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This study reported polyaniline (PANi), an emerging multifunctional nanomaterial, for fabricating the polyphenylsulfone (PPSF)–PANi nanocomposite membrane for nanofiltration (NF) to remove heavy metals (Cd2+/Pb2+) from wastewater. PANi was synthesized via oxidative polymerization of an aniline monomer at a low concentration (≤0.1 M). Furthermore, the nanostructure of PANi was determined using transmission electron microscopy. The membrane structure and characteristic properties were studied in terms of surface and cross-section morphologies, topography, hydrophilicity, and surface charge using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle (CA) measurement, and zeta potential measurement, respectively. Thermal and mechanical properties and casting solution viscosity were also studied. The SEM results demonstrated that PANi inclusion helped to construct a typical asymmetric membrane with a pore size of ∼1 nm. Additionally, it enhanced the surface properties, which was indicated by a more considerable hydrophilicity (CA ≤ 52) and a shift in the zeta potential from −40 to −10 mV. Increasing the PANi concentration from 0.25 to 0.50 wt% aided the heavy metal rejection by the nanocomposite membrane, affording an increase of the Cd2+/Pb2+rejection. However, the Cd2+/Pb2+rejection decreased when the PANi concentration was 1.0 wt%. The optimized PPSF–PANi nanocomposite membrane at 0.50-wt% PANi exhibited a water permeability of 1.8 LMH/bar and high rejections of 99% and 95% toward Pb2+and Cd2+, respectively. Tensile strength and TGA tests also revealed the role of PANi as a positive reinforcement on the mechanical and thermal properties of the membrane.

Pomegranate (Punica granatumL.) cultivation was first practiced in eastern nations like India and the Mediterranean regions. India stands first in pomegranate production and cultivated area in the world. During the year 2021, powdery mildew symptoms were observed on pomegranate plants of the cultivar G-37 and P-23 at the research farm (Dhanda) of ICAR-IARI Regional Station, Amartara Cottage, Shimla, 171,004 Himachal Pradesh, India. The research farm comes under the southwestern ranges of the Himalayas. The disease incidence was recorded to be 40% in both cultivars. The premature leaves and buds were covered in the dense, white mycelium and conidial mass patches that were powdery in appearance. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of enormous ellipsoid conidium structures associated with the diseased specimen. The conidiophores foot-cells were slightly tapered to straight measuring 70–190 × 4–7 μm. Conidia was hyaline, 37–27 × 14–11 μm (average 31.96 × 12.93 μm), however, chasmothecia could not be observed in the specimen. The molecular identification based on internal transcribed spacer region primers disclosed the fungus identity as Erysiphe punicae. The pathogenicity test was subsequently performed to prove the Koch postulates on the initially identified host cultivar P-23. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew of pomegranate caused by Erysiphe punicaein India.

In this work, the effect of embedding graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets into the polyamide (PA) layer of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane properties, including the pore radius (rp), pore dielectric constant (εp), and charge density (Xd), was studied by applying Donnan-steric-pore-model-dielectric-exclusion (DSPM-DE) model. A TFN membrane was fabricated via interfacial polymerization by dispersing GO in an aqueous m-phenylenediamine solution. Characterizations using atomic force microscopy, zeta potential and contact angle of fabricated TFN membrane showed a smooth surface, a high negative surface charge and hydrophilic nature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared analyses confirmed the incorporation of GO in the PA layer of the TFN membrane. The Supply–Demand-Based Optimisation (SDO) algorithm was applied as an appropriate technique to fit experimental values of NaCl rejection with the DSPM-DE model to predict membrane properties. The SDO algorithm showed an excellent agreement between experimental data and the DSPM-DE model and the ability to predict accurate values of TFN membrane characteristics. The obtained results indicate no significant effect of GO nanosheets on the pore radius of the PA layer. The Xdof membranes increased toward negative with NaCl concentration due to adsorbing chloride ions onto the membrane surfaces. The Xdincrease in TFN membrane was more because of GO presence; thereby TFN membrane performance improved. The εpvalue of the solution inside pores for the TFC membrane decreased more than the TFN membrane.

ABSTRACT There are various methods to determine the compressive and tensile strength of asphalt concrete under static loading conditions and most studies on asphalt strength and fracture have been conducted [...]

