From symmetric AC/AC to asymmetric AC/graphite,a progress in electrochemical capacitors

Graphitic carbon instead of activated carbon has been employed as the positive electrode material in the activated carbon (AC)/carbon capacitors using organic electrolytes. The advantageous electrochemical performance of the AC/graphite capacitors has been investigated as compared with the AC/AC capacitors. The charge storage mechanism of anions on the graphite positive electrodes in the AC/graphite capacitors has been studied by in situ XRD measurements.     

An efficient frontier for sum deviation JIT sequencing problem in mixed-model systems via apportionment

In this paper, the sum deviation just-in-time (JIT) sequencing problem in mixed-model production systems is studied relating with the discrete apportionment problem together with their respective mathematical formulations. The assignment formulation for the first problem is brieffy discussed followed by the existence of JIT cyclic sequences. Presenting the concise discussion on divisor methods for the discrete apportionment problem, we have proposed two mean-based divisor functions for this problem claiming that they are better than the existing divisors; hence, we found a better bound for the JIT sequencing problem. The linkage of both the problems is characterized in terms of similar type of objective functions. The problems are shown equivalent via suitable transformations and similar properties. The joint approaches for the two problems are discussed in terms of global and local deviations proposing equitably efficient solution.     

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of Co2P nanoparticles: An efficient HER and OER electrocatalysts

Development of an inexpensive electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) receives much traction recently. Herein, we report a facile one-pot ethyleneglycol (EG) mediated solvothermal synthesis of orthorhombic Co₂P with particle size ~20–30 nm as an efficient HER and OER catalysts. Synthesis parameters like various solvents, temperatures, precursors ratios, and reaction time influences the formation of phase pure Co₂P. Investigation of Co₂P as an electrocatalyst for HER in acidic (0.5 M H₂SO₄) and alkaline medium (1.0 M KOH), furnishes low overpotential of 178 mV and 190 mV, respectively to achieve a 10 mA cm^?2 current density with a long term stability and durability. As an OER catalyst in 1.0 M KOH, Co₂P shows an overpotential of 364 mV at 10 mA cm^?2 current density. Investigation of Co₂P NP by XPS analysis after OER stability test under alkaline medium confirms the formation of amorphous cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) as an intermediate during OER process.     

Identification and characterization of GRIP domain Golgin PpImh1 from Pichia pastoris

Budding yeast Pichia pastoris has highly advanced secretory pathways resembling mammalian systems, an advantage that makes it a suitable model system to study vesicular trafficking. Golgins are large Golgi‐resident proteins, primarily reported to play role in cargo vesicle capture, but details of such mechanisms are yet to be deciphered. Golgins that localize to the Golgi via their GRIP domain, a C‐terminal Golgi anchoring domain, are known as GRIP domain Golgins. In this present study, we have identified and functionally characterized a homologue of one such GRIP domain Golgin protein, Imh1, from the budding yeast P. pastoris. We have demonstrated that the GRIP domain present at the C‐terminal of P. pastoris Imh1 (PpImh1) functions as its Golgi‐targeting sequence. Using a combination of yeast two‐hybrid analysis, dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy, we have shown that PpImh1 can self‐associate and form a homodimer. Analysis of purified recombinant PpImh1 by CD spectroscopy indicates the presence of an 85% α‐helical structure, a characteristic of high‐content α‐helical coiled‐coil sequences normally present in other Golgin family proteins. Two‐hybrid analysis indicated self‐interaction between C‐terminal fragments, yet N‐terminal fragments do not mediate any such form of self‐interaction, suggesting that PpImh1 may form a parallel dimer. Electron microscopy data indicates that PpImh1 forms extended rod‐like homo‐dimeric molecules with splayed N‐terminal end which can act as a tether for capturing vesicles. Our study provides the first evidence in support of the dimeric Y‐shaped structure for any Golgin in the budding yeast.     

