Search

Silicon carbide (SiC) is widely used in the manufacture of space-based optical imaging systems, critical parts of microelectronic systems, reflective imaging systems, fibre optics communication systems, and automobiles. The mechanical processing of SiC is challenging due to its brittle nature. In the present study, a numerical model of nanometric scratching of difficult-to-machine SiC has been developed based on the finite element method to understand the ultra-precision machining process. The developed model was validated with the available experimental results. The cutting and thrust forces generated from the simulations were found in good agreement with the published experimental values. The simulation methodology and results would thus help to optimize the process parameters without carrying out expensive and tedious experiments.

Background Types of renal stones have profoundly changed in the last half-century, parallel to the change in lifestyle and dietary habit, with an increase of calcium stones. Among many lithogenic factors age and gender are considered to be associated with the types of renal stones. Studies evaluating the influence of age and gender on the distribution of the types of urinary calculi are scarce in Nepal. Objective To explore the influence of age and gender on different types of urolithiasis. Method This is a single center prospective study encompassing urolithiasis during a study period of 18 months. All the stone retrieved from the patients after surgery were sent for biochemical analysis of the stone. The result was then compared with the age and gender of the study population. Result Calculi from a total of 107 patients were analyzed (62 from males and 45 from females). Mixed stones consisting of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate were the predominant constituent in 74.16% of stones, followed by uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. We found predominance of Calcium stones in males (47.66%) vs 36.44% in females and predominance of struvite stones in females (7.47%) vs 3.73% in males. Age group of 21-40 years has the main burden of stone. Conclusion Being aware and having better knowledge of risk factors, composition and correlation with age and gender can provide personalized guidance to prevention and avoid recurrence of urolithiasis.

The use of intraperitoneal administration of nanoparticles has been reported to facilitate higher concentrations of nanoparticles in metastatic peritoneal tumors. While this strategy is appealing for limiting systemic exposure of nanocarrier delivered toxic cargoes and increasing nanoparticle concentrations in avascular peritoneal tumors, little is known about the mechanism of nanoparticle accumulation on tumor tissues and currently, no nanoparticle-based product has been approved for intraperitoneal delivery. Here, we investigated the nanoparticle-specific characteristics that led to increased peritoneal tumor accumulation using MCM-41 type mesoporous silica nanoparticles as our model system. We also investigated the components of the peritoneal tumor stroma that facilitated nanoparticle-tumor interaction. The tumor extracellular matrix is the main factor driving these interactions, specifically the interaction of nanoparticles with collagen. Upon disruption of the collagen matrix, nanoparticle accumulation was reduced by 50%. It is also notable that the incorporation of targeting ligands did not increase overall tumor accumulation in vivo while it significantly increased nanoparticle accumulation in vitro. The use of other particle chemistries did not grossly affect the tumor targetability, but additional concerns arose when those tested particles exhibited significant systemic exposure. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are advantageous for intraperitoneal administration for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis due to their physical stability, tumor targetability, strong interaction with the collagen matrix, and extended peritoneal residence time. Maximizing nanoparticle interaction with the tumor extracellular matrix is critical for developing strategies to deliver emerging therapeutics for peritoneal cancer treatment using nanocarriers.

An in-depth study on post-synthetic modification of residual metal in carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) from an Al4C3 starting material has been performed. Ambient temperature high humidity studies reveal the conversion of residual parent nanoparticles to poly(aluminum chloride) (PAC). Alkaline modification was employed resulting in the formation of amorphous Al(OH)3 nanoparticles within 24 h of reaction. After aging for up to 11 days, amorphous nanoparticles convert to well-crystallized α-Al(OH)3 (bayerite). Al4C3-CDCs with amorphous Al(OH)3 display significantly-enhanced interactions with SO2 and CO2 while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy indicated no significant change in the surface chemistry of the carbon. SO2 breakthrough results at 1000 ppm SO2 exhibit uptakes near 2 mmol g−1, displaying viability for these adsorbents in flue gas remediation applications. The results of this work provide detailed modification strategies for tuning the extent and type of residual metal embedded in the final CDC structure, along with further insights into the ramifications of oxygen functionalities and pore size distribution of CDCs for SO2 adsorption.

Under proteotoxic stress, some cells survive whereas others die. The mechanisms governing this heterogeneity in cell fate remain unknown. Here we report that condensation and phase transition of heat-shock factor 1 (HSF1), a transcriptional regulator of chaperones1,2, is integral to cell-fate decisions underlying survival or death. During stress, HSF1 drives chaperone expression but also accumulates separately in nuclear stress bodies called foci3-6. Foci formation has been regarded as a marker of cells actively upregulating chaperones3,6-10. Using multiplexed tissue imaging, we observed HSF1 foci in human tumours. Paradoxically, their presence inversely correlated with chaperone expression. By live-cell microscopy and single-cell analysis, we found that foci dissolution rather than formation promoted HSF1 activity and cell survival. During prolonged stress, the biophysical properties of HSF1 foci changed; small, fluid condensates enlarged into indissoluble gel-like arrangements with immobilized HSF1. Chaperone gene induction was reduced in such cells, which were prone to apoptosis. Quantitative analysis suggests that survival under stress results from competition between concurrent but opposing mechanisms. Foci may serve as sensors that tune cytoprotective responses, balancing rapid transient responses and irreversible outcomes.

Background Arterial 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) activity on positron emission tomography (PET) is a marker of active microcalcification and atherosclerosis. Coronary 18F-NaF activity (CMA) predicts coronary artery disease progression and subsequent myocardial infarction. Objective To investigate whether aortic 18F-NaF activity (AMA) predicts thoracic aortic atherosclerotic disease progression and subsequent ischaemic stroke or myocardial infarction in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Methods In a post-hoc observational cohort study, we evaluated AMA and CMA in patients with stable coronary artery disease (n=239) or aortic stenosis (n=158) who had underwent thoracic 18F-NaF PET and computed tomography (CT). We assessed the associations between AMA or CMA and progression of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in both thoracic aortic and coronary territories on follow up CT, as well as subsequent ischaemic stroke or myocardial infarction. Results In 141 and 231 patients with repeat aortic and coronary CT imaging respectively at 12.7±2.7 months, AMA correlated with log progression of thoracic aortic calcium scores (r=0.21, p=0.011), volume (r=0.29, p0.80) calcium score progression. In 397 patients, 16 had an ischaemic stroke and 25 had a myocardial infarction after 4.7±1.6 years. After adjusting for clinical risk factors, CMA and calcium scoring, AMA was associated with stroke (hazard ratio, 1.71 [95% confidence interval 1.00–2.90], p=0.048]). AMA was superior to clinical risk and calcium scores in identifying patients with stroke (c-statistic 0.76 versus 0.58 versus 0.63 respectively, p Conclusions In patients with established cardiovascular disease, AMA is associated with progression of aortic atherosclerosis and future ischaemic stroke. Arterial 18F-NaF identifies localised areas of atherosclerotic disease activity that relate to regional atherothrombotic events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation AMA, disease progression and outcomesVariables associated with stroke

The tripartite synapse, consisting of the presynaptic neuron, post-synaptic neuron, and an astrocyte, is considered to be the main locus of signaling between neurons in the brain.1,2 Neurotransmission is energetically very expensive3,4, and the primary neurotransmitter utilized for signaling is glutamate. It has been found that glutamate is also used as a substrate for energy generation.5,6 However, it is unclear what the relationship is between energy generation and availability of neurotransmitter during glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here we show that availability of energy, represented by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and glutamate for neurotransmission are intimately related, and in fact determine the ability to signal at the tripartite synapse. Using a novel neurochemical mathematical model of the tripartite synapse, we found that glutamate concentrations for neurotransmission and ATP concentrations were interdependent, and their interplay controlled the firing pattern of the presynaptic terminal, as defined by synaptic vesicle release. Furthermore, we found that depending on the parameters chosen in the model, the tripartite synapse demonstrated behavior with limit cycles, alternating between high- and low-frequency firing rates. Our results show that complex behavior with high- and low-activity states, qualitatively meeting the characteristics of sleep7 emerges directly from the nature of the tripartite synapse, with glutamate and ATP concentrations serving as the signals for state changes. We anticipate that our model will serve as a starting point to further elucidate the energetics of neuronal and brain functioning, and eventually shed light on the fundamental question of the nature and necessity of sleep.

Converting unconventional precursors into advanced separation materials can reduce manufacturing complexity while affording economic and environmental benefits. Here we report the conversion of var...

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effects of supplementing laying hens with purified amino acids (PAA) derived from the blood of animal slaughter house on their egg production, egg quality, and immune response. The experiment was based on completely randomized design. A total of 144 Isa Brown laying hens (56-weeks old) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 4 pen replications (control, T1: 0.05%, T2: 0.1%, and T3: 0.5% PAA). Each pen housed nine laying hens. The laying hens were reared under a deep litter system. Once a week, a total of 12 eggs of each treatment were collected for egg quality analysis. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and cytokines profiles using ELISA kit assays. Hen day egg production and hen house egg production increased significantly (P

Post-synthesis modification by alkali treatment was employed for the synthesis of hierarchical K/LTL zeolites with varying degree of mesoporosity. For the alkali treatment, the concentration of aqueous KOH solution was changed from 0.3 to 2.8 M keeping the quantity per gram of zeolite fixed. The influence of the alkali concentration on the chemical composition, powder XRD crystallinity, morphology, basicity, and the textural properties of resultant hierarchical zeolites was investigated. Variation in the concentration of KOH solution was found to control the degree of preferential desilication with the preserved structural fingerprint of K/LTL zeolite. As a result, the generation of mesoporosity was observed along with 1) the decrease in the Si/Al ratio and percentage relative crystallinity, and 2) an increase in BET surface area and mesopore volume. 27Al MAS-NMR results showed that all the aluminum atoms present in the tetrahedral coordination after alkali treatment, which provides an elegant approach for significantly increasing the basic sites in the hierarchical zeolites. As a heterogeneous catalyst, the hierarchical K/LTL zeolites demonstrated the improved performance in the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol as compared to the parent K/LTL zeolite. The different process parameters were assessed in order to maximize the hydrogenation activity. Among all the hierarchical zeolites, the enhanced catalytic activity was shown by the hierarchical K/LTL prepared by using 1.5 M KOH solution when it is used along with the 3.5 wt% platinum loaded γ-Al2O3 catalyst. This optimum activity may be attributed to the higher surface area, accessible basic sites, nano-sized Pt on γ-Al2O3, and the development of substantial intracrystalline mesoporosity for the enhanced molecular diffusion of reactant to and from the hierarchical zeolite with better-preserved crystallinity.

