Polymer networks based on α,ω-methacrylate-terminated poly(1,3-dioxolane)

α,ω-Methacrylate-terminated poly(1,3-dioxolane)s (polyDXL) were synthesized by cationic ring-opening polymerization of DXL in the presence of methylene-bis(oxyethylmethacrylate) as transfer agent. If the initiator concentration is small compared with the transfer agent concentration, the molecular weights of the polymers are governed by the ratio of the reacted monomer to the reacted transfer agent. The α,ω-methacrylate-terminated polyDXLs obtained undergo free radical polymerization with formation of polyacetal networks. The properties of the networks as function of the molecular weight of the corresponding prepolymers are reported.     

Determination of mechanical properties of thin films: a theoretical feasibility study

The aim of this work was to determine the principal mechanical parameters of a thin film on a substrate, i.e. Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, intrinsic stress, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion. First, standard experiments possibly suitable for this purpose were investigated theoretically. The margin of error of the mechanical parameters determined was estimated as dependent on the geometrical conditions, substrate properties, and error in the respective measurements. In addition, the homogeneity and stability of the parameters were taken into account, for instance inhomogeneity of the film thickness and possible modification of substrate parameters during film growth. To obtain meaningful results, the accuracy of the measurements as well as the homogeneity and stability of several geometrical and physical parameters in general must be extremely high. However, the experimental conditions were found to fulfill these requirements.     

Refining Genotypes and Phenotypes in KCNA2-Related Neurological Disorders

Pathogenic variants in KCNA2, encoding for the voltage-gated potassium channel K_v1.2, have been identified as the cause for an evolving spectrum of neurological disorders. Affected individuals show early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability, and movement disorders resulting from cerebellar dysfunction. In addition, individuals with a milder course of epilepsy, complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia, and episodic ataxia have been reported. By analyzing phenotypic, functional, and genetic data from published reports and novel cases, we refine and further delineate phenotypic as well as functional subgroups of KCNA2-associated disorders. Carriers of variants, leading to complex and mixed channel dysfunction that are associated with a gain- and loss-of-potassium conductance, more often show early developmental abnormalities and an earlier onset of epilepsy compared to individuals with variants resulting in loss- or gain-of-function. We describe seven additional individuals harboring three known and the novel KCNA2 variants p.(Pro407Ala) and p.(Tyr417Cys). The location of variants reported here highlights the importance of the proline(405)–valine(406)–proline(407) (PVP) motif in transmembrane domain S6 as a mutational hotspot. A novel case of self-limited infantile seizures suggests a continuous clinical spectrum of KCNA2-related disorders. Our study provides further insights into the clinical spectrum, genotype–phenotype correlation, variability, and predicted functional impact of KCNA2 variants.     

SUL-151 Decreases Airway Neutrophilia as a Prophylactic and Therapeutic Treatment in Mice after Cigarette Smoke Exposure

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by cigarette smoke (CS) is featured by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Due to the poor efficacy of standard glucocorticoid therapy, new treatments are required. Here, we investigated whether the novel compound SUL-151 with mitoprotective properties can be used as a prophylactic and therapeutic treatment in a murine CS-induced inflammation model. SUL-151 (4 mg/kg), budesonide (500 μg/kg), or vehicle were administered via oropharyngeal instillation in this prophylactic and therapeutic treatment setting. The number of immune cells was determined in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Oxidative stress response, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and mitophagy-related proteins were measured in lung homogenates. SUL-151 significantly decreased more than 70% and 50% of CS-induced neutrophils in BALF after prophylactic and therapeutic administration, while budesonide showed no significant reduction in neutrophils. Moreover, SUL-151 prevented the CS-induced decrease in ATP and mitochondrial mtDNA and an increase in putative protein kinase 1 expression in the lung homogenates. The concentration of SUL-151 was significantly correlated with malondialdehyde level and radical scavenging activity in the lungs. SUL-151 inhibited the increased pulmonary inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in this CS-induced inflammation model, which implied that SUL-151 might be a promising candidate for COPD treatment.     

Gathered This Unruly Folk: The Textural Colligation of Historical Knowledge on Architecture

A cultural artifact can serve as a compelling pedagogical tool in the design studio. Through analogous qualities, a cultural artifact can provide a means of developing the formal language and constructive processes that, in turn, generate architectural expression. This article presents the contribution of a specific artifact, the quilt, in such an investigation. It describes the quilt's formal, compositional, and material qualities, the processes associated with its fabrication, its narrative role, and the ways in which these characteristics inform the methodology for designing a museum of quilts and quilt making.