Semantic dementia and the left and right temporal lobes

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Julie S. Snowden, Jennifer M. Harris, Jennifer C. Thompson, Christopher Kobylecki, Matthew Jones, Anna M. Richardson, David Neary
Semantic dementia, a circumscribed disorder of semantic knowledge, provides a unique model for understanding the neural basis for semantic representation. The study addressed areas of contention: the relative roles of the left and right temporal lobe, the contribution of anterior versus posterior temporal cortex and the status of the anterior temporal lobes as amodal hub. Naming and word comprehension was examined in 41 semantic dementia patients, 31 with left-predominant and 10 right-predominant atrophy. In keeping with expectation, naming and comprehension were significantly poorer in left-predominant patients. Structural magnetic resonance image analysis, using a visual rating scale, showed strong inverse correlations between naming scores and severity of both left anterior and posterior temporal lobe atrophy. By contrast, comprehension performance was more strongly correlated with left posterior temporal atrophy. Analysis of naming errors revealed a correlation between anterior temporal atrophy and associative/functional descriptive responses, implying availability of semantic information. By contrast, 'don't know' responses, indicative of loss of semantic knowledge, were linked to left posterior temporal lobe atrophy. Semantic errors, the hallmark of semantic dementia, were linked to right hemisphere atrophy, especially the right posterior temporal lobe. Matched visual-verbal tasks (famous face and name identification, Pyramids and Palm trees pictures and words, animal knowledge from 3-D models and animal names) administered to nine patients elicited variable correspondence between performance on nonverbal and verbal versions of the task. Marked performance dissociations were demonstrated in some patients: poorer understanding of names/words in left-predominant patients and of faces/pictures/models in right-predominant cases. The findings are compatible with the notion of the anterior temporal lobes as areas of convergence, but are less easily accommodated within the framework of amodal conceptual representation. The data, which reconcile some apparent contradictions in the literature, are discussed in the light of the nature and distribution of degenerative change in semantic dementia.



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Oscillatory Brain Mechanisms of the Hypnotically-Induced Out-of-Body Experience

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Maor Zeev-Wolf, Yair Dor-Ziderman, Abraham Goldstein, Omer Bonne, Eitan G. Abramowitz
One of the most challenging questions regarding the nature and neural basis of consciousness is the embodied dimension of the phenomenon, that is, feeling located within the body and viewing the world from that spatial perspective. Current theories in neurophysiology highlight the active role of multisensory and sensorimotor integration in supporting self-location and self-perspective, and propose the right temporal-parietal-junction (rTPJ) as a key area for such function. These theories are based mainly on findings from two experimental paradigms: manipulation of bottom-up multisensory information integration regarding one's body location (full-body illusion), or direct and invasive manipulation disrupting brain activity at the rTPJ. In this study we take a different approach by using hypnotic suggestion – a non-invasive top-down technique – to manipulate the subjective experience of self-location. The brain activity of 18 right-handed participants was recorded using magnetoencephalography (MEG) while their subjective experience of self-location was hypnotically manipulated. Spectral analyses were conducted on the spontaneous MEG data before and during an induction of an out-of-body experience by a trained psychiatrist. The results indicate high correlations between power at alpha and high-gamma frequency-bands and the degree of perceived change in self-location. Regions exhibiting such correlations include temporal-occipital regions, the right TPJ, as well as frontal and midline regions. These findings are in line with an oscillatory-based predictive coding framework.



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Outbreak of Prototheca wickerhamii algaemia and sepsis in a tertiary care chemotherapy oncology unit

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): I.D. Khan, A.K. Sahni, Sourav Sen, R.M. Gupta, Atoshi Basu
BackgroundPrototheca is an emerging, opportunistic, pathogenic, zoonotic achlorophyllous green alga, expanding in pathogenicity and host range, causing localized and disseminated infections. This outbreak of Prototheca wickerhamii algaemia and sepsis in a tertiary care 30-bedded chemotherapy oncology unit is the first human outbreak to the best of our knowledge.MethodsP. wickerhamii algaemia was confirmed on consecutive isolation. Person to person transmission was hypothesized considering all patients in the unit at risk. Clinico-demographic, diagnostic and treatment profile were correlated. Both manual and automated systems were used for blood culture, isolation, identification and susceptibility of Prototheca. Liposomal amphotericin B was given. Outbreak surveillance of faeces, fingertips and environmental reservoirs, retrospective surveillance during past 15 years and prospective surveillance was continued for two years.ResultsThe outbreak affected 12 neutropenic patients over 50 days. No specific clinical features were noted. The hypothesis could not be substantiated. P. wickerhamii was isolated as yeast-like colonies revealing Gram positive yeast-like cells without budding and pseudohyphae which were confirmed by automated system. Post amphotericin B blood cultures were negative for Prototheca. Surveillance studies were not contributory.ConclusionP. wickerhamii has no documented reservoirs or transmission. Endogenous colonization in the gut followed by translocation during chemotherapy induced immunosuppression is likely to cause algaemia and sepsis. Outbreaks are difficult to detect and control as incubation period is variable and clinical presentation is muted, emphasizing the need to strengthen hospital and laboratory based surveillance systems to ensure adequate preparedness, rapid detection and response to outbreaks.



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Determinants of adverse treatment outcomes among patients treated under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in Wardha, India: Case–control study

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Medical Journal Armed Forces India
Author(s): Anuj Mundra, Pradeep Deshmukh, Ajay Dawale
BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) leads to a considerable loss of lung functions and Quality Adjusted Life Years. Several factors are associated with adverse treatment outcomes from TB which further increases this loss. We undertook the study to study the determinants of adverse treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients treated under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in a tuberculosis unit in India.Methods88 cases and 187 controls from among patients registered in Wardha Tuberculosis Unit in the year 2014 were interviewed to study the determinants of adverse treatment outcomes of tuberculosis. All patients with adverse treatment outcomes were taken as cases. Controls were chosen from relapse free successfully treated patients using simple random sampling.ResultsOn multivariate analysis indoor air pollution, pulmonary TB, discrimination due to TB and poor satisfaction with services significantly increased the odds of adverse treatment outcomes whereas the senior treatment supervisor visiting the patients during treatment was protective.ConclusionAppropriate new interventions and strengthening of the existing mechanisms to reduce treatment interruptions along with proper implementation of the program will help in reducing the adverse treatment outcomes and improving program performance.



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A review of cinnabar and/or realgar-containing traditional medicines

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Jie Liu, Li-Xin Wei, Qi Wang, Yuan-Fu Lu, Feng Zhang, Jing-Zhen Shi, Cen Li, M. George Cherian
Ethnopharmocological relevanceHerbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries.Aim of the reviewThis review uses cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives.Materials and methodsA literature search on cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed.ResultsBoth cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired.ConclusionChemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.

Graphical abstract

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Investigation of the preventive effect of sijunzi decoction on mitomycin C-induced immunotoxicity in rats by 1H-NMR and MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Zhibo Guan, Juan Wu, Cancan Wang, Fang Zhang, Yinan Wang, Miao Wang, Min Zhao, Chunjie Zhao
Ethnopharmacological relevanceSijunzi decoction (SJZD) is a well known traditional Chinese prescription used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and immunity enhancement. It has been found to indeed improve life quality of chemotherapy patients and extensive used in clinical conbined with chemotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer.Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of the immunotoxicity of SJZD on mitomycin C (MMC) and the metabolic mechanism of action.Materials and MethodsNMR and MS-based metabolomics approaches were combined for monitoring MMC-induced immunotoxicity and the protective effect of SJZD. Body weight change and mortality, histopathological observations and relative viscera weight determinations of spleen and thymus, sternum micronucleus assay and hematological analysis were used to confirm the immunotoxicity and attenuation effects. An OPLS-DA approach was used to screen potential biomarkers of immunotoxicity and the MetaboAnalyst and KEGG PATHWAY Database were used to investigate the metabolic pathways.Results8 biomarkers in plasma samples, 19 in urine samples and 10 in spleen samples were identified as being primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism. The most critical pathway was alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism.ConclusionsThe variations in biomarkers revealed the preventive effect of the immunotoxicity of SJZD on MMC and significant for speculating the possible metabolic mechanism.

