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Propolis from apiculture is known for wide range of medicinal properties owing to its vast chemical constituents including polyphenols, flavonoids and anticancer agent Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).

The Pythagorean vague normal set is a concept that involves more uncertainty than fuzzy sets, vague sets, interval valued fuzzy sets and subsequently has more substantial application in decision making. Several new approaches to multiple attribute decision-making problems are explored using Pythagorean vague normal set. The Pythagorean vague normal set is a generalization of Pythagorean interval-valued normal fuzzy set. In addition to the vague set, Pythagorean interval-valued fuzzy set has been extended to the Pythagorean vague set. We define Pythagorean vague normal numbers along with some of their fundamental operations. As a result, the Pythagorean vague number concept with normal fuzzy number has been consolidated, and we have defined the Pythagorean vague normal number. An interesting idea of Pythagorean vague normal weighted averaging, Pythagorean vague normal weighted geometric, generalized Pythagorean vague normal weighted averaging, and generalized Pythagorean vague normal weighted geometric operators is discussed. These operators are used in the multiple attribute decision-making approach and an algorithm that uses them. We illustrate the interplay between the extended Euclidean distance and Hamming distance using a numerical example. This communication discusses the Pythagorean vague normal set properties based on different algebraic operations. This approach is more realistic and easier to understand and it identifies the most effective solution more quickly. It is becoming more common for hospitals and other healthcare facilities to deploy robots to improve patient care and outcomes. These include the surgical robot, Xenex Germ Zapping Robot, Therapeutic Robot, CyberKnife Robot, and Autonomous Mobile Robot. Four elements together with their associated weights are considered for each of the five medical robots including the controller features, programming software, safety codes, and experience with reputation. We can narrow down the many alternatives to the best option by comparing expert judgement with the criteria. In this case, the conclusions of these models are stronger and more closely related to the natural number Ψ. Several models are under examination and we compare them with some proposed models to demonstrate their dependability and value.

The antibacterial and anticancer activities were evaluated for the biologically fabricated silver nanomaterials (AgNMs) using Streptomyces sp. The AgNMs were characterised by UV visible spectra at 429 nm and X-ray diffraction pattern in 38.10° (111), 43.68° (200), 63.9° (220) and 79.96° (311) were confirmed the face centred cubic crystal system. The electron microscopic analysis was confirmed that the particles were in spherical shape with an average particle size of 30 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the Streptomyces sp. was involved in the reduction process of nanomaterial fabrication. The photoluminescence properties of the AgNMs were inspected via PL spectrum and attained prominent emission peak at 544 nm. The AgNMs gave promising antibacterial activity against E-colicomparing with other microorganisms. The anticancer activity of AgNMs was investigated against the human breast cancer cell line and it provides extraordinary toxicity against the cell line. This result confirms the potential scope for the usage of marine bacteria in an effective manner to the pharmaceutical fields.

Zirconia based nanocomposites have attracted much research attention in recent years due to their exceptional biomedicinal activities. Rhizome extracts of Corallocarpus epigaeusbased ZrO2/CuO–ZnO nanocomposite were green synthesized in a facile synthesis strategy. The nanocomposites were examined with XRD technique for their structural information and FT-IR technique for surface functional group analysis. Electron microscopic images aided to elucidate the CuO and ZnO nanoparticles decorated ZrO2nanostructures. UV–vis absorption spectroscopic studies of the nanocomposite revealed the characteristic UV absorption of ZrO2and enhanced visible region absorption for the incorporated nanoparticles. Antibacterial and antifungal studies indicated enhanced activity of nanocomposites over the pristine zirconia nanoparticles. ZrO2/CuO–ZnO nanocomposite had exhibited about 75% of α-amylase inhibition activity, whereas pristine ZrO2nanoparticles had exhibited only 57% suggesting the worthwhile application in the antidiabetic activity of the nanocomposite.

