Generalized Classes of Starlike and Convex Functions of Order α

We have introduced, in this paper, the generalized classes of starlike and convex functions of order α by using the fractional calculus. We then proved some subordination theorems, argument theorems, and various results of modified Hadamard product for functions belonging to these classes. We have also established some properties about the generalized Libera operator defined on these classes of functions

Contractive Mappings on a Premetric Space

In this paper, we study the fixed point property of certain types ofcontractive mappings defined on a premetric space. The applications of these results to topological vector spaces and to metric spaces are also discussed

Lutein and the Aging Eye

Lutein is a carotenoid highly concentrated in the macula of the retina. Lutein cannot be synthesized and must be supplied in the diet, for example, dark green leafy vegetable and egg yolk. Lutein is believed to absorb blue light, leading to the protection of retina from light-related damage. It can also protect the retina against oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, dietary and supplementary lutein have been shown to be associated with possible reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of elderly blindness, attributed largely to lutein’s antioxidant properties. Lutein is also beneficial as a nutritional supplement in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, lutein is very safe and widely used. In this chapter, we will discuss the basic chemistry of lutein; its uptake, transport, distribution, and functions in the normal eye. Lastly, the effects of lutein in age-related eye diseases will be summarized

Protecting the Aging Retina

Aging retina, notably the aging macula, is prone to develop degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of visual loss in individuals aged 65 or above in developed countries. However, current treatments are very limited. Since degeneration, dysfunction, and death of retinal neurons are demonstrated in the pathogenesis of AMD, neuroprotective strategies could serve as a possible way to treat AMD. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce risk factors, pathophysiology, affected neurons, classification, clinical manifestation, and current treatments of AMD. Finally, neuroprotection in both AMD animal models and patients will be discussed

Medicated Janus fibers fabricated using a Teflon-coated side-by-side spinneret

A family of medicated Janus fibers that provides highly tunable biphasic drug release was fabricated using a side-by-side electrospinning process employing a Teflon-coated parallel spinneret. The coated spinneret facilitated the formation of a Janus Taylor cone and in turn high quality integrated Janus structures, which could not be reliably obtained without the Teflon coating. The fibers prepared had one side consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K60 and ketoprofen, and the other of ethyl cellulose (EC) and ketoprofen. To modulate and tune drug release, PVP K10 was doped into the EC side in some cases. The fibers were linear and had flat morphologies with an indent in the center. They provide biphasic drug release, with the PVP K60 side dissolving very rapidly to deliver a loading dose of the active ingredient, and the EC side resulting in sustained release of the remaining ketoprofen. The addition of PVP K10 to the EC side was able to accelerate the second stage of release; variation in the dopant amount permitted the release rate and extent this phase to be precisely tuned. These results offer the potential to rationally design systems with highly controllable drug release profiles, which can complement natural biological rhythms and deliver maximum therapeutic effects

Magnetic resonance imaging of glutamate in neuroinflammation

AbstractInflammation in central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most severe diseases, and also plays an impellent role in some neurodegenerative diseases. Glutamate (Glu) has been considered relevant to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. In order to diagnose neuroinflammation incipiently and precisely, we review the pathobiological events in the early stages of neuroinflammation, the interactions between Glu and neuroinflammation, and two kinds of magnetic resonance techniques of imaging Glu (chemical exchange saturation transfer and magnetic resonance spectroscopy)

Competency-Based Approach to Information Systems Program Development: Guidance from the MSIS 2016 Global Competence Model

The panel has three objectives: First, it will present multiple perspectives on competency-driven approaches to developing and evaluating degree programs in Information Systems and compare the competency-driven approach to earlier, teaching topic or body of knowledge –driven approaches. Second, it will introduce the (nearly) completed version of the MSIS 2016 global competency model to the members of the global IS community and celebrate IS community’s efforts to improve the quality of graduate education. Third, the panel will discuss the essential role the competency-driven approach has as a foundation of MSIS 2016

The Transformation from Translucent into Transparent Rare Earth Ions Doped Oxyfluoride Glass-Ceramics with Enhanced Luminescence

Article reporting a scenario where a translucent Er3+−Yb3+ doped oxyfluoride precursor glass-ceramic (P-GC) becomes transparent with increasing crystal size and crystallinity

X-ray diffraction measurements of the c-axis Debye-Waller factors of YBa2Cu3O7 and HgBa2CaCu2O6

We report the first application of x-rays to the measurement of the temperature dependent Bragg peak intensities to obtain Debye-Waller factors on high-temperature superconductors. Intensities of (0,0,l) peaks of YBa2Cu3O7 and HgBa2CaCu2O6 thin films are measured to obtain the c-axis Debye-Waller factors. While lattice constant and some Debye-Waller factor measurements on high Tc superconductors show anomalies at the transition temperature, our measurements by x-ray diffraction show a smooth transition of the c-axis Debye-Waller factors through T$_c$. This suggests that the dynamic displacements of the heavy elements along the c-axis direction in these compounds do not have anomalies at Tc. This method in combination with measurements by other techniques will give more details concerning dynamics of the lattice.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures. To be published in Physical Review B (Brief Report