bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FATIGUE CHARACTERISTICS OF LASER WELDED ZIRCALOY THIN SHEET
Authors: JEONG DONG HEE , KIM JAE HOON , PARK JOON KYOO , JEON KYEONG LAK , LEE SEONG KI , SUH JUNG MIN
Published: March 2012

The spacer grid is one of the main structural components in a fuel assembly. It supports fuel rods, guides cooling water and maintains geometry from external impact load and cyclic stress by the vibration of nuclear fuel rod, it is necessary to have sufficient strength against dynamic external load and fatigue strength. In this study, the mechanical properties and fatigue characteristics of laser beam welded zircaloy thin sheet are examined. The fatigue strength under cyclic load was evaluated by staircase method at stress ratio R =0.1. The most appropriate distribution for probabilistic characteristics of fatigue strength at 2×106 cycles was 2-paramer Weibull distribution. Results show that reliability analysis strength was derived from the strength-stress interference model. As a result of the experimental approach, the design guide of fatigue strength for laser welded joint is proposed and the results obtained in this are to be the useful data for spacer gird design.
EFFECT OF HYDROGEN ON UNIAXIAL TENSILE BEHAVIORS OF A DUCTILE CAST IRON
Authors: Matsuno K. , Matsunaga H. , Endo M. , Yanase K.
Published: March 2012

Effect of the hydrogen-charging on the uniaxial tensile behaviors of a ductile cast iron was investigated. It was found that the hydrogen-charging accelerated the process of crack growth from graphite in the uniaxial tensile loading condition. Further, the accelerated crack growth had a marked influence on the reduction of area at the final fracture (RA) of specimens. For instance, for the uncharged specimens, the RA was nearly constant irrespective of the strain rate. In contrast, for the hydrogen-charged specimens, the RA gradually decreased as the strain rate decreased. Thermal desorption spectroscopy and hydrogen microprint technique revealed that, in the hydrogen-charged specimen, most of solute hydrogen was diffusive one, which was mainly segregated at graphite, graphite/matrix interface zone and pearlite. Based on these experimental observations, we consider that the hydrogen-induced degradation behavior was caused mainly by a combination of the following three mechanisms: (i) supplement of hydrogen to the crack tip from graphite and graphite–matrix interface, (ii) hydrogen-enhanced pearlite cracking and, (iii) successive hydrogen-emission from graphite and additional hydrogen-supplement to the crack tip.
SPRAY BEHAVIOR AND ATOMIZATION CHARACTERISTICS OF BIODIESEL
Authors: CHOI SEUNG-HUN , OH YOUNG-TAIG
Published: March 2012

Biodiesel has large amount of oxygen in itself, which make it very efficient in reducing exhaust emission by improving combustion inside an engine. But biodiesel has a low temperature flow problem because it has a high viscosity. In this study, the spray behavior and atomization characteristics were investigated to confirm of some effect for the combination of non-esterification biodiesel and fuel additive WDP and IPA. The process of spray was visualized through the visualization system composed of a halogen lamp and high speed camera, and atomization characteristics were investigated through LDPA. When blending WDP and IPA with biodiesel, atomization and spray characteristics were improved. Through this experimental result, SMD of blended fuel, WDP 25% and biodiesel 75%, was 33.9% reduced at distance 6cm from a nozzle tip under injection pressure 30MPa.
EXTRUSION SIMULATION FOR MANUFACTURING STABILIZATION OF EXPANDABLE POLYMER
Authors: SON JAE HWAN , HAN CHANG WOO , CHOI WON SIK , NOH KYOO IK , KIM YOUNG SUK , LEE YOUNG MOON
Published: March 2012

This study investigates pressure and temperature changes in an extrusion die of expandable polymer according to resin flow. Depending on die design each three structural changes of the die neck width and lip height were assumed and the effects were analyzed. It is revealed that the maximum pressure decreases as the inlet width of die neck and outlet height of die lip increase. The mean temperature decreases as the inlet width increase, but it does not change with the outlet height.
THE STUDY ON DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHT-WEIGHT FOAMED MORTAR FOR TUNNEL BACKFILL
Authors: Ma Sang-Joon , Kang Eun-Gu , Kim Dong-Min
Published: March 2012

This study was intended to develop the Light-Weight Foamed Mortar which is used for NATM Composite lining backfill. In the wake of the study, the mixing method which satisfies the requirements for compressive strength, permeability coefficient, fluidity, specific gravity and settlement was developed and moreover field applicability was verified through the model test. Thus the mixing of Light-Weight Foamed Mortar developed in this study is expected to be applicable to NATM Composite lining, thereby making commitment to improving the stability and drainage performance of lining.
EFFECT OF TENSILE STRENGTH BY VARIATIONS IN PEEL STRENGTH IN LAMINATED FILM FOR LIQUID PACKAGE
Authors: MACHIDA Yukihiko , SHIMAMOTO Akira , AOKI Hiroyuki , FUTASE Katsunori
Published: March 2012

