Copper(I) complexes of modified nucleobases and vitamin B3 as potential chemotherapeutic agents: In vitro and in vivo studies

Three new complexes of Cu(I) have been synthesized using ancillary ligands like thiopyrimidine (tp) a modified nucleobase, and nicotinamide (nie) or vitamin B3, and characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of the complexes on various human cancer cell lines such as Colo295, H226, HOP62, K562, MCF7 and T24 show that Cu(PPh3)(2)(tp)Cl] and Cu(PPh3)(2)(tp)ClO4 (2) have in vitro cytotoxicity comparable to cisplatin. Complex Cu(nic)(3)PPh3]ClO4 (3) is non-toxic and increases the life span by about 55 % in spontaneous breast tumor model. DNA binding and cleavage studies show that complex (3) binds to calf thymus DNA with an apparent binding constant of 5.9 x 10(5)M and completely cleaves super-coiled DNA at a concentration of 400 mu M, whereas complexes (1) and (2) do not bind DNA and do not show any cleavage even at 1200 mu M. Thus, complex (3) may exhibit cytotoxicity Via DNA cleavage whereas the mechanism of cytotoxicity of (1) and (2) probably involves a different pathway.

Studies on the deposition and characterization of silicon oxide films for optical coating applications

Silicon oxide films were deposited by reactive evaporation of SiO. Parameters such as oxygen partial pressure and substrate temperature were varied to get variable and graded index films. Films with a refractive index in the range 1.718 to 1.465 at 550 nm have been successfully deposited. Films deposited using ionized oxygen has the refractive index 1.465 at 550 nm and good UV transmittance like bulk fused quartz. Preparation of graded index films was also investigated by changing the oxygen partial pressure during deposition. A two layer antireflection coating at 1064nm has been designed using both homogeneous and inhomogeneous films and studied their characteristics.

Developments in Biotechnology for Environmentally Benign Iron Ore Beneficiation

Biomineralization and biogenesis of iron ore deposits are illustrated in relation to indigenous microorganisms inhabiting iron ore mines. Aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms indigenous to iron oxide mineralization are analyzed. Microbially-induced flotation and flocculation of iron ore minerals such as hematite, alumina, calcite and quartz are discussed with respect to use of four types of microorganisms, namely, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. The role of the above organisms in the removal of silica, alumina, clays and apatite from hematite is illustrated with respect to mineral-specific bioreagents, surface chemical changes and microbe-mineral interaction mechanisms. Silica and alumina removal from real iron ores through biobeneficiation is outlined. Environmental benefits of biobeneficiation are demonstrated with respect to biodegradation of toxic reagents and environmentally-safe waste disposal and processing.

In vitro Evidence that an Aqueous Extract of Centella asiatica Modulates alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Dynamics

alpha-Synuclein aggregation is one of the major etiological factors implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). The prevention of aggregation of alpha-synuclein is a potential therapeutic intervention for preventing PD. The discovery of natural products as alternative drugs to treat PD and related disorders is a current trend. The aqueous extract of Centella asiatica (CA) is traditionally used as a brain tonic and CA is known to improve cognition and memory. There are limited data on the role of CA in modulating amyloid-beta (A beta) levels in the brain and in A beta aggregation. Our study focuses on CA as a modulator of the alpha-synuclein aggregation pattern in vitro. Our investigation is focused on: (i) whether the CA leaf aqueous extract prevents the formation of aggregates from monomers (Phase I: alpha-synuclein + extract co-incubation); (ii) whether the CA aqueous extract prevents the formation of fibrils from oligomers (Phase II: extract added after oligomers formation); and (iii) whether the CA aqueous extract disintegrates the pre-formed fibrils (Phase III: extract added to mature fibrils and incubated for 9 days). The aggregation kinetics are studied using a thioflavin-T assay, circular dichroism, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the CA aqueous extract completely inhibited the alpha-synuclein aggregation from monomers. Further, CA extract significantly inhibited the formation of oligomer to aggregates and favored the disintegration of the preformed fibrils. The study provides an insight in finding new natural products for future PD therapeutics.

