Uncertainty evaluation for ordinary least-square fitting with arbitrary order polynomial in joule balance method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

You, Qiang; Xu, JinXin; Wang, Gang; Zhang, Zhonghua

2016-01-01

The ordinary least-square fitting with polynomial is used in both the dynamic phase of the watt balance method and the weighting phase of joule balance method but few researches have been conducted to evaluate the uncertainty of the fitting data in the electrical balance methods. In this paper, a matrix-calculation method for evaluating the uncertainty of the polynomial fitting data is derived and the properties of this method are studied by simulation. Based on this, another two derived methods are proposed. One is used to find the optimal fitting order for the watt or joule balance methods. Accuracy and effective factors of this method are experimented with simulations. The other is used to evaluate the uncertainty of the integral of the fitting data for joule balance, which is demonstrated with an experiment from the NIM-1 joule balance. (paper)

PEG and mPEG-anthracene induce DNA condensation and particle formation.

Science.gov (United States)

Froehlich, E; Mandeville, J S; Arnold, D; Kreplak, L; Tajmir-Riahi, H A

2011-08-18

In this study, we investigated the binding of DNA with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of different sizes and compositions such as PEG 3350, PEG 6000, and mPEG-anthracene in aqueous solution at physiological conditions. The effects of size and composition on DNA aggregation and condensation as well as conformation were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible, CD, fluorescence spectroscopic methods and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Structural analysis showed moderate complex formation for PEG 3350 and PEG 6000 and weaker interaction for mPE-anthracene-DNA adducts with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic contacts. The order of ± stability of the complexes formed is K(PEG 6000) = 1.5 (±0.4) × 10(4) M(-1) > K(PEG 3350) = 7.9 (±1) × 10(3) M(-1) > K(m(PEG-anthracene))= 3.6 (±0.8) × 10(3) M(-1) with nearly 1 bound PEG molecule per DNA. No B-DNA conformational changes were observed, while DNA condensation and particle formation occurred at high PEG concentration.

Experiment and model for the viscosities of MEA-PEG400, DEA-PEG400 and MDEA-PEG400 aqueous solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fu, Dong; Zhang, Pan; Du, LeiXia; Dai, Jing

2014-01-01

Highlights: • The viscosities of the amine-PEG400 aqueous solutions were measured. • The experiments were modeled satisfactorily by using the Weiland equation. • The effect of mass fractions of amine and PEG400 on the viscosity was illustrated. • The temperature dependence of the viscosity was demonstrated. - Abstract: The viscosities (η) of poly(ethylene oxide)400 (PEG400), monoethanolamine (MEA)-PEG400, diethanolamine (DEA)-PEG400 and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)-PEG400 aqueous solutions were measured by using the NDJ-5S digital rotational viscometer. A thermodynamic equation was used to model the viscosities and the calculated results are satisfactory. The effects of temperature, mass fractions of amines and PEG400 on the viscosities were demonstrated on the basis of experiments and calculations

A comparative analysis of the EEDF obtained by Regularization and by Least square fit methods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gutierrez T, C.; Flores Ll, H.

2004-01-01

The second derived of the characteristic curve current-voltage (I - V) of a Langmuir probe (I - V) is numerically calculated using the Tikhonov method for to determine the distribution function of the electrons energy (EEDF). One comparison of the obtained EEDF and a fit by least square are discussed (LS). The I - V experimental curve is obtained in a plasma source in the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) using a cylindrical probe. The parameters of plasma are determined of the EEDF by means of the Laframboise theory. For the case of the LS fit, the obtained results are similar to those obtained by the Tikhonov method, but in the first case the procedure is slow to achieve the best fit. (Author)

Fitting of two and three variate polynomials from experimental data through the least squares method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanchez-Miro, J.J.; Sanz-Martin, J.C.

1994-01-01

Obtaining polynomial fittings from observational data in two and three dimensions is an interesting and practical task. Such an arduous problem suggests the development of an automatic code. The main novelty we provide lies in the generalization of the classical least squares method in three FORTRAN 77 programs usable in any sampling problem. Furthermore, we introduce the orthogonal 2D-Legendre function in the fitting process. These FORTRAN 77 programs are equipped with the options to calculate the approximation quality standard indicators, obviously generalized to two and three dimensions (correlation nonlinear factor, confidence intervals, cuadratic mean error, and so on). The aim of this paper is to rectify the absence of fitting algorithms for more than one independent variable in mathematical libraries

Clarification of the use of chi-square and likelihood functions in fits to histograms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baker, S.; Cousins, R.D.

1984-01-01

We consider the problem of fitting curves to histograms in which the data obey multinomial or Poisson statistics. Techniques commonly used by physicists are examined in light of standard results found in the statistics literature. We review the relationship between multinomial and Poisson distributions, and clarify a sufficient condition for equality of the area under the fitted curve and the number of events on the histogram. Following the statisticians, we use the likelihood ratio test to construct a general Z 2 statistic, Zsub(lambda) 2 , which yields parameter and error estimates identical to those of the method of maximum likelihood. The Zsub(lambda) 2 statistic is further useful for testing goodness-of-fit since the value of its minimum asymptotically obeys a classical chi-square distribution. One should be aware, however, of the potential for statistical bias, especially when the number of events is small. (orig.)

Least square fitting of low resolution gamma ray spectra with cubic B-spline basis functions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Menghua; Liu Lianggang; Qi Dongxu; You Zhong; Xu Aoao

2009-01-01

In this paper, the least square fitting method with the cubic B-spline basis functions is derived to reduce the influence of statistical fluctuations in the gamma ray spectra. The derived procedure is simple and automatic. The results show that this method is better than the convolution method with a sufficient reduction of statistical fluctuation. (authors)

Least-squares fit of a linear combination of functions

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Niraj Upadhyay

2013-12-01

Full Text Available We propose that given a data-set $S=\\{(x_i,y_i/i=1,2,{\\dots}n\\}$ and real-valued functions $\\{f_\\alpha(x/\\alpha=1,2,{\\dots}m\\},$ the least-squares fit vector $A=\\{a_\\alpha\\}$ for $y=\\sum_\\alpha a_{\\alpha}f_\\alpha(x$ is $A = (F^TF^{-1}F^TY$ where $[F_{i\\alpha}]=[f_\\alpha(x_i].$ We test this formalism by deriving the algebraic expressions of the regression coefficients in $y = ax + b$ and in $y = ax^2 + bx + c.$ As a practical application, we successfully arrive at the coefficients in the semi-empirical mass formula of nuclear physics. The formalism is {\\it generic} - it has the potential of being applicable to any {\\it type} of $\\{x_i\\}$ as long as there exist appropriate $\\{f_\\alpha\\}.$ The method can be exploited with a CAS or an object-oriented language and is excellently suitable for parallel-processing.

Effect of PEG and mPEG-anthracene on tRNA aggregation and particle formation.

Science.gov (United States)

Froehlich, E; Mandeville, J S; Arnold, D; Kreplak, L; Tajmir-Riahi, H A

2012-01-09

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its derivatives are synthetic polymers with major applications in gene and drug delivery systems. Synthetic polymers are also used to transport miRNA and siRNA in vitro. We studied the interaction of tRNA with several PEGs of different compositions, such as PEG 3350, PEG 6000, and mPEG-anthracene under physiological conditions. FTIR, UV-visible, CD, and fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to analyze the PEG binding mode, the binding constant, and the effects of polymer complexation on tRNA stability, aggregation, and particle formation. Structural analysis showed that PEG-tRNA interaction occurs via RNA bases and the backbone phosphate group with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic contacts. The overall binding constants of K(PEG 3350-tRNA)= 1.9 (±0.5) × 10(4) M(-1), K(PEG 6000-tRNA) = 8.9 (±1) × 10(4) M(-1), and K(mPEG-anthracene)= 1.2 (±0.40) × 10(3) M(-1) show stronger polymer-RNA complexation by PEG 6000 and by PEG 3350 than the mPEG-anthracene. AFM imaging showed that PEG complexes contain on average one tRNA with PEG 3350, five tRNA with PEG 6000, and ten tRNA molecules with mPEG-anthracene. tRNA aggregation and particle formation occurred at high polymer concentrations, whereas it remains in A-family structure.

Stability of Uncemented Cups - Long-Term Effect of Screws, Pegs and HA Coating: A 14-Year RSA Follow-Up of Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Science.gov (United States)

Otten, Volker T C; Crnalic, Sead; Röhrl, Stephan M; Nivbrant, Bo; Nilsson, Kjell G

2016-01-01

Screws, pegs and hydroxyapatite-coating are used to enhance the primary stability of uncemented cups. We present a 14-year follow-up of 48 hips randomized to four groups: press-fit only, press-fit plus screws, press-fit plus pegs and hydroxyapatite-coated cups. Radiostereometric migration measurements showed equally good stability regardless cup augmentation. The mean wear rate was high, 0.21 mm/year, with no differences between the groups. Seven hips had radiographical osteolysis but only in hips with augmented cups. Cups without screw-holes compared with cups with screw-holes resulted in better clinical outcome at the 14-year follow-up. Thus, augmentation of uncemented cups with screws, pegs, or hydroxyapatite did not appear to improve the long-term stability compared with press-fit only. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polynomial curve fitting for control rod worth using least square numerical analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muhammad Husamuddin Abdul Khalil; Mark Dennis Usang; Julia Abdul Karim; Mohd Amin Sharifuldin Salleh

2012-01-01

RTP must have sufficient excess reactivity to compensate the negative reactivity feedback effects such as those caused by the fuel temperature and power defects of reactivity, fuel burn-up and to allow full power operation for predetermined period of time. To compensate this excess reactivity, it is necessary to introduce an amount of negative reactivity by adjusting or controlling the control rods at will. Control rod worth depends largely upon the value of the neutron flux at the location of the rod and reflected by a polynomial curve. Purpose of this paper is to rule out the polynomial curve fitting using least square numerical techniques via MATLAB compatible language. (author)

The derivation of vector magnetic fields from Stokes profiles - Integral versus least squares fitting techniques

Science.gov (United States)

Ronan, R. S.; Mickey, D. L.; Orrall, F. Q.

1987-01-01

The results of two methods for deriving photospheric vector magnetic fields from the Zeeman effect, as observed in the Fe I line at 6302.5 A at high spectral resolution (45 mA), are compared. The first method does not take magnetooptical effects into account, but determines the vector magnetic field from the integral properties of the Stokes profiles. The second method is an iterative least-squares fitting technique which fits the observed Stokes profiles to the profiles predicted by the Unno-Rachkovsky solution to the radiative transfer equation. For sunspot fields above about 1500 gauss, the two methods are found to agree in derived azimuthal and inclination angles to within about + or - 20 deg.

Calculating the parameters of experimental data Gauss distribution using the least square fit method and evaluation of their accuracy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guseva, E.V.; Peregudov, V.N.

1982-01-01

The FITGAV program for calculation of parameters of the Gauss curve describing experimental data is considered. The calculations are based on the least square fit method. The estimations of errors in the parameter determination as a function of experimental data sample volume and their statistical significance are obtained. The curve fit using 100 points occupies less than 1 s at the SM-4 type computer

Obtention of the parameters of the Voigt function using the least square fit method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Flores Ll, H.; Cabral P, A.; Jimenez D, H.

1990-01-01

The fundamental parameters of the Voigt function are determined: lorentzian wide (Γ L ) and gaussian wide (Γ G ) with an error for almost all the cases inferior to 1% in the intervals 0.01 ≤ Γ L / Γ G ≤1 and 0.3 ≤ Γ G / Γ L ≤1. This is achieved using the least square fit method with an algebraic function, being obtained a simple method to obtain the fundamental parameters of the Voigt function used in many spectroscopies. (Author)

Biodegradation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in three tropical soils using radio labelled PEG

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abdalla, A.L. [Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Centre for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo (CENA/USP), Piracicaba SP (Brazil)]. E-mail: abdalla@cena.usp.br; Regitano, J.B.; Tornisielo, V.L.; Marchese, L. [Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Piracicaba SP (Brazil); Pecanha, M.R.S.R.; Vitti, D.M.S.S. [Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Centre for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo (CENA/USP), Piracicaba SP (Brazil); Smith, T. [School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading (United Kingdom)

2005-08-19

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) may be added to forage based diets rich in tannins for ruminant feeding because it binds to tannins and thus prevent the formation of potentially indigestible tannin-protein complexes. The objective of this work was to determine the in vitro biodegradation (mineralization, i.e., complete breakdown of PEG to CO{sub 2}) rate of PEG. {sup 14}C-Polyethylene glycol ({sup 14}C-PEG) was added to three different tropical soils (a sandy clay loam soil, SaCL; a sandy clay soil, SaC; and a sandy loam soil, SaL) and was incubated in Bartha flasks. Free PEG and PEG bound to tannins from a tannin rich local shrub were incubated under aerobic conditions for up to 70 days. The biodegradation assay monitored the {sup 14}CO{sub 2} evolved after degradation of the labelled PEG in the soils. After incubation, the amount of {sup 14}CO{sub 2} evolved from the {sup 14}C-PEG application was low. Higher PEG mineralization values were found for the soils with higher organic matter contents (20.1 and 18.6 g organic matter/kg for SaCL and SaC, respectively) than for the SaL soil (11.9 g organic matter/kg) (P < 0.05). The extent of mineralization of PEG after 70 days of incubation in the soil was significantly lower (P < 0.05) when it was added as bound to the browse tannin than in the free form (0.040 and 0.079, respectively). (author)

Respiratory mechanics by least squares fitting in mechanically ventilated patients: application on flow-limited COPD patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Volta, Carlo A; Marangoni, Elisabetta; Alvisi, Valentina; Capuzzo, Maurizia; Ragazzi, Riccardo; Pavanelli, Lina; Alvisi, Raffaele

2002-01-01

Although computerized methods of analyzing respiratory system mechanics such as the least squares fitting method have been used in various patient populations, no conclusive data are available in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), probably because they may develop expiratory flow limitation (EFL). This suggests that respiratory mechanics be determined only during inspiration. Eight-bed multidisciplinary ICU of a teaching hospital. Eight non-flow-limited postvascular surgery patients and eight flow-limited COPD patients. Patients were sedated, paralyzed for diagnostic purposes, and ventilated in volume control ventilation with constant inspiratory flow rate. Data on resistance, compliance, and dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,dyn) obtained by applying the least squares fitting method during inspiration, expiration, and the overall breathing cycle were compared with those obtained by the traditional method (constant flow, end-inspiratory occlusion method). Our results indicate that (a) the presence of EFL markedly decreases the precision of resistance and compliance values measured by the LSF method, (b) the determination of respiratory variables during inspiration allows the calculation of respiratory mechanics in flow limited COPD patients, and (c) the LSF method is able to detect the presence of PEEPi,dyn if only inspiratory data are used.

PEG Tube Placement

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Saptarshi Biswas

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG has been used for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition for years. Although generally considered safe, PEG tube placement can be associated with many immediate and delayed complications. Buried bumper syndrome (BBS is one of the uncommon and late complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG placement. It occurs when the internal bumper of the PEG tube erodes into the gastric wall and lodges itself between the gastric wall and skin. This can lead to a variety of additional complications such as wound infection, peritonitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. We present here a case of buried bumper syndrome which caused extensive necrosis of the anterior abdominal wall.

PEG-asparaginase induced severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Science.gov (United States)

Galindo, Rodolfo J; Yoon, Justin; Devoe, Craig; Myers, Alyson K

2016-04-01

Asparaginase (ASP) is an effective chemotherapy agent extensively used in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). There has been a recent interest in using ASP in adults with ALL, particularly the less toxic pegylated (PEG) formulation. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a rare complication of PEG-ASP therapy. We report two cases of obese patients who developed severe HTG after receiving PEG for ALL. Both patients were incidentally found to have severe HTG (TG of 4,330 and 4,420 mg/dL). In both patients, there was no personal or family history of dyslipidemia or hypothyroidism. There was no evidence of pancreatitis or skin manifestations of HTG. Both patients were treated with PEG cessation, low-fat diet and pharmacotherapy. Both patients were re-challenged with PEG, with subsequent increase in TG but no associated complications. TG returned to baseline after discontinuing PEG and while on therapy for HTG. A literature review of PEG-induced HTG in adults demonstrated similar results: asymptomatic presentation despite very severe HTG. HTG is a rare but clinically important adverse effect of PEG. Underlying obesity and/or diabetes may represent risk factors. Clinicians should monitor TG levels during PEG therapy to avoid TG-induced pancreatitis.

Figure-of-merit (FOM), an improved criterion over the normalized chi-squared test for assessing goodness-of-fit of gamma-ray spectral peaks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garo Balian, H.; Eddy, N.W.

1977-01-01

A careful experimenter knows that in order to choose the best curve fits of peaks from a gamma ray spectrum for such purposes as energy or intensity calibration, half-life determination, etc., the application of the normalized chi-squared test, [chisub(N)] 2 =chi 2 /(n-m), is insufficient. One must normally verify the goodness-of-fit with plots, detailed scans of residuals, etc. Because of different techniques of application, variations in backgrounds, in peak sizes and shapes, etc., quotation of the [chisub(N)] 2 value associated with an individual peak fit conveys very little information unless accompanied by considerable ancillary data. (This is not to say that the traditional chi 2 formula should not be used as the source of the normal equations in the least squares fitting procedure. But after the fitting, it is unreliable as a criterion for comparison with other fits.) The authors present a formula designated figure-of-merit (FOM) which greatly improves on the uncertainty and fluctuations of the [chisub(N)] 2 formula. An FOM value of less than 2.5% indicates a good fit (in the authors' judgement) irrespective of background conditions and variations in peak sizes and shapes. Furthermore, the authors feel the FOM formula is less subject to fluctuations resulting from different techniques of application. (Auth.)

FREQFIT: Computer program which performs numerical regression and statistical chi-squared goodness of fit analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hofland, G.S.; Barton, C.C.

1990-01-01

The computer program FREQFIT is designed to perform regression and statistical chi-squared goodness of fit analysis on one-dimensional or two-dimensional data. The program features an interactive user dialogue, numerous help messages, an option for screen or line printer output, and the flexibility to use practically any commercially available graphics package to create plots of the program's results. FREQFIT is written in Microsoft QuickBASIC, for IBM-PC compatible computers. A listing of the QuickBASIC source code for the FREQFIT program, a user manual, and sample input data, output, and plots are included. 6 refs., 1 fig

EXPALS, Least Square Fit of Linear Combination of Exponential Decay Function

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Douglas Gardner, C.

1980-01-01

1 - Description of problem or function: This program fits by least squares a function which is a linear combination of real exponential decay functions. The function is y(k) = summation over j of a(j) * exp(-lambda(j) * k). Values of the independent variable (k) and the dependent variable y(k) are specified as input data. Weights may be specified as input information or set by the program (w(k) = 1/y(k)). 2 - Method of solution: The Prony-Householder iteration method is used. For unequally-spaced data, a number of interpolation options are provided. This revision includes an option to call a differential correction subroutine REFINE to improve the approximation to unequally-spaced data when equal-interval interpolation is faulty. If convergence is achieved, the probable errors in the computed parameters are calculated also. 3 - Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: Generally, it is desirable to have at least 10n observations where n equals the number of terms and to input k+n significant figures if k significant figures are expected

Quantitative analysis of Fe and Co in Co-substituted magnetite using XPS: The application of non-linear least squares fitting (NLLSF)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Hongmei, E-mail: hmliu@gig.ac.cn [CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 (China); Wei, Gaoling [Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment Pollution Integrated Control, Guangdong Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650 (China); Xu, Zhen [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410012 (China); Liu, Peng; Li, Ying [CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 (China)

2016-12-15

Highlights: • XPS and Auger peak overlapping complicates Co-substituted magnetite quantification. • Disrurbance of Auger peaks was eliminated by non-linear least squares fitting. • Fitting greatly improved the accuracy of quantification for Co and Fe. • Catalytic activity of magnetite was enhanced with the increase of Co substitution. - Abstract: Quantitative analysis of Co and Fe using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is of important for the evaluation of the catalytic ability of Co-substituted magnetite. However, the overlap of XPS peaks and Auger peaks for Co and Fe complicate quantification. In this study, non-linear least squares fitting (NLLSF) was used to calculate the relative Co and Fe contents of a series of synthesized Co-substituted magnetite samples with different Co doping levels. NLLSF separated the XPS peaks of Co 2p and Fe 2p from the Auger peaks of Fe and Co, respectively. Compared with a control group without fitting, the accuracy of quantification of Co and Fe was greatly improved after elimination by NLLSF of the disturbance of Auger peaks. A catalysis study confirmed that the catalytic activity of magnetite was enhanced with the increase of Co substitution. This study confirms the effectiveness and accuracy of the NLLSF method in XPS quantitative calculation of Fe and Co coexisting in a material.

Multi-Gaussian fitting for pulse waveform using Weighted Least Squares and multi-criteria decision making method.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Lu; Xu, Lisheng; Feng, Shuting; Meng, Max Q-H; Wang, Kuanquan

2013-11-01

Analysis of pulse waveform is a low cost, non-invasive method for obtaining vital information related to the conditions of the cardiovascular system. In recent years, different Pulse Decomposition Analysis (PDA) methods have been applied to disclose the pathological mechanisms of the pulse waveform. All these methods decompose single-period pulse waveform into a constant number (such as 3, 4 or 5) of individual waves. Furthermore, those methods do not pay much attention to the estimation error of the key points in the pulse waveform. The estimation of human vascular conditions depends on the key points' positions of pulse wave. In this paper, we propose a Multi-Gaussian (MG) model to fit real pulse waveforms using an adaptive number (4 or 5 in our study) of Gaussian waves. The unknown parameters in the MG model are estimated by the Weighted Least Squares (WLS) method and the optimized weight values corresponding to different sampling points are selected by using the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method. Performance of the MG model and the WLS method has been evaluated by fitting 150 real pulse waveforms of five different types. The resulting Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) was less than 2.0% and the estimation accuracy for the key points was satisfactory, demonstrating that our proposed method is effective in compressing, synthesizing and analyzing pulse waveforms. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Details of the Classification of Symbiotic Stars: The Case of the Symbiotic Nova AG Peg

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tatarnikova A. A.

2016-09-01

Full Text Available We analyze archival and modern spectroscopic and photometric observations of the oldest known symbiotic nova AG Peg. Its new outburst (which began in 2015 June differs greatly from the first one (which occurred in the mid-1850s. Fast photometric evolution of the new outburst is similar to that of Z And-type outbursts. However, the SED of AG Peg during the 2015 outburst, as well as during the quiescence, can be fitted by a standard three-component model (cool component + hot component + nebula, which is not common for an Z And-type outburst.

Polyethylene glycols (PEG) and related structures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wenande, Emily; Kroigaard, Mogens; Mosbech, Holger

2015-01-01

We describe hypersensitivity to polyethylene glycols (PEGs), with cross-reactivity to a structural analog, polysorbate 80, in a 69-year-old patient with perioperative anaphylaxis and subsequent, severe anaphylactic reactions to unrelated medical products. PEGs and PEG analogs are prevalent in the...

Stereocomplex mediated gelation of PEG-(PLA)2 and PEG(PLA)8 block copolymers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hiemstra, C.; Zhong, Zhiyuan; Dijkstra, Pieter J.; Feijen, Jan

2005-01-01

Stereocomplex mediated hydrogels have been prepared by mixing solutions of polymers of opposite chirality of either PEG-(PLA)2 triblock copolymers or PEG-(PLA)8 star block copolymers. The critical gel concentrations of the mixed enantiomer solutions were considerably lower compared to polymer

Synthesis and bioactivity study of 30kda linear peg-interferon and its comparison with tri-branched peg-interferon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sabar, M.F.; Awan, F.I.

2013-01-01

Summary: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is conjugated to the therapeutic proteins to enhance their circulating half life. PEGylation is a clinically proven strategy for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of protein-based medicines. PEG size and structure is very important in achieving specific properties in the conjugated protein. In this study we have compared the properties of newly synthesized linear PEG-IFN with a same sized (i.e., 30KDa) tri-branched PEG-IFN synthesized in the same lab earlier. For PEGylation reaction, interferon-alpha2 (IFNalpha2) concentration in sodium borate buffer pH 8.5 was optimized as 4.0mg/ml. The optimized molar ratio of PEG/IFN alpha2 was 3:1 instead of 5:1 in the case of tri-branched PEG published earlier. Other parameters of reaction were same as in our previous publication. Mono PEGylation degree reached to 21%. Cation exchange chromatography was used to separate and purify mono PEGylated IFN from the reaction mixture. The purity of mono PEGylated IFN was greater than 95%. It is noticed that PEGylation was more site specific in tribranched than the linear conjugate. The in vitro bioactivity of linear mPEG-IFN is 10-fold lesser than as reported of tri-branched mPEG3L2-IFN. Thermal stability of linear mPEG-IFN is also smaller than mPEG/sub 3/L/sub 2/-IFN at 4 degree C. (author)

Enhanced EGFP Fluorescence Emission in Presence of PEG Aqueous Solutions and PIB1000-PEG6000-PIB1000 Copolymer Vesicles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Noor Muhammad

2013-01-01

Full Text Available An EGFP construct interacting with the PIB1000-PEG6000-PIB1000 vesicles surface reported a ~2-fold fluorescence emission enhancement. Because of the constructs nature with the amphiphilic peptide inserted into the PIB core, EGFP is expected to experience a “pure” PEG environment. To unravel this phenomenon PEG/water solutions at different molecular weights and concentrations were used. Already at ~1 : 10 protein/PEG molar ratio the increase in fluorescence emission is observed reaching a plateau correlating with the PEG molecular weight. Parallel experiments in presence of glycerol aqueous solutions did show a slight fluorescence enhancement however starting at much higher concentrations. Molecular dynamics simulations of EGFP in neat water, glycerol, and PEG aqueous solutions were performed showing that PEG molecules tend to “wrap” the protein creating a microenvironment where the local PEG concentration is higher compared to its bulk concentration. Because the fluorescent emission can be perturbed by the refractive index surrounding the protein, the clustering of PEG molecules induces an enhanced fluorescence emission already at extremely low concentrations. These findings can be important when related to the use of EGFP as reported in molecular biology experiments.

Characteristics and cytotoxicity of folate-modified curcumin-loaded PLA-PEG micellar nano systems with various PLA:PEG ratios.

Science.gov (United States)

Phan, Quoc Thong; Le, Mai Huong; Le, Thi Thu Huong; Tran, Thi Hong Ha; Xuan, Phuc Nguyen; Ha, Phuong Thu

2016-06-30

Targeting delivery system use natural drugs for tumor cells is an appealing platform help to reduce the side effects and enhance the therapeutic effects of the drug. In this study, we synthesized curcumin (Cur) loaded (D, L Poly lactic - Poly ethylenglycol) micelle (Cur/PLA-PEG) with the ratio of PLA/PEG of 3:1 2:1 1:1 1:2 and 1:3 (w/w) and another micelle modified by folate (Cur/PLA-PEG-Fol) for targeting cancer therapy. The PLA-PEG copolymer was synthesized by ring opening polymerization method. After loading onto the micelle, solubility of Cur increased from 0.38 to 0.73mgml(-1). The average size of prepared Cur/PLA-PEG micelles was from 60 to 69nm (corresponding to the ratio difference of PLA/PEG) and the drug encapsulating efficiency was from 48.8 to 91.3%. Compared with the Cur/PLA-PEG micelles, the size of Cur/PLA-PEG-Fol micelles were from 80 to 86nm and showed better in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells. The cytotoxicity of the NPs however depends much on the PEG component. The results demonstrated that Folate-modified micelles could serve as a potential nano carrier to improve solubility, anti-cancer activity of Cur and targeting ability of the system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Blood gas analysis, anion gap, and strong ion difference in horses treated with polyethylene glycol balanced solution (PEG 3350 or enteral and parenteral electrolyte solutions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cláudio Luís Nina Gomes

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Large volumes of different electrolytes solutions are commonly used for ingesta hydration in horses with large colon impaction, but little is known about their consequences to blood acid-base balance. To evaluate the effects of PEG 3350 or enteral and parenteral electrolyte solutions on the blood gas analysis, anion gap and strong ion difference, five adult female horses were used in a 5x5 latin square design. The animals were divided in five groups and distributed to each of the following treatments: NaCl (0.9% sodium chloride solution; EES (enteral electrolyte solution, EES+LR (EES plus lactated Ringer's solution; PEG (balanced solution with PEG 3350 and PEG+LR (PEG plus lactated Ringer's solution. Treatments PEG or PEG + LR did not change or promoted minimal changes, while the EES caused a slight decrease in pH, but its association with lactated Ringer's solution induced increase in AG and SID values, as well as caused hypernatremia. In turn, the treatment NaCl generated metabolic acidosis. PEG 3350 did not alter the acid-base balance. Despite it's slight acidifying effect, the enteral electrolyte solution (EES did not cause clinically relevant changes.

II Peg: Spectroscopic Evidence for Multiple Starspot Temperatures

Science.gov (United States)

O'Neal, Douglas; Saar, Steven H.; Neff, James E. Neff

We present spectroscopic evidence for multiple spot temperatures on the RS CVn star II Pegasi (HD 224085). We fit the strengths of the 7055 AAg and 8860 AAg TiO absorption bands in the spectrum of an active star using weighted sums of comparison spectra: the spectrum of an inactive K star to represent the non-spotted photosphere and the spectrum of an M star to represent the spots. We can thus independently measure starspot filling factor (fspot) and temperature (tspot). During 3/4 of a rotation of II Peg in Sept.-Oct. 1996, we measure fspot approximately constant at 55+/-5%. However, tspot varies from 3350 K to 3500 K. Since our method yields one derived tspot integrated over the visible hemisphere of the star, we present the results of simple models of a star with two distinct spot temperatures and compute the tspot we would derive in those cases. The changing tspot correlates with emission strengths of Hα and the Ca 2 infrared triplet, in the sense that cooler \\tspot accompanies weaker emission. We explore the consequences of these results for the physical properties of the spots on II Peg and for stellar surface structure in general.

Quantum chi-squared and goodness of fit testing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Temme, Kristan [IQIM, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125 (United States); Verstraete, Frank [Fakultät für Physik, Universität Wien, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Wien, Austria and Faculty of Science, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent (Belgium)

2015-01-15

A quantum mechanical hypothesis test is presented for the hypothesis that a certain setup produces a given quantum state. Although the classical and the quantum problems are very much related to each other, the quantum problem is much richer due to the additional optimization over the measurement basis. A goodness of fit test for i.i.d quantum states is developed and a max-min characterization for the optimal measurement is introduced. We find the quantum measurement which leads both to the maximal Pitman and Bahadur efficiencies, and determine the associated divergence rates. We discuss the relationship of the quantum goodness of fit test to the problem of estimating multiple parameters from a density matrix. These problems are found to be closely related and we show that the largest error of an optimal strategy, determined by the smallest eigenvalue of the Fisher information matrix, is given by the divergence rate of the goodness of fit test.

Thermal performance in circular tube fitted with coiled square wires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Promvonge, Pongjet

2008-01-01

The effects of wires with square cross section forming a coil used as a turbulator on the heat transfer and turbulent flow friction characteristics in a uniform heat flux, circular tube are experimentally investigated in the present work. The experiments are performed for flows with Reynolds numbers ranging from 5000 to 25,000. Two different spring coiled wire pitches are introduced. The results are also compared with those obtained from using a typical coiled circular wire, apart from the smooth tube. The experimental results reveal that the use of coiled square wire turbulators leads to a considerable increase in heat transfer and friction loss over those of a smooth wall tube. The Nusselt number increases with the rise of Reynolds number and the reduction of pitch for both circular and square wire coils. The coiled square wire provides higher heat transfer than the circular one under the same conditions. Also, performance evaluation criteria to assess the real benefits in using both coil wires of the enhanced tube are determined

Comparison of Coatings from Reactive Star Shaped PEG-stat-PPG Prepolymers and Grafted Linear PEG for Biological and Medical Applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Groll, J.; Ademovic, Z.; Klee, D.

2005-01-01

). In an alternative approach, surfaces were modified with layers prepared from isocyanate terminated, star shaped poly(ethylene glycol-stat-propylene glycol) prepolymers (80% ethylene glycol, six arms, M. = 3000, 12 000, and 18 000; this compound will be referred to as "Star PEG" in the text). Due to the highly......Grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a common strategy for reducing nonspecific interactions of surfaces with proteins. We have used grafting at "cloud point" solution conditions that ensures maximum grafting density of linear methoxy terminated PEG-aldehyde (mPEG-ald, M-W = 5000 and 30000....... Protein adsorption was monitored by surface MALDI-TOF MS and fluorescence microscopy. No protein adsorption could be detected on Star PEG coatings and on mPEG-ald 5000, whereas mPEG-ald 30 000 could only prevent adsorption of lysozyme but not of the smaller insulin....

Raman scattering studies on PEG functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Yamini, D.; Devanand Venkatasubbu, G.; Kumar, J.; Ramakrishnan, V.

2014-01-01

The pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by wet chemical precipitation method. Raman spectral measurements have been made for pure HAP, pure Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 and PEG coated HAP in different mass ratios (sample 1, sample 2 and sample 3). The peaks observed in Raman spectrum of pure HAP and the XRD pattern have confirmed the formation of HAP NPs. Vibrational modes have been assigned for pure HAP and pure PEG 6000. The observed variation in peak position of Raman active vibrational modes of PEG in PEG coated HAP has been elucidated in this work, in terms of intermolecular interactions between PEG and HAP. Further these results suggest that the functionalization of nanoparticles may be independent of PEG mass.

Investigation of PEG crystallization in frozen PEG-sucrose-water solutions. I. Characterization of the nonequilibrium behavior during freeze-thawing.

Science.gov (United States)

Bhatnagar, Bakul S; Martin, Susan M; Teagarden, Dirk L; Shalaev, Evgenyi Y; Suryanarayanan, Raj

2010-06-01

Our objective was to characterize the nonequilibrium thermal behavior of frozen aqueous solutions containing PEG and sucrose. Aqueous solutions of (i) sucrose (10%, w/v) with different concentrations of PEG (1-20%, w/v), and (ii) PEG (10%, w/v) with different concentrations of sucrose (2-20%, w/v), were cooled to -70 degrees C at 5 degrees C/min and heated to 25 degrees C at 2 degrees C/min in a differential scanning calorimeter. Annealing was performed at temperatures ranging from -50 to -20 degrees C for 2 or 6 h. Similar experiments were also performed in the low-temperature stage of a powder X-ray diffractometer. A limited number of additional DSC experiments were performed wherein the samples were cooled to -100 degrees C. In unannealed systems with a fixed sucrose concentration (10%, w/v), the T'g decreased from -35 to -48 degrees C when PEG concentration was increased from 1% to 20% (w/v). On annealing at -25 degrees C, PEG crystallized. This was evident from the increase in T'g and the appearance of a secondary melting endotherm in the DSC. Low-temperature XRD provided direct evidence of PEG crystallization. Annealing at temperatures PEG concentration (10%, w/v), the T'g increased from -50 to -40 degrees C when sucrose concentration was increased from 5% to 50%, w/v. As the annealing time increased (at -25 degrees C), the T'g approached that of a sucrose-water system, reflecting progressive PEG crystallization. A second glass transition at approximately -65 degrees C was evident in unannealed systems [10%, w/v sucrose and 10 (or 20%), w/v PEG] cooled to -100 degrees C. Investigation of the nonequilibrium behavior of frozen PEG-sucrose-water ternary system revealed phase separation in the freeze-concentrate. Annealing facilitated PEG crystallization. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

How baculovirus polyhedra fit square pegs into round holes to robustly package viruses.

Science.gov (United States)

Ji, Xiaoyun; Sutton, Geoff; Evans, Gwyndaf; Axford, Danny; Owen, Robin; Stuart, David I

2010-01-20

Natural protein crystals (polyhedra) armour certain viruses, allowing them to survive for years under hostile conditions. We have determined the structure of polyhedra of the baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), revealing a highly symmetrical covalently cross-braced robust lattice, the subunits of which possess a flexible adaptor enabling this supra-molecular assembly to specifically entrap massive baculoviruses. Inter-subunit chemical switches modulate the controlled release of virus particles in the unusual high pH environment of the target insect's gut. Surprisingly, the polyhedrin subunits are more similar to picornavirus coat proteins than to the polyhedrin of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV). It is, therefore, remarkable that both AcMNPV and CPV polyhedra possess identical crystal lattices and crystal symmetry. This crystalline arrangement must be particularly well suited to the functional requirements of the polyhedra and has been either preserved or re-selected during evolution. The use of flexible adaptors to generate a powerful system for packaging irregular particles is characteristic of the AcMNPV polyhedrin and may provide a vehicle to sequester a wide range of objects such as biological nano-particles.

Drop Printing of Pharmaceuticals: Effect of Molecular Weight on PEG Coated-Naproxen/PEG3350 Solid Dispersions.

Science.gov (United States)

Hsu, Hsin-Yun; Toth, Scott; Simpson, Garth J; Harris, Michael T

2015-12-01

Solid dispersions have been used to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, the solid state phase, compositional uniformity, and scale-up problems are issues that need to be addressed. To allow for highly controllable products, the Drop Printing (DP) technique can provide precise dosages and predictable compositional uniformity of APIs in two/three dimensional structures. In this study, DP was used to prepare naproxen (NAP)/polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) solid dispersions with PEG coatings of different molecular weights (MW). A comparison of moisture-accelerated crystallization inhibition by different PEG coatings was assessed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis were performed to characterize the morphology and quantify the apparent crystallinity of NAP within the solid dispersions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to measure the water content within each sample. The results suggest that the moisture-accelerated crystallization inhibition capability of the PEG coatings increased with increasing MW of the PEG coating. Besides, to demonstrate the flexibility of DP technology on manufacturing formulation, multilayer tablets with different PEG serving as barrier layers were also constructed, and their dissolution behavior was examined. By applying DP and appropriate materials, it is possible to design various carrier devices used to control the release dynamics of the API.

FITS: a function-fitting program

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Balestrini, S.J.; Chezem, C.G.

1982-01-01

FITS is an iterating computer program that adjusts the parameters of a function to fit a set of data points according to the least squares criterion and then lists and plots the results. The function can be programmed or chosen from a library that is provided. The library can be expanded to include up to 99 functions. A general plotting routine, contained in the program but useful in its own right, is described separately in an Appendix.

Evaluation of Clensia®, a new low-volume PEG bowel preparation in colonoscopy: Multicentre randomized controlled trial versus 4L PEG.

Science.gov (United States)

Spada, Cristiano; Cesaro, Paola; Bazzoli, Franco; Saracco, Giorgio Maria; Cipolletta, Livio; Buri, Luigi; Crosta, Cristiano; Petruzziello, Lucio; Ceroni, Liza; Fuccio, Lorenzo; Giordanino, Chiara; Elia, Chiara; Rotondano, Gianluca; Bianco, Maria A; Simeth, Catrin; Consalvo, Danilo; De Roberto, Giuseppe; Fiori, Giancarla; Campanale, Mariachiara; Costamagna, Guido

2017-06-01

Success of colonoscopy is linked to the adequacy of bowel cleansing. Polyethylene glycol 4L (PEG 4L) solutions are widely used for colonic cleansing but with limitations concerning tolerability and acceptability. To demonstrate the equivalence of a new low-volume PEG containing citrates and simeticone (Clensia) versus a standard PEG 4L. In this, multicentre, randomised, observer-blind trial, patients received either Clensia 2L or PEG 4L solution. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with colon cleansing evaluated as excellent or good. 422 patients received Clensia (n=213) or PEG 4L (n=209). Rate of excellent/good bowel cleansing was 73.6% and 72.3% in Clensia and PEG 4L group respectively. Clensia was demonstrated to be equivalent to PEG 4L. No SAEs were observed. Clensia showed better gastrointestinal tolerability (37.0% vs 25.4%). The acceptability was significantly better with Clensia in terms of proportion of subjects who felt no distress (Clensia 72.8% vs PEG 4L 63%, P=0.0314) and willingness-to-repeat (93.9% vs 82.2%, P=0.0002). The rate of optimal compliance was similar with both formulations (91.1% for Clensia vs 90.9% for PEG 4L, P=0.9388). The low-volume Clensia is equally effective and safe in bowel cleansing compared to the standard PEG 4L, with better gastrointestinal tolerability and acceptability. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

[Enteral alimentation at home: why PEG now?].

Science.gov (United States)

Suzuki, Y; Hanyu, N; Kashiwagi, H; Kubo, T; Aoki, T

1996-12-01

The history of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is relatively short. In 1980, a report entitled "Gastrostomy without laparotomy: A percutaneous endoscopic technique" by Ponsky and Gaudere was first published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Thereafter, PEG soon saw widespread use in Western countries because of its clinical efficacy and economy. It has been performed in about 170,000 cases annually in the US. In contrast, its spread in Japan has been extremely slow: only about 10,000 cases have undergone this procedure annually, and this number accounted for less than 5% of patients receiving enteral alimentation. The reason why PEG has not spread may be the medical insurance system in Japan and the local distaste for operation scarring. However, in consideration of the unprecedented ageing of society that is surely coming in the near future, the role of PEG in Japan must be reexamined. In this report, we presented the methodology of enteral alimentation at home by means of PEG, giving special consideration to: (1) "What points are improved by using enteral alimentation at home by means of PEG in various diseases; (2) dysphagia due to cerebral angiopathy; (3) terminal cancer; (4) otolaryngological diseases; and (5) Crohn disease. We also discussed "Why PEG is important now?" in performing enteral alimentation at home.

PEMBUATAN DAN KARAKTERISASI MEMBRAN HIBRIDA KITOSAN-SILIKA- PEG

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F Widhi Mahatmanti

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Membran kitosan mempunyai efektivitas pemisahan relatif tinggi tetapi kestabilan mekanik rendah. Untuk meningkatkan kestabilan perlu ditambahkan silika sehingga dihasilkan membran kitosan-silika. Sebagai bahan dasar silika digunakan natrium silikat yang diisolasi dari abu sekam padi. Dalam pembuatan membran kitosan-silika, plasticizer (polietilen glikol/PEG digunakan untuk meningkatkan kestabilan mekanik membran secara signifikan. Pembuatan membran kitosan-silika-PEG dilakukan dengan cara penguapan larutan dan pencetakan. Membran kitosan-silika-PEG dikarakterisasi sifat mekaniknya dengan menguji kekuatan tarik, persen perpanjangan dan Modulus Young, perubahan gugus fungsi, morfologi, sifat kristalinitas, kestabilan terhadap suhu, sifat hidrofilisitas, dan uji terhadap fluks air. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa membran kitosan-silika dengan komposisi kitosan/silika 1:0,8 mempunyai harga kuat tarik optimum. Penambahan PEG akan meningkatkan harga persen perpanjangan, tidak menunjukkan perubahan yang signifikan pada hasil uji FTIR dan XRD, tetapi meningkatkan sifat hidrofil seiring dengan meningkatnya konsentrasi PEG dan pH. Nilai Fluks air menurun dengan meningkatnya konsentrasi PEG, dimungkinkan PEG terjebak secara fisik dalam padatan komposit.

The Optimal PEG for Kidney Preservation: A Preclinical Porcine Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sebastien Giraud

2018-02-01

Full Text Available University of Wisconsin (UW solution is not optimal for preservation of marginal organs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG could improve protection. Similarly formulated solutions containing either 15 or 20 g/L PEG 20 kDa or 5, 15 and 30 g/L PEG 35 kDa were tested in vitro on kidney endothelial cells, ex vivo on preserved kidneys, and in vivo in a pig kidney autograft model. In vitro, all PEGs provided superior preservation than UW in terms of cell survival, adenosine triphosphate (ATP production, and activation of survival pathways. Ex vivo, tissue injury was lower with PEG 20 kDa compared to UW or PEG 35 kDa. In vivo, function recovery was identical between UW and PEG 35 kDa groups, while PEG 20 kDa displayed swifter recovery. At three months, PEG 35 kDa 15 and 30 g/L animals had worse outcomes than UW, while 5 g/L PEG 35 kDa was similar. PEG 20 kDa was superior to both UW and PEG 35 kDa in terms of function and fibrosis development, with low activation of damage pathways. PEG 20 kDa at 15 g/L was superior to 20 g/L. While in vitro models did not discriminate between PEGs, in large animal models of transplantation we showed that PEG 20 kDa offers a higher level of protection than UW and that longer chains such as PEG 35 kDa must be used at low doses, such as found in Institut George Lopez (IGL1, 1g/L.

Construction of an accurate quartic force field by using generalised least-squares fitting and experimental design

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carbonniere, Philippe; Begue, Didier; Dargelos, Alain; Pouchan, Claude

2004-01-01

In this work we present an attractive least-squares fitting procedure which allows for the calculation of a quartic force field by jointly using energy, gradient, and Hessian data, obtained from electronic wave function calculations on a suitably chosen grid of points. We use the experimental design to select the grid points: a 'simplex-sum' of Box and Behnken grid was chosen for its efficiency and accuracy. We illustrate the numerical implementations of the method by using the energy and gradient data for H 2 O and H 2 CO. The B3LYP/cc-pVTZ quartic force field performed from 11 and 44 simplex-sum configurations shows excellent agreement in comparison to the classical 44 and 168 energy calculations

Safety of PEGylated recombinant human full-length coagulation factor VIII (BAX 855) in the overall context of PEG and PEG conjugates.

Science.gov (United States)

Stidl, R; Fuchs, S; Bossard, M; Siekmann, J; Turecek, P L; Putz, M

2016-01-01

BAX 855 is a PEGylated human full-length recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) based on licensed rFVIII (ADVATE). The applied PEGylation technology has been optimized to retain functionality of the FVIII molecule, improve its pharmacokinetic properties and allow less frequent injections while maintaining efficacy. The aim of this study was to confirm that the excellent safety profile of ADVATE remains unchanged after PEGylation. Non-clinical safety studies with BAX 855 and its respective unbound polyethylene glycol (PEG) were conducted in several species. The distribution of a single dose of radiolabelled BAX 855 was further investigated in rats. Publically available safety data on PEG alone and PEGylated biomolecules were summarized and reviewed for specific safety findings attributable to PEG or PEGylated biopharmaceuticals. Safety pharmacology studies in rabbits and macaques and repeated dose toxicity studies in rats and macaques identified no safety issues. Results of a distribution study in rats administered radiolabelled BAX 855 showed that radioactivity was completely excreted; urine was the major elimination route. A 28-day study in rats dosed with the unbound PEG constituent (PEG2ru20KCOOH) of BAX 855 showed no adverse or non-adverse effects. Safety data for PEG and PEG-protein conjugates indicate no safety concerns associated with PEG at clinically relevant dose levels. Although vacuolation of certain cell types has been reported in mammals, no such vacuolation was observed with BAX 855 or with the unbound PEG constituent. Non-clinical safety evaluation of PEG and BAX 855 identified no safety signals; the compound is now in clinical development for the treatment of patients with haemophilia A. © 2015 Baxalta Innovations GmbH. Haemophilia Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Data Forward Stepwise Fitting Algorithm Based on Orthogonal Function System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Li Han-Ju

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Data fitting is the main method of functional data analysis, and it is widely used in the fields of economy, social science, engineering technology and so on. Least square method is the main method of data fitting, but the least square method is not convergent, no memory property, big fitting error and it is easy to over fitting. Based on the orthogonal trigonometric function system, this paper presents a data forward stepwise fitting algorithm. This algorithm takes forward stepwise fitting strategy, each time using the nearest base function to fit the residual error generated by the previous base function fitting, which makes the residual mean square error minimum. In this paper, we theoretically prove the convergence, the memory property and the fitting error diminishing character for the algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is effective, and the fitting performance is better than that of the least square method and the forward stepwise fitting algorithm based on the non-orthogonal function system.

FITS: a function-fitting program

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Balestrini, S.J.; Chezem, C.G.

1982-08-01

FITS is an iterating computer program that adjusts the parameters of a function to fit a set of data points according to the least squares criterion and then lists and plots the results. The function can be programmed or chosen from a library that is provided. The library can be expanded to include up to 99 functions. A general plotting routine, contained in the program but useful in its own right, is described separately in Appendix A. An example problem file and its solution is given in Appendix B.

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium of (NaNO{sub 3} + PEG 4000 + H{sub 2}O) ternary system at different temperatures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jimenez, Yecid P. [Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica, Universidad de Antofagasta, CICITEM (Chile); Galleguillos, Hector R., E-mail: hgalleguillos@uantof.cl [Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica, Universidad de Antofagasta, CICITEM (Chile)

2011-11-15

Highlights: > LLE data for the ATPS NaNO{sub 3} + PEG 4000 were determined at T = (288.15 and 308.15) K. > The experimental data shown that the temperature increases as STL and biphasic area increase. > The Chen-NRTL, modified Wilson and UNIQUAC models were used to correlate the experimental tie-line data. > The results show that the quality of fitting is better with the UNIQUAC model. - Abstract: Phase diagram and (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for the (NaNO{sub 3} + polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) + H{sub 2}O) system have been determined experimentally at T = (288.15 and 308.15) K. The effects of temperature on the binodal curves and tie-lines have been studied and it was found that an increasing in temperature caused the expansion of two-phase region. The Chen-NRTL, modified Wilson and UNIQUAC models were used to correlate the experimental tie-line data. The results show that the quality of fitting is better with the UNIQUAC model.

'AJUSTAR' a interactive processor for to Fit, by means of least squares, one variable polinomials (arbitrary degree) at experimental points

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanchez Miro, J.J.; Pena, J.

1991-01-01

In this repport is offered, to scientist and technical people, a numeric tool consisting in a FORTRAN program, of interactive use, with destination to make lineal 'least squares', fittings on any set of empirical observations. The method based in the orthogonal functions (for discrete case), instead of direct solving the equations system, is used. The procedure includes also the optionally facilities of: variable change, direct interpolation, correlation non linear factor, 'weights' of the points, confidence intervals (Scheffe, Miller, Student), and plotting results. (Author). 10 refs

The application of bayesian statistic in data fit processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guan Xingyin; Li Zhenfu; Song Zhaohui

2010-01-01

The rationality and disadvantage of least squares fitting that is usually used in data processing is analyzed, and the theory and commonly method that Bayesian statistic is applied in data processing is shown in detail. As it is proved in analysis, Bayesian approach avoid the limitative hypothesis that least squares fitting has in data processing, and the result has traits that it is more scientific and more easily understood, may replace the least squares fitting to apply in data processing. (authors)

Fitting a function to time-dependent ensemble averaged data.

Science.gov (United States)

Fogelmark, Karl; Lomholt, Michael A; Irbäck, Anders; Ambjörnsson, Tobias

2018-05-03

Time-dependent ensemble averages, i.e., trajectory-based averages of some observable, are of importance in many fields of science. A crucial objective when interpreting such data is to fit these averages (for instance, squared displacements) with a function and extract parameters (such as diffusion constants). A commonly overlooked challenge in such function fitting procedures is that fluctuations around mean values, by construction, exhibit temporal correlations. We show that the only available general purpose function fitting methods, correlated chi-square method and the weighted least squares method (which neglects correlation), fail at either robust parameter estimation or accurate error estimation. We remedy this by deriving a new closed-form error estimation formula for weighted least square fitting. The new formula uses the full covariance matrix, i.e., rigorously includes temporal correlations, but is free of the robustness issues, inherent to the correlated chi-square method. We demonstrate its accuracy in four examples of importance in many fields: Brownian motion, damped harmonic oscillation, fractional Brownian motion and continuous time random walks. We also successfully apply our method, weighted least squares including correlation in error estimation (WLS-ICE), to particle tracking data. The WLS-ICE method is applicable to arbitrary fit functions, and we provide a publically available WLS-ICE software.

Fitting Square Pegs into round Holes: Doing Qualitative Nursing Research in a Quantitative World.

Science.gov (United States)

Newton, Lorelei; Kimpson, Sally

2014-09-01

The authors, as doctoral candidates and registered nurses, took on a qualitative research project investigating nursing practice in a research-intensive organization. Their aims were to explore and describe how nurses in the ambulatory care setting assist patients and families, including how nursing practice was carried out, constraints to practice, and the influence of the interprofessional milieu. Their first finding, in part because of the qualitative research design used, concerned the potential impact of the organizational ethics review process on the project. The authors discuss how the language, definition of risk, and notion of informed consent articulated in the organizational review process influenced both the research timeline and (potentially) the study itself. While not dismissing the value of ethics review, they explore the tension of overlaying generic criteria for quantitative research, specifically randomized controlled trials, on nursing research from other traditions. Copyright© by Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University.

CURVE LSFIT, Gamma Spectrometer Calibration by Interactive Fitting Method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Olson, D.G.

1992-01-01

1 - Description of program or function: CURVE and LSFIT are interactive programs designed to obtain the best data fit to an arbitrary curve. CURVE finds the type of fitting routine which produces the best curve. The types of fitting routines available are linear regression, exponential, logarithmic, power, least squares polynomial, and spline. LSFIT produces a reliable calibration curve for gamma ray spectrometry by using the uncertainty value associated with each data point. LSFIT is intended for use where an entire efficiency curve is to be made starting at 30 KeV and continuing to 1836 KeV. It creates calibration curves using up to three least squares polynomial fits to produce the best curve for photon energies above 120 KeV and a spline function to combine these fitted points with a best fit for points below 120 KeV. 2 - Method of solution: The quality of fit is tested by comparing the measured y-value to the y-value calculated from the fitted curve. The fractional difference between these two values is printed for the evaluation of the quality of the fit. 3 - Restrictions on the complexity of the problem - Maxima of: 2000 data points calibration curve output (LSFIT) 30 input data points 3 least squares polynomial fits (LSFIT) The least squares polynomial fit requires that the number of data points used exceed the degree of fit by at least two

Ajustar: A interactive processor for to fit, by means of least squares, one variable polynomials (arbitrary degree) at experimental points

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanchez Miro, J. J.; Pena Gutierrez, J.

1991-01-01

In this report is offered, to scientist and technical people, a numeric tool consisting in a FORTRAN program, of interactive use, with destination to make lineal l east squares , fittings on any set of empirical observations. The method based in the orthogonal functions (for discrete case), instead of direct solving the equations system, is used. The procedure includes also the optionally facilities of: variable change, direct interpolation, correlation non linear factor, w eights o f the points, confidence intervals (Schelle, Miller, Student), and plotting results. (Author) 10 refs

PEG Grafted-Nanodiamonds for the Delivery of Gemcitabine.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Mingxia; Wang, Yu-Kai; Zhao, Jiacheng; Lu, Hongxu; Stenzel, Martina H; Xiao, Pu

2016-12-01

Carboxyl end-functionalized poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(PEGMEMA)] and its block copolymer with gemcitabine substituted poly(N-hydroxysuccinimide methacrylate) [PGem-block-P(PEGMEMA)] are synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Then, two polymers are grafted onto the surface of amine-functionalized nanodiamonds to obtain [P(PEGMEMA)]-grafted nanodiamonds (ND-PEG) and [PGem-block-P(PEGMEMA)]-grafted nanodiamonds (ND-PF). Gemcitabine is physically absorbed to ND-PEG to produce ND-PEG (Gem). Two polymer-grafted nanodiamonds (i.e., with physically absorbed gemcitabine ND-PEG (Gem) and with chemically conjugated gemcitabine ND-PF) are characterized using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and thermogravimetric analysis. The drug release, cytotoxicity (to seed human pancreatic carcinoma AsPC-1 cells), and cellular uptake of ND-PEG (Gem) and ND-PF are also investigated. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Optimal Currency Basket Pegs for Developing and Emerging Economies

OpenAIRE

Joseph Daniels; Peter G. Toumanoff; Marc von der Ruhr

2001-01-01

The exchange rate arrangement represents an important policy choice for emerging and transitional economies as they strive to become stable and market-driven. A wide variety of arrangements have emerged, ranging from currency boards, basket-currency pegs and single-currency pegs to floating rates. Recently the IMF has recommended that, if the exchange value of a currency is to be pegged, it is better to peg to a basket of currencies rather than a single currency. Nonetheless, there has been l...

Non-linear least squares curve fitting of a simple theoretical model to radioimmunoassay dose-response data using a mini-computer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wilkins, T.A.; Chadney, D.C.; Bryant, J.; Palmstroem, S.H.; Winder, R.L.

1977-01-01

Using the simple univalent antigen univalent-antibody equilibrium model the dose-response curve of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) may be expressed as a function of Y, X and the four physical parameters of the idealised system. A compact but powerful mini-computer program has been written in BASIC for rapid iterative non-linear least squares curve fitting and dose interpolation with this function. In its simplest form the program can be operated in an 8K byte mini-computer. The program has been extensively tested with data from 10 different assay systems (RIA and CPBA) for measurement of drugs and hormones ranging in molecular size from thyroxine to insulin. For each assay system the results have been analysed in terms of (a) curve fitting biases and (b) direct comparison with manual fitting. In all cases the quality of fitting was remarkably good in spite of the fact that the chemistry of each system departed significantly from one or more of the assumptions implicit in the model used. A mathematical analysis of departures from the model's principal assumption has provided an explanation for this somewhat unexpected observation. The essential features of this analysis are presented in this paper together with the statistical analyses of the performance of the program. From these and the results obtained to date in the routine quality control of these 10 assays, it is concluded that the method of curve fitting and dose interpolation presented in this paper is likely to be of general applicability. (orig.) [de

PEG minocycline-liposomes ameliorate CNS autoimmune disease.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wei Hu

Full Text Available Minocycline is an oral tetracycline derivative with good bioavailability in the central nervous system (CNS. Minocycline, a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9, attenuates disease activity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS. Potential adverse effects associated with long-term daily minocycline therapy in human patients are concerning. Here, we investigated whether less frequent treatment with long-circulating polyethylene glycol (PEG minocycline liposomes are effective in treating EAE.Performing in vitro time kinetic studies of PEG minocycline-liposomes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs, we determined that PEG minocycline-liposome preparations stabilized with CaCl(2 are effective in diminishing MMP-9 activity. Intravenous injections of PEG minocycline-liposomes every five days were as effective in ameliorating clinical EAE as daily intraperitoneal injections of minocycline. Treatment of animals with PEG minocycline-liposomes significantly reduced the number of CNS-infiltrating leukocytes, and the overall expression of MMP-9 in the CNS. There was also a significant suppression of MMP-9 expression and proteolytic activity in splenocytes of treated animals, but not in CNS-infiltrating leukocytes. Thus, leukocytes gaining access to the brain and spinal cord require the same absolute amount of MMP-9 in all treatment groups, but minocycline decreases the absolute cell number.Our data indicate that less frequent injections of PEG minocycline-liposomes are an effective alternative pharmacotherapy to daily minocycline injections for the treatment of CNS autoimmune diseases. Also, inhibition of MMP-9 remains a promising treatment target in EAE and patients with MS.

PEG-based degradable networks for drug delivery applications

Science.gov (United States)

Ostroha, Jamie L.

The controlled delivery of therapeutic agents by biodegradable hydrogels has become a popular mechanism for drug administration in recent years. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of polymer chains held together by crosslinks. Although the changes which the hydrogel undergoes in solution are important to a wide range of experimental studies, they have not been investigated systematically and the factors which influence the degree of swelling have not been adequately described. Hydrogels made of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) will generally resist degradation in aqueous conditions, while a hydrogel made from a copolymer of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PEG will degrade via hydrolysis of the lactic acid group. This ability to degrade makes these hydrogels promising candidates for controlled release drug delivery systems. The goal of this research was to characterize the swelling and degradation of both degradable and non-degradable gels and to evaluate the release of different drugs from these hydrogels, where the key variable is the molecular weight of the PEG segment. These hydrogels were formed by the addition and subsequent chemically crosslinking of methacrylate end groups. During crosslinking, both PEG and LA-PEG-LA hydrogels of varied PEG molecular weight were loaded with Vitamin B12, Insulin, Haloperidol, and Dextran. It was shown that increasing PEG molecular weight produces a hydrogel with larger pores, thus increasing water uptake and degradation rate. While many environmental factors do not affect the swelling behavior, they do significantly impact the degradation of the hydrogel, and thus the release of incorporated therapeutic agents.

Protein resistance of dextran and dextran-PEG copolymer films

Science.gov (United States)

Kozak, Darby; Chen, Annie; Bax, Jacinda; Trau, Matt

2011-01-01

The protein resistance of dextran and dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) copolymer films was examined on an organosilica particle-based assay support. Comb-branched dextran-PEG copolymer films were synthesized in a two step process using the organosilica particle as a solid synthetic support. Particles modified with increasing amounts (0.1-1.2 mg m−2) of three molecular weights (10 000, 66 900, 400 000 g mol−1) of dextran were found to form relatively poor protein-resistant films compared to dextran-PEG copolymers and previously studied PEG films. The efficacy of the antifouling polymer films was found to be dependent on the grafted amount and its composition, with PEG layers being the most efficient, followed by dextran-PEG copolymers, and dextran alone being the least efficient. Immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) adsorption decreased from ~ 5 to 0.5 mg m−2 with increasing amounts of grafted dextran, but bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption increased above monolayer coverage (to ~2 mg m−2) indicating ternary adsorption of the smaller protein within the dextran layer. PMID:21614699

Curve Fitting via the Criterion of Least Squares. Applications of Algebra and Elementary Calculus to Curve Fitting. [and] Linear Programming in Two Dimensions: I. Applications of High School Algebra to Operations Research. Modules and Monographs in Undergraduate Mathematics and Its Applications Project. UMAP Units 321, 453.

Science.gov (United States)

Alexander, John W., Jr.; Rosenberg, Nancy S.

