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In this work, an extended finite element based fully implicit algorithm is proposed to predict the creep deformation and creep crack growth in elasto-plastic-creeping solids. The effect of stress relaxation and redistribution due to creep strain is captured through elasto-plastic-creep analysis. In creep crack growth analysis, mostly C ∗ is used to compute the creep crack growth which includes only extensive creep whereas C ( t ) -integral includes small-scale creep, transition creep and extensive creep. Thus, in the present study, creep crack characterization parameter C ( t ) -integral is evaluated using XFEM to compute creep crack growth rate. The mixed mode stress intensity factors are evaluated using domain based interaction integral approach to estimate the crack growth direction. Various numerical issues related to history dependency of plasticity and creep are properly addressed. To validate the present approach, various numerical problems are solved and the predicted creep deformation and creep crack growth results are compared with the experimental observations.

In this work, the fatigue crack growth behavior of the Nickel based super alloy is investigated at room (26 °C) and elevated temperature (650 °C). The fatigue crack growth experiments are performed to understand the effect of temperature and loading rate. The elasto plastic fracture toughness tests are performed to evaluate J IC . Paris law is used in conjunction with extended finite element method (XFEM) to numerically predict the fatigue life. The stress intensity factors of individual mode ( K I and K II ) are computed from J-integral by decomposing the stress, strain and strain derivatives into symmetric and antisymmetric parts. Few parametric studies are performed to show the mesh convergence and path independency of J-integral. Fatigue crack growth in an aero-engine turbine disc is predicted. The numerically predicted fatigue life is found in good match with the experimental results.

In the present work, elasto-plastic creep crack growth simulations are performed using continuum damage mechanics and extended finite element method. Liu–Murakami creep damage model and explicit time integration scheme are used to evaluate the creep strain and damage variable for various materials at different temperatures. Compact tension and C-shaped tension specimens are selected for the simulation of crack growth analysis. For damage evaluation, both local and nonlocal approaches are employed. The accuracy of the extended finite element method solutions is checked by comparing with experimental results and finite element solutions. These results show that the extended finite element method requires a much coarser mesh to effectively model crack propagation. It is also shown that mesh independent results can be achieved by using nonlocal implementation.

Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with the risk of chronic diseases, including osteoporosis. Antioxidants can counteract the damaging effects of ROS in the body and in the bone-forming cells, osteoblasts, and the bone-resorbing cells, osteoclasts. This review will include an overview on osteoporosis, the role of oxidative stress in the development of osteoporosis, and the results of our studies on the beneficial effects of the antioxidant lycopene in clinical trials on postmenopausal women and on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In conclusion, we recommended that lycopene may be a good alternative or complementary to other drugs in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

The numerical estimation of evolving damage under low cycle fatigue loading condition has been performed in the near-α titanium alloy IMI-834 at 823 K temperature. By using the experimentally determined parameters as input, numerical simulation of fatigue damage has been performed on round specimens using finite element analysis. Coupled deformation-damage model has been established for this alloy for simulation of damage evolution in a three-dimensional cylindrical low cycle fatigue test specimen. The fatigue damage estimates from numerical simulation are observed to be in close agreement with the experimental results.

Nickel-substituted iron-deficient cobalt ferrite containing small quantity of manganese having the chemical composition Co 1− x Ni x Fe 1.9 Mn 0.1 O 4 with x =0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8, were prepared by the standard double sintering ceramic technique. The thermal decomposition process of the powder (i.e. grounded starting materials) was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The compositional analysis was carried out by EDAX pattern. The infrared spectroscopy studies show the presence of tetrahedral and octahedral group complexes within the spinel phase. Microstructural features were studied by scanning electron microscopy, grain size found to be decreasing with increasing Ni content. Room temperature hysteresis measurement was carried out under the field of 6 kOe for all samples which reveal monotonic decrease of magnetization at 6 kOe ( M 6 kOe ). The coercive field ( H c ) decreases up to concentration of Ni 2+ ( x =0.6) and a small increase was observed for x =0.8. Initial permeability ( μ i ) plotted against temperature at 10 kHz shown sharp drop at Curie temperature and values observed at transition are found to be dependent on the nickel content.

