Biotransformation and adsorption of pharmaceutical and personal care products by activated sludge after correcting matrix effects.

PubMed

Deng, Yu; Li, Bing; Yu, Ke; Zhang, Tong

2016-02-15

This study reported significant suppressive matrix effects in analyses of six pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in activated sludge, sterilized activated sludge and untreated sewage by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Quantitative matrix evaluation on selected PPCPs supplemented the limited quantification data of matrix effects on mass spectrometric determination of PPCPs in complex environment samples. The observed matrix effects were chemical-specific and matrix-dependent, with the most pronounced average effect (-55%) was found on sulfadiazine in sterilized activated sludge. After correcting the matrix effects by post-spiking known amount of PPCPs, the removal mechanisms and biotransformation kinetics of selected PPCPs in activated sludge system were revealed by batch experiment. Experimental data elucidated that the removal of target PPCPs in the activated sludge process was mainly by biotransformation while contributions of adsorption, hydrolysis and volatilization could be neglected. High biotransformation efficiency (52%) was observed on diclofenac while other three compounds (sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole and roxithromycin) were partially biotransformed by ~40%. The other two compounds, trimethoprim and carbamazepine, showed recalcitrant to biotransformation of the activated sludge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning three-dimensional collagen matrix stiffness independently of collagen concentration modulates endothelial cell behavior.

PubMed

Mason, Brooke N; Starchenko, Alina; Williams, Rebecca M; Bonassar, Lawrence J; Reinhart-King, Cynthia A

2013-01-01

Numerous studies have described the effects of matrix stiffening on cell behavior using two-dimensional synthetic surfaces; however, less is known about the effects of matrix stiffening on cells embedded in three-dimensional in vivo-like matrices. A primary limitation in investigating the effects of matrix stiffness in three dimensions is the lack of materials that can be tuned to control stiffness independently of matrix density. Here, we use collagen-based scaffolds where the mechanical properties are tuned using non-enzymatic glycation of the collagen in solution, prior to polymerization. Collagen solutions glycated prior to polymerization result in collagen gels with a threefold increase in compressive modulus without significant changes to the collagen architecture. Using these scaffolds, we show that endothelial cell spreading increases with matrix stiffness, as does the number and length of angiogenic sprouts and the overall spheroid outgrowth. Differences in sprout length are maintained even when the receptor for advanced glycation end products is inhibited. Our results demonstrate the ability to de-couple matrix stiffness from matrix density and structure in collagen gels, and that increased matrix stiffness results in increased sprouting and outgrowth. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A sample preparation method for recovering suppressed analyte ions in MALDI TOF MS.

PubMed

Lou, Xianwen; de Waal, Bas F M; Milroy, Lech-Gustav; van Dongen, Joost L J

2015-05-01

In matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS), analyte signals can be substantially suppressed by other compounds in the sample. In this technical note, we describe a modified thin-layer sample preparation method that significantly reduces the analyte suppression effect (ASE). In our method, analytes are deposited on top of the surface of matrix preloaded on the MALDI plate. To prevent embedding of analyte into the matrix crystals, the sample solution were prepared without matrix and efforts were taken not to re-dissolve the preloaded matrix. The results with model mixtures of peptides, synthetic polymers and lipids show that detection of analyte ions, which were completely suppressed using the conventional dried-droplet method, could be effectively recovered by using our method. Our findings suggest that the incorporation of analytes in the matrix crystals has an important contributory effect on ASE. By reducing ASE, our method should be useful for the direct MALDI MS analysis of multicomponent mixtures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multifunctional Nanotube Polymer Nanocomposites for Aerospace Applications: Adhesion between SWCNT and Polymer Matrix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol; Wise, Kristopher E.; Kang, Jin Ho; Kim, Jae-Woo; Sauti, Godfrey; Lowther, Sharon E.; Lillehei, Peter T.; Smith, Michael W.; Siochi, Emilie J.; Harrison, Joycelyn S.;

Transverse ductility of metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunawardena, S. R.; Jansson, S.; Leckie, F. A.

1991-01-01

The role of the fiber matrix interface bond on the transverse ductility of continuous fiber reinforced composites has been investigated. Two specific systems have been considered: an Aluminum alloy matrix reinforced by Alumina fibers, characterized by a strong interface and a Titanium alloy reinforced by coated Silicon Carbide fibers, characterized by a weak interface. A micro-mechanical study indicates that the bond condition has a significant effect on the state of stress in the matrix which in turn dictates the available matrix ductility. The micro-mechanical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results for the two systems.

Consumption of a durable termite bait matrix by subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and resulting insecticidal activity.

PubMed

Hamm, Ronda L; DeMark, Joseph J; Chin-Heady, Eva; Tolley, Mike P

2013-04-01

A novel durable termite bait was developed to enable continuous bait availability and lengthen the monitoring interval to 1 year. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the palatability and insecticidal activity of this bait to Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. virginicus (Banks), R. hesperus Banks, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Heterotermes aureus (Synder). Consumption of the blank durable bait matrix was significantly higher than consumption of a blank preferred textured cellulose matrix (PTC) by R. virginicus, R. flavipes and C. formosanus. R. flavipes, R. hesperus and H. aureus consumed significantly more durable bait than PTC when both contained the active ingredient noviflumuron. All bait treatments resulted in significant mortality relative to the untreated controls. Survivorship of R. virginicus, C. formosanus and H. aureus was 2% or less and not significantly different between the durable bait and PTC treatments containing noviflumuron. The durable bait matrix lagged behind the PTC matrix in mortality over time for all species tested except H. aureus. The durable bait was highly palatable and effective in inducing mortality to R. flavipes, R. virginicus, R. hesperus, C. formosanus and H. aureus in the laboratory. This unique bait matrix will be available to termites continuously and allows for an annual monitoring interval. The durability of this bait matrix is unprecedented, allowing for bait to remain active for years and thus providing continuous structural protection. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity lesions in the central nervous system are prevented by inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases.

PubMed

Matyszak, M K; Perry, V H

1996-09-01

We have studied the effect of an inhibitor of matrix metalloproleinases, BB-1101, on a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response in the CNS. We used a recently described model in which heat-killed bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) sequestered behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is targeted by a T-cell mediated response after subcutaneous injection of BCG (Matyszak and Perry, 1995). The DTH lesions are characterised by breakdown of the BBB, macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration and tissue damage including myelin loss. Treatment with BB-1101, which is not only a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases but also strongly inhibits TNF-alpha release, dramatically attenuated the CNS lesions. Breakdown of the BBB and the recruitment of T-cells into the site of the lesion were significantly reduced. There were many fewer inflammatory macrophages in DTH lesions than in comparable lesions from untreated animals. There was also significantly less myelin damage (assessed by staining with anti-MBP antibody). The DTH response in animals treated with dexamethasone was also reduced, but to a lesser degree. No significant effect was seen after administration of pentoxifylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with effects including the inhibition of TNF-alpha production. Our results suggest that inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases may be of considerable therapeutic benefit in neuroinflammatory diseases.

The kinesin KIF9 and reggie/flotillin proteins regulate matrix degradation by macrophage podosomes

PubMed Central

Cornfine, Susanne; Himmel, Mirko; Kopp, Petra; el Azzouzi, Karim; Wiesner, Christiane; Krüger, Marcus; Rudel, Thomas; Linder, Stefan

2011-01-01

Podosomes are actin-based matrix contacts in a variety of cell types, most notably monocytic cells, and are characterized by their ability to lyse extracellular matrix material. Besides their dependence on actin regulation, podosomes are also influenced by microtubules and microtubule-dependent transport processes. Here we describe a novel role for KIF9, a previously little-characterized member of the kinesin motor family, in the regulation of podosomes in primary human macrophages. We find that small interfering RNA (siRNA)/short-hairpin RNA–induced knockdown of KIF9 significantly affects both numbers and matrix degradation of podosomes. Overexpression and microinjection experiments reveal that the unique C-terminal region of KIF9 is crucial for these effects, presumably through binding of specific interactors. Indeed, we further identify reggie-1/flotillin-2, a signaling mediator between intracellular vesicles and the cell periphery, as an interactor of the KIF9 C-terminus. Reggie-1 dynamically colocalizes with KIF9 in living cells, and, consistent with KIF9-mediated effects, siRNA-induced knockdown of reggies/flotillins significantly impairs matrix degradation by podosomes. In sum, we identify the kinesin KIF9 and reggie/flotillin proteins as novel regulators of macrophage podosomes and show that their interaction is critical for the matrix-degrading ability of these structures. PMID:21119006

A Study of Influencing Factors on the Tensile Response of a Titanium Matrix Composite With Weak Interfacial Bonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Robert K.; Arnold, Steven M.

2000-01-01

The generalized method of cells micromechanics model is utilized to analyze the tensile stress-strain response of a representative titanium matrix composite with weak interfacial bonding. The fiber/matrix interface is modeled through application of a displacement discontinuity between the fiber and matrix once a critical debonding stress has been exceeded. Unidirectional composites with loading parallel and perpendicular to the fibers are examined, as well as a cross-ply laminate. For each of the laminates studied, analytically obtained results are compared to experimental data. The application of residual stresses through a cool-down process was found to have a significant effect on the tensile response. For the unidirectional laminate with loading applied perpendicular to the fibers, fiber packing and fiber shape were shown to have a significant effect on the predicted tensile response. Furthermore, the interface was characterized through the use of semi-emperical parameters including an interfacial compliance and a "debond stress;" defined as the stress level across the interface which activates fiber/matrix debonding. The results in this paper demonstrate that if architectural factors are correctly accounted for and the interface is appropriately characterized, the macro-level composite behavior can be correctly predicted without modifying any of the fiber or matrix constituent properties.

Matrix effects of calcium on high-precision sulfur isotope measurement by multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, Chenhui; Bian, Xiao-Peng; Yang, Tao; Lin, An-Jun; Jiang, Shao-Yong

2016-05-01

Multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has been successfully applied in the rapid and high-precision measurement for sulfur isotope ratios in recent years. During the measurement, the presence of matrix elements would affect the instrumental mass bias for sulfur and these matrix-induced effects have aroused a lot of researchers' interest. However, these studies have placed more weight on highlighting the necessity for their proposed correction protocols (e.g., chemical purification and matrix-matching) while less attention on the key property of the matrix element gives rise to the matrix effects. In this study, four groups of sulfate solutions, which have different concentrations of sulfur (0.05-0.60mM) but a constant sequence of atomic calcium/sulfur ratios (0.1-50), are investigated under wet (solution) and dry (desolvation) plasma conditions to make a detailed evaluation on the matrix effects from calcium on sulfur isotope measurement. Based on a series of comparative analyses, we indicated that, the matrix effects of calcium on both measured sulfur isotope ratios and detected (32)S signal intensities are dependent mainly on the absolute calcium concentration rather than its relative concentration ratio to sulfur (i.e., atomic calcium/sulfur ratio). Also, for the same group of samples, the matrix effects of calcium under dry plasma condition are much more significant than that of wet plasma. This research affords the opportunity to realize direct and relatively precise sulfur isotope measurement for evaporite gypsum, and further provides some suggestions with regard to sulfur isotope analytical protocols for sedimentary pore water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Matrix effects for elemental fractionation within ICPMS: applications for U-Th-Pb geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W.

2016-12-01

Recent development in instruments provides significant technical supports for daily, quick, money saving geochemical analyses. Laser ablation ICPMS stands out due to these reasons, especially for the U-Th-Pb isotopic dating. Matrix-matched external standardization is by far the most common approach used in U-Th-Pb dating via LA-ICPMS. However, matrix-effects between standard and sample for in-situ dating have shown to be both significant and insignificant. It remains mysterious whether a well matrix-matched standard is needed for U-Th-Pb dating by LA-ICPMS. This study provides an experimental framework for the understanding of matrix effects induced elemental fractionation for U-Th-Pb associated with ICPMS. A preliminary study on the influence of varied U, Th and Pb amounts on their fractionations has been carried out. Experimental data show that different U, Th and Pb contents result in varied 238U/206Pb and 232Th/208Pb ratios. The fractionations of U/Pb and Th/Pb increase with the increasing contents (1 ppb to 100 ppb) with a strong positive anomaly at 10 ppb. Matrixes representing minerals frequently used in dating have been investigated for the influences on U/Pb and Th/Pb fractionations, which suggest a complicated effect. Little fractionations observed between mineral pairs (e.g., monazite and apatite; zircon and perovskite; rutile and perovskite; xenotime and baddeleyite), whereas large fractionations identified for other minerals (e.g., zircon and baddeleyite; monazite and sphene; rutile and baddeleyite). Single element matrix (i.e., Si, P, Ca, Zr, Ti) has been studied to identify their effects on the fractionations. U/Pb ratio increases with the increasing Si and P contents, whereas it decreases for Zr, Ca and Ti. Th/Pb ratio increases with increasing Si contents, decreases for P and Zr, and increases first then decreases for Ca and Ti. Above all, different matrix and U, Th and Pb amounts show distinct U/Pb and Th/Pb fractionations within ICPMS. The minerals with matrix indicating similar fractionations in ICPMS can be used as suitable reference standards for each other with proper laser ablation settings via LA-ICPMS. Moreover, matched U, Th and Pb contents should be considered when using a matrix-matched standard in laser ablation analysis.

Neuroprotective effects of collagen matrix in rats after traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Shin, Samuel S; Grandhi, Ramesh; Henchir, Jeremy; Yan, Hong Q; Badylak, Stephen F; Dixon, C Edward

2015-01-01

In previous studies, collagen based matrices have been implanted into the site of lesion in different models of brain injury. We hypothesized that semisynthetic collagen matrix can have neuroprotective function in the setting of traumatic brain injury. Rats were subjected to sham injury or controlled cortical impact. They either received extracellular matrix graft (DuraGen) over the injury site or did not receive any graft and underwent beam balance/beam walking test at post injury days 1-5 and Morris water maze at post injury days 14-18. Animals were sacrificed at day 18 for tissue analysis. Collagen matrix implantation in injured rats did not affect motor function (beam balance test: p = 0.627, beam walking test: p = 0.921). However, injured group with collagen matrix had significantly better spatial memory acquisition (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in lesion volume, as well as neuronal loss in CA1 (p < 0.001) and CA3 (p < 0.05) regions of the hippocampus in injured group with collagen matrix (p < 0.05). Collagen matrix reduces contusional lesion volume, neuronal loss, and cognitive deficit after traumatic brain injury. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the mechanisms of neuroprotection by collagen matrix.

Generation of gas-phase ions from charged clusters: an important ionization step causing suppression of matrix and analyte ions in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lou, Xianwen; van Dongen, Joost L J; Milroy, Lech-Gustav; Meijer, E W

2016-12-30

Ionization in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is a very complicated process. It has been reported that quaternary ammonium salts show extremely strong matrix and analyte suppression effects which cannot satisfactorily be explained by charge transfer reactions. Further investigation of the reasons causing these effects can be useful to improve our understanding of the MALDI process. The dried-droplet and modified thin-layer methods were used as sample preparation methods. In the dried-droplet method, analytes were co-crystallized with matrix, whereas in the modified thin-layer method analytes were deposited on the surface of matrix crystals. Model compounds, tetrabutylammonium iodide ([N(Bu) 4 ]I), cesium iodide (CsI), trihexylamine (THA) and polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600), were selected as the test analytes given their ability to generate exclusively pre-formed ions, protonated ions and metal ion adducts respectively in MALDI. The strong matrix suppression effect (MSE) observed using the dried-droplet method might disappear using the modified thin-layer method, which suggests that the incorporation of analytes in matrix crystals contributes to the MSE. By depositing analytes on the matrix surface instead of incorporating in the matrix crystals, the competition for evaporation/ionization from charged matrix/analyte clusters could be weakened resulting in reduced MSE. Further supporting evidence for this inference was found by studying the analyte suppression effect using the same two sample deposition methods. By comparing differences between the mass spectra obtained via the two sample preparation methods, we present evidence suggesting that the generation of gas-phase ions from charged matrix/analyte clusters may induce significant suppression of matrix and analyte ions. The results suggest that the generation of gas-phase ions from charged matrix/analyte clusters is an important ionization step in MALDI-MS. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pirfenidone inhibits transforming growth factor β1-induced extracellular matrix production in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts.

PubMed

Shin, Jae-Min; Park, Joo-Hoo; Park, Il-Ho; Lee, Heung-Man

2015-01-01

Pirfenidone has been shown to have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of pirfenidone on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation. We also determined the molecular mechanisms of pirfenidone in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDF). NPDFs were isolated from nasal polyps from eight patients who had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp. Pirfenidone was used to treat TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Fibroblast migration was evaluated with scratch assays. Expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 were determined by Western blot and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining. Total collagen production was analyzed with the Sircol collagen assay and contractile activity was measured by a collagen gel contraction assay. Pirfenidone (0-2 mg/mL) has no significant cytotoxic effects in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. Migration of NPDFs was significantly inhibited by pirfenidone treatment. The expression levels of α-SMA and fibronectin were significantly reduced in pirfenidone-treated NPDFs. Collagen contraction and production were also significantly decreased by pirfenidone treatment. Finally, pirfenidone significantly inhibited phosphorylation of the Smad2/3 pathway in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. Pirfenidone has an inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced migration, myofibroblast differentiation (α-SMA), extracellular matrix accumulation, and collagen contraction by blocking the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 pathways in NPDFs. Thus, pirfenidone may inhibit TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix by regulating Smad2/3.

Characterization of selected LDEF polymer matrix resin composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Philip R.; Slemp, Wayne S.; Witte, William G., Jr.; Shen, James Y.

1991-01-01

The characterization of selected graphite fiber reinforced epoxy (934 and 5208) and polysulfone (P1700) matrix resin composite materials which received 5 years and 10 months of exposure to the LEO environment on the Long Duration Exposure Facility is reported. Resin loss and a decrease in mechanical performance as well as dramatic visual effects were observed. However, chemical characterization including infrared, thermal, and selected solution property measurements showed that the molecular structure of the polymeric matrix had not changed significantly in response to this exposure. The potential effect of a silicon-containing molecular contamination of these specimens is addressed.

Effect of surface preparation on the failure load of a highly filled composite bonded to the polymer-monomer matrix of a fiber-reinforced composite.

PubMed

Shimizu, Hiroshi; Tsue, Fumitake; Chen, Zhao-Xun; Takahashi, Yutaka

2009-04-01

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface preparation on the maximum fracture load value of a highly filled composite bonded to the polymer-monomer matrix of a fiber-reinforced composite. A polymer-monomer matrix was made by mixing urethane dimethacrylate and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate at a ratio of 1:1 with camphorquinone and 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate as a light initiator. The matrix was then polymerized in a disk-shaped silicone mold with a light-polymerizing unit. The flat surfaces of the polymer-monomer matrix disk were prepared in one of the following ways: (1) without preparation; (2) application of silane coupling agent; or (3) application of matrix liquid and prepolymerization. A highly filled composite material was applied and polymerized with a light-polymerizing unit. Additional test specimens made entirely of the polymer-monomer matrix were fabricated as references; the disk and cylinder were fabricated in one piece using a mold specially made for the present study (group 4). Half the specimens were thermocycled up to 10,000 times in water with a 1-minute dwell time at each temperature (5 degrees C and 55 degrees C). The maximum fracture load values were determined using a universal testing machine (n = 10). The maximum fracture loads for group 3 were significantly enhanced both before and after thermocycling, whereas the maximum fracture loads of group 2 were significantly enhanced before thermocycling (p < 0.05); however, the failure loads decreased for all groups after thermocycling (p < 0.05). All the specimens in groups 1 and 2 debonded during thermocycling. The failure load of group 3 was significantly lower than that of group 4 both before and after thermocycling (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of the current in vitro study, the application and prepolymerization of a mixed dimethacrylate resin liquid prior to the application of a highly filled composite was an effective surface preparation for the polymer-monomer matrix of a fiber-reinforced composite; however, the bond durability may be insufficient.

Micromechanics effects in creep of metal-matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, L. C.; Allison, J. E.

1995-12-01

The creep of metal-matrix composites is analyzed by finite element techniques. An axisymmetric unit-cell model with spherical reinforcing particles is used. Parameters appropriate to TiC particles in a precipitation-hardened (2219) Al matrix are chosen. The effects of matrix plasticity and residual stresses on the creep of the composite are calculated. We confirm (1) that the steady-state rate is independent of the particle elastic moduli and the matrix elastic and plastic properties, (2) that the ratio of composite to matrix steady-state rates depends only on the volume fraction and geometry of the reinforcing phase, and (3) that this ratio can be determined from a calculation of the stress-strain relation for the geometrically identical composite (same phase volume and geometry) with rigid particles in the appropriate power-law hardening matrix. The values of steady-state creep are compared to experimental ones (Krajewski et al.). Continuum mechanics predictions give a larger reduction of the composite creep relative to the unreinforced material than measured, suggesting that the effective creep rate of the matrix is larger than in unreinforced precipitation-hardened Al due to changes in microstructure, dislocation density, or creep mechanism. Changes in matrix creep properties are also suggested by the comparison of calculated and measured creep strain rates in the primary creep regime, where significantly different time dependencies are found. It is found that creep calculations performed for a timeindependent matrix creep law can be transformed to obtain the creep for a time-dependent creep law.

A-TEEMTM, a new molecular fingerprinting technique: simultaneous absorbance-transmission and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quatela, Alessia; Gilmore, Adam M.; Steege Gall, Karen E.; Sandros, Marinella; Csatorday, Karoly; Siemiarczuk, Alex; (Ben Yang, Boqian; Camenen, Loïc

2018-04-01

We investigate the new simultaneous absorbance-transmission and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix method for rapid and effective characterization of the varying components from a mixture. The absorbance-transmission and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix method uniquely facilitates correction of fluorescence inner-filter effects to yield quantitative fluorescence spectral information that is largely independent of component concentration. This is significant because it allows one to effectively monitor quantitative component changes using multivariate methods and to generate and evaluate spectral libraries. We present the use of this novel instrument in different fields: i.e. tracking changes in complex mixtures including natural water, wine as well as monitoring stability and aggregation of hormones for biotherapeutics.

Confocal analysis of the exopolysaccharide matrix of Candida albicans biofilms.

PubMed

Gonçalves, Letícia M; Del Bel Cury, Altair A; de Vasconcellos, Andréa A; Cury, Jaime A; da Silva, Wander J

2015-08-01

Confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) was carried out to investigate the exopolysaccharide matrix of Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilms developed on denture material under dietary carbohydrate exposure. Biofilms were developed on poly(methyl methacrylate) discs in culture media without (control) or with supplementation by glucose or sucrose for 72 h. For the CLSM analysis, biofilms were labeled with concanavalin A (ConA) during its development. Afterwards, biofilms were also labeled with SYTO-9. To confirm the results, the matrix was investigated by the phenol-sulfuric method. Data were analyzed by anova, followed by Tukey's test, with the level of significance set at 5%. The use of ConA during biofilm development provided effective labeling of the exopolysaccharide matrix. The exposure to sucrose resulted in biofilms with the highest exopolysaccharide matrix biovolume (P < 0.05). The characterization obtained by CLSM was confirmed by the phenol-sulfuric method. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy was found to be an effective tool for investigating the exopolysaccharide matrix of C. albicans biofilms, and exposure to sucrose resulted in increased matrix production. © 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

SIMS of Organic Materials—Interface Location in Argon Gas Cluster Depth Profiles Using Negative Secondary Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Havelund, R.; Seah, M. P.; Tiddia, M.; Gilmore, I. S.

2018-02-01

A procedure has been established to define the interface position in depth profiles accurately when using secondary ion mass spectrometry and the negative secondary ions. The interface position varies strongly with the extent of the matrix effect and so depends on the secondary ion measured. Intensity profiles have been measured at both fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl-uc(l)-pentafluorophenylalanine (FMOC) to Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1010 to FMOC interfaces for many secondary ions. These profiles show separations of the two interfaces that vary over some 10 nm depending on the secondary ion selected. The shapes of these profiles are strongly governed by matrix effects, slightly weakened by a long wavelength roughening. The matrix effects are separately measured using homogeneous, known mixtures of these two materials. Removal of the matrix and roughening effects give consistent compositional profiles for all ions that are described by an integrated exponentially modified Gaussian (EMG) profile. Use of a simple integrated Gaussian may lead to significant errors. The average interface positions in the compositional profiles are determined to standard uncertainties of 0.19 and 0.14 nm, respectively, using the integrated EMG function. Alternatively, and more simply, it is shown that interface positions and profiles may be deduced from data for several secondary ions with measured matrix factors by simply extrapolating the result to Ξ = 0. Care must be taken in quoting interface resolutions since those measured for predominantly Gaussian interfaces with Ξ above or below zero, without correction, appear significantly better than the true resolution.

Measurement of macrocyclic trichothecene in floor dust of water-damaged buildings using gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry—dust matrix effects

PubMed Central

Saito, Rena; Park, Ju-Hyeong; LeBouf, Ryan; Green, Brett J.; Park, Yeonmi

2017-01-01

Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to detect fungal secondary metabolites. Detection of verrucarol, the hydrolysis product of Stachybotrys chartarum macrocyclic trichothecene (MCT), was confounded by matrix effects associated with heterogeneous indoor environmental samples. In this study, we examined the role of dust matrix effects associated with GC-MS/ MS to better quantify verrucarol in dust as a measure of total MCT. The efficiency of the internal standard (ISTD, 1,12-dodecanediol), and application of a matrix-matched standard correction method in measuring MCT in floor dust of water-damaged buildings was additionally examined. Compared to verrucarol, ISTD had substantially higher matrix effects in the dust extracts. The results of the ISTD evaluation showed that without ISTD adjustment, there was a 280% ion enhancement in the dust extracts compared to neat solvent. The recovery of verrucarol was 94% when the matrix-matched standard curve without the ISTD was used. Using traditional calibration curves with ISTD adjustment, none of the 21 dust samples collected from water damaged buildings were detectable. In contrast, when the matrix-matched calibration curves without ISTD adjustment were used, 38% of samples were detectable. The study results suggest that floor dust of water-damaged buildings may contain MCT. However, the measured levels of MCT in dust using the GC-MS/MS method could be significantly under- or overestimated, depending on the matrix effects, the inappropriate ISTD, or combination of the two. Our study further shows that the routine application of matrix-matched calibration may prove useful in obtaining accurate measurements of MCT in dust derived from damp indoor environments, while no isotopically labeled verrucarol is available. PMID:26853932

Measurement of macrocyclic trichothecene in floor dust of water-damaged buildings using gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry-dust matrix effects.

PubMed

Saito, Rena; Park, Ju-Hyeong; LeBouf, Ryan; Green, Brett J; Park, Yeonmi

2016-01-01

Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to detect fungal secondary metabolites. Detection of verrucarol, the hydrolysis product of Stachybotrys chartarum macrocyclic trichothecene (MCT), was confounded by matrix effects associated with heterogeneous indoor environmental samples. In this study, we examined the role of dust matrix effects associated with GC-MS/MS to better quantify verrucarol in dust as a measure of total MCT. The efficiency of the internal standard (ISTD, 1,12-dodecanediol), and application of a matrix-matched standard correction method in measuring MCT in floor dust of water-damaged buildings was additionally examined. Compared to verrucarol, ISTD had substantially higher matrix effects in the dust extracts. The results of the ISTD evaluation showed that without ISTD adjustment, there was a 280% ion enhancement in the dust extracts compared to neat solvent. The recovery of verrucarol was 94% when the matrix-matched standard curve without the ISTD was used. Using traditional calibration curves with ISTD adjustment, none of the 21 dust samples collected from water damaged buildings were detectable. In contrast, when the matrix-matched calibration curves without ISTD adjustment were used, 38% of samples were detectable. The study results suggest that floor dust of water-damaged buildings may contain MCT. However, the measured levels of MCT in dust using the GC-MS/MS method could be significantly under- or overestimated, depending on the matrix effects, the inappropriate ISTD, or combination of the two. Our study further shows that the routine application of matrix-matched calibration may prove useful in obtaining accurate measurements of MCT in dust derived from damp indoor environments, while no isotopically labeled verrucarol is available.

The effects of isotope-labeled analogs on the LC-IDMS measurement by comparison of ESI responses and matrix effect of melamine, 13C3-melamine, 13C3+15N3-melamine, and 15N3-melamine.

PubMed

Li, Xiu Qin; Zhang, Qing He; Yang, Zong; Li, Hong Mei; Huang, Dong Feng

2017-05-01

In this paper, the effect of isotope-labeled analogs on the liquid chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (LC-IDMS) measurement was evaluated based on the comparison research of electrospray ionization responses (ESI) and matrix effect of melamine, 13 C 3 -melamine, 13 C 3 + 15 N 3 -melamine, and 15 N 3 -melamine. The isotope-labeled melamines had similar ionization efficiency with melamine in the electrospray ionization source, but the intensity of corresponding quantitative fragment ions had distinctive differences. Based on the density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311+G** level, this phenomenon was explained very well. The rare cleavage pathways of melamine, which just could be exactly identified by 15 N-labeled melamines, resulted in the difference of quantitative fragment ions between 15 N-labeled melamines and melamine. The interaction of ESI response between melamine and isotope-labeled melamines was investigated using MRM monitor mode. 15 N-labeled melamine had significant ion inter-suppression effect on melamine, while 13 C-labeled melamine had little influence on melamine. Finally, the influence of different isotope-labeled melamines on the LC-IDMS result was evaluated using the IDMS correction factor (θ). Taking the determination of melamine in milk powder as an example, the matrix effects of different isotope-labeled melamines and melamine had notable difference and the impact of this difference on the measurement results depended on the concentrations of analyte and matrix solution. It was worth noting that 15 N 3 -melamine exhibited significant ion suppression to melamine in matrix solution. The deviation of the results from IDMS method might reach 59% using 15 N 3 -melamine as internal standard in special matrix solution. Graphical Abstract The comparison of ESI responses of melamine, 13 C 3 -melamine, 13 C 3 + 15 N 3 -melamine and 15 N 3 -melamine.

Matrix diffusion coefficients in volcanic rocks at the Nevada test site: influence of matrix porosity, matrix permeability, and fracture coating minerals.

PubMed

Reimus, Paul W; Callahan, Timothy J; Ware, S Doug; Haga, Marc J; Counce, Dale A

2007-08-15

Diffusion cell experiments were conducted to measure nonsorbing solute matrix diffusion coefficients in forty-seven different volcanic rock matrix samples from eight different locations (with multiple depth intervals represented at several locations) at the Nevada Test Site. The solutes used in the experiments included bromide, iodide, pentafluorobenzoate (PFBA), and tritiated water ((3)HHO). The porosity and saturated permeability of most of the diffusion cell samples were measured to evaluate the correlation of these two variables with tracer matrix diffusion coefficients divided by the free-water diffusion coefficient (D(m)/D*). To investigate the influence of fracture coating minerals on matrix diffusion, ten of the diffusion cells represented paired samples from the same depth interval in which one sample contained a fracture surface with mineral coatings and the other sample consisted of only pure matrix. The log of (D(m)/D*) was found to be positively correlated with both the matrix porosity and the log of matrix permeability. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that both parameters contributed significantly to the regression at the 95% confidence level. However, the log of the matrix diffusion coefficient was more highly-correlated with the log of matrix permeability than with matrix porosity, which suggests that matrix diffusion coefficients, like matrix permeabilities, have a greater dependence on the interconnectedness of matrix porosity than on the matrix porosity itself. The regression equation for the volcanic rocks was found to provide satisfactory predictions of log(D(m)/D*) for other types of rocks with similar ranges of matrix porosity and permeability as the volcanic rocks, but it did a poorer job predicting log(D(m)/D*) for rocks with lower porosities and/or permeabilities. The presence of mineral coatings on fracture walls did not appear to have a significant effect on matrix diffusion in the ten paired diffusion cell experiments.

Matrix diffusion coefficients in volcanic rocks at the Nevada test site: Influence of matrix porosity, matrix permeability, and fracture coating minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reimus, Paul W.; Callahan, Timothy J.; Ware, S. Doug; Haga, Marc J.; Counce, Dale A.

2007-08-01

Diffusion cell experiments were conducted to measure nonsorbing solute matrix diffusion coefficients in forty-seven different volcanic rock matrix samples from eight different locations (with multiple depth intervals represented at several locations) at the Nevada Test Site. The solutes used in the experiments included bromide, iodide, pentafluorobenzoate (PFBA), and tritiated water ( 3HHO). The porosity and saturated permeability of most of the diffusion cell samples were measured to evaluate the correlation of these two variables with tracer matrix diffusion coefficients divided by the free-water diffusion coefficient ( Dm/ D*). To investigate the influence of fracture coating minerals on matrix diffusion, ten of the diffusion cells represented paired samples from the same depth interval in which one sample contained a fracture surface with mineral coatings and the other sample consisted of only pure matrix. The log of ( Dm/ D*) was found to be positively correlated with both the matrix porosity and the log of matrix permeability. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that both parameters contributed significantly to the regression at the 95% confidence level. However, the log of the matrix diffusion coefficient was more highly-correlated with the log of matrix permeability than with matrix porosity, which suggests that matrix diffusion coefficients, like matrix permeabilities, have a greater dependence on the interconnectedness of matrix porosity than on the matrix porosity itself. The regression equation for the volcanic rocks was found to provide satisfactory predictions of log( Dm/ D*) for other types of rocks with similar ranges of matrix porosity and permeability as the volcanic rocks, but it did a poorer job predicting log( Dm/ D*) for rocks with lower porosities and/or permeabilities. The presence of mineral coatings on fracture walls did not appear to have a significant effect on matrix diffusion in the ten paired diffusion cell experiments.

Fibre-matrix bond strength studies of glass, ceramic, and metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grande, D. H.; Mandell, J. F.; Hong, K. C. C.

1988-01-01

An indentation test technique for compressively loading the ends of individual fibers to produce debonding has been applied to metal, glass, and glass-ceramic matrix composites; bond strength values at debond initiation are calculated using a finite-element model. Results are correlated with composite longitudinal and interlaminar shear behavior for carbon and Nicalon fiber-reinforced glasses and glass-ceramics including the effects of matrix modifications, processing conditions, and high-temperature oxidation embrittlement. The data indicate that significant bonding to improve off-axis and shear properties can be tolerated before the longitudinal behavior becomes brittle. Residual stress and other mechanical bonding effects are important, but improved analyses and multiaxial interfacial failure criteria are needed to adequately interpret bond strength data in terms of composite performance.

Effect of the fiber-matrix interphase on the transverse tensile strength of the unidirectional composite material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, H. C.; Arocho, A. M.

1992-01-01

A simple one-dimensional fiber-matrix interphase model has been developed and analytical results obtained correlated well with available experimental data. It was found that by including the interphase between the fiber and matrix in the model, much better local stress results were obtained than with the model without the interphase. A more sophisticated two-dimensional micromechanical model, which included the interphase properties was also developed. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional models were used to study the effect of the interphase properties on the local stresses at the fiber, interphase and matrix. From this study, it was found that interphase modulus and thickness have significant influence on the transverse tensile strength and mode of failure in fiber reinforced composites.

Fatigue damage in cross-ply titanium metal matrix composites containing center holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakuckas, J. G., Jr.; Johnson, W. S.; Bigelow, C. A.

1992-01-01

The development of fatigue damage in (0/90) sub SCS-6/TI-15-3 laminates containing center holes was studied. Stress levels required for crack initiation in the matrix were predicted using an effective strain parameter and compared to experimental results. Damage progression was monitored at various stages of fatigue loading. In general, a saturated state of damage consisting of matrix cracks and fiber matrix debonding was obtained which reduced the composite modulus. Matrix cracks were bridged by the 0 deg fibers. The fatigue limit (stress causing catastrophic fracture of the laminates) was also determined. The static and post fatigue residual strengths were accurately predicted using a three dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis. The matrix damage that occurred during fatigue loading significantly reduced the notched strength.

Field-scale effective matrix diffusion coefficient for fractured rock: results from literature survey.

PubMed

Zhou, Quanlin; Liu, Hui-Hai; Molz, Fred J; Zhang, Yingqi; Bodvarsson, Gudmundur S

2007-08-15

Matrix diffusion is an important mechanism for solute transport in fractured rock. We recently conducted a literature survey on the effective matrix diffusion coefficient, D(m)(e), a key parameter for describing matrix diffusion processes at the field scale. Forty field tracer tests at 15 fractured geologic sites were surveyed and selected for the study, based on data availability and quality. Field-scale D(m)(e) values were calculated, either directly using data reported in the literature, or by reanalyzing the corresponding field tracer tests. The reanalysis was conducted for the selected tracer tests using analytic or semi-analytic solutions for tracer transport in linear, radial, or interwell flow fields. Surveyed data show that the scale factor of the effective matrix diffusion coefficient (defined as the ratio of D(m)(e) to the lab-scale matrix diffusion coefficient, D(m), of the same tracer) is generally larger than one, indicating that the effective matrix diffusion coefficient in the field is comparatively larger than the matrix diffusion coefficient at the rock-core scale. This larger value can be attributed to the many mass-transfer processes at different scales in naturally heterogeneous, fractured rock systems. Furthermore, we observed a moderate, on average trend toward systematic increase in the scale factor with observation scale. This trend suggests that the effective matrix diffusion coefficient is likely to be statistically scale-dependent. The scale-factor value ranges from 0.5 to 884 for observation scales from 5 to 2000 m. At a given scale, the scale factor varies by two orders of magnitude, reflecting the influence of differing degrees of fractured rock heterogeneity at different geologic sites. In addition, the surveyed data indicate that field-scale longitudinal dispersivity generally increases with observation scale, which is consistent with previous studies. The scale-dependent field-scale matrix diffusion coefficient (and dispersivity) may have significant implications for assessing long-term, large-scale radionuclide and contaminant transport events in fractured rock, both for nuclear waste disposal and contaminant remediation.

Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Demineralized Bone Matrix and Collagenated Heterologous Bone Grafts Used Alone or in Combination with Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Bone Healing in Sinus Floor Augmentation.

PubMed

Peker, Elif; Karaca, Inci Rana; Yildirim, Benay

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and collagenated heterologous bone graft (CHBG) used alone or in combination with platelet-rich fibrin on bone healing in sinus floor augmentation procedures. In this study, 36 New Zealand rabbits were used. The bilateral sinus elevation was performed, and 72 defects were obtained. The rabbit maxillary sinuses were divided into four groups according to the augmentation biomaterials obtained: demineralized bone matrix (Grafton DBM Putty, Osteotech; DBM group), DBM combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF; DBM + PRF group), collagenated heterologous bone graft (CHBG; Apatos Mix, OsteoBiol, Tecnoss; CHBG group), CHBG combined with PRF (CHBG + PRF group). All groups were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery for histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. The inflammatory reaction was moderate to intense at the second week in all groups and declined from 2 to 8 weeks. New bone formation was started at the second week and increased from 2 to 8 weeks in all groups. There was no significant difference in bone formation between the experimental groups that used PRF mixed graft material and control groups that used only graft material. The percentage of new bone formation showed a significant difference in DBM groups and DBM + PRF groups compared with other groups. There were osteoclasts around all the bone graft materials used, but the percentage of residual graft particles was significantly higher in CHBG groups and CHBG + PRF groups at the eighth week. There is no beneficial effect of the application of PRF in combination with demineralized bone matrix or collagenated heterologous bone graft on bone formation in sinus floor augmentation. The results of this study showed that both collagenated heterologous bone graft and demineralized bone matrix have osteoconductive properties, but demineralized bone matrix showed more bone formation than collagenated heterologous bone graft.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Graphene (Reduced Graphene Oxide)/Aluminum Composites with a Bioinspired Nanolaminated Structure.

PubMed

Li, Zan; Guo, Qiang; Li, Zhiqiang; Fan, Genlian; Xiong, Ding-Bang; Su, Yishi; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Di

2015-12-09

Bulk graphene (reduced graphene oxide)-reinforced Al matrix composites with a bioinspired nanolaminated microstructure were fabricated via a composite powder assembly approach. Compared with the unreinforced Al matrix, these composites were shown to possess significantly improved stiffness and tensile strength, and a similar or even slightly higher total elongation. These observations were interpreted by the facilitated load transfer between graphene and the Al matrix, and the extrinsic toughening effect as a result of the nanolaminated microstructure.

Insulin-like growth factor I has independent effects on bone matrix formation and cell replication

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

Hock, J.M.; Centrella, M.; Canalis, E.

1988-01-01

The effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin on bone matrix synthesis and bone cell replication were studied in cultured 21-day-old fetal rat calvariae. Histomorphometry techniques were developed to measure the incorporation of (2,3-/sup 3/H)proline and (methyl-/sup 3/H)thymidine into bone matrix and bone cell nuclei, respectively, using autoradiographs of sagittal sections of calvariae cultured with IGF-I, insulin, or vehicle for up to 96 h. To confirm an effect on bone formation, IGF-I was also studied for its effects on (/sup 3/H)proline incorporation into collagenase-digestible protein (CDP) and noncollagen protein and on (/sup 3/H)thymidine incorporation into acid-precipitable material (DNA). IGF-Imore » at 10(-9)-10(-7) M significantly increased the rate of bone matrix apposition and CDP after 24 h by 45-50% and increased cell labeling by 8-fold in the osteoprogenitor cell zone, by 4-fold in the osteoblast cell zone, and by 2-fold in the periosteal fibroblast zone. Insulin at 10(-9)-10(-6) M also increased matrix apposition rate and CDP by 40-50%, but increased cell labeling by 2-fold only at a concentration of 10(-7) M or higher and then only in the osteoprogenitor cell zone. When hydroxyurea was added to IGF-I-treated bones, the effects of IGF-I on DNA synthesis were abolished, but the increase in bone matrix apposition induced by IGF-I was only partly diminished. In conclusion, IGF-I stimulates matrix synthesis in calvariae, an effect that is partly, although not completely, dependent on its stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis.« less

Acellular fetal bovine dermal matrix for treatment of chronic ulcerations of the midfoot associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy.

PubMed

Kavros, Steven J

2012-08-01

Gross deformity of the foot in Charcot neuroarthropathy can lead to collapse and subsequent ulceration, infection, amputation, or premature death. This study evaluated healing of midfoot ulcerations of Charcot neuroarthropathy using PriMatrix, a novel acellular fetal bovine dermal matrix. In this retrospective analysis, 20 patients with ulcerations of the midfoot associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy were treated with either PriMatrix in addition to standard wound care (PriMatrix group,n = 12) or standard wound care alone (control group, n = 8). All patients had chronic, nonhealing foot ulcerations of at least 2250 mm(3) for a minimum of 30 days duration. All foot ulcerations were full thickness with subcutaneous involvement. Ankle brachial index ≥0.90 and/or transcutaneous oximetry (TcPo(2)) ≥40 mm Hg at the periulcer site was necessary for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they had acute or chronic osteomyelitis of the foot. Demography, risk factors, baseline severity of Charcot neuroarthropathy, and wound volume (control 4078 mm(3), PriMatrix 3737.5 mm(3), P = nonsignificant) were similar between treatment groups. Mean time to healing in the PriMatrix group (116 days, 95% CI = 109-123) was significantly shorter than in the control group (180 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 171-188); P < .0001. A significantly faster rate of healing was observed with PriMatrix (87.9 mm(3)/wk, 95% CI = 115.2% to 60.6%) compared with control (59.0 mm(3)/wk, 95% CI = 72.8% to 45.3%); P < .0001). The significantly faster rate of healing and steeper slope of volume reduction in the PriMatrix group warrants further investigation into its effects on healing of neuropathic ulcerations and potential limb salvage.

Computation of the Distribution of the Fiber-Matrix Interface Cracks in the Edge Trimming of CFRP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fu-ji; Zhang, Bo-yu; Ma, Jian-wei; Bi, Guang-jian; Hu, Hai-bo

2018-04-01

Edge trimming is commonly used to bring the CFRP components to right dimension and shape in aerospace industries. However, various forms of undesirable machining damage occur frequently which will significantly decrease the material performance of CFRP. The damage is difficult to predict and control due to the complicated changing laws, causing unsatisfactory machining quality of CFRP components. Since the most of damage has the same essence: the fiber-matrix interface cracks, this study aims to calculate the distribution of them in edge trimming of CFRP, thereby to obtain the effects of the machining parameters, which could be helpful to guide the optimal selection of the machining parameters in engineering. Through the orthogonal cutting experiments, the quantitative relation between the fiber-matrix interface crack depth and the fiber cutting angle, cutting depth as well as cutting speed is established. According to the analysis on material removal process on any location of the workpiece in edge trimming, the instantaneous cutting parameters are calculated, and the formation process of the fiber-matrix interface crack is revealed. Finally, the computational method for the fiber-matrix interface cracks in edge trimming of CFRP is proposed. Upon the computational results, it is found that the fiber orientations of CFRP workpieces is the most significant factor on the fiber-matrix interface cracks, which can not only change the depth of them from micrometers to millimeters, but control the distribution image of them. Other machining parameters, only influence the fiber-matrix interface cracks depth but have little effect on the distribution image.

A Brief Research Review for Improvement Methods the Wettability between Ceramic Reinforcement Particulate and Aluminium Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razzaq, Alaa Mohammed; Majid, Dayang Laila Abang Abdul; Ishak, M. R.; B, Uday M.

2017-05-01

The development of new methods for addition fine ceramic powders to Al aluminium alloy melts, which would lead to more uniform distribution and effective incorporation of the reinforcement particles into the aluminium matrix alloy. Recently the materials engineering research has moved to composite materials from monolithic, adapting to the global need for lightweight, low cost, quality, and high performance advanced materials. Among the different methods, stir casting is one of the simplest ways of making aluminium matrix composites. However, it suffers from poor distribution and combination of the reinforcement ceramic particles in the metal matrix. These problems become significantly effect to reduce reinforcement size, more agglomeration and tendency with less wettability for the ceramic particles in the melt process. Many researchers have carried out different studies on the wettability between the metal matrix and dispersion phase, which includes added wettability agents, fluxes, preheating the reinforcement particles, coating the reinforcement particles, and use composting techniques. The enhancement of wettability of ceramic particles by the molten matrix alloy and the reinforcement particles distribution improvement in the solidified matrix is the main objective for many studies that will be discussed in this paper.

Inhibitory effect of OPC-15161, a component of fungus Thielavia minor, on proliferation and extracellular matrix production of rat cultured hepatic stellate cells.

PubMed

Sugawara, H; Ueno, T; Torimura, T; Inuzuka, S; Tanikawa, K

1998-03-01

A component of fungus Thielavia minor, OPC-15161, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of extracellular matrix-producing mesangial cells in the kidney in vivo. In this study, we examined the effects of OPC-15161 on the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of rat cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To determine the effect of OPC-15161 on proliferation of HSCs, the cell number and the uptake of [3H]thymidine were investigated in the presence and absence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). IL-1beta significantly increased the uptake of [3H]thymidine in the HSCs, and the addition of OPC-15161 inhibited the uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The cell number of HSCs was also increased by IL-1beta, which was inhibited by OPC-15161. Production of extracellular matrix by OPC-15161 was studied by the production of [3H]-hydroxyproline in the presence and absence of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). TGF-beta1 significantly increased the production of [3H]-hydroxyproline in the cells, whereas the addition of OPC-15161 inhibited this effect dose dependently. We also investigated the effects of OPC-15161 on Ca2+ mobilization and measured D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) in the HSCs. IL-1beta induced the increase of intracellular Ca2+ and IP3 concentrations in the HSCs, which were decreased by OPC-15161. Based on these results, we conclude that OPC-1 5161 inhibited the proliferation and production of hydroxyproline in cultured rat HSCs, and thus, it may have a role in prevention of liver fibrosis in vivo.

Mechanical characterization of proanthocyanidin-dentin matrix interaction

PubMed Central

Castellan, Carina Strano; Pereira, Patricia Nobrega; Grande, Rosa Helena Miranda; Bedran-Russo, Ana Karina

2010-01-01

Objectives To characterize the properties of dentin matrix treated with two proanthocyanidin rich cross-linking agents and their effect on dentin bonded interfaces. Methods Sound human molars were cut into 0.5 mm thick dentin slabs, demineralized and either treated with one of two cross-linking agents (grape seed - GSE and cocoa seed - COE extracts) or left untreated. The modulus of elasticity of demineralized dentin was assessed after 10 or 60 min and the swelling ratio after 60 min treatment. Bacterial collagenase was also used to assess resistance to enzymatic degradation of samples subjected to ultimate tensile strength. The effect of GSE or COE on the resin-dentin bond strength was evaluated after 10 or 60 min of exposure time. Data were statistically analyzed at a 95% confidence interval. Results Both cross-linkers increased the elastic modulus of demineralized dentin as exposure time increased. Swelling ratio was lower for treated samples when compared to control groups. No statistically significant changes to the UTS indicate that collagenase had no effect on dentin matrix treated with either GSE or COE. Dentin-resin bonds significantly increased following treatment with GSE regardless of the application time or adhesive system used. Significance Increased mechanical properties and stability of dentin matrix can be achieved by the use of PA-rich collagen cross-linkers most likely due to the formation of a PA-collagen complex. The short term dentin-resin bonds can be improved after 10 minutes dentin treatment. PMID:20650510

Low-Earth orbit effects on organic composite materials flown on LDEF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Pete E.; Dursch, Harry W.

1993-01-01

Over 35 different types of organic matrix composites were flown as part of 11 different experiments onboard the NASA Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite. This materials and systems experiment satellite flew in low-earth orbit (LEO) for 69 months. For that period, the experiments were subjected to the LEO environment including atomic oxygen (AO), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thermal cycling, microvacuum, meteoroid and space debris (M&D), and particle radiation. Since retrieval of the satellite in January of 1990, the principal experiment investigators have been deintegrating, examining, and testing the materials specimens flown. The most detrimental environmental effect on all organic matrix composites was material loss due to AO erosion. AO erosion of uncoated organic matrix composites (OMC) facing the satellite ram direction was responsible for significant mechanical property degradations. Also, thermal cycling-induced microcracking was observed in some nonunidirectional reinforced OMC's. Thermal cycling and outgassing caused significant but predictable dimensional changes as measured in situ on one experiment. Some metal and metal oxide-based coatings were found to be very effective at preventing AO erosion of OMC's. However, M&D impacts and coating fractures which compromised these coatings allowed AO erosion of the underlying OMC substrates. The findings for organic matrix composites flown on the LDEF are summarized and the LEO environmental factors, their effects, and the influence on space hardware design factors for LEO applications are identified.

Resveratrol increases nucleus pulposus matrix synthesis through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway under mechanical compression in a disc organ culture.

PubMed

Han, Xiaorui; Leng, Xiaoming; Zhao, Man; Wu, Mei; Chen, Amei; Hong, Guoju; Sun, Ping

2017-12-22

Disc nucleus pulposus (NP) matrix homeostasis is important for normal disc function. Mechanical overloading seriously decreases matrix synthesis and increases matrix degradation. The present study aims to investigate the effects of resveratrol on disc NP matrix homeostasis under a relatively high-magnitude mechanical compression and the potential mechanism underlying this process. Porcine discs were perfusion-cultured and subjected to a relatively high-magnitude mechanical compression (1.3 MPa at a frequency of 1.0 Hz for 2 h once per day) for 7 days in a mechanically active bioreactor. The non-compressed discs were used as controls. Resveratrol was added along with culture medium to observe the effects of resveratrol on NP matrix synthesis under mechanical load respectively. NP matrix synthesis was evaluated by histology, biochemical content (glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline (HYP)), and expression of matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Results showed that this high-magnitude mechanical compression significantly decreased NP matrix content, indicated by the decreased staining intensity of Alcian Blue and biochemical content (GAG and HYP), and the down-regulated expression of NP matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Further analysis indicated that resveratrol partly stimulated NP matrix synthesis and increased activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway in a dose-dependent manner under mechanical compression. Together, resveratrol is beneficial for disc NP matrix synthesis under mechanical overloading, and the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway may participate in this regulatory process. Resveratrol may be promising to regenerate mechanical overloading-induced disc degeneration. © 2017 The Author(s).

Development and Evaluation of an Externally Air-Cooled Low-Flow torch and the Attenuation of Space Charge and Matrix Effects in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

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

Praphairaksit, Narong

2000-09-12

An externally air-cooled low-flow torch has been constructed and successfully demonstrated for applications in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The torch is cooled by pressurized air flowing at ~70 L/min through a quartz air jacket onto the exterior of the outer tube. The outer gas flow rate and operating RF forward power are reduced considerably. Although plasmas can be sustained at the operating power as low as 400 W with a 2 L/min of outer gas flow, somewhat higher power and outer gas flows are advisable. A stable and analytical useful plasma can be obtained at 850 W withmore » an outer gas flow rate of ~4 L/min. Under these conditions, the air-cooled plasma produces comparable sensitivities, doubly charged ion ratios, matrix effects and other analytical merits as those produced by a conventional torch while using significantly less argon and power requirements. Metal oxide ion ratios are slightly higher with the air-cooled plasma but can be mitigated by reducing the aerosol gas flow rate slightly with only minor sacrifice in analyte sensitivity. A methodology to alleviate the space charge and matrix effects in ICP-MS has been developed. A supplemental electron source adapted from a conventional electron impact ionizer is added to the base of the skimmer. Electrons supplied from this source downstream of the skimmer with suitable amount and energy can neutralize the positive ions in the beam extracted from the plasma and diminish the space charge repulsion between them. As a result, the overall ion transmission efficiency and consequent analyte ion sensitivities are significantly improved while other important analytical aspects, such as metal oxide ion ratio, doubly charged ion ratio and background ions remain relatively unchanged with the operation of this electron source. This technique not only improves the ion transmission efficiency but also minimizes the matrix effects drastically. The matrix-induced suppression of signal for even the most troublesome combination of light analyte and heavy matrix elements can be attenuated from 90-99% to only 2-10% for 2 mM matrix solutions with an ultrasonic nebulizer. The supplemental electron current can be adjusted to ''titrate'' out the matrix effects as desired.« less

Effect of Cyclic Thermo-Mechanical Loads on Fatigue Reliability in Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shah, A. R.; Murthy, P. L. N.; Chamis, C. C.

1996-01-01

A methodology to compute probabilistic fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress dependent multi-factor interaction relationship developed at NASA Lewis Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability- based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/- 45/90)(sub s) graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical cyclic loads and low thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical cyclic loads and high thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.

Statistical evaluation of the influence of soil properties on recoveries and matrix effects during the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds and steroids by quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Salvia, Marie-Virginie; Cren-Olivé, Cécile; Vulliet, Emmanuelle

2013-11-08

Numerous chemical products are dispersed in our environment. Many of them are recognized as harmful to humans and the ecosystem. Among these harmful substances are antibiotics and steroid hormones. Currently, very few data are available on the presence and fate of these substances in the environment, in particular for solid matrices, mainly due to a lack of analytical methodologies. Indeed, soil is a very complex matrix, and the nature and composition of the soil has a significant impact on the extraction efficiency and the sensitivity of the method. For this reason a statistical approach was performed to study the influence of soil parameters (clay, silt, sand and organic carbon percentages and cation exchange capacity (CEC)) on recoveries and matrix effects of various pharmaceuticals and steroids. Thus, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed when several substances were analyzed simultaneously, whereas a Pearson correlation was used to study the compounds individually. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first time such an experiment was performed. The results showed that clay and organic carbon percentages as well as the CEC have an impact on the recoveries of most of the target substances, the variables being anti-correlated. This result suggests that the compounds are trapped in soils with high levels of clay and organic carbon and a high CEC. For the matrix effects, it was shown that the organic carbon content has a significant effect on steroid hormones and penicillin G matrix effects (positive correlation). Finally, interaction effects (first order) were evaluated. This latter point corresponds to the crossed effects that occur between explanatory variables (soil parameters). Indeed, the value taken by an explanatory variable can have an influence on the effect that another explanatory variable has on a dependent variable. For instance, it was shown that some parameters (silt, sand) have an impact on the effect that clay content has on recoveries. Besides, CEC and silt affect the influence that organic carbon percentage has on matrix effect. This original approach provides a better understanding of the complex interactions that occur in soil and could be useful to understand and predict the performance of an analytical method. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A model to predict thermal conductivity of irradiated U-Mo dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkes, Douglas E.; Huber, Tanja K.; Casella, Andrew M.

2016-05-01

Numerous global programs are focused on the continued development of existing and new research and test reactor fuels to achieve maximum attainable uranium loadings to support the conversion of a number of the world's remaining high-enriched uranium fueled reactors to low-enriched uranium fuel. Some of these programs are focused on assisting with the development and qualification of a fuel design that consists of a uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) alloy dispersed in an aluminum matrix as one option for reactor conversion. Thermal conductivity is an important consideration in determining the operational temperature of the fuel and can be influenced by interaction layer formation between the dispersed phase and matrix and upon the concentration of the dispersed phase within the matrix. This paper extends the use of a simple model developed previously to study the influence of interaction layer formation as well as the size and volume fraction of fuel particles dispersed in the matrix, Si additions to the matrix, and Mo concentration in the fuel particles on the effective thermal conductivity of the U-Mo/Al composite during irradiation. The model has been compared to experimental measurements recently conducted on U-Mo/Al dispersion fuels at two different fission densities with acceptable agreement. Observations of the modeled results indicate that formation of an interaction layer and subsequent consumption of the matrix reveals a rather significant effect on effective thermal conductivity. The modeled interaction layer formation and subsequent consumption of the high thermal conductivity matrix was sensitive to the average dispersed fuel particle size, suggesting this parameter as one of the most effective in minimizing thermal conductivity degradation of the composite, while the influence of Si additions to the matrix in the model was highly dependent upon irradiation conditions.

A model to predict thermal conductivity of irradiated U–Mo dispersion fuel

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

Burkes, Douglas E.; Huber, Tanja K.; Casella, Andrew M.

The Office of Materials Management and Minimization Reactor Conversion Program continues to develop existing and new research and test reactor fuels to achieve maximum attainable uranium loadings to support the conversion of a number of the world’s remaining high-enriched uranium fueled reactors to low-enriched uranium fuel. The program is focused on assisting with the development and qualification of a fuel design that consists of a uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) alloy dispersed in an aluminum matrix as one option for reactor conversion. Thermal conductivity is an important consideration in determining the operational temperature of the fuel and can be influenced by interaction layermore » formation between the dispersed phase and matrix and upon the concentration of the dispersed phase within the matrix. This paper extends the use of a simple model developed previously to study the influence of interaction layer formation as well as the size and volume fraction of fuel particles dispersed in the matrix, Si additions to the matrix, and Mo concentration in the fuel particles on the effective thermal conductivity of the U-Mo/Al composite during irradiation. The model has been compared to experimental measurements recently conducted on U-Mo/Al dispersion fuels at two different fission densities with acceptable agreement. Observations of the modeled results indicate that formation of an interaction layer and subsequent consumption of the matrix reveals a rather significant effect on effective thermal conductivity. The modeled interaction layer formation and subsequent consumption of the high thermal conductivity matrix was sensitive to the average dispersed fuel particle size, suggesting this parameter as one of the most effective in minimizing thermal conductivity degradation of the composite, while the influence of Si additions to the matrix in the model was highly dependent upon irradiation conditions.« less

Matrix metalloproteinase activity in stifle synovial fluid of cranial cruciate ligament deficient dogs and effect of postoperative doxycycline treatment.

PubMed

Rabillard, M; Danger, R; Doran, I P; Niebauer, G W; Brouard, S; Gauthier, O

2012-07-01

This prospective clinical study investigated the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in stifle synovial fluid (SF) of 13 dogs with acute cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, and the effect of a postoperative doxycycline treatment. MMP-2, 3, 9 and 13 activities were compared with respect to the time of sampling (preoperatively or 1 month after surgical stabilisation) and the type of postoperative adjuvant treatment (doxycycline or not). No significant activity was detected for both MMP-3 and MMP-13. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were found to be significantly highly increased in SF of CCL ruptured stifles compared to control stifles of unaffected dogs. No significant effect from surgical stabilisation and postoperative doxycycline treatment on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities was found, indicating that doxycycline may not be an appropriate postoperative medical treatment after CCL rupture. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of enamel matrix derivative and basic fibroblast growth factor with μ-tricalcium phosphate on periodontal regeneration in one-wall intrabony defects: an experimental study in dogs.

PubMed

Shirakata, Yoshinori; Takeuchi, Naoshi; Yoshimoto, Takehiko; Taniyama, Katsuyoshi; Noguchi, Kazuyuki

2013-01-01

This study evaluated the effects of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with μ-tricalcium phosphate (μ-TCP) on periodontal healing in intrabony defects in dogs. One-wall intrabony defects created in dogs were treated with μ-TCP alone (μ-TCP), EMD with μ-TCP (EMD/μ-TCP), bFGF with μ-TCP (bFGF/μ-TCP), and a combination of each (EMD/bFGF/μ-TCP). The amount of new bone formation was not significant for any group. The EMD/bFGF/μ-TCP group induced significantly greater new cementum formation than the μ-TCP and bFGF/μ-TCP groups and, although not significantly, formed more new cementum than the EMD/μ-TCP group. These findings indicate that EMD/bFGF/μ-TCP treatment is effective for cementum regeneration.

Effects of mistuning and matrix structure on the topology of frequency response curves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Afolabi, Dare

1989-01-01

The stability of a frequency response curve under mild perturbations of the system's matrix is investigated. Using recent developments in the theory of singularities of differentiable maps, it is shown that the stability of a response curve depends on the structure of the system's matrix. In particular, the frequency response curves of a cylic system are shown to be unstable. Consequently, slight parameter variations engendered by mistuning will induce a significant difference in the topology of the forced response curves, if the mistuning transformation crosses the bifurcation set.

Effects of LDEF flight exposure on selected polymer matrix resin composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slemp, Wayne S.; Young, Philip R.; Witte, William G., Jr.; Shen, James Y.

1991-01-01

The characterization of selected graphite fiber reinforced epoxy and polysulfone matrix resin composites which received exposure to the LEO environment on the LDEF is reported. The changes in mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength and tensile modulus for exposed flight specimens are compared to the three sets of control specimens. Marked changes in surface appearance are discussed, and resin loss is reported. The chemical characterization including IR, thermal, and selected solution property measurements showed that the molecular structure of the polymeric matrix had not changed significantly in response to this exposure.

Effect of advective flow in fractures and matrix diffusion on natural gas production

DOE PAGES

Karra, Satish; Makedonska, Nataliia; Viswanathan, Hari S.; ...

2015-10-12

Although hydraulic fracturing has been used for natural gas production for the past couple of decades, there are significant uncertainties about the underlying mechanisms behind the production curves that are seen in the field. A discrete fracture network based reservoir-scale work flow is used to identify the relative effect of flow of gas in fractures and matrix diffusion on the production curve. With realistic three dimensional representations of fracture network geometry and aperture variability, simulated production decline curves qualitatively resemble observed production decline curves. The high initial peak of the production curve is controlled by advective fracture flow of freemore » gas within the network and is sensitive to the fracture aperture variability. Matrix diffusion does not significantly affect the production decline curve in the first few years, but contributes to production after approximately 10 years. These results suggest that the initial flushing of gas-filled background fractures combined with highly heterogeneous flow paths to the production well are sufficient to explain observed initial production decline. Lastly, these results also suggest that matrix diffusion may support reduced production over longer time frames.« less

Prospective and randomised evaluation of the protease-modulating effect of oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix treatment in pressure sore ulcers.

PubMed

Kloeters, Oliver; Unglaub, Frank; de Laat, Erik; van Abeelen, Marjolijn; Ulrich, Dietmar

2016-12-01

In chronic wounds, excess levels and activity of proteases such as elastase and plasmin have been detected. Oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix (ORC/collagen matrix) has been reported to ameliorate the wound microenvironment by binding and inactivating excess proteases in wound exudates. In this study, the levels and activity of elastase and plasmin in wound exudates of pressure sore ulcers were measured to determine the beneficial effect of ORC/collagen matrix treatment compared with control treatment with a foam dressing. A total of 33 patients with pressure sores were enrolled in the study and were followed up for 12 weeks after treatment. Ten control patients were treated with a foam hydropolymer dressing (TIELLE ® , Systagenix), and the remaining 23 patients were treated with ORC/collagen matrix plus the foam dressing (TIELLE ® , Systagenix) on top. Wound assessments were carried out over 12 weeks on a weekly basis, with dressing changes twice a week. Ulcers were photographed and wound exudates were collected on admission and at days 5, 14 and then every 14 days to provide a visual record of any changes in appearance of the ulcer and healing rate and for biochemical analysis of the wound. The levels and activity of elastase and plasmin were measured in wound exudates. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test with P-values <0·05 considered to be significant. Compared with controls, ORC/collagen matrix-treated pressure sore wounds showed a significant faster healing rate, which positively correlated with a decreased activity of elastase and plasmin in wound exudates. No signs of infection or intolerance to the ORC/collagen matrix were observed. © 2015 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

In vitro studies to show sequestration of matrix metalloproteinases by silver-containing wound care products.

PubMed

Walker, Michael; Bowler, Philip G; Cochrane, Christine A

2007-09-01

Excess or "uncontrolled" proteinase activity in the wound bed has been implicated as one factor that may delay or compromise wound healing. One proteinase group--matrix metalloproteinases--includes collagenases, elastase, and gelatinases and can be endogenous (cell) or exogenous (bacterial) in origin. A study was conducted to assess the ability of five silver-containing wound care products to reduce a known matrix metalloproteinase supernatant concentration in vitro. Four silver-containing wound dressings (a carboxy-methyl cellulose, a nanocrystalline, a hydro-alginate, and a collagen/oxidized regenerated cellulose composite dressing), along with a 0.5% aqueous silver nitrate [w/v] solution and controls for matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 sourced from ex vivo dermal tissue and blood monocytes, respectively, were used. Extracts were separated and purified using gelatine-Sepharose column chromatography and dialysis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic zymography was used to analyze specific matrix metalloproteinase activity. All dressings and the solution were shown to sequester both matrix metalloproteinases. The silver-containing carboxy-methyl cellulose dressing showed significantly greater sequestration for matrix metalloproteinase-2 at 6 and 24 hours (P< 0.001) compared to the other treatments. For matrix metalloproteinase-9, both the carboxy-methyl cellulose dressing and the oxidized regenerated cellulose dressing achieved significant sequestration when compared to the other treatments at 24 hours (P <0.001), which was maintained to 48 hours (P < 0.001). Results from this study show that silver-containing dressings are effective in sequestering matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and that this can be achieved without a sacrificial protein (eg, collagen). Although the varying ability of wound dressings to sequester matrix metalloproteinases has been shown in vitro, further in vivo evidence is required to confirm these findings.

Evaluation and prevention of the negative matrix effect of terpenoids on pesticides in apples quantification by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Giacinti, Géraldine; Raynaud, Christine; Capblancq, Sophie; Simon, Valérie

2016-12-21

The sample matrix can enhance the gas chromatography signal of pesticide residues relative to that obtained with the same concentration of pesticide in solvent. This paper is related to negative matrix effects observed in coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ion trap (GC/MS 2 ) quantification of pesticides in concentrated extracts of apple peel prepared by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. It is focused on the pesticides most frequently used on the apple varieties studied, throughout the crop cycle, right up to harvest, to combat pests and diseases and to improve fruit storage properties. Extracts from the fleshy receptacle (flesh), the epiderm (peel) and fruit of three apple varieties were studied by high-performance thin-layer chromatography hyphenated with UV-vis light detection (HPTLC/UV visible). The peel extracts had high concentrations of triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic acids), reaching 25mgkg -1 , whereas these compounds were not detected in the flesh extracts (<0.05mgkg -1 ). A significant relationship has been found between the levels of these molecules and negative matrix effects in GC/MS 2 . The differences in the behavior of pesticides with respect to matrix effects can be accounted for by the physicochemical characteristics of the molecules (lone pairs, labile hydrogen, conjugation). The HPTLC/UV visible method developed here for the characterization of QuEChERS extracts acts as a complementary clean-up method, aimed to decrease the negative matrix effects of such extracts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation and prevention of the negative matrix effect of terpenoids on pesticides in apples quantification by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Giacinti, Géraldine; Raynaud, Christine; Capblancq, Sophie; Simon, Valérie

2017-02-03

The sample matrix can enhance the gas chromatography signal of pesticide residues relative to that obtained with the same concentration of pesticide in solvent. This paper is related to negative matrix effects observed in coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ion trap (GC/MS 2 ) quantification of pesticides in concentrated extracts of apple peel prepared by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. It is focused on the pesticides most frequently used on the apple varieties studied, throughout the crop cycle, right up to harvest, to combat pests and diseases and to improve fruit storage properties. Extracts from the fleshy receptacle (flesh), the epiderm (peel) and fruit of three apple varieties were studied by high-performance thin-layer chromatography hyphenated with UV-vis light detection (HPTLC/UV visible). The peel extracts had high concentrations of triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic acids), reaching 25mgkg -1 , whereas these compounds were not detected in the flesh extracts (<0.05mgkg -1 ). A significant relationship has been found between the levels of these molecules and negative matrix effects in GC/MS 2 . The differences in the behavior of pesticides with respect to matrix effects can be accounted for by the physicochemical characteristics of the molecules (lone pairs, labile hydrogen, conjugation). The HPTLC/UV visible method developed here for the characterization of QuEChERS extracts acts as a complementary clean-up method, aimed to decrease the negative matrix effects of such extracts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validation of QuEChERS method for the determination of some pesticide residues in two apple varieties.

PubMed

Tiryaki, Osman

2016-10-02

This study was undertaken to validate the "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe" (QuEChERS) method using Golden Delicious and Starking Delicious apple matrices spiked at 0.1 maximum residue limit (MRL), 1.0 MRL and 10 MRL levels of the four pesticides (chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, indoxacarb and imidacloprid). For the extraction and cleanup, original QuEChERS method was followed, then the samples were subjected to liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for chromatographic analyses. According to t test, matrix effect was not significant for chlorpyrifos in both sample matrices, but it was significant for dimethoate, indoxacarb and imidacloprid in both sample matrices. Thus, matrix-matched calibration (MC) was used to compensate matrix effect and quantifications were carried out by using MC. The overall recovery of the method was 90.15% with a relative standard deviation of 13.27% (n = 330). Estimated method detection limit of analytes blew the MRLs. Some other parameters of the method validation, such as recovery, precision, accuracy and linearity were found to be within the required ranges.

Evaluation of the applicability of the dual‐domain mass transfer model in porous media containing connected high‐conductivity channels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Liu, Gaisheng; Zheng, Chunmiao; Gorelick, Steven M.

2007-01-01

This paper evaluates the dual‐domain mass transfer (DDMT) model to represent transport processes when small‐scale high‐conductivity (K) preferential flow paths (PFPs) are present in a homogenous porous media matrix. The effects of PFPs upon solute transport were examined through detailed numerical experiments involving different realizations of PFP networks, PFP/matrix conductivity contrasts varying from 10:1 to 200:1, different magnitudes of effective conductivities, and a range of molecular diffusion coefficients. Results suggest that the DDMT model can reproduce both the near‐source peak and the downstream low‐concentration spreading observed in the embedded dendritic network when there are large conductivity contrasts between high‐K PFPs and the low‐K matrix. The accuracy of the DDMT model is also affected by the geometry of PFP networks and by the relative significance of the diffusion process in the network‐matrix system.

[Penile augmentation using acellular dermal matrix].

PubMed

Zhang, Jin-ming; Cui, Yong-yan; Pan, Shu-juan; Liang, Wei-qiang; Chen, Xiao-xuan

2004-11-01

Penile enhancement was performed using acellular dermal matrix. Multiple layers of acellular dermal matrix were placed underneath the penile skin to enlarge its girth. Since March 2002, penile augmentation has been performed on 12 cases using acellular dermal matrix. Postoperatively all the patients had a 1.3-3.1 cm (2.6 cm in average) increase in penile girth in a flaccid state. The penis had normal appearance and feeling without contour deformities. All patients gained sexual ability 3 months after the operation. One had a delayed wound healing due to tight dressing, which was repaired with a scrotal skin flap. Penile enlargement by implantation of multiple layers of acellular dermal matrix was a safe and effective operation. This method can be performed in an outpatient ambulatory setting. The advantages of the acellular dermal matrix over the autogenous dermal fat grafts are elimination of donor site injury and scar and significant shortening of operation time.

Use of phenyl/tetrazolyl-functionalized magnetic microspheres and stable isotope labeled internal standards for significant reduction of matrix effect in determination of nine fluoroquinolones by liquid chromatography-quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Xu, Fei; Liu, Feng; Wang, Chaozhan; Wei, Yinmao

2018-02-01

In this study, the strategy of unique adsorbent combined with isotope labeled internal standards was used to significantly reduce the matrix effect for the enrichment and analysis of nine fluoroquinolones in a complex sample by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ LIT -MS/MS). The adsorbent was prepared conveniently by functionalizing Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 microspheres with phenyl and tetrazolyl groups, which could adsorb fluoroquinolones selectively via hydrophobic, electrostatic, and π-π interactions. The established magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method as well as using stable isotope labeled internal standards in the next MS/MS detection was able to reduce the matrix effect significantly. In the process of LC-QqQ LIT -MS/MS analysis, the precursor and product ions of the analytes were monitored quantitatively and qualitatively on a QTrap system equipped simultaneously with the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and enhanced product ion (EPI) scan. Subsequently, the enrichment method combined with LC-QqQ LIT -MS/MS demonstrated good analytical features in terms of linearity (7.5-100.0 ng mL -1 , r > 0.9960), satisfactory recoveries (88.6%-118.3%) with RSDs < 12.0%, LODs = 0.5 μg kg -1 and LOQs = 1.5 μg kg -1 for all tested analytes. Finally, the developed MSPE-LC-QqQ LIT -MS/MS method had been successfully applied to real pork samples for food-safety risk monitoring in Ningxia Province, China. Graphical abstract Mechanism of reducing matrix effect through the as-prepared adsorbent.

Evaluation of hydrophobic materials as matrices for controlled-release drug delivery.

PubMed

Quadir, Mohiuddin Abdul; Rahman, M Sharifur; Karim, M Ziaul; Akter, Sanjida; Awkat, M Talat Bin; Reza, Md Selim

2003-07-01

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different insoluble and erodable wax-lipid based materials and their content level on the release profile of drug from matrix systems. Matrix tablets of theophylline were prepared using carnauba wax, bees wax, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol and glyceryl monostearate as rate-retarding agents by direct compression process. The release of theophylline from these hydrophobic matrices was studied over 8-hours in buffer media of pH 6.8. Statistically significant difference was found among the drug release profile from different matrices. The release kinetics was found to be governed by the type and content of hydrophobic materials in the matrix. At lower level of wax matrices (25%), a potential burst release was observed with all the materials being studied. Bees wax could not exert any sustaining action while an extensive burst release was found with carnauba wax at this hydrophobic load. Increasing the concentration of fat-wax materials significantly decreased the burst effect of drug from the matrix. At higher hydrophobic level (50% of the matrix), the rate and extent of drug release was significantly reduced due to increased tortuosity and reduced porosity of the matrix. Cetostearyl alcohol imparted the strongest retardation of drug release irrespective of fat-wax level. Numerical fits indicate that the Higuchi square root of time model was the most appropriate one for describing the release profile of theophylline from hydrophobic matrices. The release mechanism was also explored and explained with biexponential equation. Application of this model indicates that Fickian or case I kinetics is the predominant mechanism of drug release from these wax-lipid matrices. The mean dissolution time (MDT) was calculated for all the formulations and the highest MDT value was obtained with cetostearyl matrix. The greater sustaining activity of cetostearyl alcohol can be attributed to some level of swelling and erosion within this matrix at lower fat-wax level which is also supported by release exponent values and Fickian fraction release against time profile of this agent. The results generated in this study showed that proper selection of these hydrophobic materials based on their physico-chemical properties is important in designing wax matrix tablets with desired dissolution profile.