Graphical abstract

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Molecular understanding of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Qian Yi Eng, Punniyakoti Veeraveedu Thanikachalam, Srinivasan Ramamurthy
Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenolic compound present in green tea [Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae], has shown numerous cardiovascular health promoting activity through modulating various pathways. However, molecular understanding of the cardiovascular protective role of EGCG has not been reported.Aim of the reviewThis review aims to compile the preclinical and clinical studies that had been done on EGCG to investigate its protective effect on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in order to provide a systematic guidance for future research.Materials and methodsResearch papers related to EGCG were obtained from the major scientific databases, for example, Science direct, PubMed, NCBI, Springer and Google scholar, from 1995 to 2017.ResultsEGCG was found to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties including anti-atherosclerosis, anti-cardiac hypertrophy, anti-myocardial infarction, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. These therapeutic effects are mainly associated with the inhibition of LDL cholesterol (anti-atherosclerosis), inhibition of NF-κB (anti-cardiac hypertrophy), inhibition of MPO activity (anti-myocardial infarction), reduction in plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin level (anti-diabetes), reduction of inflammatory markers (anti-inflammatory) and the inhibition of ROS generation (antioxidant).ConclusionEGCG shows different biological activities and in this review, a compilation of how this bioactive molecule plays its role in treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases was discussed.

Graphical abstract

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Proteomic approaches for drug discovery against tegumentary leishmaniasis

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 95
Author(s): Fernanda Negrão, Marcos Nogueira Eberlin, Selma Giorgio
Tegumentary leishmaniases (TL) comprise various clinical forms, in which current therapeutic treatments lack in safety and efficacy. Recently the parasite is developing resistance mechanisms against anti leishmanial drugs startling the scientific community to recruit efforts to search for novel therapeutics. Proteomics hold promises for the treatment of leishmaniasis and investigation of parasite–host interaction since these set of methodological tools have provided a wealth of protein expression data on several Leishmania species. Firstly this review puts together the current treatment and challenges to fight tegumentary leishmaniasis. In addition, the 2 dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry techniques in protein identification and characterization are described and discussed in the context of proteomics regarding Leishmania studies. In this review, we selected literature content on TL causative agents. Important proteomic findings related to differentiation proteome (promastigote and amastigote forms), Leishmania-macrophage interaction proteome and secreted and soluble proteins including molecules involved in parasite resistance and potential drug targets are examined and discussed. We also highlight open questions regarding drug research that can be addressed with proteomics approaches.



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The biochemical effects of nano tamoxifen and some bioactive components in experimental breast cancer

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 95
Author(s): Afaf Ezzat, Abdou Osman Abdelhamid, Mostafa K. El Awady, Amal S. Abd El Azeem, Dina Mostafa Mohammed
The effect of nano tamoxifen and some bioactive components such as yeast, isoflavone, and silymarin on the level of resistance and prevention of breast cancer progression in experimental animals is the target of this study. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats received a single medication dosage of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) intragastrically. After fourteen days of DMBA admission, the procedure protocol started out. Finally, all the experimental results evaluated, tabulated and statistically analyzed. The results demonstrated a highly significant elevation in the 8-OHdG level in group 1 (nano yeast) and 3 (nano silymarin) while the results demonstrated a highly significant reduction in group 2 (nano tamoxifen). The apoptosis results demonstrated a significant elevation in group 3 (nano silymarin) where appeared significant reduction in group 4 (nano isoflavone). ErbB-2 results demonstrated a significant elevation in group 2 (nano tamoxifen) and a significant reduction in each of group 3 (nano silymarin) and 4 (nano isoflavone). The lipid peroxide level demonstrated an extremely significant reduction in group 4 (nano isoflavone). And a significant reduction of total antioxidant was observed in group 3 (nano silymarin) in comparison to injected animals control. This may be considered a new vision and strategy to resist breast cancer disease or prevent progression.

Graphical abstract

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Overexpression of suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 regulate the proliferation and differentiation of rat-derived neural stem cells

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Meng Cui, Xin-Long Ma, Jie Sun, Jin-Quan He, Lin Shen, Fang-Guo Li
Neural stem cells are a reliable resource in various neural tissue repair and neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins (SOCS) was involved in the nervous system development. The universality and diversity of SOCS also suggested their important roles in neurogenesis and nerve regeneration. In this study, we employed a lentiviral vector to investigate the impacts of overexpression SOCS1 on the proliferation and differentiation of rat-derived NSCs. Cells infected with LV-EGFP-SOCS1 showed a prominent increased cell number, diameter, and metabolic activity compared with other groups. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed the proportion of cells positive for microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP2) or myelin basic protein (MBP) was significantly increased in LV-EGFP-SOCS1 group while the proportion of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells in LV-EGFP-SOCS1 group was significantly decreased compare to LV-EGFP and PBS group. Moreover, Western blot results were consistent with immunofluorescence results which indicated that overexpression of SOCS1 could promote neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiations of NSCs but inhibit astrocyte differentiation of NSCs. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence that SOCS1 could promote the proliferation of NSCs and affect the differentiation of NSCs, providing a potential target for NSCs transplantation strategies.



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Apport de l’échoendoscopie radiaire dans la prise en charge de l’hémoptysie cryptogénique

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): L. Mhanna, E. Noel-Savina, S. Pontier, M. Jaffro, N. Guibert, C. Hermant, G. Plat, A. Didier
Près de la moitié des hémoptysies sont actuellement considérées cryptogéniques. Les hémorragies provenant du système artériel pulmonaire sont rares, dues habituellement à des anévrismes ou pseudo-anévrismes dont le diagnostic radiologique est parfois difficile. Nous rapportons ici le cas d'un patient admis pour hémoptysie de grande abondance pour laquelle la tomodensitométrie n'a pas permis d'orienter le diagnostic étiologique. L'échoendoscopie a mis en évidence une malformation vasculaire d'une branche de l'artère pulmonaire permettant la réalisation d'une radio-embolisation. Cette observation souligne l'importance de l'endoscopie bronchique et le rôle de l'échographie radiaire pour le diagnostic des hémoptysies considérées comme idiopathiques et pouvant compliquer des malformations vasculaires.Currently about 50% of cases of haemoptysis are thought to be cryptogenic. Haemorrhage from the pulmonary arterial system is rare and usually due to aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms, the radiological diagnosis of which is often difficult. We report here the case of a patient admitted with a heavy haemoptysis in whom the thoracic CT scan did not reveal the diagnosis. Bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound showed a vascular malformation of a branch of the pulmonary artery allowing a radiological embolisation. This case underlines the importance of bronchoscopy and the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of haemoptysis, considered ideopathic, complicating vascular malformations.



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Intracrine androgen biosynthesis, metabolism and action revisited

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Lina Schiffer, Wiebke Arlt, Karl-Heinz Storbeck
Androgens play an important role in metabolic homeostasis and reproductive health in both men and women. Androgen signalling is dependent on androgen receptor activation, mostly by testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. However, the intracellular or intracrine activation of C19 androgen precursors to active androgens in peripheral target tissues of androgen action is of equal importance. Intracrine androgen synthesis is often not reflected by circulating androgens but rather by androgen metabolites and conjugates. In this review we provide an overview of human C19 steroid biosynthesis including the production of 11-oxygenated androgens, their transport in circulation and uptake into peripheral tissues. We conceptualise the mechanisms of intracrinology and review the intracrine pathways of activation and inactivation in selected human tissues. The contribution of liver and kidney as organs driving androgen inactivation and renal excretion are also highlighted. Finally, the importance of quantifying androgen metabolites and conjugates to assess intracrine androgen production is discussed.



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Assessment of DDT contamination in house rat as a possible bioindicator in DDT-sprayed areas from Ethiopia and South Africa

Abstract

Ethiopia and South Africa are among the few countries to still implement indoor residual spraying with dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) for malaria vector control. In this study, we investigated the levels and ecological risks of DDT and its metabolites in liver tissues of house rat, as a sentinel animal, for providing an early warning system for public health and wildlife intervention from Ethiopia and South Africa. The results showed that ΣDDT concentration ranged from 127 to 9155 μg/kg wet weight, and the distribution order of DDT and its metabolites in the analyzed liver samples was p,p′-DDD > p,p′-DDE >> p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, and o,p′-DDD. The risk assessment indicated a potential adverse impact on humans, especially for pregnant women and children, because they spend majority of their time in a DDT-sprayed house. The ecological assessment also showed a concern for birds of prey and amphibians like frogs. This study is the first report on DDT contamination in liver tissues of house rats from Ethiopia and South Africa, and henceforth, the data will serve as a reference data for future studies.

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Characterization and Cu sorption properties of humic acid from the decomposition of rice straw

Abstract

Humic acid (HA) derived from rice straw decomposed for 1 (HA-1), 3 (HA-3), 6 (HA-6) and 12 (HA-12) months was characterized by potentiometric titration and solid-state cross-polarization magic-angle spinning ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (CPMAS ¹³C NMR). The sorption of Cu on examined HA was investigated using a combination of batch sorption, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and sequential desorption. Results showed that the functional group content and the humification degree of HA tended to increase with increasing decomposition time especially in the latter stage of examined decomposition period. Cu sorption on HA was a rapid process that occurred within the first 1 h and the sorption capacity increased from 245.4 mmol kg⁻¹ on HA-1 to 294.6 mmol kg⁻¹ on HA-12. The sorption of Cu was endothermic, spontaneous and the randomness was increased during Cu sorption. Sorbed Cu on examined HA can be hardly released by NH₄Ac but nearly fully released by EDTA. Forming inner-sphere complexes was the main mechanism of Cu sorption on examined HA. This study could provide valuable information for a better understanding on the environmental impacts of the decomposition of organic waste.

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Prolonged sleep deprivation decreases cell proliferation and immature newborn neurons in both dorsal and ventral hippocampus of male rats

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Neuroscience Research
Author(s): Yusuke Murata, Ayana Oka, Ayaka Iseki, Masayoshi Mori, Kenji Ohe, Kazunori Mine, Munechika Enjoji
Previous studies have indicated that sleep deprivation negatively affects hippocampal neurogenesis, which may explain the reason for the relation between sleep loss and depression. Increasing evidence indicates that the hippocampus is anatomically and functionally segregated along a dorsolateral (cognitive function)/ventromedial (control for mood and stress response) axis. Thus, the present study was conducted to elucidate regional differences in the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on hippocampal neurogenesis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sleep deprivation using the "platform on the water" method for 24- or 72-h. Quantification of hippocampal cell proliferation and immature newborn neurons was stereologically estimated using immunostaining with Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX), respectively, by optical fractionator method. A consecutive three days of sleep deprivation significantly reduced the density of Ki-67- and DCX-immunopositive cells both in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal subgranular zone and the decrease in DCX-labeled cells was more pronounced in the ventral hippocampus than in dorsal region. Our results indicate that prolonged sleep deprivation decreases hippocampal cell proliferation and neurogenesis in both the dorsal and ventral DG. Future studies will be needed to clarify the impact of sleep deprivation-induced decreases in hippocampal neurogenesis on the development of depression.



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The Relationship between the Superior Frontal Cortex and Alpha Oscillation in a Flanker Task: Simultaneous Recording of Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Neuroscience Research
Author(s): Kota Suzuki, Yasuko Okumura, Yosuke Kita, Yuhei Oi, Haruo Shinoda, Masumi Inagaki
Activity in the alpha band of the electroencephalogram (EEG) reflects functional inhibition of the cerebral cortex. The superior frontal cortex (SFC) is known to control alpha activity. Based on this relationship between SFC and alpha, we hypothesized that SFC controlled alpha mediates proactive control over interference. In this study, we examined the relationship between SFC and alpha in the flanker task by simultaneously recording EEG and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Forty participants performed a flanker task with occasional (compatible 75%, incompatible 25%) and successive (incompatible 100%) conditions. In the occasional condition, larger SFC activity was related to pre-stimulus alpha enhancement under occipital electrodes. This is consistent with a model in which SFC enhances pre-stimulus alpha activity, leading to proactive control over interference. However, we could not detect a correlation between SFC activity and alpha activity in the successive condition. Active inhibition may have been reduced by a need to continuously inhibit brain regions associated with the irrelevant information. This may have reduced the role of the SFC in controlling alpha activity. Based on these findings, we postulate that there are two cerebral mechanisms of proactive control over interference.



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A phase I, randomized, single-dose study evaluating the pharmacokinetic equivalence of biosimilar ABP 215 and bevacizumab in healthy adult men

Abstract

Purpose

This study compared the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of the proposed biosimilar ABP 215 with bevacizumab in healthy males.

Methods

In this randomized, single-blind, single-dose, three-arm, parallel-group study, healthy subjects were randomized to receive ABP 215 (n = 68), bevacizumab (US) (n = 67), or bevacizumab (EU) (n = 67) 3 mg/kg intravenously. Primary endpoints were area under the serum concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC_inf) and the maximum observed concentration (C _max). Secondary endpoints included safety and immunogenicity.

Results

AUC_inf and C _max were similar across the three groups. Geometric means ratio (GMR) for C _max and AUC_inf, respectively, was 0.98 and 0.99 for ABP 215 versus bevacizumab (US); 1.03 and 0.96 for ABP 215 versus bevacizumab (EU); and 1.05 and 0.97 for bevacizumab (US) versus bevacizumab (EU). The 90% confidence intervals for the GMRs of AUC_inf and C _max were within the prespecified standard PK bioequivalence criteria of 0.80 to 1.25. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was 47.1, 32.8, and 61.2% in the ABP 215, bevacizumab (US) and bevacizumab (EU) groups, respectively. When analyzed by investigational site, the incidence and severity of AEs were comparable in the ABP 215 and bevacizumab groups. There were no AEs leading to study discontinuation. No binding or neutralizing anti-drug anti-bodies was detected.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the PK similarity of ABP 215 to both bevacizumab (US) and bevacizumab (EU), and of bevacizumab (US) to bevacizumab (EU). Safety and tolerability were comparable between treatments and no subject developed binding or neutralizing anti-drug anti-bodies.

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Attenuation of pCREB and Egr1 expression in the insular and anterior cingulate cortices associated with enhancement of CFA-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity after repeated forced swim stress

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Hiroki Imbe, Akihisa Kimura
The perception and response to pain are severely impacted by exposure to stressors. In some animal models, stress increases pain sensitivity, which is termed stress-induced hyperalgesia (SIH). The insular cortex (IC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which are typically activated by noxious stimuli, affect pain perception through the descending pain modulatory system. In the present study, we examined the expression of phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and early growth response 1 (Egr1) in the IC and ACC at 3h (the acute phase of peripheral tissue inflammation) after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection in naïve rats and rats preconditioned with forced swim stress (FS) to clarify the effect of FS, a stressor, on cortical cell activities in the rats showing SIH induced by FS. The CFA injection into the hindpaw induced mechanical hypersensitivity and increased the expression of the pCREB and Egr1 in the IC and ACC at 3h after the injection. FS (day 1, 10min; days 2–3, 20min) prior to the CFA injection enhanced the CFA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and attenuated the increase in the expression of pCREB and Egr1 in the IC and ACC. These findings suggested that FS modulates the CFA injection-induced neuroplasticity in the IC and ACC to enhance the mechanical hypersensitivity. These findings are thought to signify stressor-induced dysfunction of the descending pain modulatory system.



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pyDEM: A generalized implementation of the inductive design exploration method

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Paul C. Kern, Matthew W. Priddy, Brett D. Ellis, David L. McDowell
The emergence of multiscale design of materials and products has necessitated development of inductive robust design methods to rapidly develop and deploy new material systems. In addition, practical applications require robust designs which ensure performance goals are satisfied while accounting for model, noise, and control factor uncertainties. Recognizing the utility of a robust platform for design exploration, the Python Design Exploration Module (pyDEM) has been developed. The purpose of this work is to present this improved, generalized implementation of the Inductive Design Exploration Method (IDEM) to support integrated multiscale materials, process, and product design. The capabilities of pyDEM are highlighted and demonstrated via two test cases: (i) four-level Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) panel and (ii) wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) process of titanium.

Graphical abstract

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Atomic-scale analysis of early-stage precipitation in Ti(Al,Si)3 alloy

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Tongtong Zhang, Guohua Fan, Hao Wu, Xiping Cui, Meng Huang, Kesong Miao, Lin Geng
The early-stage precipitation behavior of Si in Ti(Al,Si)3 alloy heated to 800°C and then down to room temperature (RT) is characterized at the atomic scale by in-situ transmission electron microscope (TEM). Three types of nanoparticles were observed in Ti(Al,Si)3 alloy during the early-stage precipitation, which contain Si-rich nanoclusters, Ti7Al5Si12 precipitates as well as Ti5Si3 precipitates. The precipitation sequence and orientation relationship (OR) for the early-stage precipitation in Ti(Al,Si)3 alloy are as follows: (i) small Si-rich nanoclusters firstly form in TiAl3 matrix due to the segregation of Si, coexisting with larger Si-rich nanoclusters; (ii) Si-rich nanoclusters that reach the critical size (20–30nm) serve as nucleation sites for metastable Ti7Al5Si12 precipitates with an OR: 002TiAl3//11¯6Ti7Al5Si12, 1¯10TiAl3//1151¯Ti7Al5Si12; and then (iii) the formation of Ti5Si3 precipitates is by transformation of metastable Ti7Al5Si12 with an OR: 101¯0Ti5Si3//001Ti7Al5Si12, 12¯13Ti5Si3//010Ti7Al5Si12.

Graphical abstract

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3D printed stretching-dominated micro-trusses

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Manpreet Kaur, Tae Gwang Yun, Seung Min Han, Edwin L. Thomas, Woo Soo Kim
Micro-architectures, such as cellular truss structures, enhance the mechanical properties of structural materials while ensuring that they are lightweight in nature. Among others, stretching-dominated truss structures are known for their high modulus and yield strength, which makes them the best choice for lightweight structural applications. Finite element analysis of octahedral vs. octet structures is used to compare the differences in stress distribution in the stretching-dominated deformation of such trusses. Both octahedral and octet stretching-dominated structures were fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based three-dimensional (3D) printing. These micro-architectures are printed with different polymeric materials, such as polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA), nylon 618, and a carbon fiber reinforced composite of PLA (CFRPLA). In addition, the CFRPLA filament with randomly suspended carbon fibers in PLA undergoes shear-induced alignment along the strut direction of the 3D printed micro-trusses, which leads to an improved Young's modulus as compared to the other materials. The properties of the 3D printed stretching-dominated micro-trusses are evaluated by compression testing, finite element analysis (FEA), and thermal analysis. The 3D printed octet structure of CFRPLA with fiber alignment exhibits the highest modulus and yield strength of 0.6GPa and 17MPa, respectively.

Graphical abstract

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Size-dependent deformation mechanism transition in titanium nanowires under high strain rate tension

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Le Chang, Chang-Yu Zhou, Xiang-Ming Pan, Xiao-Hua He
Tensile deformation of single crystal titanium nanowires (NWs) with size ranging from 3nm to 20nm along [0001] orientation is investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. For all NWs, the initial yielding at different strain rates is induced by the nucleation of 101¯2 twinning. Following the saturation of twin volume fraction, the size dependent transition of deformation mechanisms in twinned regions is observed. At the strain rate from 10⁸s⁻¹ to 10⁹s⁻¹, following the deformation twinning, the phase transformation from HCP to FCC dominates the plastic deformation of Ti NWs. By increasing sample size to 20nm, phase transformation can be replaced by prismatic dislocation slip. At the strain rate from 10⁹s⁻¹ to 10¹⁰s⁻¹, the critical size for the transition from phase transformation to full dislocation slip decreases with the applied strain rate. With further increasing sample size, after the saturation of 101¯2 twins, the initial single crystal NW transforms to nanocrystalline NW. Subsequent plastic deformation mechanism in the nanocrystalline Ti NW with large size is transferred from grain boundary dominate deformation to the cooperation of grain boundary deformation and dislocation activity. Furthermore, deformation mechanism map is proposed to provide a deep understanding of the plastic deformation of Ti NWs.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evgDoM

Effect of multi-directional forging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TiBw/TA15 composite with network architecture

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Rui Zhang, DongJun Wang, ShiJian Yuan
In order to optimize the mechanical properties of the as-sintered TiBw/TA15 composite with a network architecture, multi-directional forging was carried out at near β-transus temperatures. The effects of the multi-directional forging on the mechanical behavior of the composite were investigated. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the maximum elongation exhibited a homogeneous distribution in the forged samples, and at ambient temperature, showed increases of 8.4% and 160%, respectively, when compared to those of the as-sintered composite. The microstructures of samples cut from different positions of the forged workpiece were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The reinforcement retained the three-dimensional (3D) network in the overall workpiece, although the network units suffered deformation in different directions and were slightly flattened. The microstructures of the matrix were composed of a primary α phase (αp) and transformed β phase (βt) consisting of lamellas/needles of a secondary α phase (αs) and residual β phase. The yield stress (YS) of the composite increased with increasing volume fraction of βt and the proportion of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs). The above results revealed that the as-forged microstructure did not show any significant variation with orientation, leading to uniform and improved mechanical properties of the composite.

Graphical abstract

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Evolution of self-generating porous microstructures in polyacrylonitrile-cellulose acetate blend fibres

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Suntharavathanan Mahalingam, Xiaowen Wu, Mohan Edirisinghe
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), cellulose acetate (CA) and polyacrylonitrile - cellulose acetate (PAN-CA) fibres were formed in single and binary solvents which were subjected to gyration under pressure. Fibres in the diameter range 200–2000nm were generated using a rotating speed of 36,000rpm and a working pressure of 3×10⁵Pa. Long fibre morphologies with isotropic distribution of fibre orientation were obtained from PAN polymer solutions with a concentration of 5–15wt%. Short fibre morphologies with anisotropic distribution of fibre orientation were produced for CA polymer solutions with a concentration of 25wt% and below this concentration polygonal beads were generated. PAN-CA fibre bundles were generated and these showed remarkable self-generating porous characteristics when the working pressure was changed from 1 to 3×10⁵Pa. For comparison, porous PAN-CA fibres were also generated by solvent etching and porogen leaching techniques and in these the etching time and porogen concentration influenced the pore size of the generated fibres. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies were performed to elucidate the bonding characteristics in the fibres. Release characteristics of the porous fibrous structures were studied using vanillin as the active ingredient. A mathematical model which allows the evaluation of the fibre diameter as a function of rotating speed and working pressure is presented and this helps to understand the solvent mass transfer taking place during fibre forming.

Graphical abstract

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Design of composite systems for rotary wear applications

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Xiu Jia, Tomas Grejtak, Brandon Krick, Natasha Vermaak
Due to the prevalence of sliding interfaces in mechanical assemblies, fast and reliable wear prediction capabilities are imperative for system design and analysis. This study investigates the rotary wear of multi-material composite systems that have thrust washer geometries. An analytical rotary wear model is developed to predict the rotary wear performance based on Archard's wear law and a Pasternak elastic foundation model. Numerical methods are used to track the evolution of key wear parameters including surface profile, contact pressure distribution, volume loss and composite wear rate during both run-in and steady-state wear regimes. A direct method is also developed to determine the steady-state characteristics from just the initial conditions and configurations of a given composite system. Optimal designs and design guidelines for several wear objectives are identified. Initial optimal material distributions for target steady-state surface profiles are determined. In addition, the steady-state composite wear rate is minimized to reduce material loss for bi-material systems with prescribed volume fractions. It is found that the optimal material configuration for this objective is counterintuitive. Wear tests are conducted to evaluate the proposed models and optimal design solutions. Results obtained from the wear models agree well with the experimental measurements.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evyr2U

Directions dependence of the elastic properties of a 3D augmented re-entrant cellular structure

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Xiang Li, Zixing Lu, Zhenyu Yang, Chen Yang
In this paper, a 3D augmented re-entrant cellular structure (ARCS) is proposed and its Poisson's ratios and elastic properties can be modulated in a wide range. Based on the classical beam theory, the elastic properties on the principle directions are obtained as functions of the structural parameters and then are verified by finite element method (FEM) simulations. Compared with the classical 3D re-entrant cellular structure (RCS), the Young's moduli of the new 3D structure on the principal directions show a significant increase, and the Poisson's ratio can be tunable with the control of the internal parameters of cellular structure. In addition, the elastic properties on off-axis directions are obtained by analytical solutions, which show that the Young's moduli on the off-axis directions are much lower than the principle ones. In addition, the shear moduli also show strong dependence on the loading directions. Moreover, by stretching in the principal directions, the ARCS expands in all vertical directions when the moduli ratio is below 0.5. However, stretching in the off-axis directions, the Poisson's ratios are no longer negative in its vertical directions. The results suggest a possible approach to design new auxetic materials with tunable Poisson's ratios for engineering applications.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evrxuz

Analytical modeling to predict thermal shock failure and maximum temperature gradients of a glass panel

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Paolo Foraboschi
The research has tackled thermal cracking distress in glass from a design perspective. The paper addresses a novel modeling framework, and provides closed-form solutions to predict thermally-induced stresses and the temperature profiles that cause glass to crack. The analytical formulation applies to monolithic glass and to plies of laminated glass or insulating glass.Results and discussion prove that the ratios between maximum thermal stress and temperature gradient have an upper bound, which is given, show that empirical approaches are largely inaccurate, and establish evidence that some code stipulations are wrong and some recommendations misleading.

