Functional Coupling of Slack Channels and P2X3 Receptors Contributes to Neuropathic Pain Processing

The sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (K_Na1.1, Slo2.2, or Kcnt1) is highly expressed in populations of sensory neurons, where it mediates the sodium-activated potassium current (I_KNa) and modulates neuronal activity. Previous studies suggest that Slack is involved in the processing of neuropathic pain. However, mechanisms underlying the regulation of Slack activity in this context are poorly understood. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings we found that Slack-mediated I_KNa in sensory neurons of mice is reduced after peripheral nerve injury, thereby contributing to neuropathic pain hypersensitivity. Interestingly, Slack is closely associated with ATP-sensitive P2X3 receptors in a population of sensory neurons. In vitro experiments revealed that Slack-mediated I_KNa may be bidirectionally modulated in response to P2X3 activation. Moreover, mice lacking Slack show altered nocifensive responses to P2X3 stimulation. Our study identifies P2X3/Slack signaling as a mechanism contributing to hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury and proposes a potential novel strategy for treatment of neuropathic pain.     

Droplet Entrainment Analysis in a Flash Evaporator with an Image-Based Measurement Technique

Local droplet sizes and volumes of entrained liquid are captured with an image-based measurement technique for comparison with a conventional, integral method for entrainment analysis. Experiments in a forced circulation flash evaporation were performed for different operating conditions and with two different chemical systems. Droplet size and frequency rise with an increase in thermal energy input. The local readings confirm the trends found by the integral measurement method. The modification of the image-based probe enables the detection of small (≈ 10 µm) and at the same time fast droplets under challenging operating conditions, such as vacuum and superheated feed similar to industrial process conditions.     

Foliar Spraying of Silicon Associated with Salicylic Acid Increases Silicon Absorption and Peanut Growth

Silicon - Silicon (Si) combined with foliar spraying of salicylic acid (SA) can affect the absorption of this beneficial element. A study with Si non-accumulators plants (soybean and bean) observed...     

Orange to green switching anthraquinone-based electrochromic material

An easily accessible anthraquinone-benzodithiophene-based high bandgap polymer (PTAq) was synthesized by Stille coupling reactions in remarkably high yield (96.5%). The highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of the polymer was estimated from the onset of oxidation in a cyclic voltammetry study to be −5.7 eV. PTAq showed an orange-to-green color switching with the application of a 1.0-V external potential to the polymer film, which was visible to the naked eye. The optical behavior change was also monitored using ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy and revealed a respectable 75% transmittance change when the polymer film was subjected to a 1.0-V external potential. The high color contrast observed makes PTAq one of the most promising materials for electrochromic device applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47729.     

Thermoset IM-LSI-based C/C-SiC: Influence of flow direction and weld lines on microstructure and mechanical properties

The production of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) based on C/C-SiC is still very cost-intensive and therefore only economical for a few applications. The fabrication of the preforms involves many costs that need to be reduced. In this work, the shaping of the CFRP-preforms is realized by thermoset injection molding, which enables large-scale production. The polymeric matrix used is a multi-component matrix consisting of novolak resin, curing agent and lubricant. Six millimeter chopped carbon fiber with a proportion of 50 wt.% were used as a reinforcement. These ingredients are processed by an industrial equipment for compounding and injection molding in order to manufacture a CFRP demonstrator representing a brake disc. Test specimens are cut out of the demonstrator in different directions in order to investigate influences of flow direction and weld lines on microstructural and mechanical properties. Afterward, the CFRP samples were converted to C/C-SiC composites by the liquid silicon infiltration process. The article addresses the flow behavior of the compound during the injection molding and the building of the weld lines in the demonstrator. In addition, results of the directional dependence of the microstructural and mechanical properties within the fabricated disc in the different production steps are presented.     