This document consists of two modules. The first of these views applications of algebra and elementary calculus to curve fitting. The user is provided with information on how to: 1) construct scatter diagrams; 2) choose an appropriate function to fit specific data; 3) understand the underlying theory of least squares; 4) use a computer program to…

SIOB: a FORTRAN code for least-squares shape fitting several neutron transmission measurements using the Breit--Wigner multilevel formula. [For IBM-360/91

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

de Saussure, G.; Olsen, D. K.; Perez, R. B.

1978-05-01

The FORTRAN-IV code SIOB was developed to least-square fit the shape of neutron transmission curves. Any number of measurements on a common energy scale for different sample thicknesses can be simultaneously fitted. The computed transmission curves can be broadened with either a Gaussian or a rectangular resolution function or both, with the resolution width a function of energy. The total cross section is expressed as a sum of single-level or multilevel Breit--Wigner terms and Doppler broadened by using the fast interpolation routine QUICKW. The number of data points, resonance levels, and variables which can be handled simultaneously is only limited by the overall dimensions of two arrays in the program and by the stability of the matrix inversion. In a test problem seven transmissions each with 3750 data points were simultaneously fitted with 74 resonances and 110 variable parameters. The problem took 47 min of CPU time on an IBM-360/91, for 3 iterations. 3 figures, 2 tables.

Tensor hypercontraction. II. Least-squares renormalization

Science.gov (United States)

Parrish, Robert M.; Hohenstein, Edward G.; Martínez, Todd J.; Sherrill, C. David

2012-12-01

The least-squares tensor hypercontraction (LS-THC) representation for the electron repulsion integral (ERI) tensor is presented. Recently, we developed the generic tensor hypercontraction (THC) ansatz, which represents the fourth-order ERI tensor as a product of five second-order tensors [E. G. Hohenstein, R. M. Parrish, and T. J. Martínez, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 044103 (2012)], 10.1063/1.4732310. Our initial algorithm for the generation of the THC factors involved a two-sided invocation of overlap-metric density fitting, followed by a PARAFAC decomposition, and is denoted PARAFAC tensor hypercontraction (PF-THC). LS-THC supersedes PF-THC by producing the THC factors through a least-squares renormalization of a spatial quadrature over the otherwise singular 1/r12 operator. Remarkably, an analytical and simple formula for the LS-THC factors exists. Using this formula, the factors may be generated with O(N^5) effort if exact integrals are decomposed, or O(N^4) effort if the decomposition is applied to density-fitted integrals, using any choice of density fitting metric. The accuracy of LS-THC is explored for a range of systems using both conventional and density-fitted integrals in the context of MP2. The grid fitting error is found to be negligible even for extremely sparse spatial quadrature grids. For the case of density-fitted integrals, the additional error incurred by the grid fitting step is generally markedly smaller than the underlying Coulomb-metric density fitting error. The present results, coupled with our previously published factorizations of MP2 and MP3, provide an efficient, robust O(N^4) approach to both methods. Moreover, LS-THC is generally applicable to many other methods in quantum chemistry.

Quantitative analysis of Ni2+/Ni3+ in Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 cathode materials: Non-linear least-squares fitting of XPS spectra

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Zewei; Hu, Juntao; Hu, Wenlong; Yang, Shiyu; Luo, Yunfeng

2018-05-01

Quantitative analysis of Ni2+/Ni3+ using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is important for evaluating the crystal structure and electrochemical performance of Lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (Li[NixMnyCoz]O2, NMC). However, quantitative analysis based on Gaussian/Lorentzian (G/L) peak fitting suffers from the challenges of reproducibility and effectiveness. In this study, the Ni2+ and Ni3+ standard samples and a series of NMC samples with different Ni doping levels were synthesized. The Ni2+/Ni3+ ratios in NMC were quantitatively analyzed by non-linear least-squares fitting (NLLSF). Two Ni 2p overall spectra of synthesized Li [Ni0.33Mn0.33Co0.33]O2(NMC111) and bulk LiNiO2 were used as the Ni2+ and Ni3+ reference standards. Compared to G/L peak fitting, the fitting parameters required no adjustment, meaning that the spectral fitting process was free from operator dependence and the reproducibility was improved. Comparison of residual standard deviation (STD) showed that the fitting quality of NLLSF was superior to that of G/L peaks fitting. Overall, these findings confirmed the reproducibility and effectiveness of the NLLSF method in XPS quantitative analysis of Ni2+/Ni3+ ratio in Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 cathode materials.

Characterisation of Gliclazide-PEG 8000 Solid Dispersions

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Erah

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to characterise gliclazide solid dispersions (SDs) ... Results: The solubility of gliclazide increased with increasing amount of PEG 8000 in aqueous medium. ... FTIR analysis demonstrated the absence of well-defined gliclazide - PEG 8000 .... voltage of 35 kV and 20 mA current. The.

CARS Spectral Fitting with Multiple Resonant Species using Sparse Libraries

Science.gov (United States)

Cutler, Andrew D.; Magnotti, Gaetano

2010-01-01

The dual pump CARS technique is often used in the study of turbulent flames. Fast and accurate algorithms are needed for fitting dual-pump CARS spectra for temperature and multiple chemical species. This paper describes the development of such an algorithm. The algorithm employs sparse libraries, whose size grows much more slowly with number of species than a conventional library. The method was demonstrated by fitting synthetic "experimental" spectra containing 4 resonant species (N2, O2, H2 and CO2), both with noise and without it, and by fitting experimental spectra from a H2-air flame produced by a Hencken burner. In both studies, weighted least squares fitting of signal, as opposed to least squares fitting signal or square-root signal, was shown to produce the least random error and minimize bias error in the fitted parameters.

Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.

Science.gov (United States)

2006-01-01

Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4 (polyethylene glycol) are polymers of ethylene oxide alcohol. Triethylene Glycol is a specific three-unit chain, whereas PEG-4 is a polymer with an average of four units, but may contain polymers ranging from two to eight ethylene oxide units. In the same manner, other PEG compounds, e.g., PEG-6, are mixtures and likely contain some Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4. Triethylene Glycol is a fragrance ingredient and viscosity decreasing agent in cosmetic formulations, with a maximum concentration of use of 0.08% in skin-cleansing products. Following oral doses, Triethylene Glycol and its metabolites are excreted primarily in urine, with small amounts released in feces and expired air. With oral LD50 values in rodents from 15 to 22 g/kg, this compound has little acute toxicity. Rats given short term oral doses of 3% in water showed no signs of toxicity, whereas all rats given 10% died by the 12th day of exposure. At levels up to 1 g/m3, rats exposed to aerosolized Triethylene Glycol for 6 h per day for 9 days showed no signs of toxicity. Rats fed a diet containing 4% Triethylene Glycol for 2 years showed no signs of toxicity. There were no treatment-related effects on rats exposed to supersaturated Triethylene Glycol vapor for 13 months nor in rats that consumed 0.533 cc Triethylene Glycol per day in drinking water for 13 months. Triethylene Glycol was not irritating to the skin of rabbits and produced only minimal injury to the eye. In reproductive and developmental toxicity studies in rats and mice, Triethylene Glycol did not produce biologically significant embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. However, some maternal toxicity was seen in dams given 10 ml/kg/day during gestation. Triethylene Glycol was not mutagenic or genotoxic in Ames-type assays, the Chinese hamster ovary mutation assay, and the sister chromatid exchange assays. PEG-4 is a humectant and solvent in cosmetic products, with a maximum concentration of use of 20% in the "other

Ballistic energy transport in PEG oligomers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kireev Victor V.

2013-03-01

Full Text Available Energy transport between the terminal groups of the azido-PEG-succinimide ester compounds with a number of repeating PEG units of 0, 4, 8, and 12 was studied using relaxation-assisted two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. The through-bond energy transport time, evaluated as the waiting time at which the cross peak maximum is reached, Tmax, was found to be linearly dependent on the chain length for chain lengths up to 60 Å suggesting a ballistic energy transport regime. The through-bond energy transport speed is found to be ca. 500 m/s. The cross-peak amplitude at the maximum decays exponentially with the chain length with a characteristic decay distance of 15.7 ± 1 Å. Substantial mode delocalization across the PEG bridge is found, which can support the energy propagation as a wavepacket.

Guidelines for the fitting of anomalous diffusion mean square displacement graphs from single particle tracking experiments.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eldad Kepten

Full Text Available Single particle tracking is an essential tool in the study of complex systems and biophysics and it is commonly analyzed by the time-averaged mean square displacement (MSD of the diffusive trajectories. However, past work has shown that MSDs are susceptible to significant errors and biases, preventing the comparison and assessment of experimental studies. Here, we attempt to extract practical guidelines for the estimation of anomalous time averaged MSDs through the simulation of multiple scenarios with fractional Brownian motion as a representative of a large class of fractional ergodic processes. We extract the precision and accuracy of the fitted MSD for various anomalous exponents and measurement errors with respect to measurement length and maximum time lags. Based on the calculated precision maps, we present guidelines to improve accuracy in single particle studies. Importantly, we find that in some experimental conditions, the time averaged MSD should not be used as an estimator.

Derivation of decay heat benchmarks for U235 and Pu239 by a least squares fit to measured data

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tobias, A.

1989-05-01

A least squares technique used by previous authors has been applied to an extended set of available decay heat measurements for both U235 and Pu239 to yield simultaneous fits to the corresponding beta, gamma and total decay heat. The analysis takes account of both systematic and statistical uncertainties, including correlations, via calculations which use covariance matrices constructed for the measured data. The results of the analysis are given in the form of beta, gamma and total decay heat estimates following fission pulses and a range of irradiation times in both U235 and Pu239. These decay heat estimates are considered to form a consistent set of benchmarks for use in the assessment of summation calculations. (author)

Microprocessor-controlled system for automatic acquisition of potentiometric data and their non-linear least-squares fit in equilibrium studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Gampp, H; Maeder, M; Zuberbühler, A D; Kaden, T A

1980-06-01

A microprocessor-controlled potentiometric titration apparatus for equilibrium studies is described. The microprocessor controls the stepwise addition of reagent, monitors the pH until it becomes constant and stores the constant value. The data are recorded on magnetic tape by a cassette recorder with an RS232 input-output interface. A non-linear least-squares program based on Marquardt's modification of the Newton-Gauss method is discussed and its performance in the calculation of equilibrium constants is exemplified. An HP 9821 desk-top computer accepts the data from the magnetic tape recorder. In addition to a fully automatic fitting procedure, the program allows manual adjustment of the parameters. Three examples are discussed with regard to performance and reproducibility.

Wind Tunnel Strain-Gage Balance Calibration Data Analysis Using a Weighted Least Squares Approach

Science.gov (United States)

Ulbrich, N.; Volden, T.

2017-01-01

A new approach is presented that uses a weighted least squares fit to analyze wind tunnel strain-gage balance calibration data. The weighted least squares fit is specifically designed to increase the influence of single-component loadings during the regression analysis. The weighted least squares fit also reduces the impact of calibration load schedule asymmetries on the predicted primary sensitivities of the balance gages. A weighting factor between zero and one is assigned to each calibration data point that depends on a simple count of its intentionally loaded load components or gages. The greater the number of a data point's intentionally loaded load components or gages is, the smaller its weighting factor becomes. The proposed approach is applicable to both the Iterative and Non-Iterative Methods that are used for the analysis of strain-gage balance calibration data in the aerospace testing community. The Iterative Method uses a reasonable estimate of the tare corrected load set as input for the determination of the weighting factors. The Non-Iterative Method, on the other hand, uses gage output differences relative to the natural zeros as input for the determination of the weighting factors. Machine calibration data of a six-component force balance is used to illustrate benefits of the proposed weighted least squares fit. In addition, a detailed derivation of the PRESS residuals associated with a weighted least squares fit is given in the appendices of the paper as this information could not be found in the literature. These PRESS residuals may be needed to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the final regression models that result from a weighted least squares fit of the balance calibration data.

PEG tubes: dealing with complications.

Science.gov (United States)

Malhi, Hardip; Thompson, Rosie

A percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy tube can be used to deliver nutrition, hydration and medicines directly into the patient's stomach. Patients will require a tube if they are unable to swallow safely, putting them at risk of aspiration of food, drink and medicines into their lungs. It is vital that nurses are aware of the complications that may arise when caring for a patient with a PEG tube. It is equally important that nurses know how to deal with these complications or from where tc seek advice. This article provides a quick troubleshooting guide to help nurses deal with complications that can arise with PEG feeding.

PLOTnFIT: A BASIC program for data plotting and curve fitting

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schiffgens, J O

1989-10-01

PLOTnFIT is a BASIC program to be used with an IBM or IBM-compatible personal computer (PC) for plotting and fitting curves to measured or observed data for both extrapolation and interpolation. It uses the Least Squares method to calculate the coefficients of nth degree polynomials (e.g., up to 10th degree) of Basis Functions so that each polynomial fits the data in a Least Squares sense, then plots the data and the polynomial that a user decides best represents them. PLOTnFIT is very versatile. It can be used to generate linear, semilog, and log-log graphs and can automatically scale the coordinate axes to suit the data. It can plot more than one data set on a graph (e.g., up to 8 data sets) and more data points than a user is likely to put on one graph (e.g., up to 225 points). A PC diskette containing (1) READIST.PNF (a summary of this NUREG), (2) INI06891.SIS and FOL06891.SIS (two data files), and 3) PLOTNFIT.4TH (the latest version of the program) may be obtained from the National Energy Software Center, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439. (author)

Electrospinning synthesis and characterization of PLA-PEG-MNPs composite fibrous membranes

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, M.; Klimke, S.; Preiss, A.; Unruh, D.; Wengerowsky, D.; Lehmann, R.; Sindelar, R.; Klingelhöfer, G.; Boča, R.; Renz, F.

2017-11-01

An electrospinning technique was used to fabricate PLA, PLA-PEG and PLA-PEG-MNPs composite fibrous membranes. The morphology of electrospun composite membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope. To test the potential availability of MNPs in PLA-PEG composite membranes, TG, Raman, Mössbauer, VSM and ICP-OES analysis were used. The PLA-PEG composite fibrous membranes showed the presence of MNPs, hence offers the possibility for magnetically triggered on-demand drug delivery.

Catching the PEG-induced attractive interaction between proteins.

Science.gov (United States)

Vivarès, D; Belloni, L; Tardieu, A; Bonneté, F

2002-09-01

We present the experimental and theoretical background of a method to characterize the protein-protein attractive potential induced by one of the mostly used crystallizing agents in the protein-field, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). This attractive interaction is commonly called, in colloid physics, the depletion interaction. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering experiments and numerical treatments based on liquid-state theories were performed on urate oxidase-PEG mixtures with two different PEGs (3350 Da and 8000 Da). A "two-component" approach was used in which the polymer-polymer, the protein-polymer and the protein-protein pair potentials were determined. The resulting effective protein-protein potential was characterized. This potential is the sum of the free-polymer protein-protein potential and of the PEG-induced depletion potential. The depletion potential was found to be hardly dependent upon the protein concentration but strongly function of the polymer size and concentration. Our results were also compared with two models, which give an analytic expression for the depletion potential.

Assessment of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in head and neck cancer patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kakuta, Risako; Matsuura, Kazuto; Noguchi, Tetsuya; Katagiri, Katsunori; Imai, Takayuki; Ishida, Eichi; Saijyo, Shigeru; Kato, Kengo

2011-01-01

As nutrition support for head and neck cancer patients who receive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and whose oral cavity or pharynx is exposed to radiation, we perform percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. We examined 235 patients who underwent PEG in our division between January 2003 and December 2009. For 64% of them, the purpose of performing PEG was nutrition support for CRT, of whom 74% actually used the tube. However, the situation varied according to the primary sites of patients. Forty-four percent of laryngeal cancer patients who underwent PEG actually used the tube, which was a significantly lower rate than others. Also, 81% of them removed the PEG tube within one year. These findings suggest that PEG-tube placement for nutrition support is not indispensable for all CRT cases. Therefore, we recommend performing PEG for oral, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer patients. (author)

Electro-spun PLA-PEG-yarns for tissue engineering applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Kruse, Magnus; Greuel, Marc; Kreimendahl, Franziska; Schneiders, Thomas; Bauer, Benedict; Gries, Thomas; Jockenhoevel, Stefan

2018-06-27

Electro-spinning is widely used in tissue-engineered applications mostly in form of non-woven structures. The development of e-spun yarn opens the door for textile fabrics which combine the micro to nanoscale dimension of electro-spun filaments with three-dimensional (3D) drapable textile fabrics. Therefore, the aim of the study was the implementation of a process for electro-spun yarns. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were spun from chloroform solutions with varying PLA/PEG ratios (100:0, 90:10, 75:25 and 50:50). The yarn samples produced were analyzed regarding their morphology, tensile strength, water uptake and cytocompatibility. It was found that the yarn diameter decreased when the funnel collector rotation was increasd, however, the fiber diameter was not influenced. The tensile strength was also found to be dependent on the PEG content. While samples composed of 100% PLA showed a tensile strength of 2.5±0.7 cN/tex, the tensile strength increased with a decreasing PLA content (PLA 75%/PEG 25%) to 6.2±0.5 cN/tex. The variation of the PEG content also influenced the viscosity of the spinning solutions. The investigation of the cytocompatibility with endothelial cells was conducted for PLA/PEG 90:10 and 75:25 and indicated that the samples are cytocompatible.

Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity of glutathione-PEG-iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Haddad, Paula S.; Santos, Marconi C. [Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Exact and Earth Sciences Department (Brazil); Guzzi Cassago, Carolina Aparecida de [Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology (Brazil); Bernardes, Juliana S. [National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LNNano), National Center for Energy and Materials (CNPEM) (Brazil); Jesus, Marcelo Bispo de [Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology (Brazil); Seabra, Amedea B., E-mail: amedea.seabra@ufabc.edu.br [Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Exact and Earth Sciences Department (Brazil)

2016-12-15

Recently, increasing interest is spent on the synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, followed by their characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity towards tumorigenic cell lines. In this work, magnetite (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles were synthesized by the polyol method and coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glutathione (GSH), leading to the formation of PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and GSH-PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by state-of-the-art techniques: dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetic measurements. PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and GSH-PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles have crystallite sizes of 10 and 5 nm, respectively, indicating compression in crystalline lattice upon addition of GSH on the nanoparticle surface. Both nanoparticles presented superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature, and AFM images revealed the regular spherical shape of the nanomaterials and the absence of particle aggregation. The average hydrodynamic sizes of PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and GSH-PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were 69 ± 37 and 124 nm ± 75 nm, respectively. The cytotoxicity of both nanoparticles was screened towards human prostatic carcinoma cells (PC-3). The results demonstrated a decrease in PC-3 viability upon treatment with PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} or GSH-PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the cytotoxicity was not time-dependent. Due to the superparamagnetic behavior of PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} or GSH-PEG-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles, upon the application of an external magnetic field, those nanoparticles can be guided to the target site yielding local toxic effects to tumor cells with minimal side effects to normal tissues, highlighting the promising uses of iron oxide nanoparticles in

PEGYLATION OF αα-Hb USING SUCCINIMIDYL PROPIONIC ACID PEG 5K

Science.gov (United States)

Meng, Fantao; Tsai, Amy G.; Intaglietta, Marcos; Acharya, Seetharama A.

2014-01-01

PEGylation of intramolecularly crosslinked Hb has been studied here to overcome the limitation of dissociation of Hb tetramers. New hexa and deca PEGylated low oxygen affi nity PEG-αα-Hbs have been generated. Infl uence of PEG conjugation chemistry and the PEG shell structure on the functional properties as well as PEGylation induced plasma expander like properties of the protein has been delineated. The results have established that in the design of PEG-Hbs as oxygen therapeutics, the infl uence of conjugation chemistry and the PEG shell structure on the oxygen affi nity of Hb needs to be optimized independently besides optimizing the PEG shell structure for inducing resuscitation fluid like properties. PMID:24597567

Least Squares Problems with Absolute Quadratic Constraints

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Schöne

2012-01-01

Full Text Available This paper analyzes linear least squares problems with absolute quadratic constraints. We develop a generalized theory following Bookstein's conic-fitting and Fitzgibbon's direct ellipse-specific fitting. Under simple preconditions, it can be shown that a minimum always exists and can be determined by a generalized eigenvalue problem. This problem is numerically reduced to an eigenvalue problem by multiplications of Givens' rotations. Finally, four applications of this approach are presented.

Application of new least-squares methods for the quantitative infrared analysis of multicomponent samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haaland, D.M.; Easterling, R.G.

1982-01-01

Improvements have been made in previous least-squares regression analyses of infrared spectra for the quantitative estimation of concentrations of multicomponent mixtures. Spectral baselines are fitted by least-squares methods, and overlapping spectral features are accounted for in the fitting procedure. Selection of peaks above a threshold value reduces computation time and data storage requirements. Four weighted least-squares methods incorporating different baseline assumptions were investigated using FT-IR spectra of the three pure xylene isomers and their mixtures. By fitting only regions of the spectra that follow Beer's Law, accurate results can be obtained using three of the fitting methods even when baselines are not corrected to zero. Accurate results can also be obtained using one of the fits even in the presence of Beer's Law deviations. This is a consequence of pooling the weighted results for each spectral peak such that the greatest weighting is automatically given to those peaks that adhere to Beer's Law. It has been shown with the xylene spectra that semiquantitative results can be obtained even when all the major components are not known or when expected components are not present. This improvement over previous methods greatly expands the utility of quantitative least-squares analyses

[Tolerance, safety and efficacy of the one-day preparation of PEG3350 + bisacodyl compared to 2 days of PEG3350 + bisacodyl in pediatric patients].

Science.gov (United States)

Portillo Canizalez, Ligia Marcela; Blanco Rodriguez, Gerardo; Teyssier Morales, Gustavo; Penchyna Grub, Jaime; Trauernicht Mendieta, Sean; Zurita-Cruz, Jessie Nallely

Multiple intestinal preparations have been used in children undergoing colonoscopy, with variable limitation due to acceptance, tolerance, and proper cleaning. The objective of this study was to compare the tolerability, safety and efficacy of the colonoscopy preparation with 1 day with PEG 3350 (poliethylenglycol) (4g/kg/day) + bisacodyl compared to 2 days of preparation with PEG 3350 (2g/kg/day) + bisacodyl in pediatric patients. A clinical, randomized, and blind trial was performed. Patients aged 2 to 18 years scheduled for colonoscopy were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: 1 day of preparation with PEG 3350 4g/kg/day + bisacodyl and 2 days of preparation with PEG 3350 2g/kg/day + bisacodyl. Through a questionnaire, physical examination and endoscopic evaluation (Boston scale), the tolerance, safety and efficacy of the 2 preparations to be evaluated were determined. Student's t test was performed for quantitative variables and χ 2 for qualitative variables. There were no significant differences in compliance rates, adverse effects, and extent of colonoscopic evaluation. Tolerance and safety between the intestinal preparation for 1-day colonoscopy with PEG 3350 (4g/kg/day) + bisacodyl and the 2-day preparation with PEG 3350 (2g/kg/day) + bisacodyl were similar. The quality of cleanliness was good in both groups, being partially more effective in the 1-day group with PEG 3350 (4g/kg/day). Copyright © 2017 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Overcoming the PEG-addiction: well-defined alternatives to PEG, from structure–property relationships to better defined therapeutics

KAUST Repository

Barz, Matthias

2011-01-01

Synthetic methods in polymer chemistry have evolved tremendously during the last decade. Nowadays more and more attention is devoted to the application of those tools in the development of the next generation of nanomedicines. Nevertheless, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) remains the most frequently used polymer for biomedical applications. In this review, we try to summarize recent efforts and developments in controlled polymerisation techniques that may allow alternatives to PEG based systems and can be used to improve the properties of future polymer therapeutics. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

GOSSIP: SED fitting code

Science.gov (United States)

Franzetti, Paolo; Scodeggio, Marco

2012-10-01

GOSSIP fits the electro-magnetic emission of an object (the SED, Spectral Energy Distribution) against synthetic models to find the simulated one that best reproduces the observed data. It builds-up the observed SED of an object (or a large sample of objects) combining magnitudes in different bands and eventually a spectrum; then it performs a chi-square minimization fitting procedure versus a set of synthetic models. The fitting results are used to estimate a number of physical parameters like the Star Formation History, absolute magnitudes, stellar mass and their Probability Distribution Functions.

Square pegs into round holes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vinter, Graham

1992-01-01

A summary in non-legal language describes the legal issues relating to security in limited resource financing in the UK sector of the North Sea. After explaining the ground rules, some more sophisticated security issues affecting North Sea financing are discussed. These include taking security over a particular field's licence, the charging by a borrower of part of his interest in a field, blocking the appointment of an administrator by lenders and security cover exposure under hedging instruments. (UK)

PEG Enhancement for EM1 and EM2+ Missions

Science.gov (United States)

Von der Porten, Paul; Ahmad, Naeem; Hawkins, Matt

2018-01-01

NASA is currently building the Space Launch System (SLS) Block-1 launch vehicle for the Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) test flight. The next evolution of SLS, the Block-1B Exploration Mission 2 (EM-2), is currently being designed. The Block-1 and Block-1B vehicles will use the Powered Explicit Guidance (PEG) algorithm. Due to the relatively low thrust-to-weight ratio of the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), certain enhancements to the Block-1 PEG algorithm are needed to perform Block-1B missions. In order to accommodate mission design for EM-2 and beyond, PEG has been significantly improved since its use on the Space Shuttle program. The current version of PEG has the ability to switch to different targets during Core Stage (CS) or EUS flight, and can automatically reconfigure for a single Engine Out (EO) scenario, loss of communication with the Launch Abort System (LAS), and Inertial Navigation System (INS) failure. The Thrust Factor (TF) algorithm uses measured state information in addition to a priori parameters, providing PEG with an improved estimate of propulsion information. This provides robustness against unknown or undetected engine failures. A loft parameter input allows LAS jettison while maximizing payload mass. The current PEG algorithm is now able to handle various classes of missions with burn arcs much longer than were seen in the shuttle program. These missions include targeting a circular LEO orbit with a low-thrust, long-burn-duration upper stage, targeting a highly eccentric Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) orbit, targeting a disposal orbit using the low-thrust Reaction Control System (RCS), and targeting a hyperbolic orbit. This paper will describe the design and implementation of the TF algorithm, the strategy to handle EO in various flight regimes, algorithms to cover off-nominal conditions, and other enhancements to the Block-1 PEG algorithm. This paper illustrates challenges posed by the Block-1B vehicle, and results show that the improved PEG

Paternally expressed Peg3 controls maternally expressed Zim1 as a trans factor.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

An Ye

Full Text Available The expression of two adjacent imprinted genes, Peg3 and Zim1, is inversely correlated: down-regulation of Peg3 coinciding with up-regulation of Zim1. The current study characterized this inverse correlation using a mutant allele targeting Peg3. According to the results, the mutation on the paternal allele of Peg3 resulted in a dramatic increase in the transcription levels of the maternal allele of Zim1, suggesting the involvement of unknown trans factors in this trans-allelic event. Subsequent ChIP experiments revealed that the protein encoded by Peg3 itself binds to the zinc finger exon of Zim1, which is modified with the repression mark H3K9me3. Interestingly, the levels of H3K9me3 on Zim1 are also reduced in the mutant cells lacking the protein PEG3, suggesting potential roles for PEG3 in establishing H3K9me3 on Zim1. Reintroducing PEG3 into the mutant cell restored down-regulation of Zim1, confirming the predicted repressor role for Peg3 on Zim1. Overall, these results demonstrated that paternally expressed Peg3 controls maternally expressed Zim1 as a trans factor. The current study also provides the first case for the trans-allelic interaction of two oppositely imprinted genes through their gene products.

Nanobody-functionalized PEG-b-PCL polymersomes and their targeting study.

Science.gov (United States)

Zou, Tao; Dembele, Fatimata; Beugnet, Anne; Sengmanivong, Lucie; Trepout, Sylvain; Marco, Sergio; de Marco, Ario; Li, Min-Hui

2015-11-20

We prepared and characterized polymersomes functionalized with nanobodies (VHHs) on the basis of biocompatible, biodegradable and FDA-approved poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL). Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and N-beta-maleimidopropyl-oxysuccinimide ester were allowed reacting with H2N-PEG-b-PCL to produce FITC and maleimide (Mal) functionalized copolymers, Mal-PEG-b-PCL and FITC-PEG-b-PCL. A mixture of MeO-PEG-b-PCL, Mal-PEG-b-PCL and FITC-PEG-b-PCL was used to prepare polymersomes by thin film hydration and nanoprecipitation methods. Morphological studies by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) showed that the nanoparticles exhibited predominantly vesicular structures (polymersomes). Their mean diameters measured by dynamic light scattering were around 150 nm and the zeta-potentials around -1 mV at pH 7.4. The nanoparticles were functionalized with either anti-HER2 (VHH1) or anti-GFP (VHH2) nanobodies using maleimide-cysteine chemistry. Their particle size and zeta-potential increased slightly after nanobody-functionalization. The specific binding of VHH-functionalized polymersomes and control nanoparticles towards HER2 positive breast cancer cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The collected results represent the first report which experimentally demonstrates that VHH1-functionalized PEO-b-PCL polymersomes can target specifically breast cancer cells expressing HER2 receptors. The detailed morphological and cell-binding studies described herein pave the way for future in vivo studies to evaluate the feasibility to use such nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimizing the Esthetics of peg-shaped teeth

OpenAIRE

Fabia Danielle Sales da Cunha Medeiros e Silva; Rosângela Marques Duarte; Ana Karina Maciel Andrade; Ricardo Jorge Alves Figueiredo

2008-01-01

In modern esthetic dentistry, recontouring peg-shaped teeth present the option of a technique for obtaining a harmonious smile. In thiscontext, the advancement of direct dental materials, such as resin composites and adhesive systems, allows this procedure to be performedsimply and efficiently, when compared with other available techniques. Thus, the aim of this report is to present a clinical case with an esthetic solution in peg-shaped lateral incisors (12 and 22). Initially, it was opted f...

Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fruijtier-Poelloth, Claudia

2005-01-01

This assessment focusses on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and on anionic or nonionic PEG derivatives, which are currently used in cosmetics in Europe. These compounds are used in a great variety of cosmetic applications because of their solubility and viscosity properties, and because of their low toxicity. The PEGs, their ethers, and their fatty acid esters produce little or no ocular or dermal irritation and have extremely low acute and chronic toxicities. They do not readily penetrate intact skin, and in view of the wide use of preparations containing PEG and PEG derivatives, only few case reports on sensitisation reactions have been published, mainly involving patients with exposure to PEGs in medicines or following exposure to injured or chronically inflamed skin. On healthy skin, the sensitising potential of these compounds appears to be negligible. For some representative substances of this class, information was available on reproductive and developmental toxicity, on genotoxicty and carcinogenic properties. Taking into consideration all available information from related compounds, as well as the mode and mechanism of action, no safety concern with regard to these endpoints could be identified. Based on the available data it is therefore concluded that PEGs of a wide molecular weight range (200 to over 10,000), their ethers (laureths. ceteths, ceteareths, steareths, and oleths), and fatty acid esters (laurates, dilaurates, stearates, distearates) are safe for use in cosmetics. Limited data were available for PEG sorbitan/sorbitol fatty acid esters, PEG sorbitan beeswax and PEG soy sterols. Taking into account all the information available for closely related compounds, it can be assumed that these compounds as presently used in cosmetic preparations will not present a risk for human health. PEG castor oils and PEG hydrogenated castor oils have caused anaphylactic reactions when used in intravenous medicinal products. Their topical use in cosmetics is

Structural analysis of binding functionality of folic acid-PEG dendrimers against folate receptor.

Science.gov (United States)

Sampogna-Mireles, Diana; Araya-Durán, Ingrid D; Márquez-Miranda, Valeria; Valencia-Gallegos, Jesús A; González-Nilo, Fernando D

2017-03-01

Dendrimers functionalized with folic acid (FA) are drug delivery systems that can selectively target cancer cells with folate receptors (FR-α) overexpression. Incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) can enhance dendrimers solubility and pharmacokinetics, but ligand-receptor binding must not be affected. In this work we characterized, at atomic level, the binding functionality of conventional site-specific dendrimers conjugated with FA with PEG 750 or PEG 3350 as a linker. After Molecular Dynamics simulation, we observed that both PEG's did not interfere over ligand-receptor binding functionality. Although binding kinetics could be notably affected, the folate fragment from both dendrimers remained exposed to the solvent before approaching selectively to FR-α. PEG 3350 provided better solubility and protection from enzymatic degradation to the dendrimer than PEG 750. Also, FA-PEG3350 dendrimer showed a slightly better interaction with FR-α than FA-PEG750 dendrimer. Therefore, theoretical evidence supports that both dendrimers are suitable as drug delivery systems for cancer therapies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PEG/CaFe2O4 nanocomposite: Structural, morphological, magnetic and thermal analyses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khanna, Lavanya; Verma, Narendra K.

2013-01-01

The coating of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) on calcium ferrite (CaFe 2 O 4 ) nanoparticles has been reported in the present study. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the formation of orthorhombic structure of bare CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, which was also retained after the PEG coating, along with additional characteristic peaks of PEG at 19° and 23°. The rings of CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were identified by the selected area electron diffraction pattern. The characteristic bands of PEG as observed in its Fourier transform infrared spectrum were also present in PEG coated CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, hence confirming its presence. In the thermal gravimetric studies, the complete thermal decomposition of PEG occurred in a one step process, but in case of PEG coated CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, the decomposition took place at a higher temperature owing to the formation of covalent bonds of PEG with CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles. The presence of PEG on CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, spherical formation of PEG coated CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles and reduced agglomeration in the CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were revealed by high resolution transmission electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope studies, respectively. In vibrating sample magnetometer analysis, both bare as well as coated CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behavior. However, a drop in the magnetic saturation value was observed from 36.76 emu/g for CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles to 6.74 emu/g for PEG coated CaFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, due to the formation of magnetically dead layer of PEG. In ZFC and FC analyses, superparamagnetic behavior with blocking temperature for bare and coated nanoparticles has been observed at ∼40 K and ∼60 K, respectively. The increase in the blocking temperature is attributed to the increase in the particle size after PEG coating

PEG-lipid micelles as drug carriers: physiochemical attributes, formulation principles and biological implication.

Science.gov (United States)

Gill, Kanwaldeep K; Kaddoumi, Amal; Nazzal, Sami

2015-04-01

PEG-lipid micelles, primarily conjugates of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and distearyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) or PEG-DSPE, have emerged as promising drug-delivery carriers to address the shortcomings associated with new molecular entities with suboptimal biopharmaceutical attributes. The flexibility in PEG-DSPE design coupled with the simplicity of physical drug entrapment have distinguished PEG-lipid micelles as versatile and effective drug carriers for cancer therapy. They were shown to overcome several limitations of poorly soluble drugs such as non-specific biodistribution and targeting, lack of water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made to exploit the full potential of these delivery systems; to entrap poorly soluble drugs and target pathological sites both passively through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and actively by linking the terminal PEG groups with targeting ligands, which were shown to increase delivery efficiency and tissue specificity. This article reviews the current state of PEG-lipid micelles as delivery carriers for poorly soluble drugs, their biological implications and recent developments in exploring their active targeting potential. In addition, this review sheds light on the physical properties of PEG-lipid micelles and their relevance to the inherent advantages and applications of PEG-lipid micelles for drug delivery.

Fitting of two and three variant polynomials from experimental data through the least squares method. (Using of the codes AJUS-2D, AJUS-3D and LEGENDRE-2D)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanchez Miro, J. J.; Sanz Martin, J. C.

1994-01-01

Obtaining polynomial fittings from observational data in two and three dimensions is an interesting and practical task. Such an arduous problem suggests the development of an automatic code. The main novelty we provide lies in the generalization of the classical least squares method in three FORTRAN 77 programs usable in any sampling problem. Furthermore, we introduce the orthogonal 2D-Legendre function in the fitting process. These FORTRAN 77 programs are equipped with the options to calculate the approximation quality standard indicators, obviously generalized to two and three dimensions (correlation nonlinear factor, confidence intervals, cuadratic mean error, and so on). The aim of this paper is to rectify the absence of fitting algorithms for more than one independent variable in mathematical libraries. (Author) 10 refs

Development practices and lessons learned in developing SimPEG

Science.gov (United States)

Cockett, R.; Heagy, L. J.; Kang, S.; Rosenkjaer, G. K.

2015-12-01

Inverse modelling provides a mathematical framework for constructing a model of physical property distributions in the subsurface that are consistent with the data collected in geophysical surveys. The geosciences are increasingly moving towards the integration of geological, geophysical, and hydrological information to better characterize the subsurface. This integration must span disciplines and is not only challenging scientifically, but additionally the inconsistencies between conventions often makes implementations complicated, non­ reproducible, or inefficient. SimPEG is an open-source, multi-university effort aimed at providing a generalized framework for solving forward and inverse problems. SimPEG includes finite volume discretizations on structured and unstructured meshes, interfaces to standard numerical solver packages, convex optimization algorithms, model parameterizations, and visualization routines. The SimPEG package (http://simpeg.xyz) supports an ecosystem of forward and inverse modelling applications, including electromagnetics, vadose zone flow, seismic, and potential­ fields, that are all written with a common interface and toolbox. The goal of SimPEG is to support a community of researchers with well-tested, extensible tools, and encourage transparency and reproducibility both of the SimPEG software and the geoscientific research it is applied to. In this presentation, we will share some of the lessons we have learned in designing the modular infrastructure, testing and development practices of SimPEG. We will discuss our use of version control, extensive unit-testing, continuous integration, documentation, issue tracking, and resources that facilitate communication between existing team members and allows new researchers to get involved. These practices have enabled the use of SimPEG in research, industry, and education as well as the ability to support a growing number of dependent repositories and applications. We hope that sharing our

Debinding behaviour of a water soluble PEG/PMMA binder for Ti metal injection moulding

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Gang [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 (New Zealand); Cao, Peng, E-mail: p.cao@auckland.ac.nz [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 (New Zealand); Wen, Guian [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 (New Zealand); Edmonds, Neil [School of Chemical Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142 (New Zealand)

2013-05-15

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been becoming a common component in the design of water soluble binder systems for metal injection moulding. Similar to solvent debinding, PEG can be leached out by water and the mechanism of debinding was proposed in the literature with somehow misleading information about the debinding mechanism, particularly about the formation of PEG gel. This work investigates the debinding behaviours of a PEG-based binder in titanium compacts. Titanium powder is formulated with PEG, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and stearic acid (SA) to formulate titanium feedstock. To determine the debinding kinetics, the PEG removal percentages are measured at three different temperatures and for various specimen thicknesses. A mathematic model based on diffusion-controlled debinding process is established. The evolution of porous microstructure during the water debinding process is observed using scanning electron microscopy. Based on these observations, a water debinding mechanism for titanium alloy compacts formulated with PEG-based binders is proposed. - Highlights: ► The water-debinding behaviours of the PEG binder system were investigated. ► PEG dissolution and transportation, and the pore structure development. ► A water debinding mechanism of PEG-based binders is proposed. ► Incorrect explanation of PEG gelling in the literature is corrected. ► Correction/modification made as per the reviewers' comments and suggestions.

Debinding behaviour of a water soluble PEG/PMMA binder for Ti metal injection moulding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Gang; Cao, Peng; Wen, Guian; Edmonds, Neil

2013-01-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been becoming a common component in the design of water soluble binder systems for metal injection moulding. Similar to solvent debinding, PEG can be leached out by water and the mechanism of debinding was proposed in the literature with somehow misleading information about the debinding mechanism, particularly about the formation of PEG gel. This work investigates the debinding behaviours of a PEG-based binder in titanium compacts. Titanium powder is formulated with PEG, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and stearic acid (SA) to formulate titanium feedstock. To determine the debinding kinetics, the PEG removal percentages are measured at three different temperatures and for various specimen thicknesses. A mathematic model based on diffusion-controlled debinding process is established. The evolution of porous microstructure during the water debinding process is observed using scanning electron microscopy. Based on these observations, a water debinding mechanism for titanium alloy compacts formulated with PEG-based binders is proposed. - Highlights: ► The water-debinding behaviours of the PEG binder system were investigated. ► PEG dissolution and transportation, and the pore structure development. ► A water debinding mechanism of PEG-based binders is proposed. ► Incorrect explanation of PEG gelling in the literature is corrected. ► Correction/modification made as per the reviewers' comments and suggestions

Optimizing the Esthetics of peg-shaped teeth

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fabia Danielle Sales da Cunha Medeiros e Silva

2008-01-01

Full Text Available In modern esthetic dentistry, recontouring peg-shaped teeth present the option of a technique for obtaining a harmonious smile. In thiscontext, the advancement of direct dental materials, such as resin composites and adhesive systems, allows this procedure to be performedsimply and efficiently, when compared with other available techniques. Thus, the aim of this report is to present a clinical case with an esthetic solution in peg-shaped lateral incisors (12 and 22. Initially, it was opted first to perform dental bleaching with a home bleaching gel (16% carbamide peroxide associated with an acetate mold duly made for this purpose. The peg-shaped teeth were recontoured with a microhybrid resin composite (shade EA1 and DA1 with the aid of a platinum guide in silicone, obtained after diagnostic waxing on the plaster model. It was concluded that the association of esthetic procedures is of the utmost importance for obtaining good looking, aligned and harmonious teeth.

Intercellular coupling mediated by potassium accumulation in peg-and-socket junctions

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vigmond, Edward J.; Bardakjian, Berj L.; Thuneberg, Lars

2000-01-01

Physiology, peg-and-socket junctions, smooth muscle, boundary element method, coupling, morphology......Physiology, peg-and-socket junctions, smooth muscle, boundary element method, coupling, morphology...

Pore structure modified diatomite-supported PEG composites for thermal energy storage

Science.gov (United States)

Qian, Tingting; Li, Jinhong; Deng, Yong

2016-09-01

A series of novel composite phase change materials (PCMs) were tailored by blending PEG and five kinds of diatomite via a vacuum impregnation method. To enlarge its pore size and specific surface area, different modification approaches including calcination, acid treatment, alkali leaching and nano-silica decoration on the microstructure of diatomite were outlined. Among them, 8 min of 5 wt% NaOH dissolution at 70 °C has been proven to be the most effective and facile. While PEG melted during phase transformation, the maximum load of PEG could reach 70 wt.%, which was 46% higher than that of the raw diatomite. The apparent activation energy of PEG in the composite was 1031.85 kJ·mol-1, which was twice higher than that of the pristine PEG. Moreover, using the nano-silica decorated diatomite as carrier, the maximum PEG load was 66 wt%. The composite PCM was stable in terms of thermal and chemical manners even after 200 cycles of melting and freezing. All results indicated that the obtained composite PCMs were promising candidate materials for building applications due to its large latent heat, suitable phase change temperature, excellent chemical compatibility, improved supercooling extent, high thermal stability and long-term reliability.

Pore structure modified diatomite-supported PEG composites for thermal energy storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Qian, Tingting; Li, Jinhong; Deng, Yong

2016-09-01

A series of novel composite phase change materials (PCMs) were tailored by blending PEG and five kinds of diatomite via a vacuum impregnation method. To enlarge its pore size and specific surface area, different modification approaches including calcination, acid treatment, alkali leaching and nano-silica decoration on the microstructure of diatomite were outlined. Among them, 8 min of 5 wt% NaOH dissolution at 70 °C has been proven to be the most effective and facile. While PEG melted during phase transformation, the maximum load of PEG could reach 70 wt.%, which was 46% higher than that of the raw diatomite. The apparent activation energy of PEG in the composite was 1031.85 kJ·mol(-1), which was twice higher than that of the pristine PEG. Moreover, using the nano-silica decorated diatomite as carrier, the maximum PEG load was 66 wt%. The composite PCM was stable in terms of thermal and chemical manners even after 200 cycles of melting and freezing. All results indicated that the obtained composite PCMs were promising candidate materials for building applications due to its large latent heat, suitable phase change temperature, excellent chemical compatibility, improved supercooling extent, high thermal stability and long-term reliability.

Adsorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG) onto cellulose nano-crystals to improve its dispersity.

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Dong; Wen, Yangbing; Wang, Lijuan; An, Xingye; Zhu, Xuhai; Ni, Yonghao

2015-06-05

In this work, the adsorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG) onto cellulose nano-crystals (CNC) was investigated for preparing re-dispersible dried CNC. Results showed that the re-dispersity of CNC in water can be significantly enhanced using a PEG1000 dosage of 5wt% (based on the dry weight of CNC). The elemental analysis confirmed the adsorption of PEG onto the CNC surface. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the dry powder and indicated that the irreversible agglomeration of CNC after drying was essentially eliminated based on the PEG adsorption concept. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) suggested that CNC crystallinity and thermal stability were not affected by the adsorption of PEG. Thus, the adsorption of PEG has great potential for producing re-dispersible powder CNC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PEG-stearate coated solid lipid nanoparticles as levothyroxine carriers for oral administration

Science.gov (United States)

Kashanian, Soheila; Rostami, Elham

2014-03-01

In this study, poly ethylene glycol 100 stearate (PEG 100-S) was used to prepare coated solid lipid nanoparticles with loading levothyroxine sodium (levo-loaded PEG 100-S-coated SLNs) by microemulsification technique. Evaluation of the release kinetic of prepared colloidal carriers was conducted. The particle size and zeta potential of levo-loaded PEG 100-S-coated SLNs have been measured to be 187.5 nm and -23.0 mV, respectively, using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Drug entrapment efficiency (EE) was calculated to be 99 %. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the majority of drug loaded in PEG 100-S-coated SLNs were in amorphous state which could be considered desirable for drug delivery. The purpose of this study was to develop a new nanoparticle system, consisting lipid nanoparticles coated with PEG 100-S. The modification procedure led to a reduction in the zeta potential values, varying from -40.0 to -23.0 mV for the uncoated and PEG-coated SLNs, respectively. Stability results of the nanoparticles in gastric and intestinal media show that the low pH of the gastric medium is responsible for the critical aggregation and degradation of the uncoated lipid nanoparticles. PEG 100-S-coated SLNs were more stable due to their polymer coating layer which prevented aggregation of SLNs. Consequently, it is possible that the PEG surrounds the particles reducing the attachment of enzymes and further degradation of the triglyceride cores. Shape and surface morphology of particles were determined by transition electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy that revealed spherical shape of nanoparticles. In vitro drug release of PEG 100-S-coated SLNs was characterized using diffusion cell which showed a controlled release for drug.

Fitting a function to time-dependent ensemble averaged data

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Fogelmark, Karl; Lomholt, Michael A.; Irbäck, Anders

2018-01-01

Time-dependent ensemble averages, i.e., trajectory-based averages of some observable, are of importance in many fields of science. A crucial objective when interpreting such data is to fit these averages (for instance, squared displacements) with a function and extract parameters (such as diffusion...... method, weighted least squares including correlation in error estimation (WLS-ICE), to particle tracking data. The WLS-ICE method is applicable to arbitrary fit functions, and we provide a publically available WLS-ICE software....

Physicochemical characterization of spray-dried PLGA/PEG microspheres, and preliminary assessment of biological response.

Science.gov (United States)

Javiya, Curie; Jonnalagadda, Sriramakamal

2016-09-01

The use of spray-drying to prepare blended PLGA:PEG microspheres with lower immune detection. To study physical properties, polymer miscibility and alveolar macrophage response for blended PLGA:PEG microspheres prepared by a laboratory-scale spray-drying process. Microspheres were prepared by spray-drying 0-20% w/w ratios of PLGA 65:35 and PEG 3350 in dichloromethane. Particle size and morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Polymer miscibility and residual solvent levels evaluated by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry - DSC and thermogravimetric analysis - TGA). Immunogenicity was assessed in vitro by response of rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383) by the MTT-based cell viability assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection. The spray dried particles were spherical, with a size range of about 2-3 µm and a yield of 16-60%. Highest yield was obtained at 1% PEG concentration. Thermal analysis showed a melting peak at 59 °C (enthalpy: 170.61 J/g) and a degradation-onset of 180 °C for PEG 3350. PLGA 65:35 was amorphous, with a Tg of 43 °C. Blended PLGA:PEG microspheres showed a delayed degradation-onset of 280 °C, and PEG enthalpy-loss corresponding to 15% miscibility of PEG in PLGA. NR8383 viability studies and ROS detection upon exposure to these cells suggested that blended PLGA:PEG microspheres containing 1 and 5% PEG are optimal in controling cell proliferation and activation. This research establishes the feasibility of using a spray-drying process to prepare spherical particles (2-3 µm) of molecularly-blended PLGA 65:35 and PEG 3350. A PEG concentration of 1-5% was optimal to maximize process yield, with minimal potential for immune detection.

Graphene oxide stabilized by PLA-PEG copolymers for the controlled delivery of paclitaxel.

Science.gov (United States)

Angelopoulou, A; Voulgari, E; Diamanti, E K; Gournis, D; Avgoustakis, K

2015-06-01

To investigate the application of water-dispersible poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) copolymers for the stabilization of graphene oxide (GO) aqueous dispersions and the feasibility of using the PLA-PEG stabilized GO as a delivery system for the potent anticancer agent paclitaxel. A modified Staudenmaier method was applied to synthesize graphene oxide (GO). Diblock PLA-PEG copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of dl-lactide in the presence of monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG). Probe sonication in the presence of PLA-PEG copolymers was applied in order to reduce the hydrodynamic diameter of GO to the nano-size range according to dynamic light scattering (DLS) and obtain nano-graphene oxide (NGO) composites with PLA-PEG. The composites were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and DLS. The colloidal stability of the composites was evaluated by recording the size of the composite particles with time and the resistance of composites to aggregation induced by increasing concentrations of NaCl. The composites were loaded with paclitaxel and the in vitro release profile was determined. The cytotoxicity of composites against A549 human lung cancer cells in culture was evaluated by flow cytometry. The uptake of FITC-labeled NGO/PLA-PEG by A549 cells was also estimated with flow cytometry and visualized with fluorescence microscopy. The average hydrodynamic diameter of NGO/PLA-PEG according to DLS ranged between 455 and 534 nm, depending on the molecular weight and proportion of PLA-PEG in the composites. NGO/PLA-PEG exhibited high colloidal stability on storage and in the presence of high concentrations of NaCl (far exceeding physiological concentrations). Paclitaxel was effectively loaded in the composites and released by a highly sustained fashion. Drug release could be regulated by the molecular weight of the PLA-PEG copolymer and its proportion in the composite. The paclitaxel

In vitro studies of PEG thin films with different molecular weights deposited by MAPLE

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Paun, Irina Alexandra; Ion, Valentin; Luculescu, Catalin-Romeo

2012-01-01

and their behavior in vitro. Thus, immersion in PBS induced swelling of the PEG films, which was more pronounced for PEG polymers of higher molecular weight. Prior to immersion in PBS, the PEG films of higher molecular weight were more hydrophilic, the water contact angles decreasing from ∼66 grd for PEG400 to ∼41...

Application of microchip CGE for the analysis of PEG-modified recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factors.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Eun Ji; Lee, Kyung Soo; Lee, Kang Choon; Na, Dong Hee

2010-11-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microchip CGE (MCGE) for the analysis of PEG-modified granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (PEG-G-CSF) prepared with PEG-aldehydes. The unmodified and PEG-modified G-CSFs were analyzed by Protein 80 and 230 Labchips on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The MCGE allowed size-based separation and quantitation of PEG-G-CSF. The Protein 80 Labchip was useful for PEG-5K-G-CSF, while the Protein 230 Labchip was more suitable for PEG-20K-G-CSF. The MCGE was also used to monitor a search for optimal PEG-modification (PEGylation) conditions to produce mono-PEG-G-CSF. This study demonstrates the usefulness of MCGE for monitoring and optimizing the PEGylation of G-CSF with the advantages of speed, minimal sample consumption, and automatic quantitation.

Conditional internalization of PEGylated nanomedicines by PEG engagers for triple negative breast cancer therapy

Science.gov (United States)

Su, Yu-Cheng; Burnouf, Pierre-Alain; Chuang, Kuo-Hsiang; Chen, Bing-Mae; Cheng, Tian-Lu; Roffler, Steve R.

2017-06-01

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks effective treatment options due to the absence of traditional therapeutic targets. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has emerged as a promising target for TNBC therapy because it is overexpressed in about 50% of TNBC patients. Here we describe a PEG engager that simultaneously binds polyethylene glycol and EGFR to deliver PEGylated nanomedicines to EGFR+ TNBC. The PEG engager displays conditional internalization by remaining on the surface of TNBC cells until contact with PEGylated nanocarriers triggers rapid engulfment of nanocargos. PEG engager enhances the anti-proliferative activity of PEG-liposomal doxorubicin to EGFR+ TNBC cells by up to 100-fold with potency dependent on EGFR expression levels. The PEG engager significantly increases retention of fluorescent PEG probes and enhances the antitumour activity of PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin in human TNBC xenografts. PEG engagers with specificity for EGFR are promising for improved treatment of EGFR+ TNBC patients.

Generation, characterization and in vivo biological activity of two distinct monoclonal anti-PEG IgMs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hashimoto, Yosuke; Shimizu, Taro; Mima, Yu; Abu Lila, Amr S.; Ishida, Tatsuhiro; Kiwada, Hiroshi

2014-01-01

PEGylation, the attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to nanocarriers and proteins, is a widely accepted approach to improving the in vivo efficacy of the non-PEGylated products. However, both PEGylated liposomes and PEGylated proteins reportedly trigger the production of specific antibodies, mainly IgM, against the PEG moiety, which possibly leads to a reduction in safety and therapeutic efficacy of the PEGylated products. In the present study, two monoclonal anti-PEG IgMs — HIK-M09 via immunization with an intravenous injection of PEGylated liposomes (SLs) and HIK-M11 via immunization with a subcutaneous administration of PEGylated ovalbumin (PEG-OVA) were successfully generated. The generated IgMs showed efficient reactivity to mPEG 2000 conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine (DSPE), PEGylated liposome (SL) and PEG-OVA. It appears that HIK-M09 recognizes ethoxy (OCH 2 CH 2 ) repeat units along with a terminal motif of PEG, while HIK-M11 recognizes only ethoxy repeat units of PEG. Such unique properties allow HIK-M09 to bind with dense PEG. In addition, their impact on the in vivo clearance of the PEGylated products was investigated. It was found that the generated ant-PEG IgMs induced a clearance of SL as they were intravenously administered with SL. Interestingly, the HIK-M11, generated by PEG-OVA, induced the clearance of both SL and PEG-OVA, while the HIK-M09, generated by SL, induced the clearance of SL only. We here revealed that the presence of serum anti-PEG IgM and the subsequent binding of anti-PEG IgM to the PEGylated products are not necessarily related to the enhanced clearance of the products. It appears that subsequent complement activation following anti-PEG IgM binding is the most important step in dictating the in vivo fate of PEGylated products. This study may have implications for the design, development and clinical application of PEGylated products and therapeutics. - Highlights: • Two monoclonal anti-PEG Ig

Generation, characterization and in vivo biological activity of two distinct monoclonal anti-PEG IgMs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hashimoto, Yosuke; Shimizu, Taro; Mima, Yu [Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Subdivision of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505 (Japan); Abu Lila, Amr S. [Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Subdivision of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505 (Japan); Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Sharqia Governorate, Zagazig 44519 (Egypt); Ishida, Tatsuhiro, E-mail: ishida@tokushima-u.ac.jp [Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Subdivision of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505 (Japan); Kiwada, Hiroshi [Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Subdivision of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505 (Japan)

2014-05-15

PEGylation, the attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to nanocarriers and proteins, is a widely accepted approach to improving the in vivo efficacy of the non-PEGylated products. However, both PEGylated liposomes and PEGylated proteins reportedly trigger the production of specific antibodies, mainly IgM, against the PEG moiety, which possibly leads to a reduction in safety and therapeutic efficacy of the PEGylated products. In the present study, two monoclonal anti-PEG IgMs — HIK-M09 via immunization with an intravenous injection of PEGylated liposomes (SLs) and HIK-M11 via immunization with a subcutaneous administration of PEGylated ovalbumin (PEG-OVA) were successfully generated. The generated IgMs showed efficient reactivity to mPEG{sub 2000} conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine (DSPE), PEGylated liposome (SL) and PEG-OVA. It appears that HIK-M09 recognizes ethoxy (OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}) repeat units along with a terminal motif of PEG, while HIK-M11 recognizes only ethoxy repeat units of PEG. Such unique properties allow HIK-M09 to bind with dense PEG. In addition, their impact on the in vivo clearance of the PEGylated products was investigated. It was found that the generated ant-PEG IgMs induced a clearance of SL as they were intravenously administered with SL. Interestingly, the HIK-M11, generated by PEG-OVA, induced the clearance of both SL and PEG-OVA, while the HIK-M09, generated by SL, induced the clearance of SL only. We here revealed that the presence of serum anti-PEG IgM and the subsequent binding of anti-PEG IgM to the PEGylated products are not necessarily related to the enhanced clearance of the products. It appears that subsequent complement activation following anti-PEG IgM binding is the most important step in dictating the in vivo fate of PEGylated products. This study may have implications for the design, development and clinical application of PEGylated products and therapeutics. - Highlights: • Two monoclonal

Development and in vivo evaluation of an oral insulin-PEG delivery system.

Science.gov (United States)

Calceti, P; Salmaso, S; Walker, G; Bernkop-Schnürch, A

2004-07-01

Insulin-monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) derivatives were obtained by preparation of mono- and di-terbutyl carbonate insulin derivatives, reaction of available protein amino groups with activated 750 Da PEG and, finally, amino group de-protection. This procedure allowed for obtaining high yield of insulin-1PEG and insulin-2PEG. In vivo studies carried out by subcutaneous injection into diabetic mice demonstrated that the two bioconjugates maintained the native biological activity. In vitro, PEGylation was found to enhance the hormone stability towards proteases. After 1 h incubation with elastase, native insulin, insulin-1PEG and insulin-2PEG undergo about 70, 30 and 10% degradation, respectively, while in the presence of pepsin protein degradation was 100, 70 and 50%, respectively. The attachment of low molecular weight PEG did not significantly (P >0.05) alter insulin permeation behavior across the intestinal mucosa. Insulin-1PEG was formulated into mucoadhesive tablets constituted by the thiolated polymer poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine. The therapeutic agent was sustained released from these tablets within 5 h. In vivo, by oral administration to diabetic mice, the glucose levels were found to decrease of about 40% since the third hour from administration and the biological activity was maintained up to 30 h. According to these results, the combination of PEGylated insulin with a thiolated polymer used as drug carrier matrix might be a promising strategy for oral insulin administration.

The Effect of Tannins and Additional Peg on In Vitro Gas Production

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Irawan Sugoro

2004-01-01

Agro-wastes such as sugar cane straw are potential sources as feed. Sugar cane straw contains tannins, an anti-nutrient, which could effect feed quality. The effect of tannins by in vitro gas production was compared to maize straw which has low tannins. Tannin concentration was measured by using PEG which is labelled by 14 C. The result showed that the tannins concentration of sugar cane straw is 10.88 % dry matter. The others are digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, VFA, ammonia and pH. The gas production is 48.83 ml/500 mg after 24 h incubation. It is lower than the control i.e. 100.64 ml/500 mg. Additional PEG increase the gas production i.e. 30.5 %, because tannins is bounded by it. The concentration of ammonia, VFA, dry matter and organic matter digestibility on sugar cane straw with additional PEG is higher than without PEG, i.e 28.29 mg/100 ml, 15.56 nmol/100 ml, 52.18 % and 47.54 %. pH of sugar cane without PEG i.e. 6.62 is higher than additional PEG, i.e. 6.54. It could be concluded, tannins decrease of gas production, ammonia, VFA, dry matter, and organic matter digestibility and additional PEG increase gas production of sugar cane. (author)

Long-term stability of PEG-based antifouling surfaces in seawater

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Noguer, Albert Camós; Olsen, Stefan Møller; Hvilsted, Søren

2016-01-01

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer that has been extensively used in the biomedical and marine environment due to its antifouling properties. In the biomedical field, PEG has been successfully used to functionalize surfaces due to its resistance to cell and nonspecific protein...

Stabilization of sputtered gold and silver nanoparticles in PEG colloid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slepička, P.; Elashnikov, R.; Ulbrich, P.; Staszek, M.; Kolská, Z.; Švorčík, V.

2015-01-01

In this study, a simple technique for preparation of colloid solution of metal nanoparticles in polyethylene glycol (PEG)/H 2 O is described. By this technique, stable colloidal metal solutions can be prepared ready for use without application of chemical reactions, stabilizers, or reducing agents. The nanoparticles are created by direct sputtering of metal into PEG. The influence of sputter conditions and the concentration of PEG/H 2 O on the properties of nanoparticles was studied. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. UV–Vis spectra of gold nanoparticle solution exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance characteristic peaks located in the region 513–560 nm (PEG/H 2 O—1/1), 509–535 nm (PEG/H 2 O—1/9), and for silver nanoparticles in the region from 401 to 421 nm. Silver nanoparticles have a broader size distribution compared with gold ones. An appropriate choice of concentration, mixing, and deposition conditions allows preparing the stable solution of gold or silver nanoparticles

Stabilization of sputtered gold and silver nanoparticles in PEG colloid solutions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Slepička, P., E-mail: petr.slepicka@vscht.cz; Elashnikov, R. [University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Department of Solid State Engineering (Czech Republic); Ulbrich, P. [University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (Czech Republic); Staszek, M. [University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Department of Solid State Engineering (Czech Republic); Kolská, Z. [University of J. E. Purkyně, Faculty of Science (Czech Republic); Švorčík, V. [University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Department of Solid State Engineering (Czech Republic)

2015-01-15

In this study, a simple technique for preparation of colloid solution of metal nanoparticles in polyethylene glycol (PEG)/H{sub 2}O is described. By this technique, stable colloidal metal solutions can be prepared ready for use without application of chemical reactions, stabilizers, or reducing agents. The nanoparticles are created by direct sputtering of metal into PEG. The influence of sputter conditions and the concentration of PEG/H{sub 2}O on the properties of nanoparticles was studied. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. UV–Vis spectra of gold nanoparticle solution exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance characteristic peaks located in the region 513–560 nm (PEG/H{sub 2}O—1/1), 509–535 nm (PEG/H{sub 2}O—1/9), and for silver nanoparticles in the region from 401 to 421 nm. Silver nanoparticles have a broader size distribution compared with gold ones. An appropriate choice of concentration, mixing, and deposition conditions allows preparing the stable solution of gold or silver nanoparticles.