Good tensile strength of a laminated film for packaging is an indispensable property in preventing leakage. It is known that the peel strength between laminated film layers is closely related to the tensile strength of the film. In this study, we have measured the tensile strength for various peel strengths of two kinds of three layered laminated film; Nylon + Aluminum + Polyethylene and Nylon + Polyester + Polyethylene. These films have two peel layers, so we escalated one peel strength and fix another one. Then we found that the peel strength between the sealant and the boundaries strongly influences the tensile strength. About Nylon + Polyester + Polyethylene film, we researched applied amount of adhesive and observed cross section of specimen at measurement of peel strength. Then we found that there is difference in specimen condition at measurement of peel strength, and examined about relationship of peel strength and stiffness of specimen.
SYNTHESIS OF NANOCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND FILMS ON MOLYBDENUM SUBSTRATE BY FLAME COMBUSTION METHOD
Authors: TAKAHASHI MAMORU , SUGAWARA MASATAKA , KAMIYA OSAMU , OHYOSHI TADASHI
Published: March 2012

The flame combustion method enables the synthesis of diamond using acetylene-oxygen gas flame combustion in ambient atmosphere. It has various advantages over other methods. In this study, to obtain nanocrystalline diamond films and to achieve good adhesion, diamond films were synthesized by flame combustion using a mixture of commercial or high purity acetylene and oxygen gas with the addition of nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas added as the nanocrystalline diamond promotion agent; nitrogen flow rate was varied. According to the results, at the mixture of commercial acetylene and oxygen gas, as nitrogen flow rate was increased, the diamond nanocrystallites was high density on the microcrystallites. At the mixture of high purity acetylene and oxygen gas, the optimal nitrogen flow rate was 0.500 cm3/s, and the diamond nanocrystallites was synthesized continuously on the diamond microcrystallites. They sowed very high density.
X-RAY EVALUATION OF DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF SPUTTERED Cu THIN FILMS UNDER TENSILE LOADING
Authors: AKINIWA YOSHIAKI
Published: March 2012

Tensile tests were carried out for sputtered copper thin films. Thin films were fabricated by RF magnetron sputtering. The target power of the sputtering equipment was set from 10 to 150 W to control the grain size. The grain size increased with increasing target power. The effect of grain size on the deformation behavior under tensile loading was investigated by X-ray method. The changes in the internal stress and the full width at half maximum were measured under tensile loading. The 0.2% proof stress decreased with grain size. For the full width at half maximum, the value was almost constant in the elastic region. When the plastic deformation occurred, the value increased rapidly with applied strain. For the specimen with fine grains, the value returned to the initial value in spite of after large plastic deformation. After tensile loading, many intergranular cracks could be observed on the specimen surface.
INFLUENCE OF HEAT TREATMENT CONDITION ON PHOTOCATALYTIC PROPERTIES OF OXIDIZED TiN FILM
Authors: YONEKURA DAISUKE , KATSURA SHUHEI , MURAKAMI RI-ICHI
Published: March 2012

Nitride doped titanium oxide ( TiOxNy ) is a photocatalytic material which acts under visible light, while conventional titanium oxide acts only in ultra violet light. In this study, we tried to make nitride doped titanium film by oxidizing of TiN film. The TiN films were deposited on the quartz substrate by DC magnetron sputtering. The film structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The photocatalytic decomposing rate was measured using methylene blue solution under black light and fluorescent lamp. As a result, post annealing process after oxidizing process is unsuitable to realize a high photocatalytic activity for oxidized TiN . On the other hand, the samples oxidized in nitrogen rich atmosphere showed the obvious photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. This reason is that the oxidation of the film surface is controlled and nitrogen atom left in film surface by nitrogen gas supplying. In conclusion, oxidizing of TiN film in nitrogen rich atmosphere is suitable to realize a high photocatalytic activity.
NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THERMAL DEFORMATION OF AC7A AND AC4C CASTING MATERIAL
Authors: Yoon Hee-Sung , Yang Ho-Dong , Oh Yool-Kwon
Published: March 2012

The present study was numerically and experimentally investigated on thermal deformation of AC7A and AC4C aluminum alloy used as a casting material for manufacturing automobile tire mold. In this study, temperature distributions of AC7A and AC4C casting material were numerically calculated by finite element analysis (FEA). In order to compare and verify results calculated by numerical analysis, the experiment was carried out on the same condition of numerical analysis. The temperature distribution numerical analysis result revealed that the cooling patterns were predicted almost similar results during cooling process of two casting material. Also, the thermal deformation was calculated from the temperature distribution results. The thermal deformation was closely related to the temperature difference between the surface and inside of the casting.
NANO ACCURACY ELEVATION OF ULTRA-PRECISION MACHINING USING OPTICAL FIBER LASER ENCODER SYSTEM
Authors: Lee Geon , Kim Sung-Hyun , Kwak Nam-Su , Kim Jae-Yeol
Published: March 2012

The ultra-precision products which recently experienced high in demands had included the large areas of most updated technologies, for example, the semiconductor, the computer, the aerospace, the media information, the precision machining. For early 21st century, it was expected that the ultra-precision technologies would be distributed more throughout the market and required securing more nation-wise advancements. Furthermore, there seemed to be increasing in demand of the single crystal diamond tool which was capable of the ultra-precision machining for parts requiring a high degree of complicated details which were more than just simple wrapping and policing. Moreover, the highest degree of precision is currently at 50nm for some precision parts but not in all. The machining system and technology should be at very high preformed level in order to accomplish this degree of the ultra-precision.
FIBER OPTIC SENSOR FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF CONCENTRATION AND REFRACTIVE INDEX OF LIQUIDS BASED ON INTENSITY MODULATION
Authors: CHAUDHARI A.L. , SHALIGRAM A. D.
Published: March 2012