Effect of nano-SiO{sub 2} particles and curing time on development of fiber-matrix bond properties and microstructure of ultra-high strength concrete

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

Wu, Zemei; Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla 65409, MO; Khayat, Kamal Henri, E-mail: khayatk@mst.edu

Bond properties between fibers and cementitious matrix have significant effect on the mechanical behavior of composite materials. In this study, the development of steel fiber-matrix interfacial bond properties in ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC) proportioned with nano-SiO{sub 2} varying between 0 and 2%, by mass of cementitious materials, was investigated. A statistical model relating either bond strength or pullout energy to curing time and nano-SiO{sub 2} content was proposed by using the response surface methodology. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and backscatter scanning electron microscopy (BSEM) were used to characterize the microstructure of the matrix and the fiber-matrix interface, respectively. Micro-hardness aroundmore » the embedded fiber and hydration products of the matrix were evaluated as well. Test results indicated that the optimal nano-SiO{sub 2} dosage was 1% in terms of the bond properties and the microstructure. The proposed quadratic model efficiently predicted the bond strength and pullout energy with consideration of curing time and nano-SiO{sub 2} content. The improvement in bond properties associated with nano-silica was correlated with denser matrix and/or interface and stronger bond and greater strength of hydration products based on microstructural analysis.« less

Fluid flow increases mineralized matrix deposition in 3D perfusion culture of marrow stromal osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bancroft, Gregory N.; Sikavitsas, Vassilios I.; van den Dolder, Juliette; Sheffield, Tiffany L.; Ambrose, Catherine G.; Jansen, John A.; Mikos, Antonios G.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

2002-01-01

Bone is a complex highly structured mechanically active 3D tissue composed of cellular and matrix elements. The true biological environment of a bone cell is thus derived from a dynamic interaction between responsively active cells experiencing mechanical forces and a continuously changing 3D matrix architecture. To investigate this phenomenon in vitro, marrow stromal osteoblasts were cultured on 3D scaffolds under flow perfusion with different rates of flow for an extended period to permit osteoblast differentiation and significant matrix production and mineralization. With all flow conditions, mineralized matrix production was dramatically increased over statically cultured constructs with the total calcium content of the cultured scaffolds increasing with increasing flow rate. Flow perfusion induced de novo tissue modeling with the formation of pore-like structures in the scaffolds and enhanced the distribution of cells and matrix throughout the scaffolds. These results represent reporting of the long-term effects of fluid flow on primary differentiating osteoblasts and indicate that fluid flow has far-reaching effects on osteoblast differentiation and phenotypic expression in vitro. Flow perfusion culture permits the generation and study of a 3D, actively modeled, mineralized matrix and can therefore be a valuable tool for both bone biology and tissue engineering.

The effects of lactate and acid on articular chondrocytes function: Implications for polymeric cartilage scaffold design.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaolei; Wu, Yan; Pan, Zongyou; Sun, Heng; Wang, Junjuan; Yu, Dongsheng; Zhu, Shouan; Dai, Jun; Chen, Yishan; Tian, Naifeng; Heng, Boon Chin; Coen, Noelle D; Xu, Huazi; Ouyang, Hongwei

2016-09-15

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly-l-lactate acid (PLLA) are biodegradable polymers widely utilized as scaffold materials for cartilage tissue engineering. Their acid degradation products have been widely recognized as being detrimental to cell function. However, the biological effects of lactate, rather than lactic acid, on chondrocytes have never been investigated. This is the major focus of this study. The amounts of lactate and the pH value (acid) of the PLGA and PLLA degradation medium were measured. The effects of PLGA and PLLA degradation medium, as well as different lactate concentrations and timing of exposure on chondrocytes proliferation and cartilage-specific matrix synthesis were investigated by various techniques including global gene expression profiling and gene knockdown experiments. It was shown that PLGA and PLLA degradation medium differentially regulated chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis. Acidic pH caused by lactate inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis. The effect of lactate on chondrocyte matrix synthesis was both time and dose dependent. A lactate concentration of 100mM and exposure duration of 8h significantly enhanced matrix synthesis. Lactate could also inhibit expression of cartilage matrix degradation genes in osteoarthritic chondrocytes, such as the major aggrecanase ADAMTS5, whilst promoting matrix synthesis simultaneously. Pulsed addition of lactate was shown to be more efficient in promoting COL2A1 expression. Global gene expression data and gene knock down experiments demonstrated that lactate promote matrix synthesis through up-regulation of HIF1A. These observed differential biological effects of lactate on chondrocytes would have implications for the future design of polymeric cartilage scaffolds. Lactic acid is a widely used substrate for polymers synthesis, PLGA and PLLA in particular. Although physical and biological modifications have been made on these polymers to make them be better cartilage scaffolds, little concern has been given on the biological effect of lactic acid, the main degradation product of these polymers, on chondrocytes. Our finding illustrates the differential biological function of lactate and acid on chondrocytes matrix synthesis. These results can facilitate future design of lactate polymers-based cartilage scaffolds. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon nanotubes within polymer matrix can synergistically enhance mechanical energy dissipation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashraf, Taimoor; Ranaiefar, Meelad; Khatri, Sumit; Kavosi, Jamshid; Gardea, Frank; Glaz, Bryan; Naraghi, Mohammad

2018-03-01

Safe operation and health of structures relies on their ability to effectively dissipate undesired vibrations, which could otherwise significantly reduce the life-time of a structure due to fatigue loads or large deformations. To address this issue, nanoscale fillers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have been utilized to dissipate mechanical energy in polymer-based nanocomposites through filler-matrix interfacial friction by benefitting from their large interface area with the matrix. In this manuscript, for the first time, we experimentally investigate the effect of CNT alignment with respect to reach other and their orientation with respect to the loading direction on vibrational damping in nanocomposites. The matrix was polystyrene (PS). A new technique was developed to fabricate PS-CNT nanocomposites which allows for controlling the angle of CNTs with respect to the far-field loading direction (misalignment angle). Samples were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis, and the damping of the samples were measured as the ratio of the loss to storage moduli versus CNT misalignment angle. Our results defied a notion that randomly oriented CNT nanocomposites can be approximated as a combination of matrix-CNT representative volume elements with randomly aligned CNTs. Instead, our results points to major contributions of stress concentration induced by each CNT in the matrix in proximity of other CNTs on vibrational damping. The stress fields around CNTs in PS-CNT nanocomposites were studied via finite element analysis. Our findings provide significant new insights not only on vibrational damping nanocomposites, but also on their failure modes and toughness, in relation to interface phenomena.

Incorporation of Mean Stress Effects into the Micromechanical Analysis of the High Strain Rate Response of Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Robert K.; Roberts, Gary D.; Gilat, Amos

2002-01-01

The results presented here are part of an ongoing research program, to develop strain rate dependent deformation and failure models for the analysis of polymer matrix composites subject to high strain rate impact loads. A micromechanics approach is employed in this work, in which state variable constitutive equations originally developed for metals have been modified to model the deformation of the polymer matrix, and a strength of materials based micromechanics method is used to predict the effective response of the composite. In the analysis of the inelastic deformation of the polymer matrix, the definitions of the effective stress and effective inelastic strain have been modified in order to account for the effect of hydrostatic stresses, which are significant in polymers. Two representative polymers, a toughened epoxy and a brittle epoxy, are characterized through the use of data from tensile and shear tests across a variety of strain rates. Results computed by using the developed constitutive equations correlate well with data generated via experiments. The procedure used to incorporate the constitutive equations within a micromechanics method is presented, and sample calculations of the deformation response of a composite for various fiber orientations and strain rates are discussed.

Numerical examination of the factors controlling DNAPL migration through a single fracture.

PubMed

Reynolds, D A; Kueper, B H

2002-01-01

The migration of five dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) through a single fracture in a clay aquitard was numerically simulated with the use of a compositional simulator. The effects of fracture aperture, fracture dip, matrix porosity, and matrix organic carbon content on the migration of chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene, tetra-chloroethylene, and 1,2-dibromoethane were examined. Boundary conditions were chosen such that DNAPL entry into the system was allowed to vary according to the stresses applied. The aperture is the most important factor of those studied controlling the migration rate of DNAPL through a single fracture embedded in a clay matrix. Loss of mass to the matrix through diffusion does not significantly retard the migration rate of the DNAPL, particularly in larger aperture fractures (e.g., 50 microm). With time, the ratio of diffusive loss to the matrix to DNAPL flux into the fracture approaches an asymptotic value lower than unity. The implication is that matrix diffusion cannot arrest the migration of DNAPL in a single fracture. The complex relationships between density, viscosity, and solubility that, to some extent, govern the migration of DNAPL through these systems prevent accurate predictions without the use of numerical models. The contamination potential of the migrating DNAPL is significantly increased through the transfer of mass to the matrix. The occurrence of opposite concentration gradients within the matrix can cause dissolved phase contamination to exist in the system for more than 1000 years after the DNAPL has been completely removed from the fracture.

MODELING FUNCTIONALLY GRADED INTERPHASE REGIONS IN CARBON NANOTUBE REINFORCED COMPOSITES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seidel, G. D.; Lagoudas, D. C.; Frankland, S. J. V.; Gates, T. S.

2006-01-01

A combination of micromechanics methods and molecular dynamics simulations are used to obtain the effective properties of the carbon nanotube reinforced composites with functionally graded interphase regions. The multilayer composite cylinders method accounts for the effects of non-perfect load transfer in carbon nanotube reinforced polymer matrix composites using a piecewise functionally graded interphase. The functional form of the properties in the interphase region, as well as the interphase thickness, is derived from molecular dynamics simulations of carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix. Results indicate that the functional form of the interphase can have a significant effect on all the effective elastic constants except for the effective axial modulus for which no noticeable effects are evident.

Local effect of zoledronic acid on new bone formation in posterolateral spinal fusion with demineralized bone matrix in a murine model.

PubMed

Zwolak, Pawel; Farei-Campagna, Jan; Jentzsch, Thorsten; von Rechenberg, Brigitte; Werner, Clément M

2018-01-01

Posterolateral spinal fusion is a common orthopaedic surgery performed to treat degenerative and traumatic deformities of the spinal column. In posteriolateral spinal fusion, different osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix products have been previously investigated. We evaluated the effect of locally applied zoledronic acid in combination with commercially available demineralized bone matrix putty on new bone formation in posterolateral spinal fusion in a murine in vivo model. A posterolateral sacral spine fusion in murine model was used to evaluate the new bone formation. We used the sacral spine fusion model to model the clinical situation in which a bone graft or demineralized bone matrix is applied after dorsal instrumentation of the spine. In our study, group 1 received decortications only (n = 10), group 2 received decortication, and absorbable collagen sponge carrier, group 3 received decortication and absorbable collagen sponge carrier with zoledronic acid in dose 10 µg, group 4 received demineralized bone matrix putty (DBM putty) plus decortication (n = 10), and group 5 received DBM putty, decortication and locally applied zoledronic acid in dose 10 µg. Imaging was performed using MicroCT for new bone formation assessment. Also, murine spines were harvested for histopathological analysis 10 weeks after surgery. The surgery performed through midline posterior approach was reproducible. In group with decortication alone there was no new bone formation. Application of demineralized bone matrix putty alone produced new bone formation which bridged the S1-S4 laminae. Local application of zoledronic acid to demineralized bone matrix putty resulted in significant increase of new bone formation as compared to demineralized bone matrix putty group alone. A single local application of zoledronic acid with DBM putty during posterolateral fusion in sacral murine spine model increased significantly new bone formation in situ in our model. Therefore, our results justify further investigations to potentially use local application of zoledronic acid in future clinical studies.

Inelastic deformation of metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lissenden, C. J.; Herakovich, C. T.; Pindera, M-J.

1993-01-01

A theoretical model capable of predicting the thermomechanical response of continuously reinforced metal matrix composite laminates subjected to multiaxial loading was developed. A micromechanical model is used in conjunction with nonlinear lamination theory to determine inelastic laminae response. Matrix viscoplasticity, residual stresses, and damage to the fiber/matrix interfacial zone are explicitly included in the model. The representative cell of the micromechanical model is considered to be in a state of generalized plane strain, enabling a quasi two-dimensional analysis to be performed. Constant strain finite elements are formulated with elastic-viscoplastic constitutive equations. Interfacial debonding is incorporated into the model through interface elements based on the interfacial debonding theory originally presented by Needleman, and modified by Tvergaard. Nonlinear interfacial constitutive equations relate interfacial tractions to displacement discontinuities at the interface. Theoretical predictions are compared with the results of an experimental program conducted on silicon carbide/titanium (SiC/Ti) unidirectional, (O4), and angle-ply, (+34)(sub s), tubular specimens. Multiaxial loading included increments of axial tension, compression, torque, and internal pressure. Loadings were chosen in an effort to distinguish inelastic deformation due to damage from matrix plasticity and separate time-dependent effects from time-independent effects. Results show that fiber/matrix debonding is nonuniform throughout the composite and is a major factor in the effective response. Also, significant creep behavior occurs at relatively low applied stress levels at room temperature.

An extract of Pueraria tuberosa tubers attenuates diabetic nephropathy by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in the kidney of diabetic rats.

PubMed

Tripathi, Yamini B; Shukla, Rashmi; Pandey, Nidhi; Pandey, Vivek; Kumar, Mohan

2017-02-01

Currently, no drug is available to directly target the signaling molecules involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN); only antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs are in clinical use. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of a active fraction of tubers from Pueraria tuberosa (hereafter referred to as PTY-2) were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats with DN, with particular emphasis on its effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)-9 expression in kidney tissue. Rats were injected with 55 mg/kg, i.p., STZ. After 40 days, rats were divided into groups as follows (n = 6 per group): Group 1, age-matched rats not injected with STZ (non-diabetic control); Group 2, STZ-diabetic DN rats; and Group 3, PTY-2 (30 mg/100 g, p.o.)-treated DN rats. After 20 days treatment, the effects of PTY-2 on serum urea and creatinine concentrations, urinary levels of glucose, creatinine, protein, and ketone bodies, and urine pH were determined. Kidney tissue was evaluated for Mmp-9 expression and histological changes. Blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, and urine protein levels were significantly higher, and creatinine clearance was significantly lower, in Group 2 versus Group 1 rats. There was a higher degree of glomerulosclerosis, expansion of the mesangial matrix, and excess ECM deposition and eosinophilic casts in kidneys from Group 2 versus Group 1 rats. Furthermore, Mmp-9 activity and expression were significantly reduced in kidney homogenate of Group 2 versus Group 1 rats. Interestingly, PTY-2 treatment significantly reversed all these changes in DN rats. Treatment of DN rats with PTY-2 significantly attenuated the severity of DN by increasing the expression and activity of Mmp-9, consequently degrading the ECM accumulated in kidney tissue. © 2016 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Vibration stimulates vocal mucosa-like matrix expression by hydrogel-encapsulated fibroblasts.

PubMed

Kutty, Jaishankar K; Webb, Ken

2010-01-01

The composition and organization of the vocal fold extracellular matrix (ECM) provide the viscoelastic mechanical properties that are required to sustain high-frequency vibration during voice production. Although vocal injury and pathology are known to produce alterations in matrix physiology, the mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of vocal fold ECM are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of physiologically relevant vibratory stimulation on ECM gene expression and synthesis by fibroblasts encapsulated within hyaluronic acid hydrogels that approximate the viscoelastic properties of vocal mucosa. Relative to static controls, samples exposed to vibration exhibited significant increases in mRNA expression levels of HA synthase 2, decorin, fibromodulin and MMP-1, while collagen and elastin expression were relatively unchanged. Expression levels exhibited a temporal response, with maximum increases observed after 3 and 5 days of vibratory stimulation and significant downregulation observed at 10 days. Quantitative assays of matrix accumulation confirmed significant increases in sulphated glycosaminoglycans and significant decreases in collagen after 5 and 10 days of vibratory culture, relative to static controls. Cellular remodelling and hydrogel viscosity were affected by vibratory stimulation and were influenced by varying the encapsulated cell density. These results indicate that vibration is a critical epigenetic factor regulating vocal fold ECM and suggest that rapid restoration of the phonatory microenvironment may provide a basis for reducing vocal scarring, restoring native matrix composition and improving vocal quality. 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Thalidomide Accelerates the Degradation of Extracellular Matrix in Rat Hepatic Cirrhosis via Down-Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1

PubMed Central

Meng, Qingshun; Liu, Jie; Wang, Chuanfang

2015-01-01

Purpose The degradation of the extracellular matrix has been shown to play an important role in the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis. In this study, the effect of thalidomide on the degradation of extracellular matrix was evaluated in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis. Materials and Methods Cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) three times weekly for 8 weeks. Then CCl4 was discontinued and thalidomide (100 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered daily by gavage for 6 weeks. Serum hyaluronic acid, laminin, procollagen type III, and collagen type IV were examined by using a radioimmunoassay. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein in the liver, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) protein in cytoplasm by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in the liver were studied using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Liver histopathology was significantly better in rats given thalidomide than in the untreated model group. The levels of TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expressions were decreased significantly and MMP-13 mRNA and protein in the liver were significantly elevated in the thalidomide-treated group. Conclusion Thalidomide may exert its effects on the regulation of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 via inhibition of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, which enhances the degradation of extracellular matrix and accelerates the regression of hepatic cirrhosis in rats. PMID:26446639

Effect of Nanofiller Characteristics on Nanocomposite Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Working, Dennis C.; Lillehei, Peter T.; Lowther, Sharon E.; Siochi, Emilie J.; Kim, Jae-Woo; Sauti, Godfrey; Wise, Kristopher E.; Park, Cheol

2016-01-01

This report surveys the effect of nanofiller characteristics on nanocomposites fabricated with two polyimide matrices. Mechanical and electrical properties were determined. Microscopy results showed that matrix chemistry, nanofiller characteristics and processing conditions had significant impact on nanocomposite quality.

Residual thermal stresses in composites for dimensionally stable spacecraft applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, David E.; Tompkins, Stephen S.; Funk, Joan G.

1992-01-01

An overview of NASA LaRC's research on thermal residual stresses and their effect on the dimensional stability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer-matrix composites is presented. The data show that thermal residual stresses can induce damage in polymer matrix composites and significantly affect the dimensional stability of these composites by causing permanent residual strains and changes in CTE. The magnitude of these stresses is primarily controlled by the laminate configuration and the applied temperature change. The damage caused by thermal residual stresses initiates at the fiber/matrix interface and micromechanics level analyses are needed to accurately predict it. An increased understanding of fiber/matrix interface interactions appears to be the best approach for improving a composite's resistance to thermally induced damage.

Aseptic Freeze-Dried versus Sterile Wet-Packaged Human Cadaveric Acellular Dermal Matrix in Immediate Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction: A Propensity Score Analysis.

PubMed

Hanson, Summer E; Meaike, Jesse D; Selber, Jesse C; Liu, Jun; Li, Liang; Hassid, Victor J; Baumann, Donald P; Butler, Charles E; Garvey, Patrick B

2018-05-01

Although multiple acellular dermal matrix sources exist, it is unclear how its processing impacts complication rates. The authors compared complications between two preparations of human cadaveric acellular dermal matrix (freeze dried and ready-to-use) in immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction to analyze the effect of processing on complications. The authors retrospectively reviewed all alloplastic breast reconstructions with freeze-dried or ready-to-use human acellular dermal matrices between 2006 and 2016. The primary outcome measure was surgical-site occurrence defined as seroma, skin dehiscence, surgical-site infection, or reconstruction failure. The two groups were compared before and after propensity score matching. The authors included 988 reconstructions (freeze-dried, 53.8 percent; ready-to-use, 46.2 percent). Analysis of 384 propensity score-matched pairs demonstrated a slightly higher rate of surgical-site occurrence (21.4 percent versus 16.7 percent; p = 0.10) and surgical-site infection (9.6 percent versus 7.8 percent; p = 0.13) in the freeze-dried group than in the ready-to-use group, but the difference was not significant. However, failure was significantly higher for the freeze-dried versus ready-to-use group (7.8 percent versus 4.4 percent; p = 0.050). This is the largest study comparing the outcomes of alloplastic breast reconstruction using human acellular dermal matrix materials prepared by different methods. The authors demonstrated higher early complications with aseptic, freeze-dried matrix than with sterile ready-to-use matrix; reconstructive failure was the only outcome to achieve statistical significance. The authors conclude that acellular dermal matrix preparation has an independent impact on patient outcomes in their comparison of one company's product. Therapeutic, III.

The Mechanical Properties and Modeling of Creep Behavior of UHMWPE/Nano-HA Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fan; Gao, Lilan; Gao, Hong; Cui, Yun

2017-09-01

Composites with different levels of hydroxyapatite (HA) content and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared in this work. Mechanical properties of the composites were examined here, and to evaluate the effect of HA particles on the time-dependent behavior of the pure matrix, the creep and recovery performance of composites at various stress levels were also researched. As expected, the addition of HA influenced the time-dependent response of the UHMWPE and the effect had a strong dependence on the HA content. The creep and recovery strain of the composites significantly decreased with increasing HA content, and tensile properties were also impaired, which was due to the concentration of HA fillers. The mechanism and effect of HA dispersed into the UHMWPE matrix were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, since variations in the adjusted parameters revealed the impact of HA on the creep behavior of the UHMWPE matrix, Findley's model was employed. The results indicated that the analytical model was accurate for the prediction of creep of the pure matrix and its composites.

Improved Success of Sparse Matrix Protein Crystallization Screening with Heterogeneous Nucleating Agents

PubMed Central

Thakur, Anil S.; Robin, Gautier; Guncar, Gregor; Saunders, Neil F. W.; Newman, Janet; Martin, Jennifer L.; Kobe, Bostjan

2007-01-01

Background Crystallization is a major bottleneck in the process of macromolecular structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Successful crystallization requires the formation of nuclei and their subsequent growth to crystals of suitable size. Crystal growth generally occurs spontaneously in a supersaturated solution as a result of homogenous nucleation. However, in a typical sparse matrix screening experiment, precipitant and protein concentration are not sampled extensively, and supersaturation conditions suitable for nucleation are often missed. Methodology/Principal Findings We tested the effect of nine potential heterogenous nucleating agents on crystallization of ten test proteins in a sparse matrix screen. Several nucleating agents induced crystal formation under conditions where no crystallization occurred in the absence of the nucleating agent. Four nucleating agents: dried seaweed; horse hair; cellulose and hydroxyapatite, had a considerable overall positive effect on crystallization success. This effect was further enhanced when these nucleating agents were used in combination with each other. Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that the addition of heterogeneous nucleating agents increases the chances of crystal formation when using sparse matrix screens. PMID:17971854

Bioaccessibility of tocopherols, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid from milk- and soy-based fruit beverages: influence of food matrix and processing.

PubMed

Cilla, Antonio; Alegría, Amparo; de Ancos, Begoña; Sánchez-Moreno, Concepción; Cano, M Pilar; Plaza, Lucía; Clemente, Gonzalo; Lagarda, María J; Barberá, Reyes

2012-07-25

A study was made of the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) and thermal treatment (TT) on plant bioactive compounds (tocopherols, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid) in 12 fruit juice-milk beverages and of how the food matrix [whole milk (JW), skimmed milk (JS), and soy milk (JSy)] modulates their bioaccessibility (%). HPP (400 MPa/40 °C/5 min) produced a significant decrease in carotenoid and ascorbic acid bioaccessibility in all three beverages and maintained the bioaccessibility of tocopherols in JW and JS while decreasing it in JSy. TT (90 °C/30 s) produced a significant decrease in tocopherol and carotenoid bioaccessibility in all three beverages and increased the bioaccessibility of ascorbic acid. With regard to the food matrix, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid bioaccessibility was greatest in JW beverages and lowest in JSy beverages, whereas no significant differences were found among the three beverages in terms of carotenoid bioaccessibility. HPP-treated samples showed higher tocopherol and carotenoid bioaccessibility than TT-treated samples, thus indicating that HPP combined with a milk matrix positively modulates the bioaccessibility of certain types of bioactive components of food, mainly those of a lipophilic nature.

Role of cells in freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions within engineered tissues.

PubMed

Seawright, Angela; Ozcelikkale, Altug; Dutton, Craig; Han, Bumsoo

2013-09-01

During cryopreservation, ice forms in the extracellular space resulting in freezing-induced deformation of the tissue, which can be detrimental to the extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure. Meanwhile, cells dehydrate through an osmotically driven process as the intracellular water is transported to the extracellular space, increasing the volume of fluid for freezing. Therefore, this study examines the effects of cellular presence on tissue deformation and investigates the significance of intracellular water transport and cell-ECM interactions in freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions. Freezing-induced deformation characteristics were examined through cell image deformetry (CID) measurements of collagenous engineered tissues embedded with different concentrations of MCF7 breast cancer cells versus microspheres as their osmotically inactive counterparts. Additionally, the development of a biophysical model relates the freezing-induced expansion of the tissue due to the cellular water transport and the extracellular freezing thermodynamics for further verification. The magnitude of the freezing-induced dilatation was found to be not affected by the cellular water transport for the cell concentrations considered; however, the deformation patterns for different cell concentrations were different suggesting that cell-matrix interactions may have an effect. It was, therefore, determined that intracellular water transport during freezing was insignificant at the current experimental cell concentrations; however, it may be significant at concentrations similar to native tissue. Finally, the cell-matrix interactions provided mechanical support on the ECM to minimize the expansion regions in the tissues during freezing.

Suramin, Genistein and Collagen Matrix (DuraGen) for Delayed Adjustment after Strabismus Surgery: Which One is Best?

PubMed

Oktem, Caglar; Oto, Sibel; Toru, Serap; Bakar, Coskun; Ozdemir, Handan; Akova, Yonca Aydin

2016-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of suramin, genistein and collagen matrix for the prevention of inflammation, the reduction of fibrosis and the delay in adjustment after strabismus surgery on a rabbit model. By using an adjustable suture technique, a recession of the superior rectus muscle (SRM) was made in 36 eyes of 18 rabbits. Three study groups were created using genistein, suramin and collagen matrix (n = 6 per group). Two control groups utilized dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (n = 6) and balanced salt solution (n = 12). The adjustments and measurements were made on days 2, 7, 14. After enucleation was done on day 21, the degree of inflammation was evaluated quantitatively in histopathological sections and immunohistochemical investigations were performed for tissue expression of cytoplasmic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), MAC 387, TGF-β and bFGF. The adhesions between conjunctiva and SRM were significantly less in the collagen matrix and suramin groups (p = 0.002) and adhesions between the sclera and SRM were considerably reduced in the genistein and DMSO groups (p = 0.006) on day 7. Force exerted for adjustment was significantly less in the collagen matrix and suramin groups on day 14 (p = 0.006). Expression of b-FGF was significantly lower in the conjunctival epithelium in the suramin and genistein groups (p = 0.0001 for both). TGF-β was significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the suramin group and VEGF expression was totally absent. MAC 387 expression was lower in the genistein and suramin groups (p = 0.0001). Suramin, genistein and collagen matrix successfully reduce adhesions, and facilitate adjustment following recession surgery. Both suramin and genistein effectively suppress growth factor expression, while collagen matrix offers the longest time interval for adjustability after strabismus surgery.

Improving nanoparticle diffusion through tumor collagen matrix by photo-thermal gold nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raeesi, Vahid; Chan, Warren C. W.

2016-06-01

Collagen (I) impairs the targeting of nanoparticles to tumor cells by obstructing their diffusion inside dense tumor interstitial matrix. This potentially makes large nanoparticles (>50 nm) reside near the tumor vessels and thereby compromises their functionality. Here we propose a strategy to locally improve nanoparticle transport inside collagen (I) component of the tumor tissue. We first used heat generating gold nanorods to alter collagen (I) matrix by local temperature elevation. We then explored this impact on the transport of 50 nm and 120 nm inorganic nanoparticles inside collagen (I). We demonstrated an increase in average diffusivity of 50 nm and 120 nm in the denatured collagen (I) by ~14 and ~21 fold, respectively, compared to intact untreated collagen (I) matrix. This study shows how nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia inside tumor tissue can improve the transport of large nanoparticles through collagen (I) matrix. The ability to increase nanoparticles diffusion inside tumor stroma allows their targeting or other functionalities to take effect, thereby significantly improving cancer therapeutic or diagnostic outcome.Collagen (I) impairs the targeting of nanoparticles to tumor cells by obstructing their diffusion inside dense tumor interstitial matrix. This potentially makes large nanoparticles (>50 nm) reside near the tumor vessels and thereby compromises their functionality. Here we propose a strategy to locally improve nanoparticle transport inside collagen (I) component of the tumor tissue. We first used heat generating gold nanorods to alter collagen (I) matrix by local temperature elevation. We then explored this impact on the transport of 50 nm and 120 nm inorganic nanoparticles inside collagen (I). We demonstrated an increase in average diffusivity of 50 nm and 120 nm in the denatured collagen (I) by ~14 and ~21 fold, respectively, compared to intact untreated collagen (I) matrix. This study shows how nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia inside tumor tissue can improve the transport of large nanoparticles through collagen (I) matrix. The ability to increase nanoparticles diffusion inside tumor stroma allows their targeting or other functionalities to take effect, thereby significantly improving cancer therapeutic or diagnostic outcome. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08463f

Cytoprotection: Immune and Matrix Modulation of Tissue Repair

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-14

the damaged external urethral sphincter and significantly improved VLPP. Poster #BS39 THE EFFECT OF DONOR AGE ON INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS FROM...is an extracellular matrix hydrogel that contains cross-linked HMW-HA, which has been used to advantage in the growth of other stem cell types, but...that, after treatment with regenerating or reconstituted cells or stem cells , the viability of those therapeutic cells is often threatened by the

Design, Development and Optimization of S (-) Atenolol Floating Sustained Release Matrix Tablets Using Surface Response Methodology

PubMed Central

Gunjal, P. T.; Shinde, M. B.; Gharge, V. S.; Pimple, S. V.; Gurjar, M. K.; Shah, M. N.

2015-01-01

The objective of this present investigation was to develop and formulate floating sustained release matrix tablets of s (-) atenolol, by using different polymer combinations and filler, to optimize by using surface response methodology for different drug release variables and to evaluate the drug release pattern of the optimized product. Floating sustained release matrix tablets of various combinations were prepared with cellulose-based polymers: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a binder and lactose monohydrate as filler. The 32 full factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of formulation variables on different properties of tablets applicable to floating lag time, buoyancy time, % drug release in 1 and 6 h (D1 h,D6 h) and time required to 90% drug release (t90%). Significance of result was analyzed using analysis of non variance and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. S (-) atenolol floating sustained release matrix tablets followed the Higuchi drug release kinetics that indicates the release of drug follows anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. The developed floating sustained release matrix tablet of improved efficacy can perform therapeutically better than a conventional tablet. PMID:26798171

Detection of LSB+/-1 steganography based on co-occurrence matrix and bit plane clipping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abolghasemi, Mojtaba; Aghaeinia, Hassan; Faez, Karim; Mehrabi, Mohammad Ali

2010-01-01

Spatial LSB+/-1 steganography changes smooth characteristics between adjoining pixels of the raw image. We present a novel steganalysis method for LSB+/-1 steganography based on feature vectors derived from the co-occurrence matrix in the spatial domain. We investigate how LSB+/-1 steganography affects the bit planes of an image and show that it changes more least significant bit (LSB) planes of it. The co-occurrence matrix is derived from an image in which some of its most significant bit planes are clipped. By this preprocessing, in addition to reducing the dimensions of the feature vector, the effects of embedding were also preserved. We compute the co-occurrence matrix in different directions and with different dependency and use the elements of the resulting co-occurrence matrix as features. This method is sensitive to the data embedding process. We use a Fisher linear discrimination (FLD) classifier and test our algorithm on different databases and embedding rates. We compare our scheme with the current LSB+/-1 steganalysis methods. It is shown that the proposed scheme outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in detecting the LSB+/-1 steganographic method for grayscale images.

Design, Development and Optimization of S (-) Atenolol Floating Sustained Release Matrix Tablets Using Surface Response Methodology.

PubMed

Gunjal, P T; Shinde, M B; Gharge, V S; Pimple, S V; Gurjar, M K; Shah, M N

2015-01-01

The objective of this present investigation was to develop and formulate floating sustained release matrix tablets of s (-) atenolol, by using different polymer combinations and filler, to optimize by using surface response methodology for different drug release variables and to evaluate the drug release pattern of the optimized product. Floating sustained release matrix tablets of various combinations were prepared with cellulose-based polymers: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a binder and lactose monohydrate as filler. The 3(2) full factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of formulation variables on different properties of tablets applicable to floating lag time, buoyancy time, % drug release in 1 and 6 h (D1 h,D6 h) and time required to 90% drug release (t90%). Significance of result was analyzed using analysis of non variance and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. S (-) atenolol floating sustained release matrix tablets followed the Higuchi drug release kinetics that indicates the release of drug follows anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. The developed floating sustained release matrix tablet of improved efficacy can perform therapeutically better than a conventional tablet.

Tetracycline impregnation affects degradation of porcine collagen matrix in healthy and diabetic rats.

PubMed

Tal, Haim; Weinreb, Miron; Shely, Asaf; Nemcovsky, Carlos E; Moses, Ofer

2016-07-01

The present study evaluated the degradation of collagen matrix (CM) immersed in tetracycline (TTC) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in diabetic and normoglycemic rats. Diabetes was induced in 15 rats by systemic streptozotocin (STZ) (experimental); 15 healthy rats served as controls. One day before implantation 60 CM disks, 5 mm in diameter, were labeled with biotin: 30 were immersed in tetracycline (TTC) and 30 in PBS. One disk of each type was implanted subdermally in each rat. Animals were euthanized after 3 weeks, and tissue specimens containing the disks were prepared for histologic analysis. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated streptavidin was used to detect the remaining biotinylated collagen. Residual collagen area within the CM disks was analyzed and compared to baseline. Diabetes significantly increased the CM degradation. Immersion of the CM disks in a 50-mg/mL TTC solution before implantation decreased its degradation both in diabetic and normoglycemic rats. Diabetes significantly increases collagen matrix degradation; immersion of collagen matrix in TTC before implantation decreases its degradation in both diabetic and normoglycemic conditions. Immersion of medical collagen devices in TTC may be an effective means to decrease their resorption rate and increase their effectiveness, especially in situations with increased degradation such as diabetes.

Impact of Material and Architecture Model Parameters on the Failure of Woven Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) via the Multiscale Generalized Method of Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Kuang C.; Arnold, Steven M.

2011-01-01

It is well known that failure of a material is a locally driven event. In the case of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), significant variations in the microstructure of the composite exist and their significance on both deformation and life response need to be assessed. Examples of these variations include changes in the fiber tow shape, tow shifting/nesting and voids within and between tows. In the present work, the effects of many of these architectural parameters and material scatter of woven ceramic composite properties at the macroscale (woven RUC) will be studied to assess their sensitivity. The recently developed Multiscale Generalized Method of Cells methodology is used to determine the overall deformation response, proportional elastic limit (first matrix cracking), and failure under tensile loading conditions. The macroscale responses investigated illustrate the effect of architectural and material parameters on a single RUC representing a five harness satin weave fabric. Results shows that the most critical architectural parameter is weave void shape and content with other parameters being less in severity. Variation of the matrix material properties was also studied to illustrate the influence of the material variability on the overall features of the composite stress-strain response.

4PBA strongly attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress, fibrosis, and mitochondrial apoptosis markers in cyclosporine treated human gingival fibroblasts.

PubMed

Ranga Rao, Suresh; Subbarayan, Rajasekaran; Ajitkumar, Supraja; Murugan Girija, Dinesh

2018-01-01

Cyclosporine induces overgrowth of human gingiva. Previously we have shown (i) cyclosporine-inducing ER stress in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), (ii) increased matrix protein expression, and (iii) interference with mitochondrial pro- and anti-apoptotic factors. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of melatonin (an antioxidant), 4PBA (an ER stress inhibitor), and simvastatin on the expression of ER Stress markers as well as on matrix and mitochondrial markers. HGF incubated with cyclosporine, or without melatonin/4PBA/statin. After 24 hr of incubation, mRNA expression of ER stress markers (GRP78, CHOP, XBP1, and XBPs) and matrix protein markers (like α-SMA, VEGF, TGF-β, CTGF), and mitochondrial apoptosis markers estimated and compared with housekeeping gene GAPDH. Compared to the control cyclosporine significantly augmented ER Stress and matrix proteins, which decreased significantly with the use of melatonin, 4PBA, and simvastatin. The mitochondrial proapoptotic molecule cyclophilin D, as well as Bcl2 expression also decreased after PBA treatment, paralleling an increase in cytochrome c expression. The effect of 4PBA was much more pronounced than the influence of other two. In conclusion, 4PBA could be a viable therapeutic option for drug-induced gingival overgrowth. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation for three years in postmenopausal osteoporosis significantly alters bone mineral and organic matrix quality.

PubMed

Paschalis, E P; Gamsjaeger, S; Hassler, N; Fahrleitner-Pammer, A; Dobnig, H; Stepan, J J; Pavo, I; Eriksen, E F; Klaushofer, K

2017-02-01

Prospective, controlled clinical trials in postmenopausal osteoporosis typically compare effects of an active drug with placebo in addition to vitamin D and calcium supplementation in both treatment arms. While clinical benefits are documented, the effect of this supplementation in the placebo arm and in clinical practice on bone material composition properties is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate these bone quality indices (specifically mineral/matrix, nanoporosity, glycosaminoglycan content, mineral maturity/crystallinity, and pyridinoline content) in patients that either received long-term vitamin D (400-1200IU) and calcium (1.0-1.5g) supplementation, or did not. We have analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy the bone forming trabecular surfaces of iliac crest in pre-treatment samples of a teriparatide study and the endpoint biopsies of the control arm obtained from the HORIZON trial. In general, the mineral/matrix ratio and the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was higher while nanoporosity, (a surrogate for tissue water content), the mineral maturity/crystallinity (MMC) and the pyridinoline (Pyd) content was lower in patients without long-term supplementation. Moreover, all indices were significantly dependent on tissue age. In conclusion, vitamin D and calcium supplementation is associated with altered mineral and organic matrix properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Delmopinol-induced matrix removal facilitates photodynamic therapy and chlorhexidine methods for disinfecting mixed oral biofilms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Stephen Christopher

It is often observed that the slimy matrixes of various bacterial-formed biofilms can limit their disinfection. This investigation demonstrated that disinfection effectiveness by either photodynamic therapy (PDT) or chlorhexidine irrigation is significantly improved by collapse of that matrix using the non-bactericidal reagent delmopinol as part of the treatment sequence. Cyclic shear-producing conditions were used to grow 4-day, whole salivary and growth media biofilms on glow-discharge-treated polystyrene (N=46) and mini-germanium internal reflection prisms to serve in a periodontal crypt model of disinfection by either methylene-blue-mediated PDT or by chlorhexidine irrigation. Assays for bacterial viability, with and without treatments, were performed by alamarBlueRTM fluorescent methods, statistically applied (ANOVA, Tukey's HSD). Multiple Attenuated Internal Reflection Infrared (MAIR-IR) assays confirmed selective removal of the predominantly polysaccharide matrix materials by the delmopinol treatment, but not by equivalent water or chlorhexidine methods. Confocal-IR microscopy showed that the delmopinol reagent, alone, caused about one-third of each wet biofilm to be removed, while bacterial re-growth was confirmed by alamarBlueRTM assay. Chlorhexidine and PDT suppression of bacterial activity without regrowth was significantly improved with the added delmopinol treatment, and is likely to provide similarly beneficial results in the effective disinfection of diverse biofilms in many settings.

Lysine acetylsalicylate decreases proliferation and extracellular matrix gene expression rate in keloid fibroblasts in vitro.

PubMed

Petri, Jean-Bernhard; Haustein, Uwe-Frithjof

2002-01-01

In genetically predisposed individuals keloids are formed as benign collagenous tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the proliferation and matrix gene expression of keloid fibroblasts is differently influenced by the anti-inflammatory active drug lysine acetylsalicylate (LAS) when compared to normal skin fibroblasts in vitro. Normal skin and keloid fibroblasts derived from human donors were compared. Excessive scarring and the formation of keloids are (at least in part) due to an overproduction of collagen types I and III. The results show a significant dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect of lysine acetylsalicylate. At the level of gene expression we observed a pronounced inhibitory effect of LAS on procollagen I and III mRNA synthesis, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 were not altered. Further clinical studies are planned to evaluate these effects of a high-dose treatment of keloids with LAS.

Effect of Serum and Insulin Modulation on the Organization and Morphology of Matrix Synthesized by Bovine Corneal Stromal Cells

PubMed Central

Bueno, Ericka M.; Saeidi, Nima; Melotti, Suzanna

2009-01-01

The in vitro production of highly organized collagen fibrils by corneal keratocytes in a three-dimensional scaffold-free culture system presents a unique opportunity for the direct observation of organized matrix formation. The objective of this investigation was to develop such a culture system in a glass substrate (for optical accessibility) and to directly examine the effect of reducing serum and/or increasing insulin on the stratification and secretion of aligned matrix by fourth- to fifth-passage bovine corneal stromal keratocytes. Medium concentrations of 0%, 1%, or 10% fetal bovine serum and 0% or 1% insulin–transferrin–selenium were investigated. High-resolution differential interference contrast microscopy, quick-freeze/deep-etch, and conventional transmission electron microscopy were used to monitor the evolution, morphology, and ultrastructure of the cell–matrix constructs. In a medium containing 1% each of serum and insulin–transferrin–selenium, stromal cells stratified and secreted abundant and locally aligned matrix, generating the thickest cell–matrix constructs (allowing handling with forceps). The results of this study have the potential to significantly advance the field of developmental functional engineering of load-bearing tissues by (i) elucidating cues that modulate in vitro cell secretion of organized matrix and (ii) establishing an optically accessible cell culture system for investigating the mechanism of cell secretion of aligned collagen fibrils. PMID:19480568

Galaxy two-point covariance matrix estimation for next generation surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howlett, Cullan; Percival, Will J.

2017-12-01

We perform a detailed analysis of the covariance matrix of the spherically averaged galaxy power spectrum and present a new, practical method for estimating this within an arbitrary survey without the need for running mock galaxy simulations that cover the full survey volume. The method uses theoretical arguments to modify the covariance matrix measured from a set of small-volume cubic galaxy simulations, which are computationally cheap to produce compared to larger simulations and match the measured small-scale galaxy clustering more accurately than is possible using theoretical modelling. We include prescriptions to analytically account for the window function of the survey, which convolves the measured covariance matrix in a non-trivial way. We also present a new method to include the effects of super-sample covariance and modes outside the small simulation volume which requires no additional simulations and still allows us to scale the covariance matrix. As validation, we compare the covariance matrix estimated using our new method to that from a brute-force calculation using 500 simulations originally created for analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Main Galaxy Sample. We find excellent agreement on all scales of interest for large-scale structure analysis, including those dominated by the effects of the survey window, and on scales where theoretical models of the clustering normally break down, but the new method produces a covariance matrix with significantly better signal-to-noise ratio. Although only formally correct in real space, we also discuss how our method can be extended to incorporate the effects of redshift space distortions.

Ambiguity in measuring matrix diffusion with single-well injection/recovery tracer tests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lessoff, S.C.; Konikow, Leonard F.

1997-01-01

Single-well injection/recovery tracer tests are considered for use in characterizing and quantifying matrix diffusion in dual-porosity aquifers. Numerical modeling indicates that neither regional drift in homogeneous aquifers, nor heterogeneity in aquifers having no regional drift, nor hydrodynamic dispersion significantly affects these tests. However, when drift is coupled simultaneously with heterogeneity, they can have significant confounding effects on tracer return. This synergistic effect of drift and heterogeneity may help explain irreversible flow and inconsistent results sometimes encountered in previous single-well injection/recovery tracer tests. Numerical results indicate that in a hypothetical single-well injection/recovery tracer test designed to demonstrate and measure dual-porosity characteristics in a fractured dolomite, the simultaneous effects of drift and heterogeneity sometimes yields responses similar to those anticipated in a homogeneous dual-porosity formation. In these cases, tracer recovery could provide a false indication of the occurrence of matrix diffusion. Shortening the shut-in period between injection and recovery periods may make the test less sensitive to drift. Using multiple tracers having different diffusion characteristics, multiple tests having different pumping schedules, and testing the formation at more than one location would decrease the ambiguity in the interpretation of test data.

A job-exposure matrix for use in population based studies in England and Wales.

PubMed Central

Pannett, B; Coggon, D; Acheson, E D

1985-01-01

The job-exposure matrix described has been developed for use in population based studies of occupational morbidity and mortality in England and Wales. The job axis of the matrix is based on the Registrar General's 1966 classification of occupations and 1968 classification of industries, and comprises 669 job categories. The exposure axis is made up of 49 chemical, physical, and biological agents, most of which are known or suspected causes of occupational disease. In the body of the matrix associations between jobs and exposures are graded to four levels. The matrix has been applied to data from a case-control study of lung cancer in which occupational histories were elicited by means of a postal questionnaire. Estimates of exposure to five known or suspected carcinogens (asbestos, chromates, cutting oils, formaldehyde, and inhaled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were compared with those obtained by detailed review of individual occupational histories. When the matrix was used exposures were attributed to jobs more frequently than on the basis of individual histories. Lung cancer was significantly more common among subjects classed by the matrix as having potential exposure to chromates, but neither method of assigning exposures produced statistically significant associations with asbestos or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Possible explanations for the failure to show a clear effect of these known carcinogens are discussed. The greater accuracy of exposures inferred directly from individual histories was reflected in steeper dose response curves for asbestos, chromates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The improvement over results obtained with the matrix, however, was not great. For occupational data of the type examined in this study, direct exposure estimates offer little advantage over those provided at lower cost by a matrix. PMID:4063222

Coping with matrix effects in headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography using multivariate calibration strategies.

PubMed

Ferreira, Vicente; Herrero, Paula; Zapata, Julián; Escudero, Ana

2015-08-14

SPME is extremely sensitive to experimental parameters affecting liquid-gas and gas-solid distribution coefficients. Our aims were to measure the weights of these factors and to design a multivariate strategy based on the addition of a pool of internal standards, to minimize matrix effects. Synthetic but real-like wines containing selected analytes and variable amounts of ethanol, non-volatile constituents and major volatile compounds were prepared following a factorial design. The ANOVA study revealed that even using a strong matrix dilution, matrix effects are important and additive with non-significant interaction effects and that it is the presence of major volatile constituents the most dominant factor. A single internal standard provided a robust calibration for 15 out of 47 analytes. Then, two different multivariate calibration strategies based on Partial Least Square Regression were run in order to build calibration functions based on 13 different internal standards able to cope with matrix effects. The first one is based in the calculation of Multivariate Internal Standards (MIS), linear combinations of the normalized signals of the 13 internal standards, which provide the expected area of a given unit of analyte present in each sample. The second strategy is a direct calibration relating concentration to the 13 relative areas measured in each sample for each analyte. Overall, 47 different compounds can be reliably quantified in a single fully automated method with overall uncertainties better than 15%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fundamental Studies of Low Velocity Impact Resistance of Graphite Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, K. J.

1985-01-01

A study was conducted to relate the impact resistance of graphite fiber reinforced composites with matrix properties through gaining an understanding of the basic mechanics involved in the deformation and fracture process, and the effect of the polymer matrix structure on these mechanisms. It was found that the resin matrix structure influences the composite impact resistance in at least two ways. The integration of flexibilizers into the polymer chain structure tends to reduce the T sub g and the mechanical properties of the polymer. The reduction in the mechanical properties of the matrix does not enhance the composite impact resistance because it allows matrix controlled failure to initiate impact damage. It was found that when the instrumented dropweight impact tester is used as a means for assessing resin toughness, the resin toughness is enhanced by the ability of the clamped specimen to deflect enough to produce sufficient membrane action to support a significant amount of the load. The results of this study indicate that crossplied composite impact resistance is very much dependent on the matrix mechanical properties.

3D ToF-SIMS Analysis of Peptide Incorporation into MALDI Matrix Crystals with Sub-micrometer Resolution.

PubMed

Körsgen, Martin; Pelster, Andreas; Dreisewerd, Klaus; Arlinghaus, Heinrich F

2016-02-01

The analytical sensitivity in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is largely affected by the specific analyte-matrix interaction, in particular by the possible incorporation of the analytes into crystalline MALDI matrices. Here we used time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to visualize the incorporation of three peptides with different hydrophobicities, bradykinin, Substance P, and vasopressin, into two classic MALDI matrices, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA). For depth profiling, an Ar cluster ion beam was used to gradually sputter through the matrix crystals without causing significant degradation of matrix or biomolecules. A pulsed Bi3 ion cluster beam was used to image the lateral analyte distribution in the center of the sputter crater. Using this dual beam technique, the 3D distribution of the analytes and spatial segregation effects within the matrix crystals were imaged with sub-μm resolution. The technique could in the future enable matrix-enhanced (ME)-ToF-SIMS imaging of peptides in tissue slices at ultra-high resolution. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

3D ToF-SIMS Analysis of Peptide Incorporation into MALDI Matrix Crystals with Sub-micrometer Resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Körsgen, Martin; Pelster, Andreas; Dreisewerd, Klaus; Arlinghaus, Heinrich F.

2016-02-01

The analytical sensitivity in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is largely affected by the specific analyte-matrix interaction, in particular by the possible incorporation of the analytes into crystalline MALDI matrices. Here we used time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to visualize the incorporation of three peptides with different hydrophobicities, bradykinin, Substance P, and vasopressin, into two classic MALDI matrices, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA). For depth profiling, an Ar cluster ion beam was used to gradually sputter through the matrix crystals without causing significant degradation of matrix or biomolecules. A pulsed Bi3 ion cluster beam was used to image the lateral analyte distribution in the center of the sputter crater. Using this dual beam technique, the 3D distribution of the analytes and spatial segregation effects within the matrix crystals were imaged with sub-μm resolution. The technique could in the future enable matrix-enhanced (ME)-ToF-SIMS imaging of peptides in tissue slices at ultra-high resolution.

Floating matrix tablets based on low density foam powder: effects of formulation and processing parameters on drug release.

PubMed

Streubel, A; Siepmann, J; Bodmeier, R

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop and physicochemically characterize single unit, floating controlled drug delivery systems consisting of (i). polypropylene foam powder, (ii). matrix-forming polymer(s), (iii). drug, and (iv). filler (optional). The highly porous foam powder provided low density and, thus, excellent in vitro floating behavior of the tablets. All foam powder-containing tablets remained floating for at least 8 h in 0.1 N HCl at 37 degrees C. Different types of matrix-forming polymers were studied: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyacrylates, sodium alginate, corn starch, carrageenan, gum guar and gum arabic. The tablets eroded upon contact with the release medium, and the relative importance of drug diffusion, polymer swelling and tablet erosion for the resulting release patterns varied significantly with the type of matrix former. The release rate could effectively be modified by varying the "matrix-forming polymer/foam powder" ratio, the initial drug loading, the tablet geometry (radius and height), the type of matrix-forming polymer, the use of polymer blends and the addition of water-soluble or water-insoluble fillers (such as lactose or microcrystalline cellulose). The floating behavior of the low density drug delivery systems could successfully be combined with accurate control of the drug release patterns.

Soil organic carbon response to shrub encroachment regulated by soil aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Y.; Li, H.; Shen, H.; Feng, Y.; Fang, J.

2017-12-01

Shrub encroachment leads to change in soil organic carbon content, but there still exists a lot of uncertainty in its mechanism as it relates to deep soil research. Soil organic carbon is usually associated with stable aggregate quantity. In this study, we conducted a field investigation for typical steppe and desert steppe in Inner Mongolia with the view to examining the impact of shrub encroachment on soil organic carbon with soil aggregate at a depth of 0-500 cm. The results show that in the desert steppe, the particle size of soil aggregate content level in different depth are presented the trend of shrub patches is lower than the herb matrix, organic carbon content of soil aggregate under 50 cm deeper presents the trend of shrub patches is higher than herb matrix, eventually leading to shrub patches whole soil organic carbon in the 0 to 50 cm depth lower than the herb matrix, and in deeper soil below 50 cm higher than the herb matrix. In the typical steppe, there is no significant difference between soil aggregate structure of shrub patches and herb matrix, but organic carbon content of soil aggregate, especially large aggregate organic carbon content in the shrub patches is significantly higher than the herb matrix, so that the whole soil organic carbon content in the shrub patches is significantly higher than herb matrix. The rate of soil organic carbon content change (0-100 cm) by shrub encroachment showed significant negative correlation with the mean weight diameter of soil aggregate of herb matrix. We also found that the variations of soil organic carbon in desert steppe is not dominant by aggregates of some size, but the change of the typical steppe soil organic carbon mainly contributed by > 0.25 mm and 0.053-0.25 mm aggregates. The results suggested that the effects of shrub encroachment on soil organic carbon is regulated by soil aggregate, but it is varied for different type of grassland, which should provide some insights into our understanding on regional carbon budget under global environment change.

Relative influences of solution composition and presence of intracrystalline proteins on magnesium incorporation in calcium carbonate minerals: Insight into vital effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermans, Julie; André, Luc; Navez, Jacques; Pernet, Philippe; Dubois, Philippe

2011-03-01

Biogenic calcites may contain considerable magnesium concentrations, significantly higher than those observed in inorganic calcites. Control of ion concentrations in the calcifying space by transport systems and properties of the organic matrix of mineralization are probably involved in the incorporation of high magnesium quantities in biogenic calcites, but their relative effects have never been quantified. In vitro precipitation experiments performed at different Mg/Ca ratios in the solution and in the presence of soluble organic matrix macromolecules (SOM) extracted from sea urchin tests and spines showed that, at a constant temperature, magnesium incorporation in the precipitated minerals was mainly dependent on the Mg/Ca ratio of the solution. However, a significant increase in magnesium incorporation was observed in the presence of SOM compared with control experiments. Furthermore, this effect was more pronounced with SOM extracted from the test, which was richer in magnesium than the spines. According to SEM observations, amorphous calcium carbonate was precipitated at high Mg/Casolution. The observed predominant effect of Mg/Casolution, probably mediated in vivo by ion transport to and from the calcifying space, was suggested to induce and stabilize a transient magnesium-rich amorphous phase essential to the formation of high magnesium calcites. Aspartic acid rich proteins, shown to be more abundant in the test than in the spine matrix, further stabilize this amorphous phase. The involvement of the organic matrix in this process can explain the observation that sympatric organisms or even different skeletal elements of the same individual present different skeletal magnesium concentrations.

Emission spectrometric arcing procedure with minimal effect of chemical form of sample. [performed on refractory metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, W. A.

1975-01-01

Matrix effects related to the chemical form of analyzed materials were studied. An arc in argon was used which was buffered with silver chloride. The effect of chemical form was minimal for a variety of metals, oxides, and carbides representing the most refractory compounds and thermally stable metal-containing molecules. Only four of the most refractory materials known showed significant emission depressions due to incomplete volatilization in the arc system. These results are discussed in terms of vapor pressures of the solid materials placed on the anodes and dissociation reactions of the molecules in the gaseous environment.

Synoviocyte Derived-Extracellular Matrix Enhances Human Articular Chondrocyte Proliferation and Maintains Re-Differentiation Capacity at Both Low and Atmospheric Oxygen Tensions

PubMed Central

Kean, Thomas J.; Dennis, James E.

2015-01-01

Background Current tissue engineering methods are insufficient for total joint resurfacing, and chondrocytes undergo de-differentiation when expanded on tissue culture plastic. De-differentiated chondrocytes show poor re-differentiation in culture, giving reduced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen matrix accumulation. To address this, porcine synoviocyte-derived extracellular matrix and low (5%) oxygen tension were assessed for their ability to enhance human articular chondrocyte expansion and maintain re-differentiation potential. Methods Porcine synoviocyte matrices were devitalized using 3 non-detergent methods. These devitalized synoviocyte matrices were compared against tissue culture plastic for their ability to support human chondrocyte expansion. Expansion was further compared at both low (5%), and atmospheric (20%) oxygen tension on all surfaces. Expanded cells then underwent chondrogenic re-differentiation in aggregate culture at both low and atmospheric oxygen tension. Aggregates were assessed for their GAG and collagen content both biochemically and histologically. Results Human chondrocytes expanded twice as fast on devitalized synoviocyte matrix vs. tissue culture plastic, and cells retained their re-differentiation capacity for twice the number of population doublings. There was no significant difference in growth rate between low and atmospheric oxygen tension. There was significantly less collagen type I, collagen type II, aggrecan and more MMP13 expression in cells expanded on synoviocyte matrix vs. tissue culture plastic. There were also significant effects due to oxygen tension on gene expression, wherein there was greater collagen type I, collagen type II, SOX9 and less MMP13 expression on tissue culture plastic compared to synoviocyte matrix. There was a significant increase in GAG, but not collagen, accumulation in chondrocyte aggregates re-differentiated at low oxygen tension over that achieved in atmospheric oxygen conditions. Conclusions Synoviocyte-derived matrix supports enhanced expansion of human chondrocytes such that the chondrocytes are maintained in a state from which they can re-differentiate into a cartilage phenotype after significantly more population doublings. Also, low oxygen tension supports GAG, but not collagen, accumulation. These findings are a step towards the production of a more functional, tissue engineered cartilage. PMID:26075742

Implementation of an Associative Flow Rule Including Hydrostatic Stress Effects Into the High Strain Rate Deformation Analysis of Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Robert K.; Roberts, Gary D.; Gilat, Amos

2003-01-01

A previously developed analytical formulation has been modified in order to more accurately account for the effects of hydrostatic stresses on the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymer matrix composites. State variable constitutive equations originally developed for metals have been modified in order to model the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymeric materials. To account for the effects of hydrostatic stresses, which are significant in polymers, the classical J2 plasticity theory definitions of effective stress and effective inelastic strain, along with the equations used to compute the components of the inelastic strain rate tensor, are appropriately modified. To verify the revised formulation, the shear and tensile deformation of two representative polymers are computed across a wide range of strain rates. Results computed using the developed constitutive equations correlate well with experimental data. The polymer constitutive equations are implemented within a strength of materials based micromechanics method to predict the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymer matrix composites. The composite mechanics are verified by analyzing the deformation of a representative polymer matrix composite for several fiber orientation angles across a variety of strain rates. The computed values compare well to experimentally obtained results.

The Effect of Stochastically Varying Creep Parameters on Residual Stresses in Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pineda, Evan J.; Mital, Subodh K.; Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Arnold, Steven M.

2015-01-01

Constituent properties, along with volume fraction, have a first order effect on the microscale fields within a composite material and influence the macroscopic response. Therefore, there is a need to assess the significance of stochastic variation in the constituent properties of composites at the higher scales. The effect of variability in the parameters controlling the time-dependent behavior, in a unidirectional SCS-6 SiC fiber-reinforced RBSN matrix composite lamina, on the residual stresses induced during processing is investigated numerically. The generalized method of cells micromechanics theory is utilized to model the ceramic matrix composite lamina using a repeating unit cell. The primary creep phases of the constituents are approximated using a Norton-Bailey, steady state, power law creep model. The effect of residual stresses on the proportional limit stress and strain to failure of the composite is demonstrated. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted using a normal distribution for the power law parameters and the resulting residual stress distributions were predicted.

Effects of carprofen and dexamethasone on canine chondrocytes in a three-dimensional culture model of osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Dvorak, Laura D; Cook, James L; Kreeger, John M; Kuroki, Keiichi; Tomlinson, James L

2002-10-01

To determine effects of carprofen and dexamethasone on chondrocytes in a culture model of osteoarthritis (OA). Chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage of the humeral head of 5 adult dogs. Chondrocytes were harvested, cultured and subcultured in monolayer, and then cultured in a 3-dimensional (3-D) medium. Cells from each dog were distributed into 6 groups with differing content of liquid medium for each 3-D construct (agarose [AG], AG plus interleukin [IL]-1beta, AG plus carprofen [4 microg/mL], AG plus dexamethasone [1 mg/mL], AG plus IL-1beta [20 ng/mL] plus carprofen [4 microg/mL], and AG plus IL-1beta (20 ng/mL) plus dexamethasone (1 mg/mL). On days 3, 6, 12, and 20 of culture, samples from all groups were collected. Liquid media were assayed for glycosaminoglycan, prostaglandin (PG)E2, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3, and MMP-13 concentrations. All 3-D constructs were evaluated for viability, cell morphology, proteoglycan staining, and collagen type-II concentration. Total glycosaminoglycan content in each 3-D construct was quantitated by spectrophotometric assay. Addition of IL-1beta caused a significant loss of cell viability and matrix production. Addition of carprofen or dexamethasone caused significant decreases in PGE2 in the liquid media, and each was minimally effective in protecting chondrocytes against negative effects of IL-1beta. Human recombinant IL-1beta resulted in loss of cell viability, alterations in extracellular matrix components, and production of PG and MMP Carprofen and dexamethasone had little effect on cell and matrix variables but did decrease PGE2 concentrations and primarily affected the inflammatory pathway of osteoarthritis.

Hydrostatic pressure modulates mRNA expressions for matrix proteins in human meniscal cells.

PubMed

Suzuki, Toru; Toyoda, Takashi; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Hisamori, Noriyuki; Matsumoto, Hideo; Toyama, Yoshiaki

2006-01-01

There have been few reports describing the effects of mechanical loading on the metabolism of meniscal cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrostatic pressure on meniscal cell metabolism. Human meniscal cells were cultured in alginate beads for 3 days. They were then subjected to 4 MPa hydrostatic pressure for 4 hours in either a static or cyclic (1 Hz) mode using a specially designed and constructed system. Immediately after the pressure application, the messenger RNA levels for aggrecan, type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -1, -3, -9, -13 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) -1 and -2 were measured. It was found that the application of static hydrostatic pressure caused a significant decrease in mRNA expression for MMP-1 and -13 (p<0.05). In contrast, the application of cyclic hydrostatic pressure was associated with a significant increase in type I collagen (p<0.01), TIMP-1 and -2 mRNA expression (p<0.01). These results would suggest that hydrostatic pressure in isolation can modulate mRNA expressions for matrix proteins in meniscal cells.

Light Scattering by Wavelength-Sized Particles "Dusted" with Subwavelength-Sized Grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishchenko, Michael I.; Dlugach, Janna M.; Mackowski, Daniel W.

2011-01-01

The numerically exact superposition T-matrix method is used to compute the scattering cross sections and the Stokes scattering matrix for polydisperse spherical particles covered with a large number of much smaller grains. We show that the optical effect of the presence of microscopic dust on the surfaces of wavelength-sized, weakly absorbing particles is much less significant than that of a major overall asphericity of the particle shape.

Coherent Activity in Bilateral Parieto-Occipital Cortices during P300-BCI Operation.

PubMed

Takano, Kouji; Ora, Hiroki; Sekihara, Kensuke; Iwaki, Sunao; Kansaku, Kenji

2014-01-01

The visual P300 brain-computer interface (BCI), a popular system for electroencephalography (EEG)-based BCI, uses the P300 event-related potential to select an icon arranged in a flicker matrix. In earlier studies, we used green/blue (GB) luminance and chromatic changes in the P300-BCI system and reported that this luminance and chromatic flicker matrix was associated with better performance and greater subject comfort compared with the conventional white/gray (WG) luminance flicker matrix. To highlight areas involved in improved P300-BCI performance, we used simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings and showed enhanced activities in bilateral and right lateralized parieto-occipital areas. Here, to capture coherent activities of the areas during P300-BCI, we collected whole-head 306-channel magnetoencephalography data. When comparing functional connectivity between the right and left parieto-occipital channels, significantly greater functional connectivity in the alpha band was observed under the GB flicker matrix condition than under the WG flicker matrix condition. Current sources were estimated with a narrow-band adaptive spatial filter, and mean imaginary coherence was computed in the alpha band. Significantly greater coherence was observed in the right posterior parietal cortex under the GB than under the WG condition. Re-analysis of previous EEG-based P300-BCI data showed significant correlations between the power of the coherence of the bilateral parieto-occipital cortices and their performance accuracy. These results suggest that coherent activity in the bilateral parieto-occipital cortices plays a significant role in effectively driving the P300-BCI.

A collagen-based scaffold delivering exogenous microrna-29B to modulate extracellular matrix remodeling.

PubMed

Monaghan, Michael; Browne, Shane; Schenke-Layland, Katja; Pandit, Abhay

2014-04-01

Directing appropriate extracellular matrix remodeling is a key aim of regenerative medicine strategies. Thus, antifibrotic interfering RNA (RNAi) therapy with exogenous microRNA (miR)-29B was proposed as a method to modulate extracellular matrix remodeling following cutaneous injury. It was hypothesized that delivery of miR-29B from a collagen scaffold will efficiently modulate the extracellular matrix remodeling response and reduce maladaptive remodeling such as aggressive deposition of collagen type I after injury. The release of RNA from the scaffold was assessed and its ability to silence collagen type I and collagen type III expression was evaluated in vitro. When primary fibroblasts were cultured with scaffolds doped with miR-29B, reduced levels of collagen type I and collagen type III mRNA expression were observed for up to 2 weeks of culture. When the scaffolds were applied to full thickness wounds in vivo, reduced wound contraction, improved collagen type III/I ratios and a significantly higher matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 ratio were detected when the scaffolds were functionalized with miR-29B. Furthermore, these effects were significantly influenced by the dose of miR-29B in the collagen scaffold (0.5 versus 5 μg). This study shows a potential of combining exogenous miRs with collagen scaffolds to improve extracellular matrix remodeling following injury.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues inhibit leiomyoma extracellular matrix despite presence of gonadal hormones.

PubMed

Malik, Minnie; Britten, Joy; Cox, Jeris; Patel, Amrita; Catherino, William H

2016-01-01

To determine the effect of GnRH analogues (GnRH-a) leuprolide acetate (LA) and cetrorelix acetate on gonadal hormone-regulated expression of extracellular matrix in uterine leiomyoma three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Laboratory study. University research laboratory. Women undergoing hysterectomy for symptomatic leiomyomas. The 3D cell cultures, protein analysis, Western blot, immunohistochemistry. Expression of extracellular matrix proteins, collagen 1, fibronectin, and versican in leiomyoma cells 3D cultures exposed to E2, P, LA, cetrorelix acetate, and combinations for 24- and 72-hour time points. The 3D leiomyoma cultures exposed to E2 for 24 hours demonstrated an increased expression of collagen-1 and fibronectin, which was maintained for up to 72 hours, a time point at which versican was up-regulated significantly. Although P up-regulated collagen-1 protein (1.29 ± 0.04) within 24 hours of exposure, significant increase in all extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins was observed when the gonadal hormones were used concomitantly. Significant decrease in the amount of ECM proteins was observed on use of GnRH-a, LA and cetrorelix, with 24-hour exposure. Both the compounds also significantly decreased ECM protein concentration despite the presence of E2 or both gonadal hormones. This study demonstrates that GnRH-a directly affect the gonadal hormone-regulated collagen-1, fibronectin, and versican production in their presence. These findings suggest that localized therapy with GnRH-a may inhibit leiomyoma growth even in the presence of endogenous gonadal hormone exposure, thereby providing a mechanism to eliminate the hypoestrogenic side effects associated with GnRH-a therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Materials Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DiCarlo, James

2001-01-01

Under the former NASA EPM Program, much initial progress was made in identifying constituent materials and processes for SiC/SiC ceramic composite hot-section components. This presentation discusses the performance benefits of these approaches and elaborates on further constituent and property improvements made under NASA UEET. These include specific treatments at NASA that significantly improve the creep and environmental resistance of the Sylramic(TM) Sic fiber as well as the thermal conductivity and creep resistance of the CVI Sic matrix. Also discussed are recent findings concerning the beneficial effects of certain 2D-fabric architectures and carbon between the BN interphase coating and Sic matrix.

Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Materials Characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calomino, Anthony

2001-01-01

Under the former NASA EPM Program, much initial progress was made in identifying constituent materials and processes for SiC/SiC ceramic composite hot-section components. This presentation discusses the performance benefits of these approaches and elaborates on further constituent and property improvements made under NASA UEET. These include specific treatments at NASA that significantly improve the creep and environmental resistance of the Sylramic(TM) SiC fiber as well as the thermal conductivity and creep resistance of the CVI Sic matrix. Also discussed are recent findings concerning the beneficial effects of certain 2D-fabric architectures and carbon between the BN interphase coating and Sic matrix.

Influences of Thermomechanical Processing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a HSLA Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yu; Xu, Songsong; Zou, Yun; Li, Jinhui; Zhang, Z. W.

High strength low alloy (HSLA) steels with high strength, high toughness, good corrosion resistance and weldability, can be widely used in shipbuilding, automobile, construction, bridging industry, etc. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties can be influenced by thermomechanical processing. In this study, themomechanical processing is optimized to control the matrix microstructure and nano-scale precipitates in the matrix simultaneously. It is found that the low-temperature toughness and ductility of the steels are significantly the matrix microstructure during enhancing the strength by introducing the nano-scale precipitates. The effects of alloying elements on the microstructure evolution and nano-scale precipitation are also discussed.

Effective matrix-free preconditioning for the augmented immersed interface method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Jianlin; Li, Zhilin; Ye, Xin

2015-12-01

We present effective and efficient matrix-free preconditioning techniques for the augmented immersed interface method (AIIM). AIIM has been developed recently and is shown to be very effective for interface problems and problems on irregular domains. GMRES is often used to solve for the augmented variable(s) associated with a Schur complement A in AIIM that is defined along the interface or the irregular boundary. The efficiency of AIIM relies on how quickly the system for A can be solved. For some applications, there are substantial difficulties involved, such as the slow convergence of GMRES (particularly for free boundary and moving interface problems), and the inconvenience in finding a preconditioner (due to the situation that only the products of A and vectors are available). Here, we propose matrix-free structured preconditioning techniques for AIIM via adaptive randomized sampling, using only the products of A and vectors to construct a hierarchically semiseparable matrix approximation to A. Several improvements over existing schemes are shown so as to enhance the efficiency and also avoid potential instability. The significance of the preconditioners includes: (1) they do not require the entries of A or the multiplication of AT with vectors; (2) constructing the preconditioners needs only O (log ⁡ N) matrix-vector products and O (N) storage, where N is the size of A; (3) applying the preconditioners needs only O (N) flops; (4) they are very flexible and do not require any a priori knowledge of the structure of A. The preconditioners are observed to significantly accelerate the convergence of GMRES, with heuristical justifications of the effectiveness. Comprehensive tests on several important applications are provided, such as Navier-Stokes equations on irregular domains with traction boundary conditions, interface problems in incompressible flows, mixed boundary problems, and free boundary problems. The preconditioning techniques are also useful for several other problems and methods.

Influence of water-soluble channeling agents on the release of diclofenac sodium from Irvingia malayana wax matrix tablets.

PubMed

Yotsawimonwat, Songwut; Charumanee, Suporn; Kaewvichit, Sayam; Sirithunyalug, Jakkapan; Sirisa-Ard, Panee; Piyamongkol, Sirivipa; Siangwong, Kulthawat

2017-05-01

Irvingia malayana wax (IW) is majorly composed of esters of medium chain fatty acids. Its melting point is low and closed to the body temperature. This study aimed at investigating the potential of IW as a matrix-forming agent and evaluate the effect of soluble channeling agents on the release of diclofenac sodium (DS) from IW matrix tablets. The preformulation study by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry showed no incompatibility between IW and DS or soluble channeling agents, namely PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and lactose. IW retarded the release of DS from the matrix tablets more efficiently than carnauba wax due to its greater hydrophobicity and its ability to become partial molten wax at 37° C. Factors affecting the release of DS from IW matrix were drug concentrations, and types and concentrations of channeling agents. The release of DS significantly improved when DS concentration reached approximately 33%. The fast dissolving channeling agent, lactose, could enhance the drug release rate more effectively than PEG 4000 and PEG 6000, respectively. The linear relationship between the DS release rate and the concentration of the chosen channeling agent, PEG 6000, was found (r 2 =0.9866).

Effects of forest fragmentation on the beetle assemblage at the relict forest of Fray Jorge, Chile.

PubMed

Barbosa, Olga; Marquet, Pablo A

2002-07-01

Habitat fragmentation is recognized as one of the main factors associated with species extinction and is particularly acute in South American forest habitats. In this study, we examined the effects of forest fragmentation on the beetle assemblage at the relict temperate forest of Fray Jorge (Chile). We evaluated the following hypotheses: (1) there is a strong edge effect, so that the number of beetle species and individuals increases away from the edge, towards the inner part of each fragment, (2) this pattern should be apparent in the larger fragments but not in the smaller ones, where edge effects are expected to be stronger, and (3) there should be a significant interaction between number of species/individuals found inside and outside fragments (i.e., in the matrix) and season, because of an increase in aridity and water stress during austral summer months. We found that the relationship between the number of individuals and number of species vs distance from the matrix towards the forest interior was affected by fragment size and season. In general, both number of species and individuals tended to increase from the matrix towards the forest edge and then either decrease, increase or maintain a constant level, depending on fragment size and season. The result of an ANOVA analysis, which used season, size, and position (inside vs outside fragments) as factors and number of individuals as the response variable, showed a significant effect of fragment size, position, and season and a significant interaction between fragment size and season, season and position, and size and position. ANOVA analysis using number of species as the response variable showed that area, season, and position all had significant effects. The results also showed a significant interaction between size and season and between season and position. Our results emphasize the existence of strong fragment-size and seasonal effects modulating both the response of beetles to fragmentation and their abundance and distribution in temperate areas. Thus, seasonal dynamic effects can be of paramount importance to demonstrate and understand the effect of habitat fragmentation upon arthropod assemblages in temperate areas.

Preventive effect of dietary astaxanthin on UVA-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice.

PubMed

Komatsu, Toshiyuki; Sasaki, Suguru; Manabe, Yuki; Hirata, Takashi; Sugawara, Tatsuya

2017-01-01

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found mainly in seafood, has potential clinical applications due to its antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis on skin photoaging in UVA-irradiated hairless mice by assessing various parameters of photoaging. After chronic ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure, a significant increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and wrinkle formation in the dorsal skin caused by UVA was observed, and dietary astaxanthin significantly suppressed these photoaging features. We found that the mRNA expression of lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor, steroid sulfatase, and aquaporin 3 in the epidermis was significantly increased by UVA irradiation for 70 days, and dietary astaxanthin significantly suppressed these increases in mRNA expression to be comparable to control levels. In the dermis, the mRNA expression of matrix metalloprotease 13 was increased by UVA irradiation and significantly suppressed by dietary astaxanthin. In addition, HPLC-PDA analysis confirmed that dietary astaxanthin reached not only the dermis but also the epidermis. Our results indicate that dietary astaxanthin accumulates in the skin and appears to prevent the effects of UVA irradiation on filaggrin metabolism and desquamation in the epidermis and the extracellular matrix in the dermis.

Preventive effect of dietary astaxanthin on UVA-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice

PubMed Central

Komatsu, Toshiyuki; Sasaki, Suguru; Manabe, Yuki; Hirata, Takashi

2017-01-01

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found mainly in seafood, has potential clinical applications due to its antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis on skin photoaging in UVA-irradiated hairless mice by assessing various parameters of photoaging. After chronic ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure, a significant increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and wrinkle formation in the dorsal skin caused by UVA was observed, and dietary astaxanthin significantly suppressed these photoaging features. We found that the mRNA expression of lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor, steroid sulfatase, and aquaporin 3 in the epidermis was significantly increased by UVA irradiation for 70 days, and dietary astaxanthin significantly suppressed these increases in mRNA expression to be comparable to control levels. In the dermis, the mRNA expression of matrix metalloprotease 13 was increased by UVA irradiation and significantly suppressed by dietary astaxanthin. In addition, HPLC-PDA analysis confirmed that dietary astaxanthin reached not only the dermis but also the epidermis. Our results indicate that dietary astaxanthin accumulates in the skin and appears to prevent the effects of UVA irradiation on filaggrin metabolism and desquamation in the epidermis and the extracellular matrix in the dermis. PMID:28170435

Inhibition of the metastatic spread and growth of B16-BL6 murine melanoma by a synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor.

