Penetration Characteristics of Air, Carbon Dioxide and Helium Transverse Sonic Jets in Mach 5 Cross Flow

An experimental investigation of sonic air, CO2 and Helium transverse jets in Mach 5 cross flow was carried out over a flat plate. The jet to freestream momentum flux ratio, J, was kept the same for all gases. The unsteady flow topology was examined using high speed schlieren visualisation and PIV. Schlieren visualisation provided information regarding oscillating jet shear layer structures and bow shock, Mach disc and barrel shocks. Two-component PIV measurements at the centreline, provided information regarding jet penetration trajectories. Barrel shocks and Mach disc forming the jet boundary were visualised/quantified also jet penetration boundaries were determined. Even though J is kept the same for all gases, the penetration patterns were found to be remarkably different both at the nearfield and the farfield. Air and CO2 jet resulted similar nearfield and farfield penetration pattern whereas Helium jet spread minimal in the nearfield.

Optical diagnostics of fuel-air mixing and vortex formation in a cavity combustor

The current work reports optical diagnostic measurements of fuel-air mixing and vortex structure in a single cavity trapped vortex combustor (TVC). Specifically, the mixture fraction using acetone PLIF technique in the non-reacting flow, and PIV measurements in the reacting flow are reported for the first time in trapped vortex combustors. The fuel-air momentum flux ratio, where the air momentum corresponds to that entering the cavity through a specially-incorporated flow guide vane, is used to characterize the mixing. The acetone PLIF experiments show that at high momentum flux ratios, the fuel-air mixing in the cavity is very minimal and is enhanced as the momentum flux ratio reduces, due to a favourable vortex formation in the cavity. Stoichiometric mixture fraction surfaces show that the mixing causes the reaction surfaces to shift from non-premixed to partially-premixed stratified mixtures. PIV measurements conducted in the non-reacting flow in the cavity further reinforce this observation. The scalar dissipation rates of mixture fraction were compared with the contours of RMS of fluctuating velocity and showed very good agreement. The regions of maximum mixing are observed to be along the fuel air interface. Reacting flow Ply measurements which differ substantially from the non-reacting cases primarily because of the heat release from combustion and the resulting gas expansion show that the vortex is displaced from the centre of the cavity towards the guide vane. Overall, the measurements show interesting features of the flow including the presence of the dual cavity structure and lead to a clear understanding of the underlying physics of the cavity flow highlighting the importance of the fuel-air momentum ratio parameter. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of ERK and proliferation in NK cell lines by soluble HLA-E released from Japanese encephalitis virus infected cells

Productive infection of human endothelial cells with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a single stranded RNA virus induces shedding of sHLA-E. We show here that sHLA-E that is released upon infection with this flavivirus can inhibit IL-2 and PMA mediated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in two NK cell lines, Nishi and NKL. Virus infected or IFN-gamma treated cell culture supernatants containing sHLA-E were found to partially inhibit IL-2 mediated induction of CD25 molecules on NKL cells. It was also found that sHLA-E could inhibit IL-2 induced H-3]-thymidine incorporation suggesting that, similar to cell surface expressed HLA-E, sHLA-E could also inhibit NK cell responses. Hence JEV-induced shedding of sHLA-E needs further investigation to better understand immune responses in JEV infections since it may have a role in viral evasion of NK cell responses. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphological Evolution in Air-Stable Metallic Iron Nanostructures and Their Magnetic Study

Iron nanostructures with morphology ranging from discrete nanoparticles to nearly monodisperse hierarchical nanostructures have been successfully synthesized using solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) method. Such a morphological evolution was realized by tuning the molar ratio of ligand to metal. Surface energy minimization in confluence with strong magnetic interactions and ligand-based stabilization results in the formation of nanospheres of iron. The as-prepared amorphous iron nanostructures exhibit remarkably high coercivity in comparison to the discrete nanoparticles and bulk counterpart. Annealing the as-prepared amorphous Fe nanostructures under anaerobic conditions affords air-stable carbon-encapsulated Fe(0) and Fe3C nanostructures with retention of the morphology. The resulting nanostructures were thoroughly analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. TGA brought out that Fe3C nanostructures are more robust toward oxidation than those of a-Fe. Finally, detailed magnetic studies were carried out by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer and it was found that the magnetic properties remain conserved even upon exposure of the annealed samples to ambient conditions for months.