In this work, we designed a two-step method to prepare carbon-incorporated silica from rice husk biomass. This two-step method could promote the chemical bonding between carbon and silica that is responsible for the generation of photoluminescence and effectively remove free carbon in the final product that is responsible for the quenching of photoluminescence. Such a structural optimization of the carbon-incorporated silica derived from rice husks led to a significant improvement in its photoluminescence with the emission band covering the entire visible spectrum. The toxicity of the carbon-incorporated silica from rice husks was 2-fold lower compared to commercial crystalline and amorphous spherical silica. Therefore, such rice husk-derived carbon-incorporated silica by the two-step method is promising for widespread application.

A major challenge in ocular therapeutics is poor bioavailability of drug, 1% or even less of the instilled dose is absorbed and frequent administration of conventional products leads to poor adherence to therapy. Hence, the present study is to synthesize N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC), a water-soluble chitosan derivative and to prepare flurbiprofen (FLU):hydroxyl propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) complex-loaded nanoparticles for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis which aims to increase the residence time in ocular tissue, thus enhancing patient compliance and improved efficacy.TMC was synthesized and characterized byN-methyl quaternization of CS was confirmed byThe developed TMC nanoparticles offered prolonged release potential for transmucosal ocular delivery of hydrophobic flurbiprofen.

The use of nanoporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) in separation processes is attractive, but the presence of acid gases such as SOx or NOx in process streams can have detrimental effects. While we have recently developed a mechanistic picture of SOx–ZIF interactions, here we describe the remarkably different effects of NO2 on ZIFs. ZIFs with a representative range of SOx stabilities are all unstable—as defined by loss of crystallinity and porosity—in dry and humid NO2, whereas most ZIFs are stable in dry SOx and some even in humid SOx. A detailed mechanism is developed based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. H-abstraction by free radical NO2 and subsequent acidic species formation are the major degradation pathways, while adsorbed HNO3 formation in humid conditions is an additional pathway in hydrophilic ZIFs. These findings strongly suggest that new strategies to stabilize ZIFs/metal–organic frameworks toward NO2 attack are required.

This paper presents an experimental study on alloying of industrial useful materials viz. titanium di-boride (TiB2) and silicon carbide (SiC) on Al 5052 alloy using electric-discharge based surface treatment. Electric discharges are obtained by using electric discharge machine (EDM). The alloying powders are mixed and an electrode is formed using powder metallurgy method. The prepared electrode is used in EDM machine to transfer the electrode material onto the Al substrate. Extensive experiments have been carried out to transfer TiB2-SiC on Al5052 substrate. Systematic characterization of alloying thickness and measurement of hardness has been performed. The cross-sectional thickness after alloying is analysed using optical microscopy and is found to be in the range of 90 µm. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry shows a significant percentage of titanium, silicon, carbon and moderate percentage of boron transferred during the alloying process. Results concluded that electric discharges can be used as an economical and efficient alternative to achieve desired surface properties on industrial parts.

18F-Sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) provides an assessment of active calcification (microcalcification) across a wide range of cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, carotid and penile atherosclerosis, aortic and mitral valve disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. To date the significance of 18F-NaF uptake in patients with coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) is unknown. We aimed to characterize 18F-NaF activity in CABG patients. We performed 18F-NaF PET (30-min long single bed position acquisition 1h after a 250mB injection of 18F-NaF) and coronary CT angiography in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and followed them for fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction over 42 [31,49] months. On motion-corrected datasets we quantified the whole-vessel coronary 18F-NaF PET uptake (the coronary microcalcification activity (CMA)) by measuring the activity of voxels above the background (right atrium activity) + 2 * standard deviations threshold. All study subjects underwent a comprehensive baseline clinical assessment including evaluation of their cardiovascular risk factor profile with the SMART [Secondary Manifestations of Arterial Disease] risk score calculated, and the coronary calcium burden assessed with calcium scoring (CCS). Among 293 study participants (65±9 years; 84% male), 48 (16%) had a history of CABG. Although the majority 124/128 (97%) of coronary bypass grafts showed no uptake, 4 saphenous vein grafts presented with a CMA>0 (range: 2.5–11.5, Figure). While a similar proportion of patients with and without prior CABG showed increased coronary 18F-NaF uptake (CMA>0) (58.3% versus 71.4%, p=0.11) overall prior-CABG subjects had higher CMA (2.0 [0.3, 6.6] versus 0.6 [0, 2.7], p=0.001) and CCS (1135 [631, 2120] versus 225 [59, 542], p CABG patients have a higher coronary microcalcification activity on 18F-NaF PET than multivessel coronary artery disease patients without prior CABG. Despite evidence of higher 18F-NaF uptake there is no difference in outcome between these two groups. Figure 1. 18F-NaF uptake in CABG patients. (A) 63-year old male with prominent uptake in stented saphenous vein bypass grafts and native coronary arteries who experienced a non-fatal non ST elevation myocardial infarction during follow-up. (B) 70-year old male with evident uptake in native coronary arteries and only little 18F-NaF activity within coronary bypasses. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institute of Health (NHLBI/NIH), British Heart Foundation

Two large area position sensitive Multi Wire Proportional Counters (MWPCs) have been developed for the detection of Fission Fragments (FFs). The detectors were characterized using FFs from 252Cf source to obtain position information by employing delay-line read out method and the resolution is about 1 mm in both X and Y directions. Velocity distribution of the FFs produced from spontaneous fission of 252Cf has been measured employing a time-of-flight (TOF) technique, using a barium fluoride (Ba F 2 ) detector and a MWPC. The most probable velocities obtained for the heavy and light fragment groups are 1.035 ± 0.003 and 1.378 ± 0.004 cm/ns, respectively. The energy dependence of fragment velocity distribution was also studied after degrading the energy of the fragments by using Mylar foils. It is observed that the width of the distribution for the heavy fission fragments decreases with the reduction in the energies, but for light fragments it does not show any significant dependence on the energy.

