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The accelerated use of an industrial dye (malachite green (MG)) has led to serious deterioration of water bodies. Although, several water treatment methods have been investigated for MG removal, but they are either costly or produce several byproducts. To address these issues, the present research demonstrates the application of reusable iron-cobalt (Fe-Co) core-shell nanospheres against MG removal from water, using batch adsorption and membrane filtration technique. During batch adsorption, almost complete MG removal (99.8%) was observed against significantly high dye concentration (150 ppm) and the maximum adsorption capacity achieved was 270.27 mg g−1. Furthermore, the adsorbent exhibited excellent reusability up to five consecutive cycles. For membrane filtration studies, remarkable MG dye removal efficiency (97%) was achieved through M-0.1 membrane (containing 0.1% Fe-Co loading) along with outstanding water flux rate (214.73 L/m2 h). Additionally, a multi-cycle filtration test for M-0.1 membrane demonstrated high stability in MG dye separation performance and permeate flux throughout three consecutive cycles. All findings confirm the outstanding potential and financial feasibility of Fe-Co nanospheres in the removal of MG dye for both batch adsorption as well as membrane filtration processes. • Fe-Co core shell nanospheres were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method. • Excellent batch adsorption capacity was witnessed owing to the core shell structure of synthesized nanospheres. • 99.8% removal of malachite green (MG) dye from water was achieved. • Excellent reusability up to five consecutive cycles. • Cross flow membrane filtration also resulted in successful removal (97%) of MG dye from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iXRD is the primary science payload on Sharjah-Sat-1, a 3U CubeSat expected to be launched in Q4, 2022. Its main scientific goal is monitoring bright hard X-ray sources and transients in 20 - 200 keV band. The iXRD consists of a CdZnTe crystal (6.45 cm2 area, 5 mm thickness), a Tungsten collimator with square holes with an opening angle of 4.26∘, readout and control electronics and power supply circuitry, a back-shield and mechanical structures. Some of the design elements of iXRD have been inherited from the XRD on BeEagleSat with significant improvements in terms of collecting area, X-ray background and electronic noise. In this article, the design of the iXRD is discussed in detail taking into account mechanical, electronic, control software and data handling aspects. Its expected performance is determined after ground calibration. Depending on the pixel size, the energy resolution is 4 - 7 keV at 60 keV and the minimum detectable energy is 19 - 23 keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)s are increasingly regarded as promising environmentally benign power sources. Heterocyclic molecules are commonly used in the proton conducting membranes as dopant or polymer side group due to their high proton transfer ability. In this study, 5-(methacrylamido)tetrazole monomer, prepared by the reaction of methacryloyl chloride with 5-aminotetrazole, was polymerized via conventional free radical mechanism to achieve poly(5-(methacrylamido)tetrazole) homopolymer. Novel composite membranes, SPSU-PMTetX, were successfully produced by incorporating sulfonated polysulfone (SPSU) into poly(5-(methacrylamido)tetrazole) (PMTet). The sulfonation of polysulfone was performed with trimethylsilyl chlorosulfonate and high degree of sulfonation (140%) was obtained. The homopolymers and composite membranes have been characterized by NMR, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). 1H-NMR and FTIR confirmed the sulfonation of PSU and the ionic interaction between sulfonic acid and poly(5-(methacrylamido)tetrazole) units. TGA showed that the polymer electrolyte membranes are thermally stable up to ∼190°C. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated the homogeneity of the membranes. This result was also supported by the appearance of a single Tg in the DSC curves of the blends. Water uptake and proton conductivity measurements were, as well, carried out. Methanol permeability measurements showed that the composite membranes have similar methanol permeability values with Nafion 112. The maximum proton conductivity of anhydrous SPSU-PMTet0.5 at 150°C was determined as 2.2 × 10−6 S cm−1 while in humidified conditions at 20°C a value of 6 × 10−3 S cm−1 was found for SPSU-PMTet2. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40107. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, acid-base complex pair polymer electrolyte membranes on sulfonated polysulfone with 1H-benzotriazole were investigated. Polysulfone was sulfonated in 1,2-dichloroethane using the homogeneous method with trimethylsilyl chlorosulfonate as sulfonating agent. The monomer mole ratio between polysulfone and trimethysilyl chlorosulfonate was 1:1.5. The sulfonated polysulfone was added with 1H-benzotriazole at mole ratios of x = 0.5 and x =1. The proton transfer from 1H-benzotriazole to the sulfonated polysulfone was measured using FTIR. Thermo-gravimetry analysis showed that the samples were thermally stable up to approximately 250°C and the maximum proton conductivity was found to be 3.34 x 10-4 S cm-1 at 150°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Anhydrous polymer electrolytes based on azole functional methacrylates and methacrylamides have been produced for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Poly(methacryloyl chloride) (PMAC) was prepared first by free-radical polymerization of methacryloyl chloride, followed by side chain functionalization with 5-aminotetrazole (ATet), 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATri) and 1H-1,2,4-triazole (Tri). Finally, the obtained polymers were doped with triflic acid (TA) at stoichometric ratios of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 with respect to azole units, and the anhydrous polymer electrolytes were obtained. The membranes were characterized by FT-IR, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis. Thermal behaviour of polymers was explored by TGA and DSC. The samples were thermally stable up to approximately 200 oC. Proton conductivity was measured by impedance spectroscopy. Trifilic acid doped poly(methacryloyl aminotetrazole) (PMAATet-(TA)4), poly(methacryloyl-3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) (PMA-Tri-(TA)4), and poly(methacryloyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PMA-ATri-(TA)4) showed maximum proton conductivities of 0.01 Scm−1, 0.02 Scm−1 and 8.7x10−4 Scm−1, respectively, at 150°C and anhydrous conditions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39915. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymer electrolytes based on 5-(methacrylamido)tetrazole (MTet) and vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) are prepared. The obtained copolymers are analyzed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differantial scanning calorimetry (DSC), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), elemental analysis (EA), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and impedance spectroscopy. The morphology of the copolymers is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest proton conductivity is obtained as 0.01 S/cm at 150 °C and in anhydrous conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphonic acid functional polymers are currently of interest because of their high proton conductivity in humidified and anhydrous systems. In addition, heterocyclic compounds are used in anhydrous proton conducting polymer membranes. In that study, a new copolymer based on 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole (VTri) and diisopropyl- p-vinylbenzyl phosphonate (VBP) was synthesized, and their thermal, chemical, and proton conducting properties were investigated. The copolymers were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of the corresponding monomers at several monomer feed ratios to obtain P(VTri-co-VBP) copolymers. The copolymer samples were then hydrolyzed to produce poly(vinyl triazole-co-vinyl phosphonic acid) copolymers. The composition of the copolymers was determined by elemental analysis. The copolymerization and hydrolysis reactions were verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ion exchange capacity measurements. Thermogravimetry analysis indicates that the copolymers are thermally stable up to 300°C. In order to increase the proton conductivity, the copolymers were doped with H3PO4 at several stoichometric ratios. The proton conductivity increases with triazole and phosphoric acid content. In the absence of humidity, the copolymer electrolyte, P(VTri-co-VBPA)1:0.5 X = 2, showed a proton conductivity of 0.005 S/cm at 150°C. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As proton-conducting polymers, phosphonic acid functional polymers are commonly preferred due to their high proton conductivity in humidified and anhydrous systems. In this work, a new copolymer based on 4-vinyl benzene boronic acid (VBBA) and vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) is synthesized and then boronic acid groups are grafted with polyethylene glycol methyl ether to produce more-flexible materials. The reactions are verified by FTIR spectroscopy and thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DSC). The P content of the samples is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of the copolymers is measured and compared with the P content. The proton conductivity is investigated in both humidified conditions and the anhydrous state. In 50% humidity, P(VBBA- co-VPA)1:0.5 shows a proton conductivity of 5.3 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the synthesis, thermal and proton conducting properties of copolymers based on 4-vinylbenzeneboronic acid (VBBA) and 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole (VTri) were