Algorithms to Compute Minimum Cycle Basis in Directed Graphs

We consider the problem of computing a minimum cycle basis in a directed graph G with m arcs and n vertices. The arcs of G have non-negative weights assigned to them. In this problem a {-1,0,1} incidence vector is associated with each cycle and the vector space over generated by these vectors is the cycle space of G. A set of cycles is called a cycle basis of G if it forms a basis for its cycle space. A cycle basis where the sum of weights of the cycles is minimum is called a minimum cycle basis of G. This paper presents an algorithm, which is the first polynomial-time algorithm for computing a minimum cycle basis in G. We then improve it to an algorithm. The problem of computing a minimum cycle basis in an undirected graph has been well studied. In this problem a {0,1} incidence vector is associated with each cycle and the vector space over generated by these vectors is the cycle space of the graph. There are directed graphs in which the minimum cycle basis has lower weight than any cycle basis of the underlying undirected graph. Hence algorithms for computing a minimum cycle basis in an undirected graph cannot be used as black boxes to solve the problem in directed graphs.     

The RAGE/DIAPH1 Signaling Axis & Implications for the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Complications

Increasing evidence links the RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products)/DIAPH1 (Diaphanous 1) signaling axis to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. RAGE is a multi-ligand receptor and through these ligand–receptor interactions, extensive maladaptive effects are exerted on cell types and tissues targeted for dysfunction in hyperglycemia observed in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence indicates that RAGE ligands, acting as damage-associated molecular patterns molecules, or DAMPs, through RAGE may impact interferon signaling pathways, specifically through upregulation of IRF7 (interferon regulatory factor 7), thereby heralding and evoking pro-inflammatory effects on vulnerable tissues. Although successful targeting of RAGE in the clinical milieu has, to date, not been met with success, recent approaches to target RAGE intracellular signaling may hold promise to fill this critical gap. This review focuses on recent examples of highlights and updates to the pathobiology of RAGE and DIAPH1 in diabetic complications.     

Influence of iron doping towards the physicochemical and biological characteristics of hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite and the most studied material as a bone substituent. Considering HAP's inherent properties, this study explored changes in HAP's characteristics from doping with other metals such as Fe. To form pure HAP and Fe-HAP with different amounts of Fe, we used the hydrothermal approach, and the composites that formed were thoroughly analyzed for their crystallinity, surface bonding, morphology, magnetic behavior, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The powder XRD studies confirmed the samples' crystallinity, and the lowest crystalline size was 19.7 nm in 10Fe-HAP. The FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of HAP by the hydroxyl, phosphate, and carbonate groups. The FESEM demonstrated that the morphology of the pure HAP was rod-shaped, which transformed into spheres after Fe doping. The EDS analysis confirmed the successful formation of HAP and Fe-HAP composites. The magnetic studies indicated the diamagnetic behavior of the pure HAP, while the Fe-doped HAPs had a superparamagnetic nature with saturation magnetizations (M_s) of 2Fe-HAP, 4Fe-HAP, and 10Fe-HAP at 0.0062, 0.0092, and 0.029 emu/g respectively. Assessment of the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and cytotoxicity indicated that the Fe-doped HAPs were superior to the pure HAP, and among the Fe-HAPs, the 10Fe-HAP) had the highest amount of Fe and the best characteristics. The studies also indicated that Ca²⁺ interactions influenced the cells via HAP doping with that of Fe, equally increasing the physicochemical and biological properties.     

Effect of Cross-linking Density on Creep and Recovery Behavior in Epoxy-Based Shape Memory Polymers (SMEPs) for Structural Applications

Epoxy-based shape memory polymers (SMEPs) are gaining importance in the area of aerospace structures due to their high strength and stiffness which is a primary requirement for an SMEP in structural applications. The understanding of viscoelastic behavior of SMEPs is very essential to assess their shape memory effect. In the present work, three types of SMEPs with varying cross-linking densities were developed by curing an aromatic epoxy resin with aliphatic amines. Glass transition temperature (T _g) was measured for these SMEPs using advanced rheometric expansion system, and from the T _g measurements, a range of temperatures from glassy to rubbery regimes were chosen. At selected temperatures, creep-recovery tests were performed in order to evaluate the viscoelastic behavior of SMEPs and also to investigate the effect of temperature on creep-recovery. Further, a three-parameter viscoelastic model (Zener) was used to fit the data obtained from experiments. Model parameters like moduli of the springs and viscosity of the dashpot were evaluated by curve fitting. Results revealed that Zener model was well suited to describe the viscoelastic behavior of SMEPs as a function of test temperatures.     

Experimental investigation of lift enhancement by suction-assisted delayed separation of the boundary layer on NACA 0012 airfoil

In the aerodynamic industry, one of the major problems of interest is the lift enhancement without any increase in the drag. In this paper, an attempt is made to increase the lift coefficient by delayed boundary layer separation using suction at various points, also the study is carried out to identify the optimum location for suction which provides maximum lift augmentation. The experiment is conducted with selected suction pressures of 60, 70, 80, 90?kN/m² at different locations in the range of 40–75% of the chord length of the airfoil. Among the selected pressures, the lowest one at the 70% length provides maximum performance. The critical Reynolds number occurs at around 95% of the length instead of 45% of the length when the same experiment is conducted without suction. The suction also assists in the heat transfer enhancement over the airfoil surface.     

Experimental Investigations on Microstructure,Properties and Workability Behavior of Zinc Oxide Reinforced Al–Si–Mg Matrix Composites

Silicon - Al-Si based alloy matrix composites are now broadly utilized by the industrial sectors like automobile, structural, aerospace and more practical industrial applications due to its...     

Crystalline selenite substituted carbonated hydroxyapatite nanorods: Synthesis,characterization, evaluation of bioactivity and cytotoxicity

Synthesis of pure and selenite substituted hydroxyapatites (HAP and Se‐HAP with 0.02–0.10 Se) by sol–gel method and evaluation of their morphological features, nature of functional groups, phase purity, in vitro bioactivity and cytotoxicity are addressed. Spectral studies confirm the incorporation of selenite into the HAP lattice, accompanied by an increase in CO₃^2? content to maintain the charge imbalance following replacement of P⁵⁺ with Se⁴⁺, thus making the formation of selenite substituted carbonated HAP. Selenite substitution in the HAP lattice has led to a higher crystallinity and increased the crystallite size. The morphology of HAP is changed from sphere to rod‐like structure upon substitution by selenite and the size of the rod is increased with an increase in the selenite content. Among the Se‐HAPs, a better in vitro bioactivity and cell viability are observed for 0.02 Se‐HAP and 0.04 Se‐HAP while the trend is reversed when the extent of selenite substitution becomes higher.