This study investigates the efficacy of a novel Phase Change Material Solar Dryer (PCMSD) using paraffin wax, stearic acid, and acetamide for drying tomatoes, comparing results with traditional open sun drying methods. The PCMSD successfully reduced tomato moisture content to 20.22 % (paraffin wax), 21.52 % (stearic acid), and 13.25 % (acetamide) from an initial 93 %. Comprehensive analyses of the PCMSD collector and drying chamber were conducted, revealing energy efficiencies ranging from 50.02 % to 78.21 % for the collectors and 1.17 % to 18.55 % for the drying process, depending on the phase change material (PCM) used. Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) and Specific Moisture (SM) values for the PCMSD varied between 0.06–0.10 and 9.56–11.94, respectively. Exergy efficiencies for paraffin wax, stearic acid, and acetamide collectors were 2.38 %, 2.52 %, and 2.55 %, respectively, with the drying section averaging 40.43 % to 47.99 %. Economic viability was assessed through annualized cost, savings, and economic payback period, resulting in favourable payback periods of 0.54 to 0.59 years for the PCMSD with three PCMs. Additionally, embodied energy, energy payback duration, and environmental impact metrics, such as annual CO2emissions, CO2mitigation, and potential carbon credits, were analysed. Depending on the PCM, embodied energy ranged from 1357.04 to 1609.81 kWh, with an energy payback period of 2.51 to 2.56 years. The PCMSD demonstrated substantial reductions in yearly CO2emissions and offered potential carbon credit earnings. In conclusion, the PCMSD with the three PCMs exhibited superior drying performance, heightened energy efficiency, and economic feasibility compared to open sun drying, concurrently reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

White root rot caused by Dematophora necatrixis an important disease in the nurseries as well as orchards of apple. Fifteen fungicides including 4 contact, 10 systemic and 1 combination product were evaluated against the mycelial growth of D. necatrixthrough poisoned food technique. Selected fungicides were tested for management of white root rot disease using seedling dip and drenching under pot and field conditions for 3 consecutive years. The result of the poisoned food technique revealed that propineb, mancozeb, carbendazim, propiconazole and tricyclazole completely inhibited the mycelial growth of D. necatrix. In seedling dip treatment, only two fungicides viz., carbendazim and propiconazole were effective against D. necatrix, while all infected plants treated with these fungicides survived. However, drenching with propineb, carbendazim and propiconazole were found to be effective in managing the white root rot of apple. Since carbendazim has been proposed to be banned by the Government of India and based on the cost-effectiveness of fungicides, propiconazole followed by propineb can be a cheaper and most effective alternative for the management of the white root rot of apple. Hence for eradication of D. necatrixfrom infected nursery plants dip treatment for 30 min with propiconazole [1 mL per liter (L) of water] can be recommended to the farmers. Also, for the treatment of white root rot infected trees, soil drenching with propiconazole (1 mL per L of water) and propineb (3 g per L of water) can be recommended.

The 5 apple viruses, apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and prunus necrotic ring spot virus (PNRSV) and 1 viroid, apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd) are known major viral/viroid pathogens of apple in India. For identification of virus-free elite mother plants, 267 proposed mother plants from Trans-Himalayan region of India were indexed through DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR. Only 20% plants showed typical symptoms of virus/viroid, where as indexing though DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR revealed that, about 95% of apple plants were found infected with the virus/viroid. ASPV was most prevalent virus with 74.91% incidence followed by ACLSV (73.41%), ASGV (45.32%), PNRSV (1.5%) and ApMV (1.5%). Whereas, incidence of ASSVd was 2.62%. In the present study, it was recorded that 24.71% proposed mother plants were infected with a single virus, 38.95% with at least 2 viruses and 31.46% with more than 3 viruses. Only 4.86% plants out of 267 proposed mother plants were found free from virus/viroid infection. For sustainable supply of quality planting material, these virus free elite mother plants were multiplied and distributed to the farmers for establishment of mother blocks.

Scientists must actively advocate for infrastructure development and funding of emerging research directions through collective efforts. In India, this has been crucial to help reverse the brain drain and enable equitable contributions to research and development at the global level.

Basic biology research in India has expanded in recent years, and addressing key challenges should enable this momentum to continue.

Lean management is an adaptive system of continuous improvement of multiple, interconnected processes. The Lean process begins with setting goals that are directed by the company strategy. Gap analysis identifies [...]

