivery, use as drugs in their own right (e.g., colestyramine, formerly referred to as cholestyramine), as well as measuring gastrointestinal transit times, are discussed. Finally, pharmaceutical monographs for ion-exchange resins are reviewed.

  20. Results of magnetospheric barium ion cloud experiment of 1971

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Adamson, D.; Fricke, C. L.; Long, S. A. T.

    1975-01-01

    The barium ion cloud experiment involved the release of about 2 kg of barium at an altitude of 31 482 km, a latitude of 6.926 N., and a longitude of 74.395 W. Significant erosion of plasma from the main ion core occurred during the initial phase of the ion cloud expansion. From the motion of the outermost striational filaments, the electric field components were determined to be 0.19 mV/m in the westerly direction and 0.68 mV/m in the inward direction. The differences between these components and those measured from balloons flown in the proximity of the extremity of the field line through the release point implied the existence of potential gradients along the magnetic field lines. The deceleration of the main core was greater than theoretically predicted. This was attributed to the formation of a polarization wake, resulting in an increase of the area of interaction and resistive dissipation at ionospheric levels. The actual orientation of the magnetic field line through the release point differed by about 10.5 deg from that predicted by magnetic field models that did not include the effect of ring current.

  1. MALDI-MS/MS with Traveling Wave Ion Mobility for the Structural Analysis of N-Linked Glycans

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harvey, David J.; Scarff, Charlotte A.; Crispin, Max; Scanlan, Christopher N.; Bonomelli, Camille; Scrivens, James H.

    2012-11-01

    The preference for singly charged ion formation by MALDI makes it a better choice than electrospray ionization for profiling mixtures of N-glycans. For structural analysis, fragmentation of negative ions often yields more informative spectra than fragmentation of positive ones but such ions are more difficult to produce from neutral glycans under MALDI conditions. This work investigates conditions for the formation of both positive and negative ions by MALDI from N-linked glycans released from glycoproteins and their subsequent MS/MS and ion mobility behaviour. 2,4,6-Trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) doped with ammonium nitrate was found to give optimal ion yields in negative ion mode. Ammonium chloride or phosphate also yielded prominent adducts but anionic carbohydrates such as sulfated N-glycans tended to ionize preferentially. Carbohydrates adducted with all three adducts (phosphate, chloride, and nitrate) produced good negative ion CID spectra but those adducted with iodide and sulfate did not yield fragment ions although they gave stronger signals. Fragmentation paralleled that seen following electrospray ionization providing superior spectra than could be obtained by PSD on MALDI-TOF instruments or with ion traps. In addition, ion mobility drift times of the adducted glycans and the ability of this technique to separate isomers also mirrored those obtained following ESI sample introduction. Ion mobility also allowed profiles to be obtained from samples whose MALDI spectra showed no evidence of such ions allowing the technique to be used in conditions where sample amounts were limiting. The method was applied to N-glycans released from the recombinant human immunodeficiency virus glycoprotein, gp120.

  2. Exploring the biophysical evidence that mammalian two‐pore channels are NAADP‐activated calcium‐permeable channels

    PubMed Central

    Reilly‐O'Donnell, Benedict; Sitsapesan, Rebecca

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) potently releases Ca2+ from acidic intracellular endolysosomal Ca2+ stores. It is widely accepted that two types of two‐pore channels, termed TPC1 and TPC2, are responsible for the NAADP‐mediated Ca2+ release but the underlying mechanisms regulating their gating appear to be different. For example, although both TPC1 and TPC2 are activated by NAADP, TPC1 appears to be additionally regulated by cytosolic Ca2+. Ion conduction and permeability also differ markedly. TPC1 and TPC2 are permeable to a range of cations although biophysical experiments suggest that TPC2 is slightly more selective for Ca2+ over K+ than TPC1 and hence capable of releasing greater quantities of Ca2+ from acidic stores. TPC1 is also permeable to H+ and therefore may play a role in regulating lysosomal and cytosolic pH, possibly creating localised acidic domains. The significantly different gating and ion conducting properties of TPC1 and TPC2 suggest that these two ion channels may play complementary physiological roles as Ca2+‐release channels of the endolysosomal system. PMID:26872338

  3. Effects of Behavior-Contingent and Fixed-Time Release Contingencies on Frequency and Duration of Therapeutic Restraint

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Luiselli, James K.; Pace, Gary M.; Dunn, Erin K.

    2006-01-01

    Reducing therapeutic restraint is a desirable outcome for programs that serve individuals who exhibit challenging behaviors. This study investigated the effects of modifying the criterion for release from therapeutic restraint on frequency and duration. Release from restraint was changed from a behavior-contingent criterion (restraint terminated…

  4. Evaluation of metal ion release from Ti6Al4V and Co-Cr-Mo casting alloys: in vivo and in vitro study.

    PubMed

    El Sawy, Amal A; Shaarawy, Mohammed A

    2014-02-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of ions released from Ti6Al4V and Co-Cr-Mo alloys both in vivo and in vitro. Twenty-one discs of each alloy were constructed and divided into seven groups. Three specimens from each group were immersed in a buffered saline solution over a period of 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Twenty-eight participants were also included in the study, where the study group consisted of 14 mandibular partially edentulous patients, and the control group consisted of 14 volunteers. The study group was further divided into two equal groups: the first group received removable partial dentures (RPDs) constructed from Co-Cr-Mo alloy, while the second group received RPDs constructed from Ti6Al4V alloy. Saliva samples were collected from each participant over the same study period. The conditioning media and saliva samples were analyzed using a spectrophotometer. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The concentrations of metal ions released from the studied alloys were significantly higher in the in vitro than in the in vivo study group during the follow-up periods. A statistically significant increase in ion concentrations of the different elements for both alloys was found with time (p < 0.05). The amounts of released metallic ions from Co-Cr-Mo and Ti6Al4V alloys were higher in the buffered saline solutions than in the studied saliva samples and control groups; however, these amounts were still within the physiological limit of trace elements in the human body. © 2013 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

  5. The Stability of Silver Nanoparticles in a Model of Pulmonary Surfactant

    PubMed Central

    Fen, Leo Bey; Chen, Shu; Kyo, Yoshihiko; Herpoldt, Karla-Luise; Terrill, Nicholas J.; Dunlop, Iain E.; McPhail, David S.; Shaffer, Milo S.; Schwander, Stephan; Gow, Andrew; Zhang, Junfeng (Jim); Chung, Kian Fan; Tetley, Teresa D.; Porter, Alexandra E.; Ryan, Mary P.

    2013-01-01

    The growing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products has raised concerns about their potential impact on the environment and human health. Whether AgNPs dissolve and release Ag+ ions, or coarsen to form large aggregates, is critical in determining their potential toxicity. In this work, the stability of AgNPs in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the major component of pulmonary surfactant, was investigated as a function of pH. Spherical, citrate-capped AgNPs with average diameters of 14 ± 1.6 nm (n=200) were prepared by a chemical bath reduction. The kinetics of Ag+ ion release was strongly pH-dependent. After 14 days of incubation in sodium perchlorate (NaClO4) or perchloric acid (HClO4) solutions, the total fraction of AgNPs dissolved varied from ~10 % at pH 3, to ~2 % at pH 5, with negligible dissolution at pH 7. A decrease in pH from 7 to 3 also promoted particle aggregation and coarsening. DPPC (100 mg.L−1) delayed the release of Ag+ ions, but did not significantly alter the total amount of Ag+ released after two weeks. In addition, DPPC improved the dispersion of the AgNPs and inhibited aggregation and coarsening. TEM images revealed that the AgNPs were coated with a DPPC layer serving as a semi-permeable layer. Hence, lung lining fluid, particularly DPPC, can modify the aggregation state and kinetics of Ag+ ion release of inhaled AgNPs in the lung. These observations have important implications for predicting the potential reactivity of AgNPs in the lung and the environment. PMID:23988335

  6. Three-dimensional endothelial cell morphogenesis under controlled ion release from copper-doped phosphate glass.

    PubMed

    Stähli, Christoph; James-Bhasin, Mark; Nazhat, Showan N

    2015-02-28

    Copper ions represent a promising angiogenic agent but are associated with cytotoxicity at elevated concentrations. Phosphate-based glasses (PGs) exhibit adjustable dissolution properties and allow for controlled ion release. This study examined the formation of capillary-like networks by SVEC4-10 endothelial cells (ECs) seeded in a three-dimensional (3D) type I collagen hydrogel matrix mixed with PG particles of the formulation 50P2O5-30CaO-(20-x)Na2O-xCuO (x=0 and 10 mol%). Copper and total phosphorus release decreased over time and was more sustained in the case of 10% CuO PG. Moreover, increasing the concentration of 10% CuO PG in collagen substantially delayed dissolution along with preferential release of copper. A 3D morphometric characterization method based on confocal laser scanning microscopy image stacks was developed in order to quantify EC network length, connectivity and branching. Network length was initially reduced in a concentration-dependent fashion by 10% CuO PG and, to a lesser extent, by 0% CuO PG, but reached values identical to the non-PG control by day 5 in culture. This reduction was attributed to a PG-mediated decrease in cell metabolic activity while cell proliferation as well as network connectivity and branching were independent of PG content. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -2 was up-regulated by PGs, indicating that MMPs did not play a critical role in network growth. The relationship between ion release and EC morphogenesis in 3D provided in this study is expected to contribute to an ultimately successful pro-angiogenic application of CuO-doped PGs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Development of a novel resin-based dental material with dual biocidal modes and sustained release of Ag+ ions based on photocurable core-shell AgBr/cationic polymer nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Cao, Weiwei; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Xi; Chen, Yinyan; Li, Qiang; Xing, Xiaodong; Xiao, Yuhong; Peng, Xuefeng; Ye, Zhiwen

    2017-07-01

    Research on the incorporation of cutting-edge nano-antibacterial agent for designing dental materials with potent and long-lasting antibacterial property is demanding and provoking work. In this study, a novel resin-based dental material containing photocurable core-shell AgBr/cationic polymer nanocomposite (AgBr/BHPVP) was designed and developed. The shell of polymerizable cationic polymer not only provided non-releasing antibacterial capability for dental resins, but also had the potential to polymerize with other methacrylate monomers and prevented nanoparticles from aggregating in the resin matrix. As a result, incorporation of AgBr/BHPVP nanocomposites did not adversely affect the flexural strength and modulus but greatly increased the Vicker's hardness of resin disks. By continuing to release Ag + ions without the impact of anaerobic environment, resins containing AgBr/BHPVP nanoparticles are particularly suitable to combat anaerobic cariogenic bacteria. By reason of the combined bactericidal effect of the contact-killing cationic polymers and the releasing-killing Ag + ions, AgBr/BHPVP-containing resin disks had potent bactericidal activity against S. mutans. The long-lasting antibacterial activity was also achieved through the sustained release of Ag + ions due to the core-shell structure of the nanocomposites. The results of macrophage cytotoxicity showed that the cell viability of dental resins loading less than 1.0 wt% AgBr/BHPVP was close to that of neat resins. The AgBr/BHPVP-containing dental resin with dual bactericidal capability and long term antimicrobial effect is a promising material aimed at preventing second caries and prolonging the longevity of resin composite restorations.

  8. A Comparative Analysis of the Corrosive Effect of Artificial Saliva of Variable pH on DMLS and Cast Co-Cr-Mo Dental Alloy

    PubMed Central

    Puskar, Tatjana; Jevremovic, Danimir; Williams, Robert J.; Eggbeer, Dominic; Vukelic, Djordje; Budak, Igor

    2014-01-01

    Dental alloys for direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) are available on the market today, but there is little scientific evidence reported on their characteristics. One of them is the release of ions, as an indicator of the corrosion characteristics of a dental alloy. Within this research, the difference in the elution of metals from DMLS and cast (CM) samples of Co-Cr-Mo dental alloy in saliva-like medium of three different pH was examined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The obtained results show that the metal elution in artificial saliva from the DMLS alloy was lower than the elution from the CM alloy. The release of all investigated metal ions was influenced by the acidity, both from the DMLS and CM alloy, throughout the investigated period of 30 days. The change in acidity from a pH of 6.8 to a pH of 2.3 for the cast alloy led to a higher increase of the elution of Co, Cr and Mo from CM than from the DMLS alloy. The greatest release out of Co, Cr and Mo was for Co for both tested alloys. Further, the greatest release of all ions was measured at pH 2.3. In saliva of pH 2.3 and pH 4.5, the longer the investigated period, the higher the difference between the total metal ion release from the CM and DMLS alloys. Both alloys showed a safe level of elution according to the ISO definition in all investigated acidic environments. PMID:28788197

  9. A Comparative Analysis of the Corrosive Effect of Artificial Saliva of Variable pH on DMLS and Cast Co-Cr-Mo Dental Alloy.

    PubMed

    Puskar, Tatjana; Jevremovic, Danimir; Williams, Robert J; Eggbeer, Dominic; Vukelic, Djordje; Budak, Igor

    2014-09-11

    Dental alloys for direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) are available on the market today, but there is little scientific evidence reported on their characteristics. One of them is the release of ions, as an indicator of the corrosion characteristics of a dental alloy. Within this research, the difference in the elution of metals from DMLS and cast (CM) samples of Co-Cr-Mo dental alloy in saliva-like medium of three different pH was examined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The obtained results show that the metal elution in artificial saliva from the DMLS alloy was lower than the elution from the CM alloy. The release of all investigated metal ions was influenced by the acidity, both from the DMLS and CM alloy, throughout the investigated period of 30 days. The change in acidity from a pH of 6.8 to a pH of 2.3 for the cast alloy led to a higher increase of the elution of Co, Cr and Mo from CM than from the DMLS alloy. The greatest release out of Co, Cr and Mo was for Co for both tested alloys. Further, the greatest release of all ions was measured at pH 2.3. In saliva of pH 2.3 and pH 4.5, the longer the investigated period, the higher the difference between the total metal ion release from the CM and DMLS alloys. Both alloys showed a safe level of elution according to the ISO definition in all investigated acidic environments.

  10. AtlA Mediates Extracellular DNA Release, Which Contributes to Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation in an Experimental Rat Model of Infective Endocarditis

    PubMed Central

    Hsu, Ron-Bin; Shun, Chia-Tung; Hsu, Chih-Chieh

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Host factors, such as platelets, have been shown to enhance biofilm formation by oral commensal streptococci, inducing infective endocarditis (IE), but how bacterial components contribute to biofilm formation in vivo is still not clear. We demonstrated previously that an isogenic mutant strain of Streptococcus mutans deficient in autolysin AtlA (ΔatlA) showed a reduced ability to cause vegetation in a rat model of bacterial endocarditis. However, the role of AtlA in bacterial biofilm formation is unclear. In this study, confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that extracellular DNA (eDNA) was embedded in S. mutans GS5 floes during biofilm formation on damaged heart valves, but an ΔatlA strain could not form bacterial aggregates. Semiquantification of eDNA by PCR with bacterial 16S rRNA primers demonstrated that the ΔatlA mutant strain produced dramatically less eDNA than the wild type. Similar results were observed with in vitro biofilm models. The addition of polyanethol sulfonate, a chemical lysis inhibitor, revealed that eDNA release mediated by bacterial cell lysis is required for biofilm initiation and maturation in the wild-type strain. Supplementation of cultures with calcium ions reduced wild-type growth but increased eDNA release and biofilm mass. The effect of calcium ions on biofilm formation was abolished in ΔatlA cultures and by the addition of polyanethol sulfonate. The VicK sensor, but not CiaH, was found to be required for the induction of eDNA release or the stimulation of biofilm formation by calcium ions. These data suggest that calcium ion-regulated AtlA maturation mediates the release of eDNA by S. mutans, which contributes to biofilm formation in infective endocarditis. PMID:28674029

  11. Biological Impact of Bioactive Glasses and Their Dissolution Products.

    PubMed

    Hoppe, Alexander; Boccaccini, Aldo R

    2015-01-01

    For many years, bioactive glasses (BGs) have been widely considered for bone tissue engineering applications due to their ability to bond to hard as well as soft tissue (a property termed bioactivity) and for their stimulating effects on bone formation. Ionic dissolution products released during the degradation of the BG matrix induce osteogenic gene expression leading to enhanced bone regeneration. Recently, adding bioactive metallic ions (e.g. boron, copper, cobalt, silver, zinc and strontium) to silicate (or phosphate and borate) glasses has emerged as a promising route for developing novel BG formulations with specific therapeutic functionalities, including antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic properties. The degradation behaviour of BGs can be tailored by adjusting the glass chemistry making these glass matrices potential carrier systems for controlled therapeutic ion release. This book chapter summarises the fundamental aspects of the effect of ionic dissolution products from BGs on osteogenesis and angiogenesis, whilst discussing novel BG compositions with controlled therapeutic ion release. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  12. A hot implantation study on the evolution of defects in He ion implanted MgO(1 0 0)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fedorov, A. V.; van Huis, M. A.; van Veen, A.

    2002-05-01

    Ion implantation at elevated temperature, so-called hot implantation, was used to study nucleation and thermal stability of the defects. In this work, MgO(1 0 0) single crystal samples were implanted with 30 keV He ions at various implantation temperatures. The implantation doses ranged from 10 14 to 10 16 cm -2. The implantation introduced defects were subsequently studied by thermal helium desorption spectroscopy (THDS) and Doppler broadening positron beam analysis (PBA). The THDS study provides vital information on the kinetics of He release from the sample. PBA technique, being sensitive to the open volume defects, provides complementary information on cavity evolution. The THD study has shown that in most cases helium release is characterised by the activation energy of Q=4.7±0.5 eV with the maximum release temperature of Tmax=1830 K. By applying first order desorption model the pre-exponent factor is estimated as ν=4.3×10 11 s -1.

  13. Environmentally relevant metal and transition metal ions enhance Fc epsilon RI-mediated mast cell activation.

    PubMed Central

    Walczak-Drzewiecka, Aurelia; Wyczólkowska, Janina; Dastych, Jaroslaw

    2003-01-01

    Upon contact with allergen, sensitized mast cells release highly active proinflammatory mediators. Allergen-mediated mast cell activation is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma. Asthmatic patients are especially susceptible to air pollution. Epidemiologic studies found a positive correlation between severity of symptoms among asthmatic patients and the level of particulate matter (PM) in the air. Among the constituents of PM are metals and transition metals, which could mediate some of its adverse effects on human health. We sought to determine the effect of metal and transition metal ions on allergen-mediated mast cell activation. We observed that several metal and transition metal ions activated mast cells and enhanced allergen-mediated mast cell activation. Thus, Al(3+), Cd(2+), and Sr(2+) induced release of granule-associated N-acetyl-ss-d-hexosaminidase, and Al(3+) and Ni(2+) enhanced antigen-mediated release. Metal and transition metal ions also induced significant secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and increased antigen-mediated IL-4 secretion in mast cells. These effects of metal and transition metal ions on mast cells were observed at concentrations that do not result in direct cytotoxicity and might be relevant for environmental exposure. Thus, metals and transition metals could increase the level of allergen-mediated mast cell activation, which might be one of the mechanisms mediating exacerbation of allergen-driven asthma symptoms by air pollution. PMID:12727598

  14. Mechanism of Mg2+-Accompanied Product Release in Sugar Nucleotidyltransferases.

    PubMed

    Vithani, Neha; Ankush Jagtap, Pravin Kumar; Verma, Sunil Kumar; Tripathi, Ravi; Awasthi, Shalini; Nair, Nisanth N; Prakash, Balaji

    2018-03-06

    The nucleotidyl transfer reaction, catalyzed by sugar nucleotidyltransferases (SNTs), is assisted by two active site Mg 2+ ions. While studying this reaction using X-ray crystallography, we captured snapshots of the pyrophosphate (product) as it exits along a pocket. Surprisingly, one of the active site Mg 2+ ions remains coordinated to the exiting pyrophosphate. This hints at the participation of Mg 2+ in the process of product release, besides its role in catalyzing nucleotidyl transfer. These observations are further supported by enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations. Free energy computations suggest that the product release is likely to be rate limiting in SNTs, and the origin of the high free energy barrier for product release could be traced back to the "slow" conformational change of an Arg residue at the exit end of the pocket. These results establish a dual role for Mg 2+ , and propose a general mechanism of product release during the nucleotidyl transfer by SNTs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Comparative study on corrosion resistance and in vitro biocompatibility of bulk nanocrystalline and microcrystalline biomedical 304 stainless steel.

    PubMed

    Nie, F L; Wang, S G; Wang, Y B; Wei, S C; Zheng, Y F

    2011-07-01

    SUS 304 stainless steels have been widely used in orthodontics and implants such as archwires, brackets, and screws. The purpose of present study was to investigate the biocompatibility of both the commercial microcrystalline biomedical 304 stainless steel (microcrystalline 304ss) and novel-fabricated nanocrystalline 304 stainless steel (nanocrystalline 304ss). Bulk nanocrystalline 304ss sheets had been successfully prepared by microcrystalline 304ss plates using severe rolling technique. The electrochemical corrosion and ion release behavior immersion in artificial saliva were measured to evaluate the property of biocorrosion in oral environment. The cell lines of murine and human cell lines from oral and endothelial environment were co-cultured with extracts to evaluate the cytotoxicity and provide referential evidence in vivo. The polarization resistance trials indicated that nanocrystalline 304ss is more corrosion resistant than the microcrystalline 304ss in oral-like environment with higher corrosion potential, and the amount of toxic ions released into solution after immersion is lower than that of the microcrystalline 304ss and the daily dietary intake level. The cytotoxicity results also elucidated that nanocrystalline 304ss is biologically compatible in vitro, even better than that of microcrystalline 304ss. Based on the much higher mechanical and physical performances, nanocrystalline 304ss with enhanced biocorrosion property, well-behaved in vitro cytocompatibility can be a promising alternative in orthodontics and fixation fields in oral cavity. Copyright © 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Aluminum surface corrosion and the mechanism of inhibitors using pH and metal ion selective imaging fiber bundles.

    PubMed

    Szunerits, Sabine; Walt, David R

    2002-02-15

    The localized corrosion behavior of a galvanic aluminum copper couple was investigated by in situ fluorescence imaging with a fiber-optic imaging sensor. Three different, but complementary methods were used for visualizing remote corrosion sites, mapping the topography of the metal surface, and measuring local chemical concentrations of H+, OH-, and Al3+. The first method is based on a pH-sensitive imaging fiber, where the fluorescent dye SNAFL was covalently attached to the fiber's distal end. Fluorescence images were acquired as a function of time at different areas of the galvanic couple. In a second method, the fluorescent dye morin was immobilized on the fiber-optic imaging sensor, which allowed the in situ localization of corrosion processes on pure aluminum to be visualized over time by monitoring the release of Al3+. The development of fluorescence on the aluminum surface defined the areas associated with the anodic dissolution of aluminum. We also investigated the inhibition of corrosion of pure aluminum by CeCl3 and 8-hydroxyquinoline. The decrease in current, the decrease in the number of active sites on the aluminum surface, and the faster surface passivation are all consistent indications that cerium chloride and 8-hydroxyquinoline inhibit corrosion effectively. From the number and extent of corrosion sites and the release of aluminum ions monitored with the fiber, it was shown that 8-hydroxyquinoline is a more effective inhibitor than cerium chloride.

  17. Titanium Ions Release from an Innovative Titanium-Magnesium Composite: an in Vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Stanec, Zlatko; Halambek, Jasna; Maldini, Krešimir; Balog, Martin; Križik, Peter; Schauperl, Zdravko; Ćatić, Amir

    2016-03-01

    The innovative titanium-magnesium composite (Ti-Mg) was produced by powder metallurgy (P/M) method and is characterized in terms of corrosion behavior. Two groups of experimental material, 1 mass% (Ti-1Mg) and 2 mass% (Ti-2Mg) of magnesium in titanium matrix, were tested and compared to commercially pure titanium (CP Ti). Immersion test and chemical analysis of four solutions: artificial saliva; artificial saliva pH 4; artificial saliva with fluoride and Hank balanced salt solution were performed after 42 days of immersion, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect the amount of released titanium ions (Ti). SEM and EDS analysis were used for surface characterization. The difference between the results from different test solutions was assessed by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test at p<0.05. The influence of predictor variables was found by multiple regression analysis. The results of the present study revealed a low corrosion rate of titanium from the experimental Ti-Mg group. Up to 46 and 23 times lower dissolution of Ti from Ti-1Mg and Ti-2Mg, respectively was observed compared to the control group. Among the tested solutions, artificial saliva with fluorides exhibited the highest corrosion effect on all specimens tested. SEM micrographs showed preserved dual phase surface structure and EDS analysis suggested a favorable surface bioactivity. In conclusion, Ti-Mg produced by P/M as a material with better corrosion properties when compared to CP Ti is suggested.

  18. Application of differential scanning calorimetry to measure the differential binding of ions, water and protons in the unfolding of DNA molecules.

    PubMed

    Olsen, Chris M; Shikiya, Ronald; Ganugula, Rajkumar; Reiling-Steffensmeier, Calliste; Khutsishvili, Irine; Johnson, Sarah E; Marky, Luis A

    2016-05-01

    The overall stability of DNA molecules globally depends on base-pair stacking, base-pairing, polyelectrolyte effect and hydration contributions. In order to understand how they carry out their biological roles, it is essential to have a complete physical description of how the folding of nucleic acids takes place, including their ion and water binding. To investigate the role of ions, water and protons in the stability and melting behavior of DNA structures, we report here an experimental approach i.e., mainly differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), to determine linking numbers: the differential binding of ions (Δnion), water (ΔnW) and protons (ΔnH(+)) in the helix-coil transition of DNA molecules. We use DSC and temperature-dependent UV spectroscopic techniques to measure the differential binding of ions, water, and protons for the unfolding of a variety of DNA molecules: salmon testes DNA (ST-DNA), one dodecamer, one undecamer and one decamer duplexes, nine hairpin loops, and two triplexes. These methods can be applied to any conformational transition of a biomolecule. We determined complete thermodynamic profiles, including all three linking numbers, for the unfolding of each molecule. The favorable folding of a DNA helix results from a favorable enthalpy-unfavorable entropy compensation. DSC thermograms and UV melts as a function of salt, osmolyte and proton concentrations yielded releases of ions and water. Therefore, the favorable folding of each DNA molecule results from the formation of base-pair stacks and uptake of both counterions and water molecules. In addition, the triplex with C(+)GC base triplets yielded an uptake of protons. Furthermore, the folding of a DNA duplex is accompanied by a lower uptake of ions and a similar uptake of four water molecules as the DNA helix gets shorter. In addition, the oligomer duplexes and hairpin thermodynamic data suggest ion and water binding depends on the DNA sequence rather than DNA composition. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. Metal ion levels in patients with stainless steel spinal instrumentation.

    PubMed

    McPhee, I Bruce; Swanson, Cheryl E

    2007-08-15

    Case-control study. To determine whether metal ion concentrations are elevated in patients with spinal instrumentation. Studies have shown that serum and urinary levels of component metal ions are abnormally elevated in patients with total joint arthroplasties. Little is known of metal ion release and concentrations in patients with spinal instrumentation. The study group consisted of patients who had undergone spinal instrumentation for various spinal disorders with a variety of stainless steel implants, 5 to 25 years previously. A group of volunteers without metal implants were controls. All subjects were tested for serum nickel, blood chromium, and random urine chromium/creatinine ratio estimation. The study group consisted of 32 patients with retained implants and 12 patients whose implants had been removed. There were 26 unmatched controls. There was no difference in serum nickel and blood chromium levels between all 3 groups. The mean urinary chromium/creatinine ratio for patients with implants and those with implants removed was significantly greater than controls (P < 0.001). The difference between study subgroups was not significant (P = 0.16). Of several patient and instrumentation variables, only the number of couplings approached significance for correlation with the urine chromium excretion (P = 0.07). Spinal implants do not raise the levels of serum nickel and blood chromium. There is evidence that metal ions are released from spinal implants and excreted in urine. The excretion of chromium in patients with spinal implants was significantly greater than normal controls although lower where the implants have been removed. The findings are consistent with low-grade release of ions from implants with rapid clearance, thus maintaining normal serum levels. Levels of metal ions in the body fluids probably do not reach a level that causes late side-effect; hence, routine removal of the implants cannot be recommended.

  20. Uptake and effect of highly fluorescent silver nanoclusters on Scenedesmus obliquus.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; He, Yiliang; Goswami, Nirmal; Xie, Jianping; Zhang, Bo; Tao, Xianji

    2016-06-01

    The release of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in aquatic environment has caused wide public concern about their effects on living organisms (e.g., algae). However, how these small NPs exert cytotoxicity in the living organisms has always been under heated debate. In this study, the uptake and toxicity effects of strongly red-emitting fluorescent silver nanoclusters (r-Ag NCs) exposed to the green algae Scenedesmus obliquus was investigated. Upon exposure to pure r-Ag NCs and r-Ag NCs containing l-cysteine, the algae growth inhibition test showed that Ag(+) ions released from r-Ag NCs played an important role in the toxicity of r-Ag NCs along with the toxicity of intact r-Ag NCs. Furthermore, no signals of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed indicating that r-Ag NCs or released Ag(+) ions - mediated growth inhibition of algae cells was independent of ROS production. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) were employed to study cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, analysis of differential expressed gene demonstrated that r-Ag NCs as well as the released Ag(+) ions can simultaneously exist inside the algae cells, and inhibit the transcriptomic process of genes by their "joint-toxicity" mechanism. Taken together, our study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms of r-Ag NCs and Ag(+) ions exposure to the aquatic organism and can be applied to early diagnosis of ecologic risk mediated by others metal-based NPs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Ion mobility mass spectrometry for ion recovery and clean-up of MS and MS/MS spectra obtained from low abundance viral samples

    PubMed Central

    Harvey, David J.; Crispin, Max; Bonomelli, Camille; Scrivens, Jim H.

