Aureole nanofibers by electrospinning of PAMAM‐PEO solution

Poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimer‐polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers as dendrimeric‐polymeric composite nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning of PEO solution containing PAMAM dendrimer. The resultant fibers were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology and thermal properties of PEO nanofibers with and without PAMAM dendrimer were compared and the effect of PAMAM concentration on morphology and thermal properties of the resultant fibers was studied. The fibers had a size range of about 400–1300 nanometer in diameter with aureole morphology in most regions. The phase change temperature, phase transition heat, and the crystallinity of the produced composite fibers were determined by DSC analyses. TGA was also used to confirm the presence of PAMAM and to determine the amount of it within the fibers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Modeling of insulated CFRP-strengthened reinforced concrete T-beam exposed to fire

The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) has been established as one of the possible techniques to strengthen concrete beams in flexure and shear. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has been identified as the material of choice in civil infrastructure applications. The fire performance of such CFRP-strengthened members and their resistance to heat transfer and to various environmental exposure factors need to be investigated. In this paper, a detailed finite element model of a CFRP-strengthened reinforced concrete T-beam is developed. The model accounts for the variation in thermal and mechanical parameters of the beams’ constituent materials with temperature, including CFRP and insulation materials. Nonlinear time domain transient thermal-stress finite element analysis is performed using the commercial software ANSYS to study the heat transfer mechanism and deformation within the beam for fire conditions initiating at the bottom of the beam. To relate the simulation to an actual case, a reinforced concrete T-beam strengthened with CFRP and fire-tested by other investigators is modeled. The progression of temperature in the beam, CFRP, reinforcing steel, and along the CFRP–concrete interface is compared to the observed fire test data. Overall, the predicted temperature results are in good agreement with the measured ones. In addition, the mid-span deflection increases nonlinearly during the fire exposure time due to the increase in the total strain on the tension side of the beams and due to concrete cracking. Successful FE modeling of this structure provides an economical, alternative solution to expensive experimental investigations.     

Silicon Affects Rice Growth,Superoxide Dismutase Activity and Concentrations of Chlorophyll and Proline under Different Levels and Sources of Soil Salinity

Silicon - Silicon (Si) application shows beneficial effects on growth and salt tolerance of plants; however, its effects on the rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Hashemi) growth, superoxide dismutase...     

Effect of Co addition on microstructural and mechanical properties of WC–B4C–SiC composites

In this study, the effect of Co addition on microstructural and mechanical properties of WC-B₄C–SiC composites sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS) method was investigated. For this purpose, three batches of WC-B₄C–SiC with different contents of Co (10 vol%, 15 vol%, and 20 Vol %) were sintered at 1400 °C. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the samples indicated the formation of W₂B₅, W₃CoB₃ as well as the remained C phases and unreacted SiC phase. It was observed that by increasing the Co content, the amount of W₂B₅ phase reduces and W₃CoB₃ and C contents increase. Therefore, W₂B₅ peaks were not detected in the sample containing 20vol% Co. Relative density values above 97% were obtained for all the composites. However, a decrease was observed in relative density by increasing the Co content in the composites. The highest flexural strength (510 ± 42 MPa), fracture toughness (10.34 ± 0.82 MPa m^1/2), and hardness (20.63 ± 0.75 GPa) were also obtained for the sample containing 10vol% Co compared to the other samples. In addition, Transgranular fracture of SiC as well as pulling out of W₃CoB₃ and W₂B₅ particles were observed in the fracture surface micrographs of the samples. The presence of micro-cracks in the SiC grains, fracture of W₃CoB₃ grains, and crack deflection was reported as dominant toughening mechanisms.     