Background: Retrieval of facial images based on its contents is one of the main areas of research. However, images contain high dimensional feature vectors and it is a challenging task to select the relevant features due to the variations available in the images of similar objects. Therefore, the selection of relevant features is an important step to make the facial retrieval system computationally efficient and more accurate. Objective: The main aim of this paper is to design and develop an efficient feature selection method for obtaining relevant and non-redundant features from the face images so that the accuracy and computational cost of a face retrieval system can be improved. Methods: The proposed feature selection method uses a new enhanced grasshopper optimization algorithm to obtain the significant features from the high dimensional features vector of face images. The proposed algorithm modifies the target vector by considering more than one best solution which maintain the elitism property and save the search from local optimum. Furthermore, it has been utilized to select the prominent features from the high dimensional facial features vector. Results: The performance of the proposed feature selection method has been tested on Oracle Research Laboratory face database. The proposed method eliminates 89% features which are minimum among the other methods and increases the accuracy of face retrieval system to 96.5%. Conclusion: The enhanced grasshopper optimization algorithm-based feature selection method for face retrieval system outperforms the existing methods in terms of accuracy and computational cost.

The β1-adrenoceptor (β1AR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that couples1to the heterotrimeric G protein Gs. G-protein-mediated signalling is terminated by phosphorylation of the C terminus of the receptor by GPCR kinases (GRKs) and by coupling of β-arrestin 1 (βarr1, also known as arrestin 2), which displaces Gsand induces signalling through the MAP kinase pathway2. The ability of synthetic agonists to induce signalling preferentially through either G proteins or arrestins—known as biased agonism3—is important in drug development, because the therapeutic effect may arise from only one signalling cascade, whereas the other pathway may mediate undesirable side effects4. To understand the molecular basis for arrestin coupling, here we determined the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the β1AR–βarr1 complex in lipid nanodiscs bound to the biased agonist formoterol5, and the crystal structure of formoterol-bound β1AR coupled to the G-protein-mimetic nanobody6Nb80. βarr1 couples to β1AR in a manner distinct to that7of Gscoupling to β2AR—the finger loop of βarr1 occupies a narrower cleft on the intracellular surface, and is closer to transmembrane helix H7 of the receptor when compared with the C-terminal α5 helix of Gs. The conformation of the finger loop in βarr1 is different from that adopted by the finger loop of visual arrestin when it couples to rhodopsin8. β1AR coupled to βarr1 shows considerable differences in structure compared with β1AR coupled to Nb80, including an inward movement of extracellular loop 3 and the cytoplasmic ends of H5 and H6. We observe weakened interactions between formoterol and two serine residues in H5 at the orthosteric binding site of β1AR, and find that formoterol has a lower affinity for the β1AR–βarr1 complex than for the β1AR–Gscomplex. The structural differences between these complexes of β1AR provide a foundation for the design of small molecules that could bias signalling in the β-adrenoceptors.

This case study is about Dalmia Cement which is one of the oldest cement companies in India, established in the year 1939. In early 2000s, the company started its journey of aggressive growth under the leadership of young promoter-cum-managing director. The company has been one of the best performing companies in Indias in the last decade and being valued as one of the most valuable scrips of the stock market. The company has grown organically as well as inorganically by meticulously executing strategies of mergers and acquisitions and forging strategic alliances to spur the growth. While the company has a clear growth strategy for the future, it needs to find ways of going forward to ensure it traverses on the same growth path as it has done before.

The interaction of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) with heterotrimeric G proteins plays a critical role in signal transduction processes, and multiple GPCR–G protein complexes reconstituted in detergent micelles have been visualized using cryo-EM. A new study reports the structure of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) in complex with the heterotrimeric Giprotein, assembled in a lipid environment using circularized nanodiscs. The structure sheds light on how the lipid context may influence receptor–G protein coupling and activation.

By Arun Shukla In October 2005, I wrote a column for PLANT ENGINEERING titled, 'FAT Results from Lean Implementation: Managing Business-Process Improvement Proactively.' The FAT results I referred to were: [...]

In this study, damage mechanisms and the piezo-resistance response of glass/carbon intralaminar hybrid composites are examined under blast loading conditions. Two-ply orientations are considered, namely a repeating ((G45C45)R) and an alternating ((G45C45)A) ± 45 deg glass/carbon layers, along with three boundary condition configurations: simply supported, partially fixed, and fully fixed are applied. A shock tube apparatus and the three-dimensional digital image correlation technique are utilized to investigate the interaction of shock waves with the composites and gather a comprehensive deformation field during the loading. A modified four-probe resistivity measurement method is implemented to comprehend the piezo-resistance response associated with damage evolution. The results underscore the substantial influence of boundary conditions on the blast mitigation capacity of the composites. Analysis following the experiments reveals that the damage to the specimens primarily involves the fracture of fibers accompanied by internal delamination. Thermal imaging of the tested composite specimens provides enhanced insight into the precise occurrences of internal fiber breakage and delamination. Composites of (G45C45)A type demonstrate an increased energy dissipation ranging from 18% to 33% compared to (G45C45)R composites, depending on the specific boundary conditions among the three types considered. Furthermore, the findings indicated a strong correlation between changes in piezo-resistance and the fracture of carbon fibers, coupled with the sustained deformation of the composites. Notably, (G45C45)A composites exhibited 100–300% higher change in piezo-resistance compared to (G45C45)R composites depending on the boundary condition configurations, indicative of the superior damage-sensing capabilities of the former.

