Nanostructured polymer blends: Synthesis and structure

Nanostructured polymer blends prepared via anionic ring opening polymerizations of cyclic monomers in the presence of a pre-made polymer melt exhibit a number of special properties over traditional polymer blends and homopolymers. Here, we report on a simple and versatile method of in situ polymerization of macrocyclic carbonates in the presence of a maleic anhydride polypropylene (mPP) matrix and a surface-active compatibilizer (i.e. PC grafted onto a mPP backbone generated in situ) to yield a micro- and nanostructured polymer blends consisting of a polycarbonate (PC) minor phase, and a polypropylene (PP) major phase. By varying the processing conditions and concentration of the macrocyclic carbonate it was possible to reduce the size of the PC dispersions to an average minor diameter of 150 nm. NMR and TEM characterizations indicate that the PC dispersions do not influence crystal content in the PP phase. Overall, the results point to a simple strategy and versatile route to new polymeric materials with enhanced benefits.     

Src homology 2 protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHPTP2)/Src homology 2 phosphatase 2 (SHP2) tyrosine phosphatase is a positive regulator of the interleukin 5 receptor signal transduction pathways leading to the prolongation of eosinophil survival

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) regulates the growth and function of eosinophils. It induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of Lyn and Jak2 tyrosine kinases. The role of tyrosine phosphatases in IL-5 signal transduction has not been investigated. In this study, we provide first evidence that SH2 protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHPTP2) phosphotyrosine phosphatase plays a key role in prevention of eosinophil death by IL-5. We found that IL-5 produced a rapid activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPTP2 within 1 min. The tyrosine phosphorylated SHPTP2 was complexed with the adapter protein Grb2 in IL-5-stimulated eosinophils. Furthermore, SHPTP2 appeared to physically associate with beta common (betac) chain of the IL-5 receptor (IL-5betacR). The association of SHPTP2 with IL-5betacR was reconstituted using a synthetic phosphotyrosine-containing peptide, betac 605-624, encompassing tyrosine (Y)612. The binding to the phosphotyrosine-containing peptide increased the phosphatase activity of SHPTP2, whereas the same peptide with the phosphorylated Y612--> F mutation did not activate SHPTP2. Only SHPTP2 antisense oligonucleotides, but not sense SHPTP2, could inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein kinase, and reverse the eosinophil survival advantage provided by IL-5. Therefore, we conclude that the physical association of SHPTP2 with the phosphorylated betac receptor and Grb2 and its early activation are required for the coupling of the receptor to the Ras signaling pathway and for prevention of eosinophil death by IL-5.     

Congenital hematometrocolpos in a circumcised girl. An anomaly superimposed by cultural mutilating practices

A rare case associated with congenital hematometrocolpos in a circumcised 13 years old Somalian girl is presented. Emphasis on proper history is highlighted. Mutilation caused by bad cultural practice of female circumcision which is although not a problem in Pakistan, is brought into notice for those who may be unaware of perineal appearance of a circumcised female and stitched over vagina.     

ROLE OF COMPOSITION ON THE VISCOSITY AND SHEAR STRESS TEMPERATURE BEHAVIOUR OF SOME LUBE OIL BASE STOCKS

Lubricating oil base stocks differ greatly in their chemical composition and consequently in their physical properties and applications. Influence of waxes and various hydrocarbon type constituents viz saturates and aromatic components on the viscosity and shear stress as a function of temperature in different lube oil base stocks has been studied in the present paper.     

Second-law-based thermodynamic analysis of two-stage and mechanical-subcooling refrigeration cycles

Thermodynamic analysis of HFC-134a vapor-compression refrigeration cycles is investigated by both the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Second-law analysis is carried out for both two-stage and mechanical-subcooling refrigeration cycles. The analysis is performed on each of the system components to determine their individual contribution to the overall system irreversible losses. It is found that most of the losses are due to a low compressor efficiency. Irreversibilities of expansion valves and condenser are also significant. In addition, it is shown that the optimum inter-stage pressure for two-stage and mechanical-subcooling refrigeration systems is very close to the saturation pressure corresponding to the arithmetic mean of the refrigerant condensation and evaporation temperatures. These results are compared with the existing practice in the industry. Furthermore, theoretical results of a two-stage refrigeration system performance are also compared with experimental values for a CFC-22 system.     

Delivering nanotechnology to the healthcare, IT and environmental sectors — A perspective from the ‘London centre for nanotechnology’

Nanotechnology research is booming worldwide, having an impact on multiple sectors and with a general belief that medical and biological applications will form the greatest area of expansion over the next decade, driven by an attempt to bring radical solutions to areas of unmet medical need. What is true in the USA is also being fulfilled in Europe, though generally at a significantly lower investment level, even for ’large’ capital infrastructure and interdisciplinary centres. Against this, the UK and its European partners are following the maxim ’small is beautiful’ and are attempting to identify and grow academic research and commercial businesses in areas that traditional nanotechnology developments out of engineering or physics find challenging. Thus, University College London and Imperial College, in a major joint project linked to other centres of excellence both in the UK and in the rest of Europe, are building upon their internationally competitive medical and hard-matter research activities to focus on and develop nanotechnology as a major sector of research activity. The two universities together form one of the largest centres of biomedical research outside the USA. A novel approach to commercialisation has been taken, exemplified by the establishment with government and private equity funds of a ‘Bionanotechnology Centre’ — this will act as a portal for UK industry to access specialist skills to solve issues relating to developing nanotechnology-based medical applications, for example, for environmental screening, diagnostics and therapy. This paper reviews our academic and business strategy with examples from our current research portfolio, biased towards medicine as the London Centre for Nanotechnology’s most rapidly growing area.