In present work, fine particles of Co1−xNixFe1.9Mn0.1O4 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) system were prepared by co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of prepared sample confirms the cubic spinel phase formation. The microstructural features were examined by SEM images. Infrared absorption (IR) spectra shows two vibrational bands, one around 600 cm−1 ( v 1 ) and second around 400 cm−1 ( v 2 ) were attributed to the tetrahedral and octahedral group complexes of the spinel lattice respectively. The magnetic parameters viz. magnetization at 6 kOe (M6 kOe) and coercivity (Hc) were measured at room temperature under the field of 6 kOe. It is observed that, both M6 kOe and Hc decrease with increase of Ni content. The DC resistivity measurement with temperature indicates a semiconducting behavior of the samples. Frequency dependent dielectric constant (ɛ′) shows the usual dispersion behavior, while linear variation of AC conductivity (σAC) with frequency confirms the conduction due to small polaron.

The experimental results on the preparation of transparent and hydrophobic silica aerogels based on ion exchanged sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) using mixed silylating agents of trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ) are reported. Hydrogels were prepared with ion exchanged Na2Si03 of 1.10 specific gravity with 1 N ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). The resulted gels were exchanged with methanol solvent followed by silylation using HMDZ + HMDSO or TMCS + HMDZ or TMCS + HMDSO mixture in methanol and hexane and dried the gels at room temperature for 24 h, at 50 and 200 °C for 1 h each. It has been observed that the percentage of the silylating agent in the mixture, time interval of addition of one agent followed by another and volume of silylating mixture have an effect on density, % of optical transmission, % of porosity, porevolume, thermalconductivity and refractive index of the aerogels. Hydrophobicity of the aerogels was studied by contact angle measurements. The TMCS + HMDSO aerogels have been found more hydrophobic (contact angle > 150°) than the other aerogels. Further, aerogels have been characterized by pore size distribution, Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA–DTA) techniques. It has been found that the weight increase is the highest (325%) for HMDSO + HMDZ aerogels and lowest (1.2%) for HMDSO + TMCS aerogels by keeping the aerogels in the atmosphere over a period of 18 months. Low density (0.042 g/cc) transparent (85%), low thermal conductive (0.047 W/m K), low refractive index (1.0088) and hydrophobic (152°) silica aerogels were obtained with equivolume TMCS + HMDSO mixture of 10 ml, time interval of addition of 12 h between the two reagents prior addition of TMCS followed by HMDSO for 24 h of silylation period. It was found from the TGA–DTA of the aerogels that hydrophobicity of the aerogels remained up to the temperature of 425 °C.

Lead titanate, PbTiO 3 (PT), ceramic material is a useful piezoelectric material for high-temperature and high-frequency applications such as non-volatile memories, infrared sensors and capacitors. However, it is very difficult to obtain a pure-phase and dense PT as a result of a maximum c / a ratio. In this paper, we have reported a conformable PT ceramics with standard double sintering as well as chemical co-precipitation method were successfully synthesized by means of carefully controlled processing parameters, viz., pH value, sintering temperature, soaking time and heating/cooling rates. This novel method was developed to synthesize PbTiO 3 sample so as to gain better control on chemical homogeneity and stoichiometry. Moreover, relatively inexpensive laboratory grade (LR) lead nitrate [Pb(NO 3 ) 2 ] and titanium tetra-isopropoxide [Ti{OCH(CH 3 ) 2 } 4 ] are used as starting materials. Single phase formation was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The room temperature conductivity study was done by measuring AC conductivity in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz and DC resistivity in the temperature range from room temperature to 800 K. Dielectric measurements were carried out at selected frequencies from room temperature to well above transition temperature ( T c ). Discussion on comparison between both preparation methods was made on the basis of observed results from electrical properties.

Lycopene is an antioxidant associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases common in women such as osteoporosis and cancer; however, no official recommendation for lycopene consumption exists, and intake data from Canadian women are limited. This study was designed to generate information about average lycopene intake in Canadian women of different ages. A cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. One hundred one women, between the ages of 25 and 70 years, who were not on any medications, were recruited to record their diet for 7 days. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the types of lycopene-containing foods consumed, associations between intake of lycopene and macro/micronutrients, and whether participant characteristics, such as body mass index, could predict lycopene intake. Average lycopene intake was 6.14 +/- 5.35 mg/day, which is higher than reported in other countries. Intake was similar among age groups but was highly variable. Raw tomatoes were the most frequently consumed source of lycopene, while participants with the highest lycopene intake consumed more cooked/processed tomato products than those with lower intake (P < .005). Participants 25-49 years old consumed more dried/powdered tomatoes (P < .05), pizza (P < .002), and ketchup (P < .10) than 50-70 year olds. Lycopene intake could not be predicted by any participant characteristics. In older participants, lycopene intake was positively correlated with intake of calcium, niacin, and vitamins A, D, and K (P < or = .05). These findings are significant to women's health and may contribute to the establishment of nutritional and health recommendations regarding consumption of lycopene by Canadian women to prevent chronic diseases.

Nickel-doped iron-deficient cobalt ferrite with small amount of manganese having the chemical composition Co1−xNixFe1.9Mn0.1O4, with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8, were prepared by standard double sintering ceramic method. The spinel phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The DC resistivity measurements with temperature indicate a semiconducting behavior showing a linear decrease with increasing temperature and the doping of Ni enhances the resistivity. Maximum resistivity of the order of 109 Ω cm was found for composition x = 0.8. Room temperature dielectric constant measurements with frequency (100 Hz to 1 MHz), show usual dielectric dispersion. Also, the variation of room temperature AC conductivity as a function of frequency were studied and explained by using Maxwell–Wagner two-layer model. The studies on dielectric constant (ɛ′), loss tangent (tan δ) and AC conductivity (σAC), at four different frequencies (viz., 1, 10, 100 kHz and 1 MHz), with temperature were made.

Production of horticultural crops has undergone enormous change in recent years due to development of innovative technologies including integrated nutrient management practices using biofertilizers. The present study represents the positive response of biofertilizers in nursery seedlings followed by their transplantation in harsh field conditions of Indian Thar Desert. Nursery and field experiments were carried out to assess the effectiveness of selected N2-fixing bacteria and AM fungi alone or in combination, on the growth and biomass production of Punica granatum. In both experiments, the combined treatment of Azotobacter chroococcum and Glomus mosseae was found to be the most effective. Besides enhancing the rhizosphere microbial activity and concentration of various metabolites and nutrients, these bioinoculants helped in better establishment of pomegranate plants under field conditions. A significant improvement in the plant height, plant canopy, pruned material and fruit yield was evident in 5-year-old pomegranate plants in field conditions. In view of the above results, use of biofertilizer technology may be adopted for the establishment and development of other horticultural plant species in arid regions.

Dietary guidelines around the world recommend increased consumption of plant foods to combat chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis. These plant foods ...

Results of preliminary studies on concentration by ultrafiltration and reuse of a Ru(III)EDTA complex in homogeneous catalysis are reported. A method of preparation and selection of conditions of making cellulose acetate membranes for concentrating Ru(III)EDTA is described. At an operating pressure of 75 psig (517 kPa), the above catalyst can be concentrated to seven to eight times its initial concentration. The membrane used exhibits a separation of about 97.5 % for the complex with a permeate flow rate of about 3–6 gallons per sq. ft per day. The catalyst activities were determined for two reactions, viz. hydroformylation of 1-hexene and carbonylation of ammonia for five cycles of concentration followed by reuse. The experimental data indicated that the catalyst concentration by ultrafiltration for subsequent reuse is simple and attractive and can provide potentially energy saving alternative to the cumbersome conventional separation processes associated with the recovery of catalysts in homogeneous catalysis.

Concentration, time and influence of α-tocopherol on the uptake and antiperoxidative effect of lycopene were assayed using a liposome model. Liposomes prepared from egg yolk phosphatidylcholine that were incubated at 37 °C with 100 μM of lycopene as initial concentration showed a maximum percentage of uptake (21.5%) compared with 16.0% at higher concentration of 200 μM as initial concentration after 4 h of incubation. A decrease of 13% in lycopene absorption was observed in the presence of 50 μM α-tocopherol as initial concentration. Different initial concentrations of lycopene (0.6×10−2 μM, 1.2×10−2 μM, 1.8×10−2 μM) significantly (P

Lycopene is a naturally present carotenoid in many fruits and vegetables. Tomato and tomato products constitute the major source of dietary lycopene in North America. It is an important antioxidant providing protection against damage from free radicals. A fully randomized, cross-over study was conducted to investigate the dose-response relationship of lycopene on the absorption and in vivo antioxidant properties at low level of intake (5, 10, 20 mg). In this study lycopene was provided in the form of ketchup or oleoresin capsules. Twelve healthy human subjects underwent two-week wash out period, followed by two-week test period. A significant increase (p