The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Interplay between a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet and the Infant Gut Microbiota and Its Therapeutic Implications for Reducing Asthma

Gut microbiota is well known as playing a critical role in inflammation and asthma development. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is suggested to affect gut microbiota; however, the effects of VLCKD during pregnancy and lactation on the infant gut microbiota are unclear. The VLCKD appears to be more effective than caloric/energy restriction diets for the treatment of several diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. However, whether adherence to VLCKD affects the infant gut microbiota and the protective effects thereof on asthma remains uncertain. The exact mechanisms underlying this process, and in particular the potential role of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are still to be unravelled. Thus, the aim of this review is to identify the potential role of SCFAs that underlie the effects of VLCKD during pregnancy and lactation on the infant gut microbiota, and explore whether it incurs significant implications for reducing asthma.     

Software‐defined networking approach for enhanced evolved packet core network

The evolved packet core (EPC) network is the mobile network standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project and represents the recent evolution of mobile networks providing high‐speed data rates and on‐demand connectivity services. Software‐defined networking (SDN) is recently gaining momentum in network research as a new generation networking technique. An SDN‐based EPC is expected to introduce gains to the EPC control plane architecture in terms of simplified, and perhaps even software‐based, vendor independent infrastructure nodes. In this paper, we propose a novel SDN‐based EPC architecture along with the protocol‐level detailed implementation and provide a mechanism for identifying information fields exchanged between SDN‐EPC entities that maintains correct functionality with minimal impact on the conventional design. Furthermore, we present the first comprehensive network performance evaluation for the SDN‐based EPC versus the conventional EPC and provide a comparative analysis of 2 networks performances identifying potential bottlenecks and performance issues. The evaluation focuses on 2 network control operations, namely, the S1‐handover and registration operations, taking into account several factors, and assessing performance metrics such as end‐to‐end delay (E2ED) for completion of the respective control operation, and EPC nodes utilization figures.     

An efficient data dissemination model for wireless sensor networks

Wireless Networks - In a wireless sensor network, one of the most important constraints on sensor nodes is their power source, which is a battery. Sensor nodes carry a limited and generally...     

Nigella arvensis leaf extract mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Their characteristic properties and biological efficacy

In the present study, the potential of aqueous leaf extract of Nigella arevensis for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by color changes and UV–visible spectroscopy, which showed absorbance maxima peak at 416?nm. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) image showed the AgNPs to be anisotropic and mostly spherical with sizes in the range of 5–100?nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated that the flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic groups present in leaf extract were involved in the reduction and capping of phytogenic AgNPs. These nanoparticles showed the cytotoxic effects against H1229 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines with an IC₅₀ value of 10?μg/mL. AgNPs showed insignificant antioxidant properties compared to the crude extract, and it was effective against clinical isolated bacterial strains. Furthermore, the bioderived AgNPs displayed significant catalytic activity against methylene blue. These results confirmed the advantages and applications of these phytogenic AgNPs using the green method in various fields.     

Towards Ensuring Reliability of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks Using a Relay Selection Techniques and D2D Communications in 5G Networks

Wireless Personal Communications - Benefiting from unlimited power supply, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), in a 5G platform, can deal superiorly with the challenges of providing high...     

Microarray Patches: Poking a Hole in the Challenges Faced When Delivering Poorly Soluble Drugs

Poorly soluble drugs constitute more than 60% of currently marketed pharmaceuticals with over two-thirds of promising new chemical entities failing to enter a clinical setting due to solubility issues. Although oral formulations have made some impact, alternative enhancement strategies for administration of such molecules are actively sought. Over the last decade, innovation on a global scale has enabled the expansion of the frontiers of microarray patches (MAPs) further than ever before. Initially designed to load low doses of hydrophilic and potent therapeutic agents, MAPs are now becoming a viable strategy for the immediate and long-acting delivery of poorly soluble drugs through the skin. This together with the advantages of transdermal administration over the oral and parenteral routes, make of MAPs an appealing platform for the development of products with increased patient compliance. Undoubtedly, MAPs will soon become a readily available therapeutic alternative, and experts from academia, industry and regulatory bodies are working together aiming to facilitate the progression of MAPs toward safe and effective clinical use. This review aims to highlight the ability of MAPs to deliver poorly soluble actives, discuss the mechanisms behind in-skin drug absorption, and evaluate the future direction of the field.