A parametric study on the implosion of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite tubes is conducted to determine effects of geometric scaling. Experiments are performed in a pressure vessel designed to provide constant hydrostatic pressure through the collapse. Roll-wrapped carbon fiber/epoxy tubes with identical wall thickness, length, and layup are studied to explore the effect of diameter on the modes of failure and strength of pressure pulse. 3-D digital image correlation technique is used to capture the full-field deformation and velocities. Dynamic pressure transducers measure the pressure pulses, and that data are used to determine energy released in the collapse. Results show that by changing the radius-to-thickness ratio, very different failure modes are caused in the structure, which has significant effects on the pressure trace and resulting energy released.

Arrestins regulate the signaling of ligand-activated, phosphorylated G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Different patterns of receptor phosphorylation (phosphorylation barcode) can modulate arrestin conformations, resulting in distinct functional outcomes (for example, desensitization, internalization, and downstream signaling). However, the mechanism of arrestin activation and how distinct receptor phosphorylation patterns could induce different conformational changes on arrestin are not fully understood. We analyzed how each arrestin amino acid contributes to its different conformational states. We identified a conserved structural motif that restricts the mobility of the arrestin finger loop in the inactive state and appears to be regulated by receptor phosphorylation. Distal and proximal receptor phosphorylation sites appear to selectively engage with distinct arrestin structural motifs (that is, micro-locks) to induce different arrestin conformations. These observations suggest a model in which different phosphorylation patterns of the GPCR C terminus can combinatorially modulate the conformation of the finger loop and other phosphorylation-sensitive structural elements to drive distinct arrestin conformation and functional outcomes. Analysis of 18 available structures and other data reveals a new, conserved structural motif in arrestins and suggests that different phosphorylation patterns of the GPCR C terminus can drive distinct arrestin conformations and functional outcomes.

An experimental and computational study was conducted to evaluate the dynamic response of weathered biaxial composite plates subjected to near-field explosive/blast loadings. Naval structures are subjected to aggressive marine environments during their service life that can significantly degrade their performance over time. The composite materials in this study are carbon–epoxy composite plates with [0, 90]s and [45, − 45]s layups. The composites were aged rapidly through submersion in 65 $$^{\circ }$$ ∘ C seawater for 35 and 70 days, which through Arrhenius’ methodology, simulates approximately 10 and 20 years of operating conditions, respectively. Experiments were performed by clamping the composite plates to an air-backed enclosure inside an underwater blast facility. During the experiments, an RP-503 explosive was submerged, behind the composite specimen, and detonated. Meanwhile, transducers measured the pressure emitted by the explosive, and three high-speed cameras captured the event. Two of the cameras were placed facing the specimen to measure full field displacement, velocities, and strains through a 3D digital image correlation analysis. The third high-speed camera was used to record the explosive’s behavior and bubble-to-specimen interaction. Additional experiments were performed to obtain the non-weathered and weathered material properties as well as the residual strength post the blast experiments. Additionally, a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian finite element simulation was conducted to complement the experimental findings. Results show that the diffusion of water into the composite material leads to a more prominent blast response as well as the degradation of mechanical properties, especially shear properties which are dominated by the epoxy matrix. Residual strength experiments also show a substantial decrease in the structural integrity post-blast loading for the weathered composites. Lastly, the numerical simulations showed substantial increase in maximum strains with relatively small decreases in mechanical stiffness. Hence, even past the saturation point, incremental changes in material properties can have a significant impact on mechanical performance.