investigated. The copolymers were produced by free-radical copolymerization of the corresponding monomers at several monomer feed compositions to obtain copolymers which were abbreviated as P(VBBA-co-VTri). The copolymer samples were doped with HPO at several stoichiometric ratios to obtain proton conductive copolymer electrolytes. The composition of the copolymers was also determined by elemental analysis. The structure of the copolymer and the electrolytes were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy. The thermal properties were investigated by TGA which confirmed that the materials are stable up to at least 150 °C. In the absence of humidity, the copolymer electrolyte, P(VBBA-co-VTri)1:2 X = 3 has a proton conductivity of 6 × 10 S/cm at 120 °C. Cyclic voltammetry results demonstrated that the stability window of P(VBBA-co-VTri) is 4 V. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New type of composite membranes were synthesized by crosslinking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and intercalating poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVTri) into the resulting matrix. The complexed structure of the membranes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The resulting hybrid membranes were transparent, flexible, and showed good thermal stability up to ∼200°C. The proton conductivities of the membranes were investigated as a function of PVTri and SSA and operating temperature. The water/methanol uptake was measured and the results showed that solvent absorption of the materials increased with increasing PVTri content in the matrix. The proton conductivity of the membranes continuously increased with increasing SO3H content, PVTri content, and the temperature. In the anhydrous state, the maximum proton conductivity is 7.7 × 10−5 S/cm for PVA-SSA-PVTri-1 and for PVA-SSA-PVTri-3 is 1.6 × 10−5 S/cm at 150°C. After humidification (RH = 100%), PVA-SSA-PVTri-4 showed a maximum proton conductivity of 0.0028 S/cm at 60°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dexmedetomidine has been reported to produce analgesia after intrathecal administration. In the present study the 2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine was evaluated for its potential spinal neurotoxic effects. Material and Methods: Three days after intrathecal cannulation, rats were administered either dexmedetomidine (3 µg/30 µL, i.t.) or saline (30 µL, i.t.). Antinociceptive, sedative and motor effects of intrathecal administrations of dexmedetomidine or saline were evaluated during 90 min. The tail-flick and hot plate tests were used to assess the thermal nociceptive threshold. Seven days after drug administration, animals were sacrified and spinal cords were evaluated for histopathological changes by light microscopy. Results: Dexmedetomidine administered intrathecally produced antinociception. Antinociception was accompanied by immediate sedation and loss of placing-stepping reflexes that lasted over 40 min in all dexmedetomidine administered rats. In all rats, microscopic examination revealed mild gliosis and minimal infiltration of inflamatory r cells in posterior white matter. Mild (total score 4-6) histopathologic lesions were seen in four animals in dexmedetomidine adminisered rats, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the saline administered rats. Conclusion: We observed that intrathecal injections of dexmedetomidine at the dose of 3 µg/30 µL produce antinociception but did not cause any histopathological sign of injury in the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tianeptine is an unusual tricyclic antidepressant drug. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of tianeptine on visceral pain in rats and to determine whether possible antinociceptive effect of tianeptine is mediated by serotonergic (5-HT2,3) and noradrenergic (α1,2) receptor subtypes. Male Sprague Dawley rats (250–300g) were supplied with a venous catheter, for drug administrations, and enameled nichrome electrodes, for electromyography, at external oblique musculature. Colorectal distension (CRD) was employed as the noxious visceral stimulus and the visceromotor response (VMR) to CRD was quantified electromyographically before and 5, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120min after tianeptine administration. Antagonists were administered 10min before tianeptine for their ability to change tianeptine antinociception. Intravenous administration of tianeptine (2.5–20mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent reduction in VMR. Administration of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.5, 1 and 2mg/kg), but not 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserine (0.5, 1 and 2mg/kg), reduced the antinociceptive effect of tianeptine (10mg/kg). In addition, administration of α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (1mg/kg) or α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (1mg/kg) did not cause any significant effect on the