8,284 research outputs found
The influence of fillers on theophylline release from clay matrices
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to investigate the suitability of magnesium aluminium silicate (MAS) (Veegum®) to control drug release of a model drug, theophylline, from tablet matrices. To this end, the performance of three commonly used fillers namely: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH102; MCC), and pre-gelatinized starch, Starch 1500 PGS), were evaluated against Veegum®. The physico-mechanical properties of the tablet matrices were studied along with dissolution studies to determine the effect of single or binary mixtures of the excipients on the drug release pattern. A DSC hydration methodology was also employed to characterize the states of water present in the tablet matrices and to determine any impact on drug release. Formulations containing MAS alone produced compacts with the lowest hardness (4.5 kp) whereas formulations containing MCC alone produced the hardest tablets (17.2 kp). Dissolution studies suggested that matrices containing MAS alone released the theophylline quickest as compared to lactose, MCC or PGS. It was difficult to establish a trend of the bound and free water states in the tablet matrices; however the formulation containing only MAS had the highest bound water at 29 %. The results therefore show that theophylline does not interact with MAS. As such the dominant factor in controlling drug release using MAS requires interaction or intercalation with a cationic drug. In the absence of this however, other excipients can play a role in controlling drug release.
Keywords: Veegum, clay matrices, DSC hydration, Magnesium aluminium silicate, filler
Exploring the relationship between task, teacher actions, and student learning
We are examining actions that teachers take to convert tasks into learning opportunities. In this paper, we contrast ways that three teachers convert the same task into lessons, and the way that their lessons reflect their intent. We found that the teachers did what they intended to do, that this was connected to their appreciation of the mathematics involved, and directly influenced the learning opportunities of the students. To the extent that the potential of the task was reduced, this seemed due to the lack of mathematical confidence in the case of two of the teachers
On the Detectability of Oxygen X-ray Fluorescence and its Use as a Solar Photospheric Abundance Diagnostic
Monte Carlo calculations of the O Kalpha line fluoresced by coronal X-rays
and emitted just above the temperature minimum region of the solar atmosphere
have been employed to investigate the use of this feature as an abundance
diagnostic. While quite weak, we estimate line equivalent widths in the range
0.02-0.2 AA, depending on the X-ray plasma temperature. The line remains
essentially uncontaminated by blends for coronal temperatures T =< 3e6 K and
should be quite observable, with a flux >~ 2 ph/s/arcmin^2. Model calculations
for solar chemical mixtures with an O abundance adjusted up and down by a
factor of 2 indicate 35-60% changes in O Kalpha line equivalent width,
providing a potentially useful O abundance diagnostic. Sensitivity of
equivalent width to differences between recently recommended chemical
compositions with ``high'' and ``low'' complements of the CNO trio important
for interpreting helioseismological observations is less accute, amounting to
20-26% at coronal temperatures T ~< 2e6 K. While still feasible for
discriminating between these two mixtures, uncertainties in measured line
equivalent widths and in the models used for interpretation would need to be
significantly less than 20%. Provided a sensitive X-ray spectrometer with
resolving power >= 1000 and suitably well-behaved instrumental profile can be
built, X-ray fluorescence presents a viable means for resolving the solar
``oxygen crisis''.Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journa
Quantum interference oscillations of the superparamagnetic blocking in an Fe8 molecular nanomagnet
We show that the dynamic magnetic susceptibility and the superparamagnetic
blocking temperature of an Fe8 single molecule magnet oscillate as a function
of the magnetic field Hx applied along its hard magnetic axis. These
oscillations are associated with quantum interferences, tuned by Hx, between
different spin tunneling paths linking two excited magnetic states. The
oscillation period is determined by the quantum mixing between the ground S=10
and excited multiplets. These experiments enable us to quantify such mixing. We
find that the weight of excited multiplets in the magnetic ground state of Fe8
amounts to approximately 11.6%.Comment: Accepted in Phys. Rev. Let
Hanging corner shelf assembly (DN-CON)
An item that was designed to help the handicap or those visiting the handicap restroo
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Impact and Options for Extension Professionals
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will affect Cooperative Extension employees and their clientele starting with 2018 tax returns filed by mid April 2019. Some educators will teach or counsel their target audiences about income taxes, and all will either benefit overall from the TCJA or pay more federal income tax because of it. This article describes key features of the TCJA and the content and impact of a workplace seminar designed to help taxpayers take action in response to it. The article concludes with tax planning strategies to consider for adjusting personal finance decisions and work practices in response to the TCJA
Book Review: The Financial Diaries
Researchers and practitioners will gain valuable insights into the financial insecurity experienced by many American families after reading this 233-page book by Jonathan Morduch and Rachel Schneider. Morduch is a professor at NYU and Schneider is senior vice president at the Center for Financial Services Innovation. The meticulously referenced book (46 pages are notes and a bibliography) describes a study of family finances
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