28 research outputs found
Hybridization Effect of Sisal/Glass/Epoxy/Filler Based Woven Fabric Reinforced Composites
No full textDevelopment of the Polymer based Composites
from both natural and synthetic fibers is a sustainable alternative
material for some engineering fields like automotive and
aerospace. This work is aimed to incorporate the sisal and Eglass
fabrics with the epoxy matrix and by adding silicon
carbide filler to the sisal fabrics. Five different composite laminates
were prepared by hand layup combined with vacuum
bagging method as per laminate sequences. The physical and
mechanical properties of composite laminates were evaluated
according to ASTM. Results show that incorporation of Eglass
and silicon carbide filler can reduce the voids and enhance
the physical properties. As the amount of E-glass fibers
slightly grows, tensile properties of composites grow. Effect
of filler can enhance the flexural properties. Failure of composites
mainly occurs due to the poor interfacial bonding between
fabrics and matrix, fabrics pull out and fracture occurs
in fabrics or matrix when load is applied
Data from: Deciduous forests hold conservation value for birds within South Andaman Island, India
No full text<p>We assessed the importance of deciduous and evergreen habitats for forest birds (including several endemic and threatened species) within South Andaman Island, India. To this end, we compared the composition and diversity (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic) of forest birds across the two habitat types, and evaluted species-specific responses to habitat variables within the island.</p>
<p>The dataset collected for this study is published here. Bird species traits were sourced from Tobias et al. (2022) and Wilman et al. (2014). Phylogenetic trees were sourced from <a href="https://birdtree.org/">birdtree.org</a> (Jetz et al. 2012).</p>
<p><br><strong>Taxonomic Coverage: </strong>Birds, 54 species</p>
<p><strong>Geographic Coverage:</strong> South Andaman Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India</p>
<p><strong>Temporal Coverage:</strong> March-May 2022 and December 2022-April 2023</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Brief summary of field methods: </strong><br>We conducted line-transect surveys for forest birds across evergreen and deciduous forests in South Andaman Island, India. <br>Twenty-seven transects were sampled either in the morning (between 0515 – 0930 hrs) or in the afternoon (between 1515 – 1730 hrs) from March-May 2022 and December 2022-April 2023. For every bird detected, we noted species identity, group size (if visible), time of detection, and whether the bird(s) was seen or heard. Detections of flying birds and nocturnal species (owls and nightjars) were excluded.<br>For each transect, we measured - <br>a. tree density and basal area (using the point-centered quarter method, or PCQ); <br>b. canopy cover, proportion of deciduous trees, and presence of cane, bamboo runners and clumps of standing bamboo (averaged across PCQ points);<br>c. number of large trees and cut logs (counted within a 20m-wide belt along each transect); and <br>d. distance from nearest settlement/village (using Google Earth Pro).</p>
<p>The dataset published here contains eight data files, along with a <strong>ReadMe.txt</strong> file that explains each of these data files.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Funding:</strong></p>
<p>Science and Engineering Research Board (Govt. of India) - SRG/2021/001523</p>
<p>The Rufford Foundation</p>
<p>The Rauf Ali Fellowship</p>
<p>Arvind Datar</p>
<p>Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>References:</strong></p>
<p>Jetz, W., G. H. Thomas, J. B. Joy, K. Hartmann, and A. O. Mooers. 2012. The global diversity of birds in space and time. Nature 491:444–448.<br>Tobias, J. A., C. Sheard, A. L. Pigot, A. J. M. Devenish, J. Yang, et al. 2022. AVONET: morphological, ecological and geographical data for all birds. Ecology Letters 25:581–597.<br>Wilman, H., J. Belmaker, J. Simpson, C. de la Rosa, M. M. Rivadeneira, and W. Jetz. 2014. EltonTraits 1.0: Species-level foraging attributes of the world’s birds and mammals. Ecology 95:2027–2027.</p>
Dielectrophoresis: A Review of Applications for Stem Cell Research
Get PDFDielectrophoresis can discriminate distinct cellular identities in heterogeneous populations, and monitor cell state changes associated with activation and clonal expansion, apoptosis, and necrosis, without the need for biochemical labels. Demonstrated capabilities include the enrichment of haematopoetic stem cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood, and adult stem cells from adipose tissue. Recent research suggests that this technique can predict the ultimate fate of neural stem cells after differentiation before the appearance of specific cell-surface proteins. This review summarises the properties of cells that contribute to their dielectrophoretic behaviour, and their relevance to stem cell research and translational applications.</p
The Corneal epithelial stem cell marker-novel combination of high expression of p63 and a large N/C Ratio