tianeptine-induced antinociception. Our data indicate that intravenous tianeptine exerts a pronounced antinociception against CRD-induced visceral pain in rats, and suggests that the antinociceptive effect of tianeptine appears to be mediated in part by 5-HT3 receptors, but does not involve 5-HT2 receptors or α-adrenoceptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, we communicate on the synthesis, characterization, and ionic conductivity of a series of novel crosslinked inorganic-organic gel polymer electrolytes. These crosslinked polymers were prepared by the modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the presence of borane-tetrahydrofuran (BH3/THF) complex. During crosslinking, the polymer was doped with lithium trifluoromethane-sulfonate (CF3SO3Li) salt. Molecular weight of both PVA and PEG was varied, and the concentration of Li-salt was arranged for the ratio of lithium atoms to ether oxygen atoms. Boron-containing polymer electrolytes were produced and abbreviated as PVA1PEGX-Y and PVA2PEGX-Y. The reaction of PEG with PVA and the interaction of Li+ ions with EO units were confirmed by FTIR. Thermal stability of these materials was measured with thermogravimetric analysis, and thermal behaviors were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The ionic conductivity of these novel polymer electrolytes was studied by dielectric-impedance spectroscopy. Li-ion conductivity of these crosslinked polymer electrolytes depends on the length of the side units as well as the doping ratio. The maximum ionic conductivity was measured as 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an attempt to produce azole functional proton conductors, organic electrolytes with triazole and tetrazole functional groups were synthesized via substitution reaction of 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride with aminotriazole and aminotetrazole. The samples were doped with triflic acid with molar ratios of 0.25 and 0.50. FTIR, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and elemental analysis were used to characterize the resulting materials. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the samples are thermally stable up to 150 °C. The effect of acid doping on proton conductivity was investigated with impedance spectrometer. Both pure samples and the doped ones revealed high proton conductivity. In anhydrous conditions (TMA)-TriTA and TMA-TetTA have proton conductivities of 1.8 and 19 mS/cm at 150 °C, respectively. Solid-state NMR studies revealed that there are three different types of hydrogen-bonded acidic proton in the systems. Moreover, these different types of acidic protons present at different ratio in triazole and tetrazole systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and thermal as well as proton conducting properties of complex polymer electrolytes based on poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) PAMPS and poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) PVTri were investigated. The materials were produced by complexation of PAMPS with PVTri at various compositions to get PVTriP(AMPS) where x is the molar ratio of the polymer repeating units and varied from 0.25 to 4. The structure of the materials was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The TGA results verified that the polymer electrolytes are thermally stable up to approximately 200 °C. The DSC and SEM results demonstrated the homogeneity of the materials. The electrochemical stability of the materials was studied by cyclic voltammeter (CV). Proton conductivity, activation energy, and water/methanol uptake of these membranes were also measured. After humidification (RH = 50%), PVTriP(AMPS) and PVTriP(AMPS) showed proton conductivities of 0.30 and 0.06 S/cm at 100 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can cause early and persistent damages in tissues sensitive to hypoxia. This study investigated serum heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) levels as a biomarker of acute CO poisoning in rats. The rats were exposed to a mixture of either 3000 (group A) or 5000 (group B) parts per million (ppm) CO in air, or to ambient air (group C, control group). Blood samples were taken just before, immediately after and 6 hours after the exposure, and serum H-FABP and troponin-I levels were measured. The consciousness level was evaluated just after the exposure. The survival rate was monitored for 7 days. Serum H-FABP levels increased just after the CO exposure in both groups A and B. Additionally, H-FABP level was higher in group B than in group A, immediately after the exposure. However, serum troponin-I levels only increased at 6 hours after the CO exposure in groups A and B. Consciousness and survival rates in group B were lower than that in group A. Our results suggest that H-FABP might have potential to be an early and quantitative parameter of clinical severity and prognosis in CO poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, novel proton conducting anhydrous polymer