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Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a traditionally important vegetable herb used to treat numerous illnesses, including diabetes mellitus, in many rural parts of Bangladesh and the South Asian subcontinent. However, the scientific evidence for the aforementioned properties has not been adequately validated. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the antidiabetic, antilipidemic activity of okra mucilage powder, and to compare its effectiveness with the isolated peel–seed of okra after mucilage extraction in Swiss albino mice. After extraction, both mucilage and peel–seed were made into powder. In addition, crude protein, mineral contents, and in vitro antioxidant activity of mucilage and peel–seed powder were assessed. After acute toxicity test, methanolic extracts of both powders were administered to alloxan‐induced diabetic mice for 3 weeks. Blood glucose levels were assessed weekly. Finally, blood samples were collected on day 21 to estimate blood glucose level, total protein (TP), and lipid profile levels. Okra mucilage powder showed less amount of protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and iron compared with peel–seed powder. In terms of antioxidant activity, the IC50 value and total phenolic content were found higher in okra mucilage powder in contrast to peel–seed powder. However, total flavonoid content was higher in peel–seed powder than mucilage powder. Three‐week administration of mucilage and peel–seed suspensions at a dose of 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly (p, The present research provides evidence that mucilage of Abelmoschus esculentus has antioxidant properties. The results from this study also revealed that the mucilage of Abelmoschus esculentus is rich in protein and minerals. Three weeks of administration of mucilage and peel–seed suspensions reduced the blood glucose concentration of alloxan‐induced diabetic mice. Cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoproteins, high‐density lipoproteins, and total protein were found to be significantly improved after mucilage and peel–seed treatment.

Globally, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is the reference detection technique for SARS-CoV-2, which is expensive, time consuming, and requires trained laboratory personnel. Thus, a cost-effective, rapid antigen test is urgently needed. This study evaluated the performance of the rapid antigen tests (RATs) for SARS-CoV-2 compared with rRT-PCR, considering different influencing factors.We enrolled a total of 214 symptomatic individuals with known COVID-19 status using rRT-PCR. We collected and tested paired nasopharyngeal (NP) and nasal swab (NS) specimens (collected from same individual) using rRT-PCR and RATs (InTec and SD Biosensor). We assessed the performance of RATs considering specimen types, viral load, the onset of symptoms, and presenting symptoms.We included 214 paired specimens (112 NP and 100 NS SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR positive) to the analysis. For NP specimens, the average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the RATs were 87.5%, 98.6%, and 92.8%, respectively, when compared with rRT-PCR. While for NS, the overall kit performance was slightly lower than that of NP (sensitivity 79.0%, specificity 96.1%, and accuracy 88.3%). We observed a progressive decline in the performance of RATs with increased Ct values (decreased viral load). Moreover, the RAT sensitivity using NP specimens decreased over the time of the onset of symptoms.The RATs showed strong performance under field conditions and fulfilled the minimum performance limit for rapid antigen detection kits recommended by World Health Organization. The best performance of the RATs can be achieved within the first week of the onset of symptoms with high viral load.

Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is an incurable neuropsychiatric disorder generally described by impaired social behavior and altered recognition of reality. For the first time, this study explored serum levels of antioxidants (vitamin A, E, and C), malondialdehyde (MDA), macro‐minerals (calcium, potassium, and sodium), and trace elements (zinc, iron, and selenium) in Bangladeshi patients with SCZ and thereby, discovering any pathophysiological correlation. Methods This case‐controlled study evaluated 63 patients with SCZ as cases and 63 healthy individuals as controls. Vitamin A and E levels were defined by RP‐HPLC. MDA and vitamin C levels were measured by using UV spectrophotometry, and macro and trace elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results This study found significantly (P ≤ 0.05) elevated MDA levels and decreased levels of antioxidants—vitamin A, C, and E and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) diminished levels of macro and trace elements in cases in contrast to the controls. Serum levels of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na) were determined to be 0.33 ± 0.008, 0.0252 ± 0.00060, 0.24 ± 0.01, 64.18 ± 2.72, 36.88 ± 2.56, and 2657.5 ± 53.32 mg/L, respectively, in cases, whereas 0.79 ± 0.03, 0.0650 ± 0.00355,0.78 ± 0.03, 168.01 ± 2.85, 86.43 ± 2.55, and 3200.8 ± 29.96 mg/L, respectively, were determined in controls. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between Zn and Na, Zn and K, Zn and Ca, Zn and Fe, Zn and Se, Fe and Na, and Fe and Se in patients. Conclusions The findings connect that the pathogenesis of SCZ may have a correlation with altered levels of antioxidants, MDA, macro‐minerals, and trace elements.