PubMed

Chirivi, R G; Garofalo, A; Crimmin, M J; Bawden, L J; Stoppacciaro, A; Brown, P D; Giavazzi, R

1994-08-01

The synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat was tested for its ability to inhibit growth and metastatic spread of the B16-BL6 murine melanoma in syngeneic C57BL/6N mice. Intraperitoneal administration of batimastat resulted in a significant inhibition in the number of lung colonies produced by B16-BL6 cells injected i.v. The effect of batimastat on spontaneous metastases was examined in mice inoculated in the hind footpad with B16-BL6 melanoma. The primary tumor was removed surgically after 26-28 days. Batimastat was administered twice a day from day 14 to day 28 (pre-surgery) or from day 26 to day 44 (post-surgery). With both protocols, the median number of lung metastases was not significantly affected, but there was a significant reduction in the weight of the metastases. Finally, the effect of batimastat was examined on s.c. growth of B16-BL6 melanoma. Batimastat administered daily, starting at day of tumor transplantation, resulted in a significant growth delay, whereas treatment starting at advanced stage tumor only reduced tumor growth marginally. Our results indicate that a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor can not only prevent the colonization of secondary organs by B16-BL6 cells but also limit the growth of solid tumors.

Visual stimuli for the P300 brain-computer interface: a comparison of white/gray and green/blue flicker matrices.

PubMed

Takano, Kouji; Komatsu, Tomoaki; Hata, Naoki; Nakajima, Yasoichi; Kansaku, Kenji

2009-08-01

The white/gray flicker matrix has been used as a visual stimulus for the so-called P300 brain-computer interface (BCI), but the white/gray flash stimuli might induce discomfort. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of green/blue flicker matrices as visual stimuli. Ten able-bodied, non-trained subjects performed Alphabet Spelling (Japanese Alphabet: Hiragana) using an 8 x 10 matrix with three types of intensification/rest flicker combinations (L, luminance; C, chromatic; LC, luminance and chromatic); both online and offline performances were evaluated. The accuracy rate under the online LC condition was 80.6%. Offline analysis showed that the LC condition was associated with significantly higher accuracy than was the L or C condition (Tukey-Kramer, p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between L and C conditions. The LC condition, which used the green/blue flicker matrix was associated with better performances in the P300 BCI. The green/blue chromatic flicker matrix can be an efficient tool for practical BCI application.

Factors affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-Al3Ti core-shell-structured particle-reinforced Al matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Baisong; Yi, Jianhong; Ni, Song; Shen, Rujuan; Song, Min

2016-04-01

This work studied the effects of matrix powder and sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ formed Ti-Al3Ti core-shell-structured particle-reinforced pure Al-based composites. It has been shown that both factors have significant effects on the morphology of the reinforcements and densification behaviour of the composites. Due to the strong interfacial bonding and the limitation of the crack propagation in the intermetallic shell during deformation by soft Al matrix and Ti core, the composite fabricated using fine spherical-shaped Al powder and sintered at 570 °C for 5 h has the optimal combination of the overall mechanical properties. The study provides a direction for the optimum combination of high strength and ductility of the composites by adjusting the fabrication parameters.

Effect of anthocyanins on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in naproxen-induced gastric ulcers.

PubMed

Kim, Sun-Joong; Park, Young Sam; Paik, Hyun-Dong; Chang, Hyo Ihl

2011-12-01

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause gastric ulceration through a number of mechanisms including inhibition of PG synthesis, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of apoptosis. Recently, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been suggested to play a crucial role in these mechanisms. The present study investigated the protective effect of anthocyanins isolated from black rice bran (Heugjinjubyeo) against naproxen-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. The oral administration of anthocyanins (5, 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight) showed significant protection against naproxen (80 mg/kg body weight)-induced gastric ulcer and inhibited lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa. In addition, pretreatment with anthocyanins resulted in a significant increase in the activities of radical-scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Also biochemical and zymographic analyses suggested that the administration of anthocyanins gives a significant protection against naproxen-induced gastric antral ulcer through scavenging ROS and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity. The results of intracellular radical activation show that anthocyanins suppress the generation of intracellular ROS and attenuate the suppression of MMP-2 activity by naproxen. These results suggest that anthocyanins extracted from black rice may offer potential remedy of gastric antral ulceration.

Clomiphene citrate increases nitric oxide, interleukin-10 and reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Sylus, Angel Mercy; Nandeesha, Hanumanthappa; Sridhar, Magadi Gopalakrishna; Chitra, Thyagaraju; Sreenivasulu, Karli

2018-06-08

Matrix metalloproteinase-9, Nitric oxide and inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Even though these parameters are altered in PCOS, the effect of clomiphene citrate on them has not been studied till date. The present study was done to assess the effect of clomiphene citrate on matrix metalloproteinase-9, nitric oxide and interleukin-10 levels in women with PCOS. 72 women diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled in the study. Matrix metalloproteinase-9, nitric oxide and interleukin-10 levels were compared at baseline and after three weeks following Clomiphene citrate treatment. Clomiphene citrate increases both nitric oxide (p = 0.03) and interleukin-10 (p < 0.001) levels and reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels (p < 0.001) in women with PCOS. It also improves the ovulation rate (52.8%) and clinical pregnancy rate (19.4%) in PCOS. Also there was a significant reduction in matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in both the ovulatory (p < 0.001) and conceived groups (p = 0.024) compared to non ovulatory and non conceived group. There was no difference in nitric oxide and interleukin-10 levels in ovulatory and conceived groups compared to non ovulatory and non conceived group. We conclude that clomiphene citrate increases the levels of nitric oxide and interleukin-10 and decreases the matrix metalloproteinase - 9 levels and improves the ovulation rate and clinical pregnancy rate in PCOS. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Analytical figures of merit of Hildebrand grid and ultrasonic nebulizations in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission].

PubMed

Tian, Mei; Han, Xiao-yuan; Zhuo, Shang-jun; Zhang, Rui-rong

2012-05-01

Hildebrand grid nebulizer is a kind of improved Babington nebulizer, which can nebulize solutions with high total dissolved solids. And the ultrasonic nebulizer (USN) possesses advantage of high nebulization efficiency and fine droplets. In the present paper, the detection limits, matrix effects, ICP robustness and memory effects of Hildebrand grid and ultrasonic nebulizers for ICP-AES were studied. The results show that the detection limits using USN are improved by a factor of 6-23 in comparison to Hildebrand grid nebulizer for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd and Ni. With the USN the matrix effects were heavier, and the degree of intensity enhancement and lowering depends on the element line, the composition and concentrations of matrices. Moreover, matrix effects induced by Ca and Mg are more significant than those caused by Na and Mg, and intensities of ionic lines are affected more easily than those of atomic lines. At the same time, with the USN ICP has less robustness. In addition, memory effect of the USN is also heavier than that of Hildebrand grid nebulizer.

Efficient and precise calculation of the b-matrix elements in diffusion-weighted imaging pulse sequences.

PubMed

Zubkov, Mikhail; Stait-Gardner, Timothy; Price, William S

2014-06-01

Precise NMR diffusion measurements require detailed knowledge of the cumulative dephasing effect caused by the numerous gradient pulses present in most NMR pulse sequences. This effect, which ultimately manifests itself as the diffusion-related NMR signal attenuation, is usually described by the b-value or the b-matrix in the case of multidirectional diffusion weighting, the latter being common in diffusion-weighted NMR imaging. Neglecting some of the gradient pulses introduces an error in the calculated diffusion coefficient reaching in some cases 100% of the expected value. Therefore, ensuring the b-matrix calculation includes all the known gradient pulses leads to significant error reduction. Calculation of the b-matrix for simple gradient waveforms is rather straightforward, yet it grows cumbersome when complexly shaped and/or numerous gradient pulses are introduced. Making three broad assumptions about the gradient pulse arrangement in a sequence results in an efficient framework for calculation of b-matrices as well providing some insight into optimal gradient pulse placement. The framework allows accounting for the diffusion-sensitising effect of complexly shaped gradient waveforms with modest computational time and power. This is achieved by using the b-matrix elements of the simple unmodified pulse sequence and minimising the integration of the complexly shaped gradient waveform in the modified sequence. Such re-evaluation of the b-matrix elements retains all the analytical relevance of the straightforward approach, yet at least halves the amount of symbolic integration required. The application of the framework is demonstrated with the evaluation of the expression describing the diffusion-sensitizing effect, caused by different bipolar gradient pulse modules. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Model Determined for Predicting Fatigue Lives of Metal Matrix Composites Under Mean Stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerch, Bradley

1997-01-01

Aircraft engine components invariably are subjected to mean stresses over and above the cyclic loads. In monolithic materials, it has been observed that tensile mean stresses are detrimental and compressive mean stresses are beneficial to fatigue life in comparison to a base of zero mean stress. Several mean stress models exist for monolithic metals, but each differ quantitatively in the extent to which detrimental or beneficial effects are ascribed. There have been limited attempts to apply these models to metal matrix composites. At the NASA Lewis Research Center, several mean stress models--the Smith-Watson- Topper, Walker, Normalized Goodman, and Soderberg models--were examined for applicability to this class of composite materials. The Soderberg approach, which normalizes the mean stress to a 0.02-percent yield strength, was shown to best represent the effect of mean stresses over the range covered. The other models varied significantly in their predictability and often failed to predict the composite behavior at very high tensile mean stresses. This work is the first to systematically demonstrate the influence of mean stresses on metal matrix composites and model their effects. Attention also was given to fatigue-cracking mechanisms in the Ti-15-3 matrix and to micromechanics analyses of mean stress effects.

Influence of matrix and filler fraction on biofilm formation on the surface of experimental resin-based composites.

PubMed

Ionescu, Andrei; Brambilla, Eugenio; Wastl, Daniel S; Giessibl, Franz J; Cazzaniga, Gloria; Schneider-Feyrer, Sibylle; Hahnel, Sebastian

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of resin matrix chemistry and filler fraction on biofilm formation on the surface of experimental resin-based composites (RBCs). Specimens were prepared from eight experimental RBC formulations differing in resin matrix blend (BisGMA/TEGDMA in a 7:3 wt% ratio or UDMA/aliphatic dimethacrylate in a 1:1 wt% ratio) and filler fraction (no fillers; 65 wt% dental glass with an average diameter of 7 or 0.7 µm or 65 wt% SiO2 with an average diameter of 20 nm). Surface roughness, surface free energy, and chemical surface composition were determined; surface topography was visualized using atomic force microscopy. Biofilm formation was simulated under continuous flow conditions for a 48 h period using a monospecies Streptococcus mutans and a multispecies biofilm model. In the monospecies biofilm model, the impact of the filler fraction overruled the influence of the resin matrix, indicating lowest biofilm formation on RBCs with nano-scaled filler particles and those manufactured from the neat resin blends. The multispecies model suggested a more pronounced effect of the resin matrix blend, as significantly higher biofilm formation was identified on RBCs with a UDMA/dimethacrylate matrix blend than on those including a BisGMA/TEGDMA matrix blend but analogous filler fractions. Although significant differences in surface properties between the various materials were identified, correlations between the surface properties and biofilm formation were poor, which highlights the relevance of surface topography and chemistry. These results may help to tailor novel RBC formulations which feature reduced biofilm formation on their surface.

Probabilistic Simulation of Combined Thermo-Mechanical Cyclic Fatigue in Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, Christos C.

2011-01-01

A methodology to compute probabilistically-combined thermo-mechanical fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and is demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long-term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress-dependent multifactor-interaction relationship developed at NASA Glenn Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability-integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability-based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/-45/90)s graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical-cyclic loads and low thermal-cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical-cyclic loads and high thermal-cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.

Probabilistic Simulation for Combined Cycle Fatigue in Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, Christos C.

2010-01-01

A methodology to compute probabilistic fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress dependent multifactor interaction relationship developed at NASA Glenn Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability-based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/- 45/90)s graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical cyclic loads and low thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical cyclic loads and high thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.

Probabilistic Simulation of Combined Thermo-Mechanical Cyclic Fatigue in Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, Christos C.

2010-01-01

A methodology to compute probabilistically-combined thermo-mechanical fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and is demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long-term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress-dependent multifactor-interaction relationship developed at NASA Glenn Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability-integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability-based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/-45/90)s graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical-cyclic loads and low thermal-cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical-cyclic loads and high thermal-cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.

The Effect of Matrix Composition on the Deformation and Failure Mechanisms in Metal Matrix Syntactic Foams during Compression

PubMed Central

Kádár, Csilla; Máthis, Kristián; Knapek, Michal; Chmelík, František

2017-01-01

The influence of the matrix material on the deformation and failure mechanisms in metal matrix syntactic foams was investigated in this study. Samples with commercially pure Al (Al) and Al-12 wt % Si (AlSi12) eutectic aluminum matrix, reinforced by hollow ceramic spheres, were compressed at room temperature. Concurrently, the acoustic emission response and the strain field development on the surface were monitored in-situ. The results indicate that the plastic deformation of the cell walls is the governing mechanism in the early stage of straining for both types of foams. At large stresses, deformation bands form both in the Al and AlSi12 foam. In Al foam, cell walls collapse in a large volume. In contrast, the AlSi12 foam is more brittle; therefore, the fracture of precipitates and the crushing of the matrix take place within a distinctive deformation band, along with an occurrence of a significant stress drop. The onset stress of ceramic sphere failure was shown to be not influenced by the matrix material. The in-situ methods provided complementary data which further support these results. PMID:28772556

The Effect of Matrix Composition on the Deformation and Failure Mechanisms in Metal Matrix Syntactic Foams during Compression.

PubMed

Kádár, Csilla; Máthis, Kristián; Knapek, Michal; Chmelík, František

2017-02-17

The influence of the matrix material on the deformation and failure mechanisms in metal matrix syntactic foams was investigated in this study. Samples with commercially pure Al (Al) and Al-12 wt % Si (AlSi12) eutectic aluminum matrix, reinforced by hollow ceramic spheres, were compressed at room temperature. Concurrently, the acoustic emission response and the strain field development on the surface were monitored in-situ. The results indicate that the plastic deformation of the cell walls is the governing mechanism in the early stage of straining for both types of foams. At large stresses, deformation bands form both in the Al and AlSi12 foam. In Al foam, cell walls collapse in a large volume. In contrast, the AlSi12 foam is more brittle; therefore, the fracture of precipitates and the crushing of the matrix take place within a distinctive deformation band, along with an occurrence of a significant stress drop. The onset stress of ceramic sphere failure was shown to be not influenced by the matrix material. The in-situ methods provided complementary data which further support these results.

Iron oxide nanomatrix facilitating metal ionization in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Obena, Rofeamor P; Lin, Po-Chiao; Lu, Ying-Wei; Li, I-Che; del Mundo, Florian; Arco, Susan dR; Nuesca, Guillermo M; Lin, Chung-Chen; Chen, Yu-Ju

2011-12-15

The significance and epidemiological effects of metals to life necessitate the development of direct, efficient, and rapid method of analysis. Taking advantage of its simple, fast, and high-throughput features, we present a novel approach to metal ion detection by matrix-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (matrix@MNP)-assisted MALDI-MS. Utilizing 21 biologically and environmentally relevant metal ion solutions, the performance of core and matrix@MNP against conventional matrixes in MALDI-MS and laser desorption ionization (LDI) MS were systemically tested to evaluate the versatility of matrix@MNP as ionization element. The matrix@MNPs provided 20- to >100-fold enhancement on detection sensitivity of metal ions and unambiguous identification through characteristic isotope patterns and accurate mass (<5 ppm), which may be attributed to its multifunctional role as metal chelator, preconcentrator, absorber, and reservoir of energy. Together with the comparison on the ionization behaviors of various metals having different ionization potentials (IP), we formulated a metal ionization mechanism model, alluding to the role of exciton pooling in matrix@MNP-assisted MALDI-MS. Moreover, the detection of Cu in spiked tap water demonstrated the practicability of this new approach as an efficient and direct alternative tool for fast, sensitive, and accurate determination of trace metal ions in real samples.

Exploring matrix effects on photochemistry of organic aerosols

PubMed Central

Lignell, Hanna; Hinks, Mallory L.; Nizkorodov, Sergey A.

2014-01-01

This work explores the effect of the environment on the rate of photolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenol (24-DNP), an important environmental toxin. In stark contrast to the slow photolysis of 24-DNP in an aqueous solution, the photolysis rate is increased by more than an order of magnitude for 24-DNP dissolved in 1-octanol or embedded in secondary organic material (SOM) produced by ozonolysis of α-pinene. Lowering the temperature decreased the photolysis rate of 24-DNP in SOM much more significantly than that of 24-DNP in octanol, with effective activation energies of 53 kJ/mol and 12 kJ/mol, respectively. We discuss the possibility that the increasing viscosity of the SOM matrix constrains the molecular motion, thereby suppressing the hydrogen atom transfer reaction to the photo-excited 24-DNP. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of a significant effect of the matrix, and possibly viscosity, on the rate of an atmospheric photochemical reaction within SOM. It suggests that rates of photochemical processes in organic aerosols will depend on both relative humidity and temperature and thus altitude. The results further suggest that photochemistry in SOM may play a key role in transformations of atmospheric organics. For example, 24-DNP and other nitro-aromatic compounds should readily photodegrade in organic particulate matter, which has important consequences for predicting their environmental fates and impacts. PMID:25201953

Opposite Effects of the Spinach Food Matrix on Lutein Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Uptake Lead to Unchanged Bioavailability Compared to Pure Lutein.

PubMed

Margier, Marielle; Buffière, Caroline; Goupy, Pascale; Remond, Didier; Halimi, Charlotte; Caris-Veyrat, Catherine; Borel, Patrick; Reboul, Emmanuelle

2018-06-01

Food matrix is generally believed to alter carotenoid bioavailability, but its effect on xanthophylls is usually limited. This study thus aims to decipher the digestion-absorption process of lutein in the presence or not of a food matrix. Lutein transfer to gastric-like lipid droplets or artificial mixed micelles was assessed when lutein was added to test meals either as a pure molecule ((all-E)-lutein) or in canned spinach ((Z) + (all-E)-lutein). The obtained mixed micelles were delivered to Caco-2 cells to evaluate lutein uptake. Finally postprandial plasma lutein responses were compared in minipigs after the two test meals. Lutein transfer to gastric-like lipid droplets and to mixed micelles was higher when lutein was added in spinach than when it was added as pure lutein (+614% and +147%, respectively, p < 0.05). Conversely, lutein uptake was less effective when micellar lutein was from a meal containing spinach than from a meal containing its pure form (-55%, p < 0.05). In minipigs, postprandial lutein response was delayed with spinach but not significantly different after the two test meals. Opposite effects at the micellarization and intestinal cell uptake steps explain the lack of effect of spinach matrix on lutein bioavailability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermomechanical analysis of freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions in engineered tissues

PubMed Central

Han, Bumsoo; Teo, Ka Yaw; Ghosh, Soham; Dutton, J. Craig; Grinnell, Frederick

2012-01-01

Successful cryopreservation of functional engineered tissues (ETs) is significant to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but it is extremely challenging to develop a successful protocol because the effects of cryopreservation parameters on the post-thaw functionality of ETs are not well understood. Particularly, the effects on the microstructure of their extracellular matrix (ECM) have not been well studied, which determines many functional properties of the ETs. In this study, we investigated the effects of two key cryopreservation parameters – i) freezing temperature and corresponding cooling rate; and ii) the concentration of cryoprotective agent (CPA) on the ECM microstructure as well as the cellular viability. Using dermal equivalent as a model ET and DMSO as a model CPA, freezing-induced spatiotemporal deformation and post-thaw ECM microstructure of ETs was characterized while varying the freezing temperature and DMSO concentrations. The spatial distribution of cellular viability and the cellular actin cytoskeleton was also examined. The results showed that the tissue dilatation increased significantly with reduced freezing temperature (i.e., rapid freezing). A maximum limit of tissue deformation was observed for preservation of ECM microstructure, cell viability and cell-matrix adhesion. The dilatation decreased with the use of DMSO, and a freezing temperature dependent threshold concentration of DMSO was observed. The threshold DMSO concentration increased with lowering freezing temperature. In addition, an analysis was performed to delineate thermodynamic and mechanical components of freezing-induced tissue deformation. The results are discussed to establish a mechanistic understanding of freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interaction and phase change behavior within ETs in order to improve cryopreservation of ETs. PMID:23246556

Understanding the role of saliva in aroma release from wine by using static and dynamic headspace conditions.

PubMed

Muñoz-González, Carolina; Feron, Gilles; Guichard, Elisabeth; Rodríguez-Bencomo, J José; Martín-Álvarez, Pedro J; Moreno-Arribas, M Victoria; Pozo-Bayón, M Ángeles

2014-08-20

The aim of this work was to determine the role of saliva in wine aroma release by using static and dynamic headspace conditions. In the latter conditions, two different sampling points (t = 0 and t = 10 min) corresponding with oral (25.5 °C) and postoral phases (36 °C) were monitored. Both methodologies were applied to reconstituted dearomatized white and red wines with different nonvolatile wine matrix compositions and a synthetic wine (without matrix effect). All of the wines had the same ethanol concentration and were spiked with a mixture of 45 aroma compounds covering a wide range of physicochemical characteristics at typical wine concentrations. Two types of saliva (human and artificial) or control samples (water) were added to the wines. The adequacy of the two headspace methodologies for the purposes of the study (repeatability, linear ranges, determination coefficients, etc.) was previously determined. After application of different chemometric analysis (ANOVA, LSD, PCA), results showed a significant effect of saliva on aroma release dependent on saliva type (differences between artificial and human) and on wine matrix using static headspace conditions. Red wines were more affected than white and synthetic wines by saliva, specifically human saliva, which provoked a reduction in aroma release for most of the assayed aroma compounds independent of their chemical structure. The application of dynamic headspace conditions using a saliva bioreactor at the two different sampling points (t = 0 and t = 10 min) showed a lesser but significant effect of saliva than matrix composition and a high influence of temperature (oral and postoral phases) on aroma release.

Wear of matrix overdenture attachments after one to eight years of clinical use.

PubMed

Fromentin, Olivier; Lassauzay, Claire; Nader, Samer Abi; Feine, Jocelyne; de Albuquerque, Rubens F

2012-03-01

Matrices of unsplinted attachment systems are generally reported to be the weak component of implant overdentures, often requiring frequent maintenance. Clinical wear results in reduced retention of the prosthesis, requiring activation or renewal of the matrix to restore the initial level of retention. The purpose of this retrospective study was to measure the wear of the matrix of a ball attachment after various periods of clinical wear. Seventy specimens of 3 groups of matrices of ball attachments that had been in use for mean periods of 12.3 months (1Y group, n=26), 39.0 months (3Y group, n=28) and 95.6 months (8Y group, n=16) were retrieved from 35 patients (2 specimens per patient) and measured on a coordinate measuring machine equipped with a touch trigger probe. Ten unused matrices were used as controls (CTRL group). The external and internal matrix diameters and deviations from circularity were measured. For the various time periods, the decreases in matrix thickness were calculated and compared with controls. Kruskal-Wallis 1-way ANOVA by ranks, followed by the Mann-Whitney post hoc tests, were conducted to test for differences in median values among groups (α =.05). For the internal upper diameter of the matrices tested, the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests revealed significant differences for the 3 groups compared to the controls. For group 1Y, a significant difference (P<.001) of the internal upper diameter was found compared to the CTRL group. Compared to the controls, the nonparametric analyses for groups 3Y and 8Y showed significant differences for the internal upper diameter (P<.001) and deviations from circularity (P<.001). For groups 1Y, 3Y and 8Y, matrix thickness losses were 07, 47 and 70 μm, respectively. Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that one year of clinical wear had limited effect on the ball attachment matrices. Three to 8 years of clinical use resulted in a significant decrease of matrix thickness, especially at the tip of the retentive lamellae. Copyright © 2012 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of fiber and matrix in crash energy absorption of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farley, G. L.; Bird, R. K.; Modlin, J. T.

1986-01-01

Static crushing tests were conducted on tube specimens fabricated from graphite/epoxy, Kevlar/epoxy and hybrid combinations of graphite-Kevlar/epoxy to examine the influence the fiber and matrix constitutive properties and laminate architecture have on energy absorption. Fiber and matrix ultimate failure strain were determined to significantly effect energy absorption. The energy absorption capability of high ultimate failure strain materials (AS-6/F185 and AS-6/HST-7) was less than materials having lower ultimate failure strain. Lamina stacking sequence had up to a 300 percent change in energy absorption for the materials tested. Hybridizing with graphite and Kevlar reinforcements resulted in materials with high energy absorption capabilities that have postcrushing integrity.

Effects of LDEF flight exposure on selected polymer matrix resin composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slemp, Wayne S.; Young, Philip R.; Witte, William G., Jr.; Shen, James Y.

1992-01-01

The characterization of selected graphite fiber reinforced epoxy (934 and 5208) and polysulfone (P1700) matrix resin composites materials which received over five years and nine months of exposure to the low earth orbit (LEO) environment in experiment AO134 on the Long Duration Exposure Facility is reported. The changes in mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength and tensile modulus for exposed flight specimens are compared to the three sets of control specimens. Marked changes in surface appearance are discussed, and resin loss is reported. The chemical characterization including infrared, thermal, and selected solution property measurements showed that the molecular structure of the polymetric matrix had not changed significantly in response to this exposure.

Thermoset nanocomposites from waterborne bio-based epoxy resin and cellulose nanowhiskers.

PubMed

Wu, Guo-min; Liu, Di; Liu, Gui-feng; Chen, Jian; Huo, Shu-ping; Kong, Zhen-wu

2015-01-01

Thermoset nanocomposites were prepared from a waterborne terpene-maleic ester type epoxy resin (WTME) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). The curing behaviors of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites were measured with rotational rheometer. The results show that the storage modulus (G') of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites increased with the increase of CNWs content. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrate that the incorporation of CNWs in WTME matrix caused microphase separation and destroyed the compactness of the matrix. This effect leads to the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites slightly decrease with the increase of CNWs content, which were confirmed by both DSC and DMA tests. The mechanical properties of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites were investigated by tensile testing. The Yong's modulus (E) and tensile strength (σb) of the nanocomposites were significantly reinforced by the addition of CNWs. These results indicate that CNWs exhibit excellent reinforcement effect on WTME matrix, due to the formation and increase of interfacial interaction by hydrogen bonds between CNWs nano-filler and the WTME matrix. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the effects of different heat treatment processes on rheological properties of cake and bread wheat flours.

PubMed

Bucsella, Blanka; Takács, Ágnes; Vizer, Viktoria; Schwendener, Urs; Tömösközi, Sándor

2016-01-01

Dry and hydrothermal heat treatments are efficient for modifying the technological-functional and shelf-life properties of wheat milling products. Dry heat treatment process is commonly used to enhance the volume of cakes. Hydrothermal heat treatment makes wheat flours suitable as thickener agents. In this study, cake and bread wheat flours that differed in baking properties were exposed to dry (100 °C, 12 min) and hydrothermal (95 °C, 5 min, 5-20 l/h water) heat treatments. Rheological differences caused by the treatments were investigated in a diluted slurry and in a dough matrix. Dry heat treatment resulted in enhanced dough stability. This effect was significantly higher in the cake flour than the bread flour. Altered viscosity properties of the bread flour in the slurry matrix were also observed. The characteristics of hydrothermally treated samples showed matrix dependency: their viscosity increases in the slurry and decreases in the dough matrix. These results can support us to produce flour products with specific techno-functional properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interface control and mechanical property improvements in silicon carbide/titanium composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brewer, W. D.; Unnam, J.

1982-01-01

Several composite systems made of titanium matrix reinforced with silicon carbide fiber were investigated to obtain a better understanding of composite-degradation mechanisms and to develop techniques to minimize loss of mechanical properties during fabrication and in service. Emphasis was on interface control by fiber or matrix coatings. X-ray diffraction studies on planar samples showed that the formation of titanium silicides was greatly inhibited by the presence of aluminum or Ti3A1 layers at the fiber-matrix interface, with the Ti3A1 being more effective in reducing the reactions. Fiber studies showed that coating the fiber with a 1-micron-thick layer of aluminum improved the as-fabricated strength of a stoichiometric SiC fiber and reduced the fiber degradation during exposure to composite-fabrication conditions. Applying an interfacial barrier by coating the matrix foils instead of the fibers was found to be an effective method for improving composite strength. Reducing the fabrication temperature also resulted in significant improvements in composite strengths. Good-quality, well-consolidated composites were fabricated at temperatures well below those currently used for SiC-Ti composite fabrication.

Multiresidue analysis of multiclass pesticides and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in fatty fish by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and evaluation of matrix effect.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Niladri S; Utture, Sagar; Banerjee, Kaushik; Ahammed Shabeer, T P; Kamble, Narayan; Mathew, Suseela; Ashok Kumar, K

2016-04-01

This paper reports a selective and sensitive method for multiresidue determination of 119 chemical residues including pesticides and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in high fatty fish matrix. The novel sample preparation method involved extraction of the target analytes from homogenized fish meat (5 g) in acetonitrile (15 mL, 1% acetic acid) after three-phase partitioning with hexane (2 mL) and the remaining aqueous layer. An aliquot (1.5 mL) of the acetonitrile layer was aspirated and subjected to two-stage dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) cleanup and the residues were finally estimated by gas chromatography mass spectrometry with selected reaction monitoring (GC-MS/MS). The co-eluted matrix components were identified on the basis of their accurate mass by GC with quadrupole time of flight MS. Addition of hexane during extraction and optimized dSPE cleanup significantly minimized the matrix effects. Recoveries at 10, 25 and 50 μg/kg were within 60-120% with associated precision, RSD<11%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Age-Related Effects of Advanced Glycation End Products (Ages) in Bone Matrix on Osteoclastic Resorption.

PubMed

Yang, Xiao; Gandhi, Chintan; Rahman, Md Mizanur; Appleford, Mark; Sun, Lian-Wen; Wang, Xiaodu

2015-12-01

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in bone extracellular matrix as people age. Previous studies have shown controversial results regarding the role of in situ AGEs accumulation in osteoclastic resorption. To address this issue, this study cultured human osteoclast cells directly on human cadaveric bone slices from different age groups (young and elderly) to warrant its relevance to in vivo conditions. The cell culture was terminated on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th day, respectively, to assess temporal changes in the number of differentiated osteoclasts, the number and size of osteoclastic resorption pits, the amount of bone resorbed, as well as the amount of matrix AGEs released in the medium by resorption. In addition, the in situ concentration of matrix AGEs at each resorption pit was also estimated based on its AGEs autofluorescent intensity. The results indicated that (1) osteoclastic resorption activities were significantly correlated with the donor age, showing larger but shallower resorption pits on the elderly bone substrates than on the younger ones; (2) osteoclast resorption activities were not significantly dependent on the in situ AGEs concentration in bone matrix, and (3) a correlation was observed between osteoclast activities and the concentration of AGEs released by the resorption. These results suggest that osteoclasts tend to migrate away from initial anchoring sites on elderly bone substrate during resorption compared to younger bone substrates. However, such behavior is not directly related to the in situ concentration of AGEs in bone matrix at the resorption sites.

Vast Volatility Matrix Estimation using High Frequency Data for Portfolio Selection*

PubMed Central

Fan, Jianqing; Li, Yingying; Yu, Ke

2012-01-01

Portfolio allocation with gross-exposure constraint is an effective method to increase the efficiency and stability of portfolios selection among a vast pool of assets, as demonstrated in Fan et al. (2011). The required high-dimensional volatility matrix can be estimated by using high frequency financial data. This enables us to better adapt to the local volatilities and local correlations among vast number of assets and to increase significantly the sample size for estimating the volatility matrix. This paper studies the volatility matrix estimation using high-dimensional high-frequency data from the perspective of portfolio selection. Specifically, we propose the use of “pairwise-refresh time” and “all-refresh time” methods based on the concept of “refresh time” proposed by Barndorff-Nielsen et al. (2008) for estimation of vast covariance matrix and compare their merits in the portfolio selection. We establish the concentration inequalities of the estimates, which guarantee desirable properties of the estimated volatility matrix in vast asset allocation with gross exposure constraints. Extensive numerical studies are made via carefully designed simulations. Comparing with the methods based on low frequency daily data, our methods can capture the most recent trend of the time varying volatility and correlation, hence provide more accurate guidance for the portfolio allocation in the next time period. The advantage of using high-frequency data is significant in our simulation and empirical studies, which consist of 50 simulated assets and 30 constituent stocks of Dow Jones Industrial Average index. PMID:23264708

Compositional Determinants of Mechanical Properties of Enamel

PubMed Central

Baldassarri, M.; Margolis, H.C.; Beniash, E.

2008-01-01

Dental enamel is comprised primarily of carbonated apatite, with less than 1% w/w organic matter and 4-5% w/w water. To determine the influence of each component on the microhardness and fracture toughness of rat incisor enamel, we mechanically tested specimens in which water and organic matrix were selectively removed. Tests were performed in mid-sagittal and transverse orientations to assess the effect of the structural organization on enamel micromechanical properties. While removal of organic matrix resulted in up to a 23% increase in microhardness, and as much as a 46% decrease in fracture toughness, water had a significantly lesser effect on these properties. Moreover, removal of organic matrix dramatically weakened the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ). Analysis of our data also showed that the structural organization of enamel affects its micromechanical properties. We anticipate that these findings will help guide the development of bio-inspired nanostructured materials for mineralized tissue repair and regeneration. PMID:18573984

Stiffening of fluid membranes due to thermal undulations: density-matrix renormalization-group study.

PubMed

Nishiyama, Yoshihiro

2002-12-01

It has been considered that the effective bending rigidity of fluid membranes should be reduced by thermal undulations. However, recent thorough investigation by Pinnow and Helfrich revealed the significance of measure factors for the partition sum. Accepting the local curvature as a statistical measure, they found that fluid membranes are stiffened macroscopically. In order to examine this remarkable idea, we performed extensive ab initio simulations for a fluid membrane. We set up a transfer matrix that is diagonalized by means of the density-matrix renormalization group. Our method has an advantage, in that it allows us to survey various statistical measures. As a consequence, we found that the effective bending rigidity flows toward strong coupling under the choice of local curvature as a statistical measure. On the contrary, for other measures such as normal displacement and tilt angle, we found a clear tendency toward softening.

Characterisation of Asphalt Concrete Using Nanoindentation

PubMed Central

Barbhuiya, Salim; Caracciolo, Benjamin

2017-01-01

In this study, nanoindentation was conducted to extract the load-displacement behaviour and the nanomechanical properties of asphalt concrete across the mastic, matrix, and aggregate phases. Further, the performance of hydrated lime as an additive was assessed across the three phases. The hydrated lime containing samples have greater resistance to deformation in the mastic and matrix phases, in particular, the mastic. There is strong evidence suggesting that hydrated lime has the most potent effect on the mastic phase, with significant increase in hardness and stiffness. PMID:28773181

Comment on “Large Enhancement in High-Energy Photoionization of Fe XVII and Missing Continuum Plasma Opacity”

DOE PAGES

Blancard, C.; Colgan, J.; Cosse, Ph.; ...

2016-12-09

Recent R-matrix calculations claim to provide a significant enhancement in the opacity of Fe XVII due to atomic core excitations and assert that this enhancement is consistent with recent measurements of higher-than-predicted iron opacities. Here this comment shows that the standard opacity models which have already been directly compared with experimental data produce photon absorption cross-sections for Fe XVII that are effectively equivalent to the R-matrix opacities reported in.

Dependence of matrix effect on ionization polarity during LC-ESI-MS analysis of derivatized amino acids in some natural samples.

PubMed

Oldekop, Maarja-Liisa; Rebane, Riin; Herodes, Koit

2017-10-01

Matrix effect, the influence of co-eluting components on the ionization efficiency of the analyte, affects the trueness and precision of the LC-ESI-MS analysis. Derivatization can reduce or eliminate matrix effect, for example, diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (DEEMM) derivatives have shown less matrix effect compared to other derivatives. Moreover, the use of negative ion mode can further reduce matrix effect. In order to investigate the combination of derivatization and different ionization modes, an LC-ESI-MS/MS method using alternating positive/negative ion mode was developed and validated. The analyses in positive and negative ion modes had comparable limit of quantitation values. The influence of ESI polarity on matrix effect was investigated during the analysis of 22 DEEMM-derivatized amino acids in herbal extracts and honeys. Sample dilution approach was used for the evaluation of the presence of matrix effect. Altogether, 4 honeys and 11 herbal extracts were analyzed, and the concentrations of 22 amino acids in the samples are presented. In the positive ion mode, matrix effect was observed for several amino acid derivatives and the matrix effect was stronger in honey samples compared to the herbal extracts. The negative ion mode was free from matrix effect, with only few exceptions in honeys (average relative standard deviation over all analytes and matrices was 8%; SD = 7%). The matrix effect was eliminated in the positive ion mode by sample dilution and agreement between concentrations from the two ion modes was achieved for most amino acids. In conclusion, it was shown that the combination of derivatization and negative ion mode can be a powerful tool for minimizing matrix effect in more complicated applications.

Case studies: the impact of nonanalyte components on LC-MS/MS-based bioanalysis: strategies for identifying and overcoming matrix effects.

PubMed

Li, Fumin; Ewles, Matthew; Pelzer, Mary; Brus, Theodore; Ledvina, Aaron; Gray, Nicholas; Koupaei-Abyazani, Mohammad; Blackburn, Michael

2013-10-01

Achieving sufficient selectivity in bioanalysis is critical to ensure accurate quantitation of drugs and metabolites in biological matrices. Matrix effects most classically refer to modification of ionization efficiency of an analyte in the presence of matrix components. However, nonanalyte or matrix components present in samples can adversely impact the performance of a bioanalytical method and are broadly considered as matrix effects. For the current manuscript, we expand the scope to include matrix elements that contribute to isobaric interference and measurement bias. These three categories of matrix effects are illustrated with real examples encountered. The causes, symptoms, and suggested strategies and resolutions for each form of matrix effects are discussed. Each case is presented in the format of situation/action/result to facilitate reading.

Thermal oxidation induced degradation of carbon fiber reinforced composites and carbon nanotube sheet enhanced fiber/matrix interface for high temperature aerospace structural applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haque, Mohammad Hamidul

Recent increase in the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite, especially for high temperature applications in aerospace primary and secondary structures along with wind energy and automotive industries, have generated new challenges to predict its failure mechanisms and service life. This dissertation reports the experimental study of a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced bismaleimide (BMI) composites (CFRC), an excellent candidate for high temperature aerospace components, undergoing thermal oxidation at 260 °C in air for over 3000 hours. The key focus of the work is to investigate the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber BMI composite subjected to thermal aging in three key aspects - first, studying its bulk flexural properties (in macro scale), second, characterizing the crack propagation along the fiber direction, representing the interfacial bonding strength between fiber and matrix (in micro scale), and third, introducing nano-structured materials to modify the interface (in nano scale) between the carbon fiber and BMI resin and mechanical characterization to study its influence on mitigating the aging effect. Under the first category, weight loss and flexural properties have been monitored as the oxidation propagates through the fiber/matrix interface. Dynamic mechanical analysis and micro-computed tomography analysis have been performed to analyze the aging effects. In the second category, the long-term effects of thermal oxidation on the delamination (between the composite plies) and debonding (between fiber and matrix) type fracture toughness have been characterized by preparing two distinct types of double cantilever beam specimens. Digital image correlation has been used to determine the deformation field and strain distribution around the crack propagation path. Finally the resin system and the fiber/matrix interface have been modified using nanomaterials to mitigate the degradations caused by oxidation. Nanoclay modified epoxy resin has been characterized for hardness and modulus using nanoindentation technique. A significant reduction of oxidation, which is anticipated to eventually translate into improvement in mechanical properties, has been observed as the nanoclay particles have worked as a retarding agent for the oxidation propagation. Carbon nanotube sheet scrolled carbon fiber tows embedded in epoxy matrix have been investigated for interfacial properties using nanoindentation (push-out test), in micro scale, and using tensile testing (pull-out test), in macro scale. A significant increase in interfacial shear strength has been achieved by this unique materials combination.

Adhesion of Mineral and Soot Aerosols can Strongly Affect their Scattering and Absorption Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishchenko, Michael I.; Dlugach, Jana M.

2012-01-01

We use the numerically exact superposition T-matrix method to compute the optical cross sections and the Stokes scattering matrix for polydisperse mineral aerosols (modeled as homogeneous spheres) covered with a large number of much smaller soot particles. These results are compared with the Lorenz-Mie results for a uniform external mixture of mineral and soot aerosols. We show that the effect of soot particles adhering to large mineral particles can be to change the extinction and scattering cross sections and the asymmetry parameter quite substantially. The effect on the phase function and degree of linear polarization can be equally significant.

Tracing and separating plasma components causing matrix effects in hydrophilic interaction chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ekdahl, Anja; Johansson, Maria C; Ahnoff, Martin

2013-04-01

Matrix effects on electrospray ionization were investigated for plasma samples analysed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) in gradient elution mode, and HILIC columns of different chemistries were tested for separation of plasma components and model analytes. By combining mass spectral data with post-column infusion traces, the following components of protein-precipitated plasma were identified and found to have significant effect on ionization: urea, creatinine, phosphocholine, lysophosphocholine, sphingomyelin, sodium ion, chloride ion, choline and proline betaine. The observed effect on ionization was both matrix-component and analyte dependent. The separation of identified plasma components and model analytes on eight columns was compared, using pair-wise linear correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Large changes in selectivity could be obtained by change of column, while smaller changes were seen when the mobile phase buffer was changed from ammonium formate pH 3.0 to ammonium acetate pH 4.5. While results from PCA and linear correlation analysis were largely in accord, linear correlation analysis was judged to be more straight-forward in terms of conduction and interpretation.

Anti-proteolytic capacity and bonding durability of proanthocyanidin-biomodified demineralized dentin matrix

PubMed Central

Liu, Rui-Rui; Fang, Ming; Zhang, Ling; Tang, Cheng-Fang; Dou, Qi; Chen, Ji-Hua

2014-01-01

Our previous studies showed that biomodification of demineralized dentin collagen with proanthocyanidin (PA) for a clinically practical duration improves the mechanical properties of the dentin matrix and the immediate resin–dentin bond strength. The present study sought to evaluate the ability of PA biomodification to reduce collagenase-induced biodegradation of demineralized dentin matrix and dentin/adhesive interfaces in a clinically relevant manner. The effects of collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity on PA-biomodified demineralized dentin matrix were analysed by hydroxyproline assay and gelatin zymography. Then, resin-/dentin-bonded specimens were prepared and challenged with bacterial collagenases. Dentin treated with 2% chlorhexidine and untreated dentin were used as a positive and negative control, respectively. Collagen biodegradation, the microtensile bond strengths of bonded specimens and the micromorphologies of the fractured interfaces were assessed. The results revealed that both collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity on demineralized dentin were notably inhibited in the PA-biomodified groups, irrespective of PA concentration and biomodification duration. When challenged with exogenous collagenases, PA-biomodified bonded specimens exhibited significantly less biodegradation and maintained higher bond strengths than the untreated control. These results suggest that PA biomodification was effective at inhibiting proteolytic activity on demineralized dentin matrix and at stabilizing the adhesive/dentin interface against enzymatic degradation, is a new concept that has the potential to improve bonding durability. PMID:24810807

The effect of oxygen tension on human articular chondrocyte matrix synthesis: Integration of experimental and computational approaches

PubMed Central

Li, S; Oreffo, ROC; Sengers, BG; Tare, RS

2014-01-01

Significant oxygen gradients occur within tissue engineered cartilaginous constructs. Although oxygen tension is an important limiting parameter in the development of new cartilage matrix, its precise role in matrix formation by chondrocytes remains controversial, primarily due to discrepancies in the experimental setup applied in different studies. In this study, the specific effects of oxygen tension on the synthesis of cartilaginous matrix by human articular chondrocytes were studied using a combined experimental-computational approach in a “scaffold-free” 3D pellet culture model. Key parameters including cellular oxygen uptake rate were determined experimentally and used in conjunction with a mathematical model to estimate oxygen tension profiles in 21-day cartilaginous pellets. A threshold oxygen tension (pO2 ≈ 8% atmospheric pressure) for human articular chondrocytes was estimated from these inferred oxygen profiles and histological analysis of pellet sections. Human articular chondrocytes that experienced oxygen tension below this threshold demonstrated enhanced proteoglycan deposition. Conversely, oxygen tension higher than the threshold favored collagen synthesis. This study has demonstrated a close relationship between oxygen tension and matrix synthesis by human articular chondrocytes in a “scaffold-free” 3D pellet culture model, providing valuable insight into the understanding and optimization of cartilage bioengineering approaches. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1876–1885. PMID:24668194

Elastic-plastic finite element analyses of an unidirectional, 9 vol percent tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanfeliz, Jose G.

1993-01-01

Micromechanical modeling via elastic-plastic finite element analyses were performed to investigate the effects that the residual stresses and the degree of matrix work hardening (i.e., cold-worked, annealed) have upon the behavior of a 9 vol percent, unidirectional W/Cu composite, undergoing tensile loading. The inclusion of the residual stress-containing state as well as the simulated matrix material conditions proved to be significant since the Cu matrix material exhibited plastic deformation, which affected the subsequent tensile response of the composite system. The stresses generated during cooldown to room temperature from the manufacturing temperature were more of a factor on the annealed-matrix composite, since they induced the softened matrix to plastically flow. This event limited the total load-carrying capacity of this matrix-dominated, ductile-ductile type material system. Plastic deformation of the hardened-matrix composite during the thermal cooldown stage was not considerable, therefore, the composite was able to sustain a higher stress before showing any appreciable matrix plasticity. The predicted room temperature, stress-strain response, and deformation stages under both material conditions represented upper and lower bounds characteristic of the composite's tensile behavior. The initial deformation stage for the hardened material condition showed negligible matrix plastic deformation while for the annealed state, its initial deformation stage showed extensive matrix plasticity. Both material conditions exhibited a final deformation stage where the fiber and matrix were straining plastically. The predicted stress-strain results were compared to the experimental, room temperature, tensile stress-strain curve generated from this particular composite system. The analyses indicated that the actual thermal-mechanical state of the composite's Cu matrix, represented by the experimental data, followed the annealed material condition.

PEPIS: A Pipeline for Estimating Epistatic Effects in Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping and Genome-Wide Association Studies.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenchao; Dai, Xinbin; Wang, Qishan; Xu, Shizhong; Zhao, Patrick X

2016-05-01

The term epistasis refers to interactions between multiple genetic loci. Genetic epistasis is important in regulating biological function and is considered to explain part of the 'missing heritability,' which involves marginal genetic effects that cannot be accounted for in genome-wide association studies. Thus, the study of epistasis is of great interest to geneticists. However, estimating epistatic effects for quantitative traits is challenging due to the large number of interaction effects that must be estimated, thus significantly increasing computing demands. Here, we present a new web server-based tool, the Pipeline for estimating EPIStatic genetic effects (PEPIS), for analyzing polygenic epistatic effects. The PEPIS software package is based on a new linear mixed model that has been used to predict the performance of hybrid rice. The PEPIS includes two main sub-pipelines: the first for kinship matrix calculation, and the second for polygenic component analyses and genome scanning for main and epistatic effects. To accommodate the demand for high-performance computation, the PEPIS utilizes C/C++ for mathematical matrix computing. In addition, the modules for kinship matrix calculations and main and epistatic-effect genome scanning employ parallel computing technology that effectively utilizes multiple computer nodes across our networked cluster, thus significantly improving the computational speed. For example, when analyzing the same immortalized F2 rice population genotypic data examined in a previous study, the PEPIS returned identical results at each analysis step with the original prototype R code, but the computational time was reduced from more than one month to about five minutes. These advances will help overcome the bottleneck frequently encountered in genome wide epistatic genetic effect analysis and enable accommodation of the high computational demand. The PEPIS is publically available at http://bioinfo.noble.org/PolyGenic_QTL/.

Effect of molecular anisotropy on the intensity and degree of polarization of light scattered from model atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahethi, O. P.; Fraser, R. S.

1975-01-01

Computations of the intensity, flux, degree of polarization, and the positions of neutral points are presented for models of the terrestrial gaseous and hazy atmospheres by incorporating the molecular anisotropy due to air in the Rayleigh scattering optical thickness and phase matrix. Molecular anisotropy causes significant changes in the intensity, flux and the degree of polarization of the scattered light. The positions of neutral points do not change significantly. When the Rayleigh scattering optical thickness is kept constant and the molecular anisotropy factor is included only in the Rayleigh phase matrix, the flux does not change and the intensity and positions of neutron points change by a small amount. The changes in the degree of polarization are still significant.

Effects of in vivo static compressive loading on aggrecan and type II and X collagens in the rat growth plate extracellular matrix.

PubMed

Cancel, Mathilde; Grimard, Guy; Thuillard-Crisinel, Delphine; Moldovan, Florina; Villemure, Isabelle

2009-02-01

Mechanical loads are essential to normal bone growth, but excessive loads can lead to progressive deformities. In addition, growth plate extracellular matrix remodelling is essential to regulate the normal longitudinal bone growth process and to ensure physiological bone mineralization. In order to investigate the effects of static compression on growth plate extracellular matrix using an in vivo animal model, a loading device was used to precisely apply a compressive stress of 0.2 MPa for two weeks on the seventh caudal vertebra (Cd7) of rats during the pubertal growth spurt. Control, sham and loaded groups were studied. Growth modulation was quantified based on calcein labelling, and three matrix components (type II and X collagens, and aggrecan) were assessed using immunohistochemistry/safranin-O staining. As well, extracellular matrix components and enzymes (MMP-3 and -13, ADAMTS-4 and -5) were studied by qRT-PCR. Loading reduced Cd7 growth by 29% (p<0.05) and 15% (p=0.07) when compared to controls and shams respectively. No significant change could be observed in the mRNA expression of collagens and the proteolytic enzyme MMP-13. However, MMP-3 was significantly increased in the loaded group as compared to the control group (p<0.05). No change was observed in aggrecan and ADAMTS-4 and -5 expression. Low immunostaining for type II and X collagens was observed in 83% of the loaded rats as compared to the control rats. This in vivo study shows that, during pubertal growth spurt, two-week static compression reduced caudal vertebrae growth rates; this mechanical growth modulation occurred with decreased type II and X collagen proteins in the growth plate.

Comparison of matrix effects in HPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS analysis of nine basic pharmaceuticals in surface waters.

PubMed

Van De Steene, Jet C; Lambert, Willy E

2008-05-01

When developing an LC-MS/MS-method matrix effects are a major issue. The effect of co-eluting compounds arising from the matrix can result in signal enhancement or suppression. During method development much attention should be paid to diminishing matrix effects as much as possible. The present work evaluates matrix effects from aqueous environmental samples in the simultaneous analysis of a group of 9 specific pharmaceuticals with HPLC-ESI/MS/MS and UPLC-ESI/MS/MS: flubendazole, propiconazole, pipamperone, cinnarizine, ketoconazole, miconazole, rabeprazole, itraconazole and domperidone. When HPLC-MS/MS is used, matrix effects are substantial and can not be compensated for with analogue internal standards. For different surface water samples different matrix effects are found. For accurate quantification the standard addition approach is necessary. Due to the better resolution and more narrow peaks in UPLC, analytes will co-elute less with interferences during ionisation, so matrix effects could be lower, or even eliminated. If matrix effects are eliminated with this technique, the standard addition method for quantification can be omitted and the overall method will be simplified. Results show that matrix effects are almost eliminated if internal standards (structural analogues) are used. Instead of the time-consuming and labour-intensive standard addition method, with UPLC the internal standardization can be used for quantification and the overall method is substantially simplified.

Analytical Modeling of the High Strain Rate Deformation of Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Robert K.; Roberts, Gary D.; Gilat, Amos

2003-01-01

The results presented here are part of an ongoing research program to develop strain rate dependent deformation and failure models for the analysis of polymer matrix composites subject to high strain rate impact loads. State variable constitutive equations originally developed for metals have been modified in order to model the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymeric matrix materials. To account for the effects of hydrostatic stresses, which are significant in polymers, the classical 5 plasticity theory definitions of effective stress and effective plastic strain are modified by applying variations of the Drucker-Prager yield criterion. To verify the revised formulation, the shear and tensile deformation of a representative toughened epoxy is analyzed across a wide range of strain rates (from quasi-static to high strain rates) and the results are compared to experimentally obtained values. For the analyzed polymers, both the tensile and shear stress-strain curves computed using the analytical model correlate well with values obtained through experimental tests. The polymer constitutive equations are implemented within a strength of materials based micromechanics method to predict the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymer matrix composites. In the micromechanics, the unit cell is divided up into a number of independently analyzed slices, and laminate theory is then applied to obtain the effective deformation of the unit cell. The composite mechanics are verified by analyzing the deformation of a representative polymer matrix composite (composed using the representative polymer analyzed for the correlation of the polymer constitutive equations) for several fiber orientation angles across a variety of strain rates. The computed values compare favorably to experimentally obtained results.

Nitric Oxide Induces Cardiac Protection by Preventing Extracellular Matrix Degradation through the Complex Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in Cardiac Myocytes

PubMed Central

Cuadrado, Irene; Castejon, Borja; Martin, Ana M.; Saura, Marta; Reventun-Torralba, Paula; Zamorano, Jose Luis

2016-01-01

Inhibition of Extracellular Matrix degradation by nitric oxide (NO) induces cardiac protection against coronary ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Glycosylation of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) stimulates enzymatic activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the heart, although the mechanisms leading to EMMPRIN glycosylation are poorly understood. We sought to determine if NO may induce cardiac protection by preventing glycosylation of EMMPRIN in a mouse model of IR. Here we found that Caveolin-3 binds to low glycosylated EMMPRIN (LG-EMMPRIN) in cardiac cells and in the hearts of healthy mice, whereas IR disrupted the complex in nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) knockout (KO) mice. By contrast, the binding was partially restored when mice were fed with an NO donor (DEA-NO) in the drinking water, showing a significant reduction on infarct size (NOS2KO: 34.6±5 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 20.7±9), in expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and cardiac performance was improved (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). NOS2KO: 31±4 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 46±6). The role of Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in NO-mediated cardiac protection was further assayed in Caveolin-3 KO mice, showing no significant improvement on infarct size (Caveolin-3 KO: 34.8±3 vs Caveolin-3 KO+DEA-NO:33.7±5), or in the expression of MMPs, suggesting that stabilization of the complex Caveolin-3/LG-EMMPRIN may play a significant role in the cardioprotective effect of NO against IR. PMID:27649573

Nitric Oxide Induces Cardiac Protection by Preventing Extracellular Matrix Degradation through the Complex Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in Cardiac Myocytes.

PubMed

Cuadrado, Irene; Castejon, Borja; Martin, Ana M; Saura, Marta; Reventun-Torralba, Paula; Zamorano, Jose Luis; Zaragoza, Carlos

2016-01-01

Inhibition of Extracellular Matrix degradation by nitric oxide (NO) induces cardiac protection against coronary ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Glycosylation of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) stimulates enzymatic activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the heart, although the mechanisms leading to EMMPRIN glycosylation are poorly understood. We sought to determine if NO may induce cardiac protection by preventing glycosylation of EMMPRIN in a mouse model of IR. Here we found that Caveolin-3 binds to low glycosylated EMMPRIN (LG-EMMPRIN) in cardiac cells and in the hearts of healthy mice, whereas IR disrupted the complex in nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) knockout (KO) mice. By contrast, the binding was partially restored when mice were fed with an NO donor (DEA-NO) in the drinking water, showing a significant reduction on infarct size (NOS2KO: 34.6±5 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 20.7±9), in expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and cardiac performance was improved (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). NOS2KO: 31±4 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 46±6). The role of Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in NO-mediated cardiac protection was further assayed in Caveolin-3 KO mice, showing no significant improvement on infarct size (Caveolin-3 KO: 34.8±3 vs Caveolin-3 KO+DEA-NO:33.7±5), or in the expression of MMPs, suggesting that stabilization of the complex Caveolin-3/LG-EMMPRIN may play a significant role in the cardioprotective effect of NO against IR.

Fine-granularity inference and estimations to network traffic for SDN.

PubMed

Jiang, Dingde; Huo, Liuwei; Li, Ya

2018-01-01

An end-to-end network traffic matrix is significantly helpful for network management and for Software Defined Networks (SDN). However, the end-to-end network traffic matrix's inferences and estimations are a challenging problem. Moreover, attaining the traffic matrix in high-speed networks for SDN is a prohibitive challenge. This paper investigates how to estimate and recover the end-to-end network traffic matrix in fine time granularity from the sampled traffic traces, which is a hard inverse problem. Different from previous methods, the fractal interpolation is used to reconstruct the finer-granularity network traffic. Then, the cubic spline interpolation method is used to obtain the smooth reconstruction values. To attain an accurate the end-to-end network traffic in fine time granularity, we perform a weighted-geometric-average process for two interpolation results that are obtained. The simulation results show that our approaches are feasible and effective.

Fine-granularity inference and estimations to network traffic for SDN

PubMed Central

Huo, Liuwei; Li, Ya

2018-01-01

An end-to-end network traffic matrix is significantly helpful for network management and for Software Defined Networks (SDN). However, the end-to-end network traffic matrix's inferences and estimations are a challenging problem. Moreover, attaining the traffic matrix in high-speed networks for SDN is a prohibitive challenge. This paper investigates how to estimate and recover the end-to-end network traffic matrix in fine time granularity from the sampled traffic traces, which is a hard inverse problem. Different from previous methods, the fractal interpolation is used to reconstruct the finer-granularity network traffic. Then, the cubic spline interpolation method is used to obtain the smooth reconstruction values. To attain an accurate the end-to-end network traffic in fine time granularity, we perform a weighted-geometric-average process for two interpolation results that are obtained. The simulation results show that our approaches are feasible and effective. PMID:29718913

Collagen-derived dipeptide prolyl-hydroxyproline promotes differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells

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

Kimira, Yoshifumi, E-mail: kimira@josai.ac.jp; Ogura, Kana; Taniuchi, Yuri

Highlights: • Pro-Hyp did not affect MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and matrix mineralization. • Pro-Hyp significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity. • Pro-Hyp significantly upregulated gene expression of Runx2, Osterix, and Col1α1. - Abstract: Prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) is one of the major constituents of collagen-derived dipeptides. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pro-Hyp on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. Addition of Pro-Hyp did not affect MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and matrix mineralization but alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly increased. Furthermore, cells treated with Pro-Hyp significantly upregulated gene expression of Runx2, Osterix, and Col1α1. These results indicatemore » that Pro-Hyp promotes osteoblast differentiation. This study demonstrates for the first time that Pro-Hyp has a positive effect on osteoblast differentiation with upregulation of Runx2, Osterix, and Collα1 gene expression.« less

Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on dentin collagen.

PubMed

Mehtälä, P; Pashley, D H; Tjäderhane, L

2017-08-01

Infiltration of adhesive on dentin matrix depends on interaction of surface and adhesive. Interaction depends on dentin wettability, which can be enhanced either by increasing dentin surface energy or lowering the surface energy of adhesive. The objective was to examine the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on demineralized dentin wettability and dentin organic matrix expansion. Acid-etched human dentin was used for sessile drop contact angle measurement to test surface wetting on 1-5% DMSO-treated demineralized dentin surface, and linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) to measure expansion/shrinkage of dentinal matrix. DMSO-water binary liquids were examined for surface tension changes through concentrations from 0 to 100% DMSO. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to test the differences in dentin wettability, expansion and shrinkage, and Spearman test to test the correlation between DMSO concentration and water surface tension. The level of significance was p<0.05. Pretreatment with 1-5% DMSO caused statistically significant concentration-dependent increase in wetting: the immediate contact angles decreased by 11.8% and 46.6% and 60s contact angles by 9.5% and 47.4% with 1% and 5% DMSO, respectively. DMSO-water mixtures concentration-dependently expanded demineralized dentin samples less than pure water, except with high (≥80%) DMSO concentrations which expanded demineralized dentin more than water. Drying times of LVDT samples increased significantly with the use of DMSO. Increased dentin wettability may explain the previously demonstrated increase in adhesive penetration with DMSO-treated dentin, and together with the expansion of collagen matrix after drying may also explain previously observed increase in dentin adhesive bonding. Copyright © 2017 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel experimental design method to optimize hydrophilic matrix formulations with drug release profiles and mechanical properties.

PubMed

Choi, Du Hyung; Lim, Jun Yeul; Shin, Sangmun; Choi, Won Jun; Jeong, Seong Hoon; Lee, Sangkil

2014-10-01

To investigate the effects of hydrophilic polymers on the matrix system, an experimental design method was developed to integrate response surface methodology and the time series modeling. Moreover, the relationships among polymers on the matrix system were studied with the evaluation of physical properties including water uptake, mass loss, diffusion, and gelling index. A mixture simplex lattice design was proposed while considering eight input control factors: Polyethylene glycol 6000 (x1 ), polyethylene oxide (PEO) N-10 (x2 ), PEO 301 (x3 ), PEO coagulant (x4 ), PEO 303 (x5 ), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 100SR (x6 ), HPMC 4000SR (x7 ), and HPMC 10(5) SR (x8 ). With the modeling, optimal formulations were obtained depending on the four types of targets. The optimal formulations showed the four significant factors (x1 , x2 , x3 , and x8 ) and other four input factors (x4 , x5 , x6 , and x7 ) were not significant based on drug release profiles. Moreover, the optimization results were analyzed with estimated values, targets values, absolute biases, and relative biases based on observed times for the drug release rates with four different targets. The result showed that optimal solutions and target values had consistent patterns with small biases. On the basis of the physical properties of the optimal solutions, the type and ratio of the hydrophilic polymer and the relationships between polymers significantly influenced the physical properties of the system and drug release. This experimental design method is very useful in formulating a matrix system with optimal drug release. Moreover, it can distinctly confirm the relationships between excipients and the effects on the system with extensive and intensive evaluations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Analytical quality assurance in veterinary drug residue analysis methods: matrix effects determination and monitoring for sulfonamides analysis.

PubMed

Hoff, Rodrigo Barcellos; Rübensam, Gabriel; Jank, Louise; Barreto, Fabiano; Peralba, Maria do Carmo Ruaro; Pizzolato, Tânia Mara; Silvia Díaz-Cruz, M; Barceló, Damià

2015-01-01

In residue analysis of veterinary drugs in foodstuff, matrix effects are one of the most critical points. This work present a discuss considering approaches used to estimate, minimize and monitoring matrix effects in bioanalytical methods. Qualitative and quantitative methods for estimation of matrix effects such as post-column infusion, slopes ratios analysis, calibration curves (mathematical and statistical analysis) and control chart monitoring are discussed using real data. Matrix effects varying in a wide range depending of the analyte and the sample preparation method: pressurized liquid extraction for liver samples show matrix effects from 15.5 to 59.2% while a ultrasound-assisted extraction provide values from 21.7 to 64.3%. The matrix influence was also evaluated: for sulfamethazine analysis, losses of signal were varying from -37 to -96% for fish and eggs, respectively. Advantages and drawbacks are also discussed considering a workflow for matrix effects assessment proposed and applied to real data from sulfonamides residues analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tendon Reattachment to Bone in an Ovine Tendon Defect Model of Retraction Using Allogenic and Xenogenic Demineralised Bone Matrix Incorporated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

PubMed

Thangarajah, Tanujan; Shahbazi, Shirin; Pendegrass, Catherine J; Lambert, Simon; Alexander, Susan; Blunn, Gordon W

2016-01-01

Tendon-bone healing following rotator cuff repairs is mainly impaired by poor tissue quality. Demineralised bone matrix promotes healing of the tendon-bone interface but its role in the treatment of tendon tears with retraction has not been investigated. We hypothesized that cortical demineralised bone matrix used with minimally manipulated mesenchymal stem cells will result in improved function and restoration of the tendon-bone interface with no difference between xenogenic and allogenic scaffolds. In an ovine model, the patellar tendon was detached from the tibial tuberosity and a complete distal tendon transverse defect measuring 1 cm was created. Suture anchors were used to reattach the tendon and xenogenic demineralised bone matrix + minimally manipulated mesenchymal stem cells (n = 5), or allogenic demineralised bone matrix + minimally manipulated mesenchymal stem cells (n = 5) were used to bridge the defect. Graft incorporation into the tendon and its effect on regeneration of the enthesis was assessed using histomorphometry. Force plate analysis was used to assess functional recovery. Compared to the xenograft, the allograft was associated with significantly higher functional weight bearing at 6 (P = 0.047), 9 (P = 0.028), and 12 weeks (P = 0.009). In the allogenic group this was accompanied by greater remodeling of the demineralised bone matrix into tendon-like tissue in the region of the defect (p = 0.015), and a more direct type of enthesis characterized by significantly more fibrocartilage (p = 0.039). No failures of tendon-bone healing were noted in either group. Demineralised bone matrix used with minimally manipulated mesenchymal stem cells promotes healing of the tendon-bone interface in an ovine model of acute tendon retraction, with superior mechanical and histological results associated with use of an allograft.

Contaminant transport in fractured rocks with significant matrix permeability, using natural fracture geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odling, Noelle E.; Roden, Julie E.

1997-09-01

Some results from numerical models of flow and contaminant transport in fractured permeable rocks, where fractures are more conductive than rock matrix, are described. The 2D flow field in the fractured and permeable rock matrix is calculated using a finite difference, 'conductance mesh' method, and the contaminant transport is simulated by particle tracking methods using an advection-biased, random walk technique. The model is applied to simulated and naturally occurring fracture patterns. The simulated pattern is an en echelon array of unconnected fractures, as an example of a common, naturally occurring fracture geometry. Two natural fracture patterns are used: one of unconnected, sub-parallel fractures and one with oblique fracture sets which is well connected. Commonly occurring matrix permeability and fracture aperture values are chosen. The simulations show that the presence of fractures creates complex and heterogeneous flow fields and contaminant distribution in the permeable rock matrix. The modelling results have shown that some effects are non-intuitive and therefore difficult to foresee without the help of a model. With respect to contaminant transport rates and plume heterogeneity, it was found that fracture connectivity (crucial when the matrix is impermeable) can play a secondary role to fracture orientation and density. Connected fracture systems can produce smooth break-through curves of contaminants summed over, for example, a bore-hole length, whereas in detail the contaminant plume is spatially highly heterogeneous. Close to a constant-pressure boundary (e.g. an extraction bore-hole), flow and contaminants can be channelled by fractures. Thus observations at a bore-hole may suggest that contaminants are largely confined to the fracture system, when, in fact, significant contamination resides in the matrix.

Fabrication of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffolds Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofibers, with and without the Addition of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Morouço, Pedro; Biscaia, Sara; Viana, Tânia; Franco, Margarida; Malça, Cândida; Mateus, Artur; Moura, Carla; Ferreira, Frederico C; Mitchell, Geoffrey; Alves, Nuno M

2016-01-01

Biomaterial properties and controlled architecture of scaffolds are essential features to provide an adequate biological and mechanical support for tissue regeneration, mimicking the ingrowth tissues. In this study, a bioextrusion system was used to produce 3D biodegradable scaffolds with controlled architecture, comprising three types of constructs: (i) poly( ε -caprolactone) (PCL) matrix as reference; (ii) PCL-based matrix reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF); and (iii) PCL-based matrix reinforced with CNF and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANP). The effect of the addition and/or combination of CNF and HANP into the polymeric matrix of PCL was investigated, with the effects of the biomaterial composition on the constructs (morphological, thermal, and mechanical performances) being analysed. Scaffolds were produced using a single lay-down pattern of 0/90°, with the same processing parameters among all constructs being assured. The performed morphological analyses showed a satisfactory distribution of CNF within the polymer matrix and high reliability was obtained among the produced scaffolds. Significant effects on surface wettability and thermal properties were observed, among scaffolds. Regarding the mechanical properties, higher scaffold stiffness in the reinforced scaffolds was obtained. Results from the cytotoxicity assay suggest that all the composite scaffolds presented good biocompatibility. The results of this first study on cellulose and hydroxyapatite reinforced constructs with controlled architecture clearly demonstrate the potential of these 3D composite constructs for cell cultivation with enhanced mechanical properties.

Baicalin Down-Regulates IL-1β-Stimulated Extracellular Matrix Production in Nasal Fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Shin, Jae-Min; Kang, Ju-Hyung; Lee, Seoung-Ae; Park, Il-Ho; Lee, Heung-Man

2016-01-01

Purpose Baicalin, a Chinese herbal medicine, has anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The aims of present study were to investigate the effects of baicalin on the myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix production, migration, and collagen contraction of interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated nasal fibroblasts and to determine the molecular mechanism of baicalin in nasal fibroblasts. Methods Nasal fibroblasts were isolated from the inferior turbinate of patients. Baicalin was used to treat IL-1β-stimulated nasal fibroblasts. To evaluate cytotoxicity, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay was used. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin, phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MAPK), p-Akt, p-p50, p-p65, and p-IκBα were measured by western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT—PCR),or immunofluorescence staining. Fibroblast migration was analyzed with scratch assays and transwell migration assays. Total collagen was evaluated with the Sircol collagen assay. Contractile activity was measured with a collagen gel contraction assay. Results Baicalin (0–50 μM) had no significant cytotoxic effects in nasal fibroblasts. The expression of α–SMA and fibronectin were significantly down-regulated in baicalin-treated nasal fibroblasts. Migration, collagen production, and contraction of IL-1β-stimulated nasal fibroblasts were significantly inhibited by baicalin treatment. Baicalin also significantly down-regulated p-MAPK, p-Akt, p-p50, p-p65, and p-IκBα in IL-1β-stimulated nasal fibroblasts. Conclusions We showed that baicalin down-regulated myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix production, migration, and collagen contraction via the MAPK and Akt/ NF-κB pathways in IL-1β-stimulated nasal fibroblasts. PMID:28002421

Ultrahigh Ductility, High-Carbon Martensitic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Shengwei; Liu, Yu; Hao, Qingguo; Zuo, Xunwei; Rong, Yonghua; Chen, Nailu

2016-10-01

Based on the proposed design idea of the anti-transformation-induced plasticity effect, both the additions of the Nb element and pretreatment of the normalization process as a novel quenching-partitioning-tempering (Q-P-T) were designed for Fe-0.63C-1.52Mn-1.49Si-0.62Cr-0.036Nb hot-rolled steel. This high-carbon Q-P-T martensitic steel exhibits a tensile strength of 1890 MPa and elongation of 29 pct accompanied by the excellent product of tensile and elongation of 55 GPa pct. The origin of ultrahigh ductility for high-carbon Q-P-T martensitic steel is revealed from two aspects: one is the softening of martensitic matrix due to both the depletion of carbon in the matensitic matrix during the Q-P-T process by partitioning of carbon from supersaturated martensite to retained austenite and the reduction of the dislocation density in a martensitic matrix by dislocation absorption by retained austenite effect during deformation, which significantly enhances the deformation ability of martensitic matrix; another is the high mechanical stability of considerable carbon-enriched retained austenite, which effectively reduces the formation of brittle twin-type martensite. This work verifies the correctness of the design idea of the anti-TRIP effect and makes the third-generation advanced high-strength steels extend to the field of high-carbon steels from low- and medium-carbon steels.

Heat Transfer and Fluid Transport of Supercritical CO 2 in Enhanced Geothermal System with Local Thermal Non-equilibrium Model

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Le; Luo, Feng; Xu, Ruina; ...

2014-12-31

The heat transfer and fluid transport of supercritical CO 2 in enhanced geothermal system (EGS) is studied numerically with local thermal non-equilibrium model, which accounts for the temperature difference between solid matrix and fluid components in porous media and uses two energy equations to describe heat transfer in the solid matrix and in the fluid, respectively. As compared with the previous results of our research group, the effect of local thermal non-equilibrium mainly depends on the volumetric heat transfer coefficient ah, which has a significant effect on the production temperature at reservoir outlet and thermal breakthrough time. The uniformity ofmore » volumetric heat transfer coefficient ah has little influence on the thermal breakthrough time, but the temperature difference become more obvious with time after thermal breakthrough with this simulation model. The thermal breakthrough time reduces and the effect of local thermal non-equilibrium becomes significant with decreasing ah.« less

Effects of number of ply, compression temperature, pressure and time on mechanical properties of prepreg kenaf-polypropilene composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomo, H. S. S.; Ujianto, O.; Rizal, R.; Pratama, Y.

2017-07-01

Composite material thermoplastic was prepared from polypropilen granule as matrix, kenaf fiber as reinforcement and grafted polypropylene copolymer maleic anhydride as coupling agent. Composite products were produced as sandwich structures using compression molding. This research aimed to observe the influence of number of ply, temperature, pressure, and compression time using factorial design. Effects of variables on tensile and flexural strength were analyzed. Experimental results showed that tensile and flexural strength were influenced by degradation, fiber compaction, and matrix - fiber interaction mechanisms. Flexural strength was significantly affected by number of ply and its interaction to another process parameters (temperature, pressure, and compression time), but no significant effect of process parameters on tensile strength. The highest tensile strength (62.0 MPa) was produced at 3 ply, 210 °C, 50 Bar, and 3 min compression time (low, high, high, low), while the highest flexural strength (80.3 MPa) was produced at 3 ply, 190 °C, 50 Bar, and 3 min compression time (low, low, high, low).

Faecal matrix metalloprotease-9 is a more sensitive marker for diagnosing pouchitis than faecal calprotectin: results from a pilot study.

PubMed

Farkas, Klaudia; Bálint, Anita; Bor, Renáta; Földesi, Imre; Szűcs, Mónika; Nagy, Ferenc; Szepes, Zoltán; Annaházi, Anita; Róka, Richárd; Molnár, Tamás

2015-03-01

Potential non-invasive markers of pouchitis would have a great deal of significance within clinical practice. This study is aimed at assessing the diagnostic accuracy of fecal calprotectin and matrix metalloprotease-9 as potential markers in patients both with and without pouchitis. Stool and blood samples were collected from 33 ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients before a follow-up pouchoscopy. Biopsy samples were taken for histological purposes. The presence of cuffitis and stenosis was evaluated with an endoscopy. Calprotectin and matrix metalloprotease-9 were quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pouchitis was detected in 30.3% of the patients. The levels of fecal calprotectin and matrix metalloprotease-9 increased significantly in patients with pouchitis. The sensitivity and specificity of matrix metalloprotease-9 was higher than that of fecal calprotectin. Only matrix metalloprotease-9 correlated significantly with the severity of pouchitis. Fecal matrix metalloprotease-9 has a high specificity in the diagnosis of pouchitis.

Effects of vacancy defects on the interfacial shear strength of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composite.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Sanjib Chandra; Okabe, Tomonaga; Nishikawa, Masaaki

2010-02-01

We investigate the effects of the vacancy defects (i.e., missing atoms) in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the interfacial shear strength (ISS) of the CNT-polyethylene composite with the molecular dynamics simulation. In the simulation, the crystalline polyethylene matrix is set up in a hexagonal array with the polymer chains parallel to the CNT axis. Vacancy defects in the CNT are introduced by removing the corresponding atoms from the pristine CNT (i.e., CNT without any defect). Three patterns of vacancy defects with three different sizes are considered. Two types of interfaces, with and without cross-links between the CNT and the matrix are also considered here. Polyethylene chains are used as cross-links between the CNT and the matrix. The Brenner potential is used for the carbon-carbon interaction in the CNT, while the polymer is modeled by a united-atom potential. The nonbonded van der Waals interaction between the CNT and the polymer matrix and within the polymer matrix itself is modeled with the Lennard-Jones potential. To determine the ISS, we conduct the CNT pull-out from the polymer matrix and the ISS has been estimated with the change of total potential energy of the CNT-polymer system. The simulation results reveal that the vacancy defects significantly influence the ISS. Moreover, the simulation clarifies that CNT breakage occurs during the pull-out process for large size vacancy defect which ultimately reduces the reinforcement.

Effect of two hydrophobic polymers on the release of gliclazide from their matrix tablets.

