The energetics of helium and hydrogen atoms in β-SiC: an ab initio approach

Silicon carbide is a prime candidate for plasma-facing materials in future fusion reactors. The formation energies of various interstitial configurations of helium and hydrogen atoms in β-SiC were estimated based on density functional theory. Special consideration was given to the helium and hydrogen interstitials as the bubble seeds in β-SiC. From an energetic point of view, only one helium atom could position itself into the tetrahedral sites. However, up to three hydrogen atoms could easily position themselves into the tetrahedral sites by forming a stable H₂ molecule or a 3H-trimer that was newly identified in this study. Based on the different behaviors of helium and hydrogen, an explanation is proposed for the experimental observations of bubble formation in irradiated β-SiC.     

Study of inclusion complex formation between chlorpromazine hydrochloride,as an antiemetic drug,and β-cyclodextrin,using conductometric technique

The behavior of micellization of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPH) as an antiemetic drug and its inclusion complex formation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was studied using conductometric technique. The binding or association constant of the complexation equilibrium is evaluated from conductometric measurements by using a nonlinear regression method. The resulting K values for micellization as well as complexation are analyzed. The experiments were carried out at different temperatures. It has been found that CPH form only the 1:1 complex. The association constant values are used for evaluation of thermodynamic parameters of complexation, such as ΔG_complex°, ΔH_complex° and ΔS_complex°.     

Effect of surface etching on interphase and elastic properties of a biocomposite reinforced using glass–silica particles

Biopolymer based composites are designed using glass–silica reinforcement. Surface etching of spherical glass–silica particles is performed using chemical and physical treatments. In particular, treatment with hydrofluoric acid proved to be efficient to achieve acceptable anchoring effect. Experimental testing of thermomoulded composites confirms that samples with chemically modified microbeads have improved mechanical properties, irrespective of phase content. A quantitative evaluation of the improvement of the starch/glass–silica interphase properties is achieved using a finite element model. Generation of typical microstructures is used to simulate phase arrangement and interphase properties. Microstructures are meshed taking into account the interphase region. Finite element results indicate that for all samples, interphase Young’s modulus is lower than those of the intrinsic materials. The thickness weighted interface modulus increases for composites where the mechanical adhesion is improved using HF chemical treatment.     

High-speed measurement of three-dimensional surface profiles up to 10 μm using two-wavelength phase-shifting interferometry utilizing an injection locking technique

High-speed two-wavelength phase-shifting interferometry is presented. The technique is aimed at high-speed in-line inspection of spacers in liquid crystal display panels or wafer bumps where the measuring range is well determined and high-speed measurements are essential. With our test setup, the measuring range is extended to 10 μm by using two injection locked frequency scanning lasers that offer fast and equidistant phase shifting of interference fringes. A technique to determine the unwrapped phase map in a frequency scanning phase-shifting interferometry without the ordinary phase-unwrapping process is proposed.     

Distribution of α-AlFeSi and β-AlFeSi particles in surface layer of AA6063 alloy billets after heat treatment

We developed the EPMA mapping method of small -AlFeSi(Al_8.3Fe₂Si) and -AlFeSi(Al_8.9Fe₂Si₂) particles in the billets of Al-Mg-Si alloys such as AA6063 alloys. To discriminate between -AlFeSi and -AlFeSi particles we used the relative X-ray intensities of Fe/Si ratio, the I _Fe/I _Si ratio, instead of the Fe/Si mass ratio. To obtain the I _Fe/I _Si ratio, we used a Monte Carlo method. In this study, using this method the mapping of -AlFeSi and -AlFeSi particles in the surface layer of AA6063 billets after the heat treatment (for 2 h at 580°C) was done. Namely, the distribution of -AlFeSi and -AlFeSi particles of zones from the billet surface to a depth of 800 m was measured. Results showed the zone from the surface to a depth of 200 m was occupied mainly by -AlFeSi particles and the zone from a depth of 200 m toward the center was occupied mainly by -AlFeSi particles. From these results, it was found that if we remove zones from the surface to a depth of 200 m, we can remove the majority of the -AlFeSi particles, and thus improve the quality of anodizing performance of Al-Mg-Si alloys extrusions.     

Laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption mass spectrometry: an approach to precisely monitor the oligomerization of the β-amyloid peptide

In the present work, the recently developed laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption mass spectrometry (LILBID MS) is applied as a novel technique to study Aβ oligomerization, thought to be crucial in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The characterization of the earliest nucleation events of this peptide necessitates the application of several techniques to bridge the gap between small oligomers and large fibrils. We precisely monitored in time the transformation of monomeric Aβ (1-42) into oligomeric Aβ(n) (n < 20) and its dependence on concentration and agitation. The distribution shows signs of the hexamer being crucial in the assembly process. The intensity of the monomer decreases in time with a time constant of about 9 h. After a lag time of around 10 h, a phase transition occurred in which the total ion current of the oligomers goes to nearly zero. In this late stage of aggregation, protofibrils are formed and mass spectrometry is no longer sensitive. Here fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are complementary tools for detection and size characterization of these large species. We also utilized the oligomers of Aβ (1-42) as a model of the corresponding in vivo process to screen the efficacy and specificity of small molecule inhibitors of oligomerization. The LILBID results are in excellent agreement with condensed phase behavior determined in other studies. Our data identified LILBID MS as a powerful technique that will advance the understanding of peptide oligomerization in neurodegenerative diseases and represents a powerful tool for the identification of small oligomerization inhibitors.     

Combination of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for photostability and enhanced oral bioavailability of methotrexate: novel technique

In the present study, we prepared an inclusion complex of methotrexate (MTX) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in order to decrease its photosensitivity and enhance its aqueous solubility. Then we incorporated this inclusion complex in a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) overall to increase its oral bioavailability. The inclusion complex has been prepared by freeze drying method and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy assays. The proper molecular ratio of MTX/β-CD was found to be of 1:7, and the water-solubility of MTX was increased in an average of 10-fold. The photostability studies showed that the MTX became stable on exposure to light. Construction of pseudoternary diagrams were investigated to prepare a MTX/β-CD inclusion complex loaded SMEDDS which was characterized by measuring the particle size and the zeta-potential. The optimum formulation of SMEDDS was a system consisting of ethyl oleate, tween 80, and propylene glycol with a mean droplet size of 39.42?nm. In vitro drug release in different pH media showed that the release profile of MTX from the MTX/β-CD loaded SMEDDS was influenced by the pH of the release medium and presented the characteristics of a sustained release profile. Finally, in-vivo studies showed an enhancement of the bioavailability of MTX from the MTX/β-CD loaded SMEDDS form of 1.57-fold. We concluded that the β-CD inclusion complex loaded SMEDDS improved the chemical and physiological properties of MTX and could be a promising means for the delivery of MTX and other unstable and lipophilic drugs by oral route.     

Co-delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs by micelles: a new approach using drug conjugated PEG–PCLNanoparticles

Co-delivery strategy has been proposed to minimize the amount of each drug and to achieve the synergistic effect for cancer therapies. A conjugate of the antitumor drug, doxorubicin, with diblock methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly caprolactone (mPEG-PCL) copolymer was synthesized by the reaction of mPEG–PCL copolymer with doxorubicin in the presence of p-nitrophenylchloroformate. The conjugated copolymer was characterized in vitro by ¹H-NMR, FTIR, DSC and GPC techniques. Then, the doxorubicin conjugated mPEG–PCL(DOX–mPEG-PCL) was self-assembled into micelles in the presence of curcumin in aqueous solution. The resulting micelles were characterized further by various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).The encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin and curcumin were 82.31?±?3.32 and 78.15?±?3.14%, respectively. The results revealed that the micelles formed by the DOX–mPEG-PCL with and without curcumin have spherical structure with average size of 116 and 134?nm respectively. The release behavior of curcumin and doxorubicin loaded to micelles were investigated in a different media. The release rate of micelles consisted of the conjugated copolymer was pH dependent as it was higher at lower pH than in neutral condition. Another feature of the conjugated micelles was a sustained release profile. The cytotoxicity of micelles were evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, atetrazole) assay on lung cancer A549 cell lines. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the mPEG–PCL copolymer did not affect the growth of A549 cells. The cytotoxic activity of the micelles against A549 cells was greater than free doxorubicin and free curcumin.     

