Nanodust released in interplanetary collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, H. R.; Russell, C. T.

2018-07-01

The lifecycle of near-Earth objects (NEOs) involves a collisional cascade that produces ever smaller debris ending with nanoscale particles which are removed from the solar system by radiation pressure and electromagnetic effects. It has been proposed that the nanodust clouds released in collisions perturb the background interplanetary magnetic field and create the interplanetary field enhancements (IFEs). Assuming that this IFE formation scenario is actually operating, we calculate the interplanetary collision rate, estimate the total debris mass carried by nanodust, and compare the collision rate with the IFE rate. We find that to release the same amount of nanodust, the collision rate is comparable to the observed IFE rate. Besides quantitatively testing the association between the collisions evolving large objects and giant solar wind structures, such a study can be extended to ranges of smaller scales and to investigate the source of moderate and small solar wind perturbations.

Experimental study of terrestrial plant litter interaction with aqueous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraysse, F.; Pokrovsky, O. S.; Meunier, J.-D.

2010-01-01

Quantification of silicon and calcium recycling by plants is hampered by the lack of physico-chemical data on reactivity of plant litter in soil environments. We applied a laboratory experimental approach for determining the silica and calcium release rates from litter of typical temperate and boreal plants: pine ( Pinus laricio), birch ( Betula pubescens), larch ( Larix gmelinii), elm ( Ulmus laevis Pall.), tree fern ( Dicksonia squarrosa), and horsetail (Equisetum arvense) in 0.01 M NaCl solutions, pH of 2-10 and temperature equals to 5, 25 and 40 °C. Open system, mixed-flow reactors equipped with dialysis compartment and batch reactors were used. Comparative measurements were performed on intact larch needles and samples grounded during different time, sterilized or not and with addition or not of sodium azide in order to account for the effect of surface to mass ratio and possible microbiological activity on the litter dissolution rates. Litter degradation results suggest that the silica release rate is independent on dissolved organic carbon release (cell breakdown) which implies the presence of phytoliths in a pure "inorganic" pool not complexed with organic matter. Calcium and DOC are released at the very first stage of litter dissolution while Si concentration increases gradually suggesting the presence of Ca and Si in two different pools. The dry-weight normalized dissolution rate at circum-neutral pH range (approx. 1-10 μmol/g DW/day) is 2 orders of magnitude higher than the rates of Si release from common soil minerals (kaolinite, smectite, illite). Minimal Ca release rates evaluated from batch and mixed-flow reactors are comparable with those of most reactive soil minerals such as calcite and apatite, and several orders of magnitude higher than the dissolution rates of major rock-forming silicates (feldspars, pyroxenes). The activation energy for Si liberation from plant litter is approx. 50 kJ/mol which is comparable with that of surface-controlled mineral dissolutions. It is shown that the Si release rate from the above-ground forest biomass is capable of producing the Si concentrations observed in soil solutions of surficial horizons and contribute significantly to the Si flux from the soil to the river.

Comparison of the Kinetic Rate Law Parameters for the Dissolution of Natural and Synthetic Autunite in the Presence of Aqueous Bicarbonate Ions

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

Gudavalli, Ravi; Katsenovich, Yelena; Wellman, Dawn M.

2013-08-02

Bicarbonate is one of the most significant components within the uranium geochemical cycle. In aqueous solutions, bicarbonate forms strong complexes with uranium. As such, aqueous bicarbonate may significantly increase the rate of uranium release from uranium minerals. Quantifying the relationship of aqueous bicarbonate concentration to the rate of uranium release during dissolution is critical to understanding the long-term fate of uranium within the environment. Single-pass flow-through (SPTF) experiments were conducted to estimate the rate of uranium release from Na meta-autunite as a function of bicarbonate (0.0005-0.003 M) under the pH range of 6-11 and a temperature range of 5-60oC. Consistentmore » with the results of previous investigation, the rate of uranium release exhibited minimal dependency on temperature; but were strongly dependent on pH. Increasing aqueous bicarbonate concentrations afforded comparable increases in the rate of release of uranium. Most notably under low pH conditions the aqueous bicarbonate resulted in up to 370 fold increases in the rate of uranium release in relative to the rate of uranium release in the absence of bicarbonate. However, the effect of aqueous bicarbonate on the release of uranium was significantly less under higher pH conditions. It is postulated that at high pH values, surface sites are saturated with carbonate, thus the addition of more bicarbonate would have less effect on uranium release.« less

Controlling the Release of Indomethacin from Glass Solutions Layered with a Rate Controlling Membrane Using Fluid-Bed Processing. Part 2: The Influence of Formulation Parameters on Drug Release.

PubMed

Dereymaker, Aswin; Pelgrims, Jirka; Engelen, Frederik; Adriaensens, Peter; Van den Mooter, Guy

2017-04-03

This study aimed to investigate the pharmaceutical performance of an indomethacin-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) glass solution applied using fluid bed processing as a layer on inert sucrose spheres and subsequently top-coated with a release rate controlling membrane consisting of either ethyl cellulose or Eudragit RL. The implications of the addition of a pore former (PVP) and the coating medium (ethanol or water) on the diffusion and release behavior were also considered. In addition, the role of a charge interaction between drug and controlled release polymer on the release was investigated. Diffusion experiments pointed to the influence of pore former concentration, rate controlling polymer type, and coating solvent on the permeability of the controlled release membranes. This can be translated to drug release tests, which show the potential of diffusion tests as a preliminary screening test and that diffusion is the main factor influencing release. Drug release tests also showed the effect of coating layer thickness. A charge interaction between INDO and ERL was demonstrated, but this had no negative effect on drug release. The higher diffusion and release observed in ERL-based rate controlling membranes was explained by a higher hydrophilicity, compared to EC.

Phenazopyridine-phthalimide nano-cocrystal: Release rate and oral bioavailability enhancement.

PubMed

Huang, Yu; Li, Jin-Mei; Lai, Zhi-Hui; Wu, Jun; Lu, Tong-Bu; Chen, Jia-Mei

2017-11-15

Both cocrystal and nanocrystal technologies have been widely used in the pharmaceutical development for poorly soluble drugs. However, the synergistic effects due to the integration of these two technologies have not been well investigated. The aim of this study is to develop a nano-sized cocrystal of phenazopyridine (PAP) with phthalimide (PI) to enhance the release rate and oral bioavailability of PAP. A PAP-PI nano-cocrystal with particle diameter of 21.4±0.1nm was successfully prepared via a sonochemical approach and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. An in vitro release study revealed a significant release rate enhancement for PAP-PI nano-cocrystal as compared to PAP-PI cocrystal and PAP hydrochloride salt. Further, a comparative oral bioavailability study in rats indicated significant improvement in C max and oral bioavailability (AUC 0-∞ ) by 1.39- and 2.44-fold, respectively. This study demonstrated that this novel nano-cocrystal technology can be a new promising option to improve release rate and absorption of poorly soluble compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bacterial dissolution of fluorapatite as a possible source of elevated dissolved phosphate in the environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Mu-hua; Ngwenya, Bryne T.; Wang, Lin; Li, Wenchao; Olive, Valerie; Ellam, Robert M.

2011-10-01

In order to understand the contribution of geogenic phosphorus to lake eutrophication, we have investigated the rate and extent of fluorapatite dissolution in the presence of two common soil bacteria ( Pantoea agglomerans and Bacillus megaterium) at T = 25 °C for 26 days. The release of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and rare earth elements (REE) under biotic and abiotic conditions was compared to investigate the effect of microorganism on apatite dissolution. The release of Ca and P was enhanced under the influence of bacteria. Apatite dissolution rates obtained from solution Ca concentration in the biotic reactors increased above error compared with abiotic controls. Chemical analysis of biomass showed that bacteria scavenged Ca, P, and REE during their growth, which lowered their fluid concentrations, leading to apparent lower release rates. The temporal evolution of pH in the reactors reflected the balance of apatite weathering, solution reactions, bacterial metabolism, and potentially secondary precipitation, which was implied in the variety of REE patterns in the biotic and abiotic reactors. Light rare earth elements (LREE) were preferentially adsorbed to cell surfaces, whereas heavy rare earth elements (HREE) were retained in the fluid phase. Decoupling of LREE and HREE could possibly be due to preferential release of HREE from apatite or selective secondary precipitation of LREE enriched phosphates, especially in the presence of bacteria. When corrected for intracellular concentrations, both biotic reactors showed high P and REE release compared with the abiotic control. We speculate that lack of this correction explains the conflicting findings about the role of bacteria in mineral weathering rates. The observation that bacteria enhance the release rates of P and REE from apatite could account for some of the phosphorus burden and metal pollution in aquatic environments.

Release from or through a wax matrix system. I. Basic release properties of the wax matrix system.

PubMed

Yonezawa, Y; Ishida, S; Sunada, H

2001-11-01

Release properties from a wax matrix tablet was examined. To obtain basic release properties, the wax matrix tablet was prepared from a physical mixture of drug and wax powder (hydrogenated caster oil) at a fixed mixing ratio. Properties of release from the single flat-faced surface or curved side surface of the wax matrix tablet were examined. The applicability of the square-root time law and of Higuchi equations was confirmed. The release rate constant obtained as g/min(1/2) changed with the release direction. However, the release rate constant obtained as g/cm2 x min(1/2) was almost the same. Hence it was suggested that the release property was almost the same and the wax matrix structure was uniform independent of release surface or direction at a fixed mixing ratio. However, these equations could not explain the entire release process. The applicability of a semilogarithmic equation was not as good compared with the square-root time law or Higuchi equation. However, it was revealed that the semilogarithmic equation was available to simulate the entire release process, even though the fit was somewhat poor. Hence it was suggested that the semilogarithmic equation was sufficient to describe the release process. The release rate constant was varied with release direction. However, these release rate constants were expressed by a function of the effective surface area and initial amount, independent of the release direction.

Levonorgestrel release rates over 5 years with the Liletta® 52-mg intrauterine system.

PubMed

Creinin, Mitchell D; Jansen, Rolf; Starr, Robert M; Gobburu, Joga; Gopalakrishnan, Mathangi; Olariu, Andrea

2016-10-01

To understand the potential duration of action for Liletta®, we conducted this study to estimate levonorgestrel (LNG) release rates over approximately 5½years of product use. Clinical sites in the U.S. Phase 3 study of Liletta collected the LNG intrauterine systems (IUSs) from women who discontinued the study. We randomly selected samples within 90-day intervals after discontinuation of IUS use through 900days (approximately 2.5years) and 180-day intervals for the remaining duration through 5.4years (1980days) to evaluate residual LNG content. We also performed an initial LNG content analysis using 10 randomly selected samples from a single lot. We calculated the average ex vivo release rate using the residual LNG content over the duration of the analysis. We analyzed 64 samples within 90-day intervals (range 6-10 samples per interval) through 900days and 36 samples within 180-day intervals (6 samples per interval) for the remaining duration. The initial content analysis averaged 52.0±1.8mg. We calculated an average initial release rate of 19.5mcg/day that decreased to 17.0, 14.8, 12.9, 11.3 and 9.8mcg/day after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5years, respectively. The 5-year average release rate is 14.7mcg/day. The estimated initial LNG release rate and gradual decay of the estimated release rate are consistent with the target design and function of the product. The calculated LNG content and release rate curves support the continued evaluation of Liletta as a contraceptive for 5 or more years of use. Liletta LNG content and release rates are comparable to published data for another LNG 52-mg IUS. The release rate at 5years is more than double the published release rate at 3years with an LNG 13.5-mg IUS, suggesting continued efficacy of Liletta beyond 5years. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ferulic Acid-Based Polymers with Glycol Functionality as a Versatile Platform for Topical Applications.

PubMed

Ouimet, Michelle A; Faig, Jonathan J; Yu, Weiling; Uhrich, Kathryn E

2015-09-14

Ferulic acid-based polymers with aliphatic linkages have been previously synthesized via solution polymerization methods, yet they feature relatively slow ferulic acid release rates (∼11 months to 100% completion). To achieve a more rapid release rate as required in skin care formulations, ferulic acid-based polymers with ethylene glycol linkers were prepared to increase hydrophilicity and, in turn, increase ferulic acid release rates. The polymers were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies to confirm chemical composition. The molecular weights, thermal properties (e.g., glass transition temperature), and contact angles were also obtained and the polymers compared. Polymer glass transition temperature was observed to decrease with increasing linker molecule length, whereas increasing oxygen content decreased polymer contact angle. The polymers' chemical structures and physical properties were shown to influence ferulic acid release rates and antioxidant activity. In all polymers, ferulic acid release was achieved with no bioactive decomposition. These polymers demonstrate the ability to strategically release ferulic acid at rates and concentrations relevant for topical applications such as skin care products.

Evaluation of rate of swelling and erosion of verapamil (VRP) sustained-release matrix tablets.

PubMed

Khamanga, Sandile M; Walker, Roderick B

2006-01-01

Tablets manufactured in-house were compared to a marketed sustained-release product of verapamil to investigate the rate of hydration, erosion, and drug-release mechanism by measuring the wet and subsequent dry weights of the products. Swelling and erosion rates depended on the polymer and granulating fluid used, which ultimately pointed to their permeability characteristics. Erosion rate of the marketed product was highest, which suggests that the gel layer that formed around these tablets was weak as opposed to the robust and resistant layers of test products. Anomalous and near zero-order transport mechanisms were dominant in tests and commercial product, respectively.

Field Comparison of Spruce Budworm Pheromone Lures

Treesearch

David G. Grimble

1987-01-01

Four types of spruce budworm pheromone lures were tested to compare field longevity and efficiency. Biolures with three different pheromone release rates and Silk-PVC lures all caught male budworm moths throughout the moth flight period in proportion to the different release rates. Fumigant strips in traps to kill trapped moths were necessary.

Dust release rates and dust-to-gas mass ratios of eight comets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, P. D.; De Almeida, A. A.; Huebner, W. F.

1992-01-01

Mass release rates of dust and mass ratios of dust-to-gas release rates of Comets Thiele (1985m), Wilson (1986l), P/Borrelly (1987p), Liller (1988a), Bradfield (1987s), Hartley-Good (1985l), P/Giacobini-Zinner (1984e), and P/Halley (1982i) are estimated from the analysis of continuum flux measurements at optical wavelengths. An attempt is made to estimate the size of each comet nucleus on the basis of water-ice sublimation (vaporization), assuming that the nucleus is spherical and only a fraction of its surface area is active. Where possible, the dust mass release rates are compared with those obtained by other investigators in the optical and IR wavelength regions. Good agreement with results based on IR observations is found.

Low-molecular-weight organoiodine and organobromine compounds released by polar macroalgae--the influence of abiotic factors.

PubMed

Laturnus, F; Giese, B; Wiencke, C; Adams, F C

2000-01-01

The influence of temperature, light, salinity and nutrient availability on the release of volatile halogenated hydrocarbons was investigated in the Antarctic red macroalgal species Gymnogongrus antarcticus Skottsberg. Compared to standard culture condition, an increase in the release rates of iodocompounds was generally found for the exposure of the alga to altered environmental conditions. Macroalgae exhibited higher release rates after adaptation for two months to the changed factors, than after short-term exposure. Monitoring the release rates during a 24 h incubation period (8.25 h light, 15.75 h darkness) showed that changes between light and dark periods had no influence on the release of volatile halocarbons. Compounds like bromoform and 1-iodobutane exhibited constant release rates during the 24 h period. The formation mechanisms and biological role of volatile organohalogens are discussed. Although marine macroalgae are not considered to be the major source of biogenically-produced volatile organohalogens, they contribute significantly to the bromine and iodine cycles in the environment. Under possible environmental changes like global warming and uncontrolled entrophication of the oceans their significance may be increase.

Evaluation of Matrix Tablets Based on Eudragit®E100/Carbopol®971P Combinations for Controlled Release and Improved Compaction Properties of Water Soluble Model Drug Paracetamol.

PubMed

Obeidat, Wasfy M; Nokhodchi, Ali; Alkhatib, Hatim

2015-10-01

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of Eudragit®E100 polymer in modifying the release rates and compaction properties of water soluble model drug paracetamol from Carbopol®971P NF polymer matrix tablets prepared by direct compression. The effects of the ratio of the two polymers, the total polymeric content, and the tablets mechanical strength on paracetamol release rates were investigated. Dissolution studies were conducted using USP XX Π rotating paddle apparatus at 50 rpm and 37°C at three different stages (pH 1.2, 4.8, and 6.8). Results showed that the polymers combination improved significantly the compaction properties of paracetamol tablets as evident by the higher crushing strengths (8.3 ± 0.4 Kp) compared to polymer-free tablets (3.4 ± 0.2 Kp) at intermediate compression pressure of 490 MPa. When combined with Carbopol®971P NF, Eudragit®E100 was found to be capable of extending paracetamol release for more than 12 h compared to 1 h for polymers-free tablets. The combined polymers were able to control paracetamol release in a pH independent pattern. The f2 (similarity factor) analysis showed that the ratio between the polymers and the total polymer concentration exhibited significant impact on drug release rates. In conclusion, Eudragit®E100 when combined with Carbopol®971P NF was capable of improving the compaction and sustained release properties of paracetamol. Korsmeyer-Peppas model was found to be the most suitable for fitting drug release data. The polymer combinations can potentially be used to control the release rates of highly water soluble drugs.

Comparative drug release measurements in limited amounts of liquid: a suppository formulation study.

PubMed

Welch, Ken; Ek, Ragnar; Strømme, Maria

2006-07-01

A novel method for the investigation of drug formulations in limited liquid volumes is presented. The experimental setup consists of a measurement cell containing an absorbent sponge cloth placed between two parallel electrodes. Conductivity measurements are used to monitor the drug release from the dosage form. By varying the amount of water contained in the absorbent cloth surrounding the dosage form, it is possible to measure the drug release performance of the dosage form in very limited amounts of water. The method was employed to test four different tablet formulations consisting of the model drug NaCl incorporated in excipient matrices of hard fat, polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose and a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium (Ac-Di-Sol). The drug release rates of the different formulations in limited water volumes differed markedly from the release rates in an excess of water. Whereas the release rates from all tablet types in an excess of water showed only minor differences among the tablet types, the release rates from the tablets formulated with disintegrating excipients were clearly superior in limited water volumes. The developed method for drug release in limited volumes of liquid should be suitable for evaluation of rectal dosage forms.

Abuse and Diversion of Immediate Release Opioid Analgesics as Compared to Extended Release Formulations in the United States

PubMed Central

Iwanicki, Janetta L.; Severtson, S. Geoff; McDaniel, Heather; Rosenblum, Andrew; Fong, Chunki; Cicero, Theodore J.; Ellis, Matthew S.; Kurtz, Steven P.; Buttram, Mance E.; Dart, Richard C.

2016-01-01

Background Therapeutic use and abuse of prescription opioids in the United States increased substantially between 1990 and 2010. The Centers for Disease Control estimated deaths related to pharmaceutical opioids reached nearly 19,000 in 2014. Of prescription opioids sold, 10% are extended release (ER) and 90% immediate release (IR). However, most regulations and interventions have focused on decreasing ER abuse. Our objective was to compare rates of abuse and diversion of ER and IR opioid analgesics over time using multiple surveillance programs. Methods Rates of abuse and diversion of ER and IR opioid formulations were compared using data from four surveillance programs in the Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction Related Surveillance (RADARS®) System. Data were evaluated from 2009 through 2015, and Poisson regression used to compare IR and ER opioid cases over time. Results From 2009 to 2015, IR opioids were prescribed at a rate 12 to 16 times higher than ER. In the Poison Center Program, population-adjusted rates of Intentional Abuse for IR were 4.6 fold higher than ER opioids (p<0.001). In the Drug Diversion Program, population-adjusted rates of diversion were 6.1 fold higher for IR than ER opioids (p<0.001). In the Opioid Treatment Program, population-adjusted rates of endorsements for abuse were 1.6 fold higher for IR opioids than ER (p = 0.002). In the Survey of Key Informants' Patients Program, population-adjusted rates of endorsements for abuse were 1.5 fold higher for IR opioids than ER (p<0.001). Conclusions Between 2009 and 2015, IR opioids were prescribed at a much higher rate than ER opioids. Results from four surveillance programs show population-adjusted rates of prescription opioid abuse were markedly higher for IR than ER medications. For the greatest public health benefit, future interventions to decrease prescription opioid abuse should focus on both IR and ER formulations. PMID:27936038

Abuse and Diversion of Immediate Release Opioid Analgesics as Compared to Extended Release Formulations in the United States.

PubMed

Iwanicki, Janetta L; Severtson, S Geoff; McDaniel, Heather; Rosenblum, Andrew; Fong, Chunki; Cicero, Theodore J; Ellis, Matthew S; Kurtz, Steven P; Buttram, Mance E; Dart, Richard C

2016-01-01

Therapeutic use and abuse of prescription opioids in the United States increased substantially between 1990 and 2010. The Centers for Disease Control estimated deaths related to pharmaceutical opioids reached nearly 19,000 in 2014. Of prescription opioids sold, 10% are extended release (ER) and 90% immediate release (IR). However, most regulations and interventions have focused on decreasing ER abuse. Our objective was to compare rates of abuse and diversion of ER and IR opioid analgesics over time using multiple surveillance programs. Rates of abuse and diversion of ER and IR opioid formulations were compared using data from four surveillance programs in the Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction Related Surveillance (RADARS®) System. Data were evaluated from 2009 through 2015, and Poisson regression used to compare IR and ER opioid cases over time. From 2009 to 2015, IR opioids were prescribed at a rate 12 to 16 times higher than ER. In the Poison Center Program, population-adjusted rates of Intentional Abuse for IR were 4.6 fold higher than ER opioids (p<0.001). In the Drug Diversion Program, population-adjusted rates of diversion were 6.1 fold higher for IR than ER opioids (p<0.001). In the Opioid Treatment Program, population-adjusted rates of endorsements for abuse were 1.6 fold higher for IR opioids than ER (p = 0.002). In the Survey of Key Informants' Patients Program, population-adjusted rates of endorsements for abuse were 1.5 fold higher for IR opioids than ER (p<0.001). Between 2009 and 2015, IR opioids were prescribed at a much higher rate than ER opioids. Results from four surveillance programs show population-adjusted rates of prescription opioid abuse were markedly higher for IR than ER medications. For the greatest public health benefit, future interventions to decrease prescription opioid abuse should focus on both IR and ER formulations.

Recharge of the early atmosphere of Mars by impact-induced release of CO2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, Michael H.

1989-01-01

The question as to whether high impact rates early in the history of Mars could have aided in maintaining a relatively thick CO2 atmosphere is discussed. Such impacts could have released CO2 into the atmosphere by burial, by shock-induced release during impact events, and by the addition of carbon to Mars from the impacting bolides. On the assumption that cratering rates on Mars were comparable to those of the moon's Nectarial period, burial rates are a result of 'impact gardening' at the end of heavy bombardment are estimated to have ranged from 20 to 45 m/million years; at these rates, 0.1-0.2 bar of CO2 would have been released every 10 million years as a result of burial to depths at which carbonate dissociation temperatures are encountered.

Effects of absorption enhancers in chloroquine suppository formulations: I. In vitro release characteristics.

PubMed

Onyeji, C O; Adebayo, A S; Babalola, C P

1999-12-01

The need to develop chloroquine suppository formulations that yield optimal bioavailability of the drug has been emphasized. This study demonstrates the effects of incorporation of known absorption-enhancing agents (nonionic surfactants and sodium salicylate) on the in vitro release characteristics of chloroquine from polyethylene glycol (1000:4000, 75:25%, w/w) suppositories. The release rates were determined using a modification of the continuous flow bead-bed dissolution apparatus for suppositories. Results showed that the extent of drug release from suppositories containing any of three surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80 and Brij 35) was 100%, whereas 88% release was obtained with control formulation (without enhancer) (P<0.05). However, Tween 20 was more effective than Brij 35 and Tween 80 in improving the drug release rate. There was a concentration-dependent effect with Tween 20, and 4% (w/w) of this surfactant was associated with the highest increase in the rate of drug release from the suppositories. Sodium salicylate at a concentration of 25% (w/w) also significantly enhanced the drug release rate, but a higher concentration of the adjuvant markedly reduced both the rate and extent of drug release. Combined incorporation of Tween 20 and sodium salicylate did not significantly modify (P0.05) the rate of drug release when compared to the effect of the more effective single agent. Due to their effects in improving the drug release profiles coupled with their intrinsic absorption-promoting properties, it is suggested that incorporation of 4% (w/w) Tween 20 and/or 25% (w/w) sodium salicylate in the composite polyethylene glycol chloroquine suppository formulations, may result in enhancement of rectal absorption of the drug. This necessitates an in vivo validation.

Effect of food characteristics, storage conditions, and electron beam irradiation on active agent release from polyamide-coated LDPE films.

PubMed

Han, J; Castell-Perez, M E; Moreira, R G

2008-03-01

We investigated the effect of electron beam irradiation, storage conditions, and model food pH on the release characteristics of trans-cinnamaldehyde incorporated into polyamide-coated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. Active agent release rate on irradiated films (up to 20.0 kGy) decreased by 69% compared with the nonirradiated controls, from 0.252 to 0.086 microg/mL/h. Storage temperature (4, 21, and 35 degrees C) and pH (4, 7, and 10) of the food simulant solutions (10% aqueous ethanol) affected the release rate of trans-cinnamaldehyde. As expected, antimicrobial release rate decreased to 0.013 microg/mL/h at the refrigerated temperature (4 degrees C) compared to the higher temperatures (0.029 and 0.035 microg/mL/h at 21 and 35 degrees C). The fastest release rate occurred when exposed to the acidic food simulant solution (pH 4). In aqueous solution, trans-cinnamaldehyde was highly unstable to ionizing radiation, with loss in concentration from 24.50 to 1.36 microg/mL after exposure to 2.0 kGy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation up to 10.0 kGy did not affect the structural conformation of LDPE/polyamide films and the trans-cinnamaldehyde in the films, though it induced changes in the functional group of trans-cinnamaldehyde when dose increased up to 20.0 kGy. Studies with a radiation-stable compound (naphthalene) showed that ionizing radiation induced the crosslinking in polymer networks of LDPE/polyamide film and caused slow and gradual release of the compound. This study demonstrated that irradiation serves as a controlling factor for release of active compounds, with potential applications in the development of antimicrobial packaging systems.

Formulation of bi-layer matrix tablets of tramadol hydrochloride: Comparison of rate retarding ability of the incorporated hydrophilic polymers.

PubMed

Arif, Hasanul; Al-Masum, Abdullah; Sharmin, Florida; Reza, Selim; Sm Islam, Sm Ashraful

2015-05-01

Bi-layer tablets of tramadol hydrochloride were prepared by direct compression technique. Each tablet contains an instant release layer with a sustained release layer. The instant release layer was found to release the initial dose immediately within minutes. The instant release layer was combined with sustained release matrix made of varying quantity of Methocel K4M, Methocel K15MCR and Carbomer 974P. Bi-layer tablets were evaluated for various physical tests including weight variation, thickness and diameter, hardness and percent friability. Drug release from bi-layer tablet was studied in acidic medium and buffer medium for two and six hours respectively. Sustained release of tramadol hydrochloride was observed with a controlled fashion that was characteristic to the type and extent of polymer used. % Drug release from eight-hour dissolution study was fitted with several kinetic models. Mean dissolution time (MDT) and fractional dissolution values (T25%, T50% and T80%) were also calculated as well, to compare the retarding ability of the polymers. Methocel K15MCR was found to be the most effective in rate retardation of freely water-soluble tramadol hydrochloride compared to Methocel K4M and Capbomer 974P, when incorporated at equal ratio in the formulation.

Formulation development and release studies of indomethacin suppositories.

PubMed

Sah, M L; Saini, T R

2008-01-01

Indomethacin suppositories were prepared by using water-soluble and oil soluble suppository bases, and evaluated for in vitro release by USP I and modified continuous flow through bead bed apparatus. Effect of the Tween 80 (1% and 5%) was further studied on in vitro release of the medicament. Release rate was good in water-soluble suppositories bases in comparison to oil soluble suppositories bases. Release was found to be greater in modified continuous flow through bead bed apparatus. When surfactant was used in low concentration then release rate was much greater, as compared to high concentration. When stability studies were performed on the prepared indomethacin suppositories it was found that suppositories made by water-soluble base had no significant changes while suppositories prepared by oil soluble bases, had some signs of instability.

Preparation of buccal patch composed of carbopol, poloxamer and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

PubMed

Chun, Myung-Kwan; Kwak, Byoung-Tae; Choi, Hoo-Kyun

2003-11-01

A polymeric film composed of Carbopol, Poloxamer and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was prepared to develop a buccal patch and the effects of composition of the film on adhesion time, swelling ratio, and dissolution of the film were studied. The effects of plasticizers or penetration enhancers on the release of triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) were also studied. The hydrogen bonding between Carbopol and Poloxamer played important role in reducing swelling ratio and dissolution rate of polymer film and increasing adhesion time. The swelling ratio of the composite film was significantly reduced and the adhesion time was increased when compared with Carbopol film. As the ratio of Poloxamer to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose increased from 0/66 to 33/33, the release rate of TAA decreased. However, no further significant decrease of release rate was observed beyond the ratio of 33/33. The release rate of TAA in the polymeric film containing polyethylene glycol 400, a plasticizer, showed the highest release rate followed by triethyl citrate, and castor oil. The release rate of TAA from the polymeric film containing permeation enhancers was slower than that from the control without enhancers. Therefore, these observations indicated that a preparation of a buccal patch is feasible with the polymeric film composed of Cabopol, Poloxamer and hydropropyl methylcellulose.

Sublaminate analysis of interlaminar fracture in composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armanios, E. A.; Rehfield, L. W.

1986-01-01

A simple analysis method based upon a transverse shear deformation theory and a sublaminate approach is utilized to analyze a mixed-mode edge delamination specimen. The analysis provides closed form expressions for the interlaminar shear stresses ahead of the crack, the total energy release rate, and the energy release rate components. The parameters controlling the behavior are identified. The effect of specimen stacking sequence and delamination interface on the strain energy release rate components is investigated. Results are compared with a finite element simulation for reference. The simple nature of the method makes it suitable for preliminary design analyses which require a large number of configurations to be evaluated quickly and economically.

Comparison of Sequential Drug Release in Vitro and in Vivo

PubMed Central

Sundararaj, Sharath C.; Al-Sabbagh, Mohanad; Rabek, Cheryl L.; Dziubla, Thomas D.; Thomas, Mark V.; Puleo, David A.

2015-01-01

Development of drug delivery devices typically involves characterizing in vitro release performance with the inherent assumption that this will closely approximate in vivo performance. Yet, as delivery devices become more complex, for instance with a sequential drug release pattern, it is important to confirm that in vivo properties correlate with the expected “programming” achieved in vitro. In this work, a systematic comparison between in vitro and in vivo biomaterial erosion and sequential release was performed for a multilayered association polymer system comprising cellulose acetate phthalate and Pluronic F-127. After assessing the materials during incubation in phosphate-buffered saline, devices were implanted supracalvarially in rats. Devices with two different doses and with different erosion rates were harvested at increasing times post-implantation, and the in vivo thickness loss, mass loss, and the drug release profiles were compared with their in vitro counterparts. The sequential release of four different drugs observed in vitro was successfully translated to in vivo conditions. Results suggest, however, that the total erosion time of the devices was longer and release rates of the four drugs were different, with drugs initially released more quickly and then more slowly in vivo. Whereas many comparative studies of in vitro and in vivo drug release from biodegradable polymers involved a single drug, the present research demonstrated that sequential release of four drugs can be maintained following implantation. PMID:26111338

Effect of detention basin release rates on flood flows - Application of a model to the Blackberry Creek Watershed in Kane County, Illinois

USGS Publications Warehouse

Soong, David T.; Murphy, Elizabeth A.; Straub, Timothy D.

2009-01-01

The effects of stormwater detention basins with specified release rates are examined on the watershed scale with a Hydrological Simulation Program - FORTRAN (HSPF) continuous-simulation model. Modeling procedures for specifying release rates from detention basins with orifice and weir discharge configurations are discussed in this report. To facilitate future detention modeling as a tool for watershed management, a chart relating watershed impervious area to detention volume is presented. The report also presents a case study of the Blackberry Creek watershed in Kane County, Ill., a rapidly urbanizing area seeking to avoid future flood damages from increased urbanization, to illustrate the effects of various detention basin release rates on flood peaks and volumes and flood frequencies. The case study compares flows simulated with a 1996 land-use HSPF model to those simulated with four different 2020 projected land-use HSPF model scenarios - no detention, and detention basins with release rates of 0.08, 0.10, and 0.12 cubic feet per second per acre (ft3/s-acre), respectively. Results of the simulations for 15 locations, which included the downstream ends of all tributaries and various locations along the main stem, showed that a release rate of 0.10 ft3/s-acre, in general, can maintain postdevelopment 100-year peak-flood discharge at a similar magnitude to that of 1996 land-use conditions. Although the release rate is designed to reduce the 100-year peak flow, reduction of the 2-year peak flow is also achieved for a smaller proportion of the peak. Results also showed that the 0.10 ft3/s-acre release rate was less effective in watersheds with relatively high percentages of preexisting (1996) development than in watersheds with less preexisting development.

Sustained release formulations of citronella oil nanoemulsion using cavitational techniques.

PubMed

Agrawal, Naveen; Maddikeri, Ganesh L; Pandit, Aniruddha B

2017-05-01

Nanoemulsion synthesis has proven to be an effective way for transportation of immobile, insoluble bioactive compounds. Citronella Oil (lemongrass oil), a natural plant extract, can be used as a mosquito repellent and has less harmful effects compared to its available market counterpart DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Nanoemulsion of citronella oil in water was prepared using cavitation-assisted techniques while investigating the effect of system parameters like HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance), surfactant concentration, input energy density and mode of power input on emulsion quality. The present work also examines the effect of emulsification on release rate to understand the relationship between droplet size and the release rate. Minimum droplet size (60nm) of the emulsion was obtained at HLB of 14, S/O 1 ratio of 1.0, ultrasound amplitude of 50% and irradiation time of 5min. This study revealed that hydrodynamic cavitation-assisted emulsification is more energy efficient compared to ultrasonic emulsification. It was also found that the release rate of nanoemulsion enhanced as the droplet size of emulsion reduced. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vivo release of levonorgestrel from Sino-implant (II) — an innovative comparison of explant data.

PubMed

Callahan, Rebecca L; Taylor, Douglas; Jenkins, David W; Owen, Derek H; Cheng, Linan; Cancel, Aida M; Dorflinger, Laneta J; Steiner, Markus J

2015-10-01

Measuring the amount of progestin remaining in contraceptive implants used for different lengths of time provides useful information on in vivo release kinetics including change over time. We compared estimated in vivo levonorgestrel (LNG) release rates derived from Sino-implant (II) explants with similar data from removed Jadelle. We measured LNG remaining in 44 sets of Sino-implant (II) used for up to 7 years and removed in four Chinese clinics. Results were compared with published data for Jadelle explants used for up to 36 months. We estimated and compared monthly and daily LNG release rates for the two products using prediction models for drug release. We also estimated the dissolution profile similarity factor, f2, for LNG release. Both Sino-implant (II) and Jadelle release approximately 30% of total LNG load after 3 years. Results of fitting the data to a biologically plausible modified Higuchi prediction model indicate comparable release through 3 years. An estimated similarity factor of 80.6 (90% confidence interval: 70.8-85.7) indicates similarity in the dissolution profiles of the two implants. LNG release in vivo measured through explant analysis suggest that Sino-implant (II) and Jadelle may perform similarly through 3 years of use and could remain highly effective beyond this time point. These results align with published data for Jadelle and Sino-implant (II) showing high effectiveness for 5 years. Ongoing clinical studies comparing the products over 5 years present an opportunity to verify this supportive measure of clinical effectiveness. This innovative approach provides evidence that Sino-implant (II) may perform clinically similarly to Jadelle over 3 years and remain a highly effective contraceptive beyond this time point. Data from explant analyses show promise for investigating the equivalence of elusion profiles of contraceptive implants. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intestinal Targeting of Ganciclovir Release Employing a Novel HEC-PAA Blended Lyomatrix.

PubMed

Mabrouk, Mostafa; Mulla, Jameel A S; Kumar, Pradeep; Chejara, Dharmesh R; Badhe, Ravindra V; Choonara, Yahya E; du Toit, Lisa C; Pillay, Viness

2016-10-01

A hydroxyethylcellulose-poly(acrylic acid) (HEC-PAA) lyomatrix was developed for ganciclovir (GCV) intestine targeting to overcome its undesirable degradation in the stomach. GCV was encapsulated within the HEC-PAA lyomatrix prepared by lyophilization. Conventional tablets were also prepared with identical GCV concentrations in order to compare the GCV release behavior from the lyomatrix and tablets. GCV incorporation (75.12%) was confirmed using FTIR, DSC, and TGA. The effect of GCV loading on the microstructure properties of the lyomatrix was evaluated by SEM, AFM, and BET surface area measurements. The in vitro drug release study showed steady and rapid release profiles from the GCV-loaded lyomatrix compared with the tablet formulation at identical pH values. Minimum GCV release was observed at acidic pH (≤40%) and maximum release occurred at intestinal pH values (≥90%) proving the intestinal targeting ability of the lyomatrix. Kinetic modeling revealed that the GCV-loaded lyomatrix exhibited zero-order release kinetics (n = 1), while the tablets were best described via the Peppas model. Textural analysis highlighted enhanced matrix resilience and rigidity gradient (12.5%, 20 Pa) for the GCV-loaded lyomatrix compared to the pure (7%, 9.5 Pa) HEC-PAA lyomatrix. Bench-top MRI imaging was used to confirm the mechanism of GCV release behavior by monitoring the swelling and erosion rates. The swelling and erosion rate of the tablets was not sufficient to achieve rapid zero-order GCV release as with the lyomatrix. These combined results suggest that the HEC-PAA lyomatrix may be suitable for GCV intestinal targeting after oral administration.

Lake Roosevelt Fisheries Evaluation Program : Lake Whatcom Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka kennerlyi) : Investigations in Lake Roosevelt Annual Report 1999-2000.

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

McLellan, Holly J.; Scholz, Allan T.; McLellan, Jason G.

2001-07-01

Lake Whatcom stock kokanee have been planted in Lake Roosevelt since 1988 with the primary goal of establishing a self-sustaining fishery. Returns of hatchery kokanee to egg collection facilities and recruitment to the creel have been minimal. Therefore, four experiments were conducted to determine the most appropriate release strategy that would increase kokanee returns. The first experiment compared morpholine and non-morpholine imprinted kokanee return rates, the second experiment compared early and middle run Whatcom kokanee, the third experiment compared early and late release dates, and the fourth experiment compared three net pen release strategies: Sherman Creek hatchery vs. Sherman Creekmore » net pens, Colville River net pens vs. Sherman Creek net pens, and upper vs. lower reservoir net pen releases. Each experiment was tested in three ways: (1) returns to Sherman Creek, (2) returns to other tributaries throughout the reservoir, and (3) returns to the creel. Chi-square analysis of hatchery and tributary returns indicated no significant difference between morpholine imprinted and non-imprinted fish, early run fish outperformed middle run fish, early release date outperformed late release fish, and the hatchery outperformed all net pen releases. Hatchery kokanee harvest was estimated at 3,323 fish, which was 33% of the total harvest. Return rates (1998 = 0.52%) of Whatcom kokanee were low indicating an overall low performance that could be caused by high entrainment, predation, and precocity. A kokanee stock native to the upper Columbia, as opposed to the coastal Whatcom stock, may perform better in Lake Roosevelt.« less

[Anti-tumor effect of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs on human gastric carcinoma cell lines in vitro].

PubMed

Gu, Jun; Li, Maolan; Wu, Xiangsong; Wu, Wenguang; Zhang, Lin; Ding, Qichen; Yang, Jiahua; Weng, Hao; Ding, Qian; Bao, Runfa; Shu, Yijun; Liu, Yingbin

2014-04-01

To prepare cisPLLAtin-loaded polylactic acid/cnts, and to study the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs on human gastric carcinoma cell lines(MGC803 and MNK45). 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs were prepared with ultrasound emulsification. The morphology of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs was determined by scanning electron microscope(SEM), and its drug loading and drug release curve in vitro were detected by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. Cells were divided into experiment, positive control and negative control groups. CCK8 method was used to test the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs in different concentrations on MGC803 and MNK45 cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the apoptotic rate of MGC803 and MNK45 cells before and after the intervention of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs. Deep layer film of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs was successfully established, whose drug-load rate was(4.54±0.43)%, entrapment rate was(21.56±2.36)%. In vitro release test showed release rate within 24 h of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs was 23.9% in a as lowly increasing manner, and accumulating release rate was 85.3% at day 31. CCk8 experiment revealed, as compared to control group, 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs significantly inhibited the proliferation of two cell lines in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The best 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs concentration of inhibition for human gastric cancer cell lines was 1 mg/well. Flow cytometry indicated the apoptotic rate of MGC803 and MNK45 cells in experiment group treated by 1 mg/well 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs significantly increased as compared to negative control group (P<0.05), while the difference was not significant as compared to positive control group (P>0.05). The 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs has good drug sustained-release capacity, and can significantly kill and inhibit the proliferation of MGC803 and MNK45 cell lines.

Epidemiology of Infectious Disease–Related Death After Release from Prison, Washington State, United States, and Queensland, Australia: A Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Blatchford, Patrick J.; Forsyth, Simon J.; Stern, Marc F.; Kinner, Stuart A.

2016-01-01

Objectives People in prison may be at high risk for infectious diseases and have an elevated risk of death immediately after release compared with later; their risk of death is elevated for at least a decade after release. We compared rates, characteristics, and prison-related risk factors for infectious disease–related mortality among people released from prisons in Queensland, Australia, and Washington State, United States, regions with analogous available data. Methods We analyzed data from retrospective cohort studies of people released from prison in Queensland (1997–2007, n=37,180) and Washington State (1999–2009, n=76,208) and linked identifiers from each cohort to its respective national death index. We estimated infectious disease–related mortality rates (deaths per person-years in community) and examined associations using Cox proportional hazard models. Results The most frequent infectious disease–related underlying cause of death after release from prison was pneumonia (43%, 23/54 deaths) in the Australian cohort and viral hepatitis (40%, 69/171 deaths) in the U.S. cohort. The infectious disease–related mortality rate was significantly higher in the U.S. cohort than in the Australian cohort (51.2 vs. 26.5 deaths per 100,000 person-years; incidence rate ratio = 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.42, 2.62). In both cohorts, increasing age was strongly associated with mortality from infectious diseases. Conclusion Differences in the epidemiology of infectious disease–related mortality among people released from prison may reflect differences in patterns of community health service delivery in each region. These findings highlight the importance of preventing and treating hepatitis C and other infectious diseases during the transition from prison to the community. PMID:27453602

Epidemiology of Infectious Disease-Related Death After Release from Prison, Washington State, United States, and Queensland, Australia: A Cohort Study.

PubMed

Binswanger, Ingrid A; Blatchford, Patrick J; Forsyth, Simon J; Stern, Marc F; Kinner, Stuart A

2016-01-01

People in prison may be at high risk for infectious diseases and have an elevated risk of death immediately after release compared with later; their risk of death is elevated for at least a decade after release. We compared rates, characteristics, and prison-related risk factors for infectious disease-related mortality among people released from prisons in Queensland, Australia, and Washington State, United States, regions with analogous available data. We analyzed data from retrospective cohort studies of people released from prison in Queensland (1997-2007, n=37,180) and Washington State (1999-2009, n=76,208) and linked identifiers from each cohort to its respective national death index. We estimated infectious disease-related mortality rates (deaths per person-years in community) and examined associations using Cox proportional hazard models. The most frequent infectious disease-related underlying cause of death after release from prison was pneumonia (43%, 23/54 deaths) in the Australian cohort and viral hepatitis (40%, 69/171 deaths) in the U.S. cohort. The infectious disease-related mortality rate was significantly higher in the U.S. cohort than in the Australian cohort (51.2 vs. 26.5 deaths per 100,000 person-years; incidence rate ratio = 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.42, 2.62). In both cohorts, increasing age was strongly associated with mortality from infectious diseases. Differences in the epidemiology of infectious disease-related mortality among people released from prison may reflect differences in patterns of community health service delivery in each region. These findings highlight the importance of preventing and treating hepatitis C and other infectious diseases during the transition from prison to the community.

Development of modified in situ gelling oral liquid sustained release formulation of dextromethorphan.

PubMed

El Maghraby, Gamal M; Elzayat, Ehab M; Alanazi, Fars K

2012-08-01

Alternative strategies are being employed to develop liquid oral sustained release formulation. These included ion exchange resin, sustained release suspensions and in situ gelling systems. The later mainly utilizes alginate solutions that form gels upon contact with calcium which may be administered separately or included in the alginate solution as citrate complex. This complex liberates calcium in the stomach with subsequent gellation. The formed gel can break after gastric emptying leading to dose dumping. Development of modified in situ gelling system which sustain dextromethorphan release in the stomach and intestine. Solutions containing alginate with calcium chloride and sodium citrate were initially prepared to select the formulation sustaining the release in the stomach. The best formulation was combined with chitosan. All formulations were characterized with respect to flow, gelling capacity, gelling strength and drug release. Increasing the concentration of alginate increased the gelling capacity and strength and reduced the rate of drug release in gastric conditions with 2% w/v alginate being the best formulation. However, these formulations failed to sustain the release in the intestinal conditions. Incorporation of chitosan with alginate increased the gelling capacity and strength and reduced the rate of drug release compared to alginate only system. The effect was optimum in formulation containing 1.5% w/v chitosan. The sustained release pattern was maintained both in the gastric and intestinal conditions and was comparable to that obtained from the marketed product. Alginate-chitosan based in situ gelling system is promising for developing liquid oral sustained release.

Does infection tilt the scales? Disease effects on the mass balance of an invertebrate nutrient recycler.

PubMed

Narr, Charlotte F; Frost, Paul C

2015-12-01

While parasites are increasingly recognized as important components of ecosystems, we currently know little about how they alter ecosystem nutrient availability via host-mediated nutrient cycling. We examined whether infection alters the flow of nutrients through hosts and whether such effects depend upon host diet quality. To do so, we compared the mass specific nutrient (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus) release rates, ingestion rates, and elemental composition of uninfected Daphnia to those infected with a bacterial parasite, P. ramosa. N and P release rates were increased by infection when Daphnia were fed P-poor diets, but we found no effect of infection on the nutrient release of individuals fed P-rich diets. Calculations based on the first law of thermodynamics indicated that infection should increase the nutrient release rates of Daphnia by decreasing nutrient accumulation rates in host tissues. Although we found reduced nutrient accumulation rates in infected Daphnia fed all diets, this reduction did not increase the nutrient release rates of Daphnia fed the P-rich diet because infected Daphnia fed this diet ingested nutrients more slowly than uninfected hosts. Our results thus indicate that parasites can significantly alter the nutrient use of animal consumers, which could affect the availability of nutrients in heavily parasitized environments.

Influence of Finite Element Software on Energy Release Rates Computed Using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Goetze, Dirk; Ransom, Jonathon (Technical Monitor)

2006-01-01

Strain energy release rates were computed along straight delamination fronts of Double Cantilever Beam, End-Notched Flexure and Single Leg Bending specimens using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). Th e results were based on finite element analyses using ABAQUS# and ANSYS# and were calculated from the finite element results using the same post-processing routine to assure a consistent procedure. Mixed-mode strain energy release rates obtained from post-processing finite elem ent results were in good agreement for all element types used and all specimens modeled. Compared to previous studies, the models made of s olid twenty-node hexahedral elements and solid eight-node incompatible mode elements yielded excellent results. For both codes, models made of standard brick elements and elements with reduced integration did not correctly capture the distribution of the energy release rate acr oss the width of the specimens for the models chosen. The results suggested that element types with similar formulation yield matching results independent of the finite element software used. For comparison, m ixed-mode strain energy release rates were also calculated within ABAQUS#/Standard using the VCCT for ABAQUS# add on. For all specimens mod eled, mixed-mode strain energy release rates obtained from ABAQUS# finite element results using post-processing were almost identical to re sults calculated using the VCCT for ABAQUS# add on.

Reproduction and Development of the Released Przewalski’s Horses (Equus przewalskii) in Xinjiang, China

PubMed Central

CHEN, Jinliang; WENG, Qiang; CHAO, Jie; HU, Defu; TAYA, Kazuyoshi

2008-01-01

In China, the first Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii) group was released in Kalamaili Ungulate Protected Area in Xinjiang, in August 2001. The objective of this study was to investigate reproduction and development of released Przewalski’s horses in Xinjiang, China from 2002 to 2006. Twenty-four descendants were naturally born, average reproduction rate was 38.7%, and average survival rate of foals was 69.1% in this interim. Frequent alternation of the leading stallion and infertility in female horses due to environmental factors were main causes for the low reproduction rate. The infant mortality rate of released Przewalski’s horses was 25.0%, and 83.3% of death in infants was due to the leading stallion infanticide. The released Przewalski’s horses exhibited seasonal breeding, 70.8% of infants were born in May and June. The fertility rates were 8.3% in April and 37.5% in May, which were lower compared to those of the captive Przewalski’s horse groups (18.3% and 44.3%, respectively). Furthermore, the fertility rate in June was 33.3% and higher than the captive groups (18.3%). These findings showed that the breeding peak of the released Przewalski’s horse groups was later than the captive groups, and suggested that the altered survival environment and food supplies were the main reasons contributing to the delayed breeding peak. PMID:24833949

Release and Establishment of the Parasitoid Diachasmimorpha kraussii Against the Tephritid Fruit Fly Bactrocera latifrons in Hawaii

PubMed Central

Bokonon-Ganta, Aimé H.; McQuate, Grant T.; Messing, Russell H.; B. Jang, Eric

2013-01-01

Diachasmimorpha kraussii (Fullaway) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was first released against Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii in March 2003. Over a three month period, eight releases, totaling 7,696 females and 3,968 males, were made in a turkeyberry, Solanum torvum Swartz (Solanales: Solanaceae) patch known to have a well established B. latifrons population. The establishment of D. kraussii was assessed through fruit collections conducted over a three-year period beyond the last release. D. kraussii was recovered 2 weeks, 31 months, and 39 months after the last parasitoid release, with collections not only from the release site, but also from a control site about 5.0 km distance from the release site. Recovery from fruit collections three years after the last parasitoid release confirmed that D. kraussii had become established in Hawaii. Parasitism rates were low, only 1.0–1.4%, compared to rates of 2.8–8.7% for the earlier established egg-larval parasitoid, Fopius arisanus (Sonan). PMID:23879328

Comparison of the Heat Release Rate from the Mass Loss Calorimeter to the Cone Calorimeter for Wood-based Materials

Treesearch

Laura E. Hasburgh; Robert H. White; Mark A. Dietenberger; Charles R. Boardman

2015-01-01

There is a growing demand for material properties to be used as inputs in fi re behavior models designed to address building fire safety. This comparative study evaluates using the mass loss calorimeter as an alternative to the cone calorimeter for obtaining heat release rates of wood-based materials. For this study, a modified mass loss calorimeter utilized an...

Floating tablets for controlled release of ofloxacin via compression coating of hydroxypropyl cellulose combined with effervescent agent.

PubMed

Qi, Xiaole; Chen, Haiyan; Rui, Yao; Yang, Fengjiao; Ma, Ning; Wu, Zhenghong

2015-07-15

To prolong the residence time of dosage forms within gastrointestinal trace until all drug released at desired rate was one of the real challenges for oral controlled-release drug delivery system. Herein, we developed a fine floating tablet via compression coating of hydrophilic polymer (hydroxypropyl cellulose) combined with effervescent agent (sodium bicarbonate) to achieve simultaneous control of release rate and location of ofloxacin. Sodium alginate was also added in the coating layer to regulate the drug release rate. The effects of the weight ratio of drug and the viscosity of HPC on the release profile were investigated. The optimized formulations were found to immediately float within 30s and remain lastingly buoyant over a period of 12 h in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) without pepsin, indicating a satisfactory floating and zero-order drug release profile. In addition, the oral bioavailability experiment in New Zealand rabbits showed that, the relative bioavailability of the ofloxacin after administrated of floating tablets was 172.19%, compared to marketed common release tablets TaiLiBiTuo(®). These results demonstrated that those controlled-released floating tables would be a promising gastro-retentive delivery system for drugs acting in stomach. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-Term Behavior of Simulated Partial Lead Service Line Replacements

PubMed Central

St. Clair, Justin; Cartier, Clement; Triantafyllidou, Simoni; Clark, Brandi; Edwards, Marc

2016-01-01

Abstract In this 48-month pilot study, long-term impacts of copper:lead galvanic connections on lead release to water were assessed without confounding differences in pipe exposure prehistory or disturbances arising from cutting lead pipe. Lead release was tracked from three lead service line configurations, including (1) 100% lead, (2) traditional partial replacement with 50% copper upstream of 50% lead, and (3) 50% lead upstream of 50% copper as a function of flow rate, connection types, and sampling methodologies. Elevated lead from galvanic corrosion worsened with time, with 140% more lead release from configurations representing traditional partial replacement configurations at 14 months compared to earlier data in the first 8 months. Even when sampled consistently at moderate flow rate (8 LPM) and collecting all water passing through service lines, conditions representing traditional partial service line configurations were significantly worse (≈40%) when compared to 100% lead pipe. If sampled at a high flow rate (32 LPM) and collecting 2 L samples from service lines, 100% of samples collected from traditional partial replacement configurations exceeded thresholds posing an acute health risk versus a 0% risk for samples from 100% lead pipe. Temporary removal of lead accumulations near Pb:Cu junctions and lead deposits from other downstream plastic pipes reduced risk of partial replacements relative to that observed for 100% lead. When typical brass compression couplings were used to connect prepassivated lead pipes, lead release spiked up to 10 times higher, confirming prior concerns raised at bench and field scale regarding adverse impacts of crevices and service line disturbances on lead release. To quantify semirandom particulate lead release from service lines in future research, whole-house filters have many advantages compared to other approaches. PMID:26989344

Transit losses and traveltimes for water-supply releases Marion Lake during drought conditions, Cottonwood River, east-central Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jordan, P.R.; Hart, R.J.

1985-01-01

A streamflow routing model was used to calculate the transit losses and traveltimes. Channel and aquifer characteristics, and the model control parameters, were estimated from available data and then verified to the extent possible by comparing model simulated streamflow to observed streamflow at streamflow gaging stations. Transit losses and traveltimes for varying reservoir release rates and durations then were simulated for two different antecedent streamflow (drought) conditions. For the severe-drought antecedent-streamflow condition, it was assumed that only the downstream water use requirement would be released from the reservoir. For a less severe drought (LSD) antecedent streamflow condition, it was assumed than any releases from Marion Lake for water supply use downstream, would be in addition to a nominal dry weather release of 5 cu ft/sec. Water supply release rates of 10 and 25 cu ft/sec for the severe drought condition and 5, 10, and 25 cu ft/sec for the less severe drought condition were simulated for periods of 28 and 183 days commencing on July 1. Transit losses for the severe drought condition for all reservoir release rates and durations ranged from 12% to 78% of the maximum downstream flow rate and from 27% to 91% of the total volume of reservoir storage released. For the LSD condition, transit losses ranged from 7% to 29% of the maximum downstream flow rate and from 10% to 48% of the total volume of release. The 183-day releases had larger total transit losses, but losses on a percentage basis were less than the losses for the 28-day release period for both antecedent streamflow conditions. Traveltimes to full response (80% of the maximum downstream flow rate), however, showed considerable variation. For the release of 5 cu ft/sec during LSD conditions, base flow exceeded 80% of the maximum flow rate near the confluence; the traveltime to full response was undefined for those simulations. For the releases of 10 and 25 cu ft/sec during the same drought condition, traveltimes to full response ranged from 4.4 to 6.5 days. For releases of 10 and 25 cu ft/sec during severe drought conditions, traveltimes to full response near the confluence with the Neosho River ranged from 8.3 to 93 days. (Lantz-PTT)

[Mitigation effect of several controlled-release N fertilizers on ammonia volatilization and related affecting factors].

PubMed

Sun, Kejun; Mao, Xiaoyun; Lu, Qiming; Jia, Aiping; Liao, Zongwen

2004-12-01

By using static absorption and soil column leaching methods, this paper studied the behaviors of several controlled-release N fertilizers in soil under laboratory conditions. The results showed that under the application rate of 450 mg x kg(-1), total ammonia volatilization from three controlled-release fertilizers decreased by 49.7%, 28.0% and 71.2%, respectively, in comparing with common urea. When the application rate was 600 mg x kg(-1), total ammonia volatilization decreased by 34.6%, 12.3%, 69.9%, respectively. Controlled-release fertilizers could markedly reduce total ammonia volatilization from soil and decrease environment pollution via fertilization. The results also indicated that total ammonia volatilization correlated significantly with soil urease activity, pH value and N leaching rate. The correlation coefficient between total ammonia volatilization and accumulated N leaching rate was 0.9533, and that between total ammonia volatilization and soil urease activity and pH value was 0.9533 and 0.9908, respectively.

Reconstruction of 137Cs activity in the ocean following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, Daisuke; Aoyama, Michio; Tsubono, Takaki; Tateda, Yutaka; Misumi, Kazuhiro; Hayami, Hiroshi; Toyoda, Yasuhiro; Maeda, Yoshiaki; Yoshida, Yoshikatsu; Uematsu, Mitsuo

2014-05-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition. We reconstructed spatiotemporal variability of 137Cs activity in the ocean by the comparison model simulations and observed data. We employed a regional scale and the North Pacific scale oceanic dispersion models, an atmospheric transport model, a sediment transport model, a dynamic biological compartment model for marine biota and river runoff model to investigate the oceanic contamination. Direct releases of 137Cs were estimated for more than 2 years after the accident by comparing simulated results and observed activities very close to the site. The estimated total amounts of directly released 137Cs was 3.6±0.7 PBq. Directly release rate of 137Cs decreased exponentially with time by the end of December 2012 and then, was almost constant. The daily release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be 3.0 x 1010 Bq day-1 by the end of September 2013. The activity of directly released 137Cs was detectable only in the coastal zone after December 2012. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable, while simulated 137Cs activities attributable to atmospheric deposition were low compared to measured activities. The rate of atmospheric deposition onto the ocean was underestimated because of a lack of measurements of dose rate and air activity of 137Cs over the ocean when atmospheric deposition rates were being estimated. Observed 137Cs activities attributable to atmospheric deposition in the ocean helped to improve the accuracy of simulated atmospheric deposition rates. Although there is no observed data of 137Cs activity in the ocean from 11 to 21 March 2011, observed data of marine biota should reflect the history of 137Cs activity in this early period. The comparisons between simulated 137Cs activity of marine biota by a dynamic biological compartment and observed data also suggest that simulated 137Cs activity attributable to atmospheric deposition was underestimated in this early period. In addition, river runoff model simulations suggest that the river flux of 137Cs to the ocean was effective to the 137Cs activity in the ocean in this early period. The sediment transport model simulations suggests that the inventory of 137Cs in sediment was less than 10

Dissolution kinetics of a lunar glass simulant at 25 degrees C: the effect of pH and organic acids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eick, M. J.; Grossl, P. R.; Golden, D. C.; Sparks, D. L.; Ming, D. W.

1996-01-01

The dissolution kinetics of a simulated lunar glass were examined at pH 3, 5, and 7. Additionally, the pH 7 experiments were conducted in the presence of citric and oxalic acid at concentrations of 2 and 20 mM. The organic acids were buffered at pH 7 to examine the effect of each molecule in their dissociated form. At pH 3, 5, and 7, the dissolution of the synthetic lunar glass was observed to proceed via a two-stage process. The first stage involved the parabolic release of Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe, and the linear release of Si. Dissolution was incongruent, creating a leached layer rich in Si and Ti which was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). During the second stage the release of Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe was linear. A coupled diffusion/surface dissolution model was proposed for dissolution of the simulated lunar glass at pH 3, 5, and 7. During the first stage the initial release of mobile cations (i.e., Ca, Mg, Al, Fe) was limited by diffusion through the surface leached layer of the glass (parabolic release), while Si release was controlled by the hydrolysis of the Si-O-Al bonds at the glass surface (linear release). As dissolution continued, the mobile cations diffused from greater depths within the glass surface. A steady-state was then reached where the diffusion rate across the increased path lengths equalled the Si release rate from the surface. In the presence of the organic acids, the dissolution of the synthetic lunar glass proceeded by a one stage process. The release of Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe followed a parabolic relationship, while the release of Si was linear. The relative reactivity of the organic acids used in the experiments was citrate > oxalate. A thinner leached layer rich in Si/Ti, as compared to the pH experiments, was observed using TEM. Rate data suggest that the chemisorption of the organic anion to the surface silanol groups was responsible for enhanced dissolution in the presence of the organic acids. It is proposed that the increased rate of Si release is responsible for the one stage parabolic release of mobile cations and the relatively thin leached layer compared to experiments at pH 3 and 5.

Use of proteins to minimize the physical aging of EUDRAGIT sustained release films.

PubMed

Kucera, Shawn A; McGinity, James W; Zheng, Weijia; Shah, Navnit H; Malick, A Waseem; Infeld, Martin H

2007-07-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of two proteins, albumin and type B gelatin, on the physical aging of EUDRAGIT RS 30 D and RL 30 D coated theophylline pellets. The physicomechanical properties of sprayed films, thermal properties of cast films, influence of proteins on the zeta potential and particle size of the dispersion, and the release of proteins from cast films under simulated dissolution conditions were investigated. The release rate of theophylline decreased significantly over time from pellets coated with an acrylic dispersion containing 10% albumin when there was no acidification of the acrylic dispersion; however, when pellets were coated with an acidified EUDRAGIT/albumin dispersion, the theophylline release rate was stable for dosage forms stored in the absence of humidity. The drug release rate was faster for pellets coated with acrylic dispersions containing 10% gelatin compared to the albumin-containing formulations. When sprayed films were stored at 40 degrees C/75% RH, the water vapor permeability decreased significantly for both EUDRAGIT films and those containing EUDRAGIT and albumin; however, there was no significant change in this parameter when 10% gelatin was present. Albumin was released from the acrylic films when the pH of the dissolution media was below the isoelectric point of the protein while no quantitative release of gelatin was observed in pH 1.2 or 7.4 media. The effect of gelatin to prevent the decrease in drug release rate was due to stabilization in water vapor permeability of the film. Acidification of the polymeric dispersion resulted in electrostatic repulsive forces between albumin and the acrylic polymer, which stabilized the drug release rate when the dosage forms were stored in aluminum induction sealed containers at both 40 degrees C/75% RH and 25 degrees C/60% RH.

Comparative quantification of oxygen release by wetland plants: electrode technique and oxygen consumption model.

PubMed

Wu, Haiming; Liu, Jufeng; Zhang, Jian; Li, Cong; Fan, Jinlin; Xu, Xiaoli

2014-01-01

Understanding oxygen release by plants is important to the design of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. Lab-scale systems planted with Phragmites australis were studied to evaluate the amount of oxygen release by plants using electrode techniques and oxygen consumption model. Oxygen release rate (0.14 g O2/m(2)/day) measured using electrode techniques was much lower than that (3.94-25.20 gO2/m(2)/day) calculated using the oxygen consumption model. The results revealed that oxygen release by plants was significantly influenced by the oxygen demand for the degradation of pollutants, and the oxygen release rate increased with the rising of the concentration of degradable materials in the solution. The summary of the methods in qualifying oxygen release by wetland plants demonstrated that variations existed among different measuring methods and even in the same measuring approach. The results would be helpful for understanding the contribution of plants in constructed wetlands toward actual wastewater treatment.

Exploring virus release as a bottleneck for the spread of influenza A virus infection in vitro and the implications for antiviral therapy with neuraminidase inhibitors

PubMed Central

Kowal, Szymon; Cardenas, Daniel A.; Beauchemin, Catherine A. A.

2017-01-01

Mathematical models (MMs) have been used to study the kinetics of influenza A virus infections under antiviral therapy, and to characterize the efficacy of antivirals such as neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). NAIs prevent viral neuraminidase from cleaving sialic acid receptors that bind virus progeny to the surface of infected cells, thereby inhibiting their release, suppressing infection spread. When used to study treatment with NAIs, MMs represent viral release implicitly as part of viral replication. Consequently, NAIs in such MMs do not act specifically and exclusively on virus release. We compared a MM with an explicit representation of viral release (i.e., distinct from virus production) to a simple MM without explicit release, and investigated whether parameter estimation and the estimation of NAI efficacy were affected by the use of a simple MM. Since the release rate of influenza A virus is not well-known, a broad range of release rates were considered. If the virus release rate is greater than ∼0.1 h−1, the simple MM provides accurate estimates of infection parameters, but underestimates NAI efficacy, which could lead to underdosing and the emergence of NAI resistance. In contrast, when release is slower than ∼0.1 h−1, the simple MM accurately estimates NAI efficacy, but it can significantly overestimate the infectious lifespan (i.e., the time a cell remains infectious and producing free virus), and it will significantly underestimate the total virus yield and thus the likelihood of resistance emergence. We discuss the properties of, and a possible lower bound for, the influenza A virus release rate. PMID:28837615

Development and characterization of different black raspberry confection matrices designed for delivery of phytochemicals.

PubMed

Gu, Junnan; Ahn-Jarvis, Jennifer H; Vodovotz, Yael

2015-03-01

Three forms of confections containing black raspberries (BRB) powder were developed to provide controlled release of phytochemicals for oral disease prevention. Our objective was to investigate the impact of varying confection matrices on the release rate of BRB phytochemicals. Confections were developed and prepared. Textural properties of confections were analyzed, compared and correlated with the release rate of phytochemicals from BRB confections with in vitro dissolution test. In the results, BRB content reached 22% in hard candy and pectin-based confections and 40% in starch-based confections, respectively. Pectin- and starch-based confections retained >93% of its original anthocyanins after processing while hard candy had 59%. Starch confections showed higher G' in rheological analysis and higher hardness but lower cohesiveness and springiness in textural profile analysis than pectin confections (P < 0.05). The confection types showed different microstructure with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Corresponding to their physicochemical properties, confections showed fast (hard candy), intermediate (pectin confections), and slow (starch confections) release rates with a final releasing time of 90, 150, and 540 min in dissolution studies. Three confections were rated between neither like nor dislike to like slightly (n = 60). Pectin confections had the highest overall acceptance (like slightly) and 62% of subjects rated this type of confection as the most liked ones. These results indicate that delivery matrix could modulate the phytochemical release rate from BRB confection and also influence sensory preference. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Impact of heat release on strain rate field in turbulent premixed Bunsen flames

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

Coriton, Bruno Rene Leon; Frank, Jonathan H.

2016-08-10

The effects of combustion on the strain rate field are investigated in turbulent premixed CH 4/air Bunsen flames using simultaneous tomographic PIV and OH LIF measurements. Tomographic PIV provides three-dimensional velocity measurements, from which the complete strain rate tensor is determined. The OH LIF measurements are used to determine the position of the flame surface and the flame-normal orientation within the imaging plane. This combination of diagnostic techniques enables quantification of divergence as well as flame-normal and tangential strain rates, which are otherwise biased using only planar measurements. Measurements are compared in three lean-to-stoichiometric flames that have different amounts ofmore » heat release and Damköhler numbers greater than unity. The effects of heat release on the principal strain rates and their alignment relative to the local flame normal are analyzed. The extensive strain rate preferentially aligns with the flame normal in the reaction zone, which has been indicated by previous studies. The strength of this alignment increases with increasing heat release and, as a result, the flame-normal strain rate becomes highly extensive. These effects are associated with the gas expansion normal to the flame surface, which is largest for the stoichiometric flame. In the preheat zone, the compressive strain rate has a tendency to align with the flame normal. Away from the flame front, the flame – strain rate alignment is arbitrary in both the reactants and products. The flame-tangential strain rate is on average positive across the flame front, and therefore the turbulent strain rate field contributes to the enhancement of scalar gradients as in passive scalar turbulence. As a result, increases in heat release result in larger positive values of the divergence as well as flame-normal and tangential strain rates, the tangential strain rate has a weaker dependence on heat release than the flame-normal strain rate and the divergence.« less

Conductive plastics: comparing alternative nanotechnologies by performance and life cycle release probability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neubauer, Nicole; Wohlleben, Wendel; Tomović, Željko

2017-03-01

Nanocomposites can be considered safe during their life cycle as long as the nanofillers remain embedded in the matrix. Therefore, a possible release of nanofillers has to be assessed before commercialization. This report addresses possible life cycle release scenarios for carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and carbon black (CB) from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. The content of each nanofiller was adjusted to achieve the same conductivity level. The nanofillers reduced the rate of nanoscale releases during mechanical processing with decreasing release in the order neat TPU, TPU-CNT, TPU-graphene, and TPU-CB. Released fragments were dominated by the polymer matrix with embedded or surface-protruding nanofillers. During electron microscopy analysis, free CB was observed, however, there was no free CNT or graphene. Quantitatively, the presence of free nanofillers remained below the detection limit of <0.01% of generated dust. Further, both the production process and type of mechanical processing showed a significant impact with higher release rates for injection-molded compared to extruded and sanded compared to drilled materials. Due to its optimal performance for further development, extruded TPU-CNT was investigated in a combined, stepwise worst case scenario (mechanical processing after weathering). After weathering by simulated sunlight and rain, CNT were visible at the surface of the nanocomposite; after additional sanding, fragments showed protruding CNT, but free CNT were not detected. In summary, this preliminary exposure assessment showed no indication that recommended occupational exposure limits for carbonaceous nanomaterials can be exceeded during the life cycle of the specific TPU nanocomposites and conditions investigated in this study.

Comparison of PAH Biodegradation and Desorption Kinetics During Bioremediation of Aged Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils

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

Huesemann, Michael H.; Hausmann, Tom S.; Fortman, Timothy J.

It is commonly assumed that mass-transfer limitations are the cause for slow and incomplete biodegradation of PAHs in aged soils. In order to test this hypothesis, the biodegradation rate and the abiotic release rate were measured and compared for selected PAHs in three different soils. It was found that PAH biodegradation was not mass-transfer limited during slurry bioremediation of an aged loamy soil. By contrast, PAH biodegradation rates were much larger than abiotic release rates in kaolinite clay indicating that sorbed-phase PAHs can apparently be biodegraded directly from mineral surfaces without prior desorption or dissolution into the aqueous phase. Amore » comparison of PAH biodegradation rates and abiotic release rates at termination of the slurry bioremediation treatment revealed that abiotic release rates are much larger than the respective biodegradation rates. In addition, it was found that the number of hydrocarbon degraders decreased by four orders of magnitude during the bioremediation treatment. It can therefore be concluded that the slow and incomplete biodegradation of PAHs is not caused by mass-transfer limitations but rather by microbial factors. Consequently, the residual PAHs that remain after extensive bioremediation treatment are still bioavailable and for that reason could pose a greater risk to environmental receptors than previously thought.« less

Humoral regulation of heart rate during digestion in pythons (Python molurus and Python regius).

PubMed

Enok, Sanne; Simonsen, Lasse Stærdal; Pedersen, Signe Vesterskov; Wang, Tobias; Skovgaard, Nini

2012-05-15

Pythons exhibit a doubling of heart rate when metabolism increases several times during digestion. Pythons, therefore, represent a promising model organism to study autonomic cardiovascular regulation during the postprandial state, and previous studies show that the postprandial tachycardia is governed by a release of vagal tone as well as a pronounced stimulation from nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) factors. Here we show that infusion of plasma from digesting donor pythons elicit a marked tachycardia in fasting snakes, demonstrating that the NANC factor resides in the blood. Injections of the gastrin and cholecystokinin receptor antagonist proglumide had no effect on double-blocked heart rate or blood pressure. Histamine has been recognized as a NANC factor in the early postprandial period in pythons, but the mechanism of its release has not been identified. Mast cells represent the largest repository of histamine in vertebrates, and it has been speculated that mast cells release histamine during digestion. Treatment with the mast cell stabilizer cromolyn significantly reduced postprandial heart rate in pythons compared with an untreated group but did not affect double-blocked heart rate. While this study indicates that histamine induces postprandial tachycardia in pythons, its release during digestion is not stimulated by gastrin or cholecystokinin nor is its release from mast cells a stimulant of postprandial tachycardia.

Timing of translocation influences birth rate and population dynamics in a forest carnivore

USGS Publications Warehouse

Facka, Aaron N; Lewis, Jeffrey C.; Happe, Patricia; Jenkins, Kurt J.; Callas, Richard; Powell, Roger A.

2016-01-01

Timing can be critical for many life history events of organisms. Consequently, the timing of management activities may affect individuals and populations in numerous and unforeseen ways. Translocations of organisms are used to restore or expand populations but the timing of translocations is largely unexplored as a factor influencing population success. We hypothesized that the process of translocation negatively influences reproductive rates of individuals that are moved just before their birthing season and, therefore, the timing of releases could influence translocation success. Prior to reintroducing fishers (Pekania pennanti) into northern California and onto the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, we predicted that female fishers released in November and December (early) would have a higher probability of giving birth to kits the following March or April than females released in January, February, and March (late), just prior to or during the period of blastocyst implantation and gestation. Over four winters (2008–2011), we translocated 56 adult female fishers that could have given birth in the spring immediately after release. Denning rates, an index of birth rate, for females released early were 92% in California and 38% in Washington. In contrast, denning rates for females released late were 40% and 11%, in California and Washington, a net reduction in denning rate of 66% across both sites. To understand how releasing females nearer to parturition could influence population establishment and persistence, we used stochastic population simulations using three-stage Lefkovitch matrices. These simulations showed that translocating female fishers early had long-term positive influences on the mean population size and on quasi-extinction thresholds compared to populations where females were released late. The results from both empirical data and simulations show that the timing of translocation, with respect to life history events, should be considered during planning of translocations and implemented before the capture, movement, and release of organisms for translocation.

Higher mobility of butterflies than moths connected to habitat suitability and body size in a release experiment

PubMed Central

Kuussaari, Mikko; Saarinen, Matias; Korpela, Eeva-Liisa; Pöyry, Juha; Hyvönen, Terho

2014-01-01

Mobility is a key factor determining lepidopteran species responses to environmental change. However, direct multispecies comparisons of mobility are rare and empirical comparisons between butterflies and moths have not been previously conducted. Here, we compared mobility between butterflies and diurnal moths and studied species traits affecting butterfly mobility. We experimentally marked and released 2011 butterfly and 2367 moth individuals belonging to 32 and 28 species, respectively, in a 25 m × 25 m release area within an 11-ha, 8-year-old set-aside field. Distance moved and emigration rate from the release habitat were recorded by species. The release experiment produced directly comparable mobility data in 18 butterfly and 9 moth species with almost 500 individuals recaptured. Butterflies were found more mobile than geometroid moths in terms of both distance moved (mean 315 m vs. 63 m, respectively) and emigration rate (mean 54% vs. 17%, respectively). Release habitat suitability had a strong effect on emigration rate and distance moved, because butterflies tended to leave the set-aside, if it was not suitable for breeding. In addition, emigration rate and distance moved increased significantly with increasing body size. When phylogenetic relatedness among species was included in the analyses, the significant effect of body size disappeared, but habitat suitability remained significant for distance moved. The higher mobility of butterflies than geometroid moths can largely be explained by morphological differences, as butterflies are more robust fliers. The important role of release habitat suitability in butterfly mobility was expected, but seems not to have been empirically documented before. The observed positive correlation between butterfly size and mobility is in agreement with our previous findings on butterfly colonization speed in a long-term set-aside experiment and recent meta-analyses on butterfly mobility. PMID:25614794

Mass loss at Saturn: The contribution of plasmoids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kivelson, M.; Jia, X.; Jackman, C. M.

2017-12-01

Jia and Kivelson (2012) showed that an MHD simulation of Saturn's magnetosphere including rotating field-aligned currents generates a plasmoid on each rotation period. For southern summer conditions, plasmoids form through reconnection in the tail near midnight at a rotation phase for which the core magnetic field perturbation points towards the planet in the LT sector of the release. After release, they move northward and outward in the post midnight sector. Mass loss is found to be dominated by plasmoid release, and to compare closely to the mass source rate; much of the outward mass flux is found in the 0300-0900 LT sector. However, studies of plasmoid signatures in Cassini magnetometer data conclude that releases do not occur each rotation period and infer mass loss rates far smaller than Saturn's mass source rate (Jackman et al., 2014). Studies based on plasma data also infer loss rates smaller than the source rate from Enceladus (Thomsen, 2013). The simulation suggests that plasmoid occurrence frequency depends strongly on local time and latitude. Indeed, in regions near the equator and near midnight, where plasmoids are present in the simulation, the occurrence frequency of plasmoid releases inferred from magnetometer data is higher than elsewhere (Jackman et al., 2016; Smith et al., 2016), with occurrence probability peaking at the phase predicted by the simulation. We consider how the observational limitations should be modified to establish mass loss rates and plasmoid occurrence frequency.

Characterization of a mine fire using atmospheric monitoring system sensor data.

PubMed

Yuan, L; Thomas, R A; Zhou, L

2017-06-01

Atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS) have been widely used in underground coal mines in the United States for the detection of fire in the belt entry and the monitoring of other ventilation-related parameters such as airflow velocity and methane concentration in specific mine locations. In addition to an AMS being able to detect a mine fire, the AMS data have the potential to provide fire characteristic information such as fire growth - in terms of heat release rate - and exact fire location. Such information is critical in making decisions regarding fire-fighting strategies, underground personnel evacuation and optimal escape routes. In this study, a methodology was developed to calculate the fire heat release rate using AMS sensor data for carbon monoxide concentration, carbon dioxide concentration and airflow velocity based on the theory of heat and species transfer in ventilation airflow. Full-scale mine fire experiments were then conducted in the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division's Safety Research Coal Mine using an AMS with different fire sources. Sensor data collected from the experiments were used to calculate the heat release rates of the fires using this methodology. The calculated heat release rate was compared with the value determined from the mass loss rate of the combustible material using a digital load cell. The experimental results show that the heat release rate of a mine fire can be calculated using AMS sensor data with reasonable accuracy.

Desorption kinetics of hydrophobic organic chemicals from sediment to water: a review of data and models.

PubMed

Birdwell, Justin; Cook, Robert L; Thibodeaux, Louis J

2007-03-01

Resuspension of contaminated sediment can lead to the release of toxic compounds to surface waters where they are more bioavailable and mobile. Because the timeframe of particle resettling during such events is shorter than that needed to reach equilibrium, a kinetic approach is required for modeling the release process. Due to the current inability of common theoretical approaches to predict site-specific release rates, empirical algorithms incorporating the phenomenological assumption of biphasic, or fast and slow, release dominate the descriptions of nonpolar organic chemical release in the literature. Two first-order rate constants and one fraction are sufficient to characterize practically all of the data sets studied. These rate constants were compared to theoretical model parameters and functionalities, including chemical properties of the contaminants and physical properties of the sorbents, to determine if the trends incorporated into the hindered diffusion model are consistent with the parameters used in curve fitting. The results did not correspond to the parameter dependence of the hindered diffusion model. No trend in desorption rate constants, for either fast or slow release, was observed to be dependent on K(OC) or aqueous solubility for six and seven orders of magnitude, respectively. The same was observed for aqueous diffusivity and sediment fraction organic carbon. The distribution of kinetic rate constant values was approximately log-normal, ranging from 0.1 to 50 d(-1) for the fast release (average approximately 5 d(-1)) and 0.0001 to 0.1 d(-1) for the slow release (average approximately 0.03 d(-1)). The implications of these findings with regard to laboratory studies, theoretical desorption process mechanisms, and water quality modeling needs are presented and discussed.

Smart Electrospun Nanofibers for Controlled Drug Release: Recent Advances and New Perspectives

PubMed Central

Weng, Lin; Xie, Jingwei

2017-01-01

In biological systems, chemical molecules or ions often release upon certain conditions, at a specific location, and over a desired period of time. Electrospun nanofibers that undergo alterations in the physicochemical characteristics corresponding to environmental changes have gained considerable interest for various applications. Inspired by biological systems, therapeutic molecules have been integrated with these smart electrospun nanofibers, presenting activation-modulated or feedback-regulated control of drug release. Compared to other materials like smart hydrogels, environment-responsive nanofiber-based drug delivery systems are relatively new but possess incomparable advantages due to their greater permeability, which allows shorter response time and more precise control over the release rate. In this article, we review the mechanisms of various environmental parameters functioning as stimuli to tailor the release rates of smart electrospun nanofibers. We also illustrate several typical examples in specific applications. We conclude this article with a discussion on perspectives and future possibilities in this field. PMID:25732665

Smart electrospun nanofibers for controlled drug release: recent advances and new perspectives.

PubMed

Weng, Lin; Xie, Jingwei

2015-01-01

In biological systems, chemical molecules or ions often release upon certain conditions, at a specific location, and over a desired period of time. Electrospun nanofibers that undergo alterations in the physicochemical characteristics corresponding to environmental changes have gained considerable interest for various applications. Inspired by biological systems, therapeutic molecules have been integrated with these smart electrospun nanofibers, presenting activation-modulated or feedback-regulated control of drug release. Compared to other materials like smart hydrogels, environment-responsive nanofiber-based drug delivery systems are relatively new but possess incomparable advantages due to their greater permeability, which allows shorter response time and more precise control over the release rate. In this article, we review the mechanisms of various environmental parameters functioning as stimuli to tailor the release rates of smart electrospun nanofibers. We also illustrate several typical examples in specific applications. We conclude this article with a discussion on perspectives and future possibilities in this field.

Control of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and release by Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium.

PubMed Central

Ishiguro, E E; Vanderwel, D; Kusser, W

1986-01-01

The influence of the relA gene on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and release by Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium was investigated. Similar results were obtained with both species. The incorporation of [3H]galactose into LPS by galE mutants was inhibited by at least 50% (as compared with normal growing controls) during amino acid deprivation of relA+ strains. This inhibition could be prevented by the treatment of the amino acid-deprived relA+ bacteria with chloramphenicol, a known antagonist of the stringent control mechanism. Furthermore, LPS biosynthesis was not inhibited during amino acid deprivation of isogenic relA mutant strains. These results indicate that LPS synthesis is regulated by the stringent control mechanism. Normal growing cells of both relA+ and relA strains released LPS into the culture fluid at low rates. Amino acid deprivation stimulated the rate of LPS release by relA mutants but not by relA+ bacteria. Chloramphenicol treatment markedly stimulated the release of cell-bound LPS by amino acid-deprived relA+ cells. Thus, a low rate of LPS release was characteristic of normal growth and could be increased in nongrowing cells by relaxing the control of LPS synthesis. Images PMID:3531174

Controlled release of acidic drugs in compendial and physiological hydrogen carbonate buffer from polymer blend-coated oral solid dosage forms.

PubMed

Wulff, R; Rappen, G-M; Koziolek, M; Garbacz, G; Leopold, C S

2015-09-18

The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of "Eudragit® RL/Eudragit® L55" (RL/L55) blend coatings for a pH-independent release of acidic drugs. A coating for ketoprofen and naproxen mini tablets was developed showing constant drug release rate under pharmacopeial two-stage test conditions for at least 300 min. To simulate drug release from the mini tablets coated with RL/L55 blends in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, drug release profiles in Hanks buffer pH 6.8 were recorded and compared with drug release profiles in compendial media. RL/L55 blend coatings showed increased drug permeability in Hanks buffer pH 6.8 compared to phosphate buffer pH 6.8 due to its higher ion concentration. However, drug release rates of acidic drugs were lower in Hanks buffer pH 6.8 because of the lower buffer capacity resulting in reduced drug solubility. Further dissolution tests were performed in Hanks buffer using pH sequences simulating the physiological pH conditions in the GI tract. Drug release from mini tablets coated with an RL/L55 blend (8:1) was insensitive to pH changes of the medium within the pH range of 5.8-7.5. It was concluded that coatings of RL/L55 blends show a high potential for application in coated oral drug delivery systems with a special focus on pH-independent release of acidic drugs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Nisin's Controlled Release on Microbial Growth as Modeled for Micrococcus luteus.

PubMed

Balasubramanian, Aishwarya; Lee, Dong Sun; Chikindas, Michael L; Yam, Kit L

2011-06-01

The need for safe food products has motivated food scientists and industry to find novel technologies for antimicrobial delivery for improving food safety and quality. Controlled release packaging is a novel technology that uses the package to deliver antimicrobials in a controlled manner and sustain antimicrobial stress on the targeted microorganism over the required shelf life. This work studied the effect of controlled release of nisin to inhibit growth of Micrococcus luteus (a model microorganism) using a computerized syringe pump system to mimic the release of nisin from packaging films which was characterized by an initially fast rate and a slower rate as time progressed. The results show that controlled release of nisin was strikingly more effective than instantly added ("formulated") nisin. While instant addition experiments achieved microbial inhibition only at the beginning, controlled release experiments achieved complete microbial inhibition for a longer time, even when as little as 15% of the amount of nisin was used as compared to instant addition.

Injectable Biodegradable Polyurethane Scaffolds with Release of Platelet-derived Growth Factor for Tissue Repair and Regeneration

PubMed Central

Hafeman, Andrea E.; Li, Bing; Yoshii, Toshitaka; Zienkiewicz, Katarzyna; Davidson, Jeffrey M.; Guelcher, Scott A.

2013-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this work was to investigate the effects of triisocyanate composition on the biological and mechanical properties of biodegradable, injectable polyurethane scaffolds for bone and soft tissue engineering. Methods Scaffolds were synthesized using reactive liquid molding techniques, and were characterized in vivo in a rat subcutaneous model. Porosity, dynamic mechanical properties, degradation rate, and release of growth factors were also measured. Results Polyurethane scaffolds were elastomers with tunable damping properties and degradation rates, and they supported cellular infiltration and generation of new tissue. The scaffolds showed a two-stage release profile of platelet-derived growth factor, characterized by a 75% burst release within the first 24 h and slower release thereafter. Conclusions Biodegradable polyurethanes synthesized from triisocyanates exhibited tunable and superior mechanical properties compared to materials synthesized from lysine diisocyanates. Due to their injectability, biocompatibility, tunable degradation, and potential for release of growth factors, these materials are potentially promising therapies for tissue engineering. PMID:18516665

Pore structures in an implantable sol gel titania ceramic device used in controlled drug release applications: A modeling study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Aaron; Lopez, Tessy; Islas, Emma Ortiz; Gonzalez, Richard D.

2007-04-01

Several process variables, which may be helpful in optimizing the rate at which drugs are released from implantable, sol-gel titania devices have been identified in this study. The controlled rate of drug release is compared for two different anticonvulsant drugs, valproic acid and sodic phenytoin. Contrary to what one might expect, when the concentration is increased in the titania reservoir the rate of initial drug delivery decreases. This is a desirable result, because it may reduce the danger of a high initial discharge, which may harm the epileptic rat. The structure of the porous structure within the titania network has been studied using a generalized form of the BET equation which considers only n layers. In general, following an initial discharge, the rate at which the drug is released will increase with the increasing concentration. Pore mouth blocking can present a problem. However, this problem tends to disappear following the initial discharge. The extent of drug loading is a useful variable parameter, which can be adjusted in order to deliver the amount of drug required in a given application.

Delamination growth analysis in quasi-isotropic laminates under loads simulating low-velocity impact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivakumar, K. N.; Elber, W.

1984-01-01

A geometrically nonlinear finite-element analysis has been developed to calculate the strain energy released by delaminating plates during impact loading. Only the first mode of deformation, which is equivalent to static deflection, was treated. Both the impact loading and delamination in the plate were assumed to be axisymmetric. The strain energy release rate in peeling, GI, and shear sliding, GII, modes were calculated using the fracture mechanics crack closure technique. Energy release rates for various delamination sizes and locations and for various plate configurations and materials were compared. The analysis indicated that shear sliding was the primary mode of delamination growth. The analysis also indicated that the midplane (maximum transverse shear stress plane) delamination was more critical and would grow first before any other delamination of the same size near the midplane region. The delamination growth rate was higher (neutrally stable) for a low toughness (brittle) matrix and slower (stable) for high toughness matrix. The energy release rate in the peeling mode, GI, for a near-surface delamination can be as high as 0.5GII, and can contribute significantly to the delamination growth.

SLI381 (Adderall XR), a two-component, extended-release formulation of mixed amphetamine salts: bioavailability of three test formulations and comparison of fasted, fed, and sprinkled administration.

PubMed

Tulloch, Simon J; Zhang, Yuxin; McLean, Angus; Wolf, Kathleen N

2002-11-01

To assess the bioavailability of three test formulations of a single dose of extended-release Adderall 20-mg capsules compared with two doses of immediate-release Adderall 10-mg tablets, and to assess the bioequivalence of a single 30-mg dose of the chosen extended-release Adderall formulation (designated as SLI381) administered in applesauce (sprinkled) and the same dose administered as an intact capsule with or without food. Randomized, open-label, crossover study. Clinical research unit. Forty-one healthy adults. Study A had four treatment sequences: three test formulations (A, B, and C) of a single dose of extended-release Adderall 20 mg, and two 10-mg doses of Adderall given 4 hours apart. Study B had three treatment sequences: a single dose of SLI381 30 mg as an intact capsule after overnight fast, an intact capsule after a high-fat breakfast, and the contents of a capsule sprinkled in 1 tablespoon of applesauce. The 20-mg test formulation A had comparable pharmacokinetic profiles and bioequivalence in rate and extent of drug absorption to Adderall 10 mg twice/day for both d- and l-amphetamine. Formulations B and C had statistically significant differences from the reference drug in some pharmacokinetic parameters. A 30-mg dose of SLI381 showed no significant differences in rate and extent of absorption of d- and l-amphetamine for fasted or sprinkled conditions compared with the high-fat meal condition. SLI381 20 mg/day is bioequivalent to Adderall 10 mg twice/day. SLI381 30 mg administered in applesauce is bioequivalent in terms of both rate and extent of absorption to the same dose administered as an intact capsule in both fasted and fed states.

Development of ligustrazine hydrochloride carboxymethyl chitosan and collagen microspheres: Formulation optimization, characterization, and vitro release

PubMed Central

Lin, Qiang; Huo, Qing; Qin, Yingzhe; Zhao, Zhuo; Tao, Fengyun

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT This study investigates the preparation of ligustrazine hydrochloride carboxymethyl chitosan and collagen microspheres. This experiment investigates effects of the ratio of carboxymethyl chitosan and collagen blend, water to oil ratio, stirring speed, and other factors on the microsphere properties. The experiment had the following conditions: a 1:2 proportion of carboxymethyl chitosan and collagen, a 1:2 proportion of drugs and materials, a 5:1 proportion of oil phase and water phase, 0.5% of span80, a 600r/min stirring speed, 3 ml of a cross-linking agent, 3 h of cross-linking curing, 1.25 ± 0.05 mm diameter LTH microcapsules, a 54.08% envelop rate, and a 14.16% carrier rate. The microspheres release rate reached 66% within 1 h, then steadily released within 5 h in vitro. The experimental results showed that the ligustrazine hydrochloride microsphere production process was stable and exhibited a good release effect compared with other ligustrazine hydrochloride tablets and pills. PMID:27689792

Method for computing energy release rate using the elastic work factor approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhee, K. Y.; Ernst, H. A.

1992-01-01

The elastic work factor eta(el) concept was applied to composite structures for the calculation of total energy release rate by using a single specimen. Cracked lap shear specimens with four different unidirectional fiber orientation were used to examine the dependence of eta(el) on the material properties. Also, three different thickness ratios (lap/strap) were used to determine how geometric conditions affect eta(el). The eta(el) values were calculated in two different ways: compliance method and crack closure method. The results show that the two methods produce comparable eta(el) values and, while eta(el) is affected significantly by geometric conditions, it is reasonably independent of material properties for the given geometry. The results also showed that the elastic work factor can be used to calculate total energy release rate using a single specimen.

Paclitaxel-loaded polymeric microparticles: Quantitative relationships between in vitro drug release rate and in vivo pharmacodynamics

PubMed Central

Tsai, Max; Lu, Ze; Wientjes, M. Guillaume; Au, Jessie L.-S.

2013-01-01

Intraperitoneal therapy (IP) has demonstrated survival advantages in patients with peritoneal cancers, but has not become a widely practiced standard-of-care in part due to local toxicity and sub-optimal drug delivery. Paclitaxel-loaded, polymeric microparticles were developed to overcome these limitations. The present study evaluated the effects of microparticle properties on paclitaxel release (extent and rate) and in vivo pharmacodynamics. In vitro paclitaxel release from microparticles with varying physical characteristics (i.e., particle size, copolymer viscosity and composition) was evaluated. A method was developed to simulate the dosing rate and cumulative dose released in the peritoneal cavity based on the in vitro release data. The relationship between the simulated drug delivery and treatment outcomes of seven microparticle compositions was studied in mice bearing IP human pancreatic tumors, and compared to that of the intravenous Cremophor micellar paclitaxel solution used off-label in previous IP studies. Paclitaxel release from polymeric microparticles in vitro was multi-phasic; release was greater and more rapid from microparticles with lower polymer viscosities and smaller diameters (e.g., viscosity of 0.17 vs. 0.67 dl/g and diameter of 5–6 vs. 50–60 μm). The simulated drug release in the peritoneal cavity linearly correlated with treatment efficacy in mice (r2>0.8, p<0.001). The smaller microparticles, which distribute more evenly in the peritoneal cavity compared to the large microparticles, showed greater dose efficiency. For single treatment, the microparticles demonstrated up to 2-times longer survival extension and 4-times higher dose efficiency, relative to the paclitaxel/Cremophor micellar solution. Upon repeated dosing, the paclitaxel/Cremophor micellar solution showed cumulative toxicity whereas the microparticle that yielded 2-times longer survival did not display cumulative toxicity. The efficacy of IP therapy depended on both temporal and spatial factors that were determined by the characteristics of the drug delivery system. A combination of fast- and slow-releasing microparticles with 5–6 μm diameter provided favorable spatial distribution and optimal drug release for IP therapy. PMID:24056144

Controlled release of isoproturon, imidacloprid, and cyromazine from alginate-bentonite-activated carbon formulations.

PubMed

Garrido-Herrera, F J; Gonzalez-Pradas, E; Fernandez-Pérez, M

2006-12-27

Different alginate-based systems of isoproturon, imidacloprid, and cyromazine have been investigated in order to obtain controlled release (CR) properties. The basic formulation [sodium alginate (1.50%), pesticide (0.30%), and water] was modified using different amounts of bentonite and activated carbon. The higher values of encapsulation efficiency corresponded to those formulations prepared with higher percentages of activated carbon, showing higher encapsulation efficiency values for isoproturon and imidacloprid than for cyromazine, which has a higher water solubility. The kinetic experiments of imidacloprid/isoproturon release in water have shown us that the release rate is higher in imidacloprid systems than in those prepared with isoproturon. Moreover, it can be deduced that the use of bentonite and/or activated carbon sorbents reduces the release rate of the isoproturon and imidacloprid in comparison with the technical product and with alginate formulation without modifying agents. The highest decrease in release rate corresponds to the formulations prepared with the highest percentage of activated carbon. The water uptake, permeability, and time taken for 50% of the active ingredient to be released into water, T50, were calculated to compare the formulations. On the basis of a parameter of an empirical equation used to fit the pesticide release data, the release of isoproturon and imidacloprid from the various formulations into water is controlled by a diffusion mechanism. The sorption capacity of the sorbents and the permeability of the formulations were the most important factors modulating pesticide release. Finally, a linear correlation of the T50 values and the content of activated carbon in formulations were obtained.

A Method for Calculating Strain Energy Release Rates in Preliminary Design of Composite Skin/Stringer Debonding Under Multi-Axial Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Minguet, Pierre J.; OBrien, T. Kevin

1999-01-01

Three simple procedures were developed to determine strain energy release rates, G, in composite skin/stringer specimens for various combinations of unaxial and biaxial (in-plane/out-of-plane) loading conditions. These procedures may be used for parametric design studies in such a way that only a few finite element computations will be necessary for a study of many load combinations. The results were compared with mixed mode strain energy release rates calculated directly from nonlinear two-dimensional plane-strain finite element analyses using the virtual crack closure technique. The first procedure involved solving three unknown parameters needed to determine the energy release rates. Good agreement was obtained when the external loads were used in the expression derived. This superposition technique was only applicable if the structure exhibits a linear load/deflection behavior. Consequently, a second technique was derived which was applicable in the case of nonlinear load/deformation behavior. The technique involved calculating six unknown parameters from a set of six simultaneous linear equations with data from six nonlinear analyses to determine the energy release rates. This procedure was not time efficient, and hence, less appealing. A third procedure was developed to calculate mixed mode energy release rates as a function of delamination lengths. This procedure required only one nonlinear finite element analysis of the specimen with a single delamination length to obtain a reference solution for the energy release rates and the scale factors. The delamination was extended in three separate linear models of the local area in the vicinity of the delamination subjected to unit loads to obtain the distribution of G with delamination lengths. This set of sub-problems was Although additional modeling effort is required to create the sub- models, this local technique is efficient for parametric studies.

Characterization of a mine fire using atmospheric monitoring system sensor data

PubMed Central

Yuan, L.; Thomas, R.A.; Zhou, L.

2017-01-01

Atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS) have been widely used in underground coal mines in the United States for the detection of fire in the belt entry and the monitoring of other ventilation-related parameters such as airflow velocity and methane concentration in specific mine locations. In addition to an AMS being able to detect a mine fire, the AMS data have the potential to provide fire characteristic information such as fire growth — in terms of heat release rate — and exact fire location. Such information is critical in making decisions regarding fire-fighting strategies, underground personnel evacuation and optimal escape routes. In this study, a methodology was developed to calculate the fire heat release rate using AMS sensor data for carbon monoxide concentration, carbon dioxide concentration and airflow velocity based on the theory of heat and species transfer in ventilation airflow. Full-scale mine fire experiments were then conducted in the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division’s Safety Research Coal Mine using an AMS with different fire sources. Sensor data collected from the experiments were used to calculate the heat release rates of the fires using this methodology. The calculated heat release rate was compared with the value determined from the mass loss rate of the combustible material using a digital load cell. The experimental results show that the heat release rate of a mine fire can be calculated using AMS sensor data with reasonable accuracy. PMID:28845058

Assessing the release of copper from nanocopper-treated and conventional copper-treated lumber into marine waters I: Concentrations and rates.

PubMed

Parks, Ashley N; Cantwell, Mark G; Katz, David R; Cashman, Michaela A; Luxton, Todd P; Ho, Kay T; Burgess, Robert M

2018-03-25

Little is known about the release of metal engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) from consumer goods, including lumber treated with micronized copper. Micronized copper is a recent form of antifouling wood preservative containing nanosized copper particles for use in pressure-treated lumber. The present study investigated the concentrations released and the release rate of total copper over the course of 133 d under freshwater, estuarine, and marine salinity conditions (0, 1, 10, and 30‰) for several commercially available pressure-treated lumbers: micronized copper azole (MCA) at 0.96 and 2.4 kg/m 3 , alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) at 0.30 and 9.6 kg/m 3 , and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) at 40 kg/m 3 . Lumber was tested as blocks and as sawdust. Overall, copper was released from all treated lumber samples. Under leaching conditions, total release ranged from 2 to 55% of the measured copper originally in the lumber, with release rate constants from the blocks of 0.03 to 2.71 (units per day). Generally, measured release and modeled equilibrium concentrations were significantly higher in the estuarine conditions compared with freshwater or marine salinities, whereas rate constants showed very limited differences between salinities. Furthermore, organic carbon was released during the leaching and demonstrated a significant relationship with released copper concentrations as a function of salinity. The results indicate that copper is released into estuarine/marine waters from multiple wood treatments including lumber amended with nanoparticle-sized copper. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;9999:1-13. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Dosage form design and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of cevimeline extended-release tablet formulations.

PubMed

Tajiri, Shinichiro; Kanamaru, Taro; Kamada, Makoto; Makoto, Kamada; Konno, Tsutomu; Nakagami, Hiroaki

2010-01-04

The objective of the present work is to develop an extended-release dosage form of cevimeline. Two types of extended-release tablets (simple matrix tablets and press-coated tablets) were prepared and their potential as extended-release dosage forms were assessed. Simple matrix tablets have a large amount of hydroxypropylcellulose as a rate-controlling polymer and the matrix is homogeneous throughout the tablet. The press-coated tablets consisted of a matrix core tablet, which was completely surrounded by an outer shell containing a large amount of hydroxypropylcellulose. The simple matrix tablets could not sustain the release of cevimeline effectively. In contrast, the press-coated tablets showed a slower dissolution rate compared with simple matrix tablets and the release curve was nearly linear. The dissolution of cevimeline from the press-coated tablets was not markedly affected by the pH of the dissolution medium or by a paddle rotating speed over the range of 50-200 rpm. Furthermore, cevimeline was constantly released from the press-coated tablets in the gastrointestinal tract and the steady-state plasma drug levels were maintained in beagle dogs. These results suggested that the designed PC tablets have a potential for extended-release dosage forms.

Substance use disorders, psychiatric disorders, and mortality after release from prison: a nationwide longitudinal cohort study

PubMed Central

Chang, Zheng; Lichtenstein, Paul; Larsson, Henrik; Fazel, Seena

2015-01-01

Summary Background High mortality rates have been reported in people released from prison compared with the general population. However, few studies have investigated potential risk factors associated with these high rates, especially psychiatric determinants. We aimed to investigate the association between psychiatric disorders and mortality in people released from prison in Sweden. Methods We studied all people who were imprisoned since Jan 1, 2000, and released before Dec 31, 2009, in Sweden for risks of all-cause and external-cause (accidents, suicide, homicide) mortality after prison release. We obtained data for substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders, and criminological and sociodemographic factors from population-based registers. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) by Cox regression, and then used them to calculate population attributable fractions for post-release mortality. To control for potential familial confounding, we compared individuals in the study with siblings who were also released from prison, but without psychiatric disorders. We tested whether any independent risk factors improved the prediction of mortality beyond age, sex, and criminal history. Findings We identified 47 326 individuals who were imprisoned. During a median follow-up time of 5·1 years (IQR 2·6–7·5), we recorded 2874 (6%) deaths after release from prison. The overall all-cause mortality rate was 1205 deaths per 100 000 person-years. Substance use disorders significantly increased the rate of all-cause mortality (alcohol use: adjusted HR 1·62, 95% CI 1·48–1·77; drug use: 1·67, 1·53–1·83), and the association was independent of sociodemographic, criminological, and familial factors. We identified no strong evidence that other psychiatric disorders increased mortality after we controlled for potential confounders. In people released from prison, 925 (34%) of all-cause deaths in men and 85 (50%) in women were potentially attributable to substance use disorders. Substance use disorders were also an independent determinant of external-cause mortality, with population attributable fraction estimates at 42% in men and 70% in women. Substance use disorders significantly improved the prediction of external-cause mortality, in addition to sociodemographic and criminological factors. Interpretation Interventions to address substance use disorders could substantially decrease the burden of excess mortality in people released from prison, but might need to be provided beyond the immediate period after release. Funding Wellcome Trust, Swedish Research Council, and the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare. PMID:26360286

[The excipient properties of shea butter compared with vaseline and lanolin].

PubMed

Thioune, Oumar; Khouma, Barham; Diarra, Mounibé; Diop, Alioune B; Lô, Issa

2003-01-01

A shea butter ointment containing 3% aureomycin (clortetracyclin hydrocloride) was prepared and some of its macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were evaluated. Then, the release of the active ingredient was compared by UV spectrophotometry with those obtained when excipients such as petroleum jelly and lanoline were used. Results had shown that the shea butter ointment had satisfactory characteristics. In the other hand, it was found that shea butter released the aureomycin easily and at a faster rate than the other excipients.

Estimations of direct release rate of 137Cs and 90Sr to the ocean from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant for five-and-a-half years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, Daisuke; Aoyama, Michio; Tsubono, Takaki; Misumi, Kazuhiro; Tateda, Yutaka

2017-04-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition. Additional release pathways by river input and runoff from 1F NPP site with precipitation and were also effective for coastal zone in the specific periods before starting direct release on March 26 2011. Direct release from 1F NPP site is dominant one year after the accident. We estimated the direct release rate of 137Cs and 90Sr for more than five-and-a-half years after the accident by the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS). Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for five-and-a-half years after the accident by comparing simulated results and measured activities adjacent to the 1F NPP site(at 5,6 discharge and south discharge). Directly release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1014 Bq/day and decreased exponentially with time to be the order of magnitude of 109 Bq/day by the end of September 2016. Estimated direct release rate have exponentially reduced with constant rate since November 2011. Apparent half-life of direct release rate was estimated to be 346 days. The estimated total amounts of directly released 137Cs was 3.7±0.7 PBq for five and a half years. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. Simulated 137Cs activity affected off coast in the Fukushima prefecture. We used the measured 137Cs activities by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for the estimation of direct release. The sea water samples were corrected from the coast. The averaged 137Cs activities from November 2013 to June 2016 were 391 and 383 Bq/m3 at 5,6 discharge and south discharge, respectively. The averaged 137Cs activities measured by the Nuclear Regulation Agency (NRA) is about five times smaller than the one by the TEPCO because the NRA corrected seawater samples at 300-500m offshore by ship. Horizontal resolution of the model was 1km x 1km, therefore it is important to consider the difference of activities in the sub-grid scale for the detailed estimations of direct release. 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio measured adjacent to the 1F NPP is variable with time. The 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio was 0.62 due to the global fallout before the accident. The 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio decreased to 0.01 after the accident before April 2011. And the ratio increased to 1 by September 2013. And then the ratio decreased to 0.1-1. After October 2015, the ratio decreased to 0.1-0.2. Directly release rate of 90Sr was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1012 Bq/day and decreased to the order of magnitude of 108 Bq/day by the end of September 2016. The estimated total amounts of directly released 90Sr was 35 ± 7 TBq.

Selective pH-Responsive Core-Sheath Nanofiber Membranes for Chem/Bio/Med Applications: Targeted Delivery of Functional Molecules.

PubMed

Han, Daewoo; Steckl, Andrew J

2017-12-13

Core-sheath fibers using different Eudragit materials were successfully produced, and their controlled multi-pH responses have been demonstrated. Core-sheath fibers made of Eudragit L 100 (EL100) core and Eudragit S 100 (ES100) sheath provide protection and/or controlled release of core material at pH 6 by adjusting the sheath thickness (controlled by the flow rate of source polymer solution). The thickest sheath (∼250 nm) provides the least core release ∼1.25%/h, while the thinnest sheath (∼140 nm) provides much quicker release ∼16.75%/h. Furthermore, switching core and sheath material dramatically altered the pH response. Core-sheath fibers made of ES100 core and EL100 sheath can provide a consistent core release rate, while the sheath release rate becomes higher as the sheath layer becomes thinner. For example, the thinnest sheath (∼120 nm) provides a core and sheath release ratio of 1:2.5, while the thickest sheath (∼200 nm) shows only a ratio of 1:1.7. All core-sheath Eudragit fibers show no noticeable release at pH 5, while they are completely dissolved at pH 7. Extremely high surface area in the porous network of the fiber membranes provides much faster (>30 times) response to external pH changes as compared to that of equivalent cast films.

In Vitro Drug Release After Crushing: Evaluation of Xtampza® ER and Other ER Opioid Formulations.

PubMed

Mayock, Stephen P; Saim, Said; Fleming, Alison B

2017-12-01

Extended-release (ER) opioids are associated with high rates of abuse. Recreational opioid users often manipulate ER formulations to achieve a high plasma concentration in a short amount of time, resulting in a more rapid and intense high. Patients may also manipulate ER tablets to facilitate swallowing, without recognizing that manipulation could increase release rate. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of oxycodone DETERx (Xtampza ® ER, Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., Canton, MA, USA) and other commercially available ER opioid formulations with and without physicochemical abuse-deterrent characteristics to be manipulated by crushing in an in vitro setting. In vitro dissolution techniques were used to compare the opioid release from a variety of ER opioid formulations. Dissolution was assessed for intact and crushed dosage forms. Opioid release was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Intact formulations exhibited drug release rates characteristic of 12- or 24-h dosage forms. After crushing using commonly available household tools, only Xtampza ER maintained ER of opioid. Xtampza ER maintained its ER characteristics after crushing, unlike many other commercially available opioid formulations, including some formulated with abuse-deterrent properties. As such, Xtampza ER may be less appealing to abusers and offer a margin of safety for patients who manipulate dosage forms to facilitate swallowing.

Zn(2+) release behavior and surface characteristics of Zn/LDPE nanocomposites and ZnO/LDPE nanocomposites in simulated uterine solution.

PubMed

Yang, Zhihong; Xie, Changsheng; Xia, Xianping; Cai, Shuizhou

2008-11-01

To decrease the side effects of the existing copper-bearing intrauterine devices, the zinc/low-density polyethylene (Zn/LDPE) nanocomposite and zinc-oxide/low-density polyethylene (ZnO/LDPE) nanocomposite have been developed in our research for intrauterine devices (IUDs). In this study, the influences of preparation methods of nanocomposites and particle sizes of zinc and zinc oxide on Zn(2+) release from composites incubated in simulated uterine solution were investigated. All release profiles are biphasic: an initial rapid release phase is followed by a near zero-order release period. Zn(2+) release rates of nanocomposites prepared by compressing moulding are higher than those of the nanocomposites prepared by hot-melt extrusing. Compared with Zn(2+) release from the microcomposites, the release profiles of the nanocomposites exhibit a sharp decrease in Zn(2+) release rate in the first 18 days, an early onset of the zero-order release period and a high release rate of Zn(2+) at the later stage. The microstructure of the Zn/LDPE sample and the ZnO/LDPE sample after being incubated for 200 days was characterized by SEM, XRD and EDX techniques. The results show that the dissolution depth of ZnO/LDPE nanocomposite is about 60 mum. Lots of pores were formed on the surface of the Zn/LDPE sample and ZnO/LDPE sample, indicating that these pores can provide channels for the dissolution of nanoparticles in the matrix. The undesirable deposits that are composed of ZnO are only detected on the surface of Zn/LDPE nanocomposite, which may increase the risk of side effects associated with IUDs. It can be expected that ZnO/LDPE nanocomposite is more suitable for IUDs than Zn/LDPE nanocomposite.

Dynamic Model for the Stocks and Release Flows of Engineered Nanomaterials.

PubMed

Song, Runsheng; Qin, Yuwei; Suh, Sangwon; Keller, Arturo A

2017-11-07

Most existing life-cycle release models for engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are static, ignoring the dynamics of stock and flows of ENMs. Our model, nanoRelease, estimates the annual releases of ENMs from manufacturing, use, and disposal of a product explicitly taking stock and flow dynamics into account. Given the variabilities in key parameters (e.g., service life of products and annual release rate during use) nanoRelease is designed as a stochastic model. We apply nanoRelease to three ENMs (TiO 2 , SiO 2 and FeO x ) used in paints and coatings through seven product applications, including construction and building, household and furniture, and automotive for the period from 2000 to 2020 using production volume and market projection information. We also consider model uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulation. Compared with 2016, the total annual releases of ENMs in 2020 will increase by 34-40%, and the stock will increase by 28-34%. The fraction of the end-of-life release among total release flows will increase from 11% in 2002 to 43% in 2020. As compared to static models, our dynamic model predicts about an order of magnitude lower values for the amount of ENM released from this sector in the near-term while stock continues to build up in the system.

Controlled release from aspirin based linear biodegradable poly(anhydride esters) for anti-inflammatory activity.

PubMed

Dasgupta, Queeny; Movva, Sahitya; Chatterjee, Kaushik; Madras, Giridhar

2017-08-07

This work reports the synthesis of a novel, aspirin-loaded, linear poly (anhydride ester) and provides mechanistic insights into the release of aspirin from this polymer for anti-inflammatory activity. As compared to conventional drug delivery systems that rely on diffusion based release, incorporation of bioactives in the polymer backbone is challenging and high loading is difficult to achieve. In the present study, we exploit the pentafunctional sugar alcohol (xylitol) to provide sites for drug (aspirin) attachment at its non-terminal OH groups. The terminal OH groups are polymerized with a diacid anhydride. The hydrolysis of the anhydride and ester bonds under physiological conditions release aspirin from the matrix. The resulting poly(anhydride ester) has high drug loading (53%) and displays controlled release kinetics of aspirin. The polymer releases 8.5 % and 20%, of the loaded drug in one and four weeks, respectively and has a release rate constant of 0.0035h -0.61 . The release rate is suitable for its use as an anti-inflammatory agent without being cytotoxic. The polymer exhibits good cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties and may find applications as injectable or as an implantable bioactive material. The physical insights into the release mechanism can provide development of other drug loaded polymers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical investigation of the effect of delaminations on fracture characteristics of glare

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhat, Sunil; Narayanan, S.

2013-10-01

A finite element examination of the effect of delaminations on fracture characteristics of fibre metal laminate (Glare), by comparing energy release rates of normal cracks in laminates with and without delaminations, is presented in the paper. Glare comprising thin cracked 2024-T3 aerospace aluminum alloy layers alternately bonded with E-glass fibre based composite prepregs is considered for the analysis. Delaminations are modeled with interface cohesive elements. Energy release rates of normal cracks in laminates with delaminations are found to be higher than those in the laminates without delaminations.

System and process for polarity swing assisted regeneration of gas selective capture liquids

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

Heldebrant, David J.; Tegrotenhuis, Ward E.; Freeman, Charles J.

A polarity swing-assisted regeneration (PSAR) process is disclosed for improving the efficiency of releasing gases chemically bound to switchable ionic liquids. Regeneration of the SWIL involves addition of a quantity of non-polar organic compound as an anti-solvent to destabilize the SWIL, which aids in release of the chemically bound gas. The PSAR decreases gas loading of a SWIL at a given temperature and increases the rate of gas release compared to heating in the absence of anti-solvent.

Integrating sol-gel with cold plasmas modified porous polycaprolactone membranes for the drug-release of silver-sulfadiazine and ketoprofen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangindaan, Dave; Chen, Chao-Ting; Wang, Meng-Jiy

2012-12-01

A controlled release system composed of surface modified porous polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes combined with a layer of tetraorthosilicate (TEOS)-chitosan sol-gel was reported in this study. PCL is a hydrophobic, semi-crystalline, and biodegradable polymer with a relatively slow degradation rate. The drugs chosen for release experiments were silver-sulfadiazine (AgSD) and ketoprofen which were impregnated in the TEOS-chitosan sol-gel. The surface modification was achieved by O2 plasma and the surfaces were characterized by water contact angle (WCA) measurements, atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The results showed that the release of AgSD on O2 plasma treated porous PCL membranes was prolonged when compared with the pristine sample. On the contrary, the release rate of ketoprofen revealed no significant difference on pristine and plasma treated PCL membranes. The prepared PCL membranes showed good biocompatibility for the wound dressing biomaterial applications.

Flow-directed loading of block copolymer micelles with hydrophobic probes in a gas-liquid microreactor.

PubMed

Wang, Chih-Wei; Bains, Aman; Sinton, David; Moffitt, Matthew G

2013-07-02

We investigate the loading efficiencies of two chemically distinct hydrophobic fluorescent probes, pyrene and naphthalene, for self-assembly and loading of polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) micelles in gas-liquid segmented microfluidic reactors under different chemical and flow conditions. On-chip loading efficiencies are compared to values obtained via off-chip dropwise water addition to a solution of copolymer and probe. On-chip, probe loading efficiencies depend strongly on the chemical probe, initial solvent, water content, and flow rate. For pyrene and naphthalene probes, maximum on-chip loading efficiencies of 73 ± 6% and 11 ± 3%, respectively, are obtained, in both cases using the more polar solvent (DMF), an intermediate water content (2 wt % above critical), and a low flow rate (∼5 μL/min); these values are compared to 81 ± 6% and 48 ± 2%, respectively, for off-chip loading. On-chip loading shows a significant improvement over the off-chip process where shear-induced formation of smaller micelles enables increased encapsulation of probe. As well, we show that on-chip loading allows off-chip release kinetics to be controlled via flow rate: compared to vehicles produced at ∼5 μL/min, pyrene release kinetics from vehicles produced at ∼50 μL/min showed a longer initial period of burst release, followed by slow release over a longer total period. These results demonstrate the necessity to match probes, solvents, and running conditions to achieve effective loading, which is essential information for further developing these on-chip platforms for manufacturing drug delivery formulations.

A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic comparison of immediate-release metoprolol and extended-release metoprolol CR/XL in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction: a randomized, open-label study.

PubMed

Karlson, Björn W; Dellborg, Mikael; Gullestad, Lars; Aberg, Jan; Sugg, Jennifer; Herlitz, Johan

2014-01-01

Previous metoprolol studies in myocardial infarction patients were performed with immediate-release (IR) metoprolol. This study aims to evaluate if extended-release metoprolol CR/XL once daily gives a similar β-blockade over 24 h compared to multiple dosing of metoprolol IR. After 2 days of routine metoprolol treatment, 27 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction were randomized to open-label treatment with metoprolol IR (50 mg four times daily or 100 mg twice daily) or metoprolol CR/XL 200 mg once daily for 3 days. Metoprolol CR/XL 200 mg once daily gave more pronounced suppression of peak heart rate, with lower peak and less variation in peak to trough plasma levels. There were no differences in AUC between the CR/XL and IR formulations, although the trough plasma metoprolol levels were comparable for metoprolol CR/XL 200 mg once daily and metoprolol IR 50 mg four times daily, but lower for metoprolol IR 100 mg twice daily. Both treatments were well tolerated. Metoprolol CR/XL 200 mg once daily showed lower peak and less variation in peak to trough plasma levels compared to multiple dosing of metoprolol IR with the same AUC. This was accompanied by a more uniform β-blockade over time, which was reflected by heart rate, and a more pronounced suppression of peak heart rate with similar tolerability. This suggests metoprolol CR/XL may be used as an alternative to metoprolol IR in patients with myocardial infarction. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Can Nanofluidic Chemical Release Enable Fast, High Resolution Neurotransmitter-Based Neurostimulation?

PubMed

Jones, Peter D; Stelzle, Martin

2016-01-01

Artificial chemical stimulation could provide improvements over electrical neurostimulation. Physiological neurotransmission between neurons relies on the nanoscale release and propagation of specific chemical signals to spatially-localized receptors. Current knowledge of nanoscale fluid dynamics and nanofluidic technology allows us to envision artificial mechanisms to achieve fast, high resolution neurotransmitter release. Substantial technological development is required to reach this goal. Nanofluidic technology-rather than microfluidic-will be necessary; this should come as no surprise given the nanofluidic nature of neurotransmission. This perspective reviews the state of the art of high resolution electrical neuroprostheses and their anticipated limitations. Chemical release rates from nanopores are compared to rates achieved at synapses and with iontophoresis. A review of microfluidic technology justifies the analysis that microfluidic control of chemical release would be insufficient. Novel nanofluidic mechanisms are discussed, and we propose that hydrophobic gating may allow control of chemical release suitable for mimicking neurotransmission. The limited understanding of hydrophobic gating in artificial nanopores and the challenges of fabrication and large-scale integration of nanofluidic components are emphasized. Development of suitable nanofluidic technology will require dedicated, long-term efforts over many years.

[Effects of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer application on dry matter accumulation and nitrogen balance of summer maize].

PubMed

Si, Dong-Xia; Cui, Zhen-Ling; Chen, Xin-Ping; Lü, Fu-Tang

2014-06-01

Effects of four controlled release nitrogen (N) fertilizers, including two kinds of polyester coated urea (Ncau, CRU) and phosphate (NhnP) and humic acid (NhnF) coated urea on assimilates accumulation and nitrogen balance of summer maize were investigated in a mode of one-time fertilization at the regional N recommended rate. The results showed that the N release curves of the two controlled release fertilizers CRU and Ncau matched well with the summer maize N uptake. Compared with the regional N recommendation rate, CRU could increase maize yield by 4.2% and Ncau could maintain the same yield level. CRU significantly increased the dry matter accumulation rate after anthesis of summer maize, but Ncau markedly increased the dry matter accumulated ratio before anthesis. Meanwhile, CRU could reduce the apparent N losses by 19 kg N x hm(-2) in the case of large precipitation. However, NhnF and NhnP caused the yield losses by 0.1%-8.9%, and enhanced the apparent N losses. Therefore, both CRU and Ncau with one-time fertilization could be a simplified alternative to the "total control, staging regulation" fertilization technique at the regional N recommended rate for summer maize production.

Delamination growth analysis in quasi-isotropic laminates under loads simulating low-velocity impact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivakumar, K. N.; Elber, W.

1984-01-01

A geometrically nonlinear finite-element analysis was developed to calculate the strain energy released by delamination plates during impact loading. Only the first mode of deformation, which is equivalent to static deflection, was treated. Both the impact loading and delamination in the plate were assumed to be axisymmetric. The strain energy release rate in peeling, G sub I, and shear sliding, G sub II, modes were calculated using the fracture mechanics crack closure technique. Energy release rates for various delamination sizes and locations and for various plate configurations and materials were compared. The analysis indicated that shear sliding (G sub II) was the primary mode of delamination growth. The analysis also indicated that the midplane (maximum transverse shear stress plane) delamination was more critical and would grow before any other delamination of the same size near the midplane region. The delamination growth rate was higher (neutrally stable) for a low toughness (brittle) matrix and slower (stable) for high toughness matrix. The energy release rate in the peeling mode, G sub I, for a near-surface delamination can be as high as 0.5G sub II and can contribute significantly to the delamination growth.

[Continuity of utilization of a levonorgestrel releasing contraceptive implant: prospective study in Belgium].

PubMed

Vekemans, M; Delvigne, A; Paesmans, M

1996-12-01

Since 1988 we inserted 760 sets of a subcutaneous hormonal contraceptive releasing levonorgestrel active for 5 years. The aim of the study was to investigate the continuation rates. We considered our first 612 insertions. The 5-year cumulative pregnancy rate was 3.7%. The continuation rates were high (50% of the implants remained in situ after 3 1/2 years). These rates increased with age, and were better with European than with non-European subjects (mainly Moroccan and Turkish women). Parity didn't influence. The rates increased over time, because more unhappy women soon came back compared to satisfied users. Removals were related to pregnancy wish, irregular blood loss, end of action, and various side effects. In a few cases untrained physicians removed the implants.

Estimation of peacock bass (Cichla spp.) mortality rate during catch-release fishing employing different post-capture procedures.

PubMed

Barroco, L S A; Freitas, C E C; Lima, Á C

2018-05-01

The effect of catch-and-release fishing on the survival of peacock bass (Cichla spp.) was evaluated by comparing two types of artificial bait (jig and shallow-diver plugs) and two types of post-catch confinement. Two experiments were conducted during the periods January-February and October-November 2012 in the Unini River, a right-bank tributary of the Negro River. In total, 191 peacock bass were captured. Both groups of fish were subjected to experimental confinement (collective and individual) for three days. Additionally, 11 fish were tagged with radio transmitters for telemetry monitoring. Mortality rate was estimated as the percentage of dead individuals for each type of bait and confinement. For peacock bass caught with jig baits, mortality was zero. The corresponding figure for shallow-diver bait was 1.66% for fish in collective containment, 18.18% for fish monitored by telemetry and 0% for individuals confined individually. Our results show low post-release mortality rates for peacock bass. Furthermore, neither the type of confinement nor the type of bait had a statistically significant influence on mortality rates. While future studies could include other factors in the analysis, our results show that catch-and-release fishing results in low mortality rates.

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

Li, Dongdong, E-mail: lidongchem@sina.cn; Zhu, Yuntao; Liang, Zhiqiang

Highlights: ► The synthesized mesoporous hydroxyapatite has nanostructure and bioactivity. ► The materials have high surface area and amino group. ► The materials show higher drug loading and slower release rate than pure HAP. - Abstract: Mesoporous nanosized hydroxyapatite (HAP) functionalized by alendronate (ALN) was synthesized using cationic surfactant CTAB as template. The structural, morphological and textural properties were fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N{sub 2} adsorption/desorption. Then the obtained materials were performed as drug delivery carriers using ibuprofen (IBU) as a model drug to investigate their drug storage/releasemore » properties in simulated body fluid (SBF). The materials showed relatively slower release rate compared with HAP due to the ionic interaction between -NH{sub 3}{sup +} on the matrix and -COO{sup −}belongs to IBU. The system provides a new concept for improving the drug loading or slowing down the release rate.« less

State of Fukushima nuclear fuel debris tracked by Cs137 in cooling water.

PubMed

Grambow, B; Mostafavi, M

2014-11-01

It is still difficult to assess the risk originating from the radioactivity inventory remaining in the damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors. Here we show that cooling water analyses provide a means to assess source terms for potential future releases. Until now already about 34% of the inventories of (137)Cs of three reactors has been released into water. We found that the release rate of (137)Cs has been constant for 2 years at about 1.8% of the inventory per year indicating ongoing dissolution of the fuel debris. Compared to laboratory studies on spent nuclear fuel behavior in water, (137)Cs release rates are on the higher end, caused by the strong radiation field and oxidant production by water radiolysis and by impacts of accessible grain boundaries. It is concluded that radionuclide analyses in cooling water allow tracking of the conditions of the damaged fuel and the associated risks.

Reduction of calcium inactivation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release by fura-2 in voltage-clamped cut twitch fibers from frog muscle

PubMed Central

1993-01-01

Cut fibers from Rana temporaria and Rana pipiens (striation spacing, 3.9-4.2 microns) were mounted in a double Vaseline-gap chamber and studied at 14 degrees C. The Ca indicator purpurate-3,3' diacetic acid (PDAA) was introduced into the end pools and allowed to diffuse into the optical recording site. When the concentration at the site exceeded 2 mM, step depolarizations to 10 mV were applied and the [Ca] transient measured with PDAA was used to estimate Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) (Baylor, S. M., W. K. Chandler, and M. W. Marshall. 1983. Journal of Physiology. 344:625-666). With depolarization, the rate of SR Ca release increased to an early peak and then rapidly decreased several-fold to a quasi-steady level. The total amount of Ca released from the SR at the time of peak rate of release appeared to be independent of SR Ca content, consistent with the idea that a single activated channel might pass, on average, a fixed number of ions, independent of the magnitude of the single channel flux. A possible explanation of this property is given in terms of locally induced Ca inactivation of Ca release. The solution in the end pools was then changed to one with PDAA plus fura-2. SR Ca release was estimated from the [Ca] transient, as before, and from the delta [Cafura-2] signal. On average, 2-3 mM fura-2 increased the quasi-steady level of the rate of SR Ca release by factors of 6.6 and 3.8, respectively, in three fibers from Rana temporaria and three fibers from Rana pipiens. The peak rate of release was increased in five of the six fibers but to a lesser extent than the quasi-steady level. In all fibers, the amplitude of the free [Ca] transient was markedly reduced. These increases in the rate of SR Ca release are consistent with the idea that Ca inactivation of Ca release develops during a step depolarization to 10 mV and that 2-3 mM fura-2 is able to reduce this inactivation by complexing Ca and thereby reducing free [Ca]. Once the concentration of fura-2 becomes sufficiently large, a further increase reduces the rate of SR Ca release. On average, 5-6 mM fura-2 increased the quasi-steady rate of release, compared with 0 mM fura-2, by 6.5 and 2.9, respectively, in four fibers from Rana temporaria and three from Rana pipiens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:8228914

The association of the original OSHA chemical hazard communication standard with reductions in acute work injuries/illnesses in private industry and the industrial releases of chemical carcinogens.

PubMed

Oleinick, Arthur

2014-02-01

OSHA predicted the original chemical Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) would cumulatively reduce the lost workday acute injury/illness rate for exposure events by 20% over 20 years and reduce exposure to chemical carcinogens. JoinPoint trend software identified changes in the rate of change of BLS rates for days away from work for acute injuries/illnesses during 1992-2009 for manufacturing and nonmanufacturing industries for both chemical, noxious or allergenic injury exposure events and All other exposure events. The annual percent change in the rates was used to adjust observed numbers of cases to estimate their association with the standard. A case-control study of EPA's Toxic Release Inventory 1988-2009 data compared carcinogen and non-carcinogens' releases. The study estimates that the HCS was associated with a reduction in the number of acute injuries/illnesses due to chemical injury exposure events over the background rate in the range 107,569-459,395 (Hudson method/modified BIC model) depending on whether the HCS is treated as a marginal or sole factor in the decrease. Carcinogen releases have declined at a substantially faster rate than control non-carcinogens. The previous HCS standard was associated with significant reductions in chemical event acute injuries/illnesses and chemical carcinogen exposures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Drug release and swelling kinetics of directly compressed glipizide sustained-release matrices: establishment of level A IVIVC.

PubMed

Sankalia, Jolly M; Sankalia, Mayur G; Mashru, Rajashree C

2008-07-02

The purpose of this study was to examine a level A in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for glipizide hydrophilic sustained-release matrices, with an acceptable internal predictability, in the presence of a range of formulation/manufacturing changes. The effect of polymeric blends of ethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, guar gum, Starch 1500, and lactose on in vitro release profiles was studied and fitted to various release kinetics models. Water uptake kinetics with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to support the drug release mechanism. An IVIVC was established by comparing the pharmacokinetic parameters of optimized (M-24) and marketed (Glytop-2.5 SR) formulations after single oral dose studies on white albino rabbits. The matrix M-19 (xanthan:MCC PH301 at 70:40) and M-24 (xanthan:HPMC K4M:Starch 1500 at 70:25:15) showed the glipizide release within the predetermined constraints at all time points with Korsmeyer-Peppas' and zero-order release mechanism, respectively. Kopcha model revealed that the xanthan gum is the major excipient responsible for the diffusional release profile and was further supported by SEM and swelling studies. A significant level A IVIVC with acceptable limits of prediction errors (below 15%) enables the prediction of in vivo performance from their in vitro release profile. It was concluded that proper selection of rate-controlling polymers with release rate modifier excipients will determine overall release profile, duration and mechanism from directly compressed matrices.

Simulation of the hydrodynamic conditions of the eye to better reproduce the drug release from hydrogel contact lenses: experiments and modeling.

PubMed

Pimenta, A F R; Valente, A; Pereira, J M C; Pereira, J C F; Filipe, H P; Mata, J L G; Colaço, R; Saramago, B; Serro, A P

2016-12-01

Currently, most in vitro drug release studies for ophthalmic applications are carried out in static sink conditions. Although this procedure is simple and useful to make comparative studies, it does not describe adequately the drug release kinetics in the eye, considering the small tear volume and flow rates found in vivo. In this work, a microfluidic cell was designed and used to mimic the continuous, volumetric flow rate of tear fluid and its low volume. The suitable operation of the cell, in terms of uniformity and symmetry of flux, was proved using a numerical model based in the Navier-Stokes and continuity equations. The release profile of a model system (a hydroxyethyl methacrylate-based hydrogel (HEMA/PVP) for soft contact lenses (SCLs) loaded with diclofenac) obtained with the microfluidic cell was compared with that obtained in static conditions, showing that the kinetics of release in dynamic conditions is slower. The application of the numerical model demonstrated that the designed cell can be used to simulate the drug release in the whole range of the human eye tear film volume and allowed to estimate the drug concentration in the volume of liquid in direct contact with the hydrogel. The knowledge of this concentration, which is significantly different from that measured in the experimental tests during the first hours of release, is critical to predict the toxicity of the drug release system and its in vivo efficacy. In conclusion, the use of the microfluidic cell in conjunction with the numerical model shall be a valuable tool to design and optimize new therapeutic drug-loaded SCLs.

Preparation and characterization of glycidyl methacrylate organo bridges grafted mesoporous silica SBA-15 as ibuprofen and mesalamine carrier for controlled release.

PubMed

Rehman, Fozia; Rahim, Abdur; Airoldi, Claudio; Volpe, Pedro L O

2016-02-01

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 was synthesized and functionalized with bridged polysilsesquioxane monomers obtained by the reaction of 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane with glycidyl methacrylate in 2:1 ratio. The synthesized mesoporous silica materials were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The nuclear magnetic resonance in the solid state is in agreement with the sequence of carbon distributed in the attached organic chains, as expected for organically functionalized mesoporous silica. After functionalization with organic bridges the BET surface area was reduced from 1311.80 to 494.2m(2)g(-1) and pore volume was reduced from 1.98 to 0.89cm(3)g(-1), when compared to original precursor silica. Modification of the silica surface with organic bridges resulted in high loading capacity and controlled release of ibuprofen and mesalamine in biological fluids. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model better fits the release data indicating Fickian diffusion and zero order kinetics for synthesized mesoporous silica. The drug release rate from the modified silica was slow in simulated gastric fluid, (pH1.2) where less than 10% of mesalamine and ibuprofen were released in initial 8h, while comparatively high release rates were observed in simulated intestinal (pH6.8) and simulated body fluids (pH7.2). The preferential release of mesalamine at intestinal pH suggests that the modified silica could be a simple, efficient, inexpensive and convenient carrier for colon targeted drugs, such a mesalamine and also as a controlled drug release system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Studies of Adhesion of a Highly Swollen Gel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cole, Phillip; Emerson, John

2003-03-01

A fracture mechanics methodology based on the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory is used to quantify the self-adhesion of a highly swollen gel. The solid phase of the gel is a cross-linked polybutadiene and the liquid phase is dibutylphthlate (maximum 60% by weight). In these experiments two nearly identical gel lenses are brought into contact. Bonding and separation of contact is analyzed in terms of the modified JKR theory of Shull [1]. Simultaneous measurements of the applied load, the load point displacement and the contact radius between the lenses allow us to determine the elastic modulus of the gel and the energy release rate. It also allows us to determine whether the observed hysteresis is primarily due to surface dissipation or due to bulk viscoelasticity. The energy release rate is found to be approximately constant during the bonding phase of the experiment. During the debonding phase, the energy release rate increases with the crack velocity or the receding rate of contact radius. Self-adhesion is quantified in the debonding phase through the relationship between the energy release rate and the crack growth rate. The energy release rate during the bonding phase is compared to the surface tension of the liquid and the solid. We also study the effect of liquid phase on the self-adhesion by varying the amount of liquid from zero percent to the maximum of sixty percent. [1] Shull, K. R. Materials Science and Engineering R-Reports, 36 (2002) 1-45. This work was performed at Sandia National Laboratories, supported by the United States Department of Energy under contract number DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Kinetics and mechanism of release from glyceryl monostearate-based implants: evaluation of release in a gel simulating in vivo implantation.

PubMed

Allababidi, S; Shah, J C

1998-06-01

The overall objective of the study was to design an implantable delivery system based on glyceryl monostearate (GMS) for the site-specific delivery of antibiotics for the prevention of surgical wound infection. To design the implant, a release method had to be developed that simulate the in vivo implantation conditions to be able to predict the release characteristics from the implants when they are actually used in vivo. Also, identifying the release kinetics and mechanism and evaluating the factors that influence the release of drugs from the GMS-based matrix were necessary to allow further design of implants that could yield a desired release rate. The release of cefazolin was monitored from GMS matrixes implanted into agar gel, simulating subcutaneous tissues with respect to viscosity and water content. The gel method resulted in observation of spatial and temporal concentration profiles in the immediate vicinity of the implants, indicating the benefits of local drug delivery; however, there was no significant difference between the cumulative release profiles by the gel method or the vial release method. The release of cefazolin from the GMS-based matrix with the vial method followed Higuchi's square root of time kinetics. The release rate was found to be directly proportional to cefazolin load (A) and the surface area (SA) of the matrix as expressed by the following equation: = 0.24ASA. On the basis of this equation, one can design a variety of GMS matrixes that would result in a desired release rate or release duration. This also indicated that cefazolin release followed the release kinetics of a freely soluble drug from an insoluble matrix and hence it is a diffusion-controlled process. The effect of drug solubility on the release kinetics was determined by comparing the release kinetics of the poorly water soluble ciprofloxacin (0.16 mg/mL) to that of the highly water soluble cefazolin (325 mg/mL). The release duration of ciprofloxacin (80 h) was longer than that of cefazolin (25 h) from identical GMS matrixes. Although ciprofloxacin release was initially controlled by the matrix, agitation accelerated disintegration of the matrix and release due to its poor solubility, and ciprofloxacin release appeared to be a dissolution-controlled process following zero-order release kinetics.

Alprazolam absorption kinetics affects abuse liability.

PubMed

Mumford, G K; Evans, S M; Fleishaker, J C; Griffiths, R R

1995-03-01

To evaluate the behavioral, subjective, and reinforcing effects of immediate-release (IR) alprazolam and extended-release (XR) alprazolam to assess the effect of release rate on laboratory measures of abuse liability. Fourteen healthy men with histories of sedative abuse participated as subjects in a double-blind crossover study. All subjects received placebo, 1 and 2 mg immediate-release alprazolam, and 2 and 3 mg extended-release alprazolam in random order. Behavioral performance, subjective effects, and alprazolam plasma concentrations were assessed repeatedly 1/2 hour before and 1/2, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration. Mean peak alprazolam plasma concentrations occurred 1.7 and 9.2 hours after immediate-release alprazolam and extended-release alprazolam, respectively. Compared to placebo, 2 mg immediate-release alprazolam impaired all measures of psychomotor and cognitive performance (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), motor coordination (circular lights and balance), and memory (digit entry and recall); 2 mg extended-release alprazolam did not affect any of these measures and 3 mg extended-release alprazolam impaired circular lights only. Immediate-release alprazolam, 2 mg, increased all six measures of positive drug effects (e.g., ratings of liking or good effects); none of these measures were increased by 2 mg extended-release alprazolam and only three of the six measures were increased by 3 mg extended-release alprazolam. A drug versus money multiple-choice procedure designed to assess the relative reinforcing effects of each condition was administered 24 hour after the drug. The amount of money subjects were willing to "pay" to take the drug was significantly greater than placebo for both doses of immediate-release alprazolam but for neither dose of extended-release alprazolam. These data indicate that extended-release alprazolam has less potential for abuse than immediate-release alprazolam.

Pharmacokinetics and anti-hypertensive effect of metoprolol tartrate rectal delivery system.

PubMed

Abou el Ela, Amal El Sayeh F; Allam, Ayat A; Ibrahim, Ehsan H

2016-01-01

The main aim of this work was to develop rectal suppositories for better delivery of metoprolol tartrate (MT). The various bases used were fatty, water soluble and emulsion bases. The physical properties of the prepared suppositories were characterized such as weight variation, hardness, disintegration time, melting range and the drug content uniformity. The in vitro release of MT from the prepared suppositories was carried out. The evaluation of the pharmacological effects of MT on the blood pressure and heart rate of the healthy rabbits after the rectal administration compared to the oral tablets was studied. Moreover, the formulation with the highest in vitro release and the highest pharmacological effects would be selected for a further pharmacokinetics study compared to the oral tablets. The results revealed that the emulsion bases gave the highest rate of the drug release than the other bases used. The reduction effect of the emulsion MT suppository base on the blood pressure and heart rate was found to be faster and greater than that administered orally. The selected emulsion suppository base (F11) showed a significant increase in the AUC (1.88-fold) in rabbits as compared to the oral tablets. From the above results we can conclude that rectal route can serve as an efficient alternative route to the oral one for systemic delivery of MT which may be due to the avoidance of first-pass effect in the liver.

A new tracer experiment to estimate the methane emissions from a dairy cow shed using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marik, Thomas; Levin, Ingeborg

1996-09-01

Methane emission from livestock and agricultural wastes contribute globally more than 30% to the anthropogenic atmospheric methane source. Estimates of this number have been derived from respiration chamber experiments. We determined methane emission rates from a tracer experiment in a modern cow shed hosting 43 dairy cows in their accustomed environment. During a 24-hour period the concentrations of CH4, CO2, and SF6, a trace gas which has been released at a constant rate into the stable air, have been measured. The ratio between SF6 release rate and measured SF6 concentration was then used to estimate the ventilation rate of the stable air during the course of the experiment. The respective ratio between CH4 or CO2 and SF6 concentration together with the known SF6 release rate allows us to calculate the CH4 (and CO2) emissions in the stable. From our experiment we derive a total daily mean CH4 emission of 441 LSTP per cow (9 cows nonlactating), which is about 15% higher than previous estimates for German cows with comparable milk production obtained during respiration chamber experiments. The higher emission in our stable experiment is attributed to the contribution of CH4 release from about 50 m3 of liquid manure present in the cow shed in underground channels. Also, considering measurements we made directly on a liquid manure tank, we obtained an estimate of the total CH4 production from manure: The normalized contribution of methane from manure amounts to 12-30% of the direct methane release of a dairy cow during rumination. The total CH4 release per dairy cow, including manure, is 521-530 LSTP CH4 per day.

Reduction Osteotomy vs Pie-Crust Technique as Possible Alternatives for Medial Release in Total Knee Arthroplasty and Compared in a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Ahn, Ji Hyun; Yang, Tae Yeong; Lee, Jang Yun

2016-07-01

To compare the gap change between the pie-crust technique and reduction osteotomy to determine their effects on flexion and extension gaps and their success rates in achieving ligament balancing during total knee arthroplasty. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 106 total knee arthroplasties were allocated to each group with 53 cases. If there was a narrow medial gap with an imbalance of ≥3 mm after the initial limited medial release, either reduction osteotomy or pie-crust technique was performed. The changes of extension and flexion medial gaps along with the success rate of mediolateral balancing were compared. There was a significant difference in the change of medial gap in knee extension with mean changes of 3.5 ± 0.5 mm and 2.3 ± 0.8 mm in the reduction osteotomy and pie-crust groups, respectively (P < .001). For flexion gap, greater change was found in the pie-crust group compared with the reduction osteotomy group; the mean medial gap changes in knee flexion were 1.1 ± 0.5 mm and 2.3 ± 1.2 mm in the reduction osteotomy and pie-crust groups, respectively. The success rates were 90.6% and 67.9% in reduction osteotomy and pie-crust groups, respectively (P = .007). As an alternative medial release method, reduction osteotomy was more effective in extension gap balancing, and pie-crust technique was more effective in flexion gap balancing. The overall success rate of mediolateral ligament balancing was higher in the reduction osteotomy group than in the pie-crust group. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of treatment on Pb release from full and partially replaced harvested Lead Service Lines (LSLs).

PubMed

Cartier, Clément; Doré, Evelyne; Laroche, Laurent; Nour, Shokoufeh; Edwards, Marc; Prévost, Michèle

2013-02-01

Release of lead from 80% partially replaced service lines was compared to full lead service lines using harvested-stabilized lead pipes and field brass connectors. After more than a year of stabilization, lead release was consistent with field samples. Over the relatively short duration partial replacement of lead pipe by copper pipe (3 months), generated high lead release, attributed to galvanic corrosion, resulting in a final outcome for lead release that was even worse than for a full lead pipe. Increased lead release was especially evident at higher flow rates. Orthophosphate reduced lead release from full lead pipes by 64%. For partially replaced samples with copper, lead concentrations were unchanged by phosphate dosing at moderate flow (103 ± 265 vs 169 ± 349 μg/L) and were increased to very high levels when sampled at high flow rates (1001 ± 1808 vs 257 ± 224 μg/L). The increase lead release was in the form of particulate lead (>90%). In comparison to the condition without treatment, increased sulfate treatment had little impact on lead release from 100%-Pb rigs but reduced lead release from partially replaced lead pipes with copper. Our results also raise questions concerning protocols based on short 30 min stagnation (as those used in Canada) due to their incapacity to consider particulate lead release generated mostly after longer stagnation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effectiveness of the controlled release of simvastatin from β-TCP macrosphere in the treatment of OVX mice.

PubMed

Chou, Joshua; Ito, Tomoko; Otsuka, Makoto; Ben-Nissan, Besim; Milthorpe, Bruce

2016-03-01

Simvastatin, a cholesterol treatment drug, has been shown to stimulate bone regeneration. As such, there has been an increase interest in the development of suitable materials and systems for the delivery of simvastatin. Without the appropriate dosage of simvastatin, the therapeutic effects on bone growth will be significantly reduced. Furthermore, similar to many pharmaceutical compounds, at high concentration simvastatin can cause various adverse side-effects. Given the associated side-effects with the usage of simvastatin, the development of suitable controlled drug release system is pertinent. Calcium phosphate in particularly beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) has been extensively studied and used as a carrier material for drug delivery system. In this study, Foraminifera exoskeletons were used as calcium carbonate precursor materials, which were hydrothermally converted to β-TCP as a carrier material for simvastatin. Natural marine exoskeletons posses interconnected and uniformly porous network capable of improving drug loading and release rate. To prolong the release of simvastatin, an apatite coating was made around the β-TCP sample and in vitro release studies in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed a significant decrease in release rate. Osteoporotic mice were used to examine the compare therapeutic effectiveness of β-TCP, β-TCP with simvastatin, apatite-coated β-TCP with simvastatin and direct injection of simvastatin near the right femur of the mice. Localized and systemic effect were compared with the femur of the non-implanted side (left) and showed that β-TCP with or without simvastatin was able to induce significant bone formation over 6 weeks. Mechanical analysis showed that apatite-coated β-TCP with simvastatin produced significantly stronger bones compared with other experimental groups. This study shows that natural exoskeletons with the appropriate structure can be successfully used as a drug delivery system for simvastatin and can its release can be prolonged with an apatite coating to significantly promote relevant bone formation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Smart Aerial Release Machine, a Universal System for Applying the Sterile Insect Technique

PubMed Central

Mubarqui, Ruben Leal; Perez, Rene Cano; Kladt, Roberto Angulo; Lopez, Jose Luis Zavala; Parker, Andrew; Seck, Momar Talla; Sall, Baba; Bouyer, Jérémy

2014-01-01

Background Beyond insecticides, alternative methods to control insect pests for agriculture and vectors of diseases are needed. Management strategies involving the mass-release of living control agents have been developed, including genetic control with sterile insects and biological control with parasitoids, for which aerial release of insects is often required. Aerial release in genetic control programmes often involves the use of chilled sterile insects, which can improve dispersal, survival and competitiveness of sterile males. Currently available means of aerially releasing chilled fruit flies are however insufficiently precise to ensure homogeneous distribution at low release rates and no device is available for tsetse. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we present the smart aerial release machine, a new design by the Mubarqui Company, based on the use of vibrating conveyors. The machine is controlled through Bluetooth by a tablet with Android Operating System including a completely automatic guidance and navigation system (MaxNav software). The tablet is also connected to an online relational database facilitating the preparation of flight schedules and automatic storage of flight reports. The new machine was compared with a conveyor release machine in Mexico using two fruit flies species (Anastrepha ludens and Ceratitis capitata) and we obtained better dispersal homogeneity (% of positive traps, p<0.001) for both species and better recapture rates for Anastrepha ludens (p<0.001), especially at low release densities (<1500 per ha). We also demonstrated that the machine can replace paper boxes for aerial release of tsetse in Senegal. Conclusions/Significance This technology limits damages to insects and allows a large range of release rates from 10 flies/km2 for tsetse flies up to 600 000 flies/km2 for fruit flies. The potential of this machine to release other species like mosquitoes is discussed. Plans and operating of the machine are provided to allow its use worldwide. PMID:25036274

The smart aerial release machine, a universal system for applying the sterile insect technique.

PubMed

Leal Mubarqui, Ruben; Perez, Rene Cano; Kladt, Roberto Angulo; Lopez, Jose Luis Zavala; Parker, Andrew; Seck, Momar Talla; Sall, Baba; Bouyer, Jérémy

2014-01-01

Beyond insecticides, alternative methods to control insect pests for agriculture and vectors of diseases are needed. Management strategies involving the mass-release of living control agents have been developed, including genetic control with sterile insects and biological control with parasitoids, for which aerial release of insects is often required. Aerial release in genetic control programmes often involves the use of chilled sterile insects, which can improve dispersal, survival and competitiveness of sterile males. Currently available means of aerially releasing chilled fruit flies are however insufficiently precise to ensure homogeneous distribution at low release rates and no device is available for tsetse. Here we present the smart aerial release machine, a new design by the Mubarqui Company, based on the use of vibrating conveyors. The machine is controlled through Bluetooth by a tablet with Android Operating System including a completely automatic guidance and navigation system (MaxNav software). The tablet is also connected to an online relational database facilitating the preparation of flight schedules and automatic storage of flight reports. The new machine was compared with a conveyor release machine in Mexico using two fruit flies species (Anastrepha ludens and Ceratitis capitata) and we obtained better dispersal homogeneity (% of positive traps, p<0.001) for both species and better recapture rates for Anastrepha ludens (p<0.001), especially at low release densities (<1500 per ha). We also demonstrated that the machine can replace paper boxes for aerial release of tsetse in Senegal. This technology limits damages to insects and allows a large range of release rates from 10 flies/km2 for tsetse flies up to 600,000 flies/km2 for fruit flies. The potential of this machine to release other species like mosquitoes is discussed. Plans and operating of the machine are provided to allow its use worldwide.

Dynamic leaching studies of 48 MWd/kgU UO2 commercial spent nuclear fuel under oxic conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serrano-Purroy, D.; Casas, I.; González-Robles, E.; Glatz, J. P.; Wegen, D. H.; Clarens, F.; Giménez, J.; de Pablo, J.; Martínez-Esparza, A.

2013-03-01

The leaching of a high-burn-up spent nuclear fuel (48 MWd/KgU) has been studied in a carbonate-containing solution and under oxic conditions using a Continuously Stirred Tank Flow-Through Reactor (CSTR). Two samples of the fuel, one prepared from the centre of the pellet (labelled CORE) and another one from the fuel pellet periphery, enriched with the so-called High Burn-Up Structure (HBS, labelled OUT) have been used.For uranium and actinides, the results showed that U, Np, Am and Cm gave very similar normalized dissolution rates, while Pu showed slower dissolution rates for both samples. In addition, dissolution rates were consistently two to four times lower for OUT sample compared to CORE sample.Considering the fission products release the main results are that Y, Tc, La and Nd dissolved very similar to uranium; while Cs, Sr, Mo and Rb have up to 10 times higher dissolution rates. Rh, Ru and Zr seemed to have lower dissolution rates than uranium. The lowest dissolution rates were found for OUT sample.Three different contributions were detected on uranium release, modelled and attributed to oxidation layer, fines and matrix release.

Variation in Results Release and Patient Portal Access to Diagnostic Test Results at an Academic Medical Center

PubMed Central

Krasowski, Matthew D.; Grieme, Caleb V.; Cassady, Brian; Dreyer, Nicholas R.; Wanat, Karolyn A.; Hightower, Maia; Nepple, Kenneth G.

2017-01-01

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) are commonplace in industrialized countries. Many hospitals are granting their patients access to their medical information through online patient portals. In this report, we describe a retrospective analysis of patient access to diagnostic test results released through the patient portal (MyChart; Epic, Inc.) at a state academic medical center. Methods: We analyzed 6 months of data for anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory, and radiology test results to evaluate variations in results release (automated vs. manual) and subsequent patient access to the institutional patient portal. During this period, diagnostic test results were released for all patient encounters including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and the emergency department. Results: Manual results release by providers before automated release time occurred most commonly in the outpatient setting. The highest rates of access of diagnostic test results occurred for outpatients (about 30% overall view rate), females (two times or more compared to males in nearly every age bracket), and 20–45-year-old. Access rates of diagnostic tests in the emergency department or inpatient units were <10% across all populations. Access of diagnostic test results was very low for 12–17-year-old, likely influenced by institutional policies limiting parental proxy access within this pediatric age range. Approximately 20% of outpatient laboratory results were viewed by patients within 8 h of release from the EHR to the patient portal and 10% within 2 h of release. Conclusions: Patient accessing of diagnostic test results were generally higher for females, outpatients, and 20–45-year-old. Approximately, 20% of outpatient results were viewed quickly by patients after release to the EHR. PMID:29226008

Variation in Results Release and Patient Portal Access to Diagnostic Test Results at an Academic Medical Center.

PubMed

Krasowski, Matthew D; Grieme, Caleb V; Cassady, Brian; Dreyer, Nicholas R; Wanat, Karolyn A; Hightower, Maia; Nepple, Kenneth G

2017-01-01

Electronic health records (EHRs) are commonplace in industrialized countries. Many hospitals are granting their patients access to their medical information through online patient portals. In this report, we describe a retrospective analysis of patient access to diagnostic test results released through the patient portal (MyChart; Epic, Inc.) at a state academic medical center. We analyzed 6 months of data for anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory, and radiology test results to evaluate variations in results release (automated vs. manual) and subsequent patient access to the institutional patient portal. During this period, diagnostic test results were released for all patient encounters including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and the emergency department. Manual results release by providers before automated release time occurred most commonly in the outpatient setting. The highest rates of access of diagnostic test results occurred for outpatients (about 30% overall view rate), females (two times or more compared to males in nearly every age bracket), and 20-45-year-old. Access rates of diagnostic tests in the emergency department or inpatient units were <10% across all populations. Access of diagnostic test results was very low for 12-17-year-old, likely influenced by institutional policies limiting parental proxy access within this pediatric age range. Approximately 20% of outpatient laboratory results were viewed by patients within 8 h of release from the EHR to the patient portal and 10% within 2 h of release. Patient accessing of diagnostic test results were generally higher for females, outpatients, and 20-45-year-old. Approximately, 20% of outpatient results were viewed quickly by patients after release to the EHR.

Cathepsin B Cleavage of vcMMAE-Based Antibody-Drug Conjugate Is Not Drug Location or Monoclonal Antibody Carrier Specific.

PubMed

Gikanga, Benson; Adeniji, Nia S; Patapoff, Thomas W; Chih, Hung-Wei; Yi, Li

2016-04-20

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) require thorough characterization and understanding of product quality attributes. The framework of many ADCs comprises one molecule of antibody that is usually conjugated with multiple drug molecules at various locations. It is unknown whether the drug release rate from the ADC is dependent on drug location, and/or local environment, dictated by the sequence and structure of the antibody carrier. This study addresses these issues with valine-citrulline-monomethylauristatin E (vc-MMAE)-based ADC molecules conjugated at reduced disulfide bonds, by evaluating the cathepsin B catalyzed drug release rate of ADC molecules with different drug distributions or antibody carriers. MMAE drug release rates at different locations on ADC I were compared to evaluate the impact of drug location. No difference in rates was observed for drug released from the V(H), V(L), or C(H)2 domains of ADC I. Furthermore, four vc-MMAE ADC molecules were chosen as substrates for cathepsin B for evaluation of Michaelis-Menten parameters. There was no significant difference in K(M) or k(cat) values, suggesting that different sequences of the antibody carrier do not result in different drug release rates. Comparison between ADCs and small molecules containing vc-MMAE moieties as substrates for cathepsin B suggests that the presence of IgG1 antibody carrier, regardless of its bulkiness, does not impact drug release rate. Finally, a molecular dynamics simulation on ADC II revealed that the val-cit moiety at each of the eight possible conjugation sites was, on average, solvent accessible over 50% of its maximum solvent accessible surface area (SASA) during a 500 ns trajectory. Combined, these results suggest that the cathepsin cleavage sites for conjugated drugs are exposed enough for the enzyme to access and that the drug release rate is rather independent of drug location or monoclonal antibody carrier. Therefore, the distribution of drug conjugation at different sites is not a critical parameter to control in manufacturing of the vc-MMAE-based ADC conjugated at reduced disulfide bonds.

Short-term Outcomes following Concussion in the NFL: An 11-year Retrospective Study of Player Release Rate and Financial Loss

PubMed Central

Ramkumar, Prem; Navarro, Sergio Michael

2017-01-01

Objectives: The primary goal of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes among National Football League (NFL) players following concussion in terms of: (1) DNP protocol activation, (2) release rate at one and three years, and (3) mean salary reduction. A secondary goal of the study was to stratify the post-concussive release rate by franchise and player position. Methods: NFL player transaction records and publicly available weekly injury reports from August 2005 to January 2016 for NFL players were analyzed. All players immediately sustaining recorded concussions were evaluated for a change to inactive or do-not-play (DNP) status. The one-year and three-year release rate following concussion was defined as any player transitioning to inactivation, retirement, free agency, or any failure to return for a successive season on the same team’s active roster after one or three years from the initial concussion. Student’s t-test was used to compare release rates between non-concussed and concussed players at one and three years. Mean salary reduction per year following concussion was calculated using publicly available player contracts. Additionally, franchise-level and position-based analyses of the release rate were performed. Results: Of the total 5,451 NFL players retrospectively analyzed over the 11-year period, 373 sustained publicly reported concussions resulting in DNP protocol activation. The release rate of the post-concussive versus non-concussive player was 26% vs. 20% at 1 year (p<0.01) and 31% vs. 19% at 3 years (p<0.01). After analyzing individual player contracts, the mean year-over-year change in contract value for concussed players after DNP protocol activation was an overall salary reduction of $760,000/year ± $2,380,000. Figure 1 depicts the tendency of each NFL franchise to release an athlete following concussion within one and three years. Table 1 reports a position-based analysis in terms of concussion rate, mean salary reduction, and NFL career longevity. Conclusion: Our retrospective study demonstrates that NFL concussions resulting in DNP protocol activation leads to a statistically greater release rate among concussed NFL players than non-concussed players. Released players suffered reduction in year-over-year accumulated earnings, and particular franchises tended to release concussed players more than others. Position-based Concussion Statistics of Players by DNP Activation, Salary Reduction, Career LengthPosition GroupDNP ConcussionsMean Salary Reduction ($/yr)Average Career Length (yrs)DB75 (20.1%)280,0007.0WR66 (17.7%)1,760,0007.3OL49 (13.1%)1,190,0005.5TE46 (12.3%)333,0007.7RB40 (10.7%)140,0005.1LB39 (10.5%)720,0004.9DL31 (8.3%)540,0007.0QB27 (7.2%)2,440,0007.3Total373760,0006.4

Simulating future water temperatures in the North Santiam River, Oregon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buccola, Norman L.; Risley, John C.; Rounds, Stewart A.

2016-04-01

A previously calibrated two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water-quality model (CE-QUAL-W2) of Detroit Lake in western Oregon was used in conjunction with inflows derived from Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) hydrologic models to examine in-lake and downstream water temperature effects under future climate conditions. Current and hypothetical operations and structures at Detroit Dam were imposed on boundary conditions derived from downscaled General Circulation Models in base (1990-1999) and future (2059-2068) periods. Compared with the base period, future air temperatures were about 2 °C warmer year-round. Higher air temperature and lower precipitation under the future period resulted in a 23% reduction in mean annual PRMS-simulated discharge and a 1 °C increase in mean annual estimated stream temperatures flowing into the lake compared to the base period. Simulations incorporating current operational rules and minimum release rates at Detroit Dam to support downstream habitat, irrigation, and water supply during key times of year resulted in lower future lake levels. That scenario results in a lake level that is above the dam's spillway crest only about half as many days in the future compared to historical frequencies. Managing temperature downstream of Detroit Dam depends on the ability to blend warmer water from the lake's surface with cooler water from deep in the lake, and the spillway is an important release point near the lake's surface. Annual average in-lake and release temperatures from Detroit Lake warmed 1.1 °C and 1.5 °C from base to future periods under present-day dam operational rules and fill schedules. Simulated dam operations such as beginning refill of the lake 30 days earlier or reducing minimum release rates (to keep more water in the lake to retain the use of the spillway) mitigated future warming to 0.4 and 0.9 °C below existing operational scenarios during the critical autumn spawning period for endangered salmonids. A hypothetical floating surface withdrawal at Detroit Dam improved temperature control in summer and autumn (0.6 °C warmer in summer, 0.6 °C cooler in autumn compared to existing structures) without altering release rates or lake level management rules.

Encapsulation, controlled release, and antitumor efficacy of cisplatin delivered in liposomes composed of sterol-modified phospholipids

DOE PAGES

Kieler-Ferguson, Heidi M.; Chan, Darren; Sockolosky, Jonathan; ...

2017-03-03

Here, we employed a recently introduced class of sterol-modified lipids (SML) to produce m-PEG-DSPE containing liposome compositions with a range of cis-platinum content release rates. SML have a cholesterol succinate attached to the phosphatidylglycerol head group and a fatty acid at the 2 position. These compositions were compared to the well-studied liposome phospholipid compositions: mPEG-DSPE/Hydrogenated Soy PC/cholesterol or mPEG-DSPE/POPC/cholesterol to determine the effect of the cis-platinum release extent on C26 tumor proliferation in the BALB/c colon carcinoma mouse model. The release rates of cis-platinum from liposomes composed of SML are a function of the acyl chain length. SML-liposomes with shortermore » acyl chain lengths C-8 provided more rapid cisplatin release, lower in vitro IC50, and were easier to formulate compared to liposomes using traditional phospholipid compositions. Similar to other liposome cis-platinum formulations, the half-life of m-PEG-DSPE SML liposome cisplatin is substantially longer than the free drug. This resulted in a higher tumor cisplatin concentration at 48 h post-dosing compared to the free drug and higher Pt-DNA adducts in the tumor. Moreover, the maximum tolerated dose of the liposome formulations where up to four fold greater than the free drug. Using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on tumor sections, we compared the location of platinum, to the location of a fluorescence lipid incorporated in the liposomes. The liposome platinum co-localized with the fluorescent lipid and both were non-uniformly distributed in the tumor. Non-encapsulated Cis-platinum, albeit at a low concentration, was more uniformly distributed thorough the tumor. Three liposome formulations, including the well studied hydrogenated HSPC composition, had better antitumor activity in the murine colon 26 carcinoma model as compared to the free drug at the same dose but the SML liposome platinum formulations did not perform better than the HSPC formulation.« less

Encapsulation, controlled release, and antitumor efficacy of cisplatin delivered in liposomes composed of sterol-modified phospholipids

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

Kieler-Ferguson, Heidi M.; Chan, Darren; Sockolosky, Jonathan

Here, we employed a recently introduced class of sterol-modified lipids (SML) to produce m-PEG-DSPE containing liposome compositions with a range of cis-platinum content release rates. SML have a cholesterol succinate attached to the phosphatidylglycerol head group and a fatty acid at the 2 position. These compositions were compared to the well-studied liposome phospholipid compositions: mPEG-DSPE/Hydrogenated Soy PC/cholesterol or mPEG-DSPE/POPC/cholesterol to determine the effect of the cis-platinum release extent on C26 tumor proliferation in the BALB/c colon carcinoma mouse model. The release rates of cis-platinum from liposomes composed of SML are a function of the acyl chain length. SML-liposomes with shortermore » acyl chain lengths C-8 provided more rapid cisplatin release, lower in vitro IC50, and were easier to formulate compared to liposomes using traditional phospholipid compositions. Similar to other liposome cis-platinum formulations, the half-life of m-PEG-DSPE SML liposome cisplatin is substantially longer than the free drug. This resulted in a higher tumor cisplatin concentration at 48 h post-dosing compared to the free drug and higher Pt-DNA adducts in the tumor. Moreover, the maximum tolerated dose of the liposome formulations where up to four fold greater than the free drug. Using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on tumor sections, we compared the location of platinum, to the location of a fluorescence lipid incorporated in the liposomes. The liposome platinum co-localized with the fluorescent lipid and both were non-uniformly distributed in the tumor. Non-encapsulated Cis-platinum, albeit at a low concentration, was more uniformly distributed thorough the tumor. Three liposome formulations, including the well studied hydrogenated HSPC composition, had better antitumor activity in the murine colon 26 carcinoma model as compared to the free drug at the same dose but the SML liposome platinum formulations did not perform better than the HSPC formulation.« less

Impact of Release Rates on the Effectiveness of Augmentative Biological Control Agents

PubMed Central

Crowder, David W.