Key Clinical Message Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is an extremely rare hereditary skin disease characterized by an abnormal susceptibility to the human papilloma virus (HPV) with an increased risk of cutaneous malignancy. Here we report the first female severe EV case in Bangladesh, a 10‐year‐old girl with a nonsense somatic mutation impacting ANKRD26 gene.

Freshwater is an increasingly scarce resource that is extensively used in textile wet‐processing. In seeking to identify alternative low freshwater‐usage coloration technology, this study examined the potential use of seawater (SEAW) as the dyeing medium for wool coloration using a range of reactive dyes. Initially, the dyeing behaviour of the wool fabric in simulated seawater (SSW) was compared with conventional dyeing from distilled water (DW) using α‐bromoacrylamide‐based Lanasol dyes and sulphatoethyl sulphone‐based Remazol dyes. These preliminary studies demonstrated that comparable coloration could be achieved in the SSW medium based on an assessment of the dye exhaustion, dye fixation, colour yield and levelness. Subsequent dyeing studies of wool using Mauritian seawater with both the Lanasol and Remazol reactive dyes confirmed that, based on the dye exhaustion, dye fixation, colour yield and levelness, comparable coloration could be achieved, highlighting the possibility of substituting freshwater with seawater as the dyeing medium.

Background Intellectual disability (ID) is a complex condition that can impact multiple domains of development. The genetic contribution to ID’s etiology is significant, with more than 100 implicated genes and loci currently identified. The majority of such variants are rare and de novo genetic mutations. Methods We have applied whole‐genome microarray to identify large, rare, clinically relevant copy number variants (CNVs). We have applied well‐established algorithms for variants call. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied to validate the variants using three technical replicates for each family member. To assess whether the copy number variation was due to balanced translocation or mosaicism, we further conducted droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) on the whole family. We have, as well, applied “critical‐exon” mapping, human developmental brain transcriptome, and a database of known associated neurodevelopmental disorder variants to identify candidate genes. Results Here we present two siblings who are both impacted by a large terminal duplication and a deletion. Whole‐genome microarray revealed an 18.82 megabase (MB) duplication at terminal locus (7q34‐q36.3) of chromosome 7 and a 3.90 MB deletion impacting the terminal locus (15q26.3) of chromosome 15. qPCR and ddPCR experiments confirmed the de novo origin of the variants and the co‐occurrence of these two de novo events among the siblings, but their absence in both parents, implicates an unbalanced translocation that could have mal‐segregated among the siblings or a possible germline mosaicism. These terminal events impact IGF1R, CNTNAP2, and DPP6, shown to be strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Detailed clinical examination of the siblings revealed the presence of both shared and distinct phenotypic features. Conclusions This study identified two large rare terminal de novo events impacting two siblings. Further phenotypic investigation highlights that even in the presence of identical large high penetrant variants, spectrum of clinical features can be different between the siblings.

Enhancing electromagnetic research on prior light bend mechanisms is a significant issue for composite material phenomena, and one that is not available in nature. The unit cell of metamaterial can be revised, such that it is significantly smaller than the free space of the wavelength. It is essential to extend the appropriate retrieval process to measure electrical and magnetic responses to the backward wave propagation and dispersion diagram characteristics. In this paper, we propose a retrieval process inversion response between known and unknown parameters of the lumped unit-cell circuits that optimizes the best fit parameters. By utilizing the optimization of particle swarm techniques, we provide appropriate values of periodic unit cells of CRLH transmission line circuits that matched with the microstrip implementation model. The group velocity of the wave is indicated in the parallel direction, whereas the phase velocity is in the anti-parallel direction. The dispersion diagram displayed a specifically left-handed and right-handed medium, and a tiny band gap appeared in the attenuation medium. The constitutive parameters of dielectric permittivity, permeability, and refractive index were obtained from the periodic composite transmission line circuits.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance and validity of the case-crossover (CCO) and self-controlled case-series (SCCS) designs when studying the association between hip/femur fracture (HF) and antidepressant (AD) use in general practitioner databases. In addition, comparability with cohort and case-control designs is discussed. Adult patients with HF and who received an AD prescription during 2001-2009 were identified from UK's The Health Improvement Network (THIN) and the Dutch Mondriaan databases. AD exposure was classified into current, recent and past/non-use (reference). In the CCO, for each patient, a case moment (date of HF) and four prior control moments at -91, -182, -273 and -365 days were defined. In SCCS, incidence of HF was compared between exposure states. Conditional logistic regression was used in the CCO and Poisson regression in the SCCS to compute odds ratios and incidence rate ratios, respectively. In CCO, we adjusted for time-varying co-medication and in SCCS for age. Adjusted estimates for the effect of current AD exposure on HF were higher in the CCO (co-medication-adjusted odds ratio, THIN: 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.04-2.47; Mondriaan: 2.57, 95%CI [1.50, 4.43]) than in the SCCS (age-adjusted incidence rate ratio, THIN: 1.41, 95%CI [1.32, 1.49]; Mondriaan: 2.14, 95%CI [1.51, 3.03]). The latter were comparable with the traditional designs. Case-only designs confirmed the association between AD and HF. The CCO design violated assumptions in this study with regard to exchangeability and length of exposure, and transient effects on outcome. The SCCS seems to be an appropriate design for assessing AD-HF association. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background and Objective Abnormal vocal cord movement may coexist with asthma and cause additional upper/middle airway obstruction. The condition may be a form of muscular dystonia that could contribute to asthma resistant to optimised treatments. Botulinum toxin causes temporary paralysis of muscle and may be an effective local treatment that improves asthma control. Methods In an observational study, we evaluated the benefits of unilateral vocal cord injection with botulinum toxin in 11 patients (total 24 injections). Subjects had asthma resistant to optimised treatment and abnormal vocal cord movement. Responses after botulinum toxin treatment were assessed using asthma control test (ACT) scores, vocal cord narrowing quantified by computerised tomography (CT) of the larynx and spirometry. Side-effects were recorded. Results ACT scores improved overall (9.1 ± 2.4 before and 13.5 ± 4.5 after treatment; difference 4.4 ± 4.2; P

An efficient 3D dye-sensitized photovoltaic microwire has been developed using thermally stable and highly conductive titanium microwires and carbon nanotube yarns (CNYs). Interaligned, ultrastrong, and flexible CNYs with excellent mechanical integrity and electrocatalytic property were successfully used as counter electrodes (CEs). The TiO2 nanophase coated Ti-microwire acts as the working electrode (WE). The CEs were twisted around the WE to collect and transmit the photogenerated electrons from the outer circuit. The interface in between photoactive TiO2 film and 3D conductive support has been optimized. The optimized 3D WPVC shows a 0.583% photon to energy conversion efficiency under an irradiation of AM 1.5 (100 mW cm−2). Cells with various lengths were observed to attain a fill factor (FF) above 0.8. This work tested WPVCs under different working environments to assess their engineering potential.