PubMed

Hussain, Talib; Saeed, Tariq; Mumtaz, Ahmad M; Javaid, Zeeshan; Abbas, Khizar; Awais, Azeema; Idrees, Hafiz Arfat

2013-01-01

Gliclazide is an oral hypoglycemic agent, indicated in non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and in patients with diabetic retinopathy. It has good tolerability and is a short acting sulfonyl urea that requires large dose to maintain the blood glucose level. So development of a sustained release formulation of gliclazide (GLZ) is required for better patient compliance. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different drug polymer ratios on the release profile of gliclazide from the matrix. Oral matrix tablets of gliclazide were prepared by hot melt method, using pure and blended mixture of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and stearic acid (SA) in different ratios. In vitro release pattern was studied for 8 h in phosphate buffer media (pH 7.4). Different kinetic models including zero order, first order, Higuchi and Peppas were applied to evaluate drug release behavior. Drug excipient compatibility was evaluated by scanning with DSC and FTIR. Higuchi model was found the most appropriate model for describing the release profile of GLZ and non-Fickian release was found predominant mechanism of drug release. The release of drug from the matrix was greatly controlled by GMS while SA appeared to facilitate the release of drug from matrix tablets. FTIR results showed no chemical interaction between drug and the polymers, and DSC results indicated amorphous state of GLZ and polymers without significant complex formation. The results indicate that matrix tablets of gliclazide using glyceryl monostearate and stearic acid showed marked sustained release properties.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 on Irreversible Pulpitis of Mature Erupted Teeth

PubMed Central

Eba, Hisanori; Murasawa, Yusuke; Iohara, Koichiro; Isogai, Zenzo; Nakamura, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Hiroyuki; Nakashima, Misako

2012-01-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in extracellular matrix degradation and the modulation of cell behavior. These proteinases have also been implicated in tissue repair and regeneration. Our previous studies have demonstrated that MMP-3 elicits stimulatory effects on the proliferation and the migration of endothelial cells as well as anti-apoptotic effects on these cells in vitro. In addition, we found that MMP-3 enhanced the regeneration of lost pulp tissue in a rat incisor pulp injury model. However, continuously erupting rodent incisors exhibit significantly different pulp organization compared with mature erupted teeth. Therefore, we have further extended these studies using a canine irreversible pulpitis model to investigate the effects of MMP-3. In this study, the crowns of the canine mature premolars were removed and the pulp tissues were amputated. The amputated pulp tissues remained exposed for 24 or 72 hours to induce mild or severe irreversible pulpitis, respectively, followed by sealing of the cavities. In both models, the whole pulp tissues became necrotic by day 14. In this mild pulpitis model, the regeneration of pulp tissue with vasculature and nerves was observed until 14 days after sealing with MMP-3, followed by extracellular matrix formation in the regenerated pulp tissues until day 28. The treatment with MMP-3 resulted in a decrease in the number of macrophage and antigen-presenting cells and a significant inhibition of IL-6 expression on day 3. The inhibition of MMP-3 activity abolished these anti-inflammatory effects. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that MMP-3 was involved in the modification of serum-derived hyaluronan-associated proteins and hyaluronan (SHAP-HA) complexes possibly through the degradation of versican. These results demonstrate that MMP-3 can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and suggest that MMP-3 might represent a useful therapy for the treatment of mild irreversible pulpitis. PMID:23285075

Response surface methodology as an approach to determine optimal activities of lipase entrapped in sol-gel matrix using different vegetable oils.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Rubiane C; Soares, Cleide M F; de Castro, Heizir F; Moraes, Flavio F; Zanin, Gisella M

2008-03-01

The conditions for maximization of the enzymatic activity of lipase entrapped in sol-gel matrix were determined for different vegetable oils using an experimental design. The effects of pH, temperature, and biocatalyst loading on lipase activity were verified using a central composite experimental design leading to a set of 13 assays and the surface response analysis. For canola oil and entrapped lipase, statistical analyses showed significant effects for pH and temperature and also the interactions between pH and temperature and temperature and biocatalyst loading. For the olive oil and entrapped lipase, it was verified that the pH was the only variable statistically significant. This study demonstrated that response surface analysis is a methodology appropriate for the maximization of the percentage of hydrolysis, as a function of pH, temperature, and lipase loading.

Mechanical model of suture joints with fibrous connective layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miroshnichenko, Kateryna; Liu, Lei; Tsukrov, Igor; Li, Yaning

2018-02-01

A composite model for suture joints with a connective layer of aligned fibers embedded in soft matrix is proposed. Based on the principle of complementary virtual work, composite cylinder assemblage (CCA) approach and generalized self-consistent micro-mechanical models, a hierarchical homogenization methodology is developed to systematically quantify the synergistic effects of suture morphology and fiber orientation on the overall mechanical properties of sutures. Suture joints with regular triangular wave-form serve as an example material system to apply this methodology. Both theoretical and finite element mechanical models are developed and compared to evaluate the overall normal stiffness of sutures as a function of wavy morphology of sutures, fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, and the mechanical properties of fibers and matrix in the interfacial layer. It is found that generally due to the anisotropy-induced coupling effects between tensile and shear deformation, the effective normal stiffness of sutures is highly dependent on the fiber orientation in the connective layer. Also, the effective shear modulus of the connective layer and the stiffness ratio between the fiber and matrix significantly influence the effects of fiber orientation. In addition, optimal fiber orientations are found to maximize the stiffness of suture joints.

Disintegration of the net-shaped grain-boundary phase by multi-directional forging and its influence on the microstructure and properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jinlong; Lu, Zhenlin; Zhao, Yuntao; Jia, Lei; Xie, Hui; Tao, Shiping

2017-09-01

Cu-Ni-Si alloys with 90% Cu content and Ni to Si ratios of 5:1 were fabricated by fusion casting, and severe plastic deformation of the Cu-Ni-Si alloy was carried out by multi-direction forging (MDF). The results showed that the as-cast and homogenized Cu-Ni-Si alloys consisted of three phases, namely the matrix phase α-Cu (Ni, Si), the reticular grain boundary phase Ni31Si12 and the precipitated phase Ni2Si. MDF significantly destroyed the net-shaped grain boundary phase, the Ni31Si12 phase and refined the grain size of the Cu matrix, and also resulted in the dissolving of Ni2Si precipitates into the Cu matrix. The effect of MDF on the conductivity of the solid solution Cu-Ni-Si alloy was very significant, with an average increase of 165.16%, and the hardness of the Cu-Ni-Si alloy also increased obviously.

Micromechanical Modeling of Woven Metal Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Pindera, Marek-Jerzy

1997-01-01

This report presents the results of an extensive micromechanical modeling effort for woven metal matrix composites. The model is employed to predict the mechanical response of 8-harness (8H) satin weave carbon/copper (C/Cu) composites. Experimental mechanical results for this novel high thermal conductivity material were recently reported by Bednarcyk et al. along with preliminary model results. The micromechanics model developed herein is based on an embedded approach. A micromechanics model for the local (micro-scale) behavior of the woven composite, the original method of cells (Aboudi), is embedded in a global (macro-scale) micromechanics model (the three-dimensional generalized method of cells (GMC-3D) (Aboudi). This approach allows representation of true repeating unit cells for woven metal matrix composites via GMC-3D, and representation of local effects, such as matrix plasticity, yarn porosity, and imperfect fiber-matrix bonding. In addition, the equations of GMC-3D were reformulated to significantly reduce the number of unknown quantities that characterize the deformation fields at the microlevel in order to make possible the analysis of actual microstructures of woven composites. The resulting micromechanical model (WCGMC) provides an intermediate level of geometric representation, versatility, and computational efficiency with respect to previous analytical and numerical models for woven composites, but surpasses all previous modeling work by allowing the mechanical response of a woven metal matrix composite, with an elastoplastic matrix, to be examined for the first time. WCGMC is employed to examine the effects of composite microstructure, porosity, residual stresses, and imperfect fiber-matrix bonding on the predicted mechanical response of 8H satin C/Cu. The previously reported experimental results are summarized, and the model predictions are compared to monotonic and cyclic tensile and shear test data. By considering appropriate levels of porosity, residual stresses, and imperfect fiber-matrix debonding, reasonably good qualitative and quantitative correlation is achieved between model and experiment.

Compensation of matrix effects in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of pesticides using a combination of matrix matching and multiple isotopically labeled internal standards.

PubMed

Tsuchiyama, Tomoyuki; Katsuhara, Miki; Nakajima, Masahiro

2017-11-17

In the multi-residue analysis of pesticides using GC-MS, the quantitative results are adversely affected by a phenomenon known as the matrix effect. Although the use of matrix-matched standards is considered to be one of the most practical solutions to this problem, complete removal of the matrix effect is difficult in complex food matrices owing to their inconsistency. As a result, residual matrix effects can introduce analytical errors. To compensate for residual matrix effects, we have developed a novel method that employs multiple isotopically labeled internal standards (ILIS). The matrix effects of ILIS and pesticides were evaluated in spiked matrix extracts of various agricultural commodities, and the obtained data were subjected to simple statistical analysis. Based on the similarities between the patterns of variation in the analytical response, a total of 32 isotopically labeled compounds were assigned to 338 pesticides as internal standards. It was found that by utilizing multiple ILIS, residual matrix effects could be effectively compensated. The developed method exhibited superior quantitative performance compared with the common single-internal-standard method. The proposed method is more feasible for regulatory purposes than that using only predetermined correction factors and is considered to be promising for practical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Forging Parameters on Low Cycle Fatigue Behaviour of Al/Basalt Short Fiber Metal Matrix Composites

PubMed Central

Karthigeyan, R.; Ranganath, G.

2013-01-01

This paper deals with metal matrix composites (MMCs) of Al 7075 alloy containing different weight percentage (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) basalt short fiber reinforcement and unreinforced matrix alloy. The samples were produced by the permanent stir casting technique. The casting ingots were cut into blanks to be forged in single stage and double stage, using MN press and graphite-based lubricant. The microstructures and fatigue properties of the matrix alloy and MMC samples were investigated in the as cast state and in the single and double stage forging operations. The microstructure results showed that the forged sample had a uniform distribution of the basalt short fiber throughout the specimens. Evaluation of the fatigue properties showed that the forged samples had higher values than those of the as cast counterparts. After forging, the enhancement of the fatigue strength of the matrix alloy was so significant and high in the case of 2.5 and 5.0 wt. percentage basalt short fiber reinforced MMC, and there was no enhancement in 7.5 and 10 weight percentages short fiber reinforced MMCs. The fracture damage was mainly due to decohesion at the matrix-fiber interface. PMID:24298207

Effect of forging parameters on low cycle fatigue behaviour of Al/basalt short fiber metal matrix composites.

PubMed

Karthigeyan, R; Ranganath, G

2013-01-01

This paper deals with metal matrix composites (MMCs) of Al 7075 alloy containing different weight percentage (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) basalt short fiber reinforcement and unreinforced matrix alloy. The samples were produced by the permanent stir casting technique. The casting ingots were cut into blanks to be forged in single stage and double stage, using MN press and graphite-based lubricant. The microstructures and fatigue properties of the matrix alloy and MMC samples were investigated in the as cast state and in the single and double stage forging operations. The microstructure results showed that the forged sample had a uniform distribution of the basalt short fiber throughout the specimens. Evaluation of the fatigue properties showed that the forged samples had higher values than those of the as cast counterparts. After forging, the enhancement of the fatigue strength of the matrix alloy was so significant and high in the case of 2.5 and 5.0 wt. percentage basalt short fiber reinforced MMC, and there was no enhancement in 7.5 and 10 weight percentages short fiber reinforced MMCs. The fracture damage was mainly due to decohesion at the matrix-fiber interface.

Adenoviral transduction supports matrix expression of alginate cultured articular chondrocytes.

PubMed

Pohle, D; Kasch, R; Herlyn, P; Bader, R; Mittlmeier, T; Pützer, B M; Müller-Hilke, B

2012-09-01

The present study examines the effects of adenoviral (Ad) transduction of human primary chondrocyte on transgene expression and matrix production. Primary chondrocytes were isolated from healthy articular cartilage and from cartilage with mild osteoarthritis (OA), transduced with an Ad vector and either immediately cultured in alginate or expanded in monolayer before alginate culture. Proteoglycan production was measured using dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and matrix gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR. Viral infection of primary chondrocytes results in a stable long time transgene expression for up to 13 weeks. Ad transduction does not significantly alter gene expression and matrix production if chondrocytes are immediately embedded in alginate. However, if expanded prior to three dimension (3D) culture in alginate, chondrocytes produce not only more proteoglycans compared to non-transduced controls, but also display an increased anabolic and decreased catabolic activity compared to non-transduced controls. We therefore suggest that successful autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) should combine adenoviral transduction of primary chondrocytes with expansion in monolayer followed by 3D culture. Future studies will be needed to investigate whether the subsequent matrix production can be further improved by using Ad vectors bearing genes encoding matrix proteins. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modulation of drug release kinetics of shellac-based matrix tablets by in-situ polymerization through annealing process.

PubMed

Limmatvapirat, Sontaya; Limmatvapirat, Chutima; Puttipipatkhachorn, Satit; Nunthanid, Jurairat; Luangtana-anan, Manee; Sriamornsak, Pornsak

2008-08-01

A new oral-controlled release matrix tablet based on shellac polymer was designed and developed, using metronidazole (MZ) as a model drug. The shellac-based matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation using different amounts of shellac and lactose. The effect of annealing temperature and pH of medium on drug release from matrix tablets was investigated. The increased amount of shellac and increased annealing temperature significantly affected the physical properties (i.e., tablet hardness and tablet disintegration) and MZ release from the matrix tablets. The in-situ polymerization played a major role on the changes in shellac properties during annealing process. Though the shellac did not dissolve in acid medium, the MZ release in 0.1N HCl was faster than in pH 7.3 buffer, resulting from a higher solubility of MZ in acid medium. The modulation of MZ release kinetics from shellac-based matrix tablets could be accomplished by varying the amount of shellac or annealing temperature. The release kinetics was shifted from relaxation-controlled release to diffusion-controlled release when the amount of shellac or the annealing temperature was increased.

C-type natriuretic peptide suppresses mesangial proliferation and matrix expression via a MMPs/TIMPs-independent pathway in vitro.

PubMed

Huang, Bao Yu; Hu, Peng; Zhang, Dong Dong; Jiang, Guang Mei; Liu, Si Yan; Xu, Yao; Wu, Yang Fang; Xia, Xun; Wang, Ya

2017-08-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) acts mainly in a local, paracrine fashion to regulate vascular tone and cell proliferation. Although several in vivo studies have demonstrated that CNP exerts an inhibitory effect on mesangial matrix generation, a limited number of reports exist about the anti-extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation effect of CNP and its underlying mechanisms in mesangial cells (MCs) in vitro. In this study, human MCs were incubated in serum-containing medium in the absence or presence of CNP (0, 10 and 100 pM) for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. CNP administration significantly suppresses MCs proliferation and collagen (Col)-IV expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, the study presented herein was designed as a first demonstration of the regulative effects of CNP on the metabolisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in MCs in vitro, and found that: (1) CNP administration significantly decreased the secretion and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the cultured MCs; (2) the secretion and expression of TIMP-1 progressively elevated after treatment with CNP for 24 and 48 h, whereas declined at later time point; (3) CNP expression was negatively correlated with MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression; (4) the balance of MMPs/TIMPs was shifted toward the reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and/or the increment in TIMP-1 expression, which could not account for the down-regulation of Col-IV expression in CNP-treated MCs. In conclusion, CNP suppresses mesangial proliferation and ECM expression via a MMPs/TIMPs-independent pathway in vitro.

An atmospheric pressure ionization source using a high voltage target compared to electrospray ionization for the LC/MS analysis of pharmaceutical compounds.

PubMed

Lubin, Arnaud; De Vries, Ronald; Cabooter, Deirdre; Augustijns, Patrick; Cuyckens, Filip

2017-08-05

The type and design of an ionization source can have a significant influence on the performances of a bioanalytical method. It is, therefore, of high interest to evaluate the performances of newly introduced sources to highlight their benefits and limitations in comparison to other well established sources. In this paper, liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC/MS) performances of a new atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source, commercialized as UniSpray, is evaluated. The dynamic range of 24 pharmaceutical and biological compounds is compared between the new API source and electrospray ionization (ESI) for 3 different mobile phase conditions. Matrix effects are also compared with ESI on a refined selection of 19 pharmaceutical and biological compounds in 4 matrices commonly encountered in bioanalysis. A slightly better dynamic range towards lower concentrations was often observed with the new API source. Matrix effects were quite similar between the two sources with a small, but statistically significant, lower percentage of matrix effects observed for the new API source in plasma and bile in the positive ion mode, and bile in negative ion mode for ESI. Finally, the sensitivity of late eluting compounds could be improved on the new API source by post-column addition of water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The matrix protein CCN1 (CYR61) promotes proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells

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

Yu Yang; Gao Yu; Wang, Hong

Neovascularization and re-endothelialization relies on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), but their recruitment and angiogenic roles are subjected to regulation by the vascular microenvironment, which remains largely unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of mature ECs and matrix protein CCN1 on the properties of EPCs. In a coculture system, effects of ECs on proliferation, migration and participation in tube-like formation of EPCs were evaluated, and functional assays were employed to identify the exact role of CCN1 in EPCs vitality and function. We demonstrated that ECs, as an indispensable part of the cellular milieu, significantly promoted themore » proliferation, migration and tube formation activities of EPCs, and more importantly, CCN1 was potentially involved in such effects of ECs. Expression of CCN1 in EPCs was significantly increased by serum, VEGF, ECs-cocultivation and ECs conditioned medium. Moreover, Ad-CCN1-mediated overexpression of CCN1 directly enhanced migration and tube formation of EPCs, whereas silencing of endogenous CCN1 in EPCs inhibits cell functions. Furthermore, CCN1 induced the expressions of chemokines and growth factors, such as MCP-1 and VEGF, suggesting a complex interaction between those proangiogenic factors. Our data suggest that matrix protein CCN1 may play an important role in microenvironment-mediated biological properties of EPCs.« less

The effect of scaffold pore size in cartilage tissue engineering.

PubMed

Nava, Michele M; Draghi, Lorenza; Giordano, Carmen; Pietrabissa, Riccardo

2016-07-26

The effect of scaffold pore size and interconnectivity is undoubtedly a crucial factor for most tissue engineering applications. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pore size and porosity on cartilage construct development in different scaffolds seeded with articular chondrocytes. We fabricated poly-L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate scaffolds with different pore sizes, using a solvent-casting/particulate-leaching technique. We seeded primary bovine articular chondrocytes on these scaffolds, cultured the constructs for 2 weeks and examined cell proliferation, viability and cell-specific production of cartilaginous extracellular matrix proteins, including GAG and collagen. Cell density significantly increased up to 50% with scaffold pore size and porosity, likely facilitated by cell spreading on the internal surface of bigger pores, and by increased mass transport of gases and nutrients to cells, and catabolite removal from cells, allowed by lower diffusion barriers in scaffolds with a higher porosity. However, both the cell metabolic activity and the synthesis of cartilaginous matrix proteins significantly decreased by up to 40% with pore size. We propose that the association of smaller pore diameters, causing 3-dimensional cell aggregation, to a lower oxygenation caused by a lower porosity, could have been the condition that increased the cell-specific synthesis of cartilaginous matrix proteins in the scaffold with the smallest pores and the lowest porosity among those tested. In the initial steps of in vitro cartilage engineering, the combination of small scaffold pores and low porosity is an effective strategy with regard to the promotion of chondrogenesis.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention on expression of extracellular matrix collagen and metabolic enzymes].

PubMed

Liao, Jun; Zhang, Le; Ke, Mei-gui; Xu, Teng

2013-12-01

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Dazhui" (GV 14) on the contents of extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen type II (COL-II), collagen type V (COL-V), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in rats with cervicovertebral disc degeneration so as to explore its mechanism underlying relief of intervertebral disc degeneration. A total of 28 SD rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 7), model group (n = 7), EA group (n = 7) and medication group (n = 7). The model of cervical intervertebral disc degeneration was established by trans-section of the deep neck splenius, the longest muscles of head, neck costocervicalis, head semi-spinatus muscle, supraspinous ligament and interspinal ligaments of cervical 2-7 segments, etc. to produce imbalance between the dynamic and static force. EA was applied to "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 30 min, once daily for 28 days, with a 2 days' interval between two courses. Animals of the medication group were treated by oral administration of meloxicam tablets (0.75 mg/kg) once daily for 28 days, with a 2 days' interval between two courses. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of ECM, COL- II, COL-V, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 in the cervicovertebral disc tissue. Compared with the sham group, the expression levels of ECM and COL-II proteins in the cervicovertebral disc tissue were significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.01), while COL-V and MMP-13 expression levels in the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, both ECM and COL-Il expression levels were considerably increased in the EA group and medication group (P < 0.01), while COL-V and MMP-13 expression levels were considerably down-regulated (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the four groups in TIMP-1 expression levels (P > 0.05). EA of "Dazhui" (GV 14) can effectively regulate extracellular matrix system in rats with cervical intervertebral disc degeneration, which is possibly related to its effect in relieving cervical spondylosis.

Effect of Nanofiller Shape on Effective Thermal Conductivity of Fluoropolymer Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-24

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: Filler particle size and shape influence interconnectivity within a polymer matrix and play a significant role in controlling...the effective thermal conductivity of a composite. This study examines the effect of nanofiller particle shape in a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE...carbon fillers: nano-diamond spheres, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene flakes. The experimental results are coupled with a particle connectivity model

EXTENDING MULTIVARIATE DISTANCE MATRIX REGRESSION WITH AN EFFECT SIZE MEASURE AND THE ASYMPTOTIC NULL DISTRIBUTION OF THE TEST STATISTIC

PubMed Central

McArtor, Daniel B.; Lubke, Gitta H.; Bergeman, C. S.

2017-01-01

Person-centered methods are useful for studying individual differences in terms of (dis)similarities between response profiles on multivariate outcomes. Multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR) tests the significance of associations of response profile (dis)similarities and a set of predictors using permutation tests. This paper extends MDMR by deriving and empirically validating the asymptotic null distribution of its test statistic, and by proposing an effect size for individual outcome variables, which is shown to recover true associations. These extensions alleviate the computational burden of permutation tests currently used in MDMR and render more informative results, thus making MDMR accessible to new research domains. PMID:27738957

Extending multivariate distance matrix regression with an effect size measure and the asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic.

PubMed

McArtor, Daniel B; Lubke, Gitta H; Bergeman, C S

2017-12-01

Person-centered methods are useful for studying individual differences in terms of (dis)similarities between response profiles on multivariate outcomes. Multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR) tests the significance of associations of response profile (dis)similarities and a set of predictors using permutation tests. This paper extends MDMR by deriving and empirically validating the asymptotic null distribution of its test statistic, and by proposing an effect size for individual outcome variables, which is shown to recover true associations. These extensions alleviate the computational burden of permutation tests currently used in MDMR and render more informative results, thus making MDMR accessible to new research domains.

Free vibration of fully functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced graphite/epoxy laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Shih-Yao

2018-03-01

This study provides the first-known vibration analysis of fully functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced hybrid composite (FFG-CNTRHC) laminates. CNTs are non-uniformly distributed to reinforce the graphite/epoxy laminates. Some CNT distribution functions in the plane and thickness directions are proposed to more efficiently increase the stiffening effect. The rule of mixtures is modified by considering the non-homogeneous material properties of FFG-CNTRHC laminates. The formulation of the location dependent stiffness matrix and mass matrix is derived. The effects of CNT volume fraction and distribution on the natural frequencies of FFG-CNTRHC laminates are discussed. The results reveal that the FFG layout may significantly increase the natural frequencies of FFG-CNTRHC laminate.

Modeling deformation behavior of Cu-Zr-Al bulk metallic glass matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pauly, S.; Liu, G.; Wang, G.; Das, J.; Kim, K. B.; Kühn, U.; Kim, D. H.; Eckert, J.

2009-09-01

In the present work we prepared an in situ Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 bulk metallic glass matrix composite derived from the shape memory alloy CuZr. We use a strength model, which considers percolation and a three-microstructural-element body approach, to understand the effect of the crystalline phase on the yield stress and the fracture strain under compressive loading, respectively. The intrinsic work-hardenability due to the martensitic transformation of the crystalline phase causes significant work hardening also of the composite material.

Performance Enhancement Using Selective Reinforcement for Metallic Single- and Multi-Pin Loaded Holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farley, Gary L.; Seshadri, Banavara R.

2005-01-01

An analysis based investigation of aluminum with metal matrix composite selectively reinforced single- and multi-hole specimens was performed and their results compared with results from geometrically comparable non-reinforced specimens. All reinforced specimens exhibited a significant increase in performance. Performance increase of up to 170 percent was achieved. Specimen failure modes were consistent with results from reinforced polymeric matrix composite specimens. Localized reinforcement application (circular) proved as effective as a broader area (strip) reinforcement. Also, selective reinforcement is an excellent method of increasing the performance of multi-hole specimens.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors as anticancer agents.

PubMed

Konstantinopoulos, Panagiotis A; Karamouzis, Michalis V; Papatsoris, Athanasios G; Papavassiliou, Athanasios G

2008-01-01

The important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the process of carcinogenesis is well established. However, despite very promising activity in a plethora of preclinical models, MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) failed to demonstrate a statistically significant survival advantage in advanced stage clinical trials in most human malignancies. Herein, we review the implication of MMPs in carcinogenesis, outline the pharmacology and current status of various MMPIs as anticancer agents and discuss the etiologies for the discrepancy between their preclinical and clinical evaluation. Finally, strategies for effective incorporation of MMPIs in current anticancer therapies are proposed.

Multiresolution image gathering and restoration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fales, Carl L.; Huck, Friedrich O.; Alter-Gartenberg, Rachel; Rahman, Zia-Ur

1992-01-01

In this paper we integrate multiresolution decomposition with image gathering and restoration. This integration leads to a Wiener-matrix filter that accounts for the aliasing, blurring, and noise in image gathering, together with the digital filtering and decimation in signal decomposition. Moreover, as implemented here, the Wiener-matrix filter completely suppresses the blurring and raster effects of the image-display device. We demonstrate that this filter can significantly improve the fidelity and visual quality produced by conventional image reconstruction. The extent of this improvement, in turn, depends on the design of the image-gathering device.

R-matrix calculations for electron-impact excitation of C(+), N(2+), and O(3+) including fine structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luo, D.; Pradhan, A. K.

1990-01-01

The new R-matrix package for comprehensive close-coupling calculations for electron scattering with the first three ions in the boron isoelectronic sequence, the astrophysically significant C(+), N(2+), and O(3+), is presented. The collision strengths are calculated in the LS coupling approximation, as well as in pair-coupling scheme, for the transitions among the fine-structure sublevels. Calculations are carried out at a large number of energies in order to study the detailed effects of autoionizing resonances.

Thermal stability relationships between PMR-15 resin and its composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, Kenneth J.; Jayne, Douglas; Leonhardt, Todd A.; Bors, Dennis

1993-01-01

A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the thermo-oxidative stability of PMR-15 matrix resin and the stability of graphite-fiber-reinforced composites that contain this resin as the matrix material. Three areas were investigated. The first was the effect of fiber/matrix interfacial bond strength on the isothermal aging weight loss of composites. By using type-A graphite fibers produced by Hercules, it was possible to study composites reinforced with fibers that were processed to receive different surface treatments. One of the fibers was untreated, a second fiber was treated by oxidation to enhance fiber/matrix bonding, and the third type of fiber was coated with an epoxy sizing. These treatments produced three significantly different interfacial bond strengths. The epoxy sizing on the third fiber was quickly oxidized from the bare fiber surfaces at 288, 316, and 343 C. The weight loss due to the removal of the sizing was constant at 1.5 percent. This initial weight loss was not observed in thermo-oxidative stability studies of composites. The PMR-15 matrix satisfactorily protected the reinforcemnt at all three temperatures.

Ex Situ Investigation of Anisotropic Interconnection in Silicon-Titanium-Nickel Alloy Anode Material

DOE PAGES

Cho, Jong -Soo; Alaboina, Pankaj Kumar; Kang, Chan -Soon; ...

2017-03-10

Herein we investigate the nanostructural evolution of Silicon-Titanium-Nickel (Si-Ti-Ni) ternary alloy material synthesized by melt spinning process for advanced lithium-ion battery anode. The synthesized material was found to have nano-Silicon particles dispersed in the Ti 4Ni 4Si 7 (STN) alloy buffering matrix and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution- transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), Scanning transmission electron microscopes - energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (STEM-EDS), and electrochemical performance test. The role of STN matrix is to accommodate the volume expansion stresses of the dispersed Si nanoparticles. However, an interesting behavior was observed during cycling. The Si nanoparticles were observed tomore » form interconnection channels growing through the weak STN matrix cracks and evolving to a network isolating the STN matrix into small puddles. In conclusion, this unique nanostructural evolution of Si particles and isolation of the STN matrix failing to offer significant buffering effect to the grown Si network eventually accelerates more volume expansions during cycling due to less mechanical confinement and leads to performance degradation and poor cycle stability.« less

The interface quality of Ge nanoparticles grown in thick silica matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasović, J.; Dubček, P.; Pucić, I.; Bernstorff, S.; Radić, N.; Pivac, B.

2017-08-01

Germanium nanoparticles, or Ge quantum dots (QDs), embedded in different transparent dielectric matrix exhibit properties significantly different from the same bulk semiconductor and therefore exhibit a considerable potential for applications in advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices. It is expected that the quantum confinement effect will tune the optical bandgap simply by varying the QDs size. Nevertheless, the question remains whether and how the defects often present in the matrix or at interfaces affect their properties. A thick (SiO2 + Ge) layer was deposited by magnetron sputtering and after suitable thermal treatment spherical Ge QDs were formed in SiO2 matrix with rather narrow size distribution, as confirmed by GIWAXS and GISAXS analysis. It is shown that the formed surface/interface of the QDs with the matrix was rough with fractal nature. Annealing in N2 atmosphere produced photoluminescence (PL) in the visible part of the spectrum which consists of three contributions. All are attributed to structural defects at or close to the Ge/SiOx interface. Time-resolved PL results support the assumption that the three components are dominant in the observed luminescence.

Effects of electron irradiation on LDPE/MWCNT composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianqun; Li, Xingji; Liu, Chaoming; Rui, Erming; Wang, Liqin

2015-12-01

In this study, mutiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into low density polyethylene (LDPE) in different concentrations (2%, 4% and 8%) using a melt blending process. Structural, thermal stability and tensile property of the unirradiated/irradiated LDPE/MWCNT composites by 110 keV electrons were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and uniaxial tensile techniques. Experimental results show that the addition of MWCNTs obviously increases the ultimate tensile strength of LDPE and decreases the elongation at break, which is attributed to the homogeneous distribution of the MWCNTs in LDPE and intense interaction between MWCNTs and LDPE matrix. Also, the electron irradiation further increases the ultimate tensile strength of LDPE/MWCNT composites, which can be ascribed to the more intense interaction between MWCNTs and LDPE matrix, and the formation of crosslinking sites in LDPE matrix induced by the electron irradiation. The addition of MWCNTs significantly enhances thermal stability of the LDPE due to the hindering effect and the scavenging free radicals, while the electron irradiation decreases thermal stability of the LDPE/MWCNT composites since the structure of the MWCNTs and LDPE matrix damages.

Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Containing Reduced Graphene Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets.

PubMed

Strankowski, Michał; Korzeniewski, Piotr; Strankowska, Justyna; A S, Anu; Thomas, Sabu

2018-01-06

Polyurethane/graphene nanocomposites were synthesized using commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, Apilon 52DE55), and two types of graphene derivatives: graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM microscopy and XRD techniques were used to chemically and structurally characterize GNP and RGO nanofillers. The properties of the new TPU nanocomposite materials were studied using thermal analysis techniques (Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG)) to describe the influence of graphene nanofillers on polyurethane matrix. Our investigation describes the comparison of two types of graphene derivatives, commercial one (GNP) and synthesized (RGO) on thermoplastic polyurethanes. These nanofillers provides opportunities to achieve compatibility with the TPU matrix. The property enhancements are attributed commonly to high aspect ratio of graphene nanoplatelets and filler-polymer interactions at the interface. The obtained nanocomposites exhibit higher thermal and mechanical properties due to the good dispersion of both nanofillers into TPU matrix. It was found that the addition of 2 wt % of the nanofiller could lead to a significant reinforcement effect on the TPU matrix. Also, with high content of nanofiller (GNP and RGO), the Payne effect was observed.

A component prediction method for flue gas of natural gas combustion based on nonlinear partial least squares method.

PubMed

Cao, Hui; Yan, Xingyu; Li, Yaojiang; Wang, Yanxia; Zhou, Yan; Yang, Sanchun

2014-01-01

Quantitative analysis for the flue gas of natural gas-fired generator is significant for energy conservation and emission reduction. The traditional partial least squares method may not deal with the nonlinear problems effectively. In the paper, a nonlinear partial least squares method with extended input based on radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is used for components prediction of flue gas. For the proposed method, the original independent input matrix is the input of RBFNN and the outputs of hidden layer nodes of RBFNN are the extension term of the original independent input matrix. Then, the partial least squares regression is performed on the extended input matrix and the output matrix to establish the components prediction model of flue gas. A near-infrared spectral dataset of flue gas of natural gas combustion is used for estimating the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with PLS. The experiments results show that the root-mean-square errors of prediction values of the proposed method for methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide are, respectively, reduced by 4.74%, 21.76%, and 5.32% compared to those of PLS. Hence, the proposed method has higher predictive capabilities and better robustness.

Inactivation kinetics of various chemical disinfectants on Aeromonas hydrophila planktonic cells and biofilms.

PubMed

Jahid, Iqbal Kabir; Ha, Sang-Do

2014-05-01

The present article focuses on the inactivation kinetics of various disinfectants including ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and benzalkonium chloride against Aeromonas hydrophila biofilms and planktonic cells. Efficacy was determined by viable plate count and compared using a modified Weibull model. The removal of the biofilms matrix was determined by the crystal violet assay and was confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that all the experimental data and calculated Weibull α (scale) and β (shape) parameters had a good fit, as the R(2) values were between 0.88 and 0.99. Biofilms are more resistant to disinfectants than planktonic cells. Ethanol (70%) was the most effective in killing cells in the biofilms and significantly reduced (p<0.05) the biofilms matrix. The Weibull parameter b-value correlated (R(2)=0.6835) with the biofilms matrix removal. The present findings deduce that the Weibull model is suitable to determine biofilms matrix reduction as well as the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants on biofilms. The study showed that the Weibull model could successfully be used on food and food contact surfaces to determine the exact contact time for killing biofilms-forming foodborne pathogens.

Effect of postprandial hyperglycaemia on coronary flow reserve in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Ikeda, Hiroyuki; Uzui, Hiroyasu; Morishita, Tetsuji; Fukuoka, Yoshitomo; Sato, Takehiko; Ishida, Kentaro; Kaseno, Kenichi; Arakawa, Kenichiro; Amaya, Naoki; Tama, Naoto; Shiomi, Yuichiro; Lee, Jong-Dae; Tada, Hiroshi

2015-11-01

This study investigated whether postprandial hyperglycaemia has an adverse effect on coronary microvascular function and left ventricular diastolic function. In all, 28 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with no significant stenosis in left anterior descending artery were enrolled. In all subjects, plasma 1,5-anhydroglucitol was measured, and coronary flow reserve in the left anterior descending artery was evaluated using a Doppler wire. Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase expression on circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured by flow cytometry. Correlation analyses were performed for coronary flow reserve and 1,5-anhydroglucitol, other coronary risk factors, membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase and E/e'. Strong correlations were found only between 1,5-anhydroglucitol and coronary flow reserve and membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase. On multiple regression analysis, 1,5-anhydroglucitol remained an independent predictor of coronary flow reserve (β = 0.38, p = 0.048). Postprandial hyperglycaemia appears to have an adverse effect on coronary microvascular function, suggesting that improvement of postprandial hyperglycaemia may contribute to the improvement of coronary microvascular dysfunction. © The Author(s) 2015.

Estimation of genetic connectedness diagnostics based on prediction errors without the prediction error variance-covariance matrix.

PubMed

Holmes, John B; Dodds, Ken G; Lee, Michael A

2017-03-02

An important issue in genetic evaluation is the comparability of random effects (breeding values), particularly between pairs of animals in different contemporary groups. This is usually referred to as genetic connectedness. While various measures of connectedness have been proposed in the literature, there is general agreement that the most appropriate measure is some function of the prediction error variance-covariance matrix. However, obtaining the prediction error variance-covariance matrix is computationally demanding for large-scale genetic evaluations. Many alternative statistics have been proposed that avoid the computational cost of obtaining the prediction error variance-covariance matrix, such as counts of genetic links between contemporary groups, gene flow matrices, and functions of the variance-covariance matrix of estimated contemporary group fixed effects. In this paper, we show that a correction to the variance-covariance matrix of estimated contemporary group fixed effects will produce the exact prediction error variance-covariance matrix averaged by contemporary group for univariate models in the presence of single or multiple fixed effects and one random effect. We demonstrate the correction for a series of models and show that approximations to the prediction error matrix based solely on the variance-covariance matrix of estimated contemporary group fixed effects are inappropriate in certain circumstances. Our method allows for the calculation of a connectedness measure based on the prediction error variance-covariance matrix by calculating only the variance-covariance matrix of estimated fixed effects. Since the number of fixed effects in genetic evaluation is usually orders of magnitudes smaller than the number of random effect levels, the computational requirements for our method should be reduced.

Micromechanical Modeling of the Thermal Expansion of Graphite/copper Composites with Nonuniform Microstructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Pindera, Marek-Jerzy

1994-01-01

Two micromechanical models were developed to investigate the thermal expansion of graphite/copper (Gr/Cu) composites. The models incorporate the effects of temperature-dependent material properties, matrix inelasticity, initial residual stresses due to processing history, and nonuniform fiber distribution. The first model is based on the multiple concentric cylinder geometry, with each cylinder treated as a two-phase composite with a characteristic fiber volume fractions. By altering the fiber volume fraction of the individual cylinders, unidirectional composites with radially nonuniform fiber distributions can be investigated using this model. The second model is based on the inelastic lamination theory. By varying the fiber content in the individual laminae, composites with nonuniform fiber distribution in the thickness direction can be investigated. In both models, the properties of the individual regions (cylinders or laminae) are calculated using the method of cells micromechanical model. Classical incremental plasticity theory is used to model the inelastic response of the copper matrix at the microlevel. The models were used to characterize the effects of nonuniform fiber distribution on the thermal expansion of Gr/Cu. These effects were compared to the effects of matrix plasticity, choice of stress-free temperature, and slight fiber misalignment. It was found that the radially nonuniform fiber distribution has little effect on the thermal expansion of Gr/Cu but could become significant for composites with large fiber-matrix transverse CTE and Young's modulus mismatch. The effect of nonuniform fiber distribution in the through-thickness direction of a laminate was more significant, but only approached that of the stress-free temperature for the most extreme cases that include large amounts of bending. Subsequent comparison with experimental thermal expansion data indicated the need for more accurate characterization of the graphite fiber thermomechanical properties. Correlation with cyclic data revealed the presence of a mechanism not considered in the developed models. The predicted response did, however, exhibit ratcheting behavior that has been observed experimentally in Gr/Cu. Finally, simulation of the actual fiber distribution of particular specimens had little effect on the predicted thermal expansion.

Cyclic AMP-elevating Agents Promote Cumulus Cell Survival and Hyaluronan Matrix Stability, Thereby Prolonging the Time of Mouse Oocyte Fertilizability*

PubMed Central

Di Giacomo, Monica; Camaioni, Antonella; Klinger, Francesca G.; Bonfiglio, Rita; Salustri, Antonietta

2016-01-01

Cumulus cells sustain the development and fertilization of the mammalian oocyte. These cells are retained around the oocyte by a hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix synthesized before ovulation, a process called cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) expansion. Hyaluronan release and dispersion of the cumulus cells progressively occur after ovulation, paralleling the decline of oocyte fertilization. We show here that, in mice, postovulatory changes of matrix are temporally correlated to cumulus cell death. Cumulus cell apoptosis and matrix disassembly also occurred in ovulated COCs cultured in vitro. COCs expanded in vitro with FSH or EGF underwent the same changes, whereas those expanded with 8-bromo-adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) maintained integrity for a longer time. It is noteworthy that 8-Br-cAMP treatment was also effective on ovulated COCs cultured in vitro, prolonging the vitality of the cumulus cells and the stability of the matrix from a few hours to >2 days. Stimulation of endogenous adenylate cyclase with forskolin or inhibition of phosphodiesterase with rolipram produced similar effects. The treatment with selective cAMP analogues suggests that the effects of cAMP elevation are exerted through an EPAC-independent, PKA type II-dependent signaling pathway, probably acting at the post-transcriptional level. Finally, overnight culture of ovulated COCs with 8-Br-cAMP significantly counteracted the decrease of fertilization rate, doubling the number of fertilized oocytes compared with control conditions. In conclusion, these studies suggest that cAMP-elevating agents prevent cumulus cell senescence and allow them to continue to exert beneficial effects on oocyte and sperm, thereby extending in vitro the time frame of oocyte fertilizability. PMID:26694612

Effect of Uniaxial Tensile Cyclic Loading Regimes on Matrix Organization and Tenogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Encapsulated within 3D Collagen Scaffolds

PubMed Central

Stasuk, Alexander

2017-01-01

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have become a popular cell choice for tendon repair strategies due to their relative abundance, ease of isolation, and ability to differentiate into tenocytes. In this study, we investigated the solo effect of different uniaxial tensile strains and loading frequencies on the matrix directionality and tenogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells encapsulated within three-dimensional collagen scaffolds. Samples loaded at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% strains and 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz frequencies for 2 hours/day over a 7-day period using a custom-built uniaxial tensile strain bioreactor were characterized in terms of matrix organization, cell viability, and musculoskeletal gene expression profiles. The results displayed that the collagen fibers of the loaded samples exhibited increased matrix directionality with an increase in strain values. Gene expression analyses demonstrated that ASC-encapsulated collagen scaffolds loaded at 2% strain and 0.1 Hz frequency showed significant increases in extracellular matrix genes and tenogenic differentiation markers. Importantly, no cross-differentiation potential to osteogenic, chondrogenic, and myogenic lineages was observed at 2% strain and 0.1 Hz frequency loading condition. Thus, 2% strain and 0.1 Hz frequency were identified as the appropriate mechanical loading regime to induce tenogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells cultured in a three-dimensional environment. PMID:29375625

The effect of tomatine on metastasis related matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities in breast cancer cell model.

PubMed

Yelken, Besra Özmen; Balcı, Tuğçe; Süslüer, Sunde Yılmaz; Kayabaşı, Çağla; Avcı, Çığır Biray; Kırmızıbayrak, Petek Ballar; Gündüz, Cumhur

2017-09-05

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women and metastasis is the cause of morbidity and mortality in patients. In the development of metastasis, the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family has a very important role in tumor development. MMP-2 and MMP-9 work together for extracellular matrix (ECM) cleavage to increase migration. Tomatine is a secondary metabolite that has a natural defense role against plants, fungi, viruses and bacteria that are synthesized from tomato. In additıon, tomatine is also known that it breaks down the cell membrane and is a strong inhibitor in human cancer cells. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of tomatine on cytotoxicity, apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in MCF-7 cell lines. Human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used as a cell line. In MCF-7 cells, the IC 50 dose of tomatine was determined to be 7.07μM. According to the control cells, apoptosis increased 3.4 fold in 48thh. Activation of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-9\\NGAL has been shown to decrease significantly in cells treated with tomatine by gelatin zymography compared to the control. As a result, matrix metalloproteinase activity and cell proliferation were suppressed by tomatine and this may provide support in treatment methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel mechanism of transcriptional regulation of cell matrix protein through CREB

PubMed Central

Habib, Samy L; Mohan, Sumathy; Liang, Sitai; Li, Baojie; Yadav, Mukesh

2015-01-01

The transcription mechanism(s) of renal cell matrix accumulation in diabetes does not explored. Phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) significantly increased in cells treated with high glucose (HG) compared to cell grown in normal glucose (NG). Cells pretreated with rapamycin before exposure to HG showed significant decrease phosphorylation of CREB, increase in AMPK activity and decrease protein/mRNA and promoter activity of fibronectin. In addition, cells transfected with siRNA against CREB showed significant increase in AMPK activity, decrease in protein/mRNA and promoter activity of fibronectin. Cells treated with HG showed nuclear localization of p-CREB while pretreated cells with rapamycin reversed HG effect. Moreover, gel shift analysis shows increase binding of CREB to fibronectin promoter in cells treated with HG while cells pretreated with rapamycin reversed the effect of HG. Furthermore, db/db mice treated with rapamycin showed significant increase in AMPK activity, decrease in expression of p-CREB and protein/mRNA of fibronectin. Strong staining of fibronectin and p-CREB was detected in kidney cortex of db/db mice while treated mice with rapamycin reversed hyperglycemia effect. In summary, our data provide a novel mechanism of transcriptional regulation of fibronectin through CREB that may be used as therapeutic approach to prevent diabetes complications. PMID:26115221

Proteomic Discovery and Development of a Multiplexed Targeted MRM-LC-MS/MS Assay for Urine Biomarkers of Extracellular Matrix Disruption in Mucopolysaccharidoses I, II, and VI.

PubMed

Heywood, Wendy E; Camuzeaux, Stephane; Doykov, Ivan; Patel, Nina; Preece, Rhian-Lauren; Footitt, Emma; Cleary, Maureen; Clayton, Peter; Grunewald, Stephanie; Abulhoul, Lara; Chakrapani, Anupam; Sebire, Neil J; Hindmarsh, Peter; de Koning, Tom J; Heales, Simon; Burke, Derek; Gissen, Paul; Mills, Kevin

2015-12-15

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are lysosomal storage disorders that result from defects in the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. Impaired muscle, bone, and connective tissue are typical clinical features of MPS due to disruption of the extracellular matrix. Markers of MPS disease pathology are needed to determine disease severity and monitor effects of existing and emerging new treatments on disease mechanisms. Urine samples from a small cohort of MPS-I, -II, and -VI patients (n = 12) were analyzed using label-free quantative proteomics. Fifty-three proteins including many associated with extracellular matrix organization were differently expressed. A targeted multiplexed peptide MRM LC-MS/MS assay was used on a larger validation cohort of patient samples (MPS-I n = 18, MPS-II n = 12, MPS-VI n = 6, control n = 20). MPS-I and -II groups were further subdivided according to disease severity. None of the markers assessed were altered significantly in the mild disease groups compared to controls. β-galactosidase, a lysosomal protein, was elevated 3.6-5.7-fold significantly (p < 0.05) in all disease groups apart from mild MPS-I and -II. Collagen type Iα, fatty-acid-binding-protein 5, nidogen-1, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 concentrations were elevated in severe MPS I and II groups. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7, and β-galactosidase were able to distinguish the severe neurological form of MPS-II from the milder non-neurological form. Protein Heg1 was significantly raised only in MPS-VI. This work describes the discovery of new biomarkers of MPS that represent disease pathology and allows the stratification of MPS-II patients according to disease severity.

Matrix effects on the crystallization behaviour of butter and roll-in shortening in laminated bakery products.

PubMed

Mattice, Kristin D; Marangoni, Alejandro G

2017-06-01

Two hydrogenated roll-in shortenings (A & B), one non-hydrogenated roll-in shortening and butter were used to prepare croissants. The impact of the laminated dough matrix on fat crystallization was then investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (p-NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The fat contained within a croissant matrix has never before been analyzed using these techniques. In each case, XRD revealed that the polymorphism of a roll-in fat will be different when baked within the dough matrix than when simply heated and cooled on its own. Both hydrogenated roll-in shortenings and butter experienced only minor changes, largely retaining their β' polymorphs, but the non-hydrogenated shortening experienced significant conversion from β' to the β form. However, this conversion did not take place immediately upon cooling, but after approximately 24h of storage time. The fat contained within the croissants exhibited a significantly lower SFC than the same fats in bulk. Further, DSC results demonstrated that a greater temperature was required to completely melt all of the fat in a croissant than the same fat in bulk, observed visually as broader peaks in the melting endotherms. Analysis of croissant firmness over storage time, measured as the maximum force required to cut a croissant was used as an indication of potential sensory consequences. Results suggested that only croissants prepared with non-hydrogenated shortening experienced significant changes in firmness over one week of storage. These results indicate that there is an interaction between the shortenings and the ingredients of the croissant matrix, and given the differences observed between roll-in fats used, the extent of interaction is potentially influenced by the composition of the roll-in fat itself. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Autogenous platelet-rich plasma gel with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix for treatment of deep II degree burns].

PubMed

Hao, Tianzhi; Zhu, Jingmin; Hu, Wenbo; Zhang, Hua; Gao, Zhenhui; Wen, Xuehui; Zhou, Zhi; Lu, Gang; Liu, Jingjie; Li, Wen

2010-06-01

To investigate the effectiveness of autogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix in the treatment of deep II degree burns. From January 2007 to December 2009, 30 cases of deep II degree burns were treated. There were 19 males and 11 females with an average age of 42.5 years (range, 32-57 years). The burn area was 10% to 48% of total body surface area. The time from burn to hospitalization was 30 minutes to 8 hours. All patients were treated with tangential excision surgery, one side of the wounds were covered with autogenous PRP gel and acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix (PRP group), the other side of the wounds were covered with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix only (control group). The healing rate, healing time, infection condition, and scar formation were observed. At 7 days after operation, the infection rate in PRP group (6.7%, 2/30) was significantly lower than that in control group (16.7%, 5/30, P < 0.05). The healing times were (18 +/- 4) days and (22 +/- 4) days respectively in PRP group and control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). The healing rates at 14 days and 21 days were 75% +/- 7% and 88% +/- 5% in PRP group, were 62% +/- 15% and 73% +/- 7% in control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). RPR group was superior to control group in elasticity, color, appearance, softness, scar formation, and healing quality. Autogenous PRP gel with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix can accelerate the wound healing of deep II degree burns as well as alleviate the scar proliferation.

[The matrix effects of organic acid compounds in ICP-MS].

PubMed

Nie, Xi-Du; He, Xiao-Mei; Li, Li-Bo; Xie, Hua-Lin

2007-07-01

The matrix effects arising from oxalic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were investigated. It has been proved that the sensitivity of analytes can be significantly enhanced by adding small amounts of organic acid compounds with adjusted nebulizer gas flow-rate, especially for the elements with ionization potential between 9 and 11 eV. The tartaric acid has higher enhancement effect on the signal intensity of the hard-to-ionize elements than oxalic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. The mechanism of the enhancement was investigated. The method has been used to determine Be, Zn, As, Se, Sb and Hg in water standard reference materials (SRM). The analytical results are very close to the certified values.

Matrix regeneration agents improve wound healing in non-stressed human corneal epithelial cells.

PubMed

Robciuc, A; Arvola, R P J; Jauhiainen, M; Holopainen, J M

2018-04-01

PurposeMatrix regenerating agents (RGTAs) emerged as promising in vivo wound-healing agents. These agents could prove beneficial for the treatment of dry eye disease-associated corneal micro-erosions; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the wound healing efficacy of regenerative agents (RGTAs or serum) in an in vitro model of hyperosmolarity (HO) stressed and non-stressed human corneal epithelial cells.Patients and methodsThe migration and proliferation induced by the regenerative agents was evaluated using an in vitro scratch wound assay and brome-deoxy-uridine incorporation. The inflammatory profile and effects of osmoregulators were also investigated. The two-tailed paired t-test calculated the statistical significance, with P-value<0.05 considered significant.ResultsThe most efficient inducer of re-epithelization was 2% serum, followed closely by 2% RGTA with an average improvement in cell migration of 1.8- and 1.4-fold, respectively, when compared with the non-treated control. Hyperosmolar stress significantly reduced the restorative effects of both serum and RGTAs; these effects were, however, neutralized by the osmoregulator betaine.ConclusionThese findings suggest that RGTAs could provide efficient treatment for dry-eye associated corneal micro-lesions if ocular surface HO is neutralized.

Long-term effect of surface light scattering and glistenings of intraocular lenses on visual function.

PubMed

Hayashi, Ken; Hirata, Akira; Yoshida, Motoaki; Yoshimura, Koichi; Hayashi, Hideyuki

2012-08-01

To investigate the long-term effect of surface light scattering and glistenings of various intraocular lenses (IOLs) on visual function and optical aberrations after cataract surgery. Case-control study. Thirty-five eyes that underwent implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic, silicone, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) IOL more than 10 years ago were recruited. The scattering light intensity of the surface and internal matrix of the optic was measured using Scheimpflug photography. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using VA charts, and contrast VA and that with glare (glare VA) were examined using a contrast sensitivity tester. Ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were measured using a Hartmann-Shack aberrometer. Mean scattering light intensity of the surface and internal matrix of the optic was significantly higher in the acrylic group than in the silicone and PMMA groups (P < .0001). Mean uncorrected VA, photopic and mesopic contrast VA and glare VA, and HOAs did not differ significantly among groups, although mean corrected VA in the acrylic group was significantly better than that in the other groups (P = .0023). Scattering light intensity of the surface and internal matrix did not correlate with VA, contrast VA, or glare VA, and did not correlate with ocular and internal optic HOAs in the acrylic group. At more than 10 years postoperatively, visual function, including contrast sensitivity, and ocular HOAs were comparable among eyes that received acrylic, silicone, and PMMA IOLs. Surface scattering and glistenings with the acrylic IOLs were not significantly correlated with visual function and optical aberrations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Effects of Material Architecture on the Elastic Response of a Woven Ceramic Matrix Composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Robert K.; Bonacuse, Peter J.; Mital, Subodh K.

2012-01-01

To develop methods for quantifying the effects of the microstructural variations of woven ceramic matrix composites on the effective properties and response of the material, a research program has been undertaken which is described in this paper. In order to characterize and quantify the variations in the microstructure of a five harness satin weave, CVI SiC/SiC, composite material, specimens were serially sectioned and polished to capture images that detailed the fiber tows, matrix, and porosity. Open source quantitative image analysis tools were then used to isolate the constituents and collect relevant statistics such as within ply tow spacing. This information was then used to build two dimensional finite element models that approximated the observed section geometry. With the aid of geometrical models generated by the microstructural characterization process, finite element models were generated and analyses were performed to quantify the effects of the microstructure and its variation on the effective stiffness and areas of stress concentration of the material. The results indicated that the geometry and distribution of the porosity appear to have significant effects on the through-thickness modulus. Similarly, stress concentrations on the outer surface of the composite appear to correlate to regions where the transverse tows are separated by a critical amount.

Effects of thermal cycling on graphie-fiber-reinforced 6061 aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dries, G. A.; Tompkins, S. S.

1986-01-01

Graphite-reinforced aluminum alloy metal-matrix composites are among materials being considered for structural components in dimensionally stable space structures. This application requires materials with low values of thermal expansions and high specific stiffnesses. They must remain stable during exposures to the space environment for periods extending to 20 years. The effects of thermal cycling on the thermal expansion behavior and mechanical properties of Thornel P100 graphite 6061 aluminum composites, as fabricated and after thermal processing to eliminate thermal strain hysteresis, have been investigated. Two groups of composites were studied: one was fabricated by hot roll bonding and the other by diffusion bonding. Processing significantly reduced strain hysteresis during thermal cycling in both groups and improved the ultimate tensile strength and modulus in the diffusion-bonded composites. Thermal cycling stabilized the as-fabricated composites by reducing the residual fabrication stress and increased the matrix strength by metallurgical aging. Thermal expansion behavior of both groups after processing was insensitive to thermal cycling. Data scatter was too large to determine effects of thermal cycling on the mechanical properties. The primary effects of processing and thermal cycling can be attributed to changes in the metallurgical condition and stress state of the matrix.

The Role of Species Traits in Mediating Functional Recovery during Matrix Restoration

PubMed Central

Barnes, Andrew D.; Emberson, Rowan M.; Krell, Frank-Thorsten; Didham, Raphael K.

2014-01-01

Reversing anthropogenic impacts on habitat structure is frequently successful through restoration, but the mechanisms linking habitat change, community reassembly and recovery of ecosystem functioning remain unknown. We test for the influence of edge effects and matrix habitat restoration on the reassembly of dung beetle communities and consequent recovery of dung removal rates across tropical forest edges. Using path modelling, we disentangle the relative importance of community-weighted trait means and functional trait dispersion from total biomass effects on rates of dung removal. Community trait composition and biomass of dung beetle communities responded divergently to edge effects and matrix habitat restoration, yielding opposing effects on dung removal. However, functional dispersion—used in this study as a measure of niche complementarity—did not explain a significant amount of variation in dung removal rates across habitat edges. Instead, we demonstrate that the path to functional recovery of these altered ecosystems depends on the trait-mean composition of reassembling communities, over and above purely biomass-dependent processes that would be expected under neutral theory. These results suggest that any ability to manage functional recovery of ecosystems during habitat restoration will demand knowledge of species' roles in ecosystem processes. PMID:25502448

The role of species traits in mediating functional recovery during matrix restoration.

PubMed

Barnes, Andrew D; Emberson, Rowan M; Krell, Frank-Thorsten; Didham, Raphael K

2014-01-01

Reversing anthropogenic impacts on habitat structure is frequently successful through restoration, but the mechanisms linking habitat change, community reassembly and recovery of ecosystem functioning remain unknown. We test for the influence of edge effects and matrix habitat restoration on the reassembly of dung beetle communities and consequent recovery of dung removal rates across tropical forest edges. Using path modelling, we disentangle the relative importance of community-weighted trait means and functional trait dispersion from total biomass effects on rates of dung removal. Community trait composition and biomass of dung beetle communities responded divergently to edge effects and matrix habitat restoration, yielding opposing effects on dung removal. However, functional dispersion--used in this study as a measure of niche complementarity--did not explain a significant amount of variation in dung removal rates across habitat edges. Instead, we demonstrate that the path to functional recovery of these altered ecosystems depends on the trait-mean composition of reassembling communities, over and above purely biomass-dependent processes that would be expected under neutral theory. These results suggest that any ability to manage functional recovery of ecosystems during habitat restoration will demand knowledge of species' roles in ecosystem processes.

Mechanical Properties of Gas Shale During Drilling Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Chuanliang; Deng, Jingen; Cheng, Yuanfang; Li, Menglai; Feng, Yongcun; Li, Xiaorong

2017-07-01

The mechanical properties of gas shale significantly affect the designs of drilling, completion, and hydraulic fracturing treatments. In this paper, the microstructure characteristics of gas shale from southern China containing up to 45.1% clay were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The gas shale samples feature strongly anisotropic characteristics and well-developed bedding planes. Their strength is controlled by the strength of both the matrix and the bedding planes. Conventional triaxial tests and direct shear tests are further used to study the chemical effects of drilling fluids on the strength of shale matrix and bedding planes, respectively. The results show that the drilling fluid has a much larger impact on the strength of the bedding plane than that of the shale matrix. The impact of water-based mud (WBM) is much larger compared with oil-based mud. Furthermore, the borehole collapse pressure of shale gas wells considering the effects of drilling fluids are analyzed. The results show that the collapse pressure increases gradually with the increase of drilling time, especially for WBM.

PPAR{gamma} agonist pioglitazone reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and neuronal damage after focal cerebral ischemia

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

Lee, Seong-Ryong; Chronic Disease Research Center and Institute for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Taegu; Kim, Hahn-Young

2009-02-27

Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR{gamma}) agonist, has shown protective effects against ischemic insult in various tissues. Pioglitazone is also reported to reduce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. MMPs can remodel extracellular matrix components in many pathological conditions. The current study was designed to investigate whether the neuroprotection of pioglitazone is related to its MMP inhibition in focal cerebral ischemia. Mice were subjected to 90 min focal ischemia and reperfusion. In gel zymography, pioglitazone reduced the upregulation of active form of MMP-9 after ischemia. In in situ zymograms, pioglitazone also reduced the gelatinase activity induced by ischemia. After co-incubation withmore » pioglitazone, in situ gelatinase activity was directly reduced. Pioglitazone reduced the infarct volume significantly compared with controls. These results demonstrate that pioglitazone may reduce MMP-9 activity and neuronal damage following focal ischemia. The reduction of MMP-9 activity may have a possible therapeutic effect for the management of brain injury after focal ischemia.« less

Nanotubular Toughening Inclusions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol (Inventor); Working, Dennis C. (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Moreover, nanotubes can elongate more than 20% without yielding or breaking, and absorb significant amounts of energy during deformation, which enables them to also be an efficient toughening agent, as well as excellent reinforcing inclusion. Accordingly, an improved toughening method is provided by incorporating nanotubular inclusions into a host matrix, such as thermoset and thermoplastic polymers or ceramics without detrimental effects on the intrinsic physical properties of the matrix.

Nanotubular Toughening Inclusions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol (Inventor); Working, Dennis C. (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Moreover, nanotubes can elongate more than 20% without yielding or breaking, and absorb significant amounts of energy during deformation, which enables them to also be an efficient toughening agent, as well as excellent reinforcing inclusion. Accordingly, an improved toughening method is provided by incorporating nanotubular inclusions into a host matrix, such as thermoset and thermoplastic polymers or ceramics without detrimental effects on the matrix's intrinsic physical properties.

Nano-modification to improve the ductility of cementitious composites

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

Yeşilmen, Seda; Al-Najjar, Yazin; Balav, Mohammad Hatam

2015-10-15

Effect of nano-sized mineral additions on ductility of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) containing high volumes of fly ash was investigated at different hydration degrees. Various properties of ECC mixtures with different mineral additions were compared in terms of microstructural properties of matrix, fiber-matrix interface, and fiber surface to assess improvements in ductility. Microstructural characterization was made by measuring pore size distributions through mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Hydration characteristics were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), and fiber-matrix interface and fiber surface characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) through a period of 90 days. Moreover, compressive and flexuralmore » strength developments were monitored for the same period. Test results confirmed that mineral additions could significantly improve both flexural strength and ductility of ECC, especially at early ages. Cheaper Nano-CaCO{sub 3} was more effective compared to nano-silica. However, the crystal structure of CaCO{sub 3} played a very important role in the range of expected improvements.« less

Computer Simulation of Spatial Arrangement and Connectivity of Particles in Three-Dimensional Microstructure: Application to Model Electrical Conductivity of Polymer Matrix Composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Louis, P.; Gokhale, A. M.

1996-01-01

Computer simulation is a powerful tool for analyzing the geometry of three-dimensional microstructure. A computer simulation model is developed to represent the three-dimensional microstructure of a two-phase particulate composite where particles may be in contact with one another but do not overlap significantly. The model is used to quantify the "connectedness" of the particulate phase of a polymer matrix composite containing hollow carbon particles in a dielectric polymer resin matrix. The simulations are utilized to estimate the morphological percolation volume fraction for electrical conduction, and the effective volume fraction of the particles that actually take part in the electrical conduction. The calculated values of the effective volume fraction are used as an input for a self-consistent physical model for electrical conductivity. The predicted values of electrical conductivity are in very good agreement with the corresponding experimental data on a series of specimens having different particulate volume fraction.

Soil manganese redox cycling in suboxic zones: Effects on soil carbon stability

EPA Science Inventory

Suboxic soil environments contain a disproportionately higher concentration of highly reactive free radicals relative to the surrounding soil matrix, which may have significant implications for soil organic matter cycling and stabilization. This study investigated how Mn-ozidizin...

Reduction of thermal stresses in continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composites with interface layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jansson, S.; Leckie, F. A.

1990-01-01

The potential of using an interface layer to reduce thermal stresses in the matrix of composites with a mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion of fiber and matrix was investigated. It was found that compliant layers, with properties of readily available materials, do not have the potential to reduce thermal stresses significantly. However, interface layers with high coefficient of thermal expansion can compensate for the mismatch and reduce thermal stresses in the matrix significantly.

Detergent-enzymatic decellularization of swine blood vessels: insight on mechanical properties for vascular tissue engineering.

PubMed

Pellegata, Alessandro F; Asnaghi, M Adelaide; Stefani, Ilaria; Maestroni, Anna; Maestroni, Silvia; Dominioni, Tommaso; Zonta, Sandro; Zerbini, Gianpaolo; Mantero, Sara

2013-01-01

Small caliber vessels substitutes still remain an unmet clinical need; few autologous substitutes are available, while synthetic grafts show insufficient patency in the long term. Decellularization is the complete removal of all cellular and nuclear matters from a tissue while leaving a preserved extracellular matrix representing a promising tool for the generation of acellular scaffolds for tissue engineering, already used for various tissues with positive outcomes. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of a detergent-enzymatic decellularization protocol on swine arteries in terms of cell removal, extracellular matrix preservation, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the effect of storage at -80°C on the mechanical properties of the tissue is evaluated. Swine arteries were harvested, frozen, and decellularized; histological analysis revealed complete cell removal and preserved extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the residual DNA content in decellularized tissues was far low compared to native one. Mechanical testings were performed on native, defrozen, and decellularized tissues; no statistically significant differences were reported for Young's modulus, ultimate stress, compliance, burst pressure, and suture retention strength, while ultimate strain and stress relaxation of decellularized vessels were significantly different from the native ones. Considering the overall results, the process was confirmed to be suitable for the generation of acellular scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering.

Tuberin Inhibits Production of the Matrix Protein Fibronectin in Diabetes

PubMed Central

Yadav, Mukesh; Tizani, Shaza; Bhandari, Basant; Valente, Anthony J.

2012-01-01

Exposure of proximal tubular epithelial cells to high glucose contributes to the accumulation of tubulointerstitial and matrix proteins in diabetic nephropathy, but how this occurs is not well understood. We investigated the effect of the signaling molecule tuberin, which modulates the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, on renal hypertrophy and fibronectin expression. We found that the kidney mass was significantly greater in partially tuberin-deficient (TSC2+/−) diabetic rats than wild-type diabetic rats. Furthermore, TSC2+/− rats exhibited significant increases in the basal levels of phospho-tuberin and fibronectin expression in the kidney cortex. Increased levels of phosphorylated tuberin associated with an increase in fibronectin expression in both wild-type and TSC2+/− diabetic rats. Treatment with insulin abrogated the diabetes-induced increase in fibronectin expression. In vitro, high glucose enhanced fibronectin expression in TSC2+/− primary proximal tubular epithelial cells; both inhibition of Akt and inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin could prevent this effect of glucose. In addition, forced expression of tuberin in tuberin-null cells abolished the expression of fibronectin protein. Taken together, these data suggest that tuberin plays a central role in the development of renal hypertrophy and in modulating the production of the matrix protein fibronectin in diabetes. PMID:22904348

FT-Raman spectroscopy study of organic matrix degradation in nanofilled resin composite.

PubMed

Soares, Luís Eduardo Silva; Nahórny, Sídnei; Martin, Airton Abrahão

2013-04-01

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of light curing unit (LCU) type, mouthwashes, and soft drink on chemical degradation of a nanofilled resin composite. Samples (80) were divided into eight groups: halogen LCU, HS--saliva (control); HPT--Pepsi Twist®; HLC--Listerine®; HCP--Colgate Plax®; LED LCU, LS--saliva (control); LPT--Pepsi Twist®; LLC--Listerine®; LCP--Colgate Plax®. The degree of conversion analysis and the measure of the peak area at 2,930 cm-1 (organic matrix) of resin composite were done by Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy (baseline, after 7 and 14 days). The data were subjected to multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence followed by Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. The DC ranged from 58.0% (Halogen) to 59.3% (LED) without significance. Differences in the peak area between LCUs were found after 7 days of storage in S and PT. A marked increase in the peak intensity of HLC and LLC groups was found. The soft-start light-activation may influence the chemical degradation of organic matrix in resin composite. Ethanol contained in Listerine® Cool Mint mouthwash had the most significant degradation effect. Raman spectroscopy is shown to be a useful tool to investigate resin composite degradation.

A clinical investigation of demineralized bone matrix putty for treatment of periodontal bony defects in humans.

PubMed

Banjar, Arwa Ahmed; Mealey, Brian L

2013-01-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) putty, consisting of demineralized human bone allograft matrix in a carrier of bovine collagen and alginate, for the treatment of periodontal defects in humans. Twenty subjects with at least one site having a probing depth ≥ 6 mm and radiographic evidence of bony defect depth > 3 mm were included. The infrabony defects were grafted with DBM putty bone graft. The following clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 6 months posttreatment: probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Bone fill was evaluated using transgingival probing and standardized radiographs taken at baseline and 6 months posttreatment. The 6-month evaluation showed a significant PD reduction of 3.27 ± 1.67 mm and clinical attachment gain of 2.27 ± 1.74 mm. Bone sounding measurements showed a mean clinical bone defect fill of 2.93 ± 1.87 mm and a mean radiographic bone fill of 2.55 ± 2.31 mm. The use of DBM putty was effective for treatment of periodontal bony defects in humans. Significant improvement in CAL, PD, and bone fill was observed at 6 months compared to baseline.

Kidney stone matrix proteins ameliorate calcium oxalate monohydrate induced apoptotic injury to renal epithelial cells.

PubMed

Narula, Shifa; Tandon, Simran; Singh, Shrawan Kumar; Tandon, Chanderdeep

2016-11-01

Kidney stone formation is a highly prevalent disease, affecting 8-10% of the human population worldwide. Proteins are the major constituents of human kidney stone's organic matrix and considered to play critical role in the pathogenesis of disease but their mechanism of modulation still needs to be explicated. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of human kidney stone matrix proteins on the calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) mediated cellular injury. The renal epithelial cells (MDCK) were exposed to 200μg/ml COM crystals to induce injury. The effect of proteins isolated from human kidney stone was studied on COM injured cells. The alterations in cell-crystal interactions were examined by phase contrast, polarizing, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, its effect on the extent of COM induced cell injury, was quantified by flow cytometric analysis. Our study indicated the antilithiatic potential of human kidney stone proteins on COM injured MDCK cells. Flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence imaging ascertained that matrix proteins decreased the extent of apoptotic injury caused by COM crystals on MDCK cells. Moreover, the electron microscopic studies of MDCK cells revealed that matrix proteins caused significant dissolution of COM crystals, indicating cytoprotection against the impact of calcium oxalate injury. The present study gives insights into the mechanism implied by urinary proteins to restrain the pathogenesis of kidney stone disease. This will provide a better understanding of the formation of kidney stones which can be useful for the proper management of the disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of TiN coating on microstructure of Tif/Al composite.

PubMed

Xiu, Z Y; Chen, G Q; Wang, M; Hussain, Murid

2013-02-01

In the present work, Ti fibre reinforced Al matrix composites (Ti(f)/Al) were fabricated by pressure infiltration method. In order to suppress the severe Ti-Al reaction and reduce the formation of brittle TiAl(3) phase, a TiN layer was coated on Ti fibres by an arc ion plating method before composite preparation. A thin TiN layer was coated on the Ti fibre surface, and the maximum and minimum thickness values of layer were about 3.5 and 1μm, respectively. Prefer orientation of TiN on (111) and (200) was found by XRD analysis. A thin and uniform TiAl(3) layer was observed in Ti(f)/Al composite. However, after coated with TiN layer, no significant reaction layer was found in (Ti(f)+TiN)/Al composite. Segregation of Mg element was found in Ti(f)/Al composite, and the presence of TiN layer showed little effect on this behaviour. Due to the large CTE difference between Ti fibre and Al matrix, high density dislocations were observed in the Al matrix. Meanwhile, fine dispersed Mg(2)Al(3) phases were also found in Al matrix. Ti fibre is mainly composed of α- and β-Ti. Small discontinuous needle-like TiAl(3) phases were detected at TiN/Al interface, which implies that the presence of TiN layer between the Ti fibre and Al matrix could effectively hinder the formation of TiAl(3) phases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The emerging role of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling in obesity and exercise.

PubMed

Martinez-Huenchullan, S; McLennan, S V; Verhoeven, A; Twigg, S M; Tam, C S

2017-07-01

Skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling has been proposed as a new feature associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Exercise training improves muscle function in obesity, which may be mediated by regulatory effects on the muscle extracellular matrix. This review examined available literature on skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling during obesity and the effects of exercise. A non-systematic literature review was performed on PubMed of publications from 1970 to 2015. A total of 37 studies from humans and animals were retained. Studies reported overall increases in gene and protein expression of different types of collagen, growth factors and enzymatic regulators of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix in obesity. Only two studies investigated the effects of exercise on skeletal muscle extracellular matrix during obesity, with both suggesting a regulatory effect of exercise. The effects of exercise on muscle extracellular matrix seem to be influenced by the duration and type of exercise training with variable effects from a single session compared with a longer duration of exercise. More studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling during obesity and the effects of exercise. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

A gastro-resistant ovalbumin bi-layered mini-tablet-in-tablet system for the delivery of Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic to simulated human intestinal and colon conditions.

PubMed

Govender, Mershen; Choonara, Yahya Essop; van Vuuren, Sandy; Kumar, Pradeep; du Toit, Lisa Claire; Pillay, Viness

2015-07-01

The viability of probiotic bacteria during formulation processes and delivery is vital to ensure health benefits. This study focuses on the use of gastro-resistant denatured ovalbumin for the targeted delivery of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus to simulated human intestinal and colon conditions through a bi-layered mini-tablet-in-tablet system (BMTTS). The BMTTS consists of two gastro-resistant ovalbumin mini-tablets containing L. acidophilus suspended in lactose and eudragit S100 for targeted intestinal and colonic delivery respectively. Luminescence has been utilized to ensure probiotic viability during formulation processes in addition to determining all probiotic release profiles. The mechanism of probiotic release from the ovalbumin matrix was ascertained using mathematical modelling and molecular docking studies. Magnetic resonance imaging and differential scanning calorimetry are also included as part of the in-vitro characterization of the ovalbumin system. The BMTTS was effective in the delivery of L. acidophilus to simulated human intestinal and colon conditions. Formulation processes were furthermore determined to maintain probiotic viability. Statistical analysis of the release data noted a significant effect of pH denaturation on the release properties of ovalbumin. Magnetic resonance imaging results have indicated a decrease in ovalbumin matrix size upon exposure to simulated intestinal fluid. Molecular docking studies carried out depicted the interaction and binding positions inherent to the ovalbumin-pancreatic trypsin interaction complex indicating the possible enzymatic degradation of ovalbumin leading to the release of the probiotic from the protein matrix. The BMTTS has been determined to be effective in the protection and delivery of probiotic L. acidophilus to simulated human intestinal and colonic conditions. Molecular docking analysis has noted that pancreatin exerts a significant effect on probiotic release from the gastro-resistant ovalbumin matrix. © 2015 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

A patient-centered clinical evaluation of acellular dermal matrix graft in the treatment of gingival recession defects.

PubMed

Mahajan, Ajay; Dixit, Jaya; Verma, Umesh Pratap

2007-12-01

The present randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft in terms of patient satisfaction and its effectiveness and efficiency in the treatment of gingival recession. Fourteen patients (seven males and seven females) with Miller Class I and II recessions > or =3 mm participated in this 6-month clinical study. They were assigned randomly to the ADM group (ADM graft and coronally positioned flap [CPF]) or the CPF group (CPF alone). Results were evaluated based on parameters measuring patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes associated with the two treatment procedures. Significance was set at P <0.05. The mean recession was 4.0 +/- 1.0 mm and 3.7 +/- 0.7 mm for the ADM and CPF groups, respectively. For the ADM group, the defect coverage was 3.85 +/- 0.89 mm or 97.14% compared to the CPF group, in which the defect coverage was 2.85 +/- 0.89 mm or 77.42%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the remaining clinical parameters and overall patient satisfaction except in criteria related to patient comfort and cost effectiveness, in which CPF alone produced significantly better results (P <0.03). ADM graft is significantly superior with regard to effectiveness and efficiency in the treatment of gingival recession than CPF alone. CPF emerges as a better option than ADM graft in terms of cost effectiveness and patient comfort.

Tasseled cap transformation for HJ multispectral remote sensing data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Ling; Han, Xiaoyong

2015-12-01

The tasseled cap transformation of remote sensing data has been widely used in environment, agriculture, forest and ecology. Tasseled cap transformation coefficients matrix of HJ multi-spectrum data has been established through Givens rotation matrix to rotate principal component transform vector to whiteness, greenness and blueness direction of ground object basing on 24 scenes year-round HJ multispectral remote sensing data. The whiteness component enhances the brightness difference of ground object, and the greenness component preserves more detailed information of vegetation change while enhances the vegetation characteristic, and the blueness component significantly enhances factory with blue plastic house roof around the town and also can enhance brightness of water. Tasseled cap transformation coefficients matrix of HJ will enhance the application effect of HJ multispectral remote sensing data in their application fields.