No full textThe cornea is a transparent avascular tissue that provides a protective barrier from the external environment and also serves as the main refractive element of the visual system. The corneal transparency relies on the normal functioning of its three tissue layers, epithelium, stroma and endothelium. Under normal circumstances, the superficial cells of the corneal epithelium undergo desquamation after terminal differentiation which is followed by replacement of lost cells from the limbus. For this system to perpetuate and maintain equilibrium, the primary source is considered to be the stem cells (SCs) residing in the limbal palisades of Vogt. Although the location of SCs is now well established, there are currently no definitive markers for identification of SCs. Therefore, a method was devised for the identification of a population of small cells with high expression of p63 combined with a large N/C ratio, using cytospin smear, doubleimmunofluorescence staining and quantitative confocal microscopy. We have demonstrated that these two parameters in combination,form a precise marker to identify SCs in the basal layer of limbus. We have further confirmed that the distinct group of small cells expressing high levels of nuclear protein p63 combined with a large N/C ratio is a precise corneal epithelial SC marker on the basis of the following findings: they are small cells (diameter 9-11μ m) with these two characteristics and are present in the limbal but not in the corneal epithelium; more specifically these cells are present in the isolated basal layer cells of limbus, but not in the isolated suprabasal/superficial cells; they are enriched by five-fold in the isolated limbal basal cells; they are positive for the SC-related markersacidic cytokeratins, K5 and negative for K3, Cx43, 14-3-3σ and Ki67; they possess slowcycling label retaining property; the isolated limbal basal layer cells have higher mRNA levels for Δ Np63a and display higher CFE; they are present in small numbers in ex vivo expanded limbal epithelium but not in that of corneal epithelium
The Corneal epithelial stem cell marker-novel combination of high expression of p63 and a large N/C Ratio
No full textThe cornea is a transparent avascular tissue that provides a protective barrier from the external environment and also serves as the main refractive element of the visual system. The corneal transparency relies on the normal functioning of its three tissue layers, epithelium, stroma and endothelium. Under normal circumstances, the superficial cells of the corneal epithelium undergo desquamation after terminal differentiation which is followed by replacement of lost cells from the limbus. For this system to perpetuate and maintain equilibrium, the primary source is considered to be the stem cells (SCs) residing in the limbal palisades of Vogt. Although the location of SCs is now well established, there are currently no definitive markers for identification of SCs. Therefore, a method was devised for the identification of a population of small cells with high expression of p63 combined with a large N/C ratio, using cytospin smear, doubleimmunofluorescence staining and quantitative confocal microscopy. We have demonstrated that these two parameters in combination,form a precise marker to identify SCs in the basal layer of limbus. We have further confirmed that the distinct group of small cells expressing high levels of nuclear protein p63 combined with a large N/C ratio is a precise corneal epithelial SC marker on the basis of the following findings: they are small cells (diameter 9-11μ m) with these two characteristics and are present in the limbal but not in the corneal epithelium; more specifically these cells are present in the isolated basal layer cells of limbus, but not in the isolated suprabasal/superficial cells; they are enriched by five-fold in the isolated limbal basal cells; they are positive for the SC-related markersacidic cytokeratins, K5 and negative for K3, Cx43, 14-3-3σ and Ki67; they possess slowcycling label retaining property; the isolated limbal basal layer cells have higher mRNA levels for Δ Np63a and display higher CFE; they are present in small numbers in ex vivo expanded limbal epithelium but not in that of corneal epithelium
PREVALENCE OF VANCOMYCIN RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCI FROM URINARY TRACT INFECTED PATIENTS
No full textUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the infectious diseases affecting humankind. The microbial agents that infect the tissues of the urinary tract from the renal cortex to the urethral meatus Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens that are found in the normal gut flora. Enterococci are the second leading cause of UTIs, accounting for 10% of all nosocomial UTIs. This species has become a major pathogen in the United States, Iran, Europe, and other parts of the world, including India. Antibiotic resistance is increasing, which slows the rate of progress in practical therapies, making susceptibility testing necessary. So, enterococci were isolated from urine samples of patients with UTI that were subjected to morphological characterization, biochemical assays, etc., The main aim of the study was to help in identifying resistance patterns and the dispersal of Enterococcus strains from various samples of urine to antibiotic agents like Penicillin G, Tetracycline, Teicoplanin, Norfloxacin, high-level Gentamycin, Linezolid, Nitrofurantoin, and with special emphasis on Vancomycin antibiotic. The greatest threat posed by Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) is its ability to transfer resistance genes to more dangerous gram-positive bacteria, potentially leading to truly terrifying pathogens in the future. A long stay in the hospital and the use of Vancomycin were connected to VRE-UTI and colonisation. Renal dialysis, renal failure, previous aminoglycoside, and third-generation cephalosporin use were all relevant hazard factors for VRE from UTI. The paper also underlines the importance of screening clinical samples for VRE and proposes that control measures be implemented to limit the spread of VRE
