1,114 research outputs found
Supplementary_Production – Supplemental material for An optimization scheme for a multilayer armour module against 7.62 mm armour piercing projectile
No full textSupplemental material, Supplementary_Production for An optimization scheme for a multilayer armour module against 7.62 mm armour piercing projectile by Ashish Paman, Govindan Sukumar, B Ramakrishna and Vemuri Madhu in International Journal of Protective Structures</p
Pomegranate extract specifically inhibits Clostridium difficile growth and toxin production without disturbing the beneficial bacteria in vitro
No full textMurugapillai Rathinam Sukumar, Brigitte König Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the pomegranate juice against the growth and toxin production of multidrug-resistant Clostridium difficile hypervirulent strain NAP1/027/BI and also against the growth of beneficial bacteria to prevent or suppress C. difficile infection (CDI).Materials and methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were taken as parameters for the assessment of antimicrobial property of the pomegranate juice. Four different C. difficile hypervirulent strains NAP1/027/BI, Lactococcus lactis spp., Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium animalis were subjected to the broth dilution method to determine the MIC and MBC. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine clostridial toxin B (TcdB) production in the presence of pomegranate juice.Results: The MIC and MBC of pomegranate juice containing punicalagin were found to be 390 µg/mL for all C. difficile hypervirulent strain NAP1/027/BI, and the growth of L. lactis spp., L. casei, and B. animalis was not inhibited. Pomegranate juice reduced TcdB production in C. difficile hypervirulent strain NAP1/027/BI.Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of pomegranate juice to reduce CDI without affecting the beneficial bacteria. Pomegranate juice may be a useful antimicrobial agent to prevent or suppress CDI, avoiding the use of antibiotics. Keywords: Clostridium difficile, pomegranate juice, antimicrobial agent, CD
The Nation and its citizens: Tales of Bondage and Belonging
No full textThe Nation and Its Citizens: Tales of Bondage and Belonging is about nationalism as a uniquely modern political doctrine, shaped by the lived experience of citizens. Nationalism has changed in its appeal through history, as have its manifestations. Getting to know these may be part of the challenge of negotiating the ongoing turmoil, both internal and external to the nation.
In addressing these issues, this book offers several propositions on how the construct of ‘identity’ is crafted, with all its power to influence modern politics. It then explores how well India’s practice of republican democracy has lived up to the competing dynamics of identity and equality.
As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, author Sukumar Muralidharan takes the readers on a journey into how the sense of fellow-feeling and mutual dependence of the nation are consolidated, and under what circumstances these could fray. The Nation and Its Citizens offers many fresh perspectives in understanding India’s unique political trajectory
Synthesis, thermal properties and structural characterisation, of the tetraphenylphosphonium pentaborate salt, [PPh4][B5O6(OH)4]·1.5H2O
No full text[Ph4P][B5O6(OH)4] · 1.5H2O (1) was obtained as colourless crystals in high yield from a MeOH/H2O solution of B(OH)3 and [PPh4][OH] (5:1). A single-crystal X-ray study confirmed that the solid-state structure was comprised of supramolecular networks of interconnected anions (H-bonds) and cations (phenyl embraces). Crystals are triclinic, P (1) over bar with a = 13.3174(3) angstrom, b = 13.3180(3) angstrom, c = 16.2055(4) angstrom, alpha = 91.1950(10)degrees, beta = 91.180(2)degrees, gamma = 105.456(2)degrees, T = 120(2) K, V = 2768.66(11) angstrom(3) and Z = 4. TGA/DSC analysis showed that 1 thermally decomposed in air at 800 degrees C to 2.5B2O3, via a low temperature dehydration step to a condensed pentaborate, [PPh4][B5O8]
Synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of benzylammonium pentaborate [C6H5CH2NH3][B5O6(OH)4]
No full text[C6H5CH2NH3][B5O6(OH)(4)] was obtained as colourless crystals in high yield from a MeOH/H2O (1:1) solution of benzylamine and boric acid (1:5). A single-crystal X-ray study confirmed that the solid-state structure was comprised of a supramolecular H-bonded pentaborate anion lattice, templated by the benzylammonium cations which occupy positions within the lattice cavities. Each pentaborate anion formed 4 H-bonds to 4 neighbouring pentaborate anions at alpha,alpha,alpha,beta acceptor sites. Additionally, each cation H-bonds to 3 pentaborate anions. Crystals were monoclinic, P2(1)/c, with a = 9.3511(2) angstrom, b = 14.5157(4) angstrom, c = 10.4670(2) angstrom, beta = 90.778(2)degrees, T = 120 K, V = 1420.64(6) angstrom(3), and Z = 4. TGA/DSC analysis showed that [C6H5CH2NH3][B5O6(OH)(4)] thermally decomposed in air at 800 degrees C to 2.5B(2)O(3), via a low-temperature (200-250 degrees C) dehydration step to a condensed pentaborate
Breastfeeding, pregnant, and non-breastfeeding nor pregnant women's food consumption: A matched within-household analysis in India