Enhanced functions of vascular and bladder cells on poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid polymers with nanostructured surfaces

Polymers currently utilized for tissue engineering applications do not possess surfaces with nanostructured features. However, the tissue that the polymers will replace is composed of proteins that have nanometer dimensions. Undoubtedly, in situ, cells are accustomed to interacting with surface roughness values in the nanometer regime due to the presence of such proteins in natural tissue. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to design, synthesize and evaluate (using in vitro cellular models) poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) with nanostructured surface features to serve as the next generation of more efficient tissue engineered materials. For this purpose, nanostructured PLGA was created by treating conventional PLGA with various concentrations of NaOH for select periods of time. To eliminate surface chemistry changes created though the etching process, PLGA was cast from silastic molds of NaOH-treated nanostructured PLGA. Results provided the first evidence of increased numbers of vascular cells (specifically, endothelial and aortic smooth muscle cells) and bladder smooth muscle cells on nanostructured compared with conventional PLGA substrates. For this reason, the present results suggest, for the first time, that PLGA should incorporate a high degree of nanostructured surface roughness to enhance tissue regeneration for vascular and bladder applications.     

OMNIDIRECTIONAL HIGH REFLECTOR FOR INFRARED WAVELENGTH

We have purposed the design of omnidirectional high reflectors with wide bandwidth (nearly 6300A⁰) for the infrared wavelength. Using translational matrix method for numerical calculation, it is found that a complete photonic band gap high reflector covering the wavelength region 11500A⁰ to 17800A⁰ is obtained for the quarter wave stack air / (n_L n_H)⁷ / air by using the tellurium (n=4.60) and TiO₂ (n=2.35) as material of high reflective index and SiO₂(n=1.45) low refractive index. Due to high refractive index of contrast of the structure i.e. SiO₂/tellurium, a large complete photonic band gap, omnidirectional high reflector, has been observed for the infrared wavelengths. This type of omnidirectional high reflector can be used in telecommunication. Besides this, we have studied the effective refractive indices (phase and group) of the proposed structures. It is observed that the effective refractive indices (phase and group) of the high omnidirectional reflector band are largely changed near the band edges due to the high refractive index of contrast, and the reflections from the internal interfaces of the structure.     

Rutting behavior and androgen variation in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.)

The rutting behavior of captive reindeer was studied during three rutting seasons. Blood samples from three males were taken for androgen analysis before, during, and afterthe rut. The amount of androgen increased at the end of August to a peak during late September-early October and decreased thereafter. Flehmen, urinating on the hindlegs, and two different low-stretch displays emerged during the prerut period. The preorbital gland enlarged and secretion occurred at the rim of the pocket. A conspicuous breath odor appeared very abruptly during the most intense period of rutting. A few days later a strong odor also appeared in the urine. The urination behavior and the two odors were confined to a brief period during the rut, while other behavior persisted afterwards.     

Adaptive thermal comfort in the residential buildings of north east India—An effect of difference in elevation

Thermal comfort standards are required not only to ensure good indoor climatic condition, but also to optimize the energy used in a building for heating or cooling purposes. Generally, Fanger’s Predicted Mean Vote–Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PMV–PPD) model is used by designers and architects to estimate the comfort condition and hence the setpoint temperature inside a building. However, the recent field survey based studies on adaptive thermal comfort suggests that the above used PMV model frequently either underestimates or overestimates the thermal sensation due to the non-inclusion of the adaptive opportunities that a subject may have in maintaining comfortable condition. This leads to often an estimation of higher or lower setpoint temperature than that actually required for maintaining comfort, thereby consuming higher energy. The aim of the research is to study the effect of difference in elevation which is a major factor for temperature difference in hilly terrain, on the thermal comfort of residents. We conducted a field survey in 6 residential buildings at two different elevations in the Darjeeling Himalayan Region of north east India. A total of 1017 questionnaires regarding the indoor occupant thermal comfort were collected from 46 subjects during the monthly survey held in the year 2015. Variations in clothing insulation and other thermal comfort parameters were seen both with difference in elevation and with outdoor environmental conditions.     

Enhancement of intrinsic optical signal recording with split spectrum optical coherence tomography

Functional optical coherence tomography (OCT) of stimulus-evoked intrinsic optical signal (IOS) promises to be a new methodology for high-resolution mapping of retinal neural dysfunctions. However, its practical applications for non-invasive examination of retinal function have been hindered by the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and small magnitude of IOSs. Split spectrum amplitude-decorrelation has been demonstrated to improve the image quality of OCT angiography. In this study, we exploited split spectrum strategy to improve the sensitivity of IOS recording. The full OCT spectrum was split into multiple spectral bands and IOSs from each sub-band were calculated separately and then combined to generate a single IOS image sequence. The algorithm was tested on in vivo images of frog retinas. It significantly improved both IOS magnitude and SNR, which are essential for practical applications of functional IOS imaging.