We previously reported that PGRN directly bound to TNF receptors (TNFR) in vitro and in chondrocytes (Tang, et al., Science, 2011). Here we report that PGRN also associated with TNFR in splenocytes, and inhibited the binding of TNFα to immune cells. Proper folding of PGRN is essential for its binding to TNFR, as DTT treatment abolished its binding to TNFR. In contrast, the binding of PGRN to Sortilin was enhanced by DTT. Protein interaction assays with mutants of the TNFR extracellular domain demonstrated that CRD2 and CRD3 of TNFR are important for the interaction with PGRN, similar to the binding to TNFα. Taken together, these findings provide the molecular basis underlying PGRN/TNFR interaction and PGRN-mediated anti-inflammatory activity in various autoimmune diseases and conditions.

Yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus [Banks] (Acari: Tarsonemidae) is one of the major pests of jute crops (Corchorus capsularis L.) in Bangladesh. In this study, indigenous varieties of jute were used for treatments, namely, CVL-1, CVE-3, BJC-7370 and BJC-83. The paired plot treatments (treated and untreated controls) were laid out under field conditions. The effects of yellow mite were studied at three stages of the jute plants: 60 days after sowing (DAS), 90 DAS and 120 DAS. A higher number of mite stages was observed up to 90 DAS and then declined up to 120 DAS in var. BJC-7370 among two other varieties, Deshi and Tossa. The percentage of infestation and damage indexes (scale 0–5) were measured to relate yellow mite injuries to the number of leaves, leaf area, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, soluble solids, plant height, base diameter, fiber weight, stick weight, number of flowers per plant, number of pods, pod weight per plant, seeds per pod, seed weight and 1000 seeds' weight of plants infested at three different phenological stages. The highest fiber yield loss was found in the variety BJC-7370 (59.75%), followed by BJC-83 (55.56%), CVE-3 (54.30%) and CVL-1 (50.05). The highest stick yield losses were found in the following order: BJC-7370 (54.54%) > BJC-83 (51.17%) > CVL-1 (43.68%) > CVE-3 (37.80%) and BJC-7370 (30.33%) > CVL-1 (27.83%) > BJC-83 (24.16%) > CVE-3 (22.11%) for the highest seed yield under field conditions for Corchorus capsularis. High yellow mite population in untreated checks decreased plant growth and showed significant losses in yield production for the variety BJC-7370.

Skin injuries were assessed in 560 imported and local cattle and water buffaloes at two livestock markets in Bangladesh. The body of each animal was divided into 11 anatomical regions, and abrasions, lacerations, penetrations, ulcerations, bleeding, swelling, hyperkeratosis and scars were recorded for each region. Among the 560 animals studied, 501 were found to have at least one injury. The prevalence of skin injuries was 89 per cent, with 84 per cent of the cattle and 99 per cent of the water buffaloes having obvious skin injuries. The most common types of injury were abrasions that were found in 73 per cent of the animals, followed by scars (50 per cent), and lacerations (41 per cent). Buffaloes had more abrasions (95 per cent), lacerations (57 per cent), swelling (15 per cent) and hyperkeratosis (32 per cent) compared with cattle, whereas scars (60 per cent) were more common in cattle (P

Seasonal changes in Perkinsus olseni infection and gametogenesis in the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, were investigated over a 14-mo period at a commercial clam bed on Seonjaedo Island, off the west coast of Korea. The prevalence, infection intensity, and gametogenic stages were histologically evaluated. The prevalence and monthly mean infection intensity ranged from 38 to 97% and 0.77–2.48 on a 4-point scale. The infection intensity in autumn was significantly higher than in summer (2003 and 2004, P < 0.05). In 2003, the timing of gametogenesis and spawning varied with respect to infection level; uninfected clams matured earlier than moderately or heavily infected clams. In contrast, no such temporal variation in spawning was observed among infection groups in 2004. The resting period of heavily infected clams was longer than that of moderately infected or uninfected clams. A high level of P. olseni infection appears to disrupt the maturation of the clams, although our numerical scoring of infection intensity based on histopathology was not sufficiently sensitive to establish this.