A novel method is presented for solving MADM under a sine trigonometric Pythagorean neutrosophic normal interval-valued set (ST-PyNSNIVS). An identifying feature of ST-PyNSNIVS is that it is a combination of PyNSIVS, PyNSS, and IVNSS. This article proposes a novel concept of ST-PyNSNIVWA, ST-PyNSNIVWG, ST-GPyNSNIVWA, and ST-GPyNSNIVWG. In addition, we acquired a flowchart and an algorithm that interact with MADM and are called ST-PyNSNIVWA, ST-PyNSNIVWG, ST-GPyNSNIVWA, and ST-GPyNSNIVWG, respectively. In addition to Euclidean and Hamming distances, we addressed new types of two distances in the suggested models, which are future expansions of real-life instances. The sine trigonometric aggregation operations were examined using the PyNSNIV set technique. They are more straightforward and practical, and you can arrive at the best option quickly. Consequently, the conclusions of the defined models are more accurate and closely correlated with Σ. Our analysis shows that the investigated models are valid and useful by comparing them to some of the current models. As a final result of the study, some intriguing and enthralling findings are presented.

The Angstrom-scale space between graphene and its substrate provides an attractive playground for scientific exploration and can lead to breakthrough applications. Here, we report the energetics and kinetics of hydrogen electrosorption on a graphene-covered Pt(111) electrode using electrochemical experiments, in situ spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The graphene overlayer influences the hydrogen adsorption on Pt(111) by shielding the ions from the interface and weakening the Pt–H bond energy. Analysis of the proton permeation resistance with controlled graphene defect density proves that the domain boundary defects and point defects are the pathways for proton permeation in the graphene layer, in agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the lowest energy proton permeation pathways. Although graphene blocks the interaction of anions with the Pt(111) surfaces, anions do adsorb near the defects: the rate constant for hydrogen permeation is sensitively dependent on anion identity and concentration.

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are a major health concern which requires promising drugs with appropriate drug delivery systems. The aim of the present study was development and characterization of curcumin-loaded coconut oil microemulsion (Cur-ME) and to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics performance. Initially, solubility study and emulsification study were performed for preliminary screening of the components. Pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed using selected components, and composition of Cur-ME was finalized. Furthermore, in vitro drug release in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic was performed. Results: The final formulation exhibited globule size less than 20 nm with PDI and zeta potential as 0.24 and −17 mV, respectively. The formulation showed more than 90% drug content with no signs of precipitation upon dilution and centrifugation. In vitro drug release revealed 2.12-fold improvement in dissolution. In vivo plasma pharmacokinetics of Cur-ME revealed twofolds and 2.48-fold improvement in AUC and Cmax, respectively, than that of Cur-Sol. In vivo pharmacokinetics in adult zebrafish revealed significant enhancement (p< 0.01) in curcumin delivery to the brain with 1.96-fold and 1.92-fold improvement in Cmax and AUC, respectively. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamics of the formulation was evaluated using trimethyl tin (TMT)-induced neurodegeneration in wistar rats. The results revealed that Cur-ME treated group significantly decreased the escape latency and pathlength as compared to the neurodegeneration control group. The observed effects were also markedly significant than Cur-Sol treated group. Further, the brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be increased significantly as compared to Cur-Sol treated group. Conclusion: The encouraging results exhibited by Cur-ME can be regarded as a mark of an effective formulation that can be used in neurodegeneration. Overall, these findings indicate that an orally delivered microemulsion has enormous potential for drug delivery to the brain.

Benzimidazoles and its derivatives are an important group of heterocyclic compounds that show a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiviral, antiulcer, anticonvulsant, antiinflammatory activities etc. These diverse biological applications of benzimidazole compounds have motivated new efforts in search for novel derivatives with improved biological activity and diverse applications in pharmaceutical industry. Outstanding to the importance of this structure, the aim of this review is to highlight aspects reported on the chemistry and biological activity of benzimidazoles during the past few years (2000-2013).