Influence of sputter power on structural and electrical properties of TiO2 films for Al/TiO2/Si gate capacitors

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were deposited onto p-Si substrates held at room temperature by reactive Direct Current (DC) magnetron sputtering at various sputter powers in the range 80-200W. The as-deposited TiO2 films were annealed at a temperature of 1023K. The post-annealed films were characterized for crystallographic structure, chemical binding configuration, surface morphology and optical absorption. The electrical and dielectric properties of Al/TiO2/p-Si structure were determined from the capacitance-voltage and current-voltage characteristics. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the as-deposited films were amorphous in nature. After post-annealing at 1023K, the films formed at lower powers exhibited anatase phase, where as those deposited at sputter powers >160W showed the mixed anatase and rutile phases of TiO2. The surface morphology of the films varied significantly with the increase of sputter power. The electrical and dielectric properties on the air-annealed Al/TiO2/p-Si structures were studied. The effect of sputter power on the electrical and dielectric characteristics of the structure of Al/TiO2/p-Si (metal-insulator-semiconductor) was systematically investigated. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Finite element analysis of free vibration of the delaminated composite plate with variable kinematic multilayered plate elements

Composite laminates are prone to delamination. Implementation of delamination in the Carrera Unified Formulation frame work using nine noded quadrilateral MITC9 element is discussed in this article. MITC9 element is devoid of shear locking and membrane locking. Delaminated as well as healthy structure is analyzed for free mode vibration. The results from the present work are compared with the available experimental or/and research article or/and the three dimensional finite element simulations. The effect of different kinds and different percentages of area of delamination on the first three natural frequencies of the structure is discussed. The presence of open-mode delamination mode shape for large delaminations within the first three natural frequencies is discussed. Also, the switching of places between the second bending mode, with that of the first torsional mode frequency is discussed. Results obtained from different ordered theories are compared in the presence of delamination. Advantage of layerwise theories as compared to equivalent single layer theories for very large delaminations is stated. The effect of different kinds of delamination and their effect on the second bending and first torsional mode shape is discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective Review of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Schizophrenia

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) offers a unique opportunity to measure brain metabolites in-vivo, and in doing so enables one to understand the brain function and cellular processes implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. MRS, in addition to being non-invasive, is devoid of radioactive tracers and ionizing radiation, a distinct advantage over other imaging modalities like positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography. With advances in MRS technique it is now possible to quantify concentrations of relevant compounds like neurotransmitters, neuronal viability markers and pharmacological compounds. Majority of the MRS studies have examined the neurometabolites in schizophrenia, a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder. Abnormalities in N Acetyl aspartate and Glutamate are consistently reported while the reports regarding the myoinsoitol and choline are inconsistent. These abnormalities are not changed across the illness stages and despite treatment. However, multiple technical challenges have limited the widespread use of MRS in psychiatric disorders. Guidelines for uniform acquisition and preprocessing are need of the hour, which. would increase the replicability and validity of MRS measures in psychiatry. Finally long term, prospective, longitudinal studies are required in different psychiatric disorders for potential clinical applications.

Transport studies on La0.8-xPr0.2SrxMnO3 manganite films

In this communication, we report the results of the studies on structural, microstructural, transport and magnetotransport behavior of L0.8-xPr0.2SrxMnO3 (LPSMO) (x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) manganite films grown on (100) single crystalline SrTiO3 (STO) substrate using low cost chemical solution deposition (CSD) method. Films with similar compositions were also grown using sophisticated pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique and results of structural and transport studies obtained for CSD grown films were compared with PLD grown films. Structural studies show that all the CSD and PLD grown films possess single crystalline nature with compressive and tensile strain, respectively. Surface morphology, studied using atomic force microscope (AFM), reveals the island like grain morphology in CSD grown films while PLD grown films possess smooth film surfaces. Carrier density dependent transport properties of the films have been discussed in the context of zener double exchange (ZDE) mechanism. Lower resistivity and higher transition temperature (T-p) observed in CSD grown films as compared to PLD grown films have been discussed in the light of structural strain and surface morphology of the films. Various models and mechanisms have been employed to understand the charge transport in CSD and PLD grown films. Also, observation of low temperature resistivity minima behavior in all the CSD and PLD grown LPSMO films has been explained in the context of electron-electron scattering mechanism. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors for white LEDs applications: Synthesis and structural characterization