This paper reports the use of fiber optic sensor consists of two-fiber probe and reflector for the measurement of concentration and refractive index of liquids based on the reflective intensity modulation. Conventionally such a sensor is used for measuring micro-displacement of fiber tip with reference to the reflector. In one of the previously reported work we have established that if the separation between fiber tips and reflector is maintained constant the same arrangement can be directly used for sensing refractive index changes of medium. The liquid under test fills the gap between probe and reflector. Depending upon the refractive index of liquid, angle of emittance will change which will decide the received output power by receiving fiber. Apart from pure solvents which have different refractive indices, there are mixtures of various types which also alter the refractive index of a given medium. The developed sensor is used to detect the concentration of the alcohols like methanol & ethylene glycol in mixture with water.
PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF HOLLOW SILICA/MAGNETIC NANOCOMPOSITE PARTICLE
Authors: WANG CHENG-CHIEN , LIN JING-MO , LIN CHUN-RONG , WANG SHENG-CHANG
Published: March 2012

The hollow silica/cobalt ferrite ( CoFe 2 O 4) magnetic microsphere with amino-groups were successfully prepared via several steps, including preparing the chelating copolymer microparticles as template by soap-free emulsion polymerization, manufacturing the hollow cobalt ferrite magnetic microsphere by in-situ chemical co-precipitation following calcinations, and surface modifying of the hollow magnetic microsphere by 3-aminopropyltrime- thoxysilane via the sol-gel method. The average diameter of polymer microspheres was ca. 200 nm from transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurement. The structure of the hollow magnetic microsphere was characterized by using TEM and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The spinel-type lattice of CoFe 2 O 4 shell layer was identified by using XRD measurement. The diameter of CoFe 2 O 4 crystalline grains ranged from 54.1 nm to 8.5 nm which was estimated by Scherrer's equation. Additionally, the hollow silica/cobalt ferrite microsphere possesses superparamagnetic property after VSM measurement. The result of BET measurement reveals the hollow magnetic microsphere which has large surface areas (123.4m2/g). After glutaraldehyde modified, the maximum value of BSA immobilization capacity of the hollow magnetic microsphere was 33.8 mg/g at pH 5.0 buffer solution. For microwave absorption, when the hollow magnetic microsphere was compounded within epoxy resin, the maximum reflection loss of epoxy resins could reach -35dB at 5.4 GHz with 1.9 mm thickness.
A STUDY ON DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF Cf/SiC COMPOSITES
Authors: SON IN SOO , LEE SANG PILL
Published: March 2012

The dynamic behavior for the fabrication of carbon fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites( C f / SiC ) is investigated by the theory and experiment. The governing differential equation of a composite beam is derived via Hamilton's principle. The C f / SiC composites have been fabricated by a liquid phase sintering process, using the ultra-fine SiC particles and oxide additive materials. The SiC based materials are fabricated by using a commercial SiC powder with an average size of about 0.3µm. An Al 2 O 3- Y 2 O 3- SiO 2 powder mixture is used as a sintering additive. The compositional ratio ( Al 2 O 3/ Y 2 O 3) and its total amount ( Al 2 O 3+ Y 2 O 3) of additive materials are 1.5 and 10 wt%, respectively. Especially, the content of PVB is changed from 0 wt% to 10 wt%. The SiC based materials are sintered at the temperature of 1820°C under 30 MPa for 1 hr. In this study, the effect of content of PVB on the natural frequency and mode shape is obtained. Finally, the relationship between natural frequency and mechanical property of C f / SiC composites is discussed.
AN EVALUATION ON THE SMART COMPOSITE DAMAGED BY THERMAL SHOCK
Authors: LEE JIN KYUNG , LEE SANG PILL , PARK YOUNG CHUL , LEE JOON HYUN
Published: March 2012

A shape memory alloy (SMA) as part of some products and system has been used to keep their shape at any specified temperature. By using this characteristic of the shape memory alloy it can be solved the problem of the residual stress by difference of coefficients of thermal expansion between reinforcement and matrix within composite. In this study, TiNi / Al 6061 shape memory alloy composite was fabricated through hot press method, and the optimal fabrication condition was created. The bonding effect of the matrix and the reinforcement within the SMA composite was strengthened by cold rolling. The SMA composite can be applied as the part of airplane and vessel, and used under tough condition of repetitive thermal shock cycles of high and low temperatures. Therefore, the thermal shock test was performed for the SMA composite, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The tensile strength of the SMA composite showed a slight decline with the thermal shock cycles. In addition, acoustic emission (AE) technique was used to quantify the microscopic damage behavior of cold rolled TiNi / Al 6061 shape memory alloy composite that underwent thermal shock cycles. The damage degree on the specimen that underwent thermal shock cycles was discussed. Actually AE parameters such as AE event, count and energy was analyzed, and these parameters was useful to evaluate the damage behavior and degree of the SMA composite. The waveform of the signal caused by debonding was pulse type, and showed the frequency range of 160 kHz, however, the signal by the fiber fracture showed the pulse type of high magnitude and frequency range of 220 kH.
BIOCOMPATIBILITY EVALUATION OF NANOSECOND LASER TREATED TITANIUM SURFACES
Authors: HONDA RYO , MIZUTANI MASAYOSHI , OHMORI HITOSHI , KOMOTORI JUN
Published: March 2012

We developed surface modification technologies for dental implants in this study. The study contributes to shortening the time required for adhesion between alveolar bone and fixtures which consist of dental implants. A Nd : YVO 4 nanosecond laser was used to modify the surfaces of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti ) disks, and their biocompatibility was evaluated cytocompatibility and bioactivity. First, rows of 200 µm spaced rectilinear laser treatments were performed on surfaces of CP Ti disks. Osteoblasts derived from rat mesenchymal stem cells were then cultured on the treated surfaces. Cytocompatibility on the laser treated area was evaluated by observing adhesion behavior of cells on these surfaces. The results indicated that the micro-order structure formed by the laser treatment promoted adhesion of osteoblasts and that traces of laser treatment without microstucture didn't affect the adhesion. Second, surfaces of CP Ti disks were completely covered by traces of laser treatment, which created complex microstructures of titania whose crystal structure is rutile and anatase. This phenomenon allowed the creation of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the disks in 1.5-times simulated body fluid (1.5SBF) while no hydroxyapatite was observed on conventional polished surfaces in the same conditions. This result indicates that bioactivity was enabled on CP Ti by the laser treatment. From these two results, laser treatment for CP Ti surfaces is an effective method for enhancing adhesion of osteoblasts and promoting bioactivity, which are highly appreciated properties for dental implants.
ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOURS OF Mg-4Zn-3Sn CAST ALLOY MODIFIED BY Ti ION IMPLANTATION
Authors: Zhu Tianping , Fang Fang , Kennedy John , Gao Wei
Published: March 2012

Mg possesses good combinations of mechanical strength and ductility, which has become a good candidate for biodegradable material. However, its low corrosion resistance is an intriguing property for bio-application. Results show that some metals such as Sn , Zn and Ti are bio-compatible and can be tolerated in the human body. In this study, Ti + ions were implanted into the subsurface of Mg - Sn - Zn alloys by ion implantation technology. The concentrations of Ti + ions were selected as 2 % and 5 %, respectively. The morphologies of as-implanted surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Dynamic polarization analysis together with immersion tests in simulated body fluid were performed to study the anticorrosion properties of implanted alloys. The results show that Ti atoms can be successfully implanted into Mg alloy to pre-selected concentration and depth casing the increase of the corrosion potential. Specific results are discussed highlighting the opportunity of changing corrosion properties of Mg alloy by ion implantation.
EXAMINATION OF INCUBATION CONDITIONS FOR PRODUCTION OF HERICIUM ERINACEUM
Authors: OKUMURA RYOSUKE , SASAKI CHIZURU , ASADA CHIKAKO , NAKAMURA YOSHITOSHI
Published: March 2012

Basidiomycetes has recently attracted considerable attention for its various physiological activities, such as antitumor, antioxidant and immunostimulating activities. Compounds isolated from fruit body of Hericium erinaceum, commonly called Yamabushitake in Japan, have interesting biological activities such as cytotoxic effectors on cancer cell ( HeLa cells) and stimulators of synthesis of nerve growth factor. It is necessary for the cultivation of the fruit body of mushroom to control light, temperature, humidity. Otherwise, mycelia cultivation needs only temperature control. H. erinaceum cultivated by submerged culture have similar physiological activities to the fruit body of H. erinaceum, which suggests cultured mycelia can potentially become a promoter of synthesis of nerve growth factor.

In this study, we used whey which is by-products of cheese-making process as an alternative nitrogen source in submerged cultivation of H. erinaceum mycelia, and then dry cell weight (DCW) and DCW productivity of whey medium were compared with those of chemical nutrient medium. When whey was used as a nitrogen source, DCW and DCW productivity are 1.5 times higher than those of chemical nutrient medium, 5.99 g/L and 0.60 g/L/day, respectively. It was suggested that whey could be used as an alternative nitrogen source and a growth promoting factor in H. erinaceum mycelia cultivation.
BAMBOO FIBER REINFORCED BINDERLESS GREEN COMPOSITES FROM STEAM-EXPLODED BAMBOO POWDER
Authors: TAKAGI HITOSHI , TAKEICHI GOSHI
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we attempted to prepare the binderless green composite using bamboo fiber and steam-exploded bamboo powder as matrix. The influence of molding conditions on their tensile behavior was investigated by changing the molding temperature, pressure and time. Except for the composites molded at low temperatures from 100°C to 120°C, their tensile strength decreased with increasing the molding temperature. When the molding time increased, their tensile strength decreased. Average tensile strength of the binderless bamboo green composite molded at 120°C and 10 MPa for 10 min was 170 MPa. The decreases in tensile strength of binderless composites molded at temperatures higher than 120°C may be responsible for the strength drop of the reinforcing bamboo fiber derived from thermal decomposition. In order to obtain detailed information about the adhesion behavior of bamboo powder and bamboo fiber, photomicrographs were taken of the fracture surfaces of the composites. The results show that molding condition, especially molding temperature, has a great effect on the mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced binderless green composites.
EVALUATION OF WASTE MUSHROOM MEDIUM AS A FERMENTABLE SUBSTRATE AND BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION
Authors: ASAKAWA AI , SASAKI CHIZURU , ASADA CHIKAKO , NAKAMURA YOSHITOSHI
Published: March 2012