We investigate the removal of heavy metal ions from synthetic contaminated water on a laboratory scale using a carboxylated-graphene oxide (GO)-incorporated polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) nanofiltration membrane (the so called PPSU/carboxylated-GO nanocomposite membrane). The prepared membranes were characterized with respect to the rheology of the doping solutions and based on the morphology, topography, and charge density of the membranes. Spectroscopic analysis of the membranes was also performed. The nanofiltration performance was demonstrated by the removal of five heavy metal ions (arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lead, and zinc). The effects of carboxylated-GO on the membrane molecular weight cut-off, hydraulic permeability, and heavy metal ion removal performance were investigated with respect to different factors, including feed concentration from single ions, transmembrane pressure (TMP) with mixed ions, and permeate flux. The addition of carboxylated-GO produced a membrane with enhanced properties that exhibited superior performance. Increasing the feed concentration and TMP did not affect the removal of anions; however, the removal of cations slightly decreased with the resulting membrane. The maximum removal rates of heavy metal ions were >98% and ∼80% for the anions and cations, respectively, and an enhanced volumetric flux of 27 ± 3 L m−2h−1was observed. This result is based on the Donnan exclusion principle, which is attributable to the surface charge of −70 mV and the order of the hydrated metal radii. The prepared PPSU/carboxylated-GO nanocomposite membrane provided impressive heavy metal ion removal and showed an acceptable volumetric flux under the applied parameters; this work demonstrates very economically advantageous conditions for heavy metal ion removal.

Beta-arrestins (βarrs) critically mediate desensitization, endocytosis and signalling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and they scaffold a large number of interaction partners. However, allosteric modulation of their scaffolding abilities and direct targeting of their interaction interfaces to modulate GPCR functions selectively have not been fully explored yet. Here we identified a series of synthetic antibody fragments (Fabs) against different conformations of βarrs from phage display libraries. Several of these Fabs allosterically and selectively modulated the interaction of βarrs with clathrin and ERK MAP kinase. Interestingly, one of these Fabs selectively disrupted βarr–clathrin interaction, and when expressed as an intrabody, it robustly inhibited agonist-induced endocytosis of a broad set of GPCRs without affecting ERK MAP kinase activation. Our data therefore demonstrate the feasibility of selectively targeting βarr interactions using intrabodies and provide a novel framework for fine-tuning GPCR functions with potential therapeutic implications.

A novel solar air heater (SAH) with provision of integrating phase change material (PCM) was designed and developed in the Department of Energy, Tezpur University located in (26.7003°N and 92.8308°E). A code was developed in MATLAB platform to estimate design parameters of the PCMSAH viz., (i) air mass flow rate (0.018 kg/s), (ii) length of the absorber plate (1.57 m) and thickness of PCM cavity (1 cm) based on energy analysis. Required quantities of selected PCMs viz., acetamide (14.56 kg), stearic acid (12.12 kg) and paraffin wax (11.30 kg) were also assessed based on the PCM melting depth. Close agreement between the simulated and experimental outlet temperature was obtained and the mean relative error between experimental and theoretical outlet temperature for three different PCMs are 4.50 % (paraffin wax), 2.32 % (stearic acid) and 2.63 % (acetamide). Performances of the SAH with various PCMs (including acetamide, stearic acid, and paraffin wax) were compared to those of an identical SAH without PCM during both charging and discharging periods of operation. According to the outlet temperature profile of SAH with PCM compared to SAH without PCM, use of PCM becomes advantageous in terms of higher and smoother outlet temperature during the low sunshine period. The absorbed, useful, loss and stored heat for all the three PCMs were estimated, and paraffin wax was found to be highest as 36.56 kW, 14.13 kW, 0.83 kW and 21.59 kW. In terms of efficiency the paraffin wax (52.83 %) based SAH ranked first followed by stearic acid (52.31 %) and acetamide (47.25 %). During performance comparison between SAH with PCM and without PCM, efficiency of SAH with acetamide is found to be 15.09 % higher to the SAH without acetamide, similarly for SAH with paraffin wax is 8.18 % and acetamide is 6.67 % higher to the SAH without PCM respectively. The uncertainty analysis was carried out for thermal efficiency of the SAH is determined to be ±2.02 %. The novel PCM integrated SAH will be useful in space heating and solar drying of the local perishable agricultural products. It is also possible to carry out detail technique for selection of PCM for solar drying application along with the exergy, economy, and environmental analysis of the PCMSAH.

For a prototypical GPCR, the human vasopressin receptor type 2 (V2R), βarr1 can form a stable complex associated via only the phosphorylated carboxyl terminus of the receptor. Such a partially engaged complex is functionally competent with respect to supporting receptor internalization and ERK MAPK activation.