No full textObjective: Promoting breastfeeding is major maternal and child health goal in India. It is unclear whether mothers receive additional food needed to support healthy breastfeeding. Methods: Using the latest National Family and Health Survey (2005-2006), we applied multilevel linear regression models to document correlates of nutrition for (n=20,764) breastfeeding women. We then compared consumption of pulses, eggs, meat, fish, dairy, fruit, and vegetables across a sample of breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding/pregnant (NBP), and pregnant women (n=3,409) matched within households and five-year age bands. We tested whether breastfeeding women had greater advantages in the 18 high-focus states of India’s National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Results: Vegetarianism, caste, and religion were the strongest predictors of breastfeeding women’s nutrition. Breastfeeding women had no nutritional advantage compared to NBP women, and were disadvantaged in their consumption of milk (b=-0.14) in low-focus states. Pregnant women were similarly disadvantaged in their consumption of milk in low-focus states (b=-0.32), but consumed vegetables more frequently (b=0.12) than NBP women in high-focus states. Conclusions: Breastfeeding women do not receive nutritional advantages compared to NBP women. Targeted effort is needed to assess and improve nutritional adequacy for breastfeeding Indian women
Pharmacogenomic and mechanistic studies on dietary factors in chemoprevention of cancer
No full textPharmacogenomic profiling of cancer has recently seen much activity with the accessibility of the newest generation of high-throughput platforms and technologies. A myriad of mechanistic studies have been devoted to identifying dietary factors that can help prevent cancer, with evidence gleaned from epidemiologic studies revealing an inverse correlation between the intake of cruciferous vegetables and the risk of certain types of cancer. To develop a comprehensive understanding of cancer pathogenesis, and potential for chemopreventive intervention with dietary factors, an integrated approach that encompasses both pharmacogenomic and mechanistic aspects is desirable. Our transcriptomic profiling of butylated hydroxyanisole-induced Nuclear Factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent genes in Nrf2-deficient mice identified several germane molecular targets for prevention. Toxicogenomic analyses of endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer tunicamycin in Nrf2-deficient mice elucidated Nrf2-regulated unfolded protein response effects. Mechanistic studies on a combination of sulforaphane and (-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate in HT-29 AP-1 (Activator Protein-1) cells revealed a synergy in colon cancer chemoprevention. Pharmacogenomic studies of this combination in PC-3 AP-1 cells provided a discursive framework for understanding putative crosstalk between Nrf2 and AP-1 in prostate cancer chemoprevention. Regulatory potential for concerted modulation of Nrf2 and Nuclear Factor-κB (Nfκb1) in inflammation and carcinogenesis was delineated by bioinformatic analyses. Metabolomic approaches identified potential prognostic biomarkers in human prostate cancer. Differential biological networks in prostate cancer were elicited in androgen-dependent 22Rv1 cells, androgen- and estrogen-dependent LNCaP cells and androgen-independent DU 145 and PC-3 cells. Taken together, our identification of Nrf2-regulated molecular targets by expression profiling using dietary factors, synergistic effects in combinatorial use of dietary factors in colon cancer, regulatory studies on crosstalk between Nrf2 and AP-1 in prostate cancer, bioinformatic analyses of concerted modulation of Nrf2 and Nfkb1 in inflammation and carcinogenesis, metabolomic identification of biomarkers, and delineation of target hubs in differential prostate cancer biological networks, greatly enhance our understanding of the transcriptional circuitry in cancer and important master regulatory nodes including Nrf2 that might potentially be exploited for chemopreventive intervention with dietary factors.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical references (p. 311-331)
The Influence of the Increasing Penetration of Photovoltaic Generation on Integrated Transmission-Distribution Power Systems
No full textPower system simulations should be adapted to be applicable to the trends that are currently evoked by the energy transition. This transition is pushing our power system from a traditional hierarchical system to a modern interactive system. In order to keep the supply and transport of energy safe and reliant, we need to change the way we perform power system simulations. This requires a comprehensive framework in which both transmission and distribution systems are simultaneously analyzed. This chapter describes how transmission and distribution networks are modeled together as an integrated network and used to do steady-state operation analysis in order to assess the interaction of these two networks. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of the increasing amount of imbalance at distribution level on the transmission network that is evoked by the increase of highly variable resources and loads at distribution level. This influence is not taken into account in traditional power system simulations as power networks are analyzed on its own. We show that the hybrid network representation is a powerful tool to analyze modern power systems and that the effects of increased PV penetration under normal operating conditions are limitedGreen Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Numerical Analysi