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cardioprotective activity of ellagic acid in doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of foam fractionation to recover Cr(VI) ions from simulation aqueous solution and tannery effluent. The effects of operation parameters, such as air flow rate, liquid pool height, feed concentration, surfactant concentration, pH of the feed, and feed flow rate on the separation characteristics were studied in the continuous operation. Enrichment ratios of 5.2 and 4.8 with percentage removal of 65% and 61% were achieved for the removal Cr6+ions from simulation aqueous solution and tannery effluent on the basis of optimization of parameters, respectively. As the optimized results, the air flow rate and liquid pool height were 0.1 lpm and 30 cm, feed concentration and surfactant concentration were 10 ppm and 0.1 % (w/v), pH of the feed was 6 and feed flow rate was 4 lph. The Cr(VI) concentration in the effluent was around 0.5 ppm which could meet the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS2490) wastewater discharge standards. Box–Behnken model and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to the experimental foam fractionation studies. Response surface method with three levels of variances was used in the identification of significant effects and interaction of the above mentioned six variables in the continuous foam fractionation studies. A second order polynomial regression model has been developed using experimental data. From the results it was found that the selected variables have a strong effect on the foam fractionation and also the experimental values were in good agreement with predicted values.

Alstonia scholaris(Family: Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant which has been indicated for the treatment of various diseases including arthritis in folklore medicine. The antiarthritic activity of the ethanolic extract of Alstonia scholarisleaves is reported. The present study was performed to establish the antiarthritic activity of the dichloromethane fraction (DCM) and to identify the constituent(s) responsible for the activity. DCM was tested for antiarthritic activity against Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic rats. Arthritis assessment, nociceptive threshold and body weight were measured. On day 28, plasma tumor necrosis factor α, synovial leukocyte concentration, synovial tissue myeloperoxide, malonaldehyde, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were determined. Effect of DCM on ethanol and sodium salicylate induced gastropathy was also studied. DCM was subjected to HPTLC analysis and the phytoconstituent was identified using marker. DCM significantly decreased the signs of arthritis evident with decreased arthritis index, body weight, TNF-α and leukocyte infiltration. DCM significantly reduced gastric lesion indices and gastric juice secretion. It also significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxide in the articular tissue, whereas significantly increased the antioxidant enzymes glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Moreover DCM was found to contain ursolic acid, which is one of the biomarkers indicated to have anti-inflammatory activity. The present study is suggestive that DCM has prominent antiarthritic activity which may be attributed to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The Ursolic acid may contribute the found antiarthritic activity in part or whole.

We present a communication which deals with some new methods to solve multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems based on Pythagorean neutrosophic normal interval-valued set (PNSNIVS). The Pythagorean neutrosophic interval-valued sets are based on further generalization of Pythagorean neutrosophic sets and interval-valued neutrosophic sets. Here we discuss about various aggregating operations that have been interpreted up to date. The focus of the article is to discuss a new notion of Pythagorean neutrosophic normal interval-valued weighted averaging (PNSNIVWA), Pythagorean neutrosophic normal interval-valued weighted geometric (PNSNIVWG), generalized Pythagorean neutrosophic normal interval-valued weighted averaging (GPNSNIVWA) and generalized Pythagorean neutrosophic normal interval-valued weighted geometric (GPNSNIVWG). Also, we obtain an algorithm that deals with the MADM problems based on these operators. We interact applicability of the Euclidean and hamming distance measures which are further extended in real life example. Finally, some important properties of these sets under various algebraic operations are to be elaborated in this communication.

In a perspective of stable industrial development to manufacture added consistent and economical industrial product, gears are ever more focus to requirements in terms of power capability, efficiency and compactness etc. In order to increase the performance factors of gears such as transmission capacity, efficiency, gear life, etc. is a difficult criteria for a design engineers as these are all progress in a conflicting behavior. This paper deals with the multi-objective optimization of spur gear drive design with two contradictory objective functions such as maximization of power transmission and minimization of volume of the gear drive. These objectives are approached by an optimization technique based on a Sheep Flocks Heredity Model Algorithm (SFHM) with design constraints like stress, center distance etc. A spur gear problem is solved with traditional trial method and results are compared with proposed algorithm.

Bioreactors are characterized by high nonlinearities and are often subjected to parameter uncertainties and disturbances. The control of such processes is often difficult to achieve with traditional linear control techniques. In the present work, a Fuzzy logic controller is designed in two versions to a Bioreactor which exhibits input multiplicities in dilution rate on productivity. Fuzzy controller and Fuzzy tuned PI controller is designed to translate the information obtained from the operator’s experiences for designing an automatic control system The Performance of proposed Fuzzy logic controller versions and conventional PI controller have been analyzed and evaluated. The two Fuzzy controller versions provide stable and faster responses than conventional PI controller. Thus, Fuzzy control is found to overcome the control problems of PI controller due to the input multiplicities near optimal productivity. It is interesting to note that the present fuzzy logic controller is giving superior performance. The process is tested with the MATLAB/SIMULINK and Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. The simulation results were presented which illustrate the validity of the method.

Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSCs), also called as photoelectrochemical cells, have the potential of commercial viability and are the most promising photovoltaic devices among the new generation of renewable energy systems. The dye used is responsible for the light harvesting efficiency and electron injection efficiency of the DSC. Vast amount of work has been done on the performance of DSCs with organic, inorganic and variety of dyes including natural dyes. Around 20% of the cost of the DSC is consumed by the dye. In attempts to reduce the cost of the DSC, natural dyes derived from leaves, fruits and flowers of plants have been used even though they obtained overall efficiency has reached only 3%. In this review article, the performances of the natural dye-sensitised solar cells extracted from earlier works are summarised and presented with due references.

Chemotherapeutic treatment of patients with cervical cancer cells often leads to severe side effects such as high drug toxicity to immune cells, poor penetration of chemotherapeutics across the blood, and lack of cancer selectivity. As a result, it is imperative to develop novel cancer treatment drugs that are free of side effects and toxicity. Hydrophobic-hydrophilic combinational anticancer medicines for chemotherapy have been recently introduced because they minimize multidrug resistance and side effects as a result of reduced dosage of each component in a drug and solubility in water increases. In this work, hydrophobic g-C3N4(GCN) nanosheets decorated with hydrophilic ZnO (ZN) nanoparticles were fabricated via a two-step self-assembly process. The synthesized ZN@GCN nanocomposites were subsequently characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High-resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for a crystal structure, functional group, surface morphology, elemental composition, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential analysis. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effects of synthesized ZN@GCN nanocomposites in a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) were tested by MTT assay. The experiments revealed dose and time-dependent considerable cytotoxicity activity of the nanocomposites in the growing cells, with an IC50value of 77.80 ± 2.75 μg/ml after 24 h incubation time. The apoptotic impact of ZN@GCN nanocomposite is achieved by the generation of free radicals; which potentially involves the disruption of mitochondrial membrane, cell damage, and DNA damage in HeLa cells. The amphiphilic ZN@GCN nanocomposite could be a promising anticancer drug, according to the observed properties and results obtained in our in vitro assay testing. Further research at the molecular level could point to its clinical promise in nanomedicine for the treatment of cervical cancer.

