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In this article, we use a factorial design of experiments to develop a three-way relationship between the 3-D printing parameters, the microstructural characteristics, and the hysteresis loss of binder jet printed iron silicon. Subsequent analysis of variance is used to validate the hypotheses between the printing process input factors and the output factors. The input factors in this work include the sintering temperature, the addition of boron, and the silicon content in the starting powder. The magnetic output factors of the printed iron silicon include the intrinsic coercivity and the hysteresis loss per cycle, which are extracted via the use of quasi-static magnetic characterization. Additionally, ac magnetic characterization is used to extract the total iron loss of the binder jet printed silicon. The microstructural output factors are extracted via the use of optical microscope. The established relationship can be used to reduce hysteresis loss in binder jet printed iron silicon.

A fast, simple and valued method is developed to observe the quality and quantity of different pharmaceutical brands of cefixime. A spectrophotometric method has been developed for analysis of cefixime (CFX) by reacting with 4-dimethylamino benzaldehyde (DAB) as derivatizing agent. The molar absorptivity of CFX-DAB, newly synthesized derivative was calculated as 3.2 x 105 L.mole-1cm-1 and λ maximum was 393 nm. The calibration curve was developed in range of 5-25 µg.mL-1as this concentration followed beers law. The derivatization reaction is stable and didn’t show any difference in absorbance with radiation interaction for up to one day. The percentage recovery of CFX was checked and calculated in different pharmaceuticals was within 95 to 99.5% with RSD value calculated in between RSD 0.69-0.96% (n=3), respectively. This newly developed and validated procedure was proved to be accurate and precise for the analysis of CFX. This method was successfully applied to check amount of CFX from 7 different brands of pharmaceutical preparations commercially available in Pakistan.

This study focuses on the conversion of groundnut shell into activated carbons via chemical activation using H3PO4, ZnCl2 and KOH. 100 g of groundnut shell was used for activation at 1:1 impregnation ratio (feedstock to the activating agent). The yield (wt%) of activated carbon was in the range of 87–90 wt%. Highest BET surface area was obtained for KOH activated carbon sample (691.69 m2/g). In line with this, methylene blue number was higher in case of KOH activated carbon sample (332.20 mg/g) as compared to H3PO4 (270.20 mg/g) and ZnCl2 (291.20 mg/g) samples. Thermo-gravimetric analysis reveals that all activated carbon samples were thermal stable up to ~ 850 °C. FTIR spectrum shows appearances of minor functional groups in the activated carbons.

Hijacking of host metabolic status by a pathogen for its regulated dissemination from the host is prerequisite for the propagation of infection. M. tuberculosis secretes an NAD+-glycohydrolase, TNT, to induce host necroptosis by hydrolyzing Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Herein, we expressed TNT in macrophages and erythrocytes; the host cells for M. tuberculosis and the malaria parasite respectively, and found that it reduced the NAD+ levels and thereby induced necroptosis and eryptosis resulting in premature dissemination of pathogen. Targeting TNT in M. tuberculosis or induced eryptosis in malaria parasite interferes with pathogen dissemination and reduction in the propagation of infection. Building upon our discovery that inhibition of pathogen-mediated host NAD+ modulation is a way forward for regulation of infection, we synthesized and screened some novel compounds that showed inhibition of NAD+-glycohydrolase activity and pathogen infection in the nanomolar range. Overall this study highlights the fundamental importance of pathogen-mediated modulation of host NAD+ homeostasis for its infection propagation and novel inhibitors as leads for host-targeted therapeutics.

Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease (AD) is an irreversible and chronic neurological disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. The research study was designed to investigate the underlying molecular signaling involved in the neuroprotective effects of cyclopentanone derivative i.e., 2-(hydroxyl-(3-nitrophenyl)methyl)cyclopentanone (3NCP) as a therapeutic agent for AD. In this study, In vivo studies were carried out on a well-known 5xFAD mice model using different behavioural test models such as open field, rotarod, Morris water maze (MWM), and Y-maze tests. Furthermore, in vitro cholinesterase inhibition activity assays were carried out. The frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus (HC) homogenates were tested for the levels/activities of cholinesterases, glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase. Furthermore, the hippocampal expression of inflammatory cytokines was observed via RT-PCR and western blot. The results of in vivo studies show an enhancement in the learning behavior. The 3NCP treatment reduced latency time in MWM and Y-maze tests, also increase spontaneous alternation indicate significant effect of 3NCP on memory. Furthermore, open field and rotarod studies revealed that 3NCP does not cause motor coordination deficit. The results of the in vitro studies revealed that the IC50 values of the 3NCP against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were 16.17 and 20.51 &micro, g/mL, respectively. This decline in AChE and BChE was further supported by ex vivo studies. Further, the 3NCP mitigates the GSH level, GST, and catalase activities in HC and FC. The mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1&beta, IL-6, TNF-&alpha, ) markedly declined in RT-PCR and western blotting. The results of the current study conclusively demonstrate that 3NCP reduces oxidative stress and mitigates neuroinflammation in 5xFAD mice, implying that 3NCP may be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD treatment in the future.

Oxidative fast pyrolysis of sawdust was performed in a pilot scale fluidized bed system (3 kg/h) under stabilized experimental conditions (0.20 equivalence ratio and 550 °C). Experiments were performed in non-catalytic and catalytic (ZSM-5) mode. During non-catalytic fast pyrolysis, bio-oil (∼38 wt%), bio-char (∼12 wt%) and pyro-gas (∼50 wt%) were obtained; in contrast, for catalytic fast pyrolysis bio-oil, bio-char and pyro-gas yields were ∼44 wt%, ∼4 wt% and ∼52 wt% respectively. The obtained bio-oil was characterized through CHNSO, NMR (1H and 13C NMR), FT-IR and GC–MS techniques. GC–MS analysis of the bio-oil shows it is a mixture of ∼21 chemical compounds. Furthermore, NMR (1H and 13C NMR) and FT-IR results indicates presence of hydrocarbon, alcohol, phenol and aldehyde in the bio-oil. The TGA of bio-char shows that it is stable up to 950 °C. The activation energies (Ea) of sawdust and bio-char are found to be 112.3 kJ/mol and 46.92 kJ/mol respectively. FT-IR analysis of bio-char clearly revealed removal of functionalized organic compounds during devolatilization of sawdust. In addition, GC analysis of pyro-gas suggests that it is a mixture of N2 (35.55 vol%), CO (34.49 vol%), CO2 (16.80 vol%), H2 (4.54 vol%), O2 (4.25 vol%), and CH4 (4.41 vol%).

Squeezability of biconcave RBC raises a fundamental query, about, how it can restructure its bendable cytoskeleton for efficient micro-circulation. We report for the first time, the existence of dynamic palmitoylome in RBC composed of 118 palmitoylated proteins that reduced to 42 upon treatment with 2BP, a generic inhibitor of palmitoylation. In-depth analysis revealed that Semaphorin7A, CR1 and ABCB6, the known RBC receptors forP. falciparumwere reduced to negligible in 2BP-treated RBCs, suggesting palmitoylation-dependent recruitment of parasite-specific receptors. Interestingly, Kell, a single disulphide-linked co-partner in Kell-Kx complex was undetected in 2BP-treated RBCs, while Kx remained intact. RBCs-blocked with anti-Kell antibody demonstrated signficant reduction in parasite invasion, thus suggesting it as a receptor proto-type forP. falciparuminvasion. Finally, reduced expression of Kell in palmitoylated protein pool of sickle-cell RBC ghost, with its diminished surface representation in these RBCs, proposed Kell, as one of the novel receptor-prototype forP. falciparuminvasion.

CO2-O2 based underground coal gasification (UCG) is a promising technology for exploiting deep coal seams using a greenhouse gasification agent. High molecular weight hydrocarbons, aromatics, tar etc. in the form of volatile matters in a coal seam possess a significant calorific value. During UCG, these components get evolved as vapours and leave the coal seam without undergoing significant cracking and reforming reactions. As a consequence, a substantial amount of tar is produced along with syngas stream. Alternatively, a novel result of the present study shows that tar-CO2 based dry reforming reactions are catalysed by the pyrolysed carbon zones in the borehole at low temperatures and, these reactions enhanced the calorific value of syngas under a CO2 reactive atmosphere. In continuation of our earlier studies, a detailed experimental study is carried out under single and two stage gasification methods using a typical high ash (42% ash) Indian coal and a low ash (4% ash) North East Indian coal. The effect of feed gas flow rate, molar feed ratio and inherent ash content of the coals on the product gas composition is studied. The results show that two stage gasification of high ash coal produces a medium calorific syngas in the order of 189 kJ/mol, which is equivalent to the heating value of a steam-O2 based UCG syngas. Further, the present study shows that a syngas with a high calorific value of 265 kJ/mol can be produced using the low ash coal under two stage gasification mode. Also, the single stage gasification of low ash coal shows the feasibility of producing a syngas with a medium calorific value of 250 kJ/mol.

The aim of this work was to develop a polyelectrolyte complex-based hemostatic dressing made from chitosan and polygalacturonic acid. Porous dressings were fabricated by ultrasonication of chitosan and alginate solutions followed by freeze-drying. Since chitosan has inherent hemostatic properties, and polygalacturonic acid is anti-inflammatory in nature, it was desired to combine these two polymers to develop an effective hemostatic dressing, which may also promote wound healing. Porous structure of the bandages was observed using field-emission scanning electron microscope. Blood clotting behavior was studied using whole blood clotting assay. Plasma recalcification time, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time were also determined to study the mechanism of clotting. The dressings were found to accelerate clotting rates and showed increased thrombin activity with an increase in chitosan concentration.

Oxidizing/gasifying agents play an essential role in the economy of underground coal gasification (UCG). The selection of feed gases to UCG depends on the prevailing conditions and inherent properties of a coal seam. Steam based UCG operation would lead to transportation and operational difficulty for efficient gasification. Alternatively, CO2 gas is a potential gasifying medium for coal gasification and this option would ensure the reutilization of waste CO2 gas in a UCG operation. Thus, in the present study, borehole coal combustion and gasification experiments are carried out to simulate CO2 enhanced UCG system using a low ash coal originating from the Northeast region of India. UCG experiments are simulated in a laboratory scale using CO2/O2 gases and the results are compared with pure oxygen and oxygen enriched air based UCG operation. The composition and calorific value of syngas are analysed for various gasifying agents. The CO2/O2 borehole experimental studies show that a CO enriched product gas (∼40 vol.%) can be generated under dried coal seam conditions. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) studies show that the rate of pyrolysis is higher under a CO2 atmosphere as compared to N2 atmosphere. Further, the TGA results show that the generated CO2 pyrolysis products led to substantial char gasification even at low temperatures. The reactivity of tar with CO2 enhanced the calorific value of the product gas due to dry reforming reactions. Also, the presence of suitable inorganic species in the coal progressed the CO2 gasification through ash catalysis.

