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The compressive strength of masonry, whether brick or concrete block masonry is an important parameter in the design of masonry structure. The compressive strength of masonry depends on many parameters including strength and modulus of elasticity of the unit and mortar. Experimental determination of compressive strength of masonry is time consuming, labour intensive and expensive. The numerical and analytical approach is an effective alternative to experimental investigations. This work aims to simulate the behaviour of block masonry under compression using ABAQUS and ANSYS software. The results obtained from the experimental investigation are used as input to carry out numerical analysis in the above-mentioned software. The results obtained from each of these software are in line with the experimental findings and is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and green synthesis of 1-phenyl isoquinoline derivatives has been developed by using Ru(II)/PEG-400 as homogeneous recyclable catalyst via C-H/N-N bond activation via C-H/N-N functionalization of 1-(diphenylmethylene) hydrazine and aryl substituted acetylenes. In order to realize the proposed protocol, Cu(OAc)2 and AgSbF6 are used as oxidant and additive respectively in PEG-400 biodegradable solvent. This protocol has a simple extraction procedure, uses biodegradable solvent, affords high atom economy, employs a reusable catalytic system, provides wide substrate scope with high yield of product, for the synthesis of isoquinoline derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing survival of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the manifestation of heterogeneous neurological complications is also increasing alarmingly in these patients. Currently, more than 30% of about 40 million HIV-1 infected people worldwide develop central nervous system (CNS)-associated dysfunction, including dementia, sensory, and motor neuropathy. Furthermore, the highly effective antiretroviral therapy has been shown to increase the prevalence of mild cognitive functions while reducing other HIV-1-associated neurological complications. On the contrary, the presence of neurological disorder frequently affects the outcome of conventional HIV-1 therapy. Although, both the children and adults suffer from the post-HIV treatment-associated cognitive impairment, adults, especially depending on the age of disease onset, are more prone to CNS dysfunction. Thus, addressing neurological complications in an HIV-1-infected patient is a delicate balance of several factors and requires characterization of the molecular signature of associated CNS disorders involving intricate cross-talk with HIV-1-derived neurotoxins and other cellular factors. In this review, we summarize some of the current data supporting both the direct and indirect mechanisms, including neuro-inflammation and genome instability in association with aging, leading to CNS dysfunction after HIV-1 infection, and discuss the potential strategies addressing the treatment or prevention of HIV-1-mediated neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of triphala on PMN-type matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) expressed in adult periodontitis patients and compared its activity with another ayurvedic drug, kamillosan, and doxycycline, which has known inhibitory activity. Methods: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were extracted from gingival tissue samples from 10 patients (six males, four females) with chronic periodontitis. Tissue extracts were treated with the drug solutions, the inhibition was analyzed by gelatin zymography, and the percentage of inhibition was determined by a gel documentation system. Results: The activity of MMPs was significantly decreased with the use of the drugs. Triphala showed a 76,6% reduction of MMP-9 activity, whereas kamillosan showed a 46.36% reduction at a concentration of 1,500 µg/ml (crude extract) and doxycycline showed a 58.7% reduction at a concentration of 300 µg/ml (pure drug). Conclusion: The present study showed the strong inhibitory activity of triphala on PMN-type MMPs involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation during periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]