Lactic acid bacteria isolated from ethnic preserved meat products of the Western Himalayas

We used culture- and molecular-biology-based methods to investigate the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the ethnic chevon (goat) meat products chartayshya, jamma and arjia of the Western Himalayas. In six chartayshya, six jamma and four arjia samples, LAB were the predominant microbial component involved in the fermentation of these samples, and the total LAB population in arjia (7.8 ± 0.1 log cfu g⁻¹; mean ± SD) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in chartayshya (6.9 ± 0.1 log cfu g⁻¹) and jamma (7.5 ± 0.1 log cfu g⁻¹). We identified 53 LAB samples by 16S rRNA and phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase (pheS) genes sequencing. The LAB isolates were identified as Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus hirae, Leuconostoc citreum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Weissella cibaria. These results revealed that there is a high level of diversity of LAB in the Himalayan ethnic preserved meat products.     

Chemical-induced pH-mediated molecular switch

The transmembrane protein α-hemolysin pore has been used to develop ultrasensitive biosensors, study biomolecular folding and unfolding, investigate covalent and noncovalent bonding interactions, and probe enzyme kinetics. Here, we report that, by addition of ionic liquid tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride solution to the α-hemolysin pore, the α-hemolysin channel can be controlled open or closed by adjusting the pH of the solution. This approach can be employed to develop a novel molecular switch to regulate molecular transport and should find potential applications as a "smart" drug delivery method.     

Poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene)/clay nanocomposites: effect of organically modified layered silicates

The preparation and properties of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (PMP)/clay nanocomposites are reported. Melt intercalation of PMP is carried out with organoclays of different cation/charge exchange capacities and modifiers to facilitate intercalation of the polymer into the silicate layers. The effect of modifiers on the structure and properties of PMP/clay nanocomposites is explored. XRD patterns confirm the intercalation of polymer in the layered silicates as evidenced by the increase in the inter‐layer spacing which is dependent on the type of modifier used. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows increments in the storage modulus over the temperature range studied for all of the three clays, but the extent depends on the type of clay modifier used. The coefficient of thermal expansion is lower for all of the nanocomposites, as compared to the pristine polymer, indicating improved dimensional stability Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development and characterization of pseudolatex based transdermal drug delivery system of diclofenac.

A transdermal drug delivery system of diclofenac was developed for prolonged and controlled release of diclofenac. The designed system essentially based on polymeric pseudolatex dispersion. The formulation variables that could effect the formulation stability vis a vis drug release were studied. To achieve the desired release rate, different combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer were used for the preparation of pseudolatex system. The designed system exhibited linear relationship between drug release (Q) V/s square root of time (t^0.5). The product having skin permeability rate 0.188 mg/h/cm was selected for the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo evaluation. The system could maintained a constant and effective plasma level for 24 hours. The effective drug plasma concentration was monitored periodically. The study revealed that designed pseudolatex transdermal drug delivery system of diclofenac could be used successfully with improved performance and hold promise for further studies.     

A rapid assay method for spermidine and spermine synthases. Distribution of polyamine-synthesizing enzymes and methionine adenosyltransferase in rat tissues

A 51-year-old male presented with a chronic asymmetrical ptosis which was variable. Repeated anticholinesterase testing gave equivocal responses. The patient was treated for myasthenia gravis until a mass was detected in the orbit. Although rare, localized orbital amyloidosis should be considered in the diagnosis of patients with ptosis, particularly when the results of anticholinesterase testing are equivocal.     

Three-view co-ordinate computation

The equation for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a point from three corresponding views is given. This extends the previously available results based on two views     

Motion of a two-phase bubble through a quiescent liquid

The motion of a two-phase bubble in immiscible liquids is associated with the development of three-phase heat exchangers applicable for heat transfer at low driving forces. An analytical expression for the instantaneous velocity of a two-phase bubble moving through a quiescent, less viscous, immiscible liquid has been developed. This expression predicts, very well, the available experimental data over the whole operational range of temperature and initial drop diameter.     

Microhardness measurements on single crystals of flux-grown rare earth perovskites (orthoferrites,orthochromites and aluminates)

The results of indentation-induced microhardness testing studies of flux-grown single crystals of rare earth orthoferrites, RFeO₃ (R=Gd to Er and Yb), rare earth orthochromites RCrO₃ (R=La, Eu and Dy), and rare earth aluminates RAlO₃ (R=La, Sm, Gd, Eu and Ho) are presented. The variation in the value of microhardness with load is observed to be non-linear in the case of all these materials. It is found that the results are not in accordance with Kick's law. The results have been analysed and the applicability of the idea of materials resistance pressure in the modified law as proposed by Hays and Kendall [Metallography 6 (1973) 275] is discussed.     

Viscosity and surface tension of p-xylene-ethylacetate liquid mixtures

Experimental density, viscosity and surface tension data are reported for p-xylene-ethylacetate mixtures at 20°. 30° and 40°C. over the entire composition range. The presence of interactions has been studied in the light of excess properties.