Assessment on antinociceptive actions of soluble fractions derived from edible mollusc (Bellamya bengalensis Lam.)

Background: Bellamya bengalensis, an edible bivalve mollusc is traditionally used in the treatment of joint pain, bone fracture, jaundice and eye infections. Present study was designed to find out the most potent analgesic fractions derived from the body mass of Bellamya bengalensis.Methods: The test specimen was collected, identified and fractionated with solvent medium like, phosphate buffer saline (PB), ethyl acetate (EB), methanol (MB) and chloroform (CB). Protein concentration of each fraction was determined. The antinociceptive activities were measured either by thermal models like, hot plate and tail immersion (central analgesic action) or by chemical model like acetic acid induced writhing (peripheral analgesic action) in mice. Diclofenac sodium was used as analgesic standard.Results: Significant peripheral and central analgesic activity showed by phosphate buffer saline fraction at 100mg/kg, even better than diclofenac standard at 10mg/kg. In hot plate and tail immersion tests, phosphate buffer saline showed the highest activity followed by methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate fraction respectively. However, in case of peripheral analgesic experiment, phosphate buffer fraction exhibited maximum writhing inhibitory properties and that was followed by chloroform, methanol and ethyl acetate fraction respectively.Conclusions: Phosphate buffer saline fraction of Bellamya bengalensis showed maximum potential central and peripheral analgesic activity than any other fractions

Morphology and Physico-Mechanical Threshold of α-Cellulose as Filler in an E-SBR Composite

In the current context of green mobility and sustainability, the use of new generation natural fillers, namely, α-cellulose, has gained significant recognition. The presence of hydroxyl groups on α-cellulose has generated immense eagerness to map its potency as filler in an elastomeric composite. In the present work, α-cellulose-emulsion-grade styrene butadiene rubber (E-SBR) composite is prepared by conventional rubber processing method by using variable proportions of α-cellulose (1 to 40 phr) to assess its reinforce ability. Rheological, physical, visco-elastic and dynamic-mechanical behavior have clearly established that 10 phr loading of α-cellulose can be considered as an optimized dosage in terms of performance parameters. Morphological characterization with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also substantiated that composite with 10 phr loading of α-cellulose has achieved the morphological threshold. With this background, synthetic filler (silica) is substituted by green filler (α-cellulose) in an E-SBR-based composite. Characterization of the compound has clearly established the reinforcement ability of α-cellulose

Critical evedenciarcy analysis of 26/11 attacks with reference to cyber-terrorism

By thorough analysis of Mumbai terrorist attacks of 26/11, it was observed that the attacks were form of Cyber terrorism as it was done to convey particular destructive message to the government, sending of threatening emails, defacing of government websites, hacking and cracking of crucial government systems. 'Protected systems' were compromised and civil amenities were disