Cellular expression of a GPI-linked T cell activation protein

A T cell activation protein was identified by generating a monoclonal antibody (anti-D2) against a gamma delta T cell receptor bearing gibbon ape T cell line (MLA144). Immunoprecipitation studies revealed three polypeptides of 180, 150, and 120 kDa. The antigen was also found to be expressed on endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro and on tumor cell lines from a variety of tissues. Studies performed using a variety of antibodies reveal this protein to be identical to an endothelial cell protein previously identified by several antibodies to T cell activation proteins (CDw109). We demonstrate that this protein is anchored in the membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) tail in T cells, tumor cells, and endothelial cells. An analysis of tissue sections reveals this protein to be normally highly expressed on vascular endothelial cells.     

Correlation for second virial coefficients of polar compounds

A new correlation has been developed for calculation of second virial coefficients of polar compounds. The new procedure uses superimposition of the sq interaction. Parameters for this new correlation have been determined for 13 polar compounds. Using these parameters, the second virial coefficients we 3.46%. This compares favorably with the mean standard deviation of Stockmayer's correlation at 31.3 cm³/g mole or 3.36%.     

Energy options in weed control

Taking into account the energy costs of weedicide production, formulation, transportation and the fixed energy inputs through equipment on farms in Haryana and the man-days needed for weed control, the energy inputs in weed control by manual or chemical methods have been evaluated. Use of 2,4-D accounts for about 84 Mcal/ha of wheat or rice. Methabenzthiazuron as an alternative would account for the consumption of 248 Mcal/ha. Manual weeding in wheat accounts for 46 Mcal/ha and in a crop of rice for 54 Mcal/ha. Weed control, by whatever method, accounts for 0.5–2.7% of the energy inputs needed to raise a crop of wheat or rice in Haryana and is not a significant energy user.     

Thickness determination of ultrathin metal films using the X-ray fluorescence technique

The X-ray fluorescence technique was used to determine the thickness of single-layered, double-layered and triple-layered films of copper, bismuth and gold on mylar substrates. An annular ¹⁰⁹Cd X-ray source of 5 mCi was used to excite hte characteristic X-rays. The background was much lower as well as flat in the present study in comparison with our earlier results an ²⁴¹Am exciter source. This resulted in a downward extension of the lower limit of thickness measurement of thin films coupled with an improved accuracy.     

Propane Aromatization over HZSM‐5 and Ga/HZSM‐5 Catalysts

The selective transformation of light alkanes to aromatics that are more valuable and versatile feedstocks for the chemical industry is one of the major challenges of catalytic chemistry. The complexity of the aromatization chemistry makes it difficult to unravel reaction mechanisms and, mechanistic information is largely developed from observed product distributions. This article reviews the current mechanistic understanding for the conversion of propane to aromatic compounds over HZSM‐5 and Ga/HZSM‐5 catalysts based on experimental as well as theoretical studies.

Following a general discussion of acidity and confinement effects in these systems, this review focuses on understanding specific reactions occurring on Brønsted acid sites in HZSM‐5. Mechanistic details available from Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, as well as kinetic modeling efforts for various complex hydrocarbon systems are critically reviewed. A detailed, tabulated review of the literature compares the catalytic performance of gallium modified ZSM‐5 catalysts and subsequently the promotional effect of gallium as an additive is critically discussed in terms of the nature of the active sites, as well as the new reaction pathways introduced by gallium addition.     

Trends of greenhouse gas emissions from the road transport sector in India

The road transport sector is the largest consumer of commercial fuel energy within the transportation system in India and accounts for nearly 35% of the total liquid commercial fuel consumption by all sectors. Gasoline and diesel consumption for road transportation have quadrupled between 1980 and 2000 due to about nine times increase in the number of vehicles and four-fold increase in freight and passenger travel demands. The paper elaborates the trends of energy consumption and consequent emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO(2), CH(4) and N(2)O and ozone precursor gases like CO, NO(x) and NMVOC in the road transport sector in India for the period from 1980 to 2000. For the first time, efforts have been made to apportion the fuels, both diesel and gasoline, across different categories of vehicles operating on the Indian roads. In order to generate more comprehensive and complete emission estimates, additionally, other minor fuel types like light diesel oil and fuel oil along with lubricants have also been taken into account. Emission estimates have revealed that nearly 27 Mt of CO(2) were emitted in 1980, increasing to about 105 Mt in 2000. Similar trends have also been observed for other gases. Further scope for improvements in emission estimation is possible by generating country specific emission factors for different vehicle categories and improvement in documentation of fuel consumption at segregated levels by fuel types and vehicle types.     

Technical note: Extreme‐pressure activity assessment of certain nitrogen and sulphur compounds in lithium‐based grease

In this paper we report on the preparation and extreme‐pressure (EP) activity assessment of certain substituted 1‐amino‐3‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐thioxo‐4,6‐(1H,5H)‐pyrimidinediones as additives in a lithium‐based grease. These additives significantly decreased the wear and friction and possessed the ability to increase load‐carrying capacities and weld loads. Two greases were prepared with the above additives, and both greases exhibited lower values of wear‐scar diameter at higher loads and higher values of weld load in the four‐ball test than the lithium‐based grease alone. The prepared greases also passed rust and corrosion, and oxidation tests.     

Antimicrobial finishing of polypropylene fabric using bioactive nanogels

Antimicrobial polypropylene (PP) was developed by plasma functionalization and subsequent immobilization of chitosan (CS)-chlorhexidine (CHX) nanogels as the bioactive component. Oxygen plasma was used to create a hydrophilic surface monitored by water drop interaction with the fabric surface. CS nanogels were prepared by the ionic gelation method. The characterization of the nanogels was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The functionalized fabric exhibited excellent antimicrobial nature against S. aureus and E. coli microbes. The animal studies involving mice showed that the material exhibited excellent biocompatibility in contact with the skin. There was no evidence of inflammatory cells in the histopathology. This investigation suggests that the fabric has enormous potential as infection-resistant material in applications such as wet wipes.