Effect of fiber diameter and matrix alloys on impact-resistant boron/aluminum composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdanels, D. L.; Signorelli, R. A.

1976-01-01

Efforts to improve the impact resistance of B/Al are reviewed and analyzed. Nonstandard thin-sheet charpy and Izod impact tests and standard full-size Charpy impact tests were conducted on composites containing unidirectional 0.10mm, 0.14mm, and 0.20mm diameter boron fibers in 1100, 2024, 5052, and 6061 Al matrices. Impact failure modes of B/Al are proposed in an attempt to describe the mechanisms involved and to provide insight for maximizing impact resistance. The impact strength of B/Al was significantly increased by proper selection of materials and processing. The use of a ductile matrix and large diameter boron fibers gave the highest impact strengths. This combination resulted in improved energy absorption through matrix shear deformation and multiple fiber breakage.

Formation of crystalline phase in the glass matrix of Zr-Co-Al glass-matrix composites and its effect on their mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Woo Chul; Kim, Kang Chul; Na, Min Young; Jeong, Seok Hoan; Kim, Won Tae; Kim, Do Hyang

2017-11-01

The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Zr-Co-Al alloys, with compositions of (Zr50Co50)x (Zr56Co26Al18)1-x (x = 1/6, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, 1) and Zr54Co35Al11, (referred to as Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, and Z4.5), were investigated. Alloys Z1-Z3 consisted of crystalline phases, while alloys Z4 and Z4.5 consisted of crystalline phase particles ( 3 vol% and 35 vol%, respectively) embedded within the glassy matrix. Alloys Z5 and Z6 consisted of a monolithic glass phase. The crystalline phase of alloys Z1-Z4.5 consisted of primary B2-ZrCo dendrite and an interdendritic B2-ZrCo/Zr6CoAl2 eutectic phase. The B2-ZrCo dendritic phase exhibited a high work-hardening rate, which originated from the deformation-induced B2-to-B33 martensitic transformation. However, when the brittle interdendritic B2-ZrCo/Zr6CoAl2 eutectic phase fraction increased, the work-hardening rate significantly decreased. The ductility of the glass-matrix composites was significantly impaired by the presence of the interdendritic eutectic phase in the crystalline phase. The results indicate that the design of the crystalline particle microstructure is important with regard to enhancing the plasticity of glass-matrix composites.

The influence of sterilization processes on the micromechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK composites for bone implant applications.

PubMed

Godara, A; Raabe, D; Green, S

2007-03-01

The effect of sterilization on the structural integrity of the thermoplastic matrix composite polyetheretherketone (PEEK) reinforced with carbon fibers (CF) is investigated by nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests. The use of the material as a medical implant grade requires a detailed understanding of the micromechanical properties which primarily define its in vivo behavior. Sterilization is a mandatory process for such materials used in medical applications like bone implants. The steam and gamma radiation sterilization processes employed in this study are at sufficient levels to affect the micromechanical properties of some polymer materials, particularly in the interphase region between the polymer matrix and the reinforcing fibers. Nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests are used in this work to reveal local gradients in the hardness and the elastic properties of the interphase regions. Both methods help to explore microscopic changes in the hardness, reduced stiffness and scratch resistance in the interphase region and in the bulk polymer matrix due to the different sterilization processes employed. The results reveal that neither steam nor gamma radiation sterilization entails significant changes of the reduced elastic modulus, hardness or coefficient of friction in the bulk polymer matrix. However, minor material changes of the PEEK matrix were observed in the interphase region. Of the two sterilization methods used, the steam treatment has a more significant influence on these small changes in this region and appears to increase slightly the thickness of the interphase zone.

Pasture succession in the Neotropics: extending the nucleation hypothesis into a matrix discontinuity hypothesis.

PubMed

Peterson, Chris J; Dosch, Jerald J; Carson, Walter P

2014-08-01

The nucleation hypothesis appears to explain widespread patterns of succession in tropical pastures, specifically the tendency for isolated trees to promote woody species recruitment. Still, the nucleation hypothesis has usually been tested explicitly for only short durations and in some cases isolated trees fail to promote woody recruitment. Moreover, at times, nucleation occurs in other key habitat patches. Thus, we propose an extension, the matrix discontinuity hypothesis: woody colonization will occur in focal patches that function to mitigate the herbaceous vegetation effects, thus providing safe sites or regeneration niches. We tested predictions of the classical nucleation hypothesis, the matrix discontinuity hypothesis, and a distance from forest edge hypothesis, in five abandoned pastures in Costa Rica, across the first 11 years of succession. Our findings confirmed the matrix discontinuity hypothesis: specifically, rotting logs and steep slopes significantly enhanced woody colonization. Surprisingly, isolated trees did not consistently significantly enhance recruitment; only larger trees did so. Finally, woody recruitment consistently decreased with distance from forest. Our results as well as results from others suggest that the nucleation hypothesis needs to be broadened beyond its historical focus on isolated trees or patches; the matrix discontinuity hypothesis focuses attention on a suite of key patch types or microsites that promote woody species recruitment. We argue that any habitat discontinuities that ameliorate the inhibition by dense graminoid layers will be foci for recruitment. Such patches could easily be manipulated to speed the transition of pastures to closed canopy forests.

Chitosan Enriched Three-Dimensional Matrix Reduces Inflammatory and Catabolic Mediators Production by Human Chondrocytes

PubMed Central

Oprenyeszk, Frederic; Sanchez, Christelle; Dubuc, Jean-Emile; Maquet, Véronique; Henrist, Catherine; Compère, Philippe; Henrotin, Yves

2015-01-01

This in vitro study investigated the metabolism of human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes encapsulated in a spherical matrix enriched of chitosan. Human OA chondrocytes were encapsulated and cultured for 28 days either in chitosan-alginate beads or in alginate beads. The beads were formed by slowly passing dropwise either the chitosan 0.6%–alginate 1.2% or the alginate 1.2% solution through a syringe into a 102 mM CaCl2 solution. Beads were analyzed histologically after 28 days. Interleukin (IL)-6 and -8, prostaglandin (PG) E2, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), hyaluronan and aggrecan were quantified directly in the culture supernatant by specific ELISA and nitric oxide (NO) by using a colorimetric method based on the Griess reaction. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that chitosan was homogeneously distributed through the matrix and was in direct contact with chondrocytes. The production of IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-3 by chondrocytes significantly decreased in chitosan-alginate beads compared to alginate beads. PGE2 and NO decreased also significantly but only during the first three days of culture. Hyaluronan and aggrecan production tended to increase in chitosan-alginate beads after 28 days of culture. Chitosan-alginate beads reduced the production of inflammatory and catabolic mediators by OA chondrocytes and tended to stimulate the synthesis of cartilage matrix components. These particular effects indicate that chitosan-alginate beads are an interesting scaffold for chondrocytes encapsulation before transplantation to repair cartilage defects. PMID:26020773

Commensal Protection of Staphylococcus aureus against Antimicrobials by Candida albicans Biofilm Matrix

PubMed Central

Kong, Eric F.; Tsui, Christina; Kucharíková, Sona; Andes, David

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Biofilm-associated polymicrobial infections, particularly those involving fungi and bacteria, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and tend to be challenging to treat. Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus specifically are considered leading opportunistic fungal and bacterial pathogens, respectively, mainly due to their ability to form biofilms on catheters and indwelling medical devices. However, the impact of mixed-species biofilm growth on therapy remains largely understudied. In this study, we investigated the influence of C. albicans secreted cell wall polysaccharides on the response of S. aureus to antibacterial agents in biofilm. Results demonstrated significantly enhanced tolerance for S. aureus to drugs in the presence of C. albicans or its secreted cell wall polysaccharide material. Fluorescence confocal time-lapse microscopy revealed impairment of drug diffusion through the mixed biofilm matrix. Using C. albicans mutant strains with modulated cell wall polysaccharide expression, exogenous supplementation, and enzymatic degradation, the C. albicans-secreted β-1,3-glucan cell wall component was identified as the key matrix constituent providing the bacteria with enhanced drug tolerance. Further, antibody labeling demonstrated rapid coating of the bacteria by the C. albicans matrix material. Importantly, via its effect on the fungal biofilm matrix, the antifungal caspofungin sensitized the bacteria to the drugs. Understanding such symbiotic interactions with clinical relevance between microbial species in biofilms will greatly aid in overcoming the limitations of current therapies and in defining potential new targets for treating polymicrobial infections. PMID:27729510

Modification of Sodium Release Using Porous Corn Starch and Lipoproteic Matrix.

PubMed

Christina, Josephine; Lee, Youngsoo

2016-04-01

Excessive sodium consumption can result in hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases. Various chips and extruded snacks, where salt is mainly applied on the product surface, accounted for almost 56% of snacks retail sales in 2010. Hence, it is important to target sodium reduction for those snack products. Past studies had shown that modifying the rate-release mechanism of sodium is a promising strategy for sodium reduction in the food industry. Encapsulation of salt can be a possible technique to control sodium release rate. Porous corn starch (PCS), created by enzymatic treatment and spray drying and lipoproteic matrix, created by gelation and freeze drying, were evaluated as carriers for controlled sodium release targeting topically applied salts. Both carriers encapsulated salt and their in vitro sodium release profiles were measured using a conductivity meter. The sodium release profiles of PCS treated with different enzymatic reaction times were not significantly different. Protein content and fat content altered sodium release profile from the lipoproteic matrix. The SEM images of PCS showed that most of the salt crystals coated the starch instead of being encapsulated in the pores while the SEM images and computed tomography scan of lipoproteic matrix showed salt dispersed throughout the matrix. Hence, PCS was found to have limitations as a sodium carrier as it could not effectively encapsulate salt inside its pores. The lipoproteic matrix was found to have a potential as a sodium carrier as it could effectively encapsulate salt and modify the sodium release profile. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alpha--a new stinging nettle leaf extract--on matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Schulze-Tanzil, G; de, Souza P; Behnke, B; Klingelhoefer, S; Scheid, A; Shakibaei, M

2002-04-01

Inflammatory joint diseases are characterized by enhanced extracellular matrix degradation which is predominantly mediated by cytokine-stimulated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Besides tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) produced by articular chondrocytes and synovial macrophages, is the most important cytokine stimulating MMP expression under inflammatory conditions. Blockade of these two cytokines and their downstream effectors are suitable molecular targets of antirheumatic therapy. Hox alpha is a novel stinging nettle (Urtica dioica/Urtica urens) leaf extract used for treatment of rheumatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of Hox alpha and the monosubstance 13-HOTrE (13-Hydroxyoctadecatrienic acid) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3 and -9 proteins (MMP-1, -3, -9). Human chondrocytes were cultured on collagen type-II-coated petri dishes, exposed to IL-1beta and treated with or without Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE. A close analysis by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis showed that Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE significantly suppressed IL-1beta-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3 and -9 proteins on the chondrocytes in vitro. The potential of Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE to suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinases may explain the clinical efficacy of stinging nettle leaf extracts in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that the monosubstance 13-HOTrE is one of the more active antiinflammatory substances in Hox alpha and that Hox alpha may be a promising remedy for therapy of inflammatory joint diseases.

Development of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced AZ91 Magnesium Alloy by Solidification Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandemir, Sinan

2018-04-01

It is a challenging task to effectively incorporate graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) which have recently emerged as potential reinforcement for strengthening metals into magnesium-based matrices by conventional solidification processes due to their large surface areas and poor wettability. A solidification processing which combines mechanical stirring and ultrasonic dispersion of reinforcements in liquid matrix was employed to develop AZ91 magnesium alloy matrix composites reinforced with 0.25 and 0.5 wt.% GNPs. The microstructural studies conducted with scanning and transmission electron microscopes revealed that fairly uniform distribution and dispersion of GNPs through the matrix were achieved due to effective combination of mechanical and ultrasonic stirring. The GNPs embedded into the magnesium matrix led to significant enhancement in the hardness, tensile strength and ductility of the composites compared to those of unreinforced AZ91 alloy. The strength enhancement was predominantly attributed to the grain refinement by the GNP addition and dislocation generation strengthening due to the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the matrix and reinforcement. The improved ductility was attributed to the refinement of β eutectics by transforming from lamellar to the divorced eutectics due to the GNP additions. In addition, the strengthening efficiency of the composite with 0.25 wt.% GNP was found to be higher than those of the composite with 0.5 wt.% GNP as the agglomeration tendency of GNPs is increased with increasing GNP content. These results were compared with those of the GNP-reinforced magnesium composites reported in the literature, indicating the potential of the process introduced in this study in terms of fabricating light and high-performance metal matrix composites.

Advanced polymeric matrix for valvular complications.

PubMed

Acharya, Gayathri; Hopkins, Richard A; Lee, Chi H

2012-05-01

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix systems incorporated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) containing nitric oxide (NO) donors (DETA NONOate) were developed for prevention of heart valve complications through sustained and controlled release of NO. PLLA matrices were prepared using the salt leaching method and the properties and drug release profiles were characterized. For assessment of the effects of PLLA systems on the pharmacological responses and cytotoxicity, various factors, such as calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) expression, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expression and cell viability of porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (PAVICs), were evaluated. PLLA matrices embedded with PLGA- NPs demonstrated its usefulness in alleviating the calcification rate of the VICs. The cGMP levels under osteoblastic conditions significantly increased, supporting that anticalcification activity of NO is mediated through NO-cGMP signaling pathway. The level of ICAM-1 expression in cells exposed to NO was lowered, suggesting that NO has an inhibitory activity against tissue inflammation. NO releases from PLLA matrix embedded with PLGA NPs prevented valvular calcification and inflammation without causing any cytotoxic activities. PLLA matrix system loaded with NPs containing NO donors could provide a new platform for sustained and controlled delivery of NO, significantly reducing valvular complications. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

D-Glucose as a modifying agent in gelatin/collagen matrix and reservoir nanoparticles for Calendula officinalis delivery.

PubMed

Lam, P-L; Kok, S H-L; Bian, Z-X; Lam, K-H; Tang, J C-O; Lee, K K-H; Gambari, R; Chui, C-H

2014-05-01

Gelatin/Collagen-based matrix and reservoir nanoparticles require crosslinkers to stabilize the formed nanosuspensions, considering that physical instability is the main challenge of nanoparticulate systems. The use of crosslinkers improves the physical integrity of nanoformulations under the-host environment. Aldehyde-based fixatives, such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, have been widely applied to the crosslinking process of polymeric nanoparticles. However, their potential toxicity towards human beings has been demonstrated in many previous studies. In order to tackle this problem, D-glucose was used during nanoparticle formation to stabilize the gelatin/collagen-based matrix wall and reservoir wall for the deliveries of Calendula officinalis powder and oil, respectively. In addition, therapeutic selectivity between malignant and normal cells could be observed. The C. officinalis powder loaded nanoparticles significantly strengthened the anti-cancer effect towards human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells and human hepatoma SKHep1 cells when compared with the free powder. On the contrary, the nanoparticles did not show significant cytotoxicity towards normal esophageal epithelial NE3 cells and human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells. On the basis of these evidences, D-glucose modified gelatin/collagen matrix nanoparticles containing C. officinalis powder might be proposed as a safer alternative vehicle for anti-cancer treatments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tenascin-C mimetic Peptide nanofibers direct stem cell differentiation to osteogenic lineage.

PubMed

Sever, Melike; Mammadov, Busra; Guler, Mustafa O; Tekinay, Ayse B

2014-12-08

Extracellular matrix contains various signals for cell surface receptors that regulate cell fate through modulation of cellular activities such as proliferation and differentiation. Cues from extracellular matrix components can be used for development of new materials to control the stem cell fate. In this study, we achieved control of stem cell fate toward osteogenic commitment by using a single extracellular matrix element despite the contradictory effect of mechanical stiffness. For this purpose, we mimicked bone extracellular matrix by incorporating functional sequence of fibronectin type III domain from native tenascin-C on self-assembled peptide nanofibers. When rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were cultured on these peptide nanofibers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red staining indicated osteogenic differentiation even in the absence of osteogenic supplements. Moreover, expression levels of osteogenic marker genes were significantly enhanced revealed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), which showed the remarkable bioactive role of this nanofiber system on osteogenic differentiation. Overall, these results showed that tenascin-C mimetic peptides significantly enhanced the attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rMSCs even in the absence of any external bioactive factors and regardless of the suitable stiff mechanical properties normally required for osteogenic differentiation. Thus, these peptide nanofibers provide a promising new platform for bone regeneration.

Advances in our understanding of the Reinke space.

PubMed

Thibeault, Susan L

2005-06-01

Normal vocal fold vibration depends critically upon the composition of the Reinke space or the lamina propria extracellular matrix. Alterations in the normal composition of the extracellular matrix result in a loss of normal vibratory function. In this article, the present literature on the Reinke space in normal and disease states is reviewed including publications in the multidisciplinary fields of biomechanics, histology, molecular biology, and tissue engineering. With recent technology advances, the etiology for benign lesions has been investigated with computer models and bioreactors. Particular extracellular matrix constituents in various benign vocal fold lesions--fibronectin, fibromodulin and hyaluronan--appear to be involved in altering the viscoelastic properties of the Reinke space. Significant basic science approaches to the investigation of the characterization of the Reinke space in vocal fold scarring has produced several potential future treatment avenues. Tissue-engineering approaches for regeneration of the Reinke space are the most recent addition to the literature showing promising research directions. Voice disorders represent a significant clinical problem. Research attempting to discover the underlying molecular and genetic regulation and homeostasis of the extracellular matrix of the Reinke space are essential. Effective future clinical interventions must be based upon the knowledge of how genetic and biologic features are disturbed in vocal diseases and how they relate to vocal symptoms.

Fibrin matrix for suspension of regenerative cells in an artificial nerve conduit.

PubMed

Kalbermatten, D F; Kingham, P J; Mahay, D; Mantovani, C; Pettersson, J; Raffoul, W; Balcin, H; Pierer, G; Terenghi, G

2008-06-01

Peripheral nerve injury presents with specific problems of neuronal reconstructions, and from a clinical viewpoint a tissue engineering approach would facilitate the process of repair and regeneration. We have previously used artificial nerve conduits made from bioresorbable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in order to refine the ways in which peripheral nerves are repaired and reconnected to the target muscles and skin. The addition of Schwann cells (SC) or differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (dMSC) to the conduits enhances regeneration. In this study, we have used a matrix based on fibrin (Tisseel) to fill optimally the nerve-conduits with cells. In vitro analysis showed that both SC and MSC adhered significantly better to PHB in the presence of fibrin and cells continued to maintain their differentiated state. Cells were more optimally distributed throughout the conduit when seeded in fibrin than by delivery in growth medium alone. Transplantation of the nerve conduits in vivo showed that cells in combination with fibrin matrix significantly increased nerve regeneration distance (using PGP9.5 and S100 distal and proximal immunohistochemistry) when compared with empty PHB conduits. This study shows the beneficial combinatory effect of an optimised matrix, cells and conduit material as a step towards bridging nerve gaps which should ultimately lead to improved functional recovery following nerve injury.

PAMAM (generation 4) incorporated gelatin 3D matrix as an improved dermal substitute for skin tissue engineering.

PubMed

Maji, Somnath; Agarwal, Tarun; Maiti, Tapas Kumar

2017-07-01

The study explored the prospects of PAMAM (generation 4) applicability in gelatin based scaffolds for skin tissue engineering. The effect of PAMAM on physico-chemical and biological characteristics of gelatin scaffolds was evaluated. Gelatin scaffolds (with/without PAMAM) were prepared by lyophilization, chemically crosslinked by glutaraldehyde and characterized for their morphology (pore size), chemical features (bond nature), water adsorption, biodegradation and biological compatibility. The study demonstrated that addition of PAMAM did not significantly alter the pore size distribution or porosity of the scaffolds. However, water adsorption potential and collagenase mediated degradation significantly enhanced over period of the study. Both the scaffolds (with/without PAMAM) were highly biocompatible and hemocompatible. PAMAM (G4) blended scaffolds showed relatively higher cellular adhesion and proliferation of both keratinocytes and fibroblasts with an improved gene expression profile of native collagen type I of fibroblasts. Moreover, expression of angiogenesis inducing genes, HIF1α and VEGF were also higher in PAMAM blended gelatin matrix. Also, PAMAM incorporated gelatin matrix showed a slower rate of drug release which confirms its suitability for therapeutic delivery during wound healing. These results clearly suggest that blending PAMAM (G4) into the matrix could provide an additional support to scaffold assisted wound healing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Limited-memory BFGS based least-squares pre-stack Kirchhoff depth migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shaojiang; Wang, Yibo; Zheng, Yikang; Chang, Xu

2015-08-01

Least-squares migration (LSM) is a linearized inversion technique for subsurface reflectivity estimation. Compared to conventional migration algorithms, it can improve spatial resolution significantly with a few iterative calculations. There are three key steps in LSM, (1) calculate data residuals between observed data and demigrated data using the inverted reflectivity model; (2) migrate data residuals to form reflectivity gradient and (3) update reflectivity model using optimization methods. In order to obtain an accurate and high-resolution inversion result, the good estimation of inverse Hessian matrix plays a crucial role. However, due to the large size of Hessian matrix, the inverse matrix calculation is always a tough task. The limited-memory BFGS (L-BFGS) method can evaluate the Hessian matrix indirectly using a limited amount of computer memory which only maintains a history of the past m gradients (often m < 10). We combine the L-BFGS method with least-squares pre-stack Kirchhoff depth migration. Then, we validate the introduced approach by the 2-D Marmousi synthetic data set and a 2-D marine data set. The results show that the introduced method can effectively obtain reflectivity model and has a faster convergence rate with two comparison gradient methods. It might be significant for general complex subsurface imaging.

Contaminant sequestration in karstic aquifers: Experiments and quantification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guangquan; Loper, David E.; Kung, Robin

2008-02-01

A karstic aquifer typically has significant secondary porosity consisting of an interconnected system of caves or conduits. Conduit-borne contaminants can enter the contiguous limestone matrix, remain inside for a longer time than in the conduit, and subsequently be flushed out. This retention or sequestration can significantly influence the fate of contaminants within the aquifer and alter the shape of the breakthrough curve. The mechanisms involved in sequestration have been identified and quantified by analysis of the breakthrough curves generated by a set of laboratory experiments in which a conduit, porous limestone matrix, and conservative contaminant were simulated by a porous-walled pipe, chamber of closely packed glass beads, and salt, respectively. Experiments were conducted with both active and passive transfer of water between conduit and matrix, simulating differing hydrogeologic regimes. In active transfer the primary control parameter is the volume of water transferred; sequestration is primarily due to advection with the effects of diffusion and dispersion being minimal. In passive transfer the control parameters are the conduit Reynolds number and the duration that contaminant resides in the conduit; sequestration is caused by the combined effects of the conduit pressure drop, pressure variation due to bedform, and diffusion. Active and passive transfer can be unified by analyzing the ratio of the scale of pressure variation to the conduit length. In accordance with the resolved mechanisms a variety of models have been constructed to recover solute distributions in the matrix and to regenerate breakthrough curves. These analyses and models provide a potential approach to investigate contaminant migration in karstic aquifers.

Inhibitor of lysyl oxidase improves cardiac function and the collagen/MMP profile in response to volume overload.

PubMed

El Hajj, Elia C; El Hajj, Milad C; Ninh, Van K; Gardner, Jason D

2018-05-18

The cardiac extracellular matrix is a complex architectural network that serves many functions including providing structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells, and regulating intercellular signaling pathways. Cardiac function is directly affected by extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, and alterations of the ECM contribute to progression of heart failure. Initially, collagen deposition is an adaptive response that aims to preserve tissue integrity and maintain normal ventricular function. However, the synergistic effects of the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses induce a vicious cycle which causes excess activation of myofibroblasts, significantly increasing collagen deposition and accumulation in the matrix. Further, excess synthesis and activation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) during disease increases collagen cross-linking, which significantly increases collagen resistance to degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, the aortocaval fistula model of volume overload (VO) was used to determine whether LOX inhibition could prevent adverse changes in the ECM and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. The major findings from this study are that LOX inhibition: (a) prevented VO-induced increases in LV wall stress, (b) partially attenuated VO-induced ventricular hypertrophy, (c) completely blocked the increases in fibrotic proteins, including collagens, MMPs, and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), and (d) prevented the VO-induced decline in cardiac function. It remains unclear whether a direct interaction between LOX and MMPs exists; however our studies suggest a potential link between the two since LOX inhibition completely attenuated the VO-induced increases in MMPs. Overall, our studies demonstrate key cardioprotective effects of LOX inhibition against adverse cardiac remodeling due to chronic VO.

Effect of Matrix Multicracking on the Hysteresis Loops of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Cross-Ply Ceramic-Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L. B.

2017-01-01

The effect of matrix multicracking on the stress-strain hysteresis loops of cross-ply C/SiC ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) under cyclic loading/unloading was investigated. When matrix multicracking and fiber/matrix interface debonding occur in the 0° plies, fiber slipping relative to the matrix in the debonded region of interface is the mainly reason for occurrence of the loops. The interfacial slip lengths, i.e., the debonded lengths of interface are determined, with consideration of matrix multicracking in the 90° and 0° plies, by using the fracture mechanics approach. The effects of peak stress, fiber volume content, fiber/matrix interfacial shear stress, and number of cycles on the hysteresis loops are analyzed. The stress-strain hysteresis loops of cross-ply C/SiC composites corresponding to different peak stresses and numbers of cycles are predicted.

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

Alhajeri, Saleh N., E-mail: sn.alhajeri@paaet.edu.

Disks of an Al-6061 metal matrix composite, reinforced with 10 vol.% Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles, were processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature for 1/4, 1/2, 1, 5 and 10 turns under an applied pressure of 6.0 GPa. The evolution of microstructure was investigated using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. During HPT processing the average grain size within the aluminum matrix decreased from ∼ 35 μm in the unprocessed condition to ∼ 170 nm after processing through 10 turns but there was no significant effect on the size and distribution of the alumina particulate clusters. The values ofmore » the Vickers microhardness were recorded across the surface of each disk and then plotted as two-dimensional and three-dimensional color-coded contour maps. The results show the hardness increases from ∼ 56 Hv in the initial condition to ∼ 165 Hv after HPT for 10 turns. The results demonstrate that, as in many unreinforced metallic alloys, the evolution of hardness with strain exhibits strain hardening without any significant recovery. - Highlights: •The average grain size of the Al matrix was ~ 170 nm after processing for 10 turns. •No significant effect of HPT on the size and distribution of the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles. •The evolution of microhardness demonstrates strain hardening without recovery. •The microhardness at low strains increases linearly from the center to the edge. •The microhardness at high strains becomes homogeneous with a saturation of ~ 170 Hv.« less

The effect of riboflavin/UVA cross-linking on anti-degeneration and promoting angiogenic capability of decellularized liver matrix.

PubMed

Xiang, Junxi; Liu, Peng; Zheng, Xinglong; Dong, Dinghui; Fan, Shujuan; Dong, Jian; Zhang, Xufeng; Liu, Xuemin; Wang, Bo; Lv, Yi

2017-10-01

Weak mechanical property and unstable degradation rate limited the application of decellularized liver matrix in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to explore a new method for improving the mechanical properties, anti-degeneration and angiogenic capability of decellularized liver matrix. This was achieved by a novel approach using riboflavin/ultraviolet A treatment to induce collagen cross-linking of decellularized matrix. Histological staining and scanning electron microscope showed that the diameter of cross-linked fibers significantly increased compared with the control group. The average peak load and Young's modulus of decellularized matrix were obviously improved after cross-linking. Then we implanted the modified matrix into the rat hepatic injury model to test the anti-degeneration and angiogenic capability of riboflavin/UVA cross-linked decellularized liver scaffolds in vivo. The results indicated that cross-linked scaffolds degrade more slowly than those in the control group. In the experiment group, average microvessel density in the implanted matrix was higher than that in the control group since the first week after implantation. In conclusion, we initiated the method to improve the biomechanical properties of decellularized liver scaffolds by riboflavin/UVA cross-linking, and more importantly, its improvement on anti-degeneration and angiogenesis was identified. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2662-2669, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Newborn screening by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry based on parylene-matrix chip.

PubMed

Kim, Jo-Il; Noh, Joo-Yoon; Kim, Mira; Park, Jong-Min; Song, Hyun-Woo; Kang, Min-Jung; Pyun, Jae-Chul

2017-08-01

Newborn screening for diagnosis of phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, and maple syrup urine disease have been conducted by analyzing the concentration of target amino acids using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) based on parylene-matrix chip. Parylene-matrix chip was applied to MALDI-ToF MS analysis reducing the matrix peaks significantly at low mass-to-charge ratio range (m/z < 500). Reproducibility of inter-spot and intra-spot analyses of amino acids was less than 10%. Methanol extraction was adopted for simple and rapid sample preparation of serum before mass spectrometric analysis showing 13.3 to 45% of extraction efficiency. Calibration curves for diagnosis of neonatal metabolic disorders were obtained by analyzing methanol-extracted serum spiked with target amino acids using MALDI-ToF MS. They showed good linearity (R 2  > 0.98) and the LODs were ranging from 9.0 to 22.9 μg/mL. Effect of proteins in serum was estimated by comparing MALDI-ToF mass spectra of amino acids-spiked serum before and after the methanol extraction. Interference of other amino acids on analysis of target analyte was determined to be insignificant. From these results, MALDI-ToF MS based on parylene-matrix chip could be applicable to medical diagnosis of neonatal metabolic disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Incorporating Cs and Sr into blast furnace slag inorganic polymers and their effect on matrix properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandevenne, Niels; Iacobescu, Remus Ion; Pontikes, Yiannis; Carleer, Robert; Thijssen, Elsy; Gijbels, Katrijn; Schreurs, Sonja; Schroeyers, Wouter

2018-05-01

Minimizing harmful effects to the environment in waste-management practices requires continuous innovation. This is especially important in the field of radioactive waste management. Alternatives to the commonly used ordinary Portland cement matrices are being increasingly studied for improved immobilisation purposes. The development of inorganic polymers (IP) from industrial residues has been successfully studied for the immobilisation of caesium (Cs+) and strontium (Sr2+). However, knowledge of the effect of these introduced elements on the IP-matrix is scarce, especially considering that studied effects are dependent on the IP-precursor characteristics and the form in which the Cs+ and Sr2+ are introduced. In this study, IPs containing varying amounts of CsNO3 and Sr(NO3)2 were developed to study the effect of the introduced elements on the IP-characteristics. IP-samples were developed from ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and 6 M NaOH activating solution. Cs+ and Sr2+ were added to account for 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% of the total IP-mass. Throughout the entire study, Cs+-addition showed no significant effects on the studied parameters. Calorimetric results showed that Sr2+ severely affects reaction kinetics, consuming hydroxide ions necessary for the alkali activation reaction. Sr2+-addition also caused a severe decrease in compressive strength, increased calcium leaching, and decreased sodium and hydroxide leaching. Micro-chemical analyses showed that Cs+ is almost fully incorporated in the formed IP-matrix, while Sr2+ mainly precipitates as Sr(OH)2 in concentrated regions throughout the IP-structure. The findings presented in this paper give insights on the effect of contaminant elements on the immobilising matrix.

Aspects of matrix effects in applications of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to forensic and clinical toxicology--a review.

PubMed

Peters, Frank T; Remane, Daniela

2012-06-01

In the last decade, liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS(-MS)) has become a versatile technique with many routine applications in clinical and forensic toxicology. However, it is well-known that ionization in LC-MS(-MS) is prone to so-called matrix effects, i.e., alteration in response due to the presence of co-eluting compounds that may increase (ion enhancement) or reduce (ion suppression) ionization of the analyte. Since the first reports on such matrix effects, numerous papers have been published on this matter and the subject has been reviewed several times. However, none of the existing reviews has specifically addressed aspects of matrix effects of particular interest and relevance to clinical and forensic toxicology, for example matrix effects in methods for multi-analyte or systematic toxicological analysis or matrix effects in (alternative) matrices almost exclusively analyzed in clinical and forensic toxicology, for example meconium, hair, oral fluid, or decomposed samples in postmortem toxicology. This review article will therefore focus on these issues, critically discussing experiments and results of matrix effects in LC-MS(-MS) applications in clinical and forensic toxicology. Moreover, it provides guidance on performance of studies on matrix effects in LC-MS(-MS) procedures in systematic toxicological analysis and postmortem toxicology.

Phase-field simulation of counter-current spontaneous imbibition in a fractured heterogeneous porous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rokhforouz, M. R.; Akhlaghi Amiri, H. A.

2017-06-01

Spontaneous imbibition is well-known to be one of the most effective processes of oil recovery in fractured reservoirs. However, the detailed pore-scale mechanisms of the counter-current imbibition process and the effects of different fluid/rock parameters on this phenomenon have not yet been deeply addressed. This work presents the results of a new pore-level numerical study of counter-current spontaneous imbibition, using coupled Cahn-Hilliard phase field and Navier-Stokes equations, solved by a finite element method. A 2D fractured medium was constructed consisting of a nonhomogeneous porous matrix, in which the grains were represented by an equilateral triangular array of circles with different sizes and initially saturated with oil, and a fracture, adjacent to the matrix, initially saturated with water and supported by low rate water inflow. Through invasion of water into the matrix, oil drops were expelled one by one from the matrix to the fracture, and in the matrix, water progressed by forming capillary fingerings, with characteristics corresponding to the experimental observations. The effects of wettability, viscosity ratio, and interfacial tension were investigated. In strongly water-wet matrix, with grain contact angles of θ < π/8, different micro-scale mechanisms were successfully captured, including oil film thinning and rupture, fluids' contact line movement, water bridging, and oil drop detachment. It was notified that there was a specific grain contact angle for this simulated model, θ = π/4, above it, matrix oil recovery was negligible by imbibition, while below it, the imbibition rate and oil recovery were significantly increased by decreasing the contact angle. In simulated mixed wet models, water, coming from the fracture, just invaded the neighboring water-wet grains; the water front was stopped moving as it met the oil-wet grains or wide pores/throats. Increasing water-oil interfacial tension, in the range of 0.005-0.05 N/m, resulted in both higher rate of imbibition and higher ultimate oil recovery. Changing the water-oil viscosity ratio (M), in the range of 0.1-10, had a negligible effect on the imbibition rate, while due to co-effects of capillary fingering and viscous mobility ratio, the model with M = 1 had relatively higher ultimate oil recovery.

The Influence of Non-spectral Matrix Effects on the Accuracy of Isotope Ratio Measurement by MC-ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barling, J.; Shiel, A.; Weis, D.

2006-12-01

Non-spectral interferences in ICP-MS are caused by matrix elements effecting the ionisation and transmission of analyte elements. They are difficult to identify in MC-ICP-MS isotopic data because affected analyses exhibit normal mass dependent isotope fractionation. We have therefore investigated a wide range of matrix elements for both stable and radiogenic isotope systems using a Nu Plasma MC-ICP-MS. Matrix elements commonly enhance analyte sensitivity and change the instrumental mass bias experienced by analyte elements. These responses vary with element and therefore have important ramifications for the correction of data for instrumental mass bias by use of an external element (e.g. Pb and many non-traditional stable isotope systems). For Pb isotope measurements (Tl as mass bias element), Mg, Al, Ca, and Fe were investigated as matrix elements. All produced signal enhancement in Pb and Tl. Signal enhancement varied from session to session but for Ca and Al enhancement in Pb was less than for Tl while for Mg and Fe enhancement levels for Pb and Tl were similar. After correction for instrumental mass fractionation using Tl, Mg effected Pb isotope ratios were heavy (e.g. ^{208}Pb/204Pbmatrix > ^{208}Pb/204Pbtrue) for both moderate and high [Mg] while Ca effected Pb showed little change at moderate [Ca] but were light at high [Ca]. ^{208}Pb/204Pbmatrix - ^{208}Pb/204Pbtrue for all elements ranged from +0.0122 to - 0.0177. Isotopic shifts of similar magnitude are observed between Pb analyses of samples that have seen either one or two passes through chemistry (Nobre Silva et al, 2005). The double pass purified aliquots always show better reproducibility. These studies show that the presence of matrix can have a significant effect on the accuracy and reproducibility of replicate Pb isotope analyses. For non-traditional stable isotope systems (e.g. Mo(Zr), Cd(Ag)), the different responses of analyte and mass bias elements to the presence of matrix can result in del/amu for measured & mass bias corrected data that disagree outside of error. Either or both values can be incorrect. For samples, unlike experiments, the correct del/amu is not known in advance. Therefore, for sample analyses to be considered accurate, both measured and exponentially corrected del/amu should agree.

Interaction of electromagnetic fields with chondrocytes in gel culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grodzinsky, Alan J.; Buschmann, Michael D.; Gluzband, Yehezkiel A.

1992-01-01

The specific objectives of this research period were: (1) to quantify the effect of applied electric fields on chondrocyte metabolism, using a range of stimulation frequencies and amplitudes; (2) to compare the chondrocyte biosynthetic response to applied fields at early times in agarose gel culture before an extracellular matrix has accumulated and at later times after significant deposition of matrix around and between the cells; and (3) to begin to interpret the biosynthetic response to applied fields in terms of models of physical mechanisms. The results of these studies suggest that electric fields applied to chondrocytes in agarose can modulate the synthesis of proteoglycans and protein constituents. Biosynthesis may be inhibited or stimulated depending on the amplitude of the applied current density. In addition, the presence of extracellular matrix may enhance the ability of normal chondrocytes and cells in intact cartilage to respond to electric fields, although the presence of matrix was not required for the stimulatory response to be observed with Swarm rat chondrosarcoma cells.

Residual stresses and their effects on deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, L. C.; Allison, J. E.

1993-11-01

Residual stresses induced by thermal expansion mismatch in metal-matrix composites are studied by three-dimensional (3-D) elastic-plastic finite element analyses. Typically, the stress-free state is 150 to 300 K above room temperature. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the matrix is 3 to 5 times larger than that of the ceramic inclusion, resulting in compressive stresses of order 200 MPa in the inclusions. Both compressive and tensile stresses can be found in the matrix. Since the stress may exceed the matrix yield strength near the particles, plastic flow occurs. The authors find a significant influence of this flow on the elastic and plastic properties of the composite. The calculated residual strains in TiC particles due to thermal expansion mismatch and external loads compare well with recent neutron diffraction experiments (Bourke et al.) The present work is the first reported three-dimensional analysis of spherical inclusions in different arrays (simple cubic (sc) and face-centered cubic (fcc)) that permit a study of particle interactions.

Free-edge stress analysis of glass-epoxy laminates with matrix cracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fish, John C.; O'Brien, T. K.

1992-01-01

The effect of matrix cracks on the composite delamination and interlaminar stresses is investigated in (+15/90n/-15)s glass-epoxy laminates (with values of n equal to 0, 1, 2, or 3) subjected to monotonically increasing tension loads. Three-dimensional (3D) and quasi-3D (Q3D) finite-element analyses are used to model the free-edge stress states in the laminates with and without a matrix crack, respectively. The Q3D results show that in-plane transverse tensile stresses exist in the +15 deg plies near the free edges of all of the laminates used and that only the interlaminar shear stress is high at the +15/theta interface. The results of 3D analysis indicate that large tensile interlaminar normal as well as shear stresses develop at the intersection of the matrix crack and the free edge. This suggests that the interlaminar normal stress plays a significant role in the failure of these laminates.

Chemically modified graphene/polyimide composite films based on utilization of covalent bonding and oriented distribution.

PubMed

Huang, Ting; Lu, Renguo; Su, Chao; Wang, Hongna; Guo, Zheng; Liu, Pei; Huang, Zhongyuan; Chen, Haiming; Li, Tongsheng

2012-05-01

Herein, we have developed a rather simple composite fabrication approach to achieving molecular-level dispersion and planar orientation of chemically modified graphene (CMG) in the thermosetting polyimide (PI) matrix as well as realizing strong adhesion at the interfacial regions between reinforcing filler and matrix. The covalent adhesion of CMG to PI matrix and oriented distribution of CMG were carefully confirmed and analyzed by detailed investigations. Combination of covalent bonding and oriented distribution could enlarge the effectiveness of CMG in the matrix. Efficient stress transfer was found at the CMG/PI interfaces. Significant improvements in the mechanical performances, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and hydrophobic behavior were achieved by addition of only a small amount of CMG. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition and the electrical percolation were observed at only 0.2 wt % CMG in this composite system. This facile methodology is believed to afford broad application potential in graphene-based polymer nanocomposites, especially other types of high-performance thermosetting systems.

Thermometric determination of cartilage matrix temperatures during thermal chondroplasty: comparison of bipolar and monopolar radiofrequency devices.

PubMed

Edwards, Ryland B; Lu, Yan; Rodriguez, Edwin; Markel, Mark D

2002-04-01

To compare cartilage matrix temperatures between monopolar radiofrequency energy (mRFE) and bipolar RFE (bRFE) at 3 depths under the articular surface during thermal chondroplasty. We hypothesized that cartilage temperatures would be higher at all cartilage depths for the bRFE device than for the mRFE device. Randomized trial using bovine cartilage. Sixty osteochondral sections from the femoropatellar joint of 15 adult cattle were used for this study. Using a custom jig, fluoroptic thermometry probes were placed at one of the following depths under the articular surface: 200 microm, 500 microm, or 2,000 microm. RF treatment was performed either with fluid flow (F) (120 mL/min) or without fluid flow (NF) (n = 5/depth/RFE device/flow; total specimens, 60). Irrigation fluid temperature was room temperature (22 degrees C). Thermometry data were acquired at 4 Hz for 5 seconds with the RF probe off, for 20 seconds with the RF probe on, and then for 15 seconds with the RF probe off. During RF treatment, a 0.79-cm2 area (1.0-cm diameter) of the articular surface centered over the thermometry probe was treated in a paintbrush manner in noncontact (bRFE) or light contact (mRFE). Thermal chondroplasty with bRFE resulted in higher cartilage matrix temperatures compared with mRFE for all depths and regardless of fluid flow. Bipolar RFE resulted in temperatures of 95 degrees C to 100 degrees C at 200 microm and 500 microm under the surface, with temperatures of 75 degrees C to 78 degrees C at 2,000 microm. Fluid flow during bRFE application had no effect at 200 microm. Monopolar RFE resulted in temperatures of 61 degrees C to 68 degrees C at 200 microm, 54 degrees C to 70 degrees C at 500 microm under the surface, and 28 degrees C to 30 degrees C at 2,000 microm below the surface. A significant effect of fluid flow during mRFE application occurred at 200 microm (NF, 61 degrees C; F, 63 degrees C) and 500 microm (NF, 53 degrees C; F, 68 degrees C). In this study, we found significant differences between bRFE and a temperature-controlled mRFE device with regard to depth of thermal heating of cartilage in vitro. Bipolar RFE resulted in matrix temperatures high enough (>70 degrees C) to kill cells as deep as 2,000 microm under the articular surface. Fluid flow during thermal chondroplasty had the effect of significantly increasing cartilage matrix temperatures at 200 and 500 microm with the mRFE device. During thermal chondroplasty, bRFE creates greater matrix temperature elevations at equivalent depths and treatment duration than does mRFE. Excessive temperatures generated deep within the cartilage matrix could cause full-thickness chondrocyte death, in vivo.

A comparison of human and porcine acellularized dermis: interactions with human fibroblasts in vitro.

PubMed

Armour, Alexis D; Fish, Joel S; Woodhouse, Kimberly A; Semple, John L

2006-03-01

Dermal substitutes derived from xenograft materials require elaborate processing at a considerable cost. Acellularized porcine dermis is a readily available material associated with minimal immunogenicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate acellularized pig dermis as a scaffold for human fibroblasts. In vitro methods were used to evaluate fibroblast adherence, proliferation, and migration on pig acellularized dermal matrix. Acellular human dermis was used as a control. Pig acellularized dermal matrix was found to be inferior to human acellularized dermal matrix as a scaffold for human fibroblasts. Significantly more samples of human acellularized dermal matrix (83 percent, n = 24; p < 0.05) demonstrated fibroblast infiltration below the cell-seeded surface than pig acellularized dermal matrix (31 percent, n = 49). Significantly more (p < 0.05) fibroblasts infiltrated below the surface of human acellularized dermal matrix (mean, 1072 +/- 80 cells per section; n = 16 samples) than pig acellularized dermal matrix (mean, 301 +/- 48 cells per section; n = 16 samples). Fibroblasts migrated significantly less (p < 0.05) distance from the cell-seeded pig acellularized dermal matrix surface than in the human acellularized dermal matrix (78.8 percent versus 38.3 percent cells within 150 mum from the surface, respectively; n = 5). Fibroblasts proliferated more rapidly (p < 0.05) on pig acellularized dermal matrix (n = 9) than on the human acellularized dermal matrix (7.4-fold increase in cell number versus 1.8-fold increase, respectively; n = 9 for human acellularized dermal matrix). There was no difference between the two materials with respect to fibroblast adherence (8120 versus 7436 average adherent cells per section, for pig and human acellularized dermal matrix, respectively; n = 20 in each group; p > 0.05). Preliminary findings suggest that substantial differences may exist between human fibroblast behavior in cell-matrix interactions of porcine and human acellularized dermis.

Effect of bidispersity in grafted chain length on grafted chain conformations and potential of mean force between polymer grafted nanoparticles in a homopolymer matrix.

PubMed

Nair, Nitish; Wentzel, Nathaniel; Jayaraman, Arthi

2011-05-21

In efforts to produce polymeric materials with tailored physical properties, significant interest has grown around the ability to control the spatial organization of nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites. One way to achieve controlled particle arrangement is by grafting the nanoparticle surface with polymers that are compatible with the matrix, thus manipulating the interfacial interactions between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. Previous work has shown that the molecular weight of the grafted polymer, both at high grafting density and low grafting density, plays a key role in dictating the effective inter-particle interactions in a polymer matrix. At high grafting density nanoparticles disperse (aggregate) if the graft molecular weight is higher (lower) than the matrix molecular weight. At low grafting density the longer grafts can better shield the nanoparticle surface from direct particle-particle contacts than the shorter grafts and lead to the dispersion of the grafted particles in the matrix. Despite the importance of graft molecular weight, and evidence of non-trivial effects of polydispersity of chains grafted on flat surfaces, most theoretical work on polymer grafted nanoparticles has only focused on monodisperse grafted chains. In this paper, we focus on how bidispersity in grafted chain lengths affects the grafted chain conformations and inter-particle interactions in an implicit solvent and in a dense homopolymer polymer matrix. We first present the effects of bidispersity on grafted chain conformations in a single polymer grafted particle using purely Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. This is followed by calculations of the potential of mean force (PMF) between two grafted particles in a polymer matrix using a self-consistent Polymer Reference Interaction Site Model theory-Monte Carlo simulation approach. Monte Carlo simulations of a single polymer grafted particle in an implicit solvent show that in the bidisperse polymer grafted particles with an equal number of short and long grafts at low to medium grafting density, the short grafts are in a more coiled up conformation (lower radius of gyration) than their monodisperse counterparts to provide a larger free volume to the longer grafts so they can gain conformational entropy. The longer grafts do not show much difference in conformation from their monodisperse counterparts at low grafting density, but at medium grafting density the longer grafts exhibit less stretched conformations (lower radius of gyration) as compared to their monodisperse counterparts. In the presence of an explicit homopolymer matrix, the longer grafts are more compressed by the matrix homopolymer chains than the short grafts. We observe that the potential of mean force between bidisperse grafted particles has features of the PMF of monodisperse grafted particles with short grafts and monodisperse grafted particles with long grafts. The value of the PMF at contact is governed by the short grafts and values at large inter-particle distances are governed by the longer grafts. Further comparison of the PMF for bidisperse and monodisperse polymer grafted particles in a homopolymer matrix at varying parameters shows that the effects of matrix chain length, matrix packing fraction, grafting density, and particle curvature on the PMF between bidisperse polymer grafted particles are similar to those seen between monodisperse polymer grafted particles. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Method of making carbon fiber-carbon matrix reinforced ceramic composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Brian (Inventor); Benander, Robert (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A method of making a carbon fiber-carbon matrix reinforced ceramic composite wherein the result is a carbon fiber-carbon matrix reinforcement is embedded within a ceramic matrix. The ceramic matrix does not penetrate into the carbon fiber-carbon matrix reinforcement to any significant degree. The carbide matrix is a formed in situ solid carbide of at least one metal having a melting point above about 1850 degrees centigrade. At least when the composite is intended to operate between approximately 1500 and 2000 degrees centigrade for extended periods of time the solid carbide with the embedded reinforcement is formed first by reaction infiltration. Molten silicon is then diffused into the carbide. The molten silicon diffuses preferentially into the carbide matrix but not to any significant degree into the carbon-carbon reinforcement. Where the composite is intended to operate between approximately 2000 and 2700 degrees centigrade for extended periods of time such diffusion of molten silicon into the carbide is optional and generally preferred, but not essential.

Reduction of matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry by flow injection with an unshielded torch.

PubMed

Gross, Cory T; McIntyre, Sally M; Houk, R S

2009-06-15

Solution samples with matrix concentrations above approximately 0.1% generally present difficulties for analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) because of cone clogging and matrix effects. Flow injection (FI) is coupled to ICP-MS to reduce deposition from samples such as 1% sodium salts (as NaCl) and seawater (approximately 3% dissolved salts). Surprisingly, matrix effects are also less severe during flow injection, at least for some matrix elements on the particular instrument used. Sodium chloride at 1% Na and undiluted seawater cause only 2 to 29% losses of signal for typical analyte elements. A heavy matrix element (Bi) at 0.1% also induces only approximately 14% loss of analyte signal. However, barium causes a much worse matrix effect, that is, approximately 90% signal loss at 5000 ppm Na. Also, matrix effects during FI are much more severe when a grounded metal shield is inserted between the load coil and the torch, which is the most common mode of operation for the particular ICP-MS device used.

Quantifying Effects of Voids in Woven Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldsmith, Marlana B.; Sankar, Bhavani V.; Haftka, Raphael T.; Goldberg, Robert K.

2013-01-01

Randomness in woven ceramic matrix composite architecture has been found to cause large variability in stiffness and strength. The inherent voids are an aspect of the architecture that may cause a significant portion of the variability. A study is undertaken to investigate the effects of many voids of random sizes and distributions. Response surface approximations were formulated based on void parameters such as area and length fractions to provide an estimate of the effective stiffness. Obtaining quantitative relationships between the properties of the voids and their effects on stiffness of ceramic matrix composites are of ultimate interest, but the exploratory study presented here starts by first modeling the effects of voids on an isotropic material. Several cases with varying void parameters were modeled which resulted in a large amount of variability of the transverse stiffness and out-of-plane shear stiffness. An investigation into a physical explanation for the stiffness degradation led to the observation that the voids need to be treated as an entity that reduces load bearing capabilities in a space larger than what the void directly occupies through a corrected length fraction or area fraction. This provides explanation as to why void volume fraction is not the only important factor to consider when computing loss of stiffness.

Market Correlation Structure Changes Around the Great Crash: A Random Matrix Theory Analysis of the Chinese Stock Market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Rui-Qi; Xie, Wen-Jie; Xiong, Xiong; Zhang, Wei; Zhou, Wei-Xing

The correlation structure of a stock market contains important financial contents, which may change remarkably due to the occurrence of financial crisis. We perform a comparative analysis of the Chinese stock market around the occurrence of the 2008 crisis based on the random matrix analysis of high-frequency stock returns of 1228 Chinese stocks. Both raw correlation matrix and partial correlation matrix with respect to the market index in two time periods of one year are investigated. We find that the Chinese stocks have stronger average correlation and partial correlation in 2008 than in 2007 and the average partial correlation is significantly weaker than the average correlation in each period. Accordingly, the largest eigenvalue of the correlation matrix is remarkably greater than that of the partial correlation matrix in each period. Moreover, each largest eigenvalue and its eigenvector reflect an evident market effect, while other deviating eigenvalues do not. We find no evidence that deviating eigenvalues contain industrial sectorial information. Surprisingly, the eigenvectors of the second largest eigenvalues in 2007 and of the third largest eigenvalues in 2008 are able to distinguish the stocks from the two exchanges. We also find that the component magnitudes of the some largest eigenvectors are proportional to the stocks’ capitalizations.

Engineering micropatterned surfaces to modulate the function of vascular stem cells

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

Li, Jennifer; Wu, Michelle; Chu, Julia

2014-02-21

Highlights: • We examine vascular stem cell function on microgrooved and micropost patterned polymer substrates. • 10 μm microgrooved surfaces significantly lower VSC proliferation but do not modulate calcified matrix deposition. • Micropost surfaces significantly lower VSC proliferation and decrease calcified matrix deposition. - Abstract: Multipotent vascular stem cells have been implicated in vascular disease and in tissue remodeling post therapeutic intervention. Hyper-proliferation and calcified extracellular matrix deposition of VSC cause blood vessel narrowing and plaque hardening thereby increasing the risk of myocardial infarct. In this study, to optimize the surface design of vascular implants, we determined whether micropatterned polymermore » surfaces can modulate VSC differentiation and calcified matrix deposition. Undifferentiated rat VSC were cultured on microgrooved surfaces of varied groove widths, and on micropost surfaces. 10 μm microgrooved surfaces elongated VSC and decreased cell proliferation. However, microgrooved surfaces did not attenuate calcified extracellular matrix deposition by VSC cultured in osteogenic media conditions. In contrast, VSC cultured on micropost surfaces assumed a dendritic morphology, were significantly less proliferative, and deposited minimal calcified extracellular matrix. These results have significant implications for optimizing the design of cardiovascular implant surfaces.« less

Osteoblast fibronectin mRNA, protein synthesis, and matrix are unchanged after exposure to microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes-Fulford, M.; Gilbertson, V.

1999-01-01

The well-defined osteoblast line, MC3T3-E1 was used to examine fibronectin (FN) mRNA levels, protein synthesis, and extracellular FN matrix accumulation after growth activation in spaceflight. These osteoblasts produce FN extracellular matrix (ECM) known to regulate adhesion, differentiation, and function in adherent cells. Changes in bone ECM and osteoblast cell shape occur in spaceflight. To determine whether altered FN matrix is a factor in causing these changes in spaceflight, quiescent osteoblasts were launched into microgravity and were then sera activated with and without a 1-gravity field. Synthesis of FN mRNA, protein, and matrix were measured after activation in microgravity. FN mRNA synthesis is significantly reduced in microgravity (0-G) when compared to ground (GR) osteoblasts flown in a centrifuge simulating earth's gravity (1-G) field 2.5 h after activation. However, 27.5 h after activation there were no significant differences in mRNA synthesis. A small but significant reduction of FN protein was found in the 0-G samples 2.5 h after activation. Total FN protein 27.5 h after activation showed no significant difference between any of the gravity conditions, however, there was a fourfold increase in absolute amount of protein synthesized during the incubation. Using immunofluorescence, we found no significant differences in the amount or in the orientation of the FN matrix after 27.5 h in microgravity. These results demonstrate that FN is made by sera-activated osteoblasts even during exposure to microgravity. These data also suggest that after a total period of 43 h of spaceflight FN transcription, translation, or altered matrix assembly is not responsible for the altered cell shape or altered matrix formation of osteoblasts.

Dynamic laser-induced effects in nanocomposite systems based on the cadmium sulfide quantum dots in a silicate matrix.

PubMed

Voznesenskiy, S S; Sergeev, A A; Postnova, I V; Galkina, A N; Shchipunov, Yu A; Kulchin, Yu N

2015-02-23

In this paper we study the laser-induced modification of optical properties of nanocomposite based on cadmium sulphide quantum dots encapsulated into thiomalic acid shell which were embedded into a porous silica matrix. It was found that exposure to laser radiation at λ = 405.9 nm leads to modification of optical properties of nanocomposite. For this exposed area there is a significant amount of photodynamic changes under subsequent exposure to laser radiation at λ = 405.9 nm, namely photoabsorption and photorefraction which were studied at λ = 633 nm. The value of these effects dependent on the concentration of quantum dots and modifying radiation parameters. Moreover, it has dependence from polarization of exposure radiation.

Framework influence of erbium doped oxyfluoride glasses on their optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Środa, Marcin; Cholewa-Kowalska, Katarzyna; Różański, Marek; Nocuń, Marek

2011-01-01

Glasses of different matrix (phosphate, borate, silicate and lead-silicate) were studied for their optical properties. The effect of Er dopant on transmittance and luminescence properties was presented. The significant “red shift” and “blue shift” of UV edge absorption were discussed based on the changes in the framework of the borate and phosphate glasses, respectively. It was showed that the integral intensity of the two main optical absorption transitions monotonically increases with the order: phosphate < borate < silicate < lead-silicate. Ellipsometric measurement was applied to obtain the refractive index of the glasses. The correlation between the shift of edge absorption and the change of refractive index was presented. Effect of glassy matrix on luminescence of Er3+ was discussed.

Biological Matrix Effects in Quantitative Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Analytical Methods: Advancing Biomonitoring

PubMed Central

Panuwet, Parinya; Hunter, Ronald E.; D’Souza, Priya E.; Chen, Xianyu; Radford, Samantha A.; Cohen, Jordan R.; Marder, M. Elizabeth; Kartavenka, Kostya; Ryan, P. Barry; Barr, Dana Boyd

2015-01-01

The ability to quantify levels of target analytes in biological samples accurately and precisely, in biomonitoring, involves the use of highly sensitive and selective instrumentation such as tandem mass spectrometers and a thorough understanding of highly variable matrix effects. Typically, matrix effects are caused by co-eluting matrix components that alter the ionization of target analytes as well as the chromatographic response of target analytes, leading to reduced or increased sensitivity of the analysis. Thus, before the desired accuracy and precision standards of laboratory data are achieved, these effects must be characterized and controlled. Here we present our review and observations of matrix effects encountered during the validation and implementation of tandem mass spectrometry-based analytical methods. We also provide systematic, comprehensive laboratory strategies needed to control challenges posed by matrix effects in order to ensure delivery of the most accurate data for biomonitoring studies assessing exposure to environmental toxicants. PMID:25562585

Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) Regulates Vein Wall Biomechanics in Murine Thrombus Resolution

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Khanh P.; McGilvray, Kirk C.; Puttlitz, Christian M.; Mukhopadhyay, Subhradip; Chabasse, Christine; Sarkar, Rajabrata

2015-01-01

Objective Deep venous thrombosis is a common vascular problem with long-term complications including post-thrombotic syndrome. Post-thrombotic syndrome consists of leg pain, swelling and ulceration that is related to incomplete or maladaptive resolution of the venous thrombus as well as loss of compliance of the vein wall. We examine the role of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a gene important in extracellular remodeling in other vascular diseases, in mediating thrombus resolution and biomechanical changes of the vein wall. Methods and Results The effects of targeted deletion of MMP-9 were studied in an in vivo murine model of thrombus resolution using the FVB strain of mice. MMP-9 expression and activity significantly increased on day 3 after DVT. The lack of MMP-9 impaired thrombus resolution by 27% and this phenotype was rescued by the transplantation of wildtype bone marrow cells. Using novel biomechanical techniques, we demonstrated that the lack of MMP-9 significantly decreased thrombus-induced loss of vein wall compliance. Biomechanical analysis of the contribution of individual structural components showed that MMP-9 affected the elasticity of the extracellular matrix and collagen-elastin fibers. Biochemical and histological analyses correlated with these biomechanical effects as thrombi of mice lacking MMP-9 had significantly fewer macrophages and collagen as compared to those of wildtype mice. Conclusions MMP-9 mediates thrombus-induced loss of vein wall compliance by increasing stiffness of the extracellular matrix and collagen-elastin fibers during thrombus resolution. MMP-9 also mediates macrophage and collagen content of the resolving thrombus and bone-marrow derived MMP-9 plays a role in resolution of thrombus mass. These disparate effects of MMP-9 on various aspects of thrombus illustrate the complexity of individual protease function on biomechanical and morphometric aspects of thrombus resolution. PMID:26406902

Application of a drainage film reduces fibroblast ingrowth into large-pored polyurethane foam during negative-pressure wound therapy in an in vitro model.

PubMed

Wiegand, Cornelia; Springer, Steffen; Abel, Martin; Wesarg, Falko; Ruth, Peter; Hipler, Uta-Christina

2013-01-01

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an advantageous treatment option in wound management to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. NPWT is mainly carried out using open-cell polyurethane (PU) foams that stimulate granulation tissue formation. However, growth of wound bed tissue into foam material, leading to disruption of newly formed tissue upon dressing removal, has been observed. Consequently, it would be of clinical interest to preserve the positive effects of open-cell PU foams while avoiding cellular ingrowth. The study presented analyzed effects of NPWT using large-pored PU foam, fine-pored PU foam, and the combination of large-pored foam with drainage film on human dermal fibroblasts grown in a collagen matrix. The results showed no difference between the dressings in stimulating cellular migration during NPWT. However, when NPWT was applied using a large-pored PU foam, the fibroblasts continued to migrate into the dressing. This led to significant breaches in the cell layers upon removal of the samples after vacuum treatment. In contrast, cell migration stopped at the collagen matrix edge when fine-pored PU foam was used, as well as with the combination of PU foam and drainage film. In conclusion, placing a drainage film between collagen matrix and the large-pored PU foam dressing reduced the ingrowth of cells into the foam significantly. Moreover, positive effects on cellular migration were not affected, and the effect of the foam on tissue surface roughness in vitro was also reduced. © 2013 by the Wound Healing Society.

A Comparative Study of Collagen Matrix Density Effect on Endothelial Sprout Formation Using Experimental and Computational Approaches.

PubMed

Shamloo, Amir; Mohammadaliha, Negar; Heilshorn, Sarah C; Bauer, Amy L

2016-04-01

A thorough understanding of determining factors in angiogenesis is a necessary step to control the development of new blood vessels. Extracellular matrix density is known to have a significant influence on cellular behaviors and consequently can regulate vessel formation. The utilization of experimental platforms in combination with numerical models can be a powerful method to explore the mechanisms of new capillary sprout formation. In this study, using an integrative method, the interplay between the matrix density and angiogenesis was investigated. Owing the fact that the extracellular matrix density is a global parameter that can affect other parameters such as pore size, stiffness, cell-matrix adhesion and cross-linking, deeper understanding of the most important biomechanical or biochemical properties of the ECM causing changes in sprout morphogenesis is crucial. Here, we implemented both computational and experimental methods to analyze the mechanisms responsible for the influence of ECM density on the sprout formation that is difficult to be investigated comprehensively using each of these single methods. For this purpose, we first utilized an innovative approach to quantify the correspondence of the simulated collagen fibril density to the collagen density in the experimental part. Comparing the results of the experimental study and computational model led to some considerable achievements. First, we verified the results of the computational model using the experimental results. Then, we reported parameters such as the ratio of proliferating cells to migrating cells that was difficult to obtain from experimental study. Finally, this integrative system led to gain an understanding of the possible mechanisms responsible for the effect of ECM density on angiogenesis. The results showed that stable and long sprouts were observed at an intermediate collagen matrix density of 1.2 and 1.9 mg/ml due to a balance between the number of migrating and proliferating cells. As a result of weaker connections between the cells and matrix, a lower collagen matrix density (0.7 mg/ml) led to unstable and broken sprouts. However, higher matrix density (2.7 mg/ml) suppressed sprout formation due to the high level of matrix entanglement, which inhibited cell migration. This study also showed that extracellular matrix density can influence sprout branching. Our experimental results support this finding.

Trace Norm Regularized CANDECOMP/PARAFAC Decomposition With Missing Data.

PubMed

Liu, Yuanyuan; Shang, Fanhua; Jiao, Licheng; Cheng, James; Cheng, Hong

2015-11-01

In recent years, low-rank tensor completion (LRTC) problems have received a significant amount of attention in computer vision, data mining, and signal processing. The existing trace norm minimization algorithms for iteratively solving LRTC problems involve multiple singular value decompositions of very large matrices at each iteration. Therefore, they suffer from high computational cost. In this paper, we propose a novel trace norm regularized CANDECOMP/PARAFAC decomposition (TNCP) method for simultaneous tensor decomposition and completion. We first formulate a factor matrix rank minimization model by deducing the relation between the rank of each factor matrix and the mode- n rank of a tensor. Then, we introduce a tractable relaxation of our rank function, and then achieve a convex combination problem of much smaller-scale matrix trace norm minimization. Finally, we develop an efficient algorithm based on alternating direction method of multipliers to solve our problem. The promising experimental results on synthetic and real-world data validate the effectiveness of our TNCP method. Moreover, TNCP is significantly faster than the state-of-the-art methods and scales to larger problems.

Carbon Nanotube Sheet Scrolled Fiber Composite for Enhanced Interfacial Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokkada Ravindranath, Pruthul

The high tensile strength of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) is derived from the high tensile strength of the embedded carbon fibers. However, their compressive strength is significantly lower than their tensile strength, as they tend to fail through micro-buckling, under compressive loading. Fiber misalignment and the presence of voids created during the manufacturing processes, add to the further reduction in the compressive strength of the composites. Hence, there is more scope for improvement. Since, the matrix is primarily responsible for the shear load transfer and dictating the critical buckling load of the fibers by constraining the fibers from buckling, to improve the interfacial mechanical properties of the composite, it is important to modify the polymer matrix, fibers and/or the interface. In this dissertation, a novel approach to enhance the polymer matrix-fiber interface region has been discussed. This approach involves spiral wrapping carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet around individual carbon fiber or fiber tow, at room temperature at a prescribed wrapping angle (bias angle), and then embed the scrolled fiber in a resin matrix. The polymer infiltrates into the nanopores of the multilayer CNT sheet to form CNT/polymer nanocomposite surrounding fiber, and due to the mechanical interlocking, provides reinforcement to the interface region between fiber and polymer matrix. This method of nano-fabrication has the potential to improve the mechanical properties of the fiber-matrix interphase, without degrading the fiber properties. The effect of introducing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) in the polymer matrix was studied by analyzing the atomistic model of the epoxy (EPON-862) and the embedded MWNTs. A multi-scale method was utilized by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the nanoscale model of the epoxy with and without the MWNTs to calculate compressive strength of the composite and predict the enhancement in the composite material. The influence of the bias/over wrapping angle of the MWNT sheets on the carbon fiber was also studied. The predicted compressive strength from the MD results and the multiscale approach for baseline Epoxy case was shown to be in good relation with the experimental results for Epon-862. On adding MWNTs to the epoxy system, a significant improvement in the compressive strength of the PMC was observed. Further, the effect of bias angle of MWNT wrapped over carbon fiber was compared for 0°, 45° and 90°. This is further verified by making use of the Halpin-Tsai.

The Extracellular Matrix of the Lateral Pharyngeal Wall in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PubMed Central

Dantas, Danielle Andrade da Silva; Mauad, Thais; Silva, Luiz F. F.; Lorenzi-Filho, Geraldo; Formigoni, Gilberto G. S.; Cahali, Michel B.

2012-01-01

Study Objectives: To compare the components of the extracellular matrix in the lateral pharyngeal muscular wall in patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This may help to explain the origin of the increased collapsibility of the pharynx in patients with OSA. Design: Specimens from the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, obtained during pharyngeal surgeries, were evaluated using histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses to determine the fractional area of collagen types I and III, elastic fibers, versican, fibronectin, and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in the endomysium. Setting: Academic tertiary center. Patiens: A total of 51 nonobese adult patients, divided into 38 patients with OSA and 13 nonsnoring control subjects without OSA. Interventions: Postintervention study performed on tissues from patients after elective surgery. Measurements and Results: Pharyngeal muscles of patients with OSA had significantly more collagen type I than pharyngeal muscles in control subjects. Collagen type I was correlated positively and independently with age. The other tested components of the extracellular matrix did not differ significantly between groups. In a logistic regression, an additive effect of both the increase of collagen type I and the increase in age with the presence of OSA was observed (odds ratio (OR), 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-3.63), when compared with the effect of increased age alone (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.20). Conclusion: Collagen type I in the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle was more prevalent in patients with OSA and also increased with age. It was hypothesized that this increase could delay contractile-relaxant responses in the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle at the expiratory-inspiratory phase transition, thus increasing pharyngeal collapsibility. Citation: Dantas DAS; Mauad T; Silva LFF; Lorenzi-Filho G; Formigoni GGS; Cahali MB. The extracellular matrix of the lateral pharyngeal wall in obstructive sleep apnea. SLEEP 2012;35(4):483-490. PMID:22467986

Wnt5a suppresses inflammation-driven intervertebral disc degeneration via a TNF-α/NF-κB-Wnt5a negative-feedback loop.

PubMed

Li, Z; Zhang, K; Li, X; Pan, H; Li, S; Chen, F; Zhang, J; Zheng, Z; Wang, J; Liu, H

2018-04-12

This study was to investigate the molecular role of Wnt5a on inflammation-driven intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The expression of Wnt5a was analyzed in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues with immunohistochemical staining. The effects of Wnt5a on matrix production were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), promoter deletion assay, and promoter binding site mutant were used to reveal the molecular role of Wnt5a in TNF-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The regulatory effects of TNF-α on Wnt5a were investigated with pharmachemical inhibitors and siRNA experiment. The expression of Wnt5a was elevated in moderately degenerated human NP tissue with similar expression pattern of TNF-α. In NP cells, Wnt5a significantly increased aggrecan and collagen II expression. Inhibition of JNK or interfering Sox9 gene expression significantly suppressed Wnt5a-induced matrix production. AP-1(JunB) binding sites were located in Sox9 promoter and mutation of these sites sabotaged Wnt5a-induced Sox9 up-regulation and subsequent matrix genes expression. Notably, Wnt5a, which was induced by TNF-α, on the other way round suppressed TNF-α-NF-κB (p65) signaling and subsequent MMPs expression. In vivo studies with MR imaging confirmed the protective role of Wnt5a in IVDD. Wnt5a, which can be induced by TNF-α, increased matrix production in a Sox9-dependent manner through the activation of JNK-AP1 (JunB) signaling, and antagonized TNF-α-induced up-regulation of MMPs through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling. It indicates that Wnt5a suppresses IVDD through a TNF-α/NF-κB-Wnt5a negative-feedback loop. Copyright © 2018 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Boundary layer integral matrix procedure: Verification of models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonnett, W. S.; Evans, R. M.

1977-01-01

The three turbulent models currently available in the JANNAF version of the Aerotherm Boundary Layer Integral Matrix Procedure (BLIMP-J) code were studied. The BLIMP-J program is the standard prediction method for boundary layer effects in liquid rocket engine thrust chambers. Experimental data from flow fields with large edge-to-wall temperature ratios are compared to the predictions of the three turbulence models contained in BLIMP-J. In addition, test conditions necessary to generate additional data on a flat plate or in a nozzle are given. It is concluded that the Cebeci-Smith turbulence model be the recommended model for the prediction of boundary layer effects in liquid rocket engines. In addition, the effects of homogeneous chemical reaction kinetics were examined for a hydrogen/oxygen system. Results show that for most flows, kinetics are probably only significant for stoichiometric mixture ratios.

Concurrent material-fabrication optimization of metal-matrix laminates under thermo-mechanical loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saravanos, D. A.; Morel, M. R.; Chamis, C. C.

1991-01-01

A methodology is developed to tailor fabrication and material parameters of metal-matrix laminates for maximum loading capacity under thermomechanical loads. The stresses during the thermomechanical response are minimized subject to failure constrains and bounds on the laminate properties. The thermomechanical response of the laminate is simulated using nonlinear composite mechanics. Evaluations of the method on a graphite/copper symmetric cross-ply laminate were performed. The cross-ply laminate required different optimum fabrication procedures than a unidirectional composite. Also, the consideration of the thermomechanical cycle had a significant effect on the predicted optimal process.

Characterization of matrix effects in developing rugged high-throughput LC-MS/MS methods for bioanalysis.

PubMed

Li, Fumin; Wang, Jun; Jenkins, Rand

2016-05-01

There is an ever-increasing demand for high-throughput LC-MS/MS bioanalytical assays to support drug discovery and development. Matrix effects of sofosbuvir (protonated) and paclitaxel (sodiated) were thoroughly evaluated using high-throughput chromatography (defined as having a run time ≤1 min) under 14 elution conditions with extracts from protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction. A slight separation, in terms of retention time, between underlying matrix components and sofosbuvir/paclitaxel can greatly alleviate matrix effects. High-throughput chromatography, with proper optimization, can provide rapid and effective chromatographic separation under 1 min to alleviate matrix effects and enhance assay ruggedness for regulated bioanalysis.

Doxycycline inhibits TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix production in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts.

PubMed

Shin, Jae-Min; Park, Joo-Hoo; Park, Il-Ho; Lee, Heung-Man

2016-03-01

Doxycycline has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and suppresses collagen biosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of doxycycline on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs). We also determined the molecular mechanisms of action for doxycycline. NPDFs were isolated from nasal polyps from 8 patients. Doxycycline was used to pretreat TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibronectin were measured using Western blot, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. Total collagen production was analyzed with the Sircol collagen assay, while mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB activation were determined using Western blot analysis. Luciferase assay was used to evaluate the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Although doxycycline (0 to 40 μg/mL) had no significant cytotoxic effects in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs, it significantly reduced the expression levels of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs in a dose-dependent manner. Doxycycline also inhibited the TGF-β1-induced activation of p38, c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinase (JNK), and NF-κB, and its inhibitory effects were similar to those of the specific inhibitors for each. Doxycycline has an inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production via the p38 and JNK/NF-κB signal pathways in NPDFs. © 2015 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

STUDY OF THERMAL DESTRUCTION OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS SURROGATES SPIKED ON BUILDING MATERIALS

EPA Science Inventory

A significant amount of contaminated material may need to be disposed of after a bioterrorism attack. The efficacy of disposal of building materials contaminated with biological agents by incineration is complicated by matrix effects associated with the contaminant and the materi...

Time scales involved in emergent market coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwapień, J.; Drożdż, S.; Speth, J.

2004-06-01

In addressing the question of the time scales characteristic for the market formation, we analyze high-frequency tick-by-tick data from the NYSE and from the German market. By using returns on various time scales ranging from seconds or minutes up to 2 days, we compare magnitude of the largest eigenvalue of the correlation matrix for the same set of securities but for different time scales. For various sets of stocks of different capitalization (and the average trading frequency), we observe a significant elevation of the largest eigenvalue with increasing time scale. Our results from the correlation matrix study can be considered as a manifestation of the so-called Epps effect. There is no unique explanation of this effect and it seems that many different factors play a role here. One of such factors is randomness in transaction moments for different stocks. Another interesting conclusion to be drawn from our results is that in the contemporary markets the emergence of significant correlations occurs on time scales much smaller than in the more distant history.

Effects of Sintering and Extrusion on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a SiC/Al-Cu Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Chao; Shen, Rujuan; Song, Min

2012-03-01

This article studied the effects of sintering and extrusion on the microstructures and mechanical properties of SiC particle reinforced Al-Cu alloy composite produced by powder metallurgy method. It has been shown that both extrusion and increasing sintering temperature can significantly improve the strength and plasticity of the composite. The extrusion and increase of the sintering temperature can break up the oxide coating on the matrix powder surfaces, decrease the number of pores, accelerate the elements' diffusion and increase the density and particle interfacial bonding strength, thus significantly improve the mechanical properties of the composite. The strength and hardness of the composite increase and the elongation decreases with increasing the aging time at under-aged stage, while the strength and hardness start to decrease and the elongation starts to increase with increasing the aging time at over-aged stage due to the formation and growth of the secondary strengthening precipitates in the Al-Cu matrix.

Effects of micronisation and dehulling of pre-soaked bambara groundnut seeds on microstructure and functionality of the resulting flours.

PubMed

Ogundele, Opeolu M; Minnaar, Amanda; Emmambux, M Naushad

2017-01-01

Functional properties of flours from pre-soaked and micronised (130°C) whole and dehulled bambara seeds (5, 10 and 15min) were determined. An increase in micronisation time significantly reduced the pasting viscosity of the flours. Significant reductions in the differential scanning calorimetry endothermic peak enthalpies and loss of birefringence in the starch were found, indicating starch pre-gelatinisation when micronised. The low viscous paste of resultant flours seems to be related to protein denaturation as shown by decrease in nitrogen solubility index. Starch was embedded in a protein matrix as shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy. This denatured protein matrixes could be in part preventing starch hydration and dispersion during pasting and thus reduced viscosity. Dehulling reduced the pasting viscosity suggesting higher effect of micronisation for dehulled than whole samples. Resulting flours can be useful ingredients in protein energy-dense foods due to low viscosity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of monomer composition of polymer matrix on flexural properties of glass fibre-reinforced orthodontic archwire.

