Morpho-anatomical characterization of some members of euglenophycota (algae) of north-east Punjab,Pakistan based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

The study was carried out in four districts, that is, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Narowal and Sialkot of Punjab, Pakistan. The sampling was carried out randomly in different seasons from the water bodies especially from wastewater. Twenty-one species belonging to Euglenophycota were identified using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy from which 04 species belong to genus Phacus, 02 species belonging to Trachelomonas and Euglena based on light microscopy. It was observed that Euglena was the most diverse genus and it is supposed to be the indicator species of the polluted water. It was observed that E. oblonga was found in maximum pH range, that is, 7.0–11.0. Similarly, E. brevicaudatus was found in maximum EC, that is, 169 ± 1.5 ms/cm these outcomes indicated that for internal examination along with LM, SEM was necessary for correct identification of algal sample up to specie level.     

Effects of gating design on structural and mechanical properties of high manganese steel by optimizing casting process parameters

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology - The impacts of gating design and riser system on structure-property relationship of high manganese steel specimens produced by CO2 sand molding...     

Doxorubicin-loaded cholic acid-polyethyleneimine micelles for targeted delivery of antitumor drugs: synthesis,characterization, and evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicity

Doxorubicin-loaded micelles were prepared from a copolymer comprising cholic acid (CA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for the delivery of antitumor drugs. The CA-PEI copolymer was synthesized via pairing mediated by N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide using dichloromethane as a solvent. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses were performed to verify the formation of an amide linkage between CA and PEI and doxorubicin localization into the copolymer. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the copolymer could self-assemble into micelles with a spherical morphology and an average diameter of <200 nm. The CA-PEI copolymer was also characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Doxorubicin-loaded micelles were prepared by dialysis method. A drug release study showed reduced drug release with escalating drug content. In a cytotoxicity assay using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells, the doxorubicin-loaded CA-PEI micelles exhibited better antitumor activity than that shown by doxorubicin. This is the first study on CA-PEI micelles as doxorubicin carriers, and this study demonstrated that they are promising candidates as carriers for sustained targeted antitumor drug delivery system.     

Immobilization of DNA on nano-hydroxyapatite and their interaction with carbon nanotubes

Here we present a preliminary study on the interaction of bio-molecules (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (HA)) with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Initially, nano-size hydroxyapatite was interacted with functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs, HFCNTs) and then 100 base pair (bp) DNA was immobilized (DHFCNTs). Well-known acid treatment was used to functionalize the MWCNTs. The characteristic vibrational and stretching modes of hydroxyl and carbonyl group were observed at 3401, 1632 and 1708 cm^?1, validating fucntionalization. The existence of ³¹P and ¹H signals were measured by the solid state NMR spectroscopy for HA, HFCNTs and DHFCNTs which revealed the chemical interaction between HA powder and FCNTs. Appearance of an N 1s peak in the photoelectron spectra indicated the covalent attachment. Band deterioration is observed from slab gel-electrophoresis studies. Electrophoretic time study indicated that 20 min is required to run the DNA in column.     

Single-component and three-component fuel cells

Single-component and three-component fuel cell devices have been studied using mixed ionic and electronic conductor. The three-component fuel cell means a conventional fuel cell which is the configuration consists of anode, electrolyte and cathode; while the single-component fuel cell uses only one component that can function as the electrodes and electrolyte simultaneously. The single-component fuel cell showed the same or even better performance compared to conventional three-component fuel cell. A maximum power density of 700 mW cm⁻² has been achieved by the single-component fuel cell at 550 °C.     

Release of fluorescent markers from phase‐separated gelatin‐maltodextrin hydrogels

Genipin‐crosslinked gelatin‐maltodextrin phase‐separated hydrogels consisting of gelatin‐continuous or bicontinuous microstructures were developed to regulate swelling and release behavior of four fluorescent markers of varying molecular weights [(fluorescein (332 Da) and FITC‐dextrans (FD) (4000–250,000 Da)]. Bicontinuous hydrogels showed significantly greater swelling than gelatin‐continuous hydrogels under all conditions (at pH 1.5 and 7.4 and three genipin/gelatin crosslinking ratios) (P < 0.05). With both microstructures, fluorescein showed the largest release rate and total release followed by FD 4000 Da, FD 40,000 Da, and FD 250,000 Da (P < 0.05). Marker molecular weight, pH, and crosslink ratio all affected the rate and amount of release. The mode of transport for the solvent and all markers was Fickian or slightly anomalous, with diffusional exponent (n) values ranging from 0.35 to 0.64. These results demonstrated that with the proper combination of crosslink density, solvent pH, and microstructure, hydrogels with a specified swelling behavior may be developed. This, coupled with a marker of appropriate size, can lead to controllable levels and rates of release. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Failure analysis of heat exchanger fluid vapor phase vent lines in a Polyester plant

A Polyester plant is using Proprietary heat exchange fluids (26.5% biphenyl, 73.5% diphenyloxide). The plant hot condensate tank, condensate feed tank, and heat exchanger vapor phase dead end and ventable lines (ASTM 106 Grade B) with isolation valves were suffering frequent leakages with severe gouging and pitting corrosion. Lustrous (shiny) coke deposit was prominent inside the cut sections due to coke formation by low boiler products. Some adhered brown iron oxide (rust) deposits were also visible. A sludge sample was analyzed by XRD which revealed that carbon was the major constituent with γ-Maghemite-C (an iron oxide) as second mineral in order of abundance. The failure was diagnosed as severe localized corrosion and gouging at temperatures of about 200 °C and 53 psi by non-condensable low boilers decomposed corrosive products. The remedy was suggested which has been validated over the 2 years trouble free performance.     

Development of chemically interesterified healthy coconut oil blends

Edible vegetable oil blends, such as coconut:linseed; coconut:safflower; coconut:sunflower; coconut:rice‐bran oils; in the ratio of 70:30 and 60:40 v/v and pure coconut oil (CNO) were interesterified using sodium methoxide 0.5% and subsequently refined to prepare nutritionally superior flowable CNO blends which remained liquid even at sub‐zero temperatures. The slip melting point of chemically interesterified fats could not be determined as they are liquified just after removing from freezing chamber in comparison with the slip melting point of 21.5–26.5 °C for their uninteresterified counterparts. These interesterified fats were liquid and flowable at 6 °C for more than 4 h in a cooling chamber and their solidification temperature ranged between ?2.0 and ?5.5 °C. Free fatty acids showed an increasing trend from 0.35% to 2.0% resulting in decrease in triglycerides After refining these oil blends showed values similar to their controls. However, iodine value of interesterified and uninteresterified oils were close to each other. Differential scanning calorimetry showed the onset of crystallisation at lower temperatures and lower solid fat content for interesterified fats. A nutritionally superior combination of CNO blend which is flowable at low temperature could be prepared.