The mining and quarrying of mineral ores lead to conflicts between the ideals of economic prosperity and landscape preservation. Rehabilitation/revegetation of mine spoils has received considerable attention in recent years due to acceleration of mining and associated land disturbances. This is an attempt towards rehabilitation of limestone mine spoils in arid areas where water and nutrients are the main constraints even in normal soil. An arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Glomus mosseae was isolated from limestone mine spoils and its effect on the growth and nutrient uptake in different tree species grown on limestone mine spoils as well as rhizosphere effect were examined. Soil inoculation with G. mosseae had significantly enhanced plant growth and biomass production in limestone mine spoils and the enhancement varied from one species to the other. Further, there was an improvement in per cent root infection and AMF spore density in the rhizosphere indicating the establishment of G. mosseae in limestone mine spoil. Activities of various enzymes (dehydrogenase, phosphatases and nitrogenase) and population of nitrifying bacteria and Azotobacter were also improved upon inoculation with AM-fungus besides improvement in the uptake of many nutrients except Na and K. Because of the ability of AM-fungi in improving the water uptake and transport in plants, enhancing the uptake of various nutrients and enabling the plants to withstand high temperatures, AM-fungi native to limestone mine spoils may play a critical role in revegetating these spoils in arid areas. In view of the above results, use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may be adopted for the rehabilitation of limestone mine spoils for creating a better ecosystem.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are a group of illness with diverse clinical importance and etiologies. NDD include motor neuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cerebellar disorders, Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), cortical destructive Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Schizophrenia. Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies provide many risk factors such as advanced age, genetic defects, abnormalities of antioxidant enzymes, excitotoxicity, cytoskeletal abnormalities, autoimmunity, mineral deficiencies, oxidative stress, metabolic toxicity, hypertension and other vascular disorders. Growing body of evidence implicates free radical toxicity, radical induced mutations and oxidative enzyme impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction due to congenital genetic defects in clinical manifestations of NDD. Accumulation of oxidative damage in neurons either primarily or secondarily may account for the increased incidence of NDD such as AD, ALS and stroke in aged populations. The molecular mechanisms of neuronal degeneration remain largely unknown and effective therapies are not currently available. Recent interest has focused on antioxidants such as carotenoids and in particular lycopene, a potent antioxidant in tomatoes and tomato products, flavonoids and vitamins as potentially useful agents in the management of human NDD. The pathobiology of neurodegenerative disorders with emphasis on genetic origin and its correlation with oxidative stress of neurodegenerative disorders will be reviewed and the reasons as to why brain constitutes a vulnerable site of oxidative damage will be discussed. The article will also discuss the potential free radical scavenger, mechanism of antioxidant action of lycopene and the need for the use of antioxidants in the prevention of NDD.

The effect of soil inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus fasciculatum, isolated from gypsum mine spoil, on dry matter production, nutrient uptake and rhizosphere microbial activity in five tree species growing in gypsum mine spoil was studied. Dry matter production was significantly enhanced upon inoculation to varying degrees depending on the tree species. The level of root infection increased by 14–36% and spore densities in the rhizosphere increased by 49–81%. AM fungal inoculation resulted in enhanced activities of various soil enzymes viz. dehydrogenase, phosphatases and nitrogenase in the rhizosphere. Total uptake of many nutrients but not of potassium and sodium, was significantly enhanced upon AM fungal inoculation. It is concluded that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are important symbionts for use in the revegetation of gypsum mine spoils.

The evolution of stable and productive mine spoil requires active microbial populations for effective energy flow and nutrient cycling. This can be achieved either by introducing beneficial microorganisms through inoculation or increasing the microbial activity through the incorporation of amendments. Efficient strains of Bradyrhizobium sp. were isolated from mine spoils and used to inoculate seeds of Albizia lebbeck grown in both gypsum and limestone mine spoils. It was observed that nodulation and nitrogenase activity were significantly improved by about 2- and 20-fold respectively with inoculation, along with an enhancement in the growth of 5-month-old seedlings by about 50%. Inoculated plants had higher concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, indicating better nutrition. Soil metabolism, as indicated by the activities of dehydrogenase and phosphatases and AM-fungal spores of the mine spoils, was significantly improved with inoculation. The results suggests that the use of efficient strains of Brady...