Graphical abstract

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Improved fatigue endurance ratio of additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V lattice by hot isostatic pressing

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Ming-Wei Wu, Jhewn-Kuang Chen, Bo-Huan Lin, Po-Hsing Chiang
Selective laser melting (SLM) is a dominant additive manufacturing (AM) method of fabricating various porous and high-density metallic materials with complex geometries. However, the SLM porous materials generally exhibit inferior fatigue performances, particularly the endurance ratio. The main purpose of this study was thus to investigate the influence of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the fatigue property of SLM Ti-6Al-4V lattice with a self-designed unit cell. The results show that HIP treatment at 1000°C/150MPa can eliminate the pore in the strut and respectively decreases the microhardness from 403HV to 324HV and the yield strength from 143MPa to 100MPa. Furthermore, the fatigue strength and the endurance ratio at 10⁶cycles are increased after HIP. The HIP process sufficiently improves the fatigue endurance ratio at 10⁶cycles of SLM lattice from 0.3 to 0.55, which is comparable to that of the solid metallic material. This improvement can be predominantly attributed to the phase transformation from brittle α′-martensite to tough α+β mixed phases after HIP. The tougher α+β mixture can help resist the propagation of fatigue cracks by crack blunting and thus improve the fatigue properties.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evzjo2

3D-printing of hierarchical porous ZSM-5: The importance of the binder system

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): J. Lefevere, L. Protasova, S. Mullens, V. Meynen

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evfRYU

Multilayer graphene reinforced functionally graded tungsten carbide nano-composites

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Jialin Sun, Jun Zhao, Mengjie Chen, Yonghui Zhou, Xiuying Ni, Zuoli Li, Feng Gong
Mechanical and tribological properties of functionally graded multilayer graphene (MLG) reinforced WC-TiC-Al2O3 ceramics prepared employing two-step sintering (TSS) are determined in this paper. Results showed that MLG can act as not only an exceptional reinforcement phase, but also a superior lubricant phase. A 0.1wt% MLG/WC-TiC-Al2O3 ceramics exhibits ~53.3% enhancement in fracture toughness, ~73.8% decrement in friction coefficient, ~82.65% improvement in wear resistance in comparison with monolithic ceramics. MLG bending, wrapping, interface debonding, MLG wall and network, MLG induced weak interface, grains bridging by MLG, MLG pullout, crack deflection, crack bridging and crack stopping are the major toughening mechanisms. The dramatic improvement in tribological performance is attributed to the self-lubrication of MLG and easily formed friction layer in the contact interface. Furthermore, the unrivalled thermal conductivity of MLG and its rather significant effect in inhibiting the grain growth are the important contribution to the improved tribological performance. Therefore, the functionally graded MLG/WC-TiC-Al2O3 ceramics are conducive to be engineered as high-speed cutting tools.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evpXJ1

Investigation of microcombing parameters in enhancing the properties of carbon nanotube yarns

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Yingying Yu, Liwen Zhang, Ozkan Yildiz, Haotian Deng, Changhao Zhao, Philip D. Bradford, Jianying Li, Yuntian Zhu
Microcombing has been reported as a novel processing approach for reducing waviness and improving alignment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which effectively enhances the performance of materials made from CNT sheets. In this study, we have systematically investigated the effects of microcombing parameters on the properties of CNT yarns. It is found that the electrical and mechanical properties of CNT yarns first improved with increasing degree of microcombing and then degraded with over-combing. At the optimum degree of microcombing, the electrical conductivity, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of the CNT yarns were improved to 140%, 140%, and 230%, respectively, over those of uncombed yarns. The enhanced yarn properties were resulted from reduced nanotube waviness, improved CNT alignment and denser packing structure, which led to a more uniform yarn structure. On the other hand, over-combing degraded structural uniformity, resulting in lower electrical and mechanical properties. These observations are expected to help with future selection of microcombing parameters for producing high-quality CNT yarns and polymer-CNT composite yarns for superior electrical and mechanical properties.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evpFBV

One more step against nanotoxicity: Hierarchical particles designed to antifungal properties

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Eva de Lucas-Gil, José F. Fernández, Fernando Rubio-Marcos
The interest that awakens the ZnO as material is greatly extended both by its unique properties as by its wide variety of applications. Within these applications, antimicrobial activity is gaining relevance. Especially, the bactericidal activity of ZnO nanoparticles is outstanding but little is known about antifungal activity. In addition, the recent discussion about the potential toxicity of nanoparticles and their massive use places them in the spotlight. In response to this emerging problem, a simple and general approach to synthesize hierarchical structure of ZnO is reported. A formation mechanism of these surprising structures is proposed. Moreover, the obtained zinc oxide hierarchical particles improves the antifungal activity towards Aspergillus niger in contrast to ZnO micro or nanoparticles. Due to surprising results, the different action mechanisms of ZnO hierarchical particles against fungi are studied. Thus, we pose a novel physical mechanism by which ZnO hierarchical particles achieve excellent fungicidal results.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evsOl9

Dynamics of water evaporation in cold asphalt mixtures

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Tahseen Saadoon, Alvaro Garcia, Breixo Gómez-Meijide
Cold asphalt mixture (CAM) is a road materials obtained by mixing bitumen emulsion, aggregate, water and often cement at ambient temperature. It offers improved social, economic and environmental benefits compared to other paving materials, such as hot mix asphalt. However, its use as a structural layer is limited due to the weak mechanical performance it presents at early curing stages. This research aims to understand the dynamics of water evaporation in CAM, without and with cement additions and compare them to soil/granular materials without binder. With this purpose, dynamic water evaporation and hydraulic conductivity tests were carried out and the results were correlated to the mechanical performance through a semi-empirical model. Moreover, the pore size distribution index (n) for the different samples and its evolution over the drying time were estimated based on hydraulic conductivity tests. These results showed the relationship between the internal pore distribution and water dynamics during drying. In addition, it was seen that bitumen emulsion is the main component that delays the curing process of cold mix asphalt and the type and quantity of cement used in this research did not significantly help to accelerate it. The predictive model resulted accurate, fast and easy to use.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evo2o6

Macro/mesoporous SiOC ceramics of anisotropic structure for cryogenic engineering

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Huixing Zhang, Clara Lana Fidelis, Michaela Wilhelm, Zhipeng Xie, Kurosch Rezwan
Macro/mesopore SiOC ceramic monoliths of anisotropic structure were prepared by freeze casting, using methy phenyl polysiloxane (H44) or methy polysiloxane (MK) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as precursors. Influence of pyrolysis and testing temperature on compressive strength was investigated. Monoliths pyrolyzed at 700°C had the highest compressive strength both at 77K (14.0±4.3MPa) and 293K (7.7±1.8MPa), regardless of precursors. Compressive strength of monolith in parallel direction is around twice as much as perpendicular direction. Compressive strength of both monoliths in liquid nitrogen (77K) was around twice of that in air (293K) probably due to low temperature and liquid resistance. Anisotropic expansion was observed, and the shrinkage in parallel direction was almost twice of that in perpendicular direction, which can be verified by the Schapery equation. Monolith made from H44 showed a much higher coefficient of thermal expansion at 77K than monolith made from MK and APTES, probably due to difference in composition and measurement condition. Thermal conductivities and specific heat capacities displayed an upward trend from low to warmer temperature. The minimum and maximum values for thermal conductivity are 0.2 and 1.2Wm⁻¹K⁻¹. The maximum heat conductivities might be determined mainly by the macroporosity and the thermal conductivity of the hybrid material.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2evkYbx

Low thermal conductivity carbon fibrous composite nanomaterial enabled by multi-scale porous structure

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Spero Gbewonyo, Alexis W. Carpenter, Charles B. Gause, Nikhil Reddy Mucha, Lifeng Zhang
Low thermal conductivity carbon is a type of material for special uses such as thermal insulation/protection and particularly for ablative thermal protection material of reentry vehicles and rocket engine components. In this research, a low thermal conductivity carbon nanofibrous material was prepared by electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as well as silica nanoparticles (SNPs) followed by stabilization and carbonization. Morphology and structure of this carbon nanofibrous material were characterized by electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and BET surface area analysis and correlated with its thermal conductivity. Introduction of PMMA and SNPs to PAN precursor nanofibers through multi-component electrospinning enabled a unique concurrent multi-scale (micro-, submicro- and nano-) porous structure in the resultant carbon nanofibrous mat and synergistically reduced the thermal conductivity by up to 98% with respect to the non-porous carbon film counterpart. This research demonstrated a novel and effective way to design and manufacture low thermal conductivity carbon materials.