electrolytes based on alginic acid (AL) and 1,2,4-Triazole (Tri) were investigated. The biomaterials were prepared by the combination of alginic acid with a heterocyclic protogenic solvent, 1,2,4-triazole at several molar ratios, x to form ALTrix. The materials can be cast into transparent, homogeneous thin films (50-100 µm). FT-IR spectroscopy suggested the proton exchange reactions between -COOH group of AL and Tri. Thermal properties of the materials were studied via thermogravimetic analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study reveals the amorphous nature of the ALTrix electrolytes. Proton conductivity increases with the Tri content and ALTri1.5 exhibited approximate maximum conductivity of ∼ 0.1 mS/cm at 100&deg.C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton conducting properties of benzimidazole (BnIm) doped poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA) were studied. The doping ratio, x which is the number of moles of BnIm per mole of polymer repeat unit varied from 0.5 to 2. The samples were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and impedance spectroscopy. The IR study indicates the protonation of heterocyclic units from the "free nitrogen" side. The proton conductivity and thermal stability of the blends increase with x. Maximum conductivity of PVPA x BnIm blends is approximately 10-3 S/cm at 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel anhydrous proton conducting polymer electrolyte based on polystyrene sulfonic acid, PSSA and benzimidazole (BnIm) was synthesized. The PSSA-BnIm interactions were studied by FT-IR. The thermal properties of the blends were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The proton conductivities of these materials were measured by AC impedance technique. The conductivities of these materials increase with increasing BnIm content and temperature and maximum conductivity was found to be approximately 5 x 10-4 S/cm at 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agmatine is a polycationic amine synthesized from L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase in brain and several tissues. It binds to N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamatergic, a2-adrenergic and imidazoline (I) receptors. The present study was designed to investigate effect of agmatine on acute and mononeuropathic pain after chronic constriction injury (CCI). CCI was created by four loose ligations around the right sciatic nerve. The analgesic threshold in rats was evaluated by using thermal hyperalgesia/allodynia (THA) at 4°C. The evaluations were made preoperatively, on postoperative day 15, and after drug administration. Agmatine (10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 5 days beginning on postoperative day 15. Agmatine significantly reduced the hyperalgesia in all doses applied. When agmatine was injected intraperitoneally (10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/kg), it increased the nociceptive threshold in the tail-immersion test in a dose-dependent manner, but it had no effect in the hot-plate test. This effect of agmatine in the tail-immersion test was blocked by both yohimbine (1 mg/kg) and idazoxan (0.5 mg/kg). When agmatine was administered intracerebroventricularly (25-200 mg/10 mL), it increased the nociceptive threshold in the hot-plate but not in the tail-immersion test. We conclude that agmatine, an endogenous substance derived from arginine, can modulate both acute and chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tachykinins stimulate motility whereas NO inhibits motility in the gastrointestinal tract. Aim: To investigate if inhibition of NO production sensitizes myoelectric activity to subthreshold doses of tachykinins in the small intestine of awake rats. Methods: Rats were supplied with a venous catheter and bipolar electrodes at 5, 15 and 25 cm distal to pylorus for electromyography of small intestine. The motor responses were evaluated using pattern recognition. Substance P and neurokinin A dose-dependently stimulated gut motility, with neurokinin A being more potent than substance P. Therefore, neurokinin A was chosen and administered under baseline conditions and 45–60 min after Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) 1 mg kg−1, with or without pretreatment with l-arginine 300 mg kg−1. In addition, myoelectric activity effects of neurokinin A in conjunction with l-NNA were studied before and after administration of the tachykinin receptor antagonists, SR140333 (NK1), SR48968 (NK2) and SR142801 (NK3), each at 2.5 mg kg−1. Results: Dose-finding studies verified 10 pmol kg−1 min−1 to be the threshold dose at which NKA caused phase II-like activity in a low percentage of experiments (12%, n=41). This dose was therefore used in combination with l-NNA for sensitization experiments of gut myoelectric activity. In experiments where NKA-induced no response, pretreatment with l-NNA led to phase II-like activity in 9 of 18 (50%, p<0.05) experiments. Co-administration