Assessment of Water Use Efficiency in Vegetable Cultivation under Groundwater Conditions in Karnataka, India
No full textWater is a vital input for agriculture and essential for economic and social development, particularly in Karnataka, one of India’s most drought-prone states, where only 34 per cent of gross cropped area is irrigated and agriculture is heavily dependent on groundwater. The study examined the profitability and water use efficiency of major crops under groundwater irrigation in Bengaluru Rural district. A multistage random sampling method was employed, selecting 120 farmers from 10 villages across Hoskote and Nelamangala taluks known for cole crop cultivation. Primary data on input use, costs, yields and irrigation were collected using pre-tested schedules and analysed through cost and returns analysis, irrigation intensity and water use efficiency measures. Results indicated that vegetable crops, particularly cabbage and cauliflower, incurred higher cultivation costs but yielded substantially greater net returns compared to cereals such as ragi and maize, with per acre net returns and returns per rupee spent higher for vegetables. Water use efficiency analysis showed economic efficiency (₹ per acre-inch) was highest in cauliflower (₹ 18,420) and cabbage (₹ 15,034) followed by maize (₹ 9,257) and ragi (₹ 7,781) while technical efficiency (quintals per acre-inch) similarly favoured vegetables. The findings demonstrate that groundwater irrigation significantly enhances productivity, profitability and cropping intensity with vegetables providing superior returns and efficient water utilization compared to cereals. The study highlighted the strategic importance of using groundwater judiciously for high-value horticultural crops, suggesting that optimized irrigation and nutrient management practices can improve farm incomes and sustainable water use in water-scarce regions of Karnataka
Human IgG1 antibodies suppress angiogenesis in a target-independent manner.
No full textberrant angiogenesis is implicated in diseases affecting nearly 10% of the world's population. The most widely used anti-angiogenic drug is bevacizumab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets human VEGFA. Although bevacizumab does not recognize mouse Vegfa, it inhibits angiogenesis in mice. Here we show bevacizumab suppressed angiogenesis in three mouse models not via Vegfa blockade but rather Fc-mediated signaling through FcγRI (CD64) and c-Cbl, impairing macrophage migration. Other approved humanized or human IgG1 antibodies without mouse targets (adalimumab, alemtuzumab, ofatumumab, omalizumab, palivizumab and tocilizumab), mouse IgG2a, and overexpression of human IgG1-Fc or mouse IgG2a-Fc, also inhibited angiogenesis in wild-type and FcγR humanized mice. This anti-angiogenic effect was abolished by Fcgr1 ablation or knockdown, Fc cleavage, IgG-Fc inhibition, disruption of Fc-FcγR interaction, or elimination of FcRγ-initated signaling. Furthermore, bevacizumab's Fc region potentiated its anti-angiogenic activity in humanized VEGFA mice. Finally, mice deficient in FcγRI exhibited increased developmental and pathological angiogenesis. These findings reveal an unexpected anti-angiogenic function for FcγRI and a potentially concerning off-target effect of hIgG1 therapies
The Hybrid Effect of Jute/Kenaf/E-Glass Woven Fabric Epoxy Composites for Medium Load Applications: Impact, Inter-Laminar Strength, and Failure Surface Characterization
No full textThis research has been carried out to find better hybrid natural/glass fiber-reinforced composites for engineering applications. This research work studied the impact and inter-laminar strength of E-glass with jute/kenaf woven fabric epoxy composites with the aim of evaluating the hybridization effects on different laminate stacking sequences made with jute, kenaf, and E-glass fabrics by the vacuum bagging method. All the laminates were prepared in 300 × 300 mm2 with a total of five plies maintained at 3 mm thickness, by varying the number and position of jute, kenaf, glass layers so as to obtain nine different stacking sequences. Among them, one group of all pure jute, pure kenaf, and pure E-glass laminates were also fabricated for comparison purpose. The specimen preparation and testing were carried out as per ASTM standards. From the results, it is shown that the properties of jute/kenaf fabrics-reinforced epoxy composites can be enhanced by hybridization with the addition of glass fabrics. The hybridization of jute/kenaf fabrics with E-glass fabrics provides a method to improve the mechanical impact and inter-laminar strength over pure natural fiber-reinforced composites. The hybrid laminate having E-glass and kenaf fiber plies as skin layers and jute fiber plies as core layers showed better properties compared to other laminates