Graphical abstract

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Microstructure and mechanical properties of CoCrFeNiZrx eutectic high-entropy alloys

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): Wenyi Huo, Hui Zhou, Feng Fang, Zonghan Xie, Jianqing Jiang
The emergence of eutectic high-entropy alloys containing Laves phase provides a new and exciting research direction towards developing advanced structural alloys, in light of the inherent advantages of Laves phase at elevated temperatures. In this work, CoCrFeNiZrx alloys were prepared with varying zirconium contents by vacuum arc-melting method. Typical eutectic microstructure was identified in the as-cast alloy having x=0.5. The alloys consist of face-centered cubic solid solution and C15 Laves phase in the form of lamellae. Crystallographic orientation relationship between these two phases was determined. With the increase of the volume fraction of hard C15 Laves phase, the resulting alloys showed an increase in strength, but became more brittle at room temperature; the fracture process changed from ductile inter-lamellar fracture to brittle trans‑lamellar fracture. With the increase of test temperature, however, the fracture mode converted to be ductile fracture. As such, the eutectic microstructure can accommodate considerable plastic strain and has potential for engineering applications involving elevated temperatures.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2iLZSXq

Effects of laser processing parameters on the mechanical properties, topology, and microstructure of additively manufactured porous metallic biomaterials: A vector-based approach

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 134
Author(s): S.M. Ahmadi, R. Hedayati, R.K. Ashok Kumar Jain, Y. Li, S. Leeflang, A.A. Zadpoor
Additively manufactured (AM) porous structures are a new class of biomaterials with many advantages as compared to conventionally produced biomaterials. The goal of this study was to find out how the laser processing parameters including laser power and exposure time affect the mechanical properties, topology, and microstructure of porous biomaterials AM using a novel vector-based approach. Several cylindrical porous specimens were additively manufactured using a wide range of exposure time and laser power. The effects of those parameters on the surface roughness, strut diameter, relative density, hardness, elastic modulus, yield stress, first maximum stress, and plateau stress of the porous structures were studied. The results showed that the rate of change in mechanical and topological properties with respect to exposure time was non-linear while it was linear with respect to the laser power. The results also showed that the effects of laser power and exposure time on the mechanical properties and topology of AM porous structures could be decoupled from each other, enabling derivation of predictive emperical relationships. The emperical and experimental curves showed very good agreement, which further validates the validity of the separation method used for obtaining the emperical relationships. The analytical relationships for elastic modulus and yield stress that we had obtained in a previous study could predict the elastic modulus and yield stress of the porous strucutres when the energy input was high enough (i.e. exposure times≥450μs), because the local mechanical properties of the matrix material decreased for the lower levels of energy input. The change in the mechanical properties of the bulk material due to change in laser processing parameters should thus be taken into account.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2iN1aSa

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of nanodiamond surface modification

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Diamond and Related Materials
Author(s): A.M. Panich
We review Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies of surface modification of nanodiamonds (ND). The spectra of chemically functionalized – fluorinated, chlorinated, hydroxylated, carboxylated and hydrogenated ND show formation of CF, CCl, COH, CCOOH and CH covalent bonds with the surface carbon atoms, respectively. These bonds reveal different chemical shifts that allow distinguishing between them in the NMR spectra. The NMR data are well supported by XPS measurements.Nanodiamond annealing above 600°C results in a surface graphitization, which increases with increasing the annealing temperature.ND particles with grafted paramagnetic copper, cobalt and gadolinium ions are prepared by mixing of aqueous ND suspension with aqueous solutions of transition metal nitrates. Dissociated cations in this mixture undergo ion exchange with hydrogen atoms of the surface carboxyl groups. To evidence the ion grafting to the surface, we developed an effective approach based on the analysis of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation data. These data show noticeable acceleration of ¹³C and ¹H nuclear spin-lattice relaxation, which results from the interaction of carbon and hydrogen nuclear spins of diamond with the unpaired electron spins of paramagnetic ions. This finding provides clear evidence of the binding of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions to the ND surface. The aforementioned approach allows calculating distances between the ions and surface. A model of the positioning of transition and rare-earth metal ions on the ND surface is presented. The NMR data obtained are supported by EPR measurements. Biomedical applications of the studied nanomaterials are discussed.

Graphical abstract

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In vitro approaches to assess the hazard of nanomaterials

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:NanoImpact
Author(s): Barbara Drasler, Phil Sayre, Klaus Günter Steinhäuser, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
The rapid development of engineered nanomaterials demands for a fast and reliable assessment of their health hazard potential. A plethora of experimental approaches have been developed and are widely employed in conventional toxicological approaches. However, the specific properties of nanomaterials such as smaller size but larger surface area, and high catalytic reactivity and distinctive optical properties compared to their respective bulk entities, often disable a straightforward use of established in vitro approaches. Herein, we provide an overview of the current state-of the art nanomaterial hazard assessment strategies using in vitro approaches. This perspective has been developed based on a thorough review of over 200 studies employing such methods to assess the biological response upon exposure to a diverse array of nanomaterials. The majority of the studies under review has been, but not limited to, engaged in the European 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development and published in the last five years. Based on the most widely used methods and/or the most relevant biological endpoints, we have provided some general recommendations on the use of the selected approaches which would the most closely mimic realistic exposure scenarios as well as enabling to yield fast, reliable and reproducible data on the nanomaterial-cell response in vitro. In addition, the applicability of the approaches to translate in vitro outcomes to leverage those of in vivo studies has been proposed. It is finally suggested that an improved comprehension of the approaches with its limitations used for nanomaterials' hazard assessment in vitro will improve the interpretation of the existing nanotoxicological data as well as underline the basic principles in understanding interactions of engineered nanomaterials at a cellular level; this all is imperative for their safe-by-design strategies, and should also enable subsequent regulatory approvals.

Graphical abstract

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Spatially and temporally-resolved tryptophan fluorescence thermometry for monitoring the photothermal processes of gold nanorod suspensions

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Author(s): Chia-Te Lin, Kuan-Jen Chen, Ke-Chia Tseng, Li-Kang Chu
We constructed a confocal fluorescent thermometer to monitor the spatial and temporal temperature evolutions of gold nanorod suspensions upon continuous-wave infrared excitation. Tryptophan served as the fluorophore due to its superior temperature dependent fluorescence intensity, ca. −2% °C⁻¹. We provided sufficient spatial resolution of 50μm and temperature sensitivity of 0.3°C. Coupled with an infrared thermocamera, we were able to obtain simultaneously the temperature evolutions in the bulk solution and on the container surface. Employment of this noncontact and optical approach allows investigation of the thermal distribution in a minute volume, less than 1 mm³, without the additional perturbative factors of the mechanical thermometers, e.g., the thermal conductivity and volume of the sensor.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2wpsJpr

Fluoride in saliva and dental biofilm after 1500 and 5000 ppm fluoride exposure

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, crossover study was to measure fluoride in saliva and 7-day-old biofilm fluid and biofilm solids after rinsing three times per day for 3 weeks with 0, 1500, or 5000 ppm fluoride (NaF).

Materials and methods

Following the 3-week wash-in/wash-out period, including 1 week of biofilm accumulation, saliva and biofilm samples were collected from 12 participants immediately before (background fluoride), and 10, 30, and 60 min after a single rinse. Biofilm samples were separated into fluid and solids, and samples were analyzed using a fluoride electrode (microanalysis).

Results

The background fluoride concentration was statistically significantly higher in the 5000 compared to the 1500 ppm F rinse group in all three compartments (22.3 and 8.1 μM in saliva, 126.8 and 58.5 μM in biofilm fluid, and 10,940 and 4837 μmol/kg in biofilm solids). The 1-h fluoride accumulation for the 5000 ppm F rinse was higher than for the 1500 ppm F rinse in all three compartments, although not statistically significant for saliva and biofilm solids.

Conclusion

Regular exposure to 5000 ppm fluoride elevates background fluoride concentrations in saliva, biofilm fluid, and biofilm solids compared to 1500 ppm fluoride. Increasing the fluoride concentration almost 3.5 times (from 1500 to 5000 ppm) only elevates the background fluoride concentrations in saliva, biofilm fluid, and biofilm solids twofold.