PubMed

Ohtonen, J; Vallittu, P K; Lassila, L V J

2013-02-01

To compare force levels obtained from glass fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) archwires. Specifically, FRC wires were compared with polymer matrices having different dimethacrylate monomer compositions. FRC material (E-glass provided by Stick Tech Ltd, Turku, Finland) with continuous unidirectional glass fibres and four different types of dimethacrylate monomer compositions for the resin matrix were tested. Cross-sectionally round FRC archwires fitting into the 0.3 mm slot of a bracket were divided into 16 groups with six specimens in each group. Glass fibres were impregnated by the manufacturer, and they were initially light-cured by hand light-curing unit or additionally post-cured in light-curing oven. The FRC archwire specimens were tested at 37°C according to a three-point bending test in dry and wet conditions using a span length of 10 mm and a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. The wires were loaded until final failure. The data were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The dry FRC archwire specimens revealed higher load values than water stored ones, regardless of the polymer matrix. A majority of the FRC archwires showed higher load values after being post-cured. ANOVA revealed that the polymer matrix, curing method, and water storage had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the flexural behaviour of the FRC archwire. Polymer matrix composition, curing method, and water storage affected the flexural properties and thus, force level and working range which could be obtained from the FRC archwire.

A nonequilibrium model for reactive contaminant transport through fractured porous media: Model development and semianalytical solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Nitin; Ojha, C. S. P.; Sharma, P. K.

2012-10-01

In this study a conceptual model that accounts for the effects of nonequilibrium contaminant transport in a fractured porous media is developed. Present model accounts for both physical and sorption nonequilibrium. Analytical solution was developed using the Laplace transform technique, which was then numerically inverted to obtain solute concentration in the fracture matrix system. The semianalytical solution developed here can incorporate both semi-infinite and finite fracture matrix extent. In addition, the model can account for flexible boundary conditions and nonzero initial condition in the fracture matrix system. The present semianalytical solution was validated against the existing analytical solutions for the fracture matrix system. In order to differentiate between various sorption/transport mechanism different cases of sorption and mass transfer were analyzed by comparing the breakthrough curves and temporal moments. It was found that significant differences in the signature of sorption and mass transfer exists. Applicability of the developed model was evaluated by simulating the published experimental data of Calcium and Strontium transport in a single fracture. The present model simulated the experimental data reasonably well in comparison to the model based on equilibrium sorption assumption in fracture matrix system, and multi rate mass transfer model.

Graphene-and-Copper Artificial Nacre Fabricated by a Preform Impregnation Process: Bioinspired Strategy for Strengthening-Toughening of Metal Matrix Composite.

PubMed

Xiong, Ding-Bang; Cao, Mu; Guo, Qiang; Tan, Zhanqiu; Fan, Genlian; Li, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Di

2015-07-28

Metals can be strengthened by adding hard reinforcements, but such strategy usually compromises ductility and toughness. Natural nacre consists of hard and soft phases organized in a regular "brick-and-mortar" structure and exhibits a superior combination of mechanical strength and toughness, which is an attractive model for strengthening and toughening artificial composites, but such bioinspired metal matrix composite has yet to be made. Here we prepared nacre-like reduced graphene oxide (RGrO) reinforced Cu matrix composite based on a preform impregnation process, by which two-dimensional RGrO was used as "brick" and inserted into "□-and-mortar" ordered porous Cu preform (the symbol "□" means the absence of "brick"), followed by compacting. This process realized uniform dispersion and alignment of RGrO in Cu matrix simultaneously. The RGrO-and-Cu artificial nacres exhibited simultaneous enhancement on yield strength and ductility as well as increased modulus, attributed to RGrO strengthening, effective crack deflection and a possible combined failure mode of RGrO. The artificial nacres also showed significantly higher strengthening efficiency than other conventional Cu matrix composites, which might be related to the alignment of RGrO.

A study of blood contamination of Siqveland matrix bands.

PubMed

Lowe, A H; Bagg, J; Burke, F J T; MacKenzie, D; McHugh, S

2002-01-12

AIMS To use a sensitive forensic test to measure blood contamination of used Siqveland matrix bands following routine cleaning and sterilisation procedures in general dental practice. Sixteen general dental practices in the West of Scotland participated. Details of instrument cleaning procedures were recorded for each practice. A total of 133 Siqveland matrix bands were recovered following cleaning and sterilisation and were examined for residual blood contamination by the Kastle-Meyer test, a well-recognised forensic technique. Ultrasonic baths were used for the cleaning of 62 (47%) bands and retainers and the remainder (53%) were hand scrubbed prior to autoclaving. Overall, 21% of the matrix bands and 19% of the retainers gave a positive Kastle-Meyer test, indicative of residual blood contamination, following cleaning and sterilisation. In relation to cleaning method, 34% of hand-scrubbed bands and 32% of hand-scrubbed retainers were positive for residual blood by the Kastle-Meyer test compared with 6% and 3% respectively of ultrasonically cleaned bands and retainers (P < 0.001). If Siqveland matrix bands are re-processed in the assembled state, then adequate pre-sterilisation cleaning cannot be achieved reliably. Ultrasonic baths are significantly more effective than hand cleaning for these items of equipment.

Analysis of Potential Radical Chemistry on Kuiper Belt Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanez, Maya Danielle; Hodyss, Robert; Cable, Morgan; Johnson, Paul

2017-10-01

Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) are of high interest following the New Horizons encounter with the Pluto system and the extended mission to 2014MU69. We aimed to clarify questions raised concerning the possible presence of organic radicals formed from photolysis on the surface of KBOs and other Trans-Neptunian Objects, and obtain laboratory spectra of these radicals for comparison to remote sensing data. We explored the photochemical generation of methyl radical from matrix-isolated CH3I in an attempt to create sufficient amounts of the methyl radical to obtain spectra in the near infrared. Both Ar and N2 matrices were studied, as well as varying guest:matrix ratios. Hydrogen lamp irradiation was found to be more effective than mercury lamp irradiation. The irradiation time was a significant factor when we switched matrices: methyl radical depleted rapidly in the N2 matrix with prolonged irradiation (~10 hours) whereas it survived for over 48 hours in some experiments with the Ar matrix. Reaction of the methyl radical with the N2 matrix to form HCN was observed. Future experiments will focus on alternate methods of radical generation in order to increase the yield of trapped radical.

Mapping the coupled role of structure and materials in mechanics of platelet-matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farzanian, Shafee; Shahsavari, Rouzbeh

2018-03-01

Despite significant progresses on understanding and mimicking the delicate nano/microstructure of biomaterials such as nacre, decoding the indistinguishable merger of materials and structures in controlling the tradeoff in mechanical properties has been long an engineering pursuit. Herein, we focus on an archetype platelet-matrix composite and perform ∼400 nonlinear finite element simulations to decode the complex interplay between various structural features and material characteristics in conferring the balance of mechanical properties. We study various combinatorial models expressed by four key dimensionless parameters, i.e. characteristic platelet length, matrix plasticity, platelet dissimilarity, and overlap offset, whose effects are all condensed in a new unifying parameter, defined as the multiplication of strength, toughness, and stiffness over composite volume. This parameter, which maximizes at a critical characteristic length, controls the transition from intrinsic toughening (matrix plasticity driven without crack growths) to extrinsic toughening phenomena involving progressive crack propagations. This finding, combined with various abstract volumetric and radar plots, will not only shed light on decoupling the complex role of structure and materials on mechanical performance and their trends, but provides important guidelines for designing lightweight staggered platelet-matrix composites while ensuring the best (balance) of their mechanical properties.

Carbonate fuel cell matrix

DOEpatents

Farooque, Mohammad; Yuh, Chao-Yi

1996-01-01

A carbonate fuel cell matrix comprising support particles and crack attenuator particles which are made platelet in shape to increase the resistance of the matrix to through cracking. Also disclosed is a matrix having porous crack attenuator particles and a matrix whose crack attenuator particles have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is significantly different from that of the support particles, and a method of making platelet-shaped crack attenuator particles.

eMBI: Boosting Gene Expression-based Clustering for Cancer Subtypes.

PubMed

Chang, Zheng; Wang, Zhenjia; Ashby, Cody; Zhou, Chuan; Li, Guojun; Zhang, Shuzhong; Huang, Xiuzhen

2014-01-01

Identifying clinically relevant subtypes of a cancer using gene expression data is a challenging and important problem in medicine, and is a necessary premise to provide specific and efficient treatments for patients of different subtypes. Matrix factorization provides a solution by finding checker-board patterns in the matrices of gene expression data. In the context of gene expression profiles of cancer patients, these checkerboard patterns correspond to genes that are up- or down-regulated in patients with particular cancer subtypes. Recently, a new matrix factorization framework for biclustering called Maximum Block Improvement (MBI) is proposed; however, it still suffers several problems when applied to cancer gene expression data analysis. In this study, we developed many effective strategies to improve MBI and designed a new program called enhanced MBI (eMBI), which is more effective and efficient to identify cancer subtypes. Our tests on several gene expression profiling datasets of cancer patients consistently indicate that eMBI achieves significant improvements in comparison with MBI, in terms of cancer subtype prediction accuracy, robustness, and running time. In addition, the performance of eMBI is much better than another widely used matrix factorization method called nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and the method of hierarchical clustering, which is often the first choice of clinical analysts in practice.

eMBI: Boosting Gene Expression-based Clustering for Cancer Subtypes

PubMed Central

Chang, Zheng; Wang, Zhenjia; Ashby, Cody; Zhou, Chuan; Li, Guojun; Zhang, Shuzhong; Huang, Xiuzhen

2014-01-01

Identifying clinically relevant subtypes of a cancer using gene expression data is a challenging and important problem in medicine, and is a necessary premise to provide specific and efficient treatments for patients of different subtypes. Matrix factorization provides a solution by finding checker-board patterns in the matrices of gene expression data. In the context of gene expression profiles of cancer patients, these checkerboard patterns correspond to genes that are up- or down-regulated in patients with particular cancer subtypes. Recently, a new matrix factorization framework for biclustering called Maximum Block Improvement (MBI) is proposed; however, it still suffers several problems when applied to cancer gene expression data analysis. In this study, we developed many effective strategies to improve MBI and designed a new program called enhanced MBI (eMBI), which is more effective and efficient to identify cancer subtypes. Our tests on several gene expression profiling datasets of cancer patients consistently indicate that eMBI achieves significant improvements in comparison with MBI, in terms of cancer subtype prediction accuracy, robustness, and running time. In addition, the performance of eMBI is much better than another widely used matrix factorization method called nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and the method of hierarchical clustering, which is often the first choice of clinical analysts in practice. PMID:25374455

Matrix decompositions of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.

PubMed

Havel, T F; Najfeld, I; Yang, J X

1994-08-16

Two-dimensional NMR spectra are rectangular arrays of real numbers, which are commonly regarded as digitized images to be analyzed visually. If one treats them instead as mathematical matrices, linear algebra techniques can also be used to extract valuable information from them. This matrix approach is greatly facilitated by means of a physically significant decomposition of these spectra into a product of matrices--namely, S = PAPT. Here, P denotes a matrix whose columns contain the digitized contours of each individual peak or multiple in the one-dimensional spectrum, PT is its transpose, and A is an interaction matrix specific to the experiment in question. The practical applications of this decomposition are considered in detail for two important types of two-dimensional NMR spectra, double quantum-filtered correlated spectroscopy and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, both in the weak-coupling approximation. The elements of A are the signed intensities of the cross-peaks in a double quantum-filtered correlated spectrum, or the integrated cross-peak intensities in the case of a nuclear Overhauser effect spectrum. This decomposition not only permits these spectra to be efficiently simulated but also permits the corresponding inverse problems to be given an elegant mathematical formulation to which standard numerical methods are applicable. Finally, the extension of this decomposition to the case of strong coupling is given.

Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Containing Reduced Graphene Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets

PubMed Central

Korzeniewski, Piotr; Strankowska, Justyna; A. S., Anu; Thomas, Sabu

2018-01-01

Polyurethane/graphene nanocomposites were synthesized using commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, Apilon 52DE55), and two types of graphene derivatives: graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM microscopy and XRD techniques were used to chemically and structurally characterize GNP and RGO nanofillers. The properties of the new TPU nanocomposite materials were studied using thermal analysis techniques (Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG)) to describe the influence of graphene nanofillers on polyurethane matrix. Our investigation describes the comparison of two types of graphene derivatives, commercial one (GNP) and synthesized (RGO) on thermoplastic polyurethanes. These nanofillers provides opportunities to achieve compatibility with the TPU matrix. The property enhancements are attributed commonly to high aspect ratio of graphene nanoplatelets and filler–polymer interactions at the interface. The obtained nanocomposites exhibit higher thermal and mechanical properties due to the good dispersion of both nanofillers into TPU matrix. It was found that the addition of 2 wt % of the nanofiller could lead to a significant reinforcement effect on the TPU matrix. Also, with high content of nanofiller (GNP and RGO), the Payne effect was observed. PMID:29316638

Matrix decompositions of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.

PubMed Central

Havel, T F; Najfeld, I; Yang, J X

1994-01-01

Two-dimensional NMR spectra are rectangular arrays of real numbers, which are commonly regarded as digitized images to be analyzed visually. If one treats them instead as mathematical matrices, linear algebra techniques can also be used to extract valuable information from them. This matrix approach is greatly facilitated by means of a physically significant decomposition of these spectra into a product of matrices--namely, S = PAPT. Here, P denotes a matrix whose columns contain the digitized contours of each individual peak or multiple in the one-dimensional spectrum, PT is its transpose, and A is an interaction matrix specific to the experiment in question. The practical applications of this decomposition are considered in detail for two important types of two-dimensional NMR spectra, double quantum-filtered correlated spectroscopy and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, both in the weak-coupling approximation. The elements of A are the signed intensities of the cross-peaks in a double quantum-filtered correlated spectrum, or the integrated cross-peak intensities in the case of a nuclear Overhauser effect spectrum. This decomposition not only permits these spectra to be efficiently simulated but also permits the corresponding inverse problems to be given an elegant mathematical formulation to which standard numerical methods are applicable. Finally, the extension of this decomposition to the case of strong coupling is given. PMID:8058742

A new decentralised controller design method for a class of strongly interconnected systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Zhisheng; Jiang, Zhong-Ping; Huang, Lin

2017-02-01

In this paper, two interconnected structures are first discussed, under which some closed-loop subsystems must be unstable to make the whole interconnected system stable, which can be viewed as a kind of strongly interconnected systems. Then, comparisons with small gain theorem are discussed and large gain interconnected characteristics are shown. A new approach for the design of decentralised controllers is presented by determining the Lyapunov function structure previously, which allows the existence of unstable subsystems. By fully utilising the orthogonal space information of input matrix, some new understandings are presented for the construction of Lyapunov matrix. This new method can deal with decentralised state feedback, static output feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers in a unified framework. Furthermore, in order to reduce the design conservativeness and deal with robustness, a new robust decentralised controller design method is given by combining with the parameter-dependent Lyapunov function method. Some basic rules are provided for the choice of initial variables in Lyapunov matrix or new introduced slack matrices. As byproducts, some linear matrix inequality based sufficient conditions are established for centralised static output feedback stabilisation. Effects of unstable subsystems in nonlinear Lur'e systems are further discussed. The corresponding decentralised controller design method is presented for absolute stability. The examples illustrate that the new method is significantly effective.

Dermis, acellular dermal matrix, and fibroblasts from different layers of pig skin exhibit different profibrotic characteristics: evidence from in vivo study

PubMed Central

Zuo, Yanhai; Lu, Shuliang

2017-01-01

To explore the profibrotic characteristics of the autografted dermis, acellular dermal matrix, and dermal fibroblasts from superficial/deep layers of pig skin, 93 wounds were established on the dorsa of 7 pigs. 72 wounds autografted with the superficial/deep dermis and acellular dermal matrix served as the superficial/deep dermis and acellular dermal matrix group, respectively, and were sampled at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-wounding. 21 wounds autografted with/without superficial/deep dermal fibroblasts served as the superficial/deep dermal fibroblast group and the control group, respectively, and were sampled at 2 weeks post-wounding. The hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the wounded skin thicknesses in the deep dermis group (superficial acellular dermal matrix group) were significantly greater than those in the superficial dermis group (deep acellular dermal matrix group) at each time point, the thickness of the cutting plane in the deep dermal fibroblast group was significantly greater than that in the superficial dermal fibroblast group and the control group. The western blots showed that the α-smooth muscle actin expression in the deep dermis group (superficial acellular dermal matrix group) was significantly greater than that in the superficial dermis group (deep acellular dermal matrix group) at each time point. In summary, the deep dermis and dermal fibroblasts exhibited more profibrotic characteristics than the superficial ones, on the contrary, the deep acellular dermal matrix exhibited less profibrotic characteristics than the superficial one. PMID:28423561

Polymer matrix composites on LDEF experiments M0003-9 and M0003-10

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steckel, Gary L.; Cookson, Thomas; Blair, Christopher

1992-01-01

Over 250 polymer matrix composites were exposed to the natural space environment on Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) experiments M0003-9 and 10. The experiments included a wide variety of epoxy, thermoplastic, polyimide, and bismalimide matrix composites reinforced with graphite, glass, or organic fibers. A review of the significant observations and test results obtained to date is presented. Estimated recession depths from atomic oxygen exposure are reported and the resulting surface morphologies are discussed. The effects of the LDEF exposure on the flexural strength and modulus, short beam shear strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion of several classes of bare and coated composites are reviewed. Lap shear data are presented for composite-to-composite and composite-to-aluminum alloy samples that were prepared using different bonding techniques and subsequently flown on LDEF.

Constitutive Modeling and Testing of Polymer Matrix Composites Incorporating Physical Aging at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veazie, David R.

1998-01-01

Advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC's) are desirable for structural materials in diverse applications such as aircraft, civil infrastructure and biomedical implants because of their improved strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. For example, the next generation military and commercial aircraft requires applications for high strength, low weight structural components subjected to elevated temperatures. A possible disadvantage of polymer-based composites is that the physical and mechanical properties of the matrix often change significantly over time due to the exposure of elevated temperatures and environmental factors. For design, long term exposure (i.e. aging) of PMC's must be accounted for through constitutive models in order to accurately assess the effects of aging on performance, crack initiation and remaining life. One particular aspect of this aging process, physical aging, is considered in this research.

Robustness of Fat Quantification using Chemical Shift Imaging

PubMed Central

Hansen, Katie H; Schroeder, Michael E; Hamilton, Gavin; Sirlin, Claude B; Bydder, Mark

2011-01-01

This purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of parameter changes that can potentially lead to unreliable measurements in fat quantification. Chemical shift imaging was performed using spoiled gradient echo sequences with systematic variations in the following: 2D/3D sequence, number of echoes, delta echo time, fractional echo factor, slice thickness, repetition time, flip angle, bandwidth, matrix size, flow compensation and field strength. Results indicated no significant (or significant but small) changes in fat fraction with parameter. The significant changes can be attributed to known effects of T1 bias and the two forms of noise bias. PMID:22055856

Effect of Fiber Poisson Contraction on Matrix Multicracking Evolution of Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic-Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longbiao, Li

2015-12-01

An analytical methodology has been developed to investigate the effect of fiber Poisson contraction on matrix multicracking evolution of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs). The modified shear-lag model incorporated with the Coulomb friction law is adopted to solve the stress distribution in the interface slip region and intact region of the damaged composite. The critical matrix strain energy criterion which presupposes the existence of an ultimate or critical strain energy limit beyond which the matrix fails has been adopted to describe matrix multicracking of CMCs. As more energy is placed into the composite, matrix fractures and the interface debonding occurs to dissipate the extra energy. The interface debonded length under the process of matrix multicracking is obtained by treating the interface debonding as a particular crack propagation problem along the fiber/matrix interface. The effects of the interfacial frictional coefficient, fiber Poisson ratio, fiber volume fraction, interface debonded energy and cycle number on the interface debonding and matrix multicracking evolution have been analyzed. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data of unidirectional SiC/CAS, SiC/CAS-II and SiC/Borosilicate composites.

In vivo engineering of the vocal fold extracellular matrix with injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogels: early effects on tissue repair and biomechanics in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Hansen, Jennifer K; Thibeault, Susan L; Walsh, Jennifer F; Shu, Xiao Zheng; Prestwich, Glenn D

2005-09-01

A prospective, controlled animal study was performed to determine whether the use of injectable, chemically modified hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives at the time of intentional vocal fold resection might facilitate wound repair and preserve the unique viscoelastic properties of the vocal fold extracellular matrix. We performed bilateral vocal fold biopsies on 33 rabbits. Two groups of rabbits were unilaterally treated with 2 different HA derivatives--Carbylan-SX and HA-DTPH-PEGDA--at the time of resection. Saline was injected as a control into the contralateral fold. The animals were painlessly sacrificed 3 weeks after biopsy and injection. The outcomes measured included histologic fibrosis level, tissue HA level, and tissue viscosity and elasticity. The Carbylan-SX-treated vocal folds were found to have significantly less fibrosis than the saline-treated controls. The levels of HA in the treated vocal folds were not significantly different from those in the controls at 3 weeks as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Carbylan-SX-treated vocal folds had significantly improved biomechanical properties of elasticity and viscosity. The HA-DTPH-PEGDA injections yielded significantly improved viscosity, but not elasticity. Prophylactic in vivo manipulation of the extracellular matrix with an injectable Carbylan-SX hydrogel appears to induce vocal fold tissue regeneration to yield optimal tissue composition and biomechanical properties favorable for phonation.

Effectiveness of metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites as orbital debris shield materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgill, Preston B.; Mount, Angela R.

1992-01-01

The effectiveness of two metal matrix composites and one ceramic matrix material in defeating hypervelocity impacts at about 3.8 km/s are evaluated to determine the potential of these composites as spacecraft shield materials. The metal matrix composites investigated consist of SiC particles (70 percent by volume) in an aluminum matrix and Al2O3 particles (50 percent by volume) in an Al matrix. The ceramic composite consists of ZrB2 platelets in a ZrC matrix. Both the metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites are found to perform as well or better than 6061-T6 aluminum, which is presently used in the Whipple type bumper shield of Space Station Freedom. Test results indicate that the composites tested may have applications as micrometeoroid/orbital debris shield materials.

Computational study of textured ferroelectric polycrystals: Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of template-matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jie E.; Yan, Yongke; Priya, Shashank; Wang, Yu U.

2017-01-01

Quantitative relationships between processing, microstructure, and properties in textured ferroelectric polycrystals and the underlying responsible mechanisms are investigated by phase field modeling and computer simulation. This study focuses on three important aspects of textured ferroelectric ceramics: (i) grain microstructure evolution during templated grain growth processing, (ii) crystallographic texture development as a function of volume fraction and seed size of the templates, and (iii) dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the obtained template-matrix composites of textured polycrystals. Findings on the third aspect are presented here, while an accompanying paper of this work reports findings on the first two aspects. In this paper, the competing effects of crystallographic texture and template seed volume fraction on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric polycrystals are investigated. The phase field model of ferroelectric composites consisting of template seeds embedded in matrix grains is developed to simulate domain evolution, polarization-electric field (P-E), and strain-electric field (ɛ-E) hysteresis loops. The coercive field, remnant polarization, dielectric permittivity, piezoelectric coefficient, and dissipation factor are studied as a function of grain texture and template seed volume fraction. It is found that, while crystallographic texture significantly improves the polycrystal properties towards those of single crystals, a higher volume fraction of template seeds tends to decrease the electromechanical properties, thus canceling the advantage of ferroelectric polycrystals textured by templated grain growth processing. This competing detrimental effect is shown to arise from the composite effect, where the template phase possesses material properties inferior to the matrix phase, causing mechanical clamping and charge accumulation at inter-phase interfaces between matrix and template inclusions. The computational results are compared with complementary experiments, where good agreement is obtained.

Quantitative evaluation of the matrix effect in bioanalytical methods based on LC-MS: A comparison of two approaches.

PubMed

Rudzki, Piotr J; Gniazdowska, Elżbieta; Buś-Kwaśnik, Katarzyna

2018-06-05

Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a powerful tool for studying pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics. Reliable bioanalysis requires the characterization of the matrix effect, i.e. influence of the endogenous or exogenous compounds on the analyte signal intensity. We have compared two methods for the quantitation of matrix effect. The CVs(%) of internal standard normalized matrix factors recommended by the European Medicines Agency were evaluated against internal standard normalized relative matrix effects derived from Matuszewski et al. (2003). Both methods use post-extraction spiked samples, but matrix factors require also neat solutions. We have tested both approaches using analytes of diverse chemical structures. The study did not reveal relevant differences in the results obtained with both calculation methods. After normalization with the internal standard, the CV(%) of the matrix factor was on average 0.5% higher than the corresponding relative matrix effect. The method adopted by the European Medicines Agency seems to be slightly more conservative in the analyzed datasets. Nine analytes of different structures enabled a general overview of the problem, still, further studies are encouraged to confirm our observations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical matricectomy with 10% sodium hydroxide for the treatment of ingrown toenails in people with diabetes.

PubMed

Tatlican, Semih; Eren, Cemile; Yamangokturk, Burcu; Eskioglu, Fatma; Bostanci, Seher

2010-02-01

Treatment of ingrown toenails using chemical matricectomy in patients with diabetes has been difficult, because delayed wound healing, wound infections, and digital ischemia can interfere with the procedure. Chemical matricectomy with 10% sodium hydroxide is an effective treatment for ingrown toenails in a normal population. Investigation of the effectiveness and safety of chemical matricectomy with 10% sodium hydroxide solution for ingrown toenails in patients with diabetes. Thirty patients with diabetes with 40 ingrown toenails and 30 patients without diabetes with 41 ingrown toenails were enrolled in the study. After partial avulsion of the affected edge, germinal matrix was treated for 1 minute with 10% sodium hydroxide. Patients were observed on alternate days until complete healing was achieved and followed for up to 24 months for recurrence. Assessment of the treatment in both groups for complete healing, postoperative pain, tissue damage, drainage, infections, and rate of recurrences revealed no statistically significant difference. The partial avulsion of the affected edge and the treatment of the germinal matrix for 1 minute with 10% sodium hydroxide preceded by matrix curettage is an effective and safe treatment modality for ingrown toenails in people with diabetes.

The effect of matrix stiffness of injectable hydrogels on the preservation of cardiac function after a heart attack.

PubMed

Plotkin, Marian; Vaibavi, Srirangam Ramanujam; Rufaihah, Abdul Jalil; Nithya, Venkateswaran; Wang, Jing; Shachaf, Yonatan; Kofidis, Theo; Seliktar, Dror

2014-02-01

This study compares the effect of four injectable hydrogels with different mechanical properties on the post-myocardial infarction left ventricle (LV) remodeling process. The bioactive hydrogels were synthesized from Tetronic-fibrinogen (TF) and PEG-fibrinogen (PF) conjugates; each hydrogel was supplemented with two levels of additional cross-linker to increase the matrix stiffness as measured by the shear storage modulus (G'). Infarcts created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in a rodent model were treated with the hydrogels, and all four treatment groups showed an increase in wall thickness, arterial density, and viable cardiac tissue in the peri-infarct areas of the LV. Echocardiography and hemodynamics data of the PF/TF treated groups showed significant improvement of heart function associated with the attenuated effects of the remodeling process. Multi-factorial regression analysis indicated that the group with the highest modulus exhibited the best rescue of heart function and highest neovascularization. The results of this study demonstrate that multiple properties of an injectable bioactive biomaterial, and notably the matrix stiffness, provide the multifaceted stimulation necessary to preserve cardiac function and prevent adverse remodeling following a heart attack. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlation between the dielectric and the mechanical behavior of cellulose nanocomposites extracted from the rachis of the date palm tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladhar, A.; Arous, M.; Kaddami, H.; Ayadi, Z.; Kallel, A.

2017-10-01

In the present study, the dielectric and mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) based nanocomposites are investigated. Cellulose nanofillers are used in two forms as reinforcing phase: nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). In the dielectric study, different relaxation phenomena are detected: the α dipolar relaxation, the lignin and hemicelluloses relaxation, the water dipoles relaxation, the interfacial polarization and the ionic conduction. For the interfacial polarization, the dielectric strength Δε showed lower values for NFC-filled nanocomposites than CNC-filled samples. It was explained with higher interactions between induced dipoles and lower mobility, assuring a better adhesion between the NR and the NFC. Moreover, in tensile tests, the elastic modulus increases with filling indicating the reinforcement effect of nanofillers. In addition, the NR-NFC nanocomposites display the highest tensile modulus. This result shows the higher compatibility of NFC with the NR matrix, and the ensuing higher filler/matrix adhesion. In dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), a significant reinforcing effect of NFC was shown. This effect is manifested with the high storage modulus E‧, suggesting that the interactions between the NR matrix and the NFC fibers were stronger.

Saracatinib Impairs Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invasion by Disrupting Invadopodia Function

PubMed Central

Ammer, Amanda Gatesman; Kelley, Laura C.; Hayes, Karen E.; Evans, Jason V.; Lopez-Skinner, Lesly Ann; Martin, Karen H.; Frederick, Barbara; Rothschild, Brian L.; Raben, David; Elvin, Paul; Green, Tim P.; Weed, Scott A.

2010-01-01

Elevated Src kinase activity is linked to the progression of solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Src regulates HNSCC proliferation and tumor invasion, with the Src-targeted small molecule inhibitor saracatinib displaying potent anti-invasive effects in preclinical studies. However, the pro-invasive cellular mechanism(s) perturbed by saracatinib are unclear. The anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects of saracatinib on HNSCC cell lines were therefore investigated in pre-clinical cell and mouse model systems. Saracatinib treatment inhibited growth, cell cycle progression and transwell Matrigel invasion in HNSCC cell lines. Dose-dependent decreases in Src activation and phosphorylation of the invasion-associated substrates focal adhesion kinase, p130 CAS and cortactin were also observed. While saracatinib did not significantly impact HNSCC tumor growth in a mouse orthotopic model of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, impaired perineural invasion and cervical lymph node metastasis was observed. Accordingly, saracatinib treatment displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on invadopodia formation, extracellular matrix degradation and matrix metalloprotease 9 activation. These results suggest that inhibition of Src kinase by saracatinib impairs the pro-invasive activity of HNSCC by inhibiting Src substrate phosphorylation important for invadopodia formation and associated matrix metalloprotease activity. PMID:20505783

Compression and compaction properties of plasticised high molecular weight hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) as a hydrophilic matrix carrier.

PubMed

Hardy, I J; Cook, W G; Melia, C D

2006-03-27

The compression and compaction properties of plasticised high molecular weight USP2208 HPMC were investigated with the aim of improving tablet formation in HPMC matrices. Experiments were conducted on binary polymer-plasticiser mixtures containing 17 wt.% plasticiser, and on a model hydrophilic matrix formulation. A selection of common plasticisers, propylene glycol (PG) glycerol (GLY), dibutyl sebacate (DBS) and triacetin (TRI), were chosen to provide a range of plasticisation efficiencies. T(g) values of binary mixtures determined by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) were in rank order PG>GLY>DBS>TRI>unplasticised HPMC. Mean yield pressure, strain rate sensitivity (SRS) and plastic compaction energy were measured during the compression process, and matrix properties were monitored by tensile strength and axial expansion post-compression. Compression of HPMC:PG binary mixtures resulted in a marked reduction in mean yield pressure and a significant increase in SRS, suggesting a classical plasticisation of HPMC analogous to that produced by water. The effect of PG was also reflected in matrix properties. At compression pressures below 70 MPa, compacts had greater tensile strength than those from native polymer, and over the range 35 and 70 MPa, lower plastic compaction values showed that less energy was required to produce the compacts. Axial expansion was also reduced. Above 70 MPa tensile strength was limited to 3 MPa. These results suggest a useful improvement of HPMC compaction and matrix properties by PG plasticisation, with lowering of T(g) resulting in improved deformation and internal bonding. These effects were also detectable in the model formulation containing a minimal polymer content for an HPMC matrix. Other plasticisers were largely ineffective, matrix strength was poor and axial expansion high. The hydrophobic plasticisers (DBS, TRI) reduced yield pressure substantially, but were poor plasticisers and showed compaction mechanisms that could be attributed to phase separation. The effect of different plasticisers suggests that the deformation characteristics of this HPMC in the solid state is dominated by hydroxyl mediated bonding, rather than by hydrophobic interactions between methoxyl-rich regions.

Enhanced Antimicrobial Effects of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix (CorMatrix) with Added Vancomycin and Gentamicin for Device Implant Protection.

PubMed

Deering, Thomas F; Chang, Carlos; Snyder, Carl; Natarajan, Selvamuthu K; Matheny, Robert

2017-06-01

The incidence of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections has risen significantly over the past years. Although several devices are currently available to decrease the incidence of infection, most are made from nonviable synthetic material and are more prone to infection than vascularized tissue. This study was undertaken to assess the resistance to infection of the CorMatrix CanGaroo (CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Roswell, GA, USA), a CIED envelope made of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrated in different antibiotic solutions. This study was comprised of two in vitro tests and one animal trial. For all the tests, the ECM was hydrated in a mixture of vancomycin (25 mg/mL) and gentamicin (20 mg/mL) or gentamicin alone (40 mg/mL). The drug elution characteristics were assessed followed by the effectiveness of CanGaroo to prevent the bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in culture. Then, the direct inoculation of pacemaker implant pockets with both Staphylococcus species was performed in rabbits implanted with either a pacemaker alone or a pacemaker with antibiotic-soaked CorMatrix ECM pouches. The hydration of CanGaroo envelopes in both antibiotic mixtures resulted in antimicrobial activity against both Staphylococcus species, with an early bolus release of antibiotics followed by a slow release lasting for up to 6 days. In vivo, there was a substantial decrease in the occurrence of infection. The hydration of the CanGaroo ECM with an antibiotic solution prevented Staphylococcus species growth in vitro and substantially reduced the incidence of CIED pocket infections in an in vivo rabbit model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

CARTILAGE OLIGOMERIC MATRIX PROTEIN ENHANCES MATRIX ASSEMBLY DURING CHONDROGENESIS OF HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS

PubMed Central

Haleem-Smith, Hana; Calderon, Raul; Song, Yingjie; Tuan, Rocky S.; Chen, Faye H.

2011-01-01

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein/thrombospondin-5 (COMP/TSP5) is an abundant cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that interacts with major cartilage ECM components, including aggrecan and collagens. To test our hypothesis that COMP/TSP5 functions in the assembly of the ECM during cartilage morphogenesis, we have employed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis in vitro as a model to examine the effects of COMP over-expression on neo-cartilage formation. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs were transfected with either full-length COMP cDNA or control plasmid, followed by chondrogenic induction in three-dimensional pellet or alginate-hydrogel culture. MSC chondrogenesis and ECM production was estimated based on quantitation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) accumulation, immunohistochemistry of the presence and distribution of cartilage ECM proteins, and real-time RT-PCR analyis of mRNA expression of cartilage markers. Our results showed that COMP over-expression resulted in increased total sGAG content during the early phase of MSC chondrogenesis, and increased immuno-detectable levels of aggrecan and collagen type II in the ECM of COMP-transfected pellet and alginate cultures, indicating more abundant cartilaginous matrix. COMP transfection did not significantly increase the transcript levels of the early chondrogenic marker, Sox9, or aggrecan, suggesting that enhancement of MSC cartilage ECM was effected at post-transcriptional levels. These findings strongly suggest that COMP functions in mesenchymal chondrogenesis by enhancing cartilage ECM organization and assembly. The action of COMP is most likely mediated not via direct changes in cartilage matrix gene expression but via interactions of COMP with other cartilage ECM proteins, such as aggrecan and collagens, that result in enhanced assembly and retention. PMID:22095699

[The speech audiometry using the matrix sentence test].

PubMed

Boboshko, M Yu; Zhilinskaia, E V; Warzybok, A; Maltseva, N V; Zokoll, M; Kollmeier, B

The matrix sentence test in which the five-word semantically unpredictable sentences presented under the background noise conditions are used as the speech material was designed and validated for many languages. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the Russian version of the matrix sentence test (RuMatrix test) in the listeners of different ages with normal hearing. At the first stage of the study, 35 listeners at the age from 18 to 33 year were examined. The results of the estimation of the training effect dictated the necessity of conducting two training tracks before carrying out the RuMatrix test proper. The signal-to-noise ratio at which 50% speech recognition (SRT50) was obtained was found to be -8.8±0.8 dB SNR. A significant effect of exposure to the background noise was demonstrated: the noise level of 80 and 75 Db SPL led to a considerably lower intelligibility than the noise levels in the range from 45 to 70 dB SPL; in the subsequent studies, the noise level of 65 dB SPL was used. The high test-retest reliability of the RuMatrix test was proved. At the second stage of the study, 20 young (20-40 year old) listeners and 20 aged (62-74 year old) ones were examined. The mean SRT50 in the aged patients was found to be -6.9±1.1 dB SNR which was much worse than the mean STR50 in the young subjects (-8.7±0.9 dB SNR). It is concluded that, bearing in mind the excellent comparability of the results of the RUMat rix test across different languages, it can be used as a universal tool in international research projects.

A Novel High Mechanical Property PLGA Composite Matrix Loaded with Nanodiamond-Phospholipid Compound for Bone Tissue Engineering.

PubMed

Zhang, Fan; Song, Qingxin; Huang, Xuan; Li, Fengning; Wang, Kun; Tang, Yixing; Hou, Canglong; Shen, Hongxing

2016-01-20

A potential bone tissue engineering material was produced from a biodegradable polymer, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), loaded with nanodiamond phospholipid compound (NDPC) via physical mixing. On the basis of hydrophobic effects and physical absorption, we modified the original hydrophilic surface of the nanodiamond (NDs) with phospholipids to be amphipathic, forming a typical core-shell structure. The ND-phospholipid weight ratio was optimized to generate sample NDPC50 (i.e., ND-phospholipid weight ratio of 100:50), and NDPC50 was able to be dispersed in a PLGA matrix at up to 20 wt %. Compared to a pure PLGA matrix, the introduction of 10 wt % of NDPC (i.e., sample NDPC50-PF10) resulted in a significant improvement in the material's mechanical and surface properties, including a decrease in the water contact angle from 80 to 55°, an approximately 100% increase in the Young's modulus, and an approximate 550% increase in hardness, thus closely resembling that of human cortical bone. As a novel matrix supporting human osteoblast (hFOB1.19) growth, NDPC50-PFs with different amounts of NDPC50 demonstrated no negative effects on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, we focused on the behaviors of NDPC-PFs implanted into mice for 8 weeks and found that NDPC-PFs induced acceptable immune response and can reduce the rapid biodegradation of PLGA matrix. Our results represent the first in vivo research on ND (or NDPC) as nanofillers in a polymer matrix for bone tissue engineering. The high mechanical properties, good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, and increased mineralization capability suggest that biodegradable PLGA composite matrices loaded with NDPC may potentially be useful for a variety of biomedical applications, especially bone tissue engineering.

Hydrophobic matrix-free graphene-oxide composites with isotropic and nematic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wåhlander, Martin; Nilsson, Fritjof; Carlmark, Anna; Gedde, Ulf W.; Edmondson, Steve; Malmström, Eva

2016-08-01

We demonstrate a novel route to synthesise hydrophobic matrix-free composites of polymer-grafted graphene oxide (GO) showing isotropic or nematic alignment and shape-memory effects. For the first time, a cationic macroinitiator (MI) has been immobilised on anionic GO and subsequently grafted with hydrophobic polymer grafts. Dense grafts of PBA, PBMA and PMMA with a wide range of average graft lengths (MW: 1-440 kDa) were polymerised by surface-initiated controlled radical precipitation polymerisation from the statistical MI. The surface modification is designed similarly to bimodal graft systems, where the cationic MI generates nanoparticle repulsion, similar to dense short grafts, while the long grafts offer miscibility in non-polar environments and cohesion. The state-of-the-art dispersions of grafted GO were in the isotropic state. Transparent and translucent matrix-free GO-composites could be melt-processed directly using only grafted GO. After processing, birefringence due to nematic alignment of grafted GO was observed as a single giant Maltese cross, 3.4 cm across. Permeability models for composites containing aligned 2D-fillers were developed, which were compared with the experimental oxygen permeability data and found to be consistent with isotropic or nematic states. The storage modulus of the matrix-free GO-composites increased with GO content (50% increase at 0.67 wt%), while the significant increases in the thermal stability (up to 130 °C) and the glass transition temperature (up to 17 °C) were dependent on graft length. The tuneable matrix-free GO-composites with rapid thermo-responsive shape-memory effects are promising candidates for a vast range of applications, especially selective membranes and sensors.We demonstrate a novel route to synthesise hydrophobic matrix-free composites of polymer-grafted graphene oxide (GO) showing isotropic or nematic alignment and shape-memory effects. For the first time, a cationic macroinitiator (MI) has been immobilised on anionic GO and subsequently grafted with hydrophobic polymer grafts. Dense grafts of PBA, PBMA and PMMA with a wide range of average graft lengths (MW: 1-440 kDa) were polymerised by surface-initiated controlled radical precipitation polymerisation from the statistical MI. The surface modification is designed similarly to bimodal graft systems, where the cationic MI generates nanoparticle repulsion, similar to dense short grafts, while the long grafts offer miscibility in non-polar environments and cohesion. The state-of-the-art dispersions of grafted GO were in the isotropic state. Transparent and translucent matrix-free GO-composites could be melt-processed directly using only grafted GO. After processing, birefringence due to nematic alignment of grafted GO was observed as a single giant Maltese cross, 3.4 cm across. Permeability models for composites containing aligned 2D-fillers were developed, which were compared with the experimental oxygen permeability data and found to be consistent with isotropic or nematic states. The storage modulus of the matrix-free GO-composites increased with GO content (50% increase at 0.67 wt%), while the significant increases in the thermal stability (up to 130 °C) and the glass transition temperature (up to 17 °C) were dependent on graft length. The tuneable matrix-free GO-composites with rapid thermo-responsive shape-memory effects are promising candidates for a vast range of applications, especially selective membranes and sensors. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Figures of LCST, polymerization kinetics, melt-processed films, DLS, TGA, precipitated fiber and powder, TEM (of isotropic GO), birefringence, OP-data, DMTA-data and DSC. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01502f

Erratum: Retraction Note to: Effect of Temperature on the Dielectric Properties of Carbon Black-Filled Polyethylene Matrix Composites Below the Percolation Threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Soon-Gi; Kwon, In-Kyu

2018-03-01

The Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board of Electronic Materials Letters have retracted this article [1] because it shows significant overlap with a publication by the same co-author without proper citation [2].

Development of edge effects around experimental ecosystem hotspots is affected by edge density and matrix type

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ecological edge effects are sensitive to landscape context. In particular, edge effects can be altered by matrix type and by the presence of other nearby edges. We experimentally altered patch configurations in an African savanna to determine how edge density and matrix type influence edge effect de...

Solute Transport of Negatively Charged Contrast Agents Across Articular Surface of Injured Cartilage.

PubMed

Kokkonen, H T; Chin, H C; Töyräs, J; Jurvelin, J S; Quinn, T M

2017-04-01

Solute transport through the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to chondrocyte metabolism. Cartilage injury affects solute transport in cartilage due to alterations in ECM structure and solute-matrix interactions. Therefore, cartilage injury may be detected by using contrast agent-based clinical imaging. In the present study, effects of mechanical injury on transport of negatively charged contrast agents in cartilage were characterized. Using cartilage plugs injured by mechanical compression protocol, effective partition coefficients and diffusion fluxes of iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents were measured using high resolution microCT imaging. For all contrast agents studied, effective diffusion fluxes increased significantly, particularly at early times during the diffusion process (38 and 33% increase after 4 min, P < 0.05 for iodine and Gd-DTPA; and 76% increase after 10 min for diatrizoate, P < 0.05). Effective partition coefficients were unaffected in mechanically injured cartilage. Mechanical injury reduced PG content and collagen integrity in cartilage superficial zone. This study suggests that alterations in contrast agent diffusion flux, a non-equilibrium transport parameter, provides a more sensitive indicator for assessment of cartilage matrix integrity than partition coefficient and the equilibrium distribution of solute. These findings may help in developing clinical methods of contrast agent-based imaging to detect cartilage injury.

Evidence that failure of osteoid bone matrix resorption is caused by perturbation of osteoclast polarization.

PubMed

Yovich, S; Seydel, U; Papadimitriou, J M; Nicholson, G C; Wood, D J; Zheng, M H

1998-04-01

Osteoclasts resorb bone by a complex dynamic process that initially involves attachment, polarization and enzyme secretion, followed by their detachment and migration to new sites. In this study, we postulated that mineralized and osteoid bone matrix signal osteoclasts differently, resulting in the resorption of mineralized bone matrix only. We, therefore, compared the cytoplasmic distribution of cytoskeletal proteins F-actin and vinculin using confocal laser-scanning microscopy in osteoclasts cultured on mineralized and demineralized bone slices and correlated the observations with their functional activity. Our results have demonstrated significant differences in F-actin and vinculin staining patterns between osteoclasts cultured on mineralized bone matrix and those on demineralized bone matrix. In addition, the structural variations were accompanied by significant differences in bone resorbing activity between osteoclasts grown on mineralized bone matrix and those on demineralized bone matrix after 24 h of culture --resorption only occurring in mineralized bone but not in demineralized bone. These results indicated that failure of osteoid bone resorption is caused by perturbation of osteoclast polarization.

Trace analysis of three fungicides in animal origin foods with a modified QuEChERS method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Mu, Zhaobin; Feng, Xiaoxiao; Zhang, Yun; Zhang, Hongyan

2016-02-01

A multi-residue method based on modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation, followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), was developed and validated for the determination of three selected fungicides (propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, and isopyrazam) in seven animal origin foods. The overall recoveries at the three spiking levels of 0.005, 0.05, and 0.5 mg kg(-1) spanned between 72.3 and 101.4% with relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 0.7 and 14.9%. The method shows good linearity in the concentrations between 0.001 and 1 mg L(-1) with the coefficient of determination (R (2)) value >0.99 for each target analyte. The limit of detections (LODs) for target analytes were between 0.04 and 1.26 μg kg(-1), and the limit of quantifications (LOQs) were between 0.13 and 4.20 μg kg(-1). The matrix effect for each individual compound was evaluated through the study of ratios of the areas obtained in solvent and matrix standards. The optimized method provided a negligible matrix effect for propiconazole within 20%, whereas for pyraclostrobin and isopyrazam, the matrix effect was relatively significant with a maximum value of 49.8%. The developed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of 210 animal origin samples obtained from 16 provinces of China. The results suggested that the developed method was satisfactory for trace analysis of three fungicides in animal origin foods.

Carbonate fuel cell matrix

DOEpatents

Farooque, M.; Yuh, C.Y.

1996-12-03

A carbonate fuel cell matrix is described comprising support particles and crack attenuator particles which are made platelet in shape to increase the resistance of the matrix to through cracking. Also disclosed is a matrix having porous crack attenuator particles and a matrix whose crack attenuator particles have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is significantly different from that of the support particles, and a method of making platelet-shaped crack attenuator particles. 8 figs.

S-nitrosoglutathione prevents blood-brain barrier disruption associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in experimental diabetes.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Aanchal; Khera, Alka; Singh, Inderjit; Sandhir, Rajat

2015-03-01

Hyperglycemia is known to induce microvascular complications, thereby altering blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. This study investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors in increased BBB permeability and evaluated the protective effect of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in diabetes. Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days and GSNO was administered orally (100 μg/kg body weight) daily for 8 weeks after the induction of diabetes. A significant decline in cognitive functions was observed in diabetic mice assessed by Morris water maze test. Increased permeability to different molecular size tracers accompanied by edema and ion imbalance was observed in cortex and hippocampus of diabetic mice. Furthermore, activity of both pro and active MMP-9 was found to be significantly elevated in diabetic animals. Increased in situ gelatinase activity was observed in tissue sections and isolated microvessels from diabetic mice brain. The increase in activity of MMP-9 was attributed to increased mRNA and protein expression in diabetic mice. In addition, a significant decrease in mRNA and protein expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 was also observed in diabetic animals. However, GSNO supplementation to diabetic animals was able to abridge MMP-9 activation as well as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels, restoring BBB integrity and also improving learning and memory. Our findings clearly suggest that GSNO could prevent hyperglycemia-induced disruption of BBB by suppressing MMP-9 activity. © 2014 International Society for Neurochemistry.

PPARδ inhibits UVB-induced secretion of MMP-1 through MKP-7-mediated suppression of JNK signaling.

PubMed

Ham, Sun A; Kang, Eun S; Lee, Hanna; Hwang, Jung S; Yoo, Taesik; Paek, Kyung S; Park, Chankyu; Kim, Jin-Hoi; Lim, Dae-Seog; Seo, Han G

2013-11-01

In the present study, we investigated the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ in modulating matrix-degrading metalloproteinases and other mechanisms underlying photoaging processes in the skin. In human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), activation of PPARδ by its specific ligand GW501516 markedly attenuated UVB-induced secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, concomitant with decreased generation of reactive oxygen species. These effects were significantly reduced in the presence of PPARδ small interfering RNA and GSK0660. Furthermore, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38 or extracellular signal-regulated kinase, mediated PPARδ-dependent inhibition of MMP-1 secretion in HDFs exposed to UVB. PPARδ-mediated messenger RNA stabilization of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-7 was responsible for the GW501516-mediated inhibition of JNK signaling. Inhibition of UVB-induced secretion of MMP-1 by PPARδ was associated with the restoration of types I and III collagen to levels approaching those in cells not exposed to UVB. Finally, in HR-1 hairless mice exposed to UVB, administration of GW501516 significantly reduced wrinkle formation and skin thickness, downregulated MMP-1 and JNK phosphorylation, and restored the levels of MKP-7, types I and III collagen. These results suggest that PPARδ-mediated inhibition of MMP-1 secretion prevents some effects of photoaging and maintains the integrity of skin by inhibiting the degradation of the collagenous extracellular matrix.

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-A soft template for the facile preparation of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) core-copper nanoparticle shell nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed Safiullah, S.; Abdul Wasi, K.; Anver Basha, K.

2015-12-01

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) core/copper nanoparticle shell nanocomposite (PGMA/Cu nanohybrid) was prepared by simple two step method (i) The synthesis of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) beads by free radical suspension polymerization followed by (ii) direct deposition of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on activated PGMA beads. The PGMA beads were used as a soft template to host the CuNPs without surface modification of it. In this method the CuNPs were formed by chemical reduction of copper salts using sodium borohydride in water medium and deposited directly on the activated PGMA. Two different concentrations of copper salts were employed to know the effect of concentration on the shape and size of nanoparticles. The results showed that, the different sizes and shapes of CuNPs were deposited on the PGMA matrix. The X-ray Diffraction study results showed that the CuNPs were embedded on the surface of the PGMA matrix. The scanning electron microscopic images revealed that the fabrication of CuNPs on the PGMA matrix possess different shapes and changes the morphology and nature of PGMA beads significantly. The fluorescent micrograph also confirmed that the CuNPs were doped on the PGMA surface. The thermal studies have demonstrated that the CuNPs deposition on the surface of PGMA beads had a significant effect.

Modeling food matrix effects on chemical reactivity: Challenges and perspectives.

PubMed

Capuano, Edoardo; Oliviero, Teresa; van Boekel, Martinus A J S

2017-06-29

The same chemical reaction may be different in terms of its position of the equilibrium (i.e., thermodynamics) and its kinetics when studied in different foods. The diversity in the chemical composition of food and in its structural organization at macro-, meso-, and microscopic levels, that is, the food matrix, is responsible for this difference. In this viewpoint paper, the multiple, and interconnected ways the food matrix can affect chemical reactivity are summarized. Moreover, mechanistic and empirical approaches to explain and predict the effect of food matrix on chemical reactivity are described. Mechanistic models aim to quantify the effect of food matrix based on a detailed understanding of the chemical and physical phenomena occurring in food. Their applicability is limited at the moment to very simple food systems. Empirical modeling based on machine learning combined with data-mining techniques may represent an alternative, useful option to predict the effect of the food matrix on chemical reactivity and to identify chemical and physical properties to be further tested. In such a way the mechanistic understanding of the effect of the food matrix on chemical reactions can be improved.

Effect of chain rigidity on network architecture and deformation behavior of glassy polymer networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knowles, Kyler Reser

Processing carbon fiber composite laminates creates molecular-level strains in the thermoset matrix upon curing and cooling which can lead to failures such as geometry deformations, micro-cracking, and other issues. It is known strain creation is attributed to the significant volume and physical state changes undergone by the polymer matrix throughout the curing process, though storage and relaxation of cure-induced strains remain poorly understood. This dissertation establishes two approaches to address the issue. The first establishes testing methods to simultaneously measure key volumetric properties of a carbon fiber composite laminate and its polymer matrix. The second approach considers the rigidity of the polymer matrix in regards to strain storage and relaxation mechanisms which ultimately control composite performance throughout manufacturing and use. Through the use of a non-contact, full-field strain measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC), we describe and implement useful experiments which quantify matrix and composite parameters necessary for simulation efforts and failure models. The methods are compared to more traditional techniques and show excellent correlation. Further, we established relationships which represent matrix-fiber compatibility in regards to critical processing constraints. The second approach involves a systematic study of epoxy-amine networks which are chemically-similar but differ in chain segment rigidity. Prior research has investigated the isomer effect of glassy polymers, showing sizeable differences in thermal, volumetric, physical, and mechanical properties. This work builds on these themes and shows the apparent isomer effect is rather an effect of chain rigidity. Indeed, it was found that structurally-dissimilar polymer networks exhibit very similar properties as a consequence of their shared average network rigidity. Differences in chain packing, as a consequence of chain rigidity, were shown to alter the physical, volumetric, and mechanical properties of the glassy networks. Chain rigidity was found to directly control deformation mechanisms, which were related to the yielding behavior of the epoxy network series. The unique benefit to our approach is the ability to separate the role of rigidity - an intramolecular parameter - from intermolecular phenomena which otherwise influence network properties.

Pulmonary lung surfactant synthetic peptide concentration-dependent modulation of DPPC and POPG acyl chain order in a DPPC:POPG:palmitic acid lipid mixture.

PubMed

Krill, S L; Gupta, S L; Smith, T

1994-05-06

Lung surfactant-associated protein interaction with lipid matrices and the effects on lipid thermotropic phase behavior are areas of active research. Many studies limit the lipids to a single or two-component system. The current investigation utilizes a three-lipid component matrix (DPPC:POPG:palmitic acid) to investigate the impact of a synthetic surfactant protein B fragment (SP-B 53-78 DiACM) on the dynamic surface activity of the lipid admixture as measured by a Wilhelmy surface balance. Also, the modulation of the individual lipid acyl chain order by the peptide within the lipid matrix is studied through the use of thermal perturbation FTIR spectroscopy. The data clearly demonstrate a concentration-dependent effect of the peptide on the surface activity with an improvement in the dynamic surface tension diagram characteristics (decreased surface tension and increased collapse plateau) especially at low, 0.36 M%, peptide concentrations. These effects are diminished upon further addition of the peptide. FTIR spectral data demonstrate that the peptide addition results in a significant increase in the acyl chain order of the DPPC and POPG components as measured by the position of the methylene stretching vibrational bands. DPPC is most sensitive to the peptide presence, while the palmitic acid is least affected. The transition temperatures of the individual lipids are also increased with the addition of the peptide. The presence of POPG in the matrix achieves the surface activity similarly seen with natural lung surfactant relative to a DPPC/palmitic acid lipid matrix alone. Its presence increases the sensitivity of the DPPC acyl chains to the presence of the peptide. These effects on the chain order are most probably related to the increased acyl chain fluidity which POPG imparts to the lipid matrix because of the presence of the cis double bond. The phosphatidylglycerol headgroup also adds a negative charge to the lipid matrix which enhances the peptide-lipid interaction. Although the palmitic acid is minimally affected by the peptide, its presence, as suggested by surface balance measurements, results in the establishment of a stable lipid film with DPPC, capable of achieving low surface tension values.

Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide wet-bonding technique on hybrid layer quality and dentin bond strength.

PubMed

Stape, Thiago Henrique Scarabello; Tjäderhane, Leo; Marques, Marcelo Rocha; Aguiar, Flávio Henrique Baggio; Martins, Luís Roberto Marcondes

2015-06-01

This study examined the effect of a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) wet bonding technique on the resin infiltration depths at the bonded interface and dentin bond strength of different adhesive systems. Flat dentin surfaces of 48 human third molars were treated with 50% DMSO (experimental groups) or with distilled water (controls) before bonding using an etch-and-rinse (SBMP: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, 3M ESPE) or a self-etch (Clearfil: Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray) adhesive system. The restored crown segments (n=12/group) were stored in distilled water (24h) and sectioned for interfacial analysis of exposed collagen using Masson's Trichrome staining and for microtensile bond strength testing. The extent of exposed collagen was measured using light microscopy and a histometric analysis software. Failure modes were examined by SEM. Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey Test (α=0.05). The interaction of bonding protocol and adhesive system had significant effects on the extension of exposed collagen matrix (p<0.0001) and bond strength (p=0.0091). DMSO-wet bonding significantly reduced the extent of exposed collagen matrix for SBMP and Clearfil (p<0.05). Significant increase in dentin bond strength was observed on DMSO-treated specimens bonded with SBMP (p<0.05), while no differences were observed for Clearfil (p>0.05). DMSO-wet bonding was effective to improve the quality of resin-dentin bonds of the tested etch-and-rinse adhesives by reducing the extent of exposed collagen matrix at the base of the resin-dentin biopolymer. The improved penetration of adhesive monomers is reflected as an increase in the immediate bond strength when the DMSO-wet bonding technique is used with a water-based etch-and-rinse adhesive. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Naringenin regulates production of matrix metalloproteinases in the knee-joint and primary cultured articular chondrocytes and alleviates pain in rat osteoarthritis model.

PubMed

Wang, C C; Guo, L; Tian, F D; An, N; Luo, L; Hao, R H; Wang, B; Zhou, Z H

2017-03-23

Inflammation of cartilage is a primary symptom for knee-joint osteoarthritis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to play an important role in the articular cartilage destruction related to osteoarthritis. Naringenin is a plant-derived flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. We studied the effect of naringenin on the transcriptional expression, secretion and enzymatic activity of MMP-3 in vivo in the murine monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) osteoarthritis model. The assessment of pain behavior was also performed in the MIA rats. The destruction of knee-joint tissues was analyzed microscopically. Moreover, the effect of naringenin was also studied in vitro in IL-1β activated articular chondrocytes. The transcriptional expression of MMP-3, MMP-1, MMP-13, thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS-4) and ADAMTS-5 was also studied in primary cultured chondrocytes of rats. Naringenin caused significant reduction in pain behavior and showed marked improvement in the tissue morphology of MIA rats. Moreover, a significant inhibition of MMP-3 expression in MIA rats was observed upon treatment with naringenin. In the in vitro tests, naringenin caused a significant reduction in the transcriptional expression, secretion and enzymatic activity of the studied degradative enzymes. The NF-κB pathway was also found to be inhibited upon treatment with naringenin in vitro. Overall, the study suggests that naringenin alleviated pain and regulated the production of matrix-metalloproteinases via regulation of NF-κB pathway. Thus, naringenin could be a potent therapeutic option for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The number of measurements needed to obtain high reliability for traits related to enzymatic activities and photosynthetic compounds in soybean plants infected with Phakopsora pachyrhizi.

PubMed

Oliveira, Tássia Boeno de; Azevedo Peixoto, Leonardo de; Teodoro, Paulo Eduardo; Alvarenga, Amauri Alves de; Bhering, Leonardo Lopes; Campo, Clara Beatriz Hoffmann

2018-01-01

Asian rust affects the physiology of soybean plants and causes losses in yield. Repeatability coefficients may help breeders to know how many measurements are needed to obtain a suitable reliability for a target trait. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the repeatability coefficients of 14 traits in soybean plants inoculated with Phakopsora pachyrhizi and to establish the minimum number of measurements needed to predict the breeding value with high accuracy. Experiments were performed in a 3x2 factorial arrangement with three treatments and two inoculations in a random block design. Repeatability coefficients, coefficients of determination and number of measurements needed to obtain a certain reliability were estimated using ANOVA, principal component analysis based on the covariance matrix and the correlation matrix, structural analysis and mixed model. It was observed that the principal component analysis based on the covariance matrix out-performed other methods for almost all traits. Significant differences were observed for all traits except internal CO2 concentration for the treatment effects. For the measurement effects, all traits were significantly different. In addition, significant differences were found for all Treatment x Measurement interaction traits except coumestrol, chitinase and chlorophyll content. Six measurements were suitable to obtain a coefficient of determination higher than 0.7 for all traits based on principal component analysis. The information obtained from this research will help breeders and physiologists determine exactly how many measurements are needed to evaluate each trait in soybean plants infected by P. pachyrhizi with a desirable reliability.

The number of measurements needed to obtain high reliability for traits related to enzymatic activities and photosynthetic compounds in soybean plants infected with Phakopsora pachyrhizi

PubMed Central

de Oliveira, Tássia Boeno; Teodoro, Paulo Eduardo; de Alvarenga, Amauri Alves; Bhering, Leonardo Lopes; Campo, Clara Beatriz Hoffmann

2018-01-01

Asian rust affects the physiology of soybean plants and causes losses in yield. Repeatability coefficients may help breeders to know how many measurements are needed to obtain a suitable reliability for a target trait. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the repeatability coefficients of 14 traits in soybean plants inoculated with Phakopsora pachyrhizi and to establish the minimum number of measurements needed to predict the breeding value with high accuracy. Experiments were performed in a 3x2 factorial arrangement with three treatments and two inoculations in a random block design. Repeatability coefficients, coefficients of determination and number of measurements needed to obtain a certain reliability were estimated using ANOVA, principal component analysis based on the covariance matrix and the correlation matrix, structural analysis and mixed model. It was observed that the principal component analysis based on the covariance matrix out-performed other methods for almost all traits. Significant differences were observed for all traits except internal CO2 concentration for the treatment effects. For the measurement effects, all traits were significantly different. In addition, significant differences were found for all Treatment x Measurement interaction traits except coumestrol, chitinase and chlorophyll content. Six measurements were suitable to obtain a coefficient of determination higher than 0.7 for all traits based on principal component analysis. The information obtained from this research will help breeders and physiologists determine exactly how many measurements are needed to evaluate each trait in soybean plants infected by P. pachyrhizi with a desirable reliability. PMID:29438380

Reduction of interferences in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry by multiple linear regression modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grotti, Marco; Abelmoschi, Maria Luisa; Soggia, Francesco; Tiberiade, Christian; Frache, Roberto

2000-12-01

The multivariate effects of Na, K, Mg and Ca as nitrates on the electrothermal atomisation of manganese, cadmium and iron were studied by multiple linear regression modelling. Since the models proved to efficiently predict the effects of the considered matrix elements in a wide range of concentrations, they were applied to correct the interferences occurring in the determination of trace elements in seawater after pre-concentration of the analytes. In order to obtain a statistically significant number of samples, a large volume of the certified seawater reference materials CASS-3 and NASS-3 was treated with Chelex-100 resin; then, the chelating resin was separated from the solution, divided into several sub-samples, each of them was eluted with nitric acid and analysed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (for trace element determinations) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (for matrix element determinations). To minimise any other systematic error besides that due to matrix effects, accuracy of the pre-concentration step and contamination levels of the procedure were checked by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric measurements. Analytical results obtained by applying the multiple linear regression models were compared with those obtained with other calibration methods, such as external calibration using acid-based standards, external calibration using matrix-matched standards and the analyte addition technique. Empirical models proved to efficiently reduce interferences occurring in the analysis of real samples, allowing an improvement of accuracy better than for other calibration methods.

Determination of six sulfonamide antibiotics, two metabolites and trimethoprim in wastewater by isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Le-Minh, Nhat; Stuetz, Richard M; Khan, Stuart J

2012-01-30

A highly sensitive method for the analysis of six sulfonamide antibiotics (sulfadiazine, sulfathiazole, sulfapyridine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine and sulfamethoxazole), two sulfonamide metabolites (N(4)-acetyl sulfamethazine and N(4)-acetyl sulfamethoxazole) and the commonly co-applied antibiotic trimethoprim was developed for the analysis of complex wastewater samples. The method involves solid phase extraction of filtered wastewater samples followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectral detection. Method detection limits were shown to be matrix-dependent but ranged between 0.2 and 0.4 ng/mL for ultrapure water, 0.4 and 0.7 ng/mL for tap water, 1.4 and 5.9 ng/mL for a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) mixed liquor, 0.7 and 1.7 ng/mL for biologically treated effluent and 0.5 and 1.5 ng/g dry weight for MBR activated sludge. An investigation of analytical matrix effects was undertaken, demonstrating the significant and largely unpredictable nature of signal suppression observed for variably complex matrices compared to an ultrapure water matrix. The results demonstrate the importance of accounting for such matrix effects for accurate quantitation, as done in the presented method by isotope dilution. Comprehensive validation of calibration linearity, reproducibility, extraction recovery, limits of detection and quantification are also presented. Finally, wastewater samples from a variety of treatment stages in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant were analysed to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Double matrix effect in Low Energy Ion Scattering from La surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zameshin, Andrey A.; Yakshin, Andrey E.; Sturm, Jacobus M.; Brongerma, Hidde H.; Bijkerk, Fred

2018-05-01

Low Energy Ion Scattering (LEIS) has been performed on several lanthanum-based surfaces. Strong subsurface matrix effects - dependence of surface scattered He+ ion yield on the composition of subsurface layer - have been observed. The ion yield of He+ scattered by La differed by a factor of up to 2.5 for different surfaces, while only the La peak was visible in the spectra. To study these effects and enable surface quantification, He+ ion yields have been measured in a range of incident He+ energies from 1000 to 7500 eV for LaB6, La2O3, oxidized La and pure La surfaces. The investigation showed that as many as two simultaneous matrix effects are present, each one driven by a separate charge exchange mechanism. The first one is a resonant neutralization from the conduction band of La to an excited state of the He+ ion. It depends on the work function of the surface, which is lowered significantly when La interacts with O or B. The second mechanism is quasiresonant charge transfer between bound La levels and He 1s, which creates characteristic oscillations in the energy dependence of ion yields. The exact structure of the oscillations depends on small changes in binding energies of interacting La levels. This is the first time quasiresonant charge transfer is proven to be present in La. It is likely that La 5p orbitals participate in this resonance, which can be the first clear observation of a resonance between p and s orbitals in LEIS. This type of resonance was previously believed to be absent because of strong damping. We also demonstrated that despite the complex matrix effect precise measurements over a wide energy range allow quantification of the atomic composition of La-based surfaces.

Biological Effects of Clinically Relevant CoCr Nanoparticles in the Dura Mater: An Organ Culture Study

PubMed Central

Papageorgiou, Iraklis; Abberton, Thomas; Fuller, Martin; Tipper, Joanne L.; Fisher, John; Ingham, Eileen

2014-01-01

Medical interventions for the treatment of spinal disc degeneration include total disc replacement and fusion devices. There are, however, concerns regarding the generation of wear particles by these devices, the majority of which are in the nanometre sized range with the potential to cause adverse biological effects in the surrounding tissues. The aims of this study were to develop an organ culture model of the porcine dura mater and to investigate the biological effects of CoCr nanoparticles in this model. A range of histological techniques were used to analyse the structure of the tissue in the organ culture. The biological effects of the CoCr wear particles and the subsequent structural changes were assessed using tissue viability assays, cytokine assays, histology, immunohistochemistry, and TEM imaging. The physiological structure of the dura mater remained unchanged during the seven days of in vitro culture. There was no significant loss of cell viability. After exposure of the organ culture to CoCr nanoparticles, there was significant loosening of the epithelial layer, as well as the underlying collagen matrix. TEM imaging confirmed these structural alterations. These structural alterations were attributed to the production of MMP-1, -3, -9, -13, and TIMP-1. ELISA analysis revealed that there was significant release of cytokines including IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, ECP and also the matrix protein, tenascin-C. This study suggested that CoCr nanoparticles did not cause cytotoxicity in the dura mater but they caused significant alterations to its structural integrity that could lead to significant secondary effects due to nanoparticle penetration, such as inflammation to the local neural tissue. PMID:28344233

Matrix remodeling between cells and cellular interactions with collagen bundle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jihan; Sun, Bo

When cells are surrounded by complex environment, they continuously probe and interact with it by applying cellular traction forces. As cells apply traction forces, they can sense rigidity of their local environment and remodel the matrix microstructure simultaneously. Previous study shows that single human carcinoma cell (MDA-MB-231) remodeled its surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) and the matrix remodeling was reversible. In this study we examined the matrix microstructure between cells and cellular interaction between them using quantitative confocal microscopy. The result shows that the matrix microstructure is the most significantly remodeled between cells consisting of aligned, and densified collagen fibers (collagen bundle)., the result shows that collagen bundle is irreversible and significantly change micromechanics of ECM around the bundle. We further examined cellular interaction with collagen bundle by analyzing dynamics of actin and talin formation along with the direction of bundle. Lastly, we analyzed dynamics of cellular protrusion and migrating direction of cells along the bundle.

Matrix-effect free multi-residue analysis of veterinary drugs in food samples of animal origin by nanoflow liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Alcántara-Durán, Jaime; Moreno-González, David; Gilbert-López, Bienvenida; Molina-Díaz, Antonio; García-Reyes, Juan F

2018-04-15

In this work, a sensitive method based on nanoflow liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry has been developed for the multiresidue determination of veterinary drugs residues in honey, veal muscle, egg and milk. Salting-out supported liquid extraction was employed as sample treatment for milk, veal muscle and egg, while a modified QuEChERS procedure was used in honey. The enhancement of sensitivity provided by the nanoflow LC system also allowed the implementation of high dilution factors as high as 100:1. For all matrices tested, matrix effects were negligible starting from a dilution factor of 100, enabling, thus, the use of external standard calibration instead of matrix-matched calibration of each sample, and the subsequent increase of laboratory throughput. At spiked levels as low as 0.1 or 1 µg kg -1 before the 1:100 dilution, the obtained signals were still significantly higher than the instrumental limit of quantitation (S/N 10). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of electromagnetic transitions in $^8$Be with meson-exchange currents derived from chiral effective field theory

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

Pastore, S.; Wiringa, Robert B.; Pieper, Steven C.

2014-08-01

We report quantum Monte Carlo calculations of electromagnetic transitions inmore » $^8$Be. The realistic Argonne $$v_{18}$$ two-nucleon and Illinois-7 three-nucleon potentials are used to generate the ground state and nine excited states, with energies that are in excellent agreement with experiment. A dozen $M1$ and eight $E2$ transition matrix elements between these states are then evaluated. The $E2$ matrix elements are computed only in impulse approximation, with those transitions from broad resonant states requiring special treatment. The $M1$ matrix elements include two-body meson-exchange currents derived from chiral effective field theory, which typically contribute 20--30\\% of the total expectation value. Many of the transitions are between isospin-mixed states; the calculations are performed for isospin-pure states and then combined with the empirical mixing coefficients to compare to experiment. In general, we find that transitions between states that have the same dominant spatial symmetry are in decent agreement with experiment, but those transitions between different spatial symmetries are often significantly underpredicted.« less

Effect of ferrite transformation on the tensile and stress corrosion properties of type 316 L stainless steel weld metal thermally aged at 873 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, H.; Khatak, H. S.; Seshadri, S. K.; Gnanamoorthy, J. B.; Rodriguez, P.

1995-07-01

This article deals with the effect of the microstructural changes, due to transformation of delta ferrite, on the associated variations that take place in the tensile and stress corrosion properties of type 316 L stainless steel weld deposits when subjected to postweld heat treatment at 873 K for prolonged periods (up to 2000 hours). On aging for short durations (up to 20 hours), carbide/ carbonitride was the dominant transformation product, whereas sigma phase was dominant at longer aging times. The changes in the tensile and stress corrosion behavior of the aged weld metal have been attributed to the two competitive processes of matrix softening and hardening. Yield strength (YS) was found to depend predominantly on matrix softening only, while sig-nificant changes in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the work-hardening exponent, n, occurred due to matrix hardening. Ductility and stress corrosion properties were considerably affected by both factors. Fractographic observations on the weld metal tested for stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) indicated a combination of transgranular cracking of the austenite and interface cracking.

Amyloid β-Protein as a Substrate Interacts with Extracellular Matrix to Promote Neurite Outgrowth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Edward H.; Park, Lisa; Selkoe, Dennis J.

1993-05-01

Progressive deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in brain parenchyma and blood vessels is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer disease. Recent evidence suggests that addition of solubilized synthetic Aβ to medium may produce toxic or trophic effects on cultured hippocampal neurons. Because soluble Aβ may not accumulate in significant quantities in brain, we asked whether immobilized Aβ peptide as a substrate alters neurite outgrowth from cultured rat peripheral sensory neurons. This paradigm may closely mimic the conditions in Alzheimer disease brain tissue, in which neurites contact insoluble, extracellular aggregates of β-amyloid. We detected no detrimental effects of Aβ substrate on neurite outgrowth. Rather, Aβ in combination with low doses of laminin or fibronectin enhanced neurite out-growth from these neuronal explants. Our results suggest that insoluble Aβ in the cerebral neuropil may serve as a neurite-promoting matrix, perhaps explaining the apparent regenerative response of neurites observed around amyloid plaques in Alzheimer disease. Moreover, in concert with the recent discovery of Aβ production by cultured neurons, our data suggest that Aβ plays a normal physiological role in brain by complexing with the extracellular matrix.

The effect of fibre content, fibre size and alkali treatment to Charpy impact resistance of Oil Palm fibre reinforced composite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitri, Muhamad; Mahzan, Shahruddin

2016-11-01

In this research, the effect of fibre content, fibre size and alkali treatment to the impact resistance of the composite material have been investigated, The composite material employs oil palm fibre as the reinforcement material whereas the matrix used for the composite materials are polypropylene. The Oil Palm fibres are prepared for two conditions: alkali treated fibres and untreated fibres. The fibre sizes are varied in three sizes: 5mm, 7mm and 10mm. During the composite material preparation, the fibre contents also have been varied into 3 different percentages: 5%, 7% and 10%. The statistical approach is used to optimise the variation of specimen determined by using Taguchi method. The results were analyzed also by the Taguchi method and shows that the Oil Palm fibre content is significantly affect the impact resistance of the polymer matrix composite. However, the fibre size is moderately affecting the impact resistance, whereas the fibre treatment is insignificant to the impact resistance of the oil palm fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite.

Positron accumulation effect in particles embedded in a low-density matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dryzek, Jerzy; Siemek, Krzysztof

2015-02-01

Systematic studies of the so-called positron accumulation effect for samples with particles embedded in a matrix are reported. This effect is related to energetic positrons which penetrate inhomogeneous medium. Due to differences in the linear absorption coefficient, different amounts of positrons are accumulated and annihilate in the identical volume of both materials. Positron lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening of the annihilation line using Na-22 positrons were applied to the studies of the epoxy resin samples with embedded micro-sized particles of transition metals, i.e., Ni, Sn, Mo, W, and nonmetal particles, i.e., Si and NaF. The significant difference between the determined fraction of positrons annihilating in the particles and the particle volume fraction indicates the positron accumulation effect. The simple phenomenological model and Monte Carlo simulations are able to describe the main features of the obtained dependencies. The aluminum alloy with embedded Sn nanoparticles is also considered for demonstration differences between the accumulation and another related effect, i.e., the positron affinity.