Polymeric foams are widely used in sandwich structures to withstand blast loadings, serving as energy dissipators and force attenuators. This study explores the mechanics involved when an air shock interacts with closed-cell polymeric foam. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of stress wave propagation and its evolution across the foam specimen by employing ultra-high-speed imaging and digital image correlation (DIC). Measurement of elastic, plastic, and shock wave velocities inside the impacted foam was conducted. A methodology to predict elastic precursor wave velocity is proposed, that considers the foam material’s behavior at higher strain rates. The predicted values were found to be in excellent agreement with the experimentally obtained values. Furthermore, the authors investigate the force transmission through foams as a function of bulk foam density under unconfined conditions. The results reveal that under shock loading intensities where foam specimens remained in their elastic regime, a transmitted force amplification was observed relative to the input load. However, when subjected to higher-intensity shock loading, substantial foam deformation occurs during the initial propagation of the shock wave. In these cases, the transmitted force measured was found to rely on the plastic and shock waves generated within the material. Additionally, as the loading persists, the force transmissibility ratio decreases beyond the initial stress wave propagation phase, thus demonstrating the material’s suitability for blast mitigation applications.

Cryo-EM structures of Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors (MRGPRs) that are involved in the allergic reaction and itch response reveal structural insights into their activation mechanism, and offer the potential to discover new therapeutic agents for pain and hypersensitivity reactions.

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the performance of coated laminated safety glass panels under extreme temperatures and blast loading. Using a shock tube apparatus, specimens were evaluated under room temperature (25 °C), low temperatures (−10 and 0 °C), and high temperatures (50, 80, 110 °C). Special environmental chambers were designed to heat up and cool down the panels to the required temperatures prior to blast loading. To mimic real applications for glass windows, specimens were clamped fully along the boundaries during experimentation. For each experiment, the incident and reflected shock wave pressure profiles were recorded using pressure transducers located on the muzzle of the shock tube. The real-time deformation of the sandwich specimens was recorded using two high-speed cameras. Three-dimensional digital image correlation was used to analyze the high-speed images and compute the full-field deformation, in-plane strains, and velocities during the blast-loading event. A post-mortem study of the sandwich specimen was performed to investigate the effectiveness of such materials under different temperatures to withstand these shock loads. Experiments were conducted to characterize the tensile behavior of the coating material as a function of temperature. The mechanisms of failure of the panel are in agreement with the failure mechanisms outlined for laminated safety glass (LSG) in previous studies. The results indicated that polymeric thin sheet coating on both outer faces of the LSG panel had major influence on mitigating the blast loading and containing the glass fragments. The composite panel showed great endurance during the blast loading for temperatures from 0 to 80 °C. The failure of panel at −10 °C is attributed to the glass transition of the coating material and the failure at 110 °C is likely due tearing of the coating by the glass fragments.

An experimental study is conducted to investigate the phenomenon of sympathetic underwater implosion of cylindrical metallic shells in a confining environment. Two aluminum 6061-T6 implodable volumes with different collapse pressures are placed inside a confining tube with one end open to the environment and are hydrostatically loaded up to the weaker implodable volumes’ critical collapse pressure. Experiments show that implosion of the weaker implodable volume (critical pressure=Pc) inside the confining tube leads to the subsequent sympathetic implosion of the stronger implodable volume (critical pressure=1.2Pc). Implosion of the weaker implodable volume produces strong oscillating water hammer waves with 1.6Pcpeak over-pressure, which initiates the implosion of the stronger implodable volume. Pressure histories recorded within the confining tube indicate that the sympathetic implosion of the stronger implodable volume generates low pressure high frequency implosion waves. The superposition of the low pressure waves with the high pressure water hammer waves mitigates to a great extent the later cyclic water hammer loading within the confining tube.

An experimental study on the hydrostatic implosion of carbon-fiber reinforced epoxy composite tubes is conducted to explore unique failure and damage mechanisms of collapse. Experiments are performed in a pressure vessel designed to provide constant hydrostatic pressure through the collapse. Filament-wound carbon-fiber/epoxy tubes are studied using high-speed photography to explore the effect of complex damage on the modes of failure. 3-D Digital Image Correlation technique, which is first calibrated for the underwater environment, is used to capture the full-field deformation and velocities during the implosion event. Fourier Series deformation models are used to extract buckling modes from displacement data. The results reveal that the presence of damage in the structure can cause the mode shape to change as the structure deforms.