A simple modification of the revised Deutsch–Mark model (RDM) [Deutsch et al., Int J Mass Spectrom 2004, 233, 13] incorporating both the ionic and relativistic corrections is proposed to investigate the K-shell ionization of 30 atomic targets with atomic numbers Z = 1–92 for incident energies up to 2 GeV. We also revisit our earlier models: modified Bell (MBELL) (Haque et al., Phys Rev A 2006, 73, 012708) and modified Kolbenstvedt (MKLV) (Uddin et al., Eur Phys J D 2006, 37, 361), for the K-shell ionization cross sections at these ultra-relativistic energies. The results from the modified version of RDM (MRDM), MBELL, and MKLV models agree well with the available experimental data and quantum mechanical calculations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009

A new semiempirical model comprising few important features of the DM model of Deutsch et al. (Int J Mass Spectrom 1998, 177, 47) and the widely used empirical model of Bell et al. (J Phys Chem Ref Data 1983, 12, 891) has been proposed. The proposed model has been examined to evaluate the electron impact K-shell ionization cross sections of 30 atomic targets ranging from H to U (Z = 1–92) and found to describe with considerable success the experimental results over a wide range of incident energies up to 2 GeV using a single set of species independent parameters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009

We propose an extension of the modified simplified-improved-binary-encounter dipole (MRIBED) model (Uddin et al., Phys Rev A 2005, 72, 032715), incorporating both the ionic and relativistic corrections, to investigate the K-shell ionization of atomic targets with atomic numbers Z = 1 − 92 for incident energies up to 2 GeV. We also revisit our earlier models, MBELL (Haque et al. Phys Rev A 2006, 73, 012708) and MKLV (Uddin et al. Eur Phys J D 2006, 37, 361), for the K-shell ionization at these ultra-relativistic energies. The results from our extended version of MRIBED, MBELL, and MKLV models agree well with the experimental findings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008

The electron impact K-shell ionization (EIKSI) cross sections on 18 atomic targets, with the atomic numbers 2 Z 92, are calculated using a modified version of the binary encounter approximation (BEA) model. The modified BEA (MBEA), which incorporates both ionic and relativistic corrections and is simpler in application than other existing models, is found to be immensely successful in describing the EIKSI data up to the incident energy of 1 GeV. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 108: 1326 -1333, 2008

Three galactose-specific lectins have been isolated and purified from the extract of pumpkin seed kernels by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 with 100% ammonium sulfate saturated crude extract, followed by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B. All three lectins were found to be homogeneous as judged by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The molecular weights of lectins, PSL-1, PSL-2 and PSL-3, as estimated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 were 40,000, 42,000 and 46,000, and by SDS-PAGE about 39,500, 41,000 and 45,000, respectively. The lectins, PSL-1, PSL-2 & PSL-3 were dimer in nature and the molecular weights of their subunits were about 25,500 and 14,000; 26,000 and 15,000; and 30,500 and 15,000, respectively. The lectins are glycoproteins with a neutral sugar content of 3-5%. The lectins agglutinated rat red blood cells and the hemagglutination was inhibited specifically by galactose and galactose-containing saccharides. The lectins exhibited a strong cytotoxic effect in a brine shrimp lethality bioassay.