    2016-01-01

    Graphical abstract Many samples of complex mixtures of N-glycans released from small amounts of material, such as glycoproteins from viruses, present problems for mass spectrometric analysis because of the presence of contaminating material that is difficult to remove by conventional methods without involving sample loss. This paper describes the use of ion mobility for extraction of glycan profiles from such samples and for obtaining clean CID spectra when targeted m/z values capture additional ions from those of the target compound. N-Glycans were released enzymatically from within SDS-PAGE gels, from the representative glycoprotein, gp120 of the human immunodeficiency virus, and examined by direct infusion electrospray in negative mode followed by ion mobility with a Waters Synapt G2 mass spectrometer. Clean profiles of singly, doubly and triply charged N-glycans were obtained from samples in cases where the raw electrospray spectra displayed only a few glycan ions as the result of low sample concentration or the presence of contamination. Ion mobility also enabled uncontaminated CID spectra to be obtained from glycans when their molecular ions displayed coincidence with ions from fragments or multiply charged ions with similar m/z values. This technique proved to be invaluable for removing extraneous ions from many CID spectra. The presence of such ions often produces spectra that are difficult to interpret. Most CID spectra, even those from abundant glycan constituents, benefited from such clean-up showing that the extra dimension provided by ion mobility was invaluable for studies of this type. PMID:26204966

  2. Effects of ionic compositions of the medium on monosodium glutamate binding to taste epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Y; Tsunenari, T; Mori, T

    1999-03-01

    Monosodium glutamate and nucleotides are umami taste substances in animals and have a synergistic effect on each other. We studied the ligand-binding properties of the glutamate receptors in taste epithelial cells isolated from bovine tongue. Specific glutamate binding was observed in an enriched suspension of taste receptor cells in Hanks' balanced salt solution, while no specific glutamate binding was apparent in the absence of divalent ions or when the cells had been depolarized by a high content of potassium in Hanks' balanced salt solution. There was no significant difference between the release of glutamate under depolarized or divalent ion-free conditions and under normal conditions. However, glutamate was easily released from the depolarized cells in the absence of divalent ions. These data suggest that the binding of glutamate to receptors depends on divalent ions, which also have an effect on maintaining binding between glutamate and receptors.

  3. A Change in the Ion Selectivity of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels Provides a Mechanism to Switch Behavior.

    PubMed

    Pirri, Jennifer K; Rayes, Diego; Alkema, Mark J

    2015-01-01

    Behavioral output of neural networks depends on a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. However, it is not known whether network formation and stability is constrained by the sign of synaptic connections between neurons within the network. Here we show that switching the sign of a synapse within a neural circuit can reverse the behavioral output. The inhibitory tyramine-gated chloride channel, LGC-55, induces head relaxation and inhibits forward locomotion during the Caenorhabditis elegans escape response. We switched the ion selectivity of an inhibitory LGC-55 anion channel to an excitatory LGC-55 cation channel. The engineered cation channel is properly trafficked in the native neural circuit and results in behavioral responses that are opposite to those produced by activation of the LGC-55 anion channel. Our findings indicate that switches in ion selectivity of ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) do not affect network connectivity or stability and may provide an evolutionary and a synthetic mechanism to change behavior.

  4. Synergistic Effects of Iodine and Silver Ions Co-Implanted in 6H-SiC

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kuhudzai, Remeredzai J.; Malherbe, Johan; Hlatshwayo, T. T.

    2015-10-23

    Motivated by the aim of understanding the release of fission products through the SiC coating of fuel kernels in modern high temperature nuclear reactors, a fundamental investigation is conducted to understand the synergistic effects of implanted silver (Ag) and iodine (I) in 6H-SiC. The implantation of the individual species, as well as the co-implantation of 360 keV ions of I and Ag at room temperature in 6H-SiC and their subsequent annealing behavior has been investigated by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). SIMS and APT measurements indicated the presence of Ag inmore » the co-implanted samples after annealing at 1500 ºC for 30 hours in sharp contrast to the samples implanted with Ag only. In samples implanted with Ag only, complete loss of the implanted Ag was observed. However, for I only implanted samples, some iodine was retained. APT of annealed co-implanted 6H-SiC showed clear spatial association of Ag and I clusters in SiC, which can be attributed to the observed I assisted retention of Ag after annealing. Such detailed studies will be necessary to identify the fundamental mechanism of fission products migration through SiC coatings.« less

  5. Equilibrium binding behavior of magnesium to wall teichoic acid.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Kieth J; Rice, Charles V

    2015-10-01

    Peptidoglycan and teichoic acids are the major cell wall components of Gram-positive bacteria that obtain and sequester metal ions required for biochemical processes. The delivery of metals to the cytoplasmic membrane is aided by anionic binding sites within the peptidoglycan and along the phosphodiester polymer of teichoic acid. The interaction with metals is a delicate balance between the need for attraction and ion diffusion to the membrane. Likewise, metal chelation from the extracellular fluid must initially have strong binding energetics that weaken within the cell wall to enable ion release. We employed atomic absorption and equilibrium dialysis to measure the metal binding capacity and metal binding affinity of wall teichoic acid and Mg2+. Data show that Mg2+ binds to WTA with a 1:2Mg2+ to phosphate ratio with a binding capacity of 1.27 μmol/mg. The affinity of Mg2+ to WTA was also found to be 41×10(3) M(-1) at low metal concentrations and 1.3×10(3) M(-1) at higher Mg2+ concentrations due to weakening electrostatic effects. These values are lower than the values describing Mg2+ interactions with peptidoglycan. However, the binding capacity of WTA is 4 times larger than peptidoglycan. External WTA initially binds metals with positive cooperativity, but metal binding switches to negative cooperativity, whereas interior WTA binds metals with only negative cooperativity. The relevance of this work is to describe changes in metal binding behavior depending on environment. When metals are sparse, chelation is strong to ensure survival yet the binding weakens when essential minerals are abundant. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Shock loading and release behavior of silicon nitride

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kawai, N.; Tsuru, T.; Hidaka, N.; Liu, X.; Mashimo, T.

    2017-01-01

    Shock-reshock and shock-release experiments were performed on silicon nitride ceramics above and below its phase transition pressure. Experimental results clearly show the occurrence of elastic-plastic transition and phase transition during initial shock loading. The HEL and phase transition stress are determined as 11.6 and 34.5 GPa, respectively. Below the phase transition stress, the reshock profile consists of the single shock with short rise time, while the release profile shows the gradual release followed by rapid one. Above phase transition stress, reshock and release behavior varies with the initial shock stress. In the case of reshock and release from about 40 GPa, the reshock structure is considerably dispersed, while the release structure shows rapid release. In the reshock profile from about 50 GPa, the formation of the shock wave with the small ramped precursor is observed. And, the release response from same shocked condition shows initial gradual release and subsequent quite rapid one. These results would provide the information about how phase transformation kinetics effects on the reshock and release behavior.

  7. Influence of ionic complexation on release rate profiles from multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions.

    PubMed

    Bonnet, Marie; Cansell, Maud; Placin, Frédéric; David-Briand, Elisabeth; Anton, Marc; Leal-Calderon, Fernando

    2010-07-14

    Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions were prepared, and the kinetics of release of magnesium ions from the internal to the external water phase was followed. Different chelating agents (phosvitin and gluconate) were used to bind magnesium within the prospect of improving the ion retention in the internal aqueous droplets. Magnesium release was monitored for 1 month of storage, for each formulation, with and without chelation, at two storage temperatures (4 and 25 degrees C). Leakage occurred without film rupturing (coalescence) and was mainly due to entropically driven diffusion/permeation phenomena. The experimental results revealed a clear correlation between the effectiveness of chelating agents to delay the delivery and their binding capacity characterized by the equilibrium affinity constant. The kinetic data (percent released versus time curves) were interpreted within the framework of a kinetic model based on diffusion and taking into account magnesium chelation.

  8. Preparation of orthophosphate glasses in the MgO-CaO-SiO2-Nb2O5-P2O5 system.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sungho; Ueda, Kyosuke; Narushima, Takayuki; Nakano, Takayoshi; Kasuga, Toshihiro

    2017-01-01

    Niobia/magnesia-containing orthophosphate invert glasses were successfully prepared in our earlier work. Orthophosphate groups in the glasses were cross-linked by tetrahedral niobia (NbO4) and magnesia. The aim of this work is to prepare calcium orthophosphate invert glasses containing magnesia and niobia, incorporating silica, and to evaluate their structures and releasing behaviors. The glasses were prepared by melt-quenching, and their structures and ion-releasing behaviors were evaluated. 31P solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Raman spectroscopies showed the glasses consist of orthophosphate (PO4), orthosilicate (SiO4), and NbO4 tetrahedra. NbO4 and MgO in the glasses act as network formers. By incorporating SiO2 into the glasses, the chemical durability of the glasses was slightly improved. The glasses reheated at 800°C formed the orthophosphate crystalline phases, such as β-Ca3(PO4)2, Mg3(PO4)2 and Mg3Ca3(PO4)4 in the glasses. The chemical durability of the crystallized glasses was slightly improved. Orthosilicate groups and NbO4 in the glasses coordinated with each other to form Si-O-Nb bonds. The chemical durability of the glasses was slightly improved by addition of SiO2, since the field strength of Si is larger than that of Ca or Mg.

  9. Degradable borate glass polyalkenoate cements.

    PubMed

    Shen, L; Coughlan, A; Towler, M; Hall, M

    2014-04-01

    Glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) containing aluminum-free borate glasses having the general composition Ag2O-Na2O-CaO-SrO-ZnO-TiO2-B2O3 were evaluated in this work. An initial screening study of sixteen compositions was used to identify regions of glass formation and cement compositions with promising rheological properties. The results of the screening study were used to develop four model borate glass compositions for further study. A second round of rheological experiments was used to identify a preferred GPC formulation for each model glass composition. The model borate glasses containing higher levels of TiO2 (7.5 mol %) tended to have longer working times and shorter setting times. Dissolution behavior of the four model GPC formulations was evaluated by measuring ion release profiles as a function of time. All four GPC formulations showed evidence of incongruent dissolution behavior when considering the relative release profiles of sodium and boron, although the exact dissolution profile of the glass was presumably obscured by the polymeric cement matrix. Compression testing was undertaken to evaluate cement strength over time during immersion in water. The cements containing the borate glass with 7.5 mol % TiO2 had the highest initial compressive strength, ranging between 20 and 30 MPa. No beneficial aging effect was observed-instead, the strength of all four model GPC formulations was found to degrade with time.

  10. The underlying biological mechanisms of biocompatibility differences between bare and TiN-coated NiTi alloys.

    PubMed

    Lifeng, Zhao; Yan, Hong; Dayun, Yang; Xiaoying, Lü; Tingfei, Xi; Deyuan, Zhang; Ying, Hong; Jinfeng, Yuan

    2011-04-01

    TiN coating has been demonstrated to improve the biocompatibility of bare NiTi alloys; however, essential biocompatibility differences between NiTi alloys before and after TiN coating are not known so far. In this study, to explore the underlying biological mechanisms of biocompatibility differences between them, the changes of bare and TiN-coated NiTi alloys in surface chemical composition, morphology, hydrophilicity, Ni ions release, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and gene expression profiles were compared using energy-dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, surface energy, Ni ions release analysis, the methylthiazoltetrazolium (MTT) method, flow cytometry and microarray methods, respectively. Pathways binding to networks and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed to analyze and validate the microarray data, respectively. It was found that, compared with the bare NiTi alloys, TiN coating significantly decreased Ni ions content on the surfaces of the NiTi alloys and reduced the release of Ni ions from the alloys, attenuated the inhibition of Ni ions to the expression of genes associated with anti-inflammatory, and also suppressed the promotion of Ni ions to the expression of apoptosis-related genes. Moreover, TiN coating distinctly improved the hydrophilicity and uniformity of the surfaces of the NiTi alloys, and contributed to the expression of genes participating in cell adhesion and other physiological activities. These results indicate that the TiN-coated NiTi alloys will help overcome the shortcomings of NiTi alloys used in clinical application currently, and can be expected to be a replacement of biomaterials for a medical device field.

  11. Effect of Mobile Phone Usage on Nickel Ions Release and pH of Saliva in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

    PubMed

    Nanjannawar, Lalita Girish; Girme, Tejashree Suresh; Agrawal, Jiwanasha Manish; Agrawal, Manish Suresh; Fulari, Sangamesh Gurunath; Shetti, Shraddha Subhash; Kagi, Vishwal Ajith

    2017-09-01

    Hand held mobile phones are presently the most popular means of communication worldwide and have transformed our lives in many aspects. The widespread use of such devices have resulted in growing concerns regarding harmful effects of radiations emitted by them. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of mobile phone usage on nickel ion release as well as pH of saliva in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. To assess the level of nickel ions in saliva and pH of saliva in mobile phone users undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. A total of 42 healthy patients with fixed orthodontic appliance in mouth for a duration of six to nine months were selected for the study. They were divided into experimental group (n=21) consisting of mobile phone users and control group (n=21) of non mobile phone users. Saliva samples were collected from both the groups and nickel ion levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The pH values were also assessed for both groups using pH meter. Unpaired t-test was used for the data analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that though the pH levels were reduced and the nickel ion levels were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, the results were non significant. Mobile phone usage may affect the pH of saliva and result in increased release of nickel ions in saliva of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity.

  12. An integrative model of the cardiac ventricular myocyte incorporating local control of Ca2+ release.

    PubMed Central

    Greenstein, Joseph L; Winslow, Raimond L

    2002-01-01

    The local control theory of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in cardiac muscle asserts that L-type Ca(2+) current tightly controls Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via local interaction of closely apposed L-type Ca(2+) channels (LCCs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). These local interactions give rise to smoothly graded Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR), which exhibits high gain. In this study we present a biophysically detailed model of the normal canine ventricular myocyte that conforms to local control theory. The model formulation incorporates details of microscopic EC coupling properties in the form of Ca(2+) release units (CaRUs) in which individual sarcolemmal LCCs interact in a stochastic manner with nearby RyRs in localized regions where junctional SR membrane and transverse-tubular membrane are in close proximity. The CaRUs are embedded within and interact with the global systems of the myocyte describing ionic and membrane pump/exchanger currents, SR Ca(2+) uptake, and time-varying cytosolic ion concentrations to form a model of the cardiac action potential (AP). The model can reproduce both the detailed properties of EC coupling, such as variable gain and graded SR Ca(2+) release, and whole-cell phenomena, such as modulation of AP duration by SR Ca(2+) release. Simulations indicate that the local control paradigm predicts stable APs when the L-type Ca(2+) current is adjusted in accord with the balance between voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation processes as measured experimentally, a scenario where common pool models become unstable. The local control myocyte model provides a means for studying the interrelationship between microscopic and macroscopic behaviors in a manner that would not be possible in experiments. PMID:12496068

  13. Evidence for a separate mechanism of toxicity for the Type I and the Type II pyrethroid insecticides.

    PubMed

    Breckenridge, Charles B; Holden, Larry; Sturgess, Nicholas; Weiner, Myra; Sheets, Larry; Sargent, Dana; Soderlund, David M; Choi, Jin-Sung; Symington, Steve; Clark, J Marshall; Burr, Steve; Ray, David

    2009-11-01

    Neurotoxicity and mechanistic data were collected for six alpha-cyano pyrethroids (beta-cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, fenpropathrin and lambda-cyhalothrin) and up to six non-cyano containing pyrethroids (bifenthrin, S-bioallethrin [or allethrin], permethrin, pyrethrins, resmethrin [or its cis-isomer, cismethrin] and tefluthrin under standard conditions. Factor analysis and multivariate dissimilarity analysis were employed to evaluate four independent data sets comprised of (1) fifty-six behavioral and physiological parameters from an acute neurotoxicity functional observatory battery (FOB), (2) eight electrophysiological parameters from voltage clamp experiments conducted on the Na(v)1.8 sodium channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes, (3) indices of efficacy, potency and binding calculated for calcium ion influx across neuronal membranes, membrane depolarization and glutamate released from rat brain synaptosomes and (4) changes in chloride channel open state probability using a patch voltage clamp technique for membranes isolated from mouse neuroblastoma cells. The pyrethroids segregated into Type I (T--syndrome-tremors) and Type II (CS syndrome--choreoathetosis with salivation) groups based on FOB data. Of the alpha-cyano pyrethroids, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin arrayed themselves strongly in a dose-dependent manner along two factors that characterize the CS syndrome. Esfenvalerate and fenpropathrin displayed weaker response profiles compared to the non-cyano pyrethroids. Visual clustering on multidimensional scaling (MDS) maps based upon sodium ion channel and calcium influx and glutamate release dissimilarities gave similar groupings. The non-cyano containing pyrethroids were arrayed in a dose-dependent manner along two different factors that characterize the T-syndrome. Bifenthrin was an outlier when MDS maps of the non-cyano pyrethroids were based on sodium ion channel characteristics and permethrin was an outlier when the MDS maps were based on calcium influx/glutamate release potency. Four of six alpha-cyano pyrethroids (lambda-cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fenpropathrin) reduced open chloride channel probability. The R-isomers of lambda-l-cyhalothrin reduced open channel probability whereas the S-isomers, antagonized the action of the R-isomers. None of the non-cyano pyrethroids reduced open channel probability, except bioallethrin, which gave a weak response. Overall, based upon neurotoxicity data and the effect of pyrethroids on sodium, calcium and chloride ion channels, it is proposed that bioallethrin, cismethrin, tefluthrin, bifenthrin and permethrin belong to one common mechanism group and deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin belong to a second. Fenpropathrin and esfenvalerate occupy an intermediate position between these two groups.

  14. Active screen cage pulsed dc discharge for implanting copper in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zaka-ul-Islam, Mujahid; Naeem, Muhammad; Shafiq, Muhammad; Sitara; Jabbar Al-Rajab, Abdul; Zakaullah, Muhammad

    2017-07-01

    Polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are widely used in artificial organs where long-term anti-bacterial properties are required to avoid bacterial proliferation. Copper or silver ion implantation on the polymer surface is known as a viable method to generate long-term anti-bacterial properties. Here, we have tested pulsed DC plasma with copper cathodic cage for the PTFE surface treatment. The surface analysis of the treated specimens suggests that the surface, structural properties, crystallinity and chemical structure of the PTFE have been changed, after the plasma treatment. The copper release tests show that copper ions are released from the polymer at a slow rate and quantity of the released copper increases with the plasma treatment time.

  15. Interfacial water on crystalline silica: a comparative molecular dynamics simulation study

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ho, Tuan A.; Argyris, Dimitrios; Papavassiliou, Dimitrios V.

    2011-03-03

    All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to study the dynamics of aqueous electrolyte solutions confined in slit-shaped silica nanopores of various degrees of protonation. Five degrees of protonation were prepared by randomly removing surface hydrogen atoms from fully protonated crystalline silica surfaces. Aqueous electrolyte solutions containing NaCl or CsCl salt were simulated at ambient conditions. In all cases, the ionic concentration was 1 M. The results were quantified in terms of atomic density distributions within the pores, and the self-diffusion coefficient along the direction parallel to the pore surface. We found evidence for ion-specific properties that depend on ion surface,more » water ion, and only in some cases ion ion correlations. The degree of protonation strongly affects the structure, distribution, and the dynamic behavior of confined water and electrolytes. Cl ions adsorb on the surface at large degrees of protonation, and their behavior does not depend significantly on the cation type (either Na+ or Cs+ ions are present in the systems considered). The cations show significant ion-specific behavior. Na+ ions occupy different positions within the pore as the degree of protonation changes, while Cs+ ions mainly remain near the pore center at all conditions considered. For a given degree of protonation, the planar self-diffusion coefficient of Cs+ is always greater than that of Na+ ions. The results are useful for better understanding transport under confinement, including brine behavior in the subsurface, with important applications such as environmental remediation.« less

  16. Lattice model for calcium dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guisoni, Nara; de Oliveira, Mario José

    2005-06-01

    We present a simplified lattice model to study calcium dynamics in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Calcium channels and calcium ions are placed in two interpenetrating square lattices which are connected in two ways: (i) via calcium release and (ii) because transitions between channel states are calcium dependent. The opening or closing of a channel is a stochastic process controlled by two functions which depend on the calcium density on the channel neighborhood. The model is studied through mean field calculations and simulations. We show that the critical behavior of the model changes drastically depending on the opening/closing functions. For certain choices of these functions, all channels are closed at very low and high calcium densities and the model presents one absorbing state.

  17. Release behavior and toxicity profiles towards A549 cell lines of ciprofloxacin from its layered zinc hydroxide intercalation compound.

    PubMed

    Abdul Latip, Ahmad Faiz; Hussein, Mohd Zobir; Stanslas, Johnson; Wong, Charng Choon; Adnan, Rohana

    2013-01-01

    Layered hydroxides salts (LHS), a layered inorganic compound is gaining attention in a wide range of applications, particularly due to its unique anion exchange properties. In this work, layered zinc hydroxide nitrate (LZH), a family member of LHS was intercalated with anionic ciprofloxacin (CFX), a broad spectrum antibiotic via ion exchange in a mixture solution of water:ethanol. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the drug anions were successfully intercalated in the interlayer space of LZH. Specific surface area of the obtained compound was increased compared to that of the host due to the different pore textures between the two materials. CFX anions were slowly released over 80 hours in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution due to strong interactions that occurred between the intercalated anions and the host lattices. The intercalation compound demonstrated enhanced antiproliferative effects towards A549 cancer cells compared to the toxicity of CFX alone. Strong host-guest interactions between the LZH lattice and the CFX anion give rise to a new intercalation compound that demonstrates sustained release mode and enhanced toxicity effects towards A549 cell lines. These findings should serve as foundations towards further developments of the brucite-like host material in drug delivery systems.

  18. Quantifying the mode II critical strain energy release rate of borate bioactive glass coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates.

    PubMed

    Matinmanesh, A; Li, Y; Clarkin, O; Zalzal, P; Schemitsch, E H; Towler, M R; Papini, M

    2017-11-01

    Bioactive glasses have been used as coatings for biomedical implants because they can be formulated to promote osseointegration, antibacterial behavior, bone formation, and tissue healing through the incorporation and subsequent release of certain ions. However, shear loading on coated implants has been reported to cause the delamination and loosening of such coatings. This work uses a recently developed fracture mechanics testing methodology to quantify the critical strain energy release rate under nearly pure mode II conditions, G IIC , of a series of borate-based glass coating/Ti6Al4V alloy substrate systems. Incorporating increasing amounts of SrCO 3 in the glass composition was found to increase the G IIC almost twofold, from 25.3 to 46.9J/m 2 . The magnitude and distribution of residual stresses in the coating were quantified, and it was found that the residual stresses in all cases distributed uniformly over the cross section of the coating. The crack was driven towards, but not into, the glass/Ti6Al4V substrate interface due to the shear loading. This implied that the interface had a higher fracture toughness than the coating itself. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Surface characteristics of sterilized electropolished NiTi shape memory alloy as biomaterials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tabrizian, Maryam; Thierry, Benjamin; Savadogo, Omarou; Yahia, L'Hocine

    1999-05-01

    As a potential biomaterial for many medical applications, NiTi alloy derives its good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance from a homogeneous and protective oxide layer, mainly composed of TiO2, with little concentration of nickel. However, during corrosion testing at high potential, NiTi is susceptible to pitting corrosion, which may affect the amount of ions (nickel and titanium) released by the alloy and thus, may affect its biocompatibility. As a passivating treatment, electropolishing (EP) was demonstrated to decrease the amount of nickel on the surface and to remarkably improve the corrosion behavior of the alloy. After sterilization by ethylene oxide (EO), no modification of the promising corrosion behavior of electropolished NiTi were observed, although some surface modifications were reported. The corrosion resistance of ethylene oxide sterilized and electropolished samples ranked between that of the commonly used Ti6A14V and 316L (0.4 less than 1 less than 1.4 mV/SCE) implant alloys.

  20. Electrochemical corrosion behavior and MG-63 osteoblast-like cell response of surface-treated titanium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Hak-Kwan; Jang, Ju-Woong

    2004-10-01

    Commercially pure titanium is used as a clinical implant material for many orthopedic and dental implant devices owing to its excellent corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility. However, there remains concern over the release of metal ions from prostheses and unresolved questions about its behavior in a biological environment. Our research investigated the influence of surface oxide thickness and phase on the corrosion resistance in 0.9% NaCl solution by potentiostat and XRD. Also, the MG-63 osteoblast like cell morphology and proliferation were studied to evaluate the biocompatibility in terms of surface treatment. It is demonstrated that a substantial decrease in the current density may be attained due to surface oxide thickening and phase transformation by thermal oxidation. The osteoblast adhesion morphology and proliferation data indicated that the osteoblast cell response is not conspicuously influenced by the thermal oxidation and nitric acid passivation treatments but by surface roughness and porosity of 3rd networking.

  1. Corrosion behavior and surface structure of orthodontic Ni-Ti alloy wires.

    PubMed

    Iijima, M; Endo, K; Ohno, H; Yonekura, Y; Mizoguchi, I

    2001-03-01

    The corrosion behaviors of a commercial Ni-Ti alloy orthodontic wire and a polished plate with same composition in 0.9% NaCl and 1% lactic acid solutions were examined using an electrochemical technique, an analysis of released ions, and a surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of polishing the wire on the corrosion was also examined. The XPS analysis demonstrated the presence of a thick oxide film mainly composed of TiO2 with trace amounts of Ni hydroxide, which had formed on the wire surface during the heat treatment and subsequent pickling processes. This oxide layer contributed to the higher resistance of the as-received wire to both general and localized corrosion in 0.9% NaCl solution, compared with that of the polished plate and the polished wire. The thick oxide layer, however, was not stable and did not protect the orthodontic wire from corrosion in 0.1% lactic acid solution.

  2. Influence of displacement damage on deuterium and helium retention in austenitic and ferritic-martensitic alloys considered for ADS service

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voyevodin, V. N.; Karpov, S. A.; Kopanets, I. E.; Ruzhytskyi, V. V.; Tolstolutskaya, G. D.; Garner, F. A.

    2016-01-01

    The behavior of ion-implanted hydrogen (deuterium) and helium in austenitic 18Cr10NiTi stainless steel, EI-852 ferritic steel and ferritic/martensitic steel EP-450 and their interaction with displacement damage were investigated. Energetic argon irradiation was used to produce displacement damage and bubble formation to simulate nuclear power environments. The influence of damage morphology and the features of radiation-induced defects on deuterium and helium trapping in structural alloys was studied using ion implantation, the nuclear reaction D(3He,p)4He, thermal desorption spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. It was found in the case of helium irradiation that various kinds of helium-radiation defect complexes are formed in the implanted layer that lead to a more complicated spectra of thermal desorption. Additional small changes in the helium spectra after irradiation with argon ions to a dose of ≤25 dpa show that the binding energy of helium with these traps is weakly dependent on the displacement damage. It was established that retention of deuterium in ferritic and ferritic-martensitic alloys is three times less than in austenitic steel at damage of ∼1 dpa. The retention of deuterium in steels is strongly enhanced by presence of radiation damages created by argon ion irradiation, with a shift in the hydrogen release temperature interval of 200 K to higher temperature. At elevated temperatures of irradiation the efficiency of deuterium trapping is reduced by two orders of magnitude.

  3. Hysteresis in voltage-gated channels.

    PubMed

    Villalba-Galea, Carlos A

    2017-03-04

    Ion channels constitute a superfamily of membrane proteins found in all living creatures. Their activity allows fast translocation of ions across the plasma membrane down the ion's transmembrane electrochemical gradient, resulting in a difference in electrical potential across the plasma membrane, known as the membrane potential. A group within this superfamily, namely voltage-gated channels, displays activity that is sensitive to the membrane potential. The activity of voltage-gated channels is controlled by the membrane potential, while the membrane potential is changed by these channels' activity. This interplay produces variations in the membrane potential that have evolved into electrical signals in many organisms. These signals are essential for numerous biological processes, including neuronal activity, insulin release, muscle contraction, fertilization and many others. In recent years, the activity of the voltage-gated channels has been observed not to follow a simple relationship with the membrane potential. Instead, it has been shown that the activity of voltage-gated channel displays hysteresis. In fact, a growing number of evidence have demonstrated that the voltage dependence of channel activity is dynamically modulated by activity itself. In spite of the great impact that this property can have on electrical signaling, hysteresis in voltage-gated channels is often overlooked. Addressing this issue, this review provides examples of voltage-gated ion channels displaying hysteretic behavior. Further, this review will discuss how Dynamic Voltage Dependence in voltage-gated channels can have a physiological role in electrical signaling. Furthermore, this review will elaborate on the current thoughts on the mechanism underlying hysteresis in voltage-gated channels.

  4. Guar gum succinate-sodium alginate beads as a pH-sensitive carrier for colon-specific drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Seeli, D Sathya; Dhivya, S; Selvamurugan, N; Prabaharan, M

    2016-10-01

    Guar gum succinate - sodium alginate (GGS-SA) beads cross-linked with barium ions were prepared and characterized as a pH sensitive carrier for colon-specific drug delivery. The structure of GGS-SA beads was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies revealed that the drug loaded GGS-SA beads prepared using 2:2 (w/v) weight percent of GGS and SA had a diameter about 1.4mm and roughly spherical in shape. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the peaks corresponding to GGS and SA at 13.5°, 17.5°, 20.2° and 13.5°, 22°, 24.1°, respectively were destroyed in GGS-SA beads which show that these beads are more amorphous in nature. Swelling studies demonstrated the pH-dependent swelling behavior of GGS-SA beads. The beads showed higher swelling degrees in pH 7.4 than that in pH 1.2 due to the existence of anionic groups in the polymer chains. The drug release study showed that the amount of model drug, ibuprofen, released from the GGS-SA beads was higher in pH 7.4 than that in pH 1.2 due to the pH-dependent swelling behavior of the beads. MTT assay revealed that GGS-SA beads at a concentration range of 0-30μg/ml had no cytotoxic effect on the cultured mouse mesenchymal stem cells (C3H10T1/2). These results suggest that GGS-SA beads can be used as effective colon-specific drug delivery system with pH-dependent drug release ability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Gelation Mechanisms and Characterization of Electrochemically Generated Protein Films at Metal Interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, Elizabeth J.