Effect of temperature on the permeability of gas adsorbed coal under triaxial stress conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiangchen; Yan, Xiaopeng; Kang, Yili

2018-04-01

The combined effects of gas sorption, stress and temperature play a significant role in the changing behavior of gas permeability in coal seams. The effect of temperature on nitrogen and methane permeability of naturally fractured coal is investigated. Coal permeability, P-wave velocity and axial strain were simultaneously measured under two effective stresses and six different temperatures. The results showed that the behavior of nitrogen and methane permeability presented nonmonotonic changes with increasing temperature. The variation in the P-wave velocity and axial strain showed a good correspondence with coal permeability. A higher effective stress limited the bigger deformation and caused the small change in permeability. Methane adsorption and desorption significantly influence the mechanical properties of coal and play an important role in the variations in coal permeability. The result of coal permeability during a complete stress-strain process showed that the variation in permeability is determined by the evolution of the internal structure. The increase in the temperature of the gas saturated coal causes the complex interaction between matrix swelling, matrix shrinkage and micro-fracture generation, which leads to the complex changes in coal structure and permeability. These results are helpful to understand the gas transport mechanism for exploiting coal methane by heat injection.

The effects of matrix structure on movement decisions of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

Treesearch

Robin E. Russell; Robert K. Swihart; Bruce A. Craig

2007-01-01

The composition of the landscape between patches (the matrix) can have important effects on movement rates that potentially outweigh the effects of patch size and isolation. We conducted a small-scale experiment with radiocollared meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) to quantify the effects of matrix habitat on movement behavior of voles. Habitat...

Geometry of torn boudin-An indicator of relative viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, Susanta Kumar; Basu Majumder, Debojyoti; Sarkar, Goutam

2017-11-01

The present study determines the role of viscosity on the development of rectangular torn boudin and its various types, defined by the curvature of their exterior and face margins. Numerical modeling was performed with the help of Finite Element Method considering Maxwell visco-elastic materials in commercial code ANSYS. Seven different viscosities were used and interchanged among the boudin, inter-boudin and matrix materials to understand the effect of viscosity ratios, specifically of relative viscosity of inter-boudin material. Results show that the viscosity of inter-boudin material has significant control on the shape of torn boudins apart from the viscosity ratio of boudin to matrix material. Bone-shaped boudin develops only when the inter-boudin is more competent than boudin and it becomes more prominent when matrix is also competent than boudin, but incompetent than inter-boudin. When boudins are stiffer than inter-boudin, barrel-shaped and fish-head boudins with concave faces develop. Exterior or face margins remain almost straight when boudin is relatively rigid compared to its surrounding matrix materials, or when there is no or very little viscosity contrast between boudin and inter-boudin material even in case of large boudin-matrix viscosity contrast. Therefore, the relative viscosity among the boudin, inter-boudin and matrix materials can be estimated qualitatively by studying the shape of boudin in the field.

Reduction of matrix interferences in furnace atomic absorption with the L'vov Platform

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kaiser, M.L.; Koirtyohann, S.R.; Hinderberger, E.J.; Taylor, Howard E.

1981-01-01

Use of a modified L'vov Platform and ammonium phosphate as a matrix modifier greatly reduced matrix interferences in a commercial Massmann-type atomic absorption furnace. Platforms were readily fabricated from furnace tubes and, once positioned in the furnace, caused no inconvenience in operation. Two volatile elements (Pb, Cd), two of intermediate volatility (Co, Cr) and two which form stable oxides (Al, Sn) were tested in natural water and selected synthetic matrices. In every case for which there was a significant matrix effect during atomization from the tube wall, the platform and platform plus modifier gave improved performance. With lead, for example, an average ratio of 0.48 ?? 0.11 was found when the slope of the standard additions plot for six different natural water samples was compared to the slope of the standard working curve in dilute acid. The average slope ratio between the natural water matrices and the dilute acid matrix was 0.94 ?? 0.03 with the L'vov Platform and 0.96 ?? 0.03 with the platform and matrix modifier. In none of the cases studied did the use of the platform or platform plus modifier cause an interference problem where none existed while atomizing from the tube wall. An additional benefit of the platform was a factor of about two improvement in peak height precision. ?? 1981.

Predicting neo-adjuvant chemotherapy response and progression-free survival of locally advanced breast cancer using textural features of intratumoral heterogeneity on F-18 FDG PET/CT and diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

PubMed

Yoon, Hai-Jeon; Kim, Yemi; Chung, Jin; Kim, Bom Sahn

2018-03-30

Predicting response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and survival in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is important. This study investigated the prognostic value of tumor heterogeneity evaluated with textural analysis through F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). We enrolled 83 patients with LABC who had completed NAC and curative surgery. Tumor texture indices from pretreatment FDG PET and DWI were extracted from histogram analysis and 7 different parent matrices: co-occurrence matrix, the voxel-alignment matrix, neighborhood intensity difference matrix, intensity size-zone matrix (ISZM), normalized gray-level co-occurrence matrix (NGLCM), neighboring gray-level dependence matrix (NGLDM), and texture spectrum matrix. The predictive values of textural features were tested regarding both pathologic NAC response and progression-free survival. Among 83 patients, 46 were pathologic responders, while 37 were nonresponders. The PET texture indices from 7 parent matrices, DWI texture indices from histogram, and 1 parent matrix (NGLCM) showed significant differences according to NAC response. On multivariable analysis, number nonuniformity of PET extracted from the NGLDM was an independent predictor of pathologic response (P = .009). During a median follow-up period of 17.3 months, 14 patients experienced recurrence. High-intensity zone emphasis (HIZE) and high-intensity short-zone emphasis (HISZE) from PET extracted from ISZM were significant textural predictors (P = .011 and P = .033). On Cox regression analysis, only HIZE was a significant predictor of recurrence (P = .027), while HISZE showed borderline significance (P = .107). Tumor texture indices are useful for NAC response prediction in LABC. Moreover, PET texture indices can help to predict disease recurrence. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Influence of CdS nanoparticles grain morphology on laser-induced absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebothé, Jean; Michel, Jean; Kityk, I. V.; Lakshminarayana, G.; Yanchuk, O. M.; Marchuk, O. V.

2018-06-01

Using external illumination of a 7 nanosecond (ns) doubled frequency Nd: YAG laser emitting at λ = 532 nm with frequency repetition 10 Hz it was established a possibility of significant changes of the absorption at the probing wavelength 1150 nm of continuous wave (cw) He-Ne laser for the CdS nanoparticles embedded into the PVA polymer matrix. The effect is observed only during the two beam laser coherent treatment and this effect is a consequence of interference of two coherent beams. It is shown a principal role of the grain morphology in the efficiency of the process, which is more important than the nanoparticle sizes. The photoinduced absorption is manifested in the space distribution of the probing laser beam. The principal role of the grain interfaces between the nanoparticle interfaces and the surrounding polymer matrix is shown. The effect is almost independent of the nanoparticle sizes. It may be used for laser operation by nanocomposites.

Dynamic effective properties of heterogeneous geological formations with spherical inclusions under periodic time variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabinovich, A.; Dagan, G.; Miloh, T.

2013-04-01

In unsteady groundwater flow (or similar processes of heat/electrical conduction), the heterogeneous medium structure is characterized by two random properties, the conductivity K and the specific storativity S. The average head field ⟨H ⟩and the associated effective properties Kef, Sef are determined for a layer with a periodic head drop between boundaries, such that H is periodic in time, and a medium made up of a matrix with a dilute concentration of spherical inclusions. In the common quasi-steady approximation, Kef is equal to the classical steady solution while Sef = SA, the arithmetic mean. We derive expressions for the frequency dependent Kef, Sef, which are generally complex, i.e., dynamic. The main result is the delineation of the ranges of the parameters: dimensionless frequency (ω) and contrasts of conductivity (κ) and storativity (s) between the matrix and the inclusions, for which dynamic effects are significant.

Optimal portfolio strategy with cross-correlation matrix composed by DCCA coefficients: Evidence from the Chinese stock market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xuelian; Liu, Zixian

2016-02-01

In this paper, a new estimator of correlation matrix is proposed, which is composed of the detrended cross-correlation coefficients (DCCA coefficients), to improve portfolio optimization. In contrast to Pearson's correlation coefficients (PCC), DCCA coefficients acquired by the detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) method can describe the nonlinear correlation between assets, and can be decomposed in different time scales. These properties of DCCA make it possible to improve the investment effect and more valuable to investigate the scale behaviors of portfolios. The minimum variance portfolio (MVP) model and the Mean-Variance (MV) model are used to evaluate the effectiveness of this improvement. Stability analysis shows the effect of two kinds of correlation matrices on the estimation error of portfolio weights. The observed scale behaviors are significant to risk management and could be used to optimize the portfolio selection.

Environmental Effects on Health with Special Emphasis on Neurotoxicology. Matrix No. 16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uphouse, Lynda L.

Environmental influences can significantly affect (both positively and negatively) the developing child. Three ways in which the environment affects the developing organism are induction, facilitation, and maintenance. In the case of induction the presence or absence of specific stimuli totally determines whether or not a particular developmental…

The Interaction of Endothelin-1 and TGF-β1 Mediates Vascular Cell Remodeling

PubMed Central

Lambers, Christopher; Roth, Michael; Zhong, Jun; Campregher, Christoph; Binder, Petra; Burian, Bernhard; Petkov, Ventzislav; Block, Lutz-Henning

2013-01-01

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by increased thickness of pulmonary vessel walls due to both increased proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) and deposition of extracellular matrix. In patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension, endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis is up-regulated and may increase PASMC activity and vessel wall remodeling through transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor. Objective To assess the signaling pathway leading to ET-1 induced proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition by human PASMC. Methods PASMC were serum starved for 24 hours before stimulation with either ET-1 and/or TGF-β1. ET-1 was inhibited by Bosentan, ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) was inhibited by U0126 and p38 MAPK was inhibited by SB203580. Results ET-1 increased PASMC proliferation when combined with serum. This effect involved the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1/2 MAPK and was abrogated by Bosentan which caused a G1- arrest through activation of p27(Kip). Regarding the contribution of extracellular matrix deposition in vessel wall remodeling, TGF-β1 increased the deposition of collagen type-I and fibronectin, which was further increased when ET-1 was added mainly through ERK1/2 MAPK. In contrast, collagen type-IV was not affected by ET-1. Bosentan dose-dependently reduced the stimulatory effect of ET-1 on collagen type-I and fibronectin, but had no effect on TGF-β1. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance ET-1 alone does not induce PASMC proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. However, ET-1 significantly up-regulates serum induced proliferation and TGF-β1 induced extracellular matrix deposition, specifically of collagen type-I and fibronectin. The synergistic effects of ET-1 on serum and TGF-β1 involve ERK1/2 MAPK and may thus present a novel mode of action in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. PMID:24015303

Controlled Breast Cancer Microarrays for the Deconvolution of Cellular Multilayering and Density Effects upon Drug Responses

PubMed Central

Håkanson, Maria; Kobel, Stefan; Lutolf, Matthias P.; Textor, Marcus; Cukierman, Edna; Charnley, Mirren

2012-01-01

Background Increasing evidence shows that the cancer microenvironment affects both tumorigenesis and the response of cancer to drug treatment. Therefore in vitro models that selectively reflect characteristics of the in vivo environment are greatly needed. Current methods allow us to screen the effect of extrinsic parameters such as matrix composition and to model the complex and three-dimensional (3D) cancer environment. However, 3D models that reflect characteristics of the in vivo environment are typically too complex and do not allow the separation of discrete extrinsic parameters. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we used a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel-based microwell array to model breast cancer cell behavior in multilayer cell clusters that allows a rigorous control of the environment. The innovative array fabrication enables different matrix proteins to be integrated into the bottom surface of microwells. Thereby, extrinsic parameters including dimensionality, type of matrix coating and the extent of cell-cell adhesion could be independently studied. Our results suggest that cell to matrix interactions and increased cell-cell adhesion, at high cell density, induce independent effects on the response to Taxol in multilayer breast cancer cell clusters. In addition, comparing the levels of apoptosis and proliferation revealed that drug resistance mediated by cell-cell adhesion can be related to altered cell cycle regulation. Conversely, the matrix-dependent response to Taxol did not correlate with proliferation changes suggesting that cell death inhibition may be responsible for this effect. Conclusions/Significance The application of the PEG hydrogel platform provided novel insight into the independent role of extrinsic parameters controlling drug response. The presented platform may not only become a useful tool for basic research related to the role of the cancer microenvironment but could also serve as a complementary platform for in vitro drug development. PMID:22792141

The changes in histopathology and mass in hyperbaric oxygen-treated auricular cartilage grafts in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Bilici, Suat; Yiğit, Özgür; Dönmez, Zehra; Huq, Gülben Erdem; Aktaş, Şamil

2015-04-01

The aim of the study is to investigate the histopathologic and cartilage mass changes in hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)-treated auricular cartilage grafts either crushed or fascia wrapped in a rabbit model. This is a prospective, controlled experimental study. Sixteen rabbits were randomly allocated into control (n = 8) and treatment groups (n = 8). Each group was further grouped as crushed cartilage (n = 4) and fascia wrapped crushed cartilage (n = 4). The eight rabbits in the treatment group had HBO once daily for 10 days as total of 10 sessions. The mass of cartilage, cartilage edge layout, structural layout, staining disorders of the chondroid matrix, necrosis, calcification besides bone metaplasia, chronic inflammation in the surrounding tissues, fibrosis, and increased vascularity were evaluated in the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections. Fibrosis in the surrounding tissue and cartilage matrix was evaluated with Masson's trichrome stain. The toluidine blue staining was used to evaluate loss of metachromasia in matrix. The prevalence of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining in chondrocytes was also evaluated. Although the remaining amount of cartilage mass after implantation does not show a significant difference between the control and the study group (p = 0.322, p <0.05).The difference between control and study group in terms of positive staining with GFAP was statistically significant (p = 0.01, p <0.05). Necrosis and loss of matrix metachromasia were significantly low in the study group compared with control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.006, p <0.05). HBO therapy did not have significant effect on the mass of rabbit auricular cartilage graft. HBO therapy significantly reduced loss of metachromasia, necrosis, and GFAP staining in the auricular cartilage grafts of the animal model. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Electrodialytic matrix isolation for metal cations.

PubMed

Ohira, Shin-Ichi; Hiroyama, Yuri; Nakamura, Koretaka; Koda, Takumi; Dasgupta, Purnendu K; Toda, Kei

2015-01-01

Electrodialytic ion transfer was studied as a matrix isolation tool for heavy metal determinations. An ion transfer device (ITD) was used for the transfer of heavy metal cations. Under optimized flow rates applied voltage and receptor composition, heavy metal ions were quantitatively transferred at concentrations spanning µg L(-1) to mg L(-1). As long as the sample pH was acidic, there was no significant sample pH effect on the transfer efficiencies. Significant salt concentrations (>1 mM NaCl), however, decreased the transfer efficiency. This could be ameliorated (up to 5 mM NaCl) by transient instead of continuous sample introduction. The device was applied to the determination of Fe, Cu and Zn in equine and bovine serum; the reproducibility was better than conventional digestion method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of density dependence requires density manipulations and calculation of lambda.

PubMed

Fowler, N L; Overath, R Deborah; Pease, Craig M

2006-03-01

To investigate density-dependent population regulation in the perennial bunchgrass Bouteloua rigidiseta, we experimentally manipulated density by removing adults or adding seeds to replicate quadrats in a natural population for three annual intervals. We monitored the adjacent control quadrats for 14 annual intervals. We constructed a population projection matrix for each quadrat in each interval, calculated lambda, and did a life table response experiment (LTRE) analysis. We tested the effects of density upon lambda by comparing experimental and control quadrats, and by an analysis of the 15-year observational data set. As measured by effects on lambda and on N(t+1/Nt in the experimental treatments, negative density dependence was strong: the population was being effectively regulated. The relative contributions of different matrix elements to treatment effect on lambda differed among years and treatments; overall the pattern was one of small contributions by many different life cycle stages. In contrast, density dependence could not be detected using only the observational (control quadrats) data, even though this data set covered a much longer time span. Nor did experimental effects on separate matrix elements reach statistical significance. These results suggest that ecologists may fail to detect density dependence when it is present if they have only descriptive, not experimental, data, do not have data for the entire life cycle, or analyze life cycle components separately.

The underexposed role of food matrices in probiotic products: Reviewing the relationship between carrier matrices and product parameters.

PubMed

Flach, Joost; van der Waal, Mark B; van den Nieuwboer, Maurits; Claassen, Eric; Larsen, Olaf F A

2017-06-13

Probiotic microorganisms are increasingly incorporated into food matrices in order to confer proposed health benefits on the consumer. It is important that the health benefits, sensory properties, shelf-life and probiotic gastrointestinal tract (GIT) survival of these products are carefully balanced as they determine functionality and drive consumer acceptance. The strain-specific effects of probiotic species are imperative in this process but carrier matrices may play a pivotal role as well. This study therefore recapitulates the wealth of knowledge on carrier matrices and their interaction with probiotic strains. The most substantiated carrier matrices, factors that influence probiotic functionality and matrix effects on shelf-life, GIT survival and clinical efficacy are reviewed. Results indicate that carrier matrices have a significant impact on the quality of probiotic products. Matrix components, such as proteins, carbohydrates and flavoring agents are shown to alter probiotic efficacy and viability. In vivo studies furthermore revealed strain-dependent matrix effects on the GIT survival of probiotic bacteria. However, only a limited number of studies have specifically addressed the effects of carrier matrices on the aforementioned product-parameters; most studies seem to focus solely on the strain-specific effects of probiotic microorganisms. This hampers the innovation of probiotic products. More human studies, comparing not only different probiotic strains but different carrier matrices as well, are needed to drive the innovation cycle.

Reduction of facial wrinkles by hydrolyzed water-soluble egg membrane associated with reduction of free radical stress and support of matrix production by dermal fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Jensen, Gitte S; Shah, Bijal; Holtz, Robert; Patel, Ashok; Lo, Donald C

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water-soluble egg membrane (WSEM) on wrinkle reduction in a clinical pilot study and to elucidate specific mechanisms of action using primary human immune and dermal cell-based bioassays. Methods To evaluate the effects of topical application of WSEM (8%) on human skin, an open-label 8-week study was performed involving 20 healthy females between the age of 45 years and 65 years. High-resolution photography and digital analysis were used to evaluate the wrinkle depth in the facial skin areas beside the eye (crow’s feet). WSEM was tested for total antioxidant capacity and effects on the formation of reactive oxygen species by human polymorphonuclear cells. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were used for quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the antioxidant response element genes Nqo1, Gclm, Gclc, and Hmox1. Evaluation of effects on human primary dermal fibroblasts in vitro included cellular viability and production of the matrix components collagen and elastin. Results Topical use of a WSEM-containing facial cream for 8 weeks resulted in a significant reduction of wrinkle depth (P<0.05). WSEM contained antioxidants and reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species by inflammatory cells in vitro. Despite lack of a quantifiable effect on Nrf2, WSEM induced the gene expression of downstream Nqo1, Gclm, Gclc, and Hmox1 in human keratinocytes. Human dermal fibroblasts treated with WSEM produced more collagen and elastin than untreated cells or cells treated with dbcAMP control. The increase in collagen production was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The topical use of WSEM on facial skin significantly reduced the wrinkle depth. The underlying mechanisms of this effect may be related to protection from free radical damage at the cellular level and induction of several antioxidant response elements, combined with stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts to secrete high levels of matrix components. PMID:27789968

Effects of three types of trace element supplementation on the fertility of three commercial dairy herds.

PubMed

Black, D H; French, N P

2004-05-22

The effects on the fertility of three commercial dairy herds of three types of copper- and selenium-containing mineral supplements was investigated. As the cows on each farm were dried off they were allocated to one of three treatment groups, and treated with either subcutaneous injections of copper and selenium, or two matrix intraruminal trace element boluses, or two glass intraruminal trace element boluses. When the data from the 406 cows on the three farms were combined, there was a significant difference between the conception rates of the three groups (P < 0.001). The cows treated with the glass boluses conceived at a rate 1.8 times greater than those treated by injection (P < 0.001), and at a rate 1.5 times greater than those treated with matrix boluses (P = 0.002). These differences were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of service resulting in a conception in the group treated with glass boluses than in the group treated by injection (P = 0.004). After adjusting for time from calving, time from treatment, time of year and farm, there was a significant (P = 0.012) difference in glutathione peroxidase activities between the treatments, with the group treated by injection having a significantly lower activity than the groups treated with boluses.

Synergistic Effects of Temperature and Oxidation on Matrix Cracking in Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic-Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longbiao, Li

2017-06-01

In this paper, the synergistic effects of temperatrue and oxidation on matrix cracking in fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) has been investigated using energy balance approach. The shear-lag model cooperated with damage models, i.e., the interface oxidation model, interface debonding model, fiber strength degradation model and fiber failure model, has been adopted to analyze microstress field in the composite. The relationships between matrix cracking stress, interface debonding and slipping, fiber fracture, oxidation temperatures and time have been established. The effects of fiber volume fraction, interface properties, fiber strength and oxidation temperatures on the evolution of matrix cracking stress versus oxidation time have been analyzed. The matrix cracking stresses of C/SiC composite with strong and weak interface bonding after unstressed oxidation at an elevated temperature of 700 °C in air condition have been predicted for different oxidation time.

Perilla frutescens leaves extract ameliorates ultraviolet radiation-induced extracellular matrix damage in human dermal fibroblasts and hairless mice skin.

PubMed

Bae, Jung-Soo; Han, Mira; Shin, Hee Soon; Kim, Min-Kyoung; Shin, Chang-Yup; Lee, Dong Hun; Chung, Jin Ho

2017-01-04

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (Lamiaceae) is a traditional herb that is consumed in East Asian countries as a traditional medicine. This traditional herb has been documented for centuries to treat various diseases such as depression, allergies, inflammation and asthma. However, the effect of Perilla frutescens on skin has not been characterized well. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Perilla frutescens leaves extract (PLE) on ultraviolet radiation-induced extracellular matrix damage in human dermal fibroblasts and hairless mice skin. Human dermal fibroblasts and Skh-1 hairless mice were irradiated with UV and treated with PLE. Protein and mRNA levels of various target molecules were analyzed by western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Histological changes of mouse skin were analyzed by H&E staining. To elucidate underlying mechanism of PLE, activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding assay and the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed. PLE significantly inhibited basal and UV-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression dose-dependently, and also decreased UV-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and c-Jun N-terminal kinases. This inhibitory effects of PLE on MMP-1 and MMP-3 were mediated by reduction of ROS generation and AP-1 DNA binding activity induced by UV. Furthermore, PLE promoted type I procollagen production irrespective of UV irradiation. In the UV-irradiated animal model, PLE significantly reduced epidermal skin thickness and MMP-13 expression induced by UV. Our results demonstrate that PLE has the protective effect against UV-induced dermal matrix damage. Therefore, we suggest that PLE can be a potential agent for prevention of skin aging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions on the cells and extracellular matrix of engineered tissues.

PubMed

Teo, Ka Yaw; DeHoyos, Tenok O; Dutton, J Craig; Grinnell, Frederick; Han, Bumsoo

2011-08-01

The two most significant challenges for successful cryopreservation of engineered tissues (ETs) are preserving tissue functionality and controlling highly tissue-type dependent preservation outcomes. In order to address these challenges, freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions should be understood, which determine the post-thaw cell viability and extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure. However, the current understanding of this tissue-level biophysical interaction is still limited. In this study, freezing-induced cell-fluid-matrix interactions and their impact on the cells and ECM microstructure of ETs were investigated using dermal equivalents as a model ET. The dermal equivalents were constructed by seeding human dermal fibroblasts in type I collagen matrices with varying cell seeding density and collagen concentration. While these dermal equivalents underwent an identical freeze/thaw condition, their spatiotemporal deformation during freezing, post-thaw ECM microstructure, and cellular level cryoresponse were characterized. The results showed that the extent and characteristics of freezing-induced deformation were significantly different among the experimental groups, and the ETs with denser ECM microstructure experienced a larger deformation. The magnitude of the deformation was well correlated to the post-thaw ECM structure, suggesting that the freezing-induced deformation is a good indicator of post-thaw ECM structure. A significant difference in the extent of cellular injury was also noted among the experimental groups, and it depended on the extent of freezing-induced deformation of the ETs and the initial cytoskeleton organization. These results suggest that the cells have been subjected to mechanical insult due to the freezing-induced deformation as well as thermal insult. These findings provide insight on tissue-type dependent cryopreservation outcomes, and can help to design and modify cryopreservation protocols for new types of tissues from a pre-developed cryopreservation protocol. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of levofloxacin on rabbit anterior cruciate ligament cells in vitro

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

Deng, Yu; Chen, Biao; Qi, Yongjian

Articular cartilage, epiphyseal growth plate and tendons have been recognized as targets of fluoroquinolone-induced connective tissue toxicity. The effects of fluoroquinolones on ligament tissues are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of levofloxacin, a typical fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug, on rabbit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cells in vitro. Rabbit ACL cells were treated with levofloxacin at different concentrations (0, 14, 28, 56, 112 and 224 {mu}M) and were assessed to determine the possible cytotoxic effects of levofloxacin on ACL cells. Levofloxacin, with concentrations ranging from 28 to 224 {mu}M, induced dose-dependent ACL cell apoptosis. Characteristicmore » markers of programmed cell death and degenerative changes were identified by electron microscopy in the ACL cells treated with 28 {mu}M of levofloxacin. Moreover, levofloxacin significantly increased the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and MMP-13 and decreased the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in a concentration-dependent manner; TIMP-3 and collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1A1) mRNA expression was not affected. Immunocytochemical analysis indicated that levofloxacin markedly increased the expression of active caspase-3 within a concentration range of 28 to 224 {mu}M, whereas a clear-cut decrease in Col1A1 expression was found with levofloxacin treatment concentrations of 112 and 224 {mu}M, compared to controls. Our data suggest that levofloxacin has cytotoxic effects on ACL cells characterized by enhanced apoptosis and decreased extracellular matrix, which suggest a potential adverse effect of fluoroquinolones. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Levofloxacin has cytotoxic effect on rabbit ACL cells in vitro. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Levofloxacin induces apoptosis in ACL cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It decreases extracellular matrix by upregulation of matrix degrading enzymes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ACL cells are more susceptible to cytotoxicity by fluoroquinolones. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Our study suggests a potential adverse effect of fluoroquinolones.« less

Matrix Effects and Interferences of Different Citrus Fruit Coextractives in Pesticide Residue Analysis Using Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Besil, Natalia; Cesio, Verónica; Heinzen, Horacio; Fernandez-Alba, Amadeo R

2017-06-14

The matrix effects of ethyl acetate extracts from seven different citrus fruits on the determination of 80 pesticide residues using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-(ESI)-HR-TOF) at 4 GHz resolution mode were studied. Only 20% of the evaluated pesticides showed noticeable matrix effects (ME) due to coelution with natural products between t R = 3 and 11 min. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the detected coextractives grouped the mandarins and the orange varieties, but separated lemon, oranges, and mandarins from each other. Matrix effects were different among species but similar between varieties, forcing the determination of pesticide residues through matrix-matched calibration curves with the same fruit. Twenty-three natural products (synephrine, naringin, poncirin, glycosides of hesperitin, limonin, nomilin, and a few fatty acids, among others) were identified in the analyzed extracts. Twelve of the identified compounds coeluted with 28 of the pesticides under study, causing different matrix effects.

Carbon matrix based magnetic nanocomposites for potential biomedical applications.

PubMed

Izydorzak-Wozniak, M; Leonowicz, M

2014-03-01

It was found that by varying the pyrolysis temperature of the polymeric precursor, carbon matrix magnetic nanocomposites with different constitution and fractions of magnetic component were made. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of nanocrystallites (NCs) of Co, Fe3C and Ni embedded in porous, partially-graphitized carbon matrix. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements enabled to determine the correlation between NCs size distribution and magnetic properties. The magnetic studies confirmed that the coercivity, saturation and remanent magnetizations, as well as fraction of the magnetic component depend on the pyrolysis temperature. The Co#C and Fe3C#C composites exhibited ferromagnetic behavior with a remanent to saturation magnetization (M(R)/M(S)) ratio ranging from 0.25 to 0.3, whereas in the Ni containing samples a relatively small M(R)/M(S) ratio point to significant contribution of superparamagnetic interactions. As the carbon matrix magnetic nanocomposites are proposed for biomedical application the basic cytotoxicity test were performed to evaluate a potential toxic effect of the materials on MG-63 cells line.

Biomass Morphology Subjected to Different Chemical Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutan, Norsuzailina Mohamed; Masjida Mazlan, Siti; Taib, Siti Noor Linda; Lee, Delsye Teo Ching; Hassan, Alsidqi; Kudnie Sahari, Siti; Mohamad Said, Khairul Anwar; Rahman Sobuz, Habibur

2018-03-01

A growing interest of sugarcane bagasse fibre composite has been observed in recent years due to its attractiveness properties such as low specific weight, renewable source and producible with low investment at low cost. However, these materials have a low interfacial adhesion between fibre and matrix which lead to reduction in certain mechanical properties of the composite. To overcome this problem, studies show that certain chemical treatments on the surface of the fibres are some alternatives that significantly increase the adhesion reinforcement/matrix, in some cases improving its mechanical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different type of chemical treatment which are alkali and acid treatment on sugarcane bagasse fibre surface morphology. Seeking to improve the adhesion fibre matrix, the fibre has been treated with 5% of NaOH and 5% of HCL solution with added of bagasse fibre used in the range of 0% to 3% of cement weight respectively. Through SEM investigation, it is confirmed that chemical treatment helps to remove hemicelluloses from raw bagasse fiber as well as improved fibre matrix adhesion.

Development of low methoxy amidated pectin-based mucoadhesive patches for buccal delivery of triclosan: effect of cyclodextrin complexation.

PubMed

Jug, Mario; Kosalec, Ivan; Maestrelli, Francesca; Mura, Paola

2012-11-06

A novel mucoadhesive buccal patch formulation of triclosan (TR), a broad spectrum antibacterial agent, was developed using low methoxy amidated pectin (AMP). The integrity of AMP matrix was improved by addition of 20% (w/w) Carbopol (CAR). The efficiency of β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (EPIβCD) and anionic carboxymethylated β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (CMEPIβCD) in optimization of TR solubility and release from such a matrix was investigated and confronted to that of parent β-cyclodextrin (βCD). Loading of TR/βCD co-ground complex into AMP/CAR matrix resulted in a biphasic release profile which was sensitive upon the hydration degree of the matrix, due to lower solubilizing efficiency of βCD, while the drug release from patches loaded with TR/EPIβCD complex was significantly faster with a constant release rate. Microbiological studies evidenced faster onset and more pronounced antibacterial action of TR/EPIβCD loaded patches, clearly demonstrating their good therapeutic potential in eradication of Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacteria, from the oral cavity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermomechanical testing of high-temperature composites - Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) behavior of SiC(SCS-6)/Ti-15-3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castelli, Michael G.; Bartolotta, Paul; Ellis, John R.

1992-01-01

Thermomechanical testing techniques recently developed for monolithic structural alloys were successfully extended to continuous fiber reinforced composite materials in plate form. The success of this adaptation was verified on a model metal matrix composite (MMC) material, namely SiC(SCS-6)/Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn. Effects of heating system type and specimen preparation are also addressed. Cyclic lives determined under full thermomechanical conditions were shown to be significantly reduced from those obtained under comparable isothermal and in-phase bi-thermal conditions. Fractography and metallography from specimens subjected to isothermal, out-of-phase and in-phase conditions reveal distinct differences in damage-failure modes. Isothermal metallography revealed extensive matrix cracking associated with fiber damage throughout the entire cross-section of the specimen. Out-of-phase metallography revealed extensive matrix damage associated with minimal (if any) fiber cracking. However, the damage was located exclusively at surface and near-surface locations. In-phase conditions produced extensive fiber cracking throughout the entire cross-section, associated with minimal (if any) matrix damage.

Thermomechanical testing techniques for high-temparature composites: TMF behavior of SiC(SCS-6)/Ti-15-3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castelli, Michael G.; Ellis, J. Rodney; Bartolotta, Paul A.

1990-01-01

Thermomechanical testing techniques recently developed for monolithic structural alloys were successfully extended to continuous fiber reinforced composite materials in plate form. The success of this adaptation was verified on a model metal matrix composite (MMC) material, namely SiC(SCS-6)/Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn. Effects of heating system type and specimen preparation are also addressed. Cyclic lives determined under full thermo-mechanical conditions were shown to be significantly reduced from those obtained under comparable isothermal and in-phase bi-thermal conditions. Fractography and metallography from specimens subjected to isothermal, out-of-phase and in-phase conditions reveal distinct differences in damage-failure modes. Isothermal metallography revealed extensive matrix cracking associated with fiber damage throughout the entire cross-section of the specimen. Out-of-phase metallography revealed extensive matrix damage associated with minimal (if any) fiber cracking. However, the damage was located exclusively at surface and near-surface locations. In-phase conditions produced extensive fiber cracking throughout the entire cross-section, associated with minimal (if any) matrix damage.

Selection and use of crystallization inhibitors for matrix-type transdermal drug-delivery systems containing sex steroids.

PubMed

Lipp, R

1998-12-01

The purpose of this study was to stabilize transdermal drug-delivery systems (TDDS) highly loaded with sex steroids against recrystallization of drugs during storage. To facilitate the selection of potential crystallization inhibitors a drug-excipient interaction test was also established. Analysis of the thermal behaviour of 1:1 steroid-excipient mixtures by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that oestradiol and gestodene interact strongly with silicone dioxide and povidones, e.g. povidone K12. The addition of povidone K12 to polyacrylate-based matrix TDDS containing either 3% oestradiol or 2% gestodene resulted in stable systems which did not recrystallize during storage at 25 degrees C for more than 5 years. Significant recrystallization was, on the other hand, observed in non-stabilized reference patches even after 1 to 2 months storage. The DSC screening model proved very effective for selection of inhibitors of the crystallization of sex steroids in matrix TDDS. The crystallization inhibitor approach is a highly versatile stabilization tool for matrix patches containing high concentrations of sex steroids.

High-temperature transverse fracture toughness of Nicalon-fiber-reinforced CAS-II glass-ceramic matrix composite

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

Kahraman, R.; Mandell, J.F.; Deibert, M.C.

Cracking parallel to the fibers in off-axis plies is usually the initial form of damage in composite laminates. This cracking process has been associated with the (transverse) fracture toughness, defined by the critical strain energy release rate, G{sub Ic}. The measurement of G{sub Ic} provides basic information about the transverse crack resistance. In this study, the utility of the double torsion (DT) test technique to determine G{sub Ic} in a glass-ceramic matrix composite (Nicalon/CAS-II) at temperatures up to 1,000 C has been demonstrated. G{sub Ic} did decrease moderately with increasing temperature (as does the bulk matrix); however, no evidence ofmore » an interphase oxidizing effect on crack growth (parallel to the fibers) could be found. The inevitable misalignment of fibers in the material was not very efficient at bridging the crack in the DT specimens, in contrast to the significant matrix crack interactions with the fibers reported for other geometries such as double cantilever beam and flexure specimens.« less

Unprecedented Ionization Processes in Mass Spectrometry Provide Missing Link between ESI and MALDI.

PubMed

Trimpin, Sarah; Lee, Chuping; Weidner, Steffen M; El-Baba, Tarick J; Lutomski, Corinne A; Inutan, Ellen D; Foley, Casey D; Ni, Chi-Kung; McEwen, Charles N

2018-03-05

In the field of mass spectrometry, producing intact, highly-charged protein ions from surfaces is a conundrum with significant potential payoff in application areas ranging from biomedical to clinical research. Here, we report on the ability to form intact, highly-charged protein ions on high vacuum time-of-flight mass spectrometers in the linear and reflectron modes achievable using experimental conditions that allow effective matrix removal from both the sample surfaces and from the charged clusters formed by the laser ablation event. The charge states are the highest reported on high vacuum mass spectrometers, yet they remain at only around a third of the highest charge obtained using laser ablation with a suitable matrix at atmospheric pressure. Other than physical instrument modifications, the key to forming abundant and stable highly-charged ions appears to be the volatility of the matrix used. Cumulative results suggest mechanistic links between the ionization process reported here and traditional ionization methods of electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of Fiber/Matrix Interface and its Composition on Mechanical Properties of Hi Nicalon/Celsian Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Eldridge, Jeffrey I.

1998-01-01

Fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are prospective candidate materials for high temperature structural applications in aerospace, energy conservation, power generation, nuclear, petrochemical, and other industries. At NASA Lewis, we are investigating celsian matrix composites reinforced with various types of silicon carbide fibers. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of fiber/matrix interface and its composition on the mechanical properties of silicon carbide (Hi-Nicalon) fiber-reinforced celsian matrix composites.

FIM/atom probe analysis of a heat treated 7150 aluminum alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenner, S. S.; Kowalik, J.; Hua Ming-Jian

1991-04-01

The stress corrosion cracking resistance of high strength aluminum alloys can be substantially altered by heat treatment. In addition to microstructural changes, the alloys may also undergo chemical changes as a result of the heat treatment which may affect the stress corrosion properties. The FIM/atom probe has been used to detect such changes. The compositions of the matrix, matrix precipitates, precipitate-free zone (PFZ) and grain boundary precipitates in a heat-treated 7150 Al alloy tempered to peak strength have been quantitatively measured. A substantial increase in the concentrations of Mg, Zn and Cu were found in the PFZ. The average compositions of the precipitates in the matrix and at the sub-boundaries were shown not to differ significantly. The coarser precipitates at high-angle boundaries, which may have a more important effect on stress corrosion, were difficult to analyze because of their low number density and the large grain size of the material.

A state interaction spin-orbit coupling density matrix renormalization group method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayfutyarova, Elvira R.; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

2016-06-01

We describe a state interaction spin-orbit (SISO) coupling method using density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) wavefunctions and the spin-orbit mean-field (SOMF) operator. We implement our DMRG-SISO scheme using a spin-adapted algorithm that computes transition density matrices between arbitrary matrix product states. To demonstrate the potential of the DMRG-SISO scheme we present accurate benchmark calculations for the zero-field splitting of the copper and gold atoms, comparing to earlier complete active space self-consistent-field and second-order complete active space perturbation theory results in the same basis. We also compute the effects of spin-orbit coupling on the spin-ladder of the iron-sulfur dimer complex [Fe2S2(SCH3)4]3-, determining the splitting of the lowest quartet and sextet states. We find that the magnitude of the zero-field splitting for the higher quartet and sextet states approaches a significant fraction of the Heisenberg exchange parameter.

Mechanistic characterization of chloride interferences in electrothermal atomization systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shekiro, J.M.; Skogerboe, R.K.; Taylor, Howard E.

1988-01-01

A computer-controlled spectrometer with a photodiode array detector has been used for wavelength and temperature resolved characterization of the vapor produced by an electrothermal atomizer. The system has been used to study the chloride matrix interference on the atomic absorption spectrometric determination of manganese and copper. The suppression of manganese and copper atom populations by matrix chlorides such as those of calcium and magnesium is due to the gas-phase formation of an analyte chloride species followed by the diffusion of significant fractions of these species from the atom cell prior to completion of the atomization process. The analyte chloride species cannot be formed when matrix chlorides with metal-chloride bond dissociation energies above those of the analyte chlorides are the principal entitles present. The results indicate that multiple wavelength spectrometry used to obtain temperature-resolved spectra is a viable tool in the mechanistic characterization of interference effects observed with electrothermal atomization systems. ?? 1988 American Chemical Society.

Fatigue Lifetime of Ceramic Matrix Composites at Intermediate Temperature by Acoustic Emission

PubMed Central

Racle, Elie; Godin, Nathalie; Reynaud, Pascal; Fantozzi, Gilbert

2017-01-01

The fatigue behavior of a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) at intermediate temperature under air is investigated. Because of the low density and the high tensile strength of CMC, they offer a good technical solution to design aeronautical structural components. The aim of the present study is to compare the behavior of this composite under static and cyclic loading. Comparison between incremental static and cyclic tests shows that cyclic loading with an amplitude higher than 30% of the ultimate tensile strength has significant effects on damage and material lifetimes. In order to evaluate the remaining lifetime, several damage indicators, mainly based on the investigation of the liberated energy, are introduced. These indicators highlight critical times or characteristic times, allowing an evaluation of the remaining lifetime. A link is established with the characteristic time around 25% of the total test duration and the beginning of the matrix cracking during cyclic fatigue. PMID:28773019

Effect of chiral symmetry on chaotic scattering from Majorana zero modes.

PubMed

Schomerus, H; Marciani, M; Beenakker, C W J

2015-04-24

In many of the experimental systems that may host Majorana zero modes, a so-called chiral symmetry exists that protects overlapping zero modes from splitting up. This symmetry is operative in a superconducting nanowire that is narrower than the spin-orbit scattering length, and at the Dirac point of a superconductor-topological insulator heterostructure. Here we show that chiral symmetry strongly modifies the dynamical and spectral properties of a chaotic scatterer, even if it binds only a single zero mode. These properties are quantified by the Wigner-Smith time-delay matrix Q=-iℏS^{†}dS/dE, the Hermitian energy derivative of the scattering matrix, related to the density of states by ρ=(2πℏ)^{-1}TrQ. We compute the probability distribution of Q and ρ, dependent on the number ν of Majorana zero modes, in the chiral ensembles of random-matrix theory. Chiral symmetry is essential for a significant ν dependence.

Flexible active-matrix displays and shift registers based on solution-processed organic transistors.

PubMed

Gelinck, Gerwin H; Huitema, H Edzer A; van Veenendaal, Erik; Cantatore, Eugenio; Schrijnemakers, Laurens; van der Putten, Jan B P H; Geuns, Tom C T; Beenhakkers, Monique; Giesbers, Jacobus B; Huisman, Bart-Hendrik; Meijer, Eduard J; Benito, Estrella Mena; Touwslager, Fred J; Marsman, Albert W; van Rens, Bas J E; de Leeuw, Dago M

2004-02-01

At present, flexible displays are an important focus of research. Further development of large, flexible displays requires a cost-effective manufacturing process for the active-matrix backplane, which contains one transistor per pixel. One way to further reduce costs is to integrate (part of) the display drive circuitry, such as row shift registers, directly on the display substrate. Here, we demonstrate flexible active-matrix monochrome electrophoretic displays based on solution-processed organic transistors on 25-microm-thick polyimide substrates. The displays can be bent to a radius of 1 cm without significant loss in performance. Using the same process flow we prepared row shift registers. With 1,888 transistors, these are the largest organic integrated circuits reported to date. More importantly, the operating frequency of 5 kHz is sufficiently high to allow integration with the display operating at video speed. This work therefore represents a major step towards 'system-on-plastic'.

Effects of isothermal and cyclic exposures on interface structure and mechanical properties of FPalpha-Al2O3/aluminum composites. [polycrystaline alumina fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, W. M.; Koczak, M. J.; Lawley, A.

1979-01-01

The microstructural and interface stability of FPalpha-Al203/Al-Li composites are investigated as a function of isothermal exposure at 500 C or thermal cycling between 140 and 500 C with hold time at Tmax. Interfacial morphology, growth kinetics, crystal structure, and composition of interfacial reaction products are characterized. Strength is monitored in the transverse orientation, and fracture mechanics is analyzed in terms of interface reaction products. The interfacial reaction product in FP/Al is Li2O.5Al2O3. Significant fiber-matrix reaction occurs during fabrication. The number of thermal cycles rather than total time at Tmax is the determining factor in strength degradation, thermal cycling giving rise to voids at the fiber-matrix interface. Extensive interface failures occur at composite fracture stresses below about 128 MPa; above this stress level failure is attributed to ductile matrix fracture.

Chondroitinase injection improves keloid pathology by reorganizing the extracellular matrix with regenerated elastic fibers.

PubMed

Ishiko, Toshihiro; Naitoh, Motoko; Kubota, Hiroshi; Yamawaki, Satoko; Ikeda, Mika; Yoshikawa, Katsuhiro; Fujita, Hiroshi; Yamaguchi, Hiroaki; Kurahashi, Yasuhiro; Suzuki, Shigehiko

2013-05-01

Keloids are a proliferative fibrotic disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix in the dermis. Keloid lesions lack skin plasticity due to deficiencies in elastic fiber formation in the extracellular matrix. The loss of elastic fiber is caused by excessive accumulation of chondroitin sulfate (CS), a sulfated glycosaminoglycan. However, there is no radical cure for keloids. Using a model system, we show herein that treatment of keloid tissues with chondroitinase ABC, an enzyme that specifically digests CS, improves clinical features of keloids. Keloid tissues obtained from patients were grafted on nude mice, and chondroitinase ABC was injected into the grafted keloid tissues. Chondroitinase ABC treatment significantly reduced the volume of keloid implants concomitant with recovery of elastic fiber formation. These results suggest that chondroitinase ABC injection is an effective therapy for keloid. © 2013 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Effect of glucose on fatigue-induced changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of demineralized bovine cortical bone.

PubMed

Trębacz, Hanna; Zdunek, Artur; Wlizło-Dyś, Ewa; Cybulska, Justyna; Pieczywek, Piotr

2015-10-16

The aim of this study was to test a hypothesis that fatigue-induced weakening of cortical bone was intensified in bone incubated in glucose and that this weakening is revealed in the microstructure and mechanical competence of the bone matrix. Cubic specimens of bovine femoral shaft were incubated in glucose solution (G) or in buffer (NG). One half of G samples and one half of NG were axially loaded in 300 cycles (30 mm/min) at constant deformation (F); the other half was a control (C). Samples from each group (GF, NGF, GC, NGC) were completely demineralized. Slices from demineralized samples were used for microscopic image analysis. A combined effect of glycation and fatigue on demineralized bone was tested in compression (10 mm/min). Damage of samples during the test was examined in terms of acoustic emission analysis (AE). During the fatigue procedure, resistance to loading in glycated samples decreased by 14.5% but only by 8.1% in nonglycated samples. In glycated samples fatigue resulted in increased porosity with pores significantly larger than in the other groups. Under compression, strain at failure in demineralized bone was significantly affected by glucose and fatigue. AE from demineralized bone matrix was considerably related to the largest pores in the tissue. The results confirm the hypothesis that the effect of fatigue on cortical bone tissue was intensified after incubation in glucose, both in the terms of the mechanical competence of bone tissue and the structural changes in the collagenous matrix of bone.

Combining biofilm matrix measurements with biomass and viability assays in susceptibility assessments of antimicrobials against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.

PubMed

Skogman, Malena Elise; Vuorela, Pia Maarit; Fallarero, Adyary

2012-09-01

Despite that three types of assays (measuring biofilm viability, biomass, or matrix) are described to assess anti-biofilm activity, they are rarely used together. As infections can easily reappear if the matrix is not affected after antibiotic treatments, our goal was to explore the simultaneous effects of antibiotics on the viability, biomass and matrix of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms (ATCC 25923). Viability and biomass were quantified using resazurin and crystal violet staining sequentially in the same plate, while matrix staining was conducted with a wheat germ agglutinin-Alexa Fluor 488 fluorescent conjugate. Establishment of the detection limits and linearity ranges allowed concluding that all three methods were able to estimate biofilm formation in a similar fashion. In a susceptibility study with 18-h biofilms, two model compounds (penicillin G and ciprofloxacin) caused a reduction on the viability and biomass accompanied by an increase or not changed levels of the matrix, respectively. This response pattern was also proven for S. aureus Newman, S. epidermidis and E. coli biofilms. A classification of antibiotics based on five categories according to their effects on viability and matrix has been proposed earlier. Our data suggests a sixth group, represented by penicillin, causing decrease in bacterial viability but showing stimulatory effects on the matrix. Further, if effects on the matrix are not taken into account, the long-term chemotherapeutic effect of antibiotics can be jeopardized in spite of the positive effects on biofilms viability and biomass. Thus, measuring all these three endpoints simultaneously provide a more complete and accurate picture.

Effects of stand age on the demography of a temperate forest herb in post-agricultural forests.

PubMed

Jacquemyn, Hans; Brys, Rein

2008-12-01

Changes in land use have been shown to have profound effects on forest plant community structure and diversity. Dispersal limitation has been invoked as a major factor hampering colonization of forest plant species, while seed-sowing experiments and performance observations have provided some evidence for recruitment limitation determining forest plant distribution in post-agricultural forests. However, most of these studies were relatively short-term, and very few studies have investigated long-term growth rates of populations occurring in recent and ancient forests. In this study, matrix models using demographic data collected for four consecutive years were used to study the effect of forest age on population dynamics of the temperate forest herb Primula elatior. A life table response experiment (LTRE) and elasticity analysis were used to analyze the effect of forest age on population growth rate (lambda) and to decompose the effect of forest age on lambda into contributions from each matrix element. Population growth increased logarithmically with increasing forest age. Bootstrap analyses showed that populations located in very recent forests (< 50-years-old) had growth rates that were significantly < 1, whereas populations located in forests > 150-years-old had growth rates that were significantly > 1. Summed elasticities for individual growth significantly decreased with increasing forest age, whereas summed elasticities for survival and fertility significantly increased with increasing forest age. The LTRE analysis showed that the increase in lambda with increasing forest age was mainly due to increased seedling and juvenile growth and increased juvenile and adult survival. Our results indicate that past agricultural land use has long-lasting effects on the demography of forest herbs and may provide an additional mechanistic explanation for the poor colonization capacity of many forest herbs in post-agricultural forests.

Engineering Human TMJ Discs with Protein-Releasing 3D-Printed Scaffolds.

PubMed

Legemate, K; Tarafder, S; Jun, Y; Lee, C H

2016-07-01

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous tissue positioned between the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, with important roles in TMJ functions. Tissue engineering TMJ discs has emerged as an alternative approach to overcoming limitations of current treatments for TMJ disorders. However, the anisotropic collagen orientation and inhomogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix distribution present challenges in the tissue engineering of functional TMJ discs. Here, we developed 3-dimensional (3D)-printed anatomically correct scaffolds with region-variant microstrand alignment, mimicking anisotropic collagen alignment in the TMJ disc and corresponding mechanical properties. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) were then delivered in the scaffolds by spatially embedding CTGF- or TGFβ3-encapsulated microspheres (µS) to reconstruct the regionally variant fibrocartilaginous matrix in the native TMJ disc. When cultured with human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) for 6 wk, 3D-printed scaffolds with CTGF/TGFβ3-µS resulted in a heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix with overall distribution of collagen-rich fibrous structure in the anterior/posterior (AP) bands and fibrocartilaginous matrix in the intermediate zone, reminiscent of the native TMJ disc. High dose of CTGF/TGFβ3-µS (100 mg µS/g of scaffold) showed significantly more collagen II and aggrecan in the intermediate zone than a low dose (50 mg µS/g of scaffold). Similarly, a high dose of CTGF/TGFβ3-µS yielded significantly higher collagen I expression in the AP bands compared with the low-dose and empty µS. From stress relaxation tests, the ratio of relaxation modulus to instantaneous modulus was significantly smaller with CTGF/TGFβ3-µS than empty µS. Similarly, a significantly higher coefficient of viscosity was achieved with the high dose of CTGF/TGFβ3-µS compared with the low-dose and empty µS, suggesting the dose effect of CTGF and TGFβ3 on fibrocartilage formation. Together, our findings may represent an efficient approach to engineering the TMJ disc graft with anisotropic scaffold microstructure, heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix, and region-dependent viscoelastic properties. © International & American Associations for Dental Research 2016.

Bismaleimides and related maleimido polymers as matrix resins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, J. A.; Kourtides, D. A.; Fohlen, G. M.

1985-01-01

Significant processing and property improvements can be achieved by copolymerization of state-of-the-art bisimides with various vinyl stilbazole derivatives to give both fire resistance and high-temperature properties from hot-melt compositions. Significant improvement in mechanical properties is achieved through these modifications, which may make these new matrix resins ideal candidates for fireworthy secondary graphite composite structures. Phosphorous modifications of maleimido polymers through phosphonate structure and tricyclophosphazene derivatives provide families of new matrix resins for short-time applications in severe thermo-oxidative environments. With further research these may provide matrix resins for long-term thermo-oxidative stability of advanced composites at temperatures up to 400 to 500 C.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation of dissolution-induced changes in permeability and porosity in 3D CO2 reactive transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Zhiwei; Wang, Junye

2018-02-01

Dissolution and precipitation of rock matrix are one of the most important processes of geological CO2 sequestration in reservoirs. They change connections of pore channels and properties of matrix, such as bulk density, microporosity and hydraulic conductivity. This study builds on a recently developed multi-layer model to account for dynamic changes of microporous matrix that can accurately predict variations in hydraulic properties and reaction rates due to dynamic changes in matrix porosity and pore connectivity. We apply the model to simulate the dissolution and precipitation processes of rock matrix in heterogeneous porous media to quantify (1) the effect of the reaction rate on dissolution and matrix porosity, (2) the effect of microporous matrix diffusion on the overall effective diffusion and (3) the effect of heterogeneity on hydraulic conductivity. The results show the CO2 storage influenced by factors including the matrix porosity change, reaction front movement, velocity and initial properties. We also simulated dissolution-induced permeability enhancement as well as effects of initial porosity heterogeneity. The matrix with very low permeability, which can be unresolved on X-ray CT, do contribute to flow patterns and dispersion. The concentration of reactant H+ increases along the main fracture paths where the flow velocity increases. The product Ca++ shows the inversed distribution pattern against the H+ concentration. This demonstrates the capability of this model to investigate the complex CO2 reactive transport in real 3D heterogeneous porous media.

Micromechanics and effective elastoplastic behavior of two-phase metal matrix composites

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

Ju, J.W.; Chen, T.M.

A micromechanical framework is presented to predict effective (overall) elasto-(visco-)plastic behavior of two-phase particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMC). In particular, the inclusion phase (particle) is assumed to be elastic and the matrix material is elasto-(visco-)plastic. Emanating from Ju and Chen's (1994a,b) work on effective elastic properties of composites containing many randomly dispersed inhomogeneities, effective elastoplastic deformations and responses of PRMMC are estimated by means of the effective yield criterion'' derived micromechanically by considering effects due to elastic particles embedded in the elastoplastic matrix. The matrix material is elastic or plastic, depending on local stress and deformation, and obeys general plasticmore » flow rule and hardening law. Arbitrary (general) loadings and unloadings are permitted in the framework through the elastic predictor-plastic corrector two-step operator splitting methodology. The proposed combined micromechanical and computational approach allows one to estimate overall elastoplastic responses of PRMMCs by accounting for the microstructural information (such as the spatial distribution and micro-geometry of particles), elastic properties of constituent phases, and the plastic behavior of the matrix-only materials.« less

Accelerated Bone Repair After Plasma Laser Corticotomies

PubMed Central

Leucht, Philipp; Lam, Kentson; Kim, Jae-Beom; Mackanos, Mark A.; Simanovskii, Dmitrii M.; Longaker, Michael T.; Contag, Christopher H.; Schwettman, H Alan; Helms, Jill A.

2007-01-01

Objective: To reveal, on a cellular and molecular level, how skeletal regeneration of a corticotomy is enhanced when using laser-plasma mediated ablation compared with conventional mechanical tissue removal. Summary Background Data: Osteotomies are well-known for their most detrimental side effect: thermal damage. This thermal and mechanical trauma to adjacent bone tissue can result in the untoward consequences of cell death and eventually in a delay in healing. Methods: Murine tibial corticotomies were performed using a conventional saw and a Ti:Sapphire plasma-generated laser that removes tissue with minimal thermal damage. Our analyses began 24 hours after injury and proceeded to postsurgical day 6. We investigated aspects of wound repair ranging from vascularization, inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation, and bone remodeling. Results: Histology of mouse corticotomy sites uncovered a significant difference in the onset of bone healing; whereas laser corticotomies showed abundant bone matrix deposition at postsurgical day 6, saw corticotomies only exhibited undifferentiated tissue. Our analyses uncovered that cutting bone with a saw caused denaturation of the collagen matrix due to thermal effects. This denatured collagen represented an unfavorable scaffold for subsequent osteoblast attachment, which in turn impeded deposition of a new bony matrix. The matrix degradation induced a prolonged inflammatory reaction at the cut edge to create a surface favorable for osteochondroprogenitor cell attachment. Laser corticotomies were absent of collagen denaturation, therefore osteochondroprogenitor cell attachment was enabled shortly after surgery. Conclusion: In summary, these data demonstrate that corticotomies performed with Ti:Sapphire lasers are associated with a reduced initial inflammatory response at the injury site leading to accelerated osteochondroprogenitor cell migration, attachment, differentiation, and eventually matrix deposition. PMID:17592303

Effects of landscape matrix on population connectivity of an arboreal mammal, Petaurus breviceps.

PubMed

Malekian, Mansoureh; Cooper, Steven J B; Saint, Kathleen M; Lancaster, Melanie L; Taylor, Andrea C; Carthew, Susan M

2015-09-01

Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation is considered a threat to biodiversity as it can create small, isolated populations that are at increased risk of extinction. Tree-dependent species are predicted to be highly sensitive to forest and woodland loss and fragmentation, but few studies have tested the influence of different types of landscape matrix on gene flow and population structure of arboreal species. Here, we examine the effects of landscape matrix on population structure of the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) in a fragmented landscape in southeastern South Australia. We collected 250 individuals across 12 native Eucalyptus forest remnants surrounded by cleared agricultural land or exotic Pinus radiata plantations and a large continuous eucalypt forest. Fifteen microsatellite loci were genotyped and analyzed to infer levels of population differentiation and dispersal. Genetic differentiation among most forest patches was evident. We found evidence for female philopatry and restricted dispersal distances for females relative to males, suggesting there is male-biased dispersal. Among the environmental variables, spatial variables including geographic location, minimum distance to neighboring patch, and degree of isolation were the most important in explaining genetic variation. The permeability of a cleared agricultural matrix to dispersing gliders was significantly higher than that of a pine matrix, with the gliders dispersing shorter distances across the latter. Our results added to previous findings for other species of restricted dispersal and connectivity due to habitat fragmentation in the same region, providing valuable information for the development of strategies to improve the connectivity of populations in the future.

Distribution of pericellular matrix molecules in the temporomandibular joint and their chondroprotective effects against inflammation

PubMed Central

Chu, Wern Cui; Zhang, Shipin; Sng, Timothy J; Ong, Yu Jie; Tan, Wen-Li; Ang, Vivien Y; Foldager, Casper B; Toh, Wei Seong

2017-01-01

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the distribution and synthesis of pericellular matrix (PCM) molecules (collagen VI, collagen IV and laminin) in rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and (2) investigate the effects of PCM molecules on chondrocytes against inflammation in osteoarthritis. Four zones (fibrous, proliferating, mature and hypertrophic) of condylar cartilage and three bands (anterior, intermediate and posterior) of disc were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of PCM molecules in rat TMJs. Isolated chondrocytes were pre-treated with PCM molecules before being subjected to interleukin (IL)-1β treatment to stimulate inflammation. The responses of the chondrocytes were analysed using gene expression, nitric oxide release and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 production measures. Histomorphometric analyses revealed that the highest areal deposition of collagen VI (67.4%), collagen IV (45.7%) and laminin (52.4%) was in the proliferating zone of TMJ condylar cartilage. No significant difference in the distribution of PCM molecules was noted among the three bands of the TMJ disc. All three PCM molecules were expressed intracellularly by chondrocytes cultured in the monolayer. Among the PCM molecules, pre-treatment with collagen VI enhanced cellular proliferation, ameliorated IL-1β-induced MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13 and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression, and attenuated the downregulation of cartilage matrix genes, including collagen I, aggrecan and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Concurrently, collagen VI pretreatment inhibited nitric oxide and MMP-13 production. Our study demonstrates for the first time the distribution and role of PCM molecules, particularly collagen VI, in the protection of chondrocytes against inflammation. PMID:28282029

Optimizing dentin bond durability: strategies to prevent hydrolytic degradation of the hybrid layer

PubMed Central

Tjäderhane, Leo; Nascimento, Fabio D.; Breschi, Lorenzo; Mazzoni, Annalisa; Tersariol, Ivarne L.S.; Geraldeli, Saulo; Tezvergil-Mutluay, Arzu; Carrilho, Marcela; Carvalho, Ricardo M.; Tay, Franklin R.; Pashley, David H.

2014-01-01

Objectives Endogenous dentin collagenolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins, are responsible for the time-related hydrolysis of collagen matrix of the hybrid layers. As the integrity of the collagen matrix is essential for the preservation of long-term dentin bond strength, inhibition or inactivation of endogenous dentin proteases is necessary for durable resin-bonded composite resin restorations. Methods Dentin contains collagenolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins, which are responsible for the hydrolytic degradation of collagen matrix in the bonded interface. Several tentative approaches to prevent enzyme function either directly or indirectly have been proposed in the literature. Results Chlorhexidine, a general inhibitor of both MMPs and cysteine cathepsins, applied before primer/adhesive application is the most tested method. In general, these experiments have shown that enzyme inhibition is a promising scheme to improve hybrid layer preservation and bond strength durability. Other enzyme inhibitors, e.g. enzyme-inhibiting monomers and antimicrobial compounds, may be considered promising alternatives that would allow more simple clinical application than chlorhexidine. Cross-linking collagen and/or dentin organic matrix-bound enzymes could render hybrid layer organic matrix resistant to degradation, and complete removal of water from the hybrid layer with ethanol wet bonding or biomimetic remineralization should eliminate hydrolysis of both collagen and resin components. Significance Identification of the enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of hybrid layer collagen and understanding their function has prompted several innovative approaches to retain the hybrid layer integrity and strong dentin bonding. The ultimate goal, prevention of collagen matrix degradation with techniques and commercially available materials that are simple and effective in clinical settings may be achievable in several ways, and will likely become reality in the near future. PMID:23953737

Light harvesting with Ge quantum dots embedded in SiO{sub 2} or Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}

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

Cosentino, Salvatore, E-mail: Salvatore.cosentino@ct.infn.it; Raciti, Rosario; Simone, Francesca

2014-01-28

Germanium quantum dots (QDs) embedded in SiO{sub 2} or in Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} have been studied for light harvesting purposes. SiGeO or SiGeN thin films, produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, have been annealed up to 850 °C to induce Ge QD precipitation in Si based matrices. By varying the Ge content, the QD diameter can be tuned in the 3–9 nm range in the SiO{sub 2} matrix, or in the 1–2 nm range in the Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} matrix, as measured by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} matrix hosts Ge QDs at higher density and more closely spaced thanmore » SiO{sub 2} matrix. Raman spectroscopy revealed a higher threshold for amorphous-to-crystalline transition for Ge QDs embedded in Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} matrix in comparison with those in the SiO{sub 2} host. Light absorption by Ge QDs is shown to be more effective in Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} matrix, due to the optical bandgap (0.9–1.6 eV) being lower than in SiO{sub 2} matrix (1.2–2.2 eV). Significant photoresponse with a large measured internal quantum efficiency has been observed for Ge QDs in Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} matrix when they are used as a sensitive layer in a photodetector device. These data will be presented and discussed, opening new routes for application of Ge QDs in light harvesting devices.« less

Role of interfacial charge in the piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric 0-3 composites

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

Wong, C.K.; Shin, F.G.; Department of Applied Physics, Materials Research Center and Center for Smart Materials, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

2005-02-01

We investigated the effects of compensating charges (at the inclusion-matrix interface) on the piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric 0-3 composites. Our previously developed model [C. K. Wong, Y. M. Poon, and F. G. Shin, J. Appl. Phys. 90, 4690 (2001)] has been extended to include the additional contribution from the deformation of the inclusion particles due to the applied stress in the piezoelectric measurement. The relative significance of this contribution is mainly determined by the amount of compensating interfacial charge, which is significantly governed by the degrees of poling of the constituent materials in the composite sample. This model provides anmore » explanation to an anomaly in the piezoelectric coefficients of 0-3 composite samples with the matrix and inclusion phases polarized in opposite directions. Explicit expressions in closed form have been derived for the effective d{sub 33}, d{sub 31}, and d{sub h} coefficients. After taking into consideration the degree of poling of the constituents and the effects of the compensating interfacial charges, theoretical predictions show good agreement with published experimental data. Goodness of fit is not limited to low volume concentration of inclusions.« less

A multi-scale homogenization model for fine-grained porous viscoplastic polycrystals: II - Applications to FCC and HCP materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Dawei; Ponte Castañeda, P.

2018-06-01

In Part I of this work (Song and Ponte Castañeda, 2018a), a new homogenization model was developed for the macroscopic behavior of three-scale porous polycrystals consisting of random distributions of large pores in a fine-grained polycrystalline matrix. In this second part, the model is used to investigate both the instantaneous effective behavior and the finite-strain macroscopic response of porous FCC and HCP polycrystals for axisymmetric loading conditions. The stress triaxiality and Lode parameter are found to have significant effects on the evolution of the substructure, which in turn have important implications for the overall hardening/softening behavior of the porous polycrystal. The intrinsic effect of the texture evolution of the polycrystalline matrix is inferred by appropriate comparisons with corresponding results for porous isotropic materials, and found to be significant, especially at low triaxialities. In particular, the predictions of the model identify, for the first time, two disparate regimes for the macroscopic response of porous polycrystals: a porosity-controlled regime at high triaxialities, and a texture-controlled regime at low triaxialities. The transition between these two regimes is found to be quite sharp, taking place between triaxialities of 1 and 2.

The direction of stretch-induced cell and stress fiber orientation depends on collagen matrix stress.

PubMed

Tondon, Abhishek; Kaunas, Roland

2014-01-01

Cell structure depends on both matrix strain and stiffness, but their interactive effects are poorly understood. We investigated the interactive roles of matrix properties and stretching patterns on cell structure by uniaxially stretching U2OS cells expressing GFP-actin on silicone rubber sheets supporting either a surface-adsorbed coating or thick hydrogel of type-I collagen. Cells and their actin stress fibers oriented perpendicular to the direction of cyclic stretch on collagen-coated sheets, but oriented parallel to the stretch direction on collagen gels. There was significant alignment parallel to the direction of a steady increase in stretch for cells on collagen gels, while cells on collagen-coated sheets did not align in any direction. The extent of alignment was dependent on both strain rate and duration. Stretch-induced alignment on collagen gels was blocked by the myosin light-chain kinase inhibitor ML7, but not by the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632. We propose that active orientation of the actin cytoskeleton perpendicular and parallel to direction of stretch on stiff and soft substrates, respectively, are responses that tend to maintain intracellular tension at an optimal level. Further, our results indicate that cells can align along directions of matrix stress without collagen fibril alignment, indicating that matrix stress can directly regulate cell morphology.

Immunomodulatory effects of amniotic membrane matrix incorporated into collagen scaffolds.

PubMed

Hortensius, Rebecca A; Ebens, Jill H; Harley, Brendan A C

2016-06-01

Adult tendon wound repair is characterized by the formation of disorganized collagen matrix which leads to decreases in mechanical properties and scar formation. Studies have linked this scar formation to the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Instructive biomaterials designed for tendon regeneration are often designed to provide both structural and cellular support. In order to facilitate regeneration, success may be found by tempering the body's inflammatory response. This work combines collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds, previously developed for tissue regeneration, with matrix materials (hyaluronic acid and amniotic membrane) that have been shown to promote healing and decreased scar formation in skin studies. The results presented show that scaffolds containing amniotic membrane matrix have significantly increased mechanical properties and that tendon cells within these scaffolds have increased metabolic activity even when the media is supplemented with the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta. Collagen scaffolds containing hyaluronic acid or amniotic membrane also temper the expression of genes associated with the inflammatory response in normal tendon healing (TNF-α, COLI, MMP-3). These results suggest that alterations to scaffold composition, to include matrix known to decrease scar formation in vivo, can modify the inflammatory response in tenocytes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1332-1342, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Multiscale strain analysis of tissue equivalents using a custom-designed biaxial testing device.

PubMed

Bell, B J; Nauman, E; Voytik-Harbin, S L

2012-03-21

Mechanical signals transferred between a cell and its extracellular matrix play an important role in regulating fundamental cell behavior. To further define the complex mechanical interactions between cells and matrix from a multiscale perspective, a biaxial testing device was designed and built. Finite element analysis was used to optimize the cruciform specimen geometry so that stresses within the central region were concentrated and homogenous while minimizing shear and grip effects. This system was used to apply an equibiaxial loading and unloading regimen to fibroblast-seeded tissue equivalents. Digital image correlation and spot tracking were used to calculate three-dimensional strains and associated strain transfer ratios at macro (construct), meso, matrix (collagen fibril), cell (mitochondria), and nuclear levels. At meso and matrix levels, strains in the 1- and 2-direction were statistically similar throughout the loading-unloading cycle. Interestingly, a significant amplification of cellular and nuclear strains was observed in the direction perpendicular to the cell axis. Findings indicate that strain transfer is dependent upon local anisotropies generated by the cell-matrix force balance. Such multiscale approaches to tissue mechanics will assist in advancement of modern biomechanical theories as well as development and optimization of preconditioning regimens for functional engineered tissue constructs. Copyright © 2012 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of multiclass emerging contaminants in aquatic plants by ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion and GC-MS.

PubMed

Aznar, Ramón; Albero, Beatriz; Sánchez-Brunete, Consuelo; Miguel, Esther; Martín-Girela, Isabel; Tadeo, José L

2017-03-01

A multiresidue method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 31 emerging contaminants (pharmaceutical compounds, hormones, personal care products, biocides, and flame retardants) in aquatic plants. Analytes were extracted by ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion (UA-MSPD) and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after sylilation, The method was validated for different aquatic plants (Typha angustifolia, Arundo donax, and Lemna minor) and a semiaquatic cultivated plant (Oryza sativa) with good recoveries at concentrations of 100 and 25 ng g -1 wet weight, ranging from 70 to 120 %, and low method detection limits (0.3 to 2.2 ng g -1 wet weight). A significant difference of the chromatographic response was observed for some compounds in neat solvent versus matrix extracts, and therefore, quantification was carried out using matrix-matched standards in order to overcome this matrix effect. Aquatic plants taken from rivers located at three Spanish regions were analyzed, and the compounds detected were parabens, bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, cyfluthrin, and cypermethrin. The levels found ranged from 6 to 25 ng g -1 wet weight except for cypermethrin that was detected at 235 ng g -1 wet weight in O. sativa samples.

Sirtuin 6 prevents matrix degradation through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration

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

Kang, Liang; Hu, Jia; Weng, Yuxiong

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is marked by imbalanced metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of intervertebral discs. This study aimed to determine whether sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), a member of the sirtuin family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases, protects the NP from ECM degradation in IDD. Our study showed that expression of SIRT6 markedly decreased during IDD progression. Overexpression of wild-type SIRT6, but not a catalytically inactive mutant, prevented IL-1β-induced NP ECM degradation. SIRT6 depletion by RNA interference in NP cells caused ECM degradation. Moreover, SIRT6 physically interacted with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) catalytic subunit p65, transcriptionalmore » activity of which was significantly suppressed by SIRT6 overexpression. These results suggest that SIRT6 prevented NP ECM degradation in vitro via inhibiting NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity and that this effect depended on its deacetylase activity. - Highlights: • SIRT6 expression is decreased in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues. • SIRT6 overexpression lowers IL-1β-induced matrix degradation of NP. • SIRT6 inhibition induces matrix degradation of NP. • SIRT6 prevents matrix degradation of NP via the NF-κB signaling pathway.« less

pH regulation of mitochondrial branch chain alpha-keto acid transport and oxidation in rat heart mitochondria.

PubMed

Hutson, S M

1987-07-15

The kinetics of branched chain alpha-keto acid uptake and efflux were studied as a function of varied external and matrix pH. Matrix pH was determined by the distribution of 5,5'-dimethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione. When rat heart mitochondria were incubated under transport conditions at pH 7.0 with succinate as respiratory substrate, the matrix pH was significantly greater than 8.0. Matrix pH remained greater than or equal to 8.0 when the medium pH was varied from 6.3 to 8.3, and it was lowered below 8.0 by addition of 5 mM phosphate or uncoupler. No pH gradient was detectable when mitochondria were incubated in the presence of valinomycin and uncoupler. Efflux of alpha-ketoisocaproate or alpha-ketoisovalerate from rat heart mitochondria obeyed first order kinetics. Varying the external pH from 6.6 to 8.3 had no significant effect on efflux, and at an external pH of 7.0, the first order rate constant for efflux was not affected by decreasing the matrix pH. On the other hand, exchange was sensitive to changes in medium but not matrix pH. The K0.5 for external branched chain alpha-keto acid was lowered by changing the medium pH from 7.6 to 6.3. At medium pH values greater than or equal to 8.0 both K0.5 and Vmax were affected. Uptake was determined either by measuring initial rates or was calculated after measuring the first order approach to a final equilibrium value. Unlike efflux, uptake was sensitive to changes in both external and matrix pH. The rate of branched chain alpha-keto acid uptake was stimulated by decreasing the medium pH from 8.3 to 6.3 and by alkalinization of the mitochondrial matrix. The estimated external pK for proton binding was 6.9. The data indicate that the branched chain alpha-keto acid transporter is asymmetric, that is, binding sites for substrate on the inside and outside of the mitochondrial membrane are not identical. alpha-Ketoisocaproate oxidation was measured at 37 degrees C in isolated mitochondria over the pH range of 6.6 to 8.1. Changes in the rate of branched chain alpha-keto acid oxidation, particularly when ATP was added (increase delta pH), were found to parallel the pH effects observed on branched chain alpha-keto acid uptake. Therefore, transport, and by implication oxidation, can be regulated by pH changes within the physiological range. Furthermore, intracellular pH may affect the degree of compartmentation between the cytosolic and mitochondrial branched chain alpha-keto acid pools.

Composite-Metal-Matrix Arc-Spray Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westfall, Leonard J.

1987-01-01

Arc-spray "monotape" process automated, low in cost, and produces at high rate. Ideal for development of new metal-matrix composites. "Monotape" reproducible and of high quality. Process carried out in controlled gas environment with programmable matrix-deposition rates, resulting in significant cost saving

[Effect of overdose fluoride on expression of bone sialoprotein in developing dental tissues of rats].

PubMed

Xu, Zhi-ling; Wang, Qiang; Liu, Tian-lin; Guo, Li-ying; Jing, Feng-qiu; Liu, Hui

2006-04-01

To investigate the changes of bone sialoprotein (BSP) in developing dental tissues of rats exposed to fluoride. Twenty rats were randomly divided into two groups, one was with distilled water (control group), the other was with distilled water treated by fluoride (experimental group). When the fluorosis model was established, the changes of the expression of BSP were investigated and compared between the two groups. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the cell, and immunohistochemisty assay was used to determine the expression of BSP in rat incisor. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. The ameloblasts had normal morphology and arranged orderly. Immunoreactivitis of BSP was present in matured ameloblasts, dentinoblasts, cementoblasts, and the matrix in the control group. But in the experimental group the ameloblasts arranged in multiple layers, the enamel matrix was confused and the expression of BSP was significantly lower than that of the control group. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the two groups (P<0.01). Fluoride can inhibit the expression of BSP in developing dental tissues of rats, and then inhibit differentiation of the tooth epithelial cells and secretion of matrix. This is a probable intracellular mechanism of dental fluorosis.

Effects of Solute Concentrations on Kinetic Pathways in Ni-Al-Cr Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Booth-Morrison, Christopher; Weninger, Jessica; Sudbrack, Chantal K.; Mao, Zugang; Seidman, David N.; Noebe, Ronald D.

2008-01-01

The kinetic pathways resulting from the formation of coherent gamma'-precipitates from the gamma-matrix are studied for two Ni-Al-Cr alloys with similar gamma'-precipitate volume fractions at 873 K. The details of the phase decompositions of Ni-7.5Al-8.5Cr at.% and Ni-5.2Al-14.2Cr at.% for aging times from 1/6 to 1024 h are investigated by atom-probe tomography, and are found to differ significantly from a mean-field description of coarsening. The morphologies of the gamma'-precipitates of the alloys are similar, though the degrees of gamma'-precipitate coagulation and coalescence differ. Quantification within the framework of classical nucleation theory reveals that differences in the chemical driving forces for phase decomposition result in differences in the nucleation behavior of the two alloys. The temporal evolution of the gamma'-precipitate average radii and the gamma-matrix supersaturations follow the predictions of classical coarsening models. The compositional trajectories of the gamma-matrix phases of the alloys are found to follow approximately the equilibrium tie-lines, while the trajectories of the gamma'-precipitates do not, resulting in significant differences in the partitioning ratios of the solute elements.

