Al and Al-TiB2 Foams Produced by Melt Injection Technique

Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals - Aluminium and Al-TiB2 closed-cell foams were produced by a recently developed foaming method called melt injection technique where bubbles are...     

Conditional Loss of the Exocyst Component Exoc5 in Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Results in RPE Dysfunction,Photoreceptor Cell Degeneration,and Decreased Visual Function

To characterize the mechanisms by which the highly conserved exocyst trafficking complex regulates eye physiology in zebrafish and mice, we focused on Exoc5 (also known as sec10), a central exocyst component. We analyzed both exoc5 zebrafish mutants and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)-specific Exoc5 knockout mice. Exoc5 is present in both the non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body and in the RPE. In this study, we set out to establish an animal model to study the mechanisms underlying the ocular phenotype and to establish if loss of visual function is induced by postnatal RPE Exoc5-deficiency. Exoc5^−/− zebrafish had smaller eyes, with decreased number of melanocytes in the RPE and shorter photoreceptor outer segments. At 3.5 days post-fertilization, loss of rod and cone opsins were observed in zebrafish exoc5 mutants. Mice with postnatal RPE-specific loss of Exoc5 showed retinal thinning associated with compromised visual function and loss of visual photoreceptor pigments. Abnormal levels of RPE65 together with a reduced c-wave amplitude indicate a dysfunctional RPE. The retinal phenotype in Exoc5^−/− mice was present at 20 weeks, but was more pronounced at 27 weeks, indicating progressive disease phenotype. We previously showed that the exocyst is necessary for photoreceptor ciliogenesis and retinal development. Here, we report that exoc5 mutant zebrafish and mice with RPE-specific genetic ablation of Exoc5 develop abnormal RPE pigmentation, resulting in retinal cell dystrophy and loss of visual pigments associated with compromised vision. Together, these data suggest that exocyst-mediated signaling in the RPE is required for RPE structure and function, indirectly leading to photoreceptor degeneration.     

Resin. III. Synthesis,characterization, and ion-exchange properties of a 2,2′-dihydroxybiphenyl–formaldehyde copolymer resin

A 2,2′-dihydroxybiphenyl–formaldehyde copolymer, synthesized by the condensation of 2,2′-dihydroxybiphenyl with CH₂O in the presence of an acid catalyst, proved to be a selective chelating ion-exchange copolymer for certain metals. The chelating ion-exchange properties of this copolymer were studied for Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions. A batch equilibrium method was employed in the study of the selectivity of metal ion uptake, involving the measurements of the distribution of a given metal ion between the copolymer sample and the solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The copolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe(III), Cu(II), and Ni(II) ions than for Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Two-Element Quad-Band MIMO Antenna Employing Meandered Arm Printed Inverted–F Antenna

This article proposed a compact dual-element MIMO (multiple-input-multiple-output) antenna system working in 1.575 GHz (Global Positioning System)/4.5 GHz (5G)/5.8 GHz (Wireless Local Area Network)/6.4 GHz (Satellite communication) with relatively high isolation. The proposed antenna element consists of compact inverted-F antenna with meandered arm. One side of the T-shaped monopole antenna is extended and meandered while the other side is grounded to form the IFA structure. Meandering of the arm is responsible for the quad-band response. The proposed structure is simulated and fabricated on a FR4 substrate with an overall dimension of (0.23 λ₀?×?0.09 λ₀?×?0.004 λ₀) and edge-to-edge separation of the two patches is 0.04 λ₀, where λ₀ is the wavelength at lower resonating frequency (1.575 GHz) of the proposed antenna. The high isolation is achieved by incorporating two inverted L-shaped strips and a narrow slot in the ground plane. Envelope correlation co-efficient (ECC) and channel capacity loss (CCL) are within their acceptable limits. Other different diversity parameters are evaluated and the results are satisfactory for MIMO applications.

     

Assessment of Mung Bean Quality Through Single Kernel Characterization

With significant interest in incorporating beans, lentils, and pulses as nutrient-rich healthy food sources into our diets, a reliable technique for their rapid and accurate quality evaluation is needed. The method of single kernel characterization to determine the physical properties (i.e., diameter, weight, moisture content, and hardness) of mung beans was assessed in this study. Two mung bean varieties were characterized using the single kernel characterization technique and the results were compared to traditional methods. It was observed that predicted bean weights were accurate to known laboratory measurements (R = 0.98, n = 200). Individual bean characterization was moderately (R = 0.58–0.7, n = 100) correlated in regard to the true diameter of mung beans. An evaluation on moisture content was performed after tempering the two bean varieties to four moisture levels and a good correlation was obtained with the oven drying method (R = 0.92, n = 24). Hardness values obtained by single kernel characterization were moderately correlated to maximum forces measured using an Instron universal testing system. However, a common relationship was observed between mung bean hardness and moisture content when using both methods. Compared to visual inspection, automated characterization of single beans is a superior technique to measure the geometrical and mechanical properties of mung beans in an industrial setup where high throughput is paramount.     