Waste Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom medium, a lignocellulosic aglicultural residue, was evaluated as a fermentable substrate. 87% of the fermentable sugars remained in the waste mushroom medium. The sugar yield of the waste mushroom medium (46.3%) was higher than that of raw mushroom medium (20.3%) after 48 h of enzymatic saccharification by Meicelase because L. edodes changed wood structure. These results indicated that the waste mushroom medium is a suitable substrate for fermentation. Next, the efficient ethanol production using steam explosion pretreatment was studied. After 30 h of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using Meicelase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae AM12, 20.0 g/L ethanol was produced from 100 g/L water-insoluble residue of the waste mushroom medium treated at a steam pressure of 20 atm and a steaming time of 5 min. This corresponded to an ethanol yield of 77.0% of the theoretical, i.e. 14.7 g of ethanol obtained from 100 g of waste mushroom medium.
INTERACTION BETWEEN DRUGS AND BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS I: BINDING POSITION OF BEZAFIBRATE TO HUMAN SERUM ALUBMIN
Authors: TANAKA MASAMI , MINAGAWA KEIJI , BERBER MOHAMED R. , HAFEZ INAS H. , MORI TAKESHI
Published: March 2012

The interaction between bezafibrate (BZF) and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by equilibrium dialysis. Since the binding constant of BZF to HSA was independent of ionic strength and decreased with the addition of fatty acid, the interaction between BZF and HSA was considered to be due to hydrophobic mechanism. Chemical shifts in 1H-NMR spectra of BZF were independent of the concentration of BZF and addition of HSA. Spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) and spin-spin relaxation time (T2) of respective protons of BZF were independent of the concentration, but depended on the concentration of HSA added. The binding position of BZF to HSA was considered to involve the hydrophobic aromatic moiety of BZF from the ratio of spin-spin relaxation rates (1/T2) of BZF bound to HSA and free BZF.
DEGRADATION BEHAVIOR OF A BIODEGRADABLE Fe-Mn ALLOY PRODUCED BY POWDER SINTERING
Authors: ZHANG QIAN , Wang X. G. , CAO PENG , GAO WEI
Published: March 2012

Biodegradable stenting and implantation materials have received considerable attention in biomaterials community, with magnesium having been received most wide attention. However, magnesium corrodes too fast by nature, in human body environment. A new type of biodegradable metal – Fe and its alloys – has been introduced in recent years. In this study, a Fe 35 wt % Mn alloy was produced using powder sintering. Powder mixture was mechanically milled, pressed and then sintered to consolidate powder compacts. Microstructure characterization and hardness measurement were carried out on the as-sintered samples. In vitro degradability evaluation of the samples was performed in 5% NaCl and Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) media. The experimental results show that a higher porosity results in a higher degradation rate. All samples, with porosity being from 6.5% to 12.2 %, revealed a degradation rate from 0.6 to 1.4 mm/year.
Neutrophil Function: From Mechanisms to Disease
Authors: Amulic Borko , Cazalet Christel , Hayes Garret L. , Metzler Kathleen D. , Zychlinsky Arturo
Published: March 2012

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in circulation, and patients with congenital neutrophil deficiencies suffer from severe infections that are often fatal, underscoring the importance of these cells in immune defense. In spite of neutrophils' relevance in immunity, research on these cells has been hampered by their experimentally intractable nature. Here, we present a survey of basic neutrophil biology, with an emphasis on examples that highlight the function of neutrophils not only as professional killers, but also as instructors of the immune system in the context of infection and inflammatory disease. We focus on emerging issues in the field of neutrophil biology, address questions in this area that remain unanswered, and critically examine the experimental basis for common assumptions found in neutrophil literature.
Microbial Translocation Across the GI Tract
Authors: Brenchley Jason M. , Douek Daniel C.
Published: March 2012

The lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to an enormous quantity of different bacterial species, our microbiota, that thrive in an often symbiotic relationship with the host. Given that the healthy host must regulate contact between the microbiota and its immune system to avoid overwhelming systemic immune activation, humans have evolved several mechanisms to attenuate systemic microbial translocation (MT) and its consequences. However, several diseases are associated with the failure of one or more of these mechanisms, with consequent immune activation and deleterious effects on health. Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying MT, diseases associated with MT, and therapeutic interventions that aim to decrease it.
microRNA Regulation of Inflammatory Responses
Authors: O'Connell Ryan M. , Rao Dinesh S. , Baltimore David
Published: March 2012

The mammalian inflammatory response is a rapid and complex physiological reaction to noxious stimuli including microbial pathogens. Although inflammation plays a valuable role in combating infection, its dysregulation often occurs in people and can cause a variety of pathologies, ranging from chronic inflammation, to autoimmunity, to cancer. In recent years, our understanding of both the cellular and molecular networks that regulate inflammation has improved dramatically. Although much of the focus has been on the study of protein regulators of inflammation, recent evidence also points to a critical role for a specific class of noncoding RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs), in managing certain features of the inflammatory process. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of miRNAs and their connection to inflammatory responses. Additionally, we consider the link between perturbations in miRNA levels and the onset of human inflammatory diseases.
Regulation of Immune Responses by mTOR
Authors: Powell Jonathan D. , Pollizzi Kristen N. , Heikamp Emily B. , Horton Maureen R.
Published: March 2012

mTOR is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in integrating environmental cues in the form of growth factors, amino acids, and energy. In the study of the immune system, mTOR is emerging as a critical regulator of immune function because of its role in sensing and integrating cues from the immune microenvironment. With the greater appreciation of cellular metabolism as an important regulator of immune cell function, mTOR is proving to be a vital link between immune function and metabolism. In this review, we discuss the ability of mTOR to direct the adaptive immune response. Specifically, we focus on the role of mTOR in promoting differentiation, activation, and function in T cells, B cells, and antigen-presenting cells.
Selection of Self-Reactive T Cells in the Thymus
Authors: Stritesky Gretta L. , Jameson Stephen C. , Hogquist Kristin A.
Published: March 2012