The 2,3-diphenyl-5,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine (DPDTTP) molecule is an organic molecule that is often used to produce photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes. The orientation of an organic semiconductor molecule at the metallic interface can affect the charge injection efficiency. The current study employed in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to examine the adsorption orientation of DPDTTP molecules on an ordered Au(111) electrode in 0.1 M HClO4, H2SO4, and HCl. DPDTTP molecules were found to irreversibly adsorbed onto the Au electrode from a 10 μM dosing solution. Molecular-resolution STM images were obtained to reveal their spatial structure as functions of the chemical identity of the supporting electrolyte, the atomic structure of the Au(111) substrate, and the potential control. Only the reconstructed Au(111) electrode afforded ordered DPDTTP adlattices between −0.1 and 0.4 V (vs Ag/AgCl) in HClO4and H2SO4, and the DPDTTP adlayer became more compact with more positive potential. In 0.1 M HCl, pre-adsorbed DPDTTP molecules on the Au(111) electrode were displaced by chloride anions at E> 0.2 V, as evidenced by a well-ordered hexagonal array with a nearest-neighbor spacing of 3.8 ± 0.1 Å. The DPDTTP admolecule desorbed at E< −0.1 V in all acids. High-quality STM images were acquired to reveal two kinds of molecular conformations, as also found in the bulk single crystal of DPDTTP. The prominent role of the reconstructed structure in guiding the formation of ordered DPDTTP structures was substantiated by examining DPDTTP adsorbed on the Au(100) electrode in HClO4.

L- Histidinium Perchlorate, a semi organic nonlinear optical material was grown by solution growth method. The absorption studies show minimum absorption in the entire visible region. The optical band gap (Eg) value of the grown crystal is obtained from the tauc’s plot of (αhν)2 vs hν which was determined by extrapolating the linear region of the curve to the hν axis where (αhν)2=0. Furthermore linear optical parameters such as Extinction coefficient, Reflectance, Refractive index, Complex dielectric constant and Optical conductivity are calculated and its variation with incident photon energy is analyzed. Second Harmonic Generating (SHG) efficiency of the candidate material was determined by Nd:YAG Q-switched laser Kurtz powder techinqe and its 3.19 times greater than KDP.

This paper proposes a genetic model to study the reliability optimisation in a Linear Consecutively Connected System (LCCS) by allocating M statistically independent Multi-state Elements with different characteristics to the first N positions. The system is reliable if the first position is connected with the (N + 1)th position. The reliability of LCCS is obtained using Universal Generating Function technique. The optimal allocation is obtained by means of Genetic Algorithm. In our work, for the one-to-one allocation, the Permutation Crossover is used, which reduces the complexity of the problem, and also yield better result.

Background: Aminoglycoside antibiotics, gentamicin (GM) owns the utmost nephrotoxic potential than other antibiotics from the same category. To the other side, diosgenin (DG) showed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property. Results: The present study was aimed to explore the nephroprotective effect of diosgenin on gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in Wistar rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): Normal control (NC), Nephrotoxicity control (GM), DG (20 mg/kg), DG (40 mg/kg), DG (80 mg/kg), accordingly. After the treatment, the nephroprotective effects of DG were assessed by measuring serum levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total proteins (TP), albumin and urea levels. Urine volume, proteins, electrolyte levels, creatinine clearance were also evaluated in urine samples. Oxidative stress was evaluated through the measurement of antioxidant stress markers in the kidney tissue. Changes in body weight and kidney weight were also recorded along with a histopathological examination of kidney sections. For evaluation of inflammation, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured in the blood serum using ELISA kits. GM intoxication induced elevated serum creatinine, BUN, urea, albumin and TP levels, urine electrolytes levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant parameters which were found to be decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner in rat groups received DG which was also evidenced by the histological observations. Conclusion: DG showed a significant nephroprotective effect in a dose-dependent manner by ameliorating the GM induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Design and statistical optimization of glipizide loaded lipospheres using response surface methodologyA 32factorial design was employed to produce glipizide lipospheres by the emulsification phase separation technique using paraffin wax and stearic acid as retardants. The effect of critical formulation variables, namely levels of paraffin wax (X1) and proportion of stearic acid in the wax (X2) on geometric mean diameter (dg), percent encapsulation efficiency (% EE), release at the end of 12 h (rel12) and time taken for 50% of drug release (t50), were evaluated using the F-test. Mathematical models containing only the significant terms were generated for each response parameter using the multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Both formulation variables studied exerted a significant influence (p< 0.05) on the response parameters. Numerical optimization using the desirability approach was employed to develop an optimized formulation by setting constraints on the dependent and independent variables. The experimental values of dg, % EE, rel12and t50values for the optimized formulation were found to be 57.54 ± 1.38 µm, 86.28 ± 1.32%, 77.23 ± 2.78% and 5.60 ± 0.32 h, respectively, which were in close agreement with those predicted by the mathematical models. The drug release from lipospheres followed first-order kinetics and was characterized by the Higuchi diffusion model. The optimized liposphere formulation developed was found to produce sustained anti-diabetic activity following oral administration in rats.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized clinically by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability due to progressive and selective loss of dopamine neurons in the ventral substantia nigra, with the presence of ubiquitinated protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the neurons. The pathoetiology of cell death in PD is incompletely understood and evidence implicates impaired mitochondrial complex I function, altered intracellular redox state, activation of proapoptotic factors and dysfunction of ubiquitinproteasome pathway. Now it is believed that genetic aberration, an environmental toxin or combination of both leads to a cascade of events culminating in the destruction of myelinated brainstem catecholaminergic neurons. Also the role of production of significant levels of abnormal proteins, which may misfold, aggregate and interfere with intracellular processes causing cytotoxicity has recently been hypothesized. In this article, the diverse pieces of evidence that have linked the various factors responsible for the pathophysiology of PD are reviewed with special emphasis to various candidate genes and proteins. Furthermore, the present therapeutic strategies and futuristic approaches for the pharmacotherapy of PD are critically discussed.

Migraine is characterized by attacks of intense pulsatile and throbbing headache, typically unilateral in nature with or without aura. Migraine affects a substantial fraction (10-20 %) of the world population (more women than men). With regard to the pathophysiology of migraine, several theories have been proposed; the major three are vascular (due to cerebral vasodilatation), neurological (abnormal neurological firing) and neurogenic dural inflammation (release of inflammatory neuropeptides). The drugs used to treat migraine can be divided into two groups: agents that abolish the acute migraine headache and agents aimed at prevention. The acutely acting antimigraine agents (5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists) stimulated research interest in the field of migraine. Currently prophylactic treatments for migraine include calcium channel blockers, 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, beta-adrenoceptor blockers and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) agonists. Unfortunately, many of these treatments are non-specific and not always effective. Despite progress, the complex etiology of migraine requires further research, the condition often remains undiagnosed and available therapies are underused. In this review, the evidence that linked the different theories of migraine with its pathophysiology is considered. Furthermore, the present therapeutic targets and future approaches for the acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine are critically evaluated.

The effect of the aqueous extract of Sapindus trifoliatus(ST) on chemical, thermal‐induced pain, nitroglycerin‐induced hyperalgesia and pain on inflamed tissue was investigated. The extract (20 and 100 mg kg−1, i.p.) significantly inhibited acetic‐acid‐induced abdominal constrictions, formalin‐induced pain licking and hotplate‐induced pain in mice. Furthermore, the extract significantly increased the response latencies of nitroglycerin‐induced hyperalgesia by the tail‐flick method and mechanical pain on carrageenan‐induced inflamed paw in rats. The data suggest that ST has an inhibitory activity on both peripheral and central pain mechanisms and has a modulatory role in NO‐mediated nociceptive transmission.

The effect of the aqueous extract of Sapindus trifoliatus(ST) on chemical, thermal-induced pain, nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia and pain on inflamed tissue was investigated. The extract (20 and 100 mg kg−1, i.p.) significantly inhibited acetic-acid-induced abdominal constrictions, formalin-induced pain licking and hotplate-induced pain in mice. Furthermore, the extract significantly increased the response latencies of nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia by the tail-flick method and mechanical pain on carrageenan-induced inflamed paw in rats. The data suggest that ST has an inhibitory activity on both peripheral and central pain mechanisms and has a modulatory role in NO-mediated nociceptive transmission.

An expression for reliability of K -out-of- N : G system is proposed. An algorithm for computing reliability of K -out-of- N system is given. It is an easy to implement, fast and memory efficient algorithm and helps to improve the computational efficiency considerably.