The existences of protein are important to supply nutritional requirements and to support optimal growth performance in modern broiler chicken. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of purified amino acid (PAA) isolated from animal blood on growth performance and immune response. A total of one hundred of 1-day old broiler chicken were used in the experiment, following a completely randomized design of 4 groups of treatment differed in concentrations of PAA supplementation (T1: control, no PAA addition; T2: 0.05%; T3: 0.1%; and T4: 0.5%) with 4 replicates for each group. Levels of various cytokines, such as IgA, IgG, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ, were analyzed using an ELISA kit. Insulin-like growth factor 1, an important growth hormone, was also examined using an ELISA kit. The present result showed feed efficiency and average daily feed intake of broiler chicken increased significantly along with increasing concentrations of PAA (P

This article presents an experimental investigation into the influence of process parameters viz. feed per tooth, axial depth of cut on milling force, surface finish, wall deflection and micro-hardness during thin-wall machining of an aerospace grade aluminum alloy 2024-T351. Results revealed that the process parameters significantly influence the surface finish and dimensional accuracy of machined thin-walls. High feed rate promoted the formation of built-up-edge (BUE). Combination of high feed and axial depth of cut aided in catastrophic failure of tools. Surface damages such as material plucking, material shearing, material adhesion and deformed feed mark layer formation were observed. Axial depth of cut negatively influenced the wall deflection leading to loss of dimensional accuracy. Interestingly, the micro-hardness at the machined surface was found to be lower than that of the bulk material hardness. These results will be useful in selection of suitable process parameters for quality and precise machining of thin-wall parts.

Parent and amine-functionalized analogues of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), UiO-66(Zr), MIL-125(Ti), and MIL-101(Cr), were evaluated for their hydrogen sulfide (H2S) adsorption efficacy and post-exposure acid gas stability. Adsorption experiments were conducted through fixed-bed breakthrough studies utilizing multicomponent 1% H2S/99% CH4 and 1% H2S/10% CO2/89% CH4 natural gas simulant mixtures. Instability of MIL-101(Cr) materials after H2S exposure was discovered through powder X-ray diffraction and porosity measurements following adsorbent pelletization, whereas other materials retained their characteristic properties. Linker-based amine functionalities increased H2S breakthrough times and saturation capacities from their parent MOF analogues. Competitive CO2 adsorption effects were mitigated in mesoporous MIL-101(Cr) and MIL-101–NH2(Cr), in comparison to microporous UiO-66(Zr) and MIL-125(Ti) frameworks. This result suggests that the installation of H2S binding sites in large-pore MOFs could potenti...

The conventional synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through soluble metal-salt precursors provides little control over the growth of MOF crystals. The use of alternative metal precursors would provide a more flexible and cost-effective strategy for direction- and shape-controlled MOF synthesis. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the use of insoluble metal-carbon matrices to foster directed growth of MOFs. Aluminum carbide was implemented as both the metal precursor and growth-directing agent for the generation of MIL-53(Al). A unique needle-like morphology of the MOF was grown parallel to the bulk surface in a layer-by-layer manner. Importantly, the synthesis scheme was found to be transferrable to the production of different linker analogues of the MOF and other topologies. Given the variety of metal carbides available, these findings can be used as a blueprint for controlled, efficient, and economical MOF syntheses and set a new milestone toward the industrial use of MOFs at large-scale.

The oxygen reduction reaction is a fundamental reaction in fuel cells to generate power, for which metal/metal-oxide carbon-based catalyst plays an important role. Herein, we report the hydrothermal-microwave synthesis of cobalt oxide incorporated nitrogen-doped graphene (Co3O4/N-rGO) composite and studied its catalytic potential for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium. An energy dispersive X-ray analysis of Co3O4/N-rGO composite catalyst reveals ~ 3.1 at% nitrogen and ~ 4.3 at% cobalt content. The homogenous distribution of Co3O4 nanoparticles over the layered graphene sheets were observed from representative TEM images. The surface area of the catalyst was found to be significantly high (~ 344 m2/g), which provides surplus active sites for catalytic activity. The electrochemical activity of the synthesized catalysts carried through cyclic voltammetry were found to be in the order of Co3O4/N-rGO > Co3O4/r-GO > N-rGO > RGO. From the linear sweep voltammetry measurement (LSV), a noticeable positive shift in the half-wave potential and an enhanced limiting current is observed for Co3O4/N-rGO composite catalyst with an average electron transfer of 3.8 electrons, which is close to dominant four electron pathway of standard Pt/C catalyst. In addition, the Co3O4/N-rGO catalyst has demonstrated its higher stability in comparison with Pt/C catalyst in alkaline medium via LSV studies.

