Favorable Parameters Research Articles

Enhanced Sample Throughput Capillary Zone Electrophoresis with UV Detection in Hydrodynamically Closed System for Determination of Ibuprofen

A simple analytical approach based on capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection and repeated sample injection strategy (applied in a hydrodynamically closed separation system for the first time) was developed for the determination of ibuprofen (IBU) in commercially available pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed method was characterized by significantly increased sample throughput and favorable validation parameters, highly demanded in routine quality control laboratories. The limit of detection was predicted at the concentration level of 0.31 µg/mL. Intra-day precision expressed as the relative standard deviation of IBU concentration ranged from 1.9 to 5.6%, and corresponding intra-day accuracy expressed as the relative error was in the interval of 87.1–106.5%. Inter-day precision was in the range of 2.6–15.0%, and inter-day accuracy was 94.9–102.7%. The developed method was able to quantify IBU in complex pharmaceutical matrices represented by commercially available tablets and oral suspension. The determined contents of IBU in the tested dosage forms were in good agreement with the manufacturer’s declaration. The analytical performance of the developed method was evaluated according to the innovative RGB Additive Color Model strategy. It was demonstrated that the proposed method is characterized by very good analytical performance parameters, safety and eco-friendliness, and practical effectiveness.

Experimental studies on natural bank type heating/cooling energy saving Air conditioning system

The present study reports air-based novel energy saving compact bank type earth air heat exchanger system (EAHE) (having only 25m2 area) fabricated from Polyvinylchloride pipes of nominal diameter 0.203 mm (8 inches) for inlet and outlet headers and main pipes and 0.150 mm (6 inches nominal diameter) for branched pipes, which is installed in Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, Ferozepur in Punjab state, India (North West border area of India) and studied for the duration from April to August 2021 using the full factorial design with four inlet variables at multilevel to find a model equation between inlet and outlet variables, i.e., heat exchanger effectiveness and achieved temperature difference. An induced airflow mode has been used to provide near-uniform flow through all corresponding pipes of symmetrical-shaped earth air heat exchangers. The values of Dry bulb temperature (DBT) and wet bulb temperature (WBT) have been measured for air inlet, for air outlet, as well as for ambient air using resistance temperature detectors (RTD) installed at the requisite locations. Earth's undisturbed temperature (EUT) was also noted by installing RTD at a depth of 2 m, and the average measured value of EUT is found to be 28.5°C. The current system has imparted the temperature difference variation from 0.4 oC to 9.4 oC, and the effectiveness varied from 0.16 to 0.82 during the whole season. This system could give a cooling potential of 0.0523 kJ/s to 1.587 kJ/s using a mass flow rate of 0.163 kg/s.Experiments have been designed methodically to apply the full factorial technique. Most favorable parameters have been found for hot and dry and hot and humid weather. The current study is novel in terms of significantly improving the effectiveness of EAHE and addressing the central issue of space limitation in urban areas.

In-situ electrochemical and piezogravimetric studies on the application of macrocyclic resorcinarene tetramer in the development of chemically-modified heavy metals ions detection platform in aqueous media

The new application of C-dec-9-enylcalix[4]resorcinarene ( R 1 ), as an ionophore to detect heavy metals (HMs) cations (Cd 2+ , Hg 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Pb 2+ ) in the aqueous media has been investigated through the preparation of an effective mass-sensitive sensor via the exploitation of a flow-type QCM-I technique. By adjusting the ions’ amounts in model solutions over a wide range of concentrations, acquired changes in the oscillating frequency related to the loading of metal ions on the sensor’s surface were gained, and thus favorable metrological parameters displaying the lowest detection limit (LOD) associated with copper ions (10 ppb). Simultaneously, a novel voltammetric sensor was prepared by modifying gold screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) with R 1 . Electrochemical characterization employing CV, SWV, and EIS was carried out, showing the success of the electrode modification. Then, the experimental conditions of supporting electrolyte, pH, accumulation time, and accumulation potential were optimized to achieve an enhanced detection. The R 1 @SPE sensor simultaneously detected the HMs (Cd 2+ , Hg 2+ , Cu 2+ , Pb 2+ ), and the lowest LOD was associated with Pb 2+ (0.19 ppb). The selectivity evaluation of the electrochemical sensor was performed by studying the effect of interferences majorly present in water sources (Mg 2+ , Ni 2+ , Zn 2+ , Al 3+ , and K + ) on the SWV detection signals, and it was revealed that the interfering ions did not affect the simultaneous detection of the studied HMs (RSD less than 5%), the voltammetric sensors also presented excellent repeatability and reproducibility (RSD less than 5%).

