Yes / Purpose: Dexibuprofen is an enantiomer of ibuprofen with low bioavailability which results from its hydrophobic nature. Nanosuspensions have developed a podium to solve the in vitro dissolution problem that frequently occurs in current research. Materials and methods: The drug and polymer solutions were mixed in a microchannel fluid reactor and the successive embryonic nanosuspension was decanted into a vial having the polymer solution. The impact of different process and formulation parameters including inlet angle, antisolvent and solvent flow rate(s), mixing time, drug concentration, polymer type and concentration was evaluated. Results and discussion: Stable dexibuprofen nanocrystals with a particle size of 45±3.0 nm and polydispersity index of 0.19±0.06 were obtained. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity. The key parameters observed were inlet angle 10°, antisolvent to solvent volume of 2.0/0.5 mL/min, 60 minutes mixing with 5 minutes sonication, Poloxamer-407 with a concentration of 0.5% w/v and drug concentration (5 mg/mm). The 60-day stability studies revealed that the nanocrystals were stable at 4°C and 25°C. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed crystalline morphology with a homogeneous distribution. Conclusion: Stable dexibuprofen nanocrystals with retentive distinctive characteristics and having marked dissolution rate compared to raw and marketed formulations were efficiently fabricated. In future perspectives, these nanocrystals could be converted to solid dosage form and the process can be industrialized by chemical engineering approach

No

Aging and leaking water infrastructure wastes water resources and creates public health risks. Upgrading of potable water systems represents a large financial burden for water utilities and private property owners. The conventional approaches of repair, rehabilitation and replacement are very effective, but will take decades to implement even if a financial commitment to do so was made immediately. A novel approach of in-situ remediation of leaks, achieved by harnessing the ability of water or pipe to repair leaks via clogging, could potentially reduce leak rates and extend the lifetime of existing infrastructure at relatively low cost and inconvenience. Physical clogging, precipitation and metallic corrosion were identified as major mechanisms of in-situ leak remediation in potable water pipelines. Autogenous repair (i.e., self-repair without added particles) of small leak-holes (150–"1000 μm) in copper and iron was validated in the laboratory at water pHs of 3.0–11.0, operating water pressures of 20–60 psi, upward and downward leak orientations, and for a range of water chemistries. In bench scale experiments, the time to repair of iron pipe leaks increased with leak size to the power of 0.89–1.89, and decreased with pipe wall thickness to the power of -1.9 to -1.0. The time to repair of copper pipe leaks increased with water pressure to the power of 1.7. Additionally, the waters with a higher DO and corrosivity as measured by RSI, significantly decreased the time to repair of carbon steel 400 μm leaks by 50–70%. The presence of chlorine dioxide significantly increased the fraction of repaired 200 μm copper pipe leaks by 3 times when compared to the control without any disinfectant. In the building scale study, the fraction of repaired iron pipe leaks decreased with the logarithmic leak size with a slope of -0.65 after one-year duration of experiments, while leak orientation and water pressure were not influential in time to or likelihood of repair for iron pipe leaks. Addition of calcium carbonate particles (~8.8 μ]m), silica particles (~29 μm) and wood ash particles (~160 μm) in Blacksburg, VA tap water at a water pressure of 10 psi increased the fraction of remediated iron pipe leaks of 280–1000 μm diameter sizes. Although the control condition with no added particles for 58 days resulted in remediation of 0/12 leaks, remediation rate increased to 1/12 with calcium carbonate particles, to 10/12 with silica particles and to 10/12 with wood ash particles. Leak size and particle size played an important role in controlling the remediation success rate. The strength of the in-situ leak repair was sometimes very strong and resilient. The sealing materials of leak-holes repaired at 20–60 psi could sometimes withstand a 100 psi water pressure without failure, demonstrating the potential of the approach to sustain aging and leaking infrastructure. In-situ leak repair can also occur naturally, and the success rate might be unintentionally altered by adjustment of chemistry or treatments that decrease or increase particulates. / Ph. D. / Old and leaking pipes waste water resources and can contaminate water. Upgrading of drinking water systems represents a large financial burden for water utilities and home owners. The traditional approaches to repair or replace the leaking water pipes are very effective, but will take decades to implement even if a financial commitment to do so was made immediately. A new approach of leak remediation, achieved by changing the drinking water chemistry, could potentially reduce leak rates and repair water leaks while in use without digging up the buried water pipes. Therefore, leak remediation could extend the lifetime of existing infrastructure at relatively low cost and inconvenience, and may be necessary if society cannot afford pipe replacement. Recent field observations indicate that metal corrosion, one type of reaction that eats up water pipes and causes water leaks, could clog the leaks via the corrosion products. And the repair in most cases could last for a long period of time. Our work was the first to reproduce the field observations in the laboratory, revealing that water pipe leaks could be successfully clogged or remediated by natural corrosion reaction products, if the water chemistry is favorable. Additionally, our work also showed that water leaks could be clogged or remediated by addition of water particles to drinking water, which was practiced by Roman engineers a long time ago. There are legitimate health concerns about particulates because they are indicative of microbial risks, but addition of particulates to water at low levels might heal pipes without such concerns. We also proved that in some cases the repaired materials clogging the leaks could withstand a very high household water pressure, showing that the sealing materials in water leaks repaired with natural corrosion products or added water particles could create long term repairs. With improved practical understanding this approach might be usefully applied, either intentionally to repair existing leaks, or make sure that changes to water chemistry do not unintentionally make problems worse.