The proton magnetic resonance (PMR) spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times (T1 and T2) were measured in aqueous solutions of glycine and L-proline as a function of solute concentrations and at a temperature of 32°C. The relaxation times were measured using Bruker PC 120 NMR process analyser. The relaxation times were found to decrease with increase of solute concentrations. The results are interpreted on the basis of flickering cluster model and hydrogen bond formation between solute and solvent molecules.

The proton magnetic resonance (PMR) spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) were measured in aqueous solutions of glucose and sucrose. T1 was found to decrease with increase of sugar concentration. This result is interpreted as due to molecular association between sugar and water molecules. The relaxation times were also measured in aqueous solutions of alkali halides containing glucose and sucrose to study the influence of sugar on the relaxation times. The results are interpreted in terms of structure making and breaking properties of alkali ions.

Two germplasms of the tribal pulse,Mucuna monosperma Dc. ex Wight, viz., [1] Thirunelly Reserve Forest, Wynaad District (Kerala) and [2] Siruvani Reserve Forest, Coimbatore District (Tamilnadu), were analysed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, seed protein fractionation, amino acid composition, fatty acids, minerals and antinutritional factors. Crude proteins, crude lipids, ash and nitrogen free extractives constituted 23.10%, 4.36%, 3.80%, 61.74%, respectively, in Tamilnadu germplasm; whereas, in Kerala germplasm they constituted 20.13%, 8.99%, 3.60% and 61.69%, respectively. The calorific values of 100 g dry matter of seed material are 408.19 KCal (Kerala) and 378.60 KCal (Tamilnadu) germplasms. Essential amino acids like methionine, cystine, threonine and valine were found to be limiting in the seed proteins of both the germplasms. The fatty acids like lauric acid and palmitic acid are found to be common in both the germplasm seed samples, while linoleic and oleic acids in Kerala germplasm and stearic acid in Tamilnadu germplasm are present. The Tamilnadu germplasm seems to be a rich source of sodium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron; whereas the Kerala germplasm seems to be a rich source of phosphorus. Antinutritional substances like total free phenols, tannins, L-DOPA, trypsin inhibitor activity and phytohaemagglutinating activity also were investigated.

The 2-methylglutamic acid (2M) analogue was generally inactive in electrophysiological experiments and had generally worse functional activity. The low functional activity obtained with 2M would not be determined by only α substitution or C methylation, since the extensive biological studies of α,α‘-dialkyl cyclic analogues of glutamic acid containing a cyclohexane and a cyclopentane ring or β- or γ-methylated glutamic acid analogues with linear flexible systems have indicated interesting properties. A conformational analysis by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling of 2M was undertaken in aqueous solution to identify the preferred solution conformations and to understand whether its different biological activities would be due to structural differences. The preferred conformation of the 2M molecule is the sterically favored one Ca, corresponding to a large “W” between the methyl and the carboxylate groups mixed with Aa showing a large zig−zag alkylamine chain ending in a carboxylate group, or Ba, corresponding to a large “W” between the amino and the carboxylate groups.

The 2-methylglutamic acid (2M) analogue was generally inactive in electrophysiological experiments and had generally worse functional activity. The low functional activity obtained with 2Mwould not be determined by only substitution or C methylation, since the extensive biological studies of ,‘-dialkyl cyclic analogues of glutamic acid containing a cyclohexane and a cyclopentane ring or - or -methylated glutamic acid analogues with linear flexible systems have indicated interesting properties. A conformational analysis by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling of 2Mwas undertaken in aqueous solution to identify the preferred solution conformations and to understand whether its different biological activities would be due to structural differences. The preferred conformation of the 2Mmolecule is the sterically favored one Ca, corresponding to a large “W” between the methyl and the carboxylate groups mixed with Aa showing a large zig−zag alkylamine chain ending in a carboxylate group, or Ba, corresponding to a large “W” between the amino and the carboxylate groups.