2007-01-01

To access the effect of augmentative biological control agents, 31 articles were reviewed that investigated the impact of release rates of 35 augmentative biological control agents on the control of 42 arthropod pests. In 64% of the cases, the release rate of the biological control agent did not significantly affect the density or mortality of the pest insect. Results where similar when parasitoidsor predators were utilized as the natural enemy. Within any order of natural enemy, there were more cases where release rates did not affect augmentative biological control than cases where release rates were significant. There were more cases in which release rates did not affect augmentative biological control when pests were from the orders Hemiptera, Acari, or Diptera, but not with pests from the order Lepidoptera. In most cases, there was an optimal release rate that produced effective control of a pest species. This was especially true when predators were used as a biological control agent. Increasing the release rate above the optimal rate did not improve control of the pest and thus would be economically detrimental. Lower release rates were of ten optimal when biological control was used in conjunction with insecticides. In many cases, the timing and method of biological control applications were more significant factors impacting the effectiveness of biological control than the release rate. Additional factors that may limit the relative impact of release rates include natural enemy fecundity, establishment rates, prey availability, dispersal, and cannibalism. PMID:20307240

Development of Novel Warfarin-Silica Composite for Controlled Drug Release.

PubMed

Parfenyuk, Elena V; Dolinina, Ekaterina S

2017-04-01

The work is devoted to synthesis and study of warfarin composites with unmodified, methyl and phenyl modified silica in order to develop controlled release formulation of the anticoagulant. The composites were prepared by two routes, adsorption and sol-gel, and characterized with FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and DSC methods. The drug release behavior from the composites in media with pH 1.6, 6.8 and 7.4 was analyzed in vitro. The release kinetics of the warfarin - silica composites prepared by the two routes was compared among each other and with analogous silica composites with water soluble drug molsidomine. The comparative analysis showed that in general the kinetic regularities and mechanisms of release for both drugs are similar and determined by nonuniform distribution of the drugs over the silica matrixes and stability of the matrixes in the studied media for the adsorbed composites and uniformly distributed drug and more brittle structure for the sol-gel composites. The sol-gel composite of warfarin - phenyl modified silica is perspective for further development of novel warfarin formulation with controlled release because it releases warfarin according to zero-order kinetic law with approximately equal rate in the media imitating different segments of gastrointestinal tract.

Development of a sustained fluoride delivery system.

PubMed

Baturina, Olga; Tufekci, Eser; Guney-Altay, Ozge; Khan, Shadeed M; Wnek, Gary E; Lindauer, Steven J

2010-11-01

To develop a novel delivery system by which fluoride incorporated into elastomeric rings, such as those used to ligate orthodontic wires, will be released in a controlled and constant manner. Polyethylene co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) was used as the model elastomer. Samples (N = 3) were prepared by incorporating 0.02 to 0.4 g of sodium fluoride (NaF) into previously prepared PEVA solution. Another group of samples prepared in the same manner were additionally dip-coated in PEVA to create an overcoat. Fluoride release studies were conducted in vitro using an ion selective electrode over a period of 45 days. The amount of fluoride released was compared to the optimal therapeutic dose of 0.7 microg F(-)/ring/d. Only coated samples with the highest fluoride content (group D, 0.4 g of NaF) were able to release fluoride at therapeutic levels. When fluoride release from coated and uncoated samples with the same amount of NaF were compared, it was shown that the dip-coating technique resulted in a fluoride release in a controlled manner while eliminating the initial burst effect. This novel fluoride delivery matrix provided fluoride release at a therapeutically effective rate and profile.

Oxygen toxicity in the perfused rat liver and lung under hyperbaric conditions.

PubMed Central

Nishiki, K; Jamieson, D; Oshino, N; Chance, B

1976-01-01

1. In the lung and liver of tocopherol-deficient rats, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were increased substantially, suggesting an important role for both enzymes in protecting the organ against the deleterious effects of lipid peroxides. 2. Facilitation of the glutathione peroxidase reaction by infusing t-butyl hydroperoxide caused the oxidation of nicotinamide nucleotides and glutathione, resulting in a concomitant increase in the rate of release of oxidized glutathione into the perfusate. Thus the rate of production of lipid peroxide and H2O2 in the perfused organ could be compared by simultaneous measurement of the rate of glutathione release and the turnover number of the catalase reaction. 3. On hyperbaric oxygenation at 4 X 10(5)Pa, H2O2 production, estimated from the turnover of the catalase reaction, was increased slightly in the liver, and glutathione release was increased slightly, in both lung and liver. 4. Tocopherol deficiency caused a marked increase in lipid-peroxide formation as indicated by a corresponding increase in glutathione release under hyperbaric oxygenation, with a further enhancement when the tocopherol-deficient rats were also starved. 5. The study demonstrates that the primary response to hyperbaric oxygenation is an elevation of the rate of lipid peroxidation rather than of the rate of formation of H2O2 or superoxide. PMID:12754

Strain energy release rate analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen using the finite-element method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salpekar, S. A.; Raju, I. S.; O'Brien, T. K.

1988-01-01

Two-dimensional finite-element analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen was performed using 8-node isoparametric, parabolic elements to evaluate compliance and mode II strain energy release rates, G sub II. The G sub II values were computed using two different techniques: the virtual crack-closure technique (VCCT) and the rate of change of compliance with crack length (compliance derivative method). The analysis was performed for various crack-length-to-semi-span (a/L) ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.9. Three material systems representing a wide range of material properties were analyzed. The compliance and strain energy release rates of the specimen calculated with the present finite-element analysis agree very well with beam theory equations including transverse shear. The G sub II values calculated using the compliance derivative method compared extremely well with those calculated using the VCCT. The G sub II values obtained by the compliance derivative method using the top or bottom beam deflections agreed closely with each other. The strain energy release rates from a plane-stress analysis were higher than the plane-strain values by only a small percentage, indicating that either assumption may be used in the analysis. The G sub II values for one material system calculated from the finte-element analysis agreed with one solution in the literature and disagreed with the other solution in the literature.

Strain-energy-release rate analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen using the finite-element method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salpekar, S. A.; Raju, I. S.; Obrien, T. K.

1987-01-01

Two-dimensional finite-element analysis of the end-notched flexure specimen was performed using 8-node isoparametric, parabolic elements to evaluate compliance and mode II strain energy release rates, G sub II. The G sub II values were computed using two different techniques: the virtural crack-closure technique (VCCT) and the rate of change of compliance with crack length (compliance derivative method). The analysis was performed for various crack-length-to-semi-span (a/L) ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.9. Three material systems representing a wide range of material properties were analyzed. The compliance and strain energy release rates of the specimen calculated with the present finite-element analysis agree very well with beam theory equations including transverse shear. The G sub II values calculated using the compliance derivative method compared extremely well with those calculated using the VCCT. The G sub II values obtained by the compliance derivative method using the top or bottom beam deflections agreed closely with each other. The strain energy release rates from a plane-stress analysis were higher than the plane-strain values by only a small percentage, indicating that either assumption may be used in the analysis. The G sub II values for one material system calculated from the finite-element analysis agreed with one solution in the literature and disagreed with the other solution in the literature.

Effect of composition in the development of carbamazepine hot-melt extruded solid dispersions by application of mixture experimental design.

PubMed

Djuris, Jelena; Ioannis, Nikolakakis; Ibric, Svetlana; Djuric, Zorica; Kachrimanis, Kyriakos

2014-02-01

This study investigates the application of hot-melt extrusion for the formulation of carbamazepine (CBZ) solid dispersions, using polyethyleneglycol-polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate grafted copolymer (Soluplus, BASF, Germany) and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer (Poloxamer 407). In agreement with the current Quality by Design principle, formulations of solid dispersions were prepared according to a D-optimal mixture experimental design, and the influence of formulation composition on the properties of the dispersions (CBZ heat of fusion and release rate) was estimated. Prepared solid dispersions were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and hot stage microscopy, as well as by determination of the dissolution rate of CBZ from the hot-melt extrudates. Solid dispersions of CBZ can be successfully prepared using the novel copolymer Soluplus. Inclusion of Poloxamer 407 as a plasticizer facilitated the processing and decreased the hardness of hot-melt extrudates. Regardless of their composition, all hot-melt extrudates displayed an improvement in the release rate compared to the pure CBZ, with formulations having the ratio of CBZ : Poloxamer 407 = 1 : 1 showing the highest increase in CBZ release rate. Interactions between the mixture components (CBZ and polymers), or quadratic effects of the components, play a significant role in overall influence on the CBZ release rate. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Emission quantification using the tracer gas dispersion method: The influence of instrument, tracer gas species and source simulation.

PubMed

Delre, Antonio; Mønster, Jacob; Samuelsson, Jerker; Fredenslund, Anders M; Scheutz, Charlotte

2018-09-01

The tracer gas dispersion method (TDM) is a remote sensing method used for quantifying fugitive emissions by relying on the controlled release of a tracer gas at the source, combined with concentration measurements of the tracer and target gas plumes. The TDM was tested at a wastewater treatment plant for plant-integrated methane emission quantification, using four analytical instruments simultaneously and four different tracer gases. Measurements performed using a combination of an analytical instrument and a tracer gas, with a high ratio between the tracer gas release rate and instrument precision (a high release-precision ratio), resulted in well-defined plumes with a high signal-to-noise ratio and a high methane-to-tracer gas correlation factor. Measured methane emission rates differed by up to 18% from the mean value when measurements were performed using seven different instrument and tracer gas combinations. Analytical instruments with a high detection frequency and good precision were established as the most suitable for successful TDM application. The application of an instrument with a poor precision could only to some extent be overcome by applying a higher tracer gas release rate. A sideward misplacement of the tracer gas release point of about 250m resulted in an emission rate comparable to those obtained using a tracer gas correctly simulating the methane emission. Conversely, an upwind misplacement of about 150m resulted in an emission rate overestimation of almost 50%, showing the importance of proper emission source simulation when applying the TDM. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perception of melting and flavor release of ice cream containing different types and contents of fat.

PubMed

Hyvönen, L; Linna, M; Tuorila, H; Dijksterhuis, G

2003-04-01

Temporal effects of dairy and vegetable fats (0 to 18%) on perception of strawberry flavor release and melting of ice cream were studied using the time intensity sensory method. Also, aroma and flavor attributes of the ice cream samples were evaluated. Only slight effects of fat on the rate of flavor release and flavor intensity were perceived. A slightly faster flavor release from the vegetable fat compared with dairy fat was noticed. Polydextrose and maltodextrin as bodying agents in the fat-free ice cream significantly increased flavor release and melting rate of the ice cream. Increasing fat content slightly retarded melting of ice cream in the mouth. No significant effect of the fat quality on perceived melting was noticed. Significant differences in aroma and flavor attributes of the fat-free and other samples were perceived. Intensity and sharpness of the strawberry aroma and flavor were greater in fat-free samples and they were perceived as nontypical. Fattiness and creaminess were highly correlated. Maltodextrin and polydextrose increased perceived fattiness and creaminess of fat-free ice cream.

Formation of mannitol core microparticles for sustained release with lipid coating in a mini fluid bed system.

PubMed

Wang, Bifeng; Friess, Wolfgang

2017-11-01

The goal of this study was to prepare sustained release microparticles for methyl blue and aspartame as sparingly and freely water-soluble model drugs by lipid film coating in a Mini-Glatt fluid bed, and to assess the effect of coating load of two of lipids, hard fat and glyceryl stearate, on the release rates. 30g drug-loaded mannitol carrier microparticles with average diameter of 500 or 300μm were coated with 5g, 10g, 20g and 30g lipids, respectively. The model drugs were completely released in vitro through pores which mainly resulted from dissolution of the polyol core beads. The release of methyl blue from microparticles based on 500μm carrier beads extended up to 25days, while aspartame release from microparticles formed from 300μm carrier beads was extended to 7days. Although glyceryl stearate exhibits higher wettability, burst and release rates were similar for the two lipid materials. Polymorphic transformation of the hart fat was observed upon release. The lipid-coated microparticles produced with 500μm carrier beads showed slightly lower burst release compared to the microparticles produced with 300μm carrier beads as they carried relatively thicker lipid layer based on an equivalent lipid to mannitol ratio. Aspartame microparticles showed a much faster release than methyl blue due to the higher water-solubility of aspartame. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inlay osmotic pump tablets containing metformin and glipizide.

PubMed

Patel, R B; Patel, G N; Patel, H R; Patel, M M

2011-10-01

The goal of diabetes therapy today is to achieve and maintain as near normal glycemia as possible to prevent the long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications of an elevated blood glucose. A newly developed inlay osmotic pump tablet (IOPT) can deliver glipizide (GLZ) and metformin HCl (MET) gradually in controlled manner. The aim of present investigation was to prepare the IOPT that can deliver >75% of GLZ in 2 h, whereas MET released after 2 h and sustained up to 12 h. In the present work, HP-β-CD was used to modify the solubility of GLZ before incorporating in the osmotic system and MET was spray-dried with HPMC A15C to modify its release profile, flow property, and compressibility. Various parameters mainly G(75%) (75% GLZ release), t(LMET) (lag time of MET release from device), Q(10 h) (percent of MET released within 10 h), and RSQ(ZERO) (R(2) of release data fitted to zero-order equation) were used to compare different formulations. The effects of different formulation variables, that is, osmagents, concentration of hydrophilic polymer, diameter of drug releasing orifice, and coating composition on the drug release profile were investigated. The release rate of GLZ could be effectively modified by the addition of sodium carbonate and sodium chloride, whereas the release rate of MET was adjusted by dual-coating system and by addition of hydrophilic polymer. The developed inlay osmotic system could be effective in the multidrug therapy of diabetes by delivering both drugs in a controlled manner.

Thermomechanical Properties, Antibiotic Release, and Bioactivity of a Sterilized Cyclodextrin Drug Delivery System

PubMed Central

Halpern, Jeffrey M.; Gormley, Catherine A.; Keech, Melissa; von Recum, Horst A.

2014-01-01

Various local drug delivery devices and coatings are being developed as slow, sustained release mechanism for drugs, yet the polymers are typically not evaluated after commercial sterilization techniques. We examine the effect that commercial sterilization techniques have on the physical, mechanical, and drug delivery properties of polyurethane polymers. Specifically we tested cyclodextrin-hexamethyl diisocyanate crosslinked polymers before and after autoclave, ethylene oxide, and gamma radiation sterilization processes. We found that there is no significant change in the properties of polymers sterilized by ethylene oxide and gamma radiation compared to non-sterilized polymers. Polymers sterilized by autoclave showed increased tensile strength (p<0.0001) compared to non-sterilized polymers . In the release of drugs, which were loaded after the autoclave sterilization process, we observed a prolonged release (p<0.05) and a prolonged therapeutic effect (p<0.05) but less drug loading (p<0.0001) compared to non-sterilized polymers. The change in the release profile and tensile strength in polymers sterilized by autoclave was interpreted as being caused by additional crosslinking from residual, unreacted, or partially-reacted crosslinker contained within the polymer. Autoclaving therefore represents additional thermo-processing to modify rate and dose from polyurethanes and other materials. PMID:24949201

Continuous direct tablet compression: effects of impeller rotation rate, total feed rate and drug content on the tablet properties and drug release.

PubMed

Järvinen, Maiju A; Paaso, Janne; Paavola, Marko; Leiviskä, Kauko; Juuti, Mikko; Muzzio, Fernando; Järvinen, Kristiina

2013-11-01

Continuous processing is becoming popular in the pharmaceutical industry for its cost and quality advantages. This study evaluated the mechanical properties, uniformity of dosage units and drug release from the tablets prepared by continuous direct compression process. The tablet formulations consisted of acetaminophen (3-30% (w/w)) pre-blended with 0.25% (w/w) colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose (69-96% (w/w)) and magnesium stearate (1% (w/w)). The continuous tableting line consisted of three loss-in-weight feeders and a convective continuous mixer and a rotary tablet press. The process continued for 8 min and steady state was reached within 5 min. The effects of acetaminophen content, impeller rotation rate (39-254 rpm) and total feed rate (15 and 20 kg/h) on tablet properties were examined. All the tablets complied with the friability requirements of European Pharmacopoeia and rapidly released acetaminophen. However, the relative standard deviation of acetaminophen content (10% (w/w)) increased with an increase in impeller rotation rate at a constant total feed rate (20 kg/h). A compression force of 12 kN tended to result in greater tablet hardness and subsequently a slower initial acetaminophen release from tablets when compared with those made with the compression force of about 8 kN. In conclusion, tablets could be successfully prepared by a continuous direct compression process and process conditions affected to some extent tablet properties.

Comparative evaluation of PLGA nanoparticle delivery system for 5-fluorouracil and curcumin on squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Masloub, Shaimaa M; Elmalahy, Mohamed H; Sabry, Dina; Mohamed, Wael S; Ahmed, Sahar H

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles and curcumin naoparticles on cell proliferation and the expression of the apoptotic marker (caspase 3) in squamous cell carcinoma cell line. PLGA 5-fluorouracil nanopartciles and PLGA curcumin nanoparticles were prepared and applied for 24 and 48h on human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cell line (Hep-2) as regard IC 50 concentration. MTT assay was used for evaluation of cytotoxicity of prepared nanoparticles. Quantitaive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was used for the assessment of caspase-3 expression in the treated cell line. The drug release rate profiles was dependent upon polymer to drug ratio, noting that the higher PLGA polymer ratio to 5-fluprouracil or curcumin drug showed faster release rates. On the other hand, the least PLGA polymer ratio to 5-fluprouracil or curcumin drug showed the slowest release rates. MTT assay revelaed that 5-fluorouracil nanoparticels or curcumin nanoparticels showed a clear cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line compared to non treated cancer cells. The RT-PCR assessment of caspase-3 expression revealed that there was a significant increase in caspase-3 expression in Hep-2 cell line treated with 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles or curcumin compared to non treated cancer cells. Curcumin nanoparticles could be more active in inducing apoptosis in short term assays (24h) than long term assays (48h) due to differential cellular uptake. While 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles induced higher significant apoptosis in long term (48h) compared to curcumin group. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dry elixir formulations of dexibuprofen for controlled release and enhanced oral bioavailability.

PubMed

Kim, Seo-Ryung; Kim, Jin-Ki; Park, Jeong-Sook; Kim, Chong-Kook

2011-02-14

The objective of this study was to achieve an optimal formulation of dexibuprofen dry elixir (DDE) for the improvement of dissolution rate and bioavailability. To control the release rate of dexibuprofen, Eudragit(®) RS was employed on the surface of DDE resulting in coated dexibuprofen dry elixir (CDDE). Physicochemical properties of DDE and CDDE such as particle size, SEM, DSC, and contents of dexibuprofen and ethanol were characterized. Pharmacokinetic parameters of dexibuprofen were evaluated in the rats after oral administration. The DDE and CDDE were spherical particles of 12 and 19 μm, respectively. The dexibuprofen and ethanol contents in the DDE were dependent on the amount of dextrin and maintained for 90 days. The dissolution rate and bioavailability of dexibuprofen loaded in dry elixir were increased compared with those of dexibuprofen powder. Moreover, coating DDE with Eudragit(®) RS retarded the dissolution rate of dexibuprofen from DDE without reducing the bioavailability. Our results suggest that CDDE may be potential oral dosage forms to control the release and to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble dexibuprofen. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of cryopreservation on chimeric antigen receptor T cell functions.

PubMed

Xu, Hao; Cao, Wenyue; Huang, Liang; Xiao, Min; Cao, Yang; Zhao, Lei; Wang, Na; Zhou, Jianfeng

2018-06-14

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cell therapy has emerged as a potentially curative "drug" for cancer treatment. Cryopreservation of CART cells is necessary for their clinical application. Systematic studies on the effects of cryopreservation on the antitumor function of CART cells are lacking. Therefore, we compared the phenotypes and functions of CART cells that were cryopreserved during ex vivo expansion with those of freshly isolated populations. T cells expressing an anti-B-cell-maturation-antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) were expanded in vitro for 10 days and then cryopreserved. After one month, the cells were resuscitated, and their transduction rates, apoptosis rates and cell subsets were examined via flow cytometry. The results indicated no significant changes in transduction rates or cell subsets, and the survival rate of the resuscitated cells was approximately 90% Furthermore, similar tumoricidal effects and degranulation functions of the resuscitated cells compared with normally cultured cells were verified by calcein release and CD107a assays. A NOD/SCID mouse model was used to estimate the differences in the in vivo antitumor effects of the cryopreserved and normally cultured T cells, but no significant differences were observed. Following co-culture with several target cell types, the cytokines released by the cryopreserved and normally cultured T cells were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The results revealed that the release of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was significantly decreased. These data demonstrated that with the exception of a decrease in cytokine release, the cryopreserved CART cells retained their antitumor functions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Quick Release of Internal Water Storage in a Glacier Leads to Underestimation of the Hazard Potential of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods From Lake Merzbacher in Central Tian Shan Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shangguan, Donghui; Ding, Yongjian; Liu, Shiyin; Xie, Zunyi; Pieczonka, Tino; Xu, Junli; Moldobekov, Bolot

2017-10-01

Glacial meltwater and ice calving contribute to the flood volume of glacial lakes such as Lake Merzbacher in the Tian Shan Mountains of central Asia. In this study, we simulated the lake's volume by constructing an empirical relationship between the area of Lake Merzbacher, determined from satellite images, and the lake's water storage, derived from digital elevation models. Results showed that the lake water supply rate before Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) generally agreed well with those during the GLOFs from 2009 to 2012 but not in 2008 and 2015. Furthermore, we found that the combination of glacial meltwater and ice calving is not enough to fully explain the supply rate during GLOFs in 1996 and 1999, suggesting other factors affect the supply rate during GLOFs as well. To examine this further, we compared the water supply rate before and during GLOF events in 1999 and 2008. We inferred that quickly released short-term and intermediate-term water storage by glaciers have likely contributed to both flood events in those years. This study highlights the need to improve our understanding of the supply component of outburst floods, such as irregularly released stored water may lead to GLOF events with generally three different types: case I (singular event-triggered englacial water release), case II (glacier melt due to temperature changes), and case III (englacial water release mixed with glacier melt).

Controlled release of anticancer drug methotrexate from biodegradable gelatin microspheres.

PubMed

Narayani, R; Rao, K P

1994-01-01

Biodegradable hydrophilic gelatin microspheres containing the anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) of different mean particle sizes (1-5, 5-10, and 15-20 microns) were prepared by polymer dispersion technique and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The microspheres were uniform, smooth, solid and in the form of free-flowing powder. About 80 per cent of MTX was incorporated in gelatin microspheres of different sizes. The in vitro release of MTX was investigated in two different media, namely simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The release profiles indicated that gelatin microspheres released MTX in a zero-order fashion for 4-6 days in simulated gastric fluid and for 5-8 days in simulated intestinal fluid. The rate of release of MTX decreased with increase in the particle size of the microspheres. MTX release was faster in gastric fluid when compared to intestinal fluid.

Corrosion-induced release of the main alloying constituents of manganese-chromium stainless steels in different media.

PubMed

Herting, Gunilla; Wallinder, Inger Odnevall; Leygraf, Christofer

2008-09-01

The main focus of this paper is the assessment of release rates of chromium, nickel, iron and manganese from manganese-chromium stainless steel grades of low nickel content. The manganese content varied between 9.7 and 1.5 wt% and the corresponding nickel content between 1 and 5 wt%. All grades were exposed to artificial rain and two were immersed in a synthetic body fluid of similar pH but of different composition and exposure conditions. Surface compositional studies were performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in parallel to correlate the metal release process with changes in surface oxide properties. All grades, independent of media, revealed a time-dependent metal release process with a preferential low release of iron and manganese compared to nickel and chromium while the chromium content of the surface oxide increased slightly. Manganese was detected in the surface oxide of all grades, except the grade of the lowest manganese bulk content. No nickel was observed in the outermost surface oxide. Stainless steel grades of the lowest chromium content (approximately 16 wt%) and highest manganese content (approximately 7-9 wt%), released the highest quantity of alloy constituents in total, and vice versa. No correlation was observed between the release rate of manganese and the alloy composition. Released main alloy constituents were neither proportional to the bulk alloy composition nor to the surface oxide composition.

Rapid Retinal Release from a Cone Visual Pigment Following Photoactivation*

PubMed Central

Chen, Min-Hsuan; Kuemmel, Colleen; Birge, Robert R.; Knox, Barry E.

2012-01-01

As part of the visual cycle, the retinal chromophore in both rod and cone visual pigments undergoes reversible Schiff base hydrolysis and dissociation following photobleaching. We characterized light-activated retinal release from a short-wavelength sensitive cone pigment (VCOP) in 0.1% dodecyl maltoside using fluorescence spectroscopy. The half-time (t1/2) of retinal release from VCOP was 7.1 s, 250-fold faster than rhodopsin. VCOP exhibited pH-dependent release kinetics, with the t1/2 decreasing from 23 s to 4 s with pH 4.1 to 8, respectively. However, the Arrhenius activation energy (Ea) for VCOP derived from kinetic measurements between 4° and 20°C was 17.4 kcal/mol, similar to 18.5 kcal/mol for rhodopsin. There was a small kinetic isotope (D2O) effect in VCOP, but less than that observed in rhodopsin. Mutation of the primary Schiff base counterion (VCOPD108A) produced a pigment with an unprotonated chromophore (⌊max = 360 nm) and dramatically slowed (t1/2 ~ 6.8 min) light-dependent retinal release. Using homology modeling, a VCOP mutant with two substitutions (S85D/ D108A) was designed to move the counterion one alpha helical turn into the transmembrane region from the native position. This double mutant had a UV-visible absorption spectrum consistent with a protonated Schiff base (⌊max = 420 nm). Moreover, VCOPS85D/D108A mutant had retinal release kinetics (t1/2 = 7 s) and Ea (18 kcal/mol) similar to the native pigment exhibiting no pH-dependence. By contrast, the single mutant VCOPS85D had a ~3-fold decrease in retinal release rate compared to the native pigment. Photoactivated VCOPD108A had kinetics comparable to a rhodopsin counterion mutant, RhoE113Q, both requiring hydroxylamine to fully release retinal. These results demonstrate that the primary counterion of cone visual pigments is necessary for efficient Schiff base hydrolysis. We discuss how the large differences in retinal release rates between rod and cone visual pigments arise, not from inherent differences in the rate of Schiff base hydrolysis, but rather from differences in the non-covalent binding properties of the retinal chromophore to the protein. PMID:22217337

Biodegradable polymer based encapsulation of neem oil nanoemulsion for controlled release of Aza-A.

PubMed

Jerobin, Jayakumar; Sureshkumar, R S; Anjali, C H; Mukherjee, Amitava; Chandrasekaran, Natarajan

2012-11-06

Azadirachtin a biological compound found in neem have medicinal and pesticidal properties. The present work reports on the encapsulation of neem oil nanoemulsion using sodium alginate (Na-Alg) by cross linking with glutaraldehyde. Starch and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used as coating agents for smooth surface of beads. The SEM images showed beads exhibited nearly spherical shape. Swelling of the polymeric beads reduced with coating which in turn decreased the rate of release of Aza-A. Starch coated encapsulation of neem oil nanoemulsion was found to be effective when compared to PEG coated encapsulation of neem oil nanoemulsion. The release rate of neem Aza-A from the beads into an aqueous environment was analyzed by UV-visible spectrophotometer (214 nm). The encapsulated neem oil nanoemulsion have the potential for controlled release of Aza-A. Neem oil nanoemulsion encapsulated beads coated with PEG was found to be toxic in lymphocyte cells. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Risk of Death for Veterans on Release From Prison

PubMed Central

Wortzel, Hal S.; Blatchford, Patrick; Conner, Latoya; Adler, Lawrence E.; Binswanger, Ingrid A.

2017-01-01

We sought to determine, among veterans released from Washington state prisons from 1999 through 2003, the risk of death from all causes, whether those veterans have faced a higher risk of death than have nonveterans, and whether having VA benefits decreased the risk of death. We linked data from a retrospective cohort study to data from the Veterans Benefit Administration. Mortality rates were compared between veteran and nonveteran former inmates. The crude rate of veteran mortality was 1,195 per 100,000 person-years, significantly higher than that of nonveterans (p < .001), but adjustment for demographic factors demonstrated no significant increased risk. VA benefits were associated with a reduced risk for all-cause deaths (hazard ratio, .376; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.79). Veterans share the heightened risk of death after release from prison faced by all released inmates and should be included in efforts to reduce the risks associated with transitioning from prison to the community. VA benefits appear to offer a protective effect, particularly against medical deaths. PMID:22960917

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.

1H NMR investigation of thermally triggered insulin release from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels.

PubMed

Nolan, Christine M; Gelbaum, Leslie T; Lyon, L Andrew

2006-10-01

We describe investigations of insulin release from thermoresponsive microgels using variable temperature (1)H NMR. Microgel particles composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were loaded with the peptide via a swelling technique, and this method was compared to simple equilibrium partitioning. Variable temperature (1)H NMR studies suggest that the swelling loading method results in enhanced entrapment of the peptide versus equilibrium partitioning. A centrifugation-loading assay supports this finding. Pseudo-temperature jump (1)H NMR measurements suggest that the insulin release rate is partially decoupled from microgel collapse. These types of direct release investigations could prove to be useful methods in the future design of controlled macromolecule drug delivery devices.

HIV-infected men who have sex with men, before and after release from jail: the impact of age and race, results from a multi-site study.

PubMed

Vagenas, Panagiotis; Zelenev, Alexei; Altice, Frederick L; Di Paola, Angela; Jordan, Alison O; Teixeira, Paul A; Frew, Paula M; Spaulding, Anne C; Springer, Sandra A

2016-01-01

The US HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). Black men are disproportionately affected by incarceration and Black MSM experience higher infection rates and worse HIV-related health outcomes compared to non-Black MSM. We compared HIV treatment outcomes for Black MSM to other HIV-infected men from one of the largest cohorts of HIV-infected jail detainees (N = 1270) transitioning to the community. Of the 574 HIV-infected men released, 113 (19.7%) self-identified as being MSM. Compared to other male subgroups, young Black MSM (<30 years old, N = 18) were significantly less likely: (1) before incarceration, to have insurance, access to an HIV healthcare provider, and use cocaine; (2) during incarceration, to receive a disease management intervention; and (3) in the 6 months post-release, to link to HIV care. Interventions that effectively link and retain young HIV-infected Black MSM in care in communities before incarceration and post-release from jail are urgently needed.

Strain energy release rate analysis of cyclic delamination growth in compressively loaded laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitcomb, J. D.

1983-01-01

Delamination growth in compressively loaded composite laminates was studied analytically and experimentally. The configuration used was a laminate with an across-the-width delamination. An approximate super-position stress analysis was developed to quantify the effects of various geometric, material, and load parameters on mode 2 and mode 2 strain energy release rates G sub/1 and G sub 2, respectively. Calculated values of G sub 1 and G sub 2 were then compared with measured cyclic delamination growth rates to determine the relative importance of G sub 1 and G sub 2. High growth rates were observed only when G sub 1 was large. However, slow growth was observed even when G sub 1 was negligibly small. This growth apparently was due to a large value of G sub 2.

Bioreactor validation and biocompatibility of Ag/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) hydrogel nanocomposites.

PubMed

Jovanović, Zeljka; Radosavljević, Aleksandra; Kačarević-Popović, Zorica; Stojkovska, Jasmina; Perić-Grujić, Aleksandra; Ristić, Mirjana; Matić, Ivana Z; Juranić, Zorica D; Obradovic, Bojana; Mišković-Stanković, Vesna

2013-05-01

Silver/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Ag/PVP) nanocomposites containing Ag nanoparticles at different concentrations were synthesized using γ-irradiation. Cytotoxicity of the obtained nanocomposites was determined by MTT assay in monolayer cultures of normal human immunocompetent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that were either non-stimulated or stimulated to proliferate by mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA), as well as in human cervix adenocarcinoma cell (HeLa) cultures. Silver release kinetics and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were investigated under bioreactor conditions in the simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C. The release of silver was monitored under static conditions, and in two types of bioreactors: perfusion bioreactors and a bioreactor with dynamic compression coupled with SBF perfusion simulating in vivo conditions in articular cartilage. Ag/PVP nanocomposites exhibited slight cytotoxic effects against PBMC at the estimated concentration of 0.4 μmol dm(-3), with negligible variations observed amongst different cell cultures investigated. Studies of the silver release kinetics indicated internal diffusion as the rate limiting step, determined by statistically comparable results obtained at all investigated conditions. However, silver release rate was slightly higher in the bioreactor with dynamic compression coupled with SBF perfusion as compared to the other two systems indicating the influence of dynamic compression. Modelling of silver release kinetics revealed potentials for optimization of Ag/PVP nanocomposites for particular applications as wound dressings or soft tissue implants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of solubilizing surfactants and loading of antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal drugs on their release rates from ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer

PubMed Central

Tallury, Padmavathy; Randall, Marcus K; Thaw, Khin L; Preisser, John S.; Kalachandra, Sid

2013-01-01

Objectives This study investigates the effects of surfactants and drug loading on the drug release rate from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. The release rate of nystatin from EVA was studied with addition of non-ionic surfactants Tween 60 and Cremophor RH 40. In addition, the effect of increasing drug load on the release rates of nystatin, chlorhexidine diacetate and acyclovir is also presented. Method Polymer casting solutions were prepared by stirring EVA copolymer and nystatin (2.5 wt %) in dichloromethane. Nystatin and surfactants were added in ratios of (1:1), (1:2) and (1:3). Drug loading was studied with 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% wt. proportions of nystatin, chlorhexidine diacetate and acyclovir incorporated into a separate polymer. Three drug loaded polymer square films (3cm × 3cm × 0.08 cm) were cut from dry films to follow the kinetics of drug release at 37°C. 10 ml of either distilled water or PBS was used as the extracting medium that was replaced daily. PBS was used for nystatin release with addition of surfactants and water was used for the study on drug loading and surfactant release. The rate of drug release was measured by UV-spectrophotometer. The amount of surfactant released was determined by HPLC. Results The release of nystatin was low in PBS and its release rate increased with the addition of surfactants. Also, increasing surfactant concentrations resulted in increased drug release rates. The release rates of chlorhexidine diacetate (p<0.0001), acyclovir (p<0.0003) and nystatin (p<0.0017) linearly increased with increasing drug loads. The amount of surfactants released was above the CMC. Significance This study demonstrates that the three therapeutic agents show a sustained rate of drug release from EVA copolymer over extended periods of time. Nystatin release in PBS is low owing to its poor solubility. Its release rate is enhanced by addition of surfactants and increasing the drug load as well. PMID:17049593

Metal lost and found: dissipative uses and releases of copper in the United States 1975-2000.

PubMed

Lifset, Reid J; Eckelman, Matthew J; Harper, E M; Hausfather, Zeke; Urbina, Gonzalo

2012-02-15

Metals are used in a variety of ways, many of which lead to dissipative releases to the environment. Such releases are relevant from both a resource use and an environmental impact perspective. We present a historical analysis of copper dissipative releases in the United States from 1975 to 2000. We situate all dissipative releases in copper's life cycle and introduce a conceptual framework by which copper dissipative releases may be categorized in terms of intentionality of use and release. We interpret our results in the context of larger trends in production and consumption and government policies that have served as drivers of intentional copper releases from the relevant sources. Intentional copper releases are found to be both significant in quantity and highly variable. In 1975, for example, the largest source of intentional releases was from the application of copper-based pesticides, and this decreased more than 50% over the next 25 years; all other sources of intentional releases increased during that period. Overall, intentional copper releases decreased by approximately 15% from 1975 to 2000. Intentional uses that are unintentionally released such as copper from roofing, increased by the same percentage. Trace contaminant sources such as fossil fuel combustion, i.e., sources where both the use and the release are unintended, increased by nearly 50%. Intentional dissipative uses are equivalent to 60% of unintentional copper dissipative releases and more than five times that from trace sources. Dissipative copper releases are revealed to be modest when compared to bulk copper flows in the economy, and we introduce a metric, the dissipation index, which may be considered an economy-wide measure of resource efficiency for a particular substance. We assess the importance of dissipative releases in the calculation of recycling rates, concluding that the inclusion of dissipation in recycling rate calculations has a small, but discernible, influence, and should be included in such calculations. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Canopy and leaf composition drive patterns of nutrient release from pruning residues in a coffee agroforest.

PubMed

Tully, Katherine L; Lawrence, Deborah

2012-06-01

In a coffee agroforest, the crop is cultivated under the shade of fruit-bearing and nitrogen (N)-fixing trees. These trees are periodically pruned to promote flowering and fruiting as well as to make nutrients stored in tree biomass available to plants. We investigated the effect of canopy composition and substrate quality on decomposition rates and patterns of nutrient release from pruning residues in a coffee agroforest located in Costa Rica's Central Valley. Initial phosphorus (P) release was enhanced under a canopy composed solely of N-fixing, Erythrina poeppigiana compared to a mixed canopy of Erythrina and Musa acuminata (banana). Both initial and final N release were similar under the two canopy types. However, after five months of decomposition, a higher proportion of initial N had been released under the single canopy. Although patterns of decomposition and nutrient release were not predicted by initial substrate quality, mass loss in leaf mixtures rates were well predicted by mean mass loss of their component species. This study identifies specific pruning regimes that may regulate N and P release during crucial growth periods, and it suggests that strategic pruning can enhance nutrient availability. For example, during the onset of rapid fruit growth, a two-species mixture may release more P than a three-species mixture. However, by the time of the harvest, the two- and three-species mixtures have released roughly the same amount of N and P. These nutrients do not always follow the same pattern, as N release can be maximized in single-species substrates, while P release is often facilitated in species mixtures. Our study indicates the importance of management practices in mediating patterns of nutrient release. Future research should investigate how canopy composition and farm management can also mediate on-farm nutrient losses.

Release modeling and comparison of nanoarchaeosomal, nanoliposomal and pegylated nanoliposomal carriers for paclitaxel.

PubMed

Movahedi, Fatemeh; Ebrahimi Shahmabadi, Hasan; Alavi, Seyed Ebrahim; Koohi Moftakhari Esfahani, Maedeh

2014-09-01

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Recently, delivering by nanocarriers has resulted in a remarkable evolution in treatment of numerous cancers. Lipid nanocarriers are important ones while liposomes and archaeosomes are common lipid nanocarriers. In this work, paclitaxel was used and characterized in nanoliposomal and nanoarchaeosomal form to improve efficiency. To increase stability, efficiency and solubility, polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG 2000) was added to some samples. MTT assay confirmed effectiveness of nanocarriers on MCF-7 cell line and size measuring validated nano-scale of particles. Nanoarchaeosomal carriers demonstrated highest encapsulation efficiency and lowest release rate. On the other hand, pegylated nanoliposomal carrier showed higher loading efficiency and less release compared with nanoliposomal carrier which verifies effect of PEG on improvement of stability and efficiency. Additionally, release pattern was modeled using artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA). Using ANN modeling for release prediction, resulted in R values of 0.976, 0.989 and 0.999 for nanoliposomal, pegylated nanoliposomal and nanoarchaeosomal paclitaxel and GA modeling led to values of 0.954, 0.951 and 0.976, respectively. ANN modeling was more successful in predicting release compared with the GA strategy.

In situ release rates of Cu and Zn from commercial antifouling paints at different salinities.

PubMed

Lagerström, Maria; Lindgren, J Fredrik; Holmqvist, Albin; Dahlström, Mia; Ytreberg, Erik

2018-02-01

Antifouling paints are environmentally risk assessed based on their biocidal release rates to the water phase. In situ release rates of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were derived for five commercial paints in two recreational marinas with different salinities (5 and 14 PSU) using an X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Salinity was found to significantly affect the Cu release, with twice the amount of Cu released at the higher salinity, while its influence on the Zn release was paint-specific. Site-specific release rates for water bodies with salinity gradients, e.g. the Baltic Sea, are therefore necessary for more realistic risk assessments of antifouling paints. Furthermore, the in situ release rates were up to 8 times higher than those generated using standardized laboratory or calculation methods. The environmental risk assessment repeated with the field release rates concludes that it is questionable whether the studied products should be allowed on the Swedish market. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Swelling, erosion and drug release characteristics of salbutamol sulfate from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based matrix tablets.

PubMed

Chaibva, Faith A; Khamanga, Sandile M M; Walker, Roderick B

2010-12-01

Hydrophilic matrix formulations are important and simple technologies that are used to manufacture sustained release dosage forms. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based matrix tablets, with and without additives, were manufactured to investigate the rate of hydration, rate of erosion, and rate and mechanism of drug release. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess changes in the microstructure of the tablets during drug release testing and whether these changes could be related to the rate of drug release from the formulations. The results revealed that the rate of hydration and erosion was dependent on the polymer combination(s) used, which in turn affected the rate and mechanism of drug release from these formulations. It was also apparent that changes in the microstructure of matrix tablets could be related to the different rates of drug release that were observed from the test formulations. The use of scanning electron microscopy provides useful information to further understand drug release mechanisms from matrix tablets.

Effect of a new device for sustained progesterone release on the progesterone concentration, ovarian follicular diameter, time of ovulation and pregnancy rate of ewes.

PubMed

Dias, Lilian Mara Kirsch; de Barros, Marina Berrettini Paes; Viau, Priscila; Sales, José Nélio de Sousa; Valentim, Renato; dos Santos, Fernanda Ferreira; da Cunha, Manoel Claudio; Marino, Carolina Tobias; de Oliveira, Claudio Alvarenga

2015-04-01

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a new progesterone intravaginal device (DPR) in ewes through four experiments: Experiment 1 compared the circulating progesterone concentration of ovariectomized ewes that received either a new or a re-used DPR. Experiment 2 compared the progesterone concentration between DPR-estrous-synchronized ewes and naturally estrous-cycling ewes. Experiment 3 evaluated the effect of new and re-used DPRs on ovarian follicular dynamics and time of ovulation of estrous cycling ewes. Experiment 4 compared the pregnancy rate after the use of a DPR and Controlled Internal Drug Releasing Device (CIDR). The mean concentration of progesterone released by the DPR device during its first use (New Group: 5.1 ± 0.5 ng/ml) was greater than that during the second use (Re-used Group: 2.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml). There was no difference between the animals that received DPR devices for first and second use in terms of ovulatory follicle diameter, follicular wave emergence day for ovulatory follicle and period of ovulatory wave of ovarian follicular development. However, there was a significant difference between groups regarding the time between DPR device removal and first ovulation (New Group: 71.7 ± 2.5h and Re-Used Group: 63.9 ± 2.7h). Pregnancy rates were similar between ewes with DPR and CIDR devices. It was concluded that DPR is effective in increasing and maintaining progesterone concentrations, controlling follicular dynamics, promoting synchronized times of ovulation from healthy follicles, promoting development of a competent corpus luteum and when used results in pregnancy rates similar to that with use of the CIDR. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Do Stimulants Reduce the Risk for Alcohol and Substance Use in Youth With ADHD? A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective, 24-Month Open-Label Study of Osmotic-Release Methylphenidate.

PubMed

Hammerness, Paul; Petty, Carter; Faraone, Stephen V; Biederman, Joseph

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of stimulant treatment on risk for alcohol and illicit drug use in adolescents with ADHD. Analysis of data derived from a prospective open-label treatment study of adolescent ADHD ( n = 115, 76% male), and a historical, naturalistic sample of ADHD ( n = 44, 68% male) and non-ADHD youth ( n = 52, 73% male) of similar age and sex. Treatment consisted of extended-release methylphenidate in the clinical trial or naturalistic stimulant treatment. Self-report of alcohol and drug use was derived from a modified version of the Drug Use Screening Inventory. Rates of alcohol and drug use in the past year were significantly lower in the clinical trial compared with untreated and treated naturalistic ADHD comparators, and similar to rates in non-ADHD comparators. Well-monitored stimulant treatment may reduce the risk for alcohol and substance use in adolescent ADHD.

Behaviour of oceanic 137Cs following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident for four years simulated numerically by a regional ocean model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, D.; Tsubono, T.; Aoyama, M.; Misumi, K.; Tateda, Y.

2015-12-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition.We reconstructed spatiotemporal variability of 137Cs activity in the regional ocean for four years by numerical model, such as a regional scale and the North Pacific scale oceanic dispersion models, an atmospheric transport model, a sediment transport model, a dynamic biological compartment model for marine biota and river runoff model. Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for four years after the accident by comparing simulated results and observed activities very close to the site. The estimated total amounts of directly release was 3.6±0.7 PBq. Directly release rate of 137Cs decreased exponentially with time by the end of December 2012 and then, was almost constant. Decrease rate were quite small after 2013. The daily release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1010 Bq/day by the end of March 2015. The activity of directly released 137Cs was detectable only in the coastal zone after December 2012. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. There is no observed data of 137Cs activity in the ocean from 11 to 21 March 2011. Observed data of marine biota should reflect the history of 137Cs activity in this early period. We reconstructed the history of 137Cs activity in this early period by considering atmospheric deposition, river input, rain water runoff from the 1F NPP site. The comparisons between simulated 137Cs activity of marine biota by a dynamic biological compartment and observed data also suggest that simulated 137Cs activity attributable to atmospheric deposition was underestimated in this early period. The simulated river flux of 137Cs to the ocean did not effect on 137Cs activity in the ocean even if the parameters in this simulation have uncertainties because of the lack of observed data in rivers in the earlier period.

Behaviour of oceanic 137Cs following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident for four years simulated numerically by a regional ocean model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torn, M. S.; Koven, C. D.; Riley, W. J.; Zhu, B.; Hicks Pries, C.; Phillips, C. L.

2014-12-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition.We reconstructed spatiotemporal variability of 137Cs activity in the regional ocean for four years by numerical model, such as a regional scale and the North Pacific scale oceanic dispersion models, an atmospheric transport model, a sediment transport model, a dynamic biological compartment model for marine biota and river runoff model. Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for four years after the accident by comparing simulated results and observed activities very close to the site. The estimated total amounts of directly release was 3.6±0.7 PBq. Directly release rate of 137Cs decreased exponentially with time by the end of December 2012 and then, was almost constant. Decrease rate were quite small after 2013. The daily release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1010 Bq/day by the end of March 2015. The activity of directly released 137Cs was detectable only in the coastal zone after December 2012. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. There is no observed data of 137Cs activity in the ocean from 11 to 21 March 2011. Observed data of marine biota should reflect the history of 137Cs activity in this early period. We reconstructed the history of 137Cs activity in this early period by considering atmospheric deposition, river input, rain water runoff from the 1F NPP site. The comparisons between simulated 137Cs activity of marine biota by a dynamic biological compartment and observed data also suggest that simulated 137Cs activity attributable to atmospheric deposition was underestimated in this early period. The simulated river flux of 137Cs to the ocean did not effect on 137Cs activity in the ocean even if the parameters in this simulation have uncertainties because of the lack of observed data in rivers in the earlier period.

Quantification of kinetic rate law parameters for the dissolution of natural autunite in the presence of aqueous bicarbonate ions at high concentrations

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

Gudavalli, Ravi; Katsenovich, Yelena; Wellman, Dawn

Uranium is a key contaminant of concern in the groundwater at 91 waste sites at 18 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities within the United States and is a potential source of groundwater contamination and a risk to human health and the environment through discharges to surface water. Dissolved inorganic carbon (bicarbonate/carbonate) has a high affinity for complexing with uranium that is present as sorbed or unique uranium-bearing mineral phases within the sedimentary matrix. This process can result in the formation of soluble uranyl carbonate aqueous species, which are mobile under circumneutral pH conditions. This study was conducted to quantifymore » the rate of release of uranium from the autunite mineral, (Ca[(UO 2)(PO 4)] 2∙3H 2O), that was formed during polyphosphate injection to remediate uranium; the dissolution of uranium was studied as a function of the aqueous bicarbonate concentration, ranging from 25 to 100 mM. Experiments were carried out in the pH range from 7 to 11 in the temperature range of 23-90°C via single-pass flow-through testing. Consistent with the results of previous studies (Gudavalli et al., 2013 a, b), the rate of uranium release from autunite exhibited minimal dependency on temperature, but was strongly dependent on pH and increasing concentrations of bicarbonate in the solution. Data obtained during these experiments were compared with results of previous experiments conducted using a low-concentration range of bicarbonate solutions (0.5-3.0 mM). An 8- to 30 fold increase in the rate of uranium release was observed in the presence of high bicarbonate concentrations at pH 7-8 compared to low bicarbonate values, while at pH 9-11, there was only a 5-fold increase in uranium rate of release with an increase in bicarbonate concentrations. The rate of uranium release was calculated to be between 5.18 x 10 -8 and 1.69 x 10 -7 mol m -2 s -1. The activation energy values at high and low bicarbonate concentrations were similar, with ratio values in the range of 0.6-1.0.« less

Quantification of kinetic rate law parameters for the dissolution of natural autunite in the presence of aqueous bicarbonate ions at high concentrations.

PubMed

Gudavalli, Ravi; Katsenovich, Yelena; Wellman, Dawn

2018-05-02

Uranium is a key contaminant of concern in the groundwater at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities within the United States and is a potential source of groundwater contamination and a risk to human health and the environment through discharges to surface water. Dissolved inorganic carbon (bicarbonate/carbonate) has a high affinity for complexing with uranium that is present as sorbed or unique uranium-bearing mineral phases within the sedimentary matrix. This process can result in the formation of soluble uranyl carbonate aqueous species, which are mobile under circumneutral pH conditions. This study was conducted to quantify the rate of release of uranium from the autunite mineral, (Ca[(UO 2 )(PO 4 )] 2 •3H 2 O), that was formed during polyphosphate injection to remediate uranium; the dissolution of uranium was studied as a function of the aqueous bicarbonate concentration, ranging from 25 to 100 mM. Experiments were carried out in the pH range from 7 to 11 in the temperature range of 23-90 °C via single-pass flow-through testing. Consistent with the results of previous studies (Gudavalli et al., 2013a, 2013b), the rate of uranium release from autunite exhibited minimal dependency on temperature, but was strongly dependent on pH and increasing concentrations of bicarbonate in the solution. Data obtained during these experiments were compared with results of previous experiments conducted using a low-concentration range of bicarbonate solutions (0.5-3.0 mM). An 8- to 30-fold increase in the rate of uranium release was observed in the presence of high bicarbonate concentrations at pH 7-8 compared to low bicarbonate values, while at pH 9-11, there was only a 5-fold increase in uranium rate of release with an increase in bicarbonate concentrations. The rate of uranium release was calculated to be between 5.18 × 10 -8 and 1.69 × 10 -7  mol m -2 s -1 . The activation energy values at high and low bicarbonate concentrations were similar, with ratio values in the range of 0.6-1.0. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Peroxisomal Malate Dehydrogenase Is Not Essential for Photorespiration in Arabidopsis But Its Absence Causes an Increase in the Stoichiometry of Photorespiratory CO2 Release1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Cousins, Asaph B.; Pracharoenwattana, Itsara; Zhou, Wenxu; Smith, Steven M.; Badger, Murray R.

2008-01-01

Peroxisomes are important for recycling carbon and nitrogen that would otherwise be lost during photorespiration. The reduction of hydroxypyruvate to glycerate catalyzed by hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR) in the peroxisomes is thought to be facilitated by the production of NADH by peroxisomal malate dehydrogenase (PMDH). PMDH, which is encoded by two genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), reduces NAD+ to NADH via the oxidation of malate supplied from the cytoplasm to oxaloacetate. A double mutant lacking the expression of both PMDH genes was viable in air and had rates of photosynthesis only slightly lower than in the wild type. This is in contrast to other photorespiratory mutants, which have severely reduced rates of photosynthesis and require high CO2 to grow. The pmdh mutant had a higher O2-dependent CO2 compensation point than the wild type, implying that either Rubisco specificity had changed or that the rate of CO2 released per Rubisco oxygenation was increased in the pmdh plants. Rates of gross O2 evolution and uptake were similar in the pmdh and wild-type plants, indicating that chloroplast linear electron transport and photorespiratory O2 uptake were similar between genotypes. The CO2 postillumination burst and the rate of CO2 released during photorespiration were both greater in the pmdh mutant compared with the wild type, suggesting that the ratio of photorespiratory CO2 release to Rubisco oxygenation was altered in the pmdh mutant. Without PMDH in the peroxisome, the CO2 released per Rubisco oxygenation reaction can be increased by over 50%. In summary, PMDH is essential for maintaining optimal rates of photorespiration in air; however, in its absence, significant rates of photorespiration are still possible, indicating that there are additional mechanisms for supplying reductant to the peroxisomal HPR reaction or that the HPR reaction is altogether circumvented. PMID:18685043

Estimating reef fish discard mortality using surface and bottom tagging: effects of hook injury and barotrauma

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rudershausen, Paul J.; Buckel, Jeffrey A.; Hightower, Joseph E.

2013-01-01

We estimated survival rates of discarded black sea bass (Centropristis striata) in various release conditions using tag–recapture data. Fish were captured with traps and hook and line from waters 29–34 m deep off coastal North Carolina, USA, marked with internal anchor tags, and observed for release condition. Fish tagged on the bottom using SCUBA served as a control group. Relative return rates for trap-caught fish released at the surface versus bottom provided an estimated survival rate of 0.87 (95% credible interval 0.67–1.18) for surface-released fish. Adjusted for results from the underwater tagging experiment, fish with evidence of external barotrauma had a median survival rate of 0.91 (0.69–1.26) compared with 0.36 (0.17–0.67) for fish with hook trauma and 0.16 (0.08–0.30) for floating or presumably dead fish. Applying these condition-specific estimates of survival to non-tagging fishery data, we estimated a discard survival rate of 0.81 (0.62–1.11) for 11 hook and line data sets from waters 20–35 m deep and 0.86 (0.67–1.17) for 10 trap data sets from waters 11–29 m deep. The tag-return approach using a control group with no fishery-associated trauma represents a method to accurately estimate absolute discard survival of physoclistous reef species.

Potential Application of Silica Mineral from Dieng Mountain in Agriculture Sector to Control the Release Rate of Fertilizer Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solihin; Mursito, Anggoro Tri; Dida, Eki N.; Erlangga, Bagus D.; Widodo

2017-07-01

Silica mineral, which comes along with geothermal fluid in Dieng, is a product of erosion, decomposition and dissolution of silicon oxide based mineral, which is followed by precipitation to form silica mineral. This silica cell structure is non crystalline, and it contains 85,60 % silicon oxide, 6.49 volatile elements, and also other oxide elements. Among the direct potential application of this silica is as raw material in slow release fertilizer. Silica in compacted slow release fertilizer is able control the release rate of fertilizer elements. Two type of slow release fertilizer has been made by using silica as the matrix in these slow release fertilizer. The first type is the mixing of ordinary solid fertilizer with Dieng silica, whereas the second one is the mixing of disposal leach water with Dieng silica. The release test shows that both of these modified fertilizers have slow release fertilizer characteristic. The release rate of fertilizer elements (magnesium, potassium, ammonium, and phosphate) can be significantly reduced. The addition of kaolin in the first type of slow release fertilizer makes the release rate of fertilizer elements can be more slowed down. Meanwhile in the second type of slow release fertilizer, the release rate is determined by ratio of silica/hydrogel. The lowest release rate is achieved by sample that has highest ratio of silica/hydrogel.

Improved estimates of environmental copper release rates from antifouling products.

PubMed

Finnie, Alistair A

2006-01-01

The US Navy Dome method for measuring copper release rates from antifouling paint in-service on ships' hulls can be considered to be the most reliable indicator of environmental release rates. In this paper, the relationship between the apparent copper release rate and the environmental release rate is established for a number of antifouling coating types using data from a variety of available laboratory, field and calculation methods. Apart from a modified Dome method using panels, all laboratory, field and calculation methods significantly overestimate the environmental release rate of copper from antifouling coatings. The difference is greatest for self-polishing copolymer antifoulings (SPCs) and smallest for certain erodible/ablative antifoulings, where the ASTM/ISO standard and the CEPE calculation method are seen to typically overestimate environmental release rates by factors of about 10 and 4, respectively. Where ASTM/ISO or CEPE copper release rate data are used for environmental risk assessment or regulatory purposes, it is proposed that the release rate values should be divided by a correction factor to enable more reliable generic environmental risk assessments to be made. Using a conservative approach based on a realistic worst case and accounting for experimental uncertainty in the data that are currently available, proposed default correction factors for use with all paint types are 5.4 for the ASTM/ISO method and 2.9 for the CEPE calculation method. Further work is required to expand this data-set and refine the correction factors through correlation of laboratory measured and calculated copper release rates with the direct in situ environmental release rate for different antifouling paints under a range of environmental conditions.

A personalized medicine approach to the design of dry powder inhalers: Selecting the optimal amount of bypass.

PubMed

Kopsch, Thomas; Murnane, Darragh; Symons, Digby

2017-08-30

In dry powder inhalers (DPIs) the patient's inhalation manoeuvre strongly influences the release of drug. Drug release from a DPI may also be influenced by the size of any air bypass incorporated in the device. If the amount of bypass is high less air flows through the entrainment geometry and the release rate is lower. In this study we propose to reduce the intra- and inter-patient variations of drug release by controlling the amount of air bypass in a DPI. A fast computational method is proposed that can predict how much bypass is needed for a specified drug delivery rate for a particular patient. This method uses a meta-model which was constructed using multiphase computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. The meta-model is applied in an optimization framework to predict the required amount of bypass needed for drug delivery that is similar to a desired target release behaviour. The meta-model was successfully validated by comparing its predictions to results from additional CFD simulations. The optimization framework has been applied to identify the optimal amount of bypass needed for fictitious sample inhalation manoeuvres in order to deliver a target powder release profile for two patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Harvest and reporting rates of game-farm ring-necked pheasants

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diefenbach, D.R.; Riegner, C.F.; Hardisky, T.S.

2000-01-01

Many state natural resource agencies release ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) for hunting, but the effectiveness of these programs has never been evaluated on a statewide basis. We conducted a reward-band study to estimate harvest, reporting, and survival rates of pheasants raised and released by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for the fall 1998 hunting season. We banded 6,770 of 199,613 released pheasants with leg bands worth $0-$400. Rewards >$75 produced 100% reporting rates. Hunters reported 71.0% of harvested pheasants banded with standard bands (no reward). Cocks had an estimated 62.3% harvest rate when released on public land and a 46.8% harvest rate on private land. Hens had an estimated 50.4% harvest rate when released on public land and a 31.1% harvest rate on private land. Estimated harvest rate for hen pheasants released in September in the either-sex zone was 15.5%. In the late season, pheasants released on public land had a 33.6% harvest rate and a 23.5% harvest rate on private land. We found that few pheasants (30 days and birds released on public land had reduced survival rates primarily because of greater harvest rates. In fiscal year 1998-99, the net cost to raise and release 199,613 pheasants was $2,813,138 ($14.09 per bird). The average cost per harvested pheasant was $29.10, but ranged from $22.63 to $90.74 depending on the date and location of release. We estimated that 49.9% (82,017 birds) of pheasants stocked immediately prior to and during the regular and late seasons (excluding September releases of hens) were harvested by hunters. Percentage of pheasants harvested by hunters could be increased by expanding the either-sex zone in Pennsylvania so that more hens could be legally killed by hunters and by allocating releases to seasons and locations with greater harvest rates. However, before such changes are implemented, we recommend a survey of Pennsylvania pheasant hunters to ascertain their opinions and desires regarding releases of game-farm pheasants.

[Harvest of the carbon source in wastewater by the adsorption and desorption of activated sludge].

PubMed

Liu, Hong-Bo; Wen, Xiang-Hua; Zhao, Fang; Mei, Yi-Jun

2011-04-01

The carbon source in municipal wastewater was adsorbed by activated sludge and then harvested through the hydrolysis of activated sludge. Results indicated that activated sludge had high absorbing ability towards organic carbon and phosphorus under continuous operation mode, and the average COD and TP absorption rate reached as high as 63% and 76%, respectively. Moreover, about 50% of the soluble carbon source was outside of the sludge cell and could be released under mild hydrolysis condition. Whereas the absorbed amount of nitrogen was relatively low, and the removal rate of ammonia was only 13% . Furthermore, the releases of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus from the sludge absorbing pollutants in the wastewater were studied. By comparing different hydrolysis conditions of normal (pH 7.5, 20 degrees C), heating (pH 7.5, 60 degrees C) and the alkaline heating (pH 11, 60 degrees C), the last one presented the optimum hydrolysis efficiency. Under which, the release rate of COD could reach 320 mg/g after 24 hours, whereas nitrogen and phosphorus just obtained low release rates of 18 mg/g and 2 mg/g, respectively. Results indicate that the carbon source in wastewater could be harvested by the adsorption and desorption of activated sludge, and the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus are low and would not influence the reuse of the harvested carbon source.

Microencapsulation: A promising technique for controlled drug delivery.

PubMed

Singh, M N; Hemant, K S Y; Ram, M; Shivakumar, H G

2010-07-01

MICROPARTICLES OFFER VARIOUS SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES AS DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS, INCLUDING: (i) an effective protection of the encapsulated active agent against (e.g. enzymatic) degradation, (ii) the possibility to accurately control the release rate of the incorporated drug over periods of hours to months, (iii) an easy administration (compared to alternative parenteral controlled release dosage forms, such as macro-sized implants), and (iv) Desired, pre-programmed drug release profiles can be provided which match the therapeutic needs of the patient. This article gives an overview on the general aspects and recent advances in drug-loaded microparticles to improve the efficiency of various medical treatments. An appropriately designed controlled release drug delivery system can be a foot ahead towards solving problems concerning to the targeting of drug to a specific organ or tissue, and controlling the rate of drug delivery to the target site. The development of oral controlled release systems has been a challenge to formulation scientist due to their inability to restrain and localize the system at targeted areas of gastrointestinal tract. Microparticulate drug delivery systems are an interesting and promising option when developing an oral controlled release system. The objective of this paper is to take a closer look at microparticles as drug delivery devices for increasing efficiency of drug delivery, improving the release profile and drug targeting. In order to appreciate the application possibilities of microcapsules in drug delivery, some fundamental aspects are briefly reviewed.

Microencapsulation: A promising technique for controlled drug delivery

PubMed Central

Singh, M.N.; Hemant, K.S.Y.; Ram, M.; Shivakumar, H.G.

2010-01-01

Microparticles offer various significant advantages as drug delivery systems, including: (i) an effective protection of the encapsulated active agent against (e.g. enzymatic) degradation, (ii) the possibility to accurately control the release rate of the incorporated drug over periods of hours to months, (iii) an easy administration (compared to alternative parenteral controlled release dosage forms, such as macro-sized implants), and (iv) Desired, pre-programmed drug release profiles can be provided which match the therapeutic needs of the patient. This article gives an overview on the general aspects and recent advances in drug-loaded microparticles to improve the efficiency of various medical treatments. An appropriately designed controlled release drug delivery system can be a foot ahead towards solving problems concerning to the targeting of drug to a specific organ or tissue, and controlling the rate of drug delivery to the target site. The development of oral controlled release systems has been a challenge to formulation scientist due to their inability to restrain and localize the system at targeted areas of gastrointestinal tract. Microparticulate drug delivery systems are an interesting and promising option when developing an oral controlled release system. The objective of this paper is to take a closer look at microparticles as drug delivery devices for increasing efficiency of drug delivery, improving the release profile and drug targeting. In order to appreciate the application possibilities of microcapsules in drug delivery, some fundamental aspects are briefly reviewed. PMID:21589795

Development and characterization of a novel lipohydrogel nanocarrier: repaglinide as a lipophilic model drug.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Hossein Ali; Javadzadeh, Yousef; Hamidi, Mehrdad; Barzegar Jalali, Mohammad

2016-04-01

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are highly susceptible to phagocytosis by reticuloendothelial system (RES). To overcome this problem, a novel hydrogel-coated SLNs structure was developed and evaluated in this study. Solid lipid nanoparticles surface was coated with chitosan, via electrostatic attraction with the negatively charged SLNs surface. The resulting polymer-coated SLNs then hosted an inorganic poly-anionic agent, tripolyphosphate, to form the final lipohydrogel structure. Compared with the bare SLNs, lipohydrogel nanoparticles (LHNs) showed a significant increase in size and zeta potential. The release profile showed lower burst release and lower release rate for LHNs compared with SLNs. LHNs nanoparticles released the model antidiabetic drug, repaglinide, in a more sustained manner with lower burst effect compared with the corresponding SLN structure. Cytotoxicity studies via cell culture and MTT assay revealed no bio-toxicity of the SLNs and LHNs. In addition, intravenous administration of repaglinide-loaded SLNs and LHNs in rats showed longer drug residence time in circulation for LHNs, a trend also evident for the blood glucose level-time profile. The particle size, zeta potential, FTIR and microscopy data demonstrated the formation of the supposed lipohydrogel nanoparticles. All these benefits of LHNs propose it as a promising candidate for controlled release of the drugs. © 2016 Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

Efficacy and safety of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy among patients with idiopathic and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tranoulis, Anastasios; Laios, Alexandros; Pampanos, Andreas; Yannoukakos, Drakoulis; Loutradis, Dimitrios; Michala, Lina

2018-04-01

To systematically review and appraise the existing evidence in relation to the efficacy and safety of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (pGnRH) for the treatment of women with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). Systematic review and meta-analysis. Not applicable. A total of 35 studies (three randomized and 32 observational) encompassing 1,002 women with HA. None. Primary outcomes: ovulation rate (OvR), pregnancy per ovulatory cycle rate (POR), and live birth per ovulatory cycle rate (LBOR). multiple gestation (MG), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) rates. The summary measures were expressed as proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pulsatile GnRH treatment appears to achieve high OvRs. A trend toward high PORs and LBORs among women with HA is demonstrated. SC pGnRH achieves comparable OvR compared with IV pGnRH. The incidence of OHSS is low and of mild severity. Treatment with pGnRH is associated with low but slightly higher MG rates compared with the general population. IV administered pGnRH is rarely associated with ST. The high OvRs leading to a high rate of singleton pregnancies and the low likelihood of OHSS render the pGnRH treatment modality both effective and safe for the treatment of women with HA of either primary or secondary origin. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural and oxidative stabilization of spray dried fish oil microencapsulates with gum arabic and sage polyphenols: Characterization and release kinetics.

PubMed

Binsi, P K; Nayak, Natasha; Sarkar, P C; Jeyakumari, A; Muhamed Ashraf, P; Ninan, George; Ravishankar, C N

2017-03-15

The synergistic efficacy of gum arabic and sage polyphenols in stabilising capsule wall and protecting fish oil encapsulates from heat induced disruption and oxidative deterioration during spray drying was assessed. The emulsions prepared with sodium caseinate as wall polymer, gum arabic as wall co-polymer and sage extract as wall stabiliser was spray dried using a single fluid nozzle. Fish oil encapsulates stabilised with gum arabic and sage extract (SOE) exhibited significantly higher encapsulation efficiency compared to encapsulates containing gum arabic alone (FOE). Scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic images revealed uniform encapsulates with good sphericity and smooth surface for SOE, compared to FOE powder. In vitro oil release of microencapsulates indicated negligible oil release in buffered saline whereas more than 80% of the oil loaded in encapsulates were released in simulated GI fluids. The encapsulates containing sage extract showed a lower rate of lipid oxidation during storage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of commercially available pheromone lures for monitoring diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in canola.

PubMed

Evenden, M L; Gries, R

2010-06-01

Sex pheromone monitoring lures from five different commercial sources were compared for their attractiveness to male diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in canola, Brassica napus L., fields in western Canada. Lures that had the highest pheromone release rate, as determined by aeration analyses in the laboratory, were the least attractive in field tests. Lures from all the commercial sources tested released more (Z)-11-hexadecenal than (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate and the most attractive lures released a significantly higher aldehyde to acetate ratio than less attractive lures. Traps baited with sex pheromone lures from APTIV Inc. (Portland, OR) and ConTech Enterprises Inc. (Delta, BC, Canada) consistently captured more male diamondback moths than traps baited with lures from the other sources tested. In two different lure longevity field trapping experiments, older lures were more attractive to male diamondback moths than fresh lures. Pheromone release from aged lures was constant at very low release rates. The most attractive commercially available sex pheromone lures tested attracted fewer diamondback moth males than calling virgin female moths suggesting that research on the development of a more attractive synthetic sex pheromone lure is warranted.

Recidivism Among Licensed-Released Prisoners Who Participated in the EM Program in Israel.

PubMed

Shoham, Efrat; Yehosha-Stern, Shirley; Efodi, Rotem

2015-08-01

Toward the end of 2006, a pilot program was launched in Israel wherein licensed-released prisoners were put under electronic monitoring (EM). In addition to EM, the pilot program, operated by the Prisoners' Rehabilitation Authority, provides programs of occupational supervision and personal therapy and is designed to allow for early release of those prisoners who, without increased supervision, would have been found unsuitable for early release. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether participation in the EM program among licensed-released prisoners in Israel might bring about lessened recidivism. For that matter, rates of arrests and incarceration were examined during a follow-up period of up to 4 years, among the entirety of licensed-released prisoners participating in the EM program between the years 2007 and 2009 (n = 155). To compare recidivism rates, a control group was assembled from among the entirety of released prisoners who were found unsuitable for early release in judicial conditions, and had therefore served the full term of their incarceration, to be released between the years 2005 and 2006 (a period of time during which an EM program was not yet operated among licensed-released prisoners in Israel). Study findings clearly show that while among the control group, 42% of released prisoners were re-incarcerated, at the end of a 4-year follow-up period, only 15% among the study group had returned to prison. These findings can be explained by combining the Social Control theory and the Self-Control theory which consider the period of time under EM program and the occupational and familial integration tools for reducing criminal connections and enhancing pro-social behavior. © The Author(s) 2014.

Fission-gas release from uranium nitride at high fission rate density

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinstein, M. B.; Kirchgessner, T. A.; Tambling, T. N.

1973-01-01

A sweep gas facility has been used to measure the release rates of radioactive fission gases from small UN specimens irradiated to 8-percent burnup at high fission-rate densities. The measured release rates have been correlated with an equation whose terms correspond to direct recoil release, fission-enhanced diffusion, and atomic diffusion (a function of temperature). Release rates were found to increase linearly with burnups between 1.5 and 8 percent. Pore migration was observed after operation at 1550 K to over 6 percent burnup.

Impact of early salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, infestation and differences in survival and marine growth of sea-ranched Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts 1997–2009

PubMed Central

Skilbrei, O T; Finstad, B; Urdal, K; Bakke, G; Kroglund, F; Strand, R

2013-01-01

The impact of salmon lice on the survival of migrating Atlantic salmon smolts was studied by comparing the adult returns of sea-ranched smolts treated for sea lice using emamectin benzoate or substance EX with untreated control groups in the River Dale in western Norway. A total of 143 500 smolts were released in 35 release groups in freshwater from 1997 to 2009 and in the fjord system from 2007 to 2009. The adult recaptures declined gradually with release year and reached minimum levels in 2007. This development corresponded with poor marine growth and increased age at maturity of ranched salmon and in three monitored salmon populations and indicated unfavourable conditions in the Norwegian Sea. The recapture rate of treated smolts was significantly higher than the controls in three of the releases performed: the only release in 1997, one of three in 2002 and the only group released in sea water in 2007. The effect of treating the smolts against salmon lice was smaller than the variability in return rates between release groups, and much smaller that variability between release years, but its overall contribution was still significant (P < 0.05) and equivalent to an odds ratio of the probability of being recaptured of 1.17 in favour of the treated smolts. Control fish also tended to be smaller as grilse (P = 0.057), possibly due to a sublethal effect of salmon lice. PMID:23311746

Tunable Biodegradable Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Improved Cisplatin Efficacy on HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cells and Decreased Toxicity in Rats.

PubMed

Abdel-Bar, Hend Mohamed; Osman, Rihab; Abdel-Reheem, Amal Youssef; Mortada, Nahed; Awad, Gehanne A S

2016-02-08

This work describes the development of a modified nanocomposite thermosensitive hydrogel for controlled cisplatin release and improved cytotoxicity with decreased side effects. The system was characterized in terms of physical properties, morphological architecture and in vitro cisplatin release. Cytotoxicity was tested against human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116. In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the acute toxicity in terms of rats' survival rate and body weight loss. Nephro and hepatotoxicities were evaluated followed by histopathological alterations of various tissue organs. Nanocomposite thermosensitive hydrogel containing nanosized carrier conferred density and stiffness allowing a zero order drug release for 14 days. Enhanced cytotoxicity with 2-fold decrease in cisplatin IC50 was accomplished. A linear in vivo-in vitro correlation was proved for the system degradation. Higher animal survival rate and lower tissue toxicities proved the decreased toxicity of cisplatin nanocomposite compared to its solution.

Review of thermal properties of graphite composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kourtides, D. A.

1987-01-01

Flammability, thermal, and selected mechanical properties of composites fabricated with epoxy and other thermally stable resin matrices are described. Properties which were measured included limiting-oxygen index, smoke evolution, thermal degradation products, total-heat release, heat-release rates, mass loss, flame spread, ignition resistance, thermogravimetric analysis, and selected mechanical properties. The properties of 8 different graphite composite panels fabricated using four different resin matrices and two types of graphite reinforcement are described. The resin matrices included: XU71775/H795, a blend of vinyl polystyryl pyridine and bismaleimide; H795, a bismaleimide; Cycom 6162, a phenolic; and PSP 6022M, a polystyryl pyridine. The graphite fiber used was AS-4 in the form of either tape or fabric. The properties of these composites were compared with epoxy composites. It was determined that the blend of vinyl polystyryl pyridine and bismaleimide (XU71775/H795) with the graphite tape was the optimum design giving the lowest heat release rate.

Simulating future water temperatures in the North Santiam River, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buccola, Norman; Risley, John C.; Rounds, Stewart A.

2016-01-01

A previously calibrated two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water-quality model (CE-QUAL-W2) of Detroit Lake in western Oregon was used in conjunction with inflows derived from Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) hydrologic models to examine in-lake and downstream water temperature effects under future climate conditions. Current and hypothetical operations and structures at Detroit Dam were imposed on boundary conditions derived from downscaled General Circulation Models in base (1990–1999) and future (2059–2068) periods. Compared with the base period, future air temperatures were about 2 °C warmer year-round. Higher air temperature and lower precipitation under the future period resulted in a 23% reduction in mean annual PRMS-simulated discharge and a 1 °C increase in mean annual estimated stream temperatures flowing into the lake compared to the base period. Simulations incorporating current operational rules and minimum release rates at Detroit Dam to support downstream habitat, irrigation, and water supply during key times of year resulted in lower future lake levels. That scenario results in a lake level that is above the dam’s spillway crest only about half as many days in the future compared to historical frequencies. Managing temperature downstream of Detroit Dam depends on the ability to blend warmer water from the lake’s surface with cooler water from deep in the lake, and the spillway is an important release point near the lake’s surface. Annual average in-lake and release temperatures from Detroit Lake warmed 1.1 °C and 1.5 °C from base to future periods under present-day dam operational rules and fill schedules. Simulated dam operations such as beginning refill of the lake 30 days earlier or reducing minimum release rates (to keep more water in the lake to retain the use of the spillway) mitigated future warming to 0.4 and 0.9 °C below existing operational scenarios during the critical autumn spawning period for endangered salmonids. A hypothetical floating surface withdrawal at Detroit Dam improved temperature control in summer and autumn (0.6 °C warmer in summer, 0.6 °C cooler in autumn compared to existing structures) without altering release rates or lake level management rules.

Characterization of elemental release during microbe granite interactions at T = 28 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lingling; Jacobson, Andrew D.; Hausner, Martina

2008-02-01

This study used batch reactors to characterize the mechanisms and rates of elemental release (Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na, F, Fe, P, Sr, and Si) during interaction of a single bacterial species ( Burkholderia fungorum) with granite at T = 28 °C for 35 days. The objective was to evaluate how actively metabolizing heterotrophic bacteria might influence granite weathering on the continents. We supplied glucose as a C source, either NH 4 or NO 3 as N sources, and either dissolved PO 4 or trace apatite in granite as P sources. Cell growth occurred under all experimental conditions. However, solution pH decreased from ˜7 to 4 in NH 4-bearing reactors, whereas pH remained near-neutral in NO 3-bearing reactors. Measurements of dissolved CO 2 and gluconate together with mass-balances for cell growth suggest that pH lowering in NH 4-bearing reactors resulted from gluconic acid release and H + extrusion during NH 4 uptake. In NO 3-bearing reactors, B. fungormum likely produced gluconic acid and consumed H + simultaneously during NO 3 utilization. Over the entire 35-day period, NH 4-bearing biotic reactors yielded the highest release rates for all elements considered. However, chemical analyses of biomass show that bacteria scavenged Na, P, and Sr during growth. Abiotic control reactors followed different reaction paths and experienced much lower elemental release rates compared to biotic reactors. Because release rates inversely correlate with pH, we conclude that proton-promoted dissolution was the dominant reaction mechanism. Solute speciation modeling indicates that formation of Al-F and Fe-F complexes in biotic reactors may have enhanced mineral solubilities and release rates by lowering Al and Fe activities. Mass-balances further reveal that Ca-bearing trace phases (calcite, fluorite, and fluorapatite) provided most of the dissolved Ca, whereas more abundant phases (plagioclase) contributed negligible amounts. Our findings imply that during the incipient stages of granite weathering, heterotrophic bacteria utilizing glucose and NH 4 only moderately elevate silicate weathering reactions that consume atmospheric CO 2. However, by enhancing the dissolution of non-silicate, Ca-bearing trace minerals, they could contribute to high Ca/Na ratios commonly observed in granitic watersheds.

Assessment of the abuse of tapentadol immediate release: the first 24 months.

PubMed

Dart, Richard C; Cicero, Theodore J; Surratt, Hilary L; Rosenblum, Andrew; Bartelson, Becki Bucher; Adams, Edgar H

2012-01-01

Prescription opioid analgesics play an important role in the management of moderate to severe pain. An unintended consequence of prescribing opioid analgesics is the abuse and diversion of these medications. The authors estimated abuse and diversion rates for tapentadol immediate release (IR) compared with oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol during the first 24 months of tapentadol IR availability. The Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS®) System measures rates of prescription opioid abuse and diversion throughout the United States. Quarterly data from the Poison Center, Drug Diversion, Opioid Treatment, and Survey of Key Informants' Patients (SKIP) programs were plotted to visually compare the rates of tapentadol IR abuse and diversion with those of other opioid analgesics from July 2009 through June 2011 using both cases per 100,000 population and per 1,000 unique recipients of dispensed drug (URDD) as denominators. Trends in abuse and diversion rates over time were determined using a linear regression model of rate versus time. During the 24 months following its introduction, tapentadol IR had very low population-based rates of abuse and diversion that were similar to rates for tramadol and lower than rates for oxycodone and hydrocodone. Rates of tapentadol IR abuse and diversion based on URDD were variable by program due to changes in market share and had not stabilized as of June 2011. Rates of tapentadol IR abuse and diversion have been low during the first 24 months after its launch. Continued monitoring of trends in these data is warranted.

A comparison of the extended-release and standard-release formulations of tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplant recipients: a 12-month outcome study.

PubMed

Fanous, Helen; Zheng, Rebecca; Campbell, Carolyn; Huang, Michael; Nash, Michelle M; Rapi, Lindita; Zaltzman, Jeffrey S; Prasad, G V Ramesh

2013-02-01

BACKGROUND: Limited comparative data are available on the outcomes between extended-release and standard-release tacrolimus when used de novo in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). METHODS: We identified KTRs transplanted at our institution during 2009-10 routinely prescribed extended-release tacrolimus and compared them with those transplanted during 2008-09 prescribed standard-release tacrolimus. Graft function (eGFR by MDRD-7 equation) at 12 months post-transplant (primary outcome); new-onset diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, BK viremia incidence, acute rejection, and graft survival to 12 months (secondary outcomes) were compared by intent-to-treat analysis. Time-to-steady-state concentration and number of dose adjustments required to attain steady state were recorded. RESULTS: There were no important demographic differences between the extended-release (N = 106) and standard-release (N = 95) cohorts. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 12 months was similar (58.8 ± 17 versus 59.2 ± 18 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = 0.307). There was no difference in new-onset diabetes (17 versus 20%, P = 0.581), BK viremia (10 versus 7%, P = 0.450), acute rejection (7 versus 16%, P = 0.067) or graft survival (97 versus 95%, P = 0.301). Time-to-steady state was similar (9.2 ± 1.1 versus 8.1 ± 4.7 days, P = 0.490) although extended-release patients required fewer adjustments to attain steady state (1.2 ± 1.7 [0-8] versus 1.7 ± 1.5 [0-7], P = 0.030) but a similar dose (7.2 ± 2.4 [2-17] versus 7 ± 2.7 [2-16] mg/day, P = 0.697). CONCLUSION: De novo KTRs prescribed extended-release or standard-release tacrolimus demonstrate similar 12-month outcomes.