Yes / Photobiomodulation is reported to positively influence hair regrowth, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and psoriasis. Despite rapid translation of this science to commercial therapeutic solutions, significant gaps in our understanding of the underlying processes remain. The aim of this review was to seek greater clarity and rationality specifically for the selection of optical parameters for studies on hair regrowth and wound healing. Our investigation of 90 reports published between 1985-2015 revealed major inconsistencies in optical parameters selected for clinical applications. Moreover, poorly understood photoreceptors expressed in skin such as cytochrome c oxidase, cryptochromes, opsins, may trigger different molecular mechanisms. All this could explain the plethora of reported physiological effects of light. To derive parameters for optimal clinical efficacy of photobiomodulation, we recommend a more rational approach, underpinning clinical studies with research of molecular targets and pathways using well-defined biological model systems enabling easy translation of optical parameters from in vitro to in vivo. Furthermore, special attention needs to be paid when conducting studies for hair regrowth, aiming for double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials as the gold standard for quantifying hair growth. / European Marie-Curie Actions Programme, Grant agreement no.: 607886

Characterization and modeling of devices at high drive levels often requires specialized equipment and measurement techniques. Many large-signal devices will never have traditional nonlinear models because model development is expensive and time-consuming. Due to the complexity of the device or the size of the application market, nonlinear modeling efforts may not be cost effective. Scattering parameters, widely used for small-signal passive and active device characterization, have received only cursory consideration for large-signal nonlinear device characterization due to technical and theoretical issues. We review the theory of S-parameters, active device characterization, and previous efforts to use S-parameters with large-signal nonlinear devices. A robust, calibrated vector-measurement system is used to obtain device scattering parameters as a function of drive level. The unique measurement system architecture allows meaningful scattering parameter measurements of large-signal nonlinear devices, overcoming limitations reported by previous researchers. A three-port S-parameter device model, with a nonlinear reflection coefficient terminating the third port, can be extracted from scattering parameters measured as a function of drive level. This three-port model provides excellent agreement with device measurements across a wide range of drive conditions. The model is used to simulate load-pull data for various drive levels which are compared to measured data. / Master of Science

Yes / Three equations of state with a group contribution model for binary interaction parameters were employed to calculate the vapor-liquid equilibria of synthetic and real natural gas mixtures with heavy fractions. In order to estimate the binary interaction parameters, critical temperatures, critical pressures and acentric factors of binary constituents of the mixture are required. The binary interaction parameter model also accounts for temperature. To perform phase equilibrium calculations, the heavy fractions were first discretized into 12 Single Carbon Numbers (SCN) using generalized molecular weights. Then, using the generalized molecular weights and specific gravities, the SCN were characterized. Afterwards, phase equilibrium calculations were performed employing a set of (nc + 1) equations where nc stands for the number of known components plus 12 SCN. The equations were solved iteratively using Newton's method. Predictions indicate that the use of binary interaction parameters for highly sour natural gas mixtures is quite important and must not be avoided. For sweet natural gas mixtures, the use of binary interaction parameters is less remarkable, however.