SHPS-1/SIRPalpha1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) super family. In the present study, we show that SHPS-1 strongly associates with Concanavalin A (Con A), a plant lectin obtained from jack beans. Further studies with SHPS-1 mutants reveal that the extracellular domain of SHPS-1 containing the Ig sequence is responsible for its association with Con A. Con A treatment induces cross-linking and multimerization of the SHPS-1 protein in the plasma membrane, accompanied by its tyrosine phosphorylation and recruitment of SHP-2. In contrast, Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), another lectin obtained from castor bean, does not bind or activate tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPS-1. Moreover, Con A activates Akt in a SHP-2-dependent manner. Treatment of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with Con A induces secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, a phenomenon that is inhibited in cells expressing YF mutant of SHPS-1, a dominant negative form of Akt or in cells pre-treated with an Akt inhibitor, LY294002 or extracellular-signal regulated kinase (Erk) inhibitor, U0126. In addition, expression of the YF mutant of SHPS-1 inhibits Con A-dependent activation of Akt and Erk kinases. Taken together, our results suggest that SHPS-1 is a receptor for Con A that mediates Con A-dependent MMP-9 secretion through SHP-2-promoted activation of both Akt and Erk pathways.

The removal of arsenic from drinking water by nanofiltration membranes was investigated. Experiments were conducted with tap water to which arsenate and arsenite were added. Two types of nanofiltration membranes, i.e., NF-90 and NF-200, have been tested. The effect of various operating conditions, e.g., applied pressure, feed concentration, pH and temperature, were also investigated. The pH and arsenic concentration in the feed and the operating temperature are found to be decisive factors in determining the arsenic concentration remaining in the permeate. The level of removal of As(V) was higher than 98 % for both membranes, but that of As(III) was much lower. It can be concluded that by controlling the operating parameters, source water containing As(V) may be recovered as drinking water to EPA maximum contaminant level quality standards, but that water containing As(III) must undergo a pre-oxidation treatment before passing through the nanofiltration membrane in order to maintain drinking water quality.

Quantitative and qualitative analyses of bacterial flora associated with the digestive tract of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii cultured in earthen ponds of Saudi Arabia were carried out. Bacterial counts and flora of prawn-culture pond water, sediment, and prawn carapaces, along with important physicochemical parameters, were investigated, and the isolates were identified to the genus or species level. Total viable counts (TVC; mean ± SD) varied between (1.0 ± 2.3) × 104 and (1.7 ± 0.8) × 105 colony-forming units (cfu) per milliliter in pond water, (5.8 ± 1.7) × 107 and (1.1 ± 2.9) × 109 cfu/g in sediment, (1.5 ± 0.9) × 105 and (1.6 ± 2.4) × 106 cfu/cm2 in the carapace, and (9.1 ± 1.5) × 106 and (8.7 ± 1.8) × 107 cfu/g in the digestive tract of freshwater prawns. The bacterial flora was predominantly gram-negative, accounting for 80% of total isolated strains. Altogether, 21 bacterial species of 16 genera were identified. Aeromonas hydrophila, Shewanella putrefaciens, other ...

Optimum design of tire-tread sections is an important practical issue. However, useful study of the problem that can suggest a reliable guideline for determining the optimum tread sections had hardly been made in the past. The present paper describes a new analysis of the state of stresses in tire-tread sections in contact with the road surface, taking special care of the boundary conditions. Based on the analysis, a method is proposed to determine the optimum tread shapes for avoiding lateral slippage between tires and roads. The displacement potential function formulation, an ideal mathematical model for the practical stress problems, has been used in conjunction with finite-difference method of solution. For the present analysis, lateral slipping in absence of frictional resistance as well as the no-slip conditions of the tire-tread contact surface have been considered along with a large number of tread aspect ratios. The present computational approach proves to be a powerful tool for determining the optimum tread shapes for avoiding the lateral slippage of tire-treads. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The cross sections for electron-impact single ionization of helium-like targets,—Li+, B3+, C4+, N5+, O6+, Ne8+, Na9+, Fe24+, Ag45+, and U90+—are calculated using a recently propounded parameter-free relativistic binary encounter (RBEA) model, which remains valid up to the relativistic energy domain. Our RBEA results are compared with those of the Coulomb–Born (CB) approximation, distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA), relativistic two-potential DWBA (RTPD), the simple empirical model of Brenshtam et al. (BRY), and the model of Deutsch and Mark (DM) along with the available experimental data. The RBEA model, while keeping the comparable predictive power of cross sections, is found to overcome the limitations of the empirical BRY and DM models with their fitting parameters, and the quantum mechanical CB, DWBA, and RTPD theories with arduous and lengthy calculations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004