    Although the electrochemical behavior of metals used in orthopedic implants has been studied extensively, the material interactions with proteins during corrosion processes remains poorly understood. Some studies suggest that metal-protein interactions accelerate corrosion, while others suggest that proteins protect the material from degradation. Corrosion of implant materials is a major concern due to the metal ion release that can sometimes cause adverse local tissue reactions and ultimately, failure of the implant. The initial purpose of this research was therefore to study the corrosion behavior of CoCrMo, an alloy commonly used in hip replacements, with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in physiologically relevant media. The QCM enables in situ characterization of surface changes accompanying corrosion and is sensitive to viscoelastic effects at its surface. Results of QCM studies in proteinaceous media showed film deposition on the alloy surface under electrochemical conditions that otherwise produced mass loss if proteins were not present in the electrolyte. Additional studies on pure Co, Cr, and Mo demonstrated that the protein films also form on Mo surfaces after a release of molybdate ions, suggesting that these ions are essential for film formation. The electrochemically generated protein films are reminiscent of carbonaceous films that form on implant surfaces in vivo, therefore a second goal of the research was to delineate mechanisms that cause the films to form. In the second stage of this research, electrochemical QCM tests were conducted on models of the CoCrMo system consisting of Cr electrodes in proteinaceous or polymeric media containing dissolved molybdate ions. Studies indicated that films can be generated through electrochemical processes so long as both amine functional groups and molybdate ions are present in the electrolyte solution. These results suggest that the films form due to an ionic cross-linking reaction between the positively charged amine groups in the proteins and the negatively charged molybdate ions. Results also indicated that film generation is controlled by the potential at the electrode surface. Numerical analysis on the model systems suggest that a drop in the local pH at the corroding electrode surface may influence film generation, but a critical concentration of molybdate-amine cross-links must be exceeded for gels to form. A final goal of this research was to develop a technique to characterize the viscoelastic properties of polymer films in liquid media using the QCM as a high-frequency rheometer. The work showed that by measuring frequency and dissipation shifts at multiple harmonics of the QCM resonant frequency, the viscoelastic phase angle, density-modulus product, and areal mass of a film submersed in liquid can be quantified in situ. The method was successfully applied to characterize the electrochemically generated protein films. Results implied that the films are composed of a weakly cross-linked network with properties similar to concentrated albumin solutions containing 40 wt% protein. The analysis technique can be extended to characterize any polymer film in a liquid environment, with applications including adsorption, self-assembly, or cell-substrate interactions.

  6. Monitoring CO2 Intrusion in shallow aquifer using complex electrical methods and a novel CO2 sensitive Lidar-based sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leger, E.; Dafflon, B.; Thorpe, M.; Kreitinger, A.; Laura, D.; Haivala, J.; Peterson, J.; Spangler, L.; Hubbard, S. S.

    2016-12-01

    While subsurface storage of CO2 in geological formations offers significant potential to mitigate atmospheric greenhouse gasses, approaches are needed to monitor the efficacy of the strategy as well as possible negative consequences, such as leakage of CO2 or brine into groundwater or release of fugitive gaseous CO2. Groundwater leakages can cause subsequent reactions that may also be deleterious. For example, a release of dissolved CO2 into shallow groundwatersystems can decrease groundwater pH which can potentiallymobilize naturally occurring trace metals and ions. In this perspective, detecting and assessing potential leak requires development of novel monitoring techniques.We present the results of using surface electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and a novel CO2 sensitive Lidar-based sensor to monitor a controlled CO2 release at the ZeroEmission Research and Technology Center (Bozeman, Montana). Soil temperature and moisture sensors, wellbore water quality measurements as well as chamber-based CO2 flux measurements were used in addition to the ERT and a novel Lidar-based sensor to detect and assess potential leakage into groundwater, vadose zone and atmosphere. The three-week release wascarried out in the vadose and the saturated zones. Well sampling of pH and conductivity and surface CO2 fluxes and concentrations measurements were acquired during the release and are compared with complex electricalresistivity time-lapse measurements. The novel Lidar-based image of the CO2 plume were compared to chamber-based CO2 flux and concentration measurements. While a continuous increase in subsurface ERT and above ground CO2 was documented, joint analysis of the above and below ground data revealed distinct transport behavior in the vadose and saturated zones. Two type of transport were observed, one in the vadoze zone, monitored by CO2 flux chamber and ERT, and the other one in the saturated zone, were ERT and wellsampling were carried. The experiment suggests how a range of geophysical, remote sensing, hydrological and geochemical measurement approaches can be optimally configured to detect the distribution and explore behavior of possible CO2 leakages in distinct compartments, including groundwater, vadose zone, and atmosphere.

  7. Dissociation of Laboratory-Synthesized Methane Hydrate in Coarse-Grained Sediments by Slow Depressurization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Phillips, S. C.; You, K.; Borgfeldt, T.; Meyer, D.; Dong, T.; Flemings, P. B.

    2016-12-01

    We performed four dissociation experiments in which experimentally-formed methane hydrate was dissociated via slow, stepwise depressurization, revealing in situ salinity conditions. Overall, these results suggest the occurrence of local pore water freshening around dissociating hydrate in which bulk equilibrium behavior is limited by salt diffusion. Depressurization was performed at a constant confining temperature over 1 to 3 weeks by releasing small volumes of methane gas from the top of a vertically-oriented sample into an inverted graduated cylinder. We identify three distinct regimes of depressurization based on pressure drop behavior: (1) release of free gas down to initial hydrate dissociation at 3.3 MPa in NaBr or 4.64 MPa in NaCl, (2) dissociation of methane hydrate characterized by a slow, logarithmic increase in pressure after each gas release and (3) residual free gas release. Initial hydrate dissociation in NaCl brine at 4.64 MPa corresponds to the phase boundary for hydrate in 9.6 wt% NaCl. In the NaCl experiment, pressure increases of 0.16 MPa while the sample was shut in over 3 days likely correspond to a recovery in salinity of 0.7 wt. %. Salt ions likely diffuse from brine ahead of the hydrate front, based on a length scale for diffusion of NaCl of 6.3 cm for 3 days. In this experiment dissociation at bulk equilibrium is expected to decline from 4.54 to 4.04 MPa; however actual dissociation during 73 gas releases over 15 days, results in a pressure drop from 4.64 to 3.25 MPa. Hydrate samples were formed by injection of methane gas at 1 ºC and 12.24 MPa within a cylinder packed with medium-grained quartz sand and initially saturated in a 7 wt% NaBr or NaCl solution. In two experiments in which the system was thoroughly leak tested, total methane consumed during formation and recovered during depressurization match within 7% indicating this approach to be relatively accurate for determining total methane in experimental or pressure core samples.

  8. A bionanohybrid ZnAl-NADS ecological pesticide as a treatment for soft rot disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

    PubMed

    Morales-Irigoyen, Erika Elizabeth; de Las Mercedes Gómez-Y-Gómez, Yolanda; Flores-Moreno, Jorge Luis; Franco-Hernández, Marina Olivia

    2017-09-18

    Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pc) is a phytopathogenic strain that causes soft rot disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), resulting in postharvest losses. Chemical control is effective for managing this disease, but overdoses cause adverse effects. Because farmers insist on using chemical agents for crop protection, it is necessary to develop more effective pesticides in which the active compound released can be regulated. In this context, we proposed the synthesis of ZnAl-NADS, in which nalidixic acid sodium salt (NADS) is linked to a ZnAl-NO 3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) host as a nanocarrier. XRD, FT-IR, and SEM analyses confirmed the successful intercalation of NADS into the interplanar LDH space. The drug release profile indicated that the maximum release was completed in 70 or 170 min for free NADS (alone) or for NADS released from ZnAl-NADS, respectively. This slow release was attributed to strong electrostatic interactions between the drug and the anion exchanger. A modulated release is preferable to the action of the bulk NADS, showing increased effectiveness and minimizing the amount of the chemical available to pollute the soil and the water. The fitting data from modified Freundlich and parabolic diffusion models explain the release behavior of the NADS, suggesting that the drug released from ZnAl-NADS bionanohybrid was carried out from the interlamellar sites, according to the ion exchange diffusion process also involving intraparticle diffusion (coeffect). ZnAl-NADS was tested in vitro against Escherichia coli (Ec) and Pc and exhibited bacteriostatic and biocidal effects at 0.025 and 0.075 mg mL -1 , respectively. ZnAl-NADS was also tested in vivo as an ecological pesticide for combating potato soft rot and was found to delay typical disease symptoms. In conclusion, ZnAl-NADS can potentially be used to control pests, infestation, and plant disease.

  9. Experimental and Modeling Study on Detachment of Silver Nanoparticles in Saturated Granular Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, I.; Jeon, C. H.; Lawler, D. F.

    2017-12-01

    The detachment of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) previously captured in a column packed with 350-μm glass beads was investigated either by increasing the hydrodynamic force (filtration velocity) or by reducing electrosteric attraction. Overall, the physical enforcement showed negligible (0.4 0.7%) release of attached AgNPs while the chemically-driven force resulted in the noticeable release up to 25.5% of attached AgNPs. Among the chemical parameters tested in this study, Na ionic strength reduction clearly demonstrated the reversible deposition in the secondary energy minimum of classical DLVO theory, yielding the most significant release of the attached AgNPs. The immediate and transient AgNP release after the ionic strength reduction further corroborated the weak deposition. However, an insignificant release was observed with Ca ionic strength reduction due to the strong Ca-citrate complexation and the subsequent deposition in the primary energy minimum; calculations indicated that the depth of the secondary energy minimum was only 1/10 that of the Na ion case. The natural organic matter (NOM) coating on both AgNPs and granular media resulted in approximately 6.1% greater AgNP release compared to the case without NOM coating, indicating additional weak deposition due to the reduced steric attraction between AgNPs and granular media. A modified filtration model in agreement with the experimental data provided the estimated detachment coefficient as a transient AgNP releasing capacity independent of the amount of attached AgNPs. The marginal difference between the detachment coefficients from Na ionic strength reduction and NOM coating indicates the release potential by NOM coating was possibly underestimated in the experimental study due to a lesser amount of the initially attached AgNPs. The findings provide insights into chemical factors on possible reentrainment behavior of the engineered nanoparticles in soil and groundwater contamination.

  10. Behavior of implanted hydrogen in thermally stimulated blistering in silicon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aleksandrov, P. A.; Baranova, E. K.; Baranova, I. V.; Budaragin, V. V.; Litvinov, V. L.

    2003-11-01

    The processes of accumulation of ion implanted hydrogen in blisters in silicon and its release during the thermal treatment from 350 to 1020degreesC have been studied by optical techniques. It was established that accumulation of gaseous hydrogen inside blisters takes place at temperatures lower than similar to450-500degreesC and is accompanied by the growth of blister thickness and deformation of their caps. At higher temperatures the gaseous hydrogen goes out of the cavities dissolving in silicon. Due to the internal pressure dropping the elastically deformed top layer partially relaxes and the blister thickness decreases. Etching of the surface layer reveals the agglomerations of small voids (<0.3 mm) located in the place of blisters approximately at their depth. Proceeding from the fact that the processes in blistering are similar to those in ion cut, the following conclusions with respect to the latter were drawn. The exfoliation processes themselves occur at temperatures lower than similar to500degreesC. The exfoliation efficiency particularly at the higher temperatures is essentially dependent on the heating rate.

  11. Reduction of hydrogen content in pure Ti

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ogiwara, N.; Suganuma, K.; Hikichi, Y.; Kamiya, J.; Kinsho, M.; Sukenobu, S.

    2008-03-01

    Pure Ti is adopted as a material for ducts and bellows at the proton accelerator 3 GeV-RCS in J-PARC project, because of its small residual radioactivity. In the particle accelerator, the H2 outgassing due to ion impact is often the dominant source of gas release. As the reduction of hydrogen content will probably suppress ion induced desorption, we attempted to reduce the hydrogen content in the Ti by in-situ vacuum baking. First, thermal desorption behavior and the change in hydrogen content after the heat treatment were investigated. Vacuum firing at temperatures higher than 550°C was effective in reducing the hydrogen content in the Ti. At the same time, the mechanical properties were monitored because grain growth leads to decrease in mechanical strength. Even after treatment at 750°C for 12 hr, the decreases in tensile and yield strength were so small (~10%) that we have no anxiety about the reduction of mechanical strength. Based upon the results of this study, vacuum firing has been applied to reduce the hydrogen content in the Ti bellows and ducts of the RCS machine.

  12. Irradiation effects and hydrogen behavior in H2+ and He+ implanted γ-LiAlO2 single crystals

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jiang, Weilin; Zhang, Jiandong; Kovarik, Libor

    2017-02-01

    Gamma-phase lithium aluminate (gamma-LiAlO2) is a breeder material for tritium, a necessary substance for strategic stockpile and fusion power systems. A fundamental study of structural evolution and tritium diffusion in gamma-LiAlO2 under displacive irradiation is needed to fully assess the material performance. This study utilizes ion implantation of protium (surrogate for tritium) and helium in gamma-LiAlO2 single crystals at elevated temperatures to emulate the irradiation effects. The results show that at 573 K there are two distinct disorder saturation stages to 1 dpa without full amorphization; overlapping implantation of H2+ and He+ ions suggests possible formation of gas bubbles. Formore » irradiation to 1E21 H+/m2 (0.36 dpa at peak) at 773 K, amorphization occurs at surface with H diffusion and dramatic Li loss; the microstructure contains bubbles and cubic LiAl5O8 precipitates with sizes up to 200 nm or larger. In addition, significant H diffusion and release are observed during thermal annealing.« less

  13. Preliminary model of fluid and solute distribution and transport during hemorrhage.

    PubMed

    Gyenge, C C; Bowen, B D; Reed, R K; Bert, J L

    2003-01-01

    The distribution and transport of fluid, ions, and other solutes (plasma proteins and glucose) are described in a mathematical model of unresuscitated hemorrhage. The model is based on balances of each material in both the circulation and its red blood cells, as well as in a whole-body tissue compartment along with its cells. Exchange between these four compartments occurs by a number of different mechanisms. The hemorrhage model has as its basis a validated model, due to Gyenge et al., of fluid and solute exchange in the whole body of a standard human. Hypothetical but physiologically based features such as glucose and small ion releases along with cell membrane changes are incorporated into the hemorrhage model to describe the system behavior, particularly during larger hemorrhages. Moderate (10%-30% blood volume loss) and large (> 30% blood loss) hemorrhage dynamics are simulated and compared with available data. The model predictions compare well with the available information for both types of hemorrhages and provide a reasonable description of the progression of a large hemorrhage from the compensatory phase through vascular collapse.

  14. Study of a Novel Ionizer Configuration for the Ion Thruster

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-12-01

    NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA THESIS Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited STUDY OF A NOVEL...IONIZER CONFIGURATION FOR THE ION THRUSTER by Jason Theodore Cooper December 2006 Thesis Advisor: Oscar Biblarz Co-Advisor: Jose...December 2006 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Study of a Novel Ionizer Configuration for the Ion Thruster

  15. Ion Binding Energies Determining Functional Transport of ClC Proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Tao; Guo, Xu; Zou, Xian-Wu; Sang, Jian-Ping

    2014-06-01

    The ClC-type proteins, a large family of chloride transport proteins ubiquitously expressed in biological organisms, have been extensively studied for decades. Biological function of ClC proteins can be reflected by analyzing the binding situation of Cl- ions. We investigate ion binding properties of ClC-ec1 protein with the atomic molecular dynamics simulation approach. The calculated electrostatic binding energy results indicate that Cl- at the central binding site Scen has more binding stability than the internal binding site Sint. Quantitative comparison between the latest experimental heat release data isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and our calculated results demonstrates that chloride ions prefer to bind at Scen than Sint in the wild-type ClC-ec1 structure and prefer to bind at Sext and Scen than Sint in mutant E148A/E148Q structures. Even though the chloride ions make less contribution to heat release when binding to Sint and are relatively unstable in the Cl- pathway, they are still part contributors for the Cl- functional transport. This work provides a guide rule to estimate the importance of Cl- at the binding sites and how chloride ions have influences on the function of ClC proteins.

  16. GeS2–In2S3–CsI Chalcogenide Glasses Doped with Rare Earth Ions for Near- and Mid-IR Luminescence

    PubMed Central

    Li, Legang; Bian, Junyi; Jiao, Qing; Liu, Zijun; Dai, Shixun; Lin, Changgui

    2016-01-01

    Chalcogenide glass has been considered as a promising host for the potential laser gain and amplifier media operating in near- and mid-IR spectral region. In this work, the IR luminescence spectra of rare earth ions (Tm3+, Er3+, and Dy3+) doped 65GeS2–25In2S3–10CsI chalcogenide glasses were measured under the excitation of an 808 nm laser diode. To the best of our knowledge, it firstly provides the luminescence spectra of a full near- and mid-IR spectral range from 1 to 4 μm in rare earth ions doped chalcogenide glasses. The results of absorption spectra, luminescence spectra, and fluorescence decay curves were obtained in these samples with singly-, co- and triply-doping behaviors of Tm3+, Er3+, and Dy3+ ions. In order to search possible efficient IR emissions, the luminescence behavior was investigated specifically with the variation of doping behaviors and dopant ions, especially in the samples co- and triply-doped active ions. The results suggest that favorable near- and mid-IR luminescence of rare earth ions can be further modified in chalcogenide glasses through an elaborated design of doping behavior and optically active ions. PMID:27869231

  17. Examination of Calcium Silicate Cements with Low-Viscosity Methyl Cellulose or Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Additive.

    PubMed

    Baba, Toshiaki; Tsujimoto, Yasuhisa

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to improve the operability of calcium silicate cements (CSCs) such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement. The flow, working time, and setting time of CSCs with different compositions containing low-viscosity methyl cellulose (MC) or hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) additive were examined according to ISO 6876-2012; calcium ion release analysis was also conducted. MTA and low-heat Portland cement (LPC) including 20% fine particle zirconium oxide (ZO group), LPC including zirconium oxide and 2 wt% low-viscosity MC (MC group), and HPC (HPC group) were tested. MC and HPC groups exhibited significantly higher flow values and setting times than other groups ( p < 0.05). Additionally, flow values of these groups were higher than the ISO 6876-2012 reference values; furthermore, working times were over 10 min. Calcium ion release was retarded with ZO, MC, and HPC groups compared with MTA. The concentration of calcium ions was decreased by the addition of the MC or HPC group compared with the ZO group. When low-viscosity MC or HPC was added, the composition of CSCs changed, thus fulfilling the requirements for use as root canal sealer. Calcium ion release by CSCs was affected by changing the CSC composition via the addition of MC or HPC.

  18. Examination of Calcium Silicate Cements with Low-Viscosity Methyl Cellulose or Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Additive

    PubMed Central

    Tsujimoto, Yasuhisa

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to improve the operability of calcium silicate cements (CSCs) such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement. The flow, working time, and setting time of CSCs with different compositions containing low-viscosity methyl cellulose (MC) or hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) additive were examined according to ISO 6876-2012; calcium ion release analysis was also conducted. MTA and low-heat Portland cement (LPC) including 20% fine particle zirconium oxide (ZO group), LPC including zirconium oxide and 2 wt% low-viscosity MC (MC group), and HPC (HPC group) were tested. MC and HPC groups exhibited significantly higher flow values and setting times than other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, flow values of these groups were higher than the ISO 6876-2012 reference values; furthermore, working times were over 10 min. Calcium ion release was retarded with ZO, MC, and HPC groups compared with MTA. The concentration of calcium ions was decreased by the addition of the MC or HPC group compared with the ZO group. When low-viscosity MC or HPC was added, the composition of CSCs changed, thus fulfilling the requirements for use as root canal sealer. Calcium ion release by CSCs was affected by changing the CSC composition via the addition of MC or HPC. PMID:27981048

  19. Ion-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems.

    PubMed

    Yoshida, Takayuki; Shakushiro, Kohsuke; Sako, Kazuhiro

    2018-02-08

    Some kinds of cations and anions are contained in body fluids such as blood, interstitial fluid, gastrointestinal juice, and tears at relatively high concentration. Ionresponsive drug delivery is available to design the unique dosage formulations which provide optimized drug therapy with effective, safe and convenient dosing of drugs. The objective of the present review was to collect, summarize, and categorize recent research findings on ion-responsive drug delivery systems. Ions in body fluid/formulations caused structural changes of polymers/molecules contained in the formulations, allow formulations exhibit functions. The polymers/molecules responding to ions were ion-exchange resins/fibers, anionic or cationic polymers, polymers exhibiting transition at lower critical solution temperature, self-assemble supramolecular systems, peptides, and metalorganic frameworks. The functions of ion-responsive drug delivery systems were categorized to controlled drug release, site-specific drug release, in situ gelation, prolonged retention at the target sites, and enhancement of drug permeation. Administration of the formulations via oral, ophthalmic, transdermal, and nasal routes has showed significant advantages in the recent literatures. Many kinds of drug delivery systems responding to ions have been reported recently for several administration routes. Improvement and advancement of these systems can maximize drugs potential and contribute to patients in the world. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  20. Predicting stability of DNA duplexes in solutions containing magnesium and monovalent cations.

    PubMed

    Owczarzy, Richard; Moreira, Bernardo G; You, Yong; Behlke, Mark A; Walder, Joseph A

    2008-05-13

    Accurate predictions of DNA stability in physiological and enzyme buffers are important for the design of many biological and biochemical assays. We therefore investigated the effects of magnesium, potassium, sodium, Tris ions, and deoxynucleoside triphosphates on melting profiles of duplex DNA oligomers and collected large melting data sets. An empirical correction function was developed that predicts melting temperatures, transition enthalpies, entropies, and free energies in buffers containing magnesium and monovalent cations. The new correction function significantly improves the accuracy of predictions and accounts for ion concentration, G-C base pair content, and length of the oligonucleotides. The competitive effects of potassium and magnesium ions were characterized. If the concentration ratio of [Mg (2+)] (0.5)/[Mon (+)] is less than 0.22 M (-1/2), monovalent ions (K (+), Na (+)) are dominant. Effects of magnesium ions dominate and determine duplex stability at higher ratios. Typical reaction conditions for PCR and DNA sequencing (1.5-5 mM magnesium and 20-100 mM monovalent cations) fall within this range. Conditions were identified where monovalent and divalent cations compete and their stability effects are more complex. When duplexes denature, some of the Mg (2+) ions associated with the DNA are released. The number of released magnesium ions per phosphate charge is sequence dependent and decreases surprisingly with increasing oligonucleotide length.

  1. Fire Tests on E-vehicle Battery Cells and Packs.

    PubMed

    Sturk, David; Hoffmann, Lars; Ahlberg Tidblad, Annika

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of abuse conditions, including realistic crash scenarios, on Li ion battery systems in E-vehicles in order to develop safe practices and priorities when responding to accidents involving E-vehicles. External fire tests using a single burning item equipment were performed on commercial Li ion battery cells and battery packs for electric vehicle (E-vehicle) application. The 2 most common battery cell technologies were tested: Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and mixed transition metal oxide (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, NMC) cathodes against graphite anodes, respectively. The cell types investigated were "pouch" cells, with similar physical dimensions, but the NMC cells have double the electric capacity of the LFP cells due to the higher energy density of the NMC chemistry, 7 and 14 Ah, respectively. Heat release rate (HRR) data and concentrations of toxic gases were acquired by oxygen consumption calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The test results indicate that the state of charge (SOC) affects the HRR as well as the amount of toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas formed during combustion. A larger number of cells increases the amount of HF formed per cell. There are significant differences in response to the fire exposure between the NMC and LFP cells in this study. The LFP cells generate a lot more HF per cell, but the overall reactivity of the NMC cells is higher. However, the total energy released by both batteries during combustion was independent of SOC, which indicates that the electric energy content of the test object contributes to the activation energy of the thermal and heat release process, whereas the chemical energy stored in the materials is the main source of thermal energy in the batteries. The results imply that it is difficult to draw conclusions about higher order system behavior with respect to HF emissions based on data from tests on single cells or small assemblies of cells. This applies to energy release rates as well. The present data show that mass and shielding effects between cells in multicell assemblies affect the propagation of a thermal event.

  2. Zinc-sensitive MRI contrast agent detects differential release of Zn(II) ions from the healthy vs. malignant mouse prostate.

    PubMed

    Clavijo Jordan, M Veronica; Lo, Su-Tang; Chen, Shiuhwei; Preihs, Christian; Chirayil, Sara; Zhang, Shanrong; Kapur, Payal; Li, Wen-Hong; De Leon-Rodriguez, Luis M; Lubag, Angelo J M; Rofsky, Neil M; Sherry, A Dean

    2016-09-13

    Many secretory tissues release Zn(II) ions along with other molecules in response to external stimuli. Here we demonstrate that secretion of Zn(II) ions from normal, healthy prostate tissue is stimulated by glucose in fasted mice and that release of Zn(II) can be monitored by MRI. An ∼50% increase in water proton signal enhancement is observed in T1-weighted images of the healthy mouse prostate after infusion of a Gd-based Zn(II) sensor and an i.p. bolus of glucose. Release of Zn(II) from intracellular stores was validated in human epithelial prostate cells in vitro and in surgically exposed prostate tissue in vivo using a Zn(II)-sensitive fluorescent probe known to bind to the extracellular surface of cells. Given the known differences in intracellular Zn(II) stores in healthy versus malignant prostate tissues, the Zn(II) sensor was then evaluated in a transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model in vivo. The agent proved successful in detecting small malignant lesions as early as 11 wk of age, making this noninvasive MR imaging method potentially useful for identifying prostate cancer in situations where it may be difficult to detect using current multiparametric MRI protocols.

  3. Release of nickel and chromium ions in the saliva of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance: An in-vivo study.

    PubMed

    Dwivedi, Anoop; Tikku, Tripti; Khanna, Rohit; Maurya, Rana Pratap; Verma, Geeta; Murthy, R C

    2015-01-01

    Various components of fixed orthodontic appliances are continuously interacting with saliva and other fluids in the mouth releasing various metal ions including nickel and chromium that can cause damaging effects if their concentration exceeds above the toxic dose. To determine and compare the level of nickel and chromium in the saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at different time periods. The sample of saliva of 13 patients was taken at different time periods that is: Group 1 (before appliance placement), Group II, III, and IV (after 1-week, 1-month, and 3 months of appliance placement respectively). The fixed appliance comprised of brackets, bands, buccal tubes, lingual sheath, transpalatal arch and wires composed of Ni-Ti and stainless steel. The level of ions was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectro-photometry. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistical Analysis Software (Version 15.0). Level of nickel and chromium in saliva was highest in Group II and lowest in Groups I for both the ions. On comparison among different Groups, it was statistically significant for all the groups (<0.001) except between Group III and Group IV. The release of nickel and chromium was maximum at 1-week and then the level gradually declined. These values were well below the toxic dose of these ions. The results should be viewed with caution in subjects with Ni hypersensitivity.

  4. Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide nanocomposite.

    PubMed

    Shao, Wei; Liu, Xiufeng; Min, Huihua; Dong, Guanghui; Feng, Qingyuan; Zuo, Songlin

    2015-04-01

    In this work, we report a facile and green approach to prepare a uniform silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite (GO-Ag). The nanocomposite was fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which demonstrated that AgNPs with a diameter of approximately 22 nm were uniformly and compactly deposited on GO. To investigate the silver ion release behaviors, HEPES buffers with different pH (5.5, 7, and 8.5) were selected and the mechanism of release actions was discussed in detail. The cytotoxicity of GO-Ag nanocomposite was also studied using HEK 293 cells. GO-Ag nanocomposite displayed good cytocompatibility. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of GO-Ag nanocomposite were studied using Gram-negative E. coli ATCC 25922 and Gram-positive S. aureus ATCC 6538 by both the plate count method and disk diffusion method. The nanocomposite showed excellent antibacterial activity. These results demonstrated that GO-Ag nanocomposite, as a kind of antibacterial material, had a great promise for application in a wide range of biomedical applications.

  5. Thermally coupled moving boundary model for charge-discharge of LiFePO4/C cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khandelwal, Ashish; Hariharan, Krishnan S.; Gambhire, Priya; Kolake, Subramanya Mayya; Yeo, Taejung; Doo, Seokgwang

    2015-04-01

    Optimal thermal management is a key requirement in commercial utilization of lithium ion battery comprising of phase change electrodes. In order to facilitate design of battery packs, thermal management systems and fast charging profiles, a thermally coupled electrochemical model that takes into account the phase change phenomenon is required. In the present work, an electrochemical thermal model is proposed which includes the biphasic nature of phase change electrodes, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), via a generalized moving boundary model. The contribution of phase change to the heat released during the cell operation is modeled using an equivalent enthalpy approach. The heat released due to phase transformation is analyzed in comparison with other sources of heat such as reversible, irreversible and ohmic. Detailed study of the thermal behavior of the individual cell components with changing ambient temperature, rate of operation and heat transfer coefficient is carried out. Analysis of heat generation in the various regimes is used to develop cell design and operating guidelines. Further, different charging protocols are analyzed and a model based methodology is suggested to design an efficient quick charging protocol.