DTH8 overexpression induces early flowering, boosts yield, and improves stress recovery in rice cv IR64.

Rice yield and heading date are the two discrete traits controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Both traits are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant as well as the environmental factors where it thrives. Drought and salinity adversely affect crop productivity in many parts of the world. Tolerance to these stresses is multigenic and complex in nature. In this study, we have characterized a QTL, DTH8 (days to heading) from Oryza sativa L. cv IR64 that encodes a putative HAP3/NF-YB/CBF subunit of CCAAT-box binding protein (HAP complex). We demonstrate DTH8 to be positively influencing the yield, heading date, and stress tolerance in IR64. DTH8 up-regulates the transcription of RFT1, Hd3a, GHD7, MOC1, and RCN1 in IR64 at the pre-flowering stage and plays a role in early flowering, increased number of tillers, enhanced panicle branching, and improved tolerance towards drought and salinity stress at the reproductive stage. The presence of DTH8 binding elements (CCAAT) in the promoter regions of all of these genes, predicted by in silico analysis of the promoter region, indicates the regulation of their expression by DTH8. In addition, DTH8 overexpressing transgenic lines showed favorable physiological parameters causing less yield penalty under stress than the WT plants. Taken together, DTH8 is a positive regulator of the network of genes related to early flowering/heading, higher yield, as well as salinity and drought stress tolerance, thus, enabling the crops to adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions.

MP20-04 GRADE V RENAL TRAUMA: SUCCESS ROLE FOR CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT IN THE NATIONAL TRAUMA DATABANK

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP20-04 GRADE V RENAL TRAUMA: SUCCESS ROLE FOR CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT IN THE NATIONAL TRAUMA DATABANK Nizar Hakam, Nathan Shaw, Jason Lui, Behnam Nabavizadeh, Kevin Li, Patrick Low, and Benjamin Breyer Nizar HakamNizar Hakam More articles by this author , Nathan ShawNathan Shaw More articles by this author , Jason LuiJason Lui More articles by this author , Behnam NabavizadehBehnam Nabavizadeh More articles by this author , Kevin LiKevin Li More articles by this author , Patrick LowPatrick Low More articles by this author , and Benjamin BreyerBenjamin Breyer More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002553.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Conservative management is now standard for most renal trauma as it decreases complications and nephrectomy rates. However, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade V injuries renal injuries continue to largely require intervention and sparse data is available on conservative management. We investigate whether conservative management was pursued in patients who survive grade V renal injuries using the National Trauma Databank (NTDB). METHODS: Patients with grade V renal trauma were identified in the 2018 NTDB (n=612). Patients who survived to final hospital discharge were included (n=474). Conservative management was defined by the absence of any surgical or procedural intervention. Percutaneous or cystoscopic drain placement was exempted from procedural intervention. Characteristics of patients who underwent conservative vs non-conservative management were compared. RESULTS: Out of 474 patients, 175 (36.9%) were managed conservatively. In the 299 patients managed non-conservatively, most common interventions were surgical exploration (n=200, 66.9%), nephrectomy (n=196, 65.6%), kidney angioembolization (n=60, 20.1%), open surgical bleeding control (n=37, 12.4%), and surgical repair of the kidney or renal artery (n=22, 7.4%). Patient characteristics are depicted in Table 1, stratified by management approach. Patients managed conservatively had more favorable hemodynamic parameters compared to those managed non-conservatively, exhibiting lower mean pulse rate (99.9 vs 106.2, p=0.01). They had less hypotension on arrival (8.6% vs 17.4%, p=0.008) and received fewer blood transfusion (28% vs 67.2%, p<0.001). They also were younger (mean age 26.7 vs 30.5, p=0.01), less likely to be male (71.4% vs 91.6%, p=0.01), less likely to have sustained a penetrating injury (6.7% vs 51.2%, p <0.001), and had a significantly different distribution of trauma mechanism (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: A conservative approach may be safe in a subset of patients with grade V renal injury, especially in those who were less likely to be in shock, receive blood transfusion, or sustain penetrating injury. Further research to identify phenotypes amenable to conservative management is warranted to improve patient outcomes. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e318 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nizar Hakam More articles by this author Nathan Shaw More articles by this author Jason Lui More articles by this author Behnam Nabavizadeh More articles by this author Kevin Li More articles by this author Patrick Low More articles by this author Benjamin Breyer More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

