Cystone,an ayurvedic herbal drug imparts protection to the mice against the lethal effects of γ‐radiation: A preliminary study

The effect of 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 160 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) of aqueous extract of cystone (an ayurvedic herbal medicine) administered intraperitoneally was studied on the radiation‐induced mortality in mice exposed to 10 Gy of γ‐radiation. Treatment of mice with different doses of cystone, consecutively for five days before irradiation, delayed the onset of mortality and reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the non‐drug treated irradiated controls. The pretreatment of mice with different doses of cystone before exposure to 10 Gy of γ‐radiation resulted in a dose‐dependent elevation in the survival up to 40 mg/kg b. wt., where the highest number of survival (55.55%) was observed by 30 days post irradiation, when compared with the 10 Gy irradiated control (6.66%). Thereafter, the number of survivors declined and reached a nadir at 160 mg/kg, where no survivors could be observed. The optimum protection against irradiation was observed for 40 mg/kg cystone, where the highest number of survivors were reported by 30 days post irradiation and it was 8.34‐fold greater than that of the irradiated control group.     

Validation of SV2A-Targeted PET Imaging for Noninvasive Assessment of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive and lethal variant of prostate cancer (PCa), and it remains a diagnostic challenge. Herein we report our findings of using synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 isoform A (SV2A) as a promising marker for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). The bioinformatic analyses revealed an amplified SV2A gene expression in clinical samples of NEPC versus castration-resistant PCa with adenocarcinoma characteristics (CRPC-Adeno). Importantly, significantly upregulated SV2A protein levels were found in both NEPC cell lines and tumor tissues. PET imaging studies were carried out in NEPC xenograft models with ¹⁸F-SynVesT-1. Although ¹⁸F-SynVesT-1 is not a cancer imaging agent, it showed a significant uptake level in the SV2A⁺ tumor (NCI-H660: 0.70 ± 0.14 %ID/g at 50–60 min p.i.). The SV2A blockade resulted in a significant reduction of tumor uptake (0.25 ± 0.03 %ID/g, p = 0.025), indicating the desired SV2A imaging specificity. Moreover, the comparative PET imaging study showed that the DU145 tumors could be clearly visualized by ¹⁸F-SynVesT-1 but not ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 nor ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE, further validating the role of SV2A-targeted imaging for noninvasive assessment of NED in PCa. In conclusion, we demonstrated that SV2A, highly expressed in NEPC, can serve as a promising target for noninvasive imaging evaluation of NED.     

Stiffness of a 3-degree of freedom translational parallel kinematic machine

In this paper, a typical 3-degree of freedom (3-DOF) translational parallel kinematic machine (PKM) is studied and analyzed whose tool platform has only translations along X-, Y- and Z-axes. It consists of three limbs, each of which have arm and forearm with prismatic-revolute-revolute-revolute (PRRR) joints. Inverse kinematics analysis is carried out to find the slider coordinates and joint angles for a given position of tool platform. Stiffness modeling is done based on the compliance matrices of arm and forearm of each limb. Using the stiffness modeling the variations of minimum and maximum translational stiffness in the workspace are analyzed. For various architectural parameters of the 3-DOF PKM the tendency of variations on the minimum and maximum stiffness over the entire workspace is studied; and also the deflections of the tool platform along X, Y, and Z directions with respect to various forces are presented.     

Innovative approach to investigating the microstructure of calcified tissues using specular reflectance Fourier transform-infrared microspectroscopy and discriminant analysis

Although bone fracture has become a serious global health issue, current clinical assessments of fracture risk based on bone mineral density are unable to accurately predict whether an individual is likely to suffer a fracture. There is increasing recognition that the chemical structure and composition, or microstructure, of mineralized tissues has an important role to play in determining the fracture resistance of bone. The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the use of specular reflectance Fourier transform infrared (SR FT-IR) microspectroscopy in conjunction with discriminant analysis as an innovative technique for providing future insights into the origins of orthopedic abnormalities. The impetus for this approach was that SR FT-IR microspectroscopy would offer several advantages over conventional transmission methods. Bone samples were obtained from young racehorses at known fracture predilection sites and spectra were successfully obtained from calcified cartilage and subchondral bone for the first time. By applying discriminant analysis to the spectral data set in biologically relevant regions, microstructural differences between groups of individuals were found to be related to features associated with both the mineral and organic components of the bone. The preliminary findings also suggest that differences in bone microstructure may exist between healthy individuals of the same age, raising important questions around the normal limits of individual variation and whether individuals may be predisposed to later fracture as a result of detrimental microstructural changes during early growth and development.     