On the whole, the healthy adaptive immune system is responsive to foreign antigens and tolerant to self. However, many individual lymphocytes have, and even require, substantial self-reactivity for their particular functions in immunity. In this review, we discuss several populations of lymphocytes that are thought to experience agonist stimulation through the T cell receptor during selection: nTreg cells, iNKT cells, nIELs, and nTh17s. We discuss the nature of this self-reactivity, how it compares with conventional T cells, and why it is important for overall immune health. We also outline molecular pathways unique to each lineage and consider possible commonalities to their development and survival.
VLR-Based Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Boehm Thomas , McCurley Nathanael , Sutoh Yoichi , Schorpp Michael , Kasahara Masanori , Cooper Max D.
Published: March 2012

Lampreys and hagfish are primitive jawless vertebrates capable of mounting specific immune responses. Lampreys possess different types of lymphocytes, akin to T and B cells of jawed vertebrates, that clonally express somatically diversified antigen receptors termed variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs), which are composed of tandem arrays of leucine-rich repeats. The VLRs appear to be diversified by a gene conversion mechanism involving lineage-specific cytosine deaminases. VLRA is expressed on the surface of T-like lymphocytes; B-like lymphocytes express and secrete VLRB as a multivalent protein. VLRC is expressed by a distinct lymphocyte lineage. VLRA-expressing cells appear to develop in a thymus-like tissue at the tip of gill filaments, and VLRB-expressing cells develop in hematopoietic tissues. Reciprocal expression patterns of evolutionarily conserved interleukins and chemokines possibly underlie cell-cell interactions during an immune response. The discovery of VLRs in agnathans illuminates the origins of adaptive immunity in early vertebrates.
Transcriptional and Epigenetic Control of T Helper Cell Specification: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Commitment and Plasticity
Authors: Kanno Yuka , Vahedi Golnaz , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Singleton Kentner , O'Shea John J.
Published: March 2012

T helper cell differentiation occurs in the context of the extracellular cytokine milieu evoked by diverse microbes and other pathogenic stimuli along with T cell receptor stimulation. The culmination of these signals results in specification of T helper lineages, which occurs through the combinatorial action of multiple transcription factors that establish distinctive transcriptomes. In this manner, inducible, but constitutively active, master regulators work in conjunction with factors such as the signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (STATs) that sense the extracellular environment. The acquisition of a distinctive transcriptome also depends on chromatin modifications that impact key cis elements as well as the changes in global genomic organization. Thus, signal transduction and epigenetics are linked in these processes of differentiation. In this review, recent advances in understanding T helper lineage specification and deciphering the action of transcription factors are summarized with emphasis on comprehensive views of the dynamic T cell epigenome.
Decisions About Dendritic Cells: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Steinman Ralph M.
Published: March 2012

A properly functioning adaptive immune system signifies the best features of life. It is diverse beyond compare, tolerant without fail, and capable of behaving appropriately with a myriad of infections and other challenges. Dendritic cells are required to explain how this remarkable system is energized and directed. I frame this article in terms of the major decisions that my colleagues and I have made in dendritic cell science and some of the guiding themes at the time the decisions were made. As a result of progress worldwide, there is now evidence of a central role for dendritic cells in initiating antigen-specific immunity and tolerance. The in vivo distribution and development of a previously unrecognized white cell lineage is better understood, as is the importance of dendritic cell maturation to link innate and adaptive immunity in response to many stimuli. Our current focus is on antigen uptake receptors on dendritic cells. These receptors enable experiments involving selective targeting of antigens in situ and new approaches to vaccine design in preclinical and clinical systems.
Synthesis and QSAR Study of (4‐Oxo‐3‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydro‐quinazolin‐2‐ylsulfanyl)‐propionic Acid arylidene/aryl‐ethylidene‐hydrazides via Microwave Assisted Solvent Free Reations
Authors: B. Deshmukh M. , Dhongade (Desai) Savita
Published: March 2012

In the present work, s‐alkylated derivatives of thio‐quinazolinone were obtained using Methyl 2‐chloro propionate via a solvent‐free microwave‐assisted method. The alkylated thio quinazolinones were further sequentially condensed with hydrazine hydrate and different aromatic aldehydes to get the hydrazides, which were studied for QSAR. The synthesized compounds were subjected to a prediction of biological activities. A software application (PASS) was used for this purpose. The relationship between structure and different biological activities was studied and the different derivatives were recommended for the screening of some specific activities like anti‐tuberculosic, anti‐mycobacterial & HDL cholesterol increasing activities.
Inhibition of Mineralization of Urinary Stone Forming Minerals by Some Hills Area Fruit Juice
Authors: A. Mohamed Farook N. , A. Seyed Dameem G. , M. I. Alhaji N. , Sathiya R. , Muniyandi J. , Sangeetha S. , Muniyandi. J.
Published: March 2012

Some hills area fruit, viz., star fruit, butter fruit, seetha fruit, and watermelon have been investigated as inhibitors in the mineralization of urinary stone forming minerals, viz., calcium phosphate, oxalate and carbonate. Inhibition efficiency has been studied in different models. Increased intake of the experimental fruits would be helpful in urinary stone proppylaxis. Most of the inhibitors have found effectively inhibit calcium phosphate and oxalate precipitation.
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Arylamides Containing 1,2,4‐triazole Nuclei for Possible Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Dhol S. R. , Gami P. M. , Khunt R. C. , Parikh A. R.
Published: March 2012