  6. Hybridization of the natural antibiotic, cinnamic acid, with layered double hydroxides (LDH) as green pesticide.

    PubMed

    Park, Man; Lee, Chang-Il; Seo, Young Jin; Woo, Sang Ryung; Shin, Dongill; Choi, Jyung

    2010-01-01

    Heavy application of highly toxic synthetic pesticides has been committed to protect crops against insects and diseases, which have brought about serious environmental problems. Thus, an inevitable and fundamental issue has been how to protect crops without harmful effects on nature. As a fascinating nature-compatible approach, we have attempted to hybridize soil-compatible layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with natural antibiotic substances. Only a few of natural antibiotic substances are available for pest control mainly because of their inherent properties such as easy degradability, high minimum inhibition concentration for practical application, and often extremely low availability, whereas LDHs exhibit unique properties such as anion exchange capacity, acid lability, and high affinity to ubiquitous carbonate ion which make them an excellent inorganic matrix to carry labile biomolecules in soils. This study focuses on the behavior of cinnamate-LDH hybrid in soils and the evaluation of its potentials as a green pesticide. The cinnamate-LDH hybrid was synthesized by a typical coprecipitation method. Cinnamic acid was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography which was operated at 280 nm with C18 column. Its controlled release property was evaluated in a cultivated soil as well as a simulated soil solution. Its antifungal activity was examined against the growth of Phytophyhora capsici in a potato dextrose agar medium and a red pepper seedling, respectively. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction, infra-red, and thermal analysis indicates that cinnamate molecules are safely intercalated into the interlayer space of inorganic layers of LDH by the electrostatic interaction to have an empirical formula of Mg(3)Al(OH)(8).CAN . 3.1H(2)O. The overall release pattern of the intercalated cinnamate in the soil solution could be best described by the power-function equation [Formula: see text]. This suggests that diffusion-controlled processes besides simple ion-exchange process play an important role in release of the intercalated cinnamate. Furthermore, its behavior in a cultivated soil clearly shows that hybridization leads to protection of cinnamate against the degradation as well as to a controlled release in soils. Its antifungal activity against the growth of P. capsici in a potato dextrose agar medium and a red pepper seedling definitely shows that the hybrid is very effective in controlling the root rot of red pepper. This study demonstrates that the hybridization of natural antibiotic substances with layered double hydroxides could be a fascinating alternative for green formulation of pesticides. This unique hybrid system leads to the salient features such as protection of the substances against chemical and microbial degradations, controlled release, and nature compatibility. This study suggests one of the sound strategies to make a breakthrough in the formulation of green pesticides. Hybridization with inorganic matrixes not only enables the natural antibiotic substances to replace the synthetic ingredients but also adjuvants to be excluded from the formulations. Furthermore, the resulting hybrid exhibits a controlled release of the intercalated substances. Although substantiated further, this study is expected to attract a great deal of attention to reliable application of natural antibiotic substances in green protection of crops and agricultural products.

  7. Characteristics of inositol trisphosphate-mediated Ca/sup 2 +/ release from permeabilized hepatocytes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Joseph, S.K.; Williamson, J.R.

    1986-11-05

    Ca/sup 2 +/ release triggered by inositol trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/) has been measured in saponin-permeabilized hepatocytes with /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/ or Quin 2. The initial rate of Ca/sup 2 +/ release was not greatly affected by the incubation temperature. The amount of Ca/sup 2 +/ released by Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/ was not affected by pH (6.5-8.0). La/sup 3 +/ (100 ..mu..M) markedly inhibited the effect of 1 ..mu..M Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/. The possibility that La/sup 3 +/ chelates Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/ cannot be excluded since the effect of La/sup 3 +/ could be overcome by increasing the Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/ concentration. Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/-mediatedmore » Ca/sup 2 +/ release showed a requirement for permeant cations in the incubation medium. Optimal release was observed with potassium gluconate. Other monovalent cations, with the exception of Li/sup +/, can substitute for K/sup +/. Permeant anions, at concentrations above 40 mM, inhibited Ca/sup 2 +/ release produced by Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/. Cl/sup -/, Br/sup -/, I/sup -/, and SO/sup 2 -//sub 4/ were equally effective as inhibitors. Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/ also caused the release of /sup 54/Mn/sup 2 +/ and /sup 85/Sr/sup 2 +/ accumulated by the permeabilized hepatocytes. The results are consistent with Ins(1,4,5)P/sub 3/ promoting the membrane translocation of divalent cations through an ion channel rather than an ion carrier. The translocation of positive charge through this channel is balanced by ancillary movements of monovalent cations and anions across the reticular membranes. The transport systems responsible for these compensatory ion movements may represent a potential site for the regulation of the hormone-mediated Ca/sup 2 +/ signal.« less

  8. Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Releasing Ability of Various Restorative Materials after the Application of Surface Coating Agents – An In-vitro Study

    PubMed Central

    Kishore, GVS; Sai-Sankar, AJ; Sridhar, M; Pranitha, Kakarla; Sai-Krishna, VS

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Fluoride plays a key role in prevention of dental caries and is also an essential element for oral health promotion both in children and adults. Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface coating (petroleum jelly, G-Coat Plus) on the fluoride releasing property of conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Zirconomer. Materials and Methods A total of 30 disk shaped brass mold specimens (6±0.1mm in diameter and 2±0.1mm thickness) for each test group were fabricated with conventional GIC (Group A) and Zirconomer (Group B). These test groups were further divided into three subgroups of 10 each. The unprotected specimens act as control (Group A1 and B1), G-Coat Plus specimens as (Group A2 and B2) and for the remaining specimens petroleum jelly was applied (Group A3 and B3). Fluoride ion concentration was measured with a combination of fluoride ion specific electrode and ion analyzer for every 24 hours for 15 days. The data was statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Results The Group B released significantly more fluoride than Group A. Among all the subgroups the greatest amount of fluoride was released from Group B1, in the first 24 hours followed by A1 and B2. The least was observed on 15th day with Group B3 and A3. Conclusion Both the tested materials (GIC and Zirconomer) used in the study exhibited fluoride release whether protected or unprotected with surface coating. Though there was a difference between the groups, the pattern of fluoride release was similar and continuous throughout the study period i.e., first the initial burst followed by sustained release. The results revealed Zirconomer released more fluoride and is comparable to conventional GIC. PMID:28209001

  9. Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Releasing Ability of Various Restorative Materials after the Application of Surface Coating Agents - An In-vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Kishore, Gvs; Sai-Sankar, A J; Pratap-Gowd, Mjs; Sridhar, M; Pranitha, Kakarla; Sai-Krishna, V S

    2016-12-01

    Fluoride plays a key role in prevention of dental caries and is also an essential element for oral health promotion both in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface coating (petroleum jelly, G-Coat Plus) on the fluoride releasing property of conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Zirconomer. A total of 30 disk shaped brass mold specimens (6±0.1mm in diameter and 2±0.1mm thickness) for each test group were fabricated with conventional GIC (Group A) and Zirconomer (Group B). These test groups were further divided into three subgroups of 10 each. The unprotected specimens act as control (Group A1 and B1), G-Coat Plus specimens as (Group A2 and B2) and for the remaining specimens petroleum jelly was applied (Group A3 and B3). Fluoride ion concentration was measured with a combination of fluoride ion specific electrode and ion analyzer for every 24 hours for 15 days. The data was statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. The Group B released significantly more fluoride than Group A. Among all the subgroups the greatest amount of fluoride was released from Group B1, in the first 24 hours followed by A1 and B2. The least was observed on 15 th day with Group B3 and A3. Both the tested materials (GIC and Zirconomer) used in the study exhibited fluoride release whether protected or unprotected with surface coating. Though there was a difference between the groups, the pattern of fluoride release was similar and continuous throughout the study period i.e., first the initial burst followed by sustained release. The results revealed Zirconomer released more fluoride and is comparable to conventional GIC.

  10. Evaluation of effect of galvanic corrosion between nickel-chromium metal and titanium on ion release and cell toxicity

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Jung-Yun

    2015-01-01

    PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate cell toxicity due to ion release caused by galvanic corrosion as a result of contact between base metal and titanium. MATERIALS AND METHODS It was hypothesized that Nickel (Ni)-Chromium (Cr) alloys with different compositions possess different corrosion resistances when contacted with titanium abutment, and therefore in this study, specimens (10×10×1.5 mm) were fabricated using commercial pure titanium and 3 different types of Ni-Cr alloys (T3, Tilite, Bella bond plus) commonly used for metal ceramic restorations. The specimens were divided into 6 groups according to the composition of Ni-Cr alloy and contact with titanium. The experimental groups were in direct contact with titanium and the control groups were not. After the samples were immersed in the culture medium - Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium[DMEM] for 48 hours, the released metal ions were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test (P<.05). Mouse L-929 fibroblast cells were used for cell toxicity evaluation. The cell toxicity of specimens was measured by the 3-{4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl}-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Results of MTT assay were statistically analyzed by the two-way ANOVA test (P<.05). Post-hoc multiple comparisons were conducted using Tukey's tests. RESULTS The amount of metal ions released by galvanic corrosion due to contact between the base metal alloy and titanium was increased in all of the specimens. In the cytotoxicity test, the two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of the alloy type and galvanic corrosion for cytotoxicity (P<.001). The relative cell growth rate (RGR) was decreased further on the groups in contact with titanium (P<.05). CONCLUSION The release of metal ions was increased by galvanic corrosion due to contact between base metal and titanium, and it can cause adverse effects on the tissue around the implant by inducing cytotoxicity. PMID:25932317

  11. Molecular dynamics simulation study of the "stay or leave" problem for two magnesium ions in gene transcription.

    PubMed

    Wu, Shaogui

    2017-06-01

    Two magnesium ions play important roles in nucleotide addition cycle (NAC) of gene transcription. However, at the end of each NAC, why does one ion stay in the active site while the other ion leaves with product pyrophosphate (PP i )? This problem still remains obscure. In this work, we studied the problem using all-atom molecular dynamics simulation combined with steered molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling simulation methods. Our simulations reveal that although both ions are located in the active site after chemistry, their detailed positions are not symmetrical, leading to their different forces from surrounding groups. One ion makes weaker contacts with PP i than the whole protein. Hence, PP i release is less likely to take it away. The other one forms tighter contacts with PP i relative to the protein. The formed (Mg 2+ -PP i ) 2- complex is found to break the contacts with surrounding protein residues one by one so as to dissociate from the active site. This effectively avoids the coexistence of two ions in the active site after PP i release and guarantees a reasonable Mg 2+ ion number in the active site for the next NAC. The observations from this work can provide valuable information for comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanism of transcription. Proteins 2017; 85:1002-1007. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Early time evolution of negative ion clouds and electron density depletions produced during electron attachment chemical release experiments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Scales, W. A.; Bernhardt, P. A.; Ganguli, G.

    1994-01-01

    Two-dimensional electrostatic particle-in-cell simulations are used to study the early time evolution of electron depletions and negative ion clouds produced during electron attachment chemical releases in the ionosphere. The simulation model considers the evolution in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field and a three-species plasma that contains electrons, positive ions, and also heavy negative ions that result as a by-product of the electron attachment reaction. The early time evolution (less than the negative ion cyclotron period) of the system shows that a negative charge surplus initially develops outside of the depletion boundary as the heavy negative ions move across the boundary. The electrons are initially restricted from moving into the depletion due to the magnetic field. An inhomogenous electric field develops across the boundary layer due to this charge separation. A highly sheared electron flow velocity develops in the depletion boundary due to E x B and Delta-N x B drifts that result from electron density gradients and this inhomogenous electric field. Structure eventually develops in the depletion boundary layer due to low-frequency electrostatic waves that have growth times shorter than the negative ion cyclotron period. It is proposed that these waves are most likely produced by the electron-ion hybrid instability that results from sufficiently large shears in the electron flow velocity.

  13. Shock loading and release behavior of silicon nitride

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kawai, Nobuaki; Tsuru, Taiki; Hidaka, Naoto; Liu, Xun; Mashimo, Tsutomu

    2015-06-01

    Shock-reshock and shock-release experiments were performed on silicon nitride ceramics above and below its phase transition pressure. Experimental results clearly show the occurrence of elastic-plastic transition and phase transition during initial shock loading. The HEL and phase transition stress are determined as 11.6 GPa and 34.5 GPa, respectively. Below the phase transition point, the reshock profile consists of the single shock with short rise time, while the release profile shows the gradual release followed by more rapid one. Above the phase transition point, reshock and release behavior varies with the initial shock stress. In the case of reshock and release from about 40 GPa, the reshock structure is considerably dispersed, while the release structure shows rapid release. In the reshock profile from about 50 GPa, the formation of the shock wave with the small ramped precursor is observed. And, the release response from same condition shows initial gradual release and subsequent quite rapid one. These results would provide the information about how phase transformation kinetics effects on the reshock and release behavior.

  14. Promising ion-sensitive in situ ocular nanoemulsion gels of terbinafine hydrochloride: design, in vitro characterization and in vivo estimation of the ocular irritation and drug pharmacokinetics in the aqueous humor of rabbits.

    PubMed

    Tayel, Saadia Ahmed; El-Nabarawi, Mohamed Ahmed; Tadros, Mina Ibrahim; Abd-Elsalam, Wessam Hamdy

    2013-02-25

    Terbinafine hydrochloride (T-HCl) is recommended for the management of fungal keratitis. To maintain effective aqueous humor concentrations, frequent instillation of T-HCl drops is necessary. This work aimed to develop alternative controlled-release in situ ocular drug-loaded nanoemulsion (NE) gels. Twelve pseudoternary-phase diagrams were constructed using oils (isopropyl myristate/Miglyol 812), surfactants (Tween 80/Cremophor EL), a co-surfactant (polyethylene glycol 400) and water. Eight drug-loaded (0.5%, w/v) NEs were evaluated for thermodynamic stability, morphology, droplet size and drug release in simulated tear fluid (pH 7.4). Following dispersion in gellan gum solution (0.2%, w/w), the in situ NE gels were characterized for transparency, rheological behavior, mucoadhesive force, drug release and histopathological assessment of ocular irritation. Drug pharmacokinetics of sterilized F31 [Miglyol 812, Cremophor EL: polyethylene glycol 400 (1:2) and water (5, 55 and 40%, w/w, respectively)] in situ NE gel and oily drug solution were evaluated in rabbit aqueous humor. The NEs were thermodynamically stable and have spherical droplets (<30 nm). The gels were transparent, pseudoplastic, mucoadhesive and showed more retarded zero-order drug release rates. F31 in situ NE gel showed the least ocular irritation potential and significantly (P<0.01) higher C(max), delayed T(max), prolonged mean residence time and increased bioavailability. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Ion trap device

    DOEpatents

    Ibrahim, Yehia M.; Smith, Richard D.

    2016-01-26

    An ion trap device is disclosed. The device includes a series of electrodes that define an ion flow path. A radio frequency (RF) field is applied to the series of electrodes such that each electrode is phase shifted approximately 180 degrees from an adjacent electrode. A DC voltage is superimposed with the RF field to create a DC gradient to drive ions in the direction of the gradient. A second RF field or DC voltage is applied to selectively trap and release the ions from the device. Further, the device may be gridless and utilized at high pressure.

  16. Amantadine Ameliorates Dopamine-Releasing Deficits and Behavioral Deficits in Rats after Fluid Percussion Injury

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Eagle Yi-Kung; Tsui, Pi-Fen; Kuo, Tung-Tai; Tsai, Jing-Jr.; Chou, Yu-Ching; Ma, Hsin-I; Chiang, Yung-Hsiao; Chen, Yuan-Hao

    2014-01-01

    Aims To investigate the role of dopamine in cognitive and motor learning skill deficits after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated dopamine release and behavioral changes at a series of time points after fluid percussion injury, and explored the potential of amantadine hydrochloride as a chronic treatment to provide behavioral recovery. Materials and Methods In this study, we sequentially investigated dopamine release at the striatum and behavioral changes at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after fluid percussion injury. Rats subjected to 6-Pa cerebral cortical fluid percussion injury were treated by using subcutaneous infusion pumps filled with either saline (sham group) or amantadine hydrochloride, with a releasing rate of 3.6mg/kg/hour for 8 weeks. The dopamine-releasing conditions and metabolism were analyzed sequentially by fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Novel object recognition (NOR) and fixed-speed rotarod (FSRR) behavioral tests were used to determine treatment effects on cognitive and motor deficits after injury. Results Sequential dopamine-release deficits were revealed in 6-Pa-fluid-percussion cerebral cortical injured animals. The reuptake rate (tau value) of dopamine in injured animals was prolonged, but the tau value became close to the value for the control group after amantadine therapy. Cognitive and motor learning impairments were shown evidenced by the NOR and FSRR behavioral tests after injury. Chronic amantadine therapy reversed dopamine-release deficits, and behavioral impairment after fluid percussion injuries were ameliorated in the rats treated by using amantadine-pumping infusion. Conclusion Chronic treatment with amantadine hydrochloride can ameliorate dopamine-release deficits as well as cognitive and motor deficits caused by cerebral fluid-percussion injury. PMID:24497943

  17. Enhanced osteoprogenitor elongated collagen fiber matrix formation by bioactive glass ionic silicon dependent on Sp7 (osterix) transcription.

    PubMed

    Varanasi, Venu G; Odatsu, Tetsurou; Bishop, Timothy; Chang, Joyce; Owyoung, Jeremy; Loomer, Peter M

    2016-10-01

    Bioactive glasses release ions, those enhance osteoblast collagen matrix synthesis and osteogenic marker expression during bone healing. Collagen matrix density and osteogenic marker expression depend on osteogenic transcription factors, (e.g., Osterix (OSX)). We hypothesize that enhanced expression and formation of collagen by Si(4+) depends on enhanced expression of OSX transcription. Experimental bioactive glass (6P53-b) and commercial Bioglass(TM) (45S5) were dissolved in basal medium to make glass conditioned medium (GCM). ICP-MS analysis was used to measure bioactive glass ion release rates. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured for 20 days, and gene expression and extracellular matrix collagen formation was analyzed. In a separate study, siRNA was used to determine the effect of OSX knockdown on impacting the effect of Si(4+) on osteogenic markers and matrix collagen formation. Each bioactive glass exhibited similar ion release rates for all ions, except Mg(2+) released by 6P53-b. Gene expression results showed that GCM markedly enhanced many osteogenic markers, and 45S5 GCM showed higher levels of expression and collagen matrix fiber bundle density than 6P53-b GCM. Upon knockdown of OSX transcription, collagen type 5, alkaline phosphatase, and matrix density were not enhanced as compared to wild type cells. This study illustrates that the enhancement of elongated collagen fiber matrix formation by Si(±) depends on OSX transcription. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2604-2615, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Ligand-Doped Copper Oxo-hydroxide Nanoparticles are Effective Antimicrobials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bastos, Carlos A. P.; Faria, Nuno; Ivask, Angela; Bondarenko, Olesja M.; Kahru, Anne; Powell, Jonathan

    2018-04-01

    Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial therapies is an increasing clinical problem. This is as true for topical applications as it is for systemic therapy. Topically, copper ions may be effective and cheap antimicrobials that act through multiple pathways thereby limiting opportunities to bacteria for resistance. However, the chemistry of copper does not lend itself to facile formulations that will readily release copper ions at biologically compatible pHs. Here, we have developed nanoparticulate copper hydroxide adipate tartrate (CHAT) as a cheap, safe, and readily synthesised material that should enable antimicrobial copper ion release in an infected wound environment. First, we synthesised CHAT and showed that this had disperse aquated particle sizes of 2-5 nm and a mean zeta potential of - 40 mV. Next, when diluted into bacterial medium, CHAT demonstrated similar efficacy to copper chloride against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with dose-dependent activity occurring mostly around 12.5-50 mg/L of copper. Indeed, at these levels, CHAT very rapidly dissolved and, as confirmed by a bacterial copper biosensor, showed identical intracellular loading to copper ions derived from copper chloride. However, when formulated at 250 mg/L in a topically applied matrix, namely hydroxyethyl cellulose, the benefit of CHAT over copper chloride was apparent. The former yielded rapid sustained release of copper within the bactericidal range, but the copper chloride, which formed insoluble precipitates at such concentration and pH, achieved a maximum release of 10 ± 7 mg/L copper by 24 h. We provide a practical formulation for topical copper-based antimicrobial therapy. Further studies, especially in vivo, are merited.

  19. Effects of Composites Containing Bioactive Glasses on Demineralized Dentin.

    PubMed

    Tezvergil-Mutluay, A; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R; Feitosa, V P; Cama, G; Brauer, D S; Sauro, S

    2017-08-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the degradation of completely demineralized dentin specimens in contact with a filler-free or 2 ion-releasing resins containing micrometer-sized particles of Bioglass 45S5 (BAG) or fluoride-containing phosphate-rich bioactive glass (BAG-F). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also used to evaluate the remineralization induced by the experimental ion-releasing resin-based materials. Dentin beams were totally demineralized in H 3 PO 4 (10%) and placed in direct contact with a filler-free (RESIN) or 2 experimental ion-releasing resins (BAG or BAG-F) and immersed in artificial saliva (AS) up to 30 d. Further specimens were also processed and submitted to FTIR and SEM analysis to evaluate the remineralization induced by such ion-releasing resins before and after AS immersion. BAG and BAG-F alkalinized the incubation media. A significant decrease of the dry mass was observed between the specimens of all groups stored for 3 and 30 d in AS. However, the fluoride-containing phosphate-rich bioactive glass incorporated into a resin-based material (BAG-F) showed greater ability in reducing the solubilization of C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide (ICTP) and C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) after prolonged AS storage. Moreover, after 30 d of AS storage, BAG-F showed the greatest remineralizing effect on the stiffness of the completely demineralized dentin matrices. In conclusion, fluoride-containing phosphate-rich bioactive glass incorporated as micrometer-sized filler in dental composites may offer greater beneficial effects than Bioglass 45S5 in reducing the enzyme-mediated degradation and remineralization of demineralized dentin.

  20. Orthodontic cement with protein-repellent and antibacterial properties and the release of calcium and phosphate ions.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ning; Weir, Michael D; Chen, Chen; Melo, Mary A S; Bai, Yuxing; Xu, Hockin H K

    2016-07-01

    White spot lesions often occur in orthodontic treatments. The objective of this study was to develop a novel resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI) as an orthodontic cement with protein-repellent, antibacterial and remineralization capabilities. Protein-repellent 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), antibacterial dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM), nanoparticles of silver (NAg), and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) were incorporated into a RMGI. Enamel shear bond strength (SBS) was determined. Calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion releases were measured. Protein adsorption onto specimens was determined by a micro bicinchoninic acid method. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model was tested. Increasing the NACP filler level increased the Ca and P ion release. Decreasing the solution pH increased the ion release. Incorporating MPC into RMGI reduced protein adsorption, which was an order of magnitude less than that of commercial controls. Adding DMAHDM and NAg into RMGI yielded a strong antibacterial function, greatly reducing biofilm viability and acid production. Biofilm CFU counts on the multifunctional orthodontic cement were 3 orders of magnitude less than that of commercial control (p<0.05). These benefits were achieved without compromising the enamel shear bond strength (p>0.1). A novel multifunctional orthodontic cement was developed with strong antibacterial and protein-repellent capabilities for preventing enamel demineralization. The new cement is promising to prevent white spot lesions in orthodontic treatments. The method of incorporating four bioactive agents may have wide applicability to the development of other bioactive dental materials to inhibit caries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Effects of Leaching Behavior of Calcium Ions on Compression and Durability of Cement-Based Materials with Mineral Admixtures

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, An; Chao, Sao-Jeng; Lin, Wei-Ting

    2013-01-01

    Leaching of calcium ions increases the porosity of cement-based materials, consequently resulting in a negative effect on durability since it provides an entry for aggressive harmful ions, causing reinforcing steel corrosion. This study investigates the effects of leaching behavior of calcium ions on the compression and durability of cement-based materials. Since the parameters influencing the leaching behavior of cement-based materials are unclear and diverse, this paper focuses on the influence of added mineral admixtures (fly ash, slag and silica fume) on the leaching behavior of calcium ions regarding compression and durability of cemented-based materials. Ammonium nitrate solution was used to accelerate the leaching process in this study. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to analyze and compare the cement-based material compositions prior to and after calcium ion leaching. The experimental results show that the mineral admixtures reduce calcium hydroxide quantity and refine pore structure through pozzolanic reaction, thus enhancing the compressive strength and durability of cement-based materials. PMID:28809247

  2. Influence of aggressive ions on the degradation behavior of biomedical magnesium alloy in physiological environment.

    PubMed

    Xin, Yunchang; Huo, Kaifu; Tao, Hu; Tang, Guoyi; Chu, Paul K

    2008-11-01

    Various electrochemical approaches, including potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential evolution and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), are employed to investigate the degradation behavior of biomedical magnesium alloy under the influence of aggressive ions, such as chloride, phosphate, carbonate and sulfate, in a physiological environment. The synergetic effects and mutual influence of these ions on the degradation behavior of Mg are revealed. Our results demonstrate that chloride ions can induce porous pitting corrosion. In the presence of phosphates, the corrosion rate decreases and the formation of pitting corrosion is significantly delayed due to precipitation of magnesium phosphate. Hydrogen carbonate ions are observed to stimulate the corrosion of magnesium alloy during the early immersion stage but they can also induce rapid passivation on the surface. This surface passivation behavior mainly results from the fast precipitation of magnesium carbonate in the corrosion product layer that can subsequently inhibit pitting corrosion completely. Sulfate ions are also found to stimulate magnesium dissolution. These results improve our understanding on the degradation mechanism of surgical magnesium in the physiological environment.

  3. Identifying Carbohydrate Ligands of a Norovirus P Particle using a Catch and Release Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Assay

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Ling; Kitova, Elena N.; Tan, Ming; Jiang, Xi; Klassen, John S.

    2014-01-01

    Noroviruses (NoVs), the major cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis, recognize human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), which are present as free oligosaccharides in bodily fluid or glycolipids and glycoproteins on the surfaces of cells. The subviral P particle formed by the protruding (P) domain of the NoV capsid protein serves as a useful model for the study NoV-HBGA interactions. Here, we demonstrate the application of a catch-and-release electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CaR-ESI-MS) assay for screening carbohydrate libraries against the P particle to rapidly identify NoV ligands and potential inhibitors. Carbohydrate libraries of 50 and 146 compounds, which included 18 and 24 analogs of HBGA receptors, respectively, were screened against the P particle of VA387, a member of the predominant GII.4 NoVs. Deprotonated ions corresponding to the P particle bound to carbohydrates were isolated and subjected to collision-induced dissociation to release the ligands in their deprotonated forms. The released ligands were identified by ion mobility separation followed by mass analysis. All 13 and 16 HBGA ligands with intrinsic affinities >500 M-1 were identified in the 50 and the 146 compound libraries, respectively. Furthermore, screening revealed interactions with a series of oligosaccharides with structures found in the cell wall of mycobacteria and human milk. The affinities of these newly discovered ligands are comparable to those of the HBGA receptors, as estimated from the relative abundance of released ligand ions.

  4. Aqueous NaCl and CsCl Solutions Confined in Crystalline Slit-Shaped Silica Nanopores of Varying Degree of Protonation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ho, Tuan A.; Argyris, Dimitrios; Cole, David R.

    2011-12-13

    All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to study the dynamics of aqueous electrolyte solutions confined in slit-shaped silica nanopores of various degrees of protonation. Five degrees of protonation were prepared by randomly removing surface hydrogen atoms from fully protonated crystalline silica surfaces. Aqueous electrolyte solutions containing NaCl or CsCl salt were simulated at ambient conditions. In all cases, the ionic concentration was 1 M. The results were quantified in terms of atomic density distributions within the pores, and the self-diffusion coefficient along the direction parallel to the pore surface. We found evidence for ion-specific properties that depend on ion-surface, water-ion,more » and only in some cases ion-ion correlations. The degree of protonation strongly affects the structure, distribution, and the dynamic behavior of confined water and electrolytes. Cl -ions adsorb on the surface at large degrees of protonation, and their behavior does not depend significantly on the cation type (either Na + or Cs + ions are present in the systems considered). The cations show significant ion-specific behavior. Na + ions occupy different positions within the pore as the degree of protonation changes, while Cs + ions mainly remain near the pore center at all conditions considered. For a given degree of protonation, the planar self-diffusion coefficient of Cs + is always greater than that of Na + ions. The results are useful for better understanding transport under confinement, including brine behavior in the subsurface, with important applications such as environmental remediation.« less

  5. Direct atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry for aroma analysis: Speed, sensitivity and resolution of isobaric compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jublot, Lionel; Linforth, Robert S. T.; Taylor, Andrew J.

    2005-06-01

    Atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) sources were developed for real time analysis of volatile release from foods using an ion trap (IT) mass spectrometer (MS). Key objectives were spectral simplicity (minimal fragmentation), response time and signal to noise ratio. The benefits of APCI-IT-MS were assessed by comparing the performance for in vivo and headspace analyses with that obtained using APCI coupled to a quadrupole mass analyser. Using MS-MS, direct APCI-IT-MS was able to differentiate mixtures of some C6 and terpene isobaric aroma compounds. Resolution could be achieved for some compounds by monitoring specific secondary ions. Direct resolution was also achieved with two of the three isobaric compounds released from chocolate with time as the sample was eaten.

  6. Carbon Nanotubes Released from an Epoxy-Based Nanocomposite: Quantification and Particle Toxicity.

    PubMed

    Schlagenhauf, Lukas; Buerki-Thurnherr, Tina; Kuo, Yu-Ying; Wichser, Adrian; Nüesch, Frank; Wick, Peter; Wang, Jing

    2015-09-01

    Studies combining both the quantification of free nanoparticle release and the toxicological investigations of the released particles from actual nanoproducts in a real-life exposure scenario are urgently needed, yet very rare. Here, a new measurement method was established to quantify the amount of free-standing and protruding multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the respirable fraction of particles abraded from a MWCNT-epoxy nanocomposite. The quantification approach involves the prelabeling of MWCNTs with lead ions, nanocomposite production, abrasion and collection of the inhalable particle fraction, and quantification of free-standing and protruding MWCNTs by measuring the concentration of released lead ions. In vitro toxicity studies for genotoxicity, reactive oxygen species formation, and cell viability were performed using A549 human alveolar epithelial cells and THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. The quantification experiment revealed that in the respirable fraction of the abraded particles, approximately 4000 ppm of the MWCNTs were released as exposed MWCNTs (which could contact lung cells upon inhalation) and approximately 40 ppm as free-standing MWCNTs in the worst-case scenario. The release of exposed MWCNTs was lower for nanocomposites containing agglomerated MWCNTs. The toxicity tests revealed that the abraded particles did not induce any acute cytotoxic effects.

  7. Method for dissolving plutonium dioxide

    DOEpatents

    Tallent, Othar K.

    1978-01-01

    The fluoride-catalyzed, non-oxidative dissolution of plutonium dioxide in HNO.sub.3 is significantly enhanced in rate by oxidizing dissolved plutonium ions. It is believed that the oxidation of dissolved plutonium releases fluoride ions from a soluble plutonium-fluoride complex for further catalytic action.

  8. Structural Analysis, Electrochemical Behavior, and Biocompatibility of Novel Quaternary Titanium Alloy with near β Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Popa, Monica; Calderon Moreno, Jose Maria; Vasilescu, Cora; Drob, Silviu Iulian; Neacsu, Elena Ionela; Coer, Andrej; Hmeljak, Julija; Zerjav, Gregor; Milošev, Ingrid

    2014-06-01

    This article analyses the microstructure, electrochemical behavior, and biocompatibility of a novel Ti-20Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy with low Young's modulus (59 GPa) much closer to that of bone, between 10 and 30 GPa, than Ti and other Ti alloys used as implant biomaterial. XRD and SEM measurements revealed a near β crystalline microstructure containing β phase matrix and secondary α phase, with a typical grain size of around 200 μm. The corrosion behavior in neutral Ringer solution evidenced: self-passivation behavior characterizing a very resistant passive film; an easy passivation as a result of favorable influence of the alloying elements Nb, Zr, and Ta that participate with their passive oxides to the formation of the alloy passive film; low corrosion and ion release rates corresponding with very low toxicity. In MEM solution, the novel alloy demonstrated very high corrosion resistance and no susceptibility to localized corrosion. Biocompatibility was evaluated on in vitro human osteoblast-like and human immortalized pulmonary fibroblast cell (Wi-38) lines and the new Ti-20Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy exhibited no cytotoxicity. The new Ti-20Nb-10Zr5Ta alloy is a promising material for implants due to combined properties of low elastic modulus, very low corrosion rate, and good biocompatibility.

  9. Effects of Polypropylene Orientation on Mechanical and Heat Seal Properties of Polymer-Aluminum-Polymer Composite Films for Pouch Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Fangxinyu; Chen, Jinyao; Yang, Feng; Kang, Jian; Cao, Ya; Xiang, Ming

    2018-01-16

    In this study, polyamide-aluminum foil-polypropylene (PA-Al-PP) composite films with different orientation status of the PP layer were prepared, and their morphology, tensile, peeling and heat seal behavior were studied. The comparative study of tensile and fracture behaviors of single-layer film of PA, Al and PP, as well as the composite films of PA-Al, PP-Al and PA-Al-PP revealed that in PA-Al-PP composite film, the PA layer with the highest tensile strength can share the tensile stress from the Al layer during stretching, while the PP layer with the lowest tensile strength can prevent further development of the small cracks on boundary of the Al layer during stretching. Moreover, the study of heat seal behavior suggested that both the orientation status and the heat seal conditions were important factors in determining the heat seal strength ( HSS ) and failure behavior of the sample. Four failure types were observed, and a clear correspondence between HSS and failure types was found. The results also elucidated that for the composite film, only in the cases where the tensile stress was efficiently released by each layer during HSS measurement could the composite film exhibit desired high HSS that was even higher than its tensile strength.

  10. Accelerated ions from pulsed-power-driven fast plasma flow in perpendicular magnetic field

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Takezaki, Taichi, E-mail: ttakezaki@stn.nagaokaut.ac.jp; Takahashi, Kazumasa; Sasaki, Toru, E-mail: sasakit@vos.nagaokaut.ac.jp

    2016-06-15

    To understand the interaction between fast plasma flow and perpendicular magnetic field, we have investigated the behavior of a one-dimensional fast plasma flow in a perpendicular magnetic field by a laboratory-scale experiment using a pulsed-power discharge. The velocity of the plasma flow generated by a tapered cone plasma focus device is about 30 km/s, and the magnetic Reynolds number is estimated to be 8.8. After flow through the perpendicular magnetic field, the accelerated ions are measured by an ion collector. To clarify the behavior of the accelerated ions and the electromagnetic fields, numerical simulations based on an electromagnetic hybrid particle-in-cell methodmore » have been carried out. The results show that the behavior of the accelerated ions corresponds qualitatively to the experimental results. Faster ions in the plasma flow are accelerated by the induced electromagnetic fields modulated with the plasma flow.« less

  11. Galvanic corrosion of ferritic stainless steels used for dental magnetic attachments in contact with an iron-platinum magnet.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Keisuke; Takada, Yukyo; Yoda, Masanobu; Kimura, Kohei; Okuno, Osamu

    2008-03-01

    This study was an examination of the galvanic corrosion of ferritic stainless steels, namely SUS 444, SUS XM27, and SUS 447J1, in contact with a Fe-Pt magnet. The surface area ratio of each stainless steel to the Fe-Pt magnet was set at 1/1 or 1/10. Galvanic corrosion between the stainless steels and the magnet was evaluated by the amount of released ions and the electrochemical properties in 0.9% NaCl solution. Although each stainless steel showed sufficient corrosion resistance for clinical use, the amount of ions released from each tended to increase when the stainless steel was in contact with the magnet. When the surface area ratio was reduced to 1/10, the amount of Fe ions released from the stainless steels increased significantly more than when there was no contact. Since contact with the magnet which possessed an extremely noble potential created a very corrosive environment for the stainless steels, 447J1 was thus the recommended choice against a corrosion exposure as such.

  12. Electron Capture Dissociation of Divalent Metal-adducted Sulfated N-Glycans Released from Bovine Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Wen; Håkansson, Kristina

    2013-11-01

    Sulfated N-glycans released from bovine thyroid stimulating hormone (bTSH) were ionized with the divalent metal cations Ca2+, Mg2+, and Co by electrospray ionization (ESI). These metal-adducted species were subjected to infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) and electron capture dissociation (ECD) and the corresponding fragmentation patterns were compared. IRMPD generated extensive glycosidic and cross-ring cleavages, but most product ions suffered from sulfonate loss. Internal fragments were also observed, which complicated the spectra. ECD provided complementary structural information compared with IRMPD, and all observed product ions retained the sulfonate group, allowing sulfonate localization. To our knowledge, this work represents the first application of ECD towards metal-adducted sulfated N-glycans released from a glycoprotein. Due to the ability of IRMPD and ECD to provide complementary structural information, the combination of the two strategies is a promising and valuable tool for glycan structural characterization. The influence of different metal ions was also examined. Calcium adducts appeared to be the most promising species because of high sensitivity and ability to provide extensive structural information.

  13. Effect of chronic intracerebroventricular angiotensin II infusion on vasopressin release in rats

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sterling, G. H.; Chee, O.; Riggs, R. V.; Keil, L. C.

    1980-01-01

    The effects of the chronic infusion of angiotensin II into the lateral cerebral ventricle on the release of arginine vasopressin in rats are investigated. Rats were subjected to a continuous infusion of angiotensin at a rate of 1 microgram/h for five days, during which they were offered water, isotonic saline or hypertonic saline ad libitum or 40 ml water/day, and fluid intake, changes in body weight, plasma sodium ion concentrations and plasma and pituitary arginine vasopressin levels were measured. Angiotensin II is found to increase the fluid intake of rats given isotonic saline and decrease plasma sodium ion levels with no changes in plasma or pituitary arginine vasopressin in those given water or isotonic saline. However, in rats given hypertonic saline, plasma sodium concentrations remained at control levels while plasma vasopressin increased, and in water-restricted rats the effects of angiotensin II were intermediate. Results thus demonstrate that angiotensin II-stimulated arginine vasopressin release is reduced under conditions in which plasma sodium ion concentration becomes dilute, compatible with a central role of angiotensin in the regulation of salt and water balance.

  14. Controlled delivery of antimicrobial gallium ions from phosphate-based glasses.

    PubMed

    Valappil, S P; Ready, D; Abou Neel, E A; Pickup, D M; O'Dell, L A; Chrzanowski, W; Pratten, J; Newport, R J; Smith, M E; Wilson, M; Knowles, J C

    2009-05-01

    Gallium-doped phosphate-based glasses (PBGs) have been recently shown to have antibacterial activity. However, the delivery of gallium ions from these glasses can be improved by altering the calcium ion concentration to control the degradation rate of the glasses. In the present study, the effect of increasing calcium content in novel gallium (Ga2O3)-doped PBGs on the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is examined. The lack of new antibiotics in development makes gallium-doped PBG potentially a highly promising new therapeutic agent. The results show that an increase in calcium content (14, 15 and 16 mol.% CaO) cause a decrease in degradation rate (17.6, 13.5 and 7.3 microg mm(-2) h(-1)), gallium ion release and antimicrobial activity against planktonic P. aeruginosa. The most potent glass composition (containing 14 mol.% CaO) was then evaluated for its ability to prevent the growth of biofilms of P. aeruginosa. Gallium release was found to reduce biofilm growth of P. aeruginosa with a maximum effect (0.86 log(10) CFU reduction compared to Ga2O3-free glasses) after 48 h. Analysis of the biofilms by confocal microscopy confirmed the anti-biofilm effect of these glasses as it showed both viable and non-viable bacteria on the glass surface. Results of the solubility and ion release studies show that this glass system is suitable for controlled delivery of Ga3+. 71Ga NMR and Ga K-edge XANES measurements indicate that the gallium is octahedrally coordinated by oxygen atoms in all samples. The results presented here suggest that PBGs may be useful in controlled drug delivery applications, to deliver gallium ions in order to prevent infections due to P. aeruginosa biofilms.

  15. Effect of Mobile Phone Usage on Nickel Ions Release and pH of Saliva in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment

    PubMed Central

    Girme, Tejashree Suresh; Agrawal, Jiwanasha Manish; Agrawal, Manish Suresh; Fulari, Sangamesh Gurunath; Shetti, Shraddha Subhash; Kagi, Vishwal Ajith

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Hand held mobile phones are presently the most popular means of communication worldwide and have transformed our lives in many aspects. The widespread use of such devices have resulted in growing concerns regarding harmful effects of radiations emitted by them. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of mobile phone usage on nickel ion release as well as pH of saliva in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Aim To assess the level of nickel ions in saliva and pH of saliva in mobile phone users undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Materials and Methods A total of 42 healthy patients with fixed orthodontic appliance in mouth for a duration of six to nine months were selected for the study. They were divided into experimental group (n=21) consisting of mobile phone users and control group (n=21) of non mobile phone users. Saliva samples were collected from both the groups and nickel ion levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The pH values were also assessed for both groups using pH meter. Unpaired t-test was used for the data analysis. Results Statistical analysis revealed that though the pH levels were reduced and the nickel ion levels were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, the results were non significant. Conclusion Mobile phone usage may affect the pH of saliva and result in increased release of nickel ions in saliva of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity. PMID:29207841

  16. Dynamic behavior of ion acoustic waves in electron-positron-ion magnetoplasmas with superthermal electrons and positrons

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saha, Asit, E-mail: asit-saha123@rediffmail.com, E-mail: prasantachatterjee1@rediffmail.com; Department of Mathematics, Siksha Bhavana, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan-731235; Pal, Nikhil

    The dynamic behavior of ion acoustic waves in electron-positron-ion magnetoplasmas with superthermal electrons and positrons has been investigated in the framework of perturbed and non-perturbed Kadomtsev-Petviashili (KP) equations. Applying the reductive perturbation technique, we have derived the KP equation in electron-positron-ion magnetoplasma with kappa distributed electrons and positrons. Bifurcations of ion acoustic traveling waves of the KP equation are presented. Using the bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems, the existence of the solitary wave solutions and the periodic traveling wave solutions has been established. Two exact solutions of these waves have been derived depending on the system parameters. Then, usingmore » the Hirota's direct method, we have obtained two-soliton and three-soliton solutions of the KP equation. The effect of the spectral index κ on propagations of the two-soliton and the three-soliton has been shown. Considering an external periodic perturbation, we have presented the quasi periodic behavior of ion acoustic waves in electron-positron-ion magnetoplasmas.« less

  17. In silico and in vitro methods to optimize the performance of experimental gastroretentive floating mini-tablets.

    PubMed

    Eberle, Veronika A; Häring, Armella; Schoelkopf, Joachim; Gane, Patrick A C; Huwyler, Jörg; Puchkov, Maxim

    2016-01-01

    Development of floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) is challenging. To facilitate this task, an evaluation method was proposed, which allows for a combined investigation of drug release and flotation. It was the aim of the study to use functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC)-based lipophilic mini-tablet formulations as a model system to design FDDS with a floating behavior characterized by no floating lag time, prolonged flotation and loss of floating capability after complete drug release. Release of the model drug caffeine from the mini-tablets was assessed in vitro by a custom-built stomach model. A cellular automata-based model was used to simulate tablet dissolution. Based on the in silico data, floating forces were calculated and analyzed as a function of caffeine release. Two floating behaviors were identified for mini-tablets: linear decrease of the floating force and maintaining of the floating capability until complete caffeine release. An optimal mini-tablet formulation with desired drug release time and floating behavior was developed and tested. A classification system for a range of varied floating behavior of FDDS was proposed. The FCC-based mini-tablets had an ideal floating behavior: duration of flotation is defined and floating capability decreases after completion of drug release.

  18. Grain Boundary Engineering of Lithium-Ion-Conducting Lithium Lanthanum Titanate for Lithium-Air Batteries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-01

    release; distribution is unlimited. 1 1. Introduction Lithium (Li)- ion batteries are currently one of the leading energy storage device technologies...ARL-TR-7584 ● JAN 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Grain Boundary Engineering of Lithium - Ion - Conducting Lithium Lanthanum...Titanate for Lithium -Air Batteries by Victoria L Blair, Claire V Weiss Brennan, and Joseph M Marsico Approved for public

  19. Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Impact Several Toxicological Endpoints and Cause Neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Zanon, Tyler; Kappell, Anthony D.; Petrella, Lisa N.; Andersen, Erik C.; Hristova, Krassimira R.

    2016-01-01

    Engineered nanoparticles are becoming increasingly incorporated into technology and consumer products. In 2014, over 300 tons of copper oxide nanoparticles were manufactured in the United States. The increased production of nanoparticles raises concerns regarding the potential introduction into the environment or human exposure. Copper oxide nanoparticles commonly release copper ions into solutions, which contribute to their toxicity. We quantified the inhibitory effects of both copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate on C. elegans toxicological endpoints to elucidate their biological effects. Several toxicological endpoints were analyzed in C. elegans, including nematode reproduction, feeding behavior, and average body length. We examined three wild C. elegans isolates together with the Bristol N2 laboratory strain to explore the influence of different genotypic backgrounds on the physiological response to copper challenge. All strains exhibited greater sensitivity to copper oxide nanoparticles compared to copper sulfate, as indicated by reduction of average body length and feeding behavior. Reproduction was significantly reduced only at the highest copper dose, though still more pronounced with copper oxide nanoparticles compared to copper sulfate treatment. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate on neurons, cells with known vulnerability to heavy metal toxicity. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons was observed in up to 10% of the population after copper oxide nanoparticle exposure. Additionally, mutants in the divalent-metal transporters, smf-1 or smf-2, showed increased tolerance to copper exposure, implicating both transporters in copper-induced neurodegeneration. These results highlight the complex nature of CuO nanoparticle toxicity, in which a nanoparticle-specific effect was observed in some traits (average body length, feeding behavior) and a copper ion specific effect was observed for other traits (neurodegeneration, response to stress). PMID:27911941

  20. Effect of divalent ions on the optical emission behavior of protein thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhowal, Ashim Chandra; Kundu, Sarathi

    2016-05-01

    Photoluminescence behaviors of proteinthin film, bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been studied in the presence of three divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+ and Ba2+) at different temperatures using fluorescence spectroscopy. Film thickness and morphology have been studied using atomic force microscopy. Variation of different physicochemical parameters like temperature, solvent polarity, pH, ionic strength, substrate binding etc. can make conformational changes in the protein structure and hence influences the emission behavior.In thin film conformation of BSA, dynamic quenching behavior has beenidentified in the presence of all the three divalent ions at pH≈ 5.5. Depending upon the charge density of the divalent ions interaction with protein molecules modifies and as a result quenching efficiency varies. Also after heat treatment, conformation of the protein molecules changes and as a result the quenching efficiency enhances than that of the unheated films. Studies on such protein-ion interactions and conformational variation may explore various functions of protein when it will adsorb on soft surfaces like membranes, vesicles, etc.

  1. Separation of aromatic carboxylic acids using quaternary ammonium salts on reversed-phase HPLC. 1. Separation behavior of aromatic carboxylic acids

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kawamura, K.; Okuwaki, A.; Verheyen, T.

    In order to develop separation processes and analytical methods for aromatic carboxylic acids for the coal oxidation products, the separation behavior of aromatic carboxylic acids on a reversed-phase HPLC using eluent containing quaternary ammonium salt has been investigated. The retention mechanism of aromatic carboxylic acids was discussed on the basis of both ion-pair partition model and ion-exchange model. The retention behavior of aromatic carboxylic acids possessing one (or two) carboxylic acid group(s) followed the ion-pair partition model, where linear free energy relationship was observed between the capacity factor and the extraction equilibrium constants of benzoic acid and naphthalene carboxylic acid.more » Besides, the retention behavior followed ion-exchange model with increasing the number of carboxylic acids, where the capacity factor of benzene polycarboxylic acids is proportional to the association constants between aromatic acids and quaternary ammonium ions calculated on the basis of an electrostatic interaction model.« less

  2. A Survey of Low-Temperature Operational Boundaries of Navy and Marine Corps Lithium and Lithium-Ion Batteries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-29

    Lithium and Lithium - Ion Batteries September 29, 2016 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Joseph F. parker JeFFrey W. Long Surface...Boundaries of Navy and Marine Corps Lithium and Lithium - Ion Batteries Joseph F. Parker, Jeffrey W. Long, Olga A. Baturina, and Corey T. Love Naval...U.S. Marine Corps have identified a strategic interest to operate lithium - ion batteries in cold climate regions as well as undersea and in high

  3. Impact of release characteristics of sinomenine hydrochloride dosage forms on its pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Jin; Shi, Jie-Ming; Zhang, Tian-Hong; Gao, Kun; Mao, Jing-Jing; Li, Bing; Sun, Ying-Hua; He, Zhong-Gui

    2005-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the effect of release behavior of sustained-release dosage forms of sinomenine hydrochloride (SM•HCl) on its pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs. METHODS: The in vitro release behavior of two SM•HCl dosage forms, including commercial 12-h sustained-release tablets and 24-h sustained-release pellets prepared in our laboratory, was examined. The two dosage forms were orally administrated to beagle dogs, and then the in vivo SM•HCl pharmacokinetics was investigated and compared. RESULTS: The optimal SM•HCl sustained-release formulation was achieved by mixing slow- and rapid-release pellets (9:1, w/w). The SM•HCl release profiles of the sustained-release pellets were scarcely influenced by the pH of the dissolution medium. Release from the 12-h sustained-release tablets was markedly quicker than that from the 24-h sustained-release pellets, the cumulative release up to 12-h was 99.9% vs 68.7%. From a pharmacokinetic standpoint, the 24-h SM•HCl sustained-release pellets had longer tmax and lower Cmax compared to the 12-h sustained-release tablets, the tmax being 2.67×0.52 h vs 9.83×0.98 h and the Cmax being 1 334.45±368.76 ng/mL vs 893.12±292.55 ng/mL, respectively. However, the AUC0-tn of two SM•HCl dosage forms was comparable and both preparations were statistically bioequivalent. Furthermore, the two preparations had good correlations between SM•HCl percentage absorption in vivo and the cumulative percentage release in vitro. CONCLUSION: The in vitro release properties of the dosage forms strongly affect their pharmacokinetic behavior in vivo. Therefore, managing the in vitro release behavior of dosage forms is a promising strategy for obtaining the optimal in vivo pharmacokinetic characteristics and safe therapeutic drug concentration-time curves. PMID:16052686

  4. Donor free radical explosive composition

    DOEpatents

    Walker, Franklin E. [15 Way Points Rd., Danville, CA 94526; Wasley, Richard J. [4290 Colgate Way, Livermore, CA 94550

    1980-04-01

    An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a donor additive comprising an organic compound or mixture of organic compounds capable of releasing low molecular weight free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and which is not an explosive, or an inorganic compound or mixture of inorganic compounds capable of releasing low molecular weight free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and selected from ammonium or alkali metal persulfates.

  5. A general mechanism for intracellular toxicity of metal-containing nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sabella, Stefania; Carney, Randy P.; Brunetti, Virgilio; Malvindi, Maria Ada; Al-Juffali, Noura; Vecchio, Giuseppe; Janes, Sam M.; Bakr, Osman M.; Cingolani, Roberto; Stellacci, Francesco; Pompa, Pier Paolo

    2014-05-01

    The assessment of the risks exerted by nanoparticles is a key challenge for academic, industrial, and regulatory communities worldwide. Experimental evidence points towards significant toxicity for a range of nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo. Worldwide efforts aim at uncovering the underlying mechanisms for this toxicity. Here, we show that the intracellular ion release elicited by the acidic conditions of the lysosomal cellular compartment - where particles are abundantly internalized - is responsible for the cascading events associated with nanoparticles-induced intracellular toxicity. We call this mechanism a ``lysosome-enhanced Trojan horse effect'' since, in the case of nanoparticles, the protective cellular machinery designed to degrade foreign objects is actually responsible for their toxicity. To test our hypothesis, we compare the toxicity of similar gold particles whose main difference is in the internalization pathways. We show that particles known to pass directly through cell membranes become more toxic when modified so as to be mostly internalized by endocytosis. Furthermore, using experiments with chelating and lysosomotropic agents, we found that the toxicity mechanism for different metal containing NPs (such as metallic, metal oxide, and semiconductor NPs) is mainly associated with the release of the corresponding toxic ions. Finally, we show that particles unable to release toxic ions (such as stably coated NPs, or diamond and silica NPs) are not harmful to intracellular environments.The assessment of the risks exerted by nanoparticles is a key challenge for academic, industrial, and regulatory communities worldwide. Experimental evidence points towards significant toxicity for a range of nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo. Worldwide efforts aim at uncovering the underlying mechanisms for this toxicity. Here, we show that the intracellular ion release elicited by the acidic conditions of the lysosomal cellular compartment - where particles are abundantly internalized - is responsible for the cascading events associated with nanoparticles-induced intracellular toxicity. We call this mechanism a ``lysosome-enhanced Trojan horse effect'' since, in the case of nanoparticles, the protective cellular machinery designed to degrade foreign objects is actually responsible for their toxicity. To test our hypothesis, we compare the toxicity of similar gold particles whose main difference is in the internalization pathways. We show that particles known to pass directly through cell membranes become more toxic when modified so as to be mostly internalized by endocytosis. Furthermore, using experiments with chelating and lysosomotropic agents, we found that the toxicity mechanism for different metal containing NPs (such as metallic, metal oxide, and semiconductor NPs) is mainly associated with the release of the corresponding toxic ions. Finally, we show that particles unable to release toxic ions (such as stably coated NPs, or diamond and silica NPs) are not harmful to intracellular environments. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01234h

  6. Probing the structure of the conduction pathway of the sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release channel with permeant and impermeant organic cations

    PubMed Central

    1993-01-01

    The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-release channel plays a central role in cardiac muscle function by providing a ligand-regulated pathway for the release of sequestered Ca2+ to initiate contraction following cell excitation. The efficiency of the channel as a Ca(2+)-release pathway will be influenced by both gating and conductance properties of the system. In the past we have investigated conduction and discrimination of inorganic mono- and divalent cations with the aim of describing the mechanisms governing ion handling in the channel (Tinker, A., A.R. G. Lindsay, and A.J. Williams. 1992. Journal of General Physiology. 100:495-517.). In the present study, we have used permeant and impermeant organic cations to provide additional information on structural features of the conduction pathway. The use of permeant organic cations in biological channels to explore structural motifs underlying selectivity has been an important tool for the electrophysiologist. We have examined the conduction properties of a series of monovalent organic cations of varying size in the purified sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-release channel. Relative permeability, determined from the reversal potential measured under bi- ionic conditions with 210-mM test cation at the cytoplasmic face of the channel and 210 mM K+ at the luminal, was related inversely to the minimum circular cation radius. The reversal potential was concentration-independent. The excluded area hypothesis, with and without a term for solute-wall friction, described the data well and gave a lower estimate for minimum pore radius of 3.3-3.5 A. Blocking studies with the impermeant charged derivative of triethylamine reveal that this narrowing occurs over the first 10-20% of the voltage drop when crossing from the lumen of the SR to the cytoplasm. Single-channel conductances were measured in symmetrical 210 mM salt. Factors other than relative permeability determine conductance as ions with similar relative permeability can have widely varying single-channel conductance. Permeant ions, such as the charged derivatives of trimethylamine and diethylmethylamine, can also inhibit K+ current. The reduction in relative conductance with increasing concentrations of these two ions at a holding potential of 60 mV was described by a rectangular hyperbola and revealed higher affinity binding for diethylmethylamine as compared to trimethylamine. It was possible to describe the complex permeation properties of these two ions using a single-ion four barrier, three binding site Eyring rate theory model. In conclusion, these studies reveal that the cardiac Ca(2+)-release channel has a selectivity filter of approximately 3.5-A radius located at the luminal face of the protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:8133241

  7. Improvement of the mechanical, tribological and antibacterial properties of glass ionomer cements by fluorinated graphene.

    PubMed

    Sun, Li; Yan, Zhuanjun; Duan, Youxin; Zhang, Junyan; Liu, Bin

    2018-06-01

    The aim of this study was to improve the mechanical properties, wear resistance and antibacterial properties of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) by fluorinated graphene (FG), under the premise of not influencing their solubility and fluoride ion releasing property. FG with bright white color was prepared using graphene oxide by a hydrothermal reaction. Experimental modified GICs was prepared by adding FG to the traditional GICs powder with four different weight ratios (0.5wt%, 1wt%, 2wt% and 4wt%) using mechanical blending. Compressive and flexural strength of each experimental and control group materials were investigated using a universal testing machine. The Vickers microhardness of all the specimens was measured by a Vicker microhardness tester. For tribological properties of the composites, specimens of each group were investigated by high-speed reciprocating friction tester. Fluoride ion releasing was measured by fluoride ion selective electrode methods. The antibacterial effect of GICs/FG composites on selected bacteria (Staphylococci aureus and Streptococcus mutans) was tested with pellicle sticking method. The prepared GICs/FG composites with white color were successfully fabricated. Increase of Vickers microhardness and compressive strength and decrease of friction coefficient of the GICs/FG composites were achieved compared to unreinforced materials. The colony count against S. aureus and S. mutans decreased with the increase of the content of FG. And the antibacterial rate of S. mutans can be up to 85.27% when the FG content was 4wt%. Additionally, fluoride ion releasing property and solubility did not show significant differences between unreinforced and FG reinforced GICs. Adding FG to traditional GICs could not only improve mechanical and tribological properties of the composites, but also improve their antibacterial properties. In addition, the GICs/FG composites had no negative effect on the color, solubility and fluoride ion releasing properties, which will open up new roads for the application of dental materials. Copyright © 2018 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Development of a discriminatory biocompatibility testing model for non-precious dental casting alloys.

    PubMed

    McGinley, Emma Louise; Fleming, Garry J P; Moran, Gary P

    2011-12-01

    To develop an enhanced, reproducible and discriminatory biocompatibility testing model for non-precious dental casting alloys, prepared to a clinically relevant surface finishing condition, using TR146 oral keratinocyte cells. Comparative biocompatibility was determined following direct and indirect exposure of TR146 cells to two nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) and a cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy-discs. The surface roughness of the discs was determined using a contact stylus profilometer and the elemental ion release by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Subsequent biocompatibility analysis included cell morphology, cell density measurements with Trypan blue exclusion assay, inflammatory cytokine expression with ELISAs, cellular metabolic activity using XTT and cellular toxicity using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. TR146 cell morphology was altered following direct and indirect exposure to the Ni-Cr alloys but not the Co-Cr alloy. Significant reductions (all P<0.001) in viable cell density measurements, cellular metabolic activity, significant increases inflammatory cytokine expression and cellular toxicity were observed when TR146 cells were exposed to the Ni-Cr alloys. Significant decreases in cell density measurements, cellular metabolic activity, significant increases inflammatory cytokine expression and cellular toxicity for the Ni-Cr d.Sign(®)15 alloy compared with d.Sign(®)10 alloy were identifiable (all P<0.001). Cellular toxicity was attributed to nickel ion release levels in solution detected by ICP-MS analysis. Nickel ions from the Ni-Cr alloys permeated the epithelial cells and activated a proinflammatory response, namely IL-1a, IL-8 and PGE2 expression. Further evidence of nickel ioninduced cell death was supported by the decreased biocompatibility of the highest nickel ion releasing alloy (d.Sign(®)15 compared with d.Sign(®)10) and the increased biocompatibility of the Co-Cr (d.Sign(®)30) alloy where nickel ions were absent. Copyright © 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. The effect of release liner materials on adhesive contaminants, paper recycling and recycled paper properties

    Treesearch

    Richard Venditti; Richard Gilbert; Andy Zhang; Said Abubakr

    2000-01-01

    Release liner waste material is found in post-consumer waste streams and is also a significant component of the preconsumer waste stream generated in the manufacturing of adhesive products. To date, very little has been reported pertaining to the behavior of release liner in paper recycling. In this study, the effect of the release liner material on the behavior of...