PEG-related polymer resins as synthetic supports

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2010-01-01

Combinatorial chemistry has become a significant part of the discovery and optimization process for novel drugs,affinity ligands,and catalysts.The polymeric supports play a key role in combinatory chemistry.Therefore,various kinds of functional polymer resins have been exploited as supports,reagents,and catalysts in organic synthesis.In comparison to the conventional Merrifield resins,the poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG)-related polymer resins have advantages including good compatibilities with polar solvents,good solvent absorbency and swelling properties.This review focuses primarily on the more recent work in the field of developing PEG-related polymer resins as supports for organic synthesis.

Effects of PEG4000 template on sol-gel synthesis of porous cerium titanate photocatalyst

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Wenjie; Tao, Yingjie; Li, Chuanguo

2018-04-01

Porous cerium titanate was synthesized by sol-gel method, using polyethylene glycol (PEG4000) as template agent. Brannerite structured CeTi2O6 in monoclinic system is the major substance formed in the materials. Formation of CeO2 and rutile TiO2 depends on the amount of PEG4000. The addition of PEG4000 leads to production of fine particles in the samples, but it does not apparently affect the band gap energy. Pore volume of the cerium titanate sample continuously increases with rising PEG4000 amount. The sample obtained using 3.5 g PEG4000 has BET surface area of 16.2 m2/g and pore volume of 0.0232 cm3/g. The addition of PEG4000 can obviously promote photocatalytic activity of cerium titanate, which can be proven by both enhanced production of hydroxyl radical and ofloxacin degradation efficiency. As much as 95.2% of the initial ofloxacin molecules are removed from the solution after 50 min of photocatalytic degradation on the cerium titanate obtained using 3.5 g PEG4000, while only 48.4% ofloxacin is removed on cerium titanate obtained without PEG4000.

PEG 3350 Administration Is Not Associated with Sustained Elevation of Glycol Levels.

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, Kent C; Rogers, Lynette K; Hill, Ivor; Barnard, John; Di Lorenzo, Carlo

2018-04-01

To determine whether trace amounts of ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), or triethylene glycol (TEG) in PEG 3350 are associated with increased blood levels of EG, DEG, or TEG in children receiving daily PEG 3350 therapy. Blood samples were drawn from 9 children who were being treated for constipation with PEG 3350 (6-12 years old) before and every 30 minutes for 3 hours after receiving 17 g of PEG 3350. PEG 3350, tap water, and blood samples from 18 age- and sex-matched controls also were analyzed. Baseline blood levels of EG and TEG did not differ between control and treated groups. DEG levels (median [IQR]) were lower in the PEG 3350 group (40.13 ng/mL [36.69, 63.94] vs 92.83 ng/mL [51.06, 128.93], P = .008). After PEG 3350 dose, levels of EG (390.51 ng/mL [326.06, 624.55]) and TEG (2.21 ng/mL [0, 4.5]) peaked at 90 minutes at 1032.81 ng/mL (826.84, 1486.13) (P = .009) and 35.17 ng/mL (15.81, 45.13) (P = .0005), respectively. DEG levels did not significantly change. Standard 17-g doses of PEG 3350 in 8 oz (237 mL) of water resulted in concentrations (mean ± SD) of EG, DEG, and TEG of 1.32 ± 0.23 µg/mL, 0.18 ± 0.03 µg/mL, and 0.12 ± 0.01 µg/mL, respectively. EG, DEG, and TEG levels in public water supply were 0.07 µg/mL, 0.21 µg/mL, and 0.02 µg/mL, respectively. Daily PEG 3350 therapy in children was not associated with sustained elevation of EG, DEG, or TEG blood levels over levels in matched controls. Although EG and TEG levels increased after a standard dose of PEG 3350, their peak values remained well below toxic levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A PEG Construction of LDPC Codes Based on the Betweenness Centrality Metric

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

BHURTAH-SEEWOOSUNGKUR, I.

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Progressive Edge Growth (PEG constructions are usually based on optimizing the distance metric by using various methods. In this work however, the distance metric is replaced by a different one, namely the betweenness centrality metric, which was shown to enhance routing performance in wireless mesh networks. A new type of PEG construction for Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC codes is introduced based on the betweenness centrality metric borrowed from social networks terminology given that the bipartite graph describing the LDPC is analogous to a network of nodes. The algorithm is very efficient in filling edges on the bipartite graph by adding its connections in an edge-by-edge manner. The smallest graph size the new code could construct surpasses those obtained from a modified PEG algorithm - the RandPEG algorithm. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper produces the best regular LDPC column-weight two graphs. In addition, the technique proves to be competitive in terms of error-correcting performance. When compared to MacKay, PEG and other recent modified-PEG codes, the algorithm gives better performance over high SNR due to its particular edge and local graph properties.

Germination Behaviour of Lawsonia inermis L. as Influenced by Polyethylene Glycol (PEG

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Enneb Hanen

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Tunisian Flora is well known for its richness and diversity of medicinal plants such as henna plant (Lawsonia inermis L. a flowering plant belongs to the family of Lyteraceae, distributed in dry tropical and subtropical zones including North Africa. This plant pertains to continental oases where water shortage, constitute the essential limiting factor of agricultural production. The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of water stress on the germination of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis L.. Seeds were germinated under stress of aqueous Polyethylene Glycol (PEG solutions blended to create water potentials of 0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, - 0.8 and -1 MPa. Results showed that seeds germinated in PEG solutions exhibited significantly lower cumulative germination rate (CGR than control especially when water potential fell below -0.6 MPa. Mean germination time (MGT was delayed by increasing PEG concentrations, while germination stress tolerance index (GSTI was decreased with the increase in PEG concentrations. The highest percentage of GSTI in stressed condition was 84.13% for PEG (-0.2MPa whereas, the lowest value was 8.37% for PEG (-1MPa.

Loose-fit polypseudorotaxanes constructed from γ-CDs and PHEMA-PPG-PEG-PPG-PHEMA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tao Kong

2014-10-01

Full Text Available A pentablock copolymer was prepared via the atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA initiated by 2-bromoisobutyryl end-capped PPO-PEO-PPO as a macroinitiator in DMF. Attaching PHEMA blocks altered the self-assembly process of the pentablock copolymer with γ-CDs in aqueous solution. Before attaching the PHEMA, the macroinitiator was preferentially bent to pass through the inner cavity of γ-CDs to give rise to tight-fit double-chain stranded polypseudorotaxanes (PPRs. After attaching the PHEMA, the resulting pentablock copolymer was single-chain stranded into the interior of γ-CDs to form more stable, loose-fit PPRs. The results of 1H NMR, WXRD, DSC, TGA, 13C CP/MAS NMR and FTIR analyses indicated that γ-CDs can accommodate and slip over PHEMA blocks to randomly distribute along the entire pentablock copolymer chain. This results in unique, single-chain stranded PPRs showing no characteristic channel-type crystal structure.

Antibiofouling hybrid dendritic Boltorn/star PEG thiol-ene cross-linked networks.

Science.gov (United States)

Bartels, Jeremy W; Imbesi, Philip M; Finlay, John A; Fidge, Christopher; Ma, Jun; Seppala, Jonathan E; Nystrom, Andreas M; Mackay, Michael E; Callow, James A; Callow, Maureen E; Wooley, Karen L

2011-06-01

A series of thiol-ene generated amphiphilic cross-linked networks was prepared by reaction of alkene-modified Boltorn polyesters (Boltorn-ene) with varying weight percent of 4-armed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) tetrathiol (0-25 wt%) and varying equivalents of pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) (0-64 wt%). These materials were designed to present complex surface topographies and morphologies, with heterogeneity of surface composition and properties and robust mechanical properties, to serve as nontoxic antibiofouling coatings that are amenable to large-scale production for application in the marine environment. Therefore, a two-dimensional matrix of materials compositions was prepared to study the physical and mechanical properties, over which the compositions spanned from 0 to 25 wt% PEG tetrathiol and 0-64 wt% PETMP (the overall thiol/alkene (SH/ene) ratios ranged from 0.00 to 1.00 equiv), with both cross-linker weight percentages calculated with respect to the weight of Boltorn-ene. The Boltorn-ene components were prepared through the esterification of commercially available Boltorn H30 with 3-butenoic acid. The subsequent cross-linking of the Boltorn-PEG-PETMP films was monitored using IR spectroscopy, where it was found that near-complete consumption of both thiol and alkene groups occurred when the stoichiometry was ca. 48 wt% PETMP (0.75 equiv SH/ene, independent of PEG amount). The thermal properties of the films showed an increase in T(g) with an increase in 4-armed PEG-tetrathiol wt%, regardless of the PETMP concentration. Investigation of the bulk mechanical properties in dry and wet states found that the Young's modulus was the greatest at 48 wt% PETMP (0.75 equiv of SH/ene). The ultimate tensile strength increased when PETMP was constant and the PEG concentration was increased. The Young's modulus was slightly lower for wet films at constant PEG or constant PETMP amounts, than for the dry samples. The nanoscopic surface features were

Sensitive and rapid detection of anti-PEG in blood using surface plasmon resonance sensor (Conference Presentation)

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Fang; Jiang, Shaoyi; Yu, Qiuming

2016-03-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used to modify many therapeutic proteins and nanoparticles to reduce their immunogenicity and to improve their pharmacokinetic and therapeutic properties. It is generally accepted that PEG is non-immunogenic and non-antigenic. However, an emerging of literature and studies shows that the immune system can generate specific antibodies binding PEG. These anti-PEG antibodies not only correlate with adverse reactions appeared after patient infusions, but are also found to be the reason for therapeutic efficacy loss during chronical administrations. In addition, because of constant exposure to PEG in daily consumer products including detergents, processed food and cosmetics, a substantial proportion of the population has likely developed anti-PEG immunity. Thus a method to quickly and accurately measure the anti-PEG antibody level is desired. Nevertheless, the gold standard to detect anti-PEG antibodies is ELISA, which is costly and time-consuming especially for quantification. Herein, we demonstrated the anti-PEG measurement in blood serum using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. Several PEG-based surface functionalization on SPR sensor chip were studied in terms of protein resistance and the limit of detection (LOD) of anti-PEG. The quantitative detection can be achieved in less than 30 min with LOD comparable to ELISA. Furthermore, the IgG and IgM of anti-PEG can be differentiated by following the secondary antibody.

Inhibition of HeLa cell growth by doxorubicin-loaded and tuftsin-conjugated arginate-PEG microparticles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tianmu Hu

2018-03-01

Full Text Available In order to improve the release pattern of chemotherapy drug and reduce the possibility of drug resistance, poly(ethylene glycol amine (PEG-modified alginate microparticles (ALG-PEG MPs were developed then two different mechanisms were employed to load doxorubicin (Dox: 1 forming Dox/ALG-PEG complex by electrostatic attractions between unsaturated functional groups in Dox and ALG-PEG; 2 forming Dox-ALG-PEG complex through EDC-reaction between the amino and carboxyl groups in Dox and ALG, respectively. Additionally, tuftsin (TFT, a natural immunomodulation peptide, was conjugated to MPs in order to enhance the efficiency of cellular uptake. It was found that the Dox-ALG-PEG-TFT MPs exhibited a significantly slower release of Dox than Dox/ALG-PEG-TFT MPs in neutral medium, suggesting the role of covalent bonding in prolonging Dox retention. Besides, the release of Dox from these MPs was pH-sensitive, and the release rate was observably increased at pH 6.5 compared to the case at pH 7.4. Compared with Dox/ALG-PEG MPs and Dox-ALG-PEG MPs, their counterparts further conjugated with TFT more efficiently inhibited the growth of HeLa cells over a period of 48 h, implying the effectiveness of TFT in enhancing cellular uptake of MPs. Over a period of 48 h, Dox-ALG-PEG-TFT MPs inhibited the growth of HeLa cells less efficiently than Dox/ALG-PEG-TFT MPs but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05. In consideration of the prolonged and sustained release of Dox, Dox-ALG-PEG-TFT MPs possess the advantages for long-term treatment.

Incorporation of fluconazole in copolymer PMMA-g-PEG derivatives; Incorporacao de fluconazol em ineditos derivados do copolimero PMMA-g-PEG

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silveira, B.M.; Santos, V.M.R. dos; Novack, K.M.; Lopes, S.A., E-mail: vmrebello@yahoo.com.br [Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), MG (Brazil)

2014-07-01

The graft copolymer PMMA-g-PEG went through chemical transformations in its chain through acetylation, halogenation, methylation and esterification followed by hydrolysis reactions. Subsequently, the copolymer PMMA-g-PEG derivatives passed through the process of emulsification and incorporation of the drug fluconazole. Derivatives copolymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after incorporation in order to evaluate their effectiveness. The efficiency of incorporation was observed and it was also verified that the complexity of polymer chain influence in the incorporated fluconazole content. (author)

Acute toxicity and pharmacokinetics of 13 nm-sized PEG-coated gold nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cho, Wan-Seob; Cho, Minjung; Jeong, Jinyoung; Choi, Mina; Cho, Hea-Young; Han, Beom Seok; Kim, Sheen Hee; Kim, Hyoung Ook; Lim, Yong Taik; Chung, Bong Hyun; Jeong, Jayoung

2009-01-01

In general, gold nanoparticles are recognized as being as nontoxic. Still, there have been some reports on their toxicity, which has been shown to depend on the physical dimension, surface chemistry, and shape of the nanoparticles. In this study, we carry out an in vivo toxicity study using 13 nm-sized gold nanoparticles coated with PEG (MW 5000). In our findings the 13 nm sized PEG-coated gold nanoparticles were seen to induce acute inflammation and apoptosis in the liver. These nanoparticles were found to accumulate in the liver and spleen for up to 7 days after injection and to have long blood circulation times. In addition, transmission electron microscopy showed that numerous cytoplasmic vesicles and lysosomes of liver Kupffer cells and spleen macrophages contained the PEG-coated gold nanoparticles. These findings of toxicity and kinetics of PEG-coated gold nanoparticles may have important clinical implications regarding the safety issue as PEG-coated gold nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical applications

Source allocation by least-squares hydrocarbon fingerprint matching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

William A. Burns; Stephen M. Mudge; A. Edward Bence; Paul D. Boehm; John S. Brown; David S. Page; Keith R. Parker [W.A. Burns Consulting Services LLC, Houston, TX (United States)

2006-11-01

There has been much controversy regarding the origins of the natural polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and chemical biomarker background in Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska, site of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Different authors have attributed the sources to various proportions of coal, natural seep oil, shales, and stream sediments. The different probable bioavailabilities of hydrocarbons from these various sources can affect environmental damage assessments from the spill. This study compares two different approaches to source apportionment with the same data (136 PAHs and biomarkers) and investigate whether increasing the number of coal source samples from one to six increases coal attributions. The constrained least-squares (CLS) source allocation method that fits concentrations meets geologic and chemical constraints better than partial least-squares (PLS) which predicts variance. The field data set was expanded to include coal samples reported by others, and CLS fits confirm earlier findings of low coal contributions to PWS. 15 refs., 5 figs.

Optimal weights for circle fitting with discrete granular data

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chernov, N.; Kolganova, E.; Ososkov, G.

1995-01-01

The problem of the data approximation measured along a circle by modern detectors in high energy physics, as for example, RICH (Ring Imaging Cherenkov) is considered. Such detectors having the discrete cell structure register the energy dissipation produced by a passing elementary particle not in a single point, but in several adjacent cells where all this energy is distributed. The presence of background hits makes inapplicable circle fitting methods based on the least square fit due to their noise sensitivity. In this paper it's shown that the efficient way to overcome these problems of the curve fitting is the robust fitting technique based on a reweighted least square method with optimally chosen weights, obtained by the use of maximum likelihood estimates. Results of numerical experiments are given proving the high efficiency of the suggested method. 9 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab

Coaxial electro-spun PEG/PA6 composite fibers: Fabrication and characterization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Babapoor, Aziz; Karimi, Gholamreza; Golestaneh, Seyyed Iman; Mezjin, Mehdi Ahmadi

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Core-shell PCM nanofibers are fabricated by coaxial electrospinning. • PEG1000 (core) and PA6 (shell) are used to fabricate nanofibers. • The peak temperature is increased by raising the PEG concentration. • The shell structure can prevent PEG leakage at high temperatures. - Abstract: Energy storage systems have been recognized as one of the most important technologies for conservation and utilization of renewable energy sources. In this study, core-shell phase change material (PCM) nanofibers were fabricated by using coaxial electrospinning of polyethylene glycol (PEG1000) as the core material (i.e., PCM) and polyamide 6 (PA6) as the shell (supporting) material. The effects of inner core solution flow rate and PEG content on the morphology, structure, and phase change behavior of the produced composite fibers were studied thoroughly by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The experimental results indicated that by increasing the flow rate of the core solution, slightly thicker fibers can be produced, and the onset temperature of melting is reduced. Also, as the PEG concentration rises, the peak temperature increases and higher amounts of latent heat enthalpy are achieved. The results indicate that the fabricated core-shell structure has almost resolved the leakage instability normally associated with other types of PCM fibers and hence, has the potential to improve thermal storage capacity.

A chi-square goodness-of-fit test for non-identically distributed random variables: with application to empirical Bayes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Conover, W.J.; Cox, D.D.; Martz, H.F.

1997-12-01

When using parametric empirical Bayes estimation methods for estimating the binomial or Poisson parameter, the validity of the assumed beta or gamma conjugate prior distribution is an important diagnostic consideration. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests of the beta or gamma prior hypothesis are developed for use when the binomial sample sizes or Poisson exposure times vary. Nine examples illustrate the application of the methods, using real data from such diverse applications as the loss of feedwater flow rates in nuclear power plants, the probability of failure to run on demand and the failure rates of the high pressure coolant injection systems at US commercial boiling water reactors, the probability of failure to run on demand of emergency diesel generators in US commercial nuclear power plants, the rate of failure of aircraft air conditioners, baseball batting averages, the probability of testing positive for toxoplasmosis, and the probability of tumors in rats. The tests are easily applied in practice by means of corresponding Mathematica reg-sign computer programs which are provided

Complete regression of xenograft tumors using biodegradable mPEG-PLA-SN38 block copolymer micelles.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Lu; Zheng, Yan; Weng, Shuqiang; Zhu, Wenwei; Chen, Jinhong; Zhang, Xiaomin; Lee, Robert J; Yu, Bo; Jia, Huliang; Qin, Lunxiu

2016-06-01

7-Ethyl-10-hydroxy-comptothecin (SN38) is an active metabolite of irinotecan (CPT-11) and the clinical application of SN38 is limited by its hydrophobicity and instability. To address these issues, a series of novel amphiphilic mPEG-PLA-SN38-conjugates were synthesized by linking SN38 to mPEG-PLA-SA, and they could form micelles by self-assembly. The effects of mPEG-PLA composition were studied in vitro and in vivo. The mean diameters of mPEG2K-PLA-SN38 micelles and mPEG4K-PLA-SN38 micelles were 10-20nm and 120nm, respectively, and mPEG2K-PLA-SN38 micelles showed greater antitumor efficacy than mPEG4K-PLA-SN38 micelles both in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that the lengths of mPEG and PLA chains had a major impact on the physicochemical characteristics and antitumor activity of SN38-conjugate micelles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Doxorubicin-Loaded PEG-PCL-PEG Micelle Using Xenograft Model of Nude Mice: Effect of Multiple Administration of Micelle on the Suppression of Human Breast Cancer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cuong, Nguyen-Van [Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200, Chung Pei Rd., Chung Li, Taiwan (China); Department of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, 12 Nguyen Van Bao St, Ho Chi Minh (Viet Nam); Jiang, Jian-Lin; Li, Yu-Lun [Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200, Chung Pei Rd., Chung Li, Taiwan (China); Chen, Jim-Ray [Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Taiwan and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan (China); Jwo, Shyh-Chuan [Division of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Taiwan and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan (China); Hsieh, Ming-Fa, E-mail: mfhsieh@cycu.edu.tw [Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200, Chung Pei Rd., Chung Li, Taiwan (China)

2010-12-28

The triblock copolymer is composed of two identical hydrophilic segments Monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and one hydrophobic segment poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL); which is synthesized by coupling of mPEG-PCL-OH and mPEG-COOH in a mild condition using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylamino pyridine. The amphiphilic block copolymer can self-assemble into nanoscopic micelles to accommodate doxorubixin (DOX) in the hydrophobic core. The physicochemical properties and in vitro tests, including cytotoxicity of the micelles, have been characterized in our previous study. In this study, DOX was encapsulated into micelles with a drug loading content of 8.5%. Confocal microscopy indicated that DOX was internalized into the cytoplasm via endocystosis. A dose-finding scheme of the polymeric micelle (placebo) showed a safe dose of PEG-PCL-PEG micelles was 71.4 mg/kg in mice. Importantly, the circulation time of DOX-loaded micelles in the plasma significantly increased compared to that of free DOX in rats. A biodistribution study displayed that plasma extravasation of DOX in liver and spleen occurred in the first four hours. Lastly, the tumor growth of human breast cancer cells in nude mice was suppressed by multiple injections (5 mg/kg, three times daily on day 0, 7 and 14) of DOX-loaded micelles as compared to multiple administrations of free DOX.

Doxorubicin-Loaded PEG-PCL-PEG Micelle Using Xenograft Model of Nude Mice: Effect of Multiple Administration of Micelle on the Suppression of Human Breast Cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cuong, Nguyen-Van; Jiang, Jian-Lin; Li, Yu-Lun; Chen, Jim-Ray; Jwo, Shyh-Chuan; Hsieh, Ming-Fa

2010-01-01

The triblock copolymer is composed of two identical hydrophilic segments Monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and one hydrophobic segment poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL); which is synthesized by coupling of mPEG-PCL-OH and mPEG-COOH in a mild condition using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylamino pyridine. The amphiphilic block copolymer can self-assemble into nanoscopic micelles to accommodate doxorubixin (DOX) in the hydrophobic core. The physicochemical properties and in vitro tests, including cytotoxicity of the micelles, have been characterized in our previous study. In this study, DOX was encapsulated into micelles with a drug loading content of 8.5%. Confocal microscopy indicated that DOX was internalized into the cytoplasm via endocystosis. A dose-finding scheme of the polymeric micelle (placebo) showed a safe dose of PEG-PCL-PEG micelles was 71.4 mg/kg in mice. Importantly, the circulation time of DOX-loaded micelles in the plasma significantly increased compared to that of free DOX in rats. A biodistribution study displayed that plasma extravasation of DOX in liver and spleen occurred in the first four hours. Lastly, the tumor growth of human breast cancer cells in nude mice was suppressed by multiple injections (5 mg/kg, three times daily on day 0, 7 and 14) of DOX-loaded micelles as compared to multiple administrations of free DOX

Automated real time peg and tool detection for the FLS trainer box.

Science.gov (United States)

Nemani, Arun; Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh

2012-01-01

This study proposes a method that effectively tracks trocar tool and peg positions in real time to allow real time assessment of the peg transfer task of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS). By utilizing custom code along with OpenCV libraries, tool and peg positions can be accurately tracked without altering the original setup conditions of the FLS trainer box. This is achieved via a series of image filtration sequences, thresholding functions, and Haar training methods.

The effect of pH on bromelain partition from Ananas comosus by PEG4000/phosphate ATPS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Juliana Ferrari Ferreira

2011-02-01

Full Text Available In this work, the thermodynamic equilibrium and applying of PEG4000/Phosphate ATPS on the purification of bromelain extracted from pineapple was studied. A rigorous study of the equilibrium curves and tie-line length from PEG4000/phosphate ATPS were done for the pH 6-11 at 25ºC. Results showed that there was augment in the PEG and salt contents with the high pH value from PEG4000/Phosphate ATPS and two-phase formation needed only increasing the PEG content. Two tie-line length at pH 11 from PEG4000/Phosphate ATPS were optimal condition for bromelain purification, one on composition of 14% PEG and 13% salt and other at 12.6% PEG and 12.2% salt, while a 25-62 folds of enzyme was found. SDS-PAGE electrophoreses had one band only, which showed that bromelain was purified. Optimum conditions of bromelain use were found at pH 7 and between 30-40ºC.

Curve fitting methods for solar radiation data modeling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karim, Samsul Ariffin Abdul, E-mail: samsul-ariffin@petronas.com.my, E-mail: balbir@petronas.com.my; Singh, Balbir Singh Mahinder, E-mail: samsul-ariffin@petronas.com.my, E-mail: balbir@petronas.com.my [Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Information Technology, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan (Malaysia)

2014-10-24

This paper studies the use of several type of curve fitting method to smooth the global solar radiation data. After the data have been fitted by using curve fitting method, the mathematical model of global solar radiation will be developed. The error measurement was calculated by using goodness-fit statistics such as root mean square error (RMSE) and the value of R{sup 2}. The best fitting methods will be used as a starting point for the construction of mathematical modeling of solar radiation received in Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Malaysia. Numerical results indicated that Gaussian fitting and sine fitting (both with two terms) gives better results as compare with the other fitting methods.

Curve fitting methods for solar radiation data modeling

Science.gov (United States)

Karim, Samsul Ariffin Abdul; Singh, Balbir Singh Mahinder

2014-10-01

This paper studies the use of several type of curve fitting method to smooth the global solar radiation data. After the data have been fitted by using curve fitting method, the mathematical model of global solar radiation will be developed. The error measurement was calculated by using goodness-fit statistics such as root mean square error (RMSE) and the value of R2. The best fitting methods will be used as a starting point for the construction of mathematical modeling of solar radiation received in Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Malaysia. Numerical results indicated that Gaussian fitting and sine fitting (both with two terms) gives better results as compare with the other fitting methods.

Curve fitting methods for solar radiation data modeling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karim, Samsul Ariffin Abdul; Singh, Balbir Singh Mahinder

2014-01-01

This paper studies the use of several type of curve fitting method to smooth the global solar radiation data. After the data have been fitted by using curve fitting method, the mathematical model of global solar radiation will be developed. The error measurement was calculated by using goodness-fit statistics such as root mean square error (RMSE) and the value of R 2 . The best fitting methods will be used as a starting point for the construction of mathematical modeling of solar radiation received in Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Malaysia. Numerical results indicated that Gaussian fitting and sine fitting (both with two terms) gives better results as compare with the other fitting methods

Synthesis and characterisation of PEG modified chitosan nanocapsules loaded with thymoquinone.

Science.gov (United States)

Vignesh Kumar, Suresh Kumar; Renuka Devi, Ponnuswamy; Harish, Saru; Hemananthan, Eswaran

2017-02-01

Thymoquinone (TQ), a major bioactive compound of Nigella sativa seeds has several therapeutic properties. The main drawback in bringing TQ to therapeutic application is that it has poor stability and bioavailability. Hence a suitable carrier is essential for TQ delivery. Recent studies indicate biodegradable polymers are potentially good carriers of bioactive compounds. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified chitosan (Cs) nanocapsules were developed as a carrier for TQ. Aqueous soluble low molecular weight Cs and PEG was selected among different biodegradable polymers based on their biocompatibility and efficacy as a carrier. Optimisation of synthesis of nanocapsules was done based on particle size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency and process yield. A positive zeta potential value of +48 mV, indicating good stability was observed. Scanning electron microscope and atomic-force microscopy analysis revealed spherical shaped and smooth surfaced nanocapsules with size between 100 to 300 nm. The molecular dispersion of the TQ in Cs PEG nanocapsules was studied using X-ray powder diffraction. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of optimised nanocapsule exhibited functional groups of both polymer and drug, confirming the presence of Cs, PEG and TQ. In vitro drug release studies showed that PEG modified Cs nanocapsules loaded with TQ had a slow and sustained release.

Treatment with mPEG-SPA improves the survival of corneal grafts in rats by immune camouflage.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Shuangyong; Li, Liangliang; Liu, Ying; Li, Chaoyang; Zhang, Min; Wang, Bowen; Huang, Zheqian; Gao, Xinbo; Wang, Zhichong

2015-03-01

We investigated the immune camouflage effects of methoxy polyethylene glycol succinimidyl propionate (mPEG-SPA) on corneal antigens and explored a novel approach for reducing corneal antigenicity, thereby decreasing corneal graft rejection. Importantly, this approach did not alter normal local immunity. Corneal grafts were treated with mPEG-SPA 5KD or 20KD (3% W/V), which could shield major histocompatibility antigen class I molecules (RT1-A) of corneal grafts. Skin grafts of Wistar rats were transplanted to SD rats. Then the splenic lymphocytes were isolated from SD rats. Subsequently, the lymphocytes were co-cultured with autologous corneal grafts or untreated corneal grafts and PEGylated grafts treated with mPEG-SPA 5KD or 20KD obtained from the counterpart skin donors, which were used as autologous control, allogeneic control, mPEG-SPA 5KD group and mPEG-SPA 20KD group, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation was lower in mPEG-SPA 5KD group and mPEG-SPA 20KD group than in the allogeneic control. SD rats with corneal neovascularisation were used as recipients for high-risk corneal transplantation and were randomly divided into four groups: autologous control, allogeneic control, mPEG-SPA 5KD group and mPEG-SPA 20KD group. The recipients received corneal grafts from Wistar rats. Corneal graft survival was prolonged and graft rejection was reduced in the mPEG-SPA 5KD group and the mPEG-SPA 20KD group compared to the allogeneic control. Thus, we think that mPEG-SPA could immunologically camouflage corneal antigens to prolong corneal grafts survival in high-risk transplantation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PEG/CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite: Structural, morphological, magnetic and thermal analyses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Khanna, Lavanya, E-mail: lavanshya@yahoo.co.in; Verma, Narendra K., E-mail: nkverma@thapar.edu

2013-10-15

The coating of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) on calcium ferrite (CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles has been reported in the present study. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the formation of orthorhombic structure of bare CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles, which was also retained after the PEG coating, along with additional characteristic peaks of PEG at 19° and 23°. The rings of CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were identified by the selected area electron diffraction pattern. The characteristic bands of PEG as observed in its Fourier transform infrared spectrum were also present in PEG coated CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles, hence confirming its presence. In the thermal gravimetric studies, the complete thermal decomposition of PEG occurred in a one step process, but in case of PEG coated CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles, the decomposition took place at a higher temperature owing to the formation of covalent bonds of PEG with CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. The presence of PEG on CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles, spherical formation of PEG coated CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles and reduced agglomeration in the CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were revealed by high resolution transmission electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope studies, respectively. In vibrating sample magnetometer analysis, both bare as well as coated CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behavior. However, a drop in the magnetic saturation value was observed from 36.76 emu/g for CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles to 6.74 emu/g for PEG coated CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles, due to the formation of magnetically dead layer of PEG. In ZFC and FC analyses, superparamagnetic behavior with blocking temperature for bare and coated nanoparticles has been observed at ∼40 K and ∼60 K, respectively. The increase in the blocking temperature is attributed to the increase in the particle size after PEG coating.

Cloud Atlas: Rotational Modulations in the L/T Transition Brown Dwarf Companion HN Peg B

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Yifan; Apai, Dániel; Metchev, Stanimir; Lew, Ben W. P.; Schneider, Glenn; Marley, Mark S.; Karalidi, Theodora; Manjavacas, Elena; Bedin, Luigi R.; Cowan, Nicolas B.; Miles-Páez, Paulo A.; Lowrance, Patrick J.; Radigan, Jacqueline; Burgasser, Adam J.

2018-03-01

Time-resolved observations of brown dwarfs’ rotational modulations provide powerful insights into the properties of condensate clouds in ultra-cool atmospheres. Multi-wavelength light curves reveal cloud vertical structures, condensate particle sizes, and cloud morphology, which directly constrain condensate cloud and atmospheric circulation models. We report results from Hubble Space Telescope/Wide Field Camera 3 near-infrared G141 taken in six consecutive orbits observations of HN Peg B, an L/T transition brown dwarf companion to a G0V type star. The best-fit sine wave to the 1.1–1.7 μm broadband light curve has an amplitude of 1.206% ± 0.025% and period of 15.4 ± 0.5 hr. The modulation amplitude has no detectable wavelength dependence except in the 1.4 μm water absorption band, indicating that the characteristic condensate particle sizes are large (>1 μm). We detect significantly (4.4σ) lower modulation amplitude in the 1.4 μm water absorption band and find that HN Peg B’s spectral modulation resembles those of early T type brown dwarfs. We also describe a new empirical interpolation method to remove spectral contamination from the bright host star. This method may be applied in other high-contrast time-resolved observations with WFC3.

Effect of PEG-6000 Imposed Water Deficit on Chlorophyll Metabolism in Maize Leaves

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rekha Gadre

2013-08-01

Full Text Available Drought stress is one of the major abiotic constraint limiting plant growth and productivity world wide. The current study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the effect of water deficit imposed by PEG-6000, on chlorophyll metabolism in maize leaves to work out the mechanistic details. Leaf segments prepared from primary leaves of etiolated maize seedlings were treated with varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000; w/v- 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% in continuous light of intensity 40 Wm-2 at 26±2 °C for 24 h in light chamber. The results demonstrate a concentration dependent decline in chlorophyll content with increasing concentration of polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000. Reduction in chlorophyll ‘a’ level was to a greater extent than the chlorophyll ‘b’. The RNA content decreased in a concentration dependent manner with PEG, however, proline content increased significantly. Relative water content decreased significantly with the supply of 30% PEG only. A substantial decrease in chlorophyll synthesis due to significant reduction in ALA content and ALAD activity, with no change in chlorophyllase activity with the supply of PEG suggests that water deficit affects chlorophyll formation rather than its degradation.

A fundamental research on T3 radioimmunoassay by polyethylene glycol (PEG) method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, Tadashige; Hayakawa, Susumu; Takagi, Atsushi; Sugisawa, Yoshihiko; Kurata, Kunio

1976-01-01

Since Chopra, et al. produced an antibody of triiodothyronine (T 3 ), measurement of serum T 3 by radioimmunoassay has been widely used as a clinical test. However, the dextran coated charcoal (DCC) method which is most commonly used for B/F separation requires strict control of incubation temperature and time. The authors reduced this disadvantage by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) instead of DCC for B/F separation. Crossreactivities of the antibody used with thyroxine, monoiodothyrosine and diiodotyrosine are less than 0.06% which is considered to be satisfactory in comparison with those previously reported. The recovery ratios of added T 3 were between 92.4 - 105.9% and that reflected T 3 concentration well. The dilution test showed good linearity. Correlation of T 3 values measured by DCC method and PEG method in 26 sera was good (r=0.99), and linear regression function was y=0.89x + 0.30 (y: PEG method and x: DCC method). No significant differences were observed in the results obtained by 2 hr incubation at 20 - 35 0 C and 24 hr incubation at 4 0 C. As for the volume of PEG solution, 1.0 ml was most suitable. Samples should be kept at 4 0 C when centrifugation is impossible within 30 min after addition of PEG. Also in various conditions of centrifugation, the authors obtained almost same results. As described above, the authors conquered the problem involved in the DCC method, and also simplified the assay procedure by using the PEG method for B/F separation. PEG method is considered to be the methods of choice for clinical routine test for serum T 3 levels (Evans, J.)

Application of pulse pile-up correction spectrum to the library least-squares method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sang Hoon [Kyungpook National Univ., Daegu (Korea, Republic of)

2006-12-15

The Monte Carlo simulation code CEARPPU has been developed and updated to provide pulse pile-up correction spectra for high counting rate cases. For neutron activation analysis, CEARPPU correction spectra were used in library least-squares method to give better isotopic activity results than the convention library least-squares fitting with uncorrected spectra.

A mixed ruthenium polypyridyl complex containing a PEG-bipyridine macroligand

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marin, Veronica; Holder, Elisabeth; Meier, Michael A.R.; Hoogenboom, Richard; Schubert, Ulrich S. [Laboratory of Macromolecular Chemistry and Nanoscience, Eindhoven University of Technology and Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), P. O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven (Netherlands)

2004-04-06

An amino-functionalized bipyridine ligand was prepared in order to serve as a bridging unit to an activated low-molecular-weight monomethyl ether of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Coordination of a ruthenium(II) phenantroline precursor onto the formed PEG-containing bipyridine ligand yielded a metal-containing polymer which shows interesting properties for solar cell applications. (Abstract Copyright [2004], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Analysis of quantile regression as alternative to ordinary least squares

OpenAIRE

Ibrahim Abdullahi; Abubakar Yahaya

2015-01-01

In this article, an alternative to ordinary least squares (OLS) regression based on analytical solution in the Statgraphics software is considered, and this alternative is no other than quantile regression (QR) model. We also present goodness of fit statistic as well as approximate distributions of the associated test statistics for the parameters. Furthermore, we suggest a goodness of fit statistic called the least absolute deviation (LAD) coefficient of determination. The procedure is well ...

Improving dielectric permittivity by incorporating PDMS-PEG block copolymer into PDMS network

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Szabo, Peter; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based elastomers are well-known to actuate with large strain mainly due to their low modulus and their non-conducting nature. On the other hand, polyethyleneglycols(PEG) are not stretchable but they have high permittivity and are conductive. Combination of the two...... polymers as a block copolymer depicts a possibility for substantial improvement of properties such as high permittivity and non-conductivity – if carefully designed. The objective is to synthesize PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymer assembling into different morphologies1 such as lamellar,cylinder, gyroid...... and spheres based on variation of volume fractions of PDMS and PEG. The synthesisis amended from Klasner et al.2 and Jukarainen et al.3 Variation in the ratio between the two constituents introduces distinctive properties in terms of dielectric permittivity and rheological behaviour. PDMS-PEG multiblock...

Current status of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in a general hospital in Japan: a cross-sectional study

Science.gov (United States)

Kusano, Chika; Yamada, Nobuo; Kikuchi, Kenji; Hashimoto, Masaji; Gotoda, Takuji

2016-01-01

Background: There has been debate over the indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in recent years in Japan. In addition, the level of satisfaction of patients and patient’s family after PEG remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of PEG and the level of satisfaction of patients and patients’ families after PEG in Japan. Methods: We reviewed the existing data of all patients who underwent PEG tube insertion at Yuri Kumiai General Hospital (Akita, Japan) between February 2000 and December 2010. We examined the following points: underlying diseases requiring PEG, levels of consciousness, and performance status. We also sent a questionnaire to the patients and patient’s families to ask about their satisfaction with and thoughts about PEG. Results: The data of 545 patients who underwent PEG were reviewed. There were 295 men and 250 women, with a mean age of 77.2 ± 11.4 years. PEG was indicated most frequently for cerebrovascular disorders (48.2%, 239/545). There were 515 (94.4%, 515/545) patients showing consciousness disturbance and 444 (81.5%, 444/545) bedridden patients. The questionnaire was answered by one patient himself and 316 patients’ families. When asked, “Was performing PEG a good decision?”, 57.5% (182/316) of the patients’ families answered yes. Meanwhile, when patients’ family members were asked if they would wish to undergo PEG if they were in the same condition as the patient, 28.4% (90/316) answered yes, whereas 55.3% (175/316) answered no. Conclusions: Few patients were able to make their own decision about PEG tube placement because of consciousness disturbance. As a result, many family members of the patients did not want to experience PEG for themselves. Future studies should be performed to clarify the quality of life and ethical aspects associated with PEG. PMID:27313796

Co-electrospun blends of PU and PEG as potential biocompatible scaffolds for small-diameter vascular tissue engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Heyun; Feng, Yakai; Fang, Zichen; Yuan, Wenjie; Khan, Musammir

2012-01-01

A small-diameter vascular graft (inner diameter 4 mm) was fabricated from polyurethane (PU) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) solutions by blend electrospinning technology. The fiber diameter decreased from 1023 ± 185 nm to 394 ± 106 nm with the increasing content of PEG in electrospinning solutions. The hybrid PU/PEG scaffolds showed randomly nanofibrous morphology, high porosity and well-interconnected porous structure. The hydrophilicity of these scaffolds had been improved significantly with the increasing contents of PEG. The mechanical properties of electrospun hybrid PU/PEG scaffolds were obviously different from that of PU scaffold, which was caused by plasticizing or hardening effect imparted by PEG composition. Under hydrated state, the hybrid PU/PEG scaffolds demonstrated low mechanical performance due to the hydrophilic property of materials. Compared with dry PU/PEG scaffolds with the same content of PEG, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of hydrated PU/PEG scaffolds decreased significantly, while the elongation at break increased. The hybrid PU/PEG scaffolds demonstrated a lower possibility of thrombi formation than blank PU scaffold in platelet adhesion test. The hemolysis assay illustrated that all scaffolds could act as blood contacting materials. To investigate further in vitro cytocompatibility, HUVECs were seeded on the scaffolds and cultured over 14 days. The cells could attach and proliferate well on the hybrid scaffolds than blank PU scaffold, and form a cell monolayer fully covering on the PU/PEG (80/20) hybrid scaffold surface. The results demonstrated that the electrospun hybrid PU/PEG tubular scaffolds possessed the special capacity with excellent hemocompatibility while simultaneously supporting extensive endothelialization with the 20 and 30% content of PEG in hybrid scaffolds. - Highlights: ► We develop small-diameter vascular grafts made of PU and PEG by electrospinning. ► The hybrid scaffolds could suppress the platelet

Clicked bis-PEG-peptide conjugates for studying calmodulin-Kv7.2 channel binding.

Science.gov (United States)

Bonache, M Angeles; Alaimo, Alessandro; Malo, Covadonga; Millet, Oscar; Villarroel, Alvaro; González-Muñiz, Rosario

2014-11-28

The recombinant Kv7.2 calmodulin (CaM) binding site (Q2AB CaMBD) shows a high tendency to aggregate, thus complicating biochemical and structural studies. To facilitate these studies we have conceived bis-PEG-peptide CaMBD-mimetics linking helices A and B in single, easy to handle molecules. Short PEG chains were selected as spacers between the two peptide molecules, and a Cu(i)-catalyzed cycloaddition (CuAAC) protocol was used to assemble the final bis-PEG-peptide conjugate, by the convenient functionalization of PEG arms with azide and alkyne groups. The resulting conjugates, with a certain helical character in TFE solutions (CD), showed nanomolar affinity in a fluorescence CaM binding in vitro assay, higher than just the sum of the precursor PEG-peptide affinities, thus validating our design. The approach to these first described examples of Kv7.2 CaMBD-mimetics could pave the way to chimeric conjugates merging helices A and B from different Kv7 subunits.

Stabilization of Resveratrol in Blood Circulation by Conjugation to mPEG and mPEG-PLA Polymers: Investigation of Conjugate Linker and Polymer Composition on Stability, Metabolism, Antioxidant Activity and Pharmacokinetic Profile

Science.gov (United States)

Siddalingappa, Basavaraj; Benson, Heather A. E.; Brown, David H.; Batty, Kevin T.; Chen, Yan

2015-01-01

Resveratrol is naturally occurring phytochemical with diverse biological activities such as chemoprevention, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant. But undergoes rapid metabolism in the body (half life 0.13h). Hence Polymer conjugation utilizing different chemical linkers and polymer compositions was investigated for enhanced pharmacokinetic profile of resveratrol. Ester conjugates such as α-methoxy-ω-carboxylic acid poly(ethylene glycol) succinylamide resveratrol (MeO-PEGN-Succ-RSV) (2 and 20 kDa); MeO-PEG succinyl ester resveratrol (MeO-PEGO-Succ-RSV) (2 kDa); α-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-co-polylactide succinyl ester resveratrol (MeO-PEG-PLAO-Succ-RSV) (2 and 6.6kDa) were prepared by carbodiimide coupling reactions. Resveratrol-PEG ethers (2 and 5 kDa) were synthesized by alkali-mediated etherification. All polymer conjugates were fully characterized in vitro and the pharmacokinetic profile of selected conjugates was characterized in rats. Buffer and plasma stability of conjugates was dependent on polymer hydrophobicity, aggregation behavior and PEG corona, with MeO-PEG-PLAO-Succ-RSV (2 kDa) showing a 3h half-life in rat plasma in vitro. Polymer conjugates irrespective of linker chemistry protected resveratrol against metabolism in vitro. MeO-PEG-PLAO-Succ-RSV (2 kDa), Resveratrol-PEG ether (2 and 5 kDa) displayed improved pharmacokinetic profiles with significantly higher plasma area under curve (AUC), slower clearance and smaller volume of distribution, compared to resveratrol. PMID:25799413

Surfactant-assisted carbon doping in ZnO nanowires using Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Amanullah, Malik; Javed, Qurat-ul-Ain, E-mail: Quratulain@sns.nust.edu.pk; Rizwan, Syed

2016-09-01

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) provides unique properties owing to its wide bandgap, large resistivity range and possibility to tune the physical properties. The surfactant assisted carbon doping was made possible due to the lowering of surface energy. The ZnO and carbon doped ZnO (C-ZnO) nanowires fabricated by hydrothermal process, Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) is used as surfactant in hydrothermal synthesis followed by post growth annealing treatment at 600 °C–700 °C. At 5%–10% of diluted PEG carbon is doped in ZnO. The crystallinity, structural morphology and elemental composition analysis for ZnO and C-ZnO nanowires were carried out using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques respectively. Carbon doping in ZnO nanowires in the presence of different percentage of surfactant is explained by calculating the change in surface energy with respect to change in PEG molecule concentration. It was found that the surface energy per molecule modulates from 3.92 × 10{sup −8} J/m{sup 2} to 8.16 × 10{sup −7} J/m{sup 2} in the PEG concentration range between 5% and 10%. Our results provides a new theoretical calculations, implemented on real system, to observe the details of PEG-assisted Carbon doping in II-VI semiconductor nanowires. - Highlights: • ZnO and C-ZnO was synthesized by PEG assisted post growth annealing process. • At 5% and 10% of PEG successful synthesis of C-ZnO was found. • XRD, SEM and EDX characterizations confirm the successful synthesis of ZnO and C-ZnO. • Change in surface energy with respect to PEG molecule concentration was calculated.

Preparation of flexible PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites by melt blending and radiation crosslinking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jung, Chang-Hee; Hwang, In-Tae; Jung, Chan-Hee; Choi, Jae-Hak

2014-01-01

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PEG-POSS) nanocomposites with or without triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) were investigated by melt blending and electron beam irradiation to enhance the flexibility of PLA. Based on the results of the crosslinking degree measurements, the PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites were crosslinked by electron beam irradiation in the presence of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and their crosslinking degree reached up to 80% based on the absorbed dose and their compositions. From the results of the FE-SEM and EDX Si-mapping, the crosslinked PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites were homogenous without a micro-phase separation or radiation-induced morphological change. Based on the results of the tensile test, the PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites containing 15 wt% PEG-POSS exhibited the highest flexibility, and their tensile strength showed a maximum value of 44.5 MPa after electron beam irradiation at an absorbed dose of 100 kGy in the presence of TAIC, which is comparable to non-biodegradable polypropylene. The results of the dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the crosslinked PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites exhibited a higher thermal resistance above their melting temperature in comparison to that of the neat PLA, although their glass transition temperature was lower than that of the neat PLA. The enzymatic biodegradation test revealed that the PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites were biodegradable even though their biodegradability was deteriorated in comparison to that of the neat PLA. - Highlights: • PLA/PEG-POSS nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending. • The nanocomposites containing TAIC were crosslinked by electron beam irradiation. • The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were comparable to polypropylene. • The crosslinked nanocomposites can be biodegradable

Solid-state NMR study of stereocomplexes formed by enantiomeric star-shaped PEG-PLA copolymers in water

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Calucci, Lucia; Forte, Claudia; Buwalda, S.J.; Dijkstra, Pieter J.

2011-01-01

Solid-state NMR was applied to samples obtained by freeze-drying hydrogels of 1:1 (PEG65-NHCO-PLLA13)8/(PEG65-NHCO-PDLA13)8 or (PEG65-NHCO-PDLA13)8 only star block copolymers (where PEG, PLLA, and PDLA stand for poly(ethylene glycol), poly(l-lactide), and poly(d-lactide), respectively) in order to

A comparative analysis of the EEDF obtained by Regularization and by Least square fit methods; Un analisis comparativo de la EEDF obtenido por metodos de regularizacion y por un ajuste de minimos cuadrados

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gutierrez T, C.; Flores Ll, H. [ININ, 52045 Ocoyoacac, Estado de Mexico (Mexico)

2004-07-01

The second derived of the characteristic curve current-voltage (I - V) of a Langmuir probe (I - V) is numerically calculated using the Tikhonov method for to determine the distribution function of the electrons energy (EEDF). One comparison of the obtained EEDF and a fit by least square are discussed (LS). The I - V experimental curve is obtained in a plasma source in the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) using a cylindrical probe. The parameters of plasma are determined of the EEDF by means of the Laframboise theory. For the case of the LS fit, the obtained results are similar to those obtained by the Tikhonov method, but in the first case the procedure is slow to achieve the best fit. (Author)

Depth profiles of defects in Ar-iondashirradiated steels determined by a least-squares fit of S parameters from variable-energy positron annihilation

Science.gov (United States)

Aruga, Takeo; Takamura, Saburo; Nakata, Kiyotomo; Ito, Yasuo

1995-01-01

Using a new method for reconstructing the depth profile of defects in an iondashirradiated sample by using slow positrons, the depth profiles of vacancy-type defects in 316 stainless steel samples, irradiated with 250 keV Ar ions to a dose of 7.5 × 10 19 m -2 at room temperature, have been calculated from Doppler-broadening S parameters measured as a function of positron energies up to 16 keV. Without assuming any type of shape for the defect profiles, such as Gaussian, the defect profiling is done using a least-squares fitting method. The resulting profile suggests that in as-irradiated 316 stainless steel samples with lower carbon content, the defect distribution peaks at a depth four times larger than that of the ion range. After annealing at a high temperature of 1253 K for 0.5 h, the fitted profile shows that the peak around the average ion range is highly enhanced. While in the steel added with 0.3 wt% titanium, the profile exhibits almost no peak after annealing at 1073 K. The results indicate that the radiationdashproduced vacancy clusters are stabilized by the implanted Ar atoms more effectively in the Ti-free steel than in the Ti-added steel.

PEG and Thickeners: A Critical Interaction Between Polyethylene Glycol Laxative and Starch-Based Thickeners.

Science.gov (United States)

Carlisle, Brian J; Craft, Garrett; Harmon, Julie P; Ilkevitch, Alina; Nicoghosian, Jenik; Sheyner, Inna; Stewart, Jonathan T

2016-09-01

Clinicians commonly encounter dysphagia and constipation in a skilled nursing population. Increasing the viscosity of liquids, usually with a starch- or xanthan gum-based thickener, serves as a key intervention for patients with dysphagia. We report a newly identified and potentially dangerous interaction between polyethylene glycol 3350 laxative (PEG) and starch-thickened liquids. A patient requiring nectar-thickened liquids became constipated, and medical staff prescribed PEG for constipation. His nurse observed that the thickened apple juice immediately thinned to near-water consistency when PEG was added. She obtained the same results with thickened water and coffee. We quantified this phenomenon by isothermal rotational rheology. Results confirmed a precipitous loss of thickening when PEG was added to starch-based thickeners but not with xanthan gum-based thickeners. Clinicians and front-line staff should be aware of this potentially critical interaction between PEG- and starch-based thickeners. Although confirmatory studies are needed, our preliminary data suggest that PEG may be compatible with xanthan gum-- based thickeners. Copyright © 2016 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. All rights reserved.

mPEG-PLA Micelle for Delivery of Effective Parts of Andrographis Paniculata.

Science.gov (United States)

Yao, Hailu; Song, Shiyong; Miao, Xiaolu; Liu, Xiao; Zhao, Junli; Wang, Zhen; Shao, Xiaoting; Zhang, Yu; Han, Guang

2018-01-01

Many studies have shown that Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees has a good anti-tumor effect, but poor solubility in water and poor bioavailability hinder the modernization of it. To formulate the effective parts (mainly diterpene lactones) of Andrographis paniculata (AEP) into targeting drug delivery system, a series of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(D.L-lactic acid)(mPEG-PLA) with different ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic segment was synthetized to encapsulate AEP. AEP micelles were prepared by a simple solvent-evaporation method. According to the loading capacity, the best polymer was chosen. mPEG-PLA micelles were characterized in terms of drug entrapping efficiency, loading capacity, size, the crystalline state of AEP, stability and release profile. Meanwhile, the cytotoxicity of micelles on mouse breast cancer 4T-1 was investigated. These micelle (mPEG-PLA-AEP) particles had a size of (92.84±5.63) nm and a high entrapping efficiency and loading capacity of (91.00±11.53)% and (32.14±3.02)%(w/w), respectively. The powder DSC showed that drugs were well encapsulated in the core of micelles. mPEG-PLA-AEP had a good stability against salt dissociation, protein adsorption and anion substitution and the solubility of andrographolide (AG) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide(DDAG) in AEP increased 4.51 times and 2.12 times in water, and the solubility of DAG showed no difference. mPEG-PLA-AEP had the same release profile in different dissolution medium. Cytotoxicity testing in vitro demonstrated that mPEG-PLA-AEP exhibited higher cell viability inhibition in mouse breast cancer 4T-1 than free AEP. mPEG-PLA micelles offer a promising alternative for TCM therapy with higher solubility and improved antitumor effect. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Pharmacokinetic properties and antitumor efficacy of the 5-fluorouracil loaded PEG-hydrogel

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kim Bokyung

2010-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background We have studied the in vitro and in vivo utility of polyethylene glycol (PEG-hydrogels for the development of an anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU delivery system. Methods A 5-FU-loaded PEG-hydrogel was implanted subcutaneously to evaluate the drug retention time and the anticancer effect. For the pharmacokinetic study, two groups of male rats were administered either an aqueous solution of 5-FU (control group/or a 5-FU-loaded PEG-hydrogel (treated group at a dose of 100 mg/kg. For the pharmacodynamic study, a human non-small-cell lung adenocarcinoma (NSCLC cell line, A549 was inoculated to male nude mice with a cell density of 3 × 106. Once tumors start growing, the mice were injected with 5-FU/or 5-FU-loaded PEG-hydrogel once a week for 4 weeks. The growth of the tumors was monitored by measuring the tumor volume and calculating the tumor inhibition rate (IR over the duration of the study. Results In the pharmacokinetic study, the 5-FU-loaded PEG-hydrogel gave a mean residence time (MRT of 8.0 h and the elimination half-life of 0.9 h; these values were 14- and 6-fold, respectively, longer than those for the free solution of 5-FU (p Conclusion We suggest that 5-FU-loaded PEG-hydrogels could provide a useful tool for the development of an anticancer drug delivery system.

Gadolinium-conjugated PLA-PEG nanoparticles as liver targeted molecular MRI contrast agent.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Zhijin; Yu, Dexin; Liu, Chunxi; Yang, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Na; Ma, Chunhong; Song, Jibin; Lu, Zaijun

2011-09-01

A nanoparticle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent targeted to liver was developed by conjugation of gadolinium (Gd) chelate groups onto the biocompatible poly(l-lactide)-block-poly (ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) nanoparticles. PLA-PEG conjugated with diethylenetriaminopentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used to formulate PLA-PEG-DTPA nanoparticles by solvent diffusion method, and then Gd was loaded onto the nanoparticles by chelated with the unfolding DTPA on the surface of the PLA-PEG-DTPA nanoparticles. The mean size of the nanoparticles was 265.9 ± 6.7 nm. The relaxivity of the Gd-labeled nanoparticles was measured, and the distribution in vivo was evaluated in rats. Compared with conventional contrast agent (Magnevist), the Gd-labeled PLA-PEG nanoparticles showed significant enhancement both on liver targeting ability and imaging signal intensity. The T(1) and T(2) relaxivities per [Gd] of the Gd-labeled nanoparticles was 18.865 mM(-1) s(-1) and 24.863 mM(-1) s(-1) at 3 T, respectively. In addition, the signal intensity in vivo was stronger comparing with the Gd-DTPA and the T(1) weight time was lasting for 4.5 h. The liver targeting efficiency of the Gd-labeled PLA-PEG nanoparticles in rats was 14.57 comparing with Magnevist injection. Therefore, the Gd-labeled nanoparticles showed the potential as targeting molecular MRI contrast agent for further clinical utilization.

Crutch art painting in the Middle Ages as orthopaedic heritage (part II: the peg leg, the bent-knee peg and the beggar).

Science.gov (United States)

Hernigou, Philippe

2014-07-01

Little of historical value about crutches can be ascertained before the Middle Ages. In contrast, the Middle Ages offer many examples for the study of crutches. Even if no medical report can be found, the immense patronage of the Church, encouraging artists to portray the saints and their miracles, has left great masterpieces that drew people with crutches. Pictures and the history of medieval conceptions of disability appear to provide an interesting chronicle of surgery of the peg leg and the bent-knee peg among the representations of cripples and beggars.

Blood gas analysis, anion gap, and strong ion difference in horses treated with polyethylene glycol balanced solution (PEG 3350) or enteral and parenteral electrolyte solutions

OpenAIRE

Gomes, Cláudio Luís Nina; Ribeiro Filho, José Dantas; Faleiros, Rafael Resende; Dantas, Fernanda Timbó D'el Rey; Amorim, Lincoln da Silva; Dantas, Waleska de Melo Ferreira

2014-01-01

Large volumes of different electrolytes solutions are commonly used for ingesta hydration in horses with large colon impaction, but little is known about their consequences to blood acid-base balance. To evaluate the effects of PEG 3350 or enteral and parenteral electrolyte solutions on the blood gas analysis, anion gap and strong ion difference, five adult female horses were used in a 5x5 latin square design. The animals were divided in five groups and distributed to each of the following tr...

Preparation and Characterization of Cationic PLA-PEG Nanoparticles for Delivery of Plasmid DNA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zou Weiwei

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract The purpose of the present work was to formulate and evaluate cationic poly(lactic acid-poly(ethylene glycol (PLA-PEG nanoparticles as novel non-viral gene delivery nano-device. Cationic PLA-PEG nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. The gene loaded nanoparticles were obtained by incubating the report gene pEGFP with cationic PLA-PEG nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties (e.g., morphology, particle size, surface charge, DNA binding efficiency and biological properties (e.g., integrity of the released DNA, protection from nuclease degradation, plasma stability, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vitro transfection ability in Hela cells of the gene loaded PLA-PEG nanoparticles were evaluated, respectively. The obtained cationic PLA-PEG nanoparticles and gene loaded nanoparticles were both spherical in shape with average particle size of 89.7 and 128.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.185 and 0.161, zeta potentials of +28.9 and +16.8 mV, respectively. The obtained cationic PLA-PEG nanoparticles with high binding efficiency (>95% could protect the loaded DNA from the degradation by nuclease and plasma. The nanoparticles displayed sustained-release properties in vitro and the released DNA maintained its structural and functional integrity. It also showed lower cytotoxicity than Lipofectamine 2000 and could successfully transfect gene into Hela cells even in presence of serum. It could be concluded that the established gene loaded cationic PLA-PEG nanoparticles with excellent properties were promising non-viral nano-device, which had potential to make cancer gene therapy achievable.

A Retrospective Study of Association between Peg-shaped Maxillary Lateral Incisors and Dental Anomalies.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Jae-Hwan; Choi, Nam-Ki; Kim, Seon-Mi

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors and the incidence of associated dental anomalies in children. We investigated the prevalence of peg-laterals and incidence of associated dental anomalies in 3,834 children aged 7-15 who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry from January 2010 to December 2015 and underwent panoramic radiographs. The prevalence of peg-laterals was 1.69% in boys, 1.75% in girls, and 1.72% overall. Among children with peg-laterals, the frequencies of associated dental anomalies were as follows: congenitally missing teeth, 31.8%; dens invaginatus, 19.7%; palatally displaced canines, 12.1%; supernumerary teeth, 7.6%; and transposition, 7.6%. As children with peg-laterals have a higher incidence of other dental anomalies, careful consideration is needed when planning diagnosis and treatment.

PNA-PEG modified silicon platforms as functional bio-interfaces for applications in DNA microarrays and biosensors.

Science.gov (United States)

Cattani-Scholz, Anna; Pedone, Daniel; Blobner, Florian; Abstreiter, Gerhard; Schwartz, Jeffrey; Tornow, Marc; Andruzzi, Luisa

2009-03-09

The synthesis and characterization of two types of silicon-based biofunctional interfaces are reported; each interface bonds a dense layer of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG(n)) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes. Phosphonate self-assembled monolayers were derivatized with PNA using a maleimido-terminated PEG(45). Similarly, siloxane monolayers were functionalized with PNA using a maleimido-terminated PEG(45) spacer and were subsequently modified with a shorter methoxy-terminated PEG(12) ("back-filling"). The long PEG(45) spacer was used to distance the PNA probe from the surface and to minimize undesirable nonspecific adsorption of DNA analyte. The short PEG(12) "back-filler" was used to provide additional passivation of the surface against nonspecific DNA adsorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis near the C 1s and N 1s ionization edges was done to characterize chemical groups formed in the near-surface region, which confirmed binding of PEG and PNA to the phosphonate and silane films. XPS also indicated that additional PEG chains were tethered to the surface during the back-filling process. Fluorescence hybridization experiments were carried out with complementary and noncDNA strands; both phosphonate and siloxane biofunctional surfaces were effective for hybridization of cDNA strands and significantly reduced nonspecific adsorption of the analyte. Spatial patterns were prepared by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micromolding on the PNA-functionalized surfaces; selective hybridization of fluorescently labeled DNA was shown at the PNA functionalized regions, and physisorption at the probe-less PEG-functionalized regions was dramatically reduced. These results show that PNA-PEG derivatized phosphonate monolayers hold promise for the smooth integration of device surface chemistry with semiconductor technology for the fabrication of DNA biosensors. In addition, our results confirm that PNA-PEG derivatized self-assembled carboxyalkylsiloxane films are

Application of 10BSH entrapped transferrin-PEG-liposome to boron neutron-capture therapy (BNCT) for solid tumor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maruyama, K.; Ishida, O.; Iwatsuru, M.; Yanagie, H.; Eriguchi, M.; Kobayashi, H.