of SR140333 and SR48968 abolished this effect. Conclusion: NO counteracts the stimulatory effect of tachykinins on small bowel myoelectric activity in the rat. Inhibition of the l-arginine/NO pathway sensitizes the gut to tachykinin-stimulated motor activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Helical swimming is adopted by microswimming robots since it is an efficient mechanism and commonly observed among microorganisms swimming at low Reynolds numbers. However, manufacturing of micro-helices made of sub-micron magnetic thin layers is neither straightforward nor well-established, advanced materials and methods are necessary to obtain such structures as reported in the literature. In this paper, a topological patterning method utilizing basic microfabrication methods is presented for the self-assembly of magnetic micro-helices made of a sandwiched nickel thin film (50â€"150 nm) between two silicon nitride layers. Strain mismatch between the thin films and the geometric anisotropy introduced by the slanted patterns on the top nitride layer result in self-rolled-up helical microribbons. Moreover, inspired by the actual release process during the wet-etching of the microribbon from the substrate, moving boundary conditions are incorporated in a numerical model to simulate the self-rolling of trilayer ribbons. The simulation results are compared and validated by experimental data within 7% error for all cases, including the geometries that do not result in a helical shape. The swimming performance of the magnetized micro-helix is demonstrated inside a capillary glass tube experimentally and cross-validated with a numerical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a group of diseases in which cells divide out of controlled, typically resulting in a mass. Erlotinib is targeted cancer drug which functions as an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. It is used mainly to treat of non-small cell lung cancer patients and has an action against pancreatic cancer. Vorinostat (aka suberanilohydroxamic acid) is an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDAC), which has an epigenetic modulation activity. It is used to treat cutaneous T cell lymphoma. In the present study, the erlotinib (ERL) and vorinostat (SAHA) loaded TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were used for the treatment of the breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and human cancerous amniotic cells (WISH). Cell count and viability were negatively affected in all treatments compared to normal cells and bare TiO2 NPs. Apoptosis results indicated a significant increase in the total apoptosis in all treatments compared with control cells. ERL- and SAHA-loaded TiO2 NPs treatments arrested breast cancer cells at G2/M phase, which indicate the cytotoxic effect of these treatment. Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) gene expression was assessed using qPCR. The results indicate that PLAB2 was upregulated in ERL- and SAHA-loaded TiO2 NPs compared with control cells and can be used as nanocarrier for chemotherapy drugs. However, this conclusion necessitates further confirmative investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin and melatonin analogs were demonstrated as neuroprotective, anti-oxidant and antidepressant in experimental animal models. Agomelatine is a novel analog of melatonin which is commonly used for sleep disorders and major depression in Parkinson's disease. However, the effect of agomelatine in Parkinson's disease (PD) is not known. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of agomelatine on neuronal injury in rotenone-induced PD in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (220-260 g) were injected with rotenone (0.5 μg, n=16) or vehicle (1 mL DMSO, n=8) into the left substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area under stereotaxic surgery. After 10 days, PD model was assessed by rotational test following apomorphine injection (2 mg/kg, i.p.). The valid PD rats were randomly divided into two groups which received daily p.o. agomelatine (40mg/kg, n=8) or saline (2 ml/rat, n=8) for consecutively 18 days. Twenty-four hours after the last drug administration rotational test was repeated, and motor coordination was evaluated with rotarod and pole tests, just before the decapitation. Brain tissues were taken for biochemical, molecular and histopathological evaluations. The data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. P<0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Agomelatine increased apomorphine induced turning behavior. Rotenone induced increase in pole test duration, and decrease in retention time in rotarod test were found to be aggravated by agomelatine administration. Agomelatine administration increased the AOPP level but did not change the increased MDA level compared to the saline administered group. Caspase 3 but not PARP1 expression was found to be increased with agomelatine administration. Rotenone induced neuronal