In this thesis, friction stir channeling (FSC) and its process parameters influence on geometry, surface quality and productivity are explored. The probe of the friction stir processing (FSP) tool used to perform these tests was a modified submerged bobbin tool made of MP 159 Co-Ni alloy. The body was made from H13 tool steel. To find the optimal channel conditions for a targeted range of process parameters, multiple 6061 aluminum samples were prepared with a U shape guide to test the effects of different spindle speeds and feed rates. Using a gantry-type computer numerical control (CNC) friction stir welding (FSW) machine, the aluminum coupons were subjected to calibration experiments, force control tests, and an increased production rate to test these effects. It was found through experimentation that the programmed feed rates, spindle speeds and forces produced by the machine had an impact on the channel geometry. It was determined from the force-controlled setup that 8.46 mm/s at 750 RPM was the best combination of results for the four conditions tested on a CNC friction stir processing-machine. It was then tested at 10.58 mm/s at 800 RPM, which had comparable results with the best combination of input parameters from the force-controlled runs which demonstrates the utility of the process in high production settings. Finally, a proof-of-concept experiment was performed on a robotic arm outfitted with a FSW holder, showing acceptable results. This is a validation of its future implementation in the manufacturing of large parts for lightweight, aerospace, and automotive applications.

Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διπλωματικής εργασίας, αρχικά γίνεται μια σύντομη περιγραφή της γεωλογίας της μελετούμενης περιοχής που εντοπίζεται σε τμήμα της ε.ο Πατρών- Τριπόλεως περί της χ.θ 84 + 000. Αναφέρονται οι γεωλογικές συνθήκες της ευρύτερης περιοχής και η γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη της γεωτεκτονικής ζώνης Ωλονού- Πίνδου. Η σπουδαιότητα των στοιχείων αυτών έγκειται στην κατανόηση του ευρύτερου τεχνικογεωλογικού περιβάλλοντος που ανήκουν οι ασβεστολιθικοί σχηματισμοί. Ακολουθεί η περιγραφή- αξιολόγηση των εργαστηριακών δοκιμών που εκτελέστηκαν σύμφωνα με τις ισχύουσες προδιαγραφές και περιγράφονται ο τρόπος δειγματοληψίας, η διαμόρφωση δειγμάτων και ο προσδιορισμός των φυσικών και μηχανικών παραμέτρων των ληφθέντων βραχώδων δειγμάτων ασβεστολίθου. / In the context of this thesis, first a brief description of the geology of the studied area is located in a part of the National Road Patras Tripoli on KP 84 + 000. Describe the geological conditions of the region, and the tectonic evolution of the geotectonic zone Olonou - Pindos. The importance of these data lies in understanding the wider geotechnical environment belonging calcareous formations. Here's a description - evaluation of the laboratory tests carried out in accordance with the applicable specifications and described the method of sampling the configuration samples and determination of physical and mechanical properties of the obtained samples rocky limestone.

