Nicholas A. Peppas

Bio: Nicholas A. Peppas is an academic researcher from University of Texas at Austin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Self-healing hydrogels & Drug delivery. The author has an hindex of 141, co-authored 825 publications receiving 90533 citations. Previous affiliations of Nicholas A. Peppas include National Technical University & University of Texas System.

Importance of Junction Functionality in Highly Crosslinked Polymers

Abstract: A modification of a theoretical model for the determination of the number average molecular weight between crosslinks, ¯Mc, is presented for the case of multifunctional junction functionalities in highly crosslinked, macromolecular systems.

Development and Evaluation of a Monte Carlo Technique for the Simulation of Multifunctional Polymerizations

Abstract: A stochastic simulation technique was developed to describe the kinetic behavior of bulk multifunctional photopolymerizations and the structural evolution of the polymer networks. Rate equations were written for each of the reacting species. In cross-linking polymerizations, the initiator efficiency, f, and the propagation and termination rate constants, k p and k t , are diffusion-dependent from the onset of the reaction. We were able to calculate f, k p , and k t throughout the simulation using previously developed models. From a waiting time distribution, the time between two consecutive reactions was computed. A specific reaction pathway was chosen from knowledge of the reaction probability density function. Corresponding changes were made in the molecular distribution. With such an approach, we were able to obtain kinetic as well as structural information. The results presented here simulate the bulk polymerization of diethylene glycol diacrylate containing 1% 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone as the photoinitiator. The simulation was able to predict experimentally observed reaction trends.

Cellular evaluation of oral chemotherapy carriers.

Abstract: Hydrogel nanospheres composed of methacrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) were loaded with bleomycin and tested as a potential oral delivery system for chemotherapeutic agents. The gastrointestinal epithelium was modeled through the use of Caco-2 monolayers for studies of permeation enhancement by the carriers as well as bleomycin transport. Bleomycin efficacy following release from the carrier was evaluated with a DLD-1 tumor cell model. The nanospheres release bleomycin in response to a pH increase similar to that seen when passing from the stomach into the upper small intestine. These carriers can also increase the permeability of a model of the epithelial barrier, which would hopefully improve drug transport into the bloodstream. Efficacy studies using a tumor cell model showed retention of activity for bleomycin following loading and release from the nanospheres. The carriers described performed well during in vitro evaluation and can hopefully expand the spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents capable of being administered orally.

Kinetics of Copolymerization of PEG-Containing Multiacrylates with Acrylic Acid

Abstract: The compositional dependence of the polymerization kinetics of multiacrylate copolymers with acrylic acid (AA) was examined. The multiacrylates considered were di- or triacrylate esters of oligo(et...

疟原虫var基因转换速率变化导致抗原变异[英]／Paul H, Robert P, Christodoulou Z, et al//Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Abstract: 抗原变异可使得多种致病微生物易于逃避宿主免疫应答。表达在感染红细胞表面的恶性疟原虫红细胞表面蛋白1（PfPMP1）与感染红细胞、内皮细胞、树突状细胞以及胎盘的单个或多个受体作用，在黏附及免疫逃避中起关键的作用。每个单倍体基因组var基因家族编码约60种成员，通过启动转录不同的var基因变异体为抗原变异提供了分子基础。

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Abstract: The 11th edition of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine welcomes Anthony Fauci to its editorial staff, in addition to more than 85 new contributors. While the organization of the book is similar to previous editions, major emphasis has been placed on disorders that affect multiple organ systems. Important advances in genetics, immunology, and oncology are emphasized. Many chapters of the book have been rewritten and describe major advances in internal medicine. Subjects that received only a paragraph or two of attention in previous editions are now covered in entire chapters. Among the chapters that have been extensively revised are the chapters on infections in the compromised host, on skin rashes in infections, on many of the viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, on sexually transmitted diseases, on diabetes mellitus, on disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, and on lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. The major revisions in these chapters and many

Understanding biophysicochemical interactions at the nano–bio interface

Abstract: Rapid growth in nanotechnology is increasing the likelihood of engineered nanomaterials coming into contact with humans and the environment. Nanoparticles interacting with proteins, membranes, cells, DNA and organelles establish a series of nanoparticle/biological interfaces that depend on colloidal forces as well as dynamic biophysicochemical interactions. These interactions lead to the formation of protein coronas, particle wrapping, intracellular uptake and biocatalytic processes that could have biocompatible or bioadverse outcomes. For their part, the biomolecules may induce phase transformations, free energy releases, restructuring and dissolution at the nanomaterial surface. Probing these various interfaces allows the development of predictive relationships between structure and activity that are determined by nanomaterial properties such as size, shape, surface chemistry, roughness and surface coatings. This knowledge is important from the perspective of safe use of nanomaterials.