How does spacer length of imidazolium gemini surfactants control the fabrication of 2D-Langmuir films of silver-nanoparticles at the air-water interface?

A series of gemini surfactants based on cationic imidazolium ring as polar headgroup, abbreviated as Im-n-Im], 2Br(-) (n = 2, 5,6 and 12), was synthesized. Their ability to stabilize silver nanoparticles in aqueous media was investigated. The resulting suspensions were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). They exhibit specific morphologies by adopting different supramolecular assemblies in aqueous media depending on the internal packing arrangements and on the number of spacer methylene units -(CH2)(n)-]. Individual colloids were extracted from the aqueous to chloroform layer and spread at the air/water interface to allow the formation of well-defined Langmuir films. By analysis of the surface pressure-area isotherms, the details about the packing behavior and orientation of the imidazolium gemini surfactant capped silver nanoparticles were obtained. Morphological features of the dynamic process of monolayer compression at the air-water interface were elucidated using Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). These monolayers were further transferred on mica sheets by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique at their associated collapse pressure and the morphology of these monolayers was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The number of spacer methylene units (CH2)(n)-] of the gemini surfactants exerted critical influence in modulating the characteristics of the resulting Langmuir films. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pair dispersion of turbulent premixed flame elements

Flame particles are mathematical points comoving with a reacting isoscalar surface in a premixed flame. In this Rapid Communication, we investigate mean square pair separation of flame particles as a function of time from their positions tracked in two sets of direct numerical simulation solutions of H-2-air turbulent premixed flames with detailed chemistry. We find that, despite flame particles and fluid particles being very different concepts, a modified Batchelor's scaling of the form Delta(F) (t) -Delta(F) (0)vertical bar(2)> = C-F ( (F)(0) Delta(F)(0))(2/3)t(2) holds for flame particle pair dispersion. The proportionality constant, however, is not universal and depends on the isosurface temperature value on which the flame particles reside. Following this, we attempt to analytically investigate the rationale behind such an observation.

Efficient Solid-State Light-Emitting CuCdS Nanocrystals Synthesized in Air

Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) possess high photoluminescence (PL) typically in the solution phase. In contrary, PL rapidly quenches in the solid state. Efficient solid state luminescence can be achieved by inducing a large Stokes shift. Here we report on a novel synthesis of compositionally controlled CuCdS NCs in air avoiding the usual complexity of using inert atmosphere. These NCs show long-range color tunability over the entire visible range with a remarkable Stokes shift up to about 1.25eV. Overcoating the NCs leads to a high solid-state PL quantum yield (QY) of ca. 55% measured by using an integrating sphere. Unique charge carrier recombination mechanisms have been recognized from the NCs, which are correlated to the internal NC structure probed by using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. EXAFS measurements show a Cu-rich surface and Cd-rich interior with 46% Cu-I being randomly distributed within 84% of the NC volume creating additional transition states for PL. Color-tunable solid-state luminescence remains stable in air enabling fabrication of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Structural characterization of folded and extended conformations in peptides containing gamma amino acids with proteinogenic side chains: crystal structures of gamma(n), (alpha gamma)(n) and gamma gamma delta gamma sequences

The crystal structures of nine peptides containing gamma(4)Val and gamma(4)Leu are described. The short sequences Boc-gamma(4)(R)Val](2)-OMe 1, Boc-gamma(4)(R)Val](3)-NHMe 2 and Boc-gamma(4)(S)Val-gamma(4)(R)Val-OMe 3 adopt extended apolar, sheet like structures. The tetrapeptide Boc-gamma(4)(R)Val](4)-OMe 4 adopts an extended conformation, in contrast to the folded C-14 helical structure determined previously for Boc-gamma(4)(R)Leu](4)-OMe. The hybrid alpha gamma sequence Boc-Ala-gamma(4)(R)Leu](2)-OMe 5 adopts an S-shaped structure devoid of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, with both alpha residues adopting local helical conformations. In sharp contrast, the tetrapeptides Boc-Aib-gamma(4)(S)Leu](2)-OMe 6 and Boc-Leu-gamma(4)(R)Leu](2)-OMe 7 adopt folded structures stabilized by two successive C-12 hydrogen bonds. gamma(4)Val residues have also been incorporated into the strand segments of a crystalline octapeptide, Boc-Leu-gamma(4)(R)Val-Val-(D)Pro-Gly-Leu-gamma(4)(R)Val-Val-OMe 8. The gamma gamma delta gamma tetrapeptide containing gamma(4)Val and delta(5)Leu residues adopts an extended sheet like structure. The hydrogen bonding pattern at gamma residues corresponds to an apolar sheet, while a polar sheet is observed at the lone delta residue. The transition between folded and extended structures at gamma residues involves a change of the torsion angle from the gauche to the trans conformation about the C-beta-C-alpha bond.