We report the synthesis of Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors by the facile nitrate-citrate gel combustion method. Powder XRD and Rietveld refinement data confirmed that these phosphors have a monophasic scheelite-type tetragonal structure with space group I4(1)/a (No. 88). FESEM micrographs indicate the agglomerated spherical particles. FTIR spectra showed four stretching and bending vibrational modes (2A(u) and 2E(u)). UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy illustrated that the optical band gap energy (E-g) values increase with increase in Eu3+ concentration. The host SrMoO4 phosphor exhibited an intense blue emission under UV excitation (368 nm). The Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors revealed characteristic luminescence due to Eu3+ ion corresponding to D-5(1) -> F-7(J) (J = 1,2) and D-5(0) -> F-7(J) (J = 1,2,3,4) transitions upon 465 nm excitation. The electric dipole transition located at 615 nm (D-5(0) -> F-7(2)) was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition located at 592 nm (D-5(0) -> F-7(1)). Intensity parameters (Omega(2), Omega(4)) and radiative properties such as transition probabilities (A(T)), radiative lifetime (tau(rad)) and branching ratio (beta) of Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors were calculated using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Based on the CIE chromaticity diagram, these phosphors can be promising materials for the development of blue and orange-red component in white LEDs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Eu3+-activated BaMoO4 phosphors and their Judd-Ofelt analysis: Applications in lasers and white LEDs

Eu3+-activated BaMoO4 phosphors were synthesized by the nitrate citrate gel combustion method. The Rietveld refinement analysis confirmed that all the compounds were crystallized in the scheelite-type tetragonal structure with I4(1)/a (No. 88) space group. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of BaMoO4 phosphor reveals broad emission peaks at 465 and 605 nm, whereas the Eu3+-activated BaMoO4 phosphors show intense 615 nm (D-5(0) -> F-7(2)) emission peak. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to evaluate the intensity parameters (Omega(2), Omega(4)) of Eu3+-activated BaMoO4 phosphors. The transition probabilities (A(T)), radiative lifetime (tau(rad)), branching ratio (beta), stimulated emission cross-section (sigma(e)), gain bandwidth (sigma(e) x Delta lambda(eff)) and optical gain (sigma(e) x tau(rad)) were investigated by using the intensity parameters. CIE color coordinates confirmed that the BaMoO4 and Eu3+-activated BaMoO4 phosphors exhibit white and red luminescence, respectively. The obtained results revealed that the present phosphors can be a potential candidate for red lasers and white LEDs applications. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

节理裂隙岩体爆破试验研究

首先利用超声波探测法对节理裂隙岩体进行了声波测试,对不同的节理裂隙岩体进行了质量评估.然后通过对节理裂隙岩体进行爆破漏斗试验,分析了节理裂隙对岩体中爆炸应力波传播、岩石破碎及爆破漏斗形成的影响,得出了一些有益结论,对节理裂隙岩体理论研究和指导工程实践具有一定的参考价值.

Shear deformation analysis on laser-induced reverse bulging and plugging

A new kind of failure mode is observed in circular brass foils in which their peripheries are fixed and their surfaces are subjected to a long pulsed laser over a central region. The failure is classified into three stages; they are referred to as thermal bulging, localized shear deformation and perforation by plugging. A distinct feature of the failure mode is that bulging and plugging occurred in the direction opposite to the incident laser beam. To study the failure mode, we investigate the non-linear response of heated, non-homogeneous circular plates. Based on the large deflection equations of Berger [J. Appl. Mech. 22 (3), 465-472 (1965)], Ohnabe and Mizuguchi [Int. J. Non-Linear Mech. 28 (4), 365-372 (1993)] and the parabolic shear deformation theory of Bhimaraddi and Stevens [J. Appl. Mech. 51 (1), 195-198 (1984)], we have derived new coupled governing equations of shear deformation and deflection. The new equations are solved, for the plate with a clamped edge, by the Galerkin and iterative methods. The numerical results for the shear deformation distribution are in good agreement with the experimental observation.

Evaluación del sistema de intensificación de arroz (Oryza sativa L.) en comparación a dos sistemas de siembra tradicionales bajo condiciones de riego en Darío, Matagalpa, postrera 2003

El presente estudio se desarrolló en la cooperativa Omar Torrijos ubicada en la comunidad El Horno, municipio de Ciudad Darío (Matagalpa) situado a 12º 54' latitud Norte, 86º 14' longitud Oeste y 465 msnm. Con el objetivo de contribuir a mejorar la producción de semilla de arroz en el país, se evaluó el sistema de intensificación de arroz (SRI) con dos modalidades de siembra (0.25 x 0.25 m y 0.50 x 0.50 m), en comparación con el sistema de transplante convencional usado por el INTA (0.25 x 0.25 m) y el sistema de siembra al voleo (129 kg de semilla ha -1 ) bajo riego. El ensayo se estableció en agosto del año 2003. Se utilizaron las variedades mejoradas INTA-Malacatoya e INTA-Dorado. El diseño estuvo conformado por las variedades en parcelas pequeñas y los cuatros sistemas de siembra y manejo comparados en parcelas grandes las cuales representaban una variante al Diseño de Parcelas Divididas, con cuatro repeticiones propuesto por Cockran y Cox. A los resultados obtenidos se les realizó un análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) y comparación de medias usando la mínima significancía estadística (LSD) al 5%. Se realizó un análisis económico para los diferentes sistemas. Los resultados del estudio determinaron que las variedades estudiadas tuvieron mejor comportamiento en el SRI con respecto a las variables de desarrollo y crecimiento, así como en la mayoría de las variables de rendimientos excepto en la fertilidad de panícula, peso de 1000 granos y en el rendimiento en grano. Los más altos valores de rendimientos se obtuvieron en el SRI con distancia de siembra de 0.25 x 0.25 m y en el TRA con 5,152 y 5,143 kg ha -1 , respectivamente. Las variedades evaluadas presentaron mejor resistencia a Pyricularia ( Pyricularia oryzae ) en los sistemas de siembra por transplante (SRI y TRA). Los resultados del análisis económico mostraron que la mejor relación beneficio costo se obtuvo en el sistema TRA, el cual se utilizó herbicidas para el control de malezas.

Evaluación del comportamiento agronómico de once líneas avanzadas de arroz (Oryza sativa L.) en el Valle de Sébaco, durante la época de postrera del 2006

En la época lluviosa del 2006 se realizó la evaluación de 10 genotipos de arroz procedente de Colombia y una variedad comercial de Nicaragua (INTA-DORADO). El experimento se estableció en época de Postrera del 2006, en la localidad de las Mangas, municipio de San Isidro, Matagalpa, ubicado en los 12º 55'' latitud norte, y 86º 11'' longitud oeste, y a una altitud de 465 mnsm. La finalidad del ensayo fue de contribuir a la producción de arroz, calidad molinera y adaptabilidad a las condiciones de riego. El diseño experimental fue el de Bloques Completos al Azar (BCA) con 11 tratamientos y 4 repeticiones. Se utilizó Análisis de Varianza (ANDEVA) y agrupación de medias según Tukey (8=0.05). Los principales resultados evidencian que los 11 genotipos evaluados son altamente productivos con rendimientos superiores a los 7 mil kg ha-1. Los genotipos CT-15672-3-2-3-2-2-M, POB1-34 y CT-9980-25-3-6-CA-1M y POB3-13 alcanzaron los mayores rendimientos con producciones de 7 966.7, 7059.0 y 7052.7 kg ha-1, respectivamente, superando el testigo INTA-DORADO (5 624.0 kg ha-1). De igual manera, éstos genotipos presentaron buen porte de planta (tipo semi-enana), y resistencia al acame con tallos moderadamente fuertes. Las líneas promisorias que se destacaron por el alto potencial productivo, tienen de 5 a 6 parámetros del componente de rendimiento de 6 evaluados, compartiendo la mejor categoría estadística, el resto de los genotipos tuvieron un comportamiento diferente y no consistente en cuanto a los componentes de rendimiento. Las líneas POB1-11, POB-34, CT-9980-25-3-6CA-1M, CT-15679-17-1-2-4-3-M, se destacaron por su calidad industrial con 93:07, 90:10, 90:10 y 86:14, respectivamente, con respecto a la relación de grano entero/quebrado.