Immunoprophylaxis of syngeneic methycholanthrene-induced murine sarcomas with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and tumor cells
No full textWe studied the conditions necessary for living Mycobacterium bovis strain Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to augment the capacity of tumor cells to induce specific rejection immunity in healthy mice against transplants of chemically induced fibrosarcomas. Immunization by implantation of tumor cells alone and excision of the resulting growth was compared to that induced by implantation of tumor cells in admixture with BCG followed by excision of the injection site. The numbers of tumor cells and BCG organisms used for immunization were varied to determine the quantities and proportions of those materials required for greatest augmentation of the ability of the animals to reject a challenge of live tumor cells. To assess the degree of host resistance produced by immunization, mice were challenged by i.d. injection of graded doses of living tumor cells. As the number of tumor cells in immunizing mixtures was decreased, an amount was found below which no dose of BCG augmented the capacity of the tumor cells to induce specific host resistance. As the dose of BCG in immunizing mixtures was decreased, an amount was found below which no dose of tumor cells was more effective than tumor cells alone. With each of the fibrosarcomas studied, immunization with optimal quantities of BCG and tumor cells was more effective in producing tumor rejection immunity than were tumor cells alone. Immunization with BCG alone did not increase the ability of the animals to reject tumor. When the specificity of immunity produced by immunization with tumor and BCG was analyzed, two of three fibrosarcomas were found to be cross-protective. Animals immunized with normal murine, syngeneic adult or embryonic tissue, or neoplastic mammary tissue, each in admixture with BCG, were not protected against the growth of the murine fibrosarcoma transplants. The murine fibrosarcomas that were capable of inducing cross-protection released ecotropic murine leukemia virus(es) and contained lactic dehydrogenase virus. The ability of fibrosarcomas to induce cross-protection persisted after tumors were rendered free of lactic dehydrogenase virus by passage in vitro in tissue culture flasks. Resistance to tumor growth was achieved in mice that were challenged 2 to 3 weeks after injection of vaccine. Mice challenged on the same day as the injection of vaccine were not significantly protected against growth of the tumor cells in the challenge inoculum
Structures of the G81A mutant form of the active chimera of (S)-mandelate dehydrogenase and its complex with two of its substrates
No full text(S)-Mandelate dehydrogenase (MDH) from Pseudomonas putida, a membrane-associated flavoenzyme, catalyzes the oxidation of (S)-mandelate to benzoylformate. Previously, the structure of a catalytically similar chimera, MDH-GOX2, rendered soluble by the replacement of its membrane-binding segment with the corresponding segment of glycolate oxidase (GOX), was determined and found to be highly similar to that of GOX except within the substituted segments. Subsequent attempts to cocrystallize MDH-GOX2 with substrate proved unsuccessful. However, the G81A mutants of MDH and of MDH-GOX2 displayed approximately 100-fold lower reactivity with substrate and a modestly higher reactivity towards molecular oxygen. In order to understand the effect of the mutation and to identify the mode of substrate binding in MDH-GOX2, a crystallographic investigation of the G81A mutant of the MDH-GOX2 enzyme was initiated. The structures of ligand-free G81A mutant MDH-GOX2 and of its complexes with the substrates 2-hydroxyoctanoate and 2-hydroxy-3-indolelactate were determined at 1.6, 2.5 and 2.2 A resolution, respectively. In the ligand-free G81A mutant protein, a sulfate anion previously found at the active site is displaced by the alanine side chain introduced by the mutation. 2-Hydroxyoctanoate binds in an apparently productive mode for subsequent reaction, while 2-hydroxy-3-indolelactate is bound to the enzyme in an apparently unproductive mode. The results of this investigation suggest that a lowering of the polarity of the flavin environment resulting from the displacement of nearby water molecules caused by the glycine-to-alanine mutation may account for the lowered catalytic activity of the mutant enzyme, which is consistent with the 30 mV lower flavin redox potential. Furthermore, the altered binding mode of the indolelactate substrate may account for its reduced activity compared with octanoate, as observed in the crystalline state
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