2000-01-01

The successful treatment of cancer by BNCT requires the selective concentration of 10 B within malignant tumor cells. Intracellular targeting ability and cytotoxic effects of 10 B entrapped TF-PEG-liposomes, in which TF is covalently linked to the distal terminal of PEG chains on the external surface of PEG-liposomes, were examined in Colon 26 tumor-bearing mice. TF-PEG-liposomes readily bound to tumor cells in vivo, and were internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis. 10 B-PEG-liposomes and 10 B-TF-PEG-liposomes showed prolonged residence time in the circulation and low RES uptake in tumor-bearing mice, resulting in enhanced extravasation of the liposomes into the solid tumor tissue and reached high level of 10 B content in tumor. After thermal neutron irradiation of mice injected with 10 B-PEG-liposomes or 10 B-TF-PEG-liposome, tumor growth was suppressed relative to controls. These results suggest that intravenous injection of 10 B TF-PEG-liposome can increase the intracellular retention of 10 B atoms, which were introduced by receptor mediated endocytosis after binding, causing tumor growth suppression in vivo upon thermal neutron irradiation. (author)

Quantitative fabrication, performance optimization and comparison of PEG and zwitterionic polymer antifouling coatings.

Science.gov (United States)

Xing, Cheng-Mei; Meng, Fan-Ning; Quan, Miao; Ding, Kai; Dang, Yuan; Gong, Yong-Kuan

2017-09-01

A versatile fabrication and performance optimization strategy of PEG and zwitterionic polymer coatings is developed on the sensor chip of surface plasma resonance (SPR) instrument. A random copolymer bearing phosphorylcholine zwitterion and active ester side chains (PMEN) and carboxylic PEG coatings with comparable thicknesses were deposited on SPR sensor chips via amidation coupling on the precoated polydopamine (PDA) intermediate layer. The PMEN coating showed much stronger resistance to bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption than PEG coating at very thin thickness (∼1nm). However, the BSA resistant efficacy of PEG coating could exceed that of PMEN due to stronger steric repelling effect when the thickness increased to 1.5∼3.3nm. Interestingly, both the PEG and PMEN thick coatings (≈3.6nm) showed ultralow fouling by BSA and bovine plasma fibrinogen (Fg). Moreover, changes in the PEG end group from -OH to -COOH, protein adsorption amount could increase by 10-fold. Importantly, the optimized PMEN and PEG-OH coatings were easily duplicated on other substrates due to universal adhesion of the PDA layer, showed excellent resistance to platelet, bacteria and proteins, and no significant difference in the antifouling performances was observed. These detailed results can explain the reported discrepancy in performances between PEG and zwitterionic polymer coatings by thickness. This facile and substrate-independent coating strategy may benefit the design and manufacture of advanced antifouling biomedical devices and long circulating nanocarriers. Prevention of biofouling is one of the biggest challenges for all biomedical applications. However, it is very difficult to fabricate a highly hydrophilic antifouling coating on inert materials or large devices. In this study, PEG and zwitterion polymers, the most widely investigated polymers with best antifouling performance, are conveniently immobilized on different kinds of substrates from their aqueous solutions by

PEG capped methotrexate silver nanoparticles for efficient anticancer activity and biocompatibility.

Science.gov (United States)

Muhammad, Zarmina; Raza, Abida; Ghafoor, Sana; Naeem, Ayesha; Naz, Syeda Sohaila; Riaz, Sundus; Ahmed, Wajiha; Rana, Nosheen Fatima

2016-08-25

Nanocarriers endow tremendous benefits to the drug delivery systems depending upon the specific properties of either component. These benefits include, increase in the drug blood retention time, reduced efflux, additional toxicity and targeted delivery. Methotrexate (MTX) is clinically used for cancer treatment. Higher dosage of MTX results in hepatic and renal toxicity. In this study methotrexate silver nanoparticles (Ag-MTX) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) are synthesized and characterized. Their anticancer activity and biocompatibility is also evaluated. Ag-MTX nanoparticles are synthesized by chemical reduction method. They are characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Average size of PEG coated Ag-MTX nanoparticles (PEG-Ag-MTX nanoparticles) is 12nm. These particles exhibited improved anticancer activity against MCF-7 cell line. Hemolytic activity of these particles was significantly less than MTX. PEG-Ag-MTX nanoparticles are potential nanocarrier of methotrexate which may offer MTX based cancer treatment with reduced side effects. In-vivo investigations should be carried out to explore them in detail. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Linear least squares compartmental-model-independent parameter identification in PET

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thie, J.A.; Smith, G.T.; Hubner, K.F.

1997-01-01

A simplified approach involving linear-regression straight-line parameter fitting of dynamic scan data is developed for both specific and nonspecific models. Where compartmental-model topologies apply, the measured activity may be expressed in terms of: its integrals, plasma activity and plasma integrals -- all in a linear expression with macroparameters as coefficients. Multiple linear regression, as in spreadsheet software, determines parameters for best data fits. Positron emission tomography (PET)-acquired gray-matter images in a dynamic scan are analyzed: both by this method and by traditional iterative nonlinear least squares. Both patient and simulated data were used. Regression and traditional methods are in expected agreement. Monte-Carlo simulations evaluate parameter standard deviations, due to data noise, and much smaller noise-induced biases. Unique straight-line graphical displays permit visualizing data influences on various macroparameters as changes in slopes. Advantages of regression fitting are: simplicity, speed, ease of implementation in spreadsheet software, avoiding risks of convergence failures or false solutions in iterative least squares, and providing various visualizations of the uptake process by straight line graphical displays. Multiparameter model-independent analyses on lesser understood systems is also made possible

Synthesis and preliminary biodistribution studies of [131I]SIB-PEG4-CHC in tumor-bearing mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiaobei Zheng; Jing Yang; Xiaojiang Duan; Tingting Niu; Wangsuo Wu; Jianjun Wang; Feng Dong

2011-01-01

This work reports the synthesis and preliminary biodistribution results of [ 131 I]SIB-PEG 4 -CHC in tumor-bearing mice. The tributylstannyl precursor ATE-PEG 4 -CHC was synthesized by conjugation of ATE to amino pegylated colchicine NH 2 -PEG 4 -CHC. [ 131 I]SIB-PEG 4 -CHC was radiosynthesized by electrophilic destannylation of the precursor with a yield of ∼44%. The radiochemical purity (RCP) appeared to be >95% by a Sep-Pak cartridge purification. [ 131 I]SIB-PEG 4 -CHC was lipophilic and was stable at room temperature. Biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing mice showed that [ 131 I]SIB-PEG 4 -CHC cleared from background rapidly, and didn't deiodinate in vivo. However, the poor tumor localization excluded it from further investigations as a tumor-targeted radiopharmaceuticals. (author)

Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity of mPEG-SH modified gold nanorods

Science.gov (United States)

Didychuk, Candice L.; Ephrat, Pinhas; Belton, Michelle; Carson, Jeffrey J. L.

2008-02-01

Plasmon-resonant gold nanorods show great potential as an agent for contrast-enhanced biomedical imaging or for phototherapeutics. This is primarily due to the high molar extinction coefficient at the absorption maximum and the dependence of the wavelength of the absorption maximum on the aspect ratio, which is tunable in the near-infrared (NIR) during synthesis. Although gold nanorods can be produced in high-yield through the seed-mediated growth technique, the presence of residual cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a stabilizing surfactant required for nanorod growth, interferes with cell function and causes cytotoxicity. To overcome this potential obstacle to in vivo use, we synthesized gold nanorods and conjugated them to a methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-thiol (mPEG (5000)-SH). This approach yielded mPEG-SH modified gold nanorods with optical and morphometric properties that were similar to raw (CTAB) nanorods. Both the CTAB and mPEG-SH nanorods were tested for cytotoxicity against the HL-60 human leukemia cell line by trypan blue exclusion, and the mPEG-SH modified gold nanorods were also tested against a rat insulinoma (RIN-38) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCCVII) cell line. Cells incubated for 24 h with the mPEG-SH modified nanorods had little change in cell viability compared to cells incubated with vehicle alone. This was in contrast to cytotoxicity of CTAB nanorods on HL-60 cells. These results suggest that mPEG-SH modified gold nanorods are better suited for cell loading protocols and injection into animals and facilitate their use for imaging and phototherapeutic purposes.

Sustainable and Low Viscous 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate + PEG Solvent for Cellulose Processing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Airong Xu

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Developing sustainable, low viscous and efficient solvents are always advantageous to the processing/fabricating of cellulose materials in practical applications. To this end, in this work novel solvents were developed; ([Amim][CH3COO]/PEG by dissolving polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG-200 in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Amim][CH3COO]. The solubilities of cellulose in [Amim][CH3COO]/PEG solvents were determined as a function of temperature, and the possible dissolution mechanism of cellulose in [Amim][CH3COO]/PEG solvent was investigated. The novel solvent exhibits outstanding advantages for good dissolution capacity of cellulose, such as low viscosity, negligible vapor pressure, and recycling capability. The [CH3COO]− anion and the [Amim]+ cation of [Amim][CH3COO] in [Amim][CH3COO]/PEG-10 are the driving force for cellulose dissolution verified by the 13C NMR spectra. In addition, the regenerated cellulose films from [Amim][CH3COO]/PEG solvent were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA to estimate their morphologies and structures.

Influence of PEG coating on the oral bioavailability of gold nanoparticles in rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Alalaiwe, Ahmed; Roberts, Georgia; Carpinone, Paul; Munson, John; Roberts, Stephen

2017-11-01

Metallic nanoparticles can be produced in a variety of shapes, sizes, and surface chemistries, making them promising potential tools for drug delivery. Most studies to date have evaluated uptake of metallic nanoparticles from the GI tract with methods that are at best semi-quantitative. This study used the classical method of comparing blood concentration area under the curve (AUC) following intravenous and oral doses to determine the oral bioavailability of 1, 2 and 5 kDa PEG-coated 5 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Male rats were given a single intravenous dose (0.8 mg/kg) or oral (gavage) dose (8 mg/kg) of a PEG-coated AuNP, and the concentration of gold was measured in blood over time and in tissues (liver, spleen and kidney) at sacrifice. Blood concentrations following oral administration were inversely related to PEG size, and the AUC in blood was significantly greater for the 1 kDa PEG-coated AuNPs than particles coated with 2 or 5 kDa PEG. However, bioavailabilities of all of the particles were very low (bioavailability of AuNPs coated with PEG in the 1-5 kDa range, this study demonstrates the utility of applying the blood AUC approach to assess the quantitative oral bioavailability of metallic nanoparticles.

Improving dielectric permittivity by incorporating PDMS-PEG block copolymer into PDMS network

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Szabo, Peter; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

introduces different properties in terms of contact angles, dielectric permittivity and rheological behaviour. All morphologies of PDMS-PEG block copolymer in this study exhibit high storage permittivity; at the same time the loss permittivity is even higher which implies that the synthesized PDMS-PEG block...

``Sheddable'' PEG-lipid to balance the contradiction of PEGylation between long circulation and poor uptake

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Caiyan; Deng, Hongzhang; Xu, Jing; Li, Shuyi; Zhong, Lin; Shao, Leihou; Wu, Yan; Liang, Xing-Jie

2016-05-01

PEGylated lipids confer longer systemic circulation and tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, PEGylation inhibits cellular uptake and subsequent endosomal escape. In order to balance the contradiction between the advantages of long circulation and the disadvantages of poor uptake of PEGylated lipids, we prepared a ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelle system based on the conjugation of PEG and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DSPE) with a pH sensitive benzoic imine bond. In a physiological environment, the PEG-protected micelles were not readily taken up by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and could be successfully delivered to tumor tissue by the EPR effect. In a tumor acidic microenvironment, the PEG chains detached from the surfaces of the micelles while the degree of linker cleavage could not cause a significant particle size change, which facilitated the carrier binding to tumor cells and improved the cellular uptake. Subsequently, the ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelles easily internalized into cells and the increased acidity in the lysosomes further promoted drug release. Thus, this ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid nanocarrier could be a good candidate for effective intracellular drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy.PEGylated lipids confer longer systemic circulation and tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, PEGylation inhibits cellular uptake and subsequent endosomal escape. In order to balance the contradiction between the advantages of long circulation and the disadvantages of poor uptake of PEGylated lipids, we prepared a ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelle system based on the conjugation of PEG and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DSPE) with a pH sensitive benzoic imine bond. In a physiological environment, the PEG-protected micelles were not readily taken up by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and could be successfully delivered to tumor tissue by the EPR effect. In a tumor acidic

Incorporation of fluconazole in copolymer PMMA-g-PEG derivatives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silveira, B.M.; Santos, V.M.R. dos; Novack, K.M.; Lopes, S.A.

2014-01-01

The graft copolymer PMMA-g-PEG went through chemical transformations in its chain through acetylation, halogenation, methylation and esterification followed by hydrolysis reactions. Subsequently, the copolymer PMMA-g-PEG derivatives passed through the process of emulsification and incorporation of the drug fluconazole. Derivatives copolymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after incorporation in order to evaluate their effectiveness. The efficiency of incorporation was observed and it was also verified that the complexity of polymer chain influence in the incorporated fluconazole content. (author)

Obtention of the parameters of the Voigt function using the least square fit method; Obtencion de los parametros de la funcion Voigt empleando el metodo de minimos cuadrados

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Flores Ll, H.; Cabral P, A.; Jimenez D, H

1990-01-15

The fundamental parameters of the Voigt function are determined: lorentzian wide ({gamma}{sub L}) and gaussian wide ({gamma}{sub G}) with an error for almost all the cases inferior to 1% in the intervals 0.01 {<=} {gamma}{sub L} / {gamma}{sub G} {<=}1 and 0.3 {<=} {gamma}{sub G} / {gamma}{sub L} {<=}1. This is achieved using the least square fit method with an algebraic function, being obtained a simple method to obtain the fundamental parameters of the Voigt function used in many spectroscopies. (Author)

The exploration of endocytic mechanisms of PLA-PEG nanoparticles prepared by coaxialtri-capillary electrospray-template removal method.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jiaming; Cao, Lihua; Cui, Yuecheng; Tu, Kehua; Wang, Hongjun; Wang, Li-Qun

2018-01-01

The nano-sized poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) particles with core-shell structure were efficiently prepared by using coaxial tri-capillary electrospray-template removal method. The cellular uptake mechanism, intracellular distribution and exocytosis in A549 cell model of electrosprayed PLA-PEG nanoparticles were systemically studied. The drug release behavior of electrosprayed PLA-PEG nanoparticles were also investigated. Our results showed that PLA-PEG nanoparticles can be endocytosed quickly by A549 cells. The cellular uptake of PLA-PEG nanoparticles was an energy dependent endocytosis process. Caveolae-mediated endocytosis was only one of endocytosis pathways in A549 cells for PLA-PEG nanoparticles, while clathrin mediated endocytosis was not involved in the endocytosis process. The endocytosed PLA-PEG nanoparticles enriched in the head of A549 cells and only a small amount of them was transported into lysosome after 24h incubation. These findings provided insights into the application of electrosprayed PLA-PEG nanoparticles in nano drug delivery field. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identifying ambiguous prostate gland contours from histology using capsule shape information and least squares curve fitting

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hussein, Rania [DigiPen Institute of Technology, Department of Computer Engineering, Redmond, WA (United States); McKenzie, Frederic D. [Old Dominion University, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Norfolk, VA (United States)

2007-12-15

To obtain an accurate assessment of the percentage and depth of extra-capsular soft tissue removed with the prostate by the various surgical techniques in order to help surgeons in determining the appropriateness of different surgical approaches. This can be enhanced by an accurate and automated means of identifying the prostate gland contour. To facilitate 3D reconstruction and, ultimately, more accurate analyses, it is essential for us to identify the capsule boundary that separates the prostate gland tissue from its extra-capsular tissue. However, the capsule is sometimes unrecognizable due to the naturally occurring intrusion of muscle and connective tissue into the prostate gland. At these regions where the capsule disappears, its contour can be arbitrarily created with a continuing contour line based on the natural shape of the prostate. We utilize an algorithm based on a least squares curve fitting technique that uses a prostate shape equation to merge previously detected capsule parts with the shape equation to produce an approximated curve that represents the prostate capsule. We have tested our algorithm using three different shapes on 13 histologic prostate slices that are cut at different locations from the apex. The best result shows a 90% average contour match when compared to pathologist-drawn contours. We believe that automatically identifying histologic prostate contours will lead to increased objective analyses of surgical margins and extracapsular spread of cancer. Our results show that this is achievable. (orig.)

Identifying ambiguous prostate gland contours from histology using capsule shape information and least squares curve fitting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hussein, Rania; McKenzie, Frederic D.

2007-01-01

To obtain an accurate assessment of the percentage and depth of extra-capsular soft tissue removed with the prostate by the various surgical techniques in order to help surgeons in determining the appropriateness of different surgical approaches. This can be enhanced by an accurate and automated means of identifying the prostate gland contour. To facilitate 3D reconstruction and, ultimately, more accurate analyses, it is essential for us to identify the capsule boundary that separates the prostate gland tissue from its extra-capsular tissue. However, the capsule is sometimes unrecognizable due to the naturally occurring intrusion of muscle and connective tissue into the prostate gland. At these regions where the capsule disappears, its contour can be arbitrarily created with a continuing contour line based on the natural shape of the prostate. We utilize an algorithm based on a least squares curve fitting technique that uses a prostate shape equation to merge previously detected capsule parts with the shape equation to produce an approximated curve that represents the prostate capsule. We have tested our algorithm using three different shapes on 13 histologic prostate slices that are cut at different locations from the apex. The best result shows a 90% average contour match when compared to pathologist-drawn contours. We believe that automatically identifying histologic prostate contours will lead to increased objective analyses of surgical margins and extracapsular spread of cancer. Our results show that this is achievable. (orig.)

Facile synthesis, spectral properties and formation mechanism of sulfur nanorods in PEG-200

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie, Xin-yuan; Li, Li-yun; Zheng, Pu-sheng; Zheng, Wen-jie; Bai, Yan; Cheng, Tian-feng; Liu, Jie

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: Homogeneous rod-like structure of sulfur with a typical diameter of about 80 nm and an average aspect ratio of about 6–8 was obtained. The sulfur nanoparticles could self-assemble from spherical particles to nanorods in PEG-200. During the self-assembling process, the absorption band showed a red shift which was due to the production of nanorods. Highlights: ► A novel, facile and greener method to synthesize sulfur nanorods by the solubilizing and templating effect of PEG-200 was reported. ► S 0 nanoparticles could self assemble in PEG-200 and finally form monodisperse and homogeneous rod-like structure with an average diameter of about 80 nm, the length ca. 600 nm. ► The absorption band showed a red shift and the RRS intensity enhanced continuously during the self-assembling process. ► PEG-200 induced the oriented attachment of sulfur nanoparticles by the terminal hydroxyl groups. -- Abstract: The synthesis of nano-sulfur sol by dissolving sublimed sulfur in a green solvent-PEG-200 was studied. Homogeneous rod-like structure of sulfur with a typical diameter of about 80 nm and an average aspect ratio of 6–8 was obtained. The structure, morphology, size, and stability of the products were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The spectral properties of the products were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) absorption and resonance Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy (RRS). The results showed that the spherical sulfur nanoparticles could self-assemble into nanorods in PEG-200. During the self-assembling process, the absorption band showed a red shift and the RRS intensity enhanced continuously. There was physical cross-linking between PEG and sulfur nanoparticles. PEG-200 induced the oriented attachment of sulfur nanoparticles by the

Enhancement of light absorption by blood to Nd:YAG laser using PEG-modified gold nanorods.

Science.gov (United States)

Xing, Linzhuang; Li, Dong; Chen, Bin; Dai, Yuze; Wu, Wenjuan; Wang, Guoxiang

2016-10-01

On the basis of the principle of selective photothermolysis, laser therapy has been the most effective treatment strategy for Port-wine stains (PWSs) caused by the expansion of dermal capillaries. Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser at 1064 nm wavelength has great potential for deeply buried PWS, although its application is limited because of its weak absorption by blood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of PEG-modified gold nanorods (NRs) on the blood absorption enhancement for Nd:YAG laser. PEG-modified gold nanorods (NRs) were synthesized via the seeded growth method. Then, the effect of PEG-modified gold NRs on blood light absorbance was investigated through adding different concentration of PEG-modified gold NRs to 1 ml of blood at room temperature. Finally, the optical properties of whole mice blood with or without PEG-modified gold NRs under slow heating were investigated. The average length and width of PEG-modified gold NRs are 79.5 ± 10.5 and 13.5 ± 0.9 nm, respectively, with the aspect ratio of 5.89, and a strong absorption peak exists at ∼1050 nm in the near-infrared range. A linear correlation between the blood absorbance at 1064 nm and the amount of PEG-modified gold NRs was obtained. The absorbance at 1064 nm increased 17.6, 33.0, 48.3, and 65.4 times when 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mg of PEG-modified gold NRs was added to 1 ml of blood at room temperature, respectively. After adding 0.8 mg of PEG-modified gold NRs to 1 ml of blood, blood absorbance at 1064 nm at different temperatures increased by an average of 24.0 times. After intravenously injecting PEG-modified gold NRs (0.87 mg/ml) into Sprague-Dawley mice, the blood absorbance at 1064 nm increased from 0.014 to 0.5. Our findings suggest that PEG-modified gold NRs injection is an efficient way to enhance light absorption by blood to Nd:YAG laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:790-803, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley

X-ray studies of recombinant anti-testosterone Fab fragments: the use of PEG 3350 in crystallization.

Science.gov (United States)

Valjakka, J; Hemminki, A; Teerinen, T; Takkinen, K; Rouvinen, J

2000-02-01

Recombinant anti-testosterone wild-type Fab fragment and mutant Fab fragments with high binding selectivity developed by protein engineering have been crystallized with and without ligands. Crystals of these Fab fragments were obtained by the vapour-diffusion technique at room temperature using solutions of PEG 3350 with various biological buffers and with a wide pH range. So far, five data sets have been collected from crystals of three Fab-antigen complexes and from two uncomplexed Fab fragments, with resolutions ranging from 2.10 to 3.1 A. Crystallization conditions for Fab fragments were found by using modifications of the low ionic strength PEG 3350 series. Suitable concentrations of PEG 400, MPD and glycerol solutions for use as cryoprotectants in PEG 3350 solutions have been determined. One useful observation was that PEG 3350 is able to work alone as a cryoprotectant. The screening protocol used requires a smaller amount of protein material to achieve auspicious pre-crystals than previously. Results support the claim that PEG 3350 is more suitable for the crystallization of Fab fragments than higher molecular weight PEGs.

PLOTNFIT.4TH, Data Plotting and Curve Fitting by Polynomials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schiffgens, J.O.

1990-01-01

1 - Description of program or function: PLOTnFIT is used for plotting and analyzing data by fitting nth degree polynomials of basis functions to the data interactively and printing graphs of the data and the polynomial functions. It can be used to generate linear, semi-log, and log-log graphs and can automatically scale the coordinate axes to suit the data. Multiple data sets may be plotted on a single graph. An auxiliary program, READ1ST, is included which produces an on-line summary of the information contained in the PLOTnFIT reference report. 2 - Method of solution: PLOTnFIT uses the least squares method to calculate the coefficients of nth-degree (up to 10. degree) polynomials of 11 selected basis functions such that each polynomial fits the data in a least squares sense. The procedure incorporated in the code uses a linear combination of orthogonal polynomials to avoid 'i11-conditioning' and to perform the curve fitting task with single-precision arithmetic. 3 - Restrictions on the complexity of the problem - Maxima of: 225 data points per job (or graph) including all data sets 8 data sets (or tasks) per job (or graph)

18F-PEG-biotin: Precursor (boroaryl-PEG-biotin) synthesis, 18F-labelling and an in-vitro assessment of its binding with NeutravidinTM-trastuzumab pre-treated cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, Tim A.D.; Simpson, Michael; Cheyne, Richard; Trembleau, Laurent

2011-01-01

In terms of nuclear decay 18 F is the most ideal PET nuclide but its short t 1/2 precludes its use for directly labelling whole antibodies due to their long blood residence times. Pre-targeted imaging using affinity systems such as Neutravidin TM -biotin facilitates the application of short-lived nuclides by their attachment to biotin for imaging cell surface proteins targeted with Neutravidin TM -conjugated antibodies. Methods: Boroaryl functionalised biotin was prepared with a PEG linker and radiolabelled by incubation with 18 F in acidified aqueous solution. Cells expressing high (SKBr3), medium (MDA-MB-453) and low (MDA-MB-468) levels of HER-2 were pre-incubated with Neutravidin TM -conjugated trastuzumab, washed, and then incubated with 18 F-PEG-biotin. Results: The 18 F-fluorination of boroaryl-PEG-biotin was much more efficient than reported for other versions of boroaryl-biotin. The novel 18 F-PEG-biotin was demonstrated to bind to HER-2-expressing cells in-vitro pre-incubated with Neutravidin TM -conjugated trastuzumab. Conclusion: Biotin can be functionalised with boroaryl and readily 18 F-radiolabelled in aqueous solution and will bind to cells pre-incubated with Neutravidin TM -antibody conjugates. - Highlights: → Boroaryl-biotin precursor is prepared. → Rapid 18 F-fluorination is demonstrated. → HER-2 expressing breast cancer cells pre-treated with trastuzumab-Neutravidin TM . → 18 F-PEG-biotin binding to pre-treated cells corresponds with HER-2 expression.

Effect of DSPE-PEG on compound action potential, injury potential and ion concentration following compression in ex vivo spinal cord.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Aihua; Huo, Xiaolin; Zhang, Guanghao; Wang, Xiaochen; Zhang, Cheng; Wu, Changzhe; Rong, Wei; Xu, Jing; Song, Tao

2016-05-04

It has been shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG) can reseal membrane disruption on the spinal cord, but only high concentrations of PEG have been shown to have this effect. Therefore, the effect of PEG is somewhat limited, and it is necessary to investigate a new approach to repair spinal cord injury. This study assesses the ability of 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(poly (ethylene glycol)) 2000] (DSPE-PEG) to recover physiological function and attenuate the injury-induced influx of extracellular ions in ex vivo spinal cord injury. Isolated spinal cords were subjected to compression injury and treated with PEG or DSPE-PEG immediately after injury. The compound action potential (CAP) was recorded before and after injury to assess the functional recovery. Furthermore, injury potential, the difference in gap potentials before and after compression, and the concentration of intracellular ions were used to evaluate the effect of DSPE-PEG on reducing ion influx. Data showed that the injury potential and ion concentration of the untreated, PEG and DSPE-PEG group, without significant difference among them, are remarkably higher than those of the intact group. Moreover, the CAP recovery of the DSPE-PEG and PEG treated spinal cords was significantly greater than that of the untreated spinal cords. The level of CAP recovery in the DSPE-PEG and PEG treated groups was the same, but the concentration of DSPE-PEG used was much lower than the concentration of PEG. These results suggest that instant application of DSPE-PEG could effectively repair functional disturbance in SCI at a much lower concentration than PEG. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of Fit Indices to Misspecification in Growth Curve Models

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Wei; West, Stephen G.

2010-01-01

This study investigated the sensitivity of fit indices to model misspecification in within-individual covariance structure, between-individual covariance structure, and marginal mean structure in growth curve models. Five commonly used fit indices were examined, including the likelihood ratio test statistic, root mean square error of…

Enhancing relative permittivity by incorporating PDMS-PEG multi block copolymers in binary polymer blends

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Szabo, Peter; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) are well-known to actuate with relatively large strains due to low modulus, but they possess lowpermittivity. Contrary, polyethyleneglycols (PEG) are not stretchable but possess high permittivity. Combination of the two polymers in a block copolymer depicts a possibil......Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) are well-known to actuate with relatively large strains due to low modulus, but they possess lowpermittivity. Contrary, polyethyleneglycols (PEG) are not stretchable but possess high permittivity. Combination of the two polymers in a block copolymer depicts...... a possibility for substantial improvement of properties such as high permittivity, stretchability and non-conductivity – if carefully designed. The objective is to synthesize PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymer assembling into discontinuous morphologies in PEG based on variation of volume fractions of PDMS....... The utilized synthesis of PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymer is based on hydrosilylation reaction, which is amended from Klasner et al.1 and Jukarainen etal.2 Variation in the ratio between the two constituents introduces distinctive properties in terms of dielectric permittivity and rheological behaviour. PDMS...

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-lactic acid nanocarrier-based degradable hydrogels for restoring the vaginal microenvironment

Science.gov (United States)

Rajan, Sujata Sundara; Turovskiy, Yevgeniy; Singh, Yashveer; Chikindas, Michael L.; Sinko, Patrick J.

2014-01-01

Women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) display reduced vaginal acidity, which make them susceptible to associated infections such as HIV. In the current study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanocarrier-based degradable hydrogels were developed for the controlled release of lactic acid in the vagina of BV-infected women. PEG-lactic acid (PEG-LA) nanocarriers were prepared by covalently attaching lactic acid to 8-arm PEG-SH via cleavable thioester bonds. PEG-LA nanocarriers with 4 copies of lactic acid per molecule provided controlled release of lactic acid with a maximum release of 23% and 47% bound lactic acid in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) and acetate buffer (AB, pH 4.3), respectively. The PEG nanocarrier-based hydrogels were formed by cross-linking the PEG-LA nanocarriers with 4-arm PEG-NHS via degradable thioester bonds. The nanocarrier-based hydrogels formed within 20 min under ambient conditions and exhibited an elastic modulus that was 100-fold higher than the viscous modulus. The nanocarrier-based degradable hydrogels provided controlled release of lactic acid for several hours; however, a maximum release of only 10%–14% bound lactic acid was observed possibly due to steric hindrance of the polymer chains in the cross-linked hydrogel. In contrast, hydrogels with passively entrapped lactic acid showed burst release with complete release within 30 min. Lactic acid showed antimicrobial activity against the primary BV pathogen Gardnerella vaginalis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.6 mg/ml. In addition, the hydrogels with passively entrapped lactic acid showed retained antimicrobial activity with complete inhibition G. vaginalis growth within 48 h. The results of the current study collectively demonstrate the potential of PEG nanocarrier-based hydrogels for vaginal administration of lactic acid for preventing and treating BV. PMID:25223229

PEG IS 40!: place, community, identity, memory and myth in the Dandenong Ranges

OpenAIRE

Dyson, Brydie Shae

2017-01-01

PEG IS 40! investigates memory, myth and storytelling as well as personal and communal identity with a sense of place, focusing on a particular site, that of the PEG IS 40! inscription on the train bridge in Upper Femtree Gully above Burwood Highway. The text there has not been weathered away, further graffiti has not overwritten it, and it has not been removed by council. In this time of rapid cultural transformation and global pressures, Peg is still and has always been 40. There is a certa...

Buried bumper syndrome revisited: a rare but potentially fatal complication of PEG tube placement.

Science.gov (United States)

Biswas, Saptarshi; Dontukurthy, Sujana; Rosenzweig, Mathew G; Kothuru, Ravi; Abrol, Sunil

2014-01-01

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been used for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition for years. Although generally considered safe, PEG tube placement can be associated with many immediate and delayed complications. Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is one of the uncommon and late complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. It occurs when the internal bumper of the PEG tube erodes into the gastric wall and lodges itself between the gastric wall and skin. This can lead to a variety of additional complications such as wound infection, peritonitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. We present here a case of buried bumper syndrome which caused extensive necrosis of the anterior abdominal wall.

Mechanically compliant electrodes and dielectric elastomers from PEG-PDMS copolymers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Madsen, Frederikke Bahrt; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

2016-01-01

Soft conducting elastomers have been prepared from polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneglycol (PDMS-PEG) copolymer and surfactant-stabilized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The copolymer was chain-extended with PDMS of molecular weight 17.2 kg mol-1 in order to obtain a crosslinkable PDMS...... showed high conductivity combined with inherent softness. The high conductivity and softness, PDMS-PEG copolymers with incorporated MWCNTs hold great promises as compliant and highly stretchable electrodes for stretchable devices such as electro-mechanical transducers....

Time-Resolved SAXS/WAXS Study of the Phase Behavior and Microstructural Evolution of Drug/PEG Solid Dispersions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu, Qing; Harris, Michael T.; Taylor, Lynne S.

2011-01-01

Simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) was employed to elucidate the physical state and location of various small molecule drugs blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG), as well as the time dependent microstructural evolution of the systems. Samples were prepared by comelting physical mixtures of the drug and PEG, followed by solidification at 25 C. The model drugs selected encompassed a wide variety of physicochemical properties in terms of crystallization tendency and potential for interaction with PEG. It was observed that compounds which crystallized rapidly and had weak interactions with PEG tended to be excluded from the interlamellar region of the PEG matrix. In contrast, drugs which had favorable interactions with PEG were incorporated into the interlamellar regions of the polymer up until the point at which the drug crystallized whereby phase separation occurred. These factors are likely to impact the effectiveness of drug/PEG systems as drug delivery systems.

Pharmacokinetics and in vivo delivery of curcumin by copolymeric mPEG-PCL micelles.

Science.gov (United States)

Kheiri Manjili, Hamidreza; Ghasemi, Parisa; Malvandi, Hojjat; Mousavi, Mir Sajjad; Attari, Elahe; Danafar, Hossein

2017-07-01

Curcumin (CUR) has been associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-amyloid, and antitumor effects, but its application is limited because of its low aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability. To progress the bioavailability and water solubility of CUR, we synthesized five series of mono methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) diblock copolymers. The structure of the copolymers was characterized by H NMR, FTIR, DSC and GPC techniques. In this study, CUR was encapsulated within micelles through a single-step nano-precipitation method, leading to formation of CUR-loaded mPEG-PCL (CUR/mPEG-PCL) micelles. The resulting micelles were characterized further by various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cytotoxicity of void CUR, mPEG-PCL and CUR/mPEG-PCL micelles was compared to each other by performing MTT assay of the treated MCF-7 and 4T1 cell line. Study of the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the CUR-loaded micelles was also carried out on selected copolymers in comparison with CUR solution formulations. The results showed that the zeta potential of CUR-loaded micelles was about -11.5mV and the average size was 81.0nm. CUR was encapsulated into mPEG-PCL micelles with loading capacity of 20.65±0.015% and entrapment efficiency of 89.32±0.34%. The plasma AUC (0-t), t 1/2 and C max of CUR micelles were increased by 52.8, 4.63 and 7.51-fold compared to the CUR solution, respectively. In vivo results showed that multiple injections of CUR-loaded micelles could prolong the circulation time and increase the therapeutic efficacy of CUR. These results suggested that mPEG-PCL micelles would be a potential carrier for CUR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An information geometric approach to least squares minimization

Science.gov (United States)

Transtrum, Mark; Machta, Benjamin; Sethna, James

2009-03-01

Parameter estimation by nonlinear least squares minimization is a ubiquitous problem that has an elegant geometric interpretation: all possible parameter values induce a manifold embedded within the space of data. The minimization problem is then to find the point on the manifold closest to the origin. The standard algorithm for minimizing sums of squares, the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, also has geometric meaning. When the standard algorithm fails to efficiently find accurate fits to the data, geometric considerations suggest improvements. Problems involving large numbers of parameters, such as often arise in biological contexts, are notoriously difficult. We suggest an algorithm based on geodesic motion that may offer improvements over the standard algorithm for a certain class of problems.

Near-infrared (1550 nm) in vivo bioimaging based on rare-earth doped ceramic nanophosphors modified with PEG-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)

Science.gov (United States)

Kamimura, Masao; Kanayama, Naoki; Tokuzen, Kimikazu; Soga, Kohei; Nagasaki, Yukio

2011-09-01

A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO3H2) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y2O3 nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO3H2 (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO3H2 was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection.A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate

Request for Observations of V405 Peg

Science.gov (United States)

Templeton, Matthew R.

2009-12-01

Dr. Axel Schwope (Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam) requests time-series monitoring of the magnetic cataclysmic variable V405 Pegasi from 2009 December 28 through 2009 December 30. These observations are requested in support of a planned XMM-Newton observation of V405 Peg on 2009 December 29 beginning at 18:51 UT (JD 2455195.2854) and continuing for 12.5 hours. Observers are asked to provide intensive coverage during the three day window centered on the XMM-Newton observation to provide information on the activity state of V405 Peg, to improve the orbital ephemeris, and to provide optical data that will help constrain the spectral energy distribution of this poorly understood cataclysmic variable. The primary filters for this observation are Johnson B and Cousins I, but all observations will be useful for determining the orbital ephemeris. V405 Peg may show both orbital modulation as well as changes in its activity level. The orbital period is approximately four hours, and observers are asked to obtain at least ten and preferably more data points per cycle in each filter. Please use exposure times that provide S/N of at least 20 in both the comparison and target stars but short exposure times are preferred to detect flickering and other short-timescale variations. Finder charts with sequence may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (http://www.aavso.org/vsp). Observations should be submitted to the AAVSO International Database. See full Alert Notice for more details.

Exponential Data Fitting and its Applications

CERN Document Server

Pereyra, Victor

2010-01-01

Real and complex exponential data fitting is an important activity in many different areas of science and engineering, ranging from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics to Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Vision and Robotics. The most commonly used norm in the approximation by linear combinations of exponentials is the l2 norm (sum of squares of residuals), in which case one obtains a nonlinear separable least squares problem. A number of different methods have been proposed through the years to solve these types of problems and new applications appear

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-Treated Hydroponic Culture Reduces Length and Diameter of Root Hairs of Wheat Varieties

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arif Hasan Khan Robin

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Wheat is an important cereal crop worldwide that often suffers from moisture deficits at the reproductive stage. Polyethylene glycol (PEG-treated hydroponic conditions create negative osmotic potential which is compared with moisture deficit stress. An experiment was conducted in a growth chamber to study the effects of PEG on root hair morphology and associated traits of wheat varieties. Plants of 13 wheat varieties were grown hydroponically and three different doses of PEG 6000 (w/v: 0% (control, 0.3% and 0.6% (less than −1 bar were imposed on 60 days after sowing for 20 days’ duration. A low PEG concentration was imposed to observe how initial low moisture stress might affect root hair development. PEG-treated hydroponic culture significantly decreased root hair diameter and length. Estimated surface area reduction of root hairs at the main axes of wheat plants was around nine times at the 0.6% PEG level compared to the control plants. Decrease in root hair diameter and length under PEG-induced culture decreased “potential” root surface area per unit length of main root axis. A negative association between panicle traits, length and dry weight and the main axis length of young roots indicated competition for carbon during their development. Data provides insight into how a low PEG level might alter root hair development.

Difficulties with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG): a practical guide for the endoscopist.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

O'Mahony, S

2013-03-01

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a widely used and effective means of providing long-term nutrition in patients with inadequate oral intake. The demand for this intervention has risen steadily since the early 1990s. Endoscopists who perform PEG insertion have become increasingly concerned about inappropriate use of this intervention.

The Long-Term Fate and Toxicity of PEG-Modified Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Isoliquiritigenin Delivery Vehicles in Rats

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bo Han

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (o-SWNTs was modified by covalently and noncovalently linking PEG to the o-SWNTs. The influence of oxidation time, PEG molecular weight, and type of PEG linkage on the blood clearance time of PEG-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs was investigated. The toxicity profile of SWNTs covalently linked to PEG (c-PEG-o-SWNTs in rats has also been determined. The pharmacokinetics of c-PEG-o-SWNTs in rats and their distribution in vital organs were monitored by Raman spectroscopy, and the blood clearance of homogenate isoliquiritigenin (ISL was determined by HPLC. Photos of tissue and tissue sections were taken to evaluate the toxicity of c-PEG-o-SWNTs. We found that SWNTs which were covalently modified with PEG and have a molecular weight of 3500 had the longest blood clearance half-lives. However, SWNTs were toxic to the kidneys and the hearts. The high renal clearance of long-term fate SWNTs may occur because of impaired kidney filtration function. Therefore, we assume that while researchers study the long-term fate of SWNTs, the toxicity of SWNTs also needs to be taken into account.

PEG conjugates in clinical development or use as anticancer agents: an overview.

Science.gov (United States)

Pasut, Gianfranco; Veronese, Francesco M

2009-11-12

During the almost forty years of PEGylation, several antitumour agents, either proteins, peptides or low molecular weight drugs, have been considered for polymer conjugation but only few entered clinical phase studies. The results from the first clinical trials have shared and improved the knowledge on biodistribution, clearance, mechanism of action and stability of a polymer conjugate in vivo. This has helped to design conjugates with improved features. So far, most of the PEG conjugates comprise of a protein, which in the native form has serious shortcomings that limit the full exploitation of its therapeutic action. The main issues can be short in vivo half-life, instability towards degrading enzymes or immunogenicity. PEGylation proved to be effective in shielding sensitive sites at the protein surface, such as antigenic epitopes and enzymatic degradable sequences, as well as in prolonging the drug half-life by decreasing the kidney clearance. In this review PEG conjugates of proteins or low molecular weight drugs, in clinical development or use as anticancer agents, will be taken into consideration. In the case of PEG-protein derivatives the most represented are depleting enzymes, which act by degrading amino acids essential for cancer cells. Interestingly, PEGylated conjugates have been also considered as adjuvant therapy in many standard anticancer protocols, in this regard the case of PEG-G-CSF and PEG-interferons will be presented.

PEG-b-PCL polymeric nano-micelle inhibits vascular angiogenesis by activating p53-dependent apoptosis in zebrafish.

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Zhou, Tian; Dong, Qinglei; Shen, Yang; Wu, Wei; Wu, Haide; Luo, Xianglin; Liao, Xiaoling; Wang, Guixue

Micro/nanoparticles could cause adverse effects on cardiovascular system and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease-related events. Nanoparticles prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)- b -poly( ε -caprolactone) (PCL), namely PEG- b -PCL, a widely studied biodegradable copolymer, are promising carriers for the drug delivery systems. However, it is unknown whether polymeric PEG- b -PCL nano-micelles give rise to potential complications of the cardiovascular system. Zebrafish were used as an in vivo model to evaluate the effects of PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle on cardiovascular development. The results showed that PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle caused embryo mortality as well as embryonic and larval malformations in a dose-dependent manner. To determine PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle effects on embryonic angiogenesis, a critical process in zebrafish cardiovascular development, growth of intersegmental vessels (ISVs) and caudal vessels (CVs) in flk1-GFP transgenic zebrafish embryos using fluorescent stereomicroscopy were examined. The expression of fetal liver kinase 1 (flk1), an angiogenic factor, by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and in situ whole-mount hybridization were also analyzed. PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle decreased growth of ISVs and CVs, as well as reduced flk1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Parallel to the inhibitory effects on angiogenesis, PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle exposure upregulated p53 pro-apoptotic pathway and induced cellular apoptosis in angiogenic regions by qPCR and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay. This study further showed that inhibiting p53 activity, either by pharmacological inhibitor or RNA interference, could abrogate the apoptosis and angiogenic defects caused by PEG- b -PCL nano-micelles, indicating that PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle inhibits angiogenesis by activating p53-mediated apoptosis. This study indicates that polymeric PEG- b -PCL nano-micelle could

Distribution and clearance of PEG-single-walled carbon nanotube cancer drug delivery vehicles in mice.

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Bhirde, Ashwin A; Patel, Sachin; Sousa, Alioscka A; Patel, Vyomesh; Molinolo, Alfredo A; Ji, Youngmi; Leapman, Richard D; Gutkind, J Silvio; Rusling, James F

2010-12-01

To study the distribution and clearance of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ylated single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) as drug delivery vehicles for the anticancer drug cisplatin in mice. PEG layers were attached to SWCNTs and dispersed in aqueous media and characterized using dynamic light scattering, scanning transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro using Annexin-V assay, and the distribution and clearance pathways in mice were studied by histological staining and Raman spectroscopy. Efficacy of PEG-SWCNT-cisplatin for tumor growth inhibition was studied in mice. PEG-SWCNTs were efficiently dispersed in aqueous media compared with controls, and did not induce apoptosis in vitro. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Raman bands for SWCNTs in tissues from several vital organs from mice injected intravenously with nanotube bioconjugates revealed that control SWCNTs were lodged in lung tissue as large aggregates compared with the PEG-SWCNTs, which showed little or no accumulation. Characteristic SWCNT Raman bands in feces revealed the presence of bilary or renal excretion routes. Attachment of cisplatin on bioconjugates was visualized with Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. PEG-SWCNT-cisplatin with the attached targeting ligand EGF successfully inhibited growth of head and neck tumor xenografts in mice. PEG-SWCNTs, as opposed to control SWCNTs, form more highly dispersed delivery vehicles that, when loaded with both cisplatin and EGF, inhibit growth of squamous cell tumors.

Mitochondria-targeting cyclometalated iridium(III)-PEG complexes with tunable photodynamic activity.

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Li, Steve Po-Yam; Lau, Chris Tsan-Shing; Louie, Man-Wai; Lam, Yun-Wah; Cheng, Shuk Han; Lo, Kenneth Kam-Wing

2013-10-01

We present a new class of phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(III) polypyridine poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) complexes [Ir(N(^)C)2(bpy-CONH-PEG)](PF6) (bpy-CONH-PEG = 4-(N-(2-(ω-methoxypoly-(1-oxapropyl))ethyl)aminocarbonyl)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine, number average molecular weight (Mn) = 5272.23, weight average molecular weight (Mw) = 5317.38, polydispersity index (PDI) = 1.009; HN(^)C = 2-phenylpyridine, Hppy (1a), 2-((1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)pyridine, Hpppy (2a), 2-phenylquinoline, Hpq (3a), 2-phenylbenzothiazole, Hbt (4a), 2-(1-naphthyl)benzothiazole, Hbsn (5a)). The photophysical, photochemical, and biological properties of these complexes have been compared with those of their PEG-free counterparts [Ir(N(^)C)2(bpy-CONH-Et)](PF6) (bpy-CONH-Et = 4-(N-ethylaminocarbonyl)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine; HN(^)C = Hppy (1b), Hpppy (2b), Hpq (3b), Hbt (4b), Hbsn (5b)). Upon irradiation, all the complexes exhibited intense and long-lived green to orange-red emission under ambient conditions. The emission was phosphorescence in nature and can be quenched by O2 with the generation of singlet oxygen ((1)O2). The quantum yields for (1)O2 production of the complexes in aerated DMSO (0.24-0.83) were found to be dependent on the excited-state lifetimes of the complexes, which can be altered using different cyclometalating ligands (N(^)C). Cell-based assays indicated that the PEG complexes were noncytotoxic in the dark (IC50 > 300 μM); however, most of them became significantly cytotoxic upon irradiation (IC50 = 3.4 - 23.2 μM). Laser-scanning confocal microscopy images revealed localization of complex 3a in the mitochondrial region of HeLa cells and the induction of rapid necrotic cell death upon light activation. Additionally, the lack of dark toxicity and potential application of the PEG complexes as a visualizing reagent have been demonstrated using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Track fitting and resolution with digital detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duerdoth, I.

1982-01-01

The analysis of data from detectors which give digitised measurements, such as MWPCs, is considered. These measurements are necessarily correlated and it is shown that the uncertainty in the combination of N measurements may fall faster than the canonical 1/√N. A new method of track fitting is described which exploits the digital aspects and which takes the correlations into account. It divides the parameter space into cells and the centroid of a cell is taken as the best estimate. The method is shown to have some advantages over the standard least-squares analysis. If the least-squares method is used for digital detectors the goodness-of-fit may not be a reliable estimate of the accuracy. The cell method is particularly suitable for implementation on microcomputers which lack floating point and divide facilities. (orig.)

Endostar-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

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Sanyuan Hu

2010-11-01

Full Text Available Sanyuan Hu1, Yangde Zhang21Xiangya School of Medicine and 2National Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center, Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of ChinaAbstract: Endostar, a novel recombinant human endostatin, which was approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration in 2005, has a broad spectrum of activity against solid tumors. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the anticancer effect of Endostar is increased by using a nanocarrier system. It is expected that the prolonged circulation of endostar will improve its anticancer activity. Endostar-loaded nanoparticles were prepared to improve controlled release of the drug in mice and rabbits, as well as its anticancer effects in mice with colon cancer. A protein release system could be exploited to act as a drug carrier. Nanoparticles were formulated from poly (ethylene glycol modified poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide (PEG-PLGA by a double emulsion technique. Physical and release characteristics of endostar-loaded nanoparticles in vitro were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS, and micro bicinchoninic acid protein assay. The pharmacokinetic parameters of endostar nanoparticles in rabbit and mice plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was used to detect endostatin in different tissues. To study the effects of endostar-loaded nanoparticles in vivo, nude mice in which tumor cells HT-29 were implanted, were subsequently treated with endostar or endostar-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles. Using TEM and PCS, endostar-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles were found to have a spherical core-shell structure with a diameter of 169.56 ± 35.03 nm. Drug-loading capacity was 8.22% ± 2.35% and drug encapsulation was 80.17% ± 7.83%. Compared with endostar, endostar-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles had a longer elimination half-life and lower peak

SUPPLEMENTARY COMPARISON: EUROMET.L-S10 Comparison of squareness measurements

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Mokros, Jiri

2005-01-01

The idea of performing a comparison of squareness resulted from the need to review the MRA Appendix C, Category 90° square. At its meeting in October 1999 (in Prague) it was decided upon a first comparison of squareness measurements in the framework of EUROMET, numbered #570, starting in 2000, with the Slovak Institute of Metrology (SMU) as the pilot laboratory. During the preparation stage of the project, it was agreed that it should be submitted as a EUROMET supplementary comparison in the framework of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of the Metre Convention and would boost confidence in calibration and measurement certificates issued by the participating national metrology institutes. The aim of the comparison of squareness measurement was to compare and verify the declared calibration measurement capabilities of participating laboratories and to investigate the effect of systematic influences in the measurement process and their elimination. Eleven NMIs from the EUROMET region carried out this project. Two standards were calibrated: granite squareness standard of rectangular shape, cylindrical squareness standard of steel with marked positions for the profile lines. The following parameters had to be calibrated: granite squareness standard: interior angle γB between two lines AB and AC (envelope - LS regression) fitted through the measured profiles, and/or granite squareness standard: interior angle γLS between two LS regression lines AB and AC fitted through the measured profiles, cylindrical squareness standard: interior angles γ0°, γ90°, γ180°, γ270° between the LS regression line fitted through the measurement profiles at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° and the envelope plane of the basis (resting on a surface plate), local LS straightness deviation for all measured profiles (2 and 4) of both standards. The results of the comparison are the deviations of profiles and angles measured by the individual NMIs from the reference values. These resulted

Doxorubicin-Loaded PEG-PCL-PEG Micelle Using Xenograft Model of Nude Mice: Effect of Multiple Administration of Micelle on the Suppression of Human Breast Cancer

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Ming-Fa Hsieh

2010-12-01

Full Text Available The triblock copolymer is composed of two identical hydrophilic segments: Monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol (mPEG and one hydrophobic segment poly(ε‑caprolactone (PCL; which is synthesized by coupling of mPEG-PCL-OH and mPEG‑COOH in a mild condition using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylamino pyridine. The amphiphilic block copolymer can self-assemble into nanoscopic micelles to accommodate doxorubixin (DOX in the hydrophobic core. The physicochemical properties and in vitro tests, including cytotoxicity of the micelles, have been characterized in our previous study. In this study, DOX was encapsulated into micelles with a drug loading content of 8.5%. Confocal microscopy indicated that DOX was internalized into the cytoplasm via endocystosis. A dose-finding scheme of the polymeric micelle (placebo showed a safe dose of PEG-PCL-PEG micelles was 71.4 mg/kg in mice. Importantly, the circulation time of DOX-loaded micelles in the plasma significantly increased compared to that of free DOX in rats. A biodistribution study displayed that plasma extravasation of DOX in liver and spleen occurred in the first four hours. Lastly, the tumor growth of human breast cancer cells in nude mice was suppressed by multiple injections (5 mg/kg, three times daily on day 0, 7 and 14 of DOX-loaded micelles as compared to multiple administrations of free DOX.

A note on goodness of fit test using moments

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Alex Papadopoulos

2007-10-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this article is to introduce a general moment-based approach to derive formal goodness of fit tests of a parametric family. We show that, in general, an approximate normal test or a chi-squared test can be derived by exploring the moment structure of a parametric family, when moments up to certain order exist. The idea is simple and the resulting tests are easy to implement. To illustrate the use of this approach, we derive moment-based goodness of fit tests for some common discrete and continuous parametric families. We also compare the proposed tests with the well known Pearson-Fisher chi-square test and some distance tests in a simulation study.

Upper estimates of complexity of algorithms for multi-peg Tower of Hanoi problem

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Sergey Novikov

2007-06-01

Full Text Available There are proved upper explicit estimates of complexity of lgorithms: for multi-peg Tower of Hanoi problem with the limited number of disks, for Reve's puzzle and for $5$-peg Tower of Hanoi problem with the free number of disks.

Cholesterol-PEG comodified poly (N-butyl) cyanoacrylate nanoparticles for brain delivery: in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

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Hu, Xiao; Yang, Feifei; Liao, Yonghong; Li, Lin; Zhang, Lan

2017-11-01

This study investigated cholesterol-polyethylene glycol (PEG) comodified poly (ethyleneglycol)-poly (lactide) nanoparticles (CLS-PEG NPs) as a novel, biodegradable brain drug delivery system and included an evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo properties. To this end, coumarin-6 (C6), a fluorescent probe, was encapsulated into CLS-PEG NPs by an emulsion polymerization method. We reported that the use of CLS-PEG NPs led to a sustained drug release in vitro. Additionally, cell viability experiments confirmed their safety. The uptake and transport of CLS-PEG NPs, by bEnd.3 cells (an immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line), was significantly higher than that of a control C6 solution. An investigation of the uptake mechanisms of different NP formulations demonstrated that cholesterol modifications may be the primary way to improve the efficiency of cellular uptake, wherein macropinocytosis may be the most important endocytic pathway in this process. An investigation of the transport mechanisms of CLS-PEG NPs also implicated macropinocytosis, energy and cholesterol in bEnd.3 cells lines. Following an intravenous (IV) administration to rats, pharmacokinetic experiments indicated that C6-loaded CLS-PEG NPs achieved sustained release for up to 12 h. In addition, IV delivery of CLS-PEG NPs appeared to significantly improve the ability of C6 to pass through the blood-brain barrier: the concentration of C6 found in the brain increased nearly 14.2-fold when C6 CLS-PEG NPs were used rather than a C6 solution. These in vitro and in vivo results strongly suggest that CLS-PEG NPs are a promising drug delivery system for targeting the brain, with low toxicity.

Model Fit and Item Factor Analysis: Overfactoring, Underfactoring, and a Program to Guide Interpretation.

Science.gov (United States)

Clark, D Angus; Bowles, Ryan P

2018-04-23

In exploratory item factor analysis (IFA), researchers may use model fit statistics and commonly invoked fit thresholds to help determine the dimensionality of an assessment. However, these indices and thresholds may mislead as they were developed in a confirmatory framework for models with continuous, not categorical, indicators. The present study used Monte Carlo simulation methods to investigate the ability of popular model fit statistics (chi-square, root mean square error of approximation, the comparative fit index, and the Tucker-Lewis index) and their standard cutoff values to detect the optimal number of latent dimensions underlying sets of dichotomous items. Models were fit to data generated from three-factor population structures that varied in factor loading magnitude, factor intercorrelation magnitude, number of indicators, and whether cross loadings or minor factors were included. The effectiveness of the thresholds varied across fit statistics, and was conditional on many features of the underlying model. Together, results suggest that conventional fit thresholds offer questionable utility in the context of IFA.

Effect of PEG-PDLLA polymeric nanovesicles loaded with doxorubicin and hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in vitro

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Xiang GH

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Guang-Hua Xiang,1,2,* Guo-Bin Hong,2,3,* Yong Wang,2 Du Cheng,2 Jing-Xing Zhou,1 Xin-Tao Shuai21Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; 2PCFM Laboratory of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, People's Republic of China*These two authors contributed equally to this workObjective: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of poly(ethylene glycol-block-poly(D,L-lactic acid (PEG-PDLLA nanovesicles loaded with doxorubicin (DOX and the photosensitizer hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and to investigate potential apoptotic mechanisms.Methods: PEG-PDLLA nanovesicles were simultaneously loaded with DOX and HMME (PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA nanovesicles were loaded with DOX (PEG-PDLLA-DOX, HMME (PEG-PDLLA-HMME, or the PEG-PDLLA nanovesicle alone as controls. The cytotoxicity of PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME, PEG-PDLLA-DOX, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA against HepG2 cells was measured, and the cellular reactive oxygen species, percentage of cells with mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and apoptotic rate following treatment were determined.Results: Four nanovesicles (PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME, PEG-PDLLA-DOX, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA were synthesized, and mean particle sizes were 175±18 nm, 154±3 nm, 196±2 nm, and 147±15 nm, respectively. PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME was more cytotoxic than PEG-PDLLA-DOX, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA. PEG-PDLLA-HMME-treated cells had the highest mean fluorescence intensity, followed by PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME-treated cells, whereas PEG-PDLLA-DOX- and PEG-PDLLA-treated cells had a similar fluorescence intensity. Mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization was observed in 54.2%, 59.4%, 13.8%, and 14.8% of the cells treated with

Development and characterization of chitosan-PEG-TAT nanoparticles for the intracellular delivery of siRNA

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Malhotra M

2013-05-01

Full Text Available Meenakshi Malhotra,1 Catherine Tomaro-Duchesneau,1 Shyamali Saha,2 Imen Kahouli,3 Satya Prakash11Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, 2Faculty of Dentistry, 3Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, CanadaAbstract: Recently, cell-penetrating peptides have been proposed to translocate antibodies, proteins, and other molecules in targeted drug delivery. The proposed study presents the synthesis and characterization of a peptide-based chitosan nanoparticle for small interfering RNA (siRNA delivery, in-vitro. Specifically, the synthesis included polyethylene glycol (PEG, a hydrophilic polymer, and trans-activated transcription (TAT peptide, which were chemically conjugated on the chitosan polymer. The conjugation was achieved using N-Hydroxysuccinimide-PEG-maleimide (heterobifunctional PEG as a cross-linker, with the bifunctional PEG facilitating the amidation reaction through its N-Hydroxysuccinimide group and reacting with the amines on chitosan. At the other end of PEG, the maleimide group was chemically conjugated with the cysteine-modified TAT peptide. The degree of substitution on chitosan with PEG and on PEG with TAT was confirmed using colorimetric assays. The resultant polymer was used to form nanoparticles complexing siRNA, which were then characterized for particle size, morphology, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity. The nanoparticles were tested in-vitro on mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro2a. Particle size and surface charge were characterized and an optimal pH condition and PEG molecular weight were determined to form sterically stable nanoparticles. Results indicate 7.5% of the amines in chitosan polymer were conjugated to the PEG and complete conjugation of TAT peptide was observed on the synthesized PEGylated chitosan polymer. Compared with unmodified chitosan nanoparticles, the nanoparticles formed at pH 6 were

LCAO fitting of positron 2D-ACAR momentum densities of non-metallic solids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chiba, T.

2001-01-01

We present a least-squares fitting method to fit and analyze momentum densities obtained by 2D-ACAR. The method uses an LCAO-MO as a fitting basis and thus is applicable to non-metals. Here we illustrate the method by taking MgO as an example. (orig.)

LCAO fitting of positron 2D-ACAR momentum densities of non-metallic solids

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chiba, T. [National Inst. for Research in Inorganic Materials, Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan)

2001-07-01

We present a least-squares fitting method to fit and analyze momentum densities obtained by 2D-ACAR. The method uses an LCAO-MO as a fitting basis and thus is applicable to non-metals. Here we illustrate the method by taking MgO as an example. (orig.)

Single-level resonance parameters fit nuclear cross-sections

Science.gov (United States)

Drawbaugh, D. W.; Gibson, G.; Miller, M.; Page, S. L.

1970-01-01

Least squares analyses of experimental differential cross-section data for the U-235 nucleus have yielded single level Breit-Wigner resonance parameters that fit, simultaneously, three nuclear cross sections of capture, fission, and total.

Use of read-across and computer-based predictive analysis for the safety assessment of PEG cocamines.

Science.gov (United States)

Skare, Julie A; Blackburn, Karen; Wu, Shengde; Re, Thomas A; Duche, Daniel; Ringeissen, Stephanie; Bjerke, Donald L; Srinivasan, Viny; Eisenmann, Carol

2015-04-01

In the European Union animal testing has been eliminated for cosmetic ingredients while the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel may request data from animal studies. The use of read-across and predictive toxicology provides a path for filling data gaps without additional animal testing. The PEG cocamines are tertiary amines with an alkyl group derived from coconut fatty acids and two PEG chains of varying length. Toxicology data gaps for the PEG cocamines can be addressed by read-across based on structure-activity relationship using the framework described by Wu et al. (2010) for identifying suitable structural analogs. Data for structural analogs supports the conclusion that the PEG cocamines are non-genotoxic and not expected to exhibit systemic or developmental/reproductive toxicity with use in cosmetics. Due to lack of reliable dermal sensitization data for suitable analogs, this endpoint was addressed using predictive software (TIMES SS) as a first step (Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry). The prediction for PEG cocamines was the same as that for PEGs, which have been concluded to not present a significant concern for dermal sensitization. This evaluation for PEG cocamines demonstrates the utility of read-across and predictive toxicology tools to assess the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Functional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Modified with PLA-PEG-DG as Tumor-Targeted MRI Contrast Agent.

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Xiong, Fei; Hu, Ke; Yu, Haoli; Zhou, Lijun; Song, Lina; Zhang, Yu; Shan, Xiuhong; Liu, Jianping; Gu, Ning

2017-08-01

Tumor targeting could greatly promote the performance of magnetic nanomaterials as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) agent for tumor diagnosis. Herein, we reported a novel magnetic nanoparticle modified with PLA (poly lactic acid)-PEG (polyethylene glycol)-DG (D-glucosamine) as Tumor-targeted MRI Contrast Agent. In this work, we took use of the D-glucose passive targeting on tumor cells, combining it on PLA-PEG through amide reaction, and then wrapped the PLA-PEG-DG up to the Fe 3 O 4 @OA NPs. The stability and anti phagocytosis of Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG-DG was tested in vitro; the MRI efficiency and toxicity was also detected in vivo. These functional magnetic nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and stability both in vitro and in vivo. Cell experiments showed that Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG-DG nanoparticles exist good anti phagocytosis and high targetability. In vivo MRI images showed that the contrast effect of Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG-DG nanoparticles prevailed over the commercial non tumor-targeting magnetic nanomaterials MRI agent at a relatively low dose. The DG can validly enhance the tumor-targetting effect of Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG nanoparticle. Maybe MRI agents with DG can hold promise as tumor-targetting development in the future.

Characterization and tribology of PEG-like coatings on UHMWPE for total hip replacements.

Science.gov (United States)

Kane, Sheryl R; Ashby, Paul D; Pruitt, Lisa A

2010-03-15

A crosslinked hydrogel coating similar to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was covalently bonded to the surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to improve the lubricity and wear resistance of the UHWMPE for use in total joint replacements. The chemistry, hydrophilicity, and protein adsorption resistance of the coatings were determined, and the wear behavior of the PEG-like coating was examined by two methods: pin-on-disk tribometry to evaluate macroscale behavior, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to simulate asperity wear. As expected, the coating was found to be highly PEG-like, with approximately 83% ether content by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and more hydrophilic and resistant to protein adsorption than uncoated UHMWPE. Pin-on-disk testing showed that the PEG-like coating could survive 3 MPa of contact pressure, comparable to that experienced by total hip replacements. AFM nanoscratching experiments uncovered three damage mechanisms for the coatings: adhesion/microfracture, pure adhesion, and delamination. The latter two mechanisms appear to correlate well with wear patterns induced by pin-on-disk testing and evaluated by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy mapping. Understanding the mechanisms by which the PEG-like coatings wear is critical for improving the behavior of subsequent generations of wear-resistant hydrogel coatings. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lack of lasting effectiveness of PEG 3350 laxative treatment of constipation.

Science.gov (United States)

Tran, Lily C; Di Palma, Jack A

2005-08-01

PEG 3350 (MiraLax, Braintree Laboratories Inc., Braintree, MA) 17 g daily has been shown to be safe and effective in a 14-day trial for constipation. This present investigation was designed to extend the treatment and safety experience with PEG 3350 and to evaluate any lasting effectiveness during a 30-day post-treatment observation period. Study subjects met Rome II criteria for constipation and reported PEG 3350 17 g daily for 14 days. Treatment efficacy was defined by resolution of constipation symptoms as determined by the Rome II and stool frequency definitions during the treatment period. Fifty healthy constipated subjects formed the study group. There were 42 females and 8 males. Mean age was 52 +/- 15.5 years (+/-SD). Symptom duration was 22.6 +/- 16.7 months (+/-SD). At baseline, all had 3 stools in the last week and no longer met Rome criteria. Thirty-two of 45 (71.1%) reported satisfaction with the first bowel movement after initiating treatment. Thirty days after active treatment, 29 of 47 (61.7%) responded that they needed laxative treatment. PEG 3350 relieved constipation in most treated study subjects. During a 30-day post-treatment observation period, 29 of 47 (61.7%) had additional constipation treatment interventions.

Biomedical applications of SPION@APTES@PEG-folic acid@carboxylated quercetin nanodrug on various cancer cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akal, Z.Ü.; Alpsoy, L.; Baykal, A.

2016-01-01

Highlights: • SPION has been synthesized via Reflux synthesis route. • SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug has super paramagnetic property. • SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug has cytotoxic, apoptotic and necrotic effects on HeLa and MCF-7 cells. • SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug can be potentially used for the delivery of quercetin to cervical and breast cancer cells. - Abstract: In this study, carboxylated quercetin (CQ) was conjugated to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) which were modified by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), Folic acid (FA) and carboxylated Polyethylene glycol (PEG); (SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ), nanodrug has been synthesized via polyol and accompanying by various chemical synthesis routes. The characterization of the final product was done via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Its cytotoxic and apoptotic activities on over expressed folic acid receptor (FR + ) (MCF-7, HeLa) and none expressed folic acid receptor (FR-) (A549) cancer cell lines were determined by using MTT assay, Real-Time Cell Analysis, TUNEL assay, Annexin assay and RT-PCR analysis for Caspase3/7 respectively. SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug showed higher cytotoxicity against HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines as compared with A549 cell line. Moreover, SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug also caused higher apoptotic and necrotic effects in 100 μg/mL HeLa and MCF-7 cells than A549 cells. The findings showed that SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug has cytotoxic, apoptotic and necrotic effects on HeLa and MCF-7 which are FR over expressed cell lines and can be potentially used for the delivery of quercetin to cervical and breast cancer cells.

Biomedical applications of SPION@APTES@PEG-folic acid@carboxylated quercetin nanodrug on various cancer cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Akal, Z.Ü., E-mail: zulker@fatih.edu.tr [Department of Biology, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul (Turkey); Alpsoy, L. [Department of Biology, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul (Turkey); Department of Medical Biology, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul (Turkey); Baykal, A. [Department of Chemistry, Fatih University, 34500 Büyükçekmece, Istanbul (Turkey)

2016-08-15

Highlights: • SPION has been synthesized via Reflux synthesis route. • SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug has super paramagnetic property. • SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug has cytotoxic, apoptotic and necrotic effects on HeLa and MCF-7 cells. • SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug can be potentially used for the delivery of quercetin to cervical and breast cancer cells. - Abstract: In this study, carboxylated quercetin (CQ) was conjugated to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) which were modified by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), Folic acid (FA) and carboxylated Polyethylene glycol (PEG); (SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ), nanodrug has been synthesized via polyol and accompanying by various chemical synthesis routes. The characterization of the final product was done via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Its cytotoxic and apoptotic activities on over expressed folic acid receptor (FR + ) (MCF-7, HeLa) and none expressed folic acid receptor (FR-) (A549) cancer cell lines were determined by using MTT assay, Real-Time Cell Analysis, TUNEL assay, Annexin assay and RT-PCR analysis for Caspase3/7 respectively. SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug showed higher cytotoxicity against HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines as compared with A549 cell line. Moreover, SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug also caused higher apoptotic and necrotic effects in 100 μg/mL HeLa and MCF-7 cells than A549 cells. The findings showed that SPION@APTES@FA-PEG@CQ nanodrug has cytotoxic, apoptotic and necrotic effects on HeLa and MCF-7 which are FR over expressed cell lines and can be potentially used for the delivery of quercetin to cervical and breast cancer cells.

The effectiveness of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

mahlos

2012-05-29

May 29, 2012 ... Key words: Acetone, tannin, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl polypyrrolidone (PVPP). ... hydrolysable tannins may occur in the same plant. ..... Rev. Food Sci. Nutr., 38: 421-464. Cornell. (2000). Tannins: Chemical analysis.

Least squares reverse time migration of controlled order multiples

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Y.

2016-12-01

Imaging using the reverse time migration of multiples generates inherent crosstalk artifacts due to the interference among different order multiples. Traditionally, least-square fitting has been used to address this issue by seeking the best objective function to measure the amplitude differences between the predicted and observed data. We have developed an alternative objective function by decomposing multiples into different orders to minimize the difference between Born modeling predicted multiples and specific-order multiples from observational data in order to attenuate the crosstalk. This method is denoted as the least-squares reverse time migration of controlled order multiples (LSRTM-CM). Our numerical examples demonstrated that the LSRTM-CM can significantly improve image quality compared with reverse time migration of multiples and least-square reverse time migration of multiples. Acknowledgments This research was funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41430321 and 41374138).

DNA psi-condensation and reentrant decondensation: Effect of the PEG degree of polymerization

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ramos, J.E.B.; Vries, de R.J.; Neto, J.R.

2005-01-01

¿-Condensation of DNA fragments of about 4 kbp was induced by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), with degrees of polymerization ranging from 45 to 182, and univalent salt (NaCl). Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, we were able to accurately determine the critical amount of PEG needed to induce

The optimal currency-peg for an oil exporting country: The case of Saudi Arabia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Almasbahi, M.S.

1990-01-01

In a world of generalized floating exchange rates, it is not enough to solve the problem of exchange rate policy by determining whether to peg or float the currency under consideration. It is also necessary to choose to what major currency to peg. The main purpose of this study is to investigate and determine empirically the optimum currency peg for the Saudi riyal. To accomplish this goal, a simple conventional trade model, that includes variables found in many other studies of import and export demand, was used. In addition, an exchange rate term was added as a separate independent variable in the import and export demand equations in order to assess the effect of exchange rate on the trade flows. The criteria for the optimal currency peg in this study were based on two factors. First, the error statistics for projected imports and exports using alternative exchange rate regimes. Second, variances of projected imports, exports and trade balance using alternative exchange rate regimes. The exchange rate has a significant impact on the Saudia Arabian trade flows which implies that changes in the riyals value affect the Saudi trade deficit. Moreover, the exchange rate has a more powerful effect on its aggregate imports than on the world demand for its exports. There is also a strong support for the hypothesis that the exchange rate affects the value of the Saudi bilateral trade with its five major trade partners. On the aggregate level, the SDR peg seems to be the best currency peg for the Saudi riyal since it provides the best prediction errors and the lowest variance for the trade balance. Finally, on the disaggregate level, the US dollar provides the best performance and yields the best results among all the six currency pegs considered in this study

The Influence of PEG400 and Acetone on Polysulfone Membrane Morphology and Fouling Behaviour

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

P.T.P. Aryanti

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Modification of polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane was conducted by blending polysulfone with PEG400 and acetone as additives. The influence of each additive on the resulted membrane morphology and fouling characteristics were investigated. The experimental results showed that the hydrophilicity of the polysulfone membrane was improved by the increase of PEG400 in the polysulfone membrane. The water contact angle of the membrane was decreased from 76.1° to 38.31° when 35 %wt of PEG400 was added into the polysulfone solution, while the water content of the membrane was increased by around 38%. The high concentration of PEG400 in the polysulfone solution led to the formation of longer finger-like cavities in the membrane structure and resulted in a thicker membrane skin layer. The high concentration of PEG400 also contributed to the increase in hydraulic resistance of the membrane due to organic matter fouling. This problem could be minimized by the addition of acetone into the polysulfone solution, which resulted in a lower fouling resistance of organic matter during up to five hours of peat water filtration.

Enhancing relative permittivity by incorporating PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymers in binary polymer blends

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Szabo, Peter; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers are well-known to be soft and highly stretchable, yet they never achieve maximum elongation when utilised as dielectric elastomers, simply because their dielectric permittivity remains rather low. Conversely, polyethyleneglycols (PEG) are not stretchable......, but they do possess high permittivity. Combining two such polymers in a block copolymer allows for further crosslinking and presents the possibility of substantial improvements in the actuation response of the resulting dielectric elastomer – if carefully designed. The objective is to synthesise a PDMS......, the discontinuity in PEG can be acquired and the relative permittivity (ε’) is significantly enhanced (60%) with 5wt% of PDMS-PEG block copolymer incorporated into the silicone elastomer....

A goodness of fit statistic for the geometric distribution

OpenAIRE

Ferreira, J.A.

2003-01-01

textabstractWe propose a goodness of fit statistic for the geometric distribution and compare it in terms of power, via simulation, with the chi-square statistic. The statistic is based on the Lau-Rao theorem and can be seen as a discrete analogue of the total time on test statistic. The results suggest that the test based on the new statistic is generally superior to the chi-square test.

A non-iterative method for fitting decay curves with background

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mukoyama, T.

1982-01-01

A non-iterative method for fitting a decay curve with background is presented. The sum of an exponential function and a constant term is linearized by the use of the difference equation and parameters are determined by the standard linear least-squares fitting. The validity of the present method has been tested against pseudo-experimental data. (orig.)

Exosome purification based on PEG-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Ming; Chang, Yaw-Jen; Chao, Pei Yu; Yu, Qing

2018-01-01

Cancer cells secrete many exosomes, which facilitate metastasis and the later growth of cancer. For early cancer diagnosis, the detection of exosomes is a crucial step. Exosomes exist in biological fluid, such as blood, which contains various proteins. It is necessary to remove the proteins in the biological fluid to avoid test interference. This paper presented a novel method for exosome isolation using Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which were synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method and then coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The experimental results showed that the diameter of the PEG-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles was about 20 nm, while an agglomerate of MNPs reached hundreds of nanometers in size. In the protein removal experiments, fetal bovine serum (FBS) was adopted as the analyte for bioassays of exosome purification. PEG-coated Fe3O4 MNPs reduced the protein concentration in FBS to 39.89% of the original solution. By observing a particle size distribution of 30~200 nm (the size range of various exosomes), the exosome concentrations were kept the same before and after purification. In the gel electrophoresis experiments, the bands of CD63 (~53 kDa) and CD9 (~22 kDa) revealed that exosomes existed in FBS as well as in the purified solution. However, the bands of the serum albumins (~66 kDa) and the various immunoglobulins (around 160 ~ 188 kDa) in the purified solution's lane explained that most proteins in FBS were removed by PEG-coated Fe3O4 MNPs. When purifying exosomes from serum, protein removal is critical for further exosome investigation. The proposed technique provides a simple and effective method to remove proteins in the serum using the PEG-coated Fe3O4 MNPs.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-3350, Colyte Poisoning due to Intra-Peritoneal Leakage in an Elderly Patient

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jae Hee Chung

Full Text Available Polyethylene glycol (PEG-3350 is the most frequently used lavage solution for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or elective surgery because its large molecular weight means that it is poorly absorbed. However, if it leaks into the peritoneal cavity, complications may arise. Few published studies have assessed the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of PEG. Moreover, no published clinical data regarding complications due to the intra-peritoneal leakage of PEG-3350 could be found. We report on an elderly patient who developed the poisoning caused by leaking of PEG-3350 during bowel preparation. It resulted in severe metabolic acidosis, hypernatremia, hyperosmolality and a high anion gap, but it was effectively treated with early continuous renal replacement therapy after surgery.

Targeted PEG-based bioconjugates enhance the cellular uptake and transport of a HIV-1 TAT nonapeptide.

Science.gov (United States)

Ramanathan, S; Qiu, B; Pooyan, S; Zhang, G; Stein, S; Leibowitz, M J; Sinko, P J

2001-12-13

We previously described the enhanced cell uptake and transport of R.I-K(biotin)-Tat9, a large ( approximately 1500 Da) peptidic inhibitor of HIV-1 Tat protein, via SMVT, the intestinal biotin transporter. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of targeting biotinylated PEG-based conjugates to SMVT in order to enhance cell uptake and transport of Tat9. The 29 kDa peptide-loaded bioconjugate (PEG:(R.I-Cys-K(biotin)-Tat9)8) used in these studies contained eight copies of R.I-K(biotin)-Tat9 appended to PEG by means of a cysteine linkage. The absorptive transport of biotin-PEG-3400 (0.6-100 microM) and the bioconjugate (0.1-30 microM) was studied using Caco-2 cell monolayers. Inhibition of biotin-PEG-3400 by positive controls (biotin, biocytin, and desthiobiotin) was also determined. Uptake of these two compounds was also determined in CHO cells transfected with human SMVT (CHO/hSMVT) and control cells (CHO/pSPORT) over the concentration ranges of 0.05-12.5 microM and 0.003-30 microM, respectively. Nonbiotinylated forms of these two compounds, PEG-3350 and PEG:(R.I-Cys-K-Tat9)8, were used in the control studies. Biotin-PEG-3400 transport was found to be concentration-dependent and saturable in Caco-2 cells (K(m)=6.61 microM) and CHO/hSMVT cells (K(m)=1.26 microM). Transport/uptake was significantly inhibited by positive control substrates of SMVT. PEG:(R.I-Cys-K(biotin)Tat9)8 also showed saturable transport kinetics in Caco-2 cells (K(m)=6.13 microM) and CHO/hSMVT cells (K(m)=8.19 microM). Maximal uptake in molar equivalents of R.I-Cys-K(biotin)Tat9 was 5.7 times greater using the conjugate versus the biotinylated peptide alone. Transport of the nonbiotinylated forms was significantly lower (PPEG-3400 and PEG:(R.I-Cys-K(biotin)Tat9)8 interact with human SMVT to enhance the cellular uptake and transport of these larger molecules and that targeted bioconjugates may have potential for enhancing the cellular uptake and transport of small peptide

PEG-lipid micelles enable cholesterol efflux in Niemann-Pick Type C1 disease-based lysosomal storage disorder

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, Anna; Patel, Siddharth; Ward, Carl; Lorenz, Anna; Ortiz, Mauren; Duross, Allison; Wieghardt, Fabian; Esch, Amanda; Otten, Elsje G.; Heiser, Laura M.; Korolchuk, Viktor I.; Sun, Conroy; Sarkar, Sovan; Sahay, Gaurav

2016-08-01

2-Hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a cholesterol scavenger, is currently undergoing Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for treatment of Niemann Pick Type C-1 (NPC1), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that stems from abnormal cholesterol accumulation in the endo/lysosomes. Unfortunately, the extremely high doses of HPβCD required to prevent progressive neurodegeneration exacerbates ototoxicity, pulmonary toxicity and autophagy-based cellular defects. We present unexpected evidence that a poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-lipid conjugate enables cholesterol clearance from endo/lysosomes of Npc1 mutant (Npc1-/-) cells. Herein, we show that distearyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-PEG (DSPE-PEG), which forms 12-nm micelles above the critical micelle concentration, accumulates heavily inside cholesterol-rich late endosomes in Npc1-/- cells. This potentially results in cholesterol solubilization and leakage from lysosomes. High-throughput screening revealed that DSPE-PEG, in combination with HPβCD, acts synergistically to efflux cholesterol without significantly aggravating autophagy defects. These well-known excipients can be used as admixtures to treat NPC1 disorder. Increasing PEG chain lengths from 350 Da-30 kDa in DSPE-PEG micelles, or increasing DSPE-PEG content in an array of liposomes packaged with HPβCD, improved cholesterol egress, while Pluronic block copolymers capable of micelle formation showed slight effects at high concentrations. We postulate that PEG-lipid based nanocarriers can serve as bioactive drug delivery systems for effective treatment of lysosomal storage disorders.

PEG-lipid micelles enable cholesterol efflux in Niemann-Pick Type C1 disease-based lysosomal storage disorder

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, Anna; Patel, Siddharth; Ward, Carl; Lorenz, Anna; Ortiz, Mauren; DuRoss, Allison; Wieghardt, Fabian; Esch, Amanda; Otten, Elsje G.; Heiser, Laura M.; Korolchuk, Viktor I.; Sun, Conroy; Sarkar, Sovan; Sahay, Gaurav

2016-01-01

2-Hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a cholesterol scavenger, is currently undergoing Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for treatment of Niemann Pick Type C-1 (NPC1), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that stems from abnormal cholesterol accumulation in the endo/lysosomes. Unfortunately, the extremely high doses of HPβCD required to prevent progressive neurodegeneration exacerbates ototoxicity, pulmonary toxicity and autophagy-based cellular defects. We present unexpected evidence that a poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-lipid conjugate enables cholesterol clearance from endo/lysosomes of Npc1 mutant (Npc1−/−) cells. Herein, we show that distearyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-PEG (DSPE-PEG), which forms 12-nm micelles above the critical micelle concentration, accumulates heavily inside cholesterol-rich late endosomes in Npc1−/− cells. This potentially results in cholesterol solubilization and leakage from lysosomes. High-throughput screening revealed that DSPE-PEG, in combination with HPβCD, acts synergistically to efflux cholesterol without significantly aggravating autophagy defects. These well-known excipients can be used as admixtures to treat NPC1 disorder. Increasing PEG chain lengths from 350 Da-30 kDa in DSPE-PEG micelles, or increasing DSPE-PEG content in an array of liposomes packaged with HPβCD, improved cholesterol egress, while Pluronic block copolymers capable of micelle formation showed slight effects at high concentrations. We postulate that PEG-lipid based nanocarriers can serve as bioactive drug delivery systems for effective treatment of lysosomal storage disorders. PMID:27572704

vFitness: a web-based computing tool for improving estimation of in vitro HIV-1 fitness experiments

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Demeter Lisa

2010-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The replication rate (or fitness between viral variants has been investigated in vivo and in vitro for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV. HIV fitness plays an important role in the development and persistence of drug resistance. The accurate estimation of viral fitness relies on complicated computations based on statistical methods. This calls for tools that are easy to access and intuitive to use for various experiments of viral fitness. Results Based on a mathematical model and several statistical methods (least-squares approach and measurement error models, a Web-based computing tool has been developed for improving estimation of virus fitness in growth competition assays of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1. Conclusions Unlike the two-point calculation used in previous studies, the estimation here uses linear regression methods with all observed data in the competition experiment to more accurately estimate relative viral fitness parameters. The dilution factor is introduced for making the computational tool more flexible to accommodate various experimental conditions. This Web-based tool is implemented in C# language with Microsoft ASP.NET, and is publicly available on the Web at http://bis.urmc.rochester.edu/vFitness/.

A Versatile Star PEG Grafting Method for the Generation of Nonfouling and Nonthrombogenic Surfaces

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pradeep Kumar Thalla

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Polyethylene glycol (PEG grafting has a great potential to create nonfouling and nonthrombogenic surfaces, but present techniques lack versatility and stability. The present work aimed to develop a versatile PEG grafting method applicable to most biomaterial surfaces, by taking advantage of novel primary amine-rich plasma-polymerized coatings. Star-shaped PEG covalent binding was studied using static contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D. Fluorescence and QCM-D both confirmed strong reduction of protein adsorption when compared to plasma-polymerized coatings and pristine poly(ethyleneterephthalate (PET. Moreover, almost no platelet adhesion was observed after 15 min perfusion in whole blood. Altogether, our results suggest that primary amine-rich plasma-polymerized coatings offer a promising stable and versatile method for PEG grafting in order to create nonfouling and nonthrombogenic surfaces and micropatterns.

Optimization of PEG-based extraction of polysaccharides from Dendrobium nobile Lindl. and bioactivity study.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yi; Wang, Hongxin; Wang, Peng; Ma, ChaoYang; He, GuoHua; Rahman, Md Ramim Tanver

2016-11-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a green solvent was employed to extract polysaccharide. The optimal conditions for PEG-based ultrasonic extraction of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. polysaccharide (JCP) were determined by response surface methodology. Under the optimal conditions: extraction temperature of 58.5°C; ultrasound power of 193W, and the concentration of polyethylene glycol-200 (PEG-200) solution of 45%, the highest JCP yield was obtained as 15.23±0.57%, which was close to the predicted yield, 15.57%. UV and FT-IR analysis revealed the general characteristic absorption peaks of both JCP with water extraction (JCP w ) and PEG-200 solvent extraction (JCP p ). Thermal analysis of both JCPs was performed with Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Antioxidant activities of two polysaccharides were also compared and no significant difference in vitro was obtained. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical peeling by SA-PEG remodels photo-damaged skin: suppressing p53 expression and normalizing keratinocyte differentiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Dainichi, Teruki; Amano, Satoshi; Matsunaga, Yukiko; Iriyama, Shunsuke; Hirao, Tetsuji; Hariya, Takeshi; Hibino, Toshihiko; Katagiri, Chika; Takahashi, Motoji; Ueda, Setsuko; Furue, Masutaka

2006-02-01

Chemical peeling with salicylic acid in polyethylene glycol vehicle (SA-PEG), which specifically acts on the stratum corneum, suppresses the development of skin tumors in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. To elucidate the mechanism through which chemical peeling with SA-PEG suppresses skin tumor development, the effects of chemical peeling on photodamaged keratinocytes and cornified envelopes (CEs) were evaluated in vivo. Among UVB-irradiated hairless mice, the structural atypia and expression of p53 protein in keratinocytes induced by UVB irradiation were intensely suppressed in the SA-PEG-treated mice 28 days after the start of weekly SA-PEG treatments when compared to that in the control UVB-irradiated mice. Incomplete expression of filaggrin and loricrin in keratinocytes from the control mice was also improved in keratinocytes from the SA-PEG-treated mice. In photo-exposed human facial skin, immature CEs were replaced with mature CEs 4 weeks after treatment with SA-PEG. Restoration of photodamaged stratum corneum by treatment with SA-PEG, which may affect remodeling of the structural environment of the keratinocytes, involved the normalization of keratinocyte differentiation and suppression of skin tumor development. These results suggest that the stratum corneum plays a protective role against carcinogenesis, and provide a novel strategy for the prevention of photo-induced skin tumors.

Insulin radioimmunoassay kit (125I) using polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and a double antibody separation method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Borza, Virginia; Chariton, Delfina; Neacsu, Elena

1997-01-01

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone formed from proinsulin in the b-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It has a widespread effect on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Diabetes mellitus is the result of an insulin deficiency brought about either by insufficient insulin secretion or by rapid insulin catabolism. The determination of the insulin level is important for differential etiologic diagnosis and subsequent therapy and prognosis. Insulin radioimmunoassay kit provides a sensitive, precise and specific assay for insulin concentration in serum. Standard and insulin in the patient sample compete with tracer for binding sites on an insulin antibody. The antigen-antibody combination, which forms during incubation time, will be separated from free insulin by different methods. The separation technique using the double antibody technique combined with Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) is presented. The results are compared with the separation method using PEG alone and with double antibody technique. Antiserum to insulin was produced in rats immunized with porcine insulin, while rabbits immunized with rat-g globulin were used as a source for the second antibody.The tested PEG was PEG 6000. The best results were obtained using the double antibody at a 1/50 dilution combined with 7.5 PEG solutions. The time for precipitating the antibody bound fraction by this technique was established to be 30 minutes. The results obtained using this method as separation technique for insulin - antibody complex were better than those obtained using the double antibody techniques or PEG as precipitating agent alone. (authors)

Preparation of 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG-liposomes for imaging of the focal sites infection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hong, Jun Pyo; Awh, Ok Doo; Kim, Hyun Suk; Lee, Eun Sook; Lee, Tae Sup; Choi, Tae Hyun; Choi, Chang Woon; Lim, Sang Moo

2002-01-01

A new linker, hydrazino nicotinamide (HYNIC), was recently introduced for labelling of liposome with 99m Tc. In this study we synthesized HYNIC derivatized PEG (polyethylene glycol)-liposomes radiolabeled with 99m Tc. In order to synthesize HYNIC-DSPE (distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine) which is a crucial component for 99m Tc chelation, first of all succinimidyl 6-BOC-hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid was synthesized from 6-chloronicotinic acid by three sequential reactions. A DSPE derivative of succinimidyl 6-BOC-hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid was transformed into HYNIC-DSPE by HCI/dioxane. HYNIC-PEG-liposomes were prepared by hydration of the dried lipid mixture of EPC (egg phosphatidyl choline): PEG-DSPE : HYNIC-DSPE: cholesterol (1.85:0.15:0.07:1, molar ratio). The HYNIC-PEG-liposomes were labeled with 99m Tc in the presence of SnCl 2 ·2H 2 O (a reducing agent) and tricine (a colignad). To investigate the level of in vivo transchelation of 99m Tc in the liposomes, the 99m Tc-HYNIC-PEG-liposomes were incubated with a molar excess of DTPA, cysteine or glutathione solutions at 37 .deg. C for 24 hours. 6-BOC-hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid was synthesized with 77.3% overall yield. The HYNIC concentration in the PEG-coated liposome dispersion was 1.08 mM. In condition of considering the measured liposome size of 106 nm, the phospholipid concentration of 77.5 μmol/ ml and the liposomal particle number of 5.2x10 14 liposomes/ml, it is corresponded to approximate 1,250 nicotinyl hydrazine group per liposome in HYNIC-PEG-liposome. The removal of free 99m Tc was not necessary because the labeling efficiency were above 99%. The radiolabeled liposomes maintained 98%, 96% and 99%, respectively, of radioactivity after incubation with transchelators. The radiolabeled liposomes possessed above 90% of the radioactivity in serum. These results suggest that the HYNIC can be synthesized easily and applied in labelling of PEG-liposomes with 99m Tc

Microelectrode Arrays and the Use of PEG-Functionalized Diblock Copolymer Coatings

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sakshi Uppal

2014-09-01

Full Text Available PEG-modified diblock copolymer surfaces have been examined for their compatibility with microelectrode array based analytical methods. The use of PEG-modified polymer surfaces on the arrays was initially problematic because the redox couples used in the experiments were adsorbed by the polymer. This led the current measured by cyclic voltammetry for the redox couple to be unstable and increase with time. However, two key findings allow the experiments to be successful. First, after multiple cyclic voltammograms the current associated with the redox couple does stabilize so that a good baseline current can be established. Second, the rate at which the current stabilizes is consistent every time a particular coated array is used. Hence, multiple analytical experiments can be conducted on an array coated with a PEG-modified diblock copolymer and the data obtained is comparable as long as the data for each experiment is collected at a consistent time point.

Ultrasensitive probing of the protein resistance of PEG surfaces by secondary ion mass spectrometry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kingshott, P.; McArthur, S.; Thissen, H.

2002-01-01

The highly sensitive surface analytical techniques X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight static secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to test the resistance of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coatings towards adsorption of lysozyme (LYS) and fibronectin (FN). PEG co...

HN Peg B: A Test of Models of the L to T Dwarf Transition

Science.gov (United States)

Leggett, S. K.; Saumon, D.; Albert, Loic; Cushing, Michael C.; Liu, Michael C.; Luhman, K. L.; Marley, M. S.; Kirkpatrick, J. Davy; Roellig, Thomas L.; Allers, K. N.

2008-08-01

Luhman and collaborators recently discovered an early-T dwarf companion to the G0 dwarf star HN Peg, using Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) images. Companionship was established on the basis of the common proper motion inferred from 1998 Two Micron All Sky Survey images and the 2004 IRAC images. In this paper we present new near-infrared imaging data which confirm the common proper motion of the system. We also present new 3-4 μm spectroscopy of HN Peg B, which provides tighter constraints on both the bolometric luminosity determination and the comparison to synthetic spectra. New adaptive optics imaging data are also presented, which show the T dwarf to be unresolved, providing limits on the multiplicity of the object. We use the age, distance, and luminosity of the solar-metallicity T dwarf to determine its effective temperature and gravity, and compare synthetic spectra with these values, and a range of grain properties and vertical mixing, to the observed 0.8-4.0 μm spectra and mid-infrared photometry. We find that models with temperature and gravity appropriate for the older end of the age range of the system (0.5 Gyr) can do a reasonable job of fitting the data, but only if the photospheric condensate cloud deck is thin, and if there is significant vertical mixing in the atmosphere. Dwarfs such as HN Peg B, with well-determined metallicity, radius, gravity, and temperature, will allow development of dynamical atmosphere models, leading to the solution of the puzzle of the L to T dwarf transition. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. Some data were also obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), which is operated by the National

PEG 3350 (Transipeg) versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood functional constipation: a double blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Voskuijl, W; de Lorijn, F; Verwijs, W; Hogeman, P; Heijmans, J; Mäkel, W; Taminiau, J; Benninga, M

2004-11-01

Recently, polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) has been suggested as a good alternative laxative to lactulose as a treatment option in paediatric constipation. However, no large randomised controlled trials exist evaluating the efficacy of either laxative. To compare PEG 3350 (Transipeg: polyethylene glycol with electrolytes) with lactulose in paediatric constipation and evaluate clinical efficacy/side effects. One hundred patients (aged 6 months-15 years) with paediatric constipation were included in an eight week double blinded, randomised, controlled trial. After faecal disimpaction, patients PEG 3350 (2.95 g/sachet) or lactulose (6 g/sachet) while children > or =6 years started with 2 sachets/day. Primary outcome measures were: defecation and encopresis frequency/week and successful treatment after eight weeks. Success was defined as a defecation frequency > or =3/week and encopresis PEG 3350: 3 pre v 7 post treatment/week; lactulose: 3 pre v 6 post/week) and a significant decrease in encopresis frequency (PEG 3350: 10 pre v 3 post/week; lactulose: 8 pre v 3 post/week) was found in both groups (NS). However, success was significantly higher in the PEG group (56%) compared with the lactulose group (29%). PEG 3350 patients reported less abdominal pain, straining, and pain at defecation than children using lactulose. However, bad taste was reported significantly more often in the PEG group. PEG 3350 (0.26 (0.11) g/kg), compared with lactulose (0.66 (0.32) g/kg), provided a higher success rate with fewer side effects. PEG 3350 should be the laxative of first choice in childhood constipation.

Empowering University Students through Physical Fitness for ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated 252 University of Ilorin students' awareness of the benefits of physical fitness and the need for empowering them for lifetime productivity. Data were collected using a self developed questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts, percentage and chi-square.

Creating Magic Squares.

Science.gov (United States)

Lyon, Betty Clayton

1990-01-01

One method of making magic squares using a prolongated square is illustrated. Discussed are third-order magic squares, fractional magic squares, fifth-order magic squares, decimal magic squares, and even magic squares. (CW)

Least-squares approximation of an improper correlation matrix by a proper one

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Knol, Dirk L.; ten Berge, Jos M.F.

1989-01-01

An algorithm is presented for the best least-squares fitting correlation matrix approximating a given missing value or improper correlation matrix. The proposed algorithm is based upon a solution for Mosier's oblique Procrustes rotation problem offered by ten Berge and Nevels. A necessary and

Bioconjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG branched polymeric nanoparticles as novel tumor targeting carriers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding Hong; Yong, Ken-Tye; Roy, Indrajit; Hu Rui; Zhao Lingling; Law, Wing-Cheung; Ji Wei; Liu Liwei; Bergey, Earl J; Prasad, Paras N; Wu Fang; Zhao Weiwei

2011-01-01

In this study, we have developed a novel carrier, micelle-type bioconjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG branched polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), for the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. These NPs contained 4-arm-PEG as corona, and PLGA as core, the particle surface was conjugated with cyclo(arginine-glycine-aspartate) (cRGD) as ligand for in vivo tumor targeting. The hydrodynamic size of the NPs was determined to be 150-180 nm and the critical micellar concentration (CMC) was estimated to be 10.5 mg l -1 . Our in vitro study shows that these NPs by themselves had negligible cytotoxicity to human pancreatic cancer (Panc-1) and human glioblastoma (U87) cell lines. Near infrared (NIR) microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated that the cRGD conjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG polymeric NPs were taken up more efficiently by U87MG glioma cells, over-expressing the α v β 3 integrin, when compared with the non-targeted NPs. Whole body imaging showed that the cRGD conjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG branched polymeric NPs had the highest accumulation in the pancreatic tumor site of mice at 48 h post-injection. Physical, hematological, and pathological assays indicated low in vivo toxicity of this NP formulation. These studies on the ability of these bioconjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG polymeric NPs suggest that the prepared polymeric NPs may serve as a promising platform for detection and targeted drug delivery for pancreatic cancer.

Bioconjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG branched polymeric nanoparticles as novel tumor targeting carriers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ding Hong; Yong, Ken-Tye; Roy, Indrajit; Hu Rui; Zhao Lingling; Law, Wing-Cheung; Ji Wei; Liu Liwei; Bergey, Earl J; Prasad, Paras N [Department of Chemistry, Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260 (United States); Wu Fang [Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260 (United States); Zhao Weiwei, E-mail: bergeye@buffalo.edu, E-mail: pnprasad@buffalo.edu [Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14215 (United States)

2011-04-22

In this study, we have developed a novel carrier, micelle-type bioconjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG branched polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), for the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. These NPs contained 4-arm-PEG as corona, and PLGA as core, the particle surface was conjugated with cyclo(arginine-glycine-aspartate) (cRGD) as ligand for in vivo tumor targeting. The hydrodynamic size of the NPs was determined to be 150-180 nm and the critical micellar concentration (CMC) was estimated to be 10.5 mg l{sup -1}. Our in vitro study shows that these NPs by themselves had negligible cytotoxicity to human pancreatic cancer (Panc-1) and human glioblastoma (U87) cell lines. Near infrared (NIR) microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated that the cRGD conjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG polymeric NPs were taken up more efficiently by U87MG glioma cells, over-expressing the {alpha}{sub v{beta}3} integrin, when compared with the non-targeted NPs. Whole body imaging showed that the cRGD conjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG branched polymeric NPs had the highest accumulation in the pancreatic tumor site of mice at 48 h post-injection. Physical, hematological, and pathological assays indicated low in vivo toxicity of this NP formulation. These studies on the ability of these bioconjugated PLGA-4-arm-PEG polymeric NPs suggest that the prepared polymeric NPs may serve as a promising platform for detection and targeted drug delivery for pancreatic cancer.

Fluorescent water-Soluble Probes Based on Ammonium Cation Peg Substituted Perylenepisimides: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and Live Cell Images

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Wei; Cai, Jiaxuan; Zhang, Shuchen; Yi, Xuegang; Gao, Baoxiang

2018-01-01

To synthesize perylenbisimides (PBI) fluorescent probes that will improve the water-soluble ability and the cytocompatibility, the synthesis and properties of fluorescent water-soluble probes based on dendritic ammonium cation polyethylene glycol (PEG) substituted perylenebisimides(GPDIs) are presented. As we expected, with increased ammonium cation PEG, the aggregation of the PBI in an aqueous solution is completely suppressed by the hydrophilic ammonium cation PEG groups. And the fluorescence quantum yield increases from 25% for GPDI-1 to 62% for GPDI-2. When incubated with Hela cells for 48 h, the viabilities are 71% (for GPDI-1) and 76% (for GPDI-2). Live cell imaging shows that these probes are efficiently internalized by HeLa cells. The study of the photophysical properties indicated increasing the ammonium cation PEG generation can increase the fluorescence quantum yield. Live cell imaging shows that with the ammonium cation PEG chains of perylenebisimides has high biocompatibility. The exceptionally low cytotoxicity is ascribed to the ammonium cation PEG chains, which protect the dyes from nonspecifically interacting with the extracellular proteins. Live cell imaging shows that ammonium cations PEG chains can promote the internalization of these probes.

Construction and characterization of Gal-chitosan graft methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (Gal-CS-mPEG) nanoparticles as efficient gene carrier

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Jiting; Fu, Wandong; Liao, Miaofei; Han, Baoqin; Chang, Jing; Yang, Yan

2017-10-01

In the present study, galactosylated chitosan (Gal-CS) was conjugated with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as a hydrophilic group. The structure of Gal-CS-mPEG polymer was characterized and the nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using ironic gelation method. The study was designed to investigate the characteristics and functions of Gal-CS-mPEG NPs. The morphology of Gal-CS-mPEG NPs was observed by SEM and it was a compact and spherical shape. The size of the NPs was approximately 200 nm in diameter under the ideal process parameters. The interaction between Gal-CS-mPEG NPs and pDNA, and the protection of pDNA against DNase I and serum degradation by Gal-CS-mPEG NPs were evaluated. Agarose gel electrophoresis results showed that Gal-CS-mPEG NPs had strong interaction with pDNA at the weight ratio of 12:1, 4:1 and 2:1 and could protect pDNA from DNase I and serum degradation. Gal-CS-mPEG NPs exhibited high loading efficiency and sustainable in vitro release. The blood compatibility studies demonstrated that Gal-CS-mPEG NPs had superior compatibility with erythrocytes in terms of aggregation degree and hemolysis level. Gal-CS-mPEG NPs showed no cytotoxicity on L929 cells, which is a normal mouse connective tissue fibroblast, but showed inhibitory effects on the proliferation of Bel-7402 cells, which is a liver cancer cell line. In conclusion, Gal-CS-mPEG NP is a bio-safe and efficient gene carrier with potential application in gene delivery.

Feasibility and Safety of Overtubes for PEG-Tube Placement in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Crispin O. Musumba

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Background. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG placement using the “pull” technique is commonly utilized for providing nutritional support in head and neck cancer (HNC patients, but it may be complicated by peristomal metastasis in up to 3% of patients. Overtube-assisted PEG placement might reduce this risk. However, this technique has not been systemically studied for this purpose to date. Methods. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with HNC who underwent overtube-assisted PEG placement at Westmead Hospital, Australia, between June 2011 and December 2013. Data were extracted from patients’ endoscopy reports and case notes. We present our technique for PEG insertion and discuss the feasibility and safety of this method. Results. In all 53 patients studied, the PEG tubes were successfully placed using 25 cm long flexible overtubes, in 89% prophylactically (before commencing curative chemoradiotherapy, and in 11% reactively (for treatment of tumor related dysphagia or weight loss. During a median follow-up period of 16 months, 3 (5.7% patients developed peristomal infection and 3 others developed self-limiting peristomal pain. There were no cases of overtube-related adverse events or overt cutaneous metastases observed. Conclusions. Overtube-assisted PEG placement in patients with HNC is a feasible, simple, and safe technique and might be effective for preventing cutaneous metastasis.

Improving aqueous solubility and antitumor effects by nanosized gambogic acid-mPEG2000 micelles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cai LL

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Lulu Cai,1,* Neng Qiu,2,* Mingli Xiang,3,* Rongsheng Tong,1 Junfeng Yan,1 Lin He,1 Jianyou Shi,1 Tao Chen,4 Jiaolin Wen,3 Wenwen Wang,3 Lijuan Chen31Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 2College of Materials and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, 3State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; 4Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada *These authors contributed equally to this paperAbstract: The clinical application of gambogic acid, a natural component with promising antitumor activity, is limited due to its extremely poor aqueous solubility, short half-life in blood, and severe systemic toxicity. To solve these problems, an amphiphilic polymer-drug conjugate was prepared by attachment of low molecular weight (ie, 2 kDa methoxy poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether (mPEG to gambogic acid (GA-mPEG2000 through an ester linkage and characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The GA-mPEG2000 conjugates self-assembled to form nanosized micelles, with mean diameters of less than 50 nm, and a very narrow particle size distribution. The properties of the GA-mPEG2000 micelles, including morphology, stability, molecular modeling, and drug release profile, were evaluated. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide tests demonstrated that the GA-mPEG2000 micelle formulation had obvious cytotoxicity to tumor cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Further, GA-mPEG2000 micelles were effective in inhibiting tumor growth and prolonged survival in subcutaneous B16-F10 and C26 tumor models. Our findings suggest that GA-mPEG2000 micelles may have promising applications in tumor therapy.Keywords: gambogic acid, poly(ethylene glycol-drug conjugate, micelle, antitumor, toxicity

Dose response of PEG 3350 for the treatment of childhood fecal impaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Youssef, Nader N; Peters, John M; Henderson, Wendy; Shultz-Peters, Sandra; Lockhart, Danielle K; Di Lorenzo, Carlo

2002-09-01

To investigate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 in the treatment of childhood fecal impaction. This was a prospective, double-blind, parallel, randomized study of 4 doses of PEG 3350; 0.25 g/kg per day, 0.5 g/kg per day, 1 g/kg per day, 1.5 g/kg per day, given for 3 days in children with constipation for >3 months and evidence of fecal impaction. Forty patients completed the study (27 boys, median age 7.5, range 3.3-13.1 years). Disimpaction occurred in 75% of children, with a significant difference between the two higher doses and the lower doses (95% vs 55%, P PEG 3350 is safe and effective in the treatment of childhood fecal impaction at doses of 1 and 1.5 g/kg per day.

Preparation and mechanical properties of PLA-PEG copolymers modified by radiation-induced crosslinking of low energy electron beams

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peikai Miao; Wenrui Tang; Ke Zeng; Yan Tang; Yipeng Wang; Hongfei Zhou; Ke Zhou; Tao Liu; Gang Yang

2007-01-01

PLA-PEG copolymer is wildly applied in medical and pharmaceutical fields, but its mechanical properties are not so good, such as the tensile intensity and elongation at break. To improve these properties, PLA-PEG copolymers were synthesized and irradiated using low energy electron beams (EB) with various irradiation doses in the presence of 3 wt% polyfunctional monomer (triallylcyanurate, TAC) as crosslinking agent to introduce crosslinking between polymer chains. It was found that with the increase of the irradiation doses, the tensile intensity of the PLA-PEG increased, while the elongation at break decreased, the most optimal irradiation dose was 80 kGy, the tensile intensity was 12.5 MPa and 19.9 MPa, corresponding to the elongation at break of 282.8 % and 28.7% for PLA9-PEG6 and PLA11-PEG6, respectively. Meanwhile, the solvent resistance of crosslinked sample was improved obviously at this dose. The crosslinked PLA-PEG copolymer can be applied to packaging materials, tubes and so on. (Author)

{sup 18}F-PEG-biotin: Precursor (boroaryl-PEG-biotin) synthesis, {sup 18}F-labelling and an in-vitro assessment of its binding with Neutravidin{sup TM}-trastuzumab pre-treated cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith, Tim A.D., E-mail: t.smith@abdn.ac.uk [Biomedical Physics Building, John Mallard PET Unit, Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD (United Kingdom); Simpson, Michael; Cheyne, Richard [Biomedical Physics Building, John Mallard PET Unit, Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD (United Kingdom); School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE (United Kingdom); Trembleau, Laurent [School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE (United Kingdom)

2011-10-15

In terms of nuclear decay {sup 18}F is the most ideal PET nuclide but its short t{sub 1/2} precludes its use for directly labelling whole antibodies due to their long blood residence times. Pre-targeted imaging using affinity systems such as Neutravidin{sup TM}-biotin facilitates the application of short-lived nuclides by their attachment to biotin for imaging cell surface proteins targeted with Neutravidin{sup TM}-conjugated antibodies. Methods: Boroaryl functionalised biotin was prepared with a PEG linker and radiolabelled by incubation with {sup 18}F in acidified aqueous solution. Cells expressing high (SKBr3), medium (MDA-MB-453) and low (MDA-MB-468) levels of HER-2 were pre-incubated with Neutravidin{sup TM}-conjugated trastuzumab, washed, and then incubated with {sup 18}F-PEG-biotin. Results: The {sup 18}F-fluorination of boroaryl-PEG-biotin was much more efficient than reported for other versions of boroaryl-biotin. The novel {sup 18}F-PEG-biotin was demonstrated to bind to HER-2-expressing cells in-vitro pre-incubated with Neutravidin{sup TM}-conjugated trastuzumab. Conclusion: Biotin can be functionalised with boroaryl and readily {sup 18}F-radiolabelled in aqueous solution and will bind to cells pre-incubated with Neutravidin{sup TM}-antibody conjugates. - Highlights: > Boroaryl-biotin precursor is prepared. > Rapid {sup 18}F-fluorination is demonstrated. > HER-2 expressing breast cancer cells pre-treated with trastuzumab-Neutravidin{sup TM}. > {sup 18}F-PEG-biotin binding to pre-treated cells corresponds with HER-2 expression.

FIREFLY (Fitting IteRativEly For Likelihood analYsis): a full spectral fitting code

Science.gov (United States)

Wilkinson, David M.; Maraston, Claudia; Goddard, Daniel; Thomas, Daniel; Parikh, Taniya

2017-12-01

We present a new spectral fitting code, FIREFLY, for deriving the stellar population properties of stellar systems. FIREFLY is a chi-squared minimization fitting code that fits combinations of single-burst stellar population models to spectroscopic data, following an iterative best-fitting process controlled by the Bayesian information criterion. No priors are applied, rather all solutions within a statistical cut are retained with their weight. Moreover, no additive or multiplicative polynomials are employed to adjust the spectral shape. This fitting freedom is envisaged in order to map out the effect of intrinsic spectral energy distribution degeneracies, such as age, metallicity, dust reddening on galaxy properties, and to quantify the effect of varying input model components on such properties. Dust attenuation is included using a new procedure, which was tested on Integral Field Spectroscopic data in a previous paper. The fitting method is extensively tested with a comprehensive suite of mock galaxies, real galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Milky Way globular clusters. We also assess the robustness of the derived properties as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and adopted wavelength range. We show that FIREFLY is able to recover age, metallicity, stellar mass, and even the star formation history remarkably well down to an S/N ∼ 5, for moderately dusty systems. Code and results are publicly available.1

Quantitative analysis of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and PEGylated proteins in animal tissues by LC-MS/MS coupled with in-source CID.

Science.gov (United States)

Gong, Jiachang; Gu, Xiaomei; Achanzar, William E; Chadwick, Kristina D; Gan, Jinping; Brock, Barry J; Kishnani, Narendra S; Humphreys, W Griff; Iyer, Ramaswamy A

2014-08-05

The covalent conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG, typical MW > 10k) to therapeutic peptides and proteins is a well-established approach to improve their pharmacokinetic properties and diminish the potential for immunogenicity. Even though PEG is generally considered biologically inert and safe in animals and humans, the slow clearance of large PEGs raises concerns about potential adverse effects resulting from PEG accumulation in tissues following chronic administration, particularly in the central nervous system. The key information relevant to the issue is the disposition and fate of the PEG moiety after repeated dosing with PEGylated proteins. Here, we report a novel quantitative method utilizing LC-MS/MS coupled with in-source CID that is highly selective and sensitive to PEG-related materials. Both (40K)PEG and a tool PEGylated protein (ATI-1072) underwent dissociation in the ionization source of mass spectrometer to generate a series of PEG-specific ions, which were subjected to further dissociation through conventional CID. To demonstrate the potential application of the method to assess PEG biodistribution following PEGylated protein administration, a single dose study of ATI-1072 was conducted in rats. Plasma and various tissues were collected, and the concentrations of both (40K)PEG and ATI-1072 were determined using the LC-MS/MS method. The presence of (40k)PEG in plasma and tissue homogenates suggests the degradation of PEGylated proteins after dose administration to rats, given that free PEG was absent in the dosing solution. The method enables further studies for a thorough characterization of disposition and fate of PEGylated proteins.

Relationship between complement activation, cellular uptake and surface physicochemical aspects of novel PEG-modified nanocapsules.

Science.gov (United States)

Mosqueira, V C; Legrand, P; Gulik, A; Bourdon, O; Gref, R; Labarre, D; Barratt, G

2001-11-01

The aim of our work was to examine the relationship between modifications of the surface of nanocapsules (NC) by adsorption or covalent grafting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG), and changes in their phospholipid (PL) content on complement activation (C3 cleavage) and on uptake by macrophages. The physicochemical characterization of the NC included an investigation of their properties, such as surface charge, size, hydrophilicity, morphology and homogeneity. This is the first time that such properties have been correlated with biological interactions for NC, a novel carrier system with a structure more complex than nanospheres. C3 crossed immunoelectrophoresis revealed the reduced activation for NC with longer PEG chain and higher density, although all formulations induced C3 cleavage to a lesser or greater extent. NC bearing PEG covalently bound to the surface were weaker activators of complement than plain PLA [poly(D,L-lactide)] NC or nanospheres (NS). Furthermore, the fluorescent/confocal microscopy of J774A1 cells in contact with NC reveal a dramatically reduced interaction with PEG-bearing NC. However, the way in which PEG was attached (covalent or adsorbed) seemed to affect the mechanism of uptake. Taken together, these results suggest that the low level of protein binding to NC covered with a high density of 20kDa PEG chains is likely to be due to the steric barriers surrounding these particles, which prevents protein adsorption and reduces their interaction with macrophages.

Test and intercomparisons of data fitting with general least squares code GMA versus Bayesian code GLUCS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pronyaev, V.G.

2003-01-01

Data fitting with GMA and GLUCS gives consistent results. Difference in the evaluated central values obtained with different formalisms can be related to the general accuracy with which fits could be done in different formalisms. It has stochastic nature and should be accounted in the final results of the data evaluation as small SERC uncertainty. Some shift in central values of data evaluated with GLUCS and GMA relative the central values evaluated with the R-matrix model code RAC is observed for cases of fitting strongly varying data and is related to the PPP. The procedure of evaluation, free from PPP, should be elaborated. (author)

Nursing Issues in Patients with PEG

OpenAIRE

Konířová, Lenka

2013-01-01

Bachelor thesis were written on theoretic-empirical bases. The theoretical part is dedicated to general introduction into anatomy and physiology of stomach. The following chapter is about nutrition, the explanation of the terms malnutrioton, nutritional support, enteral nutrition as well as its indications, contraindications, complications, types and forms of artificial nutrition included. The core chapter is about the implementation and treatement of PEG, the psychosocial aspects and specifi...

Using Squares to Sum Squares

Science.gov (United States)

DeTemple, Duane

2010-01-01

Purely combinatorial proofs are given for the sum of squares formula, 1[superscript 2] + 2[superscript 2] + ... + n[superscript 2] = n(n + 1) (2n + 1) / 6, and the sum of sums of squares formula, 1[superscript 2] + (1[superscript 2] + 2[superscript 2]) + ... + (1[superscript 2] + 2[superscript 2] + ... + n[superscript 2]) = n(n + 1)[superscript 2]…

Randomized clinical trial: macrogol/PEG 3350 plus electrolytes for treatment of patients with constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Science.gov (United States)

Chapman, R W; Stanghellini, V; Geraint, M; Halphen, M

2013-09-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 plus electrolytes (PEG 3350+E) is an established treatment for constipation and has been proposed as a treatment option for constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of PEG 3350+E vs. placebo in adult patients with IBS-C. Following a 14-day run-in period without study medication, patients with confirmed IBS-C were randomized to receive PEG 3350+E (N=68) or placebo (N=71) for 28 days. The primary endpoint was the mean number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) per day in the last treatment week. In both groups, mean weekly number of SBMs (±s.d.) increased from run-in. The difference between the groups in week 4 (PEG 3350+E, 4.40±2.581; placebo, 3.11±1.937) was statistically significant (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 1.95; PPEG 3350+E, there was no difference vs. placebo. Spontaneous complete bowel movements, responder rates, stool consistency, and severity of straining also showed superior improvement in the PEG 3350+E group over placebo in week 4. The most common drug related treatment-emergent adverse events were abdominal pain (PEG 3350+E, 4.5%; placebo, 0%) and diarrhoea (PEG 3350+E, 4.5%; placebo, 4.3%). In IBS-C, PEG 3350+E was superior to placebo for relief of constipation, and although a statistically significant improvement in abdominal discomfort/pain was observed compared with baseline, there was no associated improvement compared with placebo. PEG 3350+E is a well-established and effective treatment that should be considered suitable for use in IBS-C.

Facile Photoimmobilization of Proteins onto Low-Binding PEG-Coated Polymer Surfaces

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Larsen, Esben Kjær Unmack; Mikkelsen, Morten Bo Lindholm; Larsen, Niels Bent

2014-01-01

was verified for both enzymes and antibodies, and their presence on the surface was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Conjugation of capture antibody onto the PEG coating was employed for a simplified ELISA protocol without the need for blocking uncoated...... surface areas, showing ng/mL sensitivity to a cytokine antigen target. Moreover, spatially patterned attachment of fluorescently labeled protein onto the low-binding PEG-coated surface was achieved with a projection lithography system that enabled the creation of micrometer-sized protein features....

Evaluation of self-assembled HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA nanoparticles by comparing with HCPT-loaded PLA nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xiangrui; Wu, Shichao; Wang, Yange; Li, Yang; Chang, Di; Luo, Yin; Ye, Shefang; Hou, Zhenqing

2014-12-01

We present a dialysis technique to prepare the 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) using methoxypolyethylene glycol-poly(D,L-lactide) (PEG-b-PLA) and PLA, respectively. Both HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs and HCPT-loaded PLA NPs were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that the HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs and HCPT-loaded PLA NPs presented a hydrodynamic particle size of 120.1 and 226.8 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.057 and 0.207, a zeta potential of -31.2 and -45.7 mV, drug encapsulation efficiency of 44.52% and 44.94%, and drug-loaded content of 7.42% and 7.49%, respectively. The HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented faster drug release rate compared to the HCPT-loaded PLA NPs. The HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented higher cytotoxicity than the HCPT-loaded PLA NPs. These results suggested that the HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented better characteristics for drug delivery compared to HCPT-loaded PLA NPs.

The consistency of ordinary least-squares and generalized least-squares polynomial regression on characterizing the mechanomyographic amplitude versus torque relationship

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Herda, Trent J; Ryan, Eric D; Costa, Pablo B; DeFreitas, Jason M; Walter, Ashley A; Stout, Jeffrey R; Beck, Travis W; Cramer, Joel T; Housh, Terry J; Weir, Joseph P

2009-01-01

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the consistency of ordinary least-squares (OLS) and generalized least-squares (GLS) polynomial regression analyses utilizing linear, quadratic and cubic models on either five or ten data points that characterize the mechanomyographic amplitude (MMG RMS ) versus isometric torque relationship. The secondary purpose was to examine the consistency of OLS and GLS polynomial regression utilizing only linear and quadratic models (excluding cubic responses) on either ten or five data points. Eighteen participants (mean ± SD age = 24 ± 4 yr) completed ten randomly ordered isometric step muscle actions from 5% to 95% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the right leg extensors during three separate trials. MMG RMS was recorded from the vastus lateralis during the MVCs and each submaximal muscle action. MMG RMS versus torque relationships were analyzed on a subject-by-subject basis using OLS and GLS polynomial regression. When using ten data points, only 33% and 27% of the subjects were fitted with the same model (utilizing linear, quadratic and cubic models) across all three trials for OLS and GLS, respectively. After eliminating the cubic model, there was an increase to 55% of the subjects being fitted with the same model across all trials for both OLS and GLS regression. Using only five data points (instead of ten data points), 55% of the subjects were fitted with the same model across all trials for OLS and GLS regression. Overall, OLS and GLS polynomial regression models were only able to consistently describe the torque-related patterns of response for MMG RMS in 27–55% of the subjects across three trials. Future studies should examine alternative methods for improving the consistency and reliability of the patterns of response for the MMG RMS versus isometric torque relationship

Least median of squares and iteratively re-weighted least squares as robust linear regression methods for fluorimetric determination of α-lipoic acid in capsules in ideal and non-ideal cases of linearity.

Science.gov (United States)

Korany, Mohamed A; Gazy, Azza A; Khamis, Essam F; Ragab, Marwa A A; Kamal, Miranda F

2018-03-26

This study outlines two robust regression approaches, namely least median of squares (LMS) and iteratively re-weighted least squares (IRLS) to investigate their application in instrument analysis of nutraceuticals (that is, fluorescence quenching of merbromin reagent upon lipoic acid addition). These robust regression methods were used to calculate calibration data from the fluorescence quenching reaction (∆F and F-ratio) under ideal or non-ideal linearity conditions. For each condition, data were treated using three regression fittings: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), LMS and IRLS. Assessment of linearity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ), accuracy and precision were carefully studied for each condition. LMS and IRLS regression line fittings showed significant improvement in correlation coefficients and all regression parameters for both methods and both conditions. In the ideal linearity condition, the intercept and slope changed insignificantly, but a dramatic change was observed for the non-ideal condition and linearity intercept. Under both linearity conditions, LOD and LOQ values after the robust regression line fitting of data were lower than those obtained before data treatment. The results obtained after statistical treatment indicated that the linearity ranges for drug determination could be expanded to lower limits of quantitation by enhancing the regression equation parameters after data treatment. Analysis results for lipoic acid in capsules, using both fluorimetric methods, treated by parametric OLS and after treatment by robust LMS and IRLS were compared for both linearity conditions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of a novel GRPR antagonist for prostate cancer PET imaging: [64Cu]-DOTHA2-PEG-RM26.