Diphenyl aceto hydrazide on reaction with carbon disulfide and potassium hydroxide gave potassium α,α‐diphenyl acetamido dithiocarbamate, which on cyclisation with hydrazine hydrate yielded key intermediate 3‐mercapto‐4,N‐amino‐5‐benzhydryl‐1,2,4‐triazoles. The key intermediate on condensation with different acid chloride afforded our titled compounds. The synthesised compounds have been confirmed elemental analyses and further supported by spectral data. All the synthesised compounds have been evaluated for their in vitroin vitro antimicrobial activity.
Determination of Trace Metals with Newly Synthesized Coniine Dithiocarbamate by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Suvardhan K. , Kumar K. Suresh , Reddy K. M. , Jyothi M. V. , Chiranjeevi P.
Published: March 2012

A procedure is developed for the determination of Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Te and Ni in natural and spiked water by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) after preconcentration on a coniine dithiocarbamate supported by polyurethane. The sorbed elements are subsequently eluted with 5 mol L‐1 HNO3 and the acid eluates are analysed by AAS. A 20 mL syringe served as a chromatographic preconcentration column. The sorption recoveries of elements were higher in the order of 99%. The method is also applied successfully for the determination of Cu, Cd, Mo, Pb, Te and Ni in natural and spiked water samples.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some Trivalent and Tetravalent Derivatives of 2‐ Hydroxy‐1‐naphthoic Acid
Authors: Joshi Deepti , Joshi T. K.
Published: March 2012

The trivalent derivatives (B, Al, As, Sb & Fe) and tetravalent derivatives (Si, Ti & Se) of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthoic acid have been prepared by the interaction of their corresponding isopropoxide with letter in different molar ratio viz. 1:3 &1:4 in benzene medium. The prepared compounds generally obtained as coloured solids and amongst them those containing isopropoxy groups were found to be hygroscopic. All these compound were characterized by azeotrope and elemental analysis as well as by IR, PMR and mass spectral measurements. These spectral data have facilitated in elucidating the mode of bonding of the said metals and non‐metals in these compounds with 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthoic acid.
Kinetics of Oxidation of Some Amino Acids by N‐Chlorosaccharin in Aqueous Acetic Acid Medium
Authors: Farook N. A. Mohamed , Prabaharan R. , Rahini S. , Kumar R. Senthil , Rajamahendran G. , Krishnan B. Gopala
Published: March 2012

The kinetics of oxidation of some amino acids namely, glycine, alanine, aspartic acid, arginine, and histidine, (AA) by N‐chlorosaccharin (NCSA) in aqueous acetic acid medium in the presence of perchloric acid have been investigated. The observed rate of oxidation is first order in [AA], [NCSA] and of inverse fractional order in [H+]. The main product of the oxidation is the corresponding aldehyde. The ionic strength on the reaction rate has no significant effect. The effect of changing the dielectric constant of the medium on the rate indicates the reaction to be of dipole‐dipole type. Hypochlorous acid has been postulated as the reactive oxidizing species. The reaction constants involved in the mechanism are derived. The activation parameters are computed with respect to slow step of the mechanism.
Modified Castor Oil as an Epoxy Resin Curing Agent
Authors: Patel B. P. , Patel H. S. , Patel S. R.
Published: March 2012

A castor oil, an agricultural product, is an unsaturated material. Hence the castor oil is brominated by bromine liquid. The brominated castor oil (BCO) was then reacted with excess of aliphatic diamines viz; ethylene diamine, 1,3‐propane diamine and 1,6‐hexane diamine. The resultant amino functionalized castor oil (ACO) samples were then characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectral study and number of amino groups. All the three ACO samples were then employed for the curing of commercial Brominated epoxy resin. The curing of epoxy resin by ACO was monitored on differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and based on the DSC study their glass fibre reinforced composites (GRC) were fabricated. The cured samples (i.e. unreinforced) were also subjected to thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The chemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the glass fibre reinforced composites (GRC) were also evaluated.
Microwave Assisted Heterocyclization: A Rapid and Efficient Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Thiazolidinones
Authors: Naik B. D. , Desai K. R.
Published: March 2012

As a target to synthesize various Thiazolidinone derivatives, 2‐Amino‐4‐(coumarin‐3‐yl)‐thiazole has been prepared by the reactions of 3‐Bromo acetyl coumarin with thiourea. 3‐Bromo acetyl coumarin was prepared from 3‐Acetyl coumarin. The resulting compound 2‐amino‐4‐(coumarin‐3‐yl)‐ thiazole was treated with different Aldehydes to give the intermediate Schiff base, which on further reaction with Thioglycolic acid and Thiolactic acid to give titled compound Thiazolidinone. The structures of the compounds have been confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral analysis. The antibacterial activity of the compounds has also been screened against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coil.
Interacting Blends of Novel Unsaturated Polyester Amide Resin with Styrene
Authors: Patel Hasmukh S. , Panchal Kumar K.
Published: March 2012

Novel unsaturated poly (ester‐amide) resins (UPEAs) were prepared by the reaction between an epoxy resin, namely diglycidyl ether of bisphenol–A (DGEBA) and unsaturated aliphatic bisamic acids using a base catalyst. These UPEAs were then blended with a vinyl monomer namely, Styrene (STY.) to produce a homogeneous resin syrup. The curing of these UPEAs‐STY. resin blends was carried out by using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as a catalyst and was monitored by using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The glass fibre reinforced composites (i.e. laminates) of these UPEA‐STY. resin blends were fabricated using the DSC data. The chemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the glass fibre composites have also been evaluated. The unreinforced cured samples of the UPEA‐STY. resin blends were also analyzed by thermogravimetry (TGA).
Synthesis, Characterization and Glass ‐ Reinforced Composites of Thiourea ‐ Formaldehyde ‐ Phenol Resin
Authors: Patel Kanuprasad Dahyalal , Desai Dhirubhai J. , Morekar Manish M. , Tilak Yogesh Shrikant
Published: March 2012