Clinical relevance

Even though fluoride toothpaste may be diluted by saliva, the results of the present study indicate that use of 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste might lead to improved caries control.

http://ift.tt/2iOemGx

A volumetric technique for fossil body mass estimation applied to Australopithecus afarensis

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution
Author(s): Charlotte A. Brassey, Thomas G. O'Mahoney, Andrew T. Chamberlain, William I. Sellers
Fossil body mass estimation is a well established practice within the field of physical anthropology. Previous studies have relied upon traditional allometric approaches, in which the relationship between one/several skeletal dimensions and body mass in a range of modern taxa is used in a predictive capacity. The lack of relatively complete skeletons has thus far limited the potential application of alternative mass estimation techniques, such as volumetric reconstruction, to fossil hominins. Yet across vertebrate paleontology more broadly, novel volumetric approaches are resulting in predicted values for fossil body mass very different to those estimated by traditional allometry. Here we present a new digital reconstruction of Australopithecus afarensis (A.L. 288-1; 'Lucy') and a convex hull-based volumetric estimate of body mass. The technique relies upon identifying a predictable relationship between the 'shrink-wrapped' volume of the skeleton and known body mass in a range of modern taxa, and subsequent application to an articulated model of the fossil taxa of interest. Our calibration dataset comprises whole body computed tomography (CT) scans of 15 species of modern primate. The resulting predictive model is characterized by a high correlation coefficient (r² = 0.988) and a percentage standard error of 20%, and performs well when applied to modern individuals of known body mass. Application of the convex hull technique to A. afarensis results in a relatively low body mass estimate of 20.4 kg (95% prediction interval 13.5–30.9 kg). A sensitivity analysis on the articulation of the chest region highlights the sensitivity of our approach to the reconstruction of the trunk, and the incomplete nature of the preserved ribcage may explain the low values for predicted body mass here. We suggest that the heaviest of previous estimates would require the thorax to be expanded to an unlikely extent, yet this can only be properly tested when more complete fossils are available.



http://ift.tt/2gvicU1

Editorial Board

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Volume 114





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Immuno-engineering: The Next Frontier in Therapeutics Delivery

Publication date: 15 May 2017
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Volume 114
Author(s): Ankur Singh, Krishnendu Roy




http://ift.tt/2gpiLew

The effects of cryotherapy versus cryostretching on clinical and functional outcomes in athletes with acute hamstring strain

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Leyla Sefiddashti, Nastaran Ghotbi, Mahyar Salavati, Ali Farhadi, Masood Mazaheri
PurposeHamstring strain is a common sport injury that results in pain and functional limitation. Despite its high frequency in active populations, there is no agreement regarding the best method used for early intervention of hamstring strain. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of cryotherapy and cryostretching on clinical and functional outcomes in athletes with acute hamstring strain.Materials and methodsThirty seven elite athletes with an acute grade I or II hamstring strain were randomly assigned to either cryotherapy (n = 19) or cryostretching (n = 18) group, receiving 5 sessions of supervised treatment plus home-based intervention monitored by the therapist. Pre-treatment to post-treatment changes in pain, active and passive knee extension range of motion and functional status were compared between the two groups.ResultsCompared to cryotherapy, cryostretching resulted in larger improvement of function and passive knee extension range of motion. Changes in active knee extension range of motion and pain severity were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionA rehabilitation protocol involving gentle stretching following cryotherapy is more effective than cryotherapy alone in the improvement of function and passive knee range of motion in patients with grade I and II hamstring strain.



http://ift.tt/2gujQp8

Effect of the Visual Information Change in Functional Dystonia

Conditions:   Dystonia;   Dystonic Disorders;   Torticollis;   Movement Disorders;   Central Nervous System Diseases;   Nervous System Diseases;   Dyskinesias;   Neurologic Manifestations
Intervention:   Device: prism glasses
Sponsor:   Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild
Not yet recruiting - verified August 2017

http://ift.tt/2wt0ULb

TTS Esophageal HILZO Stent: A Safety and Feasibility Study

Condition:   Esophagus Cancer
Intervention:   Device: HILZO esophageal stent
Sponsors:   Radboud University;   Kebomed B.V.
Recruiting - verified May 2017

http://ift.tt/2vxI9sW

MODY in Ukraine: genes, clinical phenotypes and treatment

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


http://ift.tt/2iMXLme

Effects of lateral olfactory tract stimulation on Fos immunoreactivity in vasopressin neurons of the rat piriform cortex

Abstract

In the main olfactory system, odours are registered at the main olfactory epithelium, then processed at the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and subsequently by the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), the piriform cortex (PC) and the cortical amygdala. Previously, we reported populations of vasopressin neurons in different areas of the rat olfactory system, including the MOB, accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and the AON and showed that these are involved in the coding of social odour information. Utilizing immunohistochemistry and a transgenic rat in which an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene is expressed in vasopressin neurons (eGFP-vasopressin), we show here a population of vasopressin neurons in the PC. The vasopressin neurons are predominantly located in the layer II of the PC and the majority co-express the excitatory transmitter glutamate. Furthermore, there is no sex difference in the number of neurons expressing vasopressin. Electrical stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) leads to a significant increase in the number of Fos-positive nuclei in the PC, MOB, AOB, dorsal AON, and supraoptic nucleus (SON). However, there was only a significant increase in Fos expression in vasopressin cells of the PC and SON. Thus functionally distinct populations of vasopressin cells are implicated in olfactory processing at multiple stages of the olfactory pathway.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Cost and Outcome of BehaviouRal Activation (COBRA): a randomised controlled trial of behavioural activation versus cognitive–behavioural therapy for depression.

Behavioural activation therapy was as effective and more cost-effective than CBT for people with depression and can be delivered by mental health workers with no professional training in psychological therapies.

http://ift.tt/2xCFVWp

A pilot randomised controlled trial of community-led ANtipsychotic Drug REduction for Adults with Learning Disabilities.

Planned as a full scale randomised controlled trial, recruitment challenges meant the study was reported as a pilot and was terminated early; the limited results suggest that drug reduction is possible.

http://ift.tt/2wXKXjm

Scholar : These new articles for Amyloid are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Amyloid and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Article Attitudes about when and how to treat patients with AL amyloidosis: an international survey Paolo Milani , Morie A. Gertz , Giampaolo Merlini & Angela Dispenzieri Pages: 1-4 | DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2017.1370421 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Disseminate recurrent folliculitis as the presenting picture of hidradenitis suppurativa

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): J. Revuz
BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has a polymorphous clinical presentation. Herein we report two cases of HS revealed by disseminate recurrent folliculitis.Patients and methods case 1A 31-year-old woman consulted for disseminate recurrent folliculitis on the trunk and proximal segments of the limbs that had been ongoing for several years. No other cutaneous lesions were seen, particularly in the classic area for HS lesions. Weight loss and treatment with azithromycin 500mg/day resulted in complete remission, but relapse occurred on dosage reduction.Case 2The elder sister of patient 1, who was also obese and 10 years her senior, presented a similar clinical history, although in addition, she was presenting lesions characteristic of HS on her armpits and inguinal folds; further, she had undergone an operation 3 years earlier for pilonidal sinus. Three months of combined treatment with rifampicin and clindamycin 900 mg/day followed by long-term doxycycline 200mg/day resulted in marked improvement.DiscussionDisseminate folliculitis is not infrequent during the course of HS; it forms part of the clinical picture and is particularly common in the follicular phenotypic variant; however, it is not part of the diagnostic criteria as defined consensually by the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. The cases we report suggest that a setting of disseminate recurrent folliculitis may constitute the mode of presentation of HS, and may even represent an atypical monosymptomatic form of HS.ConclusionDisseminate recurrent folliculitis constitutes part of the clinical picture of HS; if it is isolated, screening should be performed for personal or familial signs of HS.