The hierarchical H/BEA zeolites were prepared by postsynthesis treatment. The portion of the parent H/BEA zeolite was treated with aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution with different alkali volume to H/BEA zeolite weight (5, 10, 30,150, and 300 mL/g) ratios. The physicochemical properties of samples were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction, Pyridine Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NH3 temperature programme desorption, Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of various catalysts was investigated in solvent free acetalization of glycerol with formaldehyde. Among all the catalysts, a hierarchical H/BEA prepared by treating H/BEA with 5 mL aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution per gram of H/BEA exhibited the highest specific surface area and high acidity. This optimal hierarchical H/BEA5 catalyst has shown an excellent catalytic activity with glycerol conversion of 78% and 1,3 dioxalane selectivity of 85% under mild operating parameters than reported. H/BEA5 was found to be highly stable and recyclable. The acetalization of glycerol with formaldehyde follows first order reversible using PseudoHomogeneous model. In present study, the activation energy for this reaction is found to be 46.95 KJmol−1 which is lower than reported. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2017

Importance of calcium and vitamin D deficiency is well established in adult dyslipidemia. We hypothesized that maternal calcium and vitamin D deficiency could alter offspring's lipid metabolism. Our objective was to investigate the effect of maternal dietary calcium and vitamin D deficiency on lipid metabolism and liver function of the F1 generation offspring. intergenerational calcium-deficient (CaD) and vitamin D-deficient (VDD) models were developed by mating normal male rats with deficient females and continuing maternal-deficient diets through pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were fed on control diet post-weaning and studied till 30 weeks. Lipid profile, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), calcium and vitamin D levels were analyzed. Liver fat deposition, omega-3 fatty acids level and mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), interleukin 6 (IL-6), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) were determined. Low serum vitamin D levels with an increase in SGPT and TG levels in CaD and VDD female offspring were observed. Severe liver steatosis with down-regulation of PPAR-α and UCP2 and up-regulation of SREBP-1c, IL-6 and SOD-1 was observed in the female offspring born to deficient dams. CaD and VDD male offspring showed mild steatosis and down-regulation of UCP2 and SOD-1. We conclude that maternal calcium and vitamin D deficiency programs abnormal lipid metabolism and hepatic gene expression in the F1 generation female offspring leading to hepatic steatosis, despite feeding them on control diet post-weaning.

We have curated an in-depth subcellular proteomic map of primary human CD4+ T cells, divided into cytosolic, nuclear and membrane fractions generated by an optimized fractionation and HiRIEF-LC-MS/MS workflow for limited amounts of primary cells. The subcellular proteome of T cells was mapped under steady state conditions, as well as upon 15 min and 1 h of T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, respectively. We quantified the subcellular distribution of 6,572 proteins and identified a subset of 237 potentially translocating proteins, including both well-known examples and novel ones. Microscopic validation confirmed the localization of selected proteins with previously known and unknown localization, respectively. We further provide the data in an easy-to-use web platform to facilitate re-use, as the data can be relevant for basic research as well as for clinical exploitation of T cells as therapeutic targets.

Future automotive power electronics will be using wide band gap (WBG) devices that requires high temperature operation of over 200 °C and current solder material cannot be operated over 150 °C. New bonding technology such as transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding whose melting point is over 400 °C has shown to be one promising high temperature bonding candidate. In this study, reliability of a new laminated bond structure using an Al interlayer is investigated by subjecting the structure to thermal cycling from -40 °C to 200 °C for 500 cycles. The new structure mitigates thermal stress due to CTE mismatch between the copper substrate and the power device. The results show that after 200 °C of thermal storage for 100 h, complete consumption of tin occurs along with formation of (Cu, Ni)/Sn intermetallic compound (IMC). The same samples were thermal cycled from -40 °C to 200 °C, and the confocal scanning acoustic microscopy(CSAM) results display consistent bonding quality. However, micro-level cracking was observed through a further Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) check on the cross-section of a sample. The root cause of the crack was identified as excessive thermal stress, especially normal (or peel) stress, through numerical analysis. The study demonstrates the potential and challenges of the new laminated structure for low cost and reliable high temperature bonding material for power devices.

Eliminating lead (Pb) from the most promising perovskite active material (CH3NH3PbI3) based optoelectronic devices (OEDs) has led to exploring lead-free Organo-Metal Halide Perovskites (OMHPs). Bi-based OMHPs have captured significant attention owing to their optoelectronic properties. Bi-OMHPs are often non-conformal, hampering optical absorption and charge separation leading to the degrading device performance. To address this, conformal Bi-OMHP thin-films with improved absorption are deposited using a modified spray technique using engineered greener solvent system which greatly reduced toxicity. The developed protocol retards rapid crystallization of the material leading larger grains of ~4 µm. Further, the spray deposition under the influence of electric field (EF) facilitates fine atomization of the precursor, resulting in improved conformality with reduced pinholes. The developed spray technology combined with engineered solvent can be adaptable for eco-friendly large-scale fabrication of OEDs.

This paper reports the enhancement of surface hardness, corrosion and wear resistance of AISI P20 mold steel by successful and uniform deposition of titanium (Ti) and aluminium (Al) using electrical discharge-based alloying. For this purpose, powder metallurgy-based green compact tool electrodes of 50–50% of Ti and Al composition were developed, and extensive studies have been undergone to study the influence of discharge current and pulse on-time on the alloyed layer thickness. A composite layer of 70 μm thickness was successfully alloyed. The alloyed regions were characterized by using an optical microscope and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS) analysis was performed to study the phenomenon of surface alloying by analyzing the elemental transfer over the work samples. One of the significant findings is that the Ti and Al elements from the tool material, and the carbon disintegrated from the hydrocarbon oil successfully migrated on the work sample surfaces. Formations of the iron carbide (Fe3C) and titanium aluminide (TiAl) were confirmed by XRD results. The alloyed region showed an increase in the microhardness by four times to that of the parent material, i.e. 300 HV0.3 to 1125 HV0.3. The wear and corrosion resistance of the alloyed region was improved. After the wear test, the mass loss in the alloyed samples was significantly reduced by 54%, whilst the corrosion resistance was enhanced by 47%.