The role of tackifiers on the auto-adhesion behavior of EPDM rubber

The article describes the effect of hydrocarbon (HC) and coumarone-indene (CI) resin tackifiers on autohesion behavior of ethylene propylene diene polymethylene (EPDM) rubber. The viscoelastic behavior and nature of compatibility of EPDM/tackifier blends were studied by means of dynamic mechanical analysis. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to understand the compatibility of the EPDM/tackifier blends. The HC tackifying resin modified the viscoelastic properties of the EPDM rubber in such a way that it behaved as a plasticizer at lower frequency by reducing the storage modulus and filler at higher frequency by increasing the storage modulus. On the contrary, the CI modified EPDM rubber did not show similar behavior; the modulus enhanced throughout the entire frequency range. The viscosity of the matrix was found to be highly governed by the compatibility as well as amount of tackifier present in the blend. In order to explain the tack behavior, several tack governing factors such as green strength, creep compliance, entanglement molecular weight, relaxation time, self-diffusion coefficient, and monomer friction coefficient (ζ₀) were investigated. The tack strength increased with HC tackifier loading up to 24 parts per hundred grams of rubber (phr), beyond which a plateau region was observed. A maximum of 196% improvement was observed at 24 phr HC loaded sample as compared to gum EPDM rubber devoid of tackifier. Conversely, there was a marginal improvement of tack strength (36%) up to 8 phr loading for the system containing CI, beyond which it dropped.     

Thermal stress and probability of failure analyses of functionally graded solid oxide fuel cells

Thermal stresses and probability of failure of a functionally graded solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) are investigated using graded finite elements. Two types of anode-supported SOFCs with different cathode materials are considered: NiO-YSZ/YSZ/LSM and NiO-YSZ/YSZ/GDC-LSCF. Thermal stresses are significantly reduced in a functionally graded SOFC as compared with a conventional layered SOFC when they are subject to spatially uniform and non-uniform temperature loads. Stress discontinuities are observed across the interfaces between the electrodes and the electrolyte for the layered SOFC due to material discontinuity. The total probability of failure is also computed using the Weibull analysis. For the regions of graded electrodes, we considered the gradation of mechanical properties (such as Young’s modulus, the Poisson’s ratio, the thermal expansion coefficient) and Weibull parameters (such as the characteristic strength and the Weibull modulus). A functionally graded SOFC showed the least probability of failure based on the continuum mechanics approach used herein.     

Recent developments in nanotechnology transforming the agricultural sector: a transition replete with opportunities

The applications and benefits of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector have attracted considerable attention, particularly in the invention of unique nanopesticides and nanofertilisers. The contemporary developments in nanotechnology are acknowledged and the most significant opportunities awaiting the agriculture sector from the recent scientific and technical literature are addressed. This review discusses the significance of recent trends in nanomaterial‐based sensors available for the sustainable management of agricultural soil, as well as the role of nanotechnology in detection and protection against plant pathogens, and for food quality and safety. Novel nanosensors have been reported for primary applications in improving crop practices, food quality, and packaging methods, thus will change the agricultural sector for potentially better and healthier food products. Nanotechnology is well‐known to play a significant role in the effective management of phytopathogens, nutrient utilisation, controlled release of pesticides, and fertilisers. Research and scientific gaps to be overcome and fundamental questions have been addressed to fuel active development and application of nanotechnology. Together, nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology offer a plethora of opportunities, proving a viable alternative in the agriculture and food processing sector, by providing a novel and advanced solutions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Investigation on structural,optical, thermal,mechanical and dielectric properties of l-proline cadmium chloride monohydrate single crystals: An efficient NLO material