A new numerical approach has been developed for the analysis of displacements and stresses in arbitrary-shaped elastic bodies subjected to mixed boundary conditions. An ideal mathematical model, based on the displacement-potential function, has been used in the finite-difference solution to investigate the state of stresses at the critical sections of spur gear teeth. Two different types of gear tooth and two different regions of loading are included in the present analysis. The solutions found by the present approach are compared and discussed in the light of available finite-element results in the literature. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

First principles pseudopotential calculations have been performed for the first time to investigate the phonon dispersion, thermodynamic and optical properties including charge density, Fermi surface, Mulliken population analysis, theoretical Vickers hardness of predicted MAX phase Sc2InC. We revisited the structural, elastic and electronic properties of the compound which assessed the reliability of our calculations. The analysis of the elastic constants and the phonon dispersion along with phonon density of states indicates the mechanical stability and dynamical stability of the MAX phase. The Helmholtz free energy, internal energy, entropy specific heat capacity and Debye temperature have also been calculated from the phonon density of states. Mulliken population analysis indicates the existence of prominent covalency in chemical bonding of Sc2InC. The electronic charge density mapping shows a combination of ionic, covalent and metallic bonding in the compound. The Fermi surface is comprised due to the low dispersive Sc 3d and C 2p states from the [ScC] blocks. The phase is expected to be a soft material and easily mechinable due to its low Vicker hardness value. Furthermore, the analysis of various optical properties (such as dielectric function, refractive index, photoconductivity, absorption coefficients, loss function and reflectivity) suggests that the nanolaminate Sc2InC is a promising candidate for optoelectronic devices in the visible and ultraviolet energy regions and as a coating material to avoid solar heating., Comment: Submitted for publication, 15 pages, 6 figure

Several UV-curable formulations containing epoxydiacrylate (EB-600) oligomer with a tri-functional monomer, trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA), and photoinitiator Irgcure-369 were developed to improve the surface of Partex. Filler or extender CaCO3 was incorporated into the solution. Thin polymer films were prepared on glass plate with these formulated solutions and finally applied on polished Partex surface, and both were cured under UV-radiation. The properties of UV-cured thin films were studied as a function of CaCO3 concentration. Pendulum hardness and gel content were found to decrease on glass plate with the increase of CaCO3 concentration. Pendulum hardness, scratch hardness, and abrasion resistance of the cured Partex were found to be higher with the increase of CaCO3 content up to 4%. Thus, the formulation containing 4% CaCO3 showed the best performance over all formulations containing CaCO3. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1858–1867, 2001

To allow genetic analysis of starch quality in wheat and its relatives, it was necessary to develop techniques suitable for use on endosperm halves of seeds, leaving the embryo half to be grown for the next generation. Seeds were split and the endosperm end was crushed and soaked in 0.5 M NaCl overnight. The solids were ground three times in 0.5 M NaCl, the supernatant starch slurries were pooled and washed through a series of 4 M NaCl, 6 M NaCl/50 %, sucrose, 2 % sodium dodecyl sulphate solution, and acetone before being dried over silica gel. Subsamples of 1 mg of starch were dispersed in ethanol in preweighed microfuge tubes, gelatinised in NaOH solution, diluted to constant concentration, and aliquots were neutralised with citric acid, stained with iodine, diluted with water, and evaluated in an ELISA plate reader at 620 nm. The overall method provided cleaner starch than earlier methods, as shown by higher apparent amylose values, and was highly repeatable. The method was used to demonstrate the variation in amylose content within single heads of an inbred tetraploid wheat. No consistent patterns of variation due to seed location were detected but the overall breadth of variation around the median value of 27 % was ± 5 %.