Experimental comparison of autodyne and heterodyne laser interferometry using an Nd:YVO₄ microchip laser

Using an Nd:YVO? microchip laser with a relaxation frequency in the megahertz range, we have experimentally compared a heterodyne interferometer based on a Michelson configuration with an autodyne interferometer based on the laser optical feedback imaging (LOFI) method regarding their signal-to-noise ratios. In the heterodyne configuration, the beating between the reference beam and the signal beam is realized outside the laser cavity, while in the autodyne configuration, the wave beating takes place inside the laser cavity, and the relaxation oscillations of the laser intensity then play an important part. For a given laser output power, object under investigation, and detection noise level, we have determined the amplification gain of the LOFI interferometer compared to the heterodyne interferometer. LOFI interferometry is demonstrated to show higher performance than heterodyne interferometry for a wide range of laser powers and detection levels of noise. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.     

Improving users’ product acceptability: an approach based on Bayesian networks and a simulated annealing algorithm

Developing products that are properly suited to users’ needs and preferences in order to be accepted is one of the main challenges designers and engineers face constantly. Evaluating and improving users’ product acceptability has become an important research question. Many approaches leave the acceptability evaluation question for the last phases of the New Product Development process (NPD), when an almost finished prototype is available and when there is no time left for important modifications. In the early phase of the NPD process, the project managers need models and methods to evaluate the potential acceptability of the new concept and if required, to define actions to improve this concept. In this paper, a method with two main goals is proposed to tackle this problem. Its first goal consists in evaluating an index of users’ product acceptability. When this index is too low, the second goal concerns the optimal selection of the most appropriate actions (improvement scenario) to increase this previously assessed index and to optimise the supplementary cost. As information collected from users in the early phase is subject to uncertainty, the proposed method exploits the inference properties of Bayesian networks making it possible to make useful estimations of the acceptability index. Furthermore, the improvement scenarios are composed of actions that make it possible to improve different criteria composing the users’ acceptability index. The improvement problem is formulated as an optimisation problem to be solved by a simulated annealing algorithm. In order to illustrate its interest, the proposed method is applied to a real case concerning the design of a medical-stocking threading device.     

Expanding production regions of α-form and β-form glycine using an antisolvent crystallization method assisted by N2 fine bubbles

To develop a crystallization technique that can enhance the production of metastable α-form and unstable β-form glycine, we studied the antisolvent crystallization of glycine using the gas–liquid interfaces around N₂ fine bubbles as novel crystallization fields. In the regions near the gas–liquid interfaces, local supersaturation is generated because of the accumulation of glycine and alcohol as an antisolvent as a result of the negative electric charge on the fine bubble surface. Hence, the produced glycine polymorphs change from the stable γ-form to a α-form or β-form glycine. Additionally, local supersaturation at the gas–liquid interfaces can be expected to change via modification of the accumulation of the glycine and alcohol molecules and the interaction of glycine-water-alcohol with the different alcohol additives. At a solution temperature of 303?K, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), or isopropanol (IPA) as an antisolvent were rapidly mixed into the saturated glycine solution. While mixing MeOH, EtOH, or IPA with the saturated glycine solution, N₂ fine bubbles with an average size of 10?µm were continuously supplied to the mixed solution using a self-supporting bubble generator and a glycine polymorph was crystallized within 5?min. For comparison, an antisolvent crystallization free of N₂ fine bubbles was conducted using a propeller type mixer. During antisolvent crystallization with/without fine bubble injection, the additional alcohol volume was varied to control the generation rate of the supersaturation in the bulk solution (r_C/CS). Consequently, the production regions of the α-form and β-form glycine were broadened to lower r_C/CS via N₂ fine bubble injection. The expansion behavior for α-form or β-form glycine significantly increased because of the enhancement of local supersaturation at the regions near the gas–liquid interfaces of the N₂ fine bubbles owing to the decreasing carbon number in the alcohol.     

Preparation,characterization and ex vivo–in vivo assessment of candesartan cilexetil nanocrystals via solid dispersion technique using an alkaline esterase activator carrier

The objective of this study was to improve candesartan cilexetil (CC) efficacy by formulating nanocrystals via solid dispersion (SD) technique using tromethamine (Tris). SD was prepared by solvent evaporation at different drug carrier ratios, evaluated for particle size, vitro dissolution studies, TEM, FTIR, and X-ray powder diffraction. Ex vivo, in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters were conducted on selected formulae compared to drug suspension and marketed product. Size analysis demonstrated formation of particles in the nanorange lower than 300?nm. A burst drug release followed by an improved dissolution was observed indicating instant formation of nanocrystals along with amorphization as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. FTIR studies suggested the absence of chemical interaction between Tris and CC. TEM revealed formation of irregular oval nanoparticles. SD-1:5 has higher apparent permeability coefficient compared to CC suspension. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic results proved the ability of the formed nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of CC compared to drug suspension and marketed product. In conclusion, using of Tris as alkaline esterase activator carrier could be a promising tool to bypass the controversial effect of esterase enzymes that may be a source for inter-individual variations affecting ester prodrug candidates’ efficacy.     