In the present work, we have grown single crystals of l-proline cadmium chloride monohydrate (LPCCM) by slow evaporation solution technique (SEST) at room temperature and recorded their live growth kinetics with the help of inverted microscope. Crystal size at various stages of growth and its corresponding morphology was also recorded. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis of LPCCM single crystals confirmed the orthorhombic structure. Respective values of crystallite size, strain and dislocation density have been calculated using PXRD data. Metal complex coordination of the single crystal is studied by FTIR spectroscopic. The optical properties of the grown crystals were investigated through UV–VIS spectroscopic studies and shows that the crystals have very low absorption in entire characterized wavelength range 200–800 nm. The optical band gap was calculated and found to be ∼5.6 eV. Optical constants of the material is determined by theoretical calculations. The chemical etching study was also carried out to study the density of defects in the grown crystals. The photoluminous excitation and emission spectra and thermal property by TGA/DTA curve were recorded. Further, the mechanical properties have been studied using Vicker's microhardness tester as well as many parameters such as fracture toughness (K_c), Brittleness index (B_i) and yield strength (σ_ν) are presented. Dielectric studies have been carried out with varying frequency and temperatures.     

Electrostatic spraying of food-grade organic and inorganic acids and plant extracts to decontaminate Escherichia coli O157:H7 on spinach and iceberg lettuce

The prevalence of foodborne illnesses is continually on rise. In the U.S.A., Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) has been associated with several outbreaks in minimally processed foods. Spinach and lettuce pose higher food safety risks and recurring food recalls suggest the insufficiency of current disinfection strategies. We aimed at offering a natural antimicrobial alternative using organic acids (malic, tartaric, and lactic acids [MA, TA, and LA, respectively]) and grape seed extract (GSE) and a novel application method using electrostatic spraying to evenly distribute the antimicrobials onto produce. Spinach and lettuce samples were washed, sanitized with sodium hypochlorite solution (6.25 mL/L), dip inoculated in water containing E. coli (7.0 log CFU/mL) for 24 h, and rewashed with sterile water to remove nonadhered pathogens. The samples were sprayed electrostatically with MA, LA, and GSE alone and in combinations and for comparison, with phosphoric acid (PA) and pH controls with deionized water adjusted to 1.5/2.3/3.6 and stored at 4 °C. When combined with LA (3%), MA (3%) showed 2.1 to 4.0 log CFU/g reduction of E. coli between the days 1 and 14 on spinach and 1.1 to 2.5 log CFU/g reduction on lettuce. Treatment with PA (1.5%) and PA (1.5%)-GSE (2%) exhibited 1.1 to 2.1 log CFU/g inhibition of E. coli on spinach during the 14-d storage. Our findings demonstrated the efficacy of electrostatic spraying of MA, LA, and GSE on fresh produce to improve the safety and lower the public health burden linked to produce contamination. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Electrostatic spraying is an emerging technique that can be adopted to improve the distribution and application of antimicrobials during fresh produce sanitation. Relatively simple and quick, the process can access most/all parts of produce surface and offer protection from food pathogens. The use of malic and lactic acids with or without grape seed extract can serve as effective antimicrobials when sprayed electrostatically, lowering the risk from postcontamination issues with spinach and iceberg lettuce. This application technology can be extended to improve the commercial food safety of other produce, fruits, poultry, and meat.     

Modeling thin film formation by Ultrasonic Spray method: A case of PEDOT:PSS thin films

Recent improvements in electronic and optoelectronic devices based on solution processable polymers have motivated development of scalable processing techniques like Ultrasonic Spray technique. Including potential for roll to roll fabrication, it has many other strengths. However, with spray coating it can be difficult to prepare films with a smooth surface. Here, we present model for Ultrasonic Spray deposition of thin films, which establish a clear correlation between process parameters and the film formation process, which ultimately decide the structural features of the thin films. Based on the time to cover the spray deposition area by the sprayed droplets and the time for droplet evaporation, a balance parameter has been defined. It provides a mean to determine suitable process parameters for uniform film formation by Ultrasonic Spray method. The model is further modified for the region of higher solution flow rates, where non-uniformity in droplet distribution is introduced. The predictions based on the model have been experimentally verified with thin films of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulphonic acid (PEDOT:PSS). The method presented here can be used to predict proper deposition parameters for smooth film deposition by Ultrasonic Spray technique. Finally, the effect of film morphology on the sheet resistance of thin films of PEDOT:PSS is also presented.