Hydroxyethyl Pachyman as a novel excipient for sustained-release matrix tablets.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaoju; Wang, Pengyu; Wang, Jiong; Liu, Zhi; Hong, Xuechuan; Xiao, Yuling; Liu, Peng; Hu, Xianming

2016-12-10

This paper addressed the application of hydroxyethyl pachyman (HEP) as a novel matrix for sustained - release tablets, using diclofenac sodium (DS) as a model drug. The studies showed the HEP tablets prepared by wet granulation had much slower drug release as compared to those prepared by direct compression. Meanwhile, increasing the percentage of HEP in the formulations caused a decrease in drug release rates. Moreover, DS release from the HEP tablets was much higher at high pH (6.8) than that at low pH (1.2). Morphology studies proved the HEP tablet formed a continuous gel layer with porous inner structure in the dissolution media. Analysis of DS release profiles revealed that diffusion and matrix erosion occurred in simulated intestinal fluid(SIF, pH=6.8) for all the tablets. The experimental results predict HEP has a potential as a hydrophilic matrix in tablets to prolong drug release. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gelatin Methacrylate Microspheres for Growth Factor Controlled Release

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Anh H.; McKinney, Jay; Miller, Tobias; Bongiorno, Tom; McDevitt, Todd C.

2014-01-01

Gelatin has been commonly used as a delivery vehicle for various biomolecules for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications due to its simple fabrication methods, inherent electrostatic binding properties, and proteolytic degradability. Compared to traditional chemical cross-linking methods, such as the use of glutaraldehyde (GA), methacrylate modification of gelatin offers an alternative method to better control the extent of hydrogel cross-linking. Here we examined the physical properties and growth factor delivery of gelatin methacrylate (GMA) microparticles formulated with a wide range of different cross-linking densities (15–90%). Less methacrylated MPs had decreased elastic moduli and larger mesh sizes compared to GA MPs, with increasing methacrylation correlating to greater moduli and smaller mesh sizes. As expected, an inverse correlation between microparticle cross-linking density and degradation was observed, with the lowest cross-linked GMA MPs degrading at the fastest rate, comparable to GA MPs. Interestingly, GMA MPs at lower cross-linking densities could be loaded with up to a 10-fold higher relative amount of growth factor over conventional GA cross-linked MPs, despite an order of magnitude greater gelatin content of GA MPs. Moreover, a reduced GMA cross-linking density resulted in more complete release of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and accelerated release rate with collagenase treatment. These studies demonstrate that GMA MPs provide a more flexible platform for growth factor delivery by enhancing the relative binding capacity and permitting proteolytic degradation tunability, thereby offering a more potent controlled release system for growth factor delivery. PMID:25463489

Extended release dosage form of glipizide: development and validation of a level A in vitro-in vivo correlation.

PubMed

Ghosh, Animesh; Bhaumik, Uttam Kumar; Bose, Anirbandeep; Mandal, Uttam; Gowda, Veeran; Chatterjee, Bappaditya; Chakrabarty, Uday Sankar; Pal, Tapan Kumar

2008-10-01

Defining a quantitative and reliable relationship between in vitro drug release and in vivo absorption is highly desired for rational development, optimization, and evaluation of controlled-release dosage forms and manufacturing process. During the development of once daily extended-release (ER) tablet of glipizide, a predictive in vitro drug release method was designed and statistically evaluated using three formulations with varying release rates. In order to establish internally and externally validated level A in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC), a total of three different ER formulations of glipizide were used to evaluate a linear IVIVC model based on the in vitro test method. For internal validation, a single-dose four-way cross over study (n=6) was performed using fast-, moderate-, and slow-releasing ER formulations and an immediate-release (IR) of glipizide as reference. In vitro release rate data were obtained for each formulation using the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) apparatus II, paddle stirrer at 50 and 100 rev. min(-1) in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. The f(2) metric (similarity factor) was used to analyze the dissolution data. The formulations were compared using area under the plasma concentration-time curve, AUC(0-infinity), time to reach peak plasma concentration, T(max), and peak plasma concentration, C(max), while correlation was determined between in vitro release and in vivo absorption. A linear correlation model was developed using percent absorbed data versus percent dissolved from the three formulations. Predicted glipizide concentrations were obtained by convolution of the in vivo absorption rates. Prediction errors were estimated for C(max) and AUC(0-infinity) to determine the validity of the correlation. Apparatus II, pH 6.8 at 100 rev. min(-1) was found to be the most discriminating dissolution method. Linear regression analysis of the mean percentage of dose absorbed versus the mean percentage of in vitro release resulted in a significant correlation (r(2)>or=0.9) for the three formulations.

Controlled Release of Multiple Therapeutics from Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses.

PubMed

White, Charles James; DiPasquale, Stephen Anthony; Byrne, Mark Edward

2016-04-01

The majority of contact lens wearers experience a significant level of ocular discomfort associated with lens wear, often within hours of wear, related to dry lenses, inflammation, protein adhesion to the lens surface, etc. Application of controlled drug release techniques has focused on the incorporation and/or release of a single comfort molecule from a lens including high molecular weight comfort agents or pharmaceutical agents. Previous studies have sought to mitigate the occurrence of only single propagators of discomfort. Clinical studies with eye drop solutions have shown that a mixture of diverse comfort agents selected to address multiple propagators of discomfort provide the greatest and longest lasting sensations of comfort for the patient. In this paper, multiple propagators of discomfort are addressed through the simultaneous release of four molecules from a novel contact lens to ensure high level of lens wear comfort. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses were engineered via molecular imprinting strategies to simultaneously release up to four template molecules including hydropropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), trehalose, ibuprofen, and prednisolone. By adjusting the ratio of functional monomer to comfort molecule, a high level of control was demonstrated over the release rate. HPMC, trehalose, ibuprofen, and prednisolone were released at therapeutically relevant concentrations with varying rates from a single lens. The results indicate use as daily disposable lenses for single day release or extended-wear lenses with multiple day release. Imprinted lenses are expected to lead to higher efficacy for patients compared to topical eye drops by improving compliance and mitigating concentration peaks and valleys associated with multiple drops.

Controlled Release of Multiple Therapeutics from Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

PubMed Central

White, Charles J.; DiPasquale, Stephen A.; Byrne, Mark E.

2016-01-01

Purpose The majority of contact lens wearers experience a significant level of ocular discomfort associated with lens wear, often within hours of wear, related to dry lenses, inflammation, protein adhesion to the lens surface, etc. Application of controlled drug release techniques has focused on the incorporation and/or release of a single comfort molecule from a lens including high molecular weight comfort agents or pharmaceutical agents. Previous studies have sought to mitigate the occurrence of only single propagators of discomfort. Clinical studies with eye drop solutions have shown that a mixture of diverse comfort agents selected to address multiple propagators of discomfort provide the greatest and longest lasting sensations of comfort for the patient. In this paper, multiple propagators of discomfort are addressed through the simultaneous release of four molecules from a novel contact lens to ensure high level of lens wear comfort. Methods Silicone hydrogel contact lenses were engineered via molecular imprinting strategies to simultaneously release up to four template molecules including hydropropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), trehalose, ibuprofen, and prednisolone. Results By adjusting the ratio of functional monomer to comfort molecule, a high level of control was demonstrated over the release rate. HPMC, trehalose, ibuprofen, and prednisolone were released at therapeutically relevant concentrations with varying rates from a single lens. Conclusions The results indicate use as daily disposable lenses for single day release or extended-wear lenses with multiple day release. Imprinted lenses are expected to lead to higher efficacy for patients compared to topical eye drops by improving compliance and mitigating concentration peaks and valleys associated with multiple drops. PMID:26945177

Comparison of luteal estradiol patch and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist suppression protocol before gonadotropin stimulation versus microdose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol for patients with a history of poor in vitro fertilization outcomes.

PubMed

Weitzman, Vanessa N; Engmann, Lawrence; DiLuigi, Andrea; Maier, Donald; Nulsen, John; Benadiva, Claudio

2009-07-01

To compare IVF outcomes in poor-responder patients undergoing stimulation after luteal phase E(2) patch/GnRH antagonist (LPG) protocol versus microdose GnRH agonist protocol. Retrospective analysis. University-based IVF center. Forty-five women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF using the LPG protocol were compared with 76 women stimulated with the microdose GnRH agonist protocol from May 2005 to April 2006. Cancellation rate, number of oocytes retrieved, and clinical pregnancy rates. The mean number of oocytes (9.1 +/- 4.1 vs. 8.9 +/- 4.3) and mature oocytes (6.7 +/- 3.5 vs. 6.8 +/- 3.1) retrieved were similar, as were the fertilization rates (70.0% +/- 24.2% vs. 69.9% +/- 21.5%) and the number of embryos transferred (2.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 2.7 +/- 1.3). The cancellation rate was not significantly different between the groups (13/45, 28.9% vs. 23/76, 30.3%). Likewise, there were no significant differences among the implantation rate (15.0% vs. 12.5%), clinical pregnancy rate (43.3% vs. 45.1%), and ongoing pregnancy rate per transfer (33.3% vs. 26.0%) between both groups. This study demonstrates that the use of an E(2) patch and a GnRH antagonist during the preceding luteal phase in patients with a history of failed cycles can provide similar IVF outcomes when compared with the microdose GnRH agonist protocol.

Combined application of mixture experimental design and artificial neural networks in the solid dispersion development.

PubMed

Medarević, Djordje P; Kleinebudde, Peter; Djuriš, Jelena; Djurić, Zorica; Ibrić, Svetlana

2016-01-01

This study for the first time demonstrates combined application of mixture experimental design and artificial neural networks (ANNs) in the solid dispersions (SDs) development. Ternary carbamazepine-Soluplus®-poloxamer 188 SDs were prepared by solvent casting method to improve carbamazepine dissolution rate. The influence of the composition of prepared SDs on carbamazepine dissolution rate was evaluated using d-optimal mixture experimental design and multilayer perceptron ANNs. Physicochemical characterization proved the presence of the most stable carbamazepine polymorph III within the SD matrix. Ternary carbamazepine-Soluplus®-poloxamer 188 SDs significantly improved carbamazepine dissolution rate compared to pure drug. Models developed by ANNs and mixture experimental design well described the relationship between proportions of SD components and percentage of carbamazepine released after 10 (Q10) and 20 (Q20) min, wherein ANN model exhibit better predictability on test data set. Proportions of carbamazepine and poloxamer 188 exhibited the highest influence on carbamazepine release rate. The highest carbamazepine release rate was observed for SDs with the lowest proportions of carbamazepine and the highest proportions of poloxamer 188. ANNs and mixture experimental design can be used as powerful data modeling tools in the systematic development of SDs. Taking into account advantages and disadvantages of both techniques, their combined application should be encouraged.

Suitability of amphibians and reptiles for translocation.

PubMed

Germano, Jennifer M; Bishop, Phillip J

2009-02-01

Translocations are important tools in the field of conservation. Despite increased use over the last few decades, the appropriateness of translocations for amphibians and reptiles has been debated widely over the past 20 years. To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the suitability of amphibians and reptiles for translocation, we reviewed the results of amphibian and reptile translocation projects published between 1991 and 2006. The success rate of amphibian and reptile translocations reported over this period was twice that reported in an earlier review in 1991. Success and failure rates were independent of the taxonomic class (Amphibia or Reptilia) released. Reptile translocations driven by human-wildlife conflict mitigation had a higher failure rate than those motivated by conservation, and more recent projects of reptile translocations had unknown outcomes. The outcomes of amphibian translocations were significantly related to the number of animals released, with projects releasing over 1000 individuals being most successful. The most common reported causes of translocation failure were homing and migration of introduced individuals out of release sites and poor habitat. The increased success of amphibian and reptile translocations reviewed in this study compared with the 1991 review is encouraging for future conservation projects. Nevertheless, more preparation, monitoring, reporting of results, and experimental testing of techniques and reintroduction questions need to occur to improve translocations of amphibians and reptiles as a whole.

Development of swellable local implants of a polyethyleneimine-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PEI-PVP) hydrogel as a socket filler.

PubMed

Chang, Ching-Wen; Ho, Hsiu-O; Lo, Yi-June; Lee, Sheng-Yang; Yang, You-Ren; Sheu, Ming-Thau

2012-01-01

In this study, hydrogels composed of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) K90 (PVP) cross-linked with various concentrations (0, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5%) of glutaraldehyde were evaluated as a hydrogel filler for the local delivery of lidocaine after tooth extraction. The drug-release kinetics, swellability, cytotoxicity and wound healing after tooth extraction of these non-cross-linked and cross-linked PEI-PVP hydrogels were examined in male beagles and compared to values using Spongostan(®). Results demonstrated that the extent of cross-linking influenced the swelling of the resulting hydrogel, but the drug-release rates were similar. No significant changes were observed in gingival fibroblasts in contact with the PEI- PVP hydrogels or Spongostan(®). In the in vivo study, PEI-PVP hydrogels showed good retention in the socket for 2 days and showed comparable wound-healing rates within 2 weeks with those of Spongostan(®). In conclusion, PEI-PVP hydrogels are suitable for use as socket-dressing materials, and the release of local anaesthesia from PEI-PVP hydrogels can be sustained for a desirable period of time to prevent pain after a tooth extraction.

A temporal comparison of sex-aggregation pheromone gland content and dynamics of release in three members of the Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) species complex.

PubMed

González, Mikel A; Bandi, Krishna K; Bell, Melissa J; Brazil, Reginaldo P; Dilger, Erin; Guerrero, Angel; Courtenay, Orin; Hamilton, James G C

2017-12-01

Lutzomyia longipalpis is the South American vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiologic agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Male L. longipalpis produce a sex-aggregation pheromone that is critical in mating, yet very little is known about its accumulation over time or factors involved in release. This laboratory study aimed to compare accumulation of pheromone over time and determine factors that might influence release in three members of the L. longipalpis species complex. We investigated male sex-aggregation pheromone gland content at different ages and the release rate of pheromone in the presence or absence of females under different light conditions by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Pheromone gland content was determined by extraction of whole males and pheromone release rate was determined by collection of headspace volatiles. Pheromone gland content appeared age-related and pheromone began to accumulate between 6 to 12 h post eclosion and gradually increased until males were 7-9 days old. The greatest amount was detected in 9-day old Campo Grande males ((S)-9-methylgermacrene-B; X ± SE: 203.5 ± 57.4 ng/male) followed by Sobral 2S males (diterpene; 199.9 ± 34.3) and Jacobina males ((1S,3S,7R)-3-methyl-α-himachalene; 128.8 ± 30.3) at 7 days old. Pheromone release was not continuous over time. During a 4-hour period, the greatest quantities of pheromone were released during the first hour, when wing beating activity was most intense. It was then substantially diminished for the remainder of the time. During a 24 h period, 4-5 day old male sand flies released approximately 63 ± 11% of the pheromone content of their glands, depending on the chemotype. The presence of females significantly increased pheromone release rate. The light regime under which the sand flies were held had little influence on pheromone release except on Sobral 2S chemotype. Accumulation of pheromone appears to occur at different rates in the different chemotypes examined and results in differing amounts being present in glands over time. Release of accumulated pheromone is not passive, but depends on biotic (presence of females) and abiotic (light) circumstances. There are marked differences in content and release between the members of the complex suggesting important behavioural, biosynthetic and ecological differences between them.

A temporal comparison of sex-aggregation pheromone gland content and dynamics of release in three members of the Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) species complex

PubMed Central

González, Mikel A.; Bandi, Krishna K.; Bell, Melissa J.; Brazil, Reginaldo P.; Dilger, Erin; Guerrero, Angel; Courtenay, Orin

2017-01-01

Background Lutzomyia longipalpis is the South American vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiologic agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Male L. longipalpis produce a sex-aggregation pheromone that is critical in mating, yet very little is known about its accumulation over time or factors involved in release. This laboratory study aimed to compare accumulation of pheromone over time and determine factors that might influence release in three members of the L. longipalpis species complex. Methodology/Principal findings We investigated male sex-aggregation pheromone gland content at different ages and the release rate of pheromone in the presence or absence of females under different light conditions by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Pheromone gland content was determined by extraction of whole males and pheromone release rate was determined by collection of headspace volatiles. Pheromone gland content appeared age-related and pheromone began to accumulate between 6 to 12 h post eclosion and gradually increased until males were 7–9 days old. The greatest amount was detected in 9-day old Campo Grande males ((S)-9-methylgermacrene-B; X ± SE: 203.5 ± 57.4 ng/male) followed by Sobral 2S males (diterpene; 199.9 ± 34.3) and Jacobina males ((1S,3S,7R)-3-methyl-α-himachalene; 128.8 ± 30.3) at 7 days old. Pheromone release was not continuous over time. During a 4-hour period, the greatest quantities of pheromone were released during the first hour, when wing beating activity was most intense. It was then substantially diminished for the remainder of the time. During a 24 h period, 4–5 day old male sand flies released approximately 63 ± 11% of the pheromone content of their glands, depending on the chemotype. The presence of females significantly increased pheromone release rate. The light regime under which the sand flies were held had little influence on pheromone release except on Sobral 2S chemotype. Conclusions/Significance Accumulation of pheromone appears to occur at different rates in the different chemotypes examined and results in differing amounts being present in glands over time. Release of accumulated pheromone is not passive, but depends on biotic (presence of females) and abiotic (light) circumstances. There are marked differences in content and release between the members of the complex suggesting important behavioural, biosynthetic and ecological differences between them. PMID:29194438

Survival of hatchery Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Mitchill, 1815) in the Suwannee River, Florida: a 19-year evaluation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sulak, Kenneth J.; Randall, Michael T.; Clugston, James P.

2014-01-01

An experimental release of 1192 hatchery-reared, individually PIT tagged, 220 days old (296–337 mm TL) Gulf sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, was undertaken in 1992 in the Suwannee River, Florida. The original objectives of the 1992 release experiment were to: (1) evaluate survival rate of cultured Gulf sturgeon in the wild vs survival rate of their wild 1992 cohort counterparts, (2) determine the differential effect of release site within the river upon long-term survival, and (3) evaluate comparative growth rates of recaptured hatchery vs captured wild 1992 cohort Gulf sturgeon. The present investigation addressed those original objectives, plus an additional fourth objective: (4) evaluation of hatchery fish recapture rate change over the 19-year experiment. The primary objective was to determine efficacy of potential conservation aquaculture for this species in terms of long-term survival in the wild. Follow-up 1993–2011 gill net sampling in freshwater reaches (rkm 4–237) and the estuarine river mouth (rkm −6 to 4) yielded recaptures representing 13.0% of the total released. Mean annual hatchery fish mortality (including emigration) rate estimated for the 19-year period (1993–2011) was more than twice that for same cohort wild fish. Mark-recapture survival probability (phi) for hatchery fish, 1993–2011, was substantially lower (0.733) than for their wild counterparts (0.888). Mean annual hatchery fish recapture rate, as a percentage of all 1992 cohort fish recaptures, declined significantly after age-7, coinciding with age of onset of migration into the open Gulf of Mexico. Hypothesized causal factors may be differentially lower fitness in the marine habitat or permanent outmigration due to natal river imprinting failure. Hatchery fish recapture rates varied significantly for fish from the ten release sites, being highest near the river mouth, and lowest for the furthest upriver sites in the Suwannee River and its Santa Fe River tributary. Hatchery fish also displayed a significantly lower growth rate than their wild counterparts through age 3000 days. Cumulative hatchery fish mortality of 99.87% over 19 years predicts <3 individuals would have survived through 2011. From the results of the 1992 release experiment, hatchery supplementation as a Gulf sturgeon conservation measure does not appear to be an effective option.

Assessment of burning characteristics of aircraft interior materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grand, A. F.; Valys, A. J.

1981-01-01

The performance of a series of seat cushion design constructions was compared based on their heat and smoke release characteristics. Tests were conducted in a room size calorimeter instrumented for measuring weight loss, rate of heat release, smoke and volatile decomposition products and the cumulative energy release. Baseline data were obtained from burn tests conducted on commercial airline salvage sets as a comparison with more advanced seat designs. A toxicological assessment of smoke and fire gases involved the exposure of test animals and their biological responses ascertained. Relative toxicological hazards of the combustion gases are discussed based on the animal response studies and the analysis of the combustion gases.

Mechanistic investigation of drug release from asymmetric membrane tablets: effect of media gradients (osmotic pressure and concentration), and potential coating failures on in vitro release.

PubMed

Am Ende, Mary Tanya; Miller, Lee A

2007-02-01

An asymmetric membrane (AM) tablet was developed for a soluble model compound to study the in vitro drug release mechanisms in challenge conditions, including osmotic gradients, concentration gradients, and under potential coating failure modes. Porous, semipermable membrane integrity may be compromised by a high fat meal or by the presence of a defect in the coating that could cause a safety concern about dose-dumping. The osmotic and diffusional release mechanisms of the AM tablet were independently shut down such that their individual contribution to the overall drug release was measured. Shut off of osmotic and diffusional release was accomplished by performing dissolution studies into receptor solutions with osmotic pressure above the internal core osmotic pressure and into receptor solutions saturated with drug, respectively. The effect of coating failure modes on in vitro drug release from the AM tablet was assessed through a simulated high-fat meal and by intentionally compromising the coating integrity. The predominant drug release mechanism for the AM tablet was osmotic and accounted for approximately 90-95% of the total release. Osmotic release was shutoff when the receptor media osmotic pressure exceeded 76 atm. Diffusional release of the soluble drug amounted to 5-10% of the total release mechanism. The observed negative in vitro food effect was attributed to the increased osmotic pressure from the high fat meal when compared to the predicted release rates in sucrose media with the same osmotic pressure. This suppression in drug release rate due to a high fat meal is not anticipated to affect in vivo performance of the dosage form, as the rise in pressure is short-lived. Drug release from the AM system studied was determined to be robust to varying and extreme challenge conditions. The conditions investigated included varying pH, agitation rate, media osmotic pressure, media saturated with drug to eliminate the concentration gradient, simulated high fat meal, and intentionally placed film coating defects. Osmotic and diffusional shut off experiments suggest that the mechanism governing drug release is a combination of osmotic and diffusional at approximately 90-95% and 5-10%, respectively. In addition, the coating failure mode studies revealed this formulation and design is not significantly affected by a high fat meal or by an intentionally placed defect in the film coating, and more specifically, did not result in a burst of drug release.

Demon voltammetry and analysis software: Analysis of cocaine-induced alterations in dopamine signaling using multiple kinetic measures

PubMed Central

Yorgason, Jordan T.; España, Rodrigo A.; Jones, Sara R.

2011-01-01

The fast sampling rates of fast scan cyclic voltammetry make it a favorable method for measuring changes in brain monoamine release and uptake kinetics in slice, anesthetized, and freely moving preparations. The most common analysis technique for evaluating changes in dopamine signaling uses well-established Michaelis-Menten kinetic methods that can accurately model dopamine release and uptake parameters across multiple experimental conditions. Nevertheless, over the years, many researchers have turned to other measures to estimate changes in dopamine release and uptake, yet to our knowledge no systematic comparison amongst these measures has been conducted. To address this lack of uniformity in kinetic analyses, we have created the Demon Voltammetry and Analysis software suite, which is freely available to academic and non-profit institutions. Here we present an explanation of the Demon Acquisition and Analysis features, and demonstrate its utility for acquiring voltammetric data under in vitro, in vivo anesthetized, and freely moving conditions. Additionally, the software was used to compare the sensitivity of multiple kinetic measures of release and uptake to cocaine-induced changes in electrically evoked dopamine efflux in nucleus accumbens core slices. Specifically, we examined and compared tau, full width at half height, half-life, T20, T80, slope, peak height, calibrated peak dopamine concentration, and area under the curve to the well-characterized Michaelis-Menten parameters, dopamine per pulse, maximal uptake rate, and apparent affinity. Based on observed results we recommend tau for measuring dopamine uptake and calibrated peak dopamine concentration for measuring dopamine release. PMID:21392532

Ultrafast glutamate sensors resolve high-frequency release at Schaffer collateral synapses.

PubMed

Helassa, Nordine; Dürst, Céline D; Coates, Catherine; Kerruth, Silke; Arif, Urwa; Schulze, Christian; Wiegert, J Simon; Geeves, Michael; Oertner, Thomas G; Török, Katalin

2018-05-22

Glutamatergic synapses display a rich repertoire of plasticity mechanisms on many different time scales, involving dynamic changes in the efficacy of transmitter release as well as changes in the number and function of postsynaptic glutamate receptors. The genetically encoded glutamate sensor iGluSnFR enables visualization of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals at frequencies up to ∼10 Hz. However, to resolve glutamate dynamics during high-frequency bursts, faster indicators are required. Here, we report the development of fast (iGlu f ) and ultrafast (iGlu u ) variants with comparable brightness but increased K d for glutamate (137 μM and 600 μM, respectively). Compared with iGluSnFR, iGlu u has a sixfold faster dissociation rate in vitro and fivefold faster kinetics in synapses. Fitting a three-state model to kinetic data, we identify the large conformational change after glutamate binding as the rate-limiting step. In rat hippocampal slice culture stimulated at 100 Hz, we find that iGlu u is sufficiently fast to resolve individual glutamate release events, revealing that glutamate is rapidly cleared from the synaptic cleft. Depression of iGlu u responses during 100-Hz trains correlates with depression of postsynaptic EPSPs, indicating that depression during high-frequency stimulation is purely presynaptic in origin. At individual boutons, the recovery from depression could be predicted from the amount of glutamate released on the second pulse (paired pulse facilitation/depression), demonstrating differential frequency-dependent filtering of spike trains at Schaffer collateral boutons. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Effect of age on kinetics of nitric oxide release in rat aorta and pulmonary artery.

PubMed Central

Tschudi, M R; Barton, M; Bersinger, N A; Moreau, P; Cosentino, F; Noll, G; Malinski, T; Lüscher, T F

1996-01-01

Aging is an important determinant of vascular disease. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is protective as a vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet function. This study was designed to directly measure effects of prolonged aging on endotheliai NO release in isolated blood vessels and to delineate differences between the systemic and pulmonary circulation. Aortas and pulmonary arteries from 5-6-mo-old (young), 18-19-mo-old (middle-aged), and 32-33-mo-old (old) normotensive female rats were used. Blood pressure and plasma estradiol-17beta (E2) remained unchanged. In isolated blood vessels, NO release was induced by the receptor-independent agonist calcium ionophore A23187 (10 micromol/liter) and measured in situ on the endothelial surface of vessels using a porphyrinic microsensor. In vessels suspended in organ chambers isometric tension was recorded. In the aorta, the initial rate of NO release and peak NO concentration were reduced in middle-aged and old rats (P < 0.0006 vs. young rats, n = 6). Furthermore, endothelium-dependent relaxations to calcium ionophore and acetylcholine (both 10(-10) - 10(-5) mol/liter) were also reduced in aortas from old as compared with young rats (n = 6, P < 0.05). The initial rate of NO release and peak NO concentration significantly correlated with maximal relaxation to calcium ionophore A23187 (correlation coefficients r - 0.916, P < 0.0018 and r = 0.961, P < 0.0001, respectively, n = 7). In pulmonary arteries, however, the initial rate of NO release as well as peak NO concentration did not decrease with age (n = 6 for each age group, NS). In both blood vessels, the NO release was unaffected by superoxide dismutase in all age groups (n = 6, NS). Thus, aging specifically reduces initial rate and peak concentrations of endothelial NO release from aorta but not pulmonary artery indicating reduced NO production. As arterial pressure did not change with aging, the chronic exposure of the aorta to higher pressure and/or pulsatility than in the pulmonary artery may be the cause. This appears important as NO plays a protective role by preventing vasoconstriction, thrombosis and atherosclerosis. PMID:8770860

Silica-Based and Borate-Based, Titania-Containing Bioactive Coatings Characterization: Critical Strain Energy Release Rate, Residual Stresses, Hardness, and Thermal Expansion.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Omar; Matinmanesh, Ali; Phull, Sunjeev; Schemitsch, Emil H; Zalzal, Paul; Clarkin, Owen M; Papini, Marcello; Towler, Mark R

2016-12-01

Silica-based and borate-based glass series, with increasing amounts of TiO₂ incorporated, are characterized in terms of their mechanical properties relevant to their use as metallic coating materials. It is observed that borate-based glasses exhibit CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) closer to the substrate's (Ti6Al4V) CTE, translating into higher mode I critical strain energy release rates of glasses and compressive residual stresses and strains at the coating/substrate interface, outperforming the silica-based glasses counterparts. An increase in the content of TiO₂ in the glasses results in an increase in the mode I critical strain energy release rate for both the bulk glass and for the coating/substrate system, proving that the addition of TiO₂ to the glass structure enhances its toughness, while decreasing its bulk hardness. Borate-based glass BRT3, with 15 mol % TiO₂ incorporated, exhibits superior properties overall compared to the other proposed glasses in this work, as well as 45S5 Bioglass ® and Pyrex.

Silica-Based and Borate-Based, Titania-Containing Bioactive Coatings Characterization: Critical Strain Energy Release Rate, Residual Stresses, Hardness, and Thermal Expansion

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Omar; Matinmanesh, Ali; Phull, Sunjeev; Schemitsch, Emil H.; Zalzal, Paul; Clarkin, Owen M.; Papini, Marcello; Towler, Mark R.

2016-01-01

Silica-based and borate-based glass series, with increasing amounts of TiO2 incorporated, are characterized in terms of their mechanical properties relevant to their use as metallic coating materials. It is observed that borate-based glasses exhibit CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) closer to the substrate’s (Ti6Al4V) CTE, translating into higher mode I critical strain energy release rates of glasses and compressive residual stresses and strains at the coating/substrate interface, outperforming the silica-based glasses counterparts. An increase in the content of TiO2 in the glasses results in an increase in the mode I critical strain energy release rate for both the bulk glass and for the coating/substrate system, proving that the addition of TiO2 to the glass structure enhances its toughness, while decreasing its bulk hardness. Borate-based glass BRT3, with 15 mol % TiO2 incorporated, exhibits superior properties overall compared to the other proposed glasses in this work, as well as 45S5 Bioglass® and Pyrex. PMID:27916951

Drug-related death following release from prison: a brief review of the literature with recommendations for practice.

PubMed

Leach, D; Oliver, P

2011-12-01

Mortality from drug-related death is a significant contributor to the loss of life of young people in the UK. Despite attention, the high death rate from this cause continues to persist. One of the most frequently cited factors involved in drug-related death (DRD) is release from prison. This review aims to examine the published literature with a view to quantifying the risk associated with recent prison release and identifying risk factors and prevention strategies. Most deaths following release from prison are caused by overdose, usually from opioid use. The risk of death is greatest within the first week of release but, when compared with the general population, continues to be elevated for several weeks. Relative risk estimates suggest that those released from prison are up to 40 times more likely to die than similar individuals from the general population. Other than gender and an association with poor mental health, there is little in the way of robust risk factors for post-release death that could be identified from the literature. In-prison pharmacological maintenance treatment with methadone and buprenorphine has been shown to reduce the rate of heroin use, in the period immediately following release, in a small number of randomised controlled trials. It is widely recognised that continuity of care, of any form, is critical in avoiding DRDs. For problem drug users, packages of education, including information on the associated risks, treatments, and recognition of DRD after release from prison, are seen as a basic minimum requirement of the prison services. However, special protocols may be required for those drug-using prisoners who have a possibility of being released at short notice.

Effects of water temperature and substrate type on spore production and release in eastern Tubifex tubifex worms infected with Myxobolus cerebralis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blazer, V.S.; Waldrop, T.B.; Schill, W.B.; Densmore, Christine L.; Smith, D.

2003-01-01

Eastern Tubifex tubifex worms were exposed to Myxobolus cerebralis spores at 9, 13, 17, and 20 C in 1-L jars that contained sand, mud, or leaf litter as substrata. Beginning 60 days after exposure, water from each jar was filtered daily and examined for the presence of waterborne triactinomyxon spores (TAMs). On discovering a single TAM from an experimental jar, 48 T. tubifex worms from that jar were placed individually into 24-well plates. Spores released from individual infected T. tubifex worms were quantified to determine the first day of TAM release from infected worms, the infection rate, the total number of TAMs released per worm, and the duration of release. No TAMs were found in any of the jars incubated at 20 C or in uninfected, control worms at any temperature. The total number of TAMs released by infected worms in mud and sand was highest at 13 C compared with other temperatures. Infection rates among individual worms increased with temperature between 9 and 17 C. Higher temperatures (up to 17 C) induced earlier TAM releases among infected worms, and substratum did not influence this production parameter. The average duration of TAM release decreased as the temperature increased from 9 to 17 C, and there was a significant effect of substratum in the groups maintained at 13 and 17 C. In all temperature treatments between 9 and 17 C, the duration of release was least in the worms maintained in leaf litter, as was the total number of TAMs released during the experimental period and the median number of TAMs per production day.

Measuring the Acoustic Release of a Chemotherapeutic Agent from Folate-Targeted Polymeric Micelles.

PubMed

Abusara, Ayah; Abdel-Hafez, Mamoun; Husseini, Ghaleb

2018-08-01

In this paper, we compare the use of Bayesian filters for the estimation of release and re-encapsulation rates of a chemotherapeutic agent (namely Doxorubicin) from nanocarriers in an acoustically activated drug release system. The study is implemented using an advanced kinetic model that takes into account cavitation events causing the antineoplastic agent's release from polymeric micelles upon exposure to ultrasound. This model is an improvement over the previous representations of acoustic release that used simple zero-, first- and second-order release and re-encapsulation kinetics to study acoustically triggered drug release from polymeric micelles. The new model incorporates drug release and micellar reassembly events caused by cavitation allowing for the controlled release of chemotherapeutics specially and temporally. Different Bayesian estimators are tested for this purpose including Kalman filters (KF), Extended Kalman filters (EKF), Particle filters (PF), and multi-model KF and EKF. Simulated and experimental results are used to verify the performance of the above-mentioned estimators. The proposed methods demonstrate the utility and high-accuracy of using estimation methods in modeling this drug delivery technique. The results show that, in both cases (linear and non-linear dynamics), the modeling errors are expensive but can be minimized using a multi-model approach. In addition, particle filters are more flexible filters that perform reasonably well compared to the other two filters. The study improved the accuracy of the kinetic models used to capture acoustically activated drug release from polymeric micelles, which may in turn help in designing hardware and software capable of precisely controlling the delivered amount of chemotherapeutics to cancerous tissue.

Gender differences in treatment and clinical characteristics among patients receiving extended release naltrexone.

PubMed

Herbeck, Diane M; Jeter, Kira E; Cousins, Sarah J; Abdelmaksoud, Reham; Crèvecoeur-MacPhail, Desirée

2016-01-01

Further research is needed to investigate real-world acceptability of extended-release naltrexone for alcohol and opioid use disorders, and potential gender differences. This study examines treatment and clinical characteristics among men and women receiving extended-release naltrexone in a large, publicly funded substance use disorder treatment system (N = 465; 52% female). Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, and the number of extended-release naltrexone doses received were collected from administrative data and treatment program staff. Additionally, patients provided information on experiences with extended-release naltrexone in an open-ended format at 1, 2, and 3 weeks following their first injection. For a subsample of patients (N = 220), alcohol/opioid cravings and specific adverse effects were also assessed. Compared to men, women reported experiencing a higher rate and mean number of adverse effects. Overall, craving scores showed substantial reductions over time. However, among patients taking extended-release naltrexone for alcohol use, women showed a significantly greater reduction in craving scores compared to men. No gender differences were observed in the number of extended-release naltrexone doses received. Although women may have a greater need for additional support in managing early adverse effects, extended-release naltrexone as an adjunct to psychosocial treatment may be an acceptable and promising treatment approach for both men and women, and particularly for women prescribed extended-release naltrexone for alcohol use. This study contributes further information on patients' experiences during the early course of extended-release naltrexone treatment in real-world settings. Understanding these experiences may assist policy makers and treatment providers in addressing challenges of implementing this treatment into wider practice.

Comparative studies on exenatide-loaded poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles prepared by a novel ultra-fine particle processing system and spray drying.

PubMed

Zhu, Chune; Huang, Ying; Zhang, Xiaoying; Mei, Liling; Pan, Xin; Li, Ge; Wu, Chuanbin

2015-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the properties of exenatide-loaded poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles (Ex-PLGA-MPs) prepared by a novel ultra-fine particle processing system (UPPS) and spray drying. UPPS is a proprietary technology developed by our group based on the disk rotation principle. Characteristics of the MPs including morphology, particle size distribution, drug content, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release were comparatively studied. Cytotoxicity of the MPs was examined on A549 cells and the pharmacodynamics was investigated in vivo in type 2 diabetes Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Ex-PLGA-MPs prepared by UPPS showed larger particle size, denser surface, greater encapsulation efficiency, less initial burst release, and stable sustained release for more than one month in vitro as compared with the spray drying MPs. Meanwhile, the UPPS MPs effectively controlled the body growth rate and blood glucose in diabetes rats for at least three weeks after a single injection, while the spray drying MPs showed effective control period of about two weeks. UPPS technology was demonstrated to manufacture Ex-PLGA-MPs as a potential sustained release protein/polypeptide delivery system, which is an alternative method for the most commonly used spray drying. This comparative research provides a new guidance for microparticle preparation technology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an osmotic pump system for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium.

PubMed

Emara, L H; Taha, N F; Badr, R M; Mursi, N M

2012-10-01

Based on an elementary osmotic pump, controlled release systems of diclofenac sodium (DS) were designed to deliver the drug in a zero-order release pattern. Osmotic pump tablets containing 100 mg DS were prepared and coated with either semipermeable (SPM) or microporous (PM) membranes. The tablet coats were composed of hydrophobic triacetin (TA) or hydrophilic polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) incorporated in cellulose acetate (CA) solution, for SPM and PM, respectively. Variable tablet core compositions such as swelling polymers (PEO and HPMC) and osmotic agents (lactose, NaCl, and KCl) were studied. An optimized, sensitive and well controlled in vitro release design, based on the flow-through cell (FTC), was utilized to discriminate between preparations. The results revealed that the presence of PEG 400 in the coating membrane accelerated the drug release rate, while TA suppressed the release rate of DS. In the case of SPM, the amount of DS released was inversely proportional to the membrane thickness, where 5% (w/w) weight gain gave a higher DS release rate than 10% (w/w). Results of different tablet core compositions revealed that the release rate of DS decreased as PEO molecular weight increased. HPMC K15M showed the lowest DS release rate. The presence of lactose, KCl, or NaCl pronouncedly affected DS release rate depending on polymer type in the core. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed formation of pores in the membrane that accounts for faster DS release rate. These results revealed that DS could be formulated as an osmotic pump system with a prolonged, zero-order release pattern.

Does Prison Crowding Predict Higher Rates of Substance Use Related Parole Violations? A Recurrent Events Multi-Level Survival Analysis.

PubMed

Ruderman, Michael A; Wilson, Deirdra F; Reid, Savanna

2015-01-01

This administrative data-linkage cohort study examines the association between prison crowding and the rate of post-release parole violations in a random sample of prisoners released with parole conditions in California, for an observation period of two years (January 2003 through December 2004). Crowding overextends prison resources needed to adequately protect inmates and provide drug rehabilitation services. Violence and lack of access to treatment are known risk factors for drug use and substance use disorders. These and other psychosocial effects of crowding may lead to higher rates of recidivism in California parolees. Rates of parole violation for parolees exposed to high and medium levels of prison crowding were compared to parolees with low prison crowding exposure. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a Cox model for recurrent events. Our dataset included 13070 parolees in California, combining individual level parolee data with aggregate level crowding data for multilevel analysis. Comparing parolees exposed to high crowding with those exposed to low crowding, the effect sizes from greatest to least were absconding violations (HR 3.56 95% CI: 3.05-4.17), drug violations (HR 2.44 95% CI: 2.00-2.98), non-violent violations (HR 2.14 95% CI: 1.73-2.64), violent and serious violations (HR 1.88 95% CI: 1.45-2.43), and technical violations (HR 1.86 95% CI: 1.37-2.53). Prison crowding predicted higher rates of parole violations after release from prison. The effect was magnitude-dependent and particularly strong for drug charges. Further research into whether adverse prison experiences, such as crowding, are associated with recidivism and drug use in particular may be warranted.

Does Prison Crowding Predict Higher Rates of Substance Use Related Parole Violations? A Recurrent Events Multi-Level Survival Analysis

PubMed Central

Ruderman, Michael A.; Wilson, Deirdra F.; Reid, Savanna

2015-01-01

Objective This administrative data-linkage cohort study examines the association between prison crowding and the rate of post-release parole violations in a random sample of prisoners released with parole conditions in California, for an observation period of two years (January 2003 through December 2004). Background Crowding overextends prison resources needed to adequately protect inmates and provide drug rehabilitation services. Violence and lack of access to treatment are known risk factors for drug use and substance use disorders. These and other psychosocial effects of crowding may lead to higher rates of recidivism in California parolees. Methods Rates of parole violation for parolees exposed to high and medium levels of prison crowding were compared to parolees with low prison crowding exposure. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a Cox model for recurrent events. Our dataset included 13070 parolees in California, combining individual level parolee data with aggregate level crowding data for multilevel analysis. Results Comparing parolees exposed to high crowding with those exposed to low crowding, the effect sizes from greatest to least were absconding violations (HR 3.56 95% CI: 3.05–4.17), drug violations (HR 2.44 95% CI: 2.00–2.98), non-violent violations (HR 2.14 95% CI: 1.73–2.64), violent and serious violations (HR 1.88 95% CI: 1.45–2.43), and technical violations (HR 1.86 95% CI: 1.37–2.53). Conclusions Prison crowding predicted higher rates of parole violations after release from prison. The effect was magnitude-dependent and particularly strong for drug charges. Further research into whether adverse prison experiences, such as crowding, are associated with recidivism and drug use in particular may be warranted. PMID:26492490

Dispersal of Engineered Male Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes.

PubMed

Winskill, Peter; Carvalho, Danilo O; Capurro, Margareth L; Alphey, Luke; Donnelly, Christl A; McKemey, Andrew R

2015-11-01

Aedes aegypti, the principal vector of dengue fever, have been genetically engineered for use in a sterile insect control programme. To improve our understanding of the dispersal ecology of mosquitoes and to inform appropriate release strategies of 'genetically sterile' male Aedes aegypti detailed knowledge of the dispersal ability of the released insects is needed. The dispersal ability of released 'genetically sterile' male Aedes aegypti at a field site in Brazil has been estimated. Dispersal kernels embedded within a generalized linear model framework were used to analyse data collected from three large scale mark release recapture studies. The methodology has been applied to previously published dispersal data to compare the dispersal ability of 'genetically sterile' male Aedes aegypti in contrasting environments. We parameterised dispersal kernels and estimated the mean distance travelled for insects in Brazil: 52.8 m (95% CI: 49.9 m, 56.8 m) and Malaysia: 58.0 m (95% CI: 51.1 m, 71.0 m). Our results provide specific, detailed estimates of the dispersal characteristics of released 'genetically sterile' male Aedes aegypti in the field. The comparative analysis indicates that despite differing environments and recapture rates, key features of the insects' dispersal kernels are conserved across the two studies. The results can be used to inform both risk assessments and release programmes using 'genetically sterile' male Aedes aegypti.

Missed connections: Unintended consequences of updated cervical cancer screening guidelines on screening rates for sexually transmitted infections.

PubMed

Bogler, Tali; Farber, Allison; Stall, Nathan; Wijayasinghe, Sheila; Slater, Morgan; Guiang, Charlie; Glazier, Richard H

2015-10-01

To examine the effects of the updated 2012 cervical cancer screening guidelines on the rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening in primary care. Retrospective chart review. Five academic family practice units at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ont. Female patients, aged 19 to 25, who had at least 1 visit with a physician at 1 of the 5 academic family practice units during a 12-month period before (May 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012) or after (November 1, 2012, to October 31, 2013) the release of the updated guidelines. Number of women who received Papanicolaou tests or underwent STI screening; rates of STI screening performed during a Pap test or a periodic health examination; screening rates for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C; and the methods used for STI screening before and after the release of the updated guidelines. Results Before the release of the 2012 guidelines, 42 of 100 women had Pap tests and 40 of 100 women underwent STI screening. After the release of the guidelines, 17 of 100 women had Pap tests and 20 of 100 women received STI screening. Female patients were less likely to undergo STI screening under the 2012 guidelines compared with the 2005 guidelines (odds ratio 0.38, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.74; P = .003). Implementation of the 2012 cervical cancer screening guidelines was associated with lower rates of STI screening in the primary care setting. Primary care physicians should screen at-risk women for STIs at any clinically appropriate encounter and consider using noninvasive self-sampling methods.

Nanostructured lipid carriers: effect of solid phase fraction and distribution on the release of encapsulated materials.

PubMed

Dan, Nily

2014-11-25

Emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) containing a mix of liquid and solid domains are of interest as encapsulation vehicles for hydrophobic compounds. Studies of the release rate from these particles yield contradictory results: Some find that increasing the fraction of solid phase increases the rate of release and others the opposite. In this paper we study the release of encapsulated materials from lipid-based nanoparticles using Monte Carlo simulations. We find that, quite surprisingly, the release rate is largely insensitive to the size of solid domains or the fraction of solid phase. However, the distribution of the domains significantly affects the rate of release: Solid domains located at the interface with the surrounding solution inhibit transport, while nanoparticles where the solid domains are concentrated in the center enhance it. The latter can lead to release rates in NLCs that are faster than in the equivalent emulsions. We conclude that controlling the release rate from NLCs requires the ability to determine the location and distribution of the solid phase, which may be achieved through choice of the surfactants stabilizing the particles, incorporation of nucleation sites, and/or the cooling rates and temperatures.

Survival of cyanobacteria in rivers following their release in water from large headwater reservoirs.

PubMed

Williamson, Nicholas; Kobayashi, Tsuyoshi; Outhet, David; Bowling, Lee C

2018-05-01

Cyanobacterial survival following their release in water from major headwaters reservoirs was compared in five New South Wales rivers. Under low flow conditions, cyanobacterial presence disappeared rapidly with distance downstream in the Cudgegong and Hunter Rivers, whereas the other three rivers were contaminated for at least 300 km. Cyanobacterial survival is likely to be impacted by the geomorphology of each river, especially the extent of gravel riffle reaches (cells striking rocks can destroy them) and by the different turbulent flow conditions it produces within each. Flow conditions at gauging stations were used to estimate the turbulent strain rate experienced by suspended cyanobacteria. These indicate average turbulent strain rates in the Cudgegong and Hunter Rivers can be above 33 and 83 s -1 while for the Murray, Edward and Macquarie Rivers average strain rate was estimated to be less than 30 s -1 . These turbulent strain rate estimates are substantially above published thresholds of approximately 2 s -1 for impacts indicated from laboratory tests. Estimates of strain rate were correlated with changes in cyanobacterial biovolume at stations along the rivers. These measurements indicate a weak but significant negative linear relationship between average strain rate and change in cyanobacterial biomass. River management often involves releasing cold deep water with low cyanobacterial presence from these reservoirs, leading to ecological impacts from cold water pollution downstream. The pollution may be avoided if cyanobacteria die off rapidly downstream of the reservoir, allowing surface water to be released instead. However high concentrations of soluble cyanotoxins may remain even after the cyanobacterial cells have been destroyed. The geomorphology of the river (length of riffle reaches) is an important consideration for river management during cyanobacterial blooms in headwater reservoirs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effectiveness of the Tupiq Program for Inuit Sex Offenders.

PubMed

Stewart, Lynn A; Hamilton, Ellen; Wilton, Geoff; Cousineau, Colette; Varrette, Steven K

2015-11-01

This study examines the effectiveness of the Tupiq program, a culturally specific program for Inuit sex offenders that incorporates cognitive behavioural methods with traditional Inuit knowledge and culture led by Inuit healers and facilitators. Outcomes of 61 offenders who participated in the Tupiq program and were released were compared with outcomes of a cohort of 114 released Inuit sex offenders incarcerated during the same time period who had taken alternative sex offender treatment programs, or had not attended any sex offender program. On release, Tupiq participants had significantly lower rates of general reoffending and violent reoffending than those in the combined comparison group. The hazard of reoffending for the comparison group was almost twice that of the Tupiq group. Although the sexual reoffending rate for the Tupiq participants was less than half of that of the comparison group, the difference between the two groups was not significant because of reduced statistical power. Survival analysis controlling for covariates confirmed significantly lower rates of general reoffending for the Tupiq group. Further analyses comparing the outcomes of the subgroup of offenders in the comparison group who participated in alternative sex offender treatment programs with those who participated in Tupiq indicated that Tupiq participants had significantly lower rates of both general and sexual reoffending. These positive results for this culturally specific program suggest that similarly designed interventions have a probability of contributing to the reduction of sexual offending within Inuit communities and, potentially, other jurisdictions that work with cultural minority sex offender groups from relatively isolated communities. © The Author(s) 2014.

A Comparative Survey of Multimedia CD-ROM Encyclopedias.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clements, Jim; Nicholls, Paul

1995-01-01

Provides historical background information about multimedia CD-ROM encyclopedias and evaluates 11 recent releases. Discusses access to information, costs, content, technological developments. Rates the text, multimedia, and user interface. A sidebar provides a 10-year chronology of CD-ROM encyclopedias. (AEF)

Bilayer tablets of Paliperidone for Extended release osmotic drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdary, K. Sunil; Napoleon, A. A.

2017-11-01

The purpose of this study is to develop and optimize the formulation of paliperidone bilayer tablet core and coating which should meet in vitro performance of trilayered Innovator sample Invega. Optimization of core formulations prepared by different ratio of polyox grades and optimization of coating of (i) sub-coating build-up with hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC) and (ii).enteric coating build-up with cellulose acetate (CA). Some important influence factors such as different core tablet compositions and different coating solution ingredients involved in the formulation procedure were investigated. The optimization of formulation and process was conducted by comparing different in vitro release behaviours of Paliperidone. In vitro dissolution studies of Innovator sample (Invega) with formulations of different release rate which ever close release pattern during the whole 24 h test is finalized.

Naproxen conjugated mPEG-PCL micelles for dual triggered drug delivery.

PubMed

Karami, Zahra; Sadighian, Somayeh; Rostamizadeh, Kobra; Parsa, Maliheh; Rezaee, Saeed

2016-04-01

A conjugate of the NSAIDs drug, naproxen, with diblock methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) copolymer was synthesized by the reaction of copolymer with naproxen in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethylaminopyridine. The naproxen conjugated copolymers were characterized with different techniques including (1)HNMR, FTIR, and DSC. The naproxen conjugated mPEG-PCL copolymers were self-assembled into micelles in aqueous solution. The TEM analysis revealed that the micelles had the average size of about 80 nm. The release behavior of conjugated copolymer was investigated in two different media with the pH values of 7.4 and 5.2. In vitro release study showed that the drug release rate was dependant on pH as it was higher at lower pH compared to neutral pH. Another feature of the conjugated micelles was a more sustained release profile compared to the conjugated copolymer. The kinetic of the drug release from naproxen conjugated micelles under different values of pH was also investigated by different kinetic models such as first-order, Makoid-Banakar, Weibull, Logistic, and Gompertz. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gold and Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Based Ethylcellulose Nanocapsules for Cisplatin Drug Delivery

PubMed Central

Sathish Kumar, Kannaiyan; Jaikumar, Vasudevan

2011-01-01

The present study is aimed at the overall improvement in the efficacy, reduced toxicity and enhancement of therapeutic index of cisplatin. Nanocapsules of cisplatin containing ethylcellulose have been prepared using solvent evaporation technique under ambient conditions. The prepared nanocapsules were used for controlled drug release of anticancer agents with gold and iron oxide nanoparticles. The drug-entrapped nanocapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies indicated the absence of chemical interactions between the drug, polymer and metal nanoparticles. The drug loaded nanoparticles are spherical in shape and had average diameter in the range of 100-300 nm. Drug release study showed that the acidic media provided a faster release than the phosphate buffer media. These findings were also compared statistically through calculating mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation for various polymer nanocapsules. However, the drug release for gold nanoparticles/anticancer drug (Au-cis) incorporated ethylcellulose nanocapsules was controlled and slow compared to iron oxide nanoparticles-cisplatin incorporated ethylcellulose nanocapsules. Hence, gold nanoparticles act as good trapping agents which slow down the rate of drug release from nanocapsules. PMID:24250373

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

Pirhonen, P.

Life-cycle assessment is usually based on regular discharges that occur at a more or less constant rate. Nevertheless, the more factors that are taken into account in the LCA the better picture it gives on the environmental aspects of a product. In this study an approach to incorporate accidental releases into a products` life-cycle assessment was developed. In this approach accidental releases are divided into two categories. The first category consists of those unplanned releases which occur with a predicted level and frequency. Due to the high frequency and small release size at a time, these accidental releases can bemore » compared to continuous emissions. Their global impacts are studied in this approach. Accidental releases of the second category are sudden, unplanned releases caused by exceptional situations, e.g. technical failure, action error or disturbances in process conditions. These releases have a singular character and local impacts are typical of them. As far as the accidental releases of the second category are concerned, the approach introduced in this study results in a risk value for every stage of a life-cycle, the sum of which is a risk value for the whole life-cycle. Risk value is based on occurrence frequencies of incidents and potential environmental damage caused by releases. Risk value illustrates the level of potential damage caused by accidental releases related to the system under study and is meant to be used for comparison of these levels of two different products. It can also be used to compare the risk levels of different stages of the life-cycle. An approach was illustrated using petrol as an example product. The whole life-cycle of petrol from crude oil production to the consumption of petrol was studied.« less

Modelling and assessment of accidental oil release from damaged subsea pipelines.

PubMed

Li, Xinhong; Chen, Guoming; Zhu, Hongwei

2017-10-15

This paper develops a 3D, transient, mathematical model to estimate the oil release rate and simulate the oil dispersion behavior. The Euler-Euler method is used to estimate the subsea oil release rate, while the Eulerian-Lagrangian method is employed to track the migration trajectory of oil droplets. This model accounts for the quantitative effect of backpressure and hole size on oil release rate, and the influence of oil release rate, oil density, current speed, water depth and leakage position on oil migration is also investigated in this paper. Eventually, the results, e.g. transient release rate of oil, the rise time of oil and dispersion distance are determined by above-mentioned model, and the oil release and dispersion behavior under different scenarios is revealed. Essentially, the assessment results could provide a useful guidance for detection of leakage positon and placement of oil containment boom. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enzymatically cross-linked injectable alginate-g-pyrrole hydrogels for neovascularization.

PubMed

Devolder, Ross; Antoniadou, Eleni; Kong, Hyunjoon

2013-11-28

Microparticles capable of releasing protein drugs are often incorporated into injectable hydrogels to minimize their displacement at an implantation site, reduce initial drug burst, and further control drug release rates over a broader range. However, there is still a need to develop methods for releasing drug molecules over extended periods of time, in order to sustain the bioactivity of drug molecules at an implantation site. In this study, we hypothesized that a hydrogel formed through the cross-linking of pyrrole units linked to a hydrophilic polymer would release protein drugs in a more sustained manner, because of an enhanced association between cross-linked pyrrole groups and the drug molecules. To examine this hypothesis, we prepared hydrogels of alginate substituted with pyrrole groups, alginate-g-pyrrole, through a horse-radish peroxidase (HRP)-activated cross-linking of the pyrrole groups. The hydrogels were encapsulated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The resulting hydrogel system released VEGF in a more sustained manner than Ca(2+) alginate or Ca(2+) alginate-g-pyrrole gel systems. Finally, implantations of the VEGF-releasing HRP-activated alginate-g-pyrrole hydrogel system on chicken chorioallantoic membranes resulted in the formation of blood vessels in higher densities and with larger diameters, compared to other control conditions. Overall, the drug releasing system developed in this study will be broadly useful for regulating release rates of a wide array of protein drugs, and further enhance the quality of protein drug-based therapies. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A prison mental health in-reach model informed by assertive community treatment principles: evaluation of its impact on planning during the pre-release period, community mental health service engagement and reoffending.

PubMed

McKenna, Brian; Skipworth, Jeremy; Tapsell, Rees; Madell, Dominic; Pillai, Krishna; Simpson, Alexander; Cavney, James; Rouse, Paul

2015-12-01

It is well recognised that prisoners with serious mental illness (SMI) are at high risk of poor outcomes on return to the community. Early engagement with mental health services and other community agencies could provide the substrate for reducing risk. To evaluate the impact of implementing an assertive community treatment informed prison in-reach model of care (PMOC) on post-release engagement with community mental health services and on reoffending rates. One hundred and eighty prisoners with SMI released from four prisons in the year before implementation of the PMOC were compared with 170 such prisoners released the year after its implementation. The assertive prison model of care was associated with more pre-release contacts with community mental health services and contacts with some social care agencies in some prisons. There were significantly more post-release community mental health service engagements after implementation of this model (Z = -2.388, p = 0.02). There was a trend towards reduction in reoffending rates after release from some of the prisons (Z =1.82, p = 0.07). Assertive community treatment applied to prisoners with mental health problems was superior to 'treatment as usual', but more work is needed to ensure that agencies will engage prisoners in pre-release care. The fact that the model showed some benefits in the absence of any increase in resources suggests that it may be the model per se that is effective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fluoride release from glass ionomer restorative materials and the effects of surface coating.

PubMed

Hattab, F N; Amin, W M

2001-06-01

This in vitro study on fluoride (F) release from conventional and metal-reinforced glass ionomer investigated the following: (1) the release of F in deionized water compared to artificial saliva, (2) the effect of various surface coatings on F release, (3) the uptake of released F by hydroxyapatite, (4) the expression of the release data in a mathematical model, (5) F content in the powders and set materials, and (6) surface morphology of varnished and resin-coated specimens. Glass ionomer Ketac-Fil (KF), Fuji II (FJ), and Ketac-Silver (KS) were mixed according to the manufacturers' instructions, and prepared into specimens of 137.8 mm2 surface area. All three specimens were suspended in 50 ml of deionized water, artificial saliva, or aqueous solution of hydroxyapatite and submitted to constant agitation at 37 degrees C. In a separate experiment, the specimens were coated with varnish or light-cured bonding resin and tested for F release in solutions similar to those for uncoated specimens. The release of F occurred for 28 days. The concentration of F was measured with F-ion-specific electrode. All tested products showed a strong initial rate of F release which decreased with time until it reached a relatively steady rate after two weeks. The F released from KF and FJ was comparable in both pattern and magnitude. They released approximately four times more F than KS. In all cases, the release of F in artificial saliva was significantly (p < 0.001) less than in deionized water. Surface coating the specimens significantly reduced the F release ( p < 0.05 top < 0.001, depending on the product and type of coating). The inhibitory effect of coating markedly decreased with time. Resin coating reduced F release more than varnish in KF and KS, but not for FJ. Essentially, all F released in aqueous solution was taken up by the hydroxyapatite, with FJ ranking the highest in increasing hydroxyapatite F concentration. Over the 28 days, the quantities of F released from FJ, KF, and KS were, respectively, 3.8, 2.3, and 1.0% of the total F content in the specimens. The F concentration in the set KS was 53.9 and 72.5% of that found in KF and FJ, respectively. The release data as a function of time were best described by the power curve. Micromorphological examinations revealed remnants of surface coatings on specimens after 14 days storage in artificial saliva. Glass ionomer cements released significantly less F in artificial saliva than in deionized water. Surface coating the specimens substantially reduced F release. These clinically relevant factors were not considered by many in vitro release studies which overestimate the F availability from glass ionomers. A recall appointment 24 h after the placement of glass ionomer restoration should be given for surface finishing.

Extending antigen release from particulate vaccines results in enhanced antitumor immune response.

PubMed

Kapadia, Chintan H; Tian, Shaomin; Perry, Jillian L; Sailer, David; Christopher Luft, J; DeSimone, Joseph M

2018-01-10

Tumor-specific CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a critical role in an anti-tumor immune response. However, vaccination intended to elicit a potent CD8 + T cell responses employing tumor-associated peptide antigens, are typically ineffective due to poor immunogenicity. Previously, we engineered a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel-based subunit vaccine for the delivery of an antigenic peptide and CpG (adjuvant) to elicit potent CTLs. In this study, we further examined the effect of antigen release kinetics on their induced immune responses. A CD8 + T cell epitope peptide from OVA (CSIINFEKL) and CpG were co-conjugated to nanoparticles utilizing either a disulfide or a thioether linkage. Subsequent studies comparing peptide release rates as a function of linker, determined that the thioether linkage provided sustained release of peptide over 72h. Ability to control the release of peptide resulted in both higher and prolonged antigen presentation when compared to disulfide-linked peptide. Both NP vaccine formulations resulted in activation and maturation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and induced potent CD8 + T cell responses when compared to soluble antigen and soluble CpG. Immunization with either disulfide or thioether linked vaccine constructs effectively inhibited EG7-OVA tumor growth in mice, however only treatment with the thioether linked vaccine construct resulted in enhanced survival. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of mastication rate on dynamic flavour release analysed by combined model mouth/proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Ruth, Saskia M.; Buhr, Katja

2004-12-01

The influence of mastication rate on the dynamic release of seven volatile flavour compounds from sunflower oil was evaluated by combined model mouth/proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Air/oil partition coefficients were measured by static headspace gas chromatography. The dynamic release of the seven volatile flavour compounds from sunflower oil was significantly affected by the compounds' hydrophobicity and the mastication rate employed in the model mouth. The more hydrophobic compounds were released at a higher rate than their hydrophilic counterparts. Increase in mastication rate increased the maximum concentration measured by 36% on average, and the time to reach this maximum by 35% on average. Mastication affected particularly the release of the hydrophilic compounds. The maximum concentration of the compounds correlated significantly with the compounds' air/oil partition coefficients. The initial release rates over the first 15 s were affected by the type of compound, but not by the mastication rate. During the course of release, the proportions of the hydrophilic compounds to the overall flavour mixture in air decreased. The contribution of the hydrophobic compounds increased. Higher mastication rates, however, increased the proportions of the hydrophilic compounds and decreased those of the hydrophobic compounds.

Heat release rate of wood-plastic composites

Treesearch

N. M. Stark; R. H. White; C. M. Clemons

1997-01-01

Wood-plastic composites are becoming more important as a material that fulfills recycling needs. In this study, fire performance tests were conducted on several compositions of wood and plastic materials using the Ohio State University rate of heat release apparatus. Test results included five-minute average heat release rate in kW/m2 (HRR avg) and maximum heat release...

Light-Sensitive Ruthenium Complex-Loaded Cross-linked Polymeric Nanoassemblies for the Treatment of Cancer

PubMed Central

Dickerson, M; Howerton, B.; Bae, Y.; Glazer, E.

2016-01-01

This work focuses on improving the efficacy of photoactivatable Ru complexes for photodynamic therapy by employing cross-linked nanoassemblies (CNAs) as a delivery approach. The effects of complex photoactivation, hydrophobicity, and solution ionic strength and pH on complex loading and release from CNAs were analyzed. The cell cytotoxicity of CNA formulations was similar to free Ru complexes despite reduced or eliminated DNA interactions. The release rate and the amount of each Ru complex released (%) varied inversely with complex hydrophobicity, while the effect of solution ionic strength was dependent on complex hydrophobicity. Premature release of two photoactivatable prodrugs prior to irradiation was believed to account for higher activity in cells studies compared to DNA interaction studies; however, for photostable 1O2 generator-loaded CNAs this cannot explain the high cytotoxicity and lack of DNA interactions because release was incomplete after 48 hrs. The cause remains unclear, but among other possibilities, accelerated release in a cell culture environment may be responsible. PMID:26855780

A Brief Look at: 2008-09 WCPSS Dropout Rate. E&R Report No. 10.03

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wake County Public School System, 2010

2010-01-01

On March 4th, 2010, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released its annual statewide Dropout Report covering the 2008-09 school year. The charts in this report show the dropout rate for Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) compared to the state as a whole, to other large school districts in North Carolina, and by federal No…

Relative benefits of stimulant therapy with OROS methylphenidate versus mixed amphetamine salts extended release in improving the driving performance of adolescent drivers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Cox, Daniel J; Merkel, R Lawrence; Moore, Melissa; Thorndike, Frances; Muller, Carrie; Kovatchev, Boris

2006-09-01

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents, and collisions are 2 to 4 times more likely to occur among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Studies have demonstrated that stimulants improve driving performance. This study compared 2 long-acting stimulant medications during daytime and evening driving evaluations. Adolescent drivers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were compared on a driving simulator after taking 72 mg of OROS methylphenidate, 30 mg of mixed amphetamine salts extended release, or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design. During laboratory testing, adolescents drove a driving simulator at 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 11:00 pm. Driving performance was rated by adolescents and investigators. The study included 35 adolescent drivers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (19 boys/16 girls). The mean age was 17.8 years. The overall Impaired Driving Score demonstrated that OROS methylphenidate led to better driving performance compared with placebo and mixed amphetamine salts extended release, whereas mixed amphetamine salts extended release demonstrated no statistical improvement over placebo. Specifically, relative to placebo, OROS methylphenidate resulted in less time driving off the road, fewer instances of speeding, less erratic speed control, more time executing left turns, and less inappropriate use of brakes. OROS methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts extended release worked equally well for male and female adolescents and equally as well with teenagers who have combined and inattentive subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This study validates the use of stimulants to improve driving performance in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In the study, OROS methylphenidate promoted significantly improved driving performance compared with placebo and mixed amphetamine salts extended release.

Burning rate of solid wood measured in a heat release rate calorimeter

Treesearch

H. C. Tran; R. H. White

1992-01-01

Burning rate is a key factor in modeling fire growth and fire endurance of wood structures. This study investigated the burning rate of selected wood materials as determined by heat release, mass loss and charring rates. Thick samples of redwood, southern pine, red oak and basswood were tested in a heat release rate calorimeter. Results on ignitability and average beat...

Survival and growth of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) hatchlings after artificial incubation and repatriation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Temsiripong, Y.; Woodward, A.R.; Ross, J.P.; Kubilis, P.S.; Percival, H.F.

2006-01-01

Hatchling American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) produced from artificially incubated wild eggs were returned to their natal areas (repatriated). We compared artificially incubated and repatriated hatchlings released within and outside the maternal alligator's home range with naturally incubated hatchlings captured and released within the maternal alligator's home range on Lake Apopka, Lake Griffin, and Orange Lake in Florida. We used probability of recapture and total length at approximately nine months after hatching as indices of survival and growth rates. Artificially incubated hatchlings released outside of the maternal alligator's home range had lower recapture probabilities than either naturally incubated hatchlings or artificially incubated hatchlings released near the original nest site. Recapture probabilities of other treatments did not differ significantly. Artificially incubated hatchlings were approximately 6% shorter than naturally incubated hatchlings at approximately nine months after hatching. We concluded that repatriation of hatchlings probably would not have long-term effects on populations because of the resiliency of alligator populations to alterations of early age-class survival and growth rates of the magnitude that we observed. Repatriation of hatchlings may be an economical alternative to repatriation of older juveniles for population restoration. However, the location of release may affect subsequent survival and growth. Copyright 2006 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.

Novel PEPA-functionalized graphene oxide for fire safety enhancement of polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You Xu, Jia; Liu, Jie; Li, Kai Dan; Miao, Lei; Tanemura, Sakae

2015-04-01

Polypropylene (PP) is a general-purpose plastic, but some applications are constrained by its high flammability. Thus, flame retardant PP is urgently demanded. In this article, intumescent flame retardant PP (IFRPP) composites with enhanced fire safety were prepared using 1-oxo-4-hydroxymethyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (PEPA) functionalized graphene oxide (PGO) as synergist. The PGO was prepared through a mild chemical reaction by the covalent attachment of a caged-structure organic compound, PEPA, onto GO nanosheets using toluene diisocynate (TDI) as the intermediary agent. The novel PEPA-functionalized graphene oxide not only improves the heat resistance of GO but also converts GO and PEPA from hydrophobic to hydrophilic materials, which leads to even distribution in PP. In our case, 7 wt% addition of PGO as one of the fillers for IFRPP composites significantly reduces its inflammability and fire hazards when compared with PEPA, by the improvement of first release rate peak (PHRR), total heat release, first smoke release rate peak (PSRR) and total smoke release, suggesting its great potential as the IFR synergist in industry. The reason is mainly attributed to the barrier effect of the unburned graphene sheets, which protects by the decomposition products of PEPA and TDI, promotes the formation of graphitized carbon and inhibits the heat and gas release.

Defining the Structural Basis for Allosteric Product Release from E. coli Dihydrofolate Reductase Using NMR Relaxation Dispersion.

PubMed

Oyen, David; Fenwick, R Bryn; Aoto, Phillip C; Stanfield, Robyn L; Wilson, Ian A; Dyson, H Jane; Wright, Peter E

2017-08-16

The rate-determining step in the catalytic cycle of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase is tetrahydrofolate (THF) product release, which can occur via an allosteric or an intrinsic pathway. The allosteric pathway, which becomes accessible when the reduced cofactor NADPH is bound, involves transient sampling of a higher energy conformational state, greatly increasing the product dissociation rate as compared to the intrinsic pathway that obtains when NADPH is absent. Although the kinetics of this process are known, the enzyme structure and the THF product conformation in the transiently formed excited state remain elusive. Here, we use side-chain proton NMR relaxation dispersion measurements, X-ray crystallography, and structure-based chemical shift predictions to explore the structural basis of allosteric product release. In the excited state of the E:THF:NADPH product release complex, the reduced nicotinamide ring of the cofactor transiently enters the active site where it displaces the pterin ring of the THF product. The p-aminobenzoyl-l-glutamate tail of THF remains weakly bound in a widened binding cleft. Thus, through transient entry of the nicotinamide ring into the active site, the NADPH cofactor remodels the enzyme structure and the conformation of the THF to form a weakly populated excited state that is poised for rapid product release.

Release of theophylline and carbamazepine from matrix tablets--consequences of HPMC chemical heterogeneity.

PubMed

Viridén, Anna; Abrahmsén-Alami, Susanna; Wittgren, Bengt; Larsson, Anette

2011-08-01

The release of theophylline and carbamazepine from matrix tablets composed of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was studied. The aim was to investigate the effect of different substituent heterogeneities of HPMC on the drug release from matrix tablets composed of either 35% or 45% HPMC. The release of the poorly soluble carbamazepine was considerably affected by the HPMC heterogeneity, and the time difference at 80% drug release was more than 12h between the formulations of different HPMC batches. This was explained by slower polymer erosion of the heterogeneous HPMC and the fact that carbamazepine was mainly released by erosion. In addition, results from magnetic resonance imaging showed that the rate of water transport into the tablets was similar. This explained the comparable results of the release of the sparingly soluble theophylline from the two formulations even though the polymer erosion and the swelling of the tablets were considerably different. Thus, it can be concluded that the drug release was highly affected by the substituent heterogeneity, especially in the case of carbamazepine, which was released mainly by erosion. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maximum earthquake magnitudes in the Aegean area constrained by tectonic moment release rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ch. Koravos, G.; Main, I. G.; Tsapanos, T. M.; Musson, R. M. W.

2003-01-01

Seismic moment release is usually dominated by the largest but rarest events, making the estimation of seismic hazard inherently uncertain. This uncertainty can be reduced by combining long-term tectonic deformation rates with short-term recurrence rates. Here we adopt this strategy to estimate recurrence rates and maximum magnitudes for tectonic zones in the Aegean area. We first form a merged catalogue for historical and instrumentally recorded earthquakes in the Aegean, based on a recently published catalogue for Greece and surrounding areas covering the time period 550BC-2000AD, at varying degrees of completeness. The historical data are recalibrated to allow for changes in damping in seismic instruments around 1911. We divide the area up into zones that correspond to recent determinations of deformation rate from satellite data. In all zones we find that the Gutenberg-Richter (GR) law holds at low magnitudes. We use Akaike's information criterion to determine the best-fitting distribution at high magnitudes, and classify the resulting frequency-magnitude distributions of the zones as critical (GR law), subcritical (gamma density distribution) or supercritical (`characteristic' earthquake model) where appropriate. We determine the ratio η of seismic to tectonic moment release rate. Low values of η (<0.5) corresponding to relatively aseismic deformation, are associated with higher b values (>1.0). The seismic and tectonic moment release rates are then combined to constrain recurrence rates and maximum credible magnitudes (in the range 6.7-7.6 mW where the results are well constrained) based on extrapolating the short-term seismic data. With current earthquake data, many of the tectonic zones show a characteristic distribution that leads to an elevated probability of magnitudes around 7, but a reduced probability of larger magnitudes above this value when compared with the GR trend. A modification of the generalized gamma distribution is suggested to account for this, based on a finite statistical second moment for the seismic moment distribution.

The relationship between functional sciatic nerve block duration and the rate of release of lidocaine from a controlled-release matrix.

PubMed

Gerner, Peter; Wang, Chi-Fei; Lee, Byung-Sang; Suzuki, Suzuko; Degirolami, Umberto; Gandhi, Ankur; Knaack, David; Strichartz, Gary

2010-07-01

Nerve blocks of long duration are often desirable in perioperative and postoperative situations. The relationship between the duration of such blocks and the rate at which a local anesthetic is released is important to know for developing a localized drug delivery system that will optimize block duration. Lidocaine concentration was varied in 1 series of formulations (OSB-L) containing a constant amount of release rate modifier. In another series (OST-R), the release rate modifier was varied while the lidocaine content was held constant. Release kinetics were measured in vitro and correlated to the in vivo duration of antinociceptive and motor block effects when the formulation was implanted next to the rat sciatic nerve. In parallel studies, rats receiving different formulations of slow-release lidocaine were fixed by intracardiac perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde and nerve-muscle tissue taken for histopathological analysis. In this study, we have demonstrated that the most important variable for effecting functional nerve block, i.e., the blockade of impulses in the relevant fibers of the sciatic nerve, is the rate of lidocaine release at that time. For the OSB-L formulations (lidocaine concentrations of 1.875%, 3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% at a constant release rate modifier of 5%), the average in vitro release rates at 50% recovery of motor block and nociceptive block were 0.91 +/- 0.28 and 1.75 +/- 0.61 mg/h, respectively. For the OST-R formulations (16% lidocaine with release rate modifier concentrations of 1.875%, 3.75%, 7.5%, and 15%), the average in vitro release rates at 50% recovery of motor block and nociceptive block were 2.33 +/- 1.39 and 4.34 +/- 1.09 mg/h, respectively. The OSB-L formulations showed a dose-dependent increase in block duration proportional to an increase in initial lidocaine concentration, whereas the OST-R formulations showed a nonmonotonic relationship between release rate modifier concentration and block duration. The histopathological studies at 24 hours, 3, 5, or 7 days, and 4 weeks after the implantation revealed inflammatory reactions with degrees correlated with lidocaine content, but limited to the connective tissue and muscle immediately surrounding the implanted material. Despite these observed inflammatory reactions, nociceptive and motor block function returned to normal, preimplantation values in all animals. Increasing initial lidocaine content proportionately increased the duration of functional sciatic nerve block. However, decreasing the release rate per se does not give a proportional increase in block duration. Instead, there seems to be an optimal, intermediate release rate for achieving the maximum duration of block.

Fission-gas-release rates from irradiated uranium nitride specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinstein, M. B.; Kirchgessner, T. A.; Tambling, T. N.

1973-01-01

Fission-gas-release rates from two 93 percent dense UN specimens were measured using a sweep gas facility. Specimen burnup rates averaged .0045 and .0032 percent/hr, and the specimen temperatures ranged from 425 to 1323 K and from 552 to 1502 K, respectively. Burnups up to 7.8 percent were achieved. Fission-gas-release rates first decreased then increased with burnup. Extensive interconnected intergranular porosity formed in the specimen operated at over 1500 K. Release rate variation with both burnup and temperature agreed with previous irradiation test results.

Delamination properity of 2060 aluminium lithium alloy laminate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiang; Huang, Yi; Tong, Dihua; Ma, Shaojun

2018-03-01

Delamination is an significant property of aluminium lithium alloy laminate for damage tolerance design. Double Crack Lap Shear specimens of "2/1" structure are used for testing delamination properity. Experiments of 2 stress ratio conditions R=0.06, 0.5 are conducted, and 5 stress levels for each stress ratio. Delamination growth data b-N are obtained from 4 crack tips’ locations. The energy release rate, Gd, of the "2/1" structure laminate are calculated. Alderliesten modelis used for describing delamination growth db/dN and energy release rate Gd. Parameters Cd and nd in Alderliesten model are determined for R=0.06 and R=0.5 by linear fitting. An analysis is made by comparing the results of different stress ratio conditons.

Differential predation by northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis on live and dead juvenile salmonids in the Bonneville Dam tailrace (Columbia River)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Petersen, James H.; Gadomski, Dena M.; Poe, Thomas P.

1994-01-01

Juvenile salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) that have been killed or injured during dam passage may be highly vulnerable or preferred prey of predators that aggregate below dams. Salmonid loss due to predation will be overestimated using gut content analysis if some prey were dead or moribund when consumed. To examine this issue, field experiments were conducted in the Bonneville Dam tailrace (Columbia River) to compare rates of capture of live and dead juvenile salmonids by northern squawfish (Ptychocheilus oregonensis). Known numbers of coded-wire-tagged live and dead chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) were released into the tailrace on six nights. Northern squawfish were collected after each release and their gut contents were examined for tags. When 50% of salmon released were dead, northern squawfish consumed 62% dead salmon. When 10% of salmon released were dead, comparable with dam passage mortality, 22% of the tags found in northern squawfish digestive tracts were from dead salmon. These results indicate that predator feeding behavior and prey condition are important considerations when estimating the impact of predation on a prey population.

Arsenic uptake, transformation, and release by three freshwater algae under conditions with and without growth stress.

PubMed

Xie, Shaowen; Liu, Jinxin; Yang, Fen; Feng, Hanxiao; Wei, Chaoyang; Wu, Fengchang

2018-05-04

This study was carried out using indoor controlled experiments to study the arsenic (As) uptake, biotransformation, and release behaviors of freshwater algae under growth stress. Three freshwater algae, Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena flosaquae, and Chlorella sp., were chosen. Two types of inhibitors, e.g., Cu 2+ and isothiazolinone, were employed to inhibit the growth of the algae. The algae were cultivated to a logarithmic stage in growth media containing 0.1 mg/L P; then, 0.8 mg/L As in the form of arsenate (iAs V ) was added, while both inhibitors were simultaneously added at dosages of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/L, with no addition of inhibitors in the control. After 2 days of exposure, the average growth rate (μ 2d ) was measured to represent the growth rates of the algae cells; the extra- and intracellular As concentrations in various forms, i.e., arsenate, arsenite (iAs III ), monomethyl arsenic (MMA), and dimethyl arsenic (DMA), were also measured. Without inhibitors, the average growth rate followed the order of M. aeruginosa, Chlorella sp., and A. flosaquae, with the growth rate of M. aeruginosa significantly higher than that of the other two algae. However, when Cu 2+ was added as an external inhibitor, the order of the average growth rate for the three algae became partially reversed, suggesting differentiation of the algae in response to the inhibitor. This differentiation can be seen by the reduction in the average growth rate of M. aeruginosa, which was as high as 1730% at the 0.3-mg/L Cu 2+ dosage when compared with the control, while for the other two algae, much fewer changes were seen. The great reduction in M. aeruginosa growth rate was accompanied by increases in extracellular iAs V and iAs III and intracellular iAs V concentrations in the algae, indicating that As transformation is related to the growth of this algae. Much fewer or neglectable changes in growth were observed that were consistent with the few changes in the extra- and intracellular As speciation for the other two algae with Cu 2+ inhibition and all the three algae with isothiazolinone inhibition, corroborating the above hypothesis again. All the algae tested in this study demonstrated great abilities for As transformation and release, as seen by the much higher rates of 86.11-99.98% and 81.11-99.89% for transformation and release when compared to the control, respectively. When inhibitors were added, the transformation and release values of only A. flosaquae decreased remarkably down to 72.37-86.79% and 64.67-85.24%, respectively, while no changes were seen for these values in the other two algae, indicating that growth stress did not affect the As transformation and release of the other algae. The biological productivity of As by the three algae followed the order of M. aeruginosa, Chlorella sp., and A. flosaquae, which was generally consistent with the As transformation and release in conditions with and without inhibitors, suggesting that the As behavior in the algae that was related to growth stress largely differed among algae species.

Effect of mean diameter and polydispersity of PLG microspheres on drug release: experiment and theory.