Recovery of naringin from kinnow (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus reticulata Blanco</Emphasis>) peels by adsorption–desorption technique using an indigenous resin

A process technology has been developed for recovery of naringin from kinnow (citrus) peels, which is a waste. The kinnow peels were boiled with water to extract naringin into water. It was adsorbed on an indigenous macroporous resin, Indion PA-500. Naringin was recovered from the saturated resin by desorption with ethanol as a solvent. The equilibrium and kinetic studies for both adsorption and desorption are presented. The Langmuir isotherm described the adsorption equilibrium data. However, desorption data were best described by the Toth isotherm. Adsorption and desorption kinetic data were found to follow a pseudo-second-order rate equation and second-order rate equation, respectively. Recovery of naringin was about 49% w/w (based on naringin present in peel-boiled extract). The purity of final products was 91–94% w/w.     

Maxillary sinus floor augmentation on humans: Packing simulations and 8 months histomorphometric comparative study of anorganic bone matrix and β-tricalcium phosphate particles as grafting materials

The present study compares the behaviour of an anorganic bone matrix material and a synthetic β-Tricalcium phosphate employed as grafting materials in a sinus floor augmentation two step protocol in humans. In order to estimate the initial occupation level for the two materials, an 'in vitro' simulation has been performed to analyse macroporosity created due to particle packing in terms of porosity and interparticle distances. Grafting in the sinus floor augmentation was performed by filling the defects only with pure grafting materials without autogenous bone addition. The new-bone generated is 100% based on the osteoconductive properties of the grafted materials in contact with physiological fluids. The implants were placed 8 months after the grafting procedure. All the implanted positions were biopsied and embedded in methacrylate resin. Histomorphometric analyses were done over thin film undecalcified sections. Packing simulations allow establishing a comparison of the resorbed volumes related to the initial occupancy of the grafting materials inside the defect. The nature of this interconnected pore network is very alike for either material so new-bone generated was similar (~35 vol.%).     

Nanoencapsulation of betamethasone valerate using high pressure homogenization–solvent evaporation technique: optimization of formulation and process parameters for efficient dermal targeting

Betamethsone valerate (BMV), a medium potency topical corticosteroid, is one of the most commonly employed pharmacological agents for the management of atopic dermatitis in both adults and children. Despite having remarkable pharmacological efficacy, these agents have limited clinical implication due to poor penetration across the startum cornum (SC). To mitigate issues related to targeted delivery, stability, and solubility as well as to potentiate therapeutic and clinical implication, the nanodelivery systems have gained remarkable recognition. Therefore, this study was aimed to encapsulate BMV into the chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) for optimum dermal targeting and improved penetration across the SC. The prepared NPs were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, loading capacity, crystallinity, thermal behavior, morphology, in vitro release kinetics, drug permeation across the SC, and percentage of drug retained into various skin layers. Results showed that optimized BMV-CS-NPs exhibited optimum physicochemical characteristics including small particle size (< 250?±?28?nm), higher zeta potential (+58?±?8?mV), and high entrapment efficiency (86?±?5.6%) and loading capacity (34?±?7.2%). The in vitro release study revealed that BMV-CS-NPs displayed Fickian-diffusion type mechanism of release in simulated skin surface (pH 5.5). Drug permeation efficiency and the amount of BMV retained into the epidermis and the dermis were comparatively higher in case of BMV-CS-NPs compared to BMV solution. Conclusively, we anticipated that BMV-CS-NPs could be a promising nanodelivery system for efficient dermal targeting of BMV and improved anti-AD efficacy.     

How scientific research incorporates policy: an examination using the case of China’s science and technology evaluation system

Scientometrics - Governments typically formulate sets of policies to guide the direction of scientific research. And the possible effects of these policies on scientific research have been...     

Evaluation of ship’s green degree using a novel hybrid approach combining group fuzzy entropy and cloud technique for the order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution theory

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The pollution and emission caused by the manufacturing, operation, and scrapping of marine ships have considerable impact on the environment....