We report a massive increase in the electrical conductivity of a multilayer graphene (MLG)/polystyrene composite following the addition of nonconducting silica nanoparticles. The nonconducting filler acts as a highly effective dispersion aid, preventing the sheetlike MLG from restacking or agglomerating during the solvent casting process used to fabricate the composite. The enhanced dispersion of the MLG leads to orders of magnitude enhancement in electrical conductivity compared to samples without this filler.

Selective engagement of signal transducers such as G proteins and β-arrestins with GPCRs upon stimulation with biased agonists is thought to be due to distinct receptor conformations. Kawakami et al.propose an additional mechanism whereby activation of Gq determines GPCR kinase subtype selectivity to the activated angiotensin receptor, leading to distinct binding modalities of β-arrestins and functional outcomes.

Experimental and numerical studies wereconducted to understand the effect of plate curvature on the blast response ofcarbon/epoxy composite panels. A shock-tube system was utilized to impartcontrolled shock loading to quasi-isotropic composite panels with varying radiiof curvature. A 3D digital image correlation (DIC) technique coupled withhigh-speed photography was used to assess the out-of-plane deflection ofcomposite panels. A finite element (FE) model integrating fluid-structureinteraction to represent coupling between the air surrounding composite panels,shock wave and panels, was developed using a general-purpose FE softwareABAQUS/Explicit. The numerical results were compared to the experimental dataand showed a good correlation.

Background: Bacteriocin have been tested as safe and effective alternative molecules over the currently used chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, being an important clinical significance, its screening and recovery methods along with its application are poorly described. Therefore, their screening, purification strategies and utilities must me extended. Thus, in this review, we, summarize potential application, various screening and purification methods used for recovery of bacteriocins. Methods: To complete this review, many reviews and previously published reports were studied. We, concentrated on review question and exclusion and inclusion criteria. The quality of content was evaluated by the quality the quality contents evaluation method. The standard method is used to describe the useful contents of available resources and appraised. Results: One hundred twenty research and review reports were used to complete this report. Sixty reports were used to make a collective information on screening and production of Bacteriocin Eighty two papers were used to explore the antimicrobial, therapeutic, diagnostic etc potentialities of bacteriocin in diverse field. The summarize form of data also presented in the form of tables and figures. This review describes the various methods and parameters that must be considered during the screening and purification methods. Moreover, the useful information is collected in regard represent it therapeutic potentialities in various fields for the welfare of human being. Conclusions: The conclusion of this review presented the significance of a fundamental framework for planning to understanding the basic requirement needed for fast, cost effective screening and purification of bacteriocins. The summered area of their utilities also helpful to extend the research field of bacteriocin. Thus, this report would be useful not only to scale up the screening and production strategies faster at economical rate, but also provides a platform to extend the research field of bacteriocin in many ways.

The present study was aimed towards development of porosity controlled osmotic pump as a platform technology for delivering highly water soluble drugs using Milnacipran HCl as a model drug. Theoretical zero order drug release profile (5 mg/hr) was targeted to achieve for fulfilling desired plasma concentration up to 24 hrs. Novel ethyl cellulose based coating system, Aquarius EKX 19102 SRX-2, was employed in the development of osmotic pump. Influences of media pH, agitation intensity and osmotic pressure on drug release rate were investigated. Statistical approaches including mean dissolution time, dissolution efficiency, similarity factor and SeDeM diagram were applied to translate dissolution profile in to a single value. The Aquarius EKX 19102 SRX-2 coating system at 7% weight gain exhibited zero order drug release. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the microporous structure of the film. The results obtained from stability study, Fourier Transform Infra Red spectra and Differential Scanning Calorimetry study of optimized formulation confirmed stable characteristics. This platform technology was further validated using Diltiazem HCl and satisfactory results were obtained. FORTRAN language based software was applied to assess drug release kinetics and it was found to be zero order.

Publications co-authored by scientists from the West are sometimes discounted by grant and hiring committees. That needs to change.

A system was designed for high-pressure accelerated life testing (ALT) of composite materials exposed to saline water solutions or other potentially corrosive media. The system was comprised primarily of a large stainless steel pressure vessel with the capability to perform extended pressure holds of up to 41.3 MPa at temperatures up to 70 °C. Using a nylon fabric-reinforced Buna-N rubber diaphragm as a media isolator and an inert ceramic coating on all wetted surfaces of the vessel, 3.5% saline water solutions were successfully held at test pressures and temperatures for extended periods with no evidence of corrosion or other degradation even after several days of exposure. Pressurization was achieved through a hydraulic pump system, which contained pressure monitoring equipment and valves and was isolated from the saline water by the diaphragm. The temperature of the entire vessel and contents was maintained by complete immersion in a heated, filtered water bath. The efficacy of using an elastomeric diaphragm to transfer large pressures between two near-incompressible fluids without mixing was shown, provided adequate reinforcement in the form of an interwoven fabric was provided to prevent tearing and extrusion from the extreme through-thickness stresses, particularly at clamping locations. Discussion on the effects of temperature, material, thickness, reinforcement, and sealing methods on the effectiveness and repeatability of the system is provided, and a demonstration of an accelerated test on a carbon–fiber composite is also presented.