Aggregation of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is an important event in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, among the available therapeutic approaches to fight with disease, inhibition of Aβ aggregation is widely studied and one of the promising approach for the development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Thiosemicarbazone compounds are known for their variety of biological activities. However, the potential of thiosemicarbazone compounds towards inhibition of Aβ peptide aggregation and the subsequent toxicity is little explored. Herein, we report synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of novel compound 3-acetyl coumarin thiosemicarbazone and its efficacy toward inhibition of Aβ(1-42) peptide aggregation. Our results indicate that 3-acetyl coumarin thiosemicarbazone inhibits Aβ(1-42) peptide aggregation up to 80% compared to the parent 3-acetyl coumarin which inhibits 52%. Further, 3-acetyl coumarin thiosemicarbazone provides neuroprotection against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cell line. These findings indicate that thiosemicarbazone modification renders 3-acetyl coumarin neuroprotective properties.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Uncontrolled arterial smooth muscle (ASM) cell migration is a major component of CAD pathogenesis and efforts aimed at attenuating its progression are clinically essential. Cyclic nucleotide signaling has long been studied for its growth-mitigating properties in the setting of CAD and other vascular disorders. Heme-containing soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and maintains vascular homeostasis predominantly through cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling. Considering that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interfere with appropriate sGC signaling by oxidizing the cyclase heme moiety and so are associated with several CVD pathologies, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that heme-independent sGC activation by BAY60-2770 (BAY60) maintains cGMP levels despite heme oxidation and inhibits ASM cell migration through phosphorylation of the PKG target and actin-binding vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). First, using the heme oxidant ODQ, cGMP content was potentiated in the presence of BAY60. Using a rat model of arterial growth, BAY60 significantly reduced neointima formation and luminal narrowing compared to vehicle (VEH)-treated controls. In rat ASM cells BAY60 significantly attenuated cell migration, reduced G:F actin, and increased PKG activity and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation (pVASP.S239) compared to VEH controls. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to generate overexpressing full-length wild type VASP (FL-VASP/WT), VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-mimetic (FL-VASP/ 239D) and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-resistant (FL-VASP/239A) ASM cell mutants. Surprisingly, FL-VASP/239D negated the inhibitory effects of FL-VASP/ WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on migration. Furthermore, when FL-VASP mutants were treated with BAY60, only the FL-VASP/239D group showed reduced migration compared to its VEH controls. Intriguingly, FL-VASP/239D abrogated the stimulatory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on PKG activity. In turn, pharmacologic blockade of PKG in the presence of BAY60 reversed the inhibitory effect of BAY60 on naïve ASM cell migration. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that BAY60 inhibits ASM cell migration through cGMP/PKG/VASP signaling yet through mechanisms independent of pVASP.S239 and that FL-VASP overexpression regulates PKG activity in rat ASM cells. These findings implicate BAY60 as a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent against aberrant ASM growth disorders such as CAD and also establish a unique mechanism through which VASP controls PKG activity.

The hierarchical K/LTL zeolites prepared by post-synthesis modification with aqueous 1.5 M KOH solution by varying alkali volume to K/LTL zeolite (10⿿70 ml/g) ratios, were examined in Knoevenagel condensation. The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were thoroughly evaluated by PXRD, FTIR, ICP, CO 2 -TPD, XPS, N 2 adsorption/desorption and 29 Si and 27 Al MAS-NMR. Among all the samples, hierarchical K/LTL prepared by treating K/LTL with 50 ml aqueous 1.5 M KOH solution per gram of K/LTL displayed about 1.5 fold higher catalytic activity as compared to parent K/LTL, presumably because of combined effect of enhanced basicity and molecular diffusion through pore channels.

Sol-gel route was employed to prepare a series of Sn-containing anatase with different molar (Ti/Sn) ratios ranging from 49 to 1. Samples were characterized by powder XRD, UV–vis, XPS, SEM, EDAX, low temperature N 2 sorption technique and Raman Spectroscopy. Except anatase phase, no other crystalline phase was observed when Ti/Sn molar ratio was varied from 49 to 9 and for Sn free sample. However, further decrease in the ratio lead to the appearance of additional SnO 2 phase whose peak intensities were increased with the increase in the tin content. Irrespective of tin content, all samples showed red-shift in UV–vis spectra. Moreover, samples showed Raman shift to higher vibration side from 143 cm −1 to 147 cm −1 indicating the doping of Sn 2+ into TiO 2 . By virtue of low band gap, anatase crystallite size and an absence of XRD visible SnO 2, ST (19) has shown maximum photocatalytic activity upon 1 wt% Pt loading. It has exhibited the highest rate (0.1264 mmole/g/h) for visible light induced hydrogen evolution by water splitting.

