Synthesis and polymerization of 2‐alkylanilines

2‐Alkylanilines with alkyl groups in the range of 4–15 carbon atoms were synthesized via a known method as well as via a more general path which should allow the introduction of a larger variety of substituted alkyl groups into the ortho position of aniline, e.g., alkenyl or OH, NH2, COOH, and phenyl functionality. Polymerization was found to be achievable according to a method previously described for unsubstituted aniline, i.e., chemically with Cu(ClO4)2 · 6H2O in acetonitrile. Intrinsic viscosities of the obtained poly(2‐alkylaniline)s lay between 0.10 and 0.26 dL/g (97% H2SO4 at 30°C). The dc conductivity of the HCl salts decreased with increasing length of the alkyl side chains from 1 S/cm (polyaniline) over 3 X 10−4 S/cm [poly(2‐butylaniline)] to 1 X 10−6 S/cm poly(tridecylaniline). Further characterization of the polymers were performed by means of UV/VIS/NIR‐and‐IR spectroscopy, in dilute solutions or as KBr pellets, respectively, and by solubility tests. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Polymerization of pentadecylaniline by Langmuir-Blodgett techniques

Recently there has been considerable interest in forming well defined layered structure polymers by the Langmuir Blodgett (LB) technique which show non-linear optical response or electrical conductivity. In this study we report for the first time the formation of poly(2-alkylanilines by polymerization of a stable monolayer of the monomer at an air/(water + sulfuric acid) interface. The interest in forming such polymers at a monolayer is twofold: first it is expected that the structure (and hence properties) formed will be extremely anisotropic, second it is expected that we may be able to form higher molecular weight and better ordered structures by this method

Structural modifications in chronic microwire electrodes for cortical neuroprosthetics: a case study

Long-term viability of chronic invasive neural probes is a necessary condition for extracting robust control signals directly from neural tissue. Although immune/tissue response is a leading factor in the degradation of single neuron recording, we investigate a second component of signal degradation connected to the structural changes associated with microwire electrodes chronically exposed to extracelluar environments in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy is used to assess the surface modifications to the electrodes after an implantation duration of four weeks in rats. The electrode developed a smooth fracture surface, a reduction of the metal diameter, and pitting in the insulation of the electrode structure. Over the duration of implantation, recording properties of the electrode were marked by a reduction in the peak-to-peak amplitude in neuronal firing

Molecular Modeling Studies of the Binding Characteristics of Phosphates to Sevelamer Hydrochloride – Assessing a Novel Technique to Reduce Phosphates Contamination

Recent advances in the use of polymeric materials for the remediation of phosphate from aqueous systems, including biological environments, have prompted the use of computational techniques to determine which methods are feasible to model such complex systems and to model the mechanism of binding action. In particular, Sevelamer Hydrochloride (Renagel®) is used as our model polymer. A relatively simple system is constructed with a dimer of Sevelamer Hydrochloride and four phosphate ions used for capture. This work reports on molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations used to determine average structure, and points of intermolecular interaction, and calculate changes in volume after the successful capture of phosphate in our model. Our resulting volume changes are of the order of 20-25%, in comparison to experimental swelling measurements on similar systems, which have an average swelling of 50-60% in aqueous media

Detection, identification and mapping of iron anomalies in brain tissue using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

International audienceThis work describes a novel method for the detection, identification and mapping of anomalous iron compounds in mammalian brain tissue using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We have located and identified individual iron anomalies in an avian tissue model associated with ferritin, biogenic magnetite and haemoglobin with a pixel resolution of less than 5 μm. This technique represents a breakthrough in the study of both intra- and extra-cellular iron compounds in brain tissue. The potential for high-resolution iron mapping using microfocused X-ray beams has direct application to investigations of the location and structural form of iron compounds associated with human neurodegenerative disorders—a problem which has vexed researchers for 50 years

Designing Clinical Trials for Combination Immunotherapy: A Framework for Glioblastoma

Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment for many hard-to-treat cancers but has yet to produce significant improvement in outcomes for patients with glioblastoma. This reflects the multiple and unique mechanisms of immune evasion and escape in this highly heterogeneous tumor. Glioblastoma engenders profound local and systemic immunosuppression and is remarkably effective at inducing T-cell dysfunction, posing a challenge to any immunotherapy-based approach. To overcome these mechanisms, multiple disparate modes of immune-oriented therapy will be required. However, designing trials that can evaluate these combinatorial approaches requires careful consideration. In this review, we explore the immunotherapy resistance mechanisms that have been encountered to date and how combinatorial approaches may address these. We also describe the unique aspects of trial design in both preclinical and clinical settings and consider endpoints and markers of response best suited for an intervention involving multiple agents

A Low-Cost, Passive Release Device for the Surveillance and Control of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes continue to be a major threat to global health, and the ability to reliably monitor, catch, and kill mosquitoes via passive traps is of great importance. Global, low-cost, and easy-to-use outdoor devices are needed to augment existing efforts in mosquito control that combat the spread of disease, such as Zika. Thus, we have developed a modular, portable, non-powered (passive), self-contained, and field-deployable device suitable for releasing volatiles with a wide range of applications such as attracting, repelling, and killing mosquitoes. This unique device relies on a novel nested wick and two-reservoir design that achieves a constant release of volatiles over several hundred hours. Devices loaded with one of either two compounds, geraniol or 1-methylpiperazine (MP), were tested in a controlled environment (32 °C and 70% relative humidity), and both compounds achieved a constant release from our devices at a rate of 2.4 mg/h and 47 mg/h, respectively. The liquid payload can be volatile attractants or repellants as well as mosquitocide-containing feeding solutions for capture and surveillance. This low-cost device can be utilized for both civilian and military mosquito control purposes, but it will be particularly important for protecting those in economically repressed environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Central and South America