O 2 /CO 2 based underground coal gasification (UCG) is a promising clean coal technology for the exploitation of deep underground coal resources with a minimal difficulty of the operation. However, the generated syngas of the underground is enriched with carbon monoxide and it should be converted into a clean gas on the above ground for the end use. In the present study, a clean mode of power generation is proposed using the CO enriched UCG syngas. Firstly, the UCG gas is reformed into pure hydrogen using chemical looping reforming (CLR) method. Secondly, the pure hydrogen obtained from CLR process is used suitably to generate electric power in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. Hence, carbon energy is converted into hydrogen energy through the CLR technique and this clean gas is efficiently transformed into electrical energy using the PEMFC system. A net efficiency for converting CO enriched gas into H 2 through conventional system using water gas shifting reactors is evaluated and compared with the CLR system. An energy analysis of O 2 /CO 2 based UCG integrated with CLR-PEMFC shows 43.6% net efficiency with carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The use of injectable hydrogels is currently restricted by the challenge of achieving fast gelation, good mechanical strength, and cytocompatibility. Polymeric self-assembly is a potent tool for generating functional materials that combine multiple characteristics and can react to external factors. In this study, we have developed fiber-reinforced composite hydrogels that exhibits significantly enhanced mechanical strength, reduced gelling time, and excellent cytocompatibility. The practicability of developing a chitosan-based thermogelling solution using hydroxyapatite and polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) self-assembled fibers were evaluated. The effect of βGP concentration on gelation time was studied by varying the concentration of βGP added to the chitosan solution. Various combinations were tested to create a suitable hydrogel environment for cell encapsulation, growth, and proliferation at physiological pH and temperature. Determination of Young modulus revealed that PEC fibers reinforced hydrogel was three times stiffer than chitosan-βGP gels. The gelation time was reduced to 3 min, and the hydrogels had porous structures and gels at physiological pH, temperature, and showed >80% viability for MTT assay to MG63 cells. Moreover, confocal imaging of PEC fiber reinforced hydrogels showed noticeable viability and proliferation. The molecular interactions between gelling agents, polyelectrolytes, and hydroxyapatite were studied using FTIR. We investigated interfacial bonding between PEC fibers with βGP, NaHCO3, and HAp. The combination of hydroxyapatite and polymer self-assembly technique improved the efficiency of injectable hydrogels that are helpful in minimally invasive applications.

Background Jasmintides jS1 and jS2 from Jasminum sambac were previously identified as a novel family of cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) with an unusual disulfide connectivity. However, very little else is known about jasmintides, particularly their molecular diversity and functions. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel suite of jasmintides from J. sambac using transcriptomic, peptidomic, structural and functional tools. Results Transcriptomic analysis of leaves, flowers and roots revealed 14 unique jasmintide precursors, all of which possess a three-domain architecture comprising a signal peptide, a pro-domain and a mature jasmintide domain. Peptidomic analysis, using fractionated mixtures of jasmintides and chemical derivatization of cysteine to pseudolysine, trypsin digestion and MS/MS sequencing, revealed an additional 86 jasmintides, some of which were post-translationally modified. NMR analysis showed that jasmintide jS3 has three anti-parallel β-strands with a three-disulfide connectivity of CysI−CysV, CysII−CysIV and CysIII−CysVI, which is similar to jasmintide jS1. Jasmintide jS3 was able to withstand thermal, acidic and enzymatic degradation and, importantly, exhibited antifeedant activity against mealworm Tenebrio molitor. Conclusion Together, this study expands the existing library of jasmintides and furthers our understanding of the molecular diversity and cystine framework of CRPs as scaffolds and tools for engineering peptides targeting pests. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12870-018-1361-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Carbohydrate backbone-based polysaccharide biomaterials have been the current research target in the field of material science and engineering. Polysaccharides constitute an important component of life matter and exhibit excellent characteristics such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, which are the typical features of polymers application as biomaterials. The interest toward polysaccharides as biomaterials is increasing continuously during the past decade owing to their applications in pharmaceuticals, biomedical use, food supplements, and cosmetics. This chapter introduces the aspects of natural polysaccharides as biomaterials and their applications. Polymeric biomaterials obtained from diverse origins are given, and their main properties and structure are summarized along with their chemically modified derivatives. Currently, widely used polysaccharides in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications are chitin and its derivative chitosan, alginate, and hyaluronan. Alginate from seaweeds are acknowledged for their superior gel-forming properties with divalent counterions like calcium, barium, etc. Gellan and xanthan are from the bacterial source. Carrageenan is derived from seaweed. It forms a unique thermoreversible gel and is widely used to encapsulate different materials. Chitin is derived from crustacean shells and chitosan is made from chitin. Other advancements include the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes, which are produced by mixing an anionic polysaccharide with a cationic polysaccharide. An important advancement in the applications of polysaccharide in recent years to polysaccharide structure in the human body in relation to their intrinsic properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility opens interest toward polysaccharides involving biomaterials science in the way. They are renewable in nature and have wide physical properties and are easy to fabricate into different forms such as capsules, beads, films, and fibers.