  10. Centrally administered verapamil prevents the autonomic reaction to visceral pain in sheep.

    PubMed

    Kania, B F; Brytan, M; Tomaszewska, D

    2009-02-01

    The significant role of voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC) L-type antagonists used concomitantly with opioids in attenuation of clinical pain has been confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of centrally administered verapamil on behavior and biochemical parameters in sheep that have undergone experimental duodenal distension (DD) and to determine whether verapamil exerts any anti-nociceptive effects under these conditions. The study was carried out using 24 mature crossbred ewes, each weighing 38-43 kg. Verapamil, a VGCC blocker, was administered through an intracerebroventricular cannula at the following doses: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0mg in toto. Ten minutes later experimental DD was conducted by insertion and the distension of rubber balloon (containing 40 ml of warm water) inserted into sheep duodenum. After 5 min of mechanical DD the following reactions were then observed: the significant increase in behavioral pain responses, i.e. tachycardia, hyperventilation, inhibition of reticulo-ruminal contractions (70% approximately, during 15 min), an increase of plasma catecholamine concentration (over 7-fold increase of epinephrine during 2h following DD, 2-times norepinephrine and +/-80% increase of dopamine). Verapamil infusion administered 10 min prior to DD decreased intensity of visceral pain responses, such as: behavioral changes, tachycardia, hyperventilation, inhibition of the reticulo-rumen motility and efficiently prevented the appearance of catecholamine release. These data demonstrated that the development and persistence of duodenal hyperalgesia depends on the activation of Ca(2+) ion flux leading to neurotransmitters release and modulation of membrane excitability. The observed antinociceptive action of VGCCs type-L blockers suggests that these channels play a crucial role in the modulation of acute visceral hyperalgesia in sheep.

  11. Superelasticity, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the Ti-19Zr-10Nb-1Fe alloy.

    PubMed

    Xue, Pengfei; Li, Yan; Li, Kangming; Zhang, Deyuan; Zhou, Chungen

    2015-05-01

    Microstructure, mechanical properties, superelasticity and biocompatibility of a Ti-19Zr-10Nb-1Fe alloy are investigated. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations show that the as-cast Ti-19Zr-10Nb-1Fe alloy is composed of α' and β phases, but only the β phase exists in the as-rolled and as-quenched alloys. The tensile stress-strain tests indicate that the as-quenched alloy exhibits a good combination of mechanical properties with a large elongation of 25%, a low Young's modulus of 59 GPa and a high ultimate tensile stress of 723 MPa. Superelastic recovery behavior is found in the as-quenched alloy during tensile tests, and the corresponding maximum of superelastic strain is 4.7% at the pre-strain of 6%. A superelastic recovery of 4% with high stability is achieved after 10 cyclic loading-unloading training processes. Potentiodynamic polarization and ion release measurements indicate that the as-quenched alloy shows a lower corrosion rate in Hank's solution and a much less ion release rate in 0.9% NaCl solution than those of the NiTi alloys. Cell culture results indicate that the osteoblasts' adhesion and proliferation are similar on both the Ti-19Zr-10Nb-1Fe and NiTi alloys. A better hemocompatibility is confirmed for the as-quenched Ti-19Zr-10Nb-1Fe alloy, attributed to more stable platelet adhesion and small activation degree, and a much lower hemolysis rate compared with the NiTi alloy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Titanium Ions Release from an Innovative Titanium-Magnesium Composite: an in Vitro Study

    PubMed Central

    Halambek, Jasna; Maldini, Krešimir; Balog, Martin; Križik, Peter; Schauperl, Zdravko; Ćatić, Amir

    2016-01-01

    Background The innovative titanium-magnesium composite (Ti-Mg) was produced by powder metallurgy (P/M) method and is characterized in terms of corrosion behavior. Material and methods Two groups of experimental material, 1 mass% (Ti-1Mg) and 2 mass% (Ti-2Mg) of magnesium in titanium matrix, were tested and compared to commercially pure titanium (CP Ti). Immersion test and chemical analysis of four solutions: artificial saliva; artificial saliva pH 4; artificial saliva with fluoride and Hank balanced salt solution were performed after 42 days of immersion, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect the amount of released titanium ions (Ti). SEM and EDS analysis were used for surface characterization. Results The difference between the results from different test solutions was assessed by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test at p<0.05. The influence of predictor variables was found by multiple regression analysis. The results of the present study revealed a low corrosion rate of titanium from the experimental Ti-Mg group. Up to 46 and 23 times lower dissolution of Ti from Ti-1Mg and Ti-2Mg, respectively was observed compared to the control group. Among the tested solutions, artificial saliva with fluorides exhibited the highest corrosion effect on all specimens tested. SEM micrographs showed preserved dual phase surface structure and EDS analysis suggested a favorable surface bioactivity. Conclusion In conclusion, Ti-Mg produced by P/M as a material with better corrosion properties when compared to CP Ti is suggested. PMID:27688425

  13. AtlA Mediates Extracellular DNA Release, Which Contributes to Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation in an Experimental Rat Model of Infective Endocarditis.

    PubMed

    Jung, Chiau-Jing; Hsu, Ron-Bin; Shun, Chia-Tung; Hsu, Chih-Chieh; Chia, Jean-San

    2017-09-01

    Host factors, such as platelets, have been shown to enhance biofilm formation by oral commensal streptococci, inducing infective endocarditis (IE), but how bacterial components contribute to biofilm formation in vivo is still not clear. We demonstrated previously that an isogenic mutant strain of Streptococcus mutans deficient in autolysin AtlA (Δ atlA ) showed a reduced ability to cause vegetation in a rat model of bacterial endocarditis. However, the role of AtlA in bacterial biofilm formation is unclear. In this study, confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that extracellular DNA (eDNA) was embedded in S. mutans GS5 floes during biofilm formation on damaged heart valves, but an Δ atlA strain could not form bacterial aggregates. Semiquantification of eDNA by PCR with bacterial 16S rRNA primers demonstrated that the Δ atlA mutant strain produced dramatically less eDNA than the wild type. Similar results were observed with in vitro biofilm models. The addition of polyanethol sulfonate, a chemical lysis inhibitor, revealed that eDNA release mediated by bacterial cell lysis is required for biofilm initiation and maturation in the wild-type strain. Supplementation of cultures with calcium ions reduced wild-type growth but increased eDNA release and biofilm mass. The effect of calcium ions on biofilm formation was abolished in Δ atlA cultures and by the addition of polyanethol sulfonate. The VicK sensor, but not CiaH, was found to be required for the induction of eDNA release or the stimulation of biofilm formation by calcium ions. These data suggest that calcium ion-regulated AtlA maturation mediates the release of eDNA by S. mutans , which contributes to biofilm formation in infective endocarditis. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  14. 'Skidding' of the CRRES G-9 barium release

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huba, J. D.; Mitchell, H. G.; Fedder, J. A.; Bernhardt, P. A.

    1992-01-01

    A simulation study and experimental data of the CRRES G-9 ionospheric barium release are presented. The simulation study is based on a 2D electrostatic code that incorporates time-dependent coupling to the background plasma. It is shown that the densest portion of the barium ion cloud 'skids' about 15 km within the first three seconds following the release, consistent with the optical data analyses.

  15. Colloid characterization and in situ release in shallow groundwater under different hydrogeology conditions.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jingjing; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Wenjing; Chen, Xuequn; Huan, Ying; Yu, Xipeng

    2017-06-01

    Changes to groundwater hydrodynamics and chemistry can lead to colloid release that can have a major impact on the groundwater environment. To analyze the effects of colloid release caused by artificial groundwater recharge, field and laboratory tests on colloid characterization and colloid release were conducted. The field tests were carried out at an artificial recharge test site in Shandong Province. In the field investigation, one recharge water sample and five groundwater samples were collected and filtered through three levels of ultrafiltration membranes, with pore sizes of 0.45 μm, 100 kDa, and 50 kDa. The field results indicated that the colloid mass concentrations in groundwater retained between membranes with pore sizes of 100 kDa-0.45 μm and 50 kDa-100 kDa were 19 and 62 mg/L, respectively. In recharge water, the colloid mass concentrations retained by 100-kDa-0.45-μm and 50-kDa-100-kDa membranes were 3 and 99 mg/L, respectively. Colloids detected on the ultrafiltration membranes were mainly inorganic between 100 kDa and 0.45 μm, and mainly organic between 50 and 100 kDa. Based on the field colloid investigation results, the organic colloid was chosen in the laboratory experiments to reveal its release behavior under different conditions. Porous media diameter, flux, ionic strength (IS), and ion valence were changed to determine their influences on organic colloid concentration outflow from undisturbed porous media. The experiment's results indicate that decreasing the diameter, and increasing the flux, ionic strength, and the number of divalent cations, can promote organic colloid release. The organic colloid release rate in the early stage was high and is thus likely to affect the quality of groundwater. The results provide a useful scientific basis for minimizing changes to hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions during artificial recharge, thus safeguarding groundwater quality.

  16. Dynamic ion-ion and water-ion interactions in ion channels.

    PubMed Central

    Wu, J V

    1992-01-01

    The dynamic interactions among ions and water molecules in ion channels are treated based on an assumption that ions at binding sites can be knocked off by both transient entering ions and local water molecules. The theory, when applied to a single-site model K+ channel, provides solutions for super- and subsaturations, flux-ratio exponent (n') greater than 1, osmotic streaming current, activity-dependent reversal potentials, and anomalous mole-fraction behavior. The analysis predicts that: (a) the saturation may but, in general, does not follow the Michaelis-Menten relation; (b) streaming current results from imbalanced water-ion knock-off interactions; (c) n' greater than 1 even for single-site channels, but it is unlikely to exceed 1.4 unless the pore is occupied by one or more ion(s); (d) in the calculation involving two permeant ion species with similar radii, the heavier ions show higher affinity; the ion-ion knock-off dissociation from the site is more effective when two interacting ions are identical. Therefore, the "multi-ion behaviors" found in most ion channels are the consequences of dynamic ion-ion and water-ion interactions. The presence of these interactions does not require two or more binding sites in channels. PMID:1376158

  17. Copper-releasing, boron-containing bioactive glass-based scaffolds coated with alginate for bone tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Erol, M M; Mouriňo, V; Newby, P; Chatzistavrou, X; Roether, J A; Hupa, L; Boccaccini, Aldo R

    2012-02-01

    The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize new boron-containing bioactive glass-based scaffolds coated with alginate cross-linked with copper ions. A recently developed bioactive glass powder with nominal composition (wt.%) 65 SiO2, 15 CaO, 18.4 Na2O, 0.1 MgO and 1.5 B2O3 was fabricated as porous scaffolds by the foam replica method. Scaffolds were alginate coated by dipping them in alginate solution. Scanning electron microscopy investigations indicated that the alginate effectively attached on the surface of the three-dimensional scaffolds leading to a homogeneous coating. It was confirmed that the scaffold structure remained amorphous after the sintering process and that the alginate coating improved the scaffold bioactivity and mechanical properties. Copper release studies showed that the alginate-coated scaffolds allowed controlled release of copper ions. The novel copper-releasing composite scaffolds represent promising candidates for bone regeneration. Copyright © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Application of ion exchange resin in floating drug delivery system.

    PubMed

    Upadhye, Abhijeet A; Ambike, Anshuman A; Mahadik, Kakasaheb R; Paradkar, Anant

    2008-10-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore the application of low-density ion exchange resin (IER) Tulsion(R) 344, for floating drug delivery system (FDDS), and study the effect of its particle size on rate of complexation, water uptake, drug release, and in situ complex formation. Batch method was used for the preparation of complexes, which were characterized by physical methods. Tablet containing resin with high degree of crosslinking showed buoyancy lag time (BLT) of 5-8 min. Decreasing the particle size of resin showed decrease in water uptake and drug release, with no significant effect on the rate of complexation and in situ complex formation for both preformed complexes (PCs) and physical mixtures (PMs). Thus, low-density and high degree of crosslinking of resin and water uptake may be the governing factor for controlling the initial release of tablet containing PMs but not in situ complex formation. However, further sustained release may be due to in situ complex formation.

  19. Preparation of delayed release tablet dosage forms by compression coating: effect of coating material on theophylline release.

    PubMed

    El-Malah, Yasser; Nazzal, Sami

    2010-06-01

    In this study, compression-coated tablets were prepared and examined by real-time swelling/erosion analysis and dissolution studies. Of the coating materials, PVP showed no swelling behavior and had no impact on theophylline release. Polyox(®) exhibited swelling behavior of an entangled polymer, which was reflected in its > 14-hour delayed-release profile. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which revealed the characteristics of a disentangled polymer, caused a 2-h delay in theophylline release. Based on preliminary texture analysis data, Polyox(®)/PVP blends were used as coating materials to manipulate the onset of drug release from the compression-coated tablets. Of the blends, at a 1:1 ratio, for example, resulted in a burst release after 10 h, which demonstrated the feasibility of preparing delayed release dosage forms by compression coating. Furthermore, it was feasible to predict the dissolution behavior of polymers from their swelling/erosion data, which were generated from texture analysis.

  20. The Role of Ion Selectivity of the Fusion Pore on Transmission and the Exocytosis of Neurotransmitters and Hormones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delacruz, Joannalyn Bongar

    Healthy nervous system function depends on proper transmission. Synaptic transmission occurs by the release of transmitters from vesicles that fuse to the plasma membrane of a pre-synaptic cell. Regulated release of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones occurs by exocytosis, initiated by the formation of the fusion pore. The initial fusion pore has molecular dimensions with a diameter of 1-2 nm and a rapid lifetime on the millisecond time scale. It connects the vesicular lumen and extracellular space, serving as an important step for regulating the release of charged transmitters. Comprehending the molecular structure and biophysical properties of the fusion pore is essential for a mechanistic understanding of vesicle-plasma membrane fusion and transmitter release. Release of charged transmitter molecules such as glutamate, acetylcholine, dopamine, or noradrenaline through a narrow fusion pore requires compensation of change in charge. Transmitter release through the fusion pore is therefore an electrodiffusion process. If the fusion pore is selective for specific ions, then its selectivity will affect the rate of transmitter release via the voltage gradient that develops across the fusion pore. The elucidation of these mechanisms can lead to a better understanding of nervous system cell biology, neural and endocrine signaling, learning, memory, motor control, sensory function and integration, and in particular synaptic transmission. This investigation can advance our understanding of neurological disorders in which noradrenergic and dopaminergic exocytosis is disturbed, leading to neurological consequences of developmental disorders, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, understanding the role of selectivity in the fusion pore and its effects on exocytosis can contribute to the development of more effective therapies. This study investigates the selectivity of the fusion pore by observing the effects of ion influx and efflux through the fusion pore. The experiments reveal negatively charged transmitter release can occur through a fusion pore at larger conductance values, past a threshold range. Narrow fusion pores with lower conductance values favor cation selectivity, which would accelerate the release of positively charged transmitters such as acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction. However, release of negatively charged neurotransmitters such as glutamate can occur if an expanded fusion pore mediates release of this fast major excitatory transmitter. The intention of this research is to expand our understanding of the nervous system, which can contribute to healthy shifts in our clinical and educational interventions that are commonly delivered.

  1. Sex- and dose-dependent effects of calcium ion irradiation on behavioral performance of B6D2F1 mice during contextual fear conditioning training

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raber, Jacob; Weber, Sydney J.; Kronenberg, Amy; Turker, Mitchell S.

    2016-06-01

    The space radiation environment includes energetic charged particles that may impact behavioral and cognitive performance. The relationship between the dose and the ionization density of the various types of charged particles (expressed as linear energy transfer or LET), and cognitive performance is complex. In our earlier work, whole body exposure to 28Si ions (263 MeV/n, LET = 78keV / μ m ; 1.6 Gy) affected contextual fear memory in C57BL/6J × DBA2/J F1 (B6D2F1) mice three months following irradiation but this was not the case following exposure to 48Ti ions (1 GeV/n, LET = 107keV / μ m ; 0.2 or 0.4 Gy). As an increased understanding of the impact of charged particle exposures is critical for assessment of risk to the CNS of astronauts during and following missions, in this study we used 40Ca ion beams (942 MeV/n, LET = 90keV / μm) to determine the behavioral and cognitive effects for the LET region between that of Si ions and Ti ions. 40Ca ion exposure reduced baseline activity in a novel environment in a dose-dependent manner, which suggests reduced motivation to explore and/or a diminished level of curiosity in a novel environment. In addition, exposure to 40Ca ions had sex-dependent effects on response to shock. 40Ca ion irradiation reduced the response to shock in female, but not male, mice. In contrast, 40Ca ion irradiation did not affect fear learning, memory, or extinction of fear memory for either gender at the doses employed in this study. Thus 40Ca ion irradiation affected behavioral, but not cognitive, performance. The effects of 40Ca ion irradiation on behavioral performance are relevant, as a combination of novelty and aversive environmental stimuli is pertinent to conditions experienced by astronauts during and following space missions.

  2. Sex- and dose-dependent effects of calcium ion irradiation on behavioral performance of B6D2F1 mice during contextual fear conditioning training.

    PubMed

    Raber, Jacob; Weber, Sydney J; Kronenberg, Amy; Turker, Mitchell S

    2016-06-01

    The space radiation environment includes energetic charged particles that may impact behavioral and cognitive performance. The relationship between the dose and the ionization density of the various types of charged particles (expressed as linear energy transfer or LET), and cognitive performance is complex. In our earlier work, whole body exposure to (28)Si ions (263 MeV/n, LET=78keV/μm; 1.6 Gy) affected contextual fear memory in C57BL/6J × DBA2/J F1 (B6D2F1) mice three months following irradiation but this was not the case following exposure to (48)Ti ions (1 GeV/n, LET=107keV/μm; 0.2 or 0.4 Gy). As an increased understanding of the impact of charged particle exposures is critical for assessment of risk to the CNS of astronauts during and following missions, in this study we used (40)Ca ion beams (942 MeV/n, LET=90keV/μm) to determine the behavioral and cognitive effects for the LET region between that of Si ions and Ti ions. (40)Ca ion exposure reduced baseline activity in a novel environment in a dose-dependent manner, which suggests reduced motivation to explore and/or a diminished level of curiosity in a novel environment. In addition, exposure to (40)Ca ions had sex-dependent effects on response to shock. (40)Ca ion irradiation reduced the response to shock in female, but not male, mice. In contrast, (40)Ca ion irradiation did not affect fear learning, memory, or extinction of fear memory for either gender at the doses employed in this study. Thus (40)Ca ion irradiation affected behavioral, but not cognitive, performance. The effects of (40)Ca ion irradiation on behavioral performance are relevant, as a combination of novelty and aversive environmental stimuli is pertinent to conditions experienced by astronauts during and following space missions. Copyright © 2016 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Effects of dissolucytotic gold ions on recovering brain lesions.

    PubMed

    Danscher, Gorm; Larsen, Agnete

    2010-04-01

    Recent experimental research has shown that metallic gold releases charged gold atoms when placed intracerebrally and that the liberated gold ions affect inflammation in the brain. The observations suggest that metallic gold can be used as a safe suppressor of inflammation in the central nervous system.

  4. Reconstruction of Cell Surface Densities of Ion Pumps, Exchangers, and Channels from mRNA Expression, Conductance Kinetics, Whole-Cell Calcium, and Current-Clamp Voltage Recordings, with an Application to Human Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells

    PubMed Central

    Atia, Jolene; McCloskey, Conor; Shmygol, Anatoly S.; Rand, David A.; van den Berg, Hugo A.; Blanks, Andrew M.

    2016-01-01

    Uterine smooth muscle cells remain quiescent throughout most of gestation, only generating spontaneous action potentials immediately prior to, and during, labor. This study presents a method that combines transcriptomics with biophysical recordings to characterise the conductance repertoire of these cells, the ‘conductance repertoire’ being the total complement of ion channels and transporters expressed by an electrically active cell. Transcriptomic analysis provides a set of potential electrogenic entities, of which the conductance repertoire is a subset. Each entity within the conductance repertoire was modeled independently and its gating parameter values were fixed using the available biophysical data. The only remaining free parameters were the surface densities for each entity. We characterise the space of combinations of surface densities (density vectors) consistent with experimentally observed membrane potential and calcium waveforms. This yields insights on the functional redundancy of the system as well as its behavioral versatility. Our approach couples high-throughput transcriptomic data with physiological behaviors in health and disease, and provides a formal method to link genotype to phenotype in excitable systems. We accurately predict current densities and chart functional redundancy. For example, we find that to evoke the observed voltage waveform, the BK channel is functionally redundant whereas hERG is essential. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that activation of calcium-activated chloride conductances by intracellular calcium release is the key factor underlying spontaneous depolarisations. PMID:27105427

  5. Laboratory investigations of Mars - Chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of a suite of clays as Mars soil analogs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Banin, Amos; Carle, Glenn C.; Chang, Sherwood; Coyne, Lelia M.; Orenberg, James B.

    1988-01-01

    A model system of Mars soil analog materials (MSAMs) was prepared, and the properties of these clays, such as chemical composition, surface-ion composition, water adsorption isotherms, and reflectance spectra, were examined. The results of these studies, performed along with simulations of the Viking Labeled Release Experiement using MSAMs, indicate that surface iron and adsorbed water are important determinants of clay behavior, as evidenced by changes in reflectance, water absorption, and clay surface reactions. The paper discusses the relevance of these results to the two major questions raised by prior explorations of Mars: has there ever been abundant water on Mars, and why is the iron found in the Martian soil not readily seen in the reflectance spectra of the surface?

  6. Internal friction and vulnerability of mixed alkali glasses.

    PubMed

    Peibst, Robby; Schott, Stephan; Maass, Philipp

    2005-09-09

    Based on a hopping model we show how the mixed alkali effect in glasses can be understood if only a small fraction c(V) of the available sites for the mobile ions is vacant. In particular, we reproduce the peculiar behavior of the internal friction and the steep fall ("vulnerability") of the mobility of the majority ion upon small replacements by the minority ion. The single and mixed alkali internal friction peaks are caused by ion-vacancy and ion-ion exchange processes. If c(V) is small, they can become comparable in height even at small mixing ratios. The large vulnerability is explained by a trapping of vacancies induced by the minority ions. Reasonable choices of model parameters yield typical behaviors found in experiments.

  7. The response of the ionosphere to the injection of chemically reactive vapors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bernhardt, P. A.

    1976-01-01

    As a gas released in the ionosphere expands, it is rapidly cooled. When the vapor becomes sufficiently tenuous, it is reheated by collisions with the ambient atmosphere and its flow is then governed by diffusive expansion. As the injected gas becomes well mixed with the plasma, a hole is created by chemical processes. In the case of diatomic hydrogen release, depression of the electron concentrations is governed by the charge exchange reaction between oxygen ions and hydrogen, producing positive hydroxyl ions. Hydroxyl ions rapidly react with the electron gas to produce excited oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Enhanced airglow emissions result from the transition of the excited atoms to lower energy states. The electron temperature in the depleted region rises sharply causing a thermal expansion of the plasma and a further reduction in the local plasma concentration.

  8. Investigation of High-Intensity Ion Beam Generation in the Diode with External Magnetic Insulation and Explosive Plasma Emission Source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shamanin, V. I.; Stepanov, A. V.; Rysbaev, K. Zh.

    2018-04-01

    The ion Br-diode in which plasma is generated under the action of a negative pre-pulse voltage is presented. Preliminary plasma formation allows the energy released in the diode during a positive voltage pulse to be increased. The high-energy ion beam parameters are investigated for the magnetic field induction changing from 0.8Bcr to 1.7Bcr.

  9. Corrosion behavior of self-ligating and conventional metal brackets.

    PubMed

    Maia, Lúcio Henrique Esmeraldo Gurgel; Lopes Filho, Hibernon; Ruellas, Antônio Carlos de Oliveira; Araújo, Mônica Tirre de Souza; Vaitsman, Delmo Santiago

    2014-01-01

    To test the null hypothesis that the aging process in self-ligating brackets is not higher than in conventional brackets. Twenty-five conventional (GN-3M/Unitek; GE-GAC; VE-Aditek) and 25 self-ligating (SCs-3M/Unitek; INs-GAC; ECs-Aditek) metal brackets from three manufacturers (n = 150) were submitted to aging process in 0.9% NaCl solution at a constant temperature of 37 ± 1°C for 21 days. The content of nickel, chromium and iron ions in the solution collected at intervals of 7, 14 and 21 days was quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. After the aging process, the brackets were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) under 22X and 1,000X magnifications. Comparison of metal release in self-ligating and conventional brackets from the same manufacturer proved that the SCs group released more nickel (p < 0.05) than the GN group after 7 and 14 days, but less chromium (p < 0.05) after 14 days and less iron (p < 0.05) at the three experimental time intervals. The INs group released less iron (p < 0.05) than the GE group after 7 days and less nickel, chromium and iron (p < 0.05) after 14 and 21 days. The ECs group released more nickel, chromium and iron (p < 0.05) than the VE group after 14 days, but released less nickel and chromium (p < 0.05) after 7 days and less chromium and iron (p < 0.05) after 21 days. The SEM analysis revealed alterations on surface topography of conventional and self-ligating brackets. The aging process in self-ligating brackets was not greater than in conventional brackets from the same manufacturer. The null hypothesis was accepted.

  10. Corrosion behavior of self-ligating and conventional metal brackets

    PubMed Central

    Maia, Lúcio Henrique Esmeraldo Gurgel; Lopes Filho, Hibernon; Ruellas, Antônio Carlos de Oliveira; Araújo, Mônica Tirre de Souza; Vaitsman, Delmo Santiago

    2014-01-01

    Objective To test the null hypothesis that the aging process in self-ligating brackets is not higher than in conventional brackets. Methods Twenty-five conventional (GN-3M/Unitek; GE-GAC; VE-Aditek) and 25 self-ligating (SCs-3M/Unitek; INs-GAC; ECs-Aditek) metal brackets from three manufacturers (n = 150) were submitted to aging process in 0.9% NaCl solution at a constant temperature of 37 ± 1ºC for 21 days. The content of nickel, chromium and iron ions in the solution collected at intervals of 7, 14 and 21 days was quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. After the aging process, the brackets were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) under 22X and 1,000X magnifications. Results Comparison of metal release in self-ligating and conventional brackets from the same manufacturer proved that the SCs group released more nickel (p < 0.05) than the GN group after 7 and 14 days, but less chromium (p < 0.05) after 14 days and less iron (p < 0.05) at the three experimental time intervals. The INs group released less iron (p < 0.05) than the GE group after 7 days and less nickel, chromium and iron (p < 0.05) after 14 and 21 days. The ECs group released more nickel, chromium and iron (p < 0.05) than the VE group after 14 days, but released less nickel and chromium (p < 0.05) after 7 days and less chromium and iron (p < 0.05) after 21 days. The SEM analysis revealed alterations on surface topography of conventional and self-ligating brackets. Conclusions The aging process in self-ligating brackets was not greater than in conventional brackets from the same manufacturer. The null hypothesis was accepted. PMID:24945521

  11. Gadolinium released by the linear gadolinium-based contrast-agent Gd-DTPA decreases the activity of human epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs).

    PubMed

    Knoepp, Fenja; Bettmer, Joerg; Fronius, Martin

    2017-05-01

    Gadolinium-based-contrast-agents (GBCAs) are used for magnetic-resonance-imaging and associated with renal and cardiovascular adverse reactions caused by released Gd 3+ ions. Gd 3+ is also a modulator of mechano-gated ion channels, including the epithelial Na + channel (ENaC) that is expressed in kidney epithelium and the vasculature. ENaC is important for salt-/water homeostasis and blood pressure regulation and a likely target of released Gd 3+ from GBCAs causing the above-mentioned adverse reactions. Therefore this study examined the effect of Gd 3+ and GBCAs on ENaC's activity. Human αβγENaC was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and exposed to Gd 3+ , linear (Gd-DTPA, Magnevist) or cyclic (Dotarem) GBCAs. Transmembrane ion-currents (I M ) were recorded by the two-electrode-voltage-clamp technique and Gd 3+ -release by Gd-DTPA was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Gd 3+ exerts biphasic effects on ENaC's activity: ≤0.3mmol/l decreased I M which was preventable by DEPC (modifies histidines). Strikingly Gd 3+ ≥0.4mmol/l increased I M and this effect was prevented by cysteine-modifying MTSEA. Linear Gd-DTPA and Magnevist mimicked the effect of ≤0.3mmol/l Gd 3+ , whereas the chelator DTPA showed no effect. Gd 3+ and Gd-DTPA increased the IC 50 for amiloride, but did not affect ENaC's self-inhibition. Interestingly, cyclic Gd-DOTA (Dotarem) increased I M to a similar extent as its chelator DOTA, suggesting that the chelator rather than released Gd 3+ is responsible for this effect. These results confirm Gd 3+ -release from linear Gd-DTPA and indicate that the released Gd 3+ amount is sufficient to interfere with ENaC's activity to provide putative explanations for GBCA-related adverse effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Observed Barium Emission Rates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.; Wescott, E. M.; Hallinan, T. J.