Formulation of immunoassay calibrators in pasteurized albumin can significantly enhance their durability.

PubMed

Warren, David J; Nordlund, Marianne S; Paus, Elisabeth

2010-02-28

Calibrator matrix can have significant effects on the commutability of assay standards and on the maintenance of their integrity. We have observed marked instability in progastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP) assay standards traceable to the bovine serum albumin (BSA) used in matrix formulation. Attempts were made to improve calibrator stability using different albumin pretreatments. Observed analyte recoveries in calibrators prepared with untreated BSA were consistently less than 45% after 1 week of storage at 4 degrees C. Pre-treating the BSA by chromatography on immobilized heparin or benzamidine failed to improve calibrator durability with day 7 recoveries of less than 55%. In marked contrast, calibrators formulated with albumin pasteurized at pH 3.0 displayed remarkable stability. Recoveries of >97% were observed after 4 weeks of storage at either 4 degrees C or room temperature. Even calibrators incubated for 4 weeks at 37 degrees C gave recoveries between 91-106%. This improvement was not seen with BSA pasteurized at neutral pH. Albumin pretreatment is straightforward, easily scalable and dramatically improves calibrator stability. Matrix formulated with acid-pasteurized BSA may prove more generally useful when assays are plagued by poor calibrator durability. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Constrained Sintering in Fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Lee, Hae-Weon; Park, Mansoo; Hong, Jongsup; Kim, Hyoungchul; Yoon, Kyung Joong; Son, Ji-Won; Lee, Jong-Ho; Kim, Byung-Kook

2016-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are inevitably affected by the tensile stress field imposed by the rigid substrate during constrained sintering, which strongly affects microstructural evolution and flaw generation in the fabrication process and subsequent operation. In the case of sintering a composite cathode, one component acts as a continuous matrix phase while the other acts as a dispersed phase depending upon the initial composition and packing structure. The clustering of dispersed particles in the matrix has significant effects on the final microstructure, and strong rigidity of the clusters covering the entire cathode volume is desirable to obtain stable pore structure. The local constraints developed around the dispersed particles and their clusters effectively suppress generation of major process flaws, and microstructural features such as triple phase boundary and porosity could be readily controlled by adjusting the content and size of the dispersed particles. However, in the fabrication of the dense electrolyte layer via the chemical solution deposition route using slow-sintering nanoparticles dispersed in a sol matrix, the rigidity of the cluster should be minimized for the fine matrix to continuously densify, and special care should be taken in selecting the size of the dispersed particles to optimize the thermodynamic stability criteria of the grain size and film thickness. The principles of constrained sintering presented in this paper could be used as basic guidelines for realizing the ideal microstructure of SOFCs. PMID:28773795

Nanofiber reinforcement of a geopolymer matrix for improved composite materials mechanical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, AKM Samsur

Geopolymers have the potential to cross the process performance gap between polymer matrix and ceramic matrix composites (CMC), enabling high temperature capable composites that are manufactured at relatively low temperatures. Unfortunately, the inherently low toughness of these geopolymers limits the performance of the resulting fiber reinforced geopolymer matrix composites. Toughness improvements in composites can be addressed through the adjustments in the fiber/matrix interfacial strength and through the improvements in the inherent toughness of the constituent materials. This study investigates the potential to improve the inherent toughness of the geopolymer matrix material through the addition of nanofillers, by considering physical dimensions, mechanical properties, reinforcing capability and interfacial bond strength effects. A process optimization study was first undertaken to develop the ability to produce consistent, neat geopolymer samples, a critical precursor to producing nano-filled geopolymer for toughness evaluation. After that, single edge notched bend beam fracture toughness and un-notched beam flexural strength were evaluated for silicon carbide, alumina and carbon nanofillers reinforced geopolymer samples treated at various temperatures in reactive and inert environments. Toughness results of silicon carbide and carbon nanofillers reinforced geopolymers suggested that with the improved baseline properties, high aspect ratio nanofillers with high interfacial bond strength are the most capable in further improving the toughness of geopolymers. Among the high aspect ratio nanofillers i.e. nanofibers, 2vol% silicon carbide whicker (SCW) showed the highest improvement in fracture toughness and flexural strength of ~164% & ~185%, respectively. After heat treatment at 650 °C, SCW reinforcement was found to be effective, with little reduction in the performance, while the performance of alumina nanofiber (ANF) reinforced geopolymer significantly reduced. By means of SEM, EDS and X-ray diffraction techniques, it was found that the longer and stronger SCW is more capable of reinforcing the microstructurally inhomogeneous geopolymer than the smaller diameter, shorter ANF. After heat treatment at 760 °C, the effectiveness of SCW as reinforcement in both fracture toughness and flexural strength was reduced by ~89% and ~43%, respectively, while, the ANF filled materials performed worse than the neat geopolymer. A strong interaction was suggested between ANF and geopolymer at high temperature by means of chemical reactions and diffusion. SEM & X-ray diffraction results suggested the formation of Al4C3 on the SCW surface, which could reduce the interface strength between SCW and geopolymer. Therefore it is suggested that the interface strength should be as high as required for load transfer and crack bridging. Finally, to investigate the potential synergy of a nano-filled matrix material and the fiber/matrix interface toughening mechanism of a continuous fiber composite, composite specimens were produced and tested. Flexural and shear strengths of Nextel 610 continuous fiber reinforced 2vol% SCW filled geopolymer matrix composites were investigated. Specimens were produced with cleaned Nextel fiber and with carbon-coated fibers to investigate the combinations of nano-filled matrix with continuous reinforcement that is well bonded (cleaned fiber) versus poorly bonded (carbon-coated fiber) to the matrix. The results showed that flexural strength of cleaned and coated fiber composites improved by ~35% and ~21% respectively, while shear strength of the similar composite systems improved by ~39.5% and ~24%. The results verified the effectiveness of SCW in toughening not only the neat geopolymer, but also continuous fiber reinforced geopolymer matrix composites.

Bovine versus porcine acellular dermal matrix for complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

PubMed

Clemens, Mark W; Selber, Jesse C; Liu, Jun; Adelman, David M; Baumann, Donald P; Garvey, Patrick B; Butler, Charles E

2013-01-01

Abdominal wall reconstruction with bioprosthetic mesh is associated with lower rates of mesh infection, fistula formation, and mesh explantation than reconstruction with synthetic mesh. The authors directly compared commonly used bioprosthetic meshes in terms of clinical outcomes and complications. A database of consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with porcine or bovine acellular dermal matrix and midline musculofascial closure at their institution between January of 2008 and March of 2011 was reviewed. Surgical outcomes were compared. One hundred twenty patients were identified who underwent a nonbridged, inlay abdominal wall reconstruction with porcine [69 patients (57.5 percent)] or bovine acellular dermal matrix (51 patients (42.5 percent)]. The mean follow-up time was 21.0 ± 9.9 months. The overall complication rate was 36.6 percent; the porcine matrix group had a significantly higher complication rate (44.9 percent) than the bovine matrix group (25.5 percent; p = 0.04) and statistically equivalent surgical complications (29.2 percent versus 21.6 percent; p = 0.34). There were no significant differences in rates of recurrent hernia (2.9 percent versus 3.9 percent; p = 0.99) or bulge (7.2 percent versus 0 percent; p = 0.07). However, the rate of intraoperative adverse events in the porcine matrix group [seven events (10.1 percent)] was significantly higher than that in the bovine matrix group (0 percent; p = 0.02). In patients who undergo complex abdominal wall reconstruction, both bovine and porcine acellular dermal matrix are associated with similar rates of postoperative surgical complications and appear to result in similar outcomes. Porcine acellular dermal matrix may be prone to intraoperative device failure. Therapeutic, III.

The effects of collagen-rich extracellular matrix on the intracellular delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts.

PubMed

Yhee, Ji Young; Yoon, Hong Yeol; Kim, Hyunjoon; Jeon, Sangmin; Hergert, Polla; Im, Jintaek; Panyam, Jayanth; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Nho, Richard Seonghun

2017-01-01

Recent progress in nanomedicine has shown a strong possibility of targeted therapy for obstinate chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by persistent fibrotic fibroblasts in response to type I collagen-rich extracellular matrix. As a pathological microenvironment is important in understanding the biological behavior of nanoparticles, in vitro cellular uptake of glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in human lung fibroblasts was comparatively studied in the presence or absence of type I collagen matrix. Primary human lung fibroblasts from non-IPF and IPF patients (n=6/group) showed significantly increased cellular uptake of CNPs (>33.6-78.1 times) when they were cultured on collagen matrix. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in lung fibroblasts on collagen, cells were pretreated with chlorpromazine, genistein, and amiloride to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, respectively. Amiloride pretreatment remarkably reduced the cellular uptake of CNPs, suggesting that lung fibroblasts mainly utilize the macropinocytosis-dependent mechanism when interacted with collagen. In addition, the internalization of CNPs was predominantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in IPF fibroblasts, indicating that enhanced PI3K activity associated with late-stage macropinocytosis can be particularly important for the enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in IPF fibroblasts. Our study strongly supports the concept that a pathological microenvironment which surrounds lung fibroblasts has a significant impact on the intracellular delivery of nanoparticles. Based on the property of enhanced intracellular delivery of CNPs when fibroblasts are made to interact with a collagen-rich matrix, we suggest that CNPs may have great potential as a drug-carrier system for targeting fibrotic lung fibroblasts.

Decellularized Cartilage May Be a Chondroinductive Material for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Sutherland, Amanda J.; Beck, Emily C.; Dennis, S. Connor; Converse, Gabriel L.; Hopkins, Richard A.; Berkland, Cory J.; Detamore, Michael S.

2015-01-01

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based materials are attractive for regenerative medicine in their ability to potentially aid in stem cell recruitment, infiltration, and differentiation without added biological factors. In musculoskeletal tissue engineering, demineralized bone matrix is widely used, but recently cartilage matrix has been attracting attention as a potentially chondroinductive material. The aim of this study was thus to establish a chemical decellularization method for use with articular cartilage to quantify removal of cells and analyze the cartilage biochemical content at various stages during the decellularization process, which included a physically devitalization step. To study the cellular response to the cartilage matrix, rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were cultured in cell pellets containing cells only (control), chondrogenic differentiation medium (TGF-β), chemically decellularized cartilage particles (DCC), or physically devitalized cartilage particles (DVC). The chemical decellularization process removed the vast majority of DNA and about half of the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) within the matrix, but had no significant effect on the amount of hydroxyproline. Most notably, the DCC group significantly outperformed TGF-β in chondroinduction of rBMSCs, with collagen II gene expression an order of magnitude or more higher. While DVC did not exhibit a chondrogenic response to the extent that DCC did, DVC had a greater down regulation of collagen I, collagen X and Runx2. A new protocol has been introduced for cartilage devitalization and decellularization in the current study, with evidence of chondroinductivity. Such bioactivity along with providing the ‘raw material’ building blocks of regenerating cartilage may suggest a promising role for DCC in biomaterials that rely on recruiting endogenous cell recruitment and differentiation for cartilage regeneration. PMID:25965981

Matrix Rigidity Regulates Cancer Cell Growth and Cellular Phenotype

PubMed Central

Tilghman, Robert W.; Cowan, Catharine R.; Mih, Justin D.; Koryakina, Yulia; Gioeli, Daniel; Slack-Davis, Jill K.; Blackman, Brett R.; Tschumperlin, Daniel J.; Parsons, J. Thomas

2010-01-01

Background The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix have an important role in cell growth and differentiation. However, it is unclear as to what extent cancer cells respond to changes in the mechanical properties (rigidity/stiffness) of the microenvironment and how this response varies among cancer cell lines. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we used a recently developed 96-well plate system that arrays extracellular matrix-conjugated polyacrylamide gels that increase in stiffness by at least 50-fold across the plate. This plate was used to determine how changes in the rigidity of the extracellular matrix modulate the biological properties of tumor cells. The cell lines tested fall into one of two categories based on their proliferation on substrates of differing stiffness: “rigidity dependent” (those which show an increase in cell growth as extracellular rigidity is increased), and “rigidity independent” (those which grow equally on both soft and stiff substrates). Cells which grew poorly on soft gels also showed decreased spreading and migration under these conditions. More importantly, seeding the cell lines into the lungs of nude mice revealed that the ability of cells to grow on soft gels in vitro correlated with their ability to grow in a soft tissue environment in vivo. The lung carcinoma line A549 responded to culture on soft gels by expressing the differentiated epithelial marker E-cadherin and decreasing the expression of the mesenchymal transcription factor Slug. Conclusions/Significance These observations suggest that the mechanical properties of the matrix environment play a significant role in regulating the proliferation and the morphological properties of cancer cells. Further, the multiwell format of the soft-plate assay is a useful and effective adjunct to established 3-dimensional cell culture models. PMID:20886123

The effects of collagen-rich extracellular matrix on the intracellular delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Yhee, Ji Young; Yoon, Hong Yeol; Kim, Hyunjoon; Jeon, Sangmin; Hergert, Polla; Im, Jintaek; Panyam, Jayanth; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Nho, Richard Seonghun

2017-01-01

Recent progress in nanomedicine has shown a strong possibility of targeted therapy for obstinate chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by persistent fibrotic fibroblasts in response to type I collagen-rich extracellular matrix. As a pathological microenvironment is important in understanding the biological behavior of nanoparticles, in vitro cellular uptake of glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in human lung fibroblasts was comparatively studied in the presence or absence of type I collagen matrix. Primary human lung fibroblasts from non-IPF and IPF patients (n=6/group) showed significantly increased cellular uptake of CNPs (>33.6–78.1 times) when they were cultured on collagen matrix. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in lung fibroblasts on collagen, cells were pretreated with chlorpromazine, genistein, and amiloride to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, respectively. Amiloride pretreatment remarkably reduced the cellular uptake of CNPs, suggesting that lung fibroblasts mainly utilize the macropinocytosis-dependent mechanism when interacted with collagen. In addition, the internalization of CNPs was predominantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in IPF fibroblasts, indicating that enhanced PI3K activity associated with late-stage macropinocytosis can be particularly important for the enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in IPF fibroblasts. Our study strongly supports the concept that a pathological microenvironment which surrounds lung fibroblasts has a significant impact on the intracellular delivery of nanoparticles. Based on the property of enhanced intracellular delivery of CNPs when fibroblasts are made to interact with a collagen-rich matrix, we suggest that CNPs may have great potential as a drug-carrier system for targeting fibrotic lung fibroblasts. PMID:28860768

The influence of hyaluronic acid hydrogel crosslinking density and macromolecular diffusivity on human MSC chondrogenesis and hypertrophy.

PubMed

Bian, Liming; Hou, Chieh; Tous, Elena; Rai, Reena; Mauck, Robert L; Burdick, Jason A

2013-01-01

Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels formed via photocrosslinking provide stable 3D hydrogel environments that support the chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Crosslinking density has a significant impact on the physical properties of hydrogels, including their mechanical stiffness and macromolecular diffusivity. Variations in the HA hydrogel crosslinking density can be obtained by either changes in the HA macromer concentration (1, 3, or 5% w/v at 15 min exposure) or the extent of reaction through light exposure time (5% w/v at 5, 10, or 15 min). In this work, increased crosslinking by either method resulted in an overall decrease in cartilage matrix content and more restricted matrix distribution. Increased crosslinking also promoted hypertrophic differentiation of the chondrogenically induced MSCs, resulting in more matrix calcification in vitro. For example, type X collagen expression in the high crosslinking density 5% 15 min group was ~156 and 285% higher when compared to the low crosslinking density 1% 15 min and 5% 5 min groups on day 42, respectively. Supplementation with inhibitors of the small GTPase pathway involved in cytoskeletal tension or myosin II had no effect on hypertrophic differentiation and matrix calcification, indicating that the differential response is unlikely to be related to force-sensing mechanotransduction mechanisms. When implanted subcutaneously in nude mice, higher crosslinking density again resulted in reduced cartilage matrix content, restricted matrix distribution, and increased matrix calcification. This study demonstrates that hydrogel properties mediated through alterations in crosslinking density must be considered in the context of the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrogenically induced MSCs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The cost effectiveness of acellular dermal matrix in expander-implant immediate breast reconstruction.

PubMed

Krishnan, Naveen M; Chatterjee, Abhishek; Rosenkranz, Kari M; Powell, Stephen G; Nigriny, John F; Vidal, Dale C

2014-04-01

Expander-implant breast reconstruction is often supplemented with acellular dermal matrix (ADM). The use of acellular dermal matrix has allowed for faster, less painful expansions and improved aesthetics, but with increased cost. Our goal was to provide the first cost utility analysis of using acellular dermal matrix in two-stage, expander-implant immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify complication rates for two-stage, expander-implant immediate breast reconstruction with and without acellular dermal matrix. The probabilities of the most common complications were combined with Medicare Current Procedural Terminology reimbursement codes and expert utility estimates to fit into a decision model. The decision model evaluated the cost effectiveness of acellular dermal matrix relative to reconstructions without it. Retail costs for ADM were derived from the LifeCell 2012 company catalogue for Alloderm. The overall complication rates were 30% and 34.5% with and without ADM. The decision model revealed a baseline cost increase of $361.96 when acellular dermal matrix is used. The increase in Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) is 1.37 in the population with acellular dermal matrix. This yields a cost effective incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of $264.20/QALY. Univariate sensitivity analysis confirmed that using acellular dermal matrix is cost effective even when using retail costs for unilateral and bilateral reconstructions. Our study shows that, despite an increased cost, acellular dermal matrix is a cost effective technology for patients undergoing two-stage, expander-implant immediate breast reconstruction due to its increased utility in successful procedures. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Compensation for matrix effects in the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 186 pesticides in tea matrices using analyte protectants.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Chen, Xi; Fan, Chunlin; Pang, Guofang

2012-11-30

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method was developed for simultaneously determining 186 pesticides in tea matrices using analyte protectants to counteract the matrix-induced effect. The matrix effects were evaluated for green, oolong and black tea, representing unfermented, partially fermented and completely fermented teas respectively and depending on the type of tea, 72%, 94% and 94% of the pesticides presented strong response enhancement effect. Several analyte protectants as well as certain combinations of these protectants were evaluated to check their compensation effects. A mixture of triglycerol and d-ribonic acid-γ-lactone (both at 2mg/mL in the injected samples) was found to be the most effective in improving the chromatographic behavior of the 186 pesticides. More than 96% of the 186 pesticides achieved recoveries within the range of 70-120% when using the selected mixture of analyte protectants. The simple addition of analyte protectants offers a more convenient solution to overcome matrix effects, results in less active sites compared to matrix-matched standardization and can be an effective approach to compensate for matrix effects in the GC-MS analysis of pesticide residues. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Compression Promotes the Matrix Synthesis of Nucleus Pulposus Cells Through Up-Regulating N-CDH Expression in a Perfusion Bioreactor Culture.

PubMed

Xu, Yichun; Yao, Hui; Li, Pei; Xu, Wenbin; Zhang, Junbin; Lv, Lulu; Teng, Haijun; Guo, Zhiliang; Zhao, Huiqing; Hou, Gang

2018-01-01

An adequate matrix production of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is an important tissue engineering-based strategy to regenerate degenerative discs. Here, we mainly aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of mechanical compression (i.e., static compression vs. dynamic compression) on the matrix synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) cultured NP cells in vitro. Rat NP cells seeded on small intestinal submucosa (SIS) cryogel scaffolds were cultured in the chambers of a self-developed, mechanically active bioreactor for 10 days. Meanwhile, the NP cells were subjected to compression (static compression or dynamic compression at a 10% scaffold deformation) for 6 hours once per day. Unloaded NP cells were used as controls. The cellular phenotype and matrix biosynthesis of NP cells were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blotting assays. Lentivirus-mediated N-cadherin (N-CDH) knockdown and an inhibitor, LY294002, were used to further investigate the role of N-CDH and the PI3K/Akt pathway in this process. Dynamic compression better maintained the expression of cell-specific markers (keratin-19, FOXF1 and PAX1) and matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II), as well as N-CDH expression and the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway, in the 3D-cultured NP cells compared with those expression levels and activity in the cells grown under static compression. Further analysis showed that the N-CDH knockdown significantly down-regulated the expression of NP cell-specific markers and matrix macromolecules and inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway under dynamic compression. However, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway had no effects on N-CDH expression but down-regulated the expression of NP cell-specific markers and matrix macromolecules under dynamic compression. Dynamic compression increases the matrix synthesis of 3D-cultured NP cells compared with that of the cells under static compression, and the N-CDH-PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in this regulatory process. This study provides a promising strategy to promote the matrix deposition of tissue-engineered NP tissue in vitro prior to clinical transplantation. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

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

Chen, Xiaoshan

1995-07-07

The inductively coupled plasma is an electrodeless discharge in a gas (usually Ar) at atmospheric pressure. Radio frequency energy generated by a RF power source is inductively coupled to the plasma gas through a water cooled load coil. In ICP-MS the "Fassel" TAX quartz torch commonly used in emission is mounted horizontally. The sample aerosol is introduced into the central flow, where the gas kinetic temperature is about 5000 K. The aerosol is vaporized, atomized, excited and ionized in the plasma, and the ions are subsequently extracted through two metal apertures (sampler and skimmer) into the mass spectrometer. In ICP-MS,more » the matrix effects, or non-spectroscopic interferences, can be defined as the type of interferences caused by dissolved concomitant salt ions in the solution. Matrix effects can be divided into two categories: (1) signal drift due to the deposition of solids on the sampling apertures; and/or (2) signal suppression or enhancement by the presence of the dissolved salts. The first category is now reasonably understood. The dissolved salts, especially refractory oxides, tend to deposit on the cool tip of the sampling cone. The clogging of the orifices reduces the ion flow into the ICP-MS, lowers the pressure in the first stage of ICP-MS, and enhances the level of metal oxide ions. Because the extent of the clogging increases with the time, the signal drifts down. Even at the very early stage of the development of ICP-MS, matrix effects had been observed. Houk et al. found out that the ICP-MS was not tolerant to solutions containing significant amounts of dissolved solids.« less

An improved protocol for the preparation of total genomic DNA from isolates of yeast and mould using Whatman FTA filter papers.

PubMed

Borman, Andrew M; Fraser, Mark; Linton, Christopher J; Palmer, Michael D; Johnson, Elizabeth M

2010-06-01

Here, we present a significantly improved version of our previously published method for the extraction of fungal genomic DNA from pure cultures using Whatman FTA filter paper matrix technology. This modified protocol is extremely rapid, significantly more cost effective than our original method, and importantly, substantially reduces the problem of potential cross-contamination between sequential filters when employing FTA technology.

Combination of Collagen Barrier Membrane with Enamel Matrix Derivative-Liquid Improves Osteoblast Adhesion and Differentiation.

PubMed

Miron, Richard J; Fujioka-Kobayashi, Masako; Buser, Daniel; Zhang, Yufeng; Bosshardt, Dieter D; Sculean, Anton

Collagen barrier membranes were first introduced to regenerative periodontal and oral surgery to prevent fast ingrowing soft tissues (ie, epithelium and connective tissue) into the defect space. More recent attempts have aimed at combining collagen membranes with various biologics/growth factors to speed up the healing process and improve the quality of regenerated tissues. Recently, a new formulation of enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system (Osteogain) has demonstrated improved physico-chemical properties for the adsorption of enamel matrix derivative to facilitate protein adsorption to biomaterials. The aim of this pioneering study was to investigate the use of enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system in combination with collagen barrier membranes for its ability to promote osteoblast cell behavior in vitro. Undifferentiated mouse ST2 stromal bone marrow cells were seeded onto porcine-derived collagen membranes alone (control) or porcine membranes + enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system. Control and enamel matrix derivative-coated membranes were compared for cell recruitment and cell adhesion at 8 hours; cell proliferation at 1, 3, and 5 days; and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 3 and 14 days for genes encoding Runx2, collagen1alpha2, alkaline phosphatase, and bone sialoprotein. Furthermore, alizarin red staining was used to investigate mineralization. A significant increase in cell adhesion was observed at 8 hours for barrier membranes coated with enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system, whereas no significant difference could be observed for cell proliferation or cell recruitment. Enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system significantly increased alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels 2.5-fold and collagen1alpha2 levels 1.7-fold at 3 days, as well as bone sialoprotein levels twofold at 14 days postseeding. Furthermore, collagen membranes coated with enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system demonstrated a sixfold increase in alizarin red staining at 14 days when compared with collagen membrane alone. The combination of enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system with a barrier membrane significantly increased cell attachment, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts in vitro. Future animal testing is required to fully characterize the additional benefits of combining enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system with a barrier membrane for guided bone or tissue regeneration.

Leadership for the 1970s. A Matrix of Organizational Leadership Dimensions

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-10-01

be carriud out. AN Drucker (1974) stated, the management 8cience intended to "substitute certainty for guesswork, knowledge for judgment, ’hard facts...requirements. But, as Drucker (1974) emphasized, besides determin- .ing goals and objectives, the effective manager decides what is needed to achieve these...is a functional one contributing significantly to effective management . Drucker (1974), however, offered a caveat to relying solely upon the

Land use context and natural soil controls on plant community and soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics in urban and rural forests

Treesearch

Peter M. Groffman; Richard V. Pouyat; Mary L. Cadenasso; Wayne C. Zipperer; Katalin Szlavecz; Ian D. Yesilonis; Lawrence E. Band; Grace S. Brush

2006-01-01

Forests embedded in an urban matrix are a useful venue for investigating the effects of multiple factors such as climate change, altered disturbance regimes and species invasions on forest ecosystems. Urban forests also represent a significant land area, with potentially important effects on landscape and regional scale nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) storage and flux. We...

Effect of Magnetic Inclusions on the Effective Magnetostriction of Bulk Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yufeng; Pan, Baocai; Liu, Zhiguo

2018-07-01

A simple model is presented based on the Kim-Anderson model to further investigate the dependence of the effective magnetostriction of magnetic inclusion-superconducting matrix system on both the elastic and magnetic parameters including the elastic modulus, permeability, and volume fraction. The effect of the permeability on the magnetostriction is also obtained by implementing the continuity conditions of displacement and strain at the interface between the inclusion and the matrix through the magnetostriction loop. The results indicate that a stiffer inclusion can decrease the effective magnetostriction no matter whether the inclusion is magnetic or not and a larger effective magnetostriction can be obtained by choosing the matrix with a higher permeability, which gives an explanation about why the composite made from a matrix with a high permeability but a negligibly small magnetostriction yields unexpectedly low magnetostriction. Of particular interest is that in a certain range the effective magnetostriction of composites can be enhanced until it is saturated by increasing the permeability of matrix.

Effects of interfacial debonding and fiber breakage on static and dynamic buckling of fibers embedded in matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serttunc, Metin

1992-09-01

Analyses were performed for static and dynamic buckling of a continuous fiber embedded in a matrix in order to determine the effects of interfacial debonding and fiber breakage on the critical buckling load and the domain of instability. A beam on elastic foundation model was used. The study showed that a local interfacial debonding between a fiber and a surrounding matrix resulted in an increase of the wavelength of the buckling mode. An increase of the wave length yielded a decrease of the static buckling load and lowered the dynamic instability domain. In general, the effect of a partial or complete interfacial debonding was more significant on the domain of dynamic instability than on the effects of static buckling load. For dynamic buckling of a fiber, a local debonding of size 10 to 20 percent of the fiber length had the most important influence on the domains of dynamic instability regardless of the location of debonding and the boundary conditions of the fiber. For static buckling, the location of a local debonding was critical to a free-simply supported fiber but not to a fiber with both ends simply supported. Fiber breakage also lowered the critical buckling load significantly.

Evaluating adhesion reduction efficacy of type I/III collagen membrane and collagen-GAG resorbable matrix in primary flexor tendon repair in a chicken model.

PubMed

Turner, John B; Corazzini, Rubina L; Butler, Timothy J; Garlick, David S; Rinker, Brian D

2015-09-01

Reduction of peritendinous adhesions after injury and repair has been the subject of extensive prior investigation. The application of a circumferential barrier at the repair site may limit the quantity of peritendinous adhesions while preserving the tendon's innate ability to heal. The authors compare the effectiveness of a type I/III collagen membrane and a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) resorbable matrix in reducing tendon adhesions in an experimental chicken model of a "zone II" tendon laceration and repair. In Leghorn chickens, flexor tendons were sharply divided using a scalpel and underwent repair in a standard fashion (54 total repairs). The sites were treated with a type I/III collagen membrane, collagen-GAG resorbable matrix, or saline in a randomized fashion. After 3 weeks, qualitative and semiquantitative histological analysis was performed to evaluate the "extent of peritendinous adhesions" and "nature of tendon healing." The data was evaluated with chi-square analysis and unpaired Student's t test. For both collagen materials, there was a statistically significant improvement in the degree of both extent of peritendinous adhesions and nature of tendon healing relative to the control group. There was no significant difference seen between the two materials. There was one tendon rupture observed in each treatment group. Surgical handling characteristics were subjectively favored for type I/III collagen membrane over the collagen-GAG resorbable matrix. The ideal method of reducing clinically significant tendon adhesions after injury remains elusive. Both materials in this study demonstrate promise in reducing tendon adhesions after flexor tendon repair without impeding tendon healing in this model.

Potential role of surface wettability on the long-term stability of dentin bonds after surface biomodification

PubMed Central

Leme, Ariene A.; Vidal, Cristina M. P.; Hassan, Lina Saleh; Bedran-Russo, Ana K.

2015-01-01

Degradation of the adhesive interface contributes to the failure of resin composite restorations. The hydrophilicity of the dentin matrix during and after bonding procedures may result in an adhesive interface that is more prone to degradation over time. This study assessed the effect of chemical modification of dentin matrix on the wettability and the long-term reduced modulus of elasticity (Er) of the adhesive interfaces. Human molars were divided into groups according to the priming solutions: distilled water (control), 6.5% Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (PACs), 5.75% 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride/1.4% n-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) and 5% Glutaraldehyde (GA). The water-surface contact angle was verified before and after chemical modification of the dentin matrix. The demineralized dentin surface was treated with the priming solutions and restored with One Step Plus (OS) and Single Bond Plus (SB) and resin composite. The Er of the adhesive, hybrid layer and underlying dentin was evaluated after 24 h and 30 months in artificial saliva. The dentin hydrophilicity significantly decreased after application of the priming solutions. Aging significantly decreased the Er in the hybrid layer and underlying dentin of control groups. The Er of GA groups remained stable over time at the hybrid layer and underlying dentin. Significant higher Er was observed for PACs and EDC/NHS groups at the hybrid layer after 24 h. The decreased hydrophilicity of the modified dentin matrix likely influence the immediate mechanical properties of the hybrid layer. Dentin biomodification prevented substantial aging at the hybrid layer and underlying dentin after 30 months storage. PMID:25869721

The accumulation of assembly intermediates of the mitochondrial complex I matrix arm is reduced by limiting glucose uptake in a neuronal-like model of MELAS syndrome.

PubMed

Geffroy, Guillaume; Benyahia, Rayane; Frey, Samuel; Desquiret-Dumas, Valerie; Gueguen, Naig; Bris, Celine; Belal, Sophie; Inisan, Aurore; Renaud, Aurelie; Chevrollier, Arnaud; Henrion, Daniel; Bonneau, Dominique; Letournel, Franck; Lenaers, Guy; Reynier, Pascal; Procaccio, Vincent

2018-05-01

Ketogenic diet (KD) which combined carbohydrate restriction and the addition of ketone bodies has emerged as an alternative metabolic intervention used as an anticonvulsant therapy or to treat different types of neurological or mitochondrial disorders including MELAS syndrome. MELAS syndrome is a severe mitochondrial disease mainly due to the m.3243A > G mitochondrial DNA mutation. The broad success of KD is due to multiple beneficial mechanisms with distinct effects of very low carbohydrates and ketones. To evaluate the metabolic part of carbohydrate restriction, transmitochondrial neuronal-like cybrid cells carrying the m.3243A > G mutation, shown to be associated with a severe complex I deficiency was exposed during 3 weeks to glucose restriction. Mitochondrial enzyme defects were combined with an accumulation of complex I (CI) matrix intermediates in the untreated mutant cells, leading to a drastic reduction in CI driven respiration. The severe reduction of CI was also paralleled in post-mortem brain tissue of a MELAS patient carrying high mutant load. Importantly, lowering significantly glucose concentration in cell culture improved CI assembly with a significant reduction of matrix assembly intermediates and respiration capacities were restored in a sequential manner. In addition, OXPHOS protein expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number were significantly increased in mutant cells exposed to glucose restriction. The accumulation of CI matrix intermediates appeared as a hallmark of MELAS pathophysiology highlighting a critical pathophysiological mechanism involving CI disassembly, which can be alleviated by lowering glucose fuelling and the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis, emphasizing the usefulness of metabolic interventions in MELAS syndrome. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Xenogenous Collagen Matrix and/or Enamel Matrix Derivative for Treatment of Localized Gingival Recessions: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Part II: Patient-Reported Outcomes.

PubMed

Rocha Dos Santos, Manuela; Sangiorgio, João Paulo Menck; Neves, Felipe Lucas da Silva; França-Grohmann, Isabela Lima; Nociti, Francisco Humberto; Silverio Ruiz, Karina Gonzales; Santamaria, Mauro Pedrine; Sallum, Enilson Antonio

2017-12-01

Gingival recession (GR) might be associated with patient discomfort due to cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) and esthetic dissatisfaction. The aim is to evaluate the effect of root coverage procedure with a xenogenous collagen matrix (CM) and/or enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in combination with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) on CDH, esthetics, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with GR. Sixty-eight participants with single Miller Class I/II GRs were treated with CAF (n = 17), CAF + CM (n = 17), CAF + EMD (n = 17), and CAF + CM + EMD (n = 17). CDH was assessed by evaporative stimuli using a visual analog scale (VAS) and a Schiff scale. Esthetics outcome was assessed with VAS and the Questionnaire of Oral Esthetic Satisfaction. Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used to assess OHRQoL. All parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. Intragroup analysis showed statistically significant reduction in CDH and esthetic dissatisfaction with no intergroup significant differences (P >0.05). The impact of oral health on QoL after 6 months was significant for CAF + CM, CAF + EMD, and CAF + CM + EMD (P <0.05). Total OHIP-14 score and psychologic discomfort, psychologic disability, social disability, and handicap dimensions showed negative correlation with esthetics. OHIP-14 physical pain dimension had positive correlation with CDH (P <0.05). OHIP-14 showed no correlation with percentage of root coverage, keratinized tissue width, or keratinized tissue thickness (P >0.05). Root coverage procedures improve patient OHRQoL by impacting on a wide range of dimensions, perceived after reduction of CDH and esthetic dissatisfaction of patients with GRs treated with CAF + CM, CAF + EMD, and CAF + CM + EMD.

Isolation and characterization of chicken bile matrix metalloproteinase

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Avian bile is rich in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), the enzymes that cleave extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagens and proteoglycans. Changes in bile MMP expression have been correlated with hepatic and gall bladder pathologies but the significance of their expression in normal, he...

Matrix Effect Compensation in Small-Molecule Profiling for an LC-TOF Platform Using Multicomponent Postcolumn Infusion.

PubMed

González, Oskar; van Vliet, Michael; Damen, Carola W N; van der Kloet, Frans M; Vreeken, Rob J; Hankemeier, Thomas

2015-06-16

The possible presence of matrix effect is one of the main concerns in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-driven bioanalysis due to its impact on the reliability of the obtained quantitative results. Here we propose an approach to correct for the matrix effect in LC-MS with electrospray ionization using postcolumn infusion of eight internal standards (PCI-IS). We applied this approach to a generic ultraperformance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight (UHPLC-TOF) platform developed for small-molecule profiling with a main focus on drugs. Different urine samples were spiked with 19 drugs with different physicochemical properties and analyzed in order to study matrix effect (in absolute and relative terms). Furthermore, calibration curves for each analyte were constructed and quality control samples at different concentration levels were analyzed to check the applicability of this approach in quantitative analysis. The matrix effect profiles of the PCI-ISs were different: this confirms that the matrix effect is compound-dependent, and therefore the most suitable PCI-IS has to be chosen for each analyte. Chromatograms were reconstructed using analyte and PCI-IS responses, which were used to develop an optimized method which compensates for variation in ionization efficiency. The approach presented here improved the results in terms of matrix effect dramatically. Furthermore, calibration curves of higher quality are obtained, dynamic range is enhanced, and accuracy and precision of QC samples is increased. The use of PCI-ISs is a very promising step toward an analytical platform free of matrix effect, which can make LC-MS analysis even more successful, adding a higher reliability in quantification to its intrinsic high sensitivity and selectivity.

Experimental Hydromechanical Characterization and Numerical Modelling of a Fractured and Porous Sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souley, Mountaka; Lopez, Philippe; Boulon, Marc; Thoraval, Alain

2015-05-01

The experimental device previously used to study the hydromechanical behaviour of individual fractures on a laboratory scale, was adapted to make it possible to measure flow through porous rock mass samples in addition to fracture flows. A first series of tests was performed to characterize the hydromechanical behaviour of the fracture individually as well as the porous matrix (sandstone) comprising the fracture walls. A third test in this series was used to validate the experimental approach. These tests showed non-linear evolution of the contact area on the fracture walls with respect to effective normal stress. Consequently, a non-linear relationship was noted between the hydraulic aperture on the one hand, and the effective normal stress and mechanical opening on the other hand. The results of the three tests were then analysed by numerical modelling. The VIPLEF/HYDREF numerical codes used take into account the dual-porosity of the sample (fracture + rock matrix) and can be used to reproduce hydromechanical loading accurately. The analyses show that the relationship between the hydraulic aperture of the fracture and the mechanical closure has a significant effect on fracture flow rate predictions. By taking simultaneous measurements of flow in both fracture and rock matrix, we were able to carry out a global evaluation of the conceptual approach used.

Chromatographic behavior of co-eluted plasma compounds and effect on screening of drugs by APCI-LC-MS(/MS): Applications to selected cardiovascular drugs.

PubMed

Tahboub, Yahya R

2014-12-01

Chromatographic behavior of co-eluted compounds from un-extracted drug-free plasma samples was studied by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS with positive APCI. Under soft gradient, total ion chromatogram (TIC) consisted of two major peaks separated by a constant lower intensity region. Early peak (0.15-0.4 min) belongs to polar plasma compounds and consisted of smaller mass ions ( m / z <250); late peak (3.6-4.6 min) belongs to thermally unstable phospholipids and consisted of fragments with m / z <300. Late peak is more sensitive to variations in chromatographic and MS parameters. Screening of most targeted cardiovascular drugs at levels lower than 50 ng/mL has been possible by LC-MS for drugs with retention factors larger than three. Matrix effects and recovery, at 20 and 200 ng/mL, were evaluated for spiked plasma samples with 15 cardiovascular drugs, by MRM-LC-MS/MS. Average recoveries were above 90% and matrix effects expressed as percent matrix factor (% MF) were above 100%, indicating enhancement character for APCI. Large uncertainties were significant for drugs with smaller masses ( m / z <250) and retention factors lower than two.

The effect of rotating magnetic field on the microstructure of in situ TiB2/Cu composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, C.; Kang, H.; Li, R.; Li, M.; Wang, W.; Chen, Z.; Wang, T.

2016-03-01

Nano ceramic particulate reinforced metal matrix composites are confronted with the problem of particle aggregation emerging in the process of solidification. It sharply deteriorates the mechanical properties of the composites. In order to improve the microstructure and particle distribution, in situ TiB2/Cu composites were prepared using Ti and Cu-B master alloys in a vacuum medium frequency induction furnace equipped with a rotating magnetic field (RMF). The effect of RMF magnetic field intensity employed on the microstructure and particles distribution of the TiB2/Cu composites were investigated. The results show that with the applied RMF, TiB2 particles are homogeneously distributed in the copper matrix, which significantly improves the mechanical properties of TiB2/Cu composites. The mechanism of RMF may be ascribed to the following two aspects. On the one hand, the electromagnetic body force generated by appropriate RMF drives forced convection in the equatorial plane of composite melt during solidification. On the other hand, a secondary flow in the meridional plane is engendered by a radial pressure gradient, thus making a strong agitation in the melt. These two effects result in a homogenous dispersion of TiB2 particles in the copper matrix, and hence excellent properties of TiB2/Cu composites were obtained.

Effects of chitosan-coated fibers as a scaffold for three-dimensional cultures of rabbit fibroblasts for ligament tissue engineering.

PubMed

Sarukawa, Junichiro; Takahashi, Masaaki; Abe, Masashi; Suzuki, Daisuke; Tokura, Seiichi; Furuike, Tetsuya; Tamura, Hiroshi

2011-01-01

Material selection in tissue-engineering scaffolds is one of the primary factors defining cellular response and matrix formation. In this study, we fabricated chitosan-coated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fiber scaffolds to test our hypothesis that PLA fibers coated with chitosan highly promoted cell supporting properties compared to those without chitosan. Both PLA fibers (PLA group) and chitosan-coated PLA fibers (PLA-chitosan group) were fabricated for this study. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fibroblasts were isolated from Japanese white rabbits and cultured on scaffolds consisting of each type of fiber. The effects of cell adhesivity, proliferation, and synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) for each fiber were analyzed by cell counting, hydroxyproline assay, scanning electron microscopy and quantitative RT-PCR. Cell adhesivity, proliferation, hydroxyproline content and the expression of type-I collagen mRNA were significantly higher in the PLA-chitosan group than in the PLA group. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that fibroblasts proliferated with a high level of ECM synthesis around the cells. Chitosan coating improved ACL fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, and had a positive effect on matrix production. Thus, the advantages of chitosan-coated PLA fibers show them to be a suitable biomaterial for ACL tissue-engineering scaffolds.

Effects of mold geometry on fiber orientation of powder injection molded metal matrix composites

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

Ahmad, Faiz, E-mail: faizahmad@petronas.com.my; Aslam, Muhammad, E-mail: klaira73@gmail.com; Altaf, Khurram, E-mail: khurram.altaf@petronas.com.my

2015-07-22

Fiber orientations in metal matrix composites have significant effect on improving tensile properties. Control of fiber orientations in metal injection molded metal composites is a difficult task. In this study, two mold cavities of dimensions 6x6x90 mm and 10x20x180 mm were used for comparison of fiber orientation in injection molded metal composites test parts. In both mold cavities, convergent and divergent flows were developed by modifying the sprue dimensions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the fiber orientations within the test samples. The results showed highly aligned fiber in injection molded test bars developed from the convergent melt flow. Randommore » orientation of fibers was noted in the composites test bars produced from divergent melt flow.« less

Elastic and piezoelectric fields around a quantum wire of zincblende heterostructures with interface elasticity effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Wei; Liu, Yifei

2018-04-01

This work formulates the solutions to the elastic and piezoelectric fields around a quantum wire (QWR) with interface elasticity effect. Closed-form solutions to the piezoelectric potential field of zincblende QWR/matrix heterostructures grown along [111] crystallographic orientation are found and numerical results of InAs/InP heterostructures are provided as an example. The piezoelectric potential in the matrix depends on the interface elasticity, the radius and stiffness of the QWR. Our results indicate that interface elasticity can significantly alter the elastic and piezoelectric fields near the interface. Additionally, when the elastic property of the QWR is considered to be anisotropic in contrary to the common isotropic assumption, piezoelectric potentials are found to be distinct near the interface, but the deviations are negligible at positions far away from the interface.

PLE in the analysis of plant compounds. Part I. The application of PLE for HPLC analysis of caffeine in green tea leaves.

PubMed

Dawidowicz, Andrzej L; Wianowska, Dorota

2005-04-29

A broad spectrum of sample preparation methods is currently used for the isolation of pharmacologically active compounds from plant and herbal materials. The paper compares the effectiveness of infusion, microwave assisted solvent extraction (MASE), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) as sample preparation methods for the isolation of caffeine from green tea leaves. The effect of PLE variables, such as extraction temperature, pressure and time, on the yield of caffeine from the investigated matrix is discussed. The obtained results revealed that PLE, in comparison with other sample preparation methods applied, has significantly lower efficacy for caffeine isolation from green tea leaves. The evaluation of PLE conditions leads to the conclusion that elevated pressure applied in the PLE process is the factor hindering the extraction.

Unripe Rubus coreanus Miquel suppresses migration and invasion of human prostate cancer cells by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression.

PubMed

Kim, Yesl; Lee, Seung Min; Kim, Jung-Hyun

2014-01-01

Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) is used to promote prostate health and has been shown to have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities. However, the effects and mechanisms of RCM on prostate cancer metastasis remain unclear. PC-3 and DU 145 cells were treated with ethanol or water extract of unripe or ripe RCM and examined for cell invasion, migration, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and expression. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt activities were examined. Unripe RCM extracts exerted significant inhibitory effects on cell migration, invasion, and MMPs activities. A significant reduction in MMPs activities by unripe RCM ethanol extract treatment (UE) was associated with reduction of MMPs expression and induction of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt activity was diminished by UE treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that UE decreased metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells by reducing MMPs expression through the suppression of PI3K/Akt phosphorylation, thereby decreasing MMP activity and enhancing TIMPs expression.

Effect of wood flour content on the optical color, surface chemistry, mechanical and morphological properties of wood flour/recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Chan Kok; Amin, Khairul Anuar Mat; Kee, Kwa Bee; Hassan, Mohd Faiz; Ali, E. Ghapur E.

2018-05-01

In this study, effect of wood flour content on the color, surface chemistry, mechanical properties and surface morphology of wood-plastic composite (WPC) on different mixture ratios of recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) and wood flour were investigated in detail. The presence of wood flour in the composite indicates a significant total color change and a decrease of lightness. Functional groups of wood flour in WPC can be seen clearer from the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra as the wood flour content increases. The mechanical tensile testing shows that the tensile strength of Young's modulus is improved, whereas the strain and elongation at break were reduced by the addition of wood flour. The gap between the wood flour microvoid fibre and rHDPE matrix becomes closer when the wood flour content is increased as observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) image. This finding implies a significant improvement on the interaction of interfacial adhesion between the rHDPE matrix and wood flour filler in the present WPC.

Matrix effects in pesticide multi-residue analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Kruve, Anneli; Künnapas, Allan; Herodes, Koit; Leito, Ivo

2008-04-11

Three sample preparation methods: Luke method (AOAC 985.22), QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) were applied to different fruits and vegetables for analysis of 14 pesticide residues by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI/MS). Matrix effect, recovery and process efficiency of the sample preparation methods applied to different fruits and vegetables were compared. The Luke method was found to produce least matrix effect. On an average the best recoveries were obtained with the QuEChERS method. MSPD gave unsatisfactory recoveries for some basic pesticide residues. Comparison of matrix effects for different apple varieties showed high variability for some residues. It was demonstrated that the amount of co-extracting compounds that cause ionization suppression of aldicarb depends on the apple variety as well as on the sample preparation method employed.

Assessment of a Three-Dimensional Line-of-Response Probability Density Function System Matrix for PET

PubMed Central

Yao, Rutao; Ramachandra, Ranjith M.; Mahajan, Neeraj; Rathod, Vinay; Gunasekar, Noel; Panse, Ashish; Ma, Tianyu; Jian, Yiqiang; Yan, Jianhua; Carson, Richard E.

2012-01-01

To achieve optimal PET image reconstruction through better system modeling, we developed a system matrix that is based on the probability density function for each line of response (LOR-PDF). The LOR-PDFs are grouped by LOR-to-detector incident angles to form a highly compact system matrix. The system matrix was implemented in the MOLAR list mode reconstruction algorithm for a small animal PET scanner. The impact of LOR-PDF on reconstructed image quality was assessed qualitatively as well as quantitatively in terms of contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) and coefficient of variance (COV), and its performance was compared with a fixed Gaussian (iso-Gaussian) line spread function. The LOR-PDFs of 3 coincidence signal emitting sources, 1) ideal positron emitter that emits perfect back-to-back γ rays (γγ) in air; 2) fluorine-18 (18F) nuclide in water; and 3) oxygen-15 (15O) nuclide in water, were derived, and assessed with simulated and experimental phantom data. The derived LOR-PDFs showed anisotropic and asymmetric characteristics dependent on LOR-detector angle, coincidence emitting source, and the medium, consistent with common PET physical principles. The comparison of the iso-Gaussian function and LOR-PDF showed that: 1) without positron range and acolinearity effects, the LOR-PDF achieved better or similar trade-offs of contrast recovery and noise for objects of 4-mm radius or larger, and this advantage extended to smaller objects (e.g. 2-mm radius sphere, 0.6-mm radius hot-rods) at higher iteration numbers; and 2) with positron range and acolinearity effects, the iso-Gaussian achieved similar or better resolution recovery depending on the significance of positron range effect. We conclude that the 3-D LOR-PDF approach is an effective method to generate an accurate and compact system matrix. However, when used directly in expectation-maximization based list-mode iterative reconstruction algorithms such as MOLAR, its superiority is not clear. For this application, using an iso-Gaussian function in MOLAR is a simple but effective technique for PET reconstruction. PMID:23032702

Multimedia Matrix: A Cognitive Strategy for Designers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherry, Annette C.

This instructional development project evaluates the effect of a matrix-based strategy to assist multimedia authors in acquiring and applying principles for effective multimedia design. The Multimedia Matrix, based on the Park and Hannafin "Twenty Principles and Implications for Interactive Multimedia" design, displays a condensed…

Marine structure derived calcium phosphate-polymer biocomposites for local antibiotic delivery.

PubMed

Macha, Innocent J; Cazalbou, Sophie; Ben-Nissan, Besim; Harvey, Kate L; Milthorpe, Bruce

2015-01-20

Hydrothermally converted coralline hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles loaded with medically active substances were used to develop polylactic acid (PLA) thin film composites for slow drug delivery systems. The effects of HAp particles within PLA matrix on the gentamicin (GM) release and release kinetics were studied. The gentamicin release kinetics seemed to follow Power law Korsmeyer Peppas model with mainly diffusional process with a number of different drug transport mechanisms. Statistical analysis shows very significant difference on the release of gentamicin between GM containing PLA (PLAGM) and GM containing HAp microspheres within PLA matrix (PLAHApGM) devices, which PLAHApGM displays lower release rates. The use of HAp particles improved drug stabilization and higher drug encapsulation efficiency of the carrier. HAp is also the source of Ca2+ for the regeneration and repair of diseased bone tissue. The release profiles, exhibited a steady state release rate with significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (SH1000) even at high concentration of bacteria. The devices also indicated significant ability to control the growth of bacterial even after four weeks of drug release. Clinical release profiles can be easily tuned from drug-HAp physicochemical interactions and degradation kinetics of polymer matrix. The developed systems could be applied to prevent microbial adhesion to medical implant surfaces and to treat infections mainly caused by S. aureus in surgery.

Marine Structure Derived Calcium Phosphate–Polymer Biocomposites for Local Antibiotic Delivery

PubMed Central

Macha, Innocent J.; Cazalbou, Sophie; Ben-Nissan, Besim; Harvey, Kate L.; Milthorpe, Bruce

2015-01-01

Hydrothermally converted coralline hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles loaded with medically active substances were used to develop polylactic acid (PLA) thin film composites for slow drug delivery systems. The effects of HAp particles within PLA matrix on the gentamicin (GM) release and release kinetics were studied. The gentamicin release kinetics seemed to follow Power law Korsmeyer Peppas model with mainly diffusional process with a number of different drug transport mechanisms. Statistical analysis shows very significant difference on the release of gentamicin between GM containing PLA (PLAGM) and GM containing HAp microspheres within PLA matrix (PLAHApGM) devices, which PLAHApGM displays lower release rates. The use of HAp particles improved drug stabilization and higher drug encapsulation efficiency of the carrier. HAp is also the source of Ca2+ for the regeneration and repair of diseased bone tissue. The release profiles, exhibited a steady state release rate with significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (SH1000) even at high concentration of bacteria. The devices also indicated significant ability to control the growth of bacterial even after four weeks of drug release. Clinical release profiles can be easily tuned from drug-HAp physicochemical interactions and degradation kinetics of polymer matrix. The developed systems could be applied to prevent microbial adhesion to medical implant surfaces and to treat infections mainly caused by S. aureus in surgery. PMID:25608725

Passive mechanical properties of rat abdominal wall muscles suggest an important role of the extracellular connective tissue matrix.

PubMed

Brown, Stephen H M; Carr, John Austin; Ward, Samuel R; Lieber, Richard L

2012-08-01

Abdominal wall muscles have a unique morphology suggesting a complex role in generating and transferring force to the spinal column. Studying passive mechanical properties of these muscles may provide insights into their ability to transfer force among structures. Biopsies from rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were harvested from male Sprague-Dawley rats, and single muscle fibers and fiber bundles (4-8 fibers ensheathed in their connective tissue matrix) were isolated and mechanically stretched in a passive state. Slack sarcomere lengths were measured and elastic moduli were calculated from stress-strain data. Titin molecular mass was also measured from single muscle fibers. No significant differences were found among the four abdominal wall muscles in terms of slack sarcomere length or elastic modulus. Interestingly, across all four muscles, slack sarcomere lengths were quite long in individual muscle fibers (>2.4 µm), and demonstrated a significantly longer slack length in comparison to fiber bundles (p < 0.0001). Also, the extracellular connective tissue matrix provided a stiffening effect and enhanced the resistance to lengthening at long muscle lengths. Titin molecular mass was significantly less in TrA compared to each of the other three muscles (p < 0.0009), but this difference did not correspond to hypothesized differences in stiffness. Copyright © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society.

Enamel Matrix Derivative Promotes Healing of a Surgical Wound in the Rat Oral Mucosa.

PubMed

Maymon-Gil, Tal; Weinberg, Evgeny; Nemcovsky, Carlos; Weinreb, Miron

2016-05-01

Enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) play a role in enamel formation and the development of the periodontium. Sporadic clinical observations of periodontal regeneration treatments with enamel matrix derivative (EMD), a commercial formulation of EMPs, suggest that it also promotes post-surgical healing of soft tissues. In vitro studies showed that EMD stimulates various cellular effects, which could potentially enhance wound healing. This study examines the in vivo effects of EMD on healing of an oral mucosa surgical wound in rats. A bilateral oral mucosa wound was created via a crestal incision in the anterior edentulous maxilla of Sprague-Dawley rats. Full-thickness flaps were raised, and, after suturing, EMD was injected underneath the soft tissues on one side, whereas the EMD vehicle was injected in the contralateral side. Animals were sacrificed after 5 or 9 days, and the wound area was subjected to histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of the epithelial gap, number of macrophages, blood vessels, proliferating cells, and collagen content in the connective tissue (CT). Gene expression analysis was also conducted 2 days post-surgery. EMD had no effect on the epithelial gap of the wound. On both days 5 and 9, EMD treatment increased significantly the number of blood vessels and the collagen content. EMD also enhanced (by 20% to 40%) the expression of transforming growth factors β1 and β2, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-1, versican, and fibronectin. EMD improves oral mucosa incisional wound healing by promoting formation of blood vessels and collagen fibers in CT.

The Effects of Fiber Surface Modification and Thermal Aging on Composite Toughness And its Measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, Kenneth J.; Madhukar, Madhu; Papadopoulos, Demetrios; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda

1997-01-01

A detailed experimental study was conducted to establish the structure-property relationships between elevated temperature aging and (I) fiber-matrix bonding, (2) Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness, and (3) failure modes of carbon fiber/PMR-15 composites. The fiber-matrix adhesion was varied by using carbon fibers with different surface treatments. Short beam shear tests were used to quantify the interfacial shear strength afforded by the use of the different fiber surface treatments. The results of the short beam shear tests definitely showed that, for aging times up to 1000 hr, the aging process caused no observable changes in the bulk of the three composite materials that---would degrade the shear properties of the material. Comparisons between the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) measured by the short beam shear tests and the GII c test results, as measured by the ENF test, indicated that the differences in the surface treatments significantly affected the fracture properties while the effect of the aging process was probably limited to changes at the starter crack tip. The fracture properties changed due to a shift in the fracture from an interfacial failure to a failure within the matrix when the fiber was changed from AU-4 to AS-4 or AS-4G. There appears to be an effect of the fiber/matrix bonding on the thermo-oxidative stability of the composites that were tested. The low bonding afforded by the AU-4 fiber resulted in weight losses about twice those experienced by the AS-4 reinforced composites, the ones with the best TOS.

The Effects of Fiber Surface Modification and Thermal Aging on Composite Toughness and Its Measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, Kenneth J.; Madhukar, Madhu; Papadopolous, Demetrios S.; Inghram, Linda; Mccorkle, Linda

1995-01-01

A detailed experimental study was conducted to establish the structure-property relationships between elevated temperature aging and fiber-matrix bonding, Mode 2 interlaminar fracture toughness, and failure modes of carbon fiber/PMR-15 composites. The fiber-matrix adhesion was varied by using carbon fibers with different surface treatments. Short beam shear tests were used to quantify the interfacial shear strength afforded by the use of the different fiber surface treatments. The results of the short beam shear tests showed that, for times up to 1000 hr, the aging process caused no changes in the bulk of the three composite materials that would degrade the shear properties of the material. Comparisons between the interlaminar shear strengths (ILSS) measured by the short beam shear tests and the GIIC test results, as measured by the ENF test, indicated that the differences in the surface treatments significantly affected the fracture properties while the effect of the aging process was probably limited to changes at the starter crack tip. The fracture properties changed due to a shift in the fracture from an interfacial failure to a failure within the matrix when the fiber was changed from AU-4 to AS-4 or AS-4G. There appears to be an effect of the fiber/matrix bonding on the thermo-oxidative stability of the composites that were tested. The low bonding afforded by the AU 1 fiber resulted in weight losses about twice those experienced by the AS 1 reinforced composites, the ones with the best TOS.

CERA Attenuates Kidney Fibrogenesis in the db/db Mouse by Influencing the Renal Myofibroblast Generation

PubMed Central

Fischer, Christin; Deininger, Natalie; Wolf, Gunter; Loeffler, Ivonne

2018-01-01

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is a pivotal pathophysiological process in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Multiple profibrotic factors and cell types, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interstitial myofibroblasts, respectively, are responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the kidney. Matrix-producing myofibroblasts can originate from different sources and different mechanisms are involved in the activation process of the myofibroblasts in the fibrotic kidney. In this study, 16-week-old db/db mice, a model for type 2 DN, were treated for two weeks with continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), a synthetic erythropoietin variant with possible non-hematopoietic, tissue-protective effects. Non-diabetic and diabetic mice treated with placebo were used as controls. The effects of CERA on tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) as well as on the generation of the matrix-producing myofibroblasts were evaluated by morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological methods. The placebo-treated diabetic mice showed significant signs of beginning renal TIF (shown by picrosirius red staining; increased connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin and collagen I deposition; upregulated KIM1 expression) together with an increased number of interstitial myofibroblasts (shown by different mesenchymal markers), while kidneys from diabetic mice treated with CERA revealed less TIF and fewer myofibroblasts. The mechanisms, in which CERA acts as an anti-fibrotic agent/drug, seem to be multifaceted: first, CERA inhibits the generation of matrix-producing myofibroblasts and second, CERA increases the ability for tissue repair. Many of these CERA effects can be explained by the finding that CERA inhibits the renal expression of the cytokine TGF-β1. PMID:29385703

CERA Attenuates Kidney Fibrogenesis in the db/db Mouse by Influencing the Renal Myofibroblast Generation.

PubMed

Fischer, Christin; Deininger, Natalie; Wolf, Gunter; Loeffler, Ivonne

2018-01-30

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is a pivotal pathophysiological process in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Multiple profibrotic factors and cell types, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interstitial myofibroblasts, respectively, are responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the kidney. Matrix-producing myofibroblasts can originate from different sources and different mechanisms are involved in the activation process of the myofibroblasts in the fibrotic kidney. In this study, 16-week-old db / db mice, a model for type 2 DN, were treated for two weeks with continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), a synthetic erythropoietin variant with possible non-hematopoietic, tissue-protective effects. Non-diabetic and diabetic mice treated with placebo were used as controls. The effects of CERA on tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) as well as on the generation of the matrix-producing myofibroblasts were evaluated by morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological methods. The placebo-treated diabetic mice showed significant signs of beginning renal TIF (shown by picrosirius red staining; increased connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin and collagen I deposition; upregulated KIM1 expression) together with an increased number of interstitial myofibroblasts (shown by different mesenchymal markers), while kidneys from diabetic mice treated with CERA revealed less TIF and fewer myofibroblasts. The mechanisms, in which CERA acts as an anti-fibrotic agent/drug, seem to be multifaceted: first, CERA inhibits the generation of matrix-producing myofibroblasts and second, CERA increases the ability for tissue repair. Many of these CERA effects can be explained by the finding that CERA inhibits the renal expression of the cytokine TGF-β1.

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles dispersed in a highly porous silica aerogel matrix: a magnetic study.

PubMed

Bullita, S; Casu, A; Casula, M F; Concas, G; Congiu, F; Corrias, A; Falqui, A; Loche, D; Marras, C

2014-03-14

We report the detailed structural characterization and magnetic investigation of nanocrystalline zinc ferrite nanoparticles supported on a silica aerogel porous matrix which differ in size (in the range 4-11 nm) and the inversion degree (from 0.4 to 0.2) as compared to bulk zinc ferrite which has a normal spinel structure. The samples were investigated by zero-field-cooling-field-cooling, thermo-remnant DC magnetization measurements, AC magnetization investigation and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The nanocomposites are superparamagnetic at room temperature; the temperature of the superparamagnetic transition in the samples decreases with the particle size and therefore it is mainly determined by the inversion degree rather than by the particle size, which would give an opposite effect on the blocking temperature. The contribution of particle interaction to the magnetic behavior of the nanocomposites decreases significantly in the sample with the largest particle size. The values of the anisotropy constant give evidence that the anisotropy constant decreases upon increasing the particle size of the samples. All these results clearly indicate that, even when dispersed with low concentration in a non-magnetic and highly porous and insulating matrix, the zinc ferrite nanoparticles show a magnetic behavior similar to that displayed when they are unsupported or dispersed in a similar but denser matrix, and with higher loading. The effective anisotropy measured for our samples appears to be systematically higher than that measured for supported zinc ferrite nanoparticles of similar size, indicating that this effect probably occurs as a consequence of the high inversion degree.

Heterogeneous effects of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases on cardiac fibroblasts.

PubMed

Lovelock, Joshua D; Baker, Andrew H; Gao, Feng; Dong, Jing-Fei; Bergeron, Angela L; McPheat, Willie; Sivasubramanian, Natarajan; Mann, Douglas L

2005-02-01

The balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), plays a critical role in cardiac remodeling. Although a number of studies have characterized the pathophysiological role of MMPs in the heart, very little is known with respect to the role of TIMPs in the heart. To delineate the role of TIMPs in the heart we examined the effects of adenovirus-mediated overexpression of TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 in cardiac fibroblasts. Infection of cardiac fibroblasts with adenoviral constructs containing human recombinant TIMP (AdTIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4) provoked a significant (P < 0.0001) 1.3-fold in increase in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Similarly, treatment of cardiac fibroblasts with AdTIMP-1-, -2-, -3-, and -4-conditioned medium led to a 1.2-fold increase in BrdU incorporation (P < 0.0001) that was abolished by pretreatment with anti-TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 antibodies. The effects of TIMPs were not mimicked by treating the cells with RS-130830, a broad-based MMP inhibitor, suggesting that the effects of TIMPs were independent of their ability to inhibit MMPs. Infection with AdTIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 led to a significant increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin staining, consistent with TIMP-induced phenotypic differentiation into myofibroblasts. Finally, infection with AdTIMP-2 resulted in a significant increase in collagen synthesis, whereas infection with AdTIMP-3 resulted in a significant increase in fibroblast apoptosis. TIMPs exert overlapping as well as diverse effects on isolated cardiac fibroblasts. The observation that TIMPs stimulate fibroblast proliferation as well as phenotypic differentiation into myofibroblasts suggests that TIMPs may play an important role in tissue repair in the heart that extends beyond their traditional role as MMP inhibitors.

Doxycycline Stabilizes Vulnerable Plaque via Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinases and Attenuating Inflammation in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Dong, Mei; Zhong, Lin; Chen, Wen Qiang; Ji, Xiao Ping; Zhang, Mei; Zhao, Yu Xia; Li, Li; Yao, Gui Hua; Zhang, Peng Fei; Zhang, Cheng; Zhang, Lei; Zhang, Yun

2012-01-01

Enhanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity is implicated in the process of atherosclerotic plaque instability. We hypothesized that doxycycline, a broad MMPs inhibitor, was as effective as simvastatin in reducing the incidence of plaque disruption. Thirty rabbits underwent aortic balloon injury and were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks. At the end of week 8, the rabbits were divided into three groups for 12-week treatment: a doxycycline-treated group that received oral doxycycline at a dose of 10 mg/kg/d, a simvastatin-treated group that received oral simvastatin at a dose of 5 mg/kg/d, and a control group that received no treatment. At the end of week 20, pharmacological triggering was performed to induce plaque rupture. Biochemical, ultrasonographic, pathologic, immunohistochemical and mRNA expression studies were performed. The results showed that oral administration of doxycycline resulted in a significant increase in the thickness of the fibrous cap of the aortic plaque whereas there was a substantial reduction of MMPs expression, local and systemic inflammation, and aortic plaque vulnerability. The incidence of plaque rupture with either treatment (0% for both) was significantly lower than that for controls (56.0%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between doxycycline-treated group and simvastatin-treated group in any serological, ultrasonographic, pathologic, immunohistochemical and mRNA expression measurement except for the serum lipid levels that were higher with doxycycline than with simvastatin treatment. In conclusion, doxycycline at a common antimicrobial dose stabilizes atherosclerotic lesions via inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases and attenuating inflammation in a rabbit model of vulnerable plaque. These effects were similar to a large dose of simvastatin and independent of serum lipid levels. PMID:22737253

A comparative study of root coverage using two different acellular dermal matrix products.

PubMed

Barker, Thomas S; Cueva, Marco A; Rivera-Hidalgo, Francisco; Beach, M Miles; Rossmann, Jeffrey A; Kerns, David G; Crump, T Bradley; Shulman, Jay D

2010-11-01

Gingival recession remains an important problem in dental esthetics. A new dermal matrix material has been introduced, but its effectiveness has not been studied and compared to current dermal matrix material. The aim of this study is to compare the healing associated with a coronally advanced flap for root coverage in areas of localized tissue recession when using Alloderm (ADM) and Puros Dermis (PDM). A split-mouth design was used for this study, with 52 contralateral sites in 14 patients with Miller Class I or III facial tissue recession. Twenty-six sites were treated with coronally advanced flap using PDM, and 26 sites were treated with coronally advanced flap using ADM, all followed for 6 months. Clinical measurements of vertical recession, keratinized tissue, probing depths, and attachment levels were made initially, at 3 months, and at 6 months. Both groups had significant improvement in the amount of recession coverage with means of 2.83 mm for the PDM and 3.13 mm for the ADM. The percentage of root coverage was 81.4% for the PDM and 83.4% for the ADM; differences between the materials were not statistically significant. Based on the results of this study, there was no statistical or clinical difference in the amount of root coverage, probing depth, or keratinized tissue in coronally advanced flaps for root coverage with either of the two acellular dermal matrix materials. Both materials were successful in achieving root coverage.

Effects of calibration methods on quantitative material decomposition in photon-counting spectral computed tomography using a maximum a posteriori estimator.

PubMed

Curtis, Tyler E; Roeder, Ryan K

2017-10-01

Advances in photon-counting detectors have enabled quantitative material decomposition using multi-energy or spectral computed tomography (CT). Supervised methods for material decomposition utilize an estimated attenuation for each material of interest at each photon energy level, which must be calibrated based upon calculated or measured values for known compositions. Measurements using a calibration phantom can advantageously account for system-specific noise, but the effect of calibration methods on the material basis matrix and subsequent quantitative material decomposition has not been experimentally investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the range and number of contrast agent concentrations within a modular calibration phantom on the accuracy of quantitative material decomposition in the image domain. Gadolinium was chosen as a model contrast agent in imaging phantoms, which also contained bone tissue and water as negative controls. The maximum gadolinium concentration (30, 60, and 90 mM) and total number of concentrations (2, 4, and 7) were independently varied to systematically investigate effects of the material basis matrix and scaling factor calibration on the quantitative (root mean squared error, RMSE) and spatial (sensitivity and specificity) accuracy of material decomposition. Images of calibration and sample phantoms were acquired using a commercially available photon-counting spectral micro-CT system with five energy bins selected to normalize photon counts and leverage the contrast agent k-edge. Material decomposition of gadolinium, calcium, and water was performed for each calibration method using a maximum a posteriori estimator. Both the quantitative and spatial accuracy of material decomposition were most improved by using an increased maximum gadolinium concentration (range) in the basis matrix calibration; the effects of using a greater number of concentrations were relatively small in magnitude by comparison. The material basis matrix calibration was more sensitive to changes in the calibration methods than the scaling factor calibration. The material basis matrix calibration significantly influenced both the quantitative and spatial accuracy of material decomposition, while the scaling factor calibration influenced quantitative but not spatial accuracy. Importantly, the median RMSE of material decomposition was as low as ~1.5 mM (~0.24 mg/mL gadolinium), which was similar in magnitude to that measured by optical spectroscopy on the same samples. The accuracy of quantitative material decomposition in photon-counting spectral CT was significantly influenced by calibration methods which must therefore be carefully considered for the intended diagnostic imaging application. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Biodegradability of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites under aerobic mixed culture conditions.

PubMed

Phan, Duc C; Goodwin, David G; Frank, Benjamin P; Bouwer, Edward J; Fairbrother, D Howard

2018-10-15

The properties and commercial viability of biodegradable polymers can be significantly enhanced by the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The environmental impact and persistence of these carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites (CNT/PNCs) after disposal will be strongly influenced by their microbial interactions, including their biodegradation rates. At the end of consumer use, CNT/PNCs will encounter diverse communities of microorganisms in landfills, surface waters, and wastewater treatment plants. To explore CNT/PNC biodegradation under realistic environmental conditions, the effect of multi-wall CNT (MWCNT) incorporation on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) was investigated using a mixed culture of microorganisms from wastewater. Relative to unfilled PHA (0% w/w), the MWCNT loading (0.5-10% w/w) had no statistically significant effect on the rate of PHA matrix biodegradation. Independent of the MWCNT loading, the extent of CNT/PNC mass remaining closely corresponded to the initial mass of CNTs in the matrix suggesting a lack of CNT release. CNT/PNC biodegradation was complete in approximately 20 days and resulted in the formation of a compressed CNT mat that retained the shape of the initial CNT/PNC. This study suggests that although CNTs have been shown to be cytotoxic towards a range of different microorganisms, this does not necessarily impact the biodegradation of the surrounding polymer matrix in mixed culture, particularly in situations where the polymer type and/or microbial population favor rapid polymer biodegradation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the interaction of copper(II) oxide and electron beam irradiation crosslinkable polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bee, Soo-Tueen; Sin, Lee Tin; Ratnam, C. T.; Haraveen, K. J. S.; Tee, Tiam-Ting; Rahmat, A. R.

2015-10-01

In this study, the effects of electron beam irradiation on the properties of copper(II) oxide when added to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends were investigated. It was found that the addition of low loading level of copper(II) oxide (⩽2 phr) to LDPE results in significantly poorer gel content and hot set results. However, the incorporation of higher loading level of copper(II) oxide (⩾3 phr) could slightly increase the degree of crosslinking in all irradiated LDPE composites. This is due to the fact that higher amounts of copper(II) oxide could slightly induce the formation of free radicals in LDPE matrix. Besides, increasing irradiation doses was also found to gradually increase the gel content of LDPE composites by generating higher amounts of free radicals. As a consequence, these higher amounts of free radicals released in the LDPE matrix could significantly increase the degree of crosslinking. The addition of copper(II) oxide could reduce the tensile strength and fracture strain (elongation at break) of LDPE composites because of poorer interfacial adhesion effect between copper(II) oxide particles and LDPE matrix. Meanwhile, increasing irradiation doses on all copper(II) oxide added LDPE composites could marginally increase the tensile strength. In addition, increasing irradiation dose could enhance the thermal stability of LDPE composites by increasing the decomposition temperature. The oxidation induction time (OIT) analysis showed that, because of the crosslinking network in the copper(II) oxide added LDPE composites, oxidation reaction is much delayed.

Matrix suppression as a guideline for reliable quantification of peptides by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization.

PubMed

Ahn, Sung Hee; Bae, Yong Jin; Moon, Jeong Hee; Kim, Myung Soo

2013-09-17

We propose to divide matrix suppression in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization into two parts, normal and anomalous. In quantification of peptides, the normal effect can be accounted for by constructing the calibration curve in the form of peptide-to-matrix ion abundance ratio versus concentration. The anomalous effect forbids reliable quantification and is noticeable when matrix suppression is larger than 70%. With this 70% rule, matrix suppression becomes a guideline for reliable quantification, rather than a nuisance. A peptide in a complex mixture can be quantified even in the presence of large amounts of contaminants, as long as matrix suppression is below 70%. The theoretical basis for the quantification method using a peptide as an internal standard is presented together with its weaknesses. A systematic method to improve quantification of high concentration analytes has also been developed.

Bioavailability of epicatechin and effects on nitric oxide metabolites of an apple flavanol-rich extract supplemented beverage compared to a whole apple puree: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

PubMed

Hollands, Wendy J; Hart, David J; Dainty, Jack R; Hasselwander, Oliver; Tiihonen, Kirsti; Wood, Richard; Kroon, Paul A

2013-07-01

Flavanol-rich foods are known to exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The biological effects depend on bioavailability of flavanols which may be influenced by food matrix and dose ingested. We compared the bioavailability and dose-response of epicatechin from whole apple and an epicatechin-rich extract, and the effects on plasma and urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, subjects consumed drinks containing 70 and 140 mg epicatechin from an apple extract and an apple puree containing 70 mg epicatechin. Blood and urine samples were collected for 24 h post ingestion. Maximum plasma concentration, AUC(0-24 h) , absorption and urinary excretion were all significantly higher after ingestion of both epicatechin drinks compared with apple puree (p < 0.05). Time to maximum plasma concentration was significantly later for the puree compared with the drinks (p < 0.01). Epicatechin bioavailability was >2-fold higher after ingestion of the 140 mg epicatechin drink compared to the 70 mg epicatechin drink (p < 0.05). Excretion of NO metabolites was higher for all test products compared with placebo, which was significant for the high dose drink (p = 0.016). Oral bioavailability of apple epicatechin increases at higher doses, is reduced by whole apple matrix and has the potential to increase NO bioavailability. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Distinct effects of glucose and glucosamine on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells: Evidence for a protective role for glucosamine in atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Duan, Wenlan; Paka, Latha; Pillarisetti, Sivaram

2005-01-01

Accelerated atherosclerosis is one of the major vascular complications of diabetes. Factors including hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia may contribute to accelerated vascular disease. Among the several mechanisms proposed to explain the link between hyperglycemia and vascular dysfunction is the hexosamine pathway, where glucose is converted to glucosamine. Although some animal experiments suggest that glucosamine may mediate insulin resistance, it is not clear whether glucosamine is the mediator of vascular complications associated with hyperglycemia. Several processes may contribute to diabetic atherosclerosis including decreased vascular heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), increased endothelial permeability and increased smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. In this study, we determined the effects of glucose and glucosamine on endothelial cells and SMCs in vitro and on atherosclerosis in apoE null mice. Incubation of endothelial cells with glucosamine, but not glucose, significantly increased matrix HSPG (perlecan) containing heparin-like sequences. Increased HSPG in endothelial cells was associated with decreased protein transport across endothelial cell monolayers and decreased monocyte binding to subendothelial matrix. Glucose increased SMC proliferation, whereas glucosamine significantly inhibited SMC growth. The antiproliferative effect of glucosamine was mediated via induction of perlecan HSPG. We tested if glucosamine affects atherosclerosis development in apoE-null mice. Glucosamine significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion in aortic root. (P < 0.05) These data suggest that macrovascular disease associated with hyperglycemia is unlikely due to glucosamine. In fact, glucosamine by increasing HSPG showed atheroprotective effects. PMID:16207378