Reversible induction of translational isoforms of p53 in glucose deprivation

Tumor suppressor protein p53 is a master transcription regulator, indispensable for controlling several cellular pathways. Earlier work in our laboratory led to the identification of dual internal ribosome entry site (IRES) structure of p53 mRNA that regulates translation of full-length p53 and Delta 40p53. IRES-mediated translation of both isoforms is enhanced under different stress conditions that induce DNA damage, ionizing radiation and endoplasmic reticulum stress, oncogene-induced senescence and cancer. In this study, we addressed nutrient-mediated translational regulation of p53 mRNA using glucose depletion. In cell lines, this nutrient-depletion stress relatively induced p53 IRES activities from bicistronic reporter constructs with concomitant increase in levels of p53 isoforms. Surprisingly, we found scaffold/matrix attachment region-binding protein 1 (SMAR1), a predominantly nuclear protein is abundant in the cytoplasm under glucose deprivation. Importantly under these conditions polypyrimidine-tract-binding protein, an established p53 ITAF did not show nuclear-cytoplasmic relocalization highlighting the novelty of SMAR1-mediated control in stress. In vivo studies in mice revealed starvation-induced increase in SMAR1, p53 and Delta 40p53 levels that was reversible on dietary replenishment. SMAR1 associated with p53 IRES sequences ex vivo, with an increase in interaction on glucose starvation. RNAi-mediated-transient SMAR1 knockdown decreased p53 IRES activities in normal conditions and under glucose deprivation, this being reflected in changes in mRNAs in the p53 and Delta 40p53 target genes involved in cell-cycle arrest, metabolism and apoptosis such as p21, TIGAR and Bax. This study provides a new physiological insight into the regulation of this critical tumor suppressor in nutrient starvation, also suggesting important functions of the p53 isoforms in these conditions as evident from the downstream transcriptional target activation.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON AIR-ASSISTED ATOMIZATION OF JATROPHA PURE PLANT OIL

The present study focuses on exploring air-assisted atomization strategies for effective atomization of high-viscosity biofuels, such as pure plant oils (PPOs). The first part of the study concerns application of a novel air-assisted impinging jet atomization for continuous spray applications, and the second part concerns transient spray applications. The particle/droplet imaging analysis (PDIA) technique along with direct imaging methods are used for the purpose of spray characterization. In the first part, effective atomization of Jatropha PPO is demonstrated at gas-to-liquid ratios (GLRs) on the order 0.1. The effect of liquid and gas flow rates on the spray characteristics is evaluated, and results indicate a Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of 50 mu m is achieved with GLRs as low as 0.05. In the second part of the study, a commercially available air-assisted transient atomizer is evaluated using Jatropha PPO. The effect of the pressure difference across the air injector and ambient gas pressure on liquid spray characteristics is studied. The results indicate that it is possible to achieve the same level of atomization of Jatropha as diesel fuel by operating the atomizer at a higher pressure difference. Specifically, a SMD of 44 mu m is obtained for the Jatropha oil using injection pressures of <1 MPa. A further interesting observation associated with this injector is the near constancy of a nondimensional spray penetration rate for the Jatropha oil spray.

Effective Degradation of Aqueous Nitrobenzene Using the SrFeO3-delta Photocatalyst under UV Illumination and Its Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies

In this article, the SrFeO3-delta photocatalyst was synthesized by a solution combustion method and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous nitrobenzene in the presence and absence of H2O2. The SrFeO3-delta photocatalyst was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, TEM, TG-DTG, XPS, and UV visible spectroscopy. The band gap energy of SrFeO3-delta was found to be 3.75 eV which lies in the UV region. The XPS results indicate that the oxidation state of Sr and Fe in SrFeO3-delta was 2+ and 3+, respectively, and the surface atomic ratio of Sr and Fe is 0.995. The photocatalytic activity reveals that the degradation of nitrobenzene over the SrFeO3-delta catalyst itself (UV/SFO) is superior compared to SrFeO3-delta in the presence of H2O2 (UV/SFO/H2O2) with a degradation efficiency of 99-96%. The degradation of nitrobenzene obeys first-order kinetics in both UV/SFO and UV/SFO/H2O2 processes. The decrease in degradation efficiency with UV/SFO/H2O2 was attributed due to the formation of strontium carbonate on the photocatalyst surface.

Stable isotopic signature of Southern Ocean deep water CO2 ventilation

The link between atmospheric CO2 level and ventilation state of the deep ocean is poorly understood due to the lack of coherent observations on the partitioning of carbon between atmosphere and ocean. In this Southern Ocean study, we have classified the Southern Ocean into different zones based on its hydrological features and have binned the variability in latitudinal air-CO2 concentration and its isotopic ratios. Together with air-CO2, we analysed the surface water for the isotopic ratios in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Using the binary mixing approach on the isotopic ratio of atmospheric CO2 and its concentration, we identified the delta C-13 value of source CO2. The isotopic composition of source CO2 was around -9.22 +/- 0.26 parts per thousand for the year 2011 and 2012, while a composition of -13.49 +/- 4.07 parts per thousand was registered for the year 2013. We used the delta C-13 of DIC to predict the CO2 composition in air under equilibrium and compared our estimates with actual observations. We suggest that the degeneration of the DIC in presence of warm water in the region was the factor responsible for adding the CO2 to the atmosphere above. The place of observation coincides with the zone of high wind speed which promotes the process of CO2 exsolution from sea water. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear control of an air-breathing engine including its validation with vehicle guidance

An implementable nonlinear control design approach is presented for a supersonic air-breathing ramjet engine. The primary objective is to ensure that the thrust generated by the engine tracks the commanded thrust without violating the operational constraints. An important constraint is to manage the shock wave location in the intake so that it neither gets detached nor gets too much inside the intake. Both the objectives are achieved by regulating the fuel flow to the combustion chamber and by varying the throat area of the nozzle simultaneously. The design approach accounts for the nonlinear cross-coupling effects and nullifies those. Also, an extended Kalman filter has been used to filter out the sensor and process noises as well as to make the states available for feedback. Furthermore, independent control design has been carried out for the actuators. To test the performance of the engine for a realistic flight trajectory, a representative trajectory is generated through a trajectory optimization process, which is augmented with a newly-developed finite-time state dependent Riccati equation technique for nullifying the perturbations online. Satisfactory overall performance has been obtained during both climb and cruise phases. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Peptide delta-Turn: Literature Survey and Recent Progress

Among the various types of a-peptide folding motifs, delta-turn, which requires a central cis-amide disposition, has been one of the least extensively investigated. In particular, this main-chain reversal topology has been studied in-depth neither in linear/cyclic peptides nor in proteins. This Minireview article assembles and critically analyzes relevant data from a literature survey on the d-turn conformation in those compounds. Unpublished results from recent conformational energy calculations and a preliminary solution-state analysis on a small model peptide, currently ongoing in our laboratories, are also briefly outlined.

Air microjet system for non-contact force application and the actuation of micro-structures

We demonstrate a non-contact technique to apply calibrated and localized forces in the micro-Newton to milli-Newton range using an air microjet. An electromagnetically actuated diaphragm controlled by a signal generator is used to generate the air microjet. With a nozzle diameter of 150 mu m, the microjet diameter was maintained to a maximum of 1 mm at a distance of 5 mm from the nozzle. The force generated by the microjet was measured using a commercial force sensor to determine the velocity profile of the jet. Axial flow velocities of up to 25 m s(-1) were obtained at distances as long as 6 mm. The microjet exerted a force up to 1 mu N on a poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) micropillar (50 mu m in diameter, 157 mu m in height) and 415 mu N on a PDMS membrane (3 mm in diameter, 28 mu m thick). We also demonstrate that from a distance of 6 mm our microjet can exert a peak pressure of 187 Pa with a total force of about 84 mu N on a flat surface with 8 V operating voltage. Out of the cleanroom fabrication and robust design make this system cost effective and durable.