    1993-01-01

    The barium releases from the CRRES satellite have provided an opportunity for verifying theoretically calculated barium ion and neutral emission rates. Spectra of the five Caribbean releases in the summer of 1991 were taken with a spectrograph on board a U.S. Air Force jet aircraft. Because the line of sight release densities are not known, only relative rates could be obtained. The observed relative rates agree well with the theoretically calculated rates and, together with other observations, confirm the earlier detailed theoretical emission rates. The calculated emission rates can thus with good accuracy be used with photometric observations. It has been postulated that charge exchange between neutral barium and oxygen ions represents a significant source for ionization. If so. it should be associated with emissions at 4957.15 A and 5013.00 A, but these emissions were not detected.

  13. Intracellular Calcium Mobilization in Response to Ion Channel Regulators via a Calcium-Induced Calcium Release Mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Petrou, Terry; Olsen, Hervør L.; Thrasivoulou, Christopher; Masters, John R.; Ashmore, Jonathan F.

    2017-01-01

    Free intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), in addition to being an important second messenger, is a key regulator of many cellular processes including cell membrane potential, proliferation, and apoptosis. In many cases, the mobilization of [Ca2+]i is controlled by intracellular store activation and calcium influx. We have investigated the effect of several ion channel modulators, which have been used to treat a range of human diseases, on [Ca2+]i release, by ratiometric calcium imaging. We show that six such modulators [amiodarone (Ami), dofetilide, furosemide (Fur), minoxidil (Min), loxapine (Lox), and Nicorandil] initiate release of [Ca2+]i in prostate and breast cancer cell lines, PC3 and MCF7, respectively. Whole-cell currents in PC3 cells were inhibited by the compounds tested in patch-clamp experiments in a concentration-dependent manner. In all cases [Ca2+]i was increased by modulator concentrations comparable to those used clinically. The increase in [Ca2+]i in response to Ami, Fur, Lox, and Min was reduced significantly (P < 0.01) when the external calcium was reduced to nM concentration by chelation with EGTA. The data suggest that many ion channel regulators mobilize [Ca2+]i. We suggest a mechanism whereby calcium-induced calcium release is implicated; such a mechanism may be important for understanding the action of these compounds. PMID:27980039

  14. Electrochemically controlled drug-mimicking protein release from iron-alginate thin-films associated with an electrode.

    PubMed

    Jin, Zhiyuan; Güven, Güray; Bocharova, Vera; Halámek, Jan; Tokarev, Ihor; Minko, Sergiy; Melman, Artem; Mandler, Daniel; Katz, Evgeny

    2012-01-01

    Novel biocompatible hybrid-material composed of iron-ion-cross-linked alginate with embedded protein molecules has been designed for the signal-triggered drug release. Electrochemically controlled oxidation of Fe(2+) ions in the presence of soluble natural alginate polymer and drug-mimicking protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) results in the formation of an alginate-based thin-film cross-linked by Fe(3+) ions at the electrode interface with the entrapped protein. The electrochemically generated composite thin-film was characterized by electrochemistry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Preliminary experiments demonstrated that the electrochemically controlled deposition of the protein-containing thin-film can be performed at microscale using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as the deposition tool producing polymer-patterned spots potentially containing various entrapped drugs. Application of reductive potentials on the modified electrode produced Fe(2+) cations which do not keep complexation with alginate, thus resulting in the electrochemically triggered thin-film dissolution and the protein release. Different experimental parameters, such as the film-deposition time, concentrations of compounds and applied potentials, were varied in order to demonstrate that the electrodepositon and electrodissolution of the alginate composite film can be tuned to the optimum performance. A statistical modeling technique was applied to find optimal conditions for the formation of the composite thin-film for the maximal encapsulation and release of the drug-mimicking protein at the lowest possible potential. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  15. Cytotoxic effects of glass ionomer cements on human dental pulp stem cells correlate with fluoride release.

    PubMed

    Kanjevac, Tatjana; Milovanovic, Marija; Volarevic, Vladislav; Lukic, Miodrag L; Arsenijevic, Nebojsa; Markovic, Dejan; Zdravkovic, Nebojsa; Tesic, Zivoslav; Lukic, Aleksandra

    2012-01-01

    Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are commonly used as restorative materials. Responses to GICs differ among cell types and it is therefore of importance to thoroughly investigate the influence of these restorative materials on pulp stem cells that are potential source for dental tissue regeneration. Eight biomaterials were tested: Fuji I, Fuji II, Fuji VIII, Fuji IX, Fuji Plus, Fuji Triage, Vitrebond and Composit. We compared their cytotoxic activity on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and correlated this activity with the content of Fluoride, Aluminium and Strontium ions in their eluates. Elution samples of biomaterials were prepared in sterile tissue culture medium and the medium was tested for toxicity by an assay of cell survival/proliferation (MTT test) and apoptosis (Annexin V FITC Detection Kit). Concentrations of Fluoride, Aluminium and Strontium ions were tested by appropriate methods in the same eluates. Cell survival ranged between 79.62% (Fuji Triage) to 1.5% (Fuji Plus) and most dead DPSCs were in the stage of late apoptosis. Fluoride release correlated with cytotoxicity of GICs, while Aluminium and Strontium ions, present in significant amount in eluates of tested GICs did not. Fuji Plus, Vitrebond and Fuji VIII, which released fluoride in higher quantities than other GICs, were highly toxic to human DPSCs. Opposite, low levels of released fluoride correlated to low cytotoxic effect of Composit, Fuji I and Fuji Triage.

  16. Hybrid Markov-mass action law model for cell activation by rare binding events: Application to calcium induced vesicular release at neuronal synapses.

    PubMed

    Guerrier, Claire; Holcman, David

    2016-10-18

    Binding of molecules, ions or proteins to small target sites is a generic step of cell activation. This process relies on rare stochastic events where a particle located in a large bulk has to find small and often hidden targets. We present here a hybrid discrete-continuum model that takes into account a stochastic regime governed by rare events and a continuous regime in the bulk. The rare discrete binding events are modeled by a Markov chain for the encounter of small targets by few Brownian particles, for which the arrival time is Poissonian. The large ensemble of particles is described by mass action laws. We use this novel model to predict the time distribution of vesicular release at neuronal synapses. Vesicular release is triggered by the binding of few calcium ions that can originate either from the synaptic bulk or from the entry through calcium channels. We report here that the distribution of release time is bimodal although it is triggered by a single fast action potential. While the first peak follows a stimulation, the second corresponds to the random arrival over much longer time of ions located in the synaptic terminal to small binding vesicular targets. To conclude, the present multiscale stochastic modeling approach allows studying cellular events based on integrating discrete molecular events over several time scales.

  17. Effect of cobalt ions on the interaction between macrophages and titanium.

    PubMed

    Pettersson, Mattias; Pettersson, Jean; Thorén, Margareta Molin; Johansson, Anders

    2018-04-30

    Inflammation and bone reduction around dental implants are described as peri-implantitis and can be caused by an inflammatory response against bacterial products and toxins. Titanium (Ti) forms aggregates with serum proteins, which activate and cause release of the cytokine interleukin (IL-1β) from human macrophages. It was hypothesized that cobalt (Co) ions can interact in the formation of pro-inflammatory aggregates, formed by titanium. To test this hypothesis, we differentiated THP-1 cells into macrophages and exposed them to Ti ions alone or in combination with Co ions to investigate if IL-1β release and cytotoxicity were affected. We also investigated aggregate formation, cell uptake and human biopsies with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and electron microscopy. Co at a concentration of 100 µM neutralized the IL-1β release from human macrophages and affected the aggregate formation. The aggregates formed by Ti could be detected in the cytosol of macrophages. In the presence of Co, the Ti-induced aggregates were located in the cytosol of the cultured macrophages, but outside the lysosomal structures. It is concluded that Co can neutralize the Ti-induced activation and release of active IL-1β from human macrophages in vitro. Also, serum proteins are needed for the formation of metal-protein aggregates in cell medium. Furthermore, the structures of the aggregates as well as the localisation after cellular uptake differ if Co is present in a Ti solution. Phagocytized aggregates with a similar appearance seen in vitro with Ti present, were also visible in a sample from human peri-implant tissue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. A novel akermanite/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) porous composite scaffold fabricated via a solvent casting-particulate leaching method improved by solvent self-proliferating process.

    PubMed

    Deng, Yao; Zhang, Mengjiao; Chen, Xianchun; Pu, Ximing; Liao, Xiaoming; Huang, Zhongbing; Yin, Guangfu

    2017-08-01

    Desirable scaffolds for tissue engineering should be biodegradable carriers to supply suitable microenvironments mimicked the extracellular matrices for desired cellular interactions and to provide supports for the formation of new tissues. In this work, a kind of slightly soluble bioactive ceramic akermanite (AKT) powders were aboratively selected and introduced in the PLGA matrix, a novel l-lactide modified AKT/poly (lactic- co -glycolic acid) (m-AKT/PLGA) composite scaffold was fabricated via a solvent casting-particulate leaching method improved by solvent self-proliferating process. The effects of m-AKT contents on properties of composite scaffolds and on MC3T3-E1 cellular behaviors in vitro have been primarily investigated. The fabricated scaffolds exhibited three-dimensional porous networks, in which homogenously distributed cavities in size of 300-400 μm were interconnected by some smaller holes in a size of 100-200 μm. Meanwhile, the mechanical structure of scaffolds was reinforced by the introduction of m-AKT. Moreover, alkaline ionic products released by m-AKT could neutralize the acidic degradation products of PLGA, and the apatite-mineralization ability of scaffolds could be largely improved. More valuably, significant promotions on adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 have been observed, which implied the calcium, magnesium and especially silidous ions released sustainably from composite scaffolds could regulate the behaviors of osteogenesis-related cells.

  19. A novel akermanite/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) porous composite scaffold fabricated via a solvent casting-particulate leaching method improved by solvent self-proliferating process

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Yao; Zhang, Mengjiao; Chen, Xianchun; Pu, Ximing; Liao, Xiaoming; Huang, Zhongbing

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Desirable scaffolds for tissue engineering should be biodegradable carriers to supply suitable microenvironments mimicked the extracellular matrices for desired cellular interactions and to provide supports for the formation of new tissues. In this work, a kind of slightly soluble bioactive ceramic akermanite (AKT) powders were aboratively selected and introduced in the PLGA matrix, a novel l-lactide modified AKT/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (m-AKT/PLGA) composite scaffold was fabricated via a solvent casting-particulate leaching method improved by solvent self-proliferating process. The effects of m-AKT contents on properties of composite scaffolds and on MC3T3-E1 cellular behaviors in vitro have been primarily investigated. The fabricated scaffolds exhibited three-dimensional porous networks, in which homogenously distributed cavities in size of 300–400 μm were interconnected by some smaller holes in a size of 100–200 μm. Meanwhile, the mechanical structure of scaffolds was reinforced by the introduction of m-AKT. Moreover, alkaline ionic products released by m-AKT could neutralize the acidic degradation products of PLGA, and the apatite-mineralization ability of scaffolds could be largely improved. More valuably, significant promotions on adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 have been observed, which implied the calcium, magnesium and especially silidous ions released sustainably from composite scaffolds could regulate the behaviors of osteogenesis-related cells. PMID:28798869

  20. Differential receptor activation by cockroach adipokinetic hormones produces differential effects on ion currents, neuronal activity, and locomotion.

    PubMed

    Wicher, Dieter; Agricola, Hans-Jürgen; Söhler, Sandra; Gundel, Matthias; Heinemann, Stefan H; Wollweber, Leo; Stengl, Monika; Derst, Christian

    2006-04-01

    Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) peptides in insects serve the endocrine control of energy supply. They also produce, however, neuronal, vegetative, and motor effects, suggesting that AKHs orchestrate adaptive behavior by multiple actions. We have cloned, for Periplaneta americana, the AKH receptor to determine its localization and, based on current measurements in neurons and heterologous expression systems, the mechanisms of AKH actions. Apart from fat body, various neurons express the AKH receptor, among them abdominal dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons, which release the biogenic amine octopamine. They are part of the arousal system and are involved in the control of circulation and respiration. Both the two Periplaneta AKHs activate the Gs pathway, and AKH I also potently activates Gq. AKH I and--with much less efficacy--AKH II accelerate spiking of DUM neurons through an increase of the pacemaking Ca2+ current. Because the AKHs are released from the corpora cardiaca into the hemolymph, they must penetrate the blood-brain barrier for acting on neurons. That this happens was shown electrophysiologically by applying AKH I to an intact ganglion. Systemically injected AKH I stimulates locomotion potently in striking contrast to AKH II. This behavioral difference can be traced back conclusively to the different effectiveness of the AKHs on the level of G proteins. Our findings also show that AKHs act through the same basic mechanisms on neuronal and nonneuronal cells, and they support an integration of metabolic and neuronal effects in homoeostatic mechanisms.

  1. Microbial Metabolic Response to Carbon Sources in a Uranium Contaminated Floodplain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barragan, L.; Boye, K.; Bargar, J.; Fendorf, S. E.

    2016-12-01

    In Riverton, Wyoming, uranium (U) from a former ore processing plant, contaminated the groundwater and accumulated in Naturally Reduced Zones (NRZs). The NRZs have now become a secondary source of U and are releasing U into the ground water due to seasonal water table fluctuations. Microorganisms that mediate the mobilization and retention of U are likely to reside in these zones enriched with organic matter that comprises their energy source of carbon (C) for respiration. In this study, we are measuring microbial respiration (basal and substrate induced) by the MicroRespTM system, which is a quick screening method for respiratory activity in natural samples. This can provide information about the microbial community composition at certain depths and insight into their metabolic pathways which may explain U behavior in the ground water. In addition, we are determining elemental composition in the sediments by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and elemental analysis (EA). Water soluble cations, anions and organic C is determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), mass spectrometry, ion chromatography (IC) and non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) analyses, respectively. If the behavior of the microbial community in the NRZ environment (enriched in both U and C) differs from that in unsaturated sediments, this can provide crucial clues to understand what causes U to be retained or released from the NRZs. This information will be used to develop and improve models aimed at predicting U mobility in the floodplain groundwater systems.

  2. Smart swelling biopolymer microparticles by a microfluidic approach: synthesis, in situ encapsulation and controlled release.

    PubMed

    Fang, Aiping; Cathala, Bernard

    2011-01-01

    This paper reports a microfluidic synthesis of biopolymer microparticles aiming at smart swelling. Monodisperse aqueous emulsion droplets comprising biopolymer and its cross-linking agent were formed in mineral oil and solidified in the winding microfluidic channels by in situ chaotic mixing, which resulted in internal chemical gelation for hydrogels. The achievement of pectin microparticles from in situ mixing pectin with its cross-linking agent, calcium ions, successfully demonstrates the reliability of this microfluidic synthesis approach. In order to achieve hydrogels with smart swelling, the following parameters and their impacts on the swelling behaviour, stability and morphology of microparticles were investigated: (1) the type of biopolymers (alginate or mixture of alginate and carboxymethylcellulose, A-CMC); (2) rapid mixing; (3) concentration and type of cross-linking agent. Superabsorbent microparticles were obtained from A-CMC mixture by using ferric chloride as an additional external cross-linking agent. The in situ encapsulation of a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was also carried out. As a potential protein drug-delivery system, the BSA release behaviours of the biopolymer particles were studied in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Compared with alginate and A-CMC microparticles cross-linked with calcium ions, A-CMC microparticles cross-linked with both calcium and ferric ions demonstrate a significantly delayed release. The controllable release profile, the facile encapsulation as well as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, mucoadhesiveness render this microfluidic approach promising in achieving biopolymer microparticles as protein drug carrier for site-specific release. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Antifungal activities against toxigenic Fusarium specie and deoxynivalenol adsorption capacity of ion-exchanged zeolites.

    PubMed

    Savi, Geovana D; Cardoso, William A; Furtado, Bianca G; Bortolotto, Tiago; Zanoni, Elton T; Scussel, Rahisa; Rezende, Lucas F; Machado-de-Ávila, Ricardo A; Montedo, Oscar R K; Angioletto, Elidio

    2018-03-04

    Zeolites are often used as adsorbents materials and their loaded cations can be exchanged with metal ions in order to add antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to use the 4A zeolite and its derived ion-exchanged forms with Zn 2+ , Li + , Cu 2+ and Co 2+ in order to evaluate their antifungal properties against Fusarium graminearum, including their capacity in terms of metal ions release, conidia germination and the deoxynivalenol (DON) adsorption. The zeolites ion-exchanged with Li + , Cu 2+ , and Co 2+ showed an excellent antifungal activity against F. graminearum, using an agar diffusion method, with a zone of inhibition observed around the samples of 45.3 ± 0.6 mm, 25.7 ± 1.5 mm, and 24.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. Similar results using agar dilution method were found showing significant growth inhibition of F. graminearum for ion-exchanged zeolites with Zn 2+ , Li + , Cu 2+ , and Co 2+ . The fungi growth inhibition decreased as zeolite-Cu 2+ >zeolite-Li + >zeolite-Co 2+ >zeolite-Zn 2+ . In addition, the conidia germination was strongly affected by ion-exchanged zeolites. With regard to adsorption capacity, results indicate that only zeolite-Li + were capable of DON adsorption significantly (P < 0.001) with 37% at 2 mg mL -1 concentration. The antifungal effects of the ion-exchanged zeolites can be ascribed to the interactions of the metal ions released from the zeolite structure, especially for zeolite-Li + , which showed to be a promising agent against F. graminearum and its toxin.

  4. Resistive switching behavior in oxygen ion irradiated TiO2-x films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barman, A.; Saini, C. P.; Sarkar, P. K.; Bhattacharjee, G.; Bhattacharya, G.; Srivastava, S.; Satpati, B.; Kanjilal, D.; Ghosh, S. K.; Dhar, S.; Kanjilal, A.

    2018-02-01

    The room temperature resistive switching behavior in 50 keV O+-ion irradiated TiO2-x layers at an ion fluence of 5  ×  1016 ions cm-2 is reported. A clear transformation from columnar to layered polycrystalline films is revealed by transmission electron microscopy with increasing ion fluence, while the complementary electron energy loss spectroscopy suggests an evolution of oxygen vacancy (OV) in TiO2-x matrix. This is further verified by determining electron density with the help of x-ray reflectivity. Both local and device current-voltage measurements illustrate that the ion-beam induced OVs play a key role in bistable resistive switching mechanism.

  5. Study on volatilization mechanism of ruthenium tetroxide from nitrosyl ruthenium nitrate by using mass spectrometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kato, Tetsuya; Usami, Tsuyoshi; Tsukada, Takeshi; Shibata, Yuki; Kodama, Takashi

    2016-10-01

    In a cooling malfunction accident of a high-level liquid waste (HLLW) tank, behavior of ruthenium (Ru) attracts much attention, since Ru could be oxidized to a volatile chemical form in the boiling and drying of HLLW, and part of radioactive Ru can potentially be released to the environment. In this study, nitrosyl Ru nitrate (Ru(NO)(NO3)3) dissolved in nitric acid (HNO3), which is commonly contained in a simulated HLLW, was dried and heated up to 723 K, and the evolved gas was introduced into a mass spectrometer. The well-known volatile species, ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) was detected in a temperature range between 390 K and 500 K with the peak top around 440 K. Various gases such as HNO3, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen monoxide (NO) also evolved due to evaporation of the nitric acid and decomposition of the nitrate ions. The ion current of RuO4 seems to increase with the increasing decomposition of nitrate, while the evaporation of HNO3 decreases. More volatilization of RuO4 was observed from the HNO3 solution containing not only Ru(NO)(NO3)3 but also cerium nitrate (Ce(NO3)3·6H2O) which was added for extra supply of nitrate ion, compared with that from the HNO3 solution containing only Ru(NO)(NO3)3. These experimental results suggest that Ru could be oxidized to form RuO4 by the nitrate ion as well as HNO3.

  6. Hysteresis in voltage-gated channels

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Ion channels constitute a superfamily of membrane proteins found in all living creatures. Their activity allows fast translocation of ions across the plasma membrane down the ion's transmembrane electrochemical gradient, resulting in a difference in electrical potential across the plasma membrane, known as the membrane potential. A group within this superfamily, namely voltage-gated channels, displays activity that is sensitive to the membrane potential. The activity of voltage-gated channels is controlled by the membrane potential, while the membrane potential is changed by these channels' activity. This interplay produces variations in the membrane potential that have evolved into electrical signals in many organisms. These signals are essential for numerous biological processes, including neuronal activity, insulin release, muscle contraction, fertilization and many others. In recent years, the activity of the voltage-gated channels has been observed not to follow a simple relationship with the membrane potential. Instead, it has been shown that the activity of voltage-gated channel displays hysteresis. In fact, a growing number of evidence have demonstrated that the voltage dependence of channel activity is dynamically modulated by activity itself. In spite of the great impact that this property can have on electrical signaling, hysteresis in voltage-gated channels is often overlooked. Addressing this issue, this review provides examples of voltage-gated ion channels displaying hysteretic behavior. Further, this review will discuss how Dynamic Voltage Dependence in voltage-gated channels can have a physiological role in electrical signaling. Furthermore, this review will elaborate on the current thoughts on the mechanism underlying hysteresis in voltage-gated channels. PMID:27689426

  7. [Corrosion property and oxide film of dental casting alloys before and after porcelain firing].

    PubMed

    Ma, Qian; Wu, Feng-ming

    2011-03-01

    To evaluate the types and compositions of oxide films formed during porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) firing on three kinds of dental casting alloys, and to investigate the corrosion property of these alloys in Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium (DMEM) cell culture fluid, before and after PFM firing. Specimens of three dental casting alloys (Ni-Cr, Co-Cr and Ni-Ti) before and after PFM firing were prepared, and were immersed in DMEM cell culture fluid. After 30 days, the type and concentration of released metal ions were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for analysis of oxide film on the alloys. One way-ANOVA was adopted in data analysis. The total amount of metal ions released from the three dental alloys was found to be highest in Ni-Cr alloy [(2.829 ± 0.694) mg/L], followed by Co-Cr [(2.120 ± 0.418) mg/L] and Ni-Ti alloy [(1.211 ± 0.101) mg/L]. The amount of Ni ions released from Ni-Cr alloys [(1.531 ± 0.392) mg/L] was higher than that from Ni-Ti alloys [(0.830 ± 0.052) mg/L]. The amount of Cr, Mo ions released from Co-Cr alloy [Cr: (0.048 ± 0.011) mg/L, Mo: (1.562 ± 0.333) mg/L] was higher than that from Ni-Cr alloy [Cr: (0.034 ± 0.002) mg/L, Mo: (1.264 ± 0.302) mg/L] and Ni-Ti alloy [Cr: (0.013 ± 0.006) mg/L, Mo: (0.151 ± 0.026) mg/L] (P < 0.05). After PFM firing, the total amount of metal irons released from the three dental alloys decreased [Ni-Cr: (0.861 ± 0.054) mg/L, Co-Cr: (0.695 ± 0.327) mg/L, Ni-Ti: (0.892 ± 0.115) mg/L] (P < 0.05). In addition, XPS showed increase of Cr(2)O(3) and Mo-Ni oxide on the surface of all the alloys after PFM firing. The amount of ions released from Ni-Cr alloy was the highest among the three dental casting alloys, this means Ni-Cr alloy is prone to corrode. The PFM firing process changed the alloys' surface composition. Increased Ni, Cr and Mo were found in oxide film, and the increase in Cr(2)O(3) can improve the corrosion-resistance of alloys.

  8. Concentration Fluctuations and Capacitive Response in Dense Ionic Solutions.

    PubMed

    Uralcan, Betul; Aksay, Ilhan A; Debenedetti, Pablo G; Limmer, David T

    2016-07-07

    We use molecular dynamics simulations in a constant potential ensemble to study the effects of solution composition on the electrochemical response of a double layer capacitor. We find that the capacitance first increases with ion concentration following its expected ideal solution behavior but decreases upon approaching a pure ionic liquid in agreement with recent experimental observations. The nonmonotonic behavior of the capacitance as a function of ion concentration results from the competition between the independent motion of solvated ions in the dilute regime and solvation fluctuations in the concentrated regime. Mirroring the capacitance, we find that the characteristic decay length of charge density correlations away from the electrode is also nonmonotonic. The correlation length first decreases with ion concentration as a result of better electrostatic screening but increases with ion concentration as a result of enhanced steric interactions. When charge fluctuations induced by correlated ion-solvent fluctuations are large relative to those induced by the pure ionic liquid, such capacitive behavior is expected to be generic.

  9. Anomalous behavior in temporal evolution of ripple wavelength under medium energy Ar{sup +}-ion bombardment on Si: A case of initial wavelength selection

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Garg, Sandeep Kumar; Inter-University Accelerator Centre, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067; Cuerno, Rodolfo

    We have studied the early stage dynamics of ripple patterns on Si surfaces, in the fluence range of 1–3 × 10{sup 18} ions cm{sup −2}, as induced by medium energy Ar{sup +}-ion irradiation at room temperature. Under our experimental conditions, the ripple evolution is found to be in the linear regime, while a clear decreasing trend in the ripple wavelength is observed up to a certain time (fluence). Numerical simulations of a continuum model of ion-sputtered surfaces suggest that this anomalous behavior is due to the relaxation of the surface features of the experimental pristine surface during the initial stage of patternmore » formation. The observation of this hitherto unobserved behavior of the ripple wavelength seems to have been enabled by the use of medium energy ions, where the ripple wavelengths are found to be order(s) of magnitude larger than those at lower ion energies.« less

  10. Mechanical Design of Carbon Ion Optics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Haag, Thomas

    2005-01-01

    Carbon Ion Optics are expected to provide much longer thruster life due to their resistance to sputter erosion. There are a number of different forms of carbon that have been used for fabricating ion thruster optics. The mechanical behavior of carbon is much different than that of most metals, and poses unique design challenges. In order to minimize mission risk, the behavior of carbon must be well understood, and components designed within material limitations. Thermal expansion of the thruster structure must be compatible with thermal expansion of the carbon ion optics. Specially designed interfaces may be needed so that grid gap and aperture alignment are not adversely affected by dissimilar material properties within the thruster. The assembled thruster must be robust and tolerant of launch vibration. The following paper lists some of the characteristics of various carbon materials. Several past ion optics designs are discussed, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Electrostatics and material science are not emphasized so much as the mechanical behavior and integration of grid electrodes into an ion thruster.

  11. Development and dissolution studies of bisphosphonate (clodronate)-containing hydroxyapatite-polylactic acid biocomposites for slow drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Macha, Innocent J; Cazalbou, Sophie; Shimmon, Ronald; Ben-Nissan, Besim; Milthorpe, Bruce

    2017-06-01

    An increase in clinical demand on the controlled release of bisphosphonates (BPs) due to complications associated with systemic administration, has been the current driving force on the development of BP drug-release systems. Bisphosphonates have the ability to bind to divalent metal ions, such as Ca 2+ , in bone mineral and prevent bone resorption by influencing the apoptosis of osteoclasts. Localized delivery using biodegradable materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp), which are ideal in this approach, have been used in this study to investigate the dissolution of clodronate (non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate) in a new release system. The effects of coral structure-derived HAp and the release kinetics of the composites were evaluated. The release kinetics of clodronate from PLA-BP and PLA-HAp-BP systems seemed to follow the power law model described by Korsmeyer-Peppas. Drug release was quantified by 31 P-NMR with detection and quantification limits of 9.2 and 30.7 mM, respectively. The results suggest that these biocomposite systems could be tuned to release clodronate for both relatively short and prolonged period of time. In addition to drug delivery, the degradation of HAp supplies both Ca 2+ and phosphate ions that can help in bone mineralization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Ion-Pairing Contribution to the Liposomal Transport of Topotecan as Revealed by Mechanistic Modeling.

    PubMed

    Fugit, Kyle D; Anderson, Bradley D

    2017-04-01

    Actively loaded liposomal formulations of anticancer agents have been widely explored due to their high drug encapsulation efficiencies and prolonged drug retention. Mathematical models to predict and optimize drug loading and release kinetics from these nanoparticle formulations would be useful in their development and may allow researchers to tune release profiles. Such models must account for the driving forces as influenced by the physicochemical properties of the drug and the microenvironment, and the liposomal barrier properties. This study employed mechanistic modeling to describe the active liposomal loading and release kinetics of the anticancer agent topotecan (TPT). The model incorporates ammonia transport resulting in generation of a pH gradient, TPT dimerization, TPT lactone ring-opening and -closing interconversion kinetics, chloride transport, and transport of TPT-chloride ion-pairs to describe the active loading and release kinetics of TPT in the presence of varying chloride concentrations. Model-based predictions of the kinetics of active loading at varying loading concentrations of TPT and release under dynamic dialysis conditions were in reasonable agreement with experiments. These findings identify key attributes to consider in optimizing and predicting loading and release of liposomal TPT that may also be applicable to liposomal formulations of other weakly basic pharmaceuticals. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial ocular in situ gels containing a disappearing preservative for topical treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

    PubMed

    Saher, Osama; Ghorab, Dalia M; Mursi, Nadia M

    2016-08-01

    The study aimed to formulate and evaluate levofloxacin hemihydrate ocular in situ gels along with freshly prepared disappearing preservative reported to be safer to human eyes. Formulae were prepared using thermosensitive (PF127 and PF68) or ion-activated (Gelrite) polymers. They were evaluated for gelation temperature (GT), capacity, content uniformity, pH, rheological behavior, in vitro drug release with kinetic analysis. Best formulae were exposed to storage effect to select the optimum formula that was subjected to different sterilization methods and in vivo evaluation. The prepared disappearing preservative (sodium perborate monohydrate) proved to be active oxidative preservative and compatible with our formulae. F9 (24% PF127, 15% PF 68, 0.5% levofloxacin hemihydrate, and 0.0025% sodium perborate monohydrate) showed prolonged drug release (12 h), acceptable GT, viscosity, and pH. It remained stable over 3 months at two temperatures and was best sterilized by filtration. It showed longer residence time (12 h) in rabbits' eye fluids compared with the Levoxin® eye drops (4 h). This successful attempt of using thermo-gelling system along with a disappearing type of preservatives would allow the use of these systems to achieve sustained release of antimicrobial drugs with minimum risk of eye damage improving patient compliance and treatment efficacy.