Science.gov (United States)

Mansour, Nematallah; Paquette, Michel; Ait-Mohand, Samia; Dumulon-Perreault, Véronique; Guérin, Brigitte

2018-01-01

Gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs) are significantly over-expressed on a large proportion of prostate cancers making them prime candidates for receptor-mediated nuclear imaging by PET. Recently, we synthesized a novel bifunctional chelator (BFC) bearing hydroxamic acid arms (DOTHA 2 ). Here we investigated the potential of a novel DOTHA 2 -conjugated, 64 Cu-radiolabeled GRPR peptide antagonist, [D-Phe 6 -Sta 13 -Leu 14 -NH 2 ]bombesin(6-14) (DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26) to visualize prostate tumors by PET imaging. DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 was conveniently and efficiently assembled on solid support. The compound was radiolabeled with 64 Cu and its affinity, stability, cellular uptake on PC3 prostate cancer cells were evaluated. The in vitro and in vivo behavior of [ 64 Cu]DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 was examined by PET imaging using human PC3 prostate cancer xenografts and its behavior was compared to that of the analogous [ 64 Cu]NOTA-PEG-RM26. The inhibition constant of nat Cu-DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 was in the low nanomolar range (0.68±0.19 nM). The [ 64 Cu]DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 conjugate was prepared with a labeling yield >95% and molar activity of 56±3 GBq/μmol after a 5-min room temperature labeling. [ 64 Cu]-DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 demonstrated rapid blood and renal clearance as well as a high tumor uptake. Small animal PET images confirmed high and specific uptake in PC3 tumor. Both [ 64 Cu]-DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 and [ 64 Cu]-NOTA-PEG-RM26 displayed similar tumor and normal tissue uptakes at early time point post injection. [ 64 Cu]-DOTHA 2 -PEG-RM26 allows visualization of prostate tumors by PET imaging. DOTHA 2 enables fast 64 Cu chelation under mild condition, and as such could be used advantageously for the development of other 64 Cu-labeled peptide-derived PET tracers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Redox and pH dual-responsive PEG and chitosan-conjugated hollow mesoporous silica for controlled drug release

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiao, Jian; Li, Xian; Zhang, Sha; Liu, Jie; Di, Donghua [Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016 (China); Zhang, Ying [School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, PR China. (China); Zhao, Qinfu, E-mail: zqf021110505@163.com [Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016 (China); Wang, Siling, E-mail: silingwang@syphu.edu.cn [Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016 (China)

2016-10-01

In this paper, a hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN) was used as the drug vehicle to develop the redox and pH dual stimuli-responsive delivery system, in which the chitosan (CS), a biodegradable cationic polymer, was grafted on the surface of HMSN via the cleavable disulfide bonds. CS was chosen as the gatekeeper mainly due to its appropriate molecular weight as well as possessing abundant amino groups which could be protonated in the acidic condition to achieve pH-responsive drug release. In addition, the PEG was further grafted on the surface of CS to increase the stability and biocompatibility under physiological conditions. The DOX loaded DOX/HMSN-SS-CS@PEG had a relatively high drug loading efficiency up to 32.8%. In vitro release results indicated that DOX was dramatically blocked within the mesopores of HMSN-SS-CS@PEG in pH 7.4 PBS without addition of GSH. However, the release rate of DOX was markedly increased after the addition of 10 mM GSH or in pH 5.0 release medium. Moreover, the release of DOX was further improved in pH 5.0 PBS with 10 mM GSH. The HMSN-SS-CS@PEG could markedly decrease the hemolysis percent and protein adsorption, and increase the biocompatibility and stability of HMSN compared with the HMSN-SS-CS and bare HMSN. This work suggested an exploration about HMSN based stimuli-responsive drug delivery and these results demonstrated that HMSN-SS-CS@PEG exhibited dual-responsive drug release property and could be used as a promising carrier for cancer therapy. - Highlights: • Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN) were used as a drug carrier. • Chitosan (CS) and PEG were grafted on the surface of HMSN via disulfide bonds. • The DOX loaded DOX/HMSN-SS-CS@PEG had a high drug loading efficiency up to 32.8%. • DOX/HMSN-SS-CS@PEG showed redox/pH dual-responsive drug release property in vitro. • The grafted PEG could increase the biocompatibility and stability of HMSN.

Redox and pH dual-responsive PEG and chitosan-conjugated hollow mesoporous silica for controlled drug release

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiao, Jian; Li, Xian; Zhang, Sha; Liu, Jie; Di, Donghua; Zhang, Ying; Zhao, Qinfu; Wang, Siling

2016-01-01

In this paper, a hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN) was used as the drug vehicle to develop the redox and pH dual stimuli-responsive delivery system, in which the chitosan (CS), a biodegradable cationic polymer, was grafted on the surface of HMSN via the cleavable disulfide bonds. CS was chosen as the gatekeeper mainly due to its appropriate molecular weight as well as possessing abundant amino groups which could be protonated in the acidic condition to achieve pH-responsive drug release. In addition, the PEG was further grafted on the surface of CS to increase the stability and biocompatibility under physiological conditions. The DOX loaded DOX/HMSN-SS-CS@PEG had a relatively high drug loading efficiency up to 32.8%. In vitro release results indicated that DOX was dramatically blocked within the mesopores of HMSN-SS-CS@PEG in pH 7.4 PBS without addition of GSH. However, the release rate of DOX was markedly increased after the addition of 10 mM GSH or in pH 5.0 release medium. Moreover, the release of DOX was further improved in pH 5.0 PBS with 10 mM GSH. The HMSN-SS-CS@PEG could markedly decrease the hemolysis percent and protein adsorption, and increase the biocompatibility and stability of HMSN compared with the HMSN-SS-CS and bare HMSN. This work suggested an exploration about HMSN based stimuli-responsive drug delivery and these results demonstrated that HMSN-SS-CS@PEG exhibited dual-responsive drug release property and could be used as a promising carrier for cancer therapy. - Highlights: • Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN) were used as a drug carrier. • Chitosan (CS) and PEG were grafted on the surface of HMSN via disulfide bonds. • The DOX loaded DOX/HMSN-SS-CS@PEG had a high drug loading efficiency up to 32.8%. • DOX/HMSN-SS-CS@PEG showed redox/pH dual-responsive drug release property in vitro. • The grafted PEG could increase the biocompatibility and stability of HMSN.

Enhancement of dielectric permittivity by incorporating PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymers in silicone elastomers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Szabo, Peter; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

2015-01-01

A silicone elastomer from PDMS-PEG multiblock copolymer has been prepared by use of silylation reactions for both copolymer preparation and crosslinking. The dielectric and mechanical properties of the silicone elastomers were carefully investigated, as well as the morphology of the elastomers wa...... to a significantly increased dielectric permittivity. The conductivity also remained low due to the resulting discontinuity in PEG within the silicone matrix....

Facile synthesis of mPEG-luteolin-capped silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity to neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Qing, Weixia; Wang, Yong; Li, Xiao; Lu, Minghua; Liu, Xiuhua

2017-12-01

We firstly report a facile route for the green synthesis of mPEG-luteolin-capped silver nanoparticles (mPEG-luteolin-AgNPs) using mPEG-luteolin as both the reducer and stabilizer. The reaction was carried out in a stirred aqueous solution at 50°C without additional poisonous reagents. The prepared mPEG-luteolin-AgNPs was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), zeta potential and UV-vis (UV-vis) spectrum, respectively. The proportions of mPEG-luteolin capped silver nanoparticles is about 89.9%, and the content of silver is 6.65%. The mPEG-luteolin-AgNPs was evaluated the antimicrobial effects on Staphlococcus aureus, Extended spectrum β-Lactamases Staphlococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli and Extended spectrum β-Lactamases Escherichia Coli using drilling hole method. The results showed that both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were killed by the mPEG-luteolin-AgNPs at low concentration. Meanwhile, the cell viability assay demonstrated that mPEG-luteolin-AgNPs had toxic effects on human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced mechanical properties of linear segmented shape memory poly(urethane-urea) by incorporating flexible PEG400 and rigid piperazine

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiao-Yan; Ma, Yu-Fei; Li, Yong-Gang; Wang, Pin-Pin; Wang, Yuan-Liang; Luo, Yan-Feng

2012-12-01

The goal of this study is to design and synthesize a linear segmented shape memory poly(urethane-urea) (SMPUU) that possesses near-body-temperature shape memory temperature ( T tran) and enhanced mechanical properties by incorporating flexible poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG400) to form poly(D,L-lactic acid)-based macrodiols (PDLLA-PEG400-PDLLA) and then rigid piperazine (PPZ) as a chain extender to form the desired SMPUUs (PEG400-PUU-PPZ). PEG400 increased M n while maintaining a lower T g of PDLLA-PEG400-PDLLA, which together with PPZ improved the mechanical properties of PEG400-PUU-PPZ. The obtained optimum SMPUU with enhanced mechanical properties ( σ y = 24.28 MPa; ɛ f = 698%; U f = 181.5 MJ/m3) and a T g of 40.62°C exhibited sound shape memory properties as well, suggesting a promising SMPUU for in vivo biomedical applications.

Fitting method of pseudo-polynomial for solving nonlinear parametric adjustment

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

陶华学; 宫秀军; 郭金运

2001-01-01

The optimal condition and its geometrical characters of the least-square adjustment were proposed. Then the relation between the transformed surface and least-squares was discussed. Based on the above, a non-iterative method, called the fitting method of pseudo-polynomial, was derived in detail. The final least-squares solution can be determined with sufficient accuracy in a single step and is not attained by moving the initial point in the view of iteration. The accuracy of the solution relys wholly on the frequency of Taylor's series. The example verifies the correctness and validness of the method.

Least-Squares Approximation of an Improper Correlation Matrix by a Proper One.

Science.gov (United States)

Knol, Dirk L.; ten Berge, Jos M. F.

1989-01-01

An algorithm, based on a solution for C. I. Mosier's oblique Procrustes rotation problem, is presented for the best least-squares fitting correlation matrix approximating a given missing value or improper correlation matrix. Results are of interest for missing value and tetrachoric correlation, indefinite matrix correlation, and constrained…

A soft and conductive PDMS-PEG block copolymer as a compliant electrode for dielectric elastomers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A Razak, Aliff Hisyam; Szabo, Peter; Skov, Anne Ladegaard

Conductive PDMS-PEG block copolymers (Mn = 3 – 5 kg/mol) were chain-extended (Mn = 30 – 45 kg/mol) using hydrosilylation reaction as presented in figure 1. Subsequently, the extended copolymers were added to a conductive nano-filler (multi-walled carbon nanotubes – MWCNTs) in order to enhance...... conductivity. The combination of soft chainextended PDMS-PEG block copolymers and conductive MWCNTs results in a soft and conductive block copolymer composite which potentially can be used as a compliant and highly stretchable electrode for dielectric elastomers. The addition of MWCNTs into the PDMS-PEG matrix...... MWCNTs is 10-3 S/cm compared to 10-1 S/cm of a non-stretchable reference conducting silicone elastomer (LR3162 from Wacker). Furthermore, PDMS-PEG block copolymer with 4 phr MWCNTs (Young’s modulus, Y = 0.26 MPa) is softer and more stretchable thanLR3162 (Y = 1.17 MPa)....

PEG-Immobilized Keratin for Protein Drug Sequestration and pH-Mediated Delivery

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Roche C. de Guzman

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Protein drugs like growth factors are promising therapeutics for damaged-tissue repair. Their local delivery often requires biomaterial carriers for achieving the therapeutic dose range while extending efficacy. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG and keratin were crosslinked and used as sponge-like scaffolds (KTN-PEG to absorb test proteins with different isoelectric points (pI: albumin (~5, hemoglobin (~7, and lysozyme (~11. The protein release kinetics was influenced by charge at physiological pH 7.4. The keratin network, with pI 5.3, electrostatically attracted lysozyme and repulsed albumin generating the release rate profile: albumin > hemoglobin > lysozyme. However, under acidic conditions (pH 4, all proteins including keratins were positively charged and consequently intermolecular repulsion altered the release hierarchy, now determined by size (MW diffusion: lysozyme (14 kDa > hemoglobin (64 kDa > albumin (66 kDa. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C, with properties comparable to lysozyme, was absorbed into the KTN-PEG scaffold. Endothelial cells cultured on this substrate had significantly larger numbers than on scaffolds without VEGF-C suggesting that the ionically bound and retained growth factor at neutral pH indirectly increased acute cell attachment and viability. PEG and keratin based sequestrations of proteins with basic pIs are therefore a feasible strategy with potential applications for selective biologics delivery.

Aqueous biphasic systems containing PEG-based deep eutectic solvents for high-performance partitioning of RNA.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Hongmei; Wang, Yuzhi; Zhou, Yigang; Xu, Kaijia; Li, Na; Wen, Qian; Yang, Qin

2017-08-01

In this work, 16 kinds of novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and quaternary ammonium salts, were coupled with Aqueous Biphasic Systems (ABSs) to extract RNA. The phase forming ability of ABSs were comprehensively evaluated, involving the effects of various proportions of DESs' components, carbon chain length and anions species of quaternary ammonium salts, average molecular weights of PEG and inorganic salts nature. Then the systems were applied in RNA extraction, and the results revealed that the extraction efficiency values were distinctly enhanced by relatively lower PEG content in DESs, smaller PEG molecular weights, longer carbon chain of quaternary ammonium salts and more hydrophobic inorganic salts. Then the systems composed of [TBAB][PEG600] and Na 2 SO 4 were utilized in the influence factor experiments, proving that the electrostatic interaction was the dominant force for RNA extraction. Therefore, back-extraction efficiency values ranging between 85.19% and 90.78% were obtained by adjusting the ionic strength. Besides, the selective separation of RNA and tryptophane (Trp) was successfully accomplished. It was found that 86.19% RNA was distributed in the bottom phase, while 72.02% Trp was enriched in the top phase in the novel ABSs. Finally, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to further investigate the extraction mechanism. The proposed method reveals the outstanding feasibility of the newly developed ABSs formed by PEG-based DESs and inorganic salts for the green extraction of RNA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fitting theories of nuclear binding energies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bertsch, G.F.; Sabbey, B.; Uusnaekki, M.

2005-01-01

In developing theories of nuclear binding energy such as density-functional theory, the effort required to make a fit can be daunting because of the large number of parameters that may be in the theory and the large number of nuclei in the mass table. For theories based on the Skyrme interaction, the effort can be reduced considerably by using the singular value decomposition to reduce the size of the parameter space. We find that the sensitive parameters define a space of dimension four or so, and within this space a linear refit is adequate for a number of Skyrme parameters sets from the literature. We find no marked differences in the quality of the fit among the SLy4, the BSk4, and SkP parameter sets. The root-mean-square residual error in even-even nuclei is about 1.5 MeV, half the value of the liquid drop model. We also discuss an alternative norm for evaluating mass fits, the Chebyshev norm. It focuses attention on the cases with the largest discrepancies between theory and experiment. We show how it works with the liquid drop model and make some applications to models based on Skyrme energy functionals. The Chebyshev norm seems to be more sensitive to new experimental data than the root-mean-square norm. The method also has the advantage that candidate improvements to the theories can be assessed with computations on smaller sets of nuclei

Effects of cloud-point grafting, chain length, and density of PEG layers on competitive adsorption of ocular proteins

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kingshott, P.; Thissen, H.; Griesser, H.J.

2002-01-01

The effects of pinning density, chain length, and 'cloud point' (CP) versus non-CP grafting conditions have been studied on the ability of polyethylene glycol (PEG) layers to minimize adsorption from a multicomponent (lysozyme, human serum albumin (HSA), IgG and lactoferrin) protein solution...... density) r.f.g.d. polymer layers. The PEG graft density was varied also by increasing the temperature and salt (K2SO4) content of the grafting solution; it reached a maximum at the CP of the PEGs. The CP reaction conditions were critical for producing PEG layers capable of minimizing protein adsorption. X...... density and chain length are interrelated, but the key factor is optimization of PEG chain density by use of the CP conditions, provided that a sufficient density of pinning sites exists. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved....

Alginate/PEG based microcarriers with cleavable crosslinkage for expansion and non-invasive harvest of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Chunge [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072 (China); Qian, Yufeng [Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712 (United States); Zhao, Shuang [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072 (China); Yin, Yuji, E-mail: yinyuji@tju.edu.cn [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072 (China); Li, Junjie, E-mail: li41308@tju.edu.cn [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072 (China); Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, No. 27, Taiping Road, Beijing 100850 (China)

2016-07-01

Porous microcarriers are increasingly used to expand and harvest stem cells. Generally, the cells are harvested via proteolytic enzyme treatment, which always leads to damages to stem cells. To address this disadvantage, a series of alginate/PEG (AL/PEG) semi-interpenetrating network microcarriers are prepared in this study. In this AL/PEG system, the chemically cross-linked alginate networks are formed via the reaction between carboxylic acid group of alginate and di-terminated amine groups of cystamine. PEG is introduced to modulate the degradation of microcarriers, which does not participate in this cross-linked reaction, while it interpenetrates in alginate network via physical interactions. In addition, chitosan are coated on the surface of AL/PEG to improve the mechanical strength via the electrostatic interactions. Biocompatible fibronectin are also coated on these microcarriers to modulate the biological behaviors of cells seeded in microcarriers. Results suggest that the size of AL/PEG microcarriers can be modulated via adjusting the contents and molecular weight of PEG. Moreover, the microcarriers are designed to be degraded with cleavage of disulfide crosslinkage. By changing the type and concentration of reductant, the ratio of AL to PEG, and the magnitude of chitosan coating, the degradation ability of AL/PEG microcarriers can be well controlled. In addition, AL/PEG microcarriers can support the attachment and proliferation of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). More importantly, the expanded hUCB-MSCs can be detached from microcarriers after addition of reductant, which indeed reduce the cell damage caused by proteolytic enzyme treatment. Therefore, it is convinced that AL/PEG based microcarriers will be a promising candidate for large-scale expansion of hUCB-MSCs. - Graphical abstract: Alginate/PEG IPN microcarriers can support the attachment and expansion of hUCB-MSCs. More importantly, the expanded cells can be harvested

Alginate/PEG based microcarriers with cleavable crosslinkage for expansion and non-invasive harvest of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Chunge; Qian, Yufeng; Zhao, Shuang; Yin, Yuji; Li, Junjie

2016-01-01

Porous microcarriers are increasingly used to expand and harvest stem cells. Generally, the cells are harvested via proteolytic enzyme treatment, which always leads to damages to stem cells. To address this disadvantage, a series of alginate/PEG (AL/PEG) semi-interpenetrating network microcarriers are prepared in this study. In this AL/PEG system, the chemically cross-linked alginate networks are formed via the reaction between carboxylic acid group of alginate and di-terminated amine groups of cystamine. PEG is introduced to modulate the degradation of microcarriers, which does not participate in this cross-linked reaction, while it interpenetrates in alginate network via physical interactions. In addition, chitosan are coated on the surface of AL/PEG to improve the mechanical strength via the electrostatic interactions. Biocompatible fibronectin are also coated on these microcarriers to modulate the biological behaviors of cells seeded in microcarriers. Results suggest that the size of AL/PEG microcarriers can be modulated via adjusting the contents and molecular weight of PEG. Moreover, the microcarriers are designed to be degraded with cleavage of disulfide crosslinkage. By changing the type and concentration of reductant, the ratio of AL to PEG, and the magnitude of chitosan coating, the degradation ability of AL/PEG microcarriers can be well controlled. In addition, AL/PEG microcarriers can support the attachment and proliferation of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). More importantly, the expanded hUCB-MSCs can be detached from microcarriers after addition of reductant, which indeed reduce the cell damage caused by proteolytic enzyme treatment. Therefore, it is convinced that AL/PEG based microcarriers will be a promising candidate for large-scale expansion of hUCB-MSCs. - Graphical abstract: Alginate/PEG IPN microcarriers can support the attachment and expansion of hUCB-MSCs. More importantly, the expanded cells can be harvested

Clinical trial: single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of polyethylene glycol (PEG-3350) in healthy young and elderly subjects.

Science.gov (United States)

Pelham, R W; Nix, L C; Chavira, R E; Cleveland, M Vb; Stetson, P

2008-07-01

The pharmacokinetics of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350) have not been fully described because of lack of a sufficiently sensitive analytical method. To describe the pharmacokinetics of PEG-3350 in humans. A highly sensitive, high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method was developed for PEG-3350 in urine, plasma and faeces with quantification limits of 30 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL and 500 microg/g respectively. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetics methods were used and the effects of gender, age, renal status and dosing frequency were examined after the oral administration of 17 g to healthy volunteers. Peak PEG-3350 plasma concentrations occurred at 2-4 h and declined to nonquantifiable levels usually within 18 h after single and multiple doses, with a half-life of about 4-6 h. Steady state was reached within 5 days of dosing. Mean urinary excretion of the administered dose ranged from 0.19% to 0.25%. Age, gender or mild kidney impairment did not alter the pharmacokinetics of PEG-3350. Mean faecal excretion of the administered dose was 93% in young subjects. For the first time, a highly sensitive assay allowed comprehensive pharmacokinetics studies of PEG-3350 in humans. These studies confirmed that orally administered PEG-3350 is minimally absorbed, rapidly excreted and primarily eliminated via faeces.

Composite porous scaffold of PEG/PLA support improved bone matrix deposition in vitro compared to PLA-only scaffolds.

Science.gov (United States)

Bhaskar, Birru; Owen, Robert; Bahmaee, Hossein; Wally, Zena; Sreenivasa Rao, Parcha; Reilly, Gwendolen C

2018-05-01

Controllable pore size and architecture are essential properties for tissue-engineering scaffolds to support cell ingrowth colonization. To investigate the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) addition on porosity and bone-cell behavior, porous polylactic acid (PLA)-PEG scaffolds were developed with varied weight ratios of PLA-PEG (100/0, 90/10, 75/25) using solvent casting and porogen leaching. Sugar 200-300 µm in size was used as a porogen. To assess scaffold suitability for bone tissue engineering, MLO-A5 murine osteoblast cells were cultured and cell metabolic activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone-matrix production determined using (alizarin red S staining for calcium and direct red 80 staining for collagen). It was found that metabolic activity was significantly higher over time on scaffolds containing PEG, ALP activity and mineralized matrix production were also significantly higher on scaffolds containing 25% PEG. Porous architecture and cell distribution and penetration into the scaffold were analyzed using SEM and confocal microscopy, revealing that inclusion of PEG increased pore interconnectivity and therefore cell ingrowth in comparison to pure PLA scaffolds. The results of this study confirmed that PLA-PEG porous scaffolds support mineralizing osteoblasts better than pure PLA scaffolds, indicating they have a high potential for use in bone tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1334-1340, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Use of Powder PEG-3350 as a Sole Bowel Preparation

Science.gov (United States)

Arora, Manish

2008-01-01

Objective: To assess the efficacy of low-volume powder polyethylene glycol (PEG)-3350 as a sole bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Methods: This case series examined 245 consecutive patients (a mixture of inpatients and outpatients undergoing screening colonoscopy) at a hospital endoscopy center over a 2-year period. The patients received powder PEG-3350 in the amount of 204 g dissolved in 32 oz of water and taken in 3 divided doses 1 hour apart with 8 oz of water in between each dose. Colon preparation scores (CPS) were used to assess the quality of colon cleansing. The results obtained from the 245 patients were collated and compared to those of patients receiving sodium phosphate, the historical control. Results: The mean CPS was calculated to be 3.43, with a standard deviation of 1.12. Of the 245 patients, 92 were scored with a grade of 4, and 5 patients had incomplete colonoscopies secondary to failure of bowel preparation (CPS=0). Among the remaining patients, 22 and 26 were graded as poor (CPS=1) or fair (CPS=2) bowel preparations, respectively. Conclusion: The low-volume powder PEG-3350 formula used in our case series showed effective colon cleansing and may be considered for use as a sole bowel preparation. PMID:21960925

Modification of titanium surfaces by adding antibiotic-loaded PHB spheres and PEG for biomedical applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Rodríguez-Contreras, Alejandra; Marqués-Calvo, María Soledad; Gil, Francisco Javier; Manero, José María

2016-08-01

Novel researches are focused on the prevention and management of post-operative infections. To avoid this common complication of implant surgery, it is preferable to use new biomaterials with antibacterial properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop a method of combining the antibacterial properties of antibiotic-loaded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) nano- and micro-spheres and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an antifouling agent, with titanium (Ti), as the base material for implants, in order to obtain surfaces with antibacterial activity. The Ti surfaces were linked to both PHB particles and PEG by a covalent bond. This attachment was carried out by firstly activating the surfaces with either Oxygen plasma or Sodium hydroxide. Further functionalization of the activated surfaces with different alkoxysilanes allows the reaction with PHB particles and PEG. The study confirms that the Ti surfaces achieved the antibacterial properties by combining the antibiotic-loaded PHB spheres, and PEG as an antifouling agent.

Influence of PEG coating on optical and thermal response of gold nanoshperes and nanorods

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Qin; Ren, Yatao; Qi, Hong; Ruan, Liming

2018-06-01

PEGylation is widely applied as a surface modification method for nanoparticles in biomedical applications to improve their biological properties, including biocompatibility and immunogenicity. In most of its biomedical applications, nanoparticles are served as optical or thermal contrast agents. Therefore, the impact of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) coating thickness on the optical and thermal properties of nanoparticles needs to be further investigated. In the present work, we studied two kinds of commonly used nanoparticles, including nanosphere and nanorod. The temperature and electric fields are obtained for nanoparticles with different PEG coating thicknesses. It is found that the change of PEG coating thickness on gold nanospheres only has impact on the absolute value of maximum absorption and scattering efficiencies, which barely influences the LSPR wavelength λmax and other optical and thermal characteristics. In contrast, for nanorod, the maximum efficiencies are barely influenced by the variation of PEG coating thickness. On the other hand, the localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength has an evident red shift with the increasing of PEG coating thickness. The maximum absorption efficiency is a way to evaluate the energy dissipation rate, which decides the scale of the heat source induced by nanoparticles. These findings are crucial for the accurate prediction of optical and thermal properties of nanoparticles in biomedical application. The present work also presents a possible way to manipulate the optical and thermal behaviors of nanoparticles in the application of biomedicine without changing the morphology of nanoparticles.

Synthesized of PEG-6000 coated MgFe2O4 nanoparticles based on natural iron sand by co-precipitation method

Science.gov (United States)

Setiadi, E. A.; Simbolon, S.; Saputra, A. S. P.; Marlianto, E.; Djuhana; Kurniawan, C.; Yunus, M.; Sebayang, P.

2018-02-01

The polymer coated Magnesium Ferrite nanoparticles (MgFe2O4) based on natural iron sand, Mg(CH3COO)2.4H2O, and PEG-6000 have been successfully prepared by co-precipitation method. The mass variation of PEG-6000 content was from 0 to 12 gram. It was prepared at synthesize temperature of 70°C. The PEG coating reduced the effect of agglomeration, so the coercivity value can be closed to soft magnets. The nanoparticle of synthesized has MgFe2O4 single phase and cubic spinel structure. The bonding of MgFe2O4 and PEG-6000 as a coating material was confirmed by FTIR curve. The MgFe2O4 density decreased with the increasing of PEG 6000 content. On the other hand, the coercivity value was slightly reduced as the addition of PEG-6000, with the lowest value was obtained on 8 gram PEG content. The optimum condition is obtained at addition of 8 gram PEG 6000 to MgFe2O4, with coercivity, saturation, and remanence are 198.41 Oe, 52.53 emu/g, and 8.51 emu/g, respectively. So that, the sample is widely used as absorbance material of heavy metal.

PEG 3350 (Transipeg) versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood functional constipation: a double blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial

Science.gov (United States)

Voskuijl, W; de Lorijn, F; Verwijs, W; Hogeman, P; Heijmans, J; Mäkel, W; Taminiau, J; Benninga, M

2004-01-01

Background: Recently, polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) has been suggested as a good alternative laxative to lactulose as a treatment option in paediatric constipation. However, no large randomised controlled trials exist evaluating the efficacy of either laxative. Aims: To compare PEG 3350 (Transipeg: polyethylene glycol with electrolytes) with lactulose in paediatric constipation and evaluate clinical efficacy/side effects. Patients: One hundred patients (aged 6 months–15 years) with paediatric constipation were included in an eight week double blinded, randomised, controlled trial. Methods: After faecal disimpaction, patients encopresis frequency/week and successful treatment after eight weeks. Success was defined as a defecation frequency ⩾3/week and encopresis ⩽1 every two weeks. Secondary outcome measures were side effects after eight weeks of treatment. Results: A total of 91 patients (49 male) completed the study. A significant increase in defecation frequency (PEG 3350: 3 pre v 7 post treatment/week; lactulose: 3 pre v 6 post/week) and a significant decrease in encopresis frequency (PEG 3350: 10 pre v 3 post/week; lactulose: 8 pre v 3 post/week) was found in both groups (NS). However, success was significantly higher in the PEG group (56%) compared with the lactulose group (29%). PEG 3350 patients reported less abdominal pain, straining, and pain at defecation than children using lactulose. However, bad taste was reported significantly more often in the PEG group. Conclusions: PEG 3350 (0.26 (0.11) g/kg), compared with lactulose (0.66 (0.32) g/kg), provided a higher success rate with fewer side effects. PEG 3350 should be the laxative of first choice in childhood constipation. PMID:15479678

Biocompatible and colloidally stabilized mPEG-PE/calcium phosphate hybrid nanoparticles loaded with siRNAs targeting tumors

OpenAIRE

Gao, Pei; Zhang, Xiangyu; Wang, Hongzhi; Zhang, Qinghong; Li, He; Li, Yaogang; Duan, Yourong

2015-01-01

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles are safe and effective delivery vehicles for small interfering RNA (siRNA), as a result of their excellent biocompatibility. In this work, mPEG-PE (polyethylene glycol-L-?-phosphatidylethanolamine) was synthesized and used to prepare nanoparticles composed of mPEG-PE and calcium phosphate for siRNA delivery. Calcium phosphate and mPEG-PE formed the stable hybrid nanoparticles through self-assembly resulting from electrostatic interaction in water. The average s...

Box-Cox transformation for resolving Peelle's Pertinent Puzzle in curve fitting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oh, Soo-Youl

2003-01-01

Incorporating the Box-Cox transformation into a least-squares method is presented as one of resolutions of an anomaly known as Peelle's Pertinent Puzzle. The transformation is a strategy to make non-normal distribution data resemble normal data. A procedure is proposed: transform the measured raw data with an optimized Box-Cox transformation parameter, fit the transformed data using a usual curve fitting method, then inverse-transform the fitted results to final estimates. The generalized least-squares method utilized in GMA is adopted as the curve fitting tool for the test of proposed procedure. In the procedure, covariance matrices are correspondingly transformed and inverse-transformed with the aid of error propagation law. In addition to a sensible answer to the Peelle's problem itself, the procedure resulted in reasonable estimates of 6 Li(n,t) cross sections in several to 800 keV energy region. Meanwhile, comparisons of the present procedure with that of Chiba and Smith show that both procedures yield estimates so close each other for the sample evaluation on 6 Li(n,t) above as well as for the Peelle's problem. Two procedures, however, are conceptually very different and further discussions would be needed for a consensus on this issue of resolving the Puzzle. It is also pointed out that the transformation is applicable not only to a least-squares method but also to other parameter estimation method such as a usual Bayesian approach formulated with an assumption of normality of the probability density function. (author)

Intracellular targeting of mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate (BSH) to malignant glioma by transferrin-PEG liposomes for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doi, Atsushi; Miyatake, Shin-ichi; Iida, Kyouko

2006-01-01

Malignant glioma is one of the most difficult tumor to control with usual therapies. In our institute, we select boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) as an adjuvant radiation therapy after surgical resection. This therapy requires the selective delivery of high concentration of 10 B to malignant tumor tissue. In this study, we focused on a tumor-targeting 10 B delivery system (BDS) for BNCT that uses transferrin-conjugated polyethylene-glycol liposome encapsulating BSH (TF-PEG liposome-BSH) and compared 10 B uptake of the tumor among BSH, PEG liposome-BSH and TF-PEG liposome-BSH. In vitro, we analyzed 10 B concentration of the cultured human U87Δ glioma cells incubated in medium containing 20 μg 10 B/ml derived from each BDS by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In vivo, human U87Δ glioma-bearing nude mice were administered with each BDS (35mg 10 B/kg) intravenously. We analyzed 10 B concentration of tumor, normal brain and blood by ICP-AES. The TF-PEG liposome-BSH showed higher absolute concentration more than the other BDS. Moreover, TF-PEG liposome-BSH decreased 10 B concentration in blood and normal tissue while it maintained high 10 B concentration in tumor tissue for a couple of days. This showed the TF-PEG liposome-BSH caused the selective delivery of high concentration of 10 B to malignant tumor tissue. The TF-PEG liposome-BSH is more potent BDS for BNCT to obtain absolute high 10 B concentration and good contrast between tumor and normal tissue than BSH and PEG liposome-BSH. (author)

Structural, spectroscopic and anti-microbial inspection of PEG capped ZnO nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Science.gov (United States)

Meshram, J. V.; Koli, V. B.; Kumbhar, S. G.; Borde, L. C.; Phadatare, M. R.; Pawar, S. H.

2018-04-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide range of biomedical applications. Present study demonstrates the new methodology in sol-gel technology for synthesizing Polyethylene glycol (PEG) capped ZnO NPs and its size effect on anti-microbial activity. The reaction time was increased from 1 h to 5 h for the synthesis of ZnO NPs at 130 °C. The size of PEG capped ZnO NPs is increased from 10 to 84 nm by increasing the reaction upto 5 h. The x-ray diffraction studies and transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the phase purity and hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with uniform PEG capping on the surface of ZnO NPs. UV–visible spectroscopy exhibits the peak at 366 nm which is attributed to ZnO NPs. No adverse effect is observed in case of absorbance spectroscopy. Further, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis depicts the adsorption of PEG molecules on the ZnO NPs surface. The anti-microbial activities for both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria were studied by optical density (OD) mesurement. The remarkable anti-microbial activity was observed for PEG capped ZnO NPs synthesized at 1 h reaction time showing higher activity in comparison with that synthesized from 2 h to 5 h reaction time. The microbial growth was found to be inhibited after 10 h OD measurement for both the bacteria. The anti-microbial activity may be attributed to the generation of ROS and H2O2. However, these generated species plays a vital role in inhibition of microbial growth. Hence, PEG capped ZnO NPs has promising biomedical applications.

Improvements in Spectrum's fit to program data tool.

Science.gov (United States)

Mahiane, Severin G; Marsh, Kimberly; Grantham, Kelsey; Crichlow, Shawna; Caceres, Karen; Stover, John

2017-04-01

The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS-supported Spectrum software package (Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA) is used by most countries worldwide to monitor the HIV epidemic. In Spectrum, HIV incidence trends among adults (aged 15-49 years) are derived by either fitting to seroprevalence surveillance and survey data or generating curves consistent with program and vital registration data, such as historical trends in the number of newly diagnosed infections or people living with HIV and AIDS related deaths. This article describes development and application of the fit to program data (FPD) tool in Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS' 2016 estimates round. In the FPD tool, HIV incidence trends are described as a simple or double logistic function. Function parameters are estimated from historical program data on newly reported HIV cases, people living with HIV or AIDS-related deaths. Inputs can be adjusted for proportions undiagnosed or misclassified deaths. Maximum likelihood estimation or minimum chi-squared distance methods are used to identify the best fitting curve. Asymptotic properties of the estimators from these fits are used to estimate uncertainty. The FPD tool was used to fit incidence for 62 countries in 2016. Maximum likelihood and minimum chi-squared distance methods gave similar results. A double logistic curve adequately described observed trends in all but four countries where a simple logistic curve performed better. Robust HIV-related program and vital registration data are routinely available in many middle-income and high-income countries, whereas HIV seroprevalence surveillance and survey data may be scarce. In these countries, the FPD tool offers a simpler, improved approach to estimating HIV incidence trends.

Application of 10B entrapped PEG-liposome to boron neutron-capture therapy for pancreatic cancer model in vivo

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanagie, H.; Eriguchi, M.; Maruyama, K.; Takizawa, T.; Ishida, O.; Ogura, K.; Matsumoto, T.; Sakurai, Y.; Kobayashi, T.; Ono, K.; Rant, J.; Skvarc, J.; Ilic, R.; Shinohara, A.; Chiba, M.; Kobayashi, H.

1999-01-01

The cytotoxic effects for tumor were evaluated with intravenous injection 10 B PEG-liposome (Stealth liposome) on human pancreatic carcinoma wenografts in nude mice with thermal neutron irradiation. After thermal neutron irradiation of mice injected with 10 B bare-liposome or 10 B PEG liposome, AsPC-1 tumour growth was suppressed relative to controls. Injection of 10 B PEG-liposome caused the greatest tumour suppression with thermal neutron irradiation in vivo. These results suggest that intravenous injection of 10 B PEG-liposome can increase the retention of 10 B atoms by tumor cells, causing tumor growth suppression in vivo upon thermal neutron irradiation.(author)

Clinical Trial of AC105 (Mg/PEG) for Treatment of Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Phase 2

Science.gov (United States)

2013-10-01

glycol with a molecular weight of 3350 Daltons ( PEG 3350 ), is manufactured by Dow Chemical Company and complies with NF, FCC and EurPh requirements...Mg/ PEG ) for Treatment of Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Andrew Blight, PhD RECIPIENT: Acorda Therapeutics...of AC105 (Mg/ PEG ) for Treatment of Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-12-2 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d

Synthesis of PEG-Iodine-Capped Gold Nanoparticles and Their Contrast Enhancement in In Vitro and In Vivo for X-Ray/CT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun-Hee, K.; Eun-Mi, K.; Chang-Moon, L.; Dong, W.K.; Seok, T.L.; Myung-Hee, S.; Hwan-Jeong, J.

2012-01-01

We designed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with iodine and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to provide effective enhancement for X-ray CT imaging. The methoxy PEG-iodine-capped AuNPs were prepared through the chemisorption of iodine and substitution of methoxy PEG-SH onto the surface of gold nanoparticles, and severe aggregation in TEM was not observed. The binding energies of Au 4f 7/2 and I 3d 5/2 of the methoxy PEG-iodine-capped AuNPs were obtained as 84.1 eV and 619.3 eV, respectively. The binding energy shift of methoxy PEG-iodine-capped AuNPs would be resulted from the chemisorption between gold nanoparticles and iodine atoms. The methoxy PEG-iodine-capped AuNPs have higher enhancement compared to PEG-capped gold nanoparticles in the same amount of gold in vitro. After postinjection of methoxy PEG-iodine-capped AuNPs into the mice, dramatic contrast enhancement at the heart, aorta, liver, and kidney was observed, this was maintained up to 5 days, and there was no evidence of apparent toxicity. In conclusion, methoxy PEG-iodine-capped AuNPs might be a good candidate as a CT contrast agent for blood pool imaging, and this will also contribute to the prolongation of a blood circulation time for X-ray CT imaging.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG-400: An efficient medium for the synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Raja Sekhar Mekala

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Polyethylene glycol (PEG-400 was found to be an inexpensive, non-toxic, and effective medium for the one-pot synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles in excellent yields. Eco-friendliness, low cost, high yields, and recyclability of the PEG-400 are the important features of this protocol.

Vitamin D in addition to peg-interferon-alpha/ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C virus infection: ANRS-HC25-VITAVIC study.

Science.gov (United States)

Terrier, Benjamin; Lapidus, Nathanael; Pol, Stanislas; Serfaty, Lawrence; Ratziu, Vlad; Asselah, Tarik; Thibault, Vincent; Souberbielle, Jean-Claude; Carrat, Fabrice; Cacoub, Patrice

2015-05-14

To investigate if correction of hypovitaminosis D before initiation of Peg-interferon-alpha/ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) therapy could improve the efficacy of PegIFN/RBV in previously null-responder patients with chronic genotype 1 or 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Genotype 1 or 4 HCV-infected patients with null response to previous PegIFN/RBV treatment and with hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D level was 15 ng/mL (range: 7-28). In modified intention-to-treat analysis, 29 patients who received at least one dose of PegIFN/RBV were included in the analysis. All patients except one normalized their vitamin D serum levels. The rate of early virologic response was 0/29 (0%). The rate of HCV RNA vitamin D to PegIFN/RBV does not improve the rate of early virologic response in previously null-responders with chronic genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection.

Effect of spatial distribution of wax and PEG-isocyanate on the morphology and hydrophobicity of starch films.

Science.gov (United States)

Muscat, Delina; Adhikari, Raju; Tobin, Mark J; McKnight, Stafford; Wakeling, Lara; Adhikari, Benu

2014-10-13

This study proposes a novel method for improving surface hydrophobicity of glycerol plasticized high amylose (HAG) films. We used polyethylene glycol isocyanate (PEG-iso) crosslinker to link HAG and three natural waxes (beeswax, candelilla wax and carnauba wax) to produce HAG+wax+PEG-iso films. The spatial distributions of wax and PEG-iso across the thickness of these films were determined using Synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophobicity and surface morphology of the films were determined using contact angle (CA) and scanning electron microscopic measurements, respectively. The distribution patterns of wax and the PEG-iso across the thickness of the film, and the nature of crystalline patterns formed on the surface of these films were found to be the key factors affecting surface hydrophobicity. The highest hydrophobicity (CA >90°) was created when the PEG-iso was primarily distributed in the interior of the films and a hierarchical circular pinnacle structure of solidified wax was formed on the surface. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On calculating phase shifts and performing fits to scattering cross sections or transport properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hepburn, J.W.; Roy, R.J. Le

1978-01-01

Improved methods of calculating quantum mechanical phase shifts and for performing least-squares fits to scattering cross sections or transport properties, are described. Their use in a five-parameter fit to experimental differential cross sections reduces the computer time by a factor of 4-7. (Auth.)

Risks of PEG tube placement in patients with cirrhosis-associated ascites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Al-Abboodi Y

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Yasir Al-Abboodi,1 Ali Ridha,2 Matthew Fasullo,3 Tarek H Naguib4 1Internal Medicine Department, Saint Davis Round Rock Medical Centre, Round Rock, TX, USA, 2Internal Medicine Department, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AR, USA, 3Internal Medicine Department, Umass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA, 4Internal Medicine Department, Texas Tech University Health and Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA Abstract: This study examined the safety of placing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG tube in people with liver cirrhosis. The target population was further subdivided into people with ascites (case group and people without ascites (control. We compare the morbidity and the mortality difference of PEG placement in cirrhotic patients with ascites vs cirrhotic patients without ascites. We then examined multiple factors including sex, race, chronic illness including hypertension, congestive heart failure, and others and their influence on the inpatient mortality of all cirrhotic patients who had PEG placement. A total of 38,175 inpatient PEG tube placements were identified. Only 583 patients out of 38,175 had a history of cirrhosis. One hundred seven had ascites and the rest did not. Mean age of the patients was 61.14 years. Patient demography included (65.2% male and the rest were female, 359 were white (64.4%, 90 black (14.8%, 84 Hispanic (13.7%, 23 Asians (3.3%, 7 Native Americans (0.4%, and 20 others (3.5%. Complications from PEG procedure in cirrhosis with ascites vs non-ascites included bleeding of 4 (0.8% vs 2 (1.9% (P=0.35, surgical site infection 2 (0.4% vs 1 (0.9% (P=0.51, and urinary tract infection 105 (22.1% vs 34 (23.8% (P=0.34, respectively. There was no colonic injury in either group. The total inpatient mortality was 75 out of the 583. Fifty-six (11.8% were in the ascites group and 19 (17.8% in the non-ascites group (P=0.097. Factors including ascites, postsurgical bleeding, and surgical site

THERMODYNAMICS OF CESIUM EXTRACTION FROM ACIDIC MEDIA BY HCCD and PEG

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Herbst, R. Scott; Peterman, Dean R.; Zalupski, Peter R.; Nash, Ken L.; Tillotson, Richard D.; Delmau, Laetitia H.

2010-01-01

This is a companion study to previous publications which expands the understanding of cesium extraction from nitrate media using chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide (HCCD) dissolved in the polar phenyl trifluoromethyl sulfone (FS-13) diluent. First, it is verified that the system is based solely on cation exchange between H+ and Cs+ and that NO3- does not intervene, i.e., that the apparent nitrate dependency is merely an artifact of solution non-idealities. Next, the enthalpy and entropy of the system were determined using appropriate corrections in the van't Hoff analysis and are in excellent agreement with independently published calorimetry results. Finally, the extraction of Cs by the system containing both HCCD and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in FS-13 was characterized by the determination the species produced in the organic and aqueous phases and it is further demonstrated that synergistic extraction of Cs by HCCD and PEG does not occur. Although there is a definite interaction between HCCD and PEG, and it is well established that this interaction is responsible for the extraction of Sr, this association is actually antagonist with respect to the extraction of Cs.

Antifouling activities of β-cyclodextrin stabilized peg based silver nanocomposites

Science.gov (United States)

Punitha, N.; Saravanan, P.; Mohan, R.; Ramesh, P. S.

2017-01-01

Self-polishing polymer composites which release metal biocide in a controlled rate have been widely used in the design of antimicrobial agents and antifouling coatings. The present work focuses on the environmental friendly green synthesis of PEG based SNCs and their application to biocidal activity including marine biofouling. Biocompatible polymer β-CD and adhesive resistance polymer PEG were used to functionalize the SNPs and the as synthesized SNCs exhibit excellent micro fouling activities. The structural and optical properties were confirmed by XRD and UV-visible techniques respectively. The particle surface and cross sectional characteristics were examined by SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, AFM and FTIR. The surface potential was evaluated using ZP analysis and assessment of antibiofouling property was investigated using static immersion method.

Phase 1 Trial of Subcutaneous rAvPAL-PEG in Subjects with Phenylketonuria

Science.gov (United States)

Longo, Nicola; Harding, Cary O.; Burton, Barbara K.; Grange, Dorothy K.; Vockley, Jerry; Wasserstein, Melissa; Rice, Gregory M.; Musson, Donald G.; Gu, Zhonghua; Sile, Saba

2014-01-01

Objective Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease caused by impaired activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine, leading to accumulation of phenylalanine and subsequent neurocognitive dysfunction. A phenylalanine-restricted diet initiated early in life can ameliorate the toxic effects of phenylalanine. However, the diet is onerous and compliance is extremely difficult. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) is a prokaryotic enzyme that converts phenylalanine to ammonia and trans-cinnamic acid. This Phase 1, multicenter clinical trial evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of rAvPAL-PEG (recombinant Anabaena variabilis PAL produced in E. coli conjugated with polyethylene glycol [PEG] to reduce immunogenicity) in reducing phenylalanine levels in subjects with phenylketonuria. Methods Single subcutaneous injections of rAvPAL-PEG in escalating doses (0·001, 0·003, 0·01, 0·03, and 0·1 mg/kg) were administered to 25 adults with phenylketonuria recruited from those attending metabolic clinics in North America whose blood phenylalanine concentrations were ≥600 μmol/L. Results The most frequently reported adverse events were injection-site reactions and dizziness. Reactions were self-limited without sequelae. During the trial, two subjects had adverse reactions to intramuscular (IM) medroxyprogesterone acetate, a drug containing polyethylene glycol as an excipient. Three subjects developed a generalized skin rash at the highest rAvPAL-PEG dose (0·1 mg/kg). Drug levels peaked ∼5 days after the injection. Treatment was effective in reducing blood phenylalanine in all five subjects receiving the highest dose (0·1 mg/kg, mean percent change of -58 from baseline), with a nadir ∼6 days after injection and inverse correlation between drug and phenylalanine concentrations in plasma. Phenylalanine concentrations returned to near-baseline levels ∼20 days after the single injection. Conclusions

Enhanced delivery of biodegradable mPEG-PLGA-PLL ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

... effectively down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of PDGF‐BB thanNPs plus US (P=0.014 and P=0.007, respectively). Histology showed no evident tissue damage after UTMDmediatedNPs loading siRNA transfection. UTMD could be used safely to enhance the delivery of mPEG-PLGAPLLNPs loading siRNA ...

Microphase separation behavior on the surfaces of PEG-MDI-PDMS multiblock copolymer coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fang Hongxia; Zhou Shuxue; Wu Limin

2006-01-01

A series of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG)-4,4'-diphenylmethanediisocyanate(MDI)-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) multiblock copolymers were synthesized by employing two-step growth polymerization technique. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) observed nanoscopically well-organized phase-separated surfaces consisting of hydrophilic domain from PEG and MDI segments and hydrophobic domain from PDMS segments even with 50 wt.% PDMS in the copolymer, and the multiblock copolymer coatings presented a surface free energy of as low as 6-8 mN m -1

Retreatment with peg-interferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 2 or 3 infection with prior relapse

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lagging, Martin; Rembeck, Karolina; Rauning Buhl, Mads

2013-01-01

Uncertainty remains regarding the efficacy of retreatment with current standard-of-care peg-interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 2 or 3 with relapse after prior therapy.......Uncertainty remains regarding the efficacy of retreatment with current standard-of-care peg-interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 2 or 3 with relapse after prior therapy....

Management of type II dens invaginatus and peg laterals with spacing of maxillary anteriors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tina Puthen Purayil

2015-01-01

Full Text Available A case of peg-shaped lateral with dens invaginatus (DI and midline diastema affecting maxillary incisors in a 32-year old female patient is discussed. This clinical report describes the endodontic management of DI in tooth #12, esthetic correction of peg laterals and diastema with all ceramic restorations. Satisfactory results were achieved esthetically following treatment and gave the patient a new confident smile.

A fitting program for potential energy surfaces of bent triatomic molecules

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Searles, D.J.; Nagy-Felsobuki, E.I. von

1992-01-01

A program has been developed in order to fit analytical power series expansions (Dunham, Simon-Parr-Finlan, Ogilvie and their exponential variants) and Pade approximants to discrete ab initio potential energy surfaces of non-linear triatomic molecules. The program employs standard least-squares fitting techniques using the singular decomposition method in order to dampen the higher-order coefficients (if deemed necessary) without significantly degrading the fit. The program makes full use of the symmetry of a triatomic molecule and so addresses the D 3h , C 2v and C S cases. (orig.)

Biodegradable PLGA-b-PEG polymeric nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, and nanomedical applications as drug delivery system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Locatelli, Erica; Comes Franchini, Mauro, E-mail: mauro.comesfranchini@unibo.it [University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale Toso Montanari (Italy)

2012-12-15

During the past decades many synthetic polymers have been studied for nanomedicine applications and in particular as drug delivery systems. For this purpose, polymers must be non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is one of the most studied polymers due to its complete biodegradability and ability to self-assemble into nanometric micelles that are able to entrap small molecules like drugs and to release them into body in a time-dependent manner. Despite fine qualities, using PLGA polymeric nanoparticles for in vivo applications still remains an open challenge due to many factors such as poor stability in water, big diameter (150-200 nm), and the removal of these nanocarriers from the blood stream by the liver and spleen thus reducing the concentration of drugs drastically in tumor tissue. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most used polymers for drug delivery applications and the first PEGylated product is already on the market for over 20 years. This is due to its stealth behavior that inhibits the fast recognition by the immune system (opsonization) and generally leads to a reduced blood clearance of nanocarriers increasing blood circulation time. Furthermore, PEG is hydrophilic and able to stabilize nanoparticles by steric and not ionic effects especially in water. PLGA-PEG block copolymer is an emergent system because it can be easily synthesized and it possesses all good qualities of PLGA and also PEG capability so in the last decade it arose as one of the most promising systems for nanoparticles formation, drug loading, and in vivo drug delivery applications. This review will discuss briefly on PLGA-b-PEG synthesis and physicochemical properties, together with its improved qualities with respect to the single PLGA and PEG polymers. Moreover, we will focus on but in particular will treat nanoparticles formation and uses as new drug delivery system for nanomedical applications.

Combining Approach in Stages with Least Squares for fits of data in hyperelasticity

Science.gov (United States)

Beda, Tibi

2006-10-01

The present work concerns a method of continuous approximation by block of a continuous function; a method of approximation combining the Approach in Stages with the finite domains Least Squares. An identification procedure by sub-domains: basic generating functions are determined step-by-step permitting their weighting effects to be felt. This procedure allows one to be in control of the signs and to some extent of the optimal values of the parameters estimated, and consequently it provides a unique set of solutions that should represent the real physical parameters. Illustrations and comparisons are developed in rubber hyperelastic modeling. To cite this article: T. Beda, C. R. Mecanique 334 (2006).

Physicochemical characterization of 3,6-diHydroxyflavone binding BSA immobilized on PEG-coated silver nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Voicescu, Mariana, E-mail: voicescu@icf.ro [Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu” of the Romanian Academy (Romania); Ionescu, Sorana [University of Bucharest, Department of Physical Chemistry (Romania); Calderon-Moreno, Jose M. [Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu” of the Romanian Academy (Romania); Nistor, Cristina L. [National R& D Institute for Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Polymer Department (Romania)

2017-02-15

Studies based on silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are mainly in the pharmaceutical field, with PEG as good “vehicle” to transport protein-based drugs. In this work, physicochemical characteristics of 3,6-diHydroxyflavone (3,6-diHF) binding bovine serum albumin (BSA) on PEG (Tween20, L64, and Myrj52)-coated SNPs have been investigated by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. These interactions give rise to the formation of intermolecular and intramolecular H bonds. As a subject of interest, the effect of temperature (30–60 °C) on the H bonds was studied by steady-state fluorescence. The size distribution and zeta potential of SNPs were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the spherical nature of particles with average diameter ~40–80 nm. The structure, stability, dynamics, and conformational changes in adsorbed BSA protein on the PEG-coated SNPs surface have been also investigated by steady-state/lifetime fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results have relevance in the oxidative stress and drug delivery processes.

Physicochemical characterization of 3,6-diHydroxyflavone binding BSA immobilized on PEG-coated silver nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Voicescu, Mariana; Ionescu, Sorana; Calderon-Moreno, Jose M.; Nistor, Cristina L.

2017-02-01

Studies based on silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are mainly in the pharmaceutical field, with PEG as good "vehicle" to transport protein-based drugs. In this work, physicochemical characteristics of 3,6-diHydroxyflavone (3,6-diHF) binding bovine serum albumin (BSA) on PEG (Tween20, L64, and Myrj52)-coated SNPs have been investigated by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. These interactions give rise to the formation of intermolecular and intramolecular H bonds. As a subject of interest, the effect of temperature (30-60 °C) on the H bonds was studied by steady-state fluorescence. The size distribution and zeta potential of SNPs were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the spherical nature of particles with average diameter 40-80 nm. The structure, stability, dynamics, and conformational changes in adsorbed BSA protein on the PEG-coated SNPs surface have been also investigated by steady-state/lifetime fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results have relevance in the oxidative stress and drug delivery processes.

Application of the active flexible fixture with passive RCC function to peg-in-hole task

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamaguchi, Tomomi; Higuchi, Masahiro

2005-01-01

This paper describes the application of the active flexible fixture (AFLEF) with passive RCC to the peg-in-hole task on the disk in the X-band accelerator. The AFLEF can fix any work and position the fixed work at short range. In this paper, the 2-dimensional AFLEF is proposed as the simplified type and is provided with passive RCC function to be equipped with dexterity for a peg-in-hole task. As results of the experiment on the peg-in-hole task on the X-band accelerator disks with the AFLEF, we make the ability of the AFLEF for the task clear and also the boundary conditions to the complete task clear. (author)

Resimulation of noise: a precision estimator for least square error curve-fitting tested for axial strain time constant imaging

Science.gov (United States)

Nair, S. P.; Righetti, R.

2015-05-01

Recent elastography techniques focus on imaging information on properties of materials which can be modeled as viscoelastic or poroelastic. These techniques often require the fitting of temporal strain data, acquired from either a creep or stress-relaxation experiment to a mathematical model using least square error (LSE) parameter estimation. It is known that the strain versus time relationships for tissues undergoing creep compression have a non-linear relationship. In non-linear cases, devising a measure of estimate reliability can be challenging. In this article, we have developed and tested a method to provide non linear LSE parameter estimate reliability: which we called Resimulation of Noise (RoN). RoN provides a measure of reliability by estimating the spread of parameter estimates from a single experiment realization. We have tested RoN specifically for the case of axial strain time constant parameter estimation in poroelastic media. Our tests show that the RoN estimated precision has a linear relationship to the actual precision of the LSE estimator. We have also compared results from the RoN derived measure of reliability against a commonly used reliability measure: the correlation coefficient (CorrCoeff). Our results show that CorrCoeff is a poor measure of estimate reliability for non-linear LSE parameter estimation. While the RoN is specifically tested only for axial strain time constant imaging, a general algorithm is provided for use in all LSE parameter estimation.

Identification of radionuclides in γ ray spectrum with half life fitting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sodaye, Suparna; Sudarshan, K.; Tomar, B.S.; Mukhopadhyay, P.K.

2001-01-01

The peak shape analysis software PHAST developed by Electronic Division, BARC has been tested for identification of the radio nuclides using the least square fitting of the time correlated peak areas of the γ lines. The half lives fitted by the software were found to be in agreement with the library data within 10%. Thus the software was able to unambiguously identify the radionuclides in the γ ray spectrum. (author)

Analysis of total least squares in estimating the parameters of a mortar trajectory

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lau, D.L.; Ng, L.C.

1994-12-01

Least Squares (LS) is a method of curve fitting used with the assumption that error exists in the observation vector. The method of Total Least Squares (TLS) is more useful in cases where there is error in the data matrix as well as the observation vector. This paper describes work done in comparing the LS and TLS results for parameter estimation of a mortar trajectory based on a time series of angular observations. To improve the results, we investigated several derivations of the LS and TLS methods, and early findings show TLS provided slightly, 10%, improved results over the LS method.

Investigation of bioactivity, biocompatibility and thermal behavior of sol–gel silica glass containing a high PEG percentage

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Catauro, M., E-mail: michelina.catauro@unina2.it [Department of Industrial and Information Engineering, Second University of Naples, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (Italy); Renella, R.A.; Papale, F. [Department of Industrial and Information Engineering, Second University of Naples, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (Italy); Vecchio Ciprioti, S. [Department of Basic and Applied Science for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, Building RM017, I-00161 Rome (Italy)

2016-04-01

SiO{sub 2}/PEG organic–inorganic hybrid materials, which contain 60 or 70 weight percentage of PEG, were synthesized by the sol–gel technique. The materials were characterized and subjected to various tests to assess their application in the biomedical field. The evaluation of their morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the homogeneity of the samples on the nanometer scale. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated that the two components of the hybrids (SiO{sub 2} and PEG) are linked by hydrogen bonds. This feature makes them class I hybrids. Simultaneous thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) was used to investigate their thermal behavior and to establish the best temperatures for their pre-treatment. The fundamental properties that a material must have to be used in the biomedical field are biocompatibility and bioactivity. The formation of a hydroxyapatite layer was observed on the hybrid surface by SEM/EDX and FTIR after soaking in simulated body fluid. This indicates that the materials are able to bond to bone tissue. Moreover, the biocompatibility of SiO{sub 2}/PEG hybrids was assessed by performing WST-8 cytotoxicity tests on fibroblast cell NIH 3T3 after 24 h of exposure. The cytotoxicity tests highlight that the cell viability is affected by the polymer percentage. The results showed that the synthesized materials were bioactive and biocompatible. Therefore, the results obtained are encouraging for the use of the obtained hybrids in dental or orthopedic applications. - Highlights: • SiO{sub 2}/PEG hybrid biomaterials synthesized by sol–gel method at high PEG percentage • Chemical, thermal and morphological characterization of hybrid materials • Biological characterizations with WST-8 cytotoxicity tests • Bioactivity characterizations of hybrid materials with high PEG percentage.

Improving Tumor Uptake and Pharmacokinetics of 64Cu-Labeled Cyclic RGD Peptide Dimers with Gly3 and PEG4 Linkers

OpenAIRE

Shi, Jiyun; Kim, Young-Seung; Zhai, Shizhen; Liu, Zhaofei; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Liu, Shuang

2009-01-01

Radiolabeled cyclic RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptides represent a new class of radiotracers with potential for the early tumor detection and non-invasive monitoring of tumor metastasis and therapeutic response in cancer patients. This report describes the synthesis of two cyclic RGD peptide dimer conjugates, DOTA-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (DOTA-3PEG4-dimer: DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid; PEG4 = 15-amino-4,7,10,13-tetraoxapentadecanoic acid) and DOTA-G3-E[G3-c(RGDfK)]2 ...

Tolerability, safety, and efficacy of PEG 3350 as a 1-day bowel preparation in children.

Science.gov (United States)

Walia, Ritu; Steffen, Rita; Feinberg, Lisa; Worley, Sarah; Mahajan, Lori

2013-02-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 without electrolytes as a 1-day bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children. A prospective study of 45 children undergoing colonoscopy prescribed PEG 3350 without electrolytes mixed with a commercial electrolyte beverage was performed. Patients PEG 3350 without electrolytes mixed in 32 ounces of Gatorade. Patients ≥ 45 kg were given 255 g of PEG 3350 without electrolytes in 64 ounces of Gatorade A basic metabolic panel was performed at the time of the clinic visit and just before colonoscopy. Patients completed a survey related to bowel preparation. Endoscopists graded bowel preparation and noted the proximal extent of the examination. A total of 44 patients (14 ± 3 years) completed the study. One patient was excluded due to protocol breach. All subjects reported the preparation was easy (61%) or tolerable (39%). Adverse events included nausea (34%), abdominal pain (23%), vomiting (16%), abdominal distension (20%), bloating (23%), and dizziness (7%). Although significant changes in serum glucose and CO2 were noted, no therapeutic interventions were indicated. Significant changes in sodium, potassium chloride, blood urea nitrogen, or creatinine did not occur. Colonic preparation was rated as excellent in 23%, good in 52%, fair in 23%, and poor in 2% of patients. Intubation of the ileum was successful in 100%. One-day bowel preparation with high dose PEG 3350 mixed with commercial electrolyte solution is tolerable, safe, and effective in children before colonoscopy.

Least square methods and covariance matrix applied to the relative efficiency calibration of a Ge(Li) detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geraldo, L.P.; Smith, D.L.