Micro-channels are essentially required to fabricate critical parts of optical, healthcare, energy and consumer electronics products and systems. These can be manufactured by employing various processes such as lithography, wire moulding, chemical etching, micro-milling, micro-electric discharge machining and laser micro-machining. Laser based machining of transparent materials with high optical properties is difficult due to the high transmittance of the transparent material in the visible and near infrared spectral range. This challenge can be addressed by using the Laser-Induced Plasma Assisted Ablation (LIPAA). This paper reports experimental investigations into the machining of micro-channels on transparent material polycarbonate by using LIPAA process. Nd: YAG laser was used to generate plasmas on the aluminium substrate which were utilised to ablate the transparent polycarbonate (PC) material. Interaction of the vapour from the aluminium sheet with the incoming laser produces hot plasma, which gets expanded by inverse bremsstrahlung absorption. The expanded plasma resulted into successful fabrication of micro-channels on the PC. One of the key findings of the present work is that the long wavelength and longer pulses can be utilised for micromachining of transparent polycarbonate material. Clean and uniform channels were obtained at quite a low pulse power density (3.055 MW/cm2) with moderate pulse duration of approximately 4 ms and pulse repetition rate of 40 Hz. EDX analysis of processed samples showed the traces of oxygen, aluminium and carbon deposits edge and channel bed. Further, the closed channels were formed by using thermal bonding technique to prevent leakage and uncontrollable flow of liquid through it. Finally, the sustainability of the Laser Induced Plasma Assisted Ablation technique was confirmed by carrying out flow tests of the fabricated closed micro-channels.

The effects of acetate and propionate in enhancing intramuscular fat (marbling) deposition in beef cattle are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acetate and propionate on pre-adipocyte determination and adipocyte differentiation in stromal vascular cells (SVC) isolated from the intramuscular tissue of Hanwoo beef cattle. SVC were isolated and treated with different concentrations of acetate and propionate (0.125 to 1 mM). Pre-adipocyte determination was observed through the Zfp423 (Zinc finger protein 423) and Pref-1 (Pre-adipocyte factor-1) genes expressions, which were important transcription factors used to identify committed pre-adipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation was determined based on the lipid accumulation, triglyceride contents, and their molecular activities related to adipogenic markers. The results suggest that acetate supports pre-adipocyte determination in SVC which is observed to increase the expression of Zfp423 and Pref-1 along with the increasing acetate concentration. Propionate treatment was seen to significantly affect lipid accumulation as well as triglyceride content in SVC, compared to acetate treatment. Furthermore, propionate treatment very significantly increased the expressions of PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, and FABP4. In conclusion, acetate likely enhances pre-adipocyte determination, while propionate effectively promotes adipogenesis in SVC isolated from the intramuscular tissue of Hanwoo beef cattle.

α-Naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) has been used extensively as a model cholestatic agent. Its acute toxicity in animals is characterized by neutrophilic inflammation, mild periportal hepatocellular necrosis, and more pronounced injury to intrahepatic bile ducts. Following repeated administration, ANIT causes bile duct hyperplasia and biliary cirrhosis. Although the role of oxidative metabolism in ANIT hepatotoxicity remains unclear, ANIT conjugates bind reversibly to glutathione (GSH) in hepatocytes. The GSH S-conjugate is transported by multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 into bile, where it concentrates and dissociates, exposing bile duct epithelial (BDE) cells to large concentrations of ANIT. In response, BDE cells produce chemokines that attract neutrophils, the activation of which leads to hepatocellular injury. Accumulation of bile acids and other biliary constituents in the liver may be involved in injury. The hemostatic system also plays a role in the progression to liver injury. Although ANIT continues to be a useful agent for the study of BDE cell injury and its consequences, much remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms by which ANIT toxicity occurs.

Phagosomes containing silica particles leak their contents into the cytoplasm, leading to apoptosis, and leakage has been linked to ROS. Unlike latex particles, silica generates phagosomal and cytoplasmic ROS independent of NADPH oxidase. Leakage is transient, and, after sealing, phagosomes continue to fuse with endosomes., Chronic inhalation of silica particles causes lung fibrosis and silicosis. Silica taken up by alveolar macrophages causes phagolysosomal membrane damage and leakage of lysosomal material into the cytoplasm to initiate apoptosis. We investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this membrane damage by studying the spatiotemporal generation of ROS. In macrophages, ROS generated by NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) was detected in phagolysosomes containing either silica particles or nontoxic latex particles. ROS was only detected in the cytoplasm of cells treated with silica and appeared in parallel with an increase in phagosomal ROS, as well as several hours later associated with mitochondrial production of ROS late in apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of NOX activity did not prevent silica-induced phagolysosomal leakage but delayed it. In Cos7 cells, which do not express NOX2, ROS was detected in silica-containing phagolysosomes that leaked. ROS was not detected in phagolysosomes containing latex particles. Leakage of silica-containing phagolysosomes in both cell types was transient, and after resealing of the membrane, endolysosomal fusion continued. These results demonstrate that silica particles can generate phagosomal ROS independent of NOX activity, and we propose that this silica-generated ROS can cause phagolysosomal leakage to initiate apoptosis.

Four novel dimeric bis-μ-imido bridged metal–metal bonded oxidomolybdenum(V) complexes [MoV2O2L′21–4] (1–4) (where L′1–4 are rearranged ligands formed in situ from H2L1–4) and a new mononuclear dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex [MoVIO2L5] (5) synthesized from salen type N2O2 ligands are reported. This rare series of imido-bridged complexes (1–4) have been furnished from rearranged H3L′1–4 ligands, containing an aromatic diimine (o-phenylenediamine) “linker”, where Mo assisted hydrolysis followed by −C═N bond cleavage of one of the arms of the ligand H2L1–4 took place. A monomeric molybdenum(V) intermediate species [MoVO(HL′1–4)(OEt)] (Id1–4) was generated in situ. The concomitant deprotonation and dimerization of two molybdenum(V) intermediate species (Id1–4) ultimately resulted in the formation of a bis-μ-imido bridge between the two molybdenum centers of [MoV2O2L′21–4] (1–4). The mechanism of formation of 1–4 has been discussed, and one of the rare intermediate monomeric molybdenum(V) species Id4 has been i...