Two recently determined crystal structures of the human beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) provide a long-awaited advance in the field of G protein-coupled receptor research. The beta2AR is only the second member of this, the largest family of receptors encoded in the human genome, whose structure has been solved. It follows structures of rhodopsin that were determined previously. Here we set these developments in historical context, discuss the daunting challenges that have been overcome, and appraise what has and has not been learned.

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A theoretical and numerical study of the micromechanical behavior of asphalt concrete was undertaken. Asphalt is a heterogeneous material composed of aggregates, binder cement, and air voids. The load-carrying behavior of such a material is strongly related to the local load transfer between aggregate particles, and this is taken as the microstructural response. Numerical simulation of this material behavior was accomplished by developing a special finite element model that incorporated the mechanical load-carrying response between the aggregates. The finite element scheme incorporated a network of special frame elements, each with a stiffness matrix developed from an approximate elasticity solution of the stress and displacement field in a cementation layer between particle pairs. A damage mechanics approach was then incorporated within this solution, and this approach led to the construction of a softening model capable of predicting typical global inelastic behavior found in asphalt materials. This theory was then implemented within the ABAQUS finite element code to conduct simulations of particular laboratory specimens. A series of model simulations of indirect tension (IDT) tests were conducted to investigate the effect of variation of specimen microstructure on the sample response. Simulation results of the overall sample behavior compared favorably with experimental results. Additional comparisons were made of the evolving damage behavior within the IDT test samples, and numerical results gave reasonable predictions.

Abstract: In the present study, interfacial cracks between an isotropic and orthotropic material, subjected to static far field tensile loading are analyzed using the technique of photoelasticity. The fracture parameters are extracted from the full-field isochromatic data and the same are compared with that obtained using boundary collocation method. Dynamic photoelasticity combined with high-speed digital photography is employed for capturing the isochromatics in the case of propagating interfacial cracks. The normalized stress intensity factors for static cracks are greater when α=90° (fibers perpendicular to the interface) than when α=0° (fibers parallel to the interface), and those when α=90° are similar to ones of isotropic material. The dynamic stress intensity factors for interfacial propagating cracks are greater when α=0° than α=90°. For the velocity ranges (0.1 s1 <0.7) observed in this study, the complex dynamic stress intensity factor |K D |, I increases with crack speedc, however, the rate of increase of |K D | with crack speed is not as drastic as that reported for homogeneous materials.

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This experimental study investigates the dynamic decohesion of inclined interfaces between aluminum and a polymeric material PSM-1. Two lead azide explosive charges are detonated to initiate dynamic loading in a specially designed bimaterial specimen. The dynamic loading results in crack initiation, propagation and arrest in the same experiment. Photoelasticity, in conjunction with high-speed photography, is used to observe the dynamic event. Dynamic complex stress intensity factor and the energy release rate histories are obtained using the available steady-state singular stress field equations. The dependence of the dynamic initiation and arrest toughness on the mixity under dynamic loading is also investigated. Mixity at crack initiation is controlled by the inclination of the interface. The results show that the initiation toughness is higher than the arrest toughness by about 21%. Based on the experimental observations, a dynamic fracture criterion for subsonic crack growth along the bimaterial interfaces is proposed. According to this criterion, the displacement at a point behind the crack tip varies exponentially with the crack-tip velocity (0 < v < cs; where csis the shear wave speed of the compliant material). This criterion establishes a generalized relationship between the dynamic energy release rate and the instantaneous crack-tip velocity.

Laser-induced etching of silicon is used to generate silicon nanocrystals. The pore structure depends on the substrate type and etching laser wavelength. Porous silicon (PS) samples prepared by Nd:YAG laser (1.16 eV) etching of n-type substrate showed a fairly uniform and highly interconnected network of nearly circular pores separated by thin columnar boundaries, while no circular pits were produced by argon- ion laser (2.41 eV) etching under similar conditions. The size and size distribution of the nanocrystals are investigated by Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies and analyzed within the framework of quantum confinement models.

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