We report here the self-assembled structures of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of polyanionic sodium alginate with the polycationic chitosan at room temperature. The PECs prepared at different pH values exhibited two distinct morphologies. The chitosan-alginate PECs self-assembled into the fibrous structure in a low pH range of pH3 to 7. The PECs obtained at high pH series around pH8 and above resulted in the formation of colloidal nanoparticles in the range of 120±9.48nm to 46.02±16.66nm. The zeta potential measurement showed that PECs prepared at lower pH (pH

The integrated effect of bio-methanated distillery effluent (BMDE), bio-compost and FYM as a source of plant nutrients and their effect on soil properties, nutrient uptake, juice quality and sugarcane yield were investigated. The BMDE, bio-compost and FYM were characterized. The treatments consisted of substitution of K2O through bio-methanated distillery effluent @ 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of BMDE, bio-compost and FYM (@ 20 t ha−1) with recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The cane yield increased significantly 2.6, 6.4, 20.4, 23.3, 17.2, 9.8 %, respectively with the application of BMDE, bio-compost and FYM over control. The uptake of nutrient, viz., N, P and K followed the similar trend of cane yield. The highest cane yield (BO 137) was recorded (72.13 t ha−1) in treatment receiving 100 % K2O replacement through BMDE and lowest (58.50 t ha−1) in control. The result also indicated that integrated use of BMDE along with inorganic potassium was superior to other treatments improving cane yield. The quality of juice, viz., sucrose and purity remains unaffected. However, commercial cane sugar significantly increased in all the treatments over control. The application of different doses of BMDE and bio-compost @ 20 t ha−1 significantly increased the EC, organic carbon and available N, P2O5 and K2O content of soil over control (recommended dose). They also enriched the soil organic matter which improved the physical properties of soil especially the water transmission characteristic of soil. Hydraulic conductivity, infiltration and soil aggregation increased significantly due to application of bio-compost and BMDE. The soil aggregation increased and bulk density decreased with increasing levels of BMDE. The K content of post harvest soil increased substantially in BMDE and bio-compost treated plots. The application of BMDE and bio-compost brings remarkable changes in the properties of soil and thus enhance the fertility of soil and productivity of sugarcane significantly.

Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) are natural products with privileged peptidyl structures that represent a potentially rich source of bioactive compounds. Here, the discovery and characterization of a novel plant CRP family, jasmintides from Jasminum sambac of the Oleaceae family, are described. Two 27-amino acid jasmintides (jS1 and jS2) were identified at the gene and protein levels. Disulfide bond mapping of jS1 by mass spectrometry and its confirmation by NMR spectroscopy revealed disulfide bond connectivity of C-1-C-5, C-2-C-4, and C-3-C-6, a cystine motif that has not been reported in plant CRPs. Structural determination showed that jS1 displays a well-defined structure framed by three short antiparallel β-sheets. Genomic analysis showed that jasmintides share a three-domain precursor arrangement with a C-terminal mature domain preceded by a long pro-domain of 46 residues and an intron cleavage site between the signal sequence and pro-domain. The compact cysteine-rich structure together with an N-terminal pyroglutamic acid residue confers jasmintides high resistance to heat and enzymatic degradation, including exopeptidase treatment. Collectively, these results reveal a new plant CRP structure with an unusual cystine connectivity, which could be useful as a scaffold for designing peptide drugs. Accepted version