Curing behavior of a UV-curable inkjet ink: Distinction between surface-cure and deep-cure performance

Safety requirements and the need of low-migration UV inks have received increasing attention in the packaging industry. Crucial for the development and design of low-migration UV inkjet inks for migration-sensitive applications is the polymerization degree. In this study, curing-behavior of a black, high purity packaging ink (HPP-ink) was monitored using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. UV irradiation of HPP-ink led to changes in specific absorption bands of the FTIR spectra due to crosslinking reaction of double bonds. Changes in absorptions bands at 1,408 and 1,321 cm⁻¹ permitted the determination of CC conversion of acrylic and vinyl double bond, independently of one another. In addition, a method was developed which allows the investigation of surface-cure and deep-cure behavior, separately.     

Predicting the damage development in epoxy resins using an anisotropic damage model

For fiber-reinforced plastics, the strain-rate dependent response is governed by the matrix behavior. In this work, the Goldberg model is considered for the epoxy matrix constitutive material model. Moreover, the strain-rate dependency is achieved by direct influence on the elastic modulus, the inelastic strain, and the material strain to failure. In addition, an anisotropic damage response is implemented and extended through a strain-rate dependent definition. Since the constitutive model relies on nonphysical parameters, a parameter study is further performed. Additional numerical investigations using a micro-mechanical model are performed. Tension and shear loading conditions are evaluated and the influence of different strain rates is explored. Furthermore, the implemented anisotropic damage model is compared and discussed against an isotropic damage model.     

Digital Extraction Column: Measurement and Modeling Techniques

The digitization of extraction columns requires a profound knowledge of the present hydrodynamics/mass transport interaction as well as appropriate measurement techniques for the detection of relevant input and target values. In this article, the different techniques for droplet size distribution as well as concentration determination are presented and new methods for online evaluation are discussed. In combination with the simulation of droplet size, holdup and solute concentration distribution, an online-capable process tool for controlling and optimizing extraction columns will be obtained.     

Interleukins 6 and 15 Levels Are Higher in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue,but Obesity Is Associated with Their Increased Content in Visceral Fat Depots

Excess adiposity is associated with chronic inflammation, which takes part in the development of obesity-related complications. The aim of this study was to establish whether subcutaneous (SAT) or visceral (VAT) adipose tissue plays a major role in synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concentrations of interleukins (IL): 1β, 6, 8 and 15 were measured at the protein level by an ELISA-based method and on the mRNA level by real-time PCR in VAT and SAT samples obtained from 49 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m²) and 16 normal-weight (BMI 20–24.9 kg/m²) controls. IL-6 and IL-15 protein concentrations were higher in SAT than in VAT for both obese (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and control individuals (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively), while for IL-1β this was observed only in obese subjects (p = 0.047). What characterized obese individuals was the higher expression of IL-6 and IL-15 at the protein level in VAT compared to normal-weight controls (p = 0.047 and p = 0.016, respectively). Additionally, obese individuals with metabolic syndrome had higher IL-1β levels in VAT than did obese individuals without this syndrome (p = 0.003). In conclusion, concentrations of some pro-inflammatory cytokines were higher in SAT than in VAT, but it was the increased pro-inflammatory activity of VAT that was associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.     

Human Anti-Oxidation Protein A1M—A Potential Kidney Protection Agent in Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been in clinical use for 15 years to treat metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. PRRT is limited by reabsorption and retention of the administered radiolabeled somatostatin analogues in the proximal tubule. Consequently, it is essential to develop and employ methods to protect the kidneys during PRRT. Today, infusion of positively charged amino acids is the standard method of kidney protection. Other methods, such as administration of amifostine, are still under evaluation and show promising results. α₁-microglobulin (A1M) is a reductase and radical scavenging protein ubiquitously present in plasma and extravascular tissue. Human A1M has antioxidation properties and has been shown to prevent radiation-induced in vitro cell damage and protect non-irradiated surrounding cells. It has recently been shown in mice that exogenously infused A1M and the somatostatin analogue octreotide are co-localized in proximal tubules of the kidney after intravenous infusion. In this review we describe the current situation of kidney protection during PRRT, discuss the necessity and implications of more precise dosimetry and present A1M as a new, potential candidate for renal protection during PRRT and related targeted radionuclide therapies.