  14. Release behavior and toxicity profiles towards A549 cell lines of ciprofloxacin from its layered zinc hydroxide intercalation compound

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Layered hydroxides salts (LHS), a layered inorganic compound is gaining attention in a wide range of applications, particularly due to its unique anion exchange properties. In this work, layered zinc hydroxide nitrate (LZH), a family member of LHS was intercalated with anionic ciprofloxacin (CFX), a broad spectrum antibiotic via ion exchange in a mixture solution of water:ethanol. Results Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the drug anions were successfully intercalated in the interlayer space of LZH. Specific surface area of the obtained compound was increased compared to that of the host due to the different pore textures between the two materials. CFX anions were slowly released over 80 hours in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution due to strong interactions that occurred between the intercalated anions and the host lattices. The intercalation compound demonstrated enhanced antiproliferative effects towards A549 cancer cells compared to the toxicity of CFX alone. Conclusions Strong host-guest interactions between the LZH lattice and the CFX anion give rise to a new intercalation compound that demonstrates sustained release mode and enhanced toxicity effects towards A549 cell lines. These findings should serve as foundations towards further developments of the brucite-like host material in drug delivery systems. PMID:23849189

  15. [Preparation of hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets of total lactones from Andrographis paniculata and study on its in vitro release mechanism].

    PubMed

    Xu, Fang-Fang; Shi, Wei; Zhang, Hui; Guo, Qing-Ming; Wang Zhen-Zhong; Bi, Yu-An; Wang, Zhi-Min; Xiao, Wei

    2015-01-01

    In this study, hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets of total lactones from Andrographis paniculata were prepared and the in vitro release behavior were also evaluated. The optimal prescription was achieved by studying the main factor of the type and amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using single factor test and evaluating through cumulative release of three lactones. No burst drug release from the obtained matrix tablets was observed. Drug release sustained to 14 h. The release mechanism of three lactones from A. paniculata was accessed by zero-order, first-order, Higuchi and Peppas equation. The release behavior of total lactones from A. paniculata was better agreed with Higuchi model and the drug release from the tablets was controlled by degradation of the matrix. The preparation of hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets of total lactones from A. paniculata with good performance of drug release was simple.

  16. Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry for Extracting Spectra of N-Glycans Directly from Incubation Mixtures Following Glycan Release: Application to Glycans from Engineered Glycoforms of Intact, Folded HIV gp120

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harvey, David J.; Sobott, Frank; Crispin, Max; Wrobel, Antoni; Bonomelli, Camille; Vasiljevic, Snezana; Scanlan, Christopher N.; Scarff, Charlotte A.; Thalassinos, Konstantinos; Scrivens, James H.

    2011-03-01

    The analysis of glycosylation from native biological sources is often frustrated by the low abundances of available material. Here, ion mobility combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry have been used to extract the spectra of N-glycans released with PNGase F from a serial titration of recombinantly expressed envelope glycoprotein, gp120, from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Analysis was also performed on gp120 expressed in the α-mannosidase inhibitor, and in a matched mammalian cell line deficient in GlcNAc transferase I. Without ion mobility separation, ESI spectra frequently contained no observable ions from the glycans whereas ions from other compounds such as detergents and residual buffer salts were abundant. After ion mobility separation on a Waters T-wave ion mobility mass spectrometer, the N-glycans fell into a unique region of the ion mobility/ m/z plot allowing their profiles to be extracted with good signal:noise ratios. This method allowed N-glycan profiles to be extracted from crude incubation mixtures with no clean-up even in the presence of surfactants such as NP40. Furthermore, this technique allowed clear profiles to be obtained from sub-microgram amounts of glycoprotein. Glycan profiles were similar to those generated by MALDI-TOF MS although they were more susceptible to double charging and fragmentation. Structural analysis could be accomplished by MS/MS experiments in either positive or negative ion mode but negative ion mode gave the most informative spectra and provided a reliable approach to the analysis of glycans from small amounts of glycoprotein.

  17. High Fidelity Ion Beam Simulation of High Dose Neutron Irradiation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Was, Gary; Wirth, Brian; Motta, Athur

    The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the capability to predict the evolution of microstructure and properties of structural materials in-reactor and at high doses, using ion irradiation as a surrogate for reactor irradiations. “Properties” includes both physical properties (irradiated microstructure) and the mechanical properties of the material. Demonstration of the capability to predict properties has two components. One is ion irradiation of a set of alloys to yield an irradiated microstructure and corresponding mechanical behavior that are substantially the same as results from neutron exposure in the appropriate reactor environment. Second is the capability to predict the irradiatedmore » microstructure and corresponding mechanical behavior on the basis of improved models, validated against both ion and reactor irradiations and verified against ion irradiations. Taken together, achievement of these objectives will yield an enhanced capability for simulating the behavior of materials in reactor irradiations.« less

  18. Development of Advanced Li Rich xLi2MO3 (1-x)LiMO2 Composite Cathode for High Capacity Li Ion Batteries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-22

    importance. Among advanced energy storage devices, lithium - ion batteries are remarkable systems due to their high energy density, high power density...and well cycled performance with considerable reliability. Lithium - ion batteries have been playing an important role in various application fields...Li0.24Mn0.55Co0.14Ni0.07]O2 cathode material for lithium ion batteries . Solid State Ionics, 2013. 233: p. 12-19. DISTRIBUTION A. Approved for public release

  19. Coordinated Acetylcholine Release in Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus Is Associated with Arousal and Reward on Distinct Timescales.

    PubMed

    Teles-Grilo Ruivo, Leonor M; Baker, Keeley L; Conway, Michael W; Kinsley, Peter J; Gilmour, Gary; Phillips, Keith G; Isaac, John T R; Lowry, John P; Mellor, Jack R

    2017-01-24

    Cholinergic neurotransmission throughout the neocortex and hippocampus regulates arousal, learning, and attention. However, owing to the poorly characterized timing and location of acetylcholine release, its detailed behavioral functions remain unclear. Using electrochemical biosensors chronically implanted in mice, we made continuous measurements of the spatiotemporal dynamics of acetylcholine release across multiple behavioral states. We found that tonic levels of acetylcholine release were coordinated between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and maximal during training on a rewarded working memory task. Tonic release also increased during REM sleep but was contingent on subsequent wakefulness. In contrast, coordinated phasic acetylcholine release occurred only during the memory task and was strongly localized to reward delivery areas without being contingent on trial outcome. These results show that coordinated acetylcholine release between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus is associated with reward and arousal on distinct timescales, providing dual mechanisms to support learned behavior acquisition during cognitive task performance. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. On spray drying of oxidized corn starch cross-linked gelatin microcapsules for drug release.

    PubMed

    Dang, Xugang; Yang, Mao; Shan, Zhihua; Mansouri, Shahnaz; May, Bee K; Chen, Xiaodong; Chen, Hui; Woo, Meng Wai

    2017-05-01

    Spray-dried gelatin/oxidized corn starch (G/OCS) microcapsules were produced for drug release application. The prepared microcapsules were characterized through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) picture and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling characteristics of the G/OCS microcapsules and release properties of vitamin C were then investigated. The results from structural analysis indicated that the presence of miscibility and compatibility between oxidized corn starch and gelatin, and exhibits high thermal stability up to 326°C. The swelling of G/OCS microcapsules increased with increasing pH and reduced with decreasing ionic strength, attributed to the cross-linking between gelatin and oxidized corn starch, ionization of functional groups. Vitamin C release characteristic revealed controlled release behavior in the first 3h of contact with an aqueous medium. This release behavior was independent of the swelling behavior indicating the potential of the encapsulating matrix to produce controlled release across a spectrum of pH environment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Reduction of the "burst release" of copper ions from copper-based intrauterine devices by organic inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Alvarez, Florencia; Schilardi, Patricia L; de Mele, Monica Fernández Lorenzo

    2012-01-01

    The copper intrauterine device is a contraceptive method that is based on the release of copper ions from a copper wire. Immediately after insertion, the dissolution of copper in the uterine fluid is markedly higher ("burst release") than that necessary for contraception action, leading to a variety of harmful effects. Pretreatments with organic compounds [thiourea (TU) and purine (PU), 10(-4)-10(-2) M concentration range, 1- and 3-h immersion times] were tested. The dissolution of copper with and without pretreatments in TU and PU solutions was analyzed by conventional electrochemical techniques and surface analysis. Pretreatments in PU solutions reduced the initial corrosion rate of copper in simulated uterine solutions, with inhibitory efficiencies that depend on the PU concentration and on the immersion time assayed. Inhibitory efficiency values higher than 98% for pretreatments with ≥10(-3) M PU were found. Conversely, after TU pretreatments, a high copper release was measured. It was concluded that 10(-3) M PU pretreatment is a promising strategy able to reduce the "burst release" of copper and to ensure contraceptive action. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Conjugated Polymer for Voltage-Controlled Release of Molecules.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shenghua; Fu, Ying; Li, Guijun; Li, Li; Law, Helen Ka-Wai; Chen, Xianfeng; Yan, Feng

    2017-09-01

    Conjugated polymers are attractive in numerous biological applications because they are flexible, biocompatible, cost-effective, solution-processable, and electronic/ionic conductive. One interesting application is for controllable drug release, and this has been realized previously using organic electronic ion pumps. However, organic electronic ion pumps show high operating voltages and limited transportation efficiency. Here, the first report of low-voltage-controlled molecular release with a novel organic device based on a conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) is presented. The releasing rate of molecules can be accurately controlled by the duration of the voltage applied on the device. The use of a handy mobile phone to remotely control the releasing process and its application in delivering an anticancer drug to treat cancer cells are also successfully demonstrated. The working mechanism of the device is attributed to the unique switchable permeability of poly(3-hexylthiophene) in aqueous solutions under a bias voltage that can tune the wettability of poly(3-hexylthiophene) via oxidation or reduction processes. The organic devices are expected to find many promising applications for controllable drug delivery in biological systems. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Single-Run Single-Mask Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Reactive-Ion-Etching Process for Fabricating Suspended High-Aspect-Ratio Microstructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yao-Joe; Kuo, Wen-Cheng; Fan, Kuang-Chao

    2006-01-01

    In this work, we present a single-run single-mask (SRM) process for fabricating suspended high-aspect-ratio structures on standard silicon wafers using an inductively coupled plasma-reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) etcher. This process eliminates extra fabrication steps which are required for structure release after trench etching. Released microstructures with 120 μm thickness are obtained by this process. The corresponding maximum aspect ratio of the trench is 28. The SRM process is an extended version of the standard process proposed by BOSCH GmbH (BOSCH process). The first step of the SRM process is a standard BOSCH process for trench etching, then a polymer layer is deposited on trench sidewalls as a protective layer for the subsequent structure-releasing step. The structure is released by dry isotropic etching after the polymer layer on the trench floor is removed. All the steps can be integrated into a single-run ICP process. Also, only one mask is required. Therefore, the process complexity and fabrication cost can be effectively reduced. Discussions on each SRM step and considerations for avoiding undesired etching of the silicon structures during the release process are also presented.

  4. Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of High Performance Polymer Electrolytes for Printed Electronics and Energy Storage

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-31

    release. 2 energy conversion and storage devices – including supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries , and fuel cells – that power portable electronics...main innovations were the development of ion gels, materials that combine an ionic liquid with a gelating block copolymer to give mechanical strength...resulted in the training of 3 graduate students and two postdoctoral fellows. The main innovations were the development of ion gels, materials that

  5. Long-term Autophagy and Nrf2 Signaling in the Hippocampi of Developing Mice after Carbon Ion Exposure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ye, Fei; Zhao, Ting; Liu, Xiongxiong; Jin, Xiaodong; Liu, Xinguo; Wang, Tieshan; Li, Qiang

    2015-12-01

    To explore charged particle radiation-induced long-term hippocampus damage, we investigated the expression of autophagy and antioxidant Nrf2 signaling-related proteins in the mouse hippocampus after carbon ion radiation. Heads of immature female Balb/c mice were irradiated with carbon ions of different LETs at various doses. Behavioral tests were performed on the mice after maturation. Acute and chronic expression of LC3-II, p62/SQSTM1, nuclear Nrf2, activated caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were measured in the hippocampi. Secondary X-ray insult was adopted to amplify potential damages. Long-term behavioral changes were observed in high-LET carbon ion-irradiated mice. There were no differences in the rates of LC3-II induction and p62/SQSTM1 degradation compared to the control group regardless of whether the mice received the secondary X-ray insult. A high nuclear Nrf2 content and low apoptosis level in hippocampal cells subjected to secondary X-rays were observed for the mice exposed to relatively low-LET carbon ions. Therefore, carbon ion exposure in the immature mouse led to an LET-dependent behavioral change after maturation. Although autophagy was intact, the persistently high nuclear Nrf2 content in the hippocampus might account for the unchanged behavioral pattern in mice exposed to the relatively low-LET carbon ions and the subsequent increased radioresistance of the hippocampus.

  6. Line spectrum and ion temperature measurements from tungsten ions at low ionization stages in large helical device based on vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy in wavelength range of 500-2200 Å.

    PubMed

    Oishi, T; Morita, S; Huang, X L; Zhang, H M; Goto, M

    2014-11-01

    Vacuum ultraviolet spectra of emissions released from tungsten ions at lower ionization stages were measured in the Large Helical Device (LHD) in the wavelength range of 500-2200 Å using a 3 m normal incidence spectrometer. Tungsten ions were distributed in the LHD plasma by injecting a pellet consisting of a small piece of tungsten metal and polyethylene tube. Many lines having different wavelengths from intrinsic impurity ions were observed just after the tungsten pellet injection. Doppler broadening of a tungsten candidate line was successfully measured and the ion temperature was obtained.

  7. Line spectrum and ion temperature measurements from tungsten ions at low ionization stages in large helical device based on vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy in wavelength range of 500–2200 Å

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Oishi, T., E-mail: oishi@LHD.nifs.ac.jp; Morita, S.; Goto, M.

    2014-11-15

    Vacuum ultraviolet spectra of emissions released from tungsten ions at lower ionization stages were measured in the Large Helical Device (LHD) in the wavelength range of 500–2200 Å using a 3 m normal incidence spectrometer. Tungsten ions were distributed in the LHD plasma by injecting a pellet consisting of a small piece of tungsten metal and polyethylene tube. Many lines having different wavelengths from intrinsic impurity ions were observed just after the tungsten pellet injection. Doppler broadening of a tungsten candidate line was successfully measured and the ion temperature was obtained.

  8. A small-scale plasmoid formed during the May 13, 1985, AMPTE magnetotail barium release

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baker, D. N.; Fritz, T. A.; Bernhardt, P. A.

    1989-01-01

    Plasmoids are closed magnetic-loop structures with entrained hot plasma which are inferred to occur on large spatial scales in space plasma systems. A model is proposed here to explain the brightening and rapid tailward movement of the barium cloud released by the AMPTE IRM spacecraft on May 13, 1985. The model suggests that a small-scale plasmoid was formed due to a predicted development of heavy-ion-induced tearing in the thinned near-tail plasma sheet. Thus, a plasmoid may actually have been imaged due to the emissions of the entrained plasma ions within the plasma bubble.

  9. Aspects of Solvent Chemistry for Calcium Hydroxide Medicaments

    PubMed Central

    Athanassiadis, Basil

    2017-01-01

    Calcium hydroxide pastes have been used in endodontics since 1947. Most current calcium hydroxide endodontic pastes use water as the vehicle, which limits the dissolution of calcium hydroxide that can be achieved and, thereby, the maximum pH that can be achieved within the root canal system. Using polyethylene glycol as a solvent, rather than water, can achieve an increase in hydroxyl ions release compared to water or saline. By adopting non-aqueous solvents such as the polyethylene glycols (PEG), greater dissolution and faster hydroxyl ion release can be achieved, leading to enhanced antimicrobial actions, and other improvements in performance and biocompatibility. PMID:29065542

  10. Catalytic Micromotors Moving Near Polyelectrolyte-Modified Substrates: The Roles of Surface Charges, Morphology, and Released Ions.

    PubMed

    Wei, Mengshi; Zhou, Chao; Tang, Jinyao; Wang, Wei

    2018-01-24

    Synthetic microswimmers, or micromotors, are finding potential uses in a wide range of applications, most of which involve boundaries. However, subtle yet important effects beyond physical confinement on the motor dynamics remain less understood. In this letter, glass substrates were functionalized with positively and negatively charged polyelectrolytes, and the dynamics of micromotors moving close to the modified surfaces was examined. Using acoustic levitation and numerical simulation, we reveal how the speed of a chemically propelled micromotor slows down significantly near a polyelectrolyte-modified surface by the combined effects of surface charges, surface morphology, and ions released from the films.

  11. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Klein, Stefanie; Sommer, Anja; Distel, Luitpold V.R.

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ultrasmall citrate-coated SPIONs with {gamma}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} structure were prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SPIONs uptaken by MCF-7 cells increase the ROS production for about 240%. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The SPION induced ROS production is due to released iron ions and catalytically active surfaces. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Released iron ions and SPION surfaces initiate the Fenton and Haber-Weiss reaction. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer X-ray irradiation of internalized SPIONs leads to an increase of catalytically active surfaces. -- Abstract: Internalization of citrate-coated and uncoated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells was verified by transmission electron microscopy imaging. Cytotoxicity studies employing metabolicmore » and trypan blue assays manifested their excellent biocompatibility. The production of reactive oxygen species in iron oxide nanoparticle loaded MCF-7 cells was explained to originate from both, the release of iron ions and their catalytically active surfaces. Both initiate the Fenton and Haber-Weiss reaction. Additional oxidative stress caused by X-ray irradiation of MCF-7 cells was attributed to the increase of catalytically active iron oxide nanoparticle surfaces.« less

  12. Safety evaluation -- Spent water treatment system components inventory release

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dodd, E.N. Jr.

    1995-01-24

    Over the past few years various impediments to shipment of generated spent basin water treatment system components have resulted in the accumulation of quantities of these waste items at 100K. Specifically, there are (as of 01/01/95) 13 grout/culvert packaged cartridge filters (CF), four unpackaged cartridge filters, 60 spent ion exchange columns (IXC) and seven ion exchange modules (IXM) at 100K awaiting shipment for final waste disposal. As a result of the accumulation of this waste, the question has arisen regarding the consequences of potential releases of the inventory of radionuclides in these waste items relative to the K Area safetymore » envelope. The purpose of this paper is to address this question. The initial step evaluating the consequences of potential release of material from the spent water treatment system components was to determine the individual and total radionuclide inventories of concern. Generally the radioisotopes of concern to the dose consequences were Sr/Y-90, Cs-137, and the transuranic (TRU) isotopes. The loading of these radioisotopes needed to be determined for each of the components of the total number of accumulated IXCs, IXMs and CFs. This evaluation examines four potential releases of material from the spent water treatment system components. These releases are: the release of material from all 39 IXCs stored in 183-KW; the release of material from the IXCs, IXMs and CFs at 105-KE and 105-KW; the release of material from the 13 CFs stored behind 105-KE; and the non-mechanistic release of the total stored waste inventory.« less

  13. Differential Dopamine Release Dynamics in the Nucleus Accumbens Core and Shell Reveal Complementary Signals for Error Prediction and Incentive Motivation

    PubMed Central

    Cacciapaglia, Fabio; Wightman, R. Mark; Carelli, Regina M.

    2015-01-01

    Mesolimbic dopamine (DA) is phasically released during appetitive behaviors, though there is substantive disagreement about the specific purpose of these DA signals. For example, prediction error (PE) models suggest a role of learning, while incentive salience (IS) models argue that the DA signal imbues stimuli with value and thereby stimulates motivated behavior. However, within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) patterns of DA release can strikingly differ between subregions, and as such, it is possible that these patterns differentially contribute to aspects of PE and IS. To assess this, we measured DA release in subregions of the NAc during a behavioral task that spatiotemporally separated sequential goal-directed stimuli. Electrochemical methods were used to measure subsecond NAc dopamine release in the core and shell during a well learned instrumental chain schedule in which rats were trained to press one lever (seeking; SL) to gain access to a second lever (taking; TL) linked with food delivery, and again during extinction. In the core, phasic DA release was greatest following initial SL presentation, but minimal for the subsequent TL and reward events. In contrast, phasic shell DA showed robust release at all task events. Signaling decreased between the beginning and end of sessions in the shell, but not core. During extinction, peak DA release in the core showed a graded decrease for the SL and pauses in release during omitted expected rewards, whereas shell DA release decreased predominantly during the TL. These release dynamics suggest parallel DA signals capable of supporting distinct theories of appetitive behavior. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dopamine signaling in the brain is important for a variety of cognitive functions, such as learning and motivation. Typically, it is assumed that a single dopamine signal is sufficient to support these cognitive functions, though competing theories disagree on how dopamine contributes to reward-based behaviors. Here, we have found that real-time dopamine release within the nucleus accumbens (a primary target of midbrain dopamine neurons) strikingly varies between core and shell subregions. In the core, dopamine dynamics are consistent with learning-based theories (such as reward prediction error) whereas in the shell, dopamine is consistent with motivation-based theories (e.g., incentive salience). These findings demonstrate that dopamine plays multiple and complementary roles based on discrete circuits that help animals optimize rewarding behaviors. PMID:26290234

  14. Optogenetically-induced tonic dopamine release from VTA-nucleus accumbens projections inhibits reward consummatory behaviors

    PubMed Central

    Mikhailova, Maria A.; Bass, Caroline E.; Grinevich, Valentina P.; Chappell, Ann M.; Deal, Alex L.; Bonin, Keith D.; Weiner, Jeff L.; Gainetdinov, Raul R.; Budygin, Evgeny A.

    2016-01-01

    Recent optogenetic studies demonstrated that phasic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens may play a causal role in multiple aspects of natural and drug reward-related behaviors. The role of tonic dopamine release in reward consummatory behavior remains unclear. The current study used a combinatorial viral-mediated gene delivery approach to express ChR2 on mesolimbic dopamine neurons in rats. We used optical activation of this dopamine circuit to mimic tonic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and to explore the causal relationship between this form of dopamine signaling within the ventral tegmental area (VTA)-nucleus accumbens projection and consumption of a natural reward. Using a two bottle choice paradigm (sucrose vs. water), the experiments revealed that tonic optogenetic stimulation of mesolimbic dopamine transmission significantly decreased reward consummatory behaviors. Specifically, there was a significant decrease in the number of bouts, licks and amount of sucrose obtained during the drinking session. Notably, activation of VTA dopamine cell bodies or dopamine terminals in the nucleus accumbens resulted in identical behavioral consequences. No changes in the water intake were evident under the same experimental conditions. Collectively, these data demonstrate that tonic optogenetic stimulation of VTA-nucleus accumbens dopamine release is sufficient to inhibit reward consummatory behavior, possibly by preventing this circuit from engaging in phasic activity that is thought to be essential for reward-based behaviors. PMID:27421228

  15. Destruction of chloroanisoles by using a hydrogen peroxide activated method and its application to remove chloroanisoles from cork stoppers.

    PubMed

    Recio, Eliseo; Alvarez-Rodríguez, María Luisa; Rumbero, Angel; Garzón, Enrique; Coque, Juan José R

    2011-12-14

    A chemical method for the efficient destruction of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) and pentachloroanisole (PCA) in aqueous solutions by using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant catalyzed by molybdate ions in alkaline conditions was developed. Under optimal conditions, more than 80.0% TCA and 75.8% PCA were degraded within the first 60 min of reaction. Chloroanisoles destruction was followed by a concomitant release of up to 2.9 chloride ions per TCA molecule and 4.6 chloride ions per PCA molecule, indicating an almost complete dehalogenation of chloroanisoles. This method was modified to be adapted to chloroanisoles removal from the surface of cork materials including natural cork stoppers (86.0% decrease in releasable TCA content), agglomerated corks (78.2%), and granulated cork (51.3%). This method has proved to be efficient and inexpensive with practical application in the cork industry to lower TCA levels in cork materials.

  16. Prompt ionization in the CRIT II barium releases. [Critical Ionization Tests

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Torbert, R. B.; Kletzing, C. A.; Liou, K.; Rau, D.

    1992-01-01

    Observations of electron and ion distributions inside a fast neutral barium jet in the ionosphere show significant fluxes within 4 km of release, presumably related to beam plasma instability processes involved in the Critical Ionization Velocity (CIV) effect. Electron fluxes exceeding 5 x 10 exp 12/sq cm-str-sec-keV were responsible for ionizing both the streaming barium and ambient oxygen. Resulting ion fluxes seem to be consistent with 1-2 percent ionization of the fast barium, as reported by optical observations, although the extended spatial distribution of the optically observed ions is difficult to reconcile with the in situ observations. When the perpendicular velocity of the neutrals falls below critical values, these processes shut off. Although these observations resemble the earlier Porcupine experimental results (Haerendel, 1982), theoretical understanding of the differences between these data and that of earlier negative experiments is still lacking.

  17. Effect of exposure environment on surface decomposition of SiC-silver ion implantation diffusion couples

    DOE PAGES

    Gerczak, Tyler J.; Zheng, Guiqui; Field, Kevin G.; ...

    2014-10-05

    SiC is a promising material for nuclear applications and is a critical component in the construction of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. A primary issue with TRISO fuel operation is the observed release of 110m Ag from intact fuel particles. The release of Ag has prompted research efforts to directly measure the transport mechanism of Ag in bulk SiC. Recent research efforts have focused primarily on Ag ion implantation designs. The effect of the thermal exposure system on the ion implantation surface has been investigated. Results indicate the utilization of a mated sample geometry and the establishment of a static thermalmore » exposure environment is critical to maintaining an intact surface for diffusion analysis. In conclusion, the nature of the implantation surface and its potential role in Ag diffusion analysis are discussed.« less

  18. Energetics of lithium ion battery failure.

    PubMed

    Lyon, Richard E; Walters, Richard N

    2016-11-15

    The energy released by failure of rechargeable 18-mm diameter by 65-mm long cylindrical (18650) lithium ion cells/batteries was measured in a bomb calorimeter for 4 different commercial cathode chemistries over the full range of charge using a method developed for this purpose. Thermal runaway was induced by electrical resistance (Joule) heating of the cell in the nitrogen-filled pressure vessel (bomb) to preclude combustion. The total energy released by cell failure, ΔHf, was assumed to be comprised of the stored electrical energy E (cell potential×charge) and the chemical energy of mixing, reaction and thermal decomposition of the cell components, ΔUrxn. The contribution of E and ΔUrxn to ΔHf was determined and the mass of volatile, combustible thermal decomposition products was measured in an effort to characterize the fire safety hazard of rechargeable lithium ion cells. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. Dynamic Duos? Jamaican Fruit Bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) Do Not Show Prosocial Behavior in a Release Paradigm.

    PubMed

    Hoffmaster, Eric; Vonk, Jennifer

    2016-11-20

    Once thought to be uniquely human, prosocial behavior has been observed in a number of species, including vampire bats that engage in costly food-sharing. Another social chiropteran, Jamaican fruit bats ( Artibeus jamaicensis ), have been observed to engage in cooperative mate guarding, and thus might be expected to display prosocial behavior as well. However, frugivory and hematophagy diets may impose different selection pressures on prosocial preferences, given that prosocial preferences may depend upon cognitive abilities selected by different ecological constraints. Thus, we assessed whether Jamaican fruit bats would assist a conspecific in an escape paradigm in which a donor could opt to release a recipient from an enclosure. The test apparatus contained two compartments-one of which was equipped with a sensor that, once triggered, released the trap door of the adjacent compartment. Sixty-six exhaustive pairs of 12 bats were tested, with each bat in each role, twice when the recipient was present and twice when absent. Bats decreased their behavior of releasing the trapdoor in both conditions over time, decreasing the behavior slightly more rapidly in the recipient absent condition. Bats did not release the door more often when recipients were present, regardless of the recipient; thus, there was no clear evidence of prosocial behavior.

  20. Striatal dopaminergic modulation of reinforcement learning predicts reward-oriented behavior in daily life.

    PubMed

    Kasanova, Zuzana; Ceccarini, Jenny; Frank, Michael J; Amelsvoort, Thérèse van; Booij, Jan; Heinzel, Alexander; Mottaghy, Felix; Myin-Germeys, Inez

    2017-07-01

    Much human behavior is driven by rewards. Preclinical neurophysiological and clinical positron emission tomography (PET) studies have implicated striatal phasic dopamine (DA) release as a primary modulator of reward processing. However, the relationship between experimental reward-induced striatal DA release and responsiveness to naturalistic rewards, and therefore functional relevance of these findings, has been elusive. We therefore combined, for the first time, a DA D 2/3 receptor [ 18 F]fallypride PET during a probabilistic reinforcement learning (RL) task with a six day ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of reward-related behavior in the everyday life of 16 healthy volunteers. We detected significant reward-induced DA release in the bilateral putamen, caudate nucleus and ventral striatum, the extent of which was associated with better behavioral performance on the RL task across all regions. Furthermore, individual variability in the extent of reward-induced DA release in the right caudate nucleus and ventral striatum modulated the tendency to be actively engaged in a behavior if the active engagement was previously deemed enjoyable. This study suggests a link between striatal reward-related DA release and ecologically relevant reward-oriented behavior, suggesting an avenue for the inquiry into the DAergic basis of optimal and impaired motivational drive. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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