loss was aggravated by the agomelatine administration. These results suggest that agomelatine worsens the neuronal injury in rotenone-induced PD in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical properties emerging nanomaterials possessing tungsten (W) are unique and the applications could be extended over a wide spectrum as nanocomposite electrodes for effective high voltage energy storage applications. Herewith, W doped spinel ferrite nanostructures was synthesized with facile hydrothermal strategy to get MnCo1.98W0.02O4 (MnCoW). The spectroscopic characterization studies proved spherical subunits embedded onto nanosheets formed by W doped bimetallic oxide with a crystalline phase. The resistance due to charge transfer of the electrodes was reduced which led to enhanced transfer of charge across interface of electrode and electrolyte was addressed upon W doping. Carbon based nanocomposite electrodes endowed by their unique structures and the electrochemical performance with various aqueous electrolytes were tested in an asymmetric supercapacitor application. Excellent capacitance development from 141.2 F g−1 to 203.7 F g−1 was achieved by W doping possessing an energy density of 17.9 Wh kg−1. A superior capacitance retention of 91 % was obtained from MnCoW‐based device right after 10000 cycles (charging/discharging) at 1 A g−1. The designed supercapacitor device employing MnCoW electrode exhibited better lifetime performance during lighting a LED under various angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) has inherent advantages, such as larger bandwidth and monolithic integration capability with electronics, when compared to the piezoelectric transducer. The most significant shortcoming of the device is the trade-off between input and output sensitivities. Adequate receive sensitivity requires an electric field intensity on the order of 105 V/m, which can be achieved by sub-micron gap heights. However, a small gap limits the device stroke and, consequently, the maximum output pressure. This paper addresses this problem by proposing a CMUT with a vertical cavity. The membrane of the device has a piston part that is surrounded by the sidewalls of a vertical cylinder formed in the substrate. The fringing electric field pulls the piston in the vertical direction; hence, the gap height remains fixed, which alleviates the hard limit on device stroke. The performance of the proposed device is compared to that of the conventional CMUT by theoretical and analytical methods, and a micro-fabrication method is devised. Additionally, a millimeter-scale device has been manufactured and tested as a proof of concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructures containing mixed transition metal oxides with various architectures have been used as promising materials in supercapacitors due to their excellent capacitive contributions. The present work reports on the spinel zinc chromium vanadate ZnCrVO 4 (ZCV) nanostructures fabricated via the facile hydrothermal method, for the first time. The pseudocapacitive nature and promising electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution of the prepared ZCV in activated carbon electrodes were confirmed by electrochemical tests. The maximum specific capacitance (Cs) of 448 F g−1 at 1 mA was determined for the ZCV nanostructures s which is far better than pure chromium vanadate (CrV). ZCV containing supercapacitor exhibited the specific energy of 54.5 Wh kg−1 at a power of 1350 W kg−1 and the remarkable coulombic efficiency of the device was recorded at around 99% at 10.000 cycles. In addition, excellent electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics for ZCV were revealed by the Tafel slope (118 mV dec−1) which is quite comparable to the slope of the Pt–C electrode (54 mV dec−1) under the same operating conditions. • The successful fabrication of Zn doped CrV spinel oxide nanostructures was accomplished. • Specific capacitance of 448 F g−1 is obtained at a 1 mA current density. • A specific energy of 54.5 Wh kg−1 at a specific power of 1350 W kg−1 is obtained. • An excellent HER performance of 118 mV dec−1 is reached. • A cyclic durability of 5000 cycles were obtained from HER analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is focused on the preparation and characterization of functional nanosilica incorporated dental resins with better mechanical, cytotoxicity, sorption, and solubility properties. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized via Stöber method and were functionalized with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. Dental nanocomposites were produced by embedding the functionalized nanosilica into bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate matrix to form B1–B6 series. This was achieved by mechanical mixing of the monomer (50:50 wt%), filler (10–60 wt%), initiator combination (CQ/EDMAB:0.1:0.4 wt%) and then followed by LED light curing (wavelength: 450–500 nm, power density:1000 mW cm−2) for 60 s. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used for characterization of the materials. Cytotoxicity tests were performed to evaluate cell viability and mechanical tests were done to check mechanical strength and stability of the materials. The mean sorption and solubility values of the materials were measured by making a series of experiments on different composite formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Agomelatine is frequently used as an anti-depressant and sleep inducing drug in Parkinson's Disease. • Agomelatine exacerbated motor impairment. • Agomelatine caused remarkably increase in caspase-3 expression and protein oxidation levels. • Agomelatine treatment significantly exacerbated neuronal loss in striatum. Abstract The effects of melatonin and melatonin analogs in experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) models remain controversial. Agomelatine, a novel analog of melatonin, is both agonists for melatonin-1 and melatonin-2 receptors and antagonist of 5-HT 2 C receptors. While agomelatine has been commonly used as an anti-depressant and sleep drug, information about effects of agomelatine in PD are still lacking. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (220–260 g) were injected with rotenone (0.5 μg, n = 16) or vehicle (1 μl DMSO, n = 8) into the left substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area under stereotaxic surgery. After ten days, the rats were assessed for the confirmation of PD by the rotational test following apomorphine injection (2 mg/kg, i.p.). The confirmed rats were divided into two groups which received daily p.o. agomelatine (40 mg/kg, n = 8) or saline (2 ml/rat, n = 8) for consecutively 18 days. Twenty-four hours after the last drug administration, the rotational test was repeated and motor coordination was assesed just before the decapitation. Brain tissues were taken for biochemical, molecular and histopathological evaluations. Agomelatine treated animals showed augmented apomorphine-induced rotation response and impaired motor coordination compared to the rotenone group. Furthermore, agomelatine treatment significantly induced apoptosis with an increase in caspase-3 expression independent from PARP-1 activation. Agomelatine treatment caused increased protein oxidation levels, in addition to a decrease in neuron number in the striatum. Although we investigated the effects of the agomelatine in the manner of ameliorating the rotenone toxicity in animals, agomelatine exacerbates rotenone-induced toxicity which mimics Parkinson's disease pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, immense interest has been given to overcoming water pollution and energy storage issues. Conventional water treatment technologies and hydrogen production (replacement of fossil fuels) exhibit certain limitations. Therefore, the present research focuses on the application of novel molybdenum-iron (MoFe) nanosheets in the removal of various water pollutants through membrane filtration technology. Furthermore, the used nanocomposite membranes during the water treatment were recycled for hydrogen production through hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Membrane studies depicted excellent rejection of water contaminants through MoFe nanocomposite membrane, i.e., 94%–99% removal for dyes with flux rates up to 288 L/m2.h. Whereas 63.4%, 81.3%, and 98.7% removal were achieved for total dissolved solids, total organic carbon, and turbidity, respectively, and toxic metals exhibited 100% removal with a maximum flux rate of 260 L/m2.h. Moreover, a multi-cycle filtration run for the optimized membrane revealed excellent stability performance. HER studies exhibited the remarkable stability of MoFe-based catalysts during electrochemical activity, and their electrochemical kinetics was found to be quite comparable to platinum (Pt) catalysts. All findings supported the extraordinary potential of MoFe nanosheets in water treatment through membrane filtration and their further application as a sustainable option for hydrogen production during the HER process. Hence, the effectiveness of MoFe nanosheets signifies a promising solution for large-scale applications in both water and energy fields, which can not only enhance water purification and provide an affordable alternative to expensive catalysts used in HER but also overcome the limitations of traditional water treatment techniques and hydrogen production. [Display omitted] • Preparation of novel molybdenum iron (MoFe) nanosheets and their evaluation in water treatment and hydrogen production. • Excellent rejection of dyes, total dissolved solids, total organic carbon, turbidity, and toxic metals through MoFe nanocomposite membrane filtration studies. • Performance stability throughout three consecutive multi-cycle filtration runs. • Distinguished hydrogen evolving performance of recycled MoFe nanocomposite membrane (used in water treatment) as an electrode during hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]