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Contact patterns during cleaning of vomitus: A simulation study

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Yu-Min Su, Linh Phan, Osayuwamen Edomwande, Rachel Weber, Susan C. Bleasdale, Lisa M. Brosseau, Charissa Fritzen-Pedicini, Monica Sikka, Rachael M. Jones
BackgroundEnvironmental service workers cleaning bodily fluids may transfer pathogens through the environment and to themselves through contacts.MethodsParticipants with experience in cleaning of hospital environments were asked to clean simulated vomitus using normal practices in a simulated patient room while being videorecorded. Contacts with environmental surfaces and self were later observed.ResultsIn 21 experimental trials with 7 participants, environmental surfaces were contacted 26.8 times per trial, at a frequency of 266 contacts per hour, on average. Self-contact occurred in 9 of 21 trials, and involved 1-18 contacts, mostly to the upper body. The recommended protocol of cleaning bodily fluids was followed by a minority of participants (2 of 7), and was associated with fewer surface contacts, improved cleaning quality, and different tool use. Participants used different cleaning practices, but each employed similar practices each time they performed an experimental trial.ConclusionsTraining in the use of the recommended protocol may standardize cleaning practices and reduce the number of surface contacts.



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Effectiveness of a shielded ultraviolet C air disinfection system in an inpatient pharmacy of a tertiary care children's hospital

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Don Guimera, Jean Trzil, Joy Joyner, Nicholas D. Hysmith
Viable air particles pose a risk in areas where sterile preparations are compounded. This study investigated the efficacy of an innovative air purification technology that uses a shielded ultraviolet C light lamp to continuously purify the air in an inpatient pharmacy. Mean airborne fungal and bacterial colony forming units were obtained preinstallation and again in 6 months. A statistically significant decrease of 78% and 62% was observed for fungal and bacterial particles, respectively. This study demonstrates a potential role for this novel technology in decreasing the spread of airborne pathogens.



http://ift.tt/2eL419R

Assessment of half-mask elastomeric respirator and powered air-purifying respirator reprocessing for an influenza pandemic

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Caryn Lawrence, Delbert A. Harnish, Megan Sandoval-Powers, Devin Mills, Michael Bergman, Brian K. Heimbuch
BackgroundHealth care facilities are considering the use of reusable respiratory protective devices (RPDs) to mitigate a potential N95 filtering facepiece respirator shortage caused by an influenza pandemic. US regulators are also considering stockpiling reusable RPDs for pandemic preparedness, but limited data exist on the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection of these devices. This study defines reprocessing protocols and evaluates their effectiveness against a pandemic influenza strain in a laboratory setting.MethodsFive half-mask elastomeric respirator models and 3 powered air-purifying respirator models were contaminated with influenza virus and artificial skin oil on multiple surfaces. RPDs were then manually treated with 1 of 2 methods: cleaned or cleaned and disinfected. Presence of viable influenza was determined via swab sampling and a median tissue culture infectious dose assay.ResultsAcross 41 RPD surfaces, a mean log reduction in viable influenza of 4.54 ± 0.97 log10 median tissue culture infectious dose was achieved for all treated surfaces, which included both cleaned and cleaned and disinfected surfaces.ConclusionsThe methods defined as part of this study are effective for eliminating viable influenza in the presence of artificial skin oil on most of the RPD surfaces tested. Material type and RPD design should be considered when implementing RPD reprocessing protocols.



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Multiple interventions in a postanesthesia care unit: Impact on hand hygiene compliance

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Camila Marques dos Santos, Rachel Carvalho, Alexandra R. Toniolo, Julia Y. Kawagoe, Fernando G. Menezes, Claudia V. Silva, Priscila Gonçalves, Helena Maria F. Castagna, Luci Correa




http://ift.tt/2eLoew1

Impact of respiratory virus molecular testing on antibiotic utilization in community-acquired pneumonia

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Stephen P. Blatt, Aleksandr Yultyev, Miao Huang, Scott Friedstrom, Jennifer Steinbrunner
We compared the clinical characteristics and antibiotic therapy of community-acquired pneumonia patients who were positive on a respiratory virus molecular test (polymerase chain reaction) with those who were negative. We found that respiratory virus molecular polymerase chain reaction testing has a minimal impact on reducing antibiotic utilization among viral pneumonia patients.



http://ift.tt/2gw04cX

Thyroid-stimulating hormone and risk of sudden cardiac death, total mortality and cardiovascular morbidity

Abstract

Background

Previous data on the association of thyroid function with total mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes and sudden cardiac death (SCD) are conflicting or limited. We investigated associations of TSH with these outcomes in a nationwide population-based prospective cohort study.

Methods

We examined 5211 participants representative of the Finnish population aged ≥30 years in 2000–2001 and followed them for a median of 13.2 years. Using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for baseline age, gender, smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure and total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, we assessed the associations of continuous baseline TSH and TSH categories (low [<0.4 mU/L], reference range [0.4–3.4 mU/L] and high [>3.4 mU/L]) with incident total mortality, SCD, coronary heart disease events, stroke, CVD, major adverse cardiac events and atrial fibrillation.

Results

High TSH at baseline was related to a greater risk of total mortality (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02–1.76) and SCD (HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.13–4.60) compared with TSH within the reference range. High TSH was not associated with the other outcomes (P≥0.51) whereas low TSH was not associated with any of the outcomes (P≥0.09). TSH at baseline over the full range did not have a linear relation with any of the outcomes (P≥0.17). TSH showed a U-shaped association with total mortality after a restricted cubic spline transformation (P=0.01).

Conclusions

Thyroid function abnormalities could be linked with higher risks of total mortality and SCD. Large-scale randomised studies are needed for evidence-based recommendations regarding treatment of mild thyroid failure.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Scholar : These new articles for Journal of Crime and Justice are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Journal of Crime and Justice and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Conflict, adaption, and strategic defiance: service providers' roles in constructing prisoner reentry through role adaption Tanya N. Whittle Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/0735648X.2017.1366929 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Dose–volume histogram analysis of brainstem necrosis in head and neck tumors treated using carbon-ion radiotherapy

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Katsuyuki Shirai, Kyohei Fukata, Akiko Adachi, Jun-ichi Saitoh, Atsushi Musha, Takanori Abe, Tatsuaki Kanai, Daijiro Kobayashi, Yuka Shigeta, Satoshi Yokoo, Kazuaki Chikamatsu, Tatsuya Ohno, Takashi Nakano
Background and purposeWe aimed to evaluate the relationship between brainstem necrosis and dose–volume histograms in patients with head and neck tumors after carbon-ion radiotherapy.Material and methodsWe evaluated 85 patients with head and neck tumors who underwent carbon-ion radiotherapy and were followed-up for ≥12months. Brainstem necrosis was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0).ResultsThe median follow-up was 24months, and four patients developed grade 1 brainstem necrosis, with 2-year and 3-year cumulative rates of 2.8% and 6.5%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the following significant cut-off values: a maximum brainstem dose of 48Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]), D1cm³ of 27Gy (RBE), V40Gy (RBE) of 0.1cm³, V30Gy (RBE) of 0.7cm³, and V20Gy (RBE) of 1.4cm³. Multivariate analysis revealed that V30Gy (RBE) was most significantly associated with brainstem necrosis. The 2-year cumulative rates were 33% and 0% for V30Gy (RBE) of ≥0.7cm³ and <0.7cm³, respectively (p<0.001).ConclusionsThe present study indicated that the dose constraints might help minimize brainstem necrosis after carbon-ion radiotherapy.



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New nano-scale thin film material improves electronics

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Laurie Donaldson




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Good vibrations: controlling energy waves to advantage

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Laurie Donaldson




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Innovative materials that mimic properties of melanin

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Laurie Donaldson




http://ift.tt/2eKEoWx

Controlling light with electric fields

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Laurie Winkless




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Cracking the secrets of nacre

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Cordelia Sealy




http://ift.tt/2eKY1hk

Cu2ZnSnSSe4 solar cells with 9.6% efficiency via selenizing Cu-Zn-Sn-S precursor sputtered from a quaternary target

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Volume 174
Author(s): Rujun Sun, Daming Zhuang, Ming Zhao, Qianming Gong, Yaowei Wei, Guoan Ren, Yixuan Wu
CZTSSe (sulfur around 1%) absorber was prepared by sputtering on a CZTS target followed by selenization under Ar carried H2Se gas. The mechanism of CZTSSe formation was investigated by Ar annealing and selenization of sputtered CZTS precursor. The apparent decomposition temperature of CZTS precursor annealed under Ar atmosphere was between 450°C and 500°C. While the temperature that CZTS precursor transformed into high-selenium CZTSSe film annealed under Ar carried H2Se gas was determined to be ≤ 400°C. CZTSSe with single-grain layer was obtained when selenization temperature exceeded 520°C. By supplying H2Se from suitable temperature, the metal components of precursor and resulting absorber were almost the same. The highest efficiency of 9.6% achieved at the optimal temperature of 560°C.

Graphical abstract

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