PubMed

Berchane, N S; Carson, K H; Rice-Ficht, A C; Andrews, M J

2007-06-07

The need to tailor release rate profiles from polymeric microspheres is a significant problem. Microsphere size, which has a significant effect on drug release rate, can potentially be varied to design a controlled drug delivery system with desired release profile. In this work the effects of microspheres mean diameter, polydispersity, and polymer degradation on drug release rate from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres are described. Piroxicam containing PLG microspheres were fabricated at 20% loading, and at three different impeller speeds. A portion of the microspheres was then sieved giving five different size distributions. In vitro release kinetics were determined for each preparation. Based on these experimental results, a suitable mathematical theory has been developed that incorporates the effect of microsphere size distribution and polymer degradation on drug release. We show from in vitro release experiments that microsphere size has a significant effect on drug release rate. The initial release rate decreased with an increase in microsphere size. In addition, the release profile changed from first order to concave-upward (sigmoidal) as the microsphere size was increased. The mathematical model gave a good fit to the experimental release data. For highly polydisperse populations (polydispersity parameter b<3), incorporating the microsphere size distribution into the mathematical model gave a better fit to the experimental results than using the representative mean diameter. The validated mathematical model can be used to predict small-molecule drug release from PLG microsphere populations.

Effect of Quaternary Ammonium Carboxymethylchitosan on Release Rate In-vitro of Aspirin Sustained-release Matrix Tablets

PubMed Central

Meng, Lingbin; Teng, Zhongqiu; Zheng, Nannan; Meng, Weiwei; Dai, Rongji; Deng, Yulin

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop a derivative of chitosan as pharmaceutical excipient used in sustained-release matrix tablets of poorly soluble drugs. A water-soluble quaternary ammonium carboxymethylchitosan was synthesized by a two-step reaction with carboxymethylchitosan (CMCTS), decylalkyl dimethyl ammonium and epichlorohydrin. The elemental analysis showed that the target product with 10.27% of the maximum grafting degree was obtained. To assess the preliminary safety of this biopolymer, cell toxicity assay was employed. In order to further investigate quaternary ammonium carboxymethylchitosan application as pharmaceutical excipient, aspirin was chosen as model drug. The effect of quaternary ammonium CMCTS on aspirin release rate from sustained-release matrix tablets was examined by in-vitro dissolution experiments. The results showed that this biopolymer had a great potential in increasing the dissolution of poorly soluble drug. With the addition of CMCTS-CEDA, the final cumulative release rate of drug rose up to 90%. After 12 h, at the grade of 10, 20 and 50 cps, the drug release rate increased from 58.1 to 90.7%, from 64.1 to 93.9%, from 69.3 to 96.1%, respectively. At the same time, aspirin release rate from sustainedrelease model was found to be related to the amount of quaternary ammonium CMCTS employed. With the increase of CMCTS-CEDA content, the accumulated release rate increased from 69.1% to 86.7%. The mechanism of aspirin release from sustained-release matrix tablets was also preliminary studied to be Fick diffusion. These data demonstrated that the chitosan derivative has positive effect on drug release from sustained-release matrix tablets. PMID:24250627

In vitro and ex vivo characterisation of an in situ gelling formulation for sustained lidocaine release with potential use following knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Sharma, Manisha; Chandramouli, Kaushik; Curley, Louise; Pontre, Beau; Reilly, Keryn; Munro, Jacob; Hill, Andrew; Young, Simon; Svirskis, Darren

2018-06-01

Sustained lidocaine release via a thermoresponsive poloxamer-based in situ gelling system has the potential to alleviate pain following knee arthroplasty. A previously developed formulation showed a promising drug release profile in synthetic phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). To support the translation of this formulation, ex vivo characterisation was warranted. This study therefore aimed (1) to modify the previously developed formulation to reduce the burst release, (2) to compare the release behaviour into ex vivo human intra-articular fluid (IAF) and PBS and (3) to determine the formulation spread in an ex vivo human knee using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All formulations provided sustained release out to 72 h; polyvinyl pyrrolidone was the most effective additive yielding a small yet significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the burst release. Release of lidocaine from the formulation occurred significantly faster into IAF compared to PBS (1.4 times greater release in the first 24 h), correlating with faster rates of gel erosion in IAF. Injection was easily achieved through a 21-gauge (G) needle into the synovial space of a human cadaveric knee, and MRI scans revealed effective spreading of the formulation throughout the joint cavity. The pattern of spread is promising for the drug to reach the widespread nerve endings in the joint capsule; the effect of this spread on release in an in vivo setting will be the subject of future studies. The demonstrated properties indicate that the in situ gelling formulation has the potential to be used clinically to treat post-operative pain following knee arthroplasty.

Controlling Release Kinetics of PLG Microspheres Using a Manufacturing Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berchane, Nader

2005-11-01

Controlled drug delivery offers numerous advantages compared with conventional free dosage forms, in particular: improved efficacy and patient compliance. Emulsification is a widely used technique to entrap drugs in biodegradable microspheres for controlled drug delivery. The size of the formed microspheres has a significant influence on drug release kinetics. Despite the advantages of controlled drug delivery, previous attempts to achieve predetermined release rates have seen limited success. This study develops a tool to tailor desired release kinetics by combining microsphere batches of specified mean diameter and size distribution. A fluid mechanics based correlation that predicts the average size of Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide) [PLG] microspheres from the manufacturing technique, is constructed and validated by comparison with experimental results. The microspheres produced are accurately represented by the Rosin-Rammler mathematical distribution function. A mathematical model is formulated that incorporates the microsphere distribution function to predict the release kinetics from mono-dispersed and poly-dispersed populations. Through this mathematical model, different release kinetics can be achieved by combining different sized populations in different ratios. The resulting design tool should prove useful for the pharmaceutical industry to achieve designer release kinetics.

Fission product release from fuel under LWR accident conditions

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

Osborne, M.F.; Lorenz, R.A.; Norwood, K.S.

Three tests have provided additional data on fission product release under LWR accident conditions in a temperature range (1400 to 2000/sup 0/C). In the release rate data are compared with curves from a recent NRC-sponsored review of available fission product release data. Although the iodine release in test HI-3 was inexplicably low, the other data points for Kr, I, and Cs fall reasonably close to the corresponding curve, thereby tending to verify the NRC review. The limited data for antimony and silver release fall below the curves. Results of spark source mass spectrometric analyses were in agreement with the gammamore » spectrometric results. Nonradioactive fission products such as Rb and Br appeared to behave like their chemical analogs Cs and I. Results suggest that Te, Ag, Sn, and Sb are released from the fuel in elemental form. Analysis of the cesium and iodine profiles in the thermal gradient tube indicates that iodine was deposited as CsT along with some other less volatile cesium compound. The cesium profiles and chemical reactivity indicate the presence of more than one cesium species.« less

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device versus dydrogesterone for management of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.

PubMed

El Behery, Manal M; Saleh, Hend S; Ibrahiem, Moustafa A; Kamal, Ebtesam M; Kassem, Gamal A; Mohamed, Mohamed El Sayed

2015-03-01

To compare the efficacy and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) with dydrogesterone applied for the same duration in patients having endometrial hyperplasia (EH) without atypia. One hundred thirty eight women aged between 30 and 50 years with abnormal uterine bleeding and diagnosed as EH by transvaginal ultrasound were randomized to receive either LNG-IUD or dydrogesterone for 6 months. Primary outcome measures were regression of hyperplasia after 6 months of therapy. Secondary outcome measures were occurrence of side effects during treatment or recurrence of hyperplasia during follow-up period. After 6 months of treatment, regression of EH occurs in 96% of women in the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) group versus 80% of women in the oral group (P < .001). Adverse effects were relatively common with minimal differences between the 2 groups. Intermenstrual vaginal spotting and amenorrhea were more common in the LNG-IUD group (P value .01 and .0001). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the LNG-IUS group (P value .0001). Hysterectomy rates were lower in the LNG-IUS group than in the oral group (P = .001). Recurrence rate was 0% in the LNG-IUD group compared to 12.5% in the oral group. In management of EH without atypia, LNG-IUS achieves a higher regression and a lower hysterectomy rate than oral progesterone and could be used as a first-line therapy. © The Author(s) 2014.

Hindered disulfide bonds to regulate release rate of model drug from mesoporous silica.

PubMed

Nadrah, Peter; Maver, Uroš; Jemec, Anita; Tišler, Tatjana; Bele, Marjan; Dražić, Goran; Benčina, Mojca; Pintar, Albin; Planinšek, Odon; Gaberšček, Miran

2013-05-01

With the advancement of drug delivery systems based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), a simple and efficient method regulating the drug release kinetics is needed. We developed redox-responsive release systems with three levels of hindrance around the disulfide bond. A model drug (rhodamine B dye) was loaded into MSNs' mesoporous voids. The pore opening was capped with β-cyclodextrin in order to prevent leakage of drug. Indeed, in absence of a reducing agent the systems exhibited little leakage, while the addition of dithiothreitol cleaved the disulfide bonds and enabled the release of cargo. The release rate and the amount of released dye were tuned by the level of hindrance around disulfide bonds, with the increased hindrance causing a decrease in the release rate as well as in the amount of released drug. Thus, we demonstrated the ability of the present mesoporous systems to intrinsically control the release rate and the amount of the released cargo by only minor structural variations. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment on zebrafish confirmed that the present model delivery system is nonteratogenic.

Concomitant monitoring of implant formation and drug release of in situ forming poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) implants in a hydrogel matrix mimicking the subcutis using UV-vis imaging.

PubMed

Sun, Yu; Jensen, Henrik; Petersen, Nickolaj J; Larsen, Susan W; Østergaard, Jesper

2018-02-20

For poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA)-based in situ forming implants, the rate of implant formation plays an important role in determining the overall drug release kinetics. Currently, in vitro techniques capable of characterizing the processes of drug release and implant formation at the same time are not available. A hydrogel-based in vitro experimental setup was recently developed requiring only microliter of formulation and forming a closed system potentially suitable for interfacing with various spectroscopic techniques. The aim of the present proof-of-concept study was to investigate the feasibility of concomitant UV imaging, Vis imaging and light microscopy for detailed characterization of the behavior of in situ forming PLGA implants in the hydrogel matrix mimicking the subcutis. The model compounds, piroxicam and α-lactalbumin were added to PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and PLGA-triacetin solutions. Upon bringing the PLGA-solvent-compound pre-formulation in contact with the hydrogel, Vis imaging and light microscopy were applied to visualize the depot formation and UV imaging was used to quantify drug transport in the hydrogel. As compared to piroxicam, the α-lactalbumin invoked an acceleration of phase separation and an increase of implant size. α-Lactalbumin was released faster from the PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone system than the PLGA-triacetin system opposite to the piroxicam release pattern. A linear relationship between the rate of implant formation and initial compound release within the first 4h was established for the PLGA-NMP systems. This implies that phase separation may be one of the controlling factors in drug release. The rate of implant formation may be an important parameter for predicting and tailoring drug release. The approach combining UV imaging, Vis imaging and light microscopy may facilitate understanding of release processes and holds potential for becoming a useful tool in formulation development of in situ forming implants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Social Environment and Hospitalisation after Release from Prison: A Prospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

This study examined the association between remoteness and area disadvantage, and the rate of subsequent hospitalisation, in a cohort of adults released from prisons in Queensland. A baseline survey of 1267 adult prisoners within 6 weeks of expected release was prospectively linked with hospital, mortality and reincarceration records. Postcodes were used to assign remoteness and area disadvantage categories. Multivariate Andersen–Gill regression models were fitted to test for associations between remoteness, area disadvantage and hospitalisation after release from prison. Over a total of 3090.9 person-years of follow-up, the highest crude incidence rates were observed in areas characterised by remoteness and area disadvantage (crude incidence rate (IR) = 649; 95%CI: 526–791), followed by remoteness only (IR = 420; 95%CI: 349–501), severe area disadvantage only (IR = 403; 95%CI: 351–461), and neither of these factors (IR = 361; 95%CI: 336–388). Unadjusted analyses indicated that remoteness (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.04–1.69; p = 0.024) was associated with increased risk of hospitalisation; however, this attenuated to the null after adjustment for covariate factors. The incidence of hospitalisation for those who live in remote or socio-economically disadvantaged areas is increased compared to their counterparts in more urban and less socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Experiencing both these factors together may compound the hospitalisation in the community. PMID:29149091

Pharmacokinetic profile of extended-release versus immediate-release oral naproxen sodium after single and multiple dosing under fed and fasting conditions: two randomized, open-label trials.

PubMed

Laurora, Irene; Wang, Yuan

2016-10-01

Extended-release (ER) naproxen sodium provides pain relief for up to 24 hours with a single dose (660 mg/day). Its pharmacokinetic profile after single and multiple dosing was compared to immediate release (IR) naproxen sodium in two randomized, open-label, crossover studies, under fasting and fed conditions. Eligible healthy subjects were randomized to ER naproxen sodium 660-mg tablet once daily or IR naproxen sodium 220-mg tablet twice daily (440 mg initially, followed by 220 mg 12 hours later). Primary variables: pharmacokinetic parameters after singleday administration (day 1) and at steady state after multiple-day administration (day 6). Total exposure was comparable for both treatments under fasting and fed conditions. After fasting: peak naproxen concentrations were slightly lower with ER naproxen sodium than with IR naproxen sodium but were reached at a similar time. Fed conditions: mean peak concentrations were comparable but reached after a longer time with ER vs. IR naproxen sodium. ER naproxen sodium was well tolerated, with a similar safety profile to IR naproxen sodium. The total exposure of ER naproxen sodium (660 mg) is comparable to IR naproxen sodium (220 mg) when administered at the maximum over the counter (OTC) dose of 660-mg daily dose on a single day and over multiple days. The rate of absorption is delayed under fed conditions.

Reconviction and revocation rates in Flanders after medium security treatment.

PubMed

Jeandarme, Inge; Habets, Petra; Oei, T I; Bogaerts, Stefan

2016-01-01

To examine the criminal outcome of Flemish forensic psychiatric patients ('internees') after medium security treatment. Also, the effect of conditional release on recidivism of two subgroups (internees under conditional release and internees who received unconditional release) was examined. Reconviction rates and revocation rates were collected for all participants. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to investigate recidivism rates while controlling for time at risk. During the 10-year period, 502 offenders were discharged from medium security treatment. Over a follow-up period averaging 3.6years, 7.4% of discharged patients were reconvicted or received a new 'not guilty by reason of insanity' (NGRI) verdict for a violent offence. One-quarter of the population had their conditional release revoked. Part of the study population was granted unconditional release. Reconviction rates were higher after unconditional release in comparison to conditional release. The results of this study suggest that the court supervision of NGRI patients in Flanders is effective in protecting the community from further offending. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance use disorder and injury in adults recently released from prison: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Young, Jesse T; Heffernan, Ed; Borschmann, Rohan; Ogloff, James R P; Spittal, Matthew J; Kouyoumdjian, Fiona G; Preen, David B; Butler, Amanda; Brophy, Lisa; Crilly, Julia; Kinner, Stuart A

2018-05-01

People with mental illness and substance use disorder are over-represented in prisons. Injury-related mortality is elevated in people released from prison, and both mental illness and substance use disorder are risk factors for injury. Effective care coordination during the transition between criminal justice and community service providers improves health outcomes for people released from prison. However, the health outcomes and support needs of people with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder) released from prison are poorly understood. Here we aim to examine the association between dual diagnosis and non-fatal injury in adults released from prison. Pre-release interview data collected between Aug 1, 2008, and July 31, 2010, from a representative sample of sentenced adults (≥18 years) in Queensland, Australia, were linked, retrospectively and prospectively, to person-level, state-wide emergency department and hospital records. We identified dual diagnoses from inpatient, emergency department, and prison medical records. We modelled the association between mental health status and all injury resulting in hospital contact by fitting a multivariate Cox regression, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and criminogenic covariates, and replacing missing covariate data by multiple imputation. In 1307 adults released from prison, there were 2056 person-years of follow-up (median 495 days, IQR 163-958). The crude injury rates were 996 (95% CI 893-1112) per 1000 person-years for the dual diagnosis group, 538 (441-657) per 1000 person-years for the mental illness only group, 413 (354-482) per 1000 person-years for the substance use disorder only group, and 275 (247-307) per 1000 person-years for the no mental disorder group. After adjusting for model covariates, the dual diagnosis (adjusted hazard rate ratio 3·27, 95% CI 2·30-4·64; p<0·0001) and mental illness only (1·87, 1·19-2·95; p=0·0071) groups were at increased risk of injury after release from prison compared with the group with no mental health disorders. People released from prison experience high rates of injury compared with the general population. Among people released from prison, dual diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of injury. Contact with the criminal justice system is a key opportunity to prevent subsequent injury morbidity in people with co-occurring mental health disorders. Engagement with integrated psychiatric and addiction treatment delivered without interruption during the transition from prison into the community might prevent the injury-related disparities experienced by this vulnerable group. The development of targeted injury prevention strategies for people with dual diagnosis released from prison is warranted. National Health and Medical Research Council. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Impact of opioid substitution therapy for Scotland's prisoners on drug‐related deaths soon after prisoner release

PubMed Central

Fischbacher, Colin M.; Graham, Lesley; Fraser, Andrew

2015-01-01

Abstract Aim To assess whether the introduction of a prison‐based opioid substitution therapy (OST) policy was associated with a reduction in drug‐related deaths (DRD) within 14 days after prison release. Design Linkage of Scotland's prisoner database with death registrations to compare periods before (1996–2002) and after (2003–07) prison‐based OST was introduced. Setting All Scottish prisons. Participants People released from prison between 1 January 1996 and 8 October 2007 following an imprisonment of at least 14 days and at least 14 weeks after the preceding qualifying release. Measurements Risk of DRD in the 12 weeks following release; percentage of these DRDs which occurred during the first 14 days. Findings Before prison‐based OST (1996–2002), 305 DRDs occurred in the 12 weeks after 80 200 qualifying releases, 3.8 per 1000 releases [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.4–4.2]; of these, 175 (57%) occurred in the first 14 days. After the introduction of prison‐based OST (2003–07), 154 DRDs occurred in the 12 weeks after 70 317 qualifying releases, a significantly reduced rate of 2.2 per 1000 releases (95% CI = 1.8–2.5). However, there was no change in the proportion which occurred in the first 14 days, either for all DRDs (87: 56%) or for opioid‐related DRDs. Conclusions Following the introduction of a prison‐based opioid substitution therapy (OST) policy in Scotland, the rate of drug‐related deaths in the 12 weeks following release fell by two‐fifths. However, the proportion of deaths that occurred in the first 14 days did not change appreciably, suggesting that in‐prison OST does not reduce early deaths after release. PMID:25940815

Development of extended release dosage forms using non-uniform drug distribution techniques.

PubMed

Huang, Kuo-Kuang; Wang, Da-Peng; Meng, Chung-Ling

2002-05-01

Development of an extended release oral dosage form for nifedipine using the non-uniform drug distribution matrix method was conducted. The process conducted in a fluid bed processing unit was optimized by controlling the concentration gradient of nifedipine in the coating solution and the spray rate applied to the non-pareil beads. The concentration of nifedipine in the coating was controlled by instantaneous dilutions of coating solution with polymer dispersion transported from another reservoir into the coating solution at a controlled rate. The USP dissolution method equipped with paddles at 100 rpm in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution maintained at 37 degrees C was used for the evaluation of release rate characteristics. Results indicated that (1) an increase in the ethyl cellulose content in the coated beads decreased the nifedipine release rate, (2) incorporation of water-soluble sucrose into the formulation increased the release rate of nifedipine, and (3) adjustment of the spray coating solution and the transport rate of polymer dispersion could achieve a dosage form with a zero-order release rate. Since zero-order release rate and constant plasma concentration were achieved in this study using the non-uniform drug distribution technique, further studies to determine in vivo/in vitro correlation with various non-uniform drug distribution dosage forms will be conducted.

T-SPOT.TB Interferon-γ Release Assay Performance in Healthcare Worker Screening at Nineteen U.S. Hospitals.

PubMed

King, Thomas C; Upfal, Mark; Gottlieb, Andrew; Adamo, Philip; Bernacki, Edward; Kadlecek, Chris P; Jones, Jeffrey G; Humphrey-Carothers, Frances; Rielly, Albert F; Drewry, Pamela; Murray, Kathy; DeWitt, Marcie; Matsubara, Janet; O'Dea, Louis; Balser, John; Wrighton-Smith, Peter

2015-08-01

Interferon-γ release assays have significant advantages over tuberculin skin testing in many clinical situations. However, recent studies have called into question their reliability in serial testing of healthcare workers because of reportedly high rates of positivity and high conversion/reversion rates on retesting. To define the performance characteristics of the T-SPOT.TB test, an interferon-γ release assay, during serial screening programs of healthcare workers at 19 U.S. hospitals. A total of 42,155 T-SPOT.TB test results from healthcare workers at 19 geographically diverse hospitals obtained for routine tuberculosis screening programs were analyzed to determine the rates of positivity, reversion, and conversion in serial testing data. In 19,630 evaluable serial pairs from 16,076 healthcare workers, the mean test positivity rate was 2.3% (range, 0.0-27.4%). The mean conversion rate was 0.8% (range, 0.0-2.5%), and the mean reversion rate was 17.6%. Positivity and conversion rates correlated with known tuberculosis risk factors including age and sex. The observed specificity of the T-SPOT.TB test was at least 98.6%. The high concordance and test completion rates in this study suggest that the T-SPOT.TB test is a reliable tool for healthcare worker serial screening. As expected, the observed positivity rates were lower compared with the tuberculin skin test, likely reflecting the higher specificity of this test. Furthermore, the observed rates of conversion were low and significantly correlated with the geographic incidence of tuberculosis. Our findings suggest that the T-SPOT.TB test is an accurate and reliable way to screen healthcare workers.

Comparative Survival Rate Study (CSS) of Hatchery PIT-tagged Chinook; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Annual Report 2002-2003.

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

Jonasson, Brian

2004-02-01

We PIT-tagged juvenile spring chinook salmon reared at Lookingglass Hatchery in October 2002 as part of the Comparative Survival Rate Study (CSS) for migratory year (MY) 2003. We tagged 20,950 Imnaha stock spring chinook salmon, and after mortality and tag loss, we allowed the remaining 20,904 fish to leave the acclimation pond at our Imnaha River satellite facility beginning 1 April 2003 to begin their seaward migration. The fish remaining in the pond were forced out on 15 April 2003. We tagged 20,820 Catherine Creek stock captive and conventional brood progeny spring chinook salmon, and after mortality and tag loss,more » we allowed the remaining 20,628 fish to leave the acclimation ponds at our Catherine Creek satellite facility beginning during two acclimation periods. The volitional release for the early acclimation group began 12 March 2003, and all remaining fish were forced out of the ponds on 23 March 2003. The volitional release for the late acclimation group began 31 March 2003, and all remaining fish were forced out of the ponds on 14 April 2003. We estimated survival rates, from release to Lower Granite Dam in MY 2003, for three stocks of hatchery spring chinook salmon tagged at Lookingglass Hatchery to determine their relative migration performance. Survival rates for the Imnaha River, Lostine River, and Catherine Creek stocks were 0.714, 0.557, and 0.350, respectively. We PIT-tagged 20,944 BY 2002 Imnaha River stock and 20,980 BY 2002 Catherine Creek stock captive and conventional brood progeny in October and November 2003 as part of the CSS for MY 2004. From tagging to January 28, 2004, the rates of mortality and tag loss for Imnaha River stock were 0.16% and 0.04%, respectively. Catherine Creek stock, during the same period, had rates of mortality and tag loss of 0.19% and 0.06%, respectively.« less

Assessing the impacts of sustainable agricultural practices for water quality improvements in the Vouga catchment (Portugal) using the SWAT model.

PubMed

Rocha, João; Roebeling, Peter; Rial-Rivas, María Ermitas

2015-12-01

The extensive use of fertilizers has become one of the most challenging environmental issues in agricultural catchment areas. In order to reduce the negative impacts from agricultural activities and to accomplish the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive we must consider the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. In this study, we assess sustainable agricultural practices based on reductions in N-fertilizer application rates (from 100% to 0%) and N-application methods (single, split and slow-release) across key agricultural land use classes in the Vouga catchment, Portugal. The SWAT model was used to relate sustainable agricultural practices, agricultural yields and N-NO3 water pollution deliveries. Results show that crop yields as well as N-NO3 exportation rates decrease with reductions in N-application rates and single N-application methods lead to lower crop yields and higher N-NO3 exportation rates as compared to split and slow-release N-application methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Cohesive Zone Approach for Fatigue-Driven Delamination Analysis in Composite Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiri-Rad, Ahmad; Mashayekhi, Mohammad

2017-08-01

A new model for prediction of fatigue-driven delamination in laminated composites is proposed using cohesive interface elements. The presented model provides a link between cohesive elements damage evolution rate and crack growth rate of Paris law. This is beneficial since no additional material parameters are required and the well-known Paris law constants are used. The link between the cohesive zone method and fracture mechanics is achieved without use of effective length which has led to more accurate results. The problem of unknown failure path in calculation of the energy release rate is solved by imposing a condition on the damage model which leads to completely vertical failure path. A global measure of energy release rate is used for the whole cohesive zone which is computationally more efficient compared to previous similar models. The performance of the proposed model is investigated by simulation of well-known delamination tests and comparison against experimental data of the literature.

Charcateristics of Plasma Waves Excited During Gas Release and Plasma Injection Into The Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klos, Z.; Gdalevich, G. L.; Mikhailov, I.

Waves in broad frequency range are generated during the injection of fast plasma as well as release of neutral gas into ionosphere from the spacecraft. The excited wave modes depend on the environmental plasma parameters, geometry of injection as well as on the rate of ionisation of plasma in the stream. The neutral xenon gas was released from the board of the ACTIVE satellite (in 1989) and parallel with the release process the VLF as well as HF waves were diagnosed. On the other hand the xenon plasma from gun generator was injected into the ionosphere from the board of APEX satellite (in 1991) and also broad frequency range of emission was registered. In the present paper are compared the plasma waves characteristics observed in these two types of experiments.

Conductive polymer nanotube patch for fast and controlled ex vivo transdermal drug delivery.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thao M; Lee, Sebin; Lee, Sang Bok

2014-10-01

To uptake and release hydrophilic model drugs and insulin in a novel conductive polymer (CP) nanotube transdermal patch. The externally controlled transdermal delivery of model drugs and insulin were tested ex vivo and results were compared with CP films. The unique intrinsic properties of CPs provide electrostatic interaction between the model drugs and polymer backbone. When a pulsed potential was applied, the drug delivery release profile mimics that of injection delivery. With a constant potential applied, the release rate constants of the patch system were up to three-times faster than the control (0 V) and released approximately 80% more drug molecules over 24 h. The CP nanotube transdermal patch represents a new and promising drug method, specifically for hydrophilic molecules, which have been a large obstacle for conventional transdermal drug delivery systems.

Carboxymethyl starch/montmorillonite composite microparticles: Properties and controlled release of isoproturon.

PubMed

Wilpiszewska, Katarzyna; Spychaj, Tadeusz; Paździoch, Waldemar

2016-01-20

Preparation of novel high substituted carboxymethyl starch-based microparticles containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) by crosslinking with Al(3+) was described. For preparing nanocomposite granules carboxymethyl starch (CMS) from native potato starch as well as CMS from amylopectin has been used. The hydrophilic CMS/MMT composite systems were used for herbicide, i.e. isoproturon encapsulation (ca. 75% encapsulation efficiency). The herbicide release rate from CMS/MMT composites in water was significantly reduced when compared to commercial isoproturon: 95% released after ca. 700 h and ca. 24h, respectively. Leaching in soil from composite systems was relatively slower than release in water. After a series of eight irrigations leached about 10% of isoproturon loaded. The CMS/MMT carriers could reduce the potential leaching of herbicide and beneficially reduce pollution of the environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bone-regenerative dual-drug-loaded calcium phosphate nanocarriers-in vitro and in vivo studies.

PubMed

Madhumathi, K; Rubaiya, Y; Doble, Mukesh; Venkateswari, R; Sampath Kumar, T S

2018-05-01

A dual local drug delivery system (DDS) composed of calcium phosphate bioceramic nanocarriers aimed at treating the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bone-regenerative aspects of periodontitis has been developed. Calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA, Ca/P = 1.61) and tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were prepared by microwave-accelerated wet chemical synthesis method. The phase purity of the nanocarriers was confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), while the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed their nanosized morphology. CDHA was selected as carrier for the antibiotic (tetracycline) while TCP was chosen as the anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) carrier. Combined drug release profile was studied in vitro from CDHA/TCP (CTP) system and compared with a HA/TCP (BCP) biphasic system. The tetracycline and ibuprofen release rate was 71 and 23% from CTP system as compared to 63 and 20% from BCP system. CTP system also showed a more controlled drug release profile compared to BCP system. Modeling of drug release kinetics from CTP system indicated that the release follows Higuchi model with a non-typical Fickian diffusion profile. In vitro biological studies showed the CTP system to be biocompatible with significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo implantation studies on rat cranial defects showed greater bone healing and new bone formation in the drug-loaded CTP system compared to control (no carrier) at the end of 12 weeks. The in vitro and in vivo results suggest that the combined drug delivery platform can provide a comprehensive management for all bone infections requiring multi-drug therapy.

The flexibility of a distant loop modulates active site motion and product release in ribonuclease A.

PubMed

Doucet, Nicolas; Watt, Eric D; Loria, J Patrick

2009-08-04

The role of the flexible loop 1 in protein conformational motion and in the dissociation of enzymatic product from ribonuclease A (RNase A) was investigated by creation of a chimeric enzyme in which a 6-residue loop 1 from the RNase A homologue, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), replaced the 12-residue loop 1 in RNase A. The chimera (RNase A(ECP)) experiences only local perturbations in NMR backbone chemical shifts compared to WT RNase A. Many of the flexible residues that were previously identified in WT as involved in an important conformational change now experience no NMR-detected millisecond motions in the chimera. Likewise, binding of the product analogue, 3'-CMP, to RNase A(ECP) results in only minor chemical shift changes in the enzyme similar to what is observed for the H48A mutant of RNase A and in contrast to WT enzyme. For both RNase A(ECP) and H48A there is a 10-fold decrease in the product release rate constant, k(off), compared to WT, in agreement with previous studies indicating the importance of flexibility in RNase A in the overall rate-limiting product release step. Together, these NMR and biochemical experiments provide additional insight into the mechanism of millisecond motions in the RNase A catalytic cycle.

Formulation and in-vitro evaluation of directly compressed controlled release matrices of Losartan Potassium using Ethocel Grade 100 as rate retarding agent.

PubMed

Khan, Kamran Ahmad; Khan, Gul Majid; Zeeshan Danish, Muhammad; Akhlaq; Khan, Haroon; Rehman, Fazal; Mehsud, Saifullah

2015-12-30

Current study was aimed to develop 200mg controlled release matrix tablets of Losartan Potassium using Ethocel 100 Premium and Ethocel 100 FP Premium as rate controlling polymer. In-vitro studies were performed according to USP Method-I in phosphate buffer (PH 6.8) using pharma test dissolution apparatus. The temperature of the dissolution medium was kept constant at 37±0.5°C at 100rpm. Flow properties, physical quality control tests, effect of polymer size and drug-to-polymers ratios were studied using different kinetics models such as 1st-order, zero-order, Hixon Crowell model, Highuchi model and Power law. Difference factor f1 and similarity factor f2 were applied for dissolution profiles against Cardaktin® tablets used as a reference formulation. The matrices with polymer ethocel 100 FP Premiums have prolonged the drug release rate as compared to polymer ethocel 100 Premiums. The n values matrices with polymer ethocel grade 100 ranged from 0.603 to 0.857 indicating that the drug release occurred by anomalous non fickian diffusion kinetics while then value of reference Cardaktin® tablet was measured as 0.125 indicating that these tablets do not follow power law. The dissolution profiles of test formulations were different than that of reference Cardaktin®. This suggests the polymer Ethocel grade 100 can be proficiently incorporated in fabrication and development of once a day controlled release matrix tablets. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Laparoscopic versus open-component separation: a comparative analysis in a porcine model.

PubMed

Rosen, Michael J; Williams, Christina; Jin, Judy; McGee, Michael F; Schomisch, Steve; Marks, Jeffrey; Ponsky, Jeffrey

2007-09-01

The ideal surgical treatment for complicated ventral hernias remains elusive. Traditional component separation provides local advancement of native tissue for tension-free closure without prosthetic materials. This technique requires an extensive subcutaneous dissection with division of perforating vessels predisposing to skin-flap necrosis and complicated wound infections. A minimally invasive component separation may decrease wound complication rates; however, the adequacy of the myofascial advancement has not been studied. Five 25-kg pigs underwent bilateral laparoscopic component separation. A 10-mm incision was made lateral to the rectus abdominus muscle. The external oblique fascia was incised, and a dissecting balloon was inflated between the internal and external oblique muscles. Two additional ports were placed in the intermuscular space. The external oblique was incised from the costal margin to the inguinal ligament. The maximal abdominal wall advancement was recorded. A formal open-component separation was performed and maximal advancement 5 cm superior and 5 cm inferior to the umbilicus was recorded for comparison. Groups were compared using standard statistical analysis. The laparoscopic component separation was completed successfully in all animals, with a mean of 22 min/side. Laparoscopic component separation yielded 3.9 cm (SD 1.1) of fascial advancement above the umbilicus, whereas 4.4 cm (1.2) was obtained after open release (P = .24). Below the umbilicus, laparoscopic release achieved 5.0 cm (1.0) of advancement, whereas 5.8 cm (1.2) was gained after open release (P = .13). The minimally invasive component separation achieved an average of 86% of the myofascial advancement compared with a formal open release. The laparoscopic approach does not require extensive subcutaneous dissection and might theoretically result in a decreased incidence or decreased complexity of postoperative wound infections or skin-flap necrosis. Based on our preliminary data in this porcine model, further comparative studies of laparoscopic versus open component separation in complex ventral hernia repair is warranted to evaluate postoperative morbidity and long-term hernia recurrence rates.

Incidence of Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppression With 2 Different Corticosteroid Minimization Strategies: ADVANCE, A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Mourad, Georges; Glyda, Maciej; Albano, Laetitia; Viklický, Ondrej; Merville, Pierre; Tydén, Gunnar; Mourad, Michel; Lõhmus, Aleksander; Witzke, Oliver; Christiaans, Maarten H L; Brown, Malcolm W; Undre, Nasrullah; Kazeem, Gbenga; Kuypers, Dirk R J

2017-08-01

ADVANCE (NCT01304836) was a phase 4, multicenter, prospectively randomized, open-label, 24-week study comparing the incidence of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) with 2 prolonged-release tacrolimus corticosteroid minimization regimens. All patients received prolonged-release tacrolimus, basiliximab, mycophenolate mofetil and 1 bolus of intraoperative corticosteroids (0-1000 mg) as per center policy. Patients in arm 1 received tapered corticosteroids, stopped after day 10, whereas patients in arm 2 received no steroids after the intraoperative bolus. The primary efficacy variable was the diagnosis of PTDM as per American Diabetes Association criteria (2010) at any point up to 24 weeks postkidney transplantation. Secondary efficacy variables included incidence of composite efficacy failure (graft loss, biopsy-proven acute rejection or severe graft dysfunction: estimated glomerular filtration rate (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease-4) <30 mL/min per 1.73 m), acute rejection and graft and patient survival. The full-analysis set included 1081 patients (arm 1: n = 528, arm 2: n = 553). Baseline characteristics and mean tacrolimus trough levels were comparable between arms. Week 24 Kaplan-Meier estimates of PTDM were similar for arm 1 versus arm 2 (17.4% vs 16.6%; P = 0.579). Incidence of composite efficacy failure, graft and patient survival, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate were also comparable between arms. Biopsy-proven acute rejection and acute rejection were significantly higher in arm 2 versus arm 1 (13.6% vs 8.7%, P = 0.006 and 25.9% vs 18.2%, P = 0.001, respectively). Tolerability profiles were comparable between arms. A prolonged-release tacrolimus, basiliximab, and mycophenolate mofetil immunosuppressive regimen is efficacious, with a low incidence of PTDM and a manageable tolerability profile over 24 weeks of treatment. A lower incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was seen in patients receiving corticosteroids tapered over 10 days plus an intraoperative corticosteroid bolus versus those receiving an intraoperative bolus only.

Cellular automata model for drug release from binary matrix and reservoir polymeric devices.

PubMed

Johannes Laaksonen, Timo; Mikael Laaksonen, Hannu; Tapio Hirvonen, Jouni; Murtomäki, Lasse

2009-04-01

Kinetics of drug release from polymeric tablets, inserts and implants is an important and widely studied area. Here we present a new and widely applicable cellular automata model for diffusion and erosion processes occurring during drug release from polymeric drug release devices. The model divides a 2D representation of the release device into an array of cells. Each cell contains information about the material, drug, polymer or solvent that the domain contains. Cells are then allowed to rearrange according to statistical rules designed to match realistic drug release. Diffusion is modeled by a random walk of mobile cells and kinetics of chemical or physical processes by probabilities of conversion from one state to another. This is according to the basis of diffusion coefficients and kinetic rate constants, which are on fundamental level just probabilities for certain occurrences. The model is applied to three kinds of devices with different release mechanisms: erodable matrices, diffusion through channels or pores and membrane controlled release. The dissolution curves obtained are compared to analytical models from literature and the validity of the model is considered. The model is shown to be compatible with all three release devices, highlighting easy adaptability of the model to virtually any release system and geometry. Further extension and applications of the model are envisioned.

Predicting red wolf release success in the southeastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

van Manen, Frank T.; Crawford, Barron A.; Clark, Joseph D.

2000-01-01

Although the red wolf (Canis rufus) was once found throughout the southeastern United States, indiscriminate killing and habitat destruction reduced its range to a small section of coastal Texas and Louisiana. Wolves trapped from 1973 to 1980 were taken to establish a captive breeding program that was used to repatriate 2 mainland and 3 island red wolf populations. We collected data from 320 red wolf releases in these areas and classified each as a success or failure based on survival and reproductive criteria, and whether recaptures were necessary to resolve conflicts with humans. We evaluated the relations between release success and conditions at the release sites, characteristics of released wolves, and release procedures. Although <44% of the variation in release success was explained, model performance based on jackknife tests indicated a 72-80% correct prediction rate for the 4 operational models we developed. The models indicated that success was associated with human influences on the landscape and the level of wolf habituation to humans prior to release. We applied the models to 31 prospective areas for wolf repatriation and calculated an index of release success for each area. Decision-makers can use these models to objectively rank prospective release areas and compare strengths and weaknesses of each.

Residual thermal and moisture influences on the strain energy release rate analysis of edge delamination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obrien, T. K.; Raju, I. S.; Garber, D. P.

1985-01-01

A laminated plate theory analysis is developed to calculate the strain energy release rate associated with edge delamination growth in a composite laminate. The analysis includes the contribution of residual thermal and moisture stresses to the strain energy released. The strain energy release rate, G, increased when residual thermal effects were combined with applied mechanical strains, but then decreased when increasing moisture content was included. A quasi-three-dimensional finite element analysis indicated identical trends and demonstrated these same trends for the individual strain energy release rate components, G sub I and G sub II, associated with interlaminar tension and shear. An experimental study indicated that for T300/5208 graphite-epoxy composites, the inclusion of residual thermal and moisture stresses did not significantly alter the calculation of interlaminar fracture toughness from strain energy release rate analysis of edge delamination data taken at room temperature, ambient conditions.

Recent updates and developments to plant genome size databases

PubMed Central

Garcia, Sònia; Leitch, Ilia J.; Anadon-Rosell, Alba; Canela, Miguel Á.; Gálvez, Francisco; Garnatje, Teresa; Gras, Airy; Hidalgo, Oriane; Johnston, Emmeline; Mas de Xaxars, Gemma; Pellicer, Jaume; Siljak-Yakovlev, Sonja; Vallès, Joan; Vitales, Daniel; Bennett, Michael D.

2014-01-01

Two plant genome size databases have been recently updated and/or extended: the Plant DNA C-values database (http://data.kew.org/cvalues), and GSAD, the Genome Size in Asteraceae database (http://www.asteraceaegenomesize.com). While the first provides information on nuclear DNA contents across land plants and some algal groups, the second is focused on one of the largest and most economically important angiosperm families, Asteraceae. Genome size data have numerous applications: they can be used in comparative studies on genome evolution, or as a tool to appraise the cost of whole-genome sequencing programs. The growing interest in genome size and increasing rate of data accumulation has necessitated the continued update of these databases. Currently, the Plant DNA C-values database (Release 6.0, Dec. 2012) contains data for 8510 species, while GSAD has 1219 species (Release 2.0, June 2013), representing increases of 17 and 51%, respectively, in the number of species with genome size data, compared with previous releases. Here we provide overviews of the most recent releases of each database, and outline new features of GSAD. The latter include (i) a tool to visually compare genome size data between species, (ii) the option to export data and (iii) a webpage containing information about flow cytometry protocols. PMID:24288377

Drug-conjugated PLA-PEG-PLA copolymers: a novel approach for controlled delivery of hydrophilic drugs by micelle formation.

PubMed

Danafar, H; Rostamizadeh, K; Davaran, S; Hamidi, M

2017-12-01

A conjugate of the antihypertensive drug, lisinopril, with triblock poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-PEG-PLA) copolymer was synthesized by the reaction of PLA-PEG-PLA copolymer with lisinopril in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethylaminopyridine. The conjugated copolymer was characterized in vitro by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (HNMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques. Then, the lisinopril conjugated PLA-PEG-PLA were self-assembled into micelles in aqueous solution. The resulting micelles were characterized further by various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results revealed that the micelles formed by the lisinopril-conjugated PLA-PEG-PLA have spherical structure with the average size of 162 nm. The release behavior of conjugated copolymer, micelles and micelles physically loaded by lisinopril were compared in different media. In vitro release study showed that in contrast to physically loaded micelles, the release rate of micelles consisted of the conjugated copolymer was dependent on pH of media where it was higher at lower pH compared to the neutral medium. Another feature of the conjugated micelles was their more sustained release profile compared to the lisinopril-conjugated copolymer and physically loaded micelles.

Intravenous nitroglycerin for controlled cord traction in the management of retained placenta.

PubMed

Visalyaputra, Shusee; Prechapanich, Japarath; Suwanvichai, Sukanya; Yimyam, Suwimol; Permpolprasert, Ladda; Suksopee, Pattipa

2011-02-01

To determine the effect of 200 μg of intravenous nitroglycerin in the release of retained placenta by controlled cord traction. In this randomized controlled study, 40 women with a placenta retained for 30 minutes received intravenously 200 μg of nitroglycerin or a normal saline solution before umbilical cord traction was initiated. The rates of successful removal of the retained placenta in the study (n=20) and control (n=20) groups were compared, as were blood pressure, pulse rate, blood loss, and adverse effects. The placenta was released in only 15% and 20% of the participants in the study and control group, respectively. The remainder of the participants required general anesthesia and manual removal of the retained placenta regardless of group assignation. Blood pressure fell in significantly more women in the study group, but there were no differences in estimated blood loss or minor adverse effects. Intravenously administered nitroglycerin did not facilitate the release of retained placenta by umbilical cord traction. However, cord traction may be performed longer than 30 minutes to attempt releasing the placenta before operative manual removal is initiated. Copyright © 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polyamide nanocapsules and nano-emulsions containing Parsol® MCX and Parsol® 1789: in vitro release, ex vivo skin penetration and photo-stability studies.

PubMed

Hanno, Ibrahim; Anselmi, Cecilia; Bouchemal, Kawthar

2012-02-01

To prepare polyamide nanocapsules for skin photo-protection, encapsulating α-tocopherol, Parsol®MCX (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) and/or Parsol®1789 (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane). Nanocapsules were obtained by combining spontaneous emulsification and interfacial polycondensation reaction between sebacoyl chloride and diethylenetriamine. Nano-emulsions used as control were obtained by the same process without monomers. The influence of carrier on release rate was studied in vitro with a membrane-free model. Epidermal penetration of encapsulated sunscreens was ex vivo evaluated using Franz diffusion cells. Ability of encapsulated sunscreens to improve photo-stability was verified by comparing percentage of degradation after UV radiation exposure. Sunscreen-containing nanocapsules (260-400 nm) were successfully prepared; yield of encapsulation was >98%. Parsol®MCX and Parsol®1789 encapsulation led to decreased release rate by up to 60% in comparison with nano-emulsion and allowed minimum penetration through pig ear epidermis. Presence of polyamide shell protected encapsulated sunscreen filters from photo-degradation without affecting their activity. Encapsulation of Parsol®MCX and Parsol®1789 into oil-core of polyamide nanocapsules allowed protection from photo-degradation, controlled release from nanocapsules, and limited penetration through pig ear epidermis.

Association Between Prescription of Major Psychotropic Medications and Violent Reoffending After Prison Release.

PubMed

Chang, Zheng; Lichtenstein, Paul; Långström, Niklas; Larsson, Henrik; Fazel, Seena

2016-11-01

Individuals released from prison have high rates of violent reoffending, and there is uncertainty about whether pharmacological treatments reduce reoffending risk. To investigate the associations between major classes of psychotropic medications and violent reoffending. This cohort study included all released prisoners in Sweden from July 1, 2005, to December 31, 2010, through linkage of population-based registers. Rates of violent reoffending during medicated periods were compared with rates during nonmedicated periods using within-individual analyses. Follow-up ended December 31, 2013. Periods with or without dispensed prescription of psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, psychostimulants, drugs used in addictive disorders, and antiepileptic drugs) after prison release. Prison-based psychological treatments were investigated as a secondary exposure. Violent crime after release from prison. The cohort included 22 275 released prisoners (mean [SD] age, 38 [13] years; 91.9% male). During follow-up (median, 4.6 years; interquartile range, 3.0-6.4 years), 4031 individuals (18.1%) had 5653 violent reoffenses. The within-individual hazard ratio (HR) associated with dispensed antipsychotics was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.39-0.88), based on 100 events in 1596 person-years during medicated periods and 1044 events in 11 026 person-years during nonmedicated periods, equating to a risk difference of 39.7 (95% CI, 11.3-57.7) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. The within-individual HR associated with dispensed psychostimulants was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.40-0.98), based on 94 events in 1648 person-years during medicated periods and 513 events in 4553 person-years during nonmedicated periods, equating to a risk difference of 42.8 (95% CI, 2.2-67.6) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. The within-individual HR associated with dispensed drugs for addictive disorders was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.23-0.97), based on 46 events in 1168 person-years during medicated periods and 1103 events in 15 725 person-years during nonmedicated periods, equating to a risk difference of 36.4 (95% CI, 2.1-54.0) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. In contrast, antidepressants and antiepileptics were not significantly associated with violent reoffending rates (HR = 1.09 [95% CI, 0.83-1.43] and 1.14 [95% CI, 0.79-1.65], respectively). The most common prison-based program was psychological treatments for substance abuse, associated with an HR of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.89), which equated to a risk difference of 23.2 (95% CI, 10.3-34.1) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. Among released prisoners in Sweden, rates of violent reoffending were lower during periods when individiduals were dispensed antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and drugs for addictive disorders, compared with periods in which they were not dispensed these medications. Further research is needed to understand the causal nature of this association.

Association Between Prescription of Major Psychotropic Medications and Violent Reoffending After Prison Release

PubMed Central

Chang, Zheng; Lichtenstein, Paul; Långström, Niklas; Larsson, Henrik; Fazel, Seena

2016-01-01

Importance Individuals released from prison have high rates of violent reoffending, and there is uncertainty about whether pharmacological treatments reduce reoffending risk. Objective To investigate the associations between major classes of psychotropic medications and violent reoffending. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included all released prisoners in Sweden from July 1, 2005, to December 31, 2010, through linkage of population-based registers. Rates of violent reoffending during medicated periods were compared with rates during nonmedicated periods using within-individual analyses. Follow-up ended December 31, 2013. Exposures Periods with or without dispensed prescription of psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, psychostimulants, drugs used in addictive disorders, and antiepileptic drugs) after prison release. Prison-based psychological treatments were investigated as a secondary exposure. Main Outcomes and Measures Violent crime after release from prison. Results The cohort included 22 275 released prisoners (mean [SD] age, 38 [13] years; 91.9% male). During follow-up (median, 4.6 years; interquartile range, 3.0-6.4 years), 4031 individuals (18.1%) had 5653 violent reoffenses. The within-individual hazard ratio (HR) associated with dispensed antipsychotics was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.39-0.88), based on 100 events in 1596 person-years during medicated periods and 1044 events in 11 026 person-years during nonmedicated periods, equating to a risk difference of 39.7 (95% CI, 11.3-57.7) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. The within-individual HR associated with dispensed psychostimulants was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.40-0.98), based on 94 events in 1648 person-years during medicated periods and 513 events in 4553 person-years during nonmedicated periods, equating to a risk difference of 42.8 (95% CI, 2.2-67.6) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. The within-individual HR associated with dispensed drugs for addictive disorders was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.23-0.97), based on 46 events in 1168 person-years during medicated periods and 1103 events in 15 725 person-years during nonmedicated periods, equating to a risk difference of 36.4 (95% CI, 2.1-54.0) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. In contrast, antidepressants and antiepileptics were not significantly associated with violent reoffending rates (HR = 1.09 [95% CI, 0.83-1.43] and 1.14 [95% CI, 0.79-1.65], respectively). The most common prison-based program was psychological treatments for substance abuse, associated with an HR of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.89), which equated to a risk difference of 23.2 (95% CI, 10.3-34.1) fewer violent reoffenses per 1000 person-years. Conclusions and Relevance Among released prisoners in Sweden, rates of violent reoffending were lower during periods when individiduals were dispensed antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and drugs for addictive disorders, compared with periods in which they were not dispensed these medications. Further research is needed to understand the causal nature of this association. PMID:27802545

Comparison of 2D Finite Element Modeling Assumptions with Results From 3D Analysis for Composite Skin-Stiffener Debonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Paris, Isbelle L.; OBrien, T. Kevin; Minguet, Pierre J.

2004-01-01

The influence of two-dimensional finite element modeling assumptions on the debonding prediction for skin-stiffener specimens was investigated. Geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses using two-dimensional plane-stress and plane-strain elements as well as three different generalized plane strain type approaches were performed. The computed skin and flange strains, transverse tensile stresses and energy release rates were compared to results obtained from three-dimensional simulations. The study showed that for strains and energy release rate computations the generalized plane strain assumptions yielded results closest to the full three-dimensional analysis. For computed transverse tensile stresses the plane stress assumption gave the best agreement. Based on this study it is recommended that results from plane stress and plane strain models be used as upper and lower bounds. The results from generalized plane strain models fall between the results obtained from plane stress and plane strain models. Two-dimensional models may also be used to qualitatively evaluate the stress distribution in a ply and the variation of energy release rates and mixed mode ratios with delamination length. For more accurate predictions, however, a three-dimensional analysis is required.

Influence of 2D Finite Element Modeling Assumptions on Debonding Prediction for Composite Skin-stiffener Specimens Subjected to Tension and Bending

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Minguet, Pierre J.; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The influence of two-dimensional finite element modeling assumptions on the debonding prediction for skin-stiffener specimens was investigated. Geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses using two-dimensional plane-stress and plane strain elements as well as three different generalized plane strain type approaches were performed. The computed deflections, skin and flange strains, transverse tensile stresses and energy release rates were compared to results obtained from three-dimensional simulations. The study showed that for strains and energy release rate computations the generalized plane strain assumptions yielded results closest to the full three-dimensional analysis. For computed transverse tensile stresses the plane stress assumption gave the best agreement. Based on this study it is recommended that results from plane stress and plane strain models be used as upper and lower bounds. The results from generalized plane strain models fall between the results obtained from plane stress and plane strain models. Two-dimensional models may also be used to qualitatively evaluate the stress distribution in a ply and the variation of energy release rates and mixed mode ratios with lamination length. For more accurate predictions, however, a three-dimensional analysis is required.

A modified commercial gas chromatograph for the continuous monitoring of the thermal degradation of sunflower oil and off-line solid phase extraction gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of released volatiles.

PubMed

Ontañon, I; Sanz, J; Escudero, A; de Marcos, S; Ferreira, V; Galbán, J

2015-04-03

A homemade flow cell attached to a commercial Gas Chromatograph equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) has been designed for the continuous monitoring of volatile compounds released during heating edible oils. Analytical parameters such as mass of sample, temperature and flow rates have been optimized and the obtained results have been compared with the corresponding thermographs from standard TG systems. Results show that under optimum conditions, the profiles of volatiles released upon heating are comparable to the profiles of TG curves, suggesting that the FID based system could be an alternative to TGA. Additionally, volatiles have been retained in a Lichrolut EN(®) resin, eluted and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. In this case, forty five compounds have been identified (acids, alcohols, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones and furans) and compared with the FID signals, working both in air or nitrogen atmosphere. It has been concluded that the oxidative thermal degradation is prevented in the presence of a nitrogen atmosphere. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anterior lumbar instrumentation improves correction of severe lumbar Lenke C curves in double major idiopathic scoliosis

PubMed Central

Yeon, Howard B.; Weinberg, Jacob; Arlet, Vincent; Ouelett, Jean A.

2007-01-01

Fifteen skeletally immature patients with double major adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with large lumbar curves and notable L4 and L5 coronal plane obliquity were retrospectively studied. Seven patients who underwent anterior release and fusion of the lumbar curve with segmental anterior instrumentation and subsequent posterior instrumentation ending at L3 were compared with eight patients treated with anterior release and fusion without anterior instrumentation followed by posterior instrumentation to L3 or L4. At 4.5 years follow-up (range 2.5–7 years), curve correction, coronal balance and fusion rate were not statistically different between the two groups; however, the group with anterior instrumentation had improved coronal plane, near normalangulation in the distal unfused segment compared with the group without anterior instrumentation. In cases involving severe lumbar curvatures in the context of double major scoliosis, when as a first stage anterior release is chosen, the addition of instrumentation appears to restore normal coronal alignment of the distal unfused lumbar segment, and may in certain cases save a level compared with traditional fusions to L4. PMID:17464517

Rapid dissolution of propofol emulsions under sink conditions.

PubMed

Damitz, Robert; Chauhan, Anuj

2015-03-15

Pain accompanying intravenous injections of propofol is a major problem in anesthesia. Pain is ascribed to the interaction of propofol with the local vasculature and could be impacted by rapid dissolution of the emulsion formulation to release the drug. In this paper, we measure the dissolution of propofol emulsions including the commercial formulation Diprivan(®). We image the turbidity of blood protein sink solutions after emulsions are injected. The images are digitized, and the drug release times are estimated from the pixel intensity data for a range of starting emulsion droplet size. Drug release times are compared to a mechanistic model. After injection, pixel intensity or turbidity decreases due to reductions in emulsion droplet size. Drug release times can still be measured even if the emulsion does not completely dissolve such as with Diprivan(®). Both pure propofol emulsions and Diprivan(®) release drug very rapidly (under five seconds). Reducing emulsion droplet size significantly increases the drug release rate. Drug release times observed are slightly longer than the model prediction likely due to imperfect mixing. Drug release from emulsions occurs very rapidly after injection. This could be a contributing factor to pain on injection of propofol emulsions. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Delivery of fullerene-containing complexes via microgel swelling and shear-induced release.

PubMed

Tarabukina, Elena; Zoolshoev, Zoolsho; Melenevskaya, Elena; Budtova, Tatiana

2010-01-15

The absorption and release of poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-fullerene C60 complexes (PVP/C60) from a model microgel is studied. A dry microgel based on a chemically cross-linked sodium polyacrylate was swollen in the aqueous solutions of complexes which were afterwards released under shear stress. First, gel swelling degree in static conditions in the excess of PVP/C60 solutions was studied: the degree of swelling decreases with the increase in PVP/C60 concentration. While pure PVP is homogeneously distributed between the gel and the surrounding solution, a slight concentration of complexes outside the gel was recorded. It was attributed to PVP/C60 hydrophobicity leading to the decrease in the thermodynamic quality of fullerene-containing solution being gel solvent. The release of PVP/C60 solutions induced by shear was studied with counter-rotating rheo-optical technique and compared with PVP solution release under the same conditions. The amount of solution released depends on polymer concentration and shear strain. Contrary to pure PVP solutions in which rate of release decreases with the increase in polymer concentration, PVP/C60 complexes are released faster when fullerene concentration inside the gel is higher.

Melt-processed polymeric cellular dosage forms for immediate drug release.

PubMed

Blaesi, Aron H; Saka, Nannaji

2015-12-28

The present immediate-release solid dosage forms, such as the oral tablets and capsules, comprise granular matrices. While effective in releasing the drug rapidly, they are fraught with difficulties inherent in processing particulate matter. By contrast, liquid-based processes would be far more predictable; but the standard cast microstructures are unsuited for immediate-release because they resist fluid percolation and penetration. In this article, we introduce cellular dosage forms that can be readily prepared from polymeric melts by incorporating the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of microscopic gas bubbles in a molding process. We show that the cell topology and formulation of such cellular structures can be engineered to reduce the length-scale of the mass-transfer step, which determines the time of drug release, from as large as the dosage form itself to as small as the thickness of the cell wall. This allows the cellular dosage forms to achieve drug release rates over an order of magnitude faster compared with those of cast matrices, spanning the entire spectrum of immediate-release and beyond. The melt-processed polymeric cellular dosage forms enable predictive design of immediate-release solid dosage forms by tailoring microstructures, and could be manufactured efficiently in a single step.

Halloysite nanotubes as carriers of vancomycin in alginate-based wound dressing.

PubMed

Kurczewska, Joanna; Pecyna, Paulina; Ratajczak, Magdalena; Gajęcka, Marzena; Schroeder, Grzegorz

2017-09-01

The influence of an inorganic support - halloysite nanotubes - on the release rate and biological activity of the antibiotic encapsulated in alginate-based dressings was studied. The halloysite samples were loaded with approx. 10 wt.% of the antibiotic and then encapsulated in Alginate and Gelatin/Alginate gels. The material functionalized with aliphatic amine significantly extended the release of vancomycin from alginate-based gels as compared to that achieved when silica was used. After 24 h, the released amounts of the antibiotic immobilized at silica reached 70%, while for the drug immobilized at halloysite the released amount of vancomycin reached 44% for Alginate discs. The addition of gelatin resulted in even more prolonged sustained release of the drug. The antibiotic was released from the system with a double barrier with Higuchi kinetic model and Fickian diffusion mechanism. Only the immobilized drug encapsulated in Alginate gel demonstrated very good antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. The inhibition zones were greater than those of the standard discs for the staphylococci and enterococci bacteria tested. The addition of gelatin adversely affected the biological activity of the system. The inhibition zones were smaller than those of the reference samples. A reduction in the drug dose by half had no significant effect on changing the release rate and microbiological activity. The in vivo toxicity studies of the material with immobilized drug were carried out with Acutodesmus acuminatus and Daphnia magna . The material studied had no effect on the living organisms used in the bioassays. The proposed system with a double barrier demonstrated high storage stability.

[Fabrication of a new composite scaffold material for delivering rifampicin and its sustained drug release in rats].

PubMed

Ma, Xue-Ming; Lin, Zhen; Zhang, Jia-Wei; Sang, Chao-Hui; Qu, Dong-Bin; Jiang, Jian-Ming

2016-03-01

To fabricate a new composite scaffold material as an implant for sustained delivery of rifampicin and evaluate its performance of sustained drug release and biocompatibility. The composite scaffold material was prepared by loading poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres that encapsulated rifampicin in a biphasic calcium composite material with a negative surface charge. The in vitro drug release characteristics of the microspheres and the composite scaffold material were evaluated; the in vivo drug release profile of the composite scaffold material implanted in a rat muscle pouch was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The biochemical parameters of the serum and liver histopathologies of the rats receiving the transplantation were observed to assess the biocompatibility of the composite scaffold material. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency of microspheres were (56.05±5.33)% and (29.80±2.88)%, respectively. The cumulative drug release rate of the microspheres in vitro was (94.19±5.4)% at 28 days, as compared with the rate of (82.23±6.28)% of composite scaffold material. The drug-loaded composite scaffold material showed a good performance of in vivo drug release in rats, and the local drug concentration still reached 16.18±0.35 µg/g at 28 days after implantation. Implantation of the composite scaffold material resulted in transient and reversible liver injury, which was fully reparred at 28 days after the implantation. The composite scaffold material possesses a good sustained drug release capacity and a good biocompatibility, and can serve as an alternative approach to conventional antituberculous chemotherapy.

PCB concentrations of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) vary by sex

USGS Publications Warehouse

Madenjian, Charles P.; Ebener, Mark P.; Sepulveda, Maria S.

2015-01-01

We determined whole-fish polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in 26 female lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and 34 male lake whitefish from northern Lake Huron. In 5 of the 26 female lake whitefish, we also determined PCB concentrations in the somatic tissue and ovaries. In addition, bioenergetics modeling was used to determine the contribution of the growth dilution effect to the observed difference in PCB concentrations between the sexes. Whole-fish PCB concentrations for females and males averaged 60 ng/g and 80 ng/g, respectively; thus males were 34% higher in PCB concentration compared with females. Based on the PCB determinations in the somatic tissue and ovaries, we predicted that PCB concentration of females would increase by 2.5%, on average, immediately after spawning due to release of eggs. Thus, the change in PCB concentration due to release of eggs did not explain, to any degree, the higher PCB concentrations observed in males compared with females. Bioenergetics modeling results indicated that the growth dilution effect could account for males being only 0.7% higher in PCB concentration compared with females. Thus, the growth dilution effect contributed very little to the observed difference in PCB concentrations between the sexes. We conclude that males were higher than females in PCB concentration most likely due to a higher rate of energy expenditure, stemming from greater activity and a greater resting metabolic rate. A higher rate of energy expenditure leads to a higher rate of food consumption, which, in turn, leads to a higher PCB accumulation rate.

Novel Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model for Prediction of Outcomes with an Extended-Release Formulation of Ciprofloxacin

PubMed Central

Meagher, Alison K.; Forrest, Alan; Dalhoff, Axel; Stass, Heino; Schentag, Jerome J.

2004-01-01

The pharmacokinetics of an extended-release (XR) formulation of ciprofloxacin has been compared to that of the immediate-release (IR) product in healthy volunteers. The only significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between the two formulations was seen in the rate constant of absorption, which was approximately 50% greater with the IR formulation. The geometric mean plasma ciprofloxacin concentrations were applied to an in vitro pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model exposing three different clinical strains of Escherichia coli (MICs, 0.03, 0.5, and 2.0 mg/liter) to 24 h of simulated concentrations in plasma. A novel mathematical model was derived to describe the time course of bacterial CFU, including capacity-limited replication and first-order rate of bacterial clearance, and to model the effects of ciprofloxacin concentrations on these processes. A “mixture model” was employed which allowed as many as three bacterial subpopulations to describe the total bacterial load at any moment. Comparing the two formulations at equivalent daily doses, the rates and extents of bacterial killing were similar with the IR and XR formulations at MICs of 0.03 and 2.0 mg/liter. At an MIC of 0.5 mg/liter, however, the 1,000-mg/day XR formulation showed a moderate advantage in antibacterial effect: the area under the CFU-time curve was 45% higher for the IR regimen; the nadir log CFU and 24-h log CFU values for the IR regimen were 3.75 and 2.49, respectively; and those for XR were 4.54 and 3.13, respectively. The mathematical model explained the differences in bacterial killing rate for two regimens with identical AUC/MIC ratios. PMID:15155200

77 FR 47918 - Information Collection Activities (Released Rates)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-10

... decision in Released Rates of Motor Common Carriers of Household Goods, Docket No. RR 999 (Amendment No. 5... loss or damage that occurs during interstate household-good moves. See Safe, Accountable, Flexible... elects anything other than full-value protection. See Released Rates of Motor Common Carriers of...

Evidence of technetium and iodine release from a sodalite-bearing ceramic waste form

DOE PAGES

Neeway, James J.; Qafoku, Nikolla P.; Williams, Benjamin D.; ...

2015-12-31

We proposed sodalites as a possible host of certain radioactive species, specifically 99Tc and 129I, which may be encapsulated into the cage structure of the mineral. To demonstrate the ability of this framework silicate mineral to encapsulate and immobilize 99Tc and 129I, single-pass flow-through (SPFT) tests were conducted on a sodalite-bearing multi-phase ceramic waste form produced through a steam reforming process. We produced two samples made using a steam reformer samples using nonradioactive I and Re (as a surrogate for Tc), while a third sample was produced using actual radioactive tank waste containing Tc and added Re. One of themore » non-radioactive samples was produced with an engineering-scale steam reformer while the other non-radioactive sample and the radioactive sample were produced using a bench-scale steam reformer. For all three steam reformer products, the similar steady-state dilute-solution release rates for Re, I, and Tc at pH (25 C) 9 and 40 C were measured. However, it was found that the Re, I, and Tc releases were equal or up to 4.5x higher compared to the release rates of the network-forming elements, Na, Al, and Si. Moreover, the similar releases of Re and Tc in the SPFT test, and the similar time-dependent shapes of the release curves for samples containing I, suggest that Re, Tc, and I partition to the sodalite minerals during the steam reforming process.« less

Dopamine Release and Uptake Impairments and Behavioral Alterations Observed in Mice that Model Fragile X Mental Retardation Syndrome.

PubMed

Fulks, Jenny L; O'Bryhim, Bliss E; Wenzel, Sara K; Fowler, Stephen C; Vorontsova, Elena; Pinkston, Jonathan W; Ortiz, Andrea N; Johnson, Michael A

2010-10-20

In this study we evaluated the relationship between amphetamine-induced behavioral alterations and dopamine release and uptake characteristics in Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1 KO) mice, which model fragile X syndrome. The behavioral analyses, obtained at millisecond temporal resolution and 2 mm spatial resolution using a force-plate actometer, revealed that Fmr1 KO mice express a lower degree of focused stereotypy compared to wild type (WT) control mice after injection with 10 mg/kg (ip) amphetamine. To identify potentially related neurochemical mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we measured electrically-evoked dopamine release and uptake using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in striatal brain slices. At 10 weeks of age, dopamine release per pulse, which is dopamine release corrected for differences in uptake, was unchanged. However, at 15 (the age of behavioral testing) and 20 weeks of age, dopamine per pulse and the maximum rate of dopamine uptake was diminished in Fmr1 KO mice compared to WT mice. Dopamine uptake measurements, obtained at different amphetamine concentrations, indicated that dopamine transporters in both genotypes have equal affinities for amphetamine. Moreover, dopamine release measurements from slices treated with quinpirole, a D2-family receptor agonist, rule out enhanced D2 autoreceptor sensitivity as a mechanism of release inhibition. However, dopamine release, uncorrected for uptake and normalized against the corresponding pre-drug release peaks, increased in Fmr1 KO mice, but not in WT mice. Collectively, these data are consistent with a scenario in which a decrease in extracellular dopamine levels in the striatum result in diminished expression of focused stereotypy in Fmr1 KO mice.

Cyclic debonding of unidirectional composite bonded to aluminum sheet for constant-amplitude loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roderick, G. L.; Everett, R. A., Jr.; Crews, J. H., Jr.

1976-01-01

Cyclic debonding rates were measured during constant-amplitude loading of specimens made of graphite/epoxy bonded to aluminum and S-glass/epoxy bonded to aluminum. Both room-temperature and elevated-temperature curing adhesives were used. Debonding was monitored with a photoelastic coating technique. The debonding rates were compared with three expressions for strain-energy release rate calculated in terms of the maximum stress, stress range, or a combination of the two. The debonding rates were influenced by both adherent thickness and the cyclic stress ratio. For a given value of maximum stress, lower stress ratios and thicker specimens produced faster debonding. Microscopic examination of the debonded surfaces showed different failure mechanisms both for identical adherends bonded with different adhesive and, indeed, even for different adherends bonded with identical adhesives. The expressions for strain-energy release rate correlated the data for different specimen thicknesses and stress ratios quite well for each material system, but the form of the best correlating expression varied among material systems. Empirical correlating expressions applicable to one material system may not be appropriate for another system.

Prediction of error rates in dose-imprinted memories on board CRRES by two different methods. [Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brucker, G. J.; Stassinopoulos, E. G.

1991-01-01

An analysis of the expected space radiation effects on the single event upset (SEU) properties of CMOS/bulk memories onboard the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) is presented. Dose-imprint data from ground test irradiations of identical devices are applied to the predictions of cosmic-ray-induced space upset rates in the memories onboard the spacecraft. The calculations take into account the effect of total dose on the SEU sensitivity of the devices as the dose accumulates in orbit. Estimates of error rates, which involved an arbitrary selection of a single pair of threshold linear energy transfer (LET) and asymptotic cross-section values, were compared to the results of an integration over the cross-section curves versus LET. The integration gave lower upset rates than the use of the selected values of the SEU parameters. Since the integration approach is more accurate and eliminates the need for an arbitrary definition of threshold LET and asymptotic cross section, it is recommended for all error rate predictions where experimental sigma-versus-LET curves are available.

A pulsed mode electrolytic drug delivery device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Ying; Buttner, Ulrich; Carreno, Armando A. A.; Conchouso, David; Foulds, Ian G.

2015-10-01

This paper reports the design of a proof-of-concept drug delivery device that is actuated using the bubbles formed during electrolysis. The device uses a platinum (Pt) coated nickel (Ni) metal foam and a solid drug in reservoir (SDR) approach to improve the device’s performance. This electrochemically-driven pump has many features that are unlike conventional drug delivery devices: it is capable of pumping periodically and being refilled automatically; it features drug release control; and it enables targeted delivery. Pt-coated metal foam is used as a catalytic reforming element, which reduces the period of each delivery cycle. Two methods were used for fabricating the Pt-coated metal: sputtering and electroplating. Of these two methods, the sputtered Pt-coated metal foam has a higher pumping rate; it also has a comparable recombination rate when compared to the electroplated Pt-coated metal foam. The only drawback of this catalytic reformer is that it consumes nickel scaffold. Considering long-term applications, the electroplated Pt metal foam was selected for drug delivery, where a controlled drug release rate of 2.2 μg  ±  0.3 μg per actuation pulse was achieved using 4 mW of power.

Aqueous Polymer Dispersion Coating Used for Osmotic Pump Tablets: Membrane Property Investigation and IVIVC Evaluation.

PubMed

Cheng, Lizhen; Gai, Xiumei; Wen, Haoyang; Liu, Dandan; Tang, Xin; Wang, Yanyan; Wang, Tuanjie; Pan, Weisan; Yang, Xinggang

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the fundamental properties of propranolol hydrochloride osmotic pump tablets coated by aqueous polymer dispersion, simultaneously exploring the in vitro and in vivo correlation of the tablet. The physicochemical properties and parameters of aqueous polymer dispersion membranes (SEM, water uptake, and water vapor transmission coefficient) were investigated. In addition, the release behavior and the in vitro release and in vivo absorption profiles of the tablets coated by aqueous polymer dispersion were investigated by comparing with propranolol hydrochloride osmotic pump tablets coated by an organic solvent. Results showed that the similarity factor (f 2 ) between cellulose acetate-coated tablet and Eudragit-coated tablet was 78.1, and f 2 between cellulose acetate-coated tablet and Kollicoat-coated tablet was 77.6. The linear IVIVC of Eudragit-coated and Kollicoat-coated osmotic pump tablets was determined, which confirmed excellent correlation between the absorption in vivo and the drug release in vitro. Consequently, the membrane coated by aqueous polymer dispersion or organic solvent has similar in vitro release rates of controlled release. Also, compared with organic solvent coating, aqueous polymer dispersion has numerous advantages, such as reduced toxicity and no environmental damage. Therefore, the aqueous polymer dispersion technology has enormous potential as a replacement of organic solvent coating.

Measurement of semiochemical release rates with a dedicated environmental control system

Treesearch

Heping Zhu; Harold W. Thistle; Christopher M. Ranger; Hongping Zhou; Brian L. Strom

2015-01-01

Insect semiochemical dispensers are commonly deployed under variable environmental conditions over a specified period. Predictions of their longevity are hampered by a lack of methods to accurately monitor and predict how primary variables affect semiochemical release rate. A system was constructed to precisely determine semiochemical release rates under...

40 CFR 302.8 - Continuous releases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... that the release is continuous and stable in quantity and rate; (2) Change in the normal range. If... section, continuous and stable in quantity and rate. (b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to... conditions during the preceding year. Only releases that are both continuous and stable in quantity and rate...

Miniature bulge test and energy release rate in HIPed aluminum/aluminum interfacial fracture

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

Liu, C.; Lovato, M. L.; Clarke, K. D.

We summarize the development of a technique of using miniature bulge test combined with three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) for measuring energy release rate or fracture toughness of bimaterial interface of thin metal foils. Furthermore, the energy release rate associated with the HIPed aluminum/aluminum interfacial delamination is determined experimentally using the proposed technique. Detailed discussions of the schemes of preparing and conducting the bulge test, and computing various quantities required for the determination of the energy release rate are presented.

Miniature bulge test and energy release rate in HIPed aluminum/aluminum interfacial fracture

DOE PAGES

Liu, C.; Lovato, M. L.; Clarke, K. D.; ...

2017-10-13

We summarize the development of a technique of using miniature bulge test combined with three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) for measuring energy release rate or fracture toughness of bimaterial interface of thin metal foils. Furthermore, the energy release rate associated with the HIPed aluminum/aluminum interfacial delamination is determined experimentally using the proposed technique. Detailed discussions of the schemes of preparing and conducting the bulge test, and computing various quantities required for the determination of the energy release rate are presented.

Rates of zinc and trace metal release from dissolving sphalerite at pH 2.0-4.0

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stanton, M.R.; Gemery-Hill, P. A.; Shanks, Wayne C.; Taylor, C.D.

2008-01-01

High-Fe and low-Fe sphalerite samples were reacted under controlled pH conditions to determine nonoxidative rates of release of Zn and trace metals from the solid-phase. The release (solubilization) of trace metals from dissolving sphalerite to the aqueous phase can be characterized by a kinetic distribution coefficient, (Dtr), which is defined as [(Rtr/X(tr)Sph)/(RZn/X(Zn) Sph)], where R is the trace metal or Zn release rate, and X is the mole fraction of the trace metal or Zn in sphalerite. This coefficient describes the relationship of the sphalerite dissolution rate to the trace metal mole fraction in the solid and its aqueous concentration. The distribution was used to determine some controls on metal release during the dissolution of sphalerite. Departures from the ideal Dtr of 1.0 suggest that some trace metals may be released via different pathways or that other processes (e.g., adsorption, solubility of trace minerals such as galena) affect the observed concentration of metals. Nonoxidative sphalerite dissolution (mediated by H+) is characterized by a "fast" stage in the first 24-30 h, followed by a "slow" stage for the remainder of the reaction. Over the pH range 2.0-4.0, and for similar extent of reaction (reaction time), sphalerite composition, and surface area, the rates of release of Zn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Mn and Pb from sphalerite generally increase with lower pH. Zinc and Fe exhibit the fastest rates of release, Mn and Pb have intermediate rates of release, and Cd and Cu show the slowest rates of release. The largest variations in metal release rates occur at pH 2.0. At pH 3.0 and 4.0, release rates show less variation and appear less dependent on the metal abundance in the solid. For the same extent of reaction (100 h), rates of Zn release range from 1.53 ?? 10-11 to 5.72 ?? 10-10 mol/m2/s; for Fe, the range is from 4.59 ?? 10-13 to 1.99 ?? 10-10 mol/m2/s. Trace metal release rates are generally 1-5 orders of magnitude slower than the Zn or Fe rates. Results indicate that the distributions of Fe and Cd are directly related to the rate of sphalerite dissolution throughout the reaction at pH 3.0 and 4.0 because these two elements substitute readily into sphalerite. These two metals are likely to be more amenable to usage in predictive acid dissolution models because of this behavior. The Pb distribution shows no strong relation to sphalerite dissolution and appears to be controlled by pH-dependent solubility, most likely related to trace amounts of galena. The distribution of Cu is similar to that of Fe but is the most-dependent of all metals on its mole fraction ratio (Zn:Cu) in sphalerite. The Mn distributions suggest an increase in the rate of Mn release relative to sphalerite dissolution occurs in low Mn samples as pH increases. The Mn distribution in high Mn samples is nearly independent of pH and sphalerite dissolution at pH 2.0 but shows a dependence on these two parameters at higher pH (3.0-4.0).

Characteristics of CO2 release from forest soil in the mountains near Beijing.

PubMed

Sun, Xiang Yang; Gao, Cheng Da; Zhang, Lin; Li, Su Yan; Qiao, Yong

2011-04-01

CO2 release from forest soil is a key driver of carbon cycling between the soil and atmosphere ecosystem. The rate of CO2 released from soil was measured in three forest stands (in the mountainous region near Beijing, China) by the alkaline absorption method from 2004 to 2006. The rate of CO2 released did not differ among the three stands. The CO2 release rate ranged from - 341 to 1,193 mg m(-2) h(-1), and the mean value over all three forests and sampling times was 286 mg m(-2) h(-1). CO2 release was positively correlated with soil water content and the soil temperature. Diurnally, CO2 release was higher in the day than at night. Seasonally, CO2 release was highest in early autumn and lowest in winter; in winter, negative values of CO2 release suggested that CO2 was absorbed by soil.

Setting accelerated dissolution test for PLGA microspheres containing peptide, investigation of critical parameters affecting drug release rate and mechanism.

PubMed

Tomic, I; Vidis-Millward, A; Mueller-Zsigmondy, M; Cardot, J-M

2016-05-30

The objective of this study was development of accelerated in vitro release method for peptide loaded PLGA microspheres using flow-through apparatus and assessment of the effect of dissolution parameters (pH, temperature, medium composition) on drug release rate and mechanism. Accelerated release conditions were set as pH 2 and 45°C, in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) 0.02M. When the pH was changed from 2 to 4, diffusion controlled phases (burst and lag) were not affected, while release rate during erosion phase decreased two-fold due to slower ester bonds hydrolyses. Decreasing temperature from 45°C to 40°C, release rate showed three-fold deceleration without significant change in release mechanism. Effect of medium composition on drug release was tested in PBS 0.01M (200 mOsm/kg) and PBS 0.01M with glucose (380 mOsm/kg). Buffer concentration significantly affected drug release rate and mechanism due to the change in osmotic pressure, while ionic strength did not have any effect on peptide release. Furthermore, dialysis sac and sample-and-separate techniques were used, in order to evaluate significance of dissolution technique choice on the release process. After fitting obtained data to different mathematical models, flow-through method was confirmed as the most appropriate for accelerated in vitro dissolution testing for a given formulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diffusion of progestogens through Silastic rubber implants.

PubMed

Lifchez, A S; Scommegna, A

1970-05-01

Silastic rubber capsules in 2 thicknesses (.42 mm and .80 mm) and 3 lengths (9, 14, and 19 mm) were filled with progesterone, Provera, Norgestrel, or chlormadinone acetate and implanted under the skin of rats, and the amount of steroid released was measured after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The amount of steroid released was also measured from progesterone-filled capsules .42 mm thick and varying from 19-32 mm long inserted in the uterus of 16 women volunteers for 1-7 days. The rate of release of each steroid in the rats was found to be proportionate to the length of the capsule and related, but not proportional to the thickness of the capsule. The release rate of progesterone was 3-20 times greater than that of the other steroids, while Norgestrel diffused at the lowest rate. The influence of thickness of capsule was greater for the steroids with the highest diffusion rate, progesterone and chlormadinone acetate. The release rates of all except chlormadinone acetate were higher in the 1st week. The release rates of the synthetic progestins, unlike that of progesterone, were relatively constant after the 1st week. The release rate of progesterone tended to be related to the amount remaining in the capsule when the amount became small. The measured amount of progesterone released each day from each intrauterine capsule was also proportional to its length. It appears that Norgestrel, Provera, and chlormadinone acetate are all released slowly enough and have enough biologic activity at low concentrations to have a contraceptive effect for well over 1 year when administered in a 30 mm intrauterine capsule.

Calbindin-D(28k) controls [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin release. Evidence obtained from calbindin-d(28k) knockout mice and beta cell lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sooy, K.; Schermerhorn, T.; Noda, M.; Surana, M.; Rhoten, W. B.; Meyer, M.; Fleischer, N.; Sharp, G. W.; Christakos, S.

1999-01-01

The role of the calcium-binding protein, calbindin-D(28k) in potassium/depolarization-stimulated increases in the cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and insulin release was investigated in pancreatic islets from calbindin-D(28k) nullmutant mice (knockouts; KO) or wild type mice and beta cell lines stably transfected and overexpressing calbindin. Using single islets from KO mice and stimulation with 45 mM KCl, the peak of [Ca(2+)](i) was 3.5-fold greater in islets from KO mice compared with wild type islets (p < 0.01) and [Ca(2+)](i) remained higher during the plateau phase. In addition to the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in response to KCl there was also a significant increase in insulin release in islets isolated from KO mice. Evidence for modulation by calbindin of [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin release was also noted using beta cell lines. Rat calbindin was stably expressed in betaTC-3 and betaHC-13 cells. In response to depolarizing concentrations of K(+), insulin release was decreased by 45-47% in calbindin expressing betaTC cells and was decreased by 70-80% in calbindin expressing betaHC cells compared with insulin release from vector transfected betaTC or betaHC cells (p < 0.01). In addition, the K(+)-stimulated intracellular calcium peak was markedly inhibited in calbindin expressing betaHC cells compared with vector transfected cells (225 nM versus 1,100 nM, respectively). Buffering of the depolarization-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) was also observed in calbindin expressing betaTC cells. In summary, our findings, using both isolated islets from calbindin-D(28k) KO mice and beta cell lines, establish a role for calbindin in the modulation of depolarization-stimulated insulin release and suggest that calbindin can control the rate of insulin release via regulation of [Ca(2+)](i).