Effect of temperature and velocity of superheated steam on initial condensation of distillers’ spent grain pellets during drying

Initial condensation on the sample surface during superheated steam (SS) drying leads to increased sample moisture affecting its mechanical and thermal properties. A study was conducted to understand the effect of temperature and velocity of SS on the amount of initial condensation on distillers’ spent grain pellets with an initial moisture content of 25% (wet basis). These pellets were dried using SS at 120, 150, and 180°C with velocities 0.5, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 m/s. Separate experiments were conducted for recording mass and surface temperature of the pellets during SS drying. Mass recorded over the drying period was then compared with the predicted mass obtained by solving the standard heat balance and film condensation equations. The predicted values of mass flux due to initial condensation were in close agreement with directly measured values with a maximum mean square error of 0.20. There was a 60–64% decrease in the amount of initial condensation as the temperature of SS was increased from 120 to 180°C. The results indicate that the initial condensation can be minimal when the temperature of SS is equal or above 180°C with SS velocity equal or above 1 m/s using a preheated drying chamber.     

Color mixing in the metering zone of a single screw extruder: Numerical simulations and experimental validation

We present numerical simulations for an acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer (ABS) resin extrusion in an industrial conventional single‐screw extruder. Based upon the flow field patterns obtained in the simulations, a particle tracking procedure was employed to obtain information about the spatial distribution of particle tracers of two colors. Results of the simulation were compared with experimental data obtained under similar extrusion conditions. To evaluate the degree of color mixing and color homogeneity for the system, we employ a specific index calculated based upon the Shannon entropy for two species populations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:1011–1020, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Chelation ion‐exchange properties of copolymer resin derived from 4‐hydroxyacetophenone,oxamide, and formaldehyde

A copolymer (4‐HAOF) prepared by condensation of 4‐hydroxyacetophenone and oxamide with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst proved to be a selective chelating ion‐exchange copolymer for certain metals. Chelating ion‐exchange properties of this copolymer were studied for Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ ions. A batch equilibrium method was employed in the study of the selectivity of metal‐ion uptake involving the measurements of the distribution of a given metal ion between the copolymer sample and a solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The copolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe³⁺ ions than for Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Hg²⁺ ions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 787–790, 2003     

Moisture absorption phenomenon in permeable fiber polymer composites

Studies were conducted on the moisture absorption characteristics of jute fiber composites based on polyester and epoxy resin systems, under constant humidity (ø) and ambient temperature (T) conditions. The initial slope of the moisture absorption curve (a direct measure of the composite diffusivity) increased with increased superficial fiber volume fraction (V_f), where as the time (t_m'), needed to reach the equilibrium moisture absorption value showed a reversed trend. This behavior is just a reverse to that observed¹ in case of composites with practically impermeable fibers (e.g., glass and graphite) in the same resin matrices. The theoretical expressions governing moisture diffusion phenomenon in impermeable fiber composites were modified and analyzed for the case of composites containing a permeable fiber. The experimental data obtained on the latter were then discussed in relation to the modified theory. The meaning of a correct fiber volume fraction (V_f,) as applicable to permeable fiber composites was defined.     

Coordination polymers, 1. Magnetic,spectral, and thermal properties of coordination polymers derived from terephthalaldehyde bis(S-benzyldithiocarbazate)

New Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) coordination polymers of Schiff base ligand derived from terephthalaldehyde and S-benzyldithiocarbazate have been synthesized in DMF media. The coordination polymers have been characterized by their elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, and by electronic and infrared spectral measurements. The thermal stability of each polymer was found out by thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal stability of coordination polymers obtained from thermograms has the following order: $ {\rm Zn} \simeq {\rm Fe} > {\rm Co} > {\rm Ni} > {\rm Min} \simeq {\rm Cu}$ Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) coordination polymers are of a six-coordinated octahedral structure while Cu(II) and Zn(II) coordination polymers are found to be four-coordinated square planar and tetrahedral structure, respectively. The ligand-field and nephelauxetic parameters have been determined from the spectra, using ligand-field theory of spin-allowed transitions which are found consistent with six-coordinate structure for Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) coordination polymers. Elemental analyses indicates a ligand: metal ratio of 1 : 1 in all the coordination polymers and the association of water molecules with central metal atom in case of Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) coordination polymers.