1989-01-01

The methodology of covariance matrix and square methods have been applied in the relative efficiency calibration for a Ge(Li) detector apllied in the relative efficiency calibration for a Ge(Li) detector. Procedures employed to generate, manipulate and test covariance matrices which serve to properly represent uncertainties of experimental data are discussed. Calibration data fitting using least square methods has been performed for a particular experimental data set. (author) [pt

Effects of PEG tethering chain length of vitamin E TPGS with a Herceptin-functionalized nanoparticle formulation for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Jing; Feng, Si-Shen

2014-03-01

Drug formulation by ligand conjugated nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers has become one of the most important strategies in drug targeting. We have developed in our previous work nanoparticles of a mixture of two vitamin E TPGS based copolymers PLA-TPGS and TPGS-TOOH with the latter for Herceptin conjugation for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs such as docetaxel to the cancer cells of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression. In this research, we investigated the effects of the PEG chain length in TPGS, which is in fact a PEGylated vitamin E, on the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the drug formulated in the Herceptin-conjugated nanoparticles of PLA-TPGS/TPGS-COOH blend (NPs). Such NPs of PEG1000, PEG2000, PEG3350 and PEG5000, i.e. the PEG of molecule weight 1000, 2000, 3350 and 5000, were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized for their size and size distribution, drug loading, surface morphology, surface charge and surface chemistry as well as in vitro drug release profile, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. We found among such nanoparticles, those of PEG1000, i.e. of the shortest PEG tethering chain length, could result in the best therapeutic effects, which are 24.1%, 37.3%, 38.1% more efficient in cellular uptake and 68.1%, 90%, 92.6% lower in IC50 (thus higher in cytotoxicity) than the Herceptin-conjugated nanoparticles of PLA-TPGS/TPGS-COOH blend of PEG2000, PEG3350 and PEG5000 respectively in treatment of SK-BR-3 cancer cells which are of high HER2 overexpression. We provided a theoretical explanation from surface mechanics and thermodynamics for endocytosis of nanoparticles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

LOCO with Constraints and Improved Fitting Technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Not Available

2007-01-01

.e., small χ 2 reduction with large changes of ΔK. Under effects of random noise, the fitting solution tends to crawl toward these patterns and ends up with unrealistically large ΔK. Such a solution is not very useful in optics correction because after the solution is dialed in, the quadrupoles will not respond as predicted by the lattice model due to magnet hysteresis. We will show that adding constraints to the fitting parameters is an effective way to combat this problem of LOCO. In fact, it improves optics calibration precision even for machines that don't show severe degeneracy behavior. LOCO fitting is essentially to solve a nonlinear least square problem with an iterative approach. The linear least square technique is applied in each iteration to move the solution toward the minimum. This approach is commonly referred to as the Gauss-Newton method. By using singular value decomposition (SVD) to invert the Jacobian matrix, this method has generally been very successful for LOCO. However, this method is based on a linear expansion of the residual vector over the fitting parameters which is valid only when the starting solution is sufficiently close to the real minimum. The fitting algorithm can have difficulties to converge when the initial guess is too far off. For example, it's possible for the χ 2 merit function to increase after an iteration instead of decrease. This situation can be improved by using more robust nonlinear least square fitting algorithms, such as the Levenberg-Marquardt method. We will discuss the degeneracy problem in section 2 and then show how the constrained fitting can help in section 3. The application of Levenberg-Marquadt method to LOCO is shown in section 4. A summary is given in section 5.

PEG-lipid-PLGA hybrid nanoparticles loaded with berberine-phospholipid complex to facilitate the oral delivery efficiency.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Fei; Ao, Mingtao; Zheng, Xiao; Li, Nini; Xia, Junjie; Li, Yang; Li, Donghui; Hou, Zhenqing; Qi, Zhongquan; Chen, Xiao Dong

2017-11-01

The natural product berberine (BBR), present in various plants, arouses great interests because of its numerous pharmacological effects. However, the further development and application of BBR had been hampered by its poor oral bioavailability. In this work, we report on polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PEG-lipid-PLGA NPs) loaded with BBR phospholipid complex using a solvent evaporation method for enhancing the oral BBR efficiency. The advantage of this new drug delivery system is that the BBR-soybean phosphatidylcholine complex (BBR-SPC) could be used to enhance the liposolubility of BBR and improve the affinity with the biodegradable polymer to increase the drug-loading capacity and controlled/sustained release. The entrapment efficiency of the PEG-lipid-PLGA NPs/BBR-SPC was observed to approach approximately 89% which is more than 2.4 times compared with that of the PEG-lipid-PLGA NPs/BBR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on using polymer material for effective encapsulation of BBR to improve its oral bioavailability. The prepared BBR delivery systems demonstrated a uniform spherical shape, a well-dispersed core-shell structure and a small particle size (149.6 ± 5.1 nm). The crystallographic and thermal analysis has indicated that the BBR dispersed in the PEG-lipid-PLGA NPs matrix is in an amorphous form. More importantly, the enhancement in the oral relative bioavailability of the PEG-lipid-PLGA NPs/BBR-SPC was ∼343% compared with that of BBR. These positive results demonstrated that PEG-lipid-PLGA NPs/BBR-SPC may have the potential for facilitating the oral drug delivery of BBR.

Hepatitis B circulating immune complexes. Characterization by radioimmunoprecipitation - PEG assay (ripega)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Santoro, F; Wattre, P; Dessaint, J P; Capron, A [Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59 - Villeneuve d' Ascq (France)

1977-04-01

Incidence of circulating immune complexes (IC) was investigated in carriers of hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) and/or anti-HB antibodies (anti-HBAb). Three methods were used: radiolabelled C1q binding test (C1qBT), complement fixation test (CFT), and optical density (OD) measurement after dissolution of 3% polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitate of serum. A highly significant correlation was obtained between these three techniques. The level of IC was higher in carriers of HBAg without anti-HBAb than in others. The characterization of HBAg and anti-HBAb in IC was carried out by a new procedure, the radioimmunoprecipitation-PEG assay (RIPEGA). This sensitive and reproducible test was performed by incubation of /sup 125/I-HBAg or /sup 125/I-HBAg with 3% precipitate of the carriers' sera. Separation of free from complexed /sup 125/I-HBAg or /sup 125/I-HBAb was achieved by PEG precipitation. A highly significant correlation was found between the levels of circulating IC evaluated by the C1q-BT and the quantities of HBAg or anti HBAb measured by RIPEGA. RIPEGA was used to quantify HBAg and anti-HBAb present in serum from HBAg and/or anti-HBAb carriers, confirmed by a radioimmunoassay. In preliminary results, RIGPEGA was shown to be more sensitive than classical radioimmunoassay.

Purification of inclusion bodies using PEG precipitation under denaturing conditions to produce recombinant therapeutic proteins from Escherichia coli.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Huanhuan; Li, Ninghuan; Xie, Yueqing; Jiang, Hua; Yang, Xiaoyi; Cagliero, Cedric; Shi, Siwei; Zhu, Chencen; Luo, Han; Chen, Junsheng; Zhang, Lei; Zhao, Menglin; Feng, Lei; Lu, Huili; Zhu, Jianwei

2017-07-01

It has been documented that the purification of inclusion bodies from Escherichia coli by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) may benefit subsequent refolding and recovery of recombinant proteins. However, loading volume and the high cost of the column limits its application in large-scale manufacturing of biopharmaceutical proteins. We report a novel process using polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation under denaturing conditions to replace SEC for rapid purification of inclusion bodies containing recombinant therapeutic proteins. Using recombinant human interleukin 15 (rhIL-15) as an example, inclusion bodies of rhIL-15 were solubilized in 7 M guanidine hydrochloride, and rhIL-15 was precipitated by the addition of PEG 6000. A final concentration of 5% (w/v) PEG 6000 was found to be optimal to precipitate target proteins and enhance recovery and purity. Compared to the previously reported S-200 size exclusion purification method, PEG precipitation was easier to scale up and achieved the same protein yields and quality of the product. PEG precipitation also reduced manufacturing time by about 50 and 95% of material costs. After refolding and further purification, the rhIL-15 product was highly pure and demonstrated a comparable bioactivity with a rhIL-15 reference standard. Our studies demonstrated that PEG precipitation of inclusion bodies under denaturing conditions holds significant potential as a manufacturing process for biopharmaceuticals from E. coli protein expression systems.

Development, optimization, and in vitro characterization of dasatinib-loaded PEG functionalized chitosan capped gold nanoparticles using Box-Behnken experimental design.

Science.gov (United States)

Adena, Sandeep Kumar Reddy; Upadhyay, Mansi; Vardhan, Harsh; Mishra, Brahmeshwar

2018-03-01

The purpose of this research study was to develop, optimize, and characterize dasatinib loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG) stabilized chitosan capped gold nanoparticles (DSB-PEG-Ch-GNPs). Gold (III) chloride hydrate was reduced with chitosan and the resulting nanoparticles were coated with thiol-terminated PEG and loaded with dasatinib (DSB). Plackett-Burman design (PBD) followed by Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) were employed to optimize the process parameters. Polynomial equations, contour, and 3D response surface plots were generated to relate the factors and responses. The optimized DSB-PEG-Ch-GNPs were characterized by FTIR, XRD, HR-SEM, EDX, TEM, SAED, AFM, DLS, and ZP. The results of the optimized DSB-PEG-Ch-GNPs showed particle size (PS) of 24.39 ± 1.82 nm, apparent drug content (ADC) of 72.06 ± 0.86%, and zeta potential (ZP) of -13.91 ± 1.21 mV. The responses observed and the predicted values of the optimized process were found to be close. The shape and surface morphology studies showed that the resulting DSB-PEG-Ch-GNPs were spherical and smooth. The stability and in vitro drug release studies confirmed that the optimized formulation was stable at different conditions of storage and exhibited a sustained drug release of the drug of up to 76% in 48 h and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetic model. A process for preparing gold nanoparticles using chitosan, anchoring PEG to the particle surface, and entrapping dasatinib in the chitosan-PEG surface corona was optimized.

Associations between methylation of paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Monica D Nye

Full Text Available Cytology-based screening for invasive cervical cancer (ICC lacks sensitivity and specificity to discriminate between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN likely to persist or progress from cases likely to resolve. Genome-wide approaches have been used to identify DNA methylation marks associated with CIN persistence or progression. However, associations between DNA methylation marks and CIN or ICC remain weak and inconsistent. Between 2008-2009, we conducted a hospital-based, case-control study among 213 Tanzania women with CIN 1/2/3 or ICC. We collected questionnaire data, biopsies, peripheral blood, cervical scrapes, Human papillomavirus (HPV and HIV-1 infection status. We assessed PEG3 methylation status by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR and confidence intervals (CI 95% for associations between PEG3 methylation status and CIN or ICC. After adjusting for age, gravidity, hormonal contraceptive use and HPV infection, a 5% increase in PEG3 DNA methylation was associated with increased risk for ICC (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.1. HPV infection was associated with a higher risk of CIN1-3 (OR = 15.7; 95% CI 5.7-48.6 and ICC (OR = 29.5, 95% CI 6.3-38.4. Infection with high risk HPV was correlated with mean PEG3 differentially methylated regions (DMRs methylation (r = 0.34 p<0.0001, while the correlation with low risk HPV infection was weaker (r = 0.16 p = 0.047. Although small sample size limits inference, these data support that PEG3 methylation status has potential as a molecular target for inclusion in CIN screening to improve prediction of progression. Impact statement: We present the first evidence that aberrant methylation of the PEG3 DMR is an important co-factor in the development of Invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC, especially among women infected with high risk HPV. Our results show that a five percent increase in DNA methylation of PEG3 is associated with

Bactericidal Effect of Lauric Acid-Loaded PCL-PEG-PCL Nano-Sized Micelles on Skin Commensal Propionibacterium acnes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thi-Quynh-Mai Tran

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Acne is the over growth of the commensal bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes on human skin. Lauric acid (LA has been investigated as an effective candidate to suppress the activity of P. acnes. Although LA is nearly insoluble in water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO has been reported to effectively solubilize LA. However, the toxicity of DMSO can limit the use of LA on the skin. In this study, LA-loaded poly(ɛ-caprolactone-poly(ethylene glycol-poly(ɛ-caprolactone micelles (PCL-PEG-PCL were developed to improve the bactericidal effect of free LA on P. acnes. The block copolymers mPEG-PCL and PCL-PEG-PCL with different molecular weights were synthesized and characterized using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC. In the presence of LA, mPEG-PCL diblock copolymers did not self-assemble into nano-sized micelles. On the contrary, the average particle sizes of the PCL-PEG-PCL micelles ranged from 50–198 nm for blank micelles and 27–89 nm for LA-loaded micelles. The drug loading content increased as the molecular weight of PCL-PEG-PCL polymer increased. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC of free LA were 20 and 80 μg/mL, respectively. The MICs and MBCs of the micelles decreased to 10 and 40 μg/mL, respectively. This study demonstrated that the LA-loaded micelles are a potential treatment for acne.

PSMA ligand conjugated PCL-PEG polymeric micelles targeted to prostate cancer cells.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jian Jin

Full Text Available In this content, a small molecular ligand of prostate specific membrane antigen (SMLP conjugated poly (caprolactone (PCL-b-poly (ethylene glycol (PEG copolymers with different block lengths were synthesized to construct a satisfactory drug delivery system. Four different docetaxel-loaded polymeric micelles (DTX-PMs were prepared by dialysis with particle sizes less than 60 nm as characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS and transmission electron microscope (TEM. Optimization of the prepared micelles was conducted based on short-term stability and drug-loading content. The results showed that optimized systems were able to remain stable over 7 days. Compared with Taxotere, DTX-PMs with the same ratio of hydrophilic/hydrophobic chain length displayed similar sustained release behaviors. The cytotoxicity of the optimized targeted DTX-PCL12K-PEG5K-SMLP micelles (DTX-PMs2 and non-targeted DTX-PCL12K-mPEG5K micelles (DTX-PMs1 were evaluated by MTT assays using prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA positive prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP. The results showed that the targeted micelles had a much lower IC50 than their non-targeted counterparts (48 h: 0.87 ± 0.27 vs 13.48 ± 1.03 µg/ml; 72 h: 0.02 ± 0.008 vs 1.35 ± 0.54 µg/ml. In vitro cellular uptake of PMs2 showed 5-fold higher fluorescence intensity than that of PMs1 after 4 h incubation. According to these results, the novel nano-sized drug delivery system based on DTX-PCL-PEG-SMLP offers great promise for the treatment of prostatic cancer.

SS-mPEG chemical modification of recombinant phospholipase C for enhanced thermal stability and catalytic efficiency.

Science.gov (United States)

Fang, Xian; Wang, Xueting; Li, Guiling; Zeng, Jun; Li, Jian; Liu, Jingwen

2018-05-01

PEGylation is one of the most promising and extensively studied strategies for improving the properties of proteins as well as enzymic physical and thermal stability. Phospholipase C, hydrolyzing the phospholipids offers tremendous applications in diverse fields. However, the poor thermal stability and higher cost of production have restricted its industrial application. This study focused on improving the stabilization of recombinant PLC by chemical modification with methoxypolyethylene glycol-Succinimidyl Succinate (SS-mPEG, MW 5000). PLC gene from isolate Bacillus cereus HSL3 was fused with SUMO, a novel small ubiquitin-related modifier expression vector and over expressed in Escherichia coli. The soluble fraction of SUMO-PLC reached 80% of the total recombinant protein. The enzyme exhibited maximum catalytic activity at 80 °C and was relatively thermostable at 40-70 °C. It showed extensive substrate specificity pattern and marked activity toward phosphatidylcholine, which made it a typical non-specific PLC for industrial purpose. SS-mPEG-PLC complex exhibited an enhanced thermal stability at 70-80 °C and the catalytic efficiency (K cat /K m ) had increased by 3.03 folds compared with free PLC. CD spectrum of SS-mPEG-PLC indicated a possible enzyme aggregation after chemical modification, which contributed to the higher thermostability of SS-mPEG-PLC. The increase of antiparallel β sheets in secondary structure also made it more stable than parallel β sheets. The presence of SS-mPEG chains on the enzyme molecule surface somewhat changed the binding rate of the substrates, leading to a significant improvement in catalytic efficiency. This study provided an insight into the addition of SS-mPEG for enhancing the industrial applications of phospholipase C at higher temperature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photocrosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels from PEG and silica nanospheres: Structural, mechanical and cell adhesion characteristics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gaharwar, Akhilesh K.; Rivera, Christian; Wu, Chia-Jung; Chan, Burke K.; Schmidt, Gudrun

2013-01-01

Photopolymerized hydrogels are extensively investigated for various tissue engineering applications, primarily due to their ability to form hydrogels in a minimally invasive manner. Although photocrosslinkable hydrogels provide necessary biological and chemical characteristics to mimic cellular microenvironments, they often lack sufficient mechanical properties. Recently, nanocomposite approaches have demonstrated potential to overcome these deficits by reinforcing the hydrogel network with. In this study, we investigate some physical, chemical, and biological properties of photocrosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-silica hydrogels. The addition of silica nanospheres significantly suppresses the hydration degree of the PEG hydrogels, indicating surface interactions between the silica nanospheres and the polymer chains. No significant change in hydrogel microstructure or average pore size due to the addition of silica nanospheres was observed. However, addition of silica nanospheres significantly increases both the mechanical strength and the toughness of the hydrogel networks. The biological properties of these nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated by seeding fibroblast cells on the hydrogel surface. While the PEG hydrogels showed minimum cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation, the addition of silica nanospheres enhanced initial cell adhesion, promoted cell spreading and increased the metabolic activity of the cells. Overall, results indicate that the addition of silica nanospheres improves the mechanical stiffness and cell adhesion properties of PEG hydrogels and can be used for biomedical applications that required controlled cell adhesion. - Graphical abstract: Structural, mechanical and biological properties of photocrosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels from silica and poly(ethylene oxide) are investigated. Silica reinforce the hydrogel network and improved mechanical strength. Addition of induces cell adhesion characteristic properties for various

Development of PLGA–PEG encapsulated miltefosine based drug delivery system against visceral leishmaniasis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Rishikesh; Sahoo, Ganesh Chandra [Biomedical and Nanomedicine Department, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute Medical Science (ICMR) (India); Pandey, Krishna; Das, V.N.R.; Topno, Roshan K. [Clinical Medicine Department, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute Medical Science (ICMR) (India); Ansari, Md Yousuf [Pharmacoinformatics Department, National Institute Pharmaceutica Research and Education Industrial Area, Hajipur (India); Rana, Sindhuprava [Biomedical and Nanomedicine Department, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute Medical Science (ICMR) (India); Das, Pradeep [Molecular Biology Department, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute Medical Science (ICMR) (India)

2016-02-01

Targeted drug delivery systems are ideal technology to increase the maximum mechanism of action with smaller dose, we have developed miltefosine encapsulated PLGA–PEG nanoparticles (PPEM) to target macrophage of infected tissues against Leishmania donovani. The structural characterization of PLGA–PEG by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has shown a size range of 10 to 15 nm. Synthesis and drug encapsulation confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and confirmed NP encapsulation. The dose of nano encapsulated miltefosine decreased by fifty percent as compared to that of a conventional miltefosine and Amphoterecin B. The inhibition of amastigotes in the splenic tissue with nano encapsulated miltefosine (23.21 ± 23) was significantly more than the conventional miltefosine (89.22 ± 52.7) and Amphoterecin B (94.12 ± 55.1). This study signifies that there is an increased contact surface area of the nano encapsulated drug and significant reduction in size, improved the efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo study than that of the conventional miltefosine, Amphoterecin B. - Graphical abstract: The analyses of detailed structure characterized by TEM and DLS confirmed the nano-size of the particle 10–20 nm and FTIR confirmed for antileishmanial drug encapsulation in to PLGA–PEG. The dose of miltefosine is decreased by fifty percent as the IC50 value is decreased from 0.2 to 0.1 μg. Further inhibitions of amastigotes in the splenic tissue with these nanoparticles are significantly more than the conventional miltefosine and PLGA–PEG encapsulated Amphoterecin B (23.21 ± 23/89.09 ± 52.7/92.12 ± 55.1). - Highlights: • Synthesis of PLGA-PEG encapsulated miltefosine nanoparticles has been done. • An IC50 value of PPEM (0.1 ug/ml), miltefosine (0.2 μg/ml) and AmpB (1 μg/ml) were observed two fold better efficacies. • Inhibition of amastigotes of PPEM (23.21 ± 23) was significantly more than

Residuals and the Residual-Based Statistic for Testing Goodness of Fit of Structural Equation Models

Science.gov (United States)

Foldnes, Njal; Foss, Tron; Olsson, Ulf Henning

2012-01-01

The residuals obtained from fitting a structural equation model are crucial ingredients in obtaining chi-square goodness-of-fit statistics for the model. The authors present a didactic discussion of the residuals, obtaining a geometrical interpretation by recognizing the residuals as the result of oblique projections. This sheds light on the…

Paclitaxel molecularly imprinted polymer-PEG-folate nanoparticles for targeting anticancer delivery: Characterization and cellular cytotoxicity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Esfandyari-Manesh, Mehdi; Darvishi, Behrad; Ishkuh, Fatemeh Azizi; Shahmoradi, Elnaz; Mohammadi, Ali; Javanbakht, Mehran; Dinarvand, Rassoul; Atyabi, Fatemeh

2016-01-01

The aim of this work was to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer-poly ethylene glycol-folic acid (MIP-PEG-FA) nanoparticles for use as a controlled release carrier for targeting delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) to cancer cells. MIP nanoparticles were synthesized by a mini-emulsion polymerization technique and then PEG-FA was conjugated to the surface of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles showed high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, 15.6 ± 0.8 and 100%, respectively. The imprinting efficiency of MIPs was evaluated by binding experiments in human serum. Good selective binding and recognition were found in MIP nanoparticles. In vitro drug release studies showed that MIP-PEG-FA have a controlled release of PTX, because of the presence of imprinted sites in the polymeric structure, which makes it is suitable for sustained drug delivery. The drug release from polymeric nanoparticles was indeed higher at acidic pH. The molecular structure of MIP-PEG-FA was confirmed by Hydrogen-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H NMR), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR), and Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, and their thermal behaviors by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) results showed that nanoparticles have a smooth surface and spherical shape with an average size of 181 nm. MIP-PEG-FA nanoparticles showed a greater amount of intracellular uptake in folate receptor-positive cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cells) in comparison with the non-folate nanoparticles and free PTX, with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC_5_0) of 4.9 ± 0.9, 7.4 ± 0.5 and 32.8 ± 3.8 nM, respectively. These results suggest that MIP-PEG-FA nanoparticles could be a potentially useful drug carrier for targeting drug delivery to cancer cells. - Highlights: • MIP-PEG-FA was synthesized as a controlled release carrier for targeting delivery to cancerous cells. • Nanoparticles

Paclitaxel molecularly imprinted polymer-PEG-folate nanoparticles for targeting anticancer delivery: Characterization and cellular cytotoxicity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Esfandyari-Manesh, Mehdi [Nanotechnology Research Center,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Darvishi, Behrad [Nanotechnology Research Center,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ishkuh, Fatemeh Azizi [Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Shahmoradi, Elnaz [Department of Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Mohammadi, Ali [Nanotechnology Research Center,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Department of Drug and Food Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Javanbakht, Mehran [Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Dinarvand, Rassoul [Nanotechnology Research Center,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Atyabi, Fatemeh, E-mail: atyabifa@tums.ac.ir [Nanotechnology Research Center,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2016-05-01

The aim of this work was to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer-poly ethylene glycol-folic acid (MIP-PEG-FA) nanoparticles for use as a controlled release carrier for targeting delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) to cancer cells. MIP nanoparticles were synthesized by a mini-emulsion polymerization technique and then PEG-FA was conjugated to the surface of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles showed high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, 15.6 ± 0.8 and 100%, respectively. The imprinting efficiency of MIPs was evaluated by binding experiments in human serum. Good selective binding and recognition were found in MIP nanoparticles. In vitro drug release studies showed that MIP-PEG-FA have a controlled release of PTX, because of the presence of imprinted sites in the polymeric structure, which makes it is suitable for sustained drug delivery. The drug release from polymeric nanoparticles was indeed higher at acidic pH. The molecular structure of MIP-PEG-FA was confirmed by Hydrogen-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H NMR), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR), and Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, and their thermal behaviors by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) results showed that nanoparticles have a smooth surface and spherical shape with an average size of 181 nm. MIP-PEG-FA nanoparticles showed a greater amount of intracellular uptake in folate receptor-positive cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cells) in comparison with the non-folate nanoparticles and free PTX, with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC{sub 50}) of 4.9 ± 0.9, 7.4 ± 0.5 and 32.8 ± 3.8 nM, respectively. These results suggest that MIP-PEG-FA nanoparticles could be a potentially useful drug carrier for targeting drug delivery to cancer cells. - Highlights: • MIP-PEG-FA was synthesized as a controlled release carrier for targeting delivery to cancerous cells. • Nanoparticles

Efficient Self-Assembly of mPEG End-Capped Porous Silica as a Redox-Sensitive Nanocarrier for Controlled Doxorubicin Delivery

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anh Khoa Nguyen

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Porous nanosilica (PNS has been regarded as a promising candidate for controlled delivery of anticancer drugs. Unmodified PNS-based nanocarriers, however, showed a burst release of encapsulated drugs, which may limit their clinical uses. In this report, PNS was surface conjugated with adamantylamine (ADA via disulfide bridges (-SS-, PNS-SS-ADA, which was further modified with cyclodextrin-poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether conjugate (CD-mPEG to form a core@shell structure PNS-SS-ADA@CD-mPEG for redox triggered delivery of doxorubicin (DOX, DOX/PNS-SS-ADA@CD-mPEG. The prepared PNS-SS-ADA@CD-mPEG nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average diameter of 55.5 ± 3.05 nm, a little larger than their parentally PNS nanocarriers, at 49.6 ± 2.56 nm. In addition, these nanoparticles possessed high drug loading capacity, at 79.2 ± 3.2%, for controlled release. The release of DOX from DOX/PNS-SS-ADA@CD-mPEG nanoparticles was controlled and prolonged up to 120 h in PBS medium (pH 7.4, compared to less than 40 h under reducing condition of 5 mM DTT. Notably, the PNS-SS-ADA@CD-mPEG was a biocompatible nanocarrier, and the toxicity of DOX was dramatically reduced after loading drugs into the porous core. This redox-sensitive PNS-SS-ADA@CD-mPEG nanoparticle could be considered a potential candidate with high drug loading capacity and a lower risk of systemic toxicity.

Noncovalent PEGylation: different effects of dansyl-, L-tryptophan-, phenylbutylamino-, benzyl- and cholesteryl-PEGs on the aggregation of salmon calcitonin and lysozyme.

Science.gov (United States)

Mueller, Claudia; Capelle, Martinus A H; Seyrek, Emek; Martel, Sophie; Carrupt, Pierre-Alain; Arvinte, Tudor; Borchard, Gerrit

2012-06-01

Protein aggregation is a major instability that can occur during all stages of protein drug production and development. Protein aggregates may compromise the safety and efficacy of the final protein formulation. In this paper, various new excipients [phenylbutylamino-, benzyl-, and cholesteryl-polyethylene glycols (PEGs)] and their use for the reduction of aggregation of salmon calcitonin (sCT) and hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) by noncovalent PEGylation are presented. The ability to suppress aggregation of sCT in various buffer systems at a 1:1 molar ratio was assessed by following changes in protein conformation and aggregation state over time. The results are compared with that of dansyl- and L-tryptophan (Trp)-PEGs described in earlier publications. Furthermore, the influence of the different PEG-based excipients on the aggregation of HEWL was measured. HEWL aggregation was completely suppressed in the presence of cholesteryl-PEGs (2 and 5 kDa), whereas deterioration was observed using benzyl-methoxy polyethylene glycols (mPEGs; 2 and 5 kDa). Phenylbutylamino- and Trp-mPEG (2 kDa), as well as dansyl-PEGs of different molecular weight prolonged the lag phase of aggregation and reduced the aggregation velocity of HEWL. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sustainability and the local scale: squaring the peg?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Parto, S. [Maastricht Univ. (Netherlands). Economic Research Inst. on Innovation and Technology

2004-07-01

This paper examines the causes of the failure by the Region of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada) to meet its objectives on sustainability. The analysis shows that in such macro matters as sustainability, scale does indeed matter, as do numerous other factors including the degree of trust in interrelations, perceptions and convictions, conflicting interests and competing agendas, the manner in which discourse occurs on policy formation and implementation, and ideology as expressed through partisan politics. This paper contributes to the discourse on sustainability in two ways. It proposes an evolutionary, multi-dimensional analytical framework to study sustainable development. The framework is then applied to a case study to underline the political implications of operationalising sustainable development (author)

Structural and electrochemical studies of PPy/PEG-LiFePO4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fedorkova, Andrea; Nacher-Alejos, Ana; Gomez-Romero, Pedro; Orinakova, Renata; Kaniansky, Dusan

2010-01-01

A simple chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) directly onto the surface of LiFePO 4 particles was applied to the synthesis of polypyrrole-LiFePO 4 (PPy-LiFePO 4 ) powder. The LiFePO 4 sample without carbon coating was synthesized by a solvothermal method. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as additive during Py polymerization for increasing the PPy-LiFePO 4 conductivity. Properties of resulting LiFePO 4 , PPy-LiFePO 4 and PPy/PEG-LiFePO 4 samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TGA and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. These methods confirmed the presence of polypyrrole on LiFePO 4 particles and its homogeneous distribution in the resulting powder material. The PPy/PEG-LiFePO 4 composites show higher discharge capacity than pure LiFePO 4 , as PPy/PEG network improves the electron conductivity. It presents specific discharge capacity of 153 mAh/g at C/5 rate.

A goodness of fit statistic for the geometric distribution

NARCIS (Netherlands)

J.A. Ferreira

2003-01-01

textabstractWe propose a goodness of fit statistic for the geometric distribution and compare it in terms of power, via simulation, with the chi-square statistic. The statistic is based on the Lau-Rao theorem and can be seen as a discrete analogue of the total time on test statistic. The results

Two-week aerosol inhalation study on polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 in F-344 rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Klonne, D R; Dodd, D E; Losco, P E; Troup, C M; Tyler, T R

1989-03-01

PEGs in the 3000 to 4000 MW range are used in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications; they produce little ocular or dermal irritation and have extremely low acute and subchronic toxicity by oral and dermal routes of administration. However, little information exists on the potential of aerosols of these materials to produce adverse health effects. F-344 rats were exposed to aerosols of PEG 3350 (20% w:w in water) at 0, 109, 567, or 1008 (highest attainable) mg/m3 for 6 hr/d, 5 d/wk for 2 wk. No exposure-related toxicity was found with regard to clinical signs, ophthalmology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, or gross pathology. Exposure-related effects included: a 50% increase in the neutrophil count (males only) at 1008 mg/m3; decreased body weight gain (16%) for both the 567 and 1008 mg/m3 groups (males only); absolute lung weights of both sexes were increased 10 and 18% for the 567 and 1008 mg/m3 groups, respectively. A slight increase in the number of macrophages in the alveoli was the only change observed histologically in all PEG 3350-exposed groups. Therefore, inhalation of aerosols of PEG 3350 at concentrations up to 1008 mg/m3 produced relatively little toxicity in rats, the lung was the target organ, and the no-observable-effect-level was between 109 to 567 mg/m3.

General least-squares fitting procedures to minimize the volume of a hyperellipsoid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wadlinger, E.A.

1979-01-01

Several methods for determining the shape parameters, which in two dimensions are the Courant-Snyder parameters, and the volume of an ellipse or hyperellipse that represent a set of phase-space points in a two or more dimensional hyperspace are presented. The ellipse parameters are useful for matching a beam to an accelerating or transport system and in studies of emittance growth. The fitting procedure minimizes the total volume of a hyperellipse by adjusting the ellipse shape parameters. The total volume is the sum of the individual particle volumes defined by the hyperellipse that passes through the phase-space point of a particle. A two-dimensional space is considered first; the results are then generalized to higher dimensions. Computer programs using these techniques were written. 1 figure

Muscular and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Homeschool versus Public School Children.

Science.gov (United States)

Kabiri, Laura S; Mitchell, Katy; Brewer, Wayne; Ortiz, Alexis

2017-08-01

The growth and unregulated structure of homeschooling creates an unknown population in regard to muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this research was to compare muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness between elementary school aged homeschool and public school children. Homeschool children ages 8-11 years old (n = 75) completed the curl-up, 90° push-up, and Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER) portions of the FitnessGram to assess abdominal and upper body strength and endurance as well as cardiorespiratory fitness. Comparisons to public school children (n = 75) were made using t tests and chi-square tests. Homeschool children showed significantly lower abdominal (t(148) = -11.441, p fitness by total PACER laps (t(108) = 0.879, p = .381) or estimated VO 2max (t(70) = 1.187, p = .239; χ 2 (1) = 1.444, p = .486). Homeschool children showed significantly lower levels of both abdominal and upper body muscular fitness compared with their age and gender matched public school peers but no difference in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Enhanced thermal properties of novel shape-stabilized PEG composite phase change materials with radial mesoporous silica sphere for thermal energy storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Min, Xin; Fang, Minghao; Huang, Zhaohui; Liu, Yan'gai; Huang, Yaoting; Wen, Ruilong; Qian, Tingting; Wu, Xiaowen

2015-08-11

Radial mesoporous silica (RMS) sphere was tailor-made for further applications in producing shape-stabilized composite phase change materials (ss-CPCMs) through a facile self-assembly process using CTAB as the main template and TEOS as SiO2 precursor. Novel ss-CPCMs composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and RMS were prepared through vacuum impregnating method. Various techniques were employed to characterize the structural and thermal properties of the ss-CPCMs. The DSC results indicated that the PEG/RMS ss-CPCM was a promising candidate for building thermal energy storage applications due to its large latent heat, suitable phase change temperature, good thermal reliability, as well as the excellent chemical compatibility and thermal stability. Importantly, the possible formation mechanisms of both RMS sphere and PEG/RMS composite have also been proposed. The results also indicated that the properties of the PEG/RMS ss-CPCMs are influenced by the adsorption limitation of the PEG molecule from RMS sphere with mesoporous structure and the effect of RMS, as the impurities, on the perfect crystallization of PEG.

Pegademase bovine (PEG-ADA for the treatment of infants and children with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Claire Booth

2009-06-01

Full Text Available Claire Booth1,2, H Bobby Gaspar1,21Centre for Immunodeficiency, Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; 2Dept of Clinical Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UKAbstract: Adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA is a rare, inherited disorder of purine metabolism characterized by immunodeficiency, failure to thrive and metabolic abnormalities. A lack of the enzyme ADA allows accumulation of toxic metabolites causing defects of both cell mediated and humoral immunity leading to ADA severe combined immune deficiency (SCID, a condition that can be fatal in early infancy if left untreated. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is curative but is dependent on a good donor match. Other therapeutic options include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT with pegademase bovine (PEG-ADA and more recently gene therapy. PEG-ADA has been used in over 150 patients worldwide and has allowed stabilization of patients awaiting more definitive treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It affords both metabolic detoxification and protective immune function with patients remaining clinically well, but immune reconstitution is often suboptimal and may not be long lived. We discuss the pharmacokinetics, immune reconstitution, effects on systemic disease and side effects of treatment with PEG-ADA. We also review the long-term outcome of patients receiving ERT and discuss the role of PEG-ADA in the management of infants and children with ADA-SCID, alongside other therapeutic options.Keywords: adenosine deaminase deficiency, PEG-ADA, enzyme replacement therapy, severe combined immune deficiency (SCID

Kinematic fitting of neutral current events at HERA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chaves, H.; Seifert, R.J.; Zech, G.

1993-01-01

The measurement of the scaling variables in deep inelastic scattering at HERA can be improved considerably by constraining the scattered electrons and the produced hadrons to energy-momentum conservation. It is shown how unobserved particles moving down the beam pipe and initial state radiation can be included in the kinematics. The particle momenta are adjusted in a linear least squares fit. (orig.)

On the Least-Squares Fitting of Slater-Type Orbitals with Gaussians: Reproduction of the STO-NG Fits Using Microsoft Excel and Maple

Science.gov (United States)

Pye, Cory C.; Mercer, Colin J.

2012-01-01

The symbolic algebra program Maple and the spreadsheet Microsoft Excel were used in an attempt to reproduce the Gaussian fits to a Slater-type orbital, required to construct the popular STO-NG basis sets. The successes and pitfalls encountered in such an approach are chronicled. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

PEGylation of Phytantriol-Based Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Particles-The Effect of Lipid Composition, PEG Chain Length, and Temperature on the Internal Nanostructure

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nilsson, Christa; Ostergaard, Jesper; Larsen, Susan Weng

2014-01-01

of these lipidic nonlamellar liquid crystalline particles by using DSPE-mPEGs with three different block lengths of the hydrophilic PEG segment. The effects of lipid composition, PEG chain length, and temperature on the morphology and internal nanostructure of these self-assembled lipidic aqueous dispersions based...

Progesterone PLGA/mPEG-PLGA Hybrid Nanoparticle Sustained-Release System by Intramuscular Injection.

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Bin; Liu, Yang; Guo, Yuting; Zhang, Enbo; Pu, Chenguang; He, Haibing; Yin, Tian; Tang, Xing

2018-02-14

To prepare sustained-release PLGA/mPEG-PLGA hybrid nanoparticles of progesterone (PRG), and evaluate the descending required administration dosage in vivo. PRG hybrid nanoparticles (PRG H-NPs) based on PLGA/mPEG-PLGA were compared with PRG nanoparticles (PRG-NPs) of pure PLGA as the matrix and PRG-oil solutions. Nanoparticles (NPs) were formed by the method of nanoemulsion, and the pharmacokinetics of the sustained-release PRG H-NPs in male Sprague dawley (SD) rats were investigated. The rats were randomly divided into four groups, each group received: single dose of PRG H-NPs (14.58 mg/kg, i.m.) and PRG-NPs (14.58 mg/kg, i.m.), repeated dosing for 7 days of PRG-oil (2.08 mg/kg, i.m.) solution (Oil-L) and a higher dosage of PRG-oil (6.24 mg/kg, i.m.) solution (Oil-H), respectively. In the pharmacokinetic test, the PRG H-NPs exhibited a comparatively good sustained-release effect against the PRG-NPs without mPEG-PLGA and PRG-oil solution. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the PRG H-NPs, PRG-NPs, Oil-L and Oil-H were AUC 0-t (ng·h·mL -1 ) 8762.1, 1546.1, 1914.5, and 12,138.9, t 1/2 (h)52.7, 44.1, 8.4 and 44.6 respectively. Owing to the modification of PEG, PRG H-NPs can act as safe delivery platforms for sustained-release of drugs with a lower dosage required.

Ring and peg electrodes for minimally-Invasive and long-term sub-scalp EEG recordings.

Science.gov (United States)

Benovitski, Y B; Lai, A; McGowan, C C; Burns, O; Maxim, V; Nayagam, D A X; Millard, R; Rathbone, G D; le Chevoir, M A; Williams, R A; Grayden, D B; May, C N; Murphy, M; D'Souza, W J; Cook, M J; Williams, C E

2017-09-01

Minimally-invasive approaches are needed for long-term reliable Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to assist with epilepsy diagnosis, investigation and more naturalistic monitoring. This study compared three methods for long-term implantation of sub-scalp EEG electrodes. Three types of electrodes (disk, ring, and peg) were fabricated from biocompatible materials and implanted under the scalp in five ambulatory ewes for 3months. Disk electrodes were inserted into sub-pericranial pockets. Ring electrodes were tunneled under the scalp. Peg electrodes were inserted into the skull, close to the dura. EEG was continuously monitored wirelessly. High resolution CT imaging, histopathology, and impedance measurements were used to assess the status of the electrodes at the end of the study. EEG amplitude was larger in the peg compared with the disk and ring electrodes (pEEG, mechanical stability, and lower chewing artifact. Whereas, ring electrode arrays tunneled under the scalp enable minimal surgical techniques to be used for implantation and removal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Blends of PHB/PEG: obtention of matrices for use as controlled drug release systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Catoni, S.E.M.; Gomes, C.A.T.; Trindade, K.N.S.; Schneider, A.L.S.; Pezzin, A.P.T.; Soldi, V.

2010-01-01

Different materials have been used in the development of micro-and nanostructured systems for drug release. In general, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrixes have high crystallinity degree, justifying its slow degradation. This feature makes the attack of enzymes more difficult. Thus, the surface modification with hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been investigated in order to obtain particles which are not recognized and captured by phagocytic cells after in vivo administration, staying for a longer in the systemic circulation. In this work, PHB/PEG films were prepared by casting in different proportions and characterized by XRD, DSC, SEM, GPC and TGA. The films presented high crystallinity degree and showed uniformity, except the 50/50 composition which showed the presence of two phases. The results revealed that increasing percentage of PEG, the Tm of PHB was decreased, the thermal stability was dramatically decreased and molecular weight of the samples was lower. (author)

Antifouling activities of β-cyclodextrin stabilized peg based silver nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Punitha, N., E-mail: punithasan@gmail.com [Department of Physics, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai 600119 (India); Saravanan, P. [Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai 600119 (India); Mohan, R. [Department of Physics, Surya College of Engineering and Technology, Villupuram (India); Ramesh, P.S. [Department of Physics (DDE), Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608002 (India)

2017-01-15

Highlights: • Simple, novel and cost effective. • Functionalized Ag nanocomposites exhibit enhanced biological activity. • The SNCs were crystalline nature and shows good stability. - Abstract: Self-polishing polymer composites which release metal biocide in a controlled rate have been widely used in the design of antimicrobial agents and antifouling coatings. The present work focuses on the environmental friendly green synthesis of PEG based SNCs and their application to biocidal activity including marine biofouling. Biocompatible polymer β-CD and adhesive resistance polymer PEG were used to functionalize the SNPs and the as synthesized SNCs exhibit excellent micro fouling activities. The structural and optical properties were confirmed by XRD and UV–visible techniques respectively. The particle surface and cross sectional characteristics were examined by SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, AFM and FTIR. The surface potential was evaluated using ZP analysis and assessment of antibiofouling property was investigated using static immersion method.

Tailoring Properties of Biocompatible PEG-DMA Hydrogels with UV Light

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bäckström, Sania; Benavente, Juana; Berg, Rolf W.

2012-01-01

and stabilization of painted biomimetic membrane arrays for novel separation technologies or biosensor applications. These gels were formed from PEG-DMA monomers suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and gelated by radical polymerization in the presence of the photoinitiator Darocur 1173....... In this work, we show that the properties of a PEG-DMA hydrogel formed by photoinitiated polymerize- tion can be tailored by varying the photocrosslinking time. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy (RS) showed that the optimal crosslinking time for the gel was 6 - 10 minutes...... and that the water content of the gels could be tuned in the range of 50 - 90 wt%. The resistivity was between 0.8 - 3.5 Ωm, which is comparable to that of PBS. The low resistivity of the gel makes it compatible for encapsulating membranes for (ion channel based) biosensor applications. With FTIR and RS we...

Antifouling activities of β-cyclodextrin stabilized peg based silver nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Punitha, N.; Saravanan, P.; Mohan, R.; Ramesh, P.S.

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Simple, novel and cost effective. • Functionalized Ag nanocomposites exhibit enhanced biological activity. • The SNCs were crystalline nature and shows good stability. - Abstract: Self-polishing polymer composites which release metal biocide in a controlled rate have been widely used in the design of antimicrobial agents and antifouling coatings. The present work focuses on the environmental friendly green synthesis of PEG based SNCs and their application to biocidal activity including marine biofouling. Biocompatible polymer β-CD and adhesive resistance polymer PEG were used to functionalize the SNPs and the as synthesized SNCs exhibit excellent micro fouling activities. The structural and optical properties were confirmed by XRD and UV–visible techniques respectively. The particle surface and cross sectional characteristics were examined by SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, AFM and FTIR. The surface potential was evaluated using ZP analysis and assessment of antibiofouling property was investigated using static immersion method.

Effective mRNA Inhibition in PANC-1 Cells in Vitro Mediated via an mPEG-SeSe-PEI Delivery System.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yuefeng; Yang, Bin; Liu, Yajie; Qin, Wenjie; Li, Chao; Wang, Lantian; Zheng, Wen; Wu, Yulian

2016-05-01

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene therapy is a promising approach to cure various diseases. However, developing an effective, safe, specific RNAi delivery system remains a major challenge. In this study, a novel redox-responsive polyetherimide (PEI)-based nanovector, mPEG-SeSe-PEI, was developed and its efficacy evaluated. We prepared three mPEG-SeSe-PEI vector candidates for small interfering glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (siGADPH) and determined their physiochemical properties and transfection efficiency using flow cytometry and PEG11.6-SeSe-PEI polymer. We investigated the silencing efficacy of GADPH mRNA expression in PANC-1 cells and observed that PEG11.6-SeSe-PEI/siGADPH (N/P ratio=10) polyplexes possessed the appropriate size and zeta-potential and exhibited excellent in vitro gene silencing effects with the least cytotoxicity in PANC-1 cells. In conclusion, we present PEG11.6-SeSe-PEI as a potential therapeutic gene delivery system for small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Effect of PEG biofunctional spacers and TAT peptide on dsRNA loading on gold nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sanz, Vanesa; Conde, Joao; Hernandez, Yulan [Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon (Spain); Baptista, Pedro V. [Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Departamento de Ciencias da Vida, Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Centro de Investigacao em Genetica Molecular Humana (Portugal); Ibarra, M. R.; Fuente, Jesus M. de la, E-mail: jmfuente@unizar.es [Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon (Spain)

2012-06-15

The surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) plays a critical role in the self-assembly of thiolated molecules and in retaining the biological function of the conjugated biomolecules. According to the well-established gold-thiol interaction the undefined ionic species on citrate-reduced gold nanoparticle surface can be replaced with a self-assembled monolayer of certain thiolate derivatives and other biomolecules. Understanding the effect of such derivatives in the functionalization of several types of biomolecules, such as PEGs, peptides or nucleic acids, has become a significant challenge. Here, an approach to attach specific biomolecules to the AuNPs ({approx}14 nm) surface is presented together with a study of their effect in the functionalization with other specific derivatives. The effect of biofunctional spacers such as thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains and a positive peptide, TAT, in dsRNA loading on AuNPs is reported. Based on the obtained data, we hypothesize that loading of oligonucleotides onto the AuNP surface may be controlled by ionic and weak interactions positioning the entry of the oligo through the PEG layer. We demonstrate that there is a synergistic effect of the TAT peptide and PEG chains with specific functional groups on the enhancement of dsRNA loading onto AuNPs.

Effect of PEG biofunctional spacers and TAT peptide on dsRNA loading on gold nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanz, Vanesa; Conde, João; Hernández, Yulán; Baptista, Pedro V.; Ibarra, M. R.; Fuente, Jesús M. de la

2012-01-01

The surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) plays a critical role in the self-assembly of thiolated molecules and in retaining the biological function of the conjugated biomolecules. According to the well-established gold–thiol interaction the undefined ionic species on citrate-reduced gold nanoparticle surface can be replaced with a self-assembled monolayer of certain thiolate derivatives and other biomolecules. Understanding the effect of such derivatives in the functionalization of several types of biomolecules, such as PEGs, peptides or nucleic acids, has become a significant challenge. Here, an approach to attach specific biomolecules to the AuNPs (∼14 nm) surface is presented together with a study of their effect in the functionalization with other specific derivatives. The effect of biofunctional spacers such as thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains and a positive peptide, TAT, in dsRNA loading on AuNPs is reported. Based on the obtained data, we hypothesize that loading of oligonucleotides onto the AuNP surface may be controlled by ionic and weak interactions positioning the entry of the oligo through the PEG layer. We demonstrate that there is a synergistic effect of the TAT peptide and PEG chains with specific functional groups on the enhancement of dsRNA loading onto AuNPs.

Polymer-lipid-PEG hybrid nanoparticles as photosensitizer carrier for photodynamic therapy.

Science.gov (United States)

Pramual, Sasivimon; Lirdprapamongkol, Kriengsak; Svasti, Jisnuson; Bergkvist, Magnus; Jouan-Hureaux, Valérie; Arnoux, Philippe; Frochot, Céline; Barberi-Heyob, Muriel; Niamsiri, Nuttawee

2017-08-01

Polymer-lipid-PEG hybrid nanoparticles were investigated as carriers for the photosensitizer (PS), 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (pTHPP) for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). A self-assembled nanoprecipitation technique was used for preparing two types of core polymers poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with lipid-PEG as stabilizer. The resulting nanoparticles had an average particle size of 88.5±3.4nm for PLGA and 215.0±6.3nm for PHBV. Both nanoparticles exhibited a core-shell structure under TEM with high zeta potential and loading efficiency. X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the encapsulated pTHPP molecules in polymeric nanoparticles no longer had peaks of free pTHPP in the crystalline state. The pTHPP molecules encapsulated inside the polymeric core demonstrated improved photophysical properties in terms of singlet oxygen generation and cellular uptake rate in a FTC-133 human thyroid carcinoma cell line, compared to non-encapsulated pTHPP. The pTHPP-loaded polymer-lipid-PEG nanoparticles showed better in vitro phototoxicity compared to free pTHPP, in both time- and concentration-dependent manners. Overall, this study provides detailed analysis of the photophysical properties of pTHPP molecules when entrapped within either PLGA or PHBV nanoparticle cores, and demonstrates the effectiveness of these systems for delivery of photosensitizers. The two polymeric systems may have different potential benefits, when used with cancer cells. For instance, the pTHPP-loaded PLGA system requires only a short time to show a PDT effect and may be suitable for topical PDT, while the delayed photo-induced cytotoxic effect of the pTHPP-loaded PHBV system may be more suitable for cancer solid tumors. Hence, both pTHPP-encapsulated polymer-lipid-PEG nanoparticles can be considered promising delivery systems for PDT cancer treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MSSM fits to the ATLAS 1 lepton excess

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kowalska, Kamila [TU Dortmund, Fakultaet fuer Physik, Dortmund (Germany); Sessolo, Enrico Maria [National Centre for Nuclear Research, Warsaw (Poland)

2017-02-15

We use the framework of the p19MSSM to perform a fit to the mild excesses over the Standard Model background recently observed in three bins of the ATLAS 1-lepton + (b-)jets + E{sub T}{sup miss} search. We find a few types of spectra that can fit the emerging signal and at the same time are not excluded by other LHC searches. They can be grouped roughly in two categories. The first class is characterized by the presence of one stop or stop and sbottoms with mass in the ballpark of 700-800 GeV and a neutralino LSP of mass around 400 GeV, with or without the additional presence of an intermediate chargino. In the second type of scenarios the stop, lightest chargino, sbottom if present, and the neutralino are about or heavier than ∝ 650 GeV and the signal originates from cascade decays of squarks of the 1st and 2nd generation, which should have a mass of 1.1-1.2 TeV. For the best-fit scenarios, we compare the global chi-squared with several ATLAS and CMS searches with the corresponding chi-squared of the Standard Model expectation, showing that the putative signal is also favored globally with respect to the background-only hypothesis. We point out that if the observed excess persists in the next round of data, it should be accompanied by associated significant excesses in all-hadronic final-state searches. (orig.)

Doxorubicin loaded PEG-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate) coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hałupka-Bryl, Magdalena, E-mail: magdalenahalupka@op.pl [The NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Division of Medical Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Department of Materials Sciences, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba (Japan); Bednarowicz, Magdalena [The NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Division of Medical Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Department of Materials Sciences, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba (Japan); Dobosz, Bernadeta; Krzyminiewski, Ryszard [The NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Division of Medical Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Zalewski, Tomasz [The NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Wereszczyńska, Beata [Department of Macromolecular Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Nowaczyk, Grzegorz; Jarek, Marcin [The NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland); Nagasaki, Yukio [Department of Materials Sciences, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba (Japan); Master’s School of Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba (Japan); International Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics Satellite (WPI-MANA), National Institute For Materials Sciences (NIMS) and University of Tsukuba (Japan)

2015-06-15

Due to their unique physical properties, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are increasingly used in medical applications. They are very useful carriers for delivering antitumor drugs in targeted cancer treatment. Magnetic nanoparticles with chemiotherapeutic were synthesized by coprecipitation method followed by coating with biocompatible polymer. The aim of this work is to characterize physical and magnetic properties of synthesized nanoparicles. Characterization was carried out using EPR, HRTEM, X-ray diffraction, SQUID and NMR methods. The present findings show that synthesized nanosystem is promising tool for potential magnetic drug delivery. - Highlights: • Synthesized PEG-PIONs/DOX have excellent physical properties. • PEG-PIONs/DOX have a potential to in vivo application. • PEG-PIONs/DOX could be used as drug delivery system as well as contrast agents.

Fabrication of biodegradable PEG-PLA nanospheres for solubility, stabilization, and delivery of curcumin.

Science.gov (United States)

Liang, Hongying; Friedman, Joel M; Nacharaju, Parimala

2017-03-01

Curcumin is an effective and safe anticancer agent, and also known to induce vasodilation, but its hydrophobicity limits its clinical application. In this study, a simple emulsion method was developed to prepare biodegradable poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) nanospheres to encapsulate curcumin to improve its solubility and stability. The nanoparticle size was around 150 nm with a narrow size distribution. Fluorescence microscopy showed that curcumin encapsulated PEG-PLA nanospheres were taken up rapidly by Hela and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. This novel nanoparticulate carrier may improve the bioavailability of curcumin without affecting its anticancer properties.

An efficient PEG-400 mediated catalyst free green synthesis of 2 ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

aDepartment of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, N Nagar, Andhra Pradesh, 522 510 India ... usage of organic solvents and harsh reaction conditions. 2. ... glycol (PEG-400) medium. Entry α-diazoketone. 2-aminothiazole. Time (h).

Preparation, structural analysis and bioactivity of ribonuclease A-albumin conjugate: tetra-conjugation or PEG as the linker.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Chunju; Lin, Qixun; Wang, Jun; Shen, Lijuan; Ma, Guanghui; Su, Zhiguo; Hu, Tao

2012-12-31

Ribonuclease A (RNase A) is a therapeutic enzyme with cytotoxic action against tumor cells. Its clinical application is limited by the short half-life and insufficient stability. Conjugation of albumin can overcome the limitation, whereas dramatically decrease the enzymatic activity of RNase A. Here, three strategies were proposed to prepare the RNase A-bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates. R-SMCC-B (a conjugate of four RNase A attached with one BSA) and R-PEG-B (a mono-conjugate) were prepared using Sulfo-SMCC (a short bifunctional linker) and mal-PEG-NHS (a bifunctional PEG), respectively. Mal-PEG-NHS and hexadecylamine (HDA) were used to prepare the mono-conjugate, R-HDA-B, where HDA was adopted to bind BSA. The PEG linker can elongate the proximity between RNase A and BSA. In contrast, four RNase A were closely located on BSA in R-SMCC-B. R-SMCC-B showed the lowest K(m) and the highest relative enzymatic activity and k(cat)/K(m) in the three conjugates. Presumably, the tetravalent interaction of RNase A in R-SMCC-B can increase the binding affinity to its substrate. In addition, the slow release of BSA from R-HDA-B may increase the enzymatic activity of R-HDA-B. Our study is expected to provide strategies to develop protein-albumin conjugate with high therapeutic potential. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG in CMC-NH4BR Based Polymer Electrolytes: Conductivity and Electrical Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nur Khalidah Zainuddin

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The present work was carried with new type and promising polymer electrolytes system by development of carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC doped NH4Br and plasticized with polyethylene glycol (PEG. The sample was successfullyprepared via solution casting with no separation phase and good mechanical properties. The electrical conductivity andthermal conductivity of CMC-NH4Br-PEG based PEs system have been measured by the electrical impedancespectroscopy method in the temperature range of 303–373 K. The highest ionic conductivity gained is 2.48 x 10-3 Scm-1at ambient temperature for sample contain with 8 wt. % PEG. It can be concluded that the plasticized is accountable forthe conductance and assist to enhancing the ionic conductivity of the CMC-NH4Br-PEG electrolyte system. The addition of PEG to the CMC-based electrolyte can enhance towards the cation mobility which is turn increases ionic conductivity. The conductivity-temperature of plasticized BdPEs system was found obeys the Arrhenius relation where the ionic conductivity increases with temperature and activation energy for the ions hopping of the highest conducting PEs system only required small value to migrate. The electrical studies show a non-Debye behaviour of BdPEs based on the analyzed data using complex permittivity, ε* and complex electrical modulus, M* of the sample at different temperature.

A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of the adjunct use of Clebopride in polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG) solution for colonoscopy preparation.

Science.gov (United States)

Abdullah, Murdani; Rani, A Aziz; Fauzi, Achmad; Syam, Ari Fahrial; Makmun, Dadang; Simadibrata, Marcellus; Manan, Chudahman; Harjodisastro, Daldiyono

2010-01-01

To study the benefit of Clebopride as an adjuvant in polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG) solution for colonoscopy preparation. Eighty one adult patients who underwent colonoscopy examination were recruited in this randomized double blind controlled study. First group received PEG and placebo, whereas second group received PEG and Clebopride. Two litres of PEG was taken at night before colonoscopy. The acceptability and tolerability of bowel preparation were assessed through interview method. The efficacy of bowel preparation was assessed using Aronchick's Criteria. In terms of acceptability, 64 patients (31 patients from placebo group vs 33 patients from Clebopride group) were able to drink two litres of PEG solution. Sixty patients (29 patients from placebo group and 31 patients from Clebopride group) were willing to accept PEG solution for their next bowel preparation. On the term of tolerability, nausea, abdominal distension, and borborygmus were more frequent in the placebo group (34.2% vs 27.9%; 44.7% vs 32.6%; 26.3% vs 4.6% respectively). However, only the difference at the incidence of borborygmus that was statistically significant (pClebopride group and 81.6% of bowel preparation in placebo group were optimal (p = 0.585). The adjunct use of Clebopride in PEG solution for colonoscopy preparations tends to increase the acceptability, tolerability, and efficacy. The presence of borborygmus was significantly lower in the Clebopride group.

Exploring the limits of cryospectroscopy: Least-squares based approaches for analyzing the self-association of HCl

Science.gov (United States)

De Beuckeleer, Liene I.; Herrebout, Wouter A.

2016-02-01

To rationalize the concentration dependent behavior observed for a large spectral data set of HCl recorded in liquid argon, least-squares based numerical methods are developed and validated. In these methods, for each wavenumber a polynomial is used to mimic the relation between monomer concentrations and measured absorbances. Least-squares fitting of higher degree polynomials tends to overfit and thus leads to compensation effects where a contribution due to one species is compensated for by a negative contribution of another. The compensation effects are corrected for by carefully analyzing, using AIC and BIC information criteria, the differences observed between consecutive fittings when the degree of the polynomial model is systematically increased, and by introducing constraints prohibiting negative absorbances to occur for the monomer or for one of the oligomers. The method developed should allow other, more complicated self-associating systems to be analyzed with a much higher accuracy than before.

NuLYTELY (PEG 3350, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride for oral solution).

Science.gov (United States)

Swartz, M L

1992-02-01

NuLYTELY (PEG 3350, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution), a product from Braintree Laboratories, Inc. is a modification of GoLYTELY (PEG 3350 and Electrolytes for Oral Solution) that has been found to have the same therapeutic advantages in terms of safety, efficacy, speed and patient acceptance. This product was developed to improve upon the taste of GoLYTELY. NuLYTELY represents an effective alternative for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy that may be more acceptable to some patients.

Pegademase bovine (PEG-ADA) for the treatment of infants and children with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).

Science.gov (United States)

Booth, Claire; Gaspar, H Bobby

2009-01-01

Adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA) is a rare, inherited disorder of purine metabolism characterized by immunodeficiency, failure to thrive and metabolic abnormalities. A lack of the enzyme ADA allows accumulation of toxic metabolites causing defects of both cell mediated and humoral immunity leading to ADA severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), a condition that can be fatal in early infancy if left untreated. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is curative but is dependent on a good donor match. Other therapeutic options include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with pegademase bovine (PEG-ADA) and more recently gene therapy. PEG-ADA has been used in over 150 patients worldwide and has allowed stabilization of patients awaiting more definitive treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It affords both metabolic detoxification and protective immune function with patients remaining clinically well, but immune reconstitution is often suboptimal and may not be long lived. We discuss the pharmacokinetics, immune reconstitution, effects on systemic disease and side effects of treatment with PEG-ADA. We also review the long-term outcome of patients receiving ERT and discuss the role of PEG-ADA in the management of infants and children with ADA-SCID, alongside other therapeutic options.

Current microbiology of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG tube) insertion site infections in patients with cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Rolston, Kenneth V I; Mihu, Coralia; Tarrand, Jeffrey J

2011-08-01

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is frequently used to provide enteral access in cancer patients who are unable to swallow. Infection is an important complication in this setting. Current microbiological data are needed to guide infection prevention and treatment strategies. The microbiological records of our institution (a 550-bed comprehensive cancer center) were retrospectively reviewed over an 8-month study period in order to identify patients who developed PEG tube insertion site infections, and review their microbiological details and susceptibility/resistance data. Fifty-eight episodes of PEG tube insertion site infections were identified. Of these, 31 (53%) were monomicrobial, and the rest were polymicrobial. The most common organisms isolated were Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All infections were local (cellulitis, complicated skin, and skin structure infections including abdominal wall abscess) with no cases of concomitant bacteremia being documented. Most of the organisms isolated were susceptible to commonly used antimicrobial agents, although some quinolone-resistant and some multidrug-resistant organisms were isolated. This retrospective study provides descriptive data regarding PEG tube insertion site infections. These data have helped us update institutional guidelines for infection prevention and treatment as part of our focus on antimicrobial stewardship.