Realizar a modelagem de um aqüífero não é tarefa fácil. Em se tratando de um sistema aqüífero, a empreitada se torna ainda mais complexa. Neste trabalho, alguns dos parâmetros importantes para esse fim foram estimados a partir de simulações. Na região de estudo, existem poços tubulares que, em sua maioria, não foram perfurados somente na Formação Adamantina, mas também na Formação Serra Geral. Tal configuração conduziu à formulação de dois conjuntos de cenários a partir dos quais foi possível estimar valores de condutividade hidráulica para as duas formações. Com essa estimativa conseguiu-se também simular testes de bombeamento, seus respectivos cones de rebaixamento, bem como a interferência causada entre cones de rebaixamento. Com essa abordagem foi possível estimar o quanto um poço em funcionamento pode influenciar no nível estático de um vizinho. A contribuição da geofísica está no uso da eletroresistividade. Foram executadas 23 Sondagens Elétricas Verticais (SEV), das quais dezenove são SEV´s curtas (AB/2 500m) e quatro, longas (AB/2 1500), que forneceram informações sobre a espessura saturada do arenito e posição do topo do basalto, especialmente na região com poucos poços. Também foram realizados quatro Caminhamentos Elétricos (CE) no estudo de possíveis estruturas. Unindo os resultados da modelagem (simulação) e da geofísica, pôde-se relacionar os parâmetros hidrogeológicos e geoelétricos. Embora o conjunto de dados para a região não tenha sido o ideal, a metodologia se mostrou adequada e os resultados bastante razoáveis. Deste modo, foi possível a determinação de parâmetros hidrogeológicos em subsuperfície através de parâmetros geoelétricos medidos em superfície. / To perform the aquifer modelling is not an easy task. In the case of an aquifer system, the work becomes even more complex. In this work, some of important parameters for this purpose have been estimated from simulations. In the study area, there are wells that in most cases were not only drilled in Adamantina Formation but also in Serra Geral Formation. This configuration led to the formulation of two sets of scenarios from which it was possible to estimate values for hydraulic conductivity of these formations. With this estimate it could also simulate pumping tests, their cones of depression as well as the interference caused between cones of depression. With this approach it was possible to estimate how much a operating well can influence static level of a neighbour one. Geophysics contribution is in the use of electrical resistivity. Twenty-three Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were performed, nineteen of them are short (AB/2 500m), that provided information about the saturated thickness of sandstone as well as top of basalt, especially in the region with few wells, and four are long (AB/2 1500) VESs. Four electrical profiling (EP) were also carried out to study possible structures. Joining modelling (simulation) and geophysics results, it could be related hydrogeological and geoelectrical parameters. Although dataset for region was not the ideal, methodology was satisfactory, and results quite reasonable. Thus, it was possible to determine hydrogeological parameters in subsurface through measured geoelectrical parameters in surface.

Polimorfismos do tipo indel são os mais abundantes depois dos SNPs, representando 3,6 milhões das variantes caracterizadas pelo projeto 1000 Genomes. Com uma distribuição que pode ser estimada em mais de um indel a cada 1000 pb, são facilmente encontrados em regiões de interesse. A baixa taxa de mutação e a possibilidade de desenhar primers alelo-específicos são as principais características dos indels que os diferenciam de STRs. O uso de primers aleloespecíficos na detecção e dosagem de misturas de DNA apresenta maior sensibilidade e acurácia que as técnicas usualmente empregadas. Aqui foram descritos, para 10 lócus indel, pares de primers flanqueadores e alelo-específicos para ambos os alelos (inserção e deleção) e foi realizado o estudo populacional em 160 indivíduos. A determinação de fenótipos e avaliação de especificidade dos primers, dos quais 28 foram específicos, foi realizada por PCR convencional seguida de PAGE. As análises populacionais e forenses mostraram que esses lócus apresentam alta variabilidade (heterozigose de 30-50%) e consequentemente, alta informatividade. Os valores de PIC, PE e PD variaram de 0,2763 a 0,3750; 0,1381 a 0,1875 e 0,4978 a 0,6250 respectivamente. Os valores cumulativos de PCE e PCD foram respectivamente 0,8508 e 0,9999. Assim, esse conjunto de indels é indicado para serem testados na detecção e quantificação de misturas de DNA a partir da amplificação alelo-específica. / Indels polymorphisms are the most abundant after SNPs, representing 3.6 million of the variants characterized by the 1000 Genomes project. With a distribution that can be estimated at more than one indel per 1000 bp, they are easily found in regions of interest. The low mutation rate and the possibility of designing allele-specific primers are the main characteristics of the indels that differentiate them from STRs. The use of allele-specific primers in the detection and dosage of DNA mixtures is more sensitive and accurate than regularly employed techniques. Here, for 10 indel loci, pairs of flanking primers and allele-specific primers, for both alleles (insertion and deletion), were described and a population study was performed on 160 individuals. Determining phenotypes and evaluation of primers specificity, of which 28 were specific, was performed by conventional PCR followed by PAGE. In population and forensic analysis, these loci showed high variability (heterozygosis of 30-50%) and consequently high informativeness. The values of PIC, PE and PD ranged from 0.2763 to 0.3750, 0.1381 to 0.1875 and 0.49978 to 0.6250 respectively. Combined values of PCE and PCD were respectively 0.8508 and 0.9999. Thus, this set of indels is indicated to be tested for detection and quantification of DNA mixtures using the allele-specific amplification method.