A topological flux trap: Majorana bound states at screw dislocations

The engineering of non-trivial topology in superconducting heterostructures is a very challenging task. Reducing the number of components in the system would facilitate the creation of the long-sought Majorana bound states. Here, we explore a route toward emergent topology in a trivial superconductor without a need for other proximitized materials. Specifically, we show that a vortex hosting an even number of flux quanta is capable of forming a quasi-one-dimensional topological sub-system that can be mapped to the Kitaev wire, if the vortex is trapped at a screw dislocation. This crystallographic defect breaks inversion symmetry and thereby threads a local spin–orbit coupling through the superconductor. The vortex-dislocation pair in the otherwise trivial bulk can harbor a pair of Majorana bound states located at the two surface terminations. We explain the topological transition in terms of a band inversion in the Caroli-de Gennes-Matricon vortex bound states and discuss favorable material parameters.

Attenuation of Cigarette-Smoke-Induced Oxidative Stress, Senescence, and Inflammation by Berberine-Loaded Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles: In Vitro Study in 16HBE and RAW264.7 Cells.

Cigarette smoke is considered a primary risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Numerous toxicants present in cigarette smoke are known to induce oxidative stress and airway inflammation that further exacerbate disease progression. Generally, the broncho-epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke release massive amounts of oxidative stress and inflammation mediators. Chronic exposure of cigarette smoke leads to premature senescence of airway epithelial cells. This impairs cellular function and ultimately leads to the progression of chronic lung diseases. Therefore, an ideal therapeutic candidate should prevent disease progression by controlling oxidative stress, inflammation, and senescence during the initial stage of damage. In our study, we explored if berberine (an alkaloid)-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles (berberine-LCNs)-based treatment to human broncho-epithelial cells and macrophage inhibits oxidative stress, inflammation, and senescence induced by cigarette-smoke extract. The developed berberine-LCNs were found to have favourable physiochemical parameters, such as high entrapment efficiency and sustained in vitro release. The cellular-assay observations revealed that berberine-LCNs showed potent antioxidant activity by suppressing the generation of reactive oxygen species in both broncho-epithelial cells (16HBE) and macrophages (RAW264.7), and modulating the genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. Similarly, in 16HBE cells, berberine-LCNs inhibited the cigarette smoke-induced senescence as revealed by X-gal staining, gene expression of CDKN1A (p21), and immunofluorescent staining of p21. Further in-depth mechanistic investigations into antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antisenescence research will diversify the current findings of berberine as a promising therapeutic approach for inflammatory lung diseases caused by cigarette smoking.