N,N′‐Dimethylol thiourea‐formaldehyde (DMTUF) resin having the methylol group (CH2OH) has been prepared and characterized. The condensation of DMTUF resin with Phenol (P) was carried out in the presence of alcoholic alkali catalyst at varying ratios of DMTUF: P, namely 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2. The resultant DMTUFP resin was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectral studies, number average molecular weight (
) estimated by non‐aqueous conductometric titration, and thermo gravimetry. The curing study of DMTUFP resin with hexamethylene tetramine (HMTA) was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and kinetic parameters were evaluated. Glass‐reinforced composites based on the DMTUFP‐HMTA system have also been prepared and characterized.
Fluorescence Spectroscopic Studies on Ovis Lactoperoxidase
Authors: Joseph P. V. , Jacob Claramma , Gopinathan T. G. , Haridas M.
Published: March 2012

Ovis lactoperoxidase (sLP), on excitation at 280 nm shows fluorescence emission of a single broad maximum at 332 nm. The conformational stability was measured by unfolding studies in urea and guanidine hydrochloride. The fluorescence intensity gradually decreased with increase in urea concentrations. The decline might have been caused by partial unfolding, affecting some of the tryptophan residues. In 5 M GuHCl concentrations, a red shift in emission maximum to 356 nm was observed. It indicates that tryptophan is buried in the interior of the hydrophobic environment in native folded state and inaccessible to solvent water but on unfolding all get exposed to aqueous environment. Acrylamide is an efficient quencher and the quenching process is essentially homogenous with all tryptophan being accessible. A little quenching is observed for KI is interpreted as sLP has tryptophan residues that are buried inside the core of the protein.
Standardisation Study of Kwatha Curnas
Authors: Santosh M. K. , Shaila D. , Rao I. Sanjeeva
Published: March 2012

The present paper deals with the standardization of kwatha curnas such as dhanyapanchak kwatha curna, guduchyadigana kwatha curna and stanyajanankashaya curna. These are the important Ayurvedic formulations used for peri‐natal care of mother and child health. Standardization of kwatha curnas were achieved by physico‐chemical analysis, qualitative inorganic and organic analysis, thin layer chromatography (TLC), UV‐ visible spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) fingerprint studies. TLC study of kwatha curnas was carried out in Ethyl acetate: Methanol: Water solvent system. Ethanol extracts of kwatha curnas were used for UV‐ visible spectrophotometry and qualitative HPLC fingerprint study.
Synthesis and Characterization of Colored Polyureas
Authors: Patel M. G. , Desai K. R. , Patel H. S.
Published: March 2012

Various disperse dyes based on m‐phenylenediamine have been prepared. These dyes then polycondensation with 4,4′‐Diphenyl methane diisocyanate. The resultant colored polyureas were characterized by N content, IR spectral studies, Number Average Molecular Weight (Mn) estimation by nonaqueous conductometric titration and thermogravimetry. All the polyureas were subjected to measure electrical conductivity at room temperature.
Synthesis of 3‐Phenyl‐4[4‐(m‐nitrophenyl)‐N‐2‐(2’‐arylureido / arylthioureido‐4’‐N‐morpholino‐s‐triazin)‐benzo‐[6,7]‐coumarins and their Applicatiions
Authors: Raval J. P. , Desai K. R.
Published: March 2012

Several 3 – phenyl – 4 [4‐(m – nitrophenyl) – N – 2 ‐ (2’‐arylureido /arylthioureido ‐ 4’‐ N ‐morpholino‐s‐triazin)‐benzo‐(6,7)‐coumarins were prepared using 2‐(m–nitrophenyl)‐3‐hydroxy naphthalene, cyanuric chloride, morpholine and various aryl – ureas / aryl – thioureas derivatives to give desired compound. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral analysis. The antibacterial activities of these compounds have been screened and were also applied as Flourescent Brighteners on Polyester fabrics.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of L‐proline by Trivalent Copper: A free radical intervention and decarboxylation
Authors: Hiremath M. I. , Shettar R. S. , Nandibewoor S. T.
Published: March 2012

The kinetics of oxidation of L‐proline by diperiodatocuprate(III) (DPC) in aqueous alkaline medium at a constant ionic strength of 0.10 mol dm‐3 was studied spectrophotometrically. The reaction between DPC and L‐proline in alkaline medium exhibits 2:1 stoichiometry (DPC: L‐Proline). The reaction is of first order in [DPC], less than unit order in [L‐proline] and [alkali]. Periodate has no effect on the rate of reaction. The reaction rate increases with increase in ionic strength and decrease in solvent polarity of the medium. Effect of added products and ionic strength of the reaction medium have been investigated. The main products were identified by spot test and I.R spectra. A mechanism involving the DPC as the reactive species of the oxidant and a complex formation with L‐proline has been proposed. The reaction constants involved in the different steps of mechanism are calculated. The activation parameters with respect to slow step of the mechanism are computed and discussed and thermodynamic quantities are also calculated.