Physiochemical Characterization and Release Rate Studies of SolidDispersions of Ketoconazole with Pluronic F127 and PVP K-30

PubMed Central

Kumar, Pankaj; Mohan, Chander; KanamSrinivasan Uma Shankar, Mara; Gulati, Monica

2011-01-01

In the present study solid dispersions of the antifungal drug Ketoconazole were prepared with Pluronic F-127 and PVP K-30 with an intention to improve its dissolution properties. Investigations of the properties of the dispersions were performed using release studies, Differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results obtained showed that the rate of dissolution of Ketoconazole was considerably improved when formulated in solid dispersions with PVP K-30 and Pluronic F-127 as compared with pure drug and physical mixtures. The results from DSC and XRD studies showed the transition of crystalline nature of drug to amorphous form, while FTIR studies demonstrated the absence of drug-carriers interaction. PMID:24250403

Development of a multilayered association polymer system for sequential drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinnakavanam Sundararaj, Sharath kumar

As all the physiological processes in our body are controlled by multiple biomolecules, comprehensive treatment of certain disease conditions may be more effectively achieved by administration of more than one type of drug. Thus, the primary objective of this research was to develop a multilayered, polymer-based system for sequential delivery of multiple drugs. This particular device was designed aimed at the treatment of periodontitis, a highly prevalent oral inflammatory disease that affects 90% of the world population. This condition is caused by bacterial biofilm on the teeth, resulting in a chronic inflammatory response that leads to loss of alveolar bone and, ultimately, the tooth. Current treatment methods for periodontitis address specific parts of the disease, with no individual treatment serving as a complete therapy. The polymers used for the fabrication of this multilayered device consists of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) complexed with Pluronic F-127 (P). After evaluating morphology of the resulting CAPP system, in vitro release of small molecule drugs and a model protein was studied from both single and multilayered devices. Drug release from single-layered CAPP films followed zero-order kinetics related to surface erosion property of the association polymer. Release studies from multilayered CAPP devices showed the possibility of achieving intermittent release of one type of drug as well as sequential release of more than one type of drug. Mathematical modeling accurately predicted the release profiles for both single layer and multilayered devices. After the initial characterization of the CAPP system, the device was specifically modified to achieve sequential release of drugs aimed at the treatment of periodontitis. The four types of drugs used were metronidazole, ketoprofen, doxycycline, and simvastatin to eliminate infection, inhibit inflammation, prevent tissue destruction, and aid bone regeneration, respectively. To obtain different erosion times and achieve appropriate release profiles specific to the disease condition, the device was modified by increasing the number of layers or by inclusion of a slower eroding polymer layer. In all the cases, the device was able to release the four different drugs in the designed temporal sequence. Analysis of antibiotic and antiinflammatory bioactivity showed that drugs released from the devices retained 100% bioactivity. Following extensive studies on the in vitro sequential drug release from these devices, the in vivo drug release profiles were investigated. The CAPP devices with different release rates and dosage formulations were implanted in a rat calvarial onlay model, and the in vivo drug release and erosion was compared with in vitro results. In vivo studies showed sequential release of drugs comparable to those measured in vitro, with some difference in drug release rates observed. The present CAPP association polymer-based multilayer devices can be used for localized, sequential delivery of multiple drugs for the possible treatment of complex disease conditions, and perhaps for tissue engineering applications, that require delivery of more than one type of biomolecule. KEYWORDS: Multiple drug delivery, Periodontitis, Cellulose acetate phthalate, Pluronic F-127, Sequential drug release, in vitro drug release, in vivo drug release.

Biogenic nanosilica blended by nanofibrillated cellulose as support for slow-release of tebuconazole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattos, Bruno D.; Magalhães, Washington L. E.

2016-09-01

Despite the potential application of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector, it is not as competitive as other industrial sectors because these approaches do not demonstrate a sufficient economic return to counterbalance the high production costs. For biocidal purposes, the reduction of the initial costs can be addressed if biogenic nanosilica and nanofibrillated cellulose were used to prepare nanocomposite for further utilization as support for slow-release of tebuconazole. Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that biocide was entrapped in the cellulose/silica nanocomposites network. The scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography evaluation showed the nanocomposite's microstructure based on irregular shape nanosilica blended by nanofibrillated cellulose in a randomly organized network. Elemental mapping images showed the tebuconazole better dispersed in the composite blended with lower content of cellulose. The nanofibrillated cellulose played an important role in the release rate of the biocide mainly at short-term periods. At 15 days of immersion, the pure biocide had 95 % release compared with 30-45 % release of the tebuconazole loaded in the nanocomposites.

Drug release from nanoparticles embedded in four different nanofibrillar cellulose aerogels.

PubMed

Valo, Hanna; Arola, Suvi; Laaksonen, Päivi; Torkkeli, Mika; Peltonen, Leena; Linder, Markus B; Serimaa, Ritva; Kuga, Shigenori; Hirvonen, Jouni; Laaksonen, Timo

2013-09-27

Highly porous nanocellulose aerogels prepared by freeze-drying from various nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) hydrogels are introduced as nanoparticle reservoirs for oral drug delivery systems. Here we show that beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) nanoparticles coated with amphiphilic hydrophobin proteins can be well integrated into the NFC aerogels. NFCs from four different origins are introduced and compared to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The nanocellulose aerogel scaffolds made from red pepper (RC) and MCC release the drug immediately, while bacterial cellulose (BC), quince seed (QC) and TEMPO-oxidized birch cellulose-based (TC) aerogels show sustained drug release. Since the release of the drug is controlled by the structure and interactions between the nanoparticles and the cellulose matrix, modulation of the matrix formers enable a control of the drug release rate. These nanocomposite structures can be very useful in many pharmaceutical nanoparticle applications and open up new possibilities as carriers for controlled drug delivery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Optimization of calcium alginate floating microspheres loading aspirin by artificial neural networks and response surface methodology].

PubMed

Zhang, An-yang; Fan, Tian-yuan

2010-04-18

To investigate the preparation and optimization of calcium alginate floating microspheres loading aspirin. A model was used to predict the in vitro release of aspirin and optimize the formulation by artificial neural networks (ANNs) and response surface methodology (RSM). The amounts of the material in the formulation were used as inputs, while the release and floating rate of the microspheres were used as outputs. The performances of ANNs and RSM were compared. ANNs were more accurate in prediction. There was no significant difference between ANNs and RSM in optimization. Approximately 90% of the optimized microspheres could float on the artificial gastric juice over 4 hours. 42.12% of aspirin was released in 60 min, 60.97% in 120 min and 78.56% in 240 min. The release of the drug from the microspheres complied with Higuchi equation. The aspirin floating microspheres with satisfying in vitro release were prepared successfully by the methods of ANNs and RSM.

Drug Release Studies from Caesalpinia pulcherrima Seed Polysaccharide.

PubMed

Jeevanandham, Somasundaram; Dhachinamoorthi, Duraiswamy; Bannoth Chandra Sekhar, Kothapalli

2011-01-01

This study examines the controlled release behavior of both water-soluble (acetaminophen, caffeine, theophylline and salicylic acid) and water insoluble (indomethacin) drugs derived from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed Gum isolated from Caesalpinia pulcherrima kernel powder. It further investigates the effect of incorporating diluents such as microcrystalline cellulose and lactose on caffeine release. In addition the effect the gum's (polysaccharide) partial cross-linking had on release of acetaminophen was examined. Applying the exponential equation, the soluble drugs mechanism of release was found to be anomalous. The insoluble drugs showed a near case II or zero order release mechanism. The rate of release in descending order was caffeine, acetaminophen, theophylline, salicylic acid and indomethacin. An increase in the release kinetics of the drug was observed on blending with diluents. However, the rate of release varied with the type and amount of blend within the matrix. The mechanism of release due to effect of diluents was found to be anomalous. The rate of drug release decreased upon partial cross-linking and the mechanism of release was found to be of super case II.

Novel PEPA-functionalized graphene oxide for fire safety enhancement of polypropylene

PubMed Central

Xu, Jia You; Liu, Jie; Li, Kai Dan; Tanemura, Sakae

2015-01-01

Polypropylene (PP) is a general-purpose plastic, but some applications are constrained by its high flammability. Thus, flame retardant PP is urgently demanded. In this article, intumescent flame retardant PP (IFRPP) composites with enhanced fire safety were prepared using 1-oxo-4-hydroxymethyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (PEPA) functionalized graphene oxide (PGO) as synergist. The PGO was prepared through a mild chemical reaction by the covalent attachment of a caged-structure organic compound, PEPA, onto GO nanosheets using toluene diisocynate (TDI) as the intermediary agent. The novel PEPA-functionalized graphene oxide not only improves the heat resistance of GO but also converts GO and PEPA from hydrophobic to hydrophilic materials, which leads to even distribution in PP. In our case, 7 wt% addition of PGO as one of the fillers for IFRPP composites significantly reduces its inflammability and fire hazards when compared with PEPA, by the improvement of first release rate peak (PHRR), total heat release, first smoke release rate peak (PSRR) and total smoke release, suggesting its great potential as the IFR synergist in industry. The reason is mainly attributed to the barrier effect of the unburned graphene sheets, which protects by the decomposition products of PEPA and TDI, promotes the formation of graphitized carbon and inhibits the heat and gas release. PMID:27877775

The effect of additives on release and in vitro skin retention of flavonoids from emulsion and gel semisolid formulations.

PubMed

Dyja, R; Jankowski, A

2017-08-01

To assess the effect of two different additives (propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400)) on release and in vitro skin retention of quercetin and chrysin from semisolid bases (amphiphilic creams and acidic carbomer gels). For obtaining semisolid formulations, flavonoids were pre-dissolved in the liquid (PG or PEG 400) or directly suspended in the semisolid base. Three chrysin formulations ('cream 0', 'PG-cream' and 'PEG 400-cream') and five quercetin formulations ('cream 0', 'PG cream', 'PEG 400 cream', 'gel 0' and 'PG gel') were prepared. The release studies were carried out in Franz diffusion cells by means of a cellulose membrane. The porcine ear skin was used in in vitro skin retention studies. The dissolution was a prerequisite to increase the release rates of tested flavonoids from obtained semisolid formulations. The cumulative amount of chrysin released after 6 h from 'PEG 400 cream' containing partly dissolved form of that flavonoid was higher than that from 'cream 0' or 'PG cream' containing its suspended form. The formulations containing quercetin dissolved in PG ('PG cream', 'PG gel') or PEG 400 ('PEG 400 cream') exhibited higher release rates of that flavonoid than corresponding semisolid suspensions ('cream 0' or 'gel 0'). The effects of both liquid additives (PG and PEG 400) on the cumulative amount of quercetin released after 6 h were comparable. However, there was no correlation between the release rate and the skin retention. The amounts of the flavonoids found in the skin were strongly affected by the type of the used solvent. While PG increased the skin retention of both flavonoids, PEG 400 had no effect on chrysin skin retention and delayed quercetin skin absorption. The proper choice of the solvent added to the semisolid base is crucial for enhanced skin delivery of the tested flavonoids. PG is more efficient absorption promoter than PEG 400 of both chrysin and quercetin. © 2017 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Kinetic Release of Alkalinity from Particle-Containing Oil-in-Water Emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, K.; Chapra, S. C.; Ramsburg, A.

2014-12-01

Oil-in-water emulsions are typically employed during remediation to promote biotic reduction of contaminants. Emulsions, however, hold promise for encapsulated delivery of many types of active ingredients required for successful site remediation or long-term site stewardship. Our research is currently focused on using alkalinity-containing particles held within oil-in-water emulsions to sustain control of subsurface pH. Here we describe results from laboratory experiments and mathematical modeling conducted to quantify the kinetics associated with the emulsion delivery and alkalinity release process. Kinetically stable oil-in-water emulsions containing (~60 nmCaCO3 or ~100 nm MgO particles) were previously developed using soybean oil and Gum Arabic as a stabilizing agent. Batch and column experiments were employed to assess the accessibility and release of the alkalinity from the emulsion. Successive additions of HCl were used in batch systems to produce several pH responses (pH rebounds) that were subsequently modeled to elucidate release mechanisms and rates for varying emulsion compositions and particle types. Initial results suggest that a linear-driving-force model is generally able to capture the release behavior in the batch system when the temporally-constant, lumped mass-transfer coefficient is scaled by the fraction of particle mass remaining within the droplets. This result suggests that the rate limiting step in the release process may be the interphase transfer of reactive species at the oil-water interface. 1-d column experiments were also completed in order to quantify the extent and rate of alkalinity release from emulsion droplets retained in a sandy medium. Alkalinity release from the retained droplets treated a pH 4 influent water for 25-60 pore volumes (the duration depended on particle type and mass loading), and the cessation in treatment corresponded to exhaustion of the particle mass held within the oil. Column experiments were simulated using a transport code containing the linear-driving-force expression evaluated in the batch experiments. In these simulations the lumped mass transfer coefficient was fit and compared with values predicted using existing correlations for liquid-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces in porous media.

Press-coated tablets for time-programmed release of drugs.

PubMed

Conte, U; Maggi, L; Torre, M L; Giunchedi, P; La Manna, A

1993-10-01

A new dry-coated device for the release of drug after a programmable period of time is proposed. It is intended to be used mainly in the therapy of those diseases which depend on circadian rhythms. Some core formulations, characterized by different release rates and mechanisms (containing diltiazem hydrochloride or sodium diclofenac as model drugs), were coated by compression with different polymeric barrier layers (press-coated systems). The shell formulations tested contained either gellable or erodible polymers. The dissolution profiles of uncoated cores and press-coated devices were compared. The gellable and/or erodible characteristics (properties) of the barrier formulations were also examined by means of a penetrometer. The coatings prevent drug release from the core until the polymeric shell is completely eroded or swollen. This delay in release start is not influenced by the core composition and depends only on the shell formulation. Except for the time-lag, the release kinetics of the drug contained in the core are not significantly influenced by the presence of the erodible barrier, but can be widely modulated using a swellable polymeric shell.

Methotrexate-loaded porous polymeric adsorbents as oral sustained release formulations.

PubMed

Wang, Xiuyan; Yan, Husheng

2017-09-01

Methotrexate as a model drug with poor aqueous solubility was adsorbed into porous polymeric adsorbents, which was used as oral sustained release formulations. In vitro release assay in simulated gastrointestinal fluids showed that the methotrexate-loaded adsorbents showed distinct sustained release performance. The release rate increased with increase in pore size of the adsorbents. In vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that the maximal plasma methotrexate concentrations after oral administration of free methotrexate and methotrexate-loaded DA201-H (a commercial porous polymeric adsorbent) to rats occurred at 40min and 5h post-dose, respectively; and the plasma concentrations decreased to 22% after 5h for free methotrexate and 44% after 24h for methotrexate-loaded DA201-H, respectively. The load of methotrexate into the porous polymeric adsorbents not only resulted in obvious sustained release, but also enhanced the oral bioavailability of methotrexate. The areas under the curve, AUC 0-24 and AUC 0-inf , for methotrexate-loaded DA201-H increased 3.3 and 7.7 times, respectively, compared to those for free methotrexate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plastic biofilm carrier after corn cobs reduces nitrate loading in laboratory denitrifying bioreactors

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nitrate-nitrogen removal rates can be increased substantially in denitrifying bioreactors with a corn cob bed medium compared to woodchips; however, additional organic carbon (C) is released into the effluent. This laboratory column experiment was conducted to test the performance of a post-bed cha...

Galantamine-ER for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease

PubMed Central

Seltzer, Ben

2010-01-01

An extended release form of the cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) drug galantamine (galantamine-ER) was developed, chiefly to increase adherence to medication regimes in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Except for predicted differences in (Cmax) and tmax, comparable doses of once daily galantamine-ER and regular, immediate release galantamine, (galantamine-IR), are pharmacologically equivalent. A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled, multicenter phase III trial, which compared galantamine-IR, galantamine-ER and placebo in subjects with mild to moderate AD (mini-mental state examination [MMSE] score range, 10 to 24) showed that both formulations of galantamine were significantly better than placebo in terms of cognition, although not with regard to global change. There was no difference in drug-related adverse events between galantamine-ER and galantamine-IR. Since its release onto the market galantamine-ER has enjoyed wide popularity and a recent surveillance study suggests that it has the highest 1-year persistence rate of all the ChEIs. PMID:20169037

ATP hydrolysis assists phosphate release and promotes reaction ordering in F1-ATPase

PubMed Central

Li, Chun-Biu; Ueno, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Rikiya; Noji, Hiroyuki; Komatsuzaki, Tamiki

2015-01-01

F1-ATPase (F1) is a rotary motor protein that can efficiently convert chemical energy to mechanical work of rotation via fine coordination of its conformational motions and reaction sequences. Compared with reactant binding and product release, the ATP hydrolysis has relatively little contributions to the torque and chemical energy generation. To scrutinize possible roles of ATP hydrolysis, we investigate the detailed statistics of the catalytic dwells from high-speed single wild-type F1 observations. Here we report a small rotation during the catalytic dwell triggered by the ATP hydrolysis that is indiscernible in previous studies. Moreover, we find in freely rotating F1 that ATP hydrolysis is followed by the release of inorganic phosphate with low synthesis rates. Finally, we propose functional roles of the ATP hydrolysis as a key to kinetically unlock the subsequent phosphate release and promote the correct reaction ordering. PMID:26678797

Absorption Study of Genistein Using Solid Lipid Microparticles and Nanoparticles: Control of Oral Bioavailability by Particle Sizes.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong Tae; Barua, Sonia; Kim, Hyeongmin; Hong, Seong-Chul; Yoo, Seung-Yup; Jeon, Hyojin; Cho, Yeongjin; Gil, Sangwon; Oh, Kyungsoo; Lee, Jaehwi

2017-07-01

In this study, the effect of particle size of genistein-loaded solid lipid particulate systems on drug dissolution behavior and oral bioavailability was investigated. Genistein-loaded solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles were prepared with glyceryl palmitostearate. Except for the particle size, other properties of genistein-loaded solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles such as particle composition and drug loading efficiency and amount were similarly controlled to mainly evaluate the effect of different particle sizes of the solid lipid particulate systems on drug dissolution behavior and oral bioavailability. The results showed that genistein-loaded solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles exhibited a considerably increased drug dissolution rate compared to that of genistein bulk powder and suspension. The microparticles gradually released genistein as a function of time while the nanoparticles exhibited a biphasic drug release pattern, showing an initial burst drug release, followed by a sustained release. The oral bioavailability of genistein loaded in solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles in rats was also significantly enhanced compared to that in bulk powders and the suspension. However, the bioavailability from the microparticles increased more than that from the nanoparticles mainly because the rapid drug dissolution rate and rapid absorption of genistein because of the large surface area of the genistein-solid lipid nanoparticles cleared the drug to a greater extent than the genistein-solid lipid microparticles did. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that controlling the particle size of solid-lipid particulate systems at a micro-scale would be a promising strategy to increase the oral bioavailability of genistein.

Dehydration kinetics of talc and 10 Å phase: Consequences for subduction zone seismicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chollet, Mélanie; Daniel, Isabelle; Koga, Kenneth T.; Petitgirard, Sylvain; Morard, Guillaume

2009-06-01

The process of dehydration embrittlement is usually proposed as an explanation for the presence of intermediate-depth earthquakes in subduction zones. It assumes that the release of water by hydrous mineral breakdown is fast enough to provoke brittle failure. We performed high-pressure, high-temperature, dehydration experiments of talc and 10 Å phase coupled with in situ measurement of reaction kinetics using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Newly developed, X-ray transparent, pressure-sealed, titanium capsule ensured a closed thermochemical environment. From isothermal kinetics data fitted to the Avrami's equation and from the texture of reaction products, we conclude that dehydration rates of these minerals are limited by diffusion. Predicted minimum rates of fluid release range from 10 - 4 to 9 × 10 - 6 m 3fluid m - 3 rock s - 1 , and are fast enough to provoke hydraulic rupture since Maxwell relaxation rate of rocks relevant of subduction zones are slower than the rate of fluid release. These rates are comparable between talc, 10 Å phase and antigorite also [Perrillat, J.-P., Daniel, I., Koga, K.T., Reynard, B., Cardon, H., Crichton, W.A., 2005. Kinetics of antigorite dehydration: a real-time X-ray diffraction study. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 236, 899-913]. Consequently, we suggest that the dehydration of hydrous minerals may eventually be fast enough to trigger the intermediate-depth earthquakes, and that the deepest among intermediate-depth earthquakes may actually locate the limits for dehydration of hydrous minerals in the downgoing lithosphere.

Residual thermal and moisture influences on the strain energy release rate analysis of local delaminations from matrix cracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obrien, T. K.

1991-01-01

An analysis utilizing laminated plate theory is developed to calculate the strain energy release rate associated with local delaminations originating at off-axis, single ply, matrix cracks in laminates subjected to uniaxial loads. The analysis includes the contribution of residual thermal and moisture stresses to the strain energy released. Examples are calculated for the strain energy release rate associated with local delaminations originating at 90 degrees and angle-ply (non-90 degrees) matrix ply cracks in glass epoxy and graphite epoxy laminates. The solution developed may be used to assess the relative contribution of mechanical, residual thermal, and moisture stresses on the strain energy release rate for local delamination for a variety of layups and materials.

Production of extended release mini-tablets using directly compressible grades of HPMC.

PubMed

Mohamed, Faiezah A A; Roberts, Matthew; Seton, Linda; Ford, James L; Levina, Marina; Rajabi-Siahboomi, Ali R

2013-11-01

Hypromellose (HPMC) has been previously used to control drug release from mini-tablets. However, owing to poor flow, production of mini-tablets containing high HPMC levels is challenging. Directly compressible (DC) HPMC grades have been developed by Dow Chemical Company. To compare the properties of HPMC DC (METHOCEL™ K4M and K100M) with regular (REG) HPMC grades. Particle size distribution and flowability of HPMC REG and DC were evaluated. 3 mm mini-tablets, containing hydrocortisone or theophylline as model drugs and 40% w/w HPMC DC or REG were produced. Mini-tablets containing HPMC DC grades were manufactured using a rotary press simulator at forces between 2-4 kN and speeds of 5, 10, 15 or 20 rpm. Mini-tablets containing HPMC REG were produced manually. The improved flowability of HPMC DC grades, which have a narrower particle size distribution and larger particle sizes, meant that simulated large scale production of mini-tablets with good weight uniformity (CV 1.79-4.65%) was feasible. It was not possible to automatically manufacture mini-tablets containing HPMC REG due to the poor flowability of the formulations. Drug release from mini-tablets comprising HPMC DC and REG were comparable. Mini-tablets containing HPMC DC illustrated a higher tensile strength compared to mini-tablets made with HPMC REG. Mini-tablets produced with HPMC DC at different compression speeds had similar drug release profiles. Production of extended release mini-tablets was successfully achieved when HPMC DC was used. Drug release rate was not influenced by the different HPMC DC grades (K4M or K100M) or production speed.

Thyroid Cancer Detection by Ultrasound Among Residents Ages 18 Years and Younger in Fukushima, Japan: 2011 to 2014

PubMed Central

Tokinobu, Akiko; Yamamoto, Eiji; Suzuki, Etsuji

2016-01-01

Background: After the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011, radioactive elements were released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Based on prior knowledge, concern emerged about whether an increased incidence of thyroid cancer among exposed residents would occur as a result. Methods: After the release, Fukushima Prefecture performed ultrasound thyroid screening on all residents ages ≤18 years. The first round of screening included 298,577 examinees, and a second round began in April 2014. We analyzed the prefecture results from the first and second round up to December 31, 2014, in comparison with the Japanese annual incidence and the incidence within a reference area in Fukushima Prefecture. Results: The highest incidence rate ratio, using a latency period of 4 years, was observed in the central middle district of the prefecture compared with the Japanese annual incidence (incidence rate ratio = 50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 25, 90). The prevalence of thyroid cancer was 605 per million examinees (95% CI = 302, 1,082) and the prevalence odds ratio compared with the reference district in Fukushima Prefecture was 2.6 (95% CI = 0.99, 7.0). In the second screening round, even under the assumption that the rest of examinees were disease free, an incidence rate ratio of 12 has already been observed (95% CI = 5.1, 23). Conclusions: An excess of thyroid cancer has been detected by ultrasound among children and adolescents in Fukushima Prefecture within 4 years of the release, and is unlikely to be explained by a screening surge. PMID:26441345

Food mechanical properties and dietary ecology.

PubMed

Berthaume, Michael A

2016-01-01

Interdisciplinary research has benefitted the fields of anthropology and engineering for decades: a classic example being the application of material science to the field of feeding biomechanics. However, after decades of research, discordances have developed in how mechanical properties are defined, measured, calculated, and used due to disharmonies between and within fields. This is highlighted by "toughness," or energy release rate, the comparison of incomparable tests (i.e., the scissors and wedge tests), and the comparison of incomparable metrics (i.e., the stress and displacement-limited indices). Furthermore, while material scientists report on a myriad of mechanical properties, it is common for feeding biomechanics studies to report on just one (energy release rate) or two (energy release rate and Young's modulus), which may or may not be the most appropriate for understanding feeding mechanics. Here, I review portions of materials science important to feeding biomechanists, discussing some of the basic assumptions, tests, and measurements. Next, I provide an overview of what is mechanically important during feeding, and discuss the application of mechanical property tests to feeding biomechanics. I also explain how 1) toughness measures gathered with the scissors, wedge, razor, and/or punch and die tests on non-linearly elastic brittle materials are not mechanical properties, 2) scissors and wedge tests are not comparable and 3) the stress and displacement-limited indices are not comparable. Finally, I discuss what data gathered thus far can be best used for, and discuss the future of the field, urging researchers to challenge underlying assumptions in currently used methods to gain a better understanding between primate masticatory morphology and diet. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

38 CFR 4.30 - Convalescent ratings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... RATING DISABILITIES General Policy in Rating § 4.30 Convalescent ratings. A total disability rating (100... by report at hospital discharge (regular discharge or release to non-bed care) or outpatient release... total ratings will not be subject to § 3.105(e) of this chapter. Such total rating will be followed by...

The dispersion releaser technology is an effective method for testing drug release from nanosized drug carriers.

PubMed

Janas, Christine; Mast, Marc-Phillip; Kirsamer, Li; Angioni, Carlo; Gao, Fiona; Mäntele, Werner; Dressman, Jennifer; Wacker, Matthias G

2017-06-01

The dispersion releaser (DR) is a dialysis-based setup for the analysis of the drug release from nanosized drug carriers. It is mounted into dissolution apparatus2 of the United States Pharmacopoeia. The present study evaluated the DR technique investigating the drug release of the model compound flurbiprofen from drug solution and from nanoformulations composed of the drug and the polymer materials poly (lactic acid), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) or Eudragit®RSPO. The drug loaded nanocarriers ranged in size between 185.9 and 273.6nm and were characterized by a monomodal size distribution (PDI<0.1). The membrane permeability constants of flurbiprofen were calculated and mathematical modeling was applied to obtain the normalized drug release profiles. For comparing the sensitivities of the DR and the dialysis bag technique, the differences in the membrane permeation rates were calculated. Finally, different formulation designs of flurbiprofen were sensitively discriminated using the DR technology. The mechanism of drug release from the nanosized carriers was analyzed by applying two mathematical models described previously, the reciprocal powered time model and the three parameter model. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards more realistic in vitro release measurement techniques for biodegradable microparticles.

PubMed

Klose, D; Azaroual, N; Siepmann, F; Vermeersch, G; Siepmann, J

2009-03-01

To better understand the importance of the environmental conditions for drug release from biodegradable microparticles allowing for the development of more appropriate in vitro release measurement techniques. Propranolol HCl diffusion in various agarose gels was characterized by NMR and UV analysis. Fick's law was used to theoretically predict the mass transport kinetics. Drug release from PLGA-based microparticles in such agarose gels was compared to that measured in agitated bulk fluids ("standard" method). NMR analysis revealed that the drug diffusivity was almost independent of the hydrogel concentration, despite of the significant differences in the systems' mechanical properties. This is due to the small size of the drug molecules/ions with respect to the hydrogel mesh size. Interestingly, the theoretically predicted drug concentration-distance-profiles could be confirmed by independent experiments. Most important from a practical point of view, significant differences in the release rates from the same batch of PLGA-based microparticles into a well agitated bulk fluid versus a semi-solid agarose gel were observed. Great care must be taken when defining the in vitro conditions for drug release measurements from biodegradable microparticles. The obtained new insight can help facilitating the development of more appropriate in vitro release testing procedures.

Urban Pollutant Transport and Infiltration into Buildings Using Perfluorocarbon Tracers.

PubMed

Matthews, James C; Bacak, Asan; Khan, M Anwar H; Wright, Matthew D; Priestley, Michael; Martin, Damien; Percival, Carl J; Shallcross, Dudley E

2017-02-21

People spend the majority of their time indoors and therefore the quality of indoor air is worthy of investigation; indoor air quality is affected by indoor sources of pollutants and from pollutants entering buildings from outdoors. In this study, unique perfluorocarbon tracers were released in five experiments at a 100 m and ~2 km distance from a large university building in Manchester, UK and tracer was also released inside the building to measure the amount of outdoor material penetrating into buildings and the flow of material within the building itself. Air samples of the tracer were taken in several rooms within the building, and a CO₂ tracer was used within the building to estimate air-exchange rates. Air-exchange rates were found to vary between 0.57 and 10.90 per hour. Indoor perfluorocarbon tracer concentrations were paired to outdoor tracer concentrations, and in-out ratios were found to vary between 0.01 and 3.6. The largest room with the lowest air-exchange rate exhibited elevated tracer concentrations for over 60 min after the release had finished, but generally had the lowest concentrations, the room with the highest ventilation rates had the highest concentration over 30 min, but the peak decayed more rapidly. Tracer concentrations indoors compared to outdoors imply that pollutants remain within buildings after they have cleared outside, which must be considered when evaluating human exposure to outdoor pollutants.

Urban Pollutant Transport and Infiltration into Buildings Using Perfluorocarbon Tracers

PubMed Central

Matthews, James C.; Bacak, Asan; Khan, M. Anwar H.; Wright, Matthew D.; Priestley, Michael; Martin, Damien; Percival, Carl J.; Shallcross, Dudley E.

2017-01-01

People spend the majority of their time indoors and therefore the quality of indoor air is worthy of investigation; indoor air quality is affected by indoor sources of pollutants and from pollutants entering buildings from outdoors. In this study, unique perfluorocarbon tracers were released in five experiments at a 100 m and ~2 km distance from a large university building in Manchester, UK and tracer was also released inside the building to measure the amount of outdoor material penetrating into buildings and the flow of material within the building itself. Air samples of the tracer were taken in several rooms within the building, and a CO2 tracer was used within the building to estimate air-exchange rates. Air-exchange rates were found to vary between 0.57 and 10.90 per hour. Indoor perfluorocarbon tracer concentrations were paired to outdoor tracer concentrations, and in-out ratios were found to vary between 0.01 and 3.6. The largest room with the lowest air-exchange rate exhibited elevated tracer concentrations for over 60 min after the release had finished, but generally had the lowest concentrations, the room with the highest ventilation rates had the highest concentration over 30 min, but the peak decayed more rapidly. Tracer concentrations indoors compared to outdoors imply that pollutants remain within buildings after they have cleared outside, which must be considered when evaluating human exposure to outdoor pollutants. PMID:28230812

Thermosensitive and mucoadhesive in situ gel based on poloxamer as new carrier for rectal administration of nimesulide.

PubMed

Yuan, Yuan; Cui, Ying; Zhang, Li; Zhu, Hui-Ping; Guo, Yi-Sha; Zhong, Bo; Hu, Xia; Zhang, Ling; Wang, Xiao-Hui; Chen, Li

2012-07-01

Poloxamer 407 has excellent thermo-sensitive gelling properties. Nevertheless, these gels possess inadequate poor bioadhesiveness and high permeability to water, which limited its' application as a thermoresponsive matrix. The main aim of the present investigation was to develop thermosensitive and mucoadhesive rectal in situ gel of nimesulide (NM) by using mucoadhesive polymers such as sodium alginate (Alg-Na) and HPMC. These gels were prepared by addition of mucoadhesive polymers (0.5%) to the formulations of thermosensitive gelling solution containing poloxamer 407 (18%) and nimesulide (2.0%). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to modify gelation temperature and drug release properties. The gelation temperature and drug release rate of the prepared in situ gels were evaluated. Gelation temperature was significantly increased with incorporation of nimesulide (2.0%) in the poloxamer solution, while the addition of the mucoadhesive polymers played a reverse role on gelation temperature. The addition of PEG polymers increased the gelation temperature and the drug release rate. Among the formulations examined, the poloxamer 407/nimesulide/sodium alginate/PEG 4000 (18/2.0/0.5/1.2%) exhibited the appropriate gelation temperature, acceptable drug release rate and rectal retention at the administration site. Furthermore, the micrographic results showed that in situ gel, given at the dose of 20mg/kg, was safe for no mucosa irritation. In addition, it resulted in significantly higher initial serum concentrations, C(max) and AUC of NM compared to the solid suppository. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Release of hydrogen sulfide during microwave pyrolysis of sewage sludge: Effect of operating parameters and mechanism.

PubMed

Zhang, Jun; Zuo, Wei; Tian, Yu; Yin, Linlin; Gong, Zhenlong; Zhang, Jie

2017-06-05

The effects of sludge characteristics, pyrolysis temperature, heating rate and catalysts on the release of H 2 S and mechanism of H 2 S formation during sludge pyrolysis were investigated in a microwave heating reactor (MHR). The evolution of sulfur-containing compounds in the pyrolysis chars obtained at temperature range of 400-800°C was characterized by XPS. For a given temperature, the maximum concentration of H 2 S appeared at moisture content of 80%. Compared to the influence of heating rate on the H 2 S yields, pyrolysis temperature and catalyst played a more significant role on the release of H 2 S during microwave pyrolysis process. The H 2 S concentration increased with increasing temperature from 400°C to 800°C while decreased with increasing heating rate. Both the Nickel-based catalyst and Dolomite displayed significant desulfurization effect and Ni-based catalyst exhibited the larger desulfurization capability than that of Dolomite. The organic sulfur compounds accounted for about 60% of the total sulfur in the sludge which was the main reason for the formation of H 2 S. The mechanism analysis indicated that the cleavage reactions of mercaptan and aromatic-S compounds at temperatures below 600°C and the cracking reaction of sulfate above 700°C respectively were responsible for the H 2 S release during sludge pyrolysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Drug release through liposome pores.

PubMed

Dan, Nily

2015-02-01

Electrical, ultrasound and other types of external fields are known to induce the formation of pores in cellular and model membranes. This paper examines drug release through field induced liposome pores using Monte Carlo simulations. We find that drug release rates vary as a function of pore size and spacing, as well as the overall fraction of surface area covered by pores: The rate of release from liposomes is found to increase rapidly with pore surface coverage, approaching that of the fully ruptured liposome at fractional pore areas. For a given pore surface coverage, the pore size affects the release rate in the limit of low coverage, but not when the pores cover a relatively high fraction of the liposome surface area. On the other hand, for a given pore size and surface coverage, the distribution of pores significantly affects the release in the limit of high surface coverage: The rate of release from a liposome covered with a regularly spaced array of pores is, in this limit, higher than the release rate from (most) systems where the pores are distributed randomly on the liposome surface. In contrast, there is little effect of the pore distribution on release when the pore surface coverage is low. The simulation results are in good agreement with the predictions of detailed diffusion models. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantification of Kinetic Rate Law Parameters of Uranium Release from Sodium Autunite as a Function of Aqueous Bicarbonate Concentrations

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

Gudavalli, Ravi; Katsenovich, Yelena; Wellman, Dawn M.

2013-09-05

ABSTRACT: Hydrogen carbonate is one of the most significant components within the uranium geochemical cycle. In aqueous solutions, hydrogen carbonate forms strong complexes with uranium. As such, aqueous bicarbonate may significantly increase the rate of uranium release from uranium minerals. Quantifying the relationship of aqueous hydrogen carbonate solutions to the rate of uranium release during dissolution is critical to understanding the long-term fate of uranium within the environment. Single-pass flow-through (SPTF) experiments were conducted to estimate the rate of uranium release from Na meta-autunite as a function of bicarbonate solutions (0.0005-0.003 M) under the pH range of 6-11 and temperaturesmore » of 5-60oC. Consistent with the results of previous investigation, the rate of uranium release from sodium autunite exhibited minimal dependency on temperature; but were strongly dependent on pH and increasing concentrations of bicarbonate solutions. Most notably at pH 7, the rate of uranium release exhibited 370 fold increases relative to the rate of uranium release in the absence of bicarbonate. However, the effect of increasing concentrations of bicarbonate solutions on the release of uranium was significantly less under higher pH conditions. It is postulated that at high pH values, surface sites are saturated with carbonate, thus the addition of more bicarbonate would have less effect on uranium release. Results indicate the activation energies were unaffected by temperature and bicarbonate concentration variations, but were strongly dependent on pH conditions. As pH increased from 6 to 11, activation energy values were observed to decrease from 29.94 kJ mol-1 to 13.07 kJ mol-1. The calculated activation energies suggest a surface controlled dissolution mechanism.« less

Application of dry elixir system to oriental traditional medicine: taste masking of peonjahwan by coated dry elixir.

PubMed

Choi, H G; Kim, C K

2000-02-01

Peonjahwan, an oriental traditional medicine composed of crude herbal drugs and animal tissues is bitter and poorly water-soluble. To mask the bitterness of peonjahwan and enhance the release of bilirubin, one of the crude active ingredients of peonjahwan, peonja dry elixir (PDE), was prepared using a spray-dryer after extracting the crude materials in ethanol-water solution. Coated peonja dry elixir (CPDE) was then prepared by coating the PDE with Eudragit acrylic resin. Panel assessed bitterness and release test of bilirubin from PDE and CPDE were carried out and compared with peonjahwan alone. PDE was found to have little effect upon the reduction of the bitterness of peonjahwan. However, the bitterness of CPDE was found to reduce to 1/4 of that of peonjahwan due to the encapsulation of crude active ingredients by the dextrin and Eudragit shell (P<0.05). The release rate of bilirubin from PDE and CPDE for 60 min increased about 3.5- and 2.5- fold, respectively, compared to peonjahwan at pH 1.2. It is concluded that CPDE, which masked the bitterness of peonjahwan and enhanced the release of bilirubin, is a preferable delivery system for peonjahwan.

Drug induced exocytosis of glycogen in Pompe disease.

PubMed

Turner, Christopher T; Fuller, Maria; Hopwood, John J; Meikle, Peter J; Brooks, Doug A

2016-10-28

Pompe disease is caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme α-glucosidase, and this leads to glycogen accumulation in the autolysosomes of patient cells. Glycogen storage material is exocytosed at a basal rate in cultured Pompe cells, with one study showing up to 80% is released under specific culture conditions. Critically, exocytosis induction may reduce glycogen storage in Pompe patients, providing the basis for a therapeutic strategy whereby stored glycogen is redirected to an extracellular location and subsequently degraded by circulating amylases. The focus of the current study was to identify compounds capable of inducing rapid glycogen exocytosis in cultured Pompe cells. Here, calcimycin, lysophosphatidylcholine and α-l-iduronidase each significantly increased glycogen exocytosis compared to vehicle-treated controls. The most effective compound, calcimycin, induced exocytosis through a Ca 2+ -dependent mechanism, although was unable to release a pool of vesicular glycogen larger than the calcimycin-induced exocytic pore. There was reduced glycogen release from Pompe compared to unaffected cells, primarily due to increased granule size in Pompe cells. Drug induced exocytosis therefore shows promise as a therapeutic approach for Pompe patients but strategies are required to enhance the release of large molecular weight glycogen granules. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Effects of applying controlled-release fertilizer blended with conventional nitrogen fertilizer on Chinese cabbage yield and quality as well as nitrogen losses].

PubMed

Yang, Jun-gang; Xu, Kai; Tong, Er-jian; Cao, Bing; Ni, Xiao-hui; Xu, Jun-xiang

2010-12-01

An open field experiment was conducted to study the effects of applying controlled-release fertilizer blended with rapidly available chemical N fertilizer on Chinese cabbage yield and quality as well as nitrogen losses, including ammonia volatilization and NO3- -N accumulation and leaching in Beijing suburb. The results showed that a combined application of 2:1 controlled-release fertilizer and urea fertilizer (total N rate 150 kg x hm(-2)) did not induce the reduction of Chinese cabbage yield, and decreased the leaf nitrate and organic acid contents significantly, compared with conventional urea N application (300 kg x hm(-2)), and had no significant difference in the cabbage yield and leaf nitrate content, compared with applying 150 kg x hm(-2) of urea N. The combined application of 2:1 controlled-release fertilizer and urea fertilizer improved the N use efficiency of Chinese cabbage, and reduced the ammonia volatilization and NO3- -N leaching. At harvest, the NO3- -N concentrations in 20-40, 60-80 and 80-100 cm soil layers were significantly lower in the combined application treatment than in urea N treatment.

Passive sampling of DDT, DDE and DDD in sediments: accounting for degradation processes with reaction-diffusion modeling.

PubMed

Tcaciuc, A Patricia; Borrelli, Raffaella; Zaninetta, Luciano M; Gschwend, Philip M

2018-01-24

Passive sampling is becoming a widely used tool for assessing freely dissolved concentrations of hydrophobic organic contaminants in environmental media. For certain media and target analytes, the time to reach equilibrium exceeds the deployment time, and in such cases, the loss of performance reference compounds (PRCs), loaded in the sampler before deployment, is one of the common ways used to assess the fractional equilibration of target analytes. The key assumption behind the use of PRCs is that their release is solely diffusion driven. But in this work, we show that PRC transformations in the sediment can have a measurable impact on the PRC releases and even allow estimation of that compound's transformation rate in the environment of interest. We found that in both field and lab incubations, the loss of the 13 C 2,4'-DDT PRC from a polyethylene (PE) passive sampler deployed at the sediment-water interface was accelerated compared to the loss of other PRCs ( 13 C-labeled PCBs, 13 C-labeled DDE and DDD). The DDT PRC loss was also accompanied by accumulation in the PE of its degradation product, 13 C 2,4'-DDD. Using a 1D reaction-diffusion model, we deduced the in situ degradation rates of DDT from the measured PRC loss. The in situ degradation rates increased with depth into the sediment bed (0.14 d -1 at 0-10 cm and 1.4 d -1 at 30-40 cm) and although they could not be independently validated, these rates compared favorably with literature values. This work shows that passive sampling users should be cautious when choosing PRCs, as degradation processes can affect some PRC's releases from the passive sampler. More importantly, this work opens up the opportunity for novel applications of passive samplers, particularly with regard to investigating in situ degradation rates, pathways, and products for both legacy and emerging contaminants. However, further work is needed to confirm that the rates deduced from model fitting of PRC loss are a true reflection of DDT transformation rates in sediments.

Process relevant screening of cellulolytic organisms for consolidated bioprocessing.

PubMed

Antonov, Elena; Schlembach, Ivan; Regestein, Lars; Rosenbaum, Miriam A; Büchs, Jochen

2017-01-01

Although the biocatalytic conversion of cellulosic biomass could replace fossil oil for the production of various compounds, it is often not economically viable due to the high costs of cellulolytic enzymes. One possibility to reduce costs is consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), integrating cellulase production, hydrolysis of cellulose, and the fermentation of the released sugars to the desired product into one process step. To establish such a process, the most suitable cellulase-producing organism has to be identified. Thereby, it is crucial to evaluate the candidates under target process conditions. In this work, the chosen model process was the conversion of cellulose to the platform chemical itaconic acid by a mixed culture of a cellulolytic fungus with Aspergillus terreus as itaconic acid producer. Various cellulase producers were analyzed by the introduced freeze assay that measures the initial carbon release rate, quantifying initial cellulase activity under target process conditions. Promising candidates were then characterized online by monitoring their respiration activity metabolizing cellulose to assess the growth and enzyme production dynamics. The screening of five different cellulase producers with the freeze assay identified Trichoderma   reesei and Penicillium   verruculosum as most promising. The measurement of the respiration activity revealed a retarded induction of cellulase production for P.   verruculosum but a similar cellulase production rate afterwards, compared to T.   reesei . The freeze assay measurement depicted that P.   verruculosum reaches the highest initial carbon release rate among all investigated cellulase producers. After a modification of the cultivation procedure, these results were confirmed by the respiration activity measurement. To compare both methods, a correlation between the measured respiration activity and the initial carbon release rate of the freeze assay was introduced. The analysis revealed that the different initial enzyme/cellulose ratios as well as a discrepancy in cellulose digestibility are the main differences between the two approaches. With two complementary methods to quantify cellulase activity and the dynamics of cellulase production for CBP applications, T.   reesei and P.   verruculosum were identified as compatible candidates for the chosen model process. The presented methods can easily be adapted to screen for suitable cellulose degrading organisms for various other applications.

Sustained subconjunctival protein delivery using a thermosetting gel delivery system.

PubMed

Rieke, Erin R; Amaral, Juan; Becerra, S Patricia; Lutz, Robert J

2010-02-01

An effective treatment modality for posterior eye diseases would provide prolonged delivery of therapeutic agents, including macromolecules, to eye tissues using a safe and minimally invasive method. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of a thermosetting gel to deliver a fluorescently labeled protein, Alexa 647 ovalbumin, to the choroid and retina of rats following a single subconjunctival injection of the gel. Additional experiments were performed to compare in vitro to in vivo ovalbumin release rates from the gel. The ovalbumin content of the eye tissues was monitored by spectrophotometric assays of tissue extracts of Alexa 647 ovalbumin from dissected sclera, choroid, and retina at time points ranging from 2 h to 14 days. At the same time points, fluorescence microscopy images of tissue samples were also obtained. Measurement of intact ovalbumin was verified by LDS-PAGE analysis of the tissue extract solutions. In vitro release of Alexa 488 ovalbumin into 37 degrees C PBS solutions from ovalbumin-loaded gel pellets was also monitored over time by spectrophotometric assay. In vivo ovalbumin release rates were determined by measurement of residual ovalbumin extracted from gel pellets removed from rat eyes at various time intervals. Our results indicate that ovalbumin concentrations can be maintained at measurable levels in the sclera, choroid, and retina of rats for up to 14 days using the thermosetting gel delivery system. The concentration of ovalbumin exhibited a gradient that decreased from sclera to choroid and to retina. The in vitro release rate profiles were similar to the in vivo release profiles. Our findings suggest that the thermosetting gel system may be a feasible method for safe and convenient sustained delivery of proteins to choroidal and retinal tissue in the posterior segments of the eye.

Sustained Subconjunctival Protein Delivery Using a Thermosetting Gel Delivery System

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Purpose: An effective treatment modality for posterior eye diseases would provide prolonged delivery of therapeutic agents, including macromolecules, to eye tissues using a safe and minimally invasive method. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of a thermosetting gel to deliver a fluorescently labeled protein, Alexa 647 ovalbumin, to the choroid and retina of rats following a single subconjunctival injection of the gel. Additional experiments were performed to compare in vitro to in vivo ovalbumin release rates from the gel. Methods: The ovalbumin content of the eye tissues was monitored by spectrophotometric assays of tissue extracts of Alexa 647 ovalbumin from dissected sclera, choroid, and retina at time points ranging from 2 h to 14 days. At the same time points, fluorescence microscopy images of tissue samples were also obtained. Measurement of intact ovalbumin was verified by LDS-PAGE analysis of the tissue extract solutions. In vitro release of Alexa 488 ovalbumin into 37°C PBS solutions from ovalbumin-loaded gel pellets was also monitored over time by spectrophotometric assay. In vivo ovalbumin release rates were determined by measurement of residual ovalbumin extracted from gel pellets removed from rat eyes at various time intervals. Results: Our results indicate that ovalbumin concentrations can be maintained at measurable levels in the sclera, choroid, and retina of rats for up to 14 days using the thermosetting gel delivery system. The concentration of ovalbumin exhibited a gradient that decreased from sclera to choroid and to retina. The in vitro release rate profiles were similar to the in vivo release profiles. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the thermosetting gel system may be a feasible method for safe and convenient sustained delivery of proteins to choroidal and retinal tissue in the posterior segments of the eye. PMID:20148655

Controlled release of insect sex pheromones from paraffin wax and emulsions.

PubMed

Atterholt, C A; Delwiche, M J; Rice, R E; Krochta, J M

1999-02-22

Paraffin wax and aqueous paraffin emulsions can be used as controlled release carriers for insect sex pheromones for mating disruption of orchard pests. Paraffin can be applied at ambient temperature as an aqueous emulsion, adheres to tree bark or foliage, releases pheromone for an extended period of time, and will slowly erode from bark and biodegrade in soil. Pheromone emulsions can be applied with simple spray equipment. Pheromone release-rates from paraffin were measured in laboratory flow-cell experiments. Pheromone was trapped from an air stream with an adsorbent, eluted periodically, and quantified by gas chromatography. Pheromone release from paraffin was partition-controlled, providing a constant (zero-order) release rate. A typical paraffin emulsion consisted of 30% paraffin, 4% pheromone, 4% soy oil, 1% vitamin E, 2% emulsifier, and the balance water. Soy oil and vitamin E acted as volatility suppressants. A constant release of oriental fruit moth pheromone from paraffin emulsions was observed in the laboratory for more than 100 days at 27 degreesC, with release-rates ranging from 0.4 to 2 mg/day, depending on the concentration and surface area of the dried emulsion. The use of paraffin emulsions is a viable method for direct application of insect pheromones for mating disruption. Sprayable formulations can be designed to release insect pheromones to the environment at a rate necessary for insect control by mating disruption. At temperatures below 38 degreesC, zero-order release was observed. At 38 degreesC and higher, pheromone oxidation occurred. A partition-controlled release mechanism was supported by a zero-order pheromone release-rate, low air/wax partition coefficients, and pheromone solubility in paraffin.

Liquid-Phase Heat-Release Rates of the Systems Hydrazine-Nitric Acid and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine-Nitric Acid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somogyi, Dezso; Feiler, Charles E.

1960-01-01

The initial rates of heat release produced by the reactions of hydrazine and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine with nitric acid were determined in a bomb calorimeter under conditions of forced mixing. Fuel-oxidant weight ratio and injection velocity were varied. The rate of heat release apparently depended on the interfacial area between the propellants. Above a narrow range of injection velocities representing a critical amount of interfacial area, the rates reached a maximum and were almost constant with injection velocity. The maximum rate for hydrazine was about 70 percent greater than that for unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine. The total heat released did not vary with mixture ratio over the range studied.

Effects of pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, and Flow Rate on Phosphorus Release Processes at the Sediment and Water Interface in Storm Sewer

PubMed Central

Li, Haiyan; Li, Mingyi; Zhang, Xiaoran

2013-01-01

The effects of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and flow rate on the phosphorus (P) release processes at the sediment and water interface in rainwater pipes were investigated. The sampling was conducted in a residential storm sewer of North Li Shi Road in Xi Cheng District of Beijing on August 3, 2011. The release rate of P increased with the increase of pH from 8 to 10. High temperature is favorable for the release of P. The concentration of total phosphorus (TP) in the overlying water increased as the concentration of DO decreased. With the increase of flow rate from 0.7 m s−1 to 1.1 m s−1, the concentration of TP in the overlying water increased and then tends to be stable. Among all the factors examined in the present study, the flow rate is the primary influence factor on P release. The cumulative amount of P release increased with the process of pipeline runoff in the rainfall events with high intensities and shorter durations. Feasible measures such as best management practices and low-impact development can be conducted to control the P release on urban sediments by slowing down the flow rate. PMID:24349823

The Use of a Mesoscale Climate Model to Validate the Nocturnal Carbon Flux over a Forested Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werth, D.; Parker, M.; Kurzeja, R.; Leclerc, M.; Watson, T.

2007-12-01

The Savannah River National Laboratory is initiating a comprehensive carbon dioxide monitoring and modeling program in collaboration with the University of Georgia and the Brookhaven National Laboratory. One of the primary goals is to study the dynamics of carbon dioxide in the stable nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) over a forested area of the Savannah River Site in southwest South Carolina. In the nocturnal boundary layer (NBL), eddy flux correlation is less effective in determining the release of CO2 due to respiration. Theoretically, however, the flux can be inferred by measuring the build up of CO2 in the stable layer throughout the night. This method of monitoring the flux will be validated and studied in more detail with both observations and the results of a high-resolution regional climate model. The experiment will involve two phases. First, an artificial tracer will be released into the forest boundary layer and observed through an array of sensors and at a flux tower. The event will be simulated with the RAMS climate model run at very high resolution. Ideally, the tracer will remain trapped within the stable layer and accumulate at rates which will allow us to infer the release rate, and this should compare well to the actual release rate. If an unknown mechanism allows the tracer to escape, the model simulation would be used to reveal it. In the second phase, carbon fluxes will be measured overnight through accumulation in the overlying layer. The RAMS model will be coupled with the SiB carbon model to simulate the nocturnal cycle of carbon dynamics, and this will be compared to the data collected during the night. As with the tracer study, the NBL method of flux measurement will be validated against the model. The RAMS-SiB coupled model has been run over the SRS at high-resolution to simulate the NBL, and results from simulations of both phases of the project will be presented.

Fast transient currents in Na,K-ATPase induced by ATP concentration jumps from the P3-[1-(3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-2-oxo]ethyl ester of ATP.

PubMed Central

Sokolov, V S; Apell, H J; Corrie, J E; Trentham, D R

1998-01-01

Electrogenic ion transport by Na,K-ATPase was investigated by analysis of transient currents in a model system of protein-containing membrane fragments adsorbed to planar lipid bilayers. Sodium transport was triggered by ATP concentration jumps in which ATP was released from an inactive precursor by an intense near-UV light flash. The method has been used previously with the P3-1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl ester of ATP (NPE-caged ATP), from which the relatively slow rate of ATP release limits analysis of processes in the pump mechanism controlled by rate constants greater than 100 s(-1) at physiological pH. Here Na,K-ATPase was reinvestigated using the P3-[1-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-2-oxo]ethyl ester of ATP (DMB-caged ATP), which has an ATP release rate of >10(5) s(-1). Under otherwise identical conditions, photorelease of ATP from DMB-caged ATP showed faster kinetics of the transient current compared to that from NPE-caged ATP. With DMB-caged ATP, transient currents had rate profiles that were relatively insensitive to pH and the concentration of caged compound. Rate constants of ATP binding and of the E1 to E2 conformational change were compatible with earlier studies. Rate constants of enzyme phosphorylation and ADP-dependent dephosphorylation were 600 s(-1) and 1.5 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), respectively, at pH 7.2 and 22 degrees C. PMID:9591656

Optimization and development of a core-in-cup tablet for modulated release of theophylline in simulated gastrointestinal fluids.

PubMed

Danckwerts, M P

2000-07-01

A triple-layer core-in-cup tablet that can release theophylline in simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluids at three distinct rates has been developed. The first layer is an immediate-release layer; the second layer is a sustained-release layer; and the last layer is a boost layer, which was designed to coincide with a higher nocturnal dose of theophylline. The study consisted of two stages. The first stage optimized the sustained-release layer of the tablet to release theophylline over a period of 12 hr. Results from this stage indicated that 30% w/w acacia gum was the best polymer and concentration to use when compressed to a hardness of 50 N/m2. The second stage of the study involved the investigation of the final triple-layer core-in-cup tablet to release theophylline at three different rates in simulated GI fluids. The triple-layer modulated core-in-cup tablet successfully released drug in simulated fluids at an initial rate of 40 mg/min, followed by a rate of 0.4085 mg/min, in simulated gastric fluid TS, 0.1860 mg/min in simulated intestinal fluid TS, and finally by a boosted rate of 0.6952 mg/min.

Vesicle Pool Size at the Salamander Cone Ribbon Synapse

PubMed Central

Bartoletti, Theodore M.; Babai, Norbert

2010-01-01

Cone light responses are transmitted to postsynaptic neurons by changes in the rate of synaptic vesicle release. Vesicle pool size at the cone synapse constrains the amount of release and can thus shape contrast detection. We measured the number of vesicles in the rapidly releasable and reserve pools at cone ribbon synapses by performing simultaneous whole cell recording from cones and horizontal or off bipolar cells in the salamander retinal slice preparation. We found that properties of spontaneously occurring miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) are representative of mEPSCs evoked by depolarizing presynaptic stimulation. Strong, brief depolarization of the cone stimulated release of the entire rapidly releasable pool (RRP) of vesicles. Comparing charge transfer of the EPSC with mEPSC charge transfer, we determined that the fast component of the EPSC reflects release of ∼40 vesicles. Comparing EPSCs with simultaneous presynaptic capacitance measurements, we found that horizontal cell EPSCs constitute 14% of the total number of vesicles released from a cone terminal. Using a fluorescent ribeye-binding peptide, we counted ∼13 ribbons per cone. Together, these results suggest each cone contacts a single horizontal cell at ∼2 ribbons. The size of discrete components in the EPSC amplitude histogram also suggested ∼2 ribbon contacts per cell pair. We therefore conclude there are ∼20 vesicles per ribbon in the RRP, similar to the number of vesicles contacting the plasma membrane at the ribbon base. EPSCs evoked by lengthy depolarization suggest a reserve pool of ∼90 vesicles per ribbon, similar to the number of additional docking sites further up the ribbon. PMID:19923246

The slack test does not assess maximal shortening velocity of muscle fascicle in human.

PubMed

Hager, Robin; Dorel, Sylvain; Nordez, Antoine; Rabita, Giuseppe; Couturier, Antoine; Hauraix, Hugo; Duchateau, Jacques; Guilhem, Gaël

2018-06-14

The application of a series of extremely high accelerative motor-driven quick releases while muscles contract isometrically (i.e. slack test) has been proposed to assess unloaded velocity in human muscle. This study aimed to measure gastrocnemius medialis fascicle (V F ) and tendinous tissues shortening velocity during motor-driven quick releases performed at various activation levels to assess the applicability of the slack test method in human. Maximal fascicle shortening velocity and joint velocity recorded during quick releases and during fast contraction without external load (ballistic condition) were compared. Gastrocnemius medialis fascicle behaviour was investigated from 25 participants using high-frame rate ultrasound during quick releases performed at various activation levels (from 0% to 60% of maximal voluntary isometric torque) and ballistic contractions. Unloaded joint velocity calculated using the slack test method increased whereas V F decreased with muscle activation level (P≤0.03). Passive and low-level quick releases elicited higher V F values (≥ 41.4±9.7 cm.s -1 ) compared to ballistic condition (36.3±8.7 cm.s -1 ), while quick releases applied at 60% of maximal voluntary isometric torque produced the lowest V F These findings suggest that initial fascicle length, complex fascicle-tendon interactions, unloading reflex and motor-driven movement pattern strongly influence and limit the shortening velocity achieved during the slack test. Furthermore, V F elicited by quick releases is likely to reflect substantial contributions of passive processes. Therefore, the slack test is not appropriate to assess maximal muscle shortening velocity in vivo. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Modeling the purging of dense fluid from a street canyon driven by an interfacial mixing flow and skimming flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratian-Ghorghi, Z.; Kaye, N. B.

2013-07-01

An experimental study is presented to investigate the mechanism of flushing a trapped dense contaminant from a canyon by turbulent boundary layer flow. The results of a series of steady-state experiments are used to parameterize the flushing mechanisms. The steady-state experimental results for a canyon with aspect ratio one indicate that dense fluid is removed from the canyon by two different processes, skimming of dense fluid from the top of the dense layer; and by an interfacial mixing flow that mixes fresh fluid down into the dense lower layer (entrainment) while mixing dense fluid into the flow above the canyon (detrainment). A model is developed for the time varying buoyancy profile within the canyon as a function of the Richardson number which parameterizes both the interfacial mixing and skimming processes observed. The continuous release steady-state experiments allowed for the direct measurement of the skimming and interfacial mixing flow rates for any layer depth and Richardson number. Both the skimming rate and the interfacial mixing rate were found to be power-law functions of the Richardson number of the layer. The model results were compared to the results of previously published finite release experiments [Z. Baratian-Ghorghi and N. B. Kaye, Atmos. Environ. 60, 392-402 (2012)], 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.06.077. A high degree of consistency was found between the finite release data and the continuous release data. This agreement acts as an excellent check on the measurement techniques used, as the finite release data was based on curve fitting through buoyancy versus time data, while the continuous release data was calculated directly by measuring the rate of addition of volume and buoyancy once a steady-state was established. Finally, a system of ordinary differential equations is presented to model the removal of dense fluid from the canyon based on empirical correlations of the skimming and interfacial mixing taken form the steady-state experiments. The ODE model predicts well the time taken for a finite volume of dense fluid to be flushed from a canyon.

Impact of change of matrix crystallinity and polymorphism on ovalbumin release from lipid-based implants.

PubMed

Duque, Luisa; Körber, Martin; Bodmeier, Roland

2018-05-30

The objectives of this study were to prepare lipid-based implants by hot melt extrusion (HME) for the prolonged release of ovalbumin (OVA), and to relate protein release to crystallinity and polymorphic changes of the lipid matrix. Two lipids, glycerol tristearate and hydrogenated palm oil, with different composition and degree of crystallinity were studied. Solid OVA was dispersed within the lipid matrixes, which preserved its stability during extrusion. This was partially attributed to a protective effect of the lipidic matrix. The incorporation of OVA decreased the mechanical strength of the implants prepared with the more crystalline matrix, glycerol tristearate, whereas it remained comparable for the hydrogenated palm oil because of stronger physical and non-covalent interactions between the protein and this lipid. This was also the reason for the faster release of OVA from the glycerol tristearate matrix when compared to the hydrogenated palm oil (8 vs. 28 weeks). Curing induced and increased crystallinity, and changes in the release rate, especially for the more crystalline matrix. In this case, both an increase and a decrease in release, were observed depending on the tempering condition. Curing at higher temperatures induced a melt-mediated crystallization and solid state transformation of the glycerol tristearate matrix and led to rearrangements of the inner structure with the formation of larger pores, which accelerated the release. In contrast, changes in the hydrogenated palm oil under the same curing conditions were less noticeable leading to a more robust formulation, because of less polymorphic changes over time. This study helps to understand the effect of lipid matrix composition and crystallinity degree on the performance of protein-loaded implants, and to establish criteria for the selection of a lipid carrier depending on the release profile desired. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A nanohybrid system for taste masking of sildenafil.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Hee; Choi, Goeun; Oh, Yeon-Ji; Park, Je Won; Choy, Young Bin; Park, Mung Chul; Yoon, Yeo Joon; Lee, Hwa Jeong; Chang, Hee Chul; Choy, Jin-Ho

2012-01-01

A nanohybrid was prepared with an inorganic clay material, montmorillonite (MMT), for taste masking of sildenafil (SDN). To further improve the taste-masking efficiency and enhance the drug-release rate, we coated the nanohybrid of SDN-MMT with a basic polymer, polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate (AEA). Powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared experiments showed that SDN was successfully intercalated into the interlayer space of MMT. The AEA-coated SDN-MMT nanohybrid showed drug release was much suppressed at neutral pH (release rate, 4.70 ± 0.53%), suggesting a potential for drug taste masking at the buccal cavity. We also performed in vitro drug release experiments in a simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and compared the drug-release profiles of AEA-coated SDN-MMT and Viagra(®), an approved dosage form of SDN. As a result, about 90% of SDN was released from the AEA-coated SDN-MMT during the first 2 hours while almost 100% of drug was released from Viagra(®). However, an in vivo experiment showed that the AEA-coated SDN-MMT exhibited higher drug exposure than Viagra(®). For the AEA-coated SDN-MMT, the area under the plasma concentration- time curve from 0 hours to infinity (AUC(0-∞)) and maximum concentration (C(max)) were 78.8 ± 2.32 μg · hour/mL and 12.4 ± 0.673 μg/mL, respectively, both of which were larger than those obtained with Viagra(®) (AUC(0-∞) = 69.2 ± 3.19 μg · hour/mL; C(max) = 10.5 ± 0.641 μg/mL). Therefore, we concluded that the MMT-based nanohybrid is a promising delivery system for taste masking of SDN with possibly improved drug exposure.

A nanohybrid system for taste masking of sildenafil

PubMed Central

Lee, Ji-Hee; Choi, Goeun; Oh, Yeon-Ji; Park, Je Won; Choy, Young Bin; Park, Mung Chul; Yoon, Yeo Joon; Lee, Hwa Jeong; Chang, Hee Chul; Choy, Jin-Ho

2012-01-01

A nanohybrid was prepared with an inorganic clay material, montmorillonite (MMT), for taste masking of sildenafil (SDN). To further improve the taste-masking efficiency and enhance the drug-release rate, we coated the nanohybrid of SDN–MMT with a basic polymer, polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate (AEA). Powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared experiments showed that SDN was successfully intercalated into the interlayer space of MMT. The AEA-coated SDN–MMT nanohybrid showed drug release was much suppressed at neutral pH (release rate, 4.70 ± 0.53%), suggesting a potential for drug taste masking at the buccal cavity. We also performed in vitro drug release experiments in a simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and compared the drug-release profiles of AEA-coated SDN–MMT and Viagra®, an approved dosage form of SDN. As a result, about 90% of SDN was released from the AEA-coated SDN–MMT during the first 2 hours while almost 100% of drug was released from Viagra®. However, an in vivo experiment showed that the AEA-coated SDN–MMT exhibited higher drug exposure than Viagra®. For the AEA-coated SDN–MMT, the area under the plasma concentration– time curve from 0 hours to infinity (AUC0-∞) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were 78.8 ± 2.32 μg · hour/mL and 12.4 ± 0.673 μg/mL, respectively, both of which were larger than those obtained with Viagra® (AUC0-∞ = 69.2 ± 3.19 μg · hour/mL; Cmax = 10.5 ± 0.641 μg/mL). Therefore, we concluded that the MMT-based nanohybrid is a promising delivery system for taste masking of SDN with possibly improved drug exposure. PMID:22619517

In vitro evaluation of mucoadhesive vaginal tablets of antifungal drugs prepared with thiolated polymer and development of a new dissolution technique for vaginal formulations.

PubMed

Baloglu, Esra; Ay Senyıgıt, Zeynep; Karavana, Sinem Yaprak; Vetter, Anja; Metın, Dilek Yesim; Hilmioglu Polat, Suleyha; Guneri, Tamer; Bernkop-Schnurch, Andreas

2011-01-01

The main objective of this work was to develop antifungal matrix tablet for vaginal applications using mucoadhesive thiolated polymer. Econazole nitrate (EN) and miconazole nitrate (MN) were used as antifungal drugs to prepare the vaginal tablet formulations. Thiolated poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine (PAA-Cys) conjugate was synthesized by the covalent attachment of L-cysteine to PAA with the formation of amide bonds between the primary amino group of L-cysteine and the carboxylic acid group of the polymer. Vaginal mucoadhesive matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. The investigation focused on the influence of modified polymer on water uptake behavior, mucoadhesive property and release rate of drug. Thiolated polymer increased the water uptake ratio and mucoadhesive property of the formulations. A new simple dissolution technique was developed to simulate the vaginal environment for the evaluation of release behavior of vaginal tablets. In this technique, daily production amount and rate of the vaginal fluid was used without any rotational movement. The drug release was found to be slower from PAA-Cys compared to that from PAA formulations. The similarity study results confirmed that the difference in particle size of EN and MN did not affect their release profile. The release process was described by plotting the fraction released drug versus time and n fitting data to the simple exponential model: M(t)/M(∞)=kt(n). The release kinetics were determined as Super Case II for all the formulations prepared with PAA or PAA-Cys. According to these results the mucoadhesive vaginal tablet formulations prepared with PAA-Cys represent good example for delivery systems which prolong the residence time of drugs at the vaginal mucosal surface.

Development and characterisation of sustained release solid dispersion oral tablets containing the poorly water soluble drug disulfiram.

PubMed

Shergill, Mandip; Patel, Mina; Khan, Siraj; Bashir, Ayesha; McConville, Christopher

2016-01-30

Administration of drugs via the oral route is the most common and preferred route due to its ease of administration, cost-effectiveness and flexibility in design. However, if the drug being administered has limited aqueous solubility it can result in poor bioavailability. Furthermore, the low pH of the stomach as well as enzymatic activity can result in drugs delivered via the oral route being rapidly metabolised and degraded. Here we demonstrate the development and characterisation of sustained release solid dispersion oral tablets, containing the poorly water-soluble drug disulfiram (DSF). The tablets, which are manufactured from two different polymers (Kolliphor(®) P 188 and P 237) specifically designed for the manufacture of solid dispersions and two different polymers (Kollidon(®) SR and HPMC) specifically designed to provide sustained release, can enhance the solubility of DSF, sustain its release, while protecting it from degradation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The paper demonstrates that when using the hot melt method at 80°C the DSF loading capacity of the Kolliphor(®) P 188 and P 237 polymers is approximately 43 and 46% respectively, with the DSF completely in an amorphous state. The addition of 80% Kollidon(®) SR to the formulation completely protected the DSF in SGF for up to 70 min with 16% degradation after 120 min, while 75% degradation occurred after 120 min with the addition of 80% HPMC. The release rate of DSF can be manipulated by both the loading and type of sustained release polymer used, with HPMC providing for a much faster release rate compared to Kollidon(®) SR. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NESHAP Area-Specific Dose-Release Factors for Potential Onsite Member-of-the-Public Locations at SRS using CAP88-PC Version 4.0

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

Trimor, P.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires the use of the computer model CAP88-PC to estimate the total effective doses (TED) for demonstrating compliance with 40 CFR 61, Subpart H (EPA 2006), the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations. As such, CAP88 Version 4.0 was used to calculate the receptor dose due to routine atmospheric releases at the Savannah River Site (SRS). For estimation, NESHAP dose-release factors (DRFs) have been supplied to Environmental Compliance and Area Closure Projects (EC&ACP) for many years. DRFs represent the dose to a maximum receptor exposed to 1 Ci of a specified radionuclidemore » being released into the atmosphere. They are periodically updated to include changes in the CAP88 version, input parameter values, site meteorology, and location of the maximally exposed individual (MEI). In this report, the DRFs were calculated for potential radionuclide atmospheric releases from 13 SRS release points. The three potential onsite MEI locations to be evaluated are B-Area, Three Rivers Landfill (TRL), and Savannah River Ecology Lab Conference Center (SRELCC) with TRL’s onsite workers considered as members-of-the-public, and the potential future constructions of dormitories at SRELCC and Barracks at B-Area. Each MEI location was evaluated at a specified compass sector with different area to receptor distances and was conducted for both ground-level and elevated release points. The analysis makes use of area-specific meteorological data (Viner 2014). The resulting DRFs are compared to the 2014 NESHAP offsite MEI DRFs for three operational areas; A-Area, H-Area, and COS for a release rate of 1 Ci of tritium oxide at 0 ft. elevation. CAP88 was executed again using the 2016 NESHAP MEI release rates for 0 and 61 m stack heights to determine the radionuclide dose at TRL from the center-of-site (COS).« less

Channelled tablets: An innovative approach to accelerating drug release from 3D printed tablets.

PubMed

Sadia, Muzna; Arafat, Basel; Ahmed, Waqar; Forbes, Robert T; Alhnan, Mohamed A

2018-01-10

Conventional immediate release dosage forms involve compressing the powder with a disintegrating agent that enables rapid disintegration and dissolution upon oral ingestion. Among 3D printing technologies, the fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing technique has a considerable potential for patient-specific dosage forms. However, the use of FDM 3D printing in tablet manufacturing requires a large portion of polymer, which slows down drug release through erosion and diffusion mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the use of a novel design approach of caplets with perforated channels to accelerate drug release from 3D printed tablets. This strategy has been implemented using a caplet design with perforating channels of increasing width (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 or 1.0mm) and variable length, and alignment (parallel or at right angle to tablet long axis). Hydrochlorothiazide (BCS class IV drug) was chosen as the model drug as enhanced dissolution rate is vital to guarantee oral bioavailability. The inclusion of channels exhibited an increase in the surface area/volume ratio, however, the release pattern was also influenced by the width and the length of the channel. A channel width was ≥0.6mm deemed critical to meet the USP criteria of immediate release products. Shorter multiple channels (8.6mm) were more efficient at accelerating drug release than longer channels (18.2mm) despite having comparable surface area/mass ratio. This behaviour may be linked to the reduced flow resistance within the channels and the faster fragmentation during dissolution of these tablets. In conclusion, the width and length of the channel should be carefully considered in addition to surface area/mass when optimizing drug release from 3D printed designs. The incorporation of short channels can be adopted in the designs of dosage forms, implants or stents to enhance the release rate of eluting drug from polymer-rich structures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effect on iron release in drinking water distribution systems].

PubMed

Niu, Zhang-bin; Wang, Yang; Zhang, Xiao-jian; Chen, Chao; Wang, Sheng-hui

2007-10-01

Batch-scale experiments were done to quantitatively study the effect of inorganic chemical parameters on iron release in drinking water distribution systems. The parameters include acid-base condition, oxidation-reduction condition, and neutral ion condition. It was found that the iron release rate decreased with pH, alkalinity, the concentration of dissolved oxygen increasing, and the iron release rate increased with the concentration of chloride increasing. The theoretical critical formula of iron release rate was elucidated. According to the formula, the necessary condition for controlling iron release is that pH is above 7.6, the concentration of alkalinity and dissolved oxygen is more than 150 mg/L and 2 mg/L, and the concentration of chloride is less than 150 mg/L of distributed water.

Wax-based sustained release matrix pellets prepared by a novel freeze pelletization technique II. In vitro drug release studies and release mechanisms.

PubMed

Cheboyina, Sreekhar; Wyandt, Christy M

2008-07-09

A novel freeze pelletization technique was evaluated for the preparation of wax-based sustained release matrix pellets. Pellets containing water-soluble drugs were successfully prepared using a variety of waxes. The drug release significantly depended on the wax type used and the aqueous drug solubility. The drug release decreased as the hydrophobicity of wax increased and the drug release increased as the aqueous drug solubility increased. In glyceryl monostearate (GMS) pellets, drug release rate decreased as the loading of theophylline increased. On the contrary, the release rate increased as the drug loading of diltiazem HCl increased in Precirol pellets. Theophylline at low drug loads existed in a dissolved state in GMS pellets and the release followed desorption kinetics. At higher loads, theophylline existed in a crystalline state and the release followed dissolution-controlled constant release for all the waxes studied. However, with the addition of increasing amounts of Brij 76, theophylline release rate increased and the release mechanism shifted to diffusion-controlled square root time kinetics. But the release of diltiazem HCl from Precirol pellets at all drug loads, followed diffusion-controlled square root time kinetics. Therefore, pellets capable of providing a variety of release profiles for different drugs can be prepared using this freeze pelletization technique by suitably modifying the pellet forming matrix compositions.

IVF outcome is optimized when embryos are replaced between 5 and 15 mm from the fundal endometrial surface: a prospective analysis on 1184 IVF cycles

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Some data suggest that the results of human in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be affected by the site of the uterine cavity where embryos are released. It is not yet clear if there is an optimal range of embryo-fundus distance (EFD) within which embryos should be transferred to optimize IVF outcome. Methods The present study included 1184 patients undergoing a blind, clinical-touch ET of 1–2 fresh embryos loaded in a soft catheter with a low amount of culture medium. We measured the EFD using transvaginal US performed immediately after ET, with the aim to assess (a) if EFD affects pregnancy and implantation rates, and (b) if an optimal EFD range can be identified. Results Despite comparable patients’ clinical characteristics, embryo morphological quality, and endometrial thickness, an EFD between 5 and 15 mm allowed to obtain significantly higher pregnancy and implantation rates than an EFD above 15 mm. The abortion rate was much higher (although not significantly) when EFD was below 5 mm than when it was between 5 and 15 mm. Combined together, these results produced an overall higher ongoing pregnancy rate in the group of patients whose embryos were released between 5 and 15 mm from the fundal endometrial surface. Conclusions The site at which embryos are released affects IVF outcome and an optimal EFD range exists; this observations suggest that US-guided ET could be advantageous vs. clinical-touch ET, as it allows to be more accurate in releasing embryos within the optimal EFD range. PMID:24341917

Constraints on the frequency-magnitude relation and maximum magnitudes in the UK from observed seismicity and glacio-isostatic recovery rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Main, Ian; Irving, Duncan; Musson, Roger; Reading, Anya

1999-05-01

Earthquake populations have recently been shown to have many similarities with critical-point phenomena, with fractal scaling of source sizes (energy or seismic moment) corresponding to the observed Gutenberg-Richter (G-R) frequency-magnitude law holding at low magnitudes. At high magnitudes, the form of the distribution depends on the seismic moment release rate Msolar and the maximum magnitude m_max . The G-R law requires a sharp truncation at an absolute maximum magnitude for finite Msolar. In contrast, the gamma distribution has an exponential tail which allows a soft or `credible' maximum to be determined by negligible contribution to the total seismic moment release. Here we apply both distributions to seismic hazard in the mainland UK and its immediate continental shelf, constrained by a mixture of instrumental, historical and neotectonic data. Tectonic moment release rates for the seismogenic part of the lithosphere are calculated from a flexural-plate model for glacio-isostatic recovery, constrained by vertical deformation rates from tide-gauge and geomorphological data. Earthquake focal mechanisms in the UK show near-vertical strike-slip faulting, with implied directions of maximum compressive stress approximately in the NNW-SSE direction, consistent with the tectonic model. Maximum magnitudes are found to be in the range 6.3-7.5 for the G-R law, or 7.0-8.2 m_L for the gamma distribution, which compare with a maximum observed in the time period of interest of 6.1 m_L . The upper bounds are conservative estimates, based on 100 per cent seismic release of the observed vertical neotectonic deformation. Glacio-isostatic recovery is predominantly an elastic rather than a seismic process, so the true value of m_max is likely to be nearer the lower end of the quoted range.

Release kinetics of vanadium from vanadium (III, IV and V) oxides: Effect of pH, temperature and oxide dose.

PubMed

Hu, Xingyun; Yue, Yuyan; Peng, Xianjia

2018-05-01

Batch experiments were performed to derive the rate laws for the proton-promoted dissolution of the main vanadium (III, IV and V) oxides at pH 3.1-10.0. The release rates of vanadium are closely related to the aqueous pH, and several obvious differences were observed in the release behavior of vanadium from the dissolution of V 2 O 5 and vanadium(III, IV) oxides. In the first 2hr, the release rates of vanadium from V 2 O 3 were r=1.14·([H + ]) 0.269 at pH 3.0-6.0 and r=0.016·([H + ]) -0.048 at pH 6.0-10.0; the release rates from VO 2 were r=0.362·([H + ]) 0.129 at pH 3.0-6.0 and r=0.017·([H + ]) -0.097 at pH 6.0-10.0; and the release rates from V 2 O 5 were r=0.131·([H + ]) -0.104 at pH 3.1-10.0. The release rates of vanadium from the three oxides increased with increasing temperature, and the effect of temperature was different at pH 3.8, pH 6.0 and pH 7.7. The activation energies of vanadium (III, IV and V) oxides (33.4-87.5kJ/mol) were determined at pH 3.8, pH6.0 and pH 7.7, showing that the release of vanadium from dissolution of vanadium oxides follows a surface-controlled reaction mechanism. The release rates of vanadium increased with increasing vanadium oxides dose, albeit not proportionally. This study, as part of a broader study of the release behavior of vanadium, can help to elucidate the pollution problem of vanadium and to clarify the fate of vanadium in the environment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Nanostructured glass–ceramic coatings for orthopaedic applications

PubMed Central

Wang, Guocheng; Lu, Zufu; Liu, Xuanyong; Zhou, Xiaming; Ding, Chuanxian; Zreiqat, Hala

2011-01-01

Glass–ceramics have attracted much attention in the biomedical field, as they provide great possibilities to manipulate their properties by post-treatments, including strength, degradation rate and coefficient of thermal expansion. In this work, hardystonite (HT; Ca2ZnSi2O7) and sphene (SP; CaTiSiO5) glass–ceramic coatings with nanostructures were prepared by a plasma spray technique using conventional powders. The bonding strength and Vickers hardness for HT and SP coatings are higher than the reported values for plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings. Both types of coatings release bioactive calcium (Ca) and silicon (Si) ions into the surrounding environment. Mineralization test in cell-free culture medium showed that many mushroom-like Ca and phosphorus compounds formed on the HT coatings after 5 h, suggesting its high acellular mineralization ability. Primary human osteoblasts attach, spread and proliferate well on both types of coatings. Higher proliferation rate was observed on the HT coatings compared with the SP coatings and uncoated Ti-6Al-4V alloy, probably due to the zinc ions released from the HT coatings. Higher expression levels of Runx2, osteopontin and type I collagen were observed on both types of coatings compared with Ti-6Al-4V alloy, possibly due to the Ca and Si released from the coatings. Results of this study point to the potential use of HT and SP coatings for orthopaedic applications. PMID:21292725

Preparation and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of the Tongshu Suppository.