Nanoparticles of several different compositions and lattice structures that have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopic (EDX) analysis, and diffraction patterns may be conjugated to biological targeting agents for use as labels that can localize and differentiate multiple targets at nanometer resolution in complex biological specimens. Small (most 0.8–3.0 nm) particles composed of iron oxide/carbon, gold, iridium and bismuth/silica may be differentiated by both EDX and diffraction patterns and offer the following advantages over conventional colloidal gold labeling: smaller probe size and faster specimen penetration, higher labeling precision, higher, more consistent labeling density, and nearer quantitative labeling. The combination of small probe size and number of compositions available affords increased multiplexing capability.

This paper presents an experimental study on machining of thin-wall components made up of aluminum alloy 2024 using solid carbide flat-end mills. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of process parameters viz. feed rate and axial depth of cut (ADOC) on surface roughness and dimensional accuracy. A study on surface topography of the machined components in terms lay marks, re-deposited work material (chips), surface tearing, chip layer formation and material adhesion has also been carried out. It was noted the main reason behind the poor quality of machined surface was due to the chatter induced by intermittent engagement of the tool with the workpiece. Good part geometry accuracy was found with low feed and low ADOC.

TiO2–SiO2 mesoporous composite photocatalysts with different proportions (in wt%) of TiO2 and SiO2 (TiO2–SiO2 = 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0) were prepared by loading TiO2 on as-synthesized Si–MCM-41 using sol–gel method. The physicochemical properties of composites were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, transmission electron microscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. It is revealed that the titanium species are dispersed as TiO2 having interaction with the surface of the support. Even at high TiO2 loading, the mesostructural feature of MCM-41 was found to be intact without pore blockages. The change in morphology of TiO2 particle was observed with increase in TiO2 loading which may be due to different environment for the growth of TiO2. The photocatalytic evaluation of composites was carried out in production of hydrogen by water splitting. Among the prepared samples, mesoporous composite containing 60 % TiO2 (MTi60) has shown the best results (0.08805 mmol of H2/h/g of TiO2) compared to other composite photocatalysts. The catalytic performance of this sample was further enhanced (~8 times) after loading 1 % Pt in water splitting (0.70161 mmol of H2/h/g of TiO2). 1 % Pt loaded on pure TiO2 (MTi100) showed hydrogen evolution of the magnitude 0.26 mmol of H2/h/g of TiO2. TiO2–SiO2 mesoporous composite photocatalyst showed much higher activity (~1.9 times) than amorphous silica-embedded titania catalyst having same composition.

The platinum(II) complexes with N, S-donor ligands have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods viz. elemental, electronic, FT-IR, 1 H NMR and LC–MS spectra. The binding mode and potency of the complexes with HS DNA (Herring Sperm) have been examined by absorption titration and viscosity measurement studies. The results revealed that complexes bind to HS DNA via covalent mode with the intrinsic binding constant ( K b ) in the range 1.37–7.76 × 10 5 M −1 . Decrease in the relative viscosity of HS DNA also supports the covalent mode of binding. The DNA cleavage activity of synthesized complexes has been carried out by gel electrophoresis experiment using supercoiled form of pUC19 DNA; showing the unwinding of the negatively charged supercoiled DNA. Brine shrimp ( Artemia Cysts ) lethality bioassay technique has been applied for the determination of toxic property of synthesized complexes in terms of μM.

Two ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes [Ru(phen) 3 ] 2+ ( 1 ) and [Ru(phen) 2 (bxbg)] 2+ ( 2 ) (where phen = 1,10 phenanthroline, bxbg = bis(o-xylene)bipyridine glycoluril) have been evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregation inhibition. Complex 2 exhibits higher potency of AChE inhibition and kinetics and molecular modeling studies indicate that ancillary ligand plays significant role in inhibitory potency exhibited by complex 2 . The inhibitory effect of these complexes on Aβ (1–40) aggregation is investigated using Thioflavin T fluorescence and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Both complexes efficiently inhibit Aβ (1–40) aggregation and are negligibly toxic to human neuroblastoma cells. This is the first demonstration that ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes simultaneously inhibit AChE and Aβ aggregation.

Silica based MFI type molecular sieves with various SnO 2 /Al 2 O 3 ratios were synthesized from gels having molar compositions SiO 2 :xSnO 2 :yAl 2 O 3 :0.23(TPA) 2 O:35H 2 O where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.02 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.01. Recyclable, Al-free Sn-MFI catalyst showed 31% conversion of formaldehyde with 100% selectivity to 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methylphenol) in hydroxyalkylation of p -cresol with formaldehyde on account of moderate acidity and higher hydrophobicity.

A series of bimodal micro–mesoporous H/BEA zeolite derivatives were prepared by the post-synthesis modification of H/BEA zeolite by NaOH (0.05 M–1.2 M) treatment. Samples were characterized by powder XRD, low temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, temperature programmed desorption of ammonia and ICP. The mesopore formation was found to play a crucial role in liquid phase esterification of levulinic acid with ethanol. The enhanced catalytic activity of a bimodal micro–mesoporous H/BEA zeolite derivative (H/BEA0.10) prepared by treatment with 0.1 M NaOH can be mainly attributed to the high mesoporosity coupled with better preserved crystallinity and acidic properties.