Defined PEG smears as an alternative approach to enhance the search for crystallization conditions and crystal-quality improvement in reduced screens

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chaikuad, Apirat, E-mail: apirat.chaikuad@sgc.ox.ac.uk [University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ (United Kingdom); Knapp, Stefan [University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ (United Kingdom); Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Building N240 Room 3.03, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany); Delft, Frank von, E-mail: apirat.chaikuad@sgc.ox.ac.uk [University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ (United Kingdom)

2015-07-28

An alternative strategy for PEG sampling is suggested through the use of four newly defined PEG smears to enhance chemical space in reduced screens with a benefit towards protein crystallization. The quest for an optimal limited set of effective crystallization conditions remains a challenge in macromolecular crystallography, an issue that is complicated by the large number of chemicals which have been deemed to be suitable for promoting crystal growth. The lack of rational approaches towards the selection of successful chemical space and representative combinations has led to significant overlapping conditions, which are currently present in a multitude of commercially available crystallization screens. Here, an alternative approach to the sampling of widely used PEG precipitants is suggested through the use of PEG smears, which are mixtures of different PEGs with a requirement of either neutral or cooperatively positive effects of each component on crystal growth. Four newly defined smears were classified by molecular-weight groups and enabled the preservation of specific properties related to different polymer sizes. These smears not only allowed a wide coverage of properties of these polymers, but also reduced PEG variables, enabling greater sampling of other parameters such as buffers and additives. The efficiency of the smear-based screens was evaluated on more than 220 diverse recombinant human proteins, which overall revealed a good initial crystallization success rate of nearly 50%. In addition, in several cases successful crystallizations were only obtained using PEG smears, while various commercial screens failed to yield crystals. The defined smears therefore offer an alternative approach towards PEG sampling, which will benefit the design of crystallization screens sampling a wide chemical space of this key precipitant.

Effect of Zebularine loaded MePEG-PCL nanoparticles on viability, attachment of in vitro cultured lens epithelial cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Si-Wei Liu

2015-01-01

Full Text Available AIM: To investigate the effect of zebularine(Zebloaded Poly(ethylene glycol-block-poly(ε-caprolactonemethyl ether(MePEG-PCLnanoparticles(NPson the viability, attachment, and apoptosis of in vitro cultured lens epithelial cells(LECs. METHODS: In vitro cultured infant human lens tissue HLE B-3 immortalized cells were distributed randomly divided into six groups. Each group was administered with free Zeb 50μmol/L(ZebF1 group, 100μmol/L(ZebF2 group, Zeb -loaded MePEG-PCL NPs 50μmol/L(ZebNP1 group, Zeb -loaded MePEG-PCL NPs 100μmol/L(ZebNP2 group, MePEG-PCL empty NPs(NPs groupor blank medium(group Crespectively. A tetrazolium dye assay(MTTtest and modified MTT test were performed to determine cell viability and cell attachment. DNA ladder was used to detect the cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Determined by MTT colorimetric method: Cell proliferation rate of LECs were suppressed by all Zeb administration groups in a concentration-time dependent manner(PPP ZebNP1>ZebF2(PCONCLUSION: Zeb loaded MePEG-PCL NPs had better effect on suppressing the viability and attachment of in vitro cultured LECs than the free Zeb groups, as well as enhancing the apoptosis.

Cationic nanoparticles with quaternary ammonium-functionalized PLGA–PEG-based copolymers for potent gene transfection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Yan-Hsung [Kaohsiung Medical University, School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine (China); Fu, Yin-Chih [Kaohsiung Medical University, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine (China); Chiu, Hui-Chi [Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science (China); Wang, Chau-Zen [Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine (China); Lo, Shao-Ping [Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science (China); Ho, Mei-Ling [Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine (China); Liu, Po-Len [Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine (China); Wang, Chih-Kuang, E-mail: ckwang@kmu.edu.tw [Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science (China)

2013-11-15

The objective of the present work was to develop new cationic nanoparticles (cNPs) with amphiphilic cationic copolymers for the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Cationic copolymers were built on the synthesis of quaternary ammonium salt compounds from diethylenetriamine (DETA) to include the positively charged head group and amphiphilic multi-grafts. PLGA-phe-PEG-qDETA (PPD), phe-PEG-qDETA-PLGA (PDP), and PLGA-phe-PEG-qDETA-PLGA (PPDP) cationic copolymers were created by this moiety of DETA quaternary ammonium, heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol (COOH-PEG-NH{sub 2}), phenylalanine (phe), and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). These new cNPs were prepared by the water miscible solvent displacement method. They exhibit good pDNA binding ability, as shown in a retardation assay that occurred at a particle size of ∼217 nm. The zeta potential was approximately +21 mV when the cNP concentration was 25 mg/ml. The new cNPs also have a better buffering capacity than PLGA NPs. However, the pDNA binding ability was demonstrated starting at a weight ratio of approximately 6.25 cNPs/pDNA. Gene transfection results showed that these cNPs had transfection effects similar to those of Lipofectamine 2000 in 293T cells. Furthermore, cNPs can also transfect human adipose-derived stem cells. The results indicate that the newly developed cNP is a promising candidate for a novel gene delivery vehicle.

Covariance fitting of highly-correlated data in lattice QCD

Science.gov (United States)

Yoon, Boram; Jang, Yong-Chull; Jung, Chulwoo; Lee, Weonjong

2013-07-01

We address a frequently-asked question on the covariance fitting of highly-correlated data such as our B K data based on the SU(2) staggered chiral perturbation theory. Basically, the essence of the problem is that we do not have a fitting function accurate enough to fit extremely precise data. When eigenvalues of the covariance matrix are small, even a tiny error in the fitting function yields a large chi-square value and spoils the fitting procedure. We have applied a number of prescriptions available in the market, such as the cut-off method, modified covariance matrix method, and Bayesian method. We also propose a brand new method, the eigenmode shift (ES) method, which allows a full covariance fitting without modifying the covariance matrix at all. We provide a pedagogical example of data analysis in which the cut-off method manifestly fails in fitting, but the rest work well. In our case of the B K fitting, the diagonal approximation, the cut-off method, the ES method, and the Bayesian method work reasonably well in an engineering sense. However, interpreting the meaning of χ 2 is easier in the case of the ES method and the Bayesian method in a theoretical sense aesthetically. Hence, the ES method can be a useful alternative optional tool to check the systematic error caused by the covariance fitting procedure.

Performance Analysis of Iterative Decoding Algorithms for PEG LDPC Codes in Nakagami Fading Channels

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

O. Al Rasheed

2013-11-01

Full Text Available In this paper we give a comparative analysis of decoding algorithms of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC codes in a channel with the Nakagami distribution of the fading envelope. We consider the Progressive Edge-Growth (PEG method and Improved PEG method for the parity check matrix construction, which can be used to avoid short girths, small trapping sets and a high level of error floor. A comparative analysis of several classes of LDPC codes in various propagation conditions and decoded using different decoding algorithms is also presented.

Toxicity of PEG-Coated CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles with Treatment Effect of Curcumin

Science.gov (United States)

Akhtar, Shahnaz; An, Wenzhen; Niu, Xiaoying; Li, Kang; Anwar, Shahzad; Maaz, Khan; Maqbool, Muhammad; Gao, Lan

2018-02-01

In this work, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal technique. Morphological studies of the samples confirmed the formation of polycrystalline pure-phase PEG-CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with sizes of about 24 nm. Toxicity induced by CoFe2O4 nanoparticles was investigated, and biological assays were performed to check the toxicity effects of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. Moreover, the healing effect of toxicity induced in living organisms was studied using curcumin and it was found that biochemical indexes detoxified and improved to reach its normal level after curcumin administration. Thus, PEG-coated CoFe2O4 synthesized through a hydrothermal method can be utilized in biomedical applications and curcumin, which is a natural chemical with no side effects, can be used for the treatment of toxicity induced by the nanoparticles in living organisms.

Ionic networks derived from the protonation of dendritic amines with carboxylic acid end‐functionalized PEGs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gonzalez, Lidia; Skov, Anne Ladegaard; Hvilsted, Søren

2013-01-01

The synthesis and characterization of novel ionic networks linked by the ammonium salts of poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers of the first (PPI G1) and second (PPI G2) generation and two short bis carboxymethyl ether terminated poly(ethylene glycol)s (DiCOOH‐PEG) with different molecular...... weights (Mn ∼ 250 and Mn ∼ 600) are reported. Likewise, an ionic network based on PPI G1 and a long αω‐dicarboxylic acid functionalized PEG (Mn ∼ 4800) were evaluated. Simpler ionic structures based on tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine or hexamethylene diamine and the short DiCOOH‐PEGs are also investigated....... The ionic structures formed were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated‐total‐reflection mode, and 1H‐13C NMR spectroscopy. A comprehensive 1H NMR analysis revealed that only the primary amines of the PPI G1 dendrimer residing...

Xingnaojing mPEG2000-PLA modified microemulsion for transnasal delivery: pharmacokinetic and brain-targeting evaluation.

Science.gov (United States)

Wen, Ran; Zhang, Qing; Xu, Pan; Bai, Jie; Li, Pengyue; Du, Shouying; Lu, Yang

2016-01-01

Xingnaojing microemulsion (XNJ-M) administered intranasally is used for stroke treatment. In order to decrease the XNJ-M-induced mucosal irritation, XNJ-M modified by mPEG2000-PLA (XNJ-MM) were prepared in a previous work. The present work aimed to assess the impact of mPEG2000-PLA on pharmacokinetic features and brain-targeting ability of XNJ-M. The bioavailability and brain-target effects of borneol and geniposide in XNJ-M and XNJ-MM were compared in mice after intravenous (i.v.) and intranasal (i.n.) administrations. Gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methods were developed for the quantification of borneol and geniposide. Blood and brain samples were collected from mice at different time points after i.v. and i.n. treatments with borneol at 8.0 mg/kg, geniposide at 4.12 mg/kg. In addition, near-infrared fluorescence dye, 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl indotricarbocyanine iodide was loaded into microemulsions to evaluate the brain-targeting ability of XNJ-M and XNJ-MM by near-infrared fluorescence imaging in vivo and ex vivo. For XNJ-M and XNJ-MM, the relative brain targeted coefficients (Re) were 134.59% and 198.09% (borneol), 89.70% and 188.33% (geniposide), respectively. Besides, significant near-infrared fluorescent signal was detected in the brain after i.n. administration of microemulsions, compared with that of groups for i.v. administration. These findings indicated that mPEG2000-PLA modified microemulsion improved drug entry into blood and brain compared with normal microemulsion: the introduction of mPEG2000-PLA in microemulsion resulted in brain-targeting enhancement of both fat-soluble and water-soluble drugs. These findings provide a basis for the significance of mPEG2000-PLA addition in microemulsion, defining its effects on the drugs in microemulsion.

Noninvasive imaging of tumor integrin expression using 18F-labeled RGD dimer peptide with PEG4 linkers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Zhaofei; Liu, Shuanglong; Wang, Fan; Liu, Shuang; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2009-01-01

Various radiolabeled Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides have been previously investigated for tumor integrin α v β 3 imaging. To further develop RGD radiotracers with enhanced tumor-targeting efficacy and improved in vivo pharmacokinetics, we designed a new RGD homodimeric peptide with two PEG 4 spacers (PEG 4 = 15-amino-4,7,10,13-tetraoxapentadecanoic acid) between the two monomeric RGD motifs and one PEG 4 linker on the glutamate α-amino group ( 18 F-labeled PEG 4 -E[PEG 4 -c(RGDfK)] 2 , P-PRGD2), as a promising agent for noninvasive imaging of integrin expression in mouse models. P-PRGD2 was labeled with 18 F via 4-nitrophenyl 2- 18 F-fluoropropionate ( 18 F-FP) prosthetic group. In vitro and in vivo characteristics of the new dimeric RGD peptide tracer 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 were investigated and compared with those of 18 F-FP-P-RGD2 ( 18 F-labeled RGD dimer without two PEG 4 spacers between the two RGD motifs). The ability of 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 to image tumor vascular integrin expression was evaluated in a 4T1 murine breast tumor model. With the insertion of two PEG 4 spacers between the two RGD motifs, 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 showed enhanced integrin α v β 3 -binding affinity, increased tumor uptake and tumor-to-nontumor background ratios compared with 18 F-FP-P-RGD2 in U87MG tumors. MicroPET imaging with 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 revealed high tumor contrast and low background in tumor-bearing nude mice. Biodistribution studies confirmed the in vivo integrin α v β 3 -binding specificity of 18 F-FP-P-RGD2. 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 can specifically image integrin α v β 3 on the activated endothelial cells of tumor neovasculature. 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 can provide important information on integrin expression on the tumor vasculature. The high integrin binding affinity and specificity, excellent pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic stability make the new RGD dimeric tracer 18 F-FP-P-PRGD2 a promising agent for PET imaging of tumor angiogenesis and for monitoring the efficacy of antiangiogenic

A PEG-DA microfluidic device for chemotaxis studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Traore, Mahama Aziz; Behkam, Bahareh

2013-01-01

The study of cells in a well-defined and chemically programmable microenvironment is essential for a complete and fundamental understanding of the cell behaviors with respect to specific chemical compounds. Flow-free microfluidic devices that generate quasi-steady chemical gradients (spatially varying but temporally constant) have been demonstrated as effective chemotaxis assay platforms due to dissociating the effect of chemical cues from mechanical shear forces caused by fluid flow. In this work, we demonstrate the fabrication and characterization of a flow-free microfluidic platform made of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEG-DA) hydrogel. We have demonstrated that the mass transport properties of these devices can be customized by fabricating them from PEG-DA gels of four distinct molecular weights. In contrast to microfluidic devices developed using soft lithography; this class of devices can be realized using a more cost-effective approach of direct photopolymerization with fewer microfabrication steps. This microfluidic platform was tested by conducting a quantitative study of the chemotactic behavior of Escherichia coli (E. coli) RP437, a model microorganism, in presence of the chemo-effector, casamino-acids. Using the microfabrication and characterization methodology presented in this work, microfluidic platforms with well-defined and customizable diffusive properties can be developed to accommodate the study of a wide range of cell types. (paper)

Efficient SO2 capture by amine functionalized PEG.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Dezhong; Hou, Minqiang; Ning, Hui; Zhang, Jianling; Ma, Jun; Han, Buxing

2013-11-07

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are a class of non-toxic, non-volatile, biocompatible, and widely available polymers. In this work, we synthesized N-ethyl-N-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-2-aminoethanol (EE3AE) that combines the properties of PEG and amines, and N-decyl-N-ethyl-2-aminoethanol (DEAE). Their performances to capture SO2 were studied at different temperatures, pressures, and absorption times. The interaction between the absorbents and SO2 were characterized by NMR and FTIR techniques. It was demonstrated that both EE3AE and DEAE could absorb SO2 efficiently, and there existed chemical and physical interactions between the absorbents and SO2. In particular, the absorption capacity of EE3AE could be as high as 1.09 g SO2 per g EE3AE at 1 atm. The absorption capacity of EE3AE was much larger than that of DEAE because the ether group in the EE3AE interacted with SO2 more strongly than the alkyl group in the DEAE. The SO2 absorbed by EE3AE could be stripped out by bubbling N2 or by applying a vacuum and the EE3AE could be reused. Moreover, both absorbents exhibited a high SO2-CO2 selectivity.

Application of numerical methods in spectroscopy : fitting of the curve of thermoluminescence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

RANDRIAMANALINA, S.

1999-01-01

The method of non linear least squares is one of the mathematical tools widely employed in spectroscopy, it is used for the determination of parameters of a model. In other hand, the spline function is among fitting functions that introduce the smallest error. It is used for the calculation of the area under the curve. We present an application of these methods, with the details of the corresponding algorithms, to the fitting of the thermoluminescence curve. [fr

Blends of PHB/PEG: obtention of matrices for use as controlled drug release systems; Obtencao de blendas de PHB/PEG para matrizes de sistemas micro e nanoestruturados visando aplicacao em liberacao controlada de farmacos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Catoni, S.E.M.; Gomes, C.A.T.; Trindade, K.N.S.; Schneider, A.L.S.; Pezzin, A.P.T., E-mail: sara.elisamoreira@hotmail.co [Universidade da Regiao de Joinville (UNIVILLE), SC (Brazil); Soldi, V. [Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, SC (Brazil)

2010-07-01

Different materials have been used in the development of micro-and nanostructured systems for drug release. In general, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrixes have high crystallinity degree, justifying its slow degradation. This feature makes the attack of enzymes more difficult. Thus, the surface modification with hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been investigated in order to obtain particles which are not recognized and captured by phagocytic cells after in vivo administration, staying for a longer in the systemic circulation. In this work, PHB/PEG films were prepared by casting in different proportions and characterized by XRD, DSC, SEM, GPC and TGA. The films presented high crystallinity degree and showed uniformity, except the 50/50 composition which showed the presence of two phases. The results revealed that increasing percentage of PEG, the Tm of PHB was decreased, the thermal stability was dramatically decreased and molecular weight of the samples was lower. (author)

Ensuring compatibility of the all-island electricity system with the target model: Fitting a square peg into a round hole?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gorecki, Paul K.

2013-01-01

The all-island wholesale electricity market, SEM, has to comply with the Target Model by 2016. SEM has worked well for consumers through mitigating market power, facilitating entry and ensuring adequate generation capacity, problems that will persist. But the SEM is a mandatory pool with central dispatch, the Target Model is a self dispatch with bilateral contracts. Minimal change to the SEM in complying with the Target Model is preferable to reinvention of SEM. The latter option might be appropriate when the EU internal electricity market is complete and the all-island market has sufficient interconnection to participate fully in that market. - Highlights: ► The Single Electricity Market (SEM) has worked well for consumers in Ireland. ► The SEM has to conform to the Target Model (TM) by 2016. ► The SEM is mandatory pool/central dispatch; the TM is bilateral contracts/self dispatch. ► Ensuring compliance with TM is best achieved through minimal change to SEM. ► Far reaching change is more appropriate once SEM is fully integrated in the EU electricity market.

Effect of PEG and water-soluble chitosan coating on moxifloxacin-loaded PLGA long-circulating nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Mustafa, Sanaul; Devi, V Kusum; Pai, Roopa S

2017-02-01

Moxifloxacin (MOX) is a Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA gyrase inhibitor. Due to its intense hydrophilicity, MOX is cleared from the body within 24 h and required for repetitive doses which may then result in hepatotoxicity and acquisition of MOX resistant-TB, related with its use. To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the current study aimed to develop PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA NPs), to act as an efficient carrier for controlled delivery of MOX. To achieve a substantial extension in blood circulation, a combined design, affixation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to MOX-PLGA NPs and adsorption of water-soluble chitosan (WSC) (cationic deacetylated chitin) to particle surface, was rose for surface modification of NPs. Surface modified NPs (MOX-PEG-WSC NPs) were prepared to provide controlled delivery and circulate in the bloodstream for an extended period of time, thus minimizing dosing frequency. In vivo pharmacokinetic and in vivo biodistribution following oral administration were investigated. NP surface charge was closed to neutral +4.76 mV and significantly affected by the WSC coating. MOX-PEG-WSC NPs presented striking prolongation in blood circulation, reduced protein binding, and long-drawn-out the blood circulation half-life with resultant reduced liver sequestration vis-à-vis MOX-PLGA NPs. The studies, therefore, indicate the successful formulation development of MOX-PEG-WSC NPs that showed sustained release behavior from nanoparticles which indicates low frequency of dosing.

PEG 3350 (Transipeg) versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood functional constipation: a double blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Voskuijl, W.; de Lorijn, F.; Verwijs, W.; Hogeman, P.; Heijmans, J.; Mäkel, W.; Taminiau, J.; Benninga, M.

2004-01-01

Background: Recently, polyethylene glycol ( PEG 3350) has been suggested as a good alternative laxative to lactulose as a treatment option in paediatric constipation. However, no large randomised controlled trials exist evaluating the efficacy of either laxative. Aims: To compare PEG 3350 (

Weighted curve-fitting program for the HP 67/97 calculator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stockli, M.P.

1983-01-01

The HP 67/97 calculator provides in its standard equipment a curve-fit program for linear, logarithmic, exponential and power functions that is quite useful and popular. However, in more sophisticated applications, proper weights for data are often essential. For this purpose a program package was created which is very similar to the standard curve-fit program but which includes the weights of the data for proper statistical analysis. This allows accurate calculation of the uncertainties of the fitted curve parameters as well as the uncertainties of interpolations or extrapolations, or optionally the uncertainties can be normalized with chi-square. The program is very versatile and allows one to perform quite difficult data analysis in a convenient way with the pocket calculator HP 67/97

The IAEA neutron coincidence counting (INCC) and the DEMING least-squares fitting programs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krick, M.S.; Harker, W.C.; Rinard, P.M.; Wenz, T.R.; Lewis, W.; Pham, P.; Ridder, P. de

1998-01-01

Two computer programs are described: (1) the INCC (IAEA or International Neutron Coincidence Counting) program and (2) the DEMING curve-fitting program. The INCC program is an IAEA version of the Los Alamos NCC (Neutron Coincidence Counting) code. The DEMING program is an upgrade of earlier Windows reg-sign and DOS codes with the same name. The versions described are INCC 3.00 and DEMING 1.11. The INCC and DEMING codes provide inspectors with the software support needed to perform calibration and verification measurements with all of the neutron coincidence counting systems used in IAEA inspections for the nondestructive assay of plutonium and uranium

Hydroxynortriptyline of Empty Fruit Bunches Fibre using Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noreen, F.M.Z.; Sarani Zakaria

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the reaction of oil palm empty fruit bunches fibre (EFBF) via chemical modification and hydroxynortriptyline method using polyethylene glycol (PEG). The first stage was the modification of EFB fibre using NaOH and isopropanol. The next stage was the preparation of hydroxypropylated-empty fruit bunches fibre (HP-EFBF), using different molecular weight of PEG (6,000, 8,000 and 10,000). The characterisation involved in this study were conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), determination of kinetic activation energy (E a ), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cellulose crystallinity index (CrI) and weight increment of the HP-EFB fibre. SEM results showed the surface of HP-EFBF swelled and craters formed along the surface of the fibre. IR spectrum also showed OH stretching band in EFB without treatment is 3402 cm -1 , but after hydroxynortriptyline process, the OH stretching band in HP-EFBF (10000, 8000 and 6000) slightly shifted to 3392, 3384 and 3370 cm -1 , respectively. TGA showed the thermal stability of HP-EFBF 6,000 was lower than HP-EFBF 8,000 and 10,000. After chemical modification, the activation energy, E a increased from 32.4 to 51.9 kJ/ mol more than EFB without treatment, 12.5 kJ/ mol. XRD showed that diffraction peak (002) shifted to the smaller 2θ angle and the peaks (101, 10I) disappeared after hydroxynortriptyline process. Crystallinity index, of EFB without treatment decreased from 27 % to 25 % after chemical modification. The higher the molecular weight of the PEG, the greater the weight increment of the HP-EFBF. (author)

Thiol-PEG-carboxyl-stabilized Fe2O3/Au nanoparticles targeted to CD105: Synthesis, characterization and application in MR imaging of tumor angiogenesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Song; Gong, Mingfu; Zhang, Dong; Yang, Hua; Gao, Fabao; Zou, Liguang

2014-01-01

Objective: To detect tumor angiogenesis in tumor-bearing mice using thiol-PEG-carboxyl-stabilized Fe 2 O 3 /Au nanoparticles targeted to CD105 on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Fe 2 O 3 /Au nanoparticles (hybrids) were prepared by reducing Au 3+ on the surface of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Hybrids were stabilized with thiol-PEG-carboxyl via the Au–S covalent bond, and further conjugated with anti-CD105 antibodies through amide linkages. Characteristics of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles were evaluated. Using these nanoparticles, the labeling specificity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated in vitro. MRI T2*-weighted images were obtained at different time points after intravenous administration of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles in the tumor-bearing mice. After MR imaging, the breast cancer xenografts were immediately resected for immunohistochemistry staining and Prussian blue staining to measure the tumor microvessel density (MVD) and evaluate the labeling of blood microvessels by the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles in vivo. Results: The mean diameter of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles was 56.6 ± 8.0 nm, as measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immune activity of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles was 53% of that of the anti-CD105 antibody, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The specific binding of HUVECs with the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles was proved by immunostaining and Prussian blue staining in vitro. For breast cancer xenografts, the combination of the hybrid-PEG-CD105 nanoparticles with blood microvessels was detectable by MRI after 60 min administration of the contrast agent. The T2* relative signal intensity (SI R ) was positively correlated with the tumor MVD (R 2 = 0.8972). Conclusion: Anti-CD105 antibody-coupled, thiol-PEG-carboxyl-stabilized core–shell Fe 2 O 3 /Au nanoparticles can efficiently target CD105 expressed by HUVECs. Furthermore, the hybrid-PEG-CD105

Beam-hardening correction by a surface fitting and phase classification by a least square support vector machine approach for tomography images of geological samples

Science.gov (United States)

Khan, F.; Enzmann, F.; Kersten, M.

2015-12-01

In X-ray computed microtomography (μXCT) image processing is the most important operation prior to image analysis. Such processing mainly involves artefact reduction and image segmentation. We propose a new two-stage post-reconstruction procedure of an image of a geological rock core obtained by polychromatic cone-beam μXCT technology. In the first stage, the beam-hardening (BH) is removed applying a best-fit quadratic surface algorithm to a given image data set (reconstructed slice), which minimizes the BH offsets of the attenuation data points from that surface. The final BH-corrected image is extracted from the residual data, or the difference between the surface elevation values and the original grey-scale values. For the second stage, we propose using a least square support vector machine (a non-linear classifier algorithm) to segment the BH-corrected data as a pixel-based multi-classification task. A combination of the two approaches was used to classify a complex multi-mineral rock sample. The Matlab code for this approach is provided in the Appendix. A minor drawback is that the proposed segmentation algorithm may become computationally demanding in the case of a high dimensional training data set.

Fitting phase shifts to electron-ion elastic scattering measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Per, M.C.; Dickinson, A.S.

2000-01-01

We have derived non-Coulomb phase shifts from measured differential cross sections for electron scattering by the ions Na + , Cs + , N 3+ , Ar 8+ and Xe 6+ at energies below the inelastic threshold. Values of the scaled squared deviation between the observed and fitted differential cross sections, χ 2 , for the best-fit phase shifts were typically in the range 3-6 per degree of freedom. Generally good agreement with experiment is obtained, except for wide-angle scattering by Ar 8+ and Xe 6+ . Current measurements do not define phase shifts to better than approx. 0.1 rad even in the most favourable circumstances and uncertainties can be much larger. (author)

Pre-processing by data augmentation for improved ellipse fitting.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Pankaj; Belchamber, Erika R; Miklavcic, Stanley J

2018-01-01

Ellipse fitting is a highly researched and mature topic. Surprisingly, however, no existing method has thus far considered the data point eccentricity in its ellipse fitting procedure. Here, we introduce the concept of eccentricity of a data point, in analogy with the idea of ellipse eccentricity. We then show empirically that, irrespective of ellipse fitting method used, the root mean square error (RMSE) of a fit increases with the eccentricity of the data point set. The main contribution of the paper is based on the hypothesis that if the data point set were pre-processed to strategically add additional data points in regions of high eccentricity, then the quality of a fit could be improved. Conditional validity of this hypothesis is demonstrated mathematically using a model scenario. Based on this confirmation we propose an algorithm that pre-processes the data so that data points with high eccentricity are replicated. The improvement of ellipse fitting is then demonstrated empirically in real-world application of 3D reconstruction of a plant root system for phenotypic analysis. The degree of improvement for different underlying ellipse fitting methods as a function of data noise level is also analysed. We show that almost every method tested, irrespective of whether it minimizes algebraic error or geometric error, shows improvement in the fit following data augmentation using the proposed pre-processing algorithm.

Randomised clinical trial: macrogol/PEG 3350+electrolytes versus prucalopride in the treatment of chronic constipation -- a comparison in a controlled environment.

Science.gov (United States)

Cinca, R; Chera, D; Gruss, H-J; Halphen, M

2013-05-01

Constipation is a common condition for which PEG 3350 is an established treatment and prucalopride has recently been approved for this indication. To compare the efficacy, safety and impact on quality of life (QoL) of PEG 3350 plus electrolytes (PEG 3350+E) vs. prucalopride in females with chronic constipation (CC) in whom laxatives have previously failed to provide adequate relief. In this single-centre, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy study, patients with CC [PEG 3350+E (N = 120) or 1-2 mg prucalopride (N = 120) daily for 28 days following a 14-day run-in period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients having ≥3 SCBMs during the last treatment week. Non-inferiority of PEG 3350+E to prucalopride was demonstrated in the per-protocol population [difference, 10.1% (66.67% vs. 56.52%), 97.5% lower confidence interval (CI) -2.7%, above the preset margin of -20%] and approached superiority in the modified intent-to-treat population (difference, 9.8%, 97.5% lower CI, -3.1%). Statistically significant differences in favour of PEG 3350+E were observed for most secondary variables (bowel movements, stool weight, consistency, time to next SCBM, patient perception of straining and completeness of defecation). Colonic transit time was dramatically reduced in both arms. Both treatments were well tolerated. PEG 3350+E was at least as effective as and generally better tolerated than prucalopride as a treatment for chronic constipation in this study population (NCT01251822; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

PLA-b-PEG/magnetite hyperthermic agent prepared by Ugi four component condensation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. P. Icart

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Ugi four component condensation (UFCC, is an important tool for the synthesis of different types of bioconjugate species. In this study, a PLA-PEG/magnetite magnetic composite was prepared by a synthetic-route approach based on UFCC. In particular, poly(lactic acid (PLA was synthesized by autocatalytic polycondensation. Also, poly(ethyleneglycol bis-amine (bis-amine PEG was synthesized by two different methods: via carbonyldiimidazol (CDI/ethylenediamine (ED (75% yield and via chlorate monochlorated acetyl (CCA/ED (95% yield. All products were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC, hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 1H, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA. In addition, magnetite was prepared and modified to generate aldehyde groups which are also necessary for UFCC. This product was characterized by DSC, TGA, X-ray diffraction (XRD and magnetic force (MF techniques. Also, the magnetic composite PLA-PEG/magnetite was synthesized by UFCC. The calculated yield was equal to 80%. Furthermore, magnetic microspheres were prepared by the procedure of emulsion solvent-evaporation and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM and magnetic induction hyperthermia (MIH. The main contribution of these results is to propose a new application for UFCC in the preparation of biomasked magnetic drug delivery systems able to improve the cancer treatment and even the welfare of the patients.

FUSE SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF THE SLOWEST SYMBIOTIC NOVA AG PEG DURING QUIESCENCE

Science.gov (United States)

Sion, Edward Michael; Godon, Patrick; Katynski, Marcus; Mikolajewska, Joanna

2018-01-01

We present a far ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis of the slowest known symbiotic nova AG Peg (MIII giant + hot white dwarf; P_orb = 818.4 days) which underwent a nova explosion in 1850 followed by a very slow decline that did not end until ~ 1996, marking the beginning of queiscence. Eight years of quiescence ended in June 2015, when AG Peg exhibited a Z And-type outburst with an optical amplitude of ~ 3 magnitudes. We have carried out accretion disk and WD photosphere synthetic spectral modeling of a FUSE spectrum (Froning et al. 2014) obtained on June 5.618, 2003 during the quiescence intervai ~ 12 years before the 2015 outburst. The spectrum is heavily affected by ISM absorption as well as strong broad emission lines. We de-reddened the FUSE fluxes with E(B-V) = 0.10 which is the maximum galactic reddening in the direction of AG Peg and took the distance of 800 pc (Kenyon et al. 1993) but used a range of white dwarf masses, surface temperatures and disk inclination angles. Our analysis also incororates archival HST FOS spectra obtained in 1996 at the onset of quiescence, 147 years after the 1850 nova explosion. The results of our analysis are presented and implications are discussed.This work is supported in part by NASA ADP grant NNX17AF36G to Villanova University.

Formation of Underbrushes on thiolated Poly (ethylene glycol) PEG monolayers by Oligoethylene glycol (OEG) terminated Alkane Thiols on Gold

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lokanathan, Arcot R.

2011-01-01

Adding underbrushes of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) to monolayers of long chain PEG molecules on a surface is one of the strategies [1] in designing a suitable platform for antifouling purpose, where it is possible to have high graft density and molecular conformational freedom[4] simultaneously......, there by maximal retention of activity of covalently immobilised antifouling enzyme [2] on PEG surfaces along with resistance to protein adsorption[3]. Here we present some our studies on the addition of OEG thiol molecules over a self assembled monolayer of PEG thiol on gold. The kinetics of addition of OEG thiol...

From least squares to multilevel modeling: A graphical introduction to Bayesian inference

Science.gov (United States)

Loredo, Thomas J.

2016-01-01

This tutorial presentation will introduce some of the key ideas and techniques involved in applying Bayesian methods to problems in astrostatistics. The focus will be on the big picture: understanding the foundations (interpreting probability, Bayes's theorem, the law of total probability and marginalization), making connections to traditional methods (propagation of errors, least squares, chi-squared, maximum likelihood, Monte Carlo simulation), and highlighting problems where a Bayesian approach can be particularly powerful (Poisson processes, density estimation and curve fitting with measurement error). The "graphical" component of the title reflects an emphasis on pictorial representations of some of the math, but also on the use of graphical models (multilevel or hierarchical models) for analyzing complex data. Code for some examples from the talk will be available to participants, in Python and in the Stan probabilistic programming language.

Fitted curve parameters for the efficiency of a coaxial HPGe Detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Supian Samat

1996-01-01

Using Ngraph software, the parameters of various functions were determined by least squares analysis of fits to experimental efficiencies , ε sub f of a coaxial HPGe detector for gamma rays in the energy range 59 keV to 1836 keV. When these parameters had been determined, their reliability was tested by the calculated goodness-of-fit parameter χ sup 2 sub cal. It is shown that the function, ln ε sub f = Σ sup n sub j=0 a sub j (ln E/E sub 0) sup j , where n=3, gives satisfactory results

Estimating Frequency by Interpolation Using Least Squares Support Vector Regression

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Changwei Ma

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Discrete Fourier transform- (DFT- based maximum likelihood (ML algorithm is an important part of single sinusoid frequency estimation. As signal to noise ratio (SNR increases and is above the threshold value, it will lie very close to Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB, which is dependent on the number of DFT points. However, its mean square error (MSE performance is directly proportional to its calculation cost. As a modified version of support vector regression (SVR, least squares SVR (LS-SVR can not only still keep excellent capabilities for generalizing and fitting but also exhibit lower computational complexity. In this paper, therefore, LS-SVR is employed to interpolate on Fourier coefficients of received signals and attain high frequency estimation accuracy. Our results show that the proposed algorithm can make a good compromise between calculation cost and MSE performance under the assumption that the sample size, number of DFT points, and resampling points are already known.

Two peg spade plate for distal radius fractures A novel technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sharad M Hardikar

2015-01-01

Conclusions: The two peg volar spade plate provides a stable subchondral support in comminuted intraarticular fractures and maintains reduction in osteoporotic fractures of the distal radius. Early mobilization with this implant helps in restoring wrist motion and to prevent development of wrist stiffness.

Eco-friendly PEG-based controlled release nano-formulations of Mancozeb: Synthesis and bioefficacy evaluation against phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria solani and Sclerotium rolfsii.

Science.gov (United States)

Majumder, Sujan; Shakil, Najam A; Kumar, Jitendra; Banerjee, Tirthankar; Sinha, Parimal; Singh, Braj B; Garg, Parul

2016-12-01

Controlled release (CR) nano-formulations of Mancozeb (manganese-zinc double salt of N,N-bisdithiocarbamic acid), a protective fungicide, have been prepared using laboratory-synthesized poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs)-based functionalized amphiphilic copolymers without using any surfactants or external additives. The release kinetics of the developed Mancozeb CR formulations were studied and compared with that of commercially available 42% suspension concentrate and 75% wettable powder. Maximum amount of Mancozeb was released on 42nd day for PEG-600 and octyl chain, PEG-1000 and octyl chain, and PEG-600 and hexadecyl chain, on 35th day for PEG-1000 and hexadecyl chain, on 28th day for PEG-1500 and octyl chain, PEG-2000 and octyl chain, PEG-1500 and hexadecyl chain, and PEG-2000 and hexadecyl chain in comparison to both commercial formulations (15th day). The diffusion exponent (n value) of Mancozeb in water ranged from 0.42 to 0.62 in tested formulations. The half-release (t 1/2 ) values ranged from 17.35 to 35.14 days, and the period of optimum availability of Mancozeb ranged from 18.54 to 35.42 days. Further, the in vitro bioefficacy evaluation of developed formulations was done against plant pathogenic fungi Alternaria solani and Sclerotium rolfsii by poison food technique. Effective dose for 50% inhibition in mgL -1 (ED 50 ) values of developed formulations varied from 1.31 to 2.79 mg L -1 for A. solani, and 1.60 to 3.14 mg L -1 for S. rolfsii. The present methodology is simple, economical, and eco-friendly for the development of environment-friendly CR formulations of Mancozeb. These formulations can be used to optimize the release of Mancozeb to achieve disease control for the desired period depending upon the matrix of the polymer used. Importantly, the maximum amount of active ingredient remains available for a reasonable period after application. In addition, the developed CR formulations were found to be suitable for fungicidal applications, allowing

A spectroscopic study of the deeply eclipsing dwarf nova IP Peg

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marsh, T.R.

1988-01-01

Spectrophotometry of the dwarf novae IP Peg during quiescence is presented. The spectra have broad, double peaked emission lines on a blue continuum, characteristic of high-inclination dwarf novae. The emission lines are 96 per cent eclipsed and the orbital hump, which is strong in the continuum, is much weaker in the lines. We introduce a method for the analysis of radial velocities of emission lines which corrects for bias caused by disc asymmetries, and we determine the geometrical and physical parameters of IP Peg. The masses of the white dwarf and red star are Msub(W) = 1.09 ± 0.10 solar masses and Msub(R) = 0.64 ± 0.09 solar masses, and the orbital inclination is i = 79.3 ± 0.9 0 . The secondary star which has a radius Rsub(R) 0.49 ± 0.03 solar radii, lies near the main sequence mass-radius relation. (author)

Cell suspension culture and mutants selection for resistance to PEG induced water stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Xiaodong; Lin Tingan

1994-01-01

Elements affecting suspension cell culture in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were studied and a method of rapid establishment of embryogenic suspension cell lines was introduced. Effects of γ ray irradiation on the growth of suspension cells were studied, and the optimum dose of irradiation for inducing mutants from suspension cells was about 20 ∼ 60 Gy. Effects of PEG and NaCl induced water stress on the growth of suspension cells were also investigated, and the results showed that the congregants of preliminary suspension culture were more susceptible than the established suspension cell lines. With 20 Gy of γ ray irradiation on suspension cell line (JL416), six clones were obtained with 70 days of selection on medium of 15% PEG (about-11 bar). A number of regenerated plants were obtained from these clones. One clone was also gained from medium containing 20% PEG (about-15 bar). The selected mutant cell lines (JP15 and JP20) has strong resistances to high concentration of PEG and NaCl induced water stress

The storage capacity of cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacao L.) through giving Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in the various of storage container

Science.gov (United States)

Lahay, R. R.; Misrun, S.; Sipayung, R.

2018-02-01

Cocoa is plant which it’s seed character is recalcitrant. Giving PEG and using various of storage containers was hoped to increase storage capacity of cocoa seeds as long as period of saving. The reseach was aimed to identify the storage capacity of cocoa seeds through giving PEG in the various of storage containers. Research took place in Hataram Jawa II, Kabupaten Simalungun, Propinsi Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. The method of this research is spit-split plot design with 3 replication. Storage period was put on main plot which was consisted of 4 level, PEG concentration was put on sub plot, consisted of 4 level and storage container was put on the sub sub plot consisted of 3 types. The results showed that until 4 days at storage with 45 % PEG concentration at all storage container, percentage of seed germination at storage can be decreased to be 2.90 %, and can be defensed until 16 days with 45 % PEG concentration at perforated plastic storage container. Percentage of molded seeds and seed moisture content were increased with added period of storage but seed moisture content was increased until 12 days at storage and was decreased at 16 days in storage.

A study on the effect of P/E and PEG ratios on stock returns: Evidence from Tehran Stock Exchange

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seyyed Ali Lajevardi

2014-07-01

Full Text Available This paper studies the effect of the ratios of P/E and PEG on stock returns of the firms accepted on Tehran Stock Exchange. The study uses regression and Pearson Correlation Coefficient based on the performance of 138 firms over the period 2004- 2009 according to the Iranian calendar to investigate the effects of P/E and PEG on stock returns. The study also uses the models originally proposed by Chahin and Choudhry (2010 [Chahin, S., & Choudhry, T. (2010. Price to earnings, growth radio and value growth based strategies. Social Science Research Network, 19(4.] to discuss the strategies of investing on stocks. The results show that the ratio of P/E had more effect on stock returns than the ratio of PEG and stocks returns had a direct relationship with P/E and an inverse relationship with PEG. In addition, the returns of growth stock were more than value stock.

Using Fit Indexes to Select a Covariance Model for Longitudinal Data

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Siwei; Rovine, Michael J.; Molenaar, Peter C. M.

2012-01-01

This study investigated the performance of fit indexes in selecting a covariance structure for longitudinal data. Data were simulated to follow a compound symmetry, first-order autoregressive, first-order moving average, or random-coefficients covariance structure. We examined the ability of the likelihood ratio test (LRT), root mean square error…

Injury Rate and Patterns Among CrossFit Athletes.

Science.gov (United States)

Weisenthal, Benjamin M; Beck, Christopher A; Maloney, Michael D; DeHaven, Kenneth E; Giordano, Brian D

2014-04-01

CrossFit is a type of competitive exercise program that has gained widespread recognition. To date, there have been no studies that have formally examined injury rates among CrossFit participants or factors that may contribute to injury rates. To establish an injury rate among CrossFit participants and to identify trends and associations between injury rates and demographic categories, gym characteristics, and athletic abilities among CrossFit participants. Descriptive epidemiology study. A survey was conducted, based on validated epidemiologic injury surveillance methods, to identify patterns of injury among CrossFit participants. It was sent to CrossFit gyms in Rochester, New York; New York City, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and made available via a posting on the main CrossFit website. Participants were encouraged to distribute it further, and as such, there were responses from a wide geographical location. Inclusion criteria included participating in CrossFit training at a CrossFit gym in the United States. Data were collected from October 2012 to February 2013. Data analysis was performed using Fisher exact tests and chi-square tests. A total of 486 CrossFit participants completed the survey, and 386 met the inclusion criteria. The overall injury rate was determined to be 19.4% (75/386). Males (53/231) were injured more frequently than females (21/150; P = .03). Across all exercises, injury rates were significantly different (P CrossFit was approximately 20%. Males were more likely to sustain an injury than females. The involvement of trainers in coaching participants on their form and guiding them through the workout correlates with a decreased injury rate. The shoulder and lower back were the most commonly injured in gymnastic and power lifting movements, respectively. Participants reported primarily acute and fairly mild injuries.

Local fit evaluation of structural equation models using graphical criteria.

Science.gov (United States)

Thoemmes, Felix; Rosseel, Yves; Textor, Johannes

2018-03-01

Evaluation of model fit is critically important for every structural equation model (SEM), and sophisticated methods have been developed for this task. Among them are the χ² goodness-of-fit test, decomposition of the χ², derived measures like the popular root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) or comparative fit index (CFI), or inspection of residuals or modification indices. Many of these methods provide a global approach to model fit evaluation: A single index is computed that quantifies the fit of the entire SEM to the data. In contrast, graphical criteria like d-separation or trek-separation allow derivation of implications that can be used for local fit evaluation, an approach that is hardly ever applied. We provide an overview of local fit evaluation from the viewpoint of SEM practitioners. In the presence of model misfit, local fit evaluation can potentially help in pinpointing where the problem with the model lies. For models that do fit the data, local tests can identify the parts of the model that are corroborated by the data. Local tests can also be conducted before a model is fitted at all, and they can be used even for models that are globally underidentified. We discuss appropriate statistical local tests, and provide applied examples. We also present novel software in R that automates this type of local fit evaluation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Re-establishment of desiccation tolerance by PEG in germinated Arabidopsis thaliana seeds

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Maia de Oliveira, Julio; Dias Costa, Maria; Ligterink, Wilco; Hilhorst, Henk

2015-01-01

Mature seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana are desiccation tolerant, but they lose DT while progressing to germination. Yet, there is a small developmental window during which DT can be rescued by treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG).

China's Exchange Rate Policy : The Case Against Abandoning the Dollar PEG

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Laurenceson, J.; Qin, F.

2005-01-01

This paper critically evaluates the policy literature surrounding China's exchange rate regime.It first discusses several popularly raised contentions in relation to the dollar peg employed by China, which in fact are poorly grounded in evidence.These include notions that the RMB is clearly

Comparison of effectiveness between cork-screw and peg-screw electrodes for transcranial motor evoked potential monitoring using the finite element method.

Science.gov (United States)

Tomio, Ryosuke; Akiyama, Takenori; Ohira, Takayuki; Yoshida, Kazunari

2016-01-01

Intraoperative monitoring of motor evoked potentials by transcranial electric stimulation is popular in neurosurgery for monitoring motor function preservation. Some authors have reported that the peg-screw electrodes screwed into the skull can more effectively conduct current to the brain compared to subdermal cork-screw electrodes screwed into the skin. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of electrode design on transcranial motor evoked potential monitoring. We estimated differences in effectiveness between the cork-screw electrode, peg-screw electrode, and cortical electrode to produce electric fields in the brain. We used the finite element method to visualize electric fields in the brain generated by transcranial electric stimulation using realistic three-dimensional head models developed from T1-weighted images. Surfaces from five layers of the head were separated as accurately as possible. We created the "cork-screws model," "1 peg-screw model," "peg-screws model," and "cortical electrode model". Electric fields in the brain radially diffused from the brain surface at a maximum just below the electrodes in coronal sections. The coronal sections and surface views of the brain showed higher electric field distributions under the peg-screw compared to the cork-screw. An extremely high electric field was observed under cortical electrodes. Our main finding was that the intensity of electric fields in the brain are higher in the peg-screw model than the cork-screw model.

Functional PEG-PAMAM-tetraphosphonate capped NaLnF₄ nanoparticles and their colloidal stability in phosphate buffer.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Guangyao; Tong, Lemuel; Cao, Pengpeng; Nitz, Mark; Winnik, Mitchell A

2014-06-17

Developing surface coatings for NaLnF4 nanoparticles (NPs) that provide long-term stability in solutions containing competitive ions such as phosphate remains challenging. An amine-functional polyamidoamine tetraphosphonate (NH2-PAMAM-4P) as a multidentate ligand for these NPs has been synthesized and characterized as a ligand for the surface of NaGdF4 and NaTbF4 nanoparticles. A two-step ligand exchange protocol was developed for introduction of the NH2-PAMAM-4P ligand on oleate-capped NaLnF4 NPs. The NPs were first treated with methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-monophosphoric acid (M(n) = 750) in tetrahydrofuran. The mPEG750-OPO3-capped NPs were stable colloidal solutions in water, where they could be ligand-exchanged with NH2-PAMAM-4P. The surface amine groups on the NPs were available for derivatization to attach methoxy-PEG (M(n) = 2000) and biotin-terminated PEG (M(n) = 2000) chains. The surface coverage of ligands on the NPs was examined by thermal gravimetric analysis, and by a HABA analysis for biotin-containing NPs. Colloidal stability of the NPs was examined by dynamic light scattering. NaGdF4 and NaTbF4 NPs capped with mPEG2000-PAMAM-4P showed colloidal stability in DI water and in phosphate buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4). A direct comparison with NaTbF4 NPs capped with a mPEG2000-lysine-based tetradentate ligand that we reported previously (Langmuir 2012, 28, 12861-12870) showed that both ligands provided long-term stability in phosphate buffer, but that the lysine-based ligand provided better stability in phosphate-buffered saline.

Effect of processing temperature on the bitumen/MDI-PEG reactivity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Martin-Alfonso, M.J.; Partal, P.; Navarro, F.J.; Garcia-Morales, M. [Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Campus de ' El Carmen' , Universidad de Huelva, 21071, Huelva (Spain); Bordado, J.C.M. [Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, IBB, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisbon (Portugal); Diogo, A.C. [Materials Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisbon (Portugal)

2009-04-15

Reactive polymers are lately gaining acceptance to give added value to a residue of the crude oil refining process such as bitumen. The resulting material should display enhanced mechanical properties to be considered for advanced applications in construction. In the present paper, we report the effect of processing temperature on the reaction between bitumen compounds and an isocyanate-based reactive polymer, synthesized by reaction of polymeric MDI (4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate) with a low molecular weight polyethylene-glycol (PEG). Rheokinetics experiments, viscosity measurements at 60 C, atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization, thin layer chromatography (TLC-FID) analysis and thermogravimetric studies (TGA) were performed on the reactive polymer and on samples of MDI-PEG modified bitumen containing 2 wt.% of the polymer. Results showed the existence of an optimum processing temperature arisen as a consequence of opposite effects: microstructural availability for the formation of a polymer-bitumen network, reaction ability and polymer thermal degradation. Consequently, this study aims to serve as a guideline for the refining and asphalt industries facing the stage of selecting the optimum processing parameters. (author)

The effect of gamma radiation on the structure of graphene oxide and graphene oxide functionalized with amino-PEG

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soares, Jaqueline J.S.; Jacovone, Raynara M.S.; Santos, Paulo S.; Zaim, Márcio H.; Faria, Dalva L.A. de; Sakata, Solange K.; Universidade de Sao Paulo

2017-01-01

The functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been widely used in drug delivery systems. This nanocomposite exhibits excellent stability in the presence of high concentrations of salts and proteins and shows to be less toxic than its raw form in vitro and in vivo. However, it must be sterilized before use in the medical field and the gamma irradiation shows a promising option for this purpose. Sterilization by ionizing energy through gamma rays, generated by Cobalt-60 self-disintegration, consists in exposing the materials to short electromagnetic waves. The irradiation process provides substantial advantages when compared to thermal and chemical processes such as more precise control of the process, production of products with superior qualities, lower energy consumption and less environmental pollution. In this work the effect of gamma radiation on the structure of GO and GO functionalized com Amino-PEG (GO-PEG-NH_2) irradiated with different doses (15, 25, 35 and 50 kGy) and rate dose 7.31 kGy.h"-"1 was evaluated. The analyses were performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the methods for the synthesis of GO and GO-PEG-NH_2 was effective since there was confirmation of the surface oxidation of materials and functionalization with the PEG-NH_2 and the sterilization by gamma radiation does not caused any defects on materials. (author)

The effect of gamma radiation on the structure of graphene oxide and graphene oxide functionalized with amino-PEG

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soares, Jaqueline J.S.; Jacovone, Raynara M.S.; Santos, Paulo S.; Zaim, Márcio H.; Faria, Dalva L.A. de; Sakata, Solange K., E-mail: jaque.soares@ipen.br, E-mail: sksakata@ipen.br [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil); Universidade de Sao Paulo (IQ/USP), SP (Brazil). Instituto de Química

2017-07-01

The functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been widely used in drug delivery systems. This nanocomposite exhibits excellent stability in the presence of high concentrations of salts and proteins and shows to be less toxic than its raw form in vitro and in vivo. However, it must be sterilized before use in the medical field and the gamma irradiation shows a promising option for this purpose. Sterilization by ionizing energy through gamma rays, generated by Cobalt-60 self-disintegration, consists in exposing the materials to short electromagnetic waves. The irradiation process provides substantial advantages when compared to thermal and chemical processes such as more precise control of the process, production of products with superior qualities, lower energy consumption and less environmental pollution. In this work the effect of gamma radiation on the structure of GO and GO functionalized com Amino-PEG (GO-PEG-NH{sub 2}) irradiated with different doses (15, 25, 35 and 50 kGy) and rate dose 7.31 kGy.h{sup -1} was evaluated. The analyses were performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the methods for the synthesis of GO and GO-PEG-NH{sub 2} was effective since there was confirmation of the surface oxidation of materials and functionalization with the PEG-NH{sub 2} and the sterilization by gamma radiation does not caused any defects on materials. (author)

Assessing model fit in latent class analysis when asymptotics do not hold

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Kollenburg, Geert H.; Mulder, Joris; Vermunt, Jeroen K.

2015-01-01

The application of latent class (LC) analysis involves evaluating the LC model using goodness-of-fit statistics. To assess the misfit of a specified model, say with the Pearson chi-squared statistic, a p-value can be obtained using an asymptotic reference distribution. However, asymptotic p-values

N III Bowen Lines and Fluorescence Mechanism in the Symbiotic Star AG Peg

Science.gov (United States)

Hyung, Siek; Lee, Seong-Jae; Lee, Kang Hwan

2018-03-01

We have investigated the intensities and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the high dispersion spectroscopic N III emission lines of AG Peg, observed with the Hamilton Echelle Spectrograph (HES) in three different epochs at Mt. Hamilton's Lick Observatory. The earlier theoretical Bowen line study assumed the continuum fluorescence effect, presenting a large discrepancy with the present data. Hence, we analyzed the observed N III lines assuming line fluorescence as the only suitable source: (1) The O III and N III resonance line profiles near λ 374 were decomposed, using the Gaussian function, and the contributions from various O III line components were determined. (2) Based on the theoretical resonant N III intensities, the expected N III Bowen intensities were obtained to fit the observed values. Our study shows that the incoming line photon number ratio must be considered to balance at each N III Bowen line level in the ultraviolet radiation according to the observed lines in the optical zone. We also found that the average FWHM of the N III Bowen lines was about 5 km·s-1 greater than that of the O III Bowen lines, perhaps due to the inherently different kinematic characteristics of their emission zones.

Aspartic acid-based modified PLGA-PEG nanoparticles for bone targeting: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Yin-Chih; Fu, Tzu-Fun; Wang, Hung-Jen; Lin, Che-Wei; Lee, Gang-Hui; Wu, Shun-Cheng; Wang, Chih-Kuang

2014-11-01

Nanoparticles (NP) that target bone tissue were developed using PLGA-PEG (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene glycol) diblock copolymers and bone-targeting moieties based on aspartic acid, (Asp)(n(1,3)). These NP are expected to enable the transport of hydrophobic drugs. The molecular structures were examined by (1)H NMR or identified using mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The NP were prepared using the water miscible solvent displacement method, and their size characteristics were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering. The bone targeting potential of the NP was evaluated in vitro using hydroxyapatite affinity assays and in vivo using fluorescent imaging in zebrafish and rats. It was confirmed that the average particle size of the NP was <200 nm and that the dendritic Asp3 moiety of the PLGA-PEG-Asp3 NP exhibited the best apatite mineral binding ability. Preliminary findings in vivo bone affinity assays in zebrafish and rats indicated that the PLGA-PEG-ASP3 NP may display increased bone-targeting efficiency compared with other PLGA-PEG-based NP that lack a dendritic Asp3 moiety. These NP may act as a delivery system for hydrophobic drugs, warranting further evaluation of the treatment of bone disease. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supercritical CO2-assisted preparation of ibuprofen loaded PEG-PVP complexes

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Labuschagne, Philip W

2010-06-01

Full Text Available Stoichiometric ratios of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG, Mw = 400) with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP, Mw = ±3.1 x 104 & Mw = 1.25 x 106 Mw) were prepared from ethanol cast solutions and in supercritical CO2. The complex formation was studied via glass...

Acetal-Linked Paclitaxel Polymeric Prodrug Based on Functionalized mPEG-PCL Diblock Polymer for pH-Triggered Drug Delivery

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yinglei Zhai

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The differences in micro-environment between cancer cells and the normal ones offer the possibility to develop stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems for overcoming the drawbacks in the clinical use of anticancer drugs, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and etc. Hence, we developed a novel endosomal pH-sensitive paclitaxel (PTX prodrug micelles based on functionalized poly(ethylene glycol-poly(ε-caprolactone (mPEG-PCL diblock polymer with an acid-cleavable acetal (Ace linkage (mPEG-PCL-Ace-PTX. The mPEG-PCL-Ace-PTX5 with a high drug content of 23.5 wt % was self-assembled in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 10 mM into nanosized micelles with an average diameter of 68.5 nm. The in vitro release studies demonstrated that mPEG-PCL-Ace-PTX5 micelles was highly pH-sensitive, in which 16.8%, 32.8%, and 48.2% of parent free PTX was released from mPEG-PCL-Ace-PTX5 micelles in 48 h at pH 7.4, 6.0, and 5.0, respectively. Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT assays suggested that the pH-sensitive PTX prodrug micelles displayed higher therapeutic efficacy against MCF-7 cells compared with free PTX. Therefore, the PTX prodrug micelles with acetal bond may offer a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Prediction of retention indices for frequently reported compounds of plant essential oils using multiple linear regression, partial least squares, and support vector machine.

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Jun; Huang, Jian-Hua; He, Min; Lu, Hong-Bing; Yang, Rui; Kong, Bo; Xu, Qing-Song; Liang, Yi-Zeng

2013-08-01

Retention indices for frequently reported compounds of plant essential oils on three different stationary phases were investigated. Multivariate linear regression, partial least squares, and support vector machine combined with a new variable selection approach called random-frog recently proposed by our group, were employed to model quantitative structure-retention relationships. Internal and external validations were performed to ensure the stability and predictive ability. All the three methods could obtain an acceptable model, and the optimal results by support vector machine based on a small number of informative descriptors with the square of correlation coefficient for cross validation, values of 0.9726, 0.9759, and 0.9331 on the dimethylsilicone stationary phase, the dimethylsilicone phase with 5% phenyl groups, and the PEG stationary phase, respectively. The performances of two variable selection approaches, random-frog and genetic algorithm, are compared. The importance of the variables was found to be consistent when estimated from correlation coefficients in multivariate linear regression equations and selection probability in model spaces. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Intraperitoneal administration of high doses of polyethylene glycol (PEG) causes hepatic subcapsular necrosis and low-grade peritonitis with a rise in hepatic biomarkers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pellegrini, Giovanni; Starkey Lewis, Phil J.; Palmer, Luke; Hetzel, Udo; Goldring, Christopher E.; Park, B. Kevin; Kipar, Anja; Williams, Dominic P.

2013-01-01

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are commonly employed as excipients in preclinical studies and in vitro experiments to dissolve poorly hydrosoluble drugs. Their use is generally considered safe in both animals and humans; however, limited data is available concerning the safety of PEGs when administered parenterally. The results of our investigation demonstrate that PEG-400 can have an irritant effect on serosal surfaces and causes subcapsular hepatocellular necrosis in mice when administered intraperitoneally at a high dose (4 mL/kg). Accordingly, levels of serum biomarkers of liver injury need to be carefully interpreted in studies where PEG is administered intraperitoneally and always in association with the results of the histological assessment

Lignocellulosic ethanol production by starch-base industrial yeast under PEG detoxification

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xiumei; Xu, Wenjuan; Mao, Liaoyuan; Zhang, Chao; Yan, Peifang; Xu, Zhanwei; Zhang, Z. Conrad

2016-02-01

Cellulosic ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass offers a sustainable solution for transition from fossil based fuels to renewable alternatives. However, a few long-standing technical challenges remain to be addressed in the development of an economically viable fermentation process from lignocellulose. Such challenges include the needs to improve yeast tolerance to toxic inhibitory compounds and to achieve high fermentation efficiency with minimum detoxification steps after a simple biomass pretreatment. Here we report an in-situ detoxification strategy by PEG exo-protection of an industrial dry yeast (starch-base). The exo-protected yeast cells displayed remarkably boosted vitality with high tolerance to toxic inhibitory compounds, and with largely improved ethanol productivity from crude hydrolysate derived from a pretreated lignocellulose. The PEG chemical exo-protection makes the industrial S. cerevisiae yeast directly applicable for the production of cellulosic ethanol with substantially improved productivity and yield, without of the need to use genetically modified microorganisms.

A multilevel shape fit analysis of neutron transmission data

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naguib, K.; Sallam, O.H.; Adib, M.

1989-01-01

A multilevel shape fit analysis of neutron transmission data is presented. A multilevel computer code SHAPE is used to analyse clean transmission data obtained from time-of-flight (TOF) measurements. The shape analysis deduces the parameters of the observed resonances in the energy region considered in the measurements. The shape code is based upon a least square fit of a multilevel Breit-Wigner formula and includes both instrumental resolution and Doppler broadenings. Operating the SHAPE code on a test example of a measured transmission data of 151 Eu, 153 Eu and natural Eu in the energy range 0.025-1 eV acquired a good result for the used technique of analysis. (author)

Comparison of cell uptake, biodistribution and tumor retention of folate-coated and PEG-coated gadolinium nanoparticles in tumor-bearing mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Oyewumi, Moses O; Yokel, Robert A; Jay, Michael; Coakley, Tricia; Mumper, Russell J

2004-03-24

The purpose of these studies was to compare the cell uptake, biodistribution and tumor retention of folate-coated and PEG-coated gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticles. Gd is a potential agent for neutron capture therapy (NCT) of tumors. Gd nanoparticles were engineered from oil-in-water microemulsion templates. To obtain folate-coated nanoparticles, a folate ligand [folic acid chemically linked to distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) via a PEG spacer MW 3350] was included in nanoparticle preparations. Similarly, control nanoparticles were coated with DSPE-PEG-MW 3350 (PEG-coated). Nanoparticles were characterized based on size, size distribution, morphology, biocompatibility and tumor cell uptake. In vivo studies were carried out in KB (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) tumor-bearing athymic mice. Biodistribution and tumor retention studies were carried out at pre-determined time intervals after injection of nanoparticles (10 mg/kg). Gd nanoparticles did not aggregate platelets or activate neutrophils. The retention of nanoparticles in the blood 8, 16 and 24 h post-injection was 60%, 13% and 11% of the injected dose (ID), respectively. A maximum Gd tumor localization of 33+/-7 microg Gd/g was achieved. Both folate-coated and PEG-coated nanoparticles had comparable tumor accumulation. However, the cell uptake and tumor retention of folate-coated nanoparticles was significantly enhanced over PEG-coated nanoparticles. Thus, the benefits of folate ligand coating were to facilitate tumor cell internalization and retention of Gd-nanoparticles in the tumor tissue. The engineered nanoparticles may have potential in tumor-targeted delivery of Gd thereby enhancing the therapeutic success of NCT.

Least-squares approximation of an improper by a proper correlation matrix using a semi-infinite convex program