Upgradation of gravity load designed sub-assemblages subjected to seismic type loading

In the present study, a methodology based on strength hierarchy has been proposed for upgradation of original gravity load designed (GLD) reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Exterior beam–column joint of an RC structure has been considered as the target sub-assemblage and the target strength of the deficient sub-assemblage was decided from that of a seismically designed ‘Ductile’ one. Three different types of upgradation schemes were investigated where shear- and flexural-strengthening were provided by Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) and weak joint region of ‘GLD’ sub-assemblage was upgraded by steel plate jacketing. The original (‘GLD’-, ‘NonDuctile’-, ‘Ductile’-) and upgraded-sub-assemblages were investigated under repeated reverse cyclic loading. It was observed that the ‘GLD’ specimen seized to function under reverse loading and subsequent improvements, though not optimal, were observed from ‘NonDuctile’ and ‘Ductile’ specimens. It was further found out that the upgraded specimens showed considerable improvement in strength deterioration, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation. Further, the upgraded specimens with adequate energy dissipation could even be able to shift the plastic hinge from the joint face into the beam which was not observed even in original ‘Ductile’ specimen. The upgraded schemes are simple, practically feasible and efficient as well.     

Duplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for simultaneous quantification of bovine and porcine gelatin in capsules

Food Science and Biotechnology - Detection of bovine and porcine in gelatin-based products is important as species fraud and product mislabeling may have a detrimental impact on customers who have...     

Structure-Based Virtual Screening and in vitro and in vivo Analyses Revealed Potent Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors as Prospective Anti-Alzheimer's Agents

G9a is a lysine methyltransferase able to di-methylate lysine 9 of histone H3, promoting the repression of genes involved in learning and memory. Novel strategies based on synthesizing epigenetic drugs could regulate gene expression through histone post-translational modifications and effectively treat neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, potential G9a inhibitors were identified using a structure-based virtual screening against G9a, followed by in vitro and in vivo screenings. First, screening methods with the AD transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain CL2006, showed that the toxicity/function range was safe and recovered age-dependent paralysis. Likewise, we demonstrated that the best candidates direct target G9a by reducing H3 K9me2 in the CL2006 strain. Further characterization of these compounds involved the assessment of the blood-brain barrier-permeability and impact on amyloid-β aggregation, showing promising results. Thus, we present a G9a inhibitor candidate, F , with a novel and potent structure, providing both leads in G9a inhibitor design and demonstrating their participation in reducing AD pathology.