Heat-resistant concretes containing waste carbon fibers from the sailing industry and recycled ceramic aggregates

The article describes a new model of the production of heat-resistant concrete in which waste recycled materials were used. The aim of the work was to compose a composite that would have high strength parameters despite being loaded with rapidly rising temperatures. The simulation of such conditions was aimed at analyzing the possibility of using this composite in tunnel construction.Aluminous cement was used as the binder for the concrete. The aggregate used was ceramic waste from industrial sanitary ceramic waste. Carbon fibers from the production of carbon fiber sailing equipment were used as an additive to modify the properties of the concrete. The comparative modifier of the composite was polypropylene fibers normally used in this type of applications. All concretes were tested for basic properties such as consistency, bulk density, water absorption, compressive and tensile strength without and after annealing. The test samples were also subjected to microscopic examination.All the composites studied were characterized by similar values of consistency, density and absorbability. In the aspect of testing the composites not annealed in the case of analysis of tensile strength, the addition of all types of fibers was positive. In the case of testing of non-annealed composites in the aspect of compressive strength, the effect of the addition on this feature was small. The differences in the tested strengths were up to 2%. The mentioned parameters tested after annealing indicated a significant role played by the additives. The most favorable parameters were evaluated for composites with waste carbon fibers. The value of tensile strength of samples with carbon fiber additives after annealing was 3.1 times higher than that of samples with comparative polypropylene fibers. The investigated compressive strength value for the composite with the recycled additive was 30% higher than that for the composites with the traditional additive. Microscopic analyses explained the reasons of the changes occurring in the composites.The research allowed to recommend the use of waste carbon fibers in the production of refractory composites resistant to thermal shocks. The properties evaluated in the research work also allowed to propose the use of this type of composites in concrete tunnel construction.

Geopolymer Concrete with Lightweight Artificial Aggregates.

This article presents the physical and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete with lightweight artificial aggregate. A research experiment where the influence of fly ash–slag mix (FA-S), as part of a pozzolanic additive, on the properties of geopolymers was carried out and the most favorable molar concentration of sodium hydroxide solution was determined. The values of three variables of the examined properties of the geopolymer lightweight concrete (GLC) were adopted: X1—the content of the pozzolanic additives with fly ash + flay ash–slag (FA + FA-S) mix: 200, 400 and 600 kg/m3; X2—the total amount of FA-S in the pozzolanic additives: 0, 50 and 100%; X3—the molarity of the activator NaOH: (8, 10 and 12 M). In order to increase the adhesion of the lightweight artificial aggregate to the geopolymer matrix, the impregnation of the NaOH solution was used. Based on the obtained results for the GLC’s compressive strength after 28 days, water absorption, dry and saturated density and thermal conductivity index, it was found that the most favorable parameters were obtained with 400 kg/m3 of pozzolanic additives (with 50% FA-S and 50% FA) and 10 NaOH molarity. Changes in the activator’s concentration from 8 to 10 M improved the compressive strength by 54% (for a pozzolana content of 200 kg/m3) and by 26% (for a pozzolana content of 600 kg/m3). The increase in the content of pozzolanic additives from 200 to 400 kg/m3 resulted in a decrease in water absorption from 23% to 18%. The highest conductivity coefficient, equal to 0.463 W/m·K, was determined, where the largest amount of pozzolanic additives and the least lightweight aggregate were added. The structural tests used scanning electron microscopy analysis, and the beneficial effect of impregnating the artificial aggregate with NaOH solution was proved. It resulted in a compact interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the lightweight aggregate and the geopolymer matrix because of the chemical composition (e.g., silica amount), the silica content and the alkali presoaking process.

Game theoretic solution for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle network host under DDoS attack

Game theory is being used in cybersecurity to observe different attacks as it can provide a mathematical representation of the interactions between system admins, hackers, and users. The game-theoretic solution determines the favorable parameters (strategies), predicts the player’s behavior, and suggests the best settings for minimizing the attack’s effect. To this end, our paper attempts to study the usefulness of game-theoretic applications for the prevention of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on a drone by deriving the information from conventional game solutions and augmenting that with the bounded rationality concept called Quantal response equilibrium (QRE). In this process, we identify feasible strategies for each player through simulations and formulate five non-cooperative game scenarios for two variants of DDoS attacks. In these games, the traditional game-theoretic solution or Nash Equilibrium (NashE) provides information about the drone’s recommended settings, the hacker’s preferred strategy, and the game-theoretic threshold assuming that all participants are highly intelligent. We augment this information by considering the participant’s tendency to make errors and the evolution in their behavioral pattern from zero to high-values of rationality using QRE. The information coupled from NashE and QRE provides better clarity to a drone operator, thus improving the drone’s security by two levels and allowing the drone operator to take timely precautions. Inspired by this multilevel process, we propose an equivalent real-world framework for protecting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) nodes against a DDoS attack.