PubMed

Liu, Guoqiang; Dong, Leilei; Lu, Kuan; Liu, Sisi; Zheng, Yingying

2016-01-01

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) (used for intestinal protection) was added to formulate the Tongshu suppository to improve the pharmacokinetics of Aceclofenac, which were assessed in New Zealand rabbits using an orthogonal experimental design. The single-agent Aceclofenac was taken as the control formulation. The concentration-time and drug release curves were drawn, and T max (min), C max (μg·mL(-1)), AUC0→∞ , and MRT were compared using a pharmacokinetic systems program. The formulated Tongshu suppository had moderate hardness, a smooth surface with uniform color, and theoretical drug-loading rate of 8%. Its release rate was in accordance with the drug preparation requirements. The concentration-time curves and drug release curves revealed that the maximum concentrations (C max) were 4.18 ± 1.03 μg·mL(-1) and 3.34 ± 0.41 μg·mL(-1) for the Tongshu and Aceclofenac suppositories, respectively, showing statistically insignificant difference, while the peak times were 34.87 ± 4.69 min and 34.76 ± 6.34 min, respectively, also showing statistically insignificant difference. Compared with the Aceclofenac suppository, the relative bioavailability of the Tongshu suppository was 104.4%, and the difference between them was statistically insignificant. In this experiment, the Tongshu suppository was prepared using the hot-melt method. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies confirmed it had higher bioavailability than the Aceclofenac suppository.

Preparation and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of the Tongshu Suppository

PubMed Central

Dong, Leilei; Lu, Kuan; Liu, Sisi; Zheng, Yingying

2016-01-01

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) (used for intestinal protection) was added to formulate the Tongshu suppository to improve the pharmacokinetics of Aceclofenac, which were assessed in New Zealand rabbits using an orthogonal experimental design. The single-agent Aceclofenac was taken as the control formulation. The concentration-time and drug release curves were drawn, and T max (min), C max (μg·mL−1), AUC0→∞, and MRT were compared using a pharmacokinetic systems program. The formulated Tongshu suppository had moderate hardness, a smooth surface with uniform color, and theoretical drug-loading rate of 8%. Its release rate was in accordance with the drug preparation requirements. The concentration-time curves and drug release curves revealed that the maximum concentrations (C max) were 4.18 ± 1.03 μg·mL−1 and 3.34 ± 0.41 μg·mL−1 for the Tongshu and Aceclofenac suppositories, respectively, showing statistically insignificant difference, while the peak times were 34.87 ± 4.69 min and 34.76 ± 6.34 min, respectively, also showing statistically insignificant difference. Compared with the Aceclofenac suppository, the relative bioavailability of the Tongshu suppository was 104.4%, and the difference between them was statistically insignificant. In this experiment, the Tongshu suppository was prepared using the hot-melt method. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies confirmed it had higher bioavailability than the Aceclofenac suppository. PMID:27610366

The unique self-assembly/disassembly property of Archaeoglobus fulgidus ferritin and its implications on molecular release from the protein cage.

PubMed

Sana, Barindra; Johnson, Eric; Lim, Sierin

2015-12-01

In conventional in vitro encapsulation of molecular cargo, the multi-subunit ferritin protein cages are disassembled in extremely acidic pH and re-assembled in the presence of highly concentrated cargo materials, which results in poor yields due to the low-pH treatment. In contrast, Archaeoglobus fulgidus open-pore ferritin (AfFtn) and its closed-pore mutant (AfFtn-AA) are present as dimeric species in neutral buffers that self-assemble into cage-like structure upon addition of metal ions. To understand the iron-mediated self-assembly and ascorbate-mediated disassembly properties, we studied the iron binding and release profile of the AfFtn and AfFtn-AA, and the corresponding oligomerization of their subunits. Fe(2+) binding and conversion to Fe(3+) triggered the self-assembly of cage-like structures from dimeric species of AfFtn and AfFtn-AA subunits, while disassembly was induced by dissolving the iron core with reducing agents. The closed-pore AfFtn-AA has identical iron binding kinetics but lower iron release rates when compared to AfFtn. While the iron binding rate is proportional to Fe(2+) concentration, the iron release rate can be controlled by varying ascorbate concentrations. The AfFtn and AfFtn-AA cages formed by iron mineralization could be disassembled by dissolving the iron core. The open-pores of AfFtn contribute to enhanced reductive iron release while the small channels located at the 3-fold symmetry axis (3-fold channels) are used for iron uptake. The iron-mediated self-assembly/disassembly property of AfFtn offers a new set of molecular trigger for formation and dissociation of the protein cage, which can potentially regulate uptake and release of molecular cargo from protein cages. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of cesium diffusion coefficients in graphite IG-110

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, L. M.; Brockman, J. D.; Loyalka, S. K.; Robertson, J. D.

2015-05-01

An understanding of the transport of fission products in High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) is needed for operational safety as well as source term estimations. We have measured diffusion coefficients of Cs in IG-110 by using the release method, wherein we infused small graphite spheres with Cs and measured the release rates using ICP-MS. Diffusion behavior was investigated in the temperature range of 1100-1300 K. We have obtained: DCs = (1.0 ×10-7m2 /s) exp(-1.1/×105J /mol RT) and, compared our results with those available in the literature.

Performance and combustion characteristics of direct-injection stratified-charge rotary engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Hung Lee

1987-01-01

Computer simulations of the direct-injection stratified-charge (DISC) Wankel engine have been used to calculate heat release rates and performance and efficiency characteristics of the 1007R engine. Engine pressure data have been used in a heat release analysis to study the effects of heat transfer, leakage, and crevice flows. Predicted engine performance data are compared with experimental test data over a range of engine speeds and loads. An examination of methods to improve the performance of the Wankel engine with faster combustion, reduced leakage, higher compression ratio, and turbocharging is presented.

Drug packaging and delivery using perfluorocarbon nanoparticles for targeted inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cells

PubMed Central

Zhou, Zhao-xiong; Zhang, Bai-gen; Zhang, Hao; Huang, Xiao-zhong; Hu, Ya-li; Sun, Li; Wang, Xiao-min; Zhang, Ji-wei

2009-01-01

Aim: To investigate the in vitro release profile of drugs encapsulated within perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles (NPs) and their ability to inhibit the activity of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Methods: Dexamethasone phosphate (DxP) or dexamethasone acetate (DxA) was encapsulated into PFC nanoparticles using a high-pressure homogenous method. The morphology and size of the NPs were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a laser particle size analyzer. Drug loading and in vitro release were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The impact of NP capsules on SMC proliferation, migration and apoptosis in vitro was assessed using cell counting kit-8, transwell cell migration and flow cytometry assays. Results: The sizes of DxP-NPs and DxA-NPs were 224±6 nm and 236±9 nm, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of DxP-NPs was 66.4%±1.0%, with an initial release rate of 77.2%, whereas the EE of DxA-NPs was 95.3%±1.3%, with an initial release rate of 23.6%. Both of the NP-coated drugs could be released over 7 d. Human umbilical artery SMCs were harvested and cultured for four to six passages. Compared to free DxP, SMCs treated with tissue factor (TF)-directed DxP-NPs showed significant differences in the inhibition of proliferation, migration and apoptosis (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results collectively suggest that PFC nanoparticles will be beneficial for targeted drug delivery because of the sustained drug release and effective inhibition of SMC proliferation and migration. PMID:19890365

Decreased re-conviction rates of DUI offenders with intensive supervision and home confinement.

PubMed

Barta, William D; Fisher, Virginia; Hynes, Patrick

2017-11-01

In some jurisdictions, persons who are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) are allowed to serve some portion of their prison sentence under home confinement as part of Intensive Supervision Programs (ISPs) which include pre-release psycho-education and close post-release supervision. Test the hypothesis that persons convicted of DUI offenses who have spent some portion of their sentence under home confinement, as compared to a historical comparison group, will exhibit a relatively low re-conviction rate. Using administrative data for 1,410 repeat DUI offenders (302 members of the historical comparison group, 948 ISP members, and 160 persons who appear in both groups at different points in time), with a follow-up period of up to 3 years and 10 months, a marginal Cox model was employed to compare conviction rates of persons who experienced intensive supervision and home confinement with historical comparison group members. Persons with ISP + home confinement experience a re-conviction rate that is less than half that observed in the comparison group. Age, ethnicity (white vs. non-white), and gender are also significant predictors of re-conviction. Home confinement, in conjunction with psycho-education and other program elements, is one means of reducing the costs of incarceration. The results of this study suggest that, in addition to cost savings, states may realize a public safety benefit in the form of a reduction in DUI offense rates.

Motivational Interviewing for Incarcerated Adolescents: Effects of Depressive Symptoms on Reducing Alcohol and Marijuana Use After Release*

PubMed Central

Stein, L. A. R.; Lebeau, Rebecca; Colby, Suzanne M.; Barnett, Nancy P.; Golembeske, Charles; Monti, Peter M.

2011-01-01

Objective: Motivational interviewing to reduce alcohol and marijuana use among incarcerated adolescents was evaluated. Method: Adolescents (N = 162, 84% male; M = 17.10 years old) were randomly assigned to receive motivational interviewing or relaxation training, with follow-up assessment 3 months after release. Results: Compared with those who received relaxation training, adolescents who received motivational interviewing had lower rates of alcohol and marijuana use at follow-up, with some evidence for moderating effects of depression. At low levels of depression, adolescents who received motivational interviewing had lower rates of use. Adolescents who received relaxation training and who had high levels of depressive symptoms early in incarceration showed less use at follow-up than those low in depressive symptoms who received relaxation training. Conclusions: This brief motivational interviewing intervention during incarceration reduces alcohol and marijuana use after release. In addition, depressive symptoms early in incarceration should be considered in treating these adolescents, but more work is needed to extend follow-up period and account for the impact of depression on outcomes. PMID:21513687

Shock initiated reactions of reactive multi-phase blast explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Dennis; Granier, John; Johnson, Richard; Littrell, Donald

2017-01-01

This paper describes a new class of non-ideal explosive compositions made of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), nanoaluminum, and a micron-size, high mass density, reactive metal. Unlike high explosives, these compositions release energy via a fast self-oxidized combustion wave rather than a true self-sustaining detonation. Their reaction rates are shock dependent and they can be overdriven to change their energy release rate. These compositions are fuel rich and have an extended aerobic energy release phase. The term "reactive multiphase blast" refers to the post-dispersion blast behavior: multiphase in that there are a gas phase that imparts pressure and a solid (particulate) phase that imparts energy and momentum [1]; and reactive in that the hot metal particles react with atmospheric oxygen and the explosive gas products to give an extended pressure pulse. Tantalum-based RMBX formulations were tested in two spherical core-shell configurations - an RMBX shell exploded by a high explosive core, and an RMBX core imploded by a high explosive shell. The fireball and blast characteristics were compared to a C-4 baseline charge.

A novel thermo-sensitive hydrogel based on thiolated chitosan/hydroxyapatite/beta-glycerophosphate.

PubMed

Liu, Xujie; Chen, Yan; Huang, Qianli; He, Wei; Feng, Qingling; Yu, Bo

2014-09-22

In order to get a water-soluble in situ gel-forming system, a thiolated chitosan, chitosan-4-thio-butylamidine (CS-TBA) conjugate was synthesized and used to replace the unmodified chitosan in the application of the in situ gel-forming system. A novel thermo-sensitive hydrogel was prepared based on CS-TBA/hydroxyapatite (HA)/beta-glycerophosphate disodium (β-GP). The gel formation, rheological properties, morphology, degradation, cytotoxicity, as well as protein release process of the novel gel system were investigated in this study. The CS-TBA/HA/β-GP gel showed a higher storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) and a decreased bovine serum albumin (BSA) release rate which was maintained the protein release for a longer time compared with the unmodified chitosan (CS)/HA/β-GP gel, due to the existence of thiol groups and/or disulfide bonds. The CS-TBA/HA/β-GP gel has a porous structure with a uniform distribution of nano-hydroxyapatite, an appropriate degradation rate and low cytotoxicity, showing potential applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparing intra- and inter-specific effects on litter decomposition in an old-field ecosystem

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

Crutsinger, Greg; Sanders, Dr. Nathan James; Classen, Aimee T

2009-09-01

Plant species can differ in the quantity and quality of leaf litter they produce, and many studies have examined whether plant species diversity affects leaf-litter decomposition and nutrient release. A growing number of studies have indicated that intra-specific variation within plant species can also affect key ecosystem processes. However, the relative importance of intra- versus inter-specific variation for the functioning of ecosystems remains poorly known. Here, we investigate the effects of intra-specific variation in a dominant old-field plant species, tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), and inter-specific variation among goldenrod species on litter quality, decomposition, and nitrogen (N) release. We found thatmore » the nutrient concentration of leaf litter varied among genotypes, which translated into 50% difference in decomposition rates. Variation among other goldenrod species in decomposition rate was more than twice that of genetic variation within S. altissima. Furthermore, by manipulating litterbags to contain 1, 3, 6, or 9 genotypes, we found that S. altissima genotype identity had much stronger effects than did genotypic diversity on leaf-litter quality, decomposition, and N release. Taken together, these results suggest that the order of ecological importance for controlling leaf-litter decomposition and N release dynamics is plant species identitygenotype identity>genotypic diversity.« less

Implications for eruptive processes as indicated by sulfur dioxide emissions from Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i, 1979-1997

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sutton, A.J.; Elias, T.; Gerlach, T.M.; Stokes, J.B.

2001-01-01

Kı̄lauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, currently hosts the longest running SO2 emission-rate data set on the planet, starting with initial surveys done in 1975 by Stoiber and his colleagues. The 17.5-year record of summit emissions, starting in 1979, shows the effects of summit and east rift eruptive processes, which define seven distinctly different periods of SO2 release. Summit emissions jumped nearly 40% with the onset (3 January 1983) of the Pu`u `Ō`ō-Kūpaianaha eruption on the east rift zone (ERZ). Summit SO2 emissions from Kı̄lauea showed a strong positive correlation with short-period, shallow, caldera events, rather than with long-period seismicity as in more silicious systems. This correlation suggests a maturation process in the summit magma-transport system from 1986 through 1993. During a steady-state throughput-equilibrium interval of the summit magma reservoir, integration of summit-caldera and ERZ SO2 emissions reveals an undegassed volume rate of effusion of 2.1×105 m3/d. This value corroborates the volume-rate determined by geophysical methods, demonstrating that, for Kı̄lauea, SO2 emission rates can be used to monitor effusion rate, supporting and supplementing other, more established geophysical methods. For the 17.5 years of continuous emission rate records at Kı̄lauea, the volcano has released 9.7×106 t (metric tonnes) of SO2, 1.7×106 t from the summit and 8.0×106 t from the east rift zone. On an annual basis, the average SO2 release from Kı̄lauea is 4.6×105 t/y, compared to the global annual volcanic emission rate of 1.2×107 t/y.

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

Comparison of full 3-D, thin-film 3-D, and thin-film plate analyses of a postbuckled embedded delamination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitcomb, John D.

1989-01-01

Strain-energy release rates are often used to predict when delamination growth will occur in laminates under compression. Because of the inherently high computational cost of performing such analyses, less rigorous analyses such as thin-film plate analysis were used. The assumptions imposed by plate theory restrict the analysis to the calculation of total strain energy, G(sub t). The objective is to determine the accuracy of thin-film plate analysis by comparing the distribution of G(sub t) calculated using fully three dimensional (3D), thin-film 3D, and thin-film plate analyses. Thin-film 3D analysis is the same as thin-film plate analysis, except 3D analysis is used to model the sublaminate. The 3D stress analyses were performed using the finite element program NONLIN3D. The plate analysis results were obtained from published data, which used STAGS. Strain-energy release rates were calculated using variations of the virtual crack closure technique. The results demonstrate that thin-film plate analysis can predict the distribution of G(sub t) quite well, at least for the configurations considered. Also, these results verify the accuracy of the strain-energy release rate procedure for plate analysis.

A MODEL FOR FISSION-GAS RELEASE FROM POROUS FUELS IN LOW-PERMEABILITY CONTAINERS

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

Prados, J.W.

1961-08-25

A simple mathematical model was developed to describe the steady-state release rate of gaseous fission products from porous ceramic fuels in low- permeability containers. The resulting equations are used to analyze experimental release rate results obtained from a UC/sub 2/-fueled graphite fuel body enclosed in a low-permeability impregnated graphite container. The relative release rates of the fission-product species Kr/sup 85m/, Kr/sup 88/, and Xe/sup 133/ were predicted with reasonable success. Absolute-rate predictions were not possible due to lack of information on true permeability and porosity profiles in the graphite container. (auth)

Diffusion Performance of Fertilizer Nutrient through Polymer Latex Film.

PubMed

An, Di; Yang, Ling; Liu, Boyang; Wang, Ting-Jie; Kan, Chengyou

2017-12-20

Matching the nutrient release rate of coated fertilizer with the nutrient uptake rate of the crop is the best way to increase the utilization efficiency of nutrients and reduce environmental pollution from the fertilizer. The diffusion property and mechanism of nutrients through the film are the theoretical basis for the product pattern design of coated fertilizers. For the coated fertilizer with a single-component nutrient, an extended solution-diffusion model was used to describe the difference of nutrient release rate, and the release rate is proportional to the permeation coefficient and the solubility of the nutrient. For the double- and triple-component fertilizer of N-K, N-P, and N-P-K, because of the interaction among nutrient molecules and ions, the release rates of different nutrients were significantly affected by the components in the composite fertilizer. Coating the single-component fertilizer (i.e., nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, and potash fertilizer) first and subsequently bulk blending is expected to be a promising way to adjust flexibly the nutrient release rate to meet the nutrient uptake rate of the crop.

Effects of injectable extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) for opioid dependence on residential rehabilitation outcomes and early follow-up.

PubMed

Leslie, Douglas L; Milchak, William; Gastfriend, David R; Herschman, Philip L; Bixler, Edward O; Velott, Diana L; Meyer, Roger E

2015-04-01

Little is known about the use of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) during residential rehabilitation, and its effects on early outcomes and rates of follow-up treatment. This study examined patient characteristics and rates of treatment completion and engagement in post-residential care of opioid dependent patients who received XR-NTX during residential rehabilitation, compared with patients who did not receive this medication. Electronic records for opioid dependent patients from three Pennsylvania residential detoxification and treatment facilities (N = 7,687) were retrospectively analyzed. We determined the proportion of patients who received XR-NTX (INJ), and compared rates of treatment completion and engagement in follow-up care relative to a naturalistic control group of patients recommended for, but not administered, XR-NTX (Non-INJ). Data on whether the patient initiated follow-up care were available from one site (N = 3,724). Overall, 598 (7.8%) patients were recommended for XR-NTX and of these, 168 (28.1%) received injections. Compared to non-INJ patients, INJ patients were less likely to leave against medical advice (4.8% vs. 30.2%, p < .001) and more likely to initiate follow-up care (37.7% vs. 19.7%, p < .001). These differences remained significant after controlling for demographic covariates using regression analysis. XR-NTX was associated with higher rates of residential and early post-residential care engagement in patients with opioid dependence. XR-NTX may be an effective adjunct in the residential treatment and aftercare of patients with opioid dependence. © American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

Controlled release of silyl ether camptothecin from thiol-ene click chemistry-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

PubMed

Yan, Yue; Fu, Jie; Wang, Tianfu; Lu, Xiuyang

2017-03-15

As efficient drug carriers, stimuli-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles are at the forefront of research on drug delivery systems. An acid-responsive system based on silyl ether has been applied to deliver a hybrid prodrug. Thiol-ene click chemistry has been successfully utilized for tethering this prodrug to mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Here, by altering the steric bulk of the substituent on the silicon atom, the release rate of a model drug, camptothecin, was controlled. The synthesized drug delivery system was investigated by analytical methods to confirm the functionalization and conjugation of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Herein, trimethyl silyl ether and triethyl silyl ether were selected to regulate the release rate. Under normal plasma conditions (pH 7.4), both types of camptothecin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (i.e., MSN-Me-CPT and MSN-Et-CPT) did not release the model drug. However, under in vitro acidic conditions (pH 4.0), based on a comparison of the release rates, camptothecin was released from MSN-Me-CPT more rapidly than from MSN-Et-CPT. To determine the biocompatibility of the modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles and the in vivo camptothecin uptake behavior, MTT assays with cancer cells and confocal microscopy observations were conducted, with positive results. These functionalized nanoparticles could be useful in clinical treatments requiring controlled drug release. As the release rate of drug from drug-carrier plays important role in therapy effects, trimethyl silyl ether (TMS) and triethyl silyl ether (TES) were selected as acid-sensitive silanes to control the release rates of model drugs conjugated from MSNs by thiol-ene click chemistry. The kinetic profiles of TMS and TES materials have been studied. At pH 4.0, the release of camptothecin from MSN-Et-CPT occurred after 2h, whereas MSN-Me-CPT showed immediate drug release. The results showed that silyl ether could be used to control release rates of drugs from MSNs under acid environment, which could be useful in clinical treatments requiring controlled drug release. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Field evaluation of plant odor and pheromonal combinations for attracting plum curculios.

PubMed

Piñero, Jaime C; Prokopy, Ronald J

2003-12-01

The attractiveness of different synthetic host odors and a synthetic aggregation pheromone (grandisoic acid [GA]) to overwintered adult plum curculios (PCs), Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was examined using two types of traps (sticky panels and black pyramids) placed in border areas surrounding an unsprayed section of an apple orchard in Massachusetts. In 2001, we evaluated the response of PCs to three synthetic fruit volatiles (benzaldehyde [BEN], ethyl isovalerate [EIV], and limonene [LIM]) assessed alone and in combination with GA, as well as the response to GA alone and a no-odor (control) treatment. BEN was the only host volatile that synergized the response of PCs to GA for both trap types. For both trap types, GA was as attractive to PCs as a single component as when in combination with either EIV or LIM. In 2002, four release rates of BEN (0, 2.5, 10, and 40 mg/day) and two release rates of GA (1 and 2 mg/day) were evaluated for attractiveness to PCs using panel and pyramid traps. For panel traps, an increase in amount of GA released (from 1 to 2 mg/day) was associated with a 35% increase in captures. However, PC captures by pyramid traps were similar regardless of the amount of GA released. For panel traps, 10 and 40 mg/day of BEN were the most attractive release rates regardless of the amount of GA released. For pyramid traps baited with GA. PC captures were enhanced by the presence of BEN, regardless of release rate. In 2003, GA at 1 mg/day + BEN at 80 mg/day of release did not enhance PC captures by panel traps relative to lower release rates of BEN. Pyramid traps releasing GA at 1 mg/day performed best when baited with BEN at 10 mg/day of release; a release rate of 80 mg/day of BEN decreased the attractiveness of the binary combination of BEN + GA. Combined results suggest that BEN at 10 mg/day + GA at 1 mg/day of release constitutes an attractive lure that may improve the effectiveness of monitoring traps for PCs.

[Nutrient use efficiency and yield-increasing effect of single basal application of rice specific controlled release fertilizer].

PubMed

Chen, Jiansheng; Xu, Peizhi; Tang, Shuanhu; Zhang, Fabao; Xie, Chunsheng

2005-10-01

A series of pot and field experiments and field demonstrations showed that in comparing with the commonly used specific-fertilizers containing same amounts of nutrients, single basal application of rice-specific controlled release fertilizer could increase the use efficiency of N and P by 12.2% - 22.7% and 7.0% - 35.0%, respectively in pot experiment, and the use efficiency of N by 17.1% in field experiment. In 167 field demonstrations successively conducted for 3 years in various rice production areas of Guangdong Province, single basal application of the fertilizer saved the application rate of N and P by 22.1% and 21.8%, respectively, and increased the yield by 8.2%, compared with normal split fertilization.

Mixing Efficiency in the Ocean.

PubMed

Gregg, M C; D'Asaro, E A; Riley, J J; Kunze, E

2018-01-03

Mixing efficiency is the ratio of the net change in potential energy to the energy expended in producing the mixing. Parameterizations of efficiency and of related mixing coefficients are needed to estimate diapycnal diffusivity from measurements of the turbulent dissipation rate. Comparing diffusivities from microstructure profiling with those inferred from the thickening rate of four simultaneous tracer releases has verified, within observational accuracy, 0.2 as the mixing coefficient over a 30-fold range of diapycnal diffusivities. Although some mixing coefficients can be estimated from pycnocline measurements, at present mixing efficiency must be obtained from channel flows, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations. Reviewing the different approaches demonstrates that estimates and parameterizations for mixing efficiency and coefficients are not converging beyond the at-sea comparisons with tracer releases, leading to recommendations for a community approach to address this important issue.

Drug particle size influence on enteric beads produced by a droplet extrusion/precipitation method.

PubMed

Cerdeira, A M; Gouveia, L F; Goucha, P; Almeida, A J

2000-01-01

The influence of drug particle size on the production of enteric beads by a polymer precipitation technique was investigated. Drug particle dimensions are known to play an important role in most microencapsulation techniques. Bead morphology was greatly influenced by drug particle size, and spherical shaped beads could only be obtained after size reduction of nimesulide crystals. This is confirmed by the angle of repose measurements, which show a significant decrease in theta values when beads are formulated with smaller drug particles. Furthermore, results show that drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release rates are also greatly dependent on both drug particle size and drug/polymer ratio in the initial suspension. Preparations containing 10.2 microm drug particles show a two-fold increase in the release rates when compared to those prepared with 40 microm particles.

Mixing Efficiency in the Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregg, M. C.; D'Asaro, E. A.; Riley, J. J.; Kunze, E.

2018-01-01

Mixing efficiency is the ratio of the net change in potential energy to the energy expended in producing the mixing. Parameterizations of efficiency and of related mixing coefficients are needed to estimate diapycnal diffusivity from measurements of the turbulent dissipation rate. Comparing diffusivities from microstructure profiling with those inferred from the thickening rate of four simultaneous tracer releases has verified, within observational accuracy, 0.2 as the mixing coefficient over a 30-fold range of diapycnal diffusivities. Although some mixing coefficients can be estimated from pycnocline measurements, at present mixing efficiency must be obtained from channel flows, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations. Reviewing the different approaches demonstrates that estimates and parameterizations for mixing efficiency and coefficients are not converging beyond the at-sea comparisons with tracer releases, leading to recommendations for a community approach to address this important issue.

Electrospinning nanofibers for controlled drug release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banik, Indrani

Electrospinning is the most widely studied technique for the synthesis of nanofibers. Electrospinning is considered as one of the technologies that can produce nanosized drugs incorporated in polymeric nanofibers. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that the release rates of drugs from these nanofiber formulations are enhanced compared to those from original drug substance. This technology has the potential for enhancing the oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs. The electrospun mats were made using Polycaprolactone/PCL, Poly(DL-lactide)/PDL 05 and Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)/PLGA. The drugs incorporated in the electrospun fibers were 5-Fluorouracil and Rapamycin. The evidence of the drugs being embedded in the polymers was obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The release of 5-Fluorouracil and Rapamycin were followed by UV-VIS spectroscopy.

Optimization of Thermal Preprocessing for Efficient Combustion of Woody Biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumagai, Seiji; Aranai, Masahiko; Takeda, Koichi; Enda, Yukio

We attempted to optimize both drying time and temperature for stem chips and bark of Japanese cedar in order to obtain the largest release of combustion heat. Moisture release rates of the stem and bark during air-drying in an oven were evaluated. Higher and lower heating values of stem and bark, dried at different temperatures for different lengths of time, were also evaluated. The drying conditions of 180°C and 30min resulted in the largest heat release of the stem (˜ 4%increase compared to conditions of 105°C and 30min). The optimal drying conditions were not obvious for bark. However, for the drying process in actual plants, the conditions of 180°C and 30min were suggested to be acceptable for both stem and bark.

Are nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) better than solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs): development, characterizations and comparative evaluations of clotrimazole-loaded SLNs and NLCs?

PubMed

Das, Surajit; Ng, Wai Kiong; Tan, Reginald B H

2012-08-30

In recent years, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are among the popular research topics for the delivery of lipophilic drugs. Although SLNs have demonstrated several beneficial properties as drug-carrier, limited drug-loading and expulsion of drug during storage led to the development of NLCs. However, the superiority of NLCs over SLNs has not been fully established yet due to the contradictory results. In this study, SLNs and NLCs were developed using clotrimazole as model drug. Size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), drug-loading (L), drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), drug release and stability of SLNs and NLCs were compared. Critical process parameters exhibited significant impact on the nanoparticles' properties. Size, PI, ZP and EE of the developed SLNs and NLCs were<100 nm, <0.17, <-22 mV and>82%, respectively. SEM images of SLNs and NLCs revealed spherical shaped particles (≈ 100 nm). DSC and XRD studies indicated slight difference between SLNs and NLCs as well as disappearance of the crystalline peak(s) of the encapsulated drug. NLCs demonstrated faster drug release than SLNs at low drug-loading, whereas there was no significant difference in drug release from SLNs and NLCs at high drug-loading. However, sustained/prolonged drug release was observed from both formulations. Furthermore, this study suggests that the drug release experiment should be designed considering the final application (topical/oral/parenteral) of the product. Regarding stability, NLCs showed better stability (in terms of size, PI, EE and L) than SLNs at 25°C. Moreover, there was no significant difference in drug release profile of NLCs after 3 months storage in compare to fresh NLCs, while significant change in drug release rate was observed in case of SLNs. Therefore, NLCs have an edge over SLNs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative gas-exchange in leaves of intact and clipped, natural and planted cherybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings

Treesearch

Brian R. Lockhart; John D. Hodges

1994-01-01

Gas-exchange measurements, including CO2-exchange rate (net photosynthesis), stomatal conductance, and transpiration, were conducted on intact and clipped cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings growing inthe field and in a nursery bed. Seedlings inthe field, released frommidstory and understory woody competition, showed...

Repellent Activity of Botanical Oils against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

PubMed Central

Kuhns, Emily H.; Martini, Xavier; Hoyte, Angel; Stelinski, Lukasz L.

2016-01-01

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the insect vector of the pathogen causing huanglongbing. We selected three botanical oils to evaluate behavioral activity against D. citri. In laboratory olfactometer assays, fir oil was repellent to D. citri females, while litsea and citronella oils elicited no response from D. citri females. In choice settling experiments, D. citri settled almost completely on control plants rather than on plants treated with fir oil at a 9.5 mg/day release rate. Therefore, we conducted field trials to determine if fir oil reduced D. citri densities in citrus groves. We found no repellency of D. citri from sweet orange resets that were treated with fir oil dispensers releasing 10.4 g/day/tree as compared with control plots. However, we found a two-week decrease in populations of D. citri as compared with controls when the deployment rate of these dispensers was doubled. Our results suggest that treatment of citrus with fir oil may have limited activity as a stand-alone management tool for D. citri and would require integration with other management practices. PMID:27429006

Repellent Activity of Botanical Oils against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

PubMed

Kuhns, Emily H; Martini, Xavier; Hoyte, Angel; Stelinski, Lukasz L

2016-07-14

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the insect vector of the pathogen causing huanglongbing. We selected three botanical oils to evaluate behavioral activity against D. citri. In laboratory olfactometer assays, fir oil was repellent to D. citri females, while litsea and citronella oils elicited no response from D. citri females. In choice settling experiments, D. citri settled almost completely on control plants rather than on plants treated with fir oil at a 9.5 mg/day release rate. Therefore, we conducted field trials to determine if fir oil reduced D. citri densities in citrus groves. We found no repellency of D. citri from sweet orange resets that were treated with fir oil dispensers releasing 10.4 g/day/tree as compared with control plots. However, we found a two-week decrease in populations of D. citri as compared with controls when the deployment rate of these dispensers was doubled. Our results suggest that treatment of citrus with fir oil may have limited activity as a stand-alone management tool for D. citri and would require integration with other management practices.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of a new fentanyl patch based on acrylic/silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive blends.

PubMed

Taghizadeh, Seyed Mojtaba; Soroushnia, Arezou; Mirzadeh, Hamid; Barikani, Mehdi

2009-04-01

In this study, the influence of the ratio of silicone (Si) to acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and lauryl alcohol (LA) % (wt/wt) on the properties of a drug in adhesive patch containing 4% (wt/wt) fentanyl as model drug was evaluated. The dependent variables selected were drug solubility, in vitro drug release in the platforms as well as adhesion properties including peel strength and tack value. By using the central composite design of Design Expert software, it was found that the effect of each factor was different, yet all had influenced dependent variables significantly (p < .05). Quadratic model generated for various response variables using backward regression analysis was found to be statistically significant (p < .05). It was deduced that the presence of PVP and Si displayed similar trends on drug solubility and release. Each role played by Si with LA and PVP in release rate was separately investigated, and it was found that the presence of PVP and LA in lowering the amount of drug released was more dominant compared with that of Si. The release patterns at the early and later stages follow the Higuchi and semiempirical models, respectively. Effect of PVP as well as Si and LA were similar on tack value. The influence of LA compared to peeling characteristics of Si system was more pronounced.

Micro-porous surfaces in controlled drug delivery systems: design and evaluation of diltiazem hydrochloride controlled porosity osmotic pump using non-ionic surfactants as pore-former.

PubMed

Adibkia, Khosro; Ghanbarzadeh, Saeed; Shokri, Mohammad Hosein; Arami, Zahra; Arash, Zeinab; Shokri, Javad

2014-06-01

The major problem associated with conventional drug delivery systems is unpredictable plasma concentrations. The aim of this study was to design a controlled porosity osmotic pump (CPOP) of diltiazem hydrochloride to deliver the drug in a controlled manner. CPOP tablets were prepared by incorporation of drug in the core and subsequent coating with cellulose acetate as semi-permeable membrane. Non-ionic surfactants were applied as pore-formers as well. The effect of pore-formers concentration on the in vitro release of diltiazem was also studied. The formulations were compared based on four comparative parameters, namely, total drug released after 24 h (D24 h), lag-time (tL), squared correlation coefficient of zero order equation (RSQzero) and mean percent deviation from zero order kinetic (MPDzero). Results of scanning electron microscopy studies exhibited formation of pores in the membrane from where the drug release occurred. It was revealed that drug release rate was directly proportional to the concentration of the pore-formers. The value of D24 h in the formulations containing Tween 80 (10%) and Brij 35 (5%) were found to be more than 94.9%, and drug release followed zero order kinetic (RSQzero > 0.99 and MPDzero < 8%) with acceptable tL (lower than 1 h).

Metal transports and enrichments in iron depositions hosted in basaltic rocks. II: Metal rich fluids and Fe origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ronghua; Zhang, Xuetong; Hu, Shumin

2015-12-01

This study focuses on revealing the mechanism of metal transport, enrichment and Fe origin of iron deposition during water basalt interactions occurred in basaltic rocks. Observations of the iron deposits (anhydrite-magnetite-pyroxene type deposits) hosted in K-rich basaltic rocks in the Mesozoic volcanic area of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River valley, China, indicate that the mechanism of metal transport and enrichment for those deposits are significant objective to scientists, and the Fe origin problem is not well resolved. Here the metal transport, enrichment and iron origin have been investigated in high temperature experiments of water basaltic interactions. These deposits were accompanying a wide zone with metal alteration. The effects of hydrothermal alteration on major rock-forming element concentrations in basaltic rock were investigated by systematically comparing the chemical compositions of altered rocks with those of fresh rocks. In the deposits, these metals are distributed throughout altered rocks that exhibit vertical zoning from the deeper to the shallow. Then, combined with the investigations of the metal-alterations, we performed kinetic experiments of water-basaltic rock interactions using flow-through reactors in open systems at temperatures from 20 °C to 550 °C, 23-34 MPa. Release rates for the rock-forming elements from the rocks have been measured. Experiments provide the release rates for various elements at a large temperature range, and indicate that the dissolution rates (release rates) for various elements vary with temperature. Si, Al, and K have high release rates at temperatures from 300 °C to 500 °C; the maximum release rates (RMX) for Si are reached at temperatures from 300 °C to 400 °C. The RMXs for Ca, Mg, and Fe are at low temperatures from 20 °C to 300 °C. Results demonstrate that Fe is not released from 400 °C to 550 °C, and indicate that when deep circling fluids passed through basaltic rocks, Fe was not mobile, and fixed in the rocks at temperatures from 400 °C to 550 °C. Significance of the results is to provide evidence that the Fe of ores originated from basalt, and Fe-oxides precipitated across the critical state of water. Simultaneously, Ca, Mg and Fe are fixed in the deeper altered rocks (mafic minerals). But, Fe was dissolved at relatively low temperatures (100-300 °C). Si, Al, and K were easily mobile from basalt by upward flowing fluids from 300 °C to 400 °C and transported to the upper part (silicified and argillized rock).

Hydrologic regime controls soil phosphorus fluxes in restoration and undisturbed wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aldous, A.; McCormick, P.; Ferguson, C.; Graham, S.; Craft, C.

2005-01-01

Many wetland restoration projects occur on former agricultural soils that have a history of disturbance and fertilization, making them prone to phosphorus (P) release upon flooding. To study the relationship between P release and hydrologic regime, we collected soil cores from three restoration wetlands and three undisturbed wetlands around Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon, U.S.A. Soil cores were subjected to one of three hydrologic regimes - flooded, moist, and dry - for 7.5 weeks, and P fluxes were measured upon reflooding. Soils from restoration wetlands released P upon reflooding regardless of the hydrologic regime, with the greatest releases coming from soils that had been flooded or dried. Undisturbed wetland soils released P only after drying. Patterns in P release can be explained by a combination of physical and biological processes, including the release of iron-bound P due to anoxia in the flooded treatment and the mineralization of organic P under aerobic conditions in the dry treatment. Higher rates of soil P release from restoration wetland soils, particularly under flooded conditions, were associated with higher total P concentrations compared with undisturbed wetland soils. We conclude that maintaining moist soil is the means to minimize P release from recently flooded wetland soils. Alternatively, prolonged flooding provides a means of liberating excess labile P from former agricultural soils while minimizing continued organic P mineralization and soil subsidence. ?? 2005 Society for Ecological Restoration International.

Rainfall-Induced Release of Fecal Coliforms and Other Manure Constituents: Comparison and Modeling▿

PubMed Central

Guber, A. K.; Shelton, D. R.; Pachepsky, Y. A.; Sadeghi, A. M.; Sikora, L. J.

2006-01-01

Modeling release of fecal coliforms is an important component of fate and transport simulations related to environmental water quality. Manure constituents other than fecal coliforms may serve as natural tracers of fecal contamination provided that their release from manure to runoff is similar to the fecal coliform release. The objectives of this work were to compare release of fecal coliforms (FC), chloride (Cl−), organic carbon (OC), and water-soluble phosphorus (P) from dissolving manure and to assess the performance of three models in describing the observed release. Bovine manure was applied on 0.5- by 0.3-m bare and vegetated subplots with 20% slope on sandy loam and clay loam soils. Concentrations of Cl−, FC, OC, and P were measured in runoff collected from troughs at the edges of the subplots at 5-min intervals during 1-h rainfall simulations. The one-parametric exponential model and two-parametric Vadas-Kleinman-Sharpley model and Bradford-Schijven model were fitted to the data. The Bradford-Schijven model had uncorrelated parameters, one of which was linearly related to the irrigation rate, and another parameter reflected the presence or the absence of vegetation. Kinetics of the FC release from manure was similar to the release kinetics of P and OC. The Bradford-Schijven model is recommended to simulate the release of manure constituents. PMID:17028232

Sustained release of diltiazem HCl tableted after co-spray drying and physical mixing with PVAc and PVP.

PubMed

Al-Zoubi, Nizar; Al-Obaidi, Ghada; Tashtoush, Bassam; Malamataris, Stavros

2016-01-01

In this work, aqueous diltiazem HCl and polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) solutions were mixed with Kollicoat SR 30D and spray dried to microparticles of different drug:excipient ratio and PVP content. Co-spray dried products and physical mixtures of drug, Kollidon SR and PVP were tableted. Spray drying process, co-spray dried products and compressibility/compactability of co-spray dried and physical mixtures, as well as drug release and water uptake of matrix-tablets was evaluated. Simple power equation fitted drug release and water uptake (R(2) > 0.909 and 0.938, respectively) and correlations between them were examined. Co-spray dried products with PVP content lower than in physical mixtures result in slower release, while at equal PVP content (19 and 29% w/w of excipient) in similar release (f2 > 50). Increase of PVP content increases release rate and co-spray drying might be an alternative, when physical mixing is inadequate. Co-spray dried products show better compressibility/compatibility but higher stickiness to the die-wall compared to physical mixtures. SEM observations and comparison of release and swelling showed that distribution of tableted component affects only the swelling, while PVP content for both co-spray dried and physical mixes is major reason for release alterations and an aid for drug release control.

Surveillance of Diversion and Nonmedical Use of Extended-Release Prescription Amphetamine and Oral Methylphenidate in the United States

PubMed Central

Sembower, Mark A.; Ertischek, Michelle D.; Buchholtz, Chloe; Dasgupta, Nabarun; Schnoll, Sidney H.

2013-01-01

This article examines rates of nonmedical use and diversion of extended-release amphetamine and extended-release oral methylphenidate in the United States. Prescription dispensing data were sourced from retail pharmacies. Nonmedical use data were collected from the Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS) System Drug Diversion Program and Poison Center Program. Drug diversion trends nearly overlapped for extended-release amphetamine and extended-release oral methylphenidate. Calls to poison centers were generally similar; however, calls regarding extended-release amphetamine trended slightly lower than those for extended-release oral methylphenidate. Data suggest similar diversion and poison center call rates for extended-release amphetamine and extended-release oral methylphenidate. PMID:23480245

Theory for rates, equilibrium constants, and Brønsted slopes in F1-ATPase single molecule imaging experiments

PubMed Central

Volkán-Kacsó, Sándor; Marcus, Rudolph A.

2015-01-01

A theoretical model of elastically coupled reactions is proposed for single molecule imaging and rotor manipulation experiments on F1-ATPase. Stalling experiments are considered in which rates of individual ligand binding, ligand release, and chemical reaction steps have an exponential dependence on rotor angle. These data are treated in terms of the effect of thermodynamic driving forces on reaction rates, and lead to equations relating rate constants and free energies to the stalling angle. These relations, in turn, are modeled using a formalism originally developed to treat electron and other transfer reactions. During stalling the free energy profile of the enzymatic steps is altered by a work term due to elastic structural twisting. Using biochemical and single molecule data, the dependence of the rate constant and equilibrium constant on the stall angle, as well as the Børnsted slope are predicted and compared with experiment. Reasonable agreement is found with stalling experiments for ATP and GTP binding. The model can be applied to other torque-generating steps of reversible ligand binding, such as ADP and Pi release, when sufficient data become available. PMID:26483483

Dissolution Rate Enhancement of Repaglinide Using Dietary Fiber as a Promising Carrier.

PubMed

Chatap, Vivekanand K; Patil, Savita D

2016-01-01

In present investigation, an innovative attempt has been made to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of Repaglinide (RPGD) using hydrothermally treated water insoluble dietary bamboo fibers (HVBF) as potential nutraceutical used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. RPGD was selected as a model drug due to its low aqueous solubility and dissolution rate. Characterization of HVBF demonstrated the outstanding features like high surface area, maximum drug loading and increase dissolution rate and making HVBF as an excellent drug carrier. RHVBF (Repaglinide loaded HVBF) tablets were prepared using direct compression method. Pre and post-compression parameters for blend and tablets were studied and found within acceptable limits. RHVBF and tablet showed significantly improved dissolution rate, when compared with pure crystalline RPGD, physical mixture, RVBF and commercial marketed tablet. This fact was further supported by FT-IR, DSC, XRPD and FESEM studies followed by in-vitro drug release profile. Stability studies showed no changes after exposing to accelerated conditions for a period of 3 months with respect to physical characteristics and in-vitro drug release studies. In a nut shell, it can be concluded that HVBF is a novel, smart and promising carrier for poorly water soluble drugs, when administered orally.

Effects of rapid shortening on rate of force regeneration and myoplasmic [Ca2+] in intact frog skeletal muscle fibres

PubMed Central

Vandenboom, R; Claflin, D R; Julian, F J

1998-01-01

The effect of rapid shortening on rate of force regeneration (dF/dtR) was examined in single, intact frog (Rana temporaria) skeletal muscle fibres (3·0 °C). Step releases leading to unloaded shortening were applied after 500 ms of stimulation, during the plateau of an isometric tetanus. Initial mean sarcomere length ranged from 2·05 to 2·35 μm; force regeneration after shortening was at 2·00 μm.Values for dF/dtR following a 25 nm half-sarcomere−1 release were 3·17 ± 0·17 (mean ± s.e.m., n= 8) times greater than the initial rate of rise of force before release (dF/dtI). As release size was increased from 25 to 175 nm half-sarcomere−1, the relationship between release size and dF/dtR decreased sharply before attaining a plateau value that was 1·34 ± 0·09 times greater than dF/dtI. Despite wide variations in dF/dtR, the velocity of unloaded shortening remained constant (2·92 ± 0·08 μm half-sarcomere−1 s−1; n= 8) for the different release amplitudes used in this study.To investigate its role in the attenuation of dF/dtR with increased shortening, the effects of rapid ramp (constant velocity) shortening on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye furaptra. Compared with an isometric contraction, rapid fibre shortening was associated with a transient increase in [Ca2+]i while force regeneration after shortening was associated with a transient reduction in [Ca2+]i. The greatest reductions in [Ca2+]i were associated with the largest amplitude ramps.Cross-bridge-mediated modifications of the Ca2+ affinity of troponin C (TnC) may explain the fluctuations in [Ca2+]i observed during and after ramps. Associated fluctuations in TnC Ca2+ occupancy could play a role in the reduction of dF/dtR with increasing release size. PMID:9679172

Mortality Rates and Cause of Death Among Former Prison Inmates in North Carolina.

PubMed

Jones, Mark; Kearney, Gregory D; Xu, Xiaohui; Norwood, Tammy; Proescholdbell, Scott K

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Inmates face challenges upon release from prison, including increased risk of death. We examine mortality among former inmates in North Carolina, including both violent and nonviolent deaths. METHODS A retrospective cohort study among former North Carolina inmates released between 2008 and 2010 were linked with North Carolina mortality data to determine cause of death. Inmates were followed through December 31, 2012. Mortality rates among former inmates were compared with deaths among North Carolina residents using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). RESULTS Among former inmates (N = 41,495), there were 926 deaths during the study period. Compared to the North Carolina general population, SMRs were higher for all-cause mortality for total deaths (SMR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.97-2.24), heart disease (SMR = 4.45, 95% CI: 3.64-5.34), cancer (SMR = 3.92, 95% CI: 3.34-4.62), suicide (SMR = 14.46, 95% CI: 10.28-19.76), and homicide (SMR = 7.98, 95% CI: 6.34-10.03). DISCUSSION The death rate among former North Carolina inmates is significantly higher than that of other North Carolina residents. Although more research is needed, identifying areas for interventions is essential for reducing the risk of death among this population. ©2017 by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System on IVF-ET Outcomes in PCOS With Simple Endometrial Hyperplasia.

PubMed

Bian, Jiang; Shao, Hongfang; Liu, Hua; Li, Hui; Fang, Lu; Xing, Changying; Wang, Lihong; Tao, Minfang

2015-06-01

This study investigated the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) pretreatment for simple endometrial hyperplasia (EH) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF embryo transfer (IVF-ET). One hundred ninety patients with PCOS and simple EH without cytologic atypia were allocated randomly to 2 independent arms, that is, the LNG-IUS group (90 patients) and the non-LNG-IUS group (100 patients). Four hundred fourteen patients with PCOS without endometrial disease comprised the control group. Each patient was reevaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) and endometrial biopsy after 6 months. For each patient, IVF outcome measures, such as number of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone, endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day, hormone levels (progesterone, luetinizing hormone, and serum estradiol) on HCG day, number of oocytes, fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate were compared among the 3 groups. In general, the 3 groups did not differ with respect to the main clinical and biochemical data. After 6 months, patients in LNG-IUS group had an EH resolution rate of 87.77%. In the non-LNG-IUS group, the resolution rate was 15.00%, and 3% of these patients showed progression of EH. The clinical pregnancy rates in the non-LNG-IUS group were significantly lower (28.04%) than that in the LNG-IUS group (46.06%) and the control group (44.65%). The miscarriage rate was highest in the non-LNG-IUS group, but no significant difference in miscarriage rate existed among the 3 groups. The study illustrates that the LNG-IUS can be safely used for 6 months as a treatment for patients with PCOS and simple EH. Additionally, use of the LNG-IUS can increase the clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates of patients with PCOS and simple EH who undergo gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist IVF-ET protocols. © The Author(s) 2014.

Evaluating the combined effects of source zone mass release rates and aquifer heterogeneity on solute discharge uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Barros, Felipe P. J.

2018-07-01

Quantifying the uncertainty in solute mass discharge at an environmentally sensitive location is key to assess the risks due to groundwater contamination. Solute mass fluxes are strongly affected by the spatial variability of hydrogeological properties as well as release conditions at the source zone. This paper provides a methodological framework to investigate the interaction between the ubiquitous heterogeneity of the hydraulic conductivity and the mass release rate at the source zone on the uncertainty of mass discharge. Through the use of perturbation theory, we derive analytical and semi-analytical expressions for the statistics of the solute mass discharge at a control plane in a three-dimensional aquifer while accounting for the solute mass release rates at the source. The derived solutions are limited to aquifers displaying low-to-mild heterogeneity. Results illustrate the significance of the source zone mass release rate in controlling the mass discharge uncertainty. The relative importance of the mass release rate on the mean solute discharge depends on the distance between the source and the control plane. On the other hand, we find that the solute release rate at the source zone has a strong impact on the variance of the mass discharge. Within a risk context, we also compute the peak mean discharge as a function of the parameters governing the spatial heterogeneity of the hydraulic conductivity field and mass release rates at the source zone. The proposed physically-based framework is application-oriented, computationally efficient and capable of propagating uncertainty from different parameters onto risk metrics. Furthermore, it can be used for preliminary screening purposes to guide site managers to perform system-level sensitivity analysis and better allocate resources.

Vorinostat-eluting poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanofiber-coated stent for inhibition of cholangiocarcinoma cells

PubMed Central

Song, Yeon Hui; Kim, Chan; Kim, Jungsoo; Seo, Sol-Ji; Jeong, Young-Il; Kang, Dae Hwan

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to fabricate a vorinostat (Zolinza™)-eluting nanofiber membrane-coated gastrointestinal (GI) stent and to study its antitumor activity against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods Vorinostat and poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) dissolved in an organic solvent was sprayed onto a GI stent to make a nanofiber-coated stent using an electro-spinning machine. Intact vorinostat and vorinostat released from nanofibers was used to assess anticancer activity in vitro against various CCA cells. The antitumor activity of the vorinostat-eluting nanofiber membrane-coated stent was evaluated using HuCC-T1 bearing mice. Results A vorinostat-incorporated polymer nanofiber membrane was formed on the surface of the GI stent. Vorinostat was continuously released from the nanofiber membrane over 10 days, and its release rate was higher in cell culture media than in phosphate-buffered saline. Released vorinostat showed similar anticancer activity against various CCA cells in vitro compared to that of vorinostat. Like vorinostat, vorinostat released from nanofibers induced acetylation of histone H4 and inhibited histone deacetylases 1⋅3⋅4/5/7 expression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, vorinostat nanofibers showed a higher tumor growth inhibition rate in HuCC-T1 bearing mice than vorinostat injections. Conclusion Vorinostat-eluting nanofiber membranes showed significant antitumor activity against CCA cells in vitro and in vivo. We suggest the vorinostat nanofiber-coated stent may be a promising candidate for CCA treatment. PMID:29089762

Release of salicylic acid, diclofenac acid and diclofenac acid salts from isotropic and anisotropic nonionic surfactant systems across rat skin.

PubMed

Gabboun, N H; Najib, N M; Ibrahim, H G; Assaf, S

2001-01-05

Release of salicylic acid, diclofenac acid, diclofenac diethylamine and diclofenac sodium, from lyotropic structured systems, namely; neat and middle liquid crystalline phases, across mid-dorsal hairless rat skin into aqueous buffer were studied. Release results were compared with those from the isotropic systems. The donor systems composed of the surfactant polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl ether, HCl buffer of pH 1 or distilled water and the specific drug. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were used to monitor the transfer of the drugs across the skin barrier. Results indicated that the rate-determining step in the transport process was the release of the drug from the specified donor system. Further, apparent zero order release was demonstrated with all systems. Except for diclofenac sodium, drug fluxes decreased as the donor medium changed from isotropic to anisotropic. The decrease in fluxes was probably due to the added constrains on the movement of drug molecules. By changing the anisotropic donor medium from neat to middle phase, drug flux decreased in case of salicylic acid and diclofenac sodium. In the mean time, flux increased in case of the diethylamine salt and appeared nearly similar in case of diclofenac acid. Rates of drug transfer across the skin from the anisotropic donors seemed to be largely controlled by the entropy contribution to the transport process. The type and extent of drug-liquid crystal interactions probably influenced the latter.

Solid lipid nanoparticles as carrier for sunscreens: in vitro release and in vivo skin penetration.

PubMed

Wissing, S A; Müller, R H

2002-06-17

The aim of this study was the comparison of two different formulations (solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and conventional o/w emulsion) as carrier systems for the molecular sunscreen oxybenzone. The influence of the carrier on the rate of release was studied in vitro with a membrane-free model. The release rate could be decreased by up to 50% with the SLN formulation. Further in vitro measurements with static Franz diffusion cells were performed. In vivo, penetration of oxybenzone into stratum corneum on the forearm was investigated by the tape stripping method. It was shown that the rate of release is strongly dependent upon the formulation and could be decreased by 30-60% in SLN formulations. In all test models, oxybenzone was released and penetrated into human skin more quickly and to a greater extent from the emulsions. The rate of release also depends upon the total concentration of oxybenzone in the formulation. In vitro-in vivo correlations could be made qualitatively.

Glycemic Responses, Appetite Ratings and Gastrointestinal Hormone Responses of Most Common Breads Consumed in Spain. A Randomized Control Trial in Healthy Humans

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Anton, Carolina; Rico, Maria C.; Sanchez-Rodriguez, Estefania; Ruiz-Lopez, Maria D.; Gil, Angel; Mesa, Maria D.

2015-01-01

The present study was carried out to determine the glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), insulinemic index (InI), appetite ratings and postprandial plasma concentrations of gastrointestinal hormones related to the control of food intake after the ingestion of the five most common breads consumed in Spain with different compositions and manufacturing processes. Twenty-two healthy adults participated in a randomized crossover study. The breads tested were Ordinary, Precooked-Frozen, Candeal-flour, Alfacar whites and Wholemeal. All breads portions were calculated to supply 50 g of available carbohydrates. In addition, 50 g of glucose was used as a reference. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare data calculated for all breads with glucose load. The GI value varied from 61 for the Wholemeal, to Alfacar 68, Ordinary 76, and 78 and 86 for the Precooked-Frozen and Candeal-flour breads, respectively. Wholemeal and Alfacar had lower GI than glucose. All tested breads had a lower GL (ranged 9 to 18) compared with glucose. Wholemeal GL was similar to Alfacar, but lower than the other white breads. InI were significantly lower for all breads (ranged 68 to 73) compared with glucose, and similar among them. The intake of the Wholemeal bread led to a higher release of gastric inhibitory polypeptide compared with the Ordinary and Precooked breads and to a higher release of pancreatic polypeptide compared with the Precooked-Frozen bread. All breads affected appetite ratings similarly. In conclusion, based on GL, the Wholemeal bread would be expected to exert a favorable glycemic response. PMID:26024293

Benefits from antidepressants: synthesis of 6-week patient-level outcomes from double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trials of fluoxetine and venlafaxine.

PubMed

Gibbons, Robert D; Hur, Kwan; Brown, C Hendricks; Davis, John M; Mann, J John

2012-06-01

Some meta-analyses suggest that efficacy of antidepressants for major depression is overstated and limited to severe depression. To determine the short-term efficacy of antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder in youth, adult, and geriatric populations. Reanalysis of all intent-to-treat person-level longitudinal data during the first 6 weeks of treatment of major depressive disorder from 12 adult, 4 geriatric, and 4 youth randomized controlled trials of fluoxetine hydrochloride and 21 adult trials of venlafaxine hydrochloride. All sponsor-conducted randomized controlled trials of fluoxetine and venlafaxine. Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised scores (youth population), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores (adult and geriatric populations), and estimated response and remission rates at 6 weeks were analyzed for 2635 adults, 960 geriatric patients, and 708 youths receiving fluoxetine and for 2421 adults receiving immediate-release venlafaxine and 2461 adults receiving extended-release venlafaxine. Patients in all age and drug groups had significantly greater improvement relative to control patients receiving placebo. The differential rate of improvement was largest for adults receiving fluoxetine (34.6% greater than those receiving placebo). Youths had the largest treated vs control difference in response rates (24.1%) and remission rates (30.1%), with adult differences generally in the 15.6% (remission) to 21.4% (response) range. Geriatric patients had the smallest drug-placebo differences, an 18.5% greater rate of improvement, 9.9% for response and 6.5% for remission. Immediate-release venlafaxine produced larger effects than extended-release venlafaxine. Baseline severity could not be shown to affect symptom reduction. To our knowledge, this is the first research synthesis in this area to use complete longitudinal person-level data from a large set of published and unpublished studies. The results do not support previous findings that antidepressants show little benefit except for severe depression. The antidepressants fluoxetine and venlafaxine are efficacious for major depressive disorder in all age groups, although more so in youths and adults compared with geriatric patients. Baseline severity was not significantly related to degree of treatment advantage over placebo.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Pueraria Flavones by a Novel Solid Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) Dropping Pills.

PubMed

Guan, Qingxiang; Zhang, Guangyuan; Sun, Shilin; Fan, Hongbo; Sun, Cheng; Zhang, Shaoyuan

2016-05-01

To improve bioavailability of pueraria flavones (PF), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) dropping pills composed of PF, Crodamol GTCC, Maisine 35-1, Cremophor RH 40, 1,2-propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) was developed. Particle size, zeta potential, morphology and in vitro drug release were investigated, respectively. Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills and commercial Yufengningxin dropping pills were also evaluated and compared in rats. Puerarin treated as the representative component of PF was analyzed. Dynamic light scattering showed the ability of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills to form a nanoemulsion droplet size in aqueous media. The type of media showed no significant effects on the release rate of PF. PF-SMEDDS dropping pills were able to improve the in vitro release rate of PF, and the in vitro release of these dropping pills was significantly faster than that of Yufengningxin dropping pills. There was a dramatic difference between the mean value of t1/2, peak concentration (Cmax), the area of concentration-time curve from 0 to 6 h (AUC0-6 h) of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills and that of commercial Yufengningxin dropping pills. A pharmacokinetic study showed that the bioavailability of PF was greatly enhanced by PF-SMEDDS dropping pills. The value of Cmax and relative bioavailability of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills were dramatically improved by an average of 1.69- and 2.36-fold compared with that of Yufengningxin dropping pills after gavage administration, respectively. It was concluded that bioavailability of PF was greatly improved and that PF-SMEDDS dropping pills might be an encouraging strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of PF.

Formulation and evaluation of an in situ gel forming system for controlled delivery of triptorelin acetate.

PubMed

Abashzadeh, Sh; Dinarvand, R; Sharifzadeh, M; Hassanzadeh, G; Amini, M; Atyabi, F

2011-11-20

The novel physical hydrogels composed of chitosan or its water soluble derivatives such as carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) and sodium carboxymethyl chitosan (NaCMCh) and opened ring polyvinyl pyrrolidone (OP-PVP) were used as a controlled delivery system for triptorelin acetate, a luteinizing-releasing hormone agonist. The in situ gel forming system designed according to physical interactions such as chains entanglements and hydrophilic attractions especially h-bonds of chitosan and/or NaCMCh and OR-PVP. In order to increase in situ gel forming rate the chitosan microspheres prepared through spray drying technique. The chitosan or NaCMCh/OR-PVP blends prepared at different ratios (0.05, 0.10, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20 and 0.24) and suspended in sesame oil as non-aqueous vehicle at different solid content (10-30%). The suitable ratio of polymers with faster in situ gel forming rate was selected for in vivo studies. The gel formation and drug release from the system was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro and in vivo results were compared with Diphereline SR 3.75mg, a commercially available controlled delivery system of triptorelin. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile for about 192h with first order kinetics. In vivo studies on male rats by determination of serum testosterone were confirmed the acceptable performance of in situ gel forming system compared with Diphereline SR in decreasing the serum testosterone level for 35days, demonstrating the potential of the novel in situ gel forming system for controlled delivery of peptides. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk of fentanyl-involved overdose among those with past year incarceration: Findings from a recent outbreak in 2014 and 2015.

PubMed

Brinkley-Rubinstein, Lauren; Macmadu, Alexandria; Marshall, Brandon D L; Heise, Andrew; Ranapurwala, Shabbar I; Rich, Josiah D; Green, Traci C

2018-04-01

Overdose is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. Rhode Island (RI) has the highest rate of illicit drug use nationally and the 5th highest overdose mortality rate. RI has experienced an outbreak of fentanyl-related overdoses. In incarcerated populations, risk of overdose is greatly elevated. However, little is known about fentanyl-related overdose post-release. In the current analyses, we identify changes in fentanyl-related fatal overdose among those who died in 2014 and 2015 who were incarcerated in the year before death. We linked data from the RI Office of the Medical Examiner with records from the RI Department of Corrections. We calculated risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals using log-binomial regression to compare risk of fentanyl-involved overdose death. We also compared median time to death since release, median sentence length, and median number of incarcerations in 2014 and 2015. Results indicate that the risk of dying of a fentanyl-related overdose increased (RR: 1.99 (95% CI: 1.11-3.57, p = 0.014)) from 2014 to 2015 among those with past year incarceration. This study is one of the first to describe fentanyl-related fatal overdose among those with past year incarceration. In 2015 the median sentence was longer among those with a fentanyl-related overdose death and the median time from release to death among all who had past year incarceration extended past 90 days. Access to medications for addiction treatment, overdose education, and naloxone should be available during community re-entry and extended beyond the early post-release period. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Sustained release of methotrexate through liquid-crystalline folate nanoparticles.

PubMed

Misra, Rahul; Mohanty, Sanat

2014-09-01

To make chemotherapy more effective, sustained release of the drug is desirable. By controlling the release rates, constant therapeutic levels can be achieved which can avoid re-administration of drug. This helps to combat tumors more effectively with minimal side effects. The present study reports the control release of methotrexate through liquid-crystalline folate nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are composed of highly ordered folate self-assembly which encapsulate methotrexate molecules. These drug molecules can be released in a controlled manner by disrupting this assembly in the environment of monovalent cations. The ordered structure of folate nanoparticles offers low drug losses of about 4-5%, which is significant in itself. This study reports the size-control method of forming methotrexate encapsulated folate nanoparticles as well as the release of methotrexate through these nanoparticles. It has been demonstrated that methotrexate release rates can be controlled by controlling the size of the nanoparticles, cross-linking cation and cross-linking concentration. The effect of different factors like drug loading, release medium, and pH of the medium on methotrexate release rates was also studied.

[Decomposition dynamics of leaf litter in logging residue of a secondary Castanopsis carlesii plantation and its chemical composition changes].

PubMed

Ren, Wei-ling; Guo, Jian-fen; Wu, Bo-bo; Wan, Jing-juan; Ji, Shu-rong; Liu, Xiao-fei

2015-04-01

A field experiment was conducted to understand the decomposition rates and chemical composition changes of leaf litter in logging residues of a 35-year-old secondary Castanopsis carlesii plantation over a period of one year. Mass loss rate of leaf litter showed an exponential decrease with time from May 2012 to April 2013, with a total 80% loss of initial dry mass. Net potassium (K) release was observed during this period, with only 5% of initial K remained. Nitrogen ( N) featured a pattern of accumulation at the early stage and release later, while phosphorus (P) exhibited a sequence of release, accumulation, and release. The remaining of N and P were 19% and 16% of their initial mass, respectively. The release rate was highest for K and the lowest for N. Decomposition of lignin indicated a trend of release-accumulation-release from May 2012 to October 2012, with no further significant change from November 2012 to the end of the experiment. The concentration of cellulose nearly unchanged during the experiment. The N/P rate increased with decomposition, ranging from 18.6 to 21.1. The lignin/N rate fluctuated greatly at the early stage and then almost stabilized thereafter.

CrossWater - Modelling micropollutant loads from different sources in the Rhine basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moser, Andreas; Bader, Hans-Peter; Fenicia, Fabrizio; Scheidegger, Ruth; Stamm, Christian

2015-04-01

The contamination of fresh surface waters with micropollutants originating from various sources is a growing environmental issue. The challenges for an effective political regulation are numerous, particularly for international water basins. One prerequisite for effective management is the knowledge of water quality across different parts of a basin. In this study within the Rhine basin, the spatial patterns of micropollutant loads and concentrations from different use classes are investigated with a mass flow analysis and compared to the established territorial jurisdictions on micropollutants and water quality. The source area of micropollutants depends on the specific use of a compound. The focus of this study is on i) herbicides from agricultural landuse, ii) biocides from material protection on buildings and iii) human pharmaceuticals from households. The total mass of micropollutants available for release to the stream network is estimated based on statistical application and consumption data. Based on GIS data of agricultural landuse, vector data of buildings, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) locations, respectively, the available mass of micropollutants is spatially distributed to the catchment areas. The actual release of micropollutants to the stream network is calculated with empirical loss rates related to river discharge for agricultural herbicides and to precipitation for biocides. For the pharmaceuticals the release is coupled to the metabolism rates and elimination rates in WWTP. For a first approximation national sales are downscaled to the catchment level to specify the available mass for selected model compounds (agricultural herbicides: Isoproturon, biocides: Carbendazim, human pharmaceuticals: Carbamazepine and Diclofenac). The available mass of herbicides and biocides is multiplied with empirical loss rates independent from discharge or precipitation to calculate the loads. The release of the pharmaceuticals was calculated by multiplying average consumption numbers with the person equivalent of the WWTP and the elimination rates. The comparison of pollutant loads to 7-day composite samples of all compounds at 15 locations along the Rhine yield plausible results.

Incidence of Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Prolonged-Release Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppression With 2 Different Corticosteroid Minimization Strategies: ADVANCE, A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Mourad, Georges; Glyda, Maciej; Albano, Laetitia; Viklický, Ondrej; Merville, Pierre; Tydén, Gunnar; Mourad, Michel; Lõhmus, Aleksander; Witzke, Oliver; Christiaans, Maarten H. L.; Brown, Malcolm W.; Undre, Nasrullah; Kazeem, Gbenga; Kuypers, Dirk R. J.

2017-01-01

Background ADVANCE (NCT01304836) was a phase 4, multicenter, prospectively randomized, open-label, 24-week study comparing the incidence of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) with 2 prolonged-release tacrolimus corticosteroid minimization regimens. Methods All patients received prolonged-release tacrolimus, basiliximab, mycophenolate mofetil and 1 bolus of intraoperative corticosteroids (0-1000 mg) as per center policy. Patients in arm 1 received tapered corticosteroids, stopped after day 10, whereas patients in arm 2 received no steroids after the intraoperative bolus. The primary efficacy variable was the diagnosis of PTDM as per American Diabetes Association criteria (2010) at any point up to 24 weeks postkidney transplantation. Secondary efficacy variables included incidence of composite efficacy failure (graft loss, biopsy-proven acute rejection or severe graft dysfunction: estimated glomerular filtration rate (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease-4) <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2), acute rejection and graft and patient survival. Results The full-analysis set included 1081 patients (arm 1: n = 528, arm 2: n = 553). Baseline characteristics and mean tacrolimus trough levels were comparable between arms. Week 24 Kaplan–Meier estimates of PTDM were similar for arm 1 versus arm 2 (17.4% vs 16.6%; P = 0.579). Incidence of composite efficacy failure, graft and patient survival, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate were also comparable between arms. Biopsy-proven acute rejection and acute rejection were significantly higher in arm 2 versus arm 1 (13.6% vs 8.7%, P = 0.006 and 25.9% vs 18.2%, P = 0.001, respectively). Tolerability profiles were comparable between arms. Conclusions A prolonged-release tacrolimus, basiliximab, and mycophenolate mofetil immunosuppressive regimen is efficacious, with a low incidence of PTDM and a manageable tolerability profile over 24 weeks of treatment. A lower incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was seen in patients receiving corticosteroids tapered over 10 days plus an intraoperative corticosteroid bolus versus those receiving an intraoperative bolus only. PMID:27547871

Matrix resin effects in composite delamination - Mode I fracture aspects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunston, Donald L.; Moulton, Richard J.; Johnston, Norman J.; Bascom, Willard D.

1987-01-01

A number of thermoset, toughened thermoset, and thermoplastic resin matrix systems were characterized for Mode I critical strain energy release rates, and their composites were tested for interlaminar critical strain energy release rates using the double cantilever beam method. A clear correlation is found between the two sets of data. With brittle resins, the interlaminar critical strain energy release rates are somewhat larger than the neat resin values due to a full transfer of the neat resin toughness to the composite and toughening mechanisms associated with crack growth. With tougher matrices, the higher critical strain energy release rates are only partially transferred to the composites, presumably because the fibers restrict the crack-tip deformation zones.

Investigating the solubility and cytocompatibility of CaO-Na2 O-SiO2 /TiO2 bioactive glasses.

PubMed

Wren, Anthony W; Coughlan, Aisling; Smith, Courtney M; Hudson, Sarah P; Laffir, Fathima R; Towler, Mark R

2015-02-01

This study aims to investigate the solubility of a series of titanium (TiO2 )-containing bioactive glasses and their subsequent effect on cell viability. Five glasses were synthesized in the composition range SiO2 -Na2 O-CaO with 5 mol % of increments TiO2 substituted for SiO2 . Glass solubility was investigated with respect to (1) exposed surface area, (2) particle size, (3) incubation time, and (4) compositional effects. Ion release profiles showed that sodium (Na(+) ) presented high release rates after 1 day and were unchanged between 7 and 14 days. Calcium (Ca(2+) ) release presented a significant change at each time period and was also composition dependent, where a reduction in Ca(2+) release is observed with an increase in TiO2 concentration. Silica (Si(4+) ) release did not present any clear trends while no titanium (Ti(4+) ) was released. Cell numbers were found to increase up to 44%, compared to the growing control population, with a reduction in particle size and with the inclusion of TiO2 in the glass composition. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rapid Return of Nitrogen but not Phosphorus to Ecosystem Nutrition During Decomposition of Quagga Mussel Tissue in Sand, Mud, or Water During Oxic or Anoxic Incubation: Implications for Phytoplankton Bioenergetics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooney, E. M.; Cuhel, R. L.; Aguilar, C.

2016-02-01

In 2003 Quagga mussels were found to have invaded Lake Michigan. Their presence has changed the structure of the lake both ecologically (benthification) as well as chemically (oligotrophication). They consume large amounts of phytoplankton, which decreases the particulate nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients available to other consumers including zooplankton. As a result, fisheries productivity has decreased nearly 95%. Recently reaching the end of the first life cycle, in death they release a portion of these nutrients back into the freshwater system during decomposition. This work determined amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen nutrient recycling for several relevant sediment-water interface conditions: oxic vs anoxic in water, mud, or sand over a weeklong period. Concentrations of ammonium, soluble reactive phosphorus, and nitrate were used to analyze nutrient release as decomposition took place. In a short time up to 25% of tissue N was released as ammonia, and under oxic conditions in mud or sand, nitrification converted some of the ammonia to nitrate. Unexpectedly, mussels decaying in anoxic conditions released ammonium much more slowly. A slower rate of release in ammonium for the intact body with the shell (burial) was observed when compared to ground mussel tissue (detritivory). Nitrate was removed in anoxic incubations, indicating anaerobic denitrification. Phosphate release was initially higher under anoxic conditions than those decaying aerobically. There was no significant difference in the amount or rate of release of SRP between ground mussel and whole bodied with the shell. The anoxic treatment showed similar patterns of release for both ground mussel and intact body with shell. Most important, phosphate was subsequently removed in all treatments and diffusible nutrient was minimal (<100nM). The results link to nutrient assimilation patterns of deep phytoplankton communities, which can replace nitrate with ammonium as an N source.

Growth rate effects on the formation of dislocation loops around deep helium bubbles in Tungsten

DOE PAGES

Sandoval, Luis; Perez, Danny; Uberuaga, Blas P.; ...

2016-11-15

Here, the growth process of spherical helium bubbles located 6 nm below a (100) surface is studied using molecular dynamics and parallel replica dynamics simulations, over growth rates from 10 6 to 10 12 helium atoms per second. Slower growth rates lead to a release of pressure and lower helium content as compared with fast growth cases. In addition, at slower growth rates, helium bubbles are not decorated by multiple dislocation loops, as these tend to merge or emit given sufficient time. At faster rates, dislocation loops nucleate faster than they can emit, leading to a more complicated dislocation structuremore » around the bubble.« less

In vitro BMP-2 peptide release from thiolated chitosan based hydrogel.

PubMed

Liu, Xujie; Yu, Bo; Huang, Qianli; Liu, Rui; Feng, Qingling; Cai, Qiang; Mi, Shengli

2016-12-01

Thiolated chitosan based thermo-sensitive hydrogel is a water soluble system and the existing thiol groups are beneficial for the delivery of cysteine-rich peptides. In the present study, a kind of thiolated chitosan, i.e. chitosan-4-thio-butylamidine (CS-TBA) conjugate was characterized and used to prepare CS-TBA/hydroxyapatite (HA)/beta-glycerophosphate disodium (β-GP) thermo-sensitive hydrogel. The cysteine terminated peptide 24 (P24) containing residues 73-92 of the knuckle epitope of BMP-2 (N→C: KIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYLSGGC) was synthesized and characterized. The release behavior of P24 from CS-TBA based hydrogel was investigated in vitro. The thiol groups in CS-TBA may react with thiol groups in P24, thus decreases the P24 release rate and maintains the peptide release for a longer time compared with unmodified chitosan based hydrogel. Moreover, the bioactivity of P24 is preserved during release process. These results indicate that P24 loaded CS-TBA based thermosensitive hydrogel is a potential material for minimally invasive surgery of bone repair. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning model drug release and soft-tissue bioadhesion of polyester films by plasma post-treatment.

PubMed

Mogal, Vishal T; Yin, Chaw Su; O'Rorke, Richard; Boujday, Souhir; Méthivier, Christophe; Venkatraman, Subbu S; Steele, Terry W J

2014-04-23

Plasma treatments are investigated as a post-production method of tuning drug release and bioadhesion of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) thin films. PLGA films were treated under varying conditions by controlling gas flow rate, composition, treatment time, and radio frequency (RF) power. In vitro release of the drug-like molecule fluorescein diacetate (FDAc) from plasma-treated PLGA was tunable by controlling RF power; an increase of 65% cumulative release is reported compared to controls. Bioadhesion was sensitive to RF power and treatment time, assessed using ex vivo shear-stress tests with wetted swine aorta. We report a maximum bioadhesion ∼6-fold that of controls and 5-fold that of DOPA-based mussel adhesives tested to swine skin.1 The novelty of this post-treatment is the activation of a hydrophobic polyester film for bioadhesion, which can be quenched, while simultaneously tuning drug-release kinetics. This exemplifies the promise of plasma post-treatment for in-clinic bioadhesive activation, along with technological advancements, i.e., atmospheric plasma and hand-held "plasma pencils".

A Comparison of Three Algorithms for Orion Drogue Parachute Release

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matz, Daniel A.; Braun, Robert D.

2015-01-01

The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is susceptible to ipping apex forward between drogue parachute release and main parachute in ation. A smart drogue release algorithm is required to select a drogue release condition that will not result in an apex forward main parachute deployment. The baseline algorithm is simple and elegant, but does not perform as well as desired in drogue failure cases. A simple modi cation to the baseline algorithm can improve performance, but can also sometimes fail to identify a good release condition. A new algorithm employing simpli ed rotational dynamics and a numeric predictor to minimize a rotational energy metric is proposed. A Monte Carlo analysis of a drogue failure scenario is used to compare the performance of the algorithms. The numeric predictor prevents more of the cases from ipping apex forward, and also results in an improvement in the capsule attitude at main bag extraction. The sensitivity of the numeric predictor to aerodynamic dispersions, errors in the navigated state, and execution rate is investigated, showing little degradation in performance.

Release of Bioactive Adeno-Associated Virus from Fibrin Scaffolds: Effects of Fibrin Glue Concentrations

PubMed Central

Lee, Hannah H.; Haleem, Amgad M.; Yao, Veronica; Li, Juan; Xiao, Xiao

2011-01-01

Fibrin glue (FG) is used in a variety of clinical applications and in the laboratory for localized and sustained release of factors potentially important for tissue engineering. However, the effect of different fibrinogen concentrations on FG scaffold delivery of bioactive adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) has not been established. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that FG concentration alters AAV release profiles, which affect AAV bioavailability. Gene transfer efficiency of AAV-GFP released from FG was measured using HEK-293 cells. Bioactivity of AAV transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) released from FG was assessed using the mink lung cell assay, and by measuring induction of cartilage-specific gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Nondiluted FG had longer clotting times, smaller pore sizes, thicker fibers, and slower dissolution rate, resulting in reduced release of AAV. AAV release and gene transfer efficiency was higher with 25% and 50% FG than with the 75% and 100% FG. AAV-TGF-β1 released from dilute-FG transduced hMSCs, resulting in higher concentrations of bioactive TGF-β1 and greater upregulation of cartilage-specific gene expression compared with hMSC from undiluted FG. This study, showing improved release, transduction efficiency, and chondrogenic effect on hMSC of bioactive AAV-TGF-β1 released from diluted FG, provides information important to optimization of this clinically available scaffold for therapeutic gene delivery, both in cartilage regeneration and for other tissue engineering applications. PMID:21449684

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets using cross-linked natural gum.

PubMed

Jamil, Qurratul Ain; Masood, Muhammad Irfan; Jamil, Muhammad Nauman; Masood, Imran; Iqbal, Shahid Muhammad

2017-03-01

Polysaccharide gums because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-immunogenic properties are considered as the best choice for preparing sustained release tablets as compared to their synthetic counterpart. The cross linking of natural gums in matrix tablets increase the sustained release property of matrix tablets. Isoniazid is a first line therapy of tuberculosis, belongs to BCS I with half-life of 3-4 hours. These characteristics make isoniazid a good candidate for sustained release dosage form. Karaya gum crossed linked with trisodium tri metaphosphate was used as release rate retardant for preparing isoniazid cross-linked matrix tablet. Total 8 sustained release formulations were prepared. Both granules and tablets were evaluated under in vitro condition against different parameters. Dissolution studies were performed with all eight formulations for 12 hours using USP apparatus I. Four formulations designated as F1, F2, F3, F4 have drug and karaya gum while other four formulations F5, F6, F7, F8 have drug and crossed linked polymer in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 respectively. Dissolution data was analyzed by using different kinetic models. Best fit model for most efficient formulation was zero order while release mechanism was super case I. Formulation 8 showed sufficiently slow release kinetics and about 83% of drug was released in 10 hours, indicating that cross-linked karaya gum proved efficient in preparing sustained release tablets.

Assessment of Aprotinin Loaded Microemulsion Formulations for Parenteral Drug Delivery: Preparation, Characterization, in vitro Release and Cytotoxicity Studies.

PubMed

Okur, Neslihan Üstündağ; Özdemir, Derya İlem; Kahyaoğlu, Şennur Görgülü; Şenyiğit, Zeynep Ay; Aşıkoğlu, Makbule; Genç, Lütfi; Karasulu, H Yeşim

2015-01-01

The object of the current study was to prepare novel microemulsion formulations of aprotinin for parenteral delivery and to compare in vitro characteristics and release behaviour of different Technetium-99m ((99m)Tc)-Aprotinin loaded microemulsion formulations. In addition, cytotoxicity of microemulsion formulation was evaluated with cell culture studies on human immortalized pancreatic duct epithelial-like cells. For this aim, firstly, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were plotted to detect the formulation region and optimal microemulsions were characterized for their thermodynamic stability, conductivity, particle size, zeta potential, viscosity, pH and in vitro release properties. For in vitro release studies aprotinin was labelled with (99m)Tc and labelling efficiency, radiochemical purity and stability of the radiolabeled complex were determined by several chromatography techniques. Radiolabeling efficiency of (99m)Tc-Aprotinin was found over than 90% without any significant changes up to 6 hours after labelling at room temperature. After that, in vitro release studies of (99m)Tc-Aprotinin loaded microemulsions were performed with two different methods; dissolution from diffusion cells and dialysis bags. Both methods showed that release rate of (99m)Tc- Aprotinin from microemulsion could be controlled by microemulsion formulations. Drug release from the optimized microemulsion formulations was found lower compared to drug solution at the end of six hours. According to stability studies, the optimized formulation was found to be stable over a period of 12 months. Also, human immortalized pancreatic duct epithelial-like cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of optimum formulation. Developed microemulsion did not reveal cytotoxicity. In conclusion the present study indicated that the M1-APT microemulsion is appropriate for intravenous application of aprotinin.