Lycopene is a naturally present carotenoid in tomatoes. Among the carotenoids, lycopene is a major component found in the serum. High levels of lycopene have also been found in the testes, adrenal glands, prostate. Several recent studies including cell culture, animal and epidemiological investigations have indicated the effect of dietary lycopene in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease. Although, the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial properties, evidence is accumulating to suggest other mechanisms such as intercellular gap junction communication, hormonal and immune system modulation and metabolic pathways may also be involved. This review summarizes the background information about lycopene and presents the most current knowledge with respect to its role in human health.

Tomatoes are an integral part of diet world wide. Many population studies have established link between dietary intake of tomatoes, a major source of a carotenoid antioxidant lycopene and reduced risk of chronic diseases. This study evaluates the lycopene contents of various commonly consumed tomato products and estimates its daily intake levels. A fast and simple spectrophotometric method for routine analysis of lycopene was developed and validated against HPLC method. Lycopene content in various tomato products ranged from 42 ppm to 365 ppm. Average daily dietary lycopene intake levels were assessed by administering food frequency questionnaire and were estimated to be 25.2 mg day−1. Fresh tomatoes accounted for 50% of total lycopene intake.

Ten species were selected based on their economic value in order to study and compare their growth, nutrient uptake pattern, AM-fungal infection etc. in both mine spoil and normal cultivated soil in pot culture. In general, per cent root infection and number of viable AM fungal spores in the rhizosphere of the plant species grown in mine spoil were higher compared to those in normal cultivated soil. Mine spoil had supported significantly higher growth of Prosopis juliflora , Salvadora oleoides and Cenchrus ciliaris compared to normal soil. Concentrations of phosphorus, potassium and calcium in plants growing on gypsum mine spoil were higher than observed in normal soil. In general, micronutrient concentrations (namely Cu, Zn and Fe) were lower in all the plant species growing in normal soil. Salvadora oleoides , Colophospermum mopane and Pithecellobium dulce were identified as calcium-loving plants. All the species tested can be employed for rehabilitation of gypsum mine spoil.

Lycopene, a naturally present carotenoid in tomatoes and other fruits, has been proposed to have antioxidant and potential anticarcinogenic properties in recent studies. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of diet and smoking on serum lycopene and lipid peroxidation expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in 20 healthy human subjects. A reduction of 50% in the serum lycopene levels and an increase of 25% in TBARS was observed when subjects were maintained on a lycopene-free diet. Serum lycopene levels were also reduced by 25% following a meal compared to the fasting levels. Serum lycopene levels of habitual smokers were compared with non-smokers. Although the levels were not significantly different between the two groups, serum lycopene levels fell by 40% with a 40% increase in TBARS in smokers following smoking three cigarette. This study showed that the levels of serum lycopene were influenced significantly as a result of oxidative stress in the form of diet induced metabolism and smoking, suggesting in vivo antioxidant properties of lycopene.

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that is manifested by a decrease in bone mass and bone microarchitectural deterioration resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Evidence shows that early postmenopausal women lose bone at an accelerated rate. Nutritional recommendations to prevent bone loss include a daily intake of 1500 milligrams of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D. Other important micronutrients need to be assessed for osteoporosis prevention. Although several factors contribute to the risk of osteoporosis, oxidative stress has now emerged as one of the most important lifestyle risk factors associated with loss of bone mass; antioxidants can counteract the damaging effects of oxidative stress and thereby prevent the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Two antioxidants that have been studied in vitro and by epidemiologic and human clinical studies include the potent lipid-soluble carotenoid lycopene and the water-soluble polyphenols and other mineral components of nutritional supplements.

Thirty-one plant species, including legumes, grasses and sedges, were found to be growing naturally on gypsum mined spoil. These species carried AM-fungal infections which varied from plant to plant. Percent root infection by AM fungi was higher among legumes, grasses and sedges growing on mined spoils than on plants growing on normal soil. Plants on mined spoil had significantly higher K, Ca, Mg and Fe concentrations and lower concentrations of N, P, Zn and Cu. The results demonstrated the possibility of employing AM fungi for rehabilitating gypsum mined spoils.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease known as “the silent thief” because the gradual loss of bone associated with this disease usually occurs over the years, and there are usually no noticeable symptoms until the bones are so fragile that a fracture occurs [1]. Although most statistics on the prevalence of osteoporosis quoted in the literature are from those published in 1991 to 2004 [2,3] the projection is nevertheless very consistent. Thus, osteoporosis is estimated to affect over 200 million people worldwide and 75 million people in Europe, the United States, and Japan [4]. Approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men older than 50 years will eventually experience osteoporotic fractures [5] An increase in the worldwide incidence of hip fracture by 240% in women and 310% in men is projected by the year 2050 [6]. Osteo‐ porosis is “a major public health threat” that is projected to results to 8.1 million fractures (78 % women, 22 % men) during the period between 2010 and 2050 [7]. The condition costs our healthcare system $18 billion per year [8]. Records show that Osteoporosis has been known to exist since the Egyptian mummies have been found with suspected dowager’s hump [9]. Newer findings on all aspects of osteoporosis have increased exponentially. The more importantly ones are the introduction and improvement in more sensitive diagnostic instru‐ ments, discovering an ever increasing number of risk factors including oxidative stress, opening up new knowledge on the involvement of the bone forming cells osteoblasts and the bone resorbing cells osteoclasts in the development of osteoporosis and finding new drugs and the nutritional alternatives for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Advances in knowledge on osteoporosis is not without pitfalls. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), once a first line of treatment for osteoporosis has been discontinued due to side effects [10]. It is becoming more evident that the drugs known as bisphosphonates, although effective in

The efficiency of different Aspergillus strains in and soils was studied in pot experiments to evaluate the effects of these fungi on the enhancement of rhizosphere enzyme activities, P uptake by plants, available P status in the soil, dry matter production and grain yield of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and chick pea ( Cicer arietinum Linn.). In wheat, significant increases in phosphatase (acid and alkaline) and dehydrogenase activities were observed upon soil inoculation and in chick pea there was also an increase in nitrogenase activity. Inoculation significantly improved dry matter and grain yield in both crops and decreased the shoot:root ratio. In general, there was a significant improvement in P uptake by plants and extractable P status in the soil. Aspergillus rugulosus was found to be superior among the phosphatase-producing fungi that were tested while Aspergillus niger was found to be least effective relative to the other fungi. The experiment showed that Aspergillus strains significantly increased the P uptake and biomass yield of wheat and chick pea.

The effect of dietary chitosan, a fibre of animal origin, on the induction and development of colonic precursor lesions was determined in CF1 mice. Over a 2-wk pretreatment period, one group of mice was given azoxymethane (four injections of 5 mg/kg body weight) and the other was treated with saline. Subsequent to carcinogen or saline pretreatment mice were randomized into one of three dietary groups: (i) control AIN-76 diet; (ii) control AIN-76 diet with 2% low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC); or (iii) control AIN-76 diet with 2% high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC). Mice were maintained on this diet for 6 wk. Mice fed diet containing HMWC had significant reductions in the number of aberrant crypt foci, cell proliferation, crypt height and crypt circumference in the colonic epithelium (P0.05). In mice given diet supplemented with LMWC there was a trend towards reduced numbers of aberrant crypts, as well as decreased crypt height and circumference. The results of this study indicate that dietary chitosan reduces the incidence of early preneoplastic markers of colon carcinogenesis, as indicated by aberrant crypts and mitotic figures and altered crypt morphometrics in the murine colon. Molecular range and viscosity of the chitosan may influence the efficacy of this activity.

The efficiency of different phosphatase-producing fungi (PPF) in arid soils (loamy sand) was studied in pot experiments in order to evaluate the effect of these fungi on the enhancement of rhizosphere enzyme activities, the uptake of different nutrients, dry matter production and grain yield of the clusterbean. A significant increase in phosphatase (acid and alkaline), dehydrogenase and nitrogenase activities was observed. Nodulation and nitrogenase activity were most affected upon inoculation. Inoculation significantly improved the dry matter production, grain yield, number and dry weight of nodules and decreased shoot: root ratio. In general, there was a significant enhancement in the concentration of N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn while no effect on Mn with the inoculation of any PPF on clusterbean. A significant improvement in K concentration due to inoculation of Aspergillus fumigatus and Cu concentration with the inoculation of Aspergillus rugulosus and Aspergillus terreus was noted. Aspergillus rugulosus was found to be the best amongst PPF tested followed by Aspergillus fumigatus. The experiment confirmed that PPF have a significant effect on growth and nutrient uptake in the clusterbean and indicated the importance of these fungi on clusterbean production in an arid soil.

Over the past few decades many sources of energy for curing paint films have been reported and amongst them radiation as a source of energy has gained widespread acceptance in industry owing to an improved performance, reduction in cost, and the meeting of VOC regulations. Therefore, an attempt has been made to review the radiation curable coatings for the easy reference by coating technologists. In this review paper, we have discussed some speciality coatings based on poly(acrylic) combinations for application on optical fibres, and leather and metal surfaces. Equipment for radiation curing and some of the commercial applications are also discussed.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by bone loss and structural deterioration of the bone tissue, leading to an increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures, most frequently in the hip, wrist and spine (Sendur et al., 2009). Bone loss is associated with such factors as age, menopause in women, smoking, alcohol excess, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, low weight and muscle mass, anticonvulsant and corticosteroid use as well as certain co-morbid conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (Javaid et al., 2008). Worldwide, it has been estimated that fractures caused by osteoporosis account for approximately one in three among women and approximately one in five among men over the age of 50. Although the mechanisms underlying osteoporosis are not fully understood, there is evidence suggesting that oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with its pathogenesis (Sahnoun et al., 1997; Basu et al., 2001; Rao et al., 2007).

Many factors influence carbohydrate absorption. Slower rates of absorption may have advantages in reducing postprandial glycemia and insulinemia and, in time, reduce serum low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations. Foods high in viscous fiber or antinutrients, or foods that are resistant to gelatinization, show slower rates of digestion and absorption and may be called low glycemic index or lente carbohydrate foods. Specific enzyme inhibitors may also cause lente effects. Certain small-intestinal effects of lente carbohydrate may be mimicked by altering feeding frequency (eg, nibbling vs gorging). Increased meal frequency reduces post-prandial insulin and glucose responses in people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes and in nondiabetic volunteers and lowers serum concentrations of LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Reduced hepatic cholesterol synthesis has been reported. Increased meal frequency may also slow small-intestinal absorption in the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and possibly obesity.

Currently, global cloud amount estimates from the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) experimental cloud remote sensing algorithm, CLAVR ( Cl ouds from AV HR R ) - Phase I, are biased towards 50% cloud cover. This is caused by assigning 50% cloud amount to 2×2 global area coverage (GAC) pixel arrays which have been classified as “mixed”. The classification identifies pixel arrays that are spatially non-uniform in albedo or temperature. To remove this source of bias, a clear-sky radiation data set (CRDS) is produced from “clear” pixels located in half degree latitude/longitude grids. Statistics of each channel's radiation measurements are computed over the 9-day repeat cycle of the polar orbiting satellite. The previous 8-day CRDS record is then used to predict the clear-sky radiation values for the current day (9th day) being processed. These are used to reclassify mixed pixels into clear or cloudy categories.

Nitrogen fixing capacity of Leucaena diversifolia upon inoculation with different strains of Rhizobium was assessed by isotope dilution technique, and nitrogen transfer from this legume to Cenchrus ciliaris grass was quantified using 15N enrichment through foliar feeding. Inoculation improved the dry matter production and nitrogen content. This effect varied from one strain to another. About 42–54% of the nitrogen was found to be derived from fixation. Biomass production and N accumulation of grass growing along with Leucaena were enhanced compared with monocultured plants. Detopping of Leucaena further increased N concentration in grass. 15N was detected in both leaves and roots of intercropped grass and the percentage of legume N recovered in grass varied from 3.07 to 3.87%. Further, grasses growing with detopped plants had higher % N obtained from Leucaena compared with that of non-detopped plants.

Results of preliminary studies on concentration by ultrafiltration and reuse of a Ru(III)EDTA complex in homogeneous catalysis are reported. A method of preparation and selection of conditions of making cellulose acetate membranes for concentrating Ru(III)EDTA is described. At an operating pressure of 75 psig (517 kPa), the above catalyst can be concentrated to seven to eight times its initial concentration. The membrane used exhibits a separation of about 97.5 % for the complex with a permeate flow rate of about 3–6 gallons per sq. ft per day. The catalyst activities were determined for two reactions, viz. hydroformylation of 1-hexene and carbonylation of ammonia for five cycles of concentration followed by reuse. The experimental data indicated that the catalyst concentration by ultrafiltration for subsequent reuse is simple and attractive and can provide potentially energy saving alternative to the cumbersome conventional separation processes associated with the recovery of catalysts in homogeneous catalysis.

Lycopene, a potent antioxidant present primarily in tomatoes and tomato products, is now proven to be important in bone health on the basis of epidemiological data, clinical studies and in vitro cell culture studies. Lycopene stimulates the growth and differentiation of the bone-forming osteoblasts through mechanisms not yet understood. Lycopene also inhibits the formation of osteoclasts and their ability to resorb bone by inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species. The evidence for the involvement of lycopene in bone health is presented through epidemiological and cross-sectional studies on men and premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Our ongoing clinical study is the first to evaluate lycopene from nutritional supplements and tomato juice for its ability to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This review also includes the effects of oxidative stress and antioxidants in general, and the role played by lycopene in particular, on bone tissue and bone cells in culture. The final results of our study may indicate that lycopene can be used either as a dietary alternative to drug therapy or as a complement to the pharmaceuticals used by women at risk for osteoporosis.

The processes occurring during the preparation of polyester non-woven fabric reinforced polysulfone (PS) membranes are discussed based on a simple model. The relationship between the porosity of the fabric, the extent of penetration of the PS casting solution, the time that elapses between the completion of casting and the onset of gelation, and the thickness of the PS membrane above the surface of the fabric are theoretically deduced; and the results are verified experimentally.

Poly ( m -phenylene isophthalamide), an aromatic polyamide is synthesized in the laboratory by low temperature solution polycondensation of m-phenylene diamine and isophthaloyl chloride. The polymer obtained by controlling the reaction parameters like mode of addition of isophthaloyl chloride, reaction temperature and time, is suitable for making a reverse osmosis membrane. The polymer is characterized by its physicochemical properties. Transport properties of the membrane are determined at 40 kg/cm 2 operating pressure using 5000 ppm sodium chloride solution.

This study attempts to evaluate the status of oxidative stress in osteoarthritis (OA), by measuring some parameters of oxidant stress and antioxidant defenses in blood, before and after homeopathy treatment, and to asses the role, if any, of homeopathic treatment in modulating free radical toxicity in OA.Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation (LP), erythrocyte antioxidants viz., glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CT) and plasma antioxidants viz., ceruloplasmin, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), vitamin C, total antioxidant activity (AOA) were determined in eighty one patients with OA and fifty three normals. Forty seven patients, who were treated with homeopathic remedies were considered for the follow-up studies.Father Muller Homeopathic Hospital, Mangalore, South Karnataka, India.Erythrocyte LP (0 hour, p0.001; 2 hours, p0.01; and susceptibility to LP, p0.05) and SOD (p0.05) were significantly higher, whereas plasma vitamin C (p0.01) and AOA (p0.001) were significantly lower in OA patients when compared to controls. In follow-up patients the erythrocyte LP (0 hour, p0.01; 2 hours, p0.01; and susceptibility to LP, p0.01) and SOD (p0.01) were significantly lower when compared to their pretreatment values. Plasma vitamin C attained a normal range. The AOA activity after treatment was not significantly different from that observed before treatment.Oxidative stress increased in OA as indicated by increased LP, SOD, decreased vitamin C and AOA. On homeopathic treatment the LP has decreased in the erythrocytes which shows and reduced oxidative stress. This is further evidenced by returning of plasma vitamin C and erythrocyte SOD to the normal levels, but oxidant stress has not been completely overcome as plasma AOA remained low after treatment.

An experimental study of the changes caused in the flame structure and pollutant emission characteristics by the modifications to the primary-air venturi of an inshot burner used in residential natural gas furnaces is presented. The venturi modification examined in this study are the shape of the venturi inlet and the venturi length. Modified venturis with curved inlets produce higher primary-air entrainment and slightly smaller (by 5 to 10%) emission indices of NO/sub x/ and CO than the standard parallel side venturi. However, the changes in the venturi length for the modified geometry do not result in significant further changes.

Heart rate (HR) is primarily governed by the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In a normal person the precision of neural control over HR dynamics confers certain amount of adaptation. This judicious neural balance over HR is considerably altered and manifested in certain states such as congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the challenge lies in detecting subclinical cases of autonomic neural imbalance as in diabetes mellitus and nutritional disorders such as obesity or underweight/under nutrition. We developed a simple computer color display model to depict instantaneous HR variability (HRV), using lead II ECG's of healthy adult males taken during rest and while performing various physiological maneuvers. An instantaneous HRV color cardioid aid can be of much use in monitoring patients in coronary critical care units. Our model confers much needed objectivity in diagnosis and prognosis apart from conferring simplicity and ease in monitoring, even by the non medical staff.