An unformed chip thickness approach to study the influence of process vibration on machining performance in milling

The vibration in the milling process plays a key role in machining, which can significantly affect the machining quality of the workpiece. Some vibrations have negative influences on the workpiece surface, while other vibrations can improve machining stability. Therefore, it is critical to distinguish the influence of different types of vibration on machining quality. A simulation method of undeformed chip thickness considering process vibration is presented in this article, in which a finite element model is established to analyze the dynamic milling process of 7075-T651 aluminum alloy from the aspects of cutting force and temperature. A series of experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the simulation model, and the results show that the proposed model is accurate in predicting both milling force and temperature. Furthermore, the effect of milling vibration on machining performance is studied with the proposed method, in which the relationship between the amplitude-frequency characteristics of vibration and milling force-temperature fluctuation is revealed. The results show that the proposed method can determine the influence of milling vibration and provide a basis for distinguishing favorable and unfavorable vibration parameters of machining quality in milling.

From hazardous waste to fertilizer: Recovery of high-value metals from smelter slags

This work proposes a method to valorize lead slag for fertilizer purposes. The research concept was to selectively recover valuable microelements (Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II) in an amount of at least 0.2% m/v of each) by chemical leaching while retaining toxic elements in the slag (i.e. As and Pb). Among acids, hydroxides, salts and their mixtures tested for slag treatment, it was potassium hydrogen sulfate and ammonia liquor under strongly oxidizing conditions (in the presence of hydrogen peroxide) that proved to be the most effective leaching agents. Response Surface Methodology applied to optimize the slag leaching conditions set the most favorable process parameters (concentration of leaching agents, slag to reagent weight ratio, and temperature). As a result, the concentration of Cu(II) in the extract was 3751 mg/L (for ammonia liquor) and Fe(II) and Zn(II) concentrations in potassium hydrogen sulfate were 4738 mg/L and 6102 mg/L, respectively. To close the life cycle of the waste, immobilization in polyethylene and binding to cement were indicated as methods to manage the solid waste material after leaching. The mixed extracts rich in Cu(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II) ions were tested in germination tests on cucumber. No phytotoxic effect was observed, which raises the possibility of utilizing the solutions after chemical leaching of slag as an alternative source of micronutrients for the production of multicomponent fertilizers. The results are promising and fit in the assumptions of circular economy.

Quinoline-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one Hybrids: Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Mechanistic Studies.

A novel class of quinoline-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (DHPM) hybrids was synthesized and in vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against chloroquine sensitive (D10) and chloroquine resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the human malaria parasite. The antiplasmodial activity was compared to previously reported DHPM based molecular hybrids. Dual mode of antiplasmodial action of the most active member has been evaluated through heme binding study and in silico docking in the active site of dihydrofolate enzymes (wild-type as well as mutant). Favourable pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted in the ADMET evaluation. The new hybrids were also tested against a number of DNA and RNA viruses. No antiviral activity was found, except for one hybrid that showed mild inhibitory activity against two strains of cytomegalovirus (AD-169 and Davis), The most active hybrid was found to be a selective inhibitor of the growth of P. falciparum as well as a modest inhibitor of varicella zoster virus in HEL cells. Cytotoxicity of all hybrids was assessed in HEL, HeLa, Vero, MDCK, and CRFK cell cultures.

Construction of Ag/3D-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite with advanced catalytic capacity for 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue

The Ag nanoparticles decorated three dimentional (3D) reduced graphene oxide (Ag/3D-rGO) nanocomposite was prepared by a one-pot green hydrothermal method in the absence of any extra additive. It was found that the formation of Ag/3D-rGO cylinder depend on the GO dispersion concentration strongly. The obtained 3D Ag/rGO nanocomposite was of superior catalytic performance for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitropenol and catalytic degradation of methyl-blue at room temperature. The corresponding catalytic kinetics constants are 1.18577 min−1 for 4-nitrophenol and 0.83581 min−1 for methylene blue due to the naked surface of Ag nanoparticles and the charge transfer effect between anchored Ag nanoparticles and 3D-rGO. Both of the above kinetics constants are much higher than the reported counterparts. The outstanding catalytic performance along with the favorable kinetics parameters make the 3D Ag/rGO nanocomposite to be a promising heterogeneous catalyst in environmental protection and chemical engineering industry.

Aeroplane hothouse aeration

Maintaining favorable microclimate parameters for growing vegetables in a greenhouse affects the yield. The paper considers a three-span greenhouse, the air exchange in which is a single process. The areas of supply and exhaust aeration openings were determined under normalized air exchange. By means of multivariate calculations, the values of air exchange in each of the spans of the greenhouse were obtained with the accepted opening areas in the warm period of the year, which were compared with the minimum required air volume.&#x0D; Key words: aeration, greenhouse, natural ventilation, microclimate.

F wave in restless legs syndrome, as an electrophysiological response of clinical relief

ABSTRACT Objective The study aimed to evaluate the impact of postural changes on the F wave-related parameters and whether those changes were associated with clinical relaxation, which was achieved in restless legs syndrome patients with standing up. Methods F wave duration (FWD), compound muscle action potential duration (CMAPD), and FWD/CMAPD ratio were evaluated in supine and upward positions in 18 restless legs syndrome patients and compared with 18 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Results FWD/CMAPD was significantly higher for the tibial nerve at supine position (p = 0.043) but not at upright position (p = 0.206) and for ulnar nerve, both at supine (p = 0.007) and upright positions (p = 0.023) in RLS patients compared to controls. Ulnar FWD decreased significantly at the upright position in both control and RLS patients (p = 0.035, p = 0.028, respectively). CMAPD decreased only in the control group with standing up for both ulnar and tibial nerves (p = 0.048, p = 0.017, respectively). Discussion Ulnar and tibial FWD/CMAPD ratios increased in RLS patients compared to controls. However, FWD/CMAPD was not affected by the posture within the groups. Postural change seems to be a factor that decreased ulnar FWD both in RLS patients and the control group. Ulnar and tibial CMAPD reduced only in healthy controls with an upright position. Tibial and ulnar FWD/CMAPD ratios are favorable electrophysiological parameters diagnosing RLS. The tibial FWD/CMAPD ratio loses its significance only when the patient stands up, reflecting the clinical relief achieved with the postural change.

Designing phenyl-di-p-tolyl-amine-based asymmetric small molecular donor materials with favorable photovoltaic parameters

In the quest to enhance photovoltaic devices' efficiency and swift progress in the organic solar cell, community scientists are focusing on small molecules donors. The four specific donor molecules, namely TDMDN1, TDMDN2, TDMDN3, and TDMDN4, are designed from recently reported synthetic TDMDN reference molecules. The designed molecules TDMDN1-TDMDN4 have phenyl-di-p-tolyl-amine attached with different acceptors (terminal side). Quantum chemical and photovoltaic parameters of TDMDN1-TDMDN4 were estimated through DFT at MPW1PW91/6–31 G+ (d,p) . The parameters that affect the photophysical properties, exciton dynamics, chemical reactivity, and charge mobility of TDMDN1-TDMDN4 were described by calculating absorption profile, transition density matrix, frontier molecular orbit, and density of state, respectively. The result of all analyses demonstrates that TDMDN1-TDMDN4 proved more competent in executing the parameters mentioned above than TDMDN. Among all designed donors, TDMDN4 is recognized as an appropriate material for photovoltaic application due to its encouraging parameters involving reduced HOMO-LUMO energy gap (1.79 eV), lowest transition energy (1.50 eV), and highest λmax value with chloroform (826 nm). The binding energy of TDMDN4 (0.29 eV) has a low value compared to the TDMDN (0.35 eV). In addition, a complex of TDMDN4 with PC61BM further verifies suitable combination. All designed donor molecules are highly recommended to attain suitable photophysical properties in solar cells and thus are proposed for the elite performance of small molecular solar cell devices.

Role of Macrodiols in the Synthesis and Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Anti-Tack Water Borne Polyurethane Dispersions.

The texture and molecular weight of polymer drastically affect the adhesion or tack strength. Waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WBPU) have been prepared using two different macrodiols of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB; Mn = 2912 g/mol−1) and four compositions of Polypropylene glycol (PPG Mn = 425, 1000, 2000, 2700 g/mol−1). The contents of the macrodiols have been varied using HTPB as 5, 10 and 15 mol%. The prepolymer of HTPB and Poly propylene glycol (PPG) have been developed using 4,4-Methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (H12MDI) which is extended using 1, 4 butanediol (BD) followed by the dispersion of polymers in deionized water. Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) is used to confirm the desired PU linkage. The probe tack graphs for tack analysis have not shown any plateau indicating absence of fibrillation. Two different values of glass transition temperature (Tg) have been observed for each dispersion using Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC). Storage modulus (E′) up to 3.97 MPa and (tanδ/E′) from 0.01–0.30 MPa−1 has been observed via Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Introducing the HTPB has resulted in a decrease in the values of (tanδ/E′). No adhesion favorable parameters have been retrieved, indicating the molar variation a key factor in the development of anti-tack dispersions.

Design, synthesis, in vitro antiproliferative evaluation and in silico studies of new VEGFR-2 inhibitors based on 4-piperazinylquinolin-2(1H)-one scaffold

Angiogenesis is essential in the growth of solid tumors which need oxygen and nutrients supply to grow in size. The VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis. Sorafenib is an FDA approved cancer therapeutic with activity against many protein kinases, including VEGFR. We designed 4-piperazinylquinolin-2(1H)-ones with variable aromatic moieties and Mannich bases as Sorafenib analogues as potential inhibitors of angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the impact of replacing the linker aromatic ring with cyclic tertiary amines and the effect of incorporation of variably substituted distal rings. We hypothesized that cyclic tertiary amines would improve pharmacokinetic properties and contribute to enzyme interactions. Two series of piperazinylquinolinone-based compounds were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for bioactivity against adenocarcinoma EKVX NSCLC and T-47D breast cancer cells. Ability to inhibit VEGFR-2 and apoptosis were investigated and molecular docking into the enzyme active site and theoretical ADME properties were determined. Notably, amongst series I three compounds exhibited higher anticancer activity than Staurosporine against EKVX NSCLC adenocarcinoma cell line. In series II, nine compounds exhibited higher antiproliferative activity than Staurosporine against T-47D breast cancer cell line. Two compounds; 5d and 7z exhibited lower toxicity against normal cell line (MCF 10A) than Staurosporine. Compound 7z was the most potent agent with IC50 38.76 nM. Moreover, 7z showed VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity higher than sorafenib and induced remarkable levels of both early and late apoptosis (2.82% and 21.30%, respectively). Hence, 5d and 7z are considered promising VEGFR-2 inhibitors with high efficacy against adenocarcinoma EKVX and T-47D breast cancer cells. The target compounds also possessed favorable physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic parameters These studies further suggested that the 4-piperazinylquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives developed in this study play a critical role in modulating VEGFR, and guide the design of innovative anticancer therapies.

Quality of Emulsions Based on Modified Watermelon Seed Oil, Stabilized with Orange Fibres.

The aim of the study was to evaluate emulsion systems prepared on the basis of blended fat in different ratios (watermelon seed oil and mutton tallow) stabilised by orange fibres and xanthan gum. Emulsions were subjected to stability testing by Turbiscan and were assessed in terms of mean droplet size, colour, viscosity, texture, skin hydration and sensory properties. The most stable systems were found to be the ones containing a predominance of mutton tallow in a fat phase. For these emulsions the lowest increase in mean particle size during storage was observed. The study also confirmed the synergistic effect of the thickeners used. The presented emulsions despite favourable physicochemical parameters, did not gain acceptance in sensory evaluation.