Effect of Concomitant Medications on the Safety and Efficacy of Extended-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa (IPX066) in Patients With Advanced Parkinson Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis.

PubMed

LeWitt, Peter A; Verhagen Metman, Leo; Rubens, Robert; Khanna, Sarita; Kell, Sherron; Gupta, Suneel

Extended-release (ER) carbidopa-levodopa (CD-LD) (IPX066/RYTARY/NUMIENT) produces improvements in "off" time, "on" time without troublesome dyskinesia, and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale scores compared with immediate-release (IR) CD-LD or IR CD-LD plus entacapone (CLE). Post hoc analyses of 2 ER CD-LD phase 3 trials evaluated whether the efficacy and safety of ER CD-LD relative to the respective active comparators were altered by concomitant medications (dopaminergic agonists, monoamine oxidase B [MAO-B] inhibitors, or amantadine). ADVANCE-PD (n = 393) assessed safety and efficacy of ER CD-LD versus IR CD-LD. ASCEND-PD (n = 91) evaluated ER CD-LD versus CLE. In both studies, IR- and CLE-experienced patients underwent a 6-week, open-label dose-conversion period to ER CD-LD prior to randomization. For analysis, the randomized population was divided into 3 subgroups: dopaminergic agonists, rasagiline or selegiline, and amantadine. For each subgroup, changes from baseline in PD diary measures ("off" time and "on" time with and without troublesome dyskinesia), Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Parts II + III scores, and adverse events were analyzed, comparing ER CD-LD with the active comparator. Concomitant dopaminergic agonist or MAO-B inhibitor use did not diminish the efficacy (improvement in "off" time and "on" time without troublesome dyskinesia) of ER CD-LD compared with IR CD-LD or CLE, whereas the improvement with concomitant amantadine failed to reach significance. Safety and tolerability were similar among the subgroups, and ER CD-LD did not increase troublesome dyskinesia. For patients on oral LD regimens and taking a dopaminergic agonist, and/or a MAO-B inhibitor, changing from an IR to an ER CD-LD formulation provides approximately an additional hour of "good" on time.

Effect of Concomitant Medications on the Safety and Efficacy of Extended-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa (IPX066) in Patients With Advanced Parkinson Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis

PubMed Central

LeWitt, Peter A.; Verhagen Metman, Leo; Rubens, Robert; Khanna, Sarita; Kell, Sherron; Gupta, Suneel

2018-01-01

Objectives Extended-release (ER) carbidopa-levodopa (CD-LD) (IPX066/RYTARY/NUMIENT) produces improvements in “off” time, “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia, and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale scores compared with immediate-release (IR) CD-LD or IR CD-LD plus entacapone (CLE). Post hoc analyses of 2 ER CD-LD phase 3 trials evaluated whether the efficacy and safety of ER CD-LD relative to the respective active comparators were altered by concomitant medications (dopaminergic agonists, monoamine oxidase B [MAO-B] inhibitors, or amantadine). Methods ADVANCE-PD (n = 393) assessed safety and efficacy of ER CD-LD versus IR CD-LD. ASCEND-PD (n = 91) evaluated ER CD-LD versus CLE. In both studies, IR- and CLE-experienced patients underwent a 6-week, open-label dose-conversion period to ER CD-LD prior to randomization. For analysis, the randomized population was divided into 3 subgroups: dopaminergic agonists, rasagiline or selegiline, and amantadine. For each subgroup, changes from baseline in PD diary measures (“off” time and “on” time with and without troublesome dyskinesia), Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Parts II + III scores, and adverse events were analyzed, comparing ER CD-LD with the active comparator. Results and Conclusions Concomitant dopaminergic agonist or MAO-B inhibitor use did not diminish the efficacy (improvement in “off” time and “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia) of ER CD-LD compared with IR CD-LD or CLE, whereas the improvement with concomitant amantadine failed to reach significance. Safety and tolerability were similar among the subgroups, and ER CD-LD did not increase troublesome dyskinesia. For patients on oral LD regimens and taking a dopaminergic agonist, and/or a MAO-B inhibitor, changing from an IR to an ER CD-LD formulation provides approximately an additional hour of “good” on time. PMID:29432286

Formulation, release characteristics, and bioavailability study of gastroretentive floating matrix tablet and floating raft system of Mebeverine HCl

PubMed Central

El Nabarawi, Mohamed A; Teaima, Mahmoud H; Abd El-Monem, Rehab A; El Nabarawy, Nagla A; Gaber, Dalia A

2017-01-01

To prolong the residence time of dosage forms within the gastrointestinal tract until all drug is released at the desired rate is one of the real challenges for oral controlled-release drug delivery systems. This study was designed to develop a controlled-release floating matrix tablet and floating raft system of Mebeverine HCl (MbH) and evaluate different excipients for their floating behavior and in vitro controlled-release profiles. Oral pharmacokinetics of the optimum matrix tablet, raft system formula, and marketed Duspatalin® 200 mg retard as reference were studied in beagle dogs. The optimized tablet formula (FT-10) and raft system formula (FRS-11) were found to float within 34±5 sec and 15±7 sec, respectively, and both remain buoyant over a period of 12 h in simulated gastric fluid. FT-10 (Compritol/HPMC K100M 1:1) showed the slowest drug release among all prepared tablet formulations, releasing about 80.2% of MbH over 8 h. In contrast, FRS-11 (Sodium alginate 3%/HPMC K100M 1%/Precirol 2%) had the greatest retardation, providing sustained release of 82.1% within 8 h. Compared with the marketed MbH product, the Cmax of FT-10 was almost the same, while FRS-11 maximum concentration was higher. The tmax was 3.33, 2.167, and 3.0 h for marketed MbH product, FT-10, and FRS-11, respectively. In addition, the oral bioavailability experiment showed that the relative bioavailability of the MbH was 104.76 and 116.01% after oral administration of FT-10 and FRS-11, respectively, compared to marketed product. These results demonstrated that both controlled-released floating matrix tablet and raft system would be promising gastroretentive delivery systems for prolonging drug action. PMID:28435220

Formulation, release characteristics, and bioavailability study of gastroretentive floating matrix tablet and floating raft system of Mebeverine HCl.

PubMed

El Nabarawi, Mohamed A; Teaima, Mahmoud H; Abd El-Monem, Rehab A; El Nabarawy, Nagla A; Gaber, Dalia A

2017-01-01

To prolong the residence time of dosage forms within the gastrointestinal tract until all drug is released at the desired rate is one of the real challenges for oral controlled-release drug delivery systems. This study was designed to develop a controlled-release floating matrix tablet and floating raft system of Mebeverine HCl (MbH) and evaluate different excipients for their floating behavior and in vitro controlled-release profiles. Oral pharmacokinetics of the optimum matrix tablet, raft system formula, and marketed Duspatalin ® 200 mg retard as reference were studied in beagle dogs. The optimized tablet formula (FT-10) and raft system formula (FRS-11) were found to float within 34±5 sec and 15±7 sec, respectively, and both remain buoyant over a period of 12 h in simulated gastric fluid. FT-10 (Compritol/HPMC K100M 1:1) showed the slowest drug release among all prepared tablet formulations, releasing about 80.2% of MbH over 8 h. In contrast, FRS-11 (Sodium alginate 3%/HPMC K100M 1%/Precirol 2%) had the greatest retardation, providing sustained release of 82.1% within 8 h. Compared with the marketed MbH product, the C max of FT-10 was almost the same, while FRS-11 maximum concentration was higher. The t max was 3.33, 2.167, and 3.0 h for marketed MbH product, FT-10, and FRS-11, respectively. In addition, the oral bioavailability experiment showed that the relative bioavailability of the MbH was 104.76 and 116.01% after oral administration of FT-10 and FRS-11, respectively, compared to marketed product. These results demonstrated that both controlled-released floating matrix tablet and raft system would be promising gastroretentive delivery systems for prolonging drug action.

Initiation of migration and movement rates of Atlantic salmon smolts in fresh water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stich, Daniel S.; Kinnison, Michael T.; Kocik, John F.; Zydlewski, Joseph D.

2015-01-01

Timing of ocean entry is critical for marine survival of both hatchery and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts. Management practices and barriers to migration such as dams may constrain timing of smolt migrations resulting in suboptimal performance at saltwater entry. We modeled influences of stocking location, smolt development, and environmental conditions on (i) initiation of migration by hatchery-reared smolts and (ii) movement rate of hatchery- and wild-reared Atlantic salmon smolts in the Penobscot River, Maine, USA, from 2005 through 2014 using acoustic telemetry data. We also compared movement rates in free-flowing reaches with rates in reaches with hydropower dams and head ponds. We compared movement rates before and after (1) removal of two mainstem dams and (2) construction of new powerhouses. Initiation of movement by hatchery fish was influenced by smolt development, stocking location, and environmental conditions. Smolts with the greatest gill Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) activity initiated migration 24 h sooner than fish with the lowest gill NKA activity. Fish with the greatest cumulative thermal experience initiated migration 5 days earlier than those with lowest cumulative thermal experience. Smolts released furthest from the ocean initiated migration earlier than those released downstream, but movement rate increased by fivefold closer to the ocean, indicating behavioral trade-offs between initiation and movement rate. Dams had a strong effect on movement rate. Movement rate increased from 2.8 to 5.4 km·h−1 in reaches where dams were removed, but decreased from 2.1 to 0.1 km·h−1 in reaches where new powerhouses were constructed. Movement rate varied throughout the migratory period and was inversely related to temperature. Fish moved slower at extreme high or low discharge. Responses in fish movement rates to dam removal indicate the potential scope of recovery for these activities.

Preparation and release study of Triclosan in polyethylene/Triclosan anti-bacterial blend.

PubMed

Kamalipour, Jamshid; Masoomi, Mahmood; Khonakdar, Hossein Ali; Razavi, Seyed Mohammad Reza

2016-09-01

In this study, medium density polyethylene (MDPE) incorporated with Triclosan antibacterial substance has been prepared and Triclosan release rate was investigated. The crystallinity level and matrix polarity, as two significant parameters in antibacterial release control, were studied. Triclosan, a well-established widespread antibacterial agent, was incorporated into medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) was used to change the polarity of the MDPE matrix. A masterbatch of 10wt% Triclosan incorporated with the MDPE and various PE-g-MA concentrations were prepared using an internal mixer. Then the masterbatch was diluted in the MDPE matrix to produce compounds with 0.1, 0.5, and1wt% Triclosan via twin screw extruder. The compounds were molded by compression molding method and then were cooled in three different cooling rate methods: isothermal cooling (I), quenching (Q),and moderate 5-10°C/min cooling rate (M). Cooling rate effects on crystallinity level were investigated applying sample density measurement. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy was used to probe the release of Triclosan. Antibacterial properties of the compounds against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus were measured. The results showed that by addition of PE-g-MA, Triclosan release rate was increased. It was confirmed that the sample crystallinity was decreased by the cooling rate enhancement. The results also showed that quenched samples indicated higher release of Triclosan. Cooling rate reduction and raising the polarity increased the release of Triclosan and improved the antibacterial properties of the compounds. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Jarosite dissolution rates in perchlorate brine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legett, Carey; Pritchett, Brittany N.; Elwood Madden, Andrew S.; Phillips-Lander, Charity M.; Elwood Madden, Megan E.

2018-02-01

Perchlorate salts and the ferric sulfate mineral jarosite have been detected at multiple locations on Mars by both landed instruments and orbiting spectrometers. Many perchlorate brines have eutectic temperatures <250 K, and may exist as metastable or stable liquids for extended time periods, even under current Mars surface conditions. Therefore, jarosite-bearing rocks and sediments may have been altered by perchlorate brines. Here we measured jarosite dissolution rates in 2 M sodium perchlorate brine as well as dilute water at 298 K to determine the effects of perchlorate anions on jarosite dissolution rates and potential reaction products. We developed a simple method for determining aqueous iron concentrations in high salinity perchlorate solutions using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry that eliminates the risk of rapid oxidation reactions during analyses. Jarosite dissolution rates in 2 M perchlorate brine determined by iron release rate (2.87 × 10-12 ±0.85 × 10-12 mol m-2 s-1) were slightly slower than the jarosite dissolution rate measured in ultrapure (18.2 MΩ cm-1) water (5.06 × 10-12 mol m-2 s-1) using identical methods. No additional secondary phases were observed in XRD analyses of the reaction products. The observed decrease in dissolution rate may be due to lower activity of water (ɑH2O = 0.9) in the 2 M NaClO4 brine compared with ultrapure water (ɑH2O = 1). This suggests that the perchlorate anion does not facilitate iron release, unlike chloride anions which accelerated Fe release rates in previously reported jarosite and hematite dissolution experiments. Since dissolution rates are slower in perchlorate-rich solutions, jarosite is expected to persist longer in perchlorate brines than in dilute waters or chloride-rich brines. Therefore, if perchlorate brines dominate aqueous fluids on the surface of Mars, jarosite may remain preserved over extended periods of time, despite active aqueous processes.

The release rate of environmental DNA from juvenile and adult fish.

PubMed

Maruyama, Atsushi; Nakamura, Keisuke; Yamanaka, Hiroki; Kondoh, Michio; Minamoto, Toshifumi

2014-01-01

The environmental DNA (eDNA) technique is expected to become a powerful, non-invasive tool for estimating the distribution and biomass of organisms. This technique was recently shown to be applicable to aquatic vertebrates by collecting extraorganismal DNA floating in the water or absorbed onto suspended particles. However, basic information on eDNA release rate is lacking, despite it being essential for practical applications. In this series of experiments with bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), we examined the effect of fish developmental stage on eDNA release rate. eDNA concentration reached equilibrium 3 days after the individual fish were introduced into the separate containers, enabling calculation of the eDNA release rate (copies h-1) from individual fish on the assumption that the number of eDNA released from the fish per unit time equals total degradation in the container (copies h-1). The eDNA release rate was 3-4 times higher in the adult (body weight: 30-75 g) than in the juvenile group (0.5-2.0 g). Such positive relationship between fish size and eDNA release rate support the possibility of biomass rather than density estimation using eDNA techniques. However, the eDNA release rate per fish body weight (copies h-1 g-1) was slightly higher in the juvenile than the adult group, which is likely because of the ontogenetic reduction in metabolic activity. Therefore, quantitative eDNA data should be carefully interpreted to avoid overestimating biomass when the population is dominated by juveniles, because the age structure of the focal population is often variable and unseen in the field. eDNA degradation rates (copies l-1 h-1), calculated by curve fitting of time-dependent changes in eDNA concentrations after fish removal, were 5.1-15.9% per hour (half-life: 6.3 h). This suggests that quantitative eDNA data should be corrected using a degradation curve attained in the target field.

Influence of factors on release of antimicrobials from antimicrobial packaging materials.

PubMed

Wu, Yu-Mei; Wang, Zhi-Wei; Hu, Chang-Ying; Nerín, Cristina

2018-05-03

Antimicrobial packaging materials (films or coatings) (APMs) have aroused great interest among the scientists or the experts specialized in material science, food science, packaging engineering, biology and chemistry. APMs have been used to package the food, such as dairy products, poultry, meat (e.g., beef), salmon muscle, pastry dough, fresh pasta, bakery products, fruits, vegetables and beverages. Some materials have been already commercialized. The ability of APMs to extend the shelf-life of the food depends on the release rate of the antimicrobials (AMs) from the materials to the food. The optimum rate is defined as target release rate (TRR). To achieve TRR, the influencing factors of the release rate should be considered. Herein we reviewed for the first time these factors and their influence on the release. These factors mainly include the AMs, food (or food simulant), packaging materials, the interactions among them, the temperature and environmental relative humidity (RH).

Real-time measurements to characterize dynamics of emulsion interface during simulated intestinal digestion.

PubMed

Pan, Yuanjie; Nitin, N

2016-05-01

Efficient delivery of bioactives remains a critical challenge due to their limited bioavailability and solubility. While many encapsulation systems are designed to modulate the digestion and release of bioactives within the human gastrointestinal tract, there is limited understanding of how engineered structures influence the delivery of bioactives. The objective of this study was to develop a real-time quantitative method to measure structural changes in emulsion interface during simulated intestinal digestion and to correlate these changes with the release of free fatty acids (FFAs). Fluorescence resonant energy transfer (FRET) was used for rapid in-situ measurement of the structural changes in emulsion interface during simulated intestinal digestion. By using FRET, changes in the intermolecular spacing between the two different fluorescent probes labeled emulsifier were characterized. Changes in FRET measurements were compared with the release of FFAs. The results showed that bile salts and pancreatic lipase interacted immediately with the emulsion droplets and disrupted the emulsion interface as evidenced by reduction in FRET efficacy compared to the control. Similarly, a significant amount of FFAs was released during digestion. Moreover, addition of a second layer of polymers at emulsion interface decreased the extent of interface disruption by bile salts and pancreatic lipase and impacted the amount or rate of FFA release during digestion. These results were consistent with the lower donor/acceptor ratio of the labeled probes from the FRET result. Overall, this study provides a novel approach to analyze the dynamics of emulsion interface during digestion and their relationship with the release of FFAs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of blast furnace slag as basal media for eelgrass bed.

PubMed

Hizon-Fradejas, Amelia B; Nakano, Yoichi; Nakai, Satoshi; Nishijima, Wataru; Okada, Mitsumasa

2009-07-30

Two types of blast furnace slag (BFS), granulated (GS) and air-cooled slag (ACS), were evaluated as basal media for eelgrass bed. Evaluation was done by comparing BFS samples with natural eelgrass sediment (NES) in terms of some physico-chemical characteristics and then, investigating growth of eelgrass both in BFS and NES. In terms of particle size, both BFS samples were within the range acceptable for growing eelgrass. However, compared with NES, low silt-clay content for ACS and lack of organic matter content for both BFS samples were found. Growth experiment showed that eelgrass can grow in both types of BFS, although growth rates in BFS samples shown by leaf elongation were slower than that in NES. The possible reasons for stunted growth in BFS were assumed to be lack of organic matter and release of some possible toxins from BFS. Reduction of sulfide content of BFS samples did not result to enhanced growth; though sulfide release was eliminated, release of Zn was greater than before treatment and concentration of that reached to alarming amounts.

Zinc delivery from non-woven fibres within a therapeutic nipple shield.

PubMed

Maier, Theresa; Scheuerle, Rebekah L; Markl, Daniel; Bruggraber, Sylvaine; Zeitler, Axel; Fruk, Ljiljana; Slater, Nigel K H

2018-02-15

A Therapeutic Nipple Shield (TNS) was previously developed to respond to the global need for new infant therapeutic delivery technologies. However, the release efficiency for the same Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) from different therapeutic matrices within the TNS formulation has not yet been investigated. To address this, in-vitro release of elemental zinc into human milk from two types of Texel non-woven fibre mats of varying thickness and different gram per square meter values, placed inside the TNS was explored and compared to the release from zinc-containing rapidly disintegrating tablets. In-vitro delivery was performed by means of a breastfeeding simulation apparatus, with human milk flow rates and suction pressure adjusted to physiologically relevant values, and release was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). It was found that a total recovery of 62-64 % elemental zinc was obtained after the human milk had passed through the fibre insert, amounting to a 20-48% increase compared to previous zinc delivery studies using rapidly disintegrating tablets within the TNS. This indicates that non-woven Texel fibre mats were identified as the superior dosage form for oral zinc delivery into human milk using a TNS. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of quantifying peptide release on ruminal protein degradation determined using the inhibitor in vitro system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The aim of this work was to compare use of an o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) colorimetric assay (OPA-C), which responds to both free AA and peptides, with an OPA fluorimetric assay (OPA-F), which is insensitive to peptides, to quantify rates of ruminal protein degradation in the inhibitor in vitro system ...

University Eligibility: Are Locally Reported Figures Comparable to the Commission's Estimates? Factsheet 06-03

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Postsecondary Education Commission, 2006

2006-01-01

The Commission periodically releases university eligibility rates for California high school graduates. These figures, which are based on a review of transcripts collected from schools, show the percentage of high school graduates who meet the admission requirements of the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU).…

Comparative gas-exchange in leaves of intact and clipped, natural and planted cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings

Treesearch

Brian R. Lockhart; John D. Hodges

2005-01-01

Gas-exchange measurements, including C022-exchange rate (net photosynthesis), stomatal conductance, and transpiration, were conducted on intact and clipped cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings growing in the field and in a nursery bed. Seedlings in the field, released from midstory and understory woody competition,...

Effect of water-column pH on sediment-phosphorus release rates in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fisher, Lawrence H.; Wood, Tamara M.

2004-01-01

Sediment-phosphorus release rates as a function of pH were determined in laboratory experiments for sediment and water samples collected from Shoalwater Bay in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, in 2001. Aerial release rates for a stable sediment/water interface that is representative of the sediment surface area to water column volume ratio (1:3) observed in the lake and volumetric release rates for resuspended sediment events were determined at three different pH values (8.1, 9.2, 10.2). Ambient water column pH (8.1) was maintained by sparging study columns with atmospheric air. Elevation of the water column pH to 9.2 was achieved through the removal of dissolved carbon dioxide by sparging with carbon dioxide-reduced air, partially simulating water chemistry changes that occur during algal photosynthesis. Further elevation of the pH to 10.2 was achieved by the addition of sodium hydroxide, which doubled average alkalinities in the study columns from about 1 to 2 milliequivalents per liter. Upper Klamath Lake sediments collected from the lake bottom and then placed in contact with lake water, either at a stable sediment/water interface or by resuspension, exhibited an initial capacity to take up soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) from the water column rather than release phosphorus to the water column. At a higher pH this initial uptake of phosphorus is slowed, but not stopped. This initial phase was followed by a reversal in which the sediments began to release SRP back into the water column. The release rate of phosphorus 30 to 40 days after suspension of sediments in the columns was 0.5 mg/L/day (micrograms per liter per day) at pH 8, and 0.9 mg/L/day at pH 10, indicating that the higher pH increased the rate of phosphorus release by a factor of about two. The highest determined rate of release was approximately 10% (percent) of the rate required to explain the annual internal loading to Upper Klamath Lake from the sediments as calculated from a lake-wide mass balance and observed in total phosphorus data collected at individual locations.

Impact of salt form and molecular weight of chitosan on swelling and drug release from chitosan matrix tablets.

PubMed

Huanbutta, Kampanart; Cheewatanakornkool, Kamonrak; Terada, Katsuhide; Nunthanid, Jurairat; Sriamornsak, Pornsak

2013-08-14

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gravimetric techniques were used to assess swelling and erosion behaviors of hydrophilic matrix tablets made of chitosan. The impact of salt form, molecular weight (MW) and dissolution medium on swelling behavior and drug (theophylline) release was studied. The matrix tablets made of chitosan glycolate (CGY) showed the greatest swelling in both acid and neutral media, compared to chitosan aspartate, chitosan glutamate and chitosan lactate. MRI illustrated that swelling region of CGY in both media was not different in the first 100 min but glassy region (dry core) in 0.1N HCl was less than in pH 6.8 buffer. The tablets prepared from chitosan with high MW swelled greater than those of low MW. Moreover, CGY can delay drug release in the acid condition due to thick swollen gel and low erosion rate. Therefore, CGY may be suitably applied as sustained drug release polymer or enteric coating material. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gas Release Behavior of Cu-TiH2 Composite Powder and Its Application as a Blowing Agent to Fabricate Aluminum Foams with Low Porosity and Small Pore Size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ying; Li, Yanxiang; Chen, Xiang; Liu, Zhiyong; Zhou, Xu; Wang, Ningzhen

2018-06-01

Compared to traditional pore structure with high porosity (≥ 80 pct) and large pore size (≥ 3 mm), aluminum foams with low porosity (60 to 70 pct) and small pore size (≤ 2 mm) possess higher compressive property and formability. In order to achieve the goal of reducing pore size, Cu-TiH2 composite powder prepared by ball milling preoxidized TiH2 with Cu powder was used as a blowing agent. Its gas release behavior was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the ball milling treatment can advance the gas release process and slow the gas release rate at the same time. All these changes are favorable to the reduction of porosity and pore size. Such Cu-TiH2 composite powder provides an alternative way to fabricate aluminum foams with low porosity and small pore size.

Preparation and characterization of silica xerogels as carriers for drugs.

PubMed

Czarnobaj, K

2008-11-01

The aim of the present study was to utilize the sol-gel method to synthesize different forms of xerogel matrices for drugs and to investigate how the synthesis conditions and solubility of drugs influence the change of the profile of drug release and the structure of the matrices. Silica xerogels doped with drugs were prepared by the sol-gel method from a hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) solution containing two model compounds: diclofenac diethylamine, (DD)--a water-soluble drug or ibuprofen, (IB)--a water insoluble drug. Two procedures were used for the synthesis of sol-gel derived materials: one-step procedure (the sol-gel reaction was carried out under acidic or basic conditions) and the two-step procedure (first, hydrolysis of TEOS was carried out under acidic conditions, and then condensation of silanol groups was carried out under basic conditions) in order to obtain samples with altered microstructures. In vitro release studies of drugs revealed a similar release profile in two steps: an initial diffusion-controlled release followed by a slower release rate. In all the cases studied, the released amount of DD was higher and the released time was shorter compared with IB for the same type of matrices. The released amount of drugs from two-step prepared xerogels was always lower than that from one-step base-catalyzed xerogels. One-step acid-catalyzed xerogels proved unsuitable as the carriers for the examined drugs.

Design and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of sustained-release floating tablets of itopride hydrochloride.

PubMed

Ahmed, Sayed M; Ahmed Ali, Adel; Ali, Ahmed Ma; Hassan, Omiya A

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study was to improve the bioavailability of itopride (ITO) and sustain its action by formulating as a floating dosage form. Sustained-release floating tablets of ITO hydrochloride (HCl) were prepared by direct compression using different hydrocolloid polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and ethylcellulose and/or methacrylic acid polymers Eudragit RSPM and Carbopol 934P. The floating property was achieved using an effervescent mixture of sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid (1:1 mol/mol). Hardness, friability, content uniformity, and dissolution rate of the prepared floating tablets were evaluated. The formulation F 10 composed of 28.5% Eudragit RSPM, 3% NaHCO 3 , and 7% citric acid provided sustained drug release. In vitro results showed sustained release of F 10 where the drug release percentage was 96.51%±1.75% after 24 hours ( P =0.031). The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the area under the curve (AUC 0-∞ ) of the prepared sustained-release floating tablets at infinity achieved 93.69 µg·h/mL compared to 49.89 µg·h/mL for the reference formulation (Ganaton ® ) and the relative bioavailability of the sustained-release formulation F 10 increased to 187.80% ( P =0.022). The prepared floating tablets of ITO HCl (F 10 ) could be a promising drug delivery system with sustained-release action and enhanced drug bioavailability.

A novel injectable in situ forming poly-DL-lactide and DL-lactide/glycolide implant containing lipospheres for controlled drug delivery.

PubMed

Yehia, Soad A; Elshafeey, Ahmed H; Elsayed, Ibrahim

2012-06-01

One of the greatest challenges in in situ forming implant (ISFI) systems by polymer precipitation is the large burst release during the first 1-24 hours after implant injection. The aim of this study was to decrease the burst-release effect of a water-soluble model drug, donepezil HCl, with a molecular weight of 415.96 Da, from in situ forming implants using a novel in situ implant containing lipospheres (ISILs). In situ implant suspensions were prepared by dispersing cetyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate lipospheres in a solution of poly-DL-lactide (PDL) or DL-lactide/glycolide copolymer (PDLG). Also, in situ implant solutions were prepared using different concentrations of PDL or PDLG solutions in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Triacetin and Pluronic L121 were used to modify the release pattern of donepezil from the in situ implant solutions. In vitro release, rheological measurement, and injectability measurement were used to evaluate the prepared in situ implant formulae. It was found that ISIL decreased the burst effect as well as the rate and extent of drug release, compared to lipospheres, PDL, and PDLG in situ implant. The amount of drug released in the first day was 37.75, 34.99, 48.57, 76.3, and 84.82% for ISIL in 20% PDL (IL-1), ISIL in 20% PDLG (IL-2), lipospheres (L), 20% PDL ISFI (I5), and 20% PDLG ISFI (I8), respectively. The prepared systems showed Newtonian flow behavior. ISIL (IL-1 and IL-2) had a flow rate of 1.94 and 1.40 mL/min, respectively. This study shows the potential of using in situ implants containing lipospheres in controlling the burst effect of ISFI.

Development of a level A in vitro-in vivo correlation for extended release dosage forms of quetiapine fumarate.

PubMed

Gonçalves de Lima, L; Rossi de Campos, D

2016-05-01

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic recommended as first-line treatment for acute bipolar depression. The extended-release quetiapine formulation is intended to be administered as an once-daily dosing. The development of an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) and the use of in vitro data to predict in vivo bioavailability parameters has been of great interest for the rational development and evaluation process for extended release dosage forms. The aim of this study was to develop an IVIVC for quetiapine extended release formulation. In vitro dissolution rate data were obtained using USP apparatus 2 at 50 rpm, in 3 bio-relevant dissolution media with different pH values (1.2, 4.5 and 6.8). The drug release profiles of the 2 extended release dosage forms were compared using the similarity factor (f 2). The relative bioavailability of quetiapine was evaluated by a single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2 period cross over study with 16 healthy volunteers. A linear level A IVIVC model was established using percentage of absorbed and dissolved data obtained at pH 1.2. The developed IVIVC model was employed to predict quetiapine concentration-time profiles, as well as the bioequivalence parameters for test formulation. Percent prediction errors were estimated for Cmax and AUC to evaluate the validity of the correlation. The values did not exceed 15%, proving the predictability of the correlation model. In conclusion, the established level A IVIVC model proved to be an excellent tool for predicting the rate and extent of quetiapine absorption as characterized by Cmax and AUC for test formulation. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Behavior patterns and fates of adult steelhead, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon released into the upper Cowlitz River Basin, 2005–09 and 2012, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kock, Tobias J.; Ekstrom, Brian K.; Liedtke, Theresa L.; Serl, John D.; Kohn, Mike

2016-08-26

A multiyear radiotelemetry evaluation was conducted to monitor adult steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), and coho salmon (O. kisutch) behavior and movement patterns in the upper Cowlitz River Basin. Volitional passage to this area was eliminated by dam construction in the mid-1960s, and a reintroduction program began in the mid-1990s. Fish are transported around the dams using a trap-and-haul program, and adult release sites are located in Lake Scanewa, the uppermost reservoir in the system, and in the Cowlitz and Cispus Rivers. Our goal was to estimate the proportion of tagged fish that fell back downstream of Cowlitz Falls Dam before the spawning period and to determine the proportion that were present in the Cowlitz and Cispus Rivers during the spawning period. Fallback is important because Cowlitz Falls Dam does not have upstream fish passage, so fish that pass the dam are unable to move back upstream and spawn. A total of 2,051 steelhead and salmon were tagged for the study, which was conducted during 2005–09 and 2012, and 173 (8.4 percent) of these regurgitated their transmitter prior to, or shortly after release. Once these fish were removed from the dataset, the final number of fish that was monitored totaled 1,878 fish, including 647 steelhead, 770 Chinook salmon, and 461 coho salmon.Hatchery-origin (HOR) and natural-origin (NOR) steelhead, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon behaved differently following release into Lake Scanewa. Detection records showed that the percentage of HOR fish that moved upstream and entered the Cowlitz River or Cispus River after release was relatively low (steelhead = 38 percent; Chinook salmon = 67 percent; coho salmon = 41 percent) compared to NOR fish (steelhead = 84 percent; Chinook salmon = 82 percent; coho salmon = 76 percent). The elapsed time from release to river entry was significantly lower for NOR fish than for HOR fish for all three species. Tagged fish entered the Cowlitz River in greater proportions than the Cispus River, regardless of origin. We found that 23–47 percent of the HOR fish entered the Cowlitz River and 12–38 percent entered the Cispus River. Similarly, 67–70 percent of the NOR fish entered the Cowlitz River and 38–66 percent entered the Cispus River. These behavioral differences translated into similar differences in fates during the spawning periods as higher percentages of tagged fish were assigned Cowlitz River fates than Cispus River fates.Fallback rates were affected by fish origin and release site. Overall, 12 percent of steelhead, 19 percent of Chinook salmon, and 8 percent of coho salmon fell back downstream of Cowlitz Falls Dam prior to spawning. Fallback rates were lower for fish that were released in the Cowlitz River or the Cispus River than for reservoir-released fish, but statistical comparisons were not robust because of small sample sizes at the river release sites. Fallback rates for fish released at the river release sites were 10 percent lower for steelhead, 4 percent lower for Chinook salmon, and 9 percent lower for coho salmon than for reservoir-released fish. However, fallback rates also were different between HOR and NOR fish. Fallback rates were significantly higher for HOR reservoir-released fish than for NOR reservoir-released fish.This study provided data that were insightful for understanding behavior and movement patterns in the upper Cowlitz River Basin and yielded estimates of fallback rates and fish fates that may be useful for fishery managers in the years to come. Studies from other systems have shown that factors such as prespawn mortality and fallback have resulted in substantial losses to spawning populations where trap-and-haul programs are being used as a restoration tool. Future research in the upper Cowlitz River Basin may use additional telemetry studies, genetic analyses, and spawning ground surveys to provide answers for new questions and to continue to monitor the progress of the reintroduction effort.

Analysis of combustion spectra containing organ pipe tone by cepstral techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, J. H.; Wasserbauer, C. A.

1982-01-01

Signal reinforcements and cancellations due to standing waves may distort constant bandwidth combustion spectra. Cepstral techniques previously applied to the ground reflection echo problem are used to obtain smooth broadband data and information on combustion noise propagation. Internal fluctuating pressure measurements made using a J47 combustor attached to a 6.44 m long duct are analyzed. Measurements made with Jet A and hydrogen fuels are compared. The acoustic power levels inferred from the measurements are presented for a range of low heat release rate operating conditions near atmospheric pressure. For these cases, the variation with operating condition of the overall acoustic broadband power level for both hydrogen and Jet A fuels is consistent with previous results showing it was proportional to the square of the heat release rate. However, the overall acoustic broadband power level generally is greater for hydrogen than for Jet A.

Radon Release and Its Simulated Effect on Radiation Doses.

PubMed

Orabi, Momen

2017-03-01

One of the main factors that affect the uncertainty in calculating the gamma-radiation absorbed dose rate inside a room is the variation in the degree of secular equilibrium of the considered radioactive series. A component of this factor, considered in this paper, is the release of radon (Rn) from building materials to the living space of the room. This release takes place through different steps. These steps are represented and mathematically formulated. The diffusion of radon inside the material is described by Fick's second law. Some of the factors affecting the radon release rate (e.g. covering walls, moisture, structure of the building materials, etc.) are discussed. This scheme is used to study the impact of radon release on the gamma-radiation absorbed dose rate inside a room. The investigation is carried out by exploiting the MCNP simulation software. Different building materials are considered with different radon release rates. Special care is given to Rn due to its relatively higher half-life and higher indoor concentration than the other radon isotopes. The results of the presented model show that the radon release is of a significant impact in some building materials.

Zero-order release of aspirin, theophylline and atenolol in water from novel methylcellulose glutarate matrix tablets.

PubMed

Khairuzzaman, A; Ahmed, S U; Savva, M; Patel, N K

2006-08-02

A novel hydrocolloidal polymer, methylcellulose glutarate (MC-GA), was prepared by esterifying methylcellulose with glutaric anhydride. The formation of ester was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, DSC and elemental analysis. The physicochemical properties such as, rate of swelling in water, viscosity and hygroscopicity of MC-GA were determined and compared with those of methycellulose A (MC). Aspirin, theophylline and atenolol tablets were compacted on a Carver press using the wet granulation method. Each tablet contained: 200 mg active, 80 mg anhydrous lactose, 8 mg povidone, 4 mg magnesium stearate, 4 mg talc, 50mg MC or MC-GA (drug-to-polymer ratio, 4:1). Contrary to the first-order release profile of all the drugs from the MC matrix tablets, a zero-order release was obtained from the MC-GA matrix tablets in water.

Chemical forms of tritium on the release from aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, A.; Nakashima, M.; Tachikawa, E.

1981-10-01

The release-behavior of tritium from aluminum, where tritium has been injected into aluminum samples through 6Li(n,α)T transmutation reaction, has been investigated. When the aluminum samples were dissolved in NaOH/D 2O solutions, a majority of T has appeared as DT but a small fraction as HT, T 2 and DTO. It has been concluded that both HT and T 2 were formed inside of the aluminum. Their formations compete each other and their relative yields are correlated with the impurity content of protium in the sample. The time-profiles of the release rate of tritium on heating the sample have been compared with the results calculated with an appropriate assumption. A little difference between them can be reasonably ascribed to the presence of thin oxide film covering the sample surface.

The effect of the NMDA receptor blocker, dextromethorphan, on cribbing in horses.

PubMed

Rendon, R A; Shuster, L; Dodman, N H

2001-01-01

Stereotypic cribbing in horses is thought to involve excess dopaminergic activity within the striatum. Various models of stress-induced stereotypies including cribbing in horses postulate that stress stimulates the release of endorphins, triggering the release of striatal dopamine. Dopamine in turn activates basal ganglia motor programs, reinforcing behavior via a reward mechanism. Furthermore, the release of dopamine by endorphins has been shown to depend on activation of NMDA receptors. In the present study, horses identified as cribbers and volunteered by their owners were treated with the NMDA receptor antagonist dextromethorphan (DM). When DM was administered via jugular injection (1 mg/kg), eight of nine horses responded with reductions in cribbing rate (CR) compared to baseline, and cribbing was suppressed completely for a period of time in almost half of the horses tested.

A Systematic Review of Tennis Elbow Surgery: Open Versus Arthroscopic Versus Percutaneous Release of the Common Extensor Origin.

PubMed

Pierce, Todd P; Issa, Kimona; Gilbert, Benjamin T; Hanly, Brian; Festa, Anthony; McInerney, Vincent K; Scillia, Anthony J

2017-06-01

To compare complications, function, pain, and patient satisfaction after conventional open, percutaneous, or arthroscopic release of the extensor origin for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. A thorough review of 4 databases-PubMed, EBSCOhost, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Plus, and Scopus-was performed to identify all studies that addressed surgical management of lateral epicondylitis. We included (1) studies published between 2000 and 2015 and (2) studies with clearly defined surgical techniques. We excluded (1) non-English-language manuscripts, (2) isolated case reports, (3) studies with fewer than 10 subjects, (4) animal studies, (5) studies with additional adjunctive procedures aside from release of the extensor origin, (6) clinical or systematic review manuscripts, (7) studies with a follow-up period of 6 months or less, and (8) studies in which less than 80% of patients completed follow-up. Each study was analyzed for complication rates, functional outcomes, pain, and patient satisfaction. Thirty reports were identified that included 848 open, 578 arthroscopic, and 178 percutaneous releases. Patients within each release group had a similar age (46 years vs 46 years vs 48 years; P = .9 and P = .4, respectively), whereas there was a longer follow-up time in patients who underwent surgery by an open technique (49.4 months vs 42.6 months vs 23 months, P < .001). There were no differences in complication rates among these techniques (3.8% vs 2.9% vs 3.9%; P = .5 and P = .9, respectively). However, open techniques were correlated with higher surgical-site infection rates than arthroscopic techniques (0.7% vs 0%, P = .04). Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were substantially better with both open and arthroscopic techniques than with percutaneous release (19.9 points vs 21.3 points vs 29 points, P < .001). In addition, there was less pain reported in the arthroscopic and percutaneous release groups as opposed to their open counterparts (1.9 points vs 1.4 points vs 1.3 points, P < .0001). There were no differences among the techniques in patient satisfaction rate (93.7% vs 89% vs 88%; P = .08 and P = .07, respectively). Functional outcomes of open and arthroscopic releases may be superior to those of percutaneous release. In addition, patients may report less pain with arthroscopic and percutaneous techniques. Although the risk of complications is similar regardless of technique, patients may be counseled that their risk of infectious complications may be slightly higher with open releases. However, it is important to note that this statistical difference may not necessarily portend noticeable clinical differences. Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV evidence. Copyright © 2017 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combustion Characteristics of CI Diesel Engine Fuelled With Blends of Jatropha Oil Biodiesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Yunus Sheikh, Mohd.; Singh, Dharmendra; Nageswara rao, P.

2018-03-01

Jatropha Curcas oil is a non-edible oil which is used for Jatropha biodiesel (JBD) production. Jatropha biodiesel is produced using transesterification technique and it is used as an alternative fuel in CI diesel engine without any hardware modification. Jatropha biodiesel is used in CI diesel engine with various volumetric concentrations (blends) such as JBD5, JBD15, JBD25, JBD35 and JBD45. The combustion parameters such as in-cylinder pressure, rate of pressure rise, net heat release, cumulative heat release, mass fraction burned are analyzed and compared for all blends combustion data with mineral diesel fuel (D100).

Comparative effects of intraduodenal protein and lipid on ghrelin, peptide YY, and leptin release in healthy men.

PubMed

Ullrich, Sina S; Otto, Bärbel; Hutchison, Amy T; Luscombe-Marsh, Natalie D; Horowitz, Michael; Feinle-Bisset, Christine

2015-02-15

Intraduodenal infusion of lipid or protein potently reduces subsequent energy intake. There is evidence that the underlying mechanisms differ significantly between the two nutrients. While intraduodenal lipid stimulates glucagon-like peptide-1 and CCK much more than protein, the release of insulin and glucagon is substantially greater in response to protein. Ghrelin and PYY are both involved in short-term regulation, while leptin is a long-term regulator, of energy balance; the acute effects of nutrients on leptin release are unclear. We investigated the comparative effects of intraduodenal lipid and protein on plasma ghrelin, PYY, and leptin concentrations. Thirteen lean, young men received 90-min intraduodenal infusions of protein (whey hydrolysate) or lipid (long-chain triglyceride emulsion) at a rate of 3 kcal/min, or saline control, on three separate days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and regularly during infusions. Both lipid and protein potently suppressed plasma ghrelin compared with control (both P < 0.001), with no difference between them. While both lipid and protein stimulated plasma PYY (P < 0.001), the effect of lipid was substantially greater than that of protein (P < 0.001). Neither intraduodenal lipid nor protein affected plasma leptin. In conclusion, intraduodenal lipid and protein have discrepant effects on the release of PYY, but not ghrelin. When considered with our previous findings, it appears that, with the exception of ghrelin, the energy intake-suppressant effects of lipid and protein are mediated by different mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Improved oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble indirubin by a supersaturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system.

PubMed

Chen, Zhi-Qiang; Liu, Ying; Zhao, Ji-Hui; Wang, Lan; Feng, Nian-Ping

2012-01-01

Indirubin, isolated from the leaves of the Chinese herb Isatis tinctoria L, is a protein kinase inhibitor and promising antitumor agent. However, the poor water solubility of indirubin has limited its application. In this study, a supersaturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) was developed to improve the oral bioavailability of indirubin. A prototype S-SMEDDS was designed using solubility studies and phase diagram construction. Precipitation inhibitors were selected from hydrophilic polymers according to their crystallization-inhibiting capacity through in vitro precipitation tests. In vitro release of indirubin from S-SMEDDS was examined to investigate its likely release behavior in vivo. The in vivo bioavailability of indirubin from S-SMEDDS and from SMEDDS was compared in rats. The prototype formulation of S-SMEDDS comprised Maisine™ 35-1:Cremophor(®) EL:Transcutol(®) P (15:40:45, w/w/w). Polyvinylpyrrolidone K17, a hydrophilic polymer, was used as a precipitation inhibitor based on its better crystallization-inhibiting capacity compared with polyethylene glycol 4000 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In vitro release analysis showed more rapid drug release from S-SMEDDS than from SMEDDS. In vivo bioavailability analysis in rats indicated that improved oral absorption was achieved and that the relative bioavailability of S-SMEDDS was 129.5% compared with SMEDDS. The novel S-SMEDDS developed in this study increased the dissolution rate and improved the oral bioavailability of indirubin in rats. The results suggest that S-SMEDDS is a superior means of oral delivery of indirubin.

Pharmacokinetics and analgesic effect of ketorolac floating delivery system.

PubMed

Radwan, Mahasen A; Abou El Ela, Amal El Sayeh F; Hassan, Maha A; El-Maraghy, Dalia A

2015-05-01

The efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) floating alginate beads as a drug delivery system for better control of KT release was investigated. The formulation with the highest drug loading, entrapment efficiency, swelling, buoyancy, and in vitro release would be selected for further in vivo analgesic effect in the mice and pharmacokinetics study in rats compared to the tablet dosage form. KT floating alginate beads were prepared by extrusion congealing technique. KT in plasma samples was analyzed using a UPLC MS/MS assay. The percentage yield, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were increased proportionally with the hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer amount in the KT floating beads. A reverse relationship was observed between HPMC amount in the beads and the KT in vitro release rate. F3-floating beads were selected, due to its better in vitro results (continued floating for >8 h) than others. A longer analgesic effect was observed for F3 in fed mice as compared to the tablets. After F3 administration to rats, the Cmax (2.2 ± 0.3 µg/ml) was achieved at ∼2 h and the decline in KT concentration was slower. F3 showed a significant increase in the AUC (1.89 fold) in rats as compared to the tablets. KT was successfully formulated as floating beads with prolonged in vitro release extended to a better in vivo characteristic with higher bioavailability in rats. KT in floating beads shows a superior analgesic effect over tablets, especially in fed mice.

Calcium release rates from tooth enamel treated with dentifrices containing whitening agents and abrasives.

PubMed

Araujo, Danilo Barral; Silva, Luciana Rodrigues; de Araujo, Roberto Paulo Correia

2010-01-01

Tooth whitening agents containing hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are used frequently in esthetic dental procedures. However, lesions on the enamel surface have been attributed to the action of these products. Using conventional procedures for separating and isolating biological structures, powdered enamel was obtained and treated with hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and sodium bicarbonate, ingredients typically found in dentifrices. The enamel was exposed to different pH levels, and atomic emission spectrometry was used to determine calcium release rates. As the pH level increased, the rate of calcium release from enamel treated with dentifrices containing whitening agents decreased. Carbamide peroxide produced the lowest amount of decalcification, while sodium bicarbonate produced the highest release rates at all pH levels.

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.

Graft copolymers of ethyl methacrylate on waxy maize starch derivatives as novel excipients for matrix tablets: drug release and fronts movement kinetics.

PubMed

Marinich, J A; Ferrero, C; Jiménez-Castellanos, M R

2012-04-01

A previous paper deals with the physicochemical and technological characterization of novel graft copolymers of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) on waxy maize starch (MS) and hydroxypropylstarch (MHS). The results obtained suggested the potential application of these copolymers as excipients for compressed non-disintegrating matrix tablets. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism governing drug release from matrix systems prepared with the new copolymers and anhydrous theophylline or diltiazem HCl as model drugs with different solubility. The influence of the carbohydrate nature, drying procedure and initial pore network on drug release kinetics was also evaluated. Drug release experiments were performed from free tablets. Radial drug release and fronts movement kinetics were also analysed, and several mathematical models were employed to ascertain the drug release mechanisms. The drug release markedly depends on the drug solubility and the carbohydrate nature but is practically not affected by the drying process and the initial matrix porosity. A faster drug release is observed for matrices containing diltiazem HCl compared with those containing anhydrous theophylline, in accordance with the higher drug solubility and the higher friability of diltiazem matrices. In fact, although diffusion is the prevailing drug release mechanism for all matrices, the erosion mechanism seems to have some contribution in several formulations containing diltiazem. A reduction in the surface exposed to the dissolution medium (radial release studies) leads to a decrease in the drug release rate, but the release mechanism is not essentially modified. The nearly constant erosion front movement confirms the behaviour of these systems as inert matrices where the drugs are released mainly by diffusion through the porous structure. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sublingual fast dissolving niosomal films for enhanced bioavailability and prolonged effect of metoprolol tartrate.

PubMed

Allam, Ayat; Fetih, Gihan

2016-01-01

The aim of the present work was to prepare and evaluate sublingual fast dissolving films containing metoprolol tartrate-loaded niosomes. Niosomes were utilized to allow for prolonged release of the drug, whereas the films were used to increase the drug's bioavailability via the sublingual route. Niosomes were prepared using span 60 and cholesterol at different drug to surfactant ratios. The niosomes were characterized for size, zeta-potential, and entrapment efficiency. The selected niosomal formulation was incorporated into polymeric films using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E15 and methyl cellulose as film-forming polymers and Avicel as superdisintegrant. The physical characteristics (appearance, texture, pH, uniformity of weight and thickness, disintegration time, and palatability) of the prepared films were studied, in addition to evaluating the in vitro drug release, stability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics in rabbits. The release of the drug from the medicated film was fast (99.9% of the drug was released within 30 minutes), while the drug loaded into the niosomes, either incorporated into the film or not, showed only 22.85% drug release within the same time. The selected sublingual film showed significantly higher rate of drug absorption and higher drug plasma levels compared with that of commercial oral tablet. The plasma levels remained detectable for 24 hours following sublingual administration, compared with only 12 hours after administration of the oral tablet. In addition, the absolute bioavailability of the drug (ie, relative to intravenous administration) following sublingual administration was found to be significantly higher (91.06%±13.28%), as compared with that after oral tablet administration (39.37%±11.4%). These results indicate that the fast dissolving niosomal film could be a promising delivery system to enhance the bioavailability and prolong the therapeutic effect of metoprolol tartrate.

Sublingual fast dissolving niosomal films for enhanced bioavailability and prolonged effect of metoprolol tartrate

PubMed Central

Allam, Ayat; Fetih, Gihan

2016-01-01

The aim of the present work was to prepare and evaluate sublingual fast dissolving films containing metoprolol tartrate-loaded niosomes. Niosomes were utilized to allow for prolonged release of the drug, whereas the films were used to increase the drug’s bioavailability via the sublingual route. Niosomes were prepared using span 60 and cholesterol at different drug to surfactant ratios. The niosomes were characterized for size, zeta-potential, and entrapment efficiency. The selected niosomal formulation was incorporated into polymeric films using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E15 and methyl cellulose as film-forming polymers and Avicel as superdisintegrant. The physical characteristics (appearance, texture, pH, uniformity of weight and thickness, disintegration time, and palatability) of the prepared films were studied, in addition to evaluating the in vitro drug release, stability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics in rabbits. The release of the drug from the medicated film was fast (99.9% of the drug was released within 30 minutes), while the drug loaded into the niosomes, either incorporated into the film or not, showed only 22.85% drug release within the same time. The selected sublingual film showed significantly higher rate of drug absorption and higher drug plasma levels compared with that of commercial oral tablet. The plasma levels remained detectable for 24 hours following sublingual administration, compared with only 12 hours after administration of the oral tablet. In addition, the absolute bioavailability of the drug (ie, relative to intravenous administration) following sublingual administration was found to be significantly higher (91.06%±13.28%), as compared with that after oral tablet administration (39.37%±11.4%). These results indicate that the fast dissolving niosomal film could be a promising delivery system to enhance the bioavailability and prolong the therapeutic effect of metoprolol tartrate. PMID:27536063

[Determination of Mineral Elements in Choerospondias Axillaris and Its Extractives by ICP-AES].

PubMed

Zhai, Yu-xin; Chen, Jun; Li, Ti; Liu, Ji-yan; Wang, Xie-yi; Cheng, Chao; Liu, Cheng-mei

2015-04-01

Nine elements in Choerospondias axillaris flesh, peels, aqueous extractives and gastric digesta were determined by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) in the present study. The results showed that the contents of Fe, Ca, Zn, Mn, Al, Mg, Cu, K and P in the flesh were 27.37, 269.88, 1.51, 2.45, 1.95, 195.30, 2.45, 2,970.11, and 133.94 µg · g(-1), respectively. They are lower than that in the peels, about 40.31%, 11.70%, 21.68%, 4.27%, 10.58%, 15.76%, 68.72%, 42.04%, and 22.59%, respectively. For microwave assistant extraction, the release rate of Mn was highest (81.68%), while Fe was lowest (4.42%) in the flesh. The release rate of Zn was the highest (79.00%), while that of A1 was the lowest (4.94%) in the peels. Except Fe, Cu and Zn, the release rates of the other elements in flesh were higher than those in the peels. After gastric digestion, the release rates of nine elements were 3.25%-87.51% in the flesh and 7.11%-50.69% in the peels. The release rates of minerals in the flesh were found to be higher than those in the peels except Fe and Cu. Microwave assistant extraction can more efficiently release Fe, Ca, Mn, Mg and K from the flesh than the gastric digestion do. While gastric digestion had a significant effect on the peels, the release rates of elements, except Zn, were higher than those in microwave assistant extraction. Therefore, the difference of distribution and release of mineral elements between peels and flesh of Choerospondias axillaris was understood, which will provide a positive guide for further study of bioavailability of minerals for human body.

A comparison of video review and feedback device measurement of chest compressions quality during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ting-Chang; Wolfe, Heather; Sutton, Robert; Myers, Sage; Nadkarni, Vinay; Donoghue, Aaron

2015-08-01

To describe chest compression (CC) rate, depth, and leaning during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as measured by two simultaneous methods, and to assess the accuracy and reliability of video review in measuring CC quality. Resuscitations in a pediatric emergency department are videorecorded for quality improvement. Patients aged 8-18 years receiving CPR under videorecording were eligible for inclusion. CPR was recorded by a pressure/accelerometer feedback device and tabulated in 30-s epochs of uninterrupted CC. Investigators reviewed videorecorded CPR and measured rate, depth, and release by observation. Raters categorized epochs as 'meeting criteria' if 80% of CCs in an epoch were done with appropriate depth (>45 mm) and/or release (<2.5 kg leaning). Comparison between device measurement and video was made by Spearman's ρ for rate and by κ statistic for depth and release. Interrater reliability for depth and release was measured by κ statistic. Five patients underwent videorecorded CPR using the feedback device. 97 30-s epochs of CCs were analyzed. CCs met criteria for rate in 74/97 (76%) of epochs; depth in 38/97 (39%); release in 82/97 (84%). Agreement between video and feedback device for rate was good (ρ = 0.77); agreement was poor for depth and release (κ 0.04-0.41). Interrater reliability for depth and release measured by video was poor (κ 0.04-0.49). Video review measured CC rate accurately; depth and release were not reliably or accurately assessed by video. Future research should focus on the optimal combination of methods for measuring CPR quality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a novel osmotically driven drug delivery system for weakly basic drugs.

PubMed

Guthmann, C; Lipp, R; Wagner, T; Kranz, H

2008-06-01

The drug substance SAG/ZK has a short biological half-life and because of its weakly basic nature a strong pH-dependent solubility was observed. The aim of this study was to develop a controlled release (cr) multiple unit pellet formulation for SAG/ZK with pH-independent drug release. Pellets with a drug load of 60% were prepared by extrusion/spheronization followed by cr-film coating with an extended release polyvinyl acetate/polyvinyl pyrrolidone dispersion (Kollidon SR 30 D). To overcome the problem of pH-dependent drug release the pellets were then coated with a second layer of an enteric methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer (Kollicoat MAE 30 DP). To increase the drug release rates from the double layered cr-pellets different osmotically active ionic (sodium and potassium chloride) and nonionic (sucrose) additives were incorporated into the pellet core. Drug release studies were performed in media of different osmotic pressure to clarify the main release mechanism. Extended release coated pellets of SAG/ZK demonstrated pH-dependent drug release. Applying a second enteric coat on top of the extended release film coat failed in order to achieve pH-independent drug release. Already low enteric polymer levels on top of the extended release coated pellets decreased drug release rates at pH 1 drastically, thus resulting in a reversal of the pH-dependency (faster release at pH 6.8 than in 0.1N HCl). The addition of osmotically active ingredients (sodium and potassium chloride, and sucrose) increased the imbibing of aqueous fluids into the pellet cores thus providing a saturated drug solution inside the beads and increasing drug concentration gradients. In addition, for these pellets increased formation of pores and cracks in the polymer coating was observed. Hence drug release rates from double layered beads increased significantly. Therefore, pH-independent osmotically driven SAG/ZK release was achieved from pellets containing osmotically active ingredients and coated with an extended and enteric polymer. In contrast, with increasing osmotic pressure of the dissolution medium the in vitro drug release rates decreased significantly.

Kinetics of dissolution of thorium and uranium doped britholite ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dacheux, N.; Du Fou de Kerdaniel, E.; Clavier, N.; Podor, R.; Aupiais, J.; Szenknect, S.

2010-09-01

In the field of immobilization of actinides in phosphate-based ceramics, several thorium and uranium doped britholite samples were submitted to leaching tests. The normalized dissolution rates determined for several pH values, temperatures and acidic media from the calcium release range from 4.7 × 10 -2 g m -2 d -1 to 21.6 g m -2 d -1. Their comparison with that determined for phosphorus, thorium and uranium revealed that the dissolution is clearly incongruent for all the conditions examined. Whatever the leaching solution considered, calcium and phosphorus elements were always released with higher RL values than the other elements (Nd, Th, U). Simultaneously, thorium was found to quickly precipitate as alteration product, leading to diffusion phenomena for uranium. For all the media considered, the uranium release is higher than that of thorium, probably due to its oxidation from tetravalent oxidation state to uranyl. Moreover, the evaluation of the partial order related to proton concentration and the apparent energy of activation suggest that the reaction of dissolution is probably controlled by surface chemical reactions occurring at the solid/liquid interface. Finally, comparative leaching tests performed in sulphuric acid solutions revealed a significant influence of such media on the chemical durability of the leached pellets, leading to higher normalized dissolution rates for all the elements considered. On the basis of the results of chemical speciation, this difference was mainly explained in the light of higher complexion constants by sulfate ions compared to nitrate, chloride and phosphate.

Effects of crosslinking on the mechanical properties, drug release and cytocompatibility of protein polymers.

PubMed

Martinez, Adam W; Caves, Jeffrey M; Ravi, Swathi; Li, Wehnsheng; Chaikof, Elliot L

2014-01-01

Recombinant elastin-like protein polymers are increasingly being investigated as component materials of a variety of implantable medical devices. This is chiefly a result of their favorable biological properties and the ability to tailor their physical and mechanical properties. In this report, we explore the potential of modulating the water content, mechanical properties, and drug release profiles of protein films through the selection of different crosslinking schemes and processing strategies. We find that the selection of crosslinking scheme and processing strategy has a significant influence on all aspects of protein polymer films. Significantly, utilization of a confined, fixed volume, as well as vapor-phase crosslinking strategies, decreased protein polymer equilibrium water content. Specifically, as compared to uncrosslinked protein gels, water content was reduced for genipin (15.5%), glutaraldehyde (GTA, 24.5%), GTA vapor crosslinking (31.6%), disulfide (SS, 18.2%) and SS vapor crosslinking (25.5%) (P<0.05). Distinct crosslinking strategies modulated protein polymer stiffness, strain at failure and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). In all cases, vapor-phase crosslinking produced the stiffest films with the highest UTS. Moreover, both confined, fixed volume and vapor-phase approaches influenced drug delivery rates, resulting in decreased initial drug burst and release rates as compared to solution phase crosslinking. Tailored crosslinking strategies provide an important option for modulating the physical, mechanical and drug delivery properties of protein polymers. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dual-drug delivery by porous silicon nanoparticles for improved cellular uptake, sustained release, and combination therapy.

PubMed

Wang, Chang-Fang; Mäkilä, Ermei M; Kaasalainen, Martti H; Hagström, Marja V; Salonen, Jarno J; Hirvonen, Jouni T; Santos, Hélder A

2015-04-01

Dual-drug delivery of antiangiogenic and chemotherapeutic drugs can enhance the therapeutic effect for cancer therapy. Conjugation of methotrexate (MTX) to porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles (MTX-PSi) with positively charged surface can improve the cellular uptake of MTX and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Herein, MTX-PSi conjugates sustained the release of MTX up to 96 h, and the released fragments including MTX were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The intracellular distribution of the MTX-PSi nanoparticles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Compared to pure MTX, the MTX-PSi achieved similar inhibition of cell proliferation in folate receptor (FR) over-expressing U87 MG cancer cells, and a higher effect in low FR-expressing EA.hy926 cells. Nuclear fragmentation analysis demonstrated programmed cell apoptosis of MTX-PSi in the high/low FR-expressing cancer cells, whereas PSi alone at the same dose had a minor effect on cell apoptosis. Finally, the porous structure of MTX-PSi enabled a successful concomitant loading of another anti-angiogenic hydrophobic drug, sorafenib, and considerably enhanced the dissolution rate of sorafenib. Overall, the MTX-PSi nanoparticles can be used as a platform for combination chemotherapy by simultaneously enhancing the dissolution rate of a hydrophobic drug and sustaining the release of a conjugated chemotherapeutic drug. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New UK nickel-plated steel coins constitute an increased allergy and eczema risk.

PubMed

Julander, Anneli; Midander, Klara; Herting, Gunilla; Thyssen, Jacob P; White, Ian R; Odnevall Wallinder, Inger; Lidén, Carola

2013-06-01

Nickel-plated steel coins have recently been introduced in the United Kingdom. To compare the performance and allergy risk of the new nickel-plated coins (five and ten pence) with those of the cupro-nickel coins being replaced. Coin handling studies with assessment of skin exposure and metal release in artificial sweat were performed. Six volunteers participated. The amount of nickel deposited onto skin during the handling of nickel-plated coins for 1 hr was 7.5 µg/cm(2) , four times higher than that from cupro-nickel coins. The nickel content in the oxidized surface of nickel-plated coins was higher, explaining the higher skin dose. Initial nickel release rates were 10-27 times higher than 1-week rates, emphasizing that brief and repeated contact results in significant nickel exposure. Nickel-plated coins deposit higher levels of nickel onto skin than cupro-nickel coins, and hence pose an increased allergy risk. One-week release in artificial sweat is not suitable for determining the risk of handling items with high nickel release that come into short, repeated contact with the skin. The nickel skin dose is recommended for risk assessment. UK citizens are now, because of this change in coinage, unnecessarily exposed to higher levels of nickel on the skin. This is of public health concern. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Computational Studies of Drug Release, Transport and Absorption in the Human Intestines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behafarid, Farhad; Brasseur, J. G.; Vijayakumar, G.; Jayaraman, B.; Wang, Y.

2016-11-01

Following disintegration of a drug tablet, a cloud of particles 10-200 μm in diameter enters the small intestine where drug molecules are absorbed into the blood. Drug release rate depends on particle size, solubility and hydrodynamic enhancements driven by gut motility. To quantify the interrelationships among dissolution, transport and wall permeability, we apply lattice Boltzmann method to simulate the drug concentration field in the 3D gut released from polydisperse distributions of drug particles in the "fasting" vs. "fed" motility states. Generalized boundary conditions allow for both solubility and gut wall permeability to be systematically varied. We apply a local 'quasi-steady state' approximation for drug dissolution using a mathematical model generalized for hydrodynamic enhancements and heterogeneity in drug release rate. We observe fundamental differences resulting from the interplay among release, transport and absorption in relationship to particle size distribution, luminal volume, motility, solubility and permeability. For example, whereas smaller volume encourages higher bulk concentrations and reduced release rate, it also encourages higher absorption rate, making it difficult to generalize predictions. Supported by FDA.

A smoothed stochastic earthquake rate model considering seismicity and fault moment release for Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiemer, S.; Woessner, J.; Basili, R.; Danciu, L.; Giardini, D.; Wiemer, S.

2014-08-01

We present a time-independent gridded earthquake rate forecast for the European region including Turkey. The spatial component of our model is based on kernel density estimation techniques, which we applied to both past earthquake locations and fault moment release on mapped crustal faults and subduction zone interfaces with assigned slip rates. Our forecast relies on the assumption that the locations of past seismicity is a good guide to future seismicity, and that future large-magnitude events occur more likely in the vicinity of known faults. We show that the optimal weighted sum of the corresponding two spatial densities depends on the magnitude range considered. The kernel bandwidths and density weighting function are optimized using retrospective likelihood-based forecast experiments. We computed earthquake activity rates (a- and b-value) of the truncated Gutenberg-Richter distribution separately for crustal and subduction seismicity based on a maximum likelihood approach that considers the spatial and temporal completeness history of the catalogue. The final annual rate of our forecast is purely driven by the maximum likelihood fit of activity rates to the catalogue data, whereas its spatial component incorporates contributions from both earthquake and fault moment-rate densities. Our model constitutes one branch of the earthquake source model logic tree of the 2013 European seismic hazard model released by the EU-FP7 project `Seismic HAzard haRmonization in Europe' (SHARE) and contributes to the assessment of epistemic uncertainties in earthquake activity rates. We performed retrospective and pseudo-prospective likelihood consistency tests to underline the reliability of our model and SHARE's area source model (ASM) using the testing algorithms applied in the collaboratory for the study of earthquake predictability (CSEP). We comparatively tested our model's forecasting skill against the ASM and find a statistically significant better performance for testing periods of 10-20 yr. The testing results suggest that our model is a viable candidate model to serve for long-term forecasting on timescales of years to decades for the European region.

Development of near zero-order release dosage forms using three-dimensional printing (3-DP) technology.

PubMed

Wang, Chen-Chao; Tejwani Motwani, Monica R; Roach, Willie J; Kay, Jennifer L; Yoo, Jaedeok; Surprenant, Henry L; Monkhouse, Donald C; Pryor, Timothy J

2006-03-01

Three near zero-order controlled-release pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PEH) formulations demonstrating proportional release rates were developed using 3-Dimensional Printing (3-DP) technology. Mixtures of Kollidon SR and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) were used as drug carriers. The release rates were adjusted by varying the Kollidon SR-HPMC ratio while keeping fabrication parameters constant. The dosage forms were composed of an immediate release core and a release rate regulating shell, fabricated with an aqueous PEH and an ethanolic triethyl citrate (TEC) binder, respectively. The dosage form design called for the drug to be released via diffusional pathways formed by HPMC in the shell matrix. The release rate was shown to increase correspondingly with the fraction of HPMC contained in the polymer blend. The designed formulations resulted in dosage forms that were insensitive to changes in pH of the dissolution medium, paddle stirring rate, and the presence/absence of a sinker. The near zero-order release properties were unchanged regardless of the dissolution test being performed on either single cubes or on a group of eight cubes encased within a gelatin capsule shell. The chemical and dissolution properties of the three formulations remained unchanged following 1 month's exposure to 25 degrees C/60% RH or 40 degrees C/75% RH environment under open container condition. The in vivo performance of the three formulations was evaluated using a single-dose, randomized, open-label, four-way crossover clinical study composed of 10 fasted healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a noncompartmental model. Qualitative rank order linear correlations between in vivo absorption profiles and in vitro dissolution parameters (with slope and intercept close to unity and origin, respectively) were obtained for all three formulations, indicating good support for a Level A in vivo/in vitro correlation.

Stabilization of memory States by stochastic facilitating synapses.

PubMed

Miller, Paul

2013-12-06

Bistability within a small neural circuit can arise through an appropriate strength of excitatory recurrent feedback. The stability of a state of neural activity, measured by the mean dwelling time before a noise-induced transition to another state, depends on the neural firing-rate curves, the net strength of excitatory feedback, the statistics of spike times, and increases exponentially with the number of equivalent neurons in the circuit. Here, we show that such stability is greatly enhanced by synaptic facilitation and reduced by synaptic depression. We take into account the alteration in times of synaptic vesicle release, by calculating distributions of inter-release intervals of a synapse, which differ from the distribution of its incoming interspike intervals when the synapse is dynamic. In particular, release intervals produced by a Poisson spike train have a coefficient of variation greater than one when synapses are probabilistic and facilitating, whereas the coefficient of variation is less than one when synapses are depressing. However, in spite of the increased variability in postsynaptic input produced by facilitating synapses, their dominant effect is reduced synaptic efficacy at low input rates compared to high rates, which increases the curvature of neural input-output functions, leading to wider regions of bistability in parameter space and enhanced lifetimes of memory states. Our results are based on analytic methods with approximate formulae and bolstered by simulations of both Poisson processes and of circuits of noisy spiking model neurons.

[Therapeutic effects of venlafaxine extended release for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders in the German outpatient setting - results of 2 observational studies including 8500 patients].

PubMed

Anghelescu, I-G; Dierkes, W; Volz, H-P; Loeschmann, P-A; Schmitt, A B

2009-11-01

The therapeutic effects of venlafaxine extended release have been investigated by two prospective observational studies including 8506 patients in the outpatient setting of office based general practitioners and specialists. The efficacy has been documented by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and by the Hamilton depression (HAMD-21) scale. The tolerability has been assessed by the documentation of adverse events. About (2/3) of the patients were treated because of depression and about (1/3) mainly because of anxiety disorder. The patients of specialists did receive higher dosages and were more severely affected. The response rate on the CGI scale was 87.4 for the patients of general practitioners and 74.2 % for the patients of specialists. The results of the HAMD-21 scale, which has been used by specialists, showed a response rate of 71.8 and a remission rate of 56.3 %. These positive effects could be demonstrated even for the more severely and chronically affected patients. The incidence of adverse events was low in both studies and comparable to the tolerability profile of randomized studies. Importantly, the good tolerability profile was similar even for patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, these results confirm the efficacy and good tolerability of venlafaxine extended release in the outpatient setting in Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.

Cumulative release characteristics of controlled-release nitrogen and potassium fertilizers and their effects on soil fertility, and cotton growth

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiuyi; Geng, Jibiao; Li, Chengliang; Zhang, Min; Tian, Xiaofei

2016-01-01

To investigate the interacting effects of polymer coated urea (PCU) and polymer coated potassium chloride (PCPC) on cotton growth, an experiment was conducted with containerized plants in 2014 and 2015. There were two kinds of nitrogen fertilizer, PCU and urea, which were combined with PCPC at three application rates (40, 80 and 120 kg ha−1). The kinds of nitrogen fertilizer formed the main plot, while individual rates of PCPC were the subplots. The results suggested N and K release patterns for PCU and PCPC in the soil were closely matched to the N and K requirements by cotton. Soil inorganic nitrogen contents significantly increased by using PCU instead of urea, and the same trend was observed with soil available potassium contents, which also had increased rates. Meanwhile, the number of bolls and lint yields of cotton in the PCU treatments were 4.9–35.3% and 2.9–40.7% higher than from urea treatments. Lint yields also increased by 9.1–12.7% with PCPC80 and PCPC120 treatments compared with PCPC40 treatment at the same nitrogen type. Hence, application of PCU combined with 80 kg ha−1 of PCPC fertilizer on cotton increased the yields and fertilizer use efficiencies in addition to improving fiber quality and delaying leaf senescence. PMID:27966638

Assessing Risk-Based Policies for Pretrial Release and Split Sentencing in Los Angeles County Jails

PubMed Central

Usta, Mericcan; Wein, Lawrence M.

2015-01-01

Court-mandated downsizing of the CA prison system has led to a redistribution of detainees from prisons to CA county jails, and subsequent jail overcrowding. Using data that is representative of the LA County jail system, we build a mathematical model that tracks the flow of individuals during arraignment, pretrial release or detention, case disposition, jail sentence, and possible recidivism during pretrial release, after a failure to appear in court, during non-felony probation and during felony supervision. We assess 64 joint pretrial release and split-sentencing (where low-level felon sentences are split between jail time and mandatory supervision) policies that are based on the type of charge (felony or non-felony) and the risk category as determined by the CA Static Risk Assessment tool, and compare their performance to that of the policy LA County used in early 2014, before split sentencing was in use. In our model, policies that offer split sentences to all low-level felons optimize the key tradeoff between public safety and jail congestion by, e.g., simultaneously reducing the rearrest rate by 7% and the mean jail population by 20% relative to the policy LA County used in 2014. The effectiveness of split sentencing is due to two facts: (i) convicted felony offenders comprised ≈ 45% of LA County’s jail population in 2014, and (ii) compared to pretrial release, split sentencing exposes offenders to much less time under recidivism risk per saved jail day. PMID:26714283

Assessing Risk-Based Policies for Pretrial Release and Split Sentencing in Los Angeles County Jails.

PubMed

Usta, Mericcan; Wein, Lawrence M

2015-01-01

Court-mandated downsizing of the CA prison system has led to a redistribution of detainees from prisons to CA county jails, and subsequent jail overcrowding. Using data that is representative of the LA County jail system, we build a mathematical model that tracks the flow of individuals during arraignment, pretrial release or detention, case disposition, jail sentence, and possible recidivism during pretrial release, after a failure to appear in court, during non-felony probation and during felony supervision. We assess 64 joint pretrial release and split-sentencing (where low-level felon sentences are split between jail time and mandatory supervision) policies that are based on the type of charge (felony or non-felony) and the risk category as determined by the CA Static Risk Assessment tool, and compare their performance to that of the policy LA County used in early 2014, before split sentencing was in use. In our model, policies that offer split sentences to all low-level felons optimize the key tradeoff between public safety and jail congestion by, e.g., simultaneously reducing the rearrest rate by 7% and the mean jail population by 20% relative to the policy LA County used in 2014. The effectiveness of split sentencing is due to two facts: (i) convicted felony offenders comprised ≈ 45% of LA County's jail population in 2014, and (ii) compared to pretrial release, split sentencing exposes offenders to much less time under recidivism risk per saved jail day.

Role of glycogen availability in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ kinetics in human skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Ørtenblad, Niels; Nielsen, Joachim; Saltin, Bengt; Holmberg, Hans-Christer

2011-01-01

Little is known about the precise mechanism that relates skeletal muscle glycogen to muscle fatigue. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of glycogen on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function in the arm and leg muscles of elite cross-country skiers (n= 10, 72 ± 2 ml kg−1 min−1) before, immediately after, and 4 h and 22 h after a fatiguing 1 h ski race. During the first 4 h recovery, skiers received either water or carbohydrate (CHO) and thereafter all received CHO-enriched food. Immediately after the race, arm glycogen was reduced to 31 ± 4% and SR Ca2+ release rate decreased to 85 ± 2% of initial levels. Glycogen noticeably recovered after 4 h recovery with CHO (59 ± 5% initial) and the SR Ca2+ release rate returned to pre-exercise levels. However, in the absence of CHO during the first 4 h recovery, glycogen and the SR Ca2+ release rate remained unchanged (29 ± 2% and 77 ± 8%, respectively), with both parameters becoming normal after the remaining 18 h recovery with CHO. Leg muscle glycogen decreased to a lesser extent (71 ± 10% initial), with no effects on the SR Ca2+ release rate. Interestingly, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the specific pool of intramyofibrillar glycogen, representing 10–15% of total glycogen, was highly significantly correlated with the SR Ca2+ release rate. These observations strongly indicate that low glycogen and especially intramyofibrillar glycogen, as suggested by TEM, modulate the SR Ca2+ release rate in highly trained subjects. Thus, low glycogen during exercise may contribute to fatigue by causing a decreased SR Ca2+ release rate. PMID:21135051

Sustained-release bupropion versus naltrexone in the treatment of pathological gambling: a preliminary blind-rater study.

PubMed

Dannon, Pinhas N; Lowengrub, Katherine; Musin, Ernest; Gonopolski, Yehudit; Kotler, Moshe

2005-12-01

Pathological gambling (PG) is a relatively common and highly disabling impulse control disorder. A range of psychotherapeutic agents, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PG. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and opioid antagonists for PG is consistent with the observation that PG shares features of both the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and addictive disorders. The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of sustained-release bupropion versus naltrexone in the treatment of PG. Thirty-six male pathological gamblers were enrolled in our study. A comprehensive psychiatric diagnostic evaluation was performed at baseline on all patients, and patients were screened for symptoms of gambling, depression, and anxiety using the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale. In addition, the patients completed self-report questionnaires about their demographic status. Patients were randomized in 2 groups and received either naltrexone (n = 19) or sustained-release bupropion (n = 17) for 12 weeks in a parallel fashion. Treatment response was monitored using the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale which was performed at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Patients were also assessed for the presence of gambling behavior via an unstructured interview, which was also performed at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. Raters were blind to the study treatment. The majority of patients responded well to the drug treatment. Twelve of 17 patients in the sustained-release bupropion group completed the 12-week study, and 13 of 19 naltrexone patients completed the study. Nine (75%) of the 12 completers were rated as full responders in the sustained-release bupropion group versus 10 (76%) of 12 in the naltrexone group. Three (25%) of 12 completers in the bupropion group were rated as partial responders. In the naltrexone group, 3 (23%) of 13 completers were rated as partial responders. Full response was defined as the absence of gambling for a 2-week duration together with improvement on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale. Partial response was defined as a decrease in the frequency of gambling behavior and a decrease in the amount of money spent on gambling. This preliminary study shows that sustained-release bupropion may be effective as naltrexone in the treatment of PG. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Effect of Stitching on Debonding in Composite Structural Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.; Glaessgen, E. H.

2001-01-01

Stitched multiaxial warp knit materials have been suggested as viable alternatives to laminated prepreg materials for large aircraft structures such as wing skins. Analyses have been developed to quantify the effectiveness of stitching for reducing strain energy release rates in skin-stiffener debond, lap joint and sandwich debond configurations. Strain energy release rates were computed using the virtual crack closure technique. In all configurations, the stitches were shown to significantly reduce the strain energy release rate.

Chloride retention and release in a boreal forest soil: effects of soil water residence time and nitrogen and chloride loads.

PubMed

Bastviken, David; Sandén, Per; Svensson, Teresia; Ståhlberg, A Carina; Magounakis, Malin; Oberg, Gunilla

2006-05-01

The common assumption that chloride (Cl-) is conservative in soils and can be used as a groundwater tracer is currently being questioned, and an increasing number of studies indicate that Cl- can be retained in soils. We performed lysimeter experiments with soil from a coniferous forest in southeast Sweden to determine whether pore water residence time and nitrogen and Cl- loads affected Cl- retention. Over the first 42 days there was a net retention of Cl- with retention rates averaging 3.1 mg CI- m(-2) d(-1) (68% of the added Cl- retained over 42 days). Thereafter, a net release of Cl- at similar rates was observed for the remaining experimental period (85 d). Longer soil water residence time and higher Cl- load gave higher initial retention and subsequent release rates than shorter residence time and lower Cl- load did. Nitrogen load did not affect Cl transformation rates. This study indicates that simultaneous retention and release of Cl- can occur in soils, and that rates may be considerable relative to the load. The retention of Cl- observed was probably due to chlorination of soil organic matter or ion exchange. The cause of the shift between net retention and net release is unclear, but we hypothesize that the presence of O2 or the presence of microbially available organic matter regulates Cl- retention and release rates.

Regulating Drug Release Behavior and Kinetics from Matrix Tablets Based on Fine Particle-Sized Ethyl Cellulose Ether Derivatives: An In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

PubMed Central

Shah, Kifayat Ullah; Khan, Gul Majid

2012-01-01

The design and fabrication of sustained/controlled release dosage forms, employing new excipients capable of extending/controlling the release of drugs from the dosage forms over prolonged periods, has worked well in achieving optimally enhanced therapeutic levels of the drugs. In this sense, the objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of selected cellulose ether derivatives for use in direct compression (DC) and as efficient drug release controlling agents. Controlled release matrix tablets of ciprofloxacin were prepared at different drug-to-polymer (D : P) ratios by direct compression using a fine particle sized ethylcellulose ether derivative (ETHOCEL Standard Premium 7FP) as rate controlling polymer. The tablets obtained were evaluated for various physico-chemical characteristics and in-vitro drug release studies were conducted in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) using PharmaTest dissolution apparatus at constant temperature of 37°C ± 0.1. Similarity factor f 2 was employed to the release profiles of test formulations and were compared with marketed ciprofloxacin conventional tablets. Drug release mechanism and the kinetics involved were investigated by fitting the release profile data to various kinetic models. It was found that with increasing the proportion of ethylcellulose ether derivative in the matrix, the drug release was significantly extended up to 24 hours. The tablets exhibited zero order or nearly zero order drug transport mechanism. In vivo drug release performance of the developed controlled release tablets and reference conventional tablets containing ciprofloxacin were determined in rabbit serum according to randomized two-way crossover study design using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Several bioavailability parameters of both the test tablets and conventional tablets including C max⁡, T max⁡ and AUC0-t were compared which showed an optimized C max⁡ and T max⁡ (P < 0.05). A good correlation was obtained between in vitro drug release and in vivo drug absorption with correlation value (R 2 = 0.934). Relative bioavailability was found to be 93%. Reproducibility of manufacturing process and accelerated stability of the developed tablets were performed in stability chamber at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity for a period of 6 months and were found to be stable throughout the stability period. PMID:22649325

[In vitro drug release behavior of carrier made of porous glass ceramics].

PubMed

Wang, De-ping; Huang, Wen-hai; Zhou, Nai

2002-09-01

To conduct the in vitro test on drug release of rifampin encapsulated in a carrier made of porous phosphate glass ceramics and to analyze main factors which affect the drug release rate. A certain quantitative of rifampin was sealed in a hollow cylindrical capsule which consisted of chopped calcium phosphate crystal fiber obtained from glass crystallization. The rifampin concentration was measured in the simulated physiological solution in which the capsule soaked. Rifampin could be released in a constant rate from the porous glass ceramic carrier in a long time. The release rate was dependent on the size of crystal fiber and the wall thickness of the capsule. This kind of calcium phosphate glass ceramics can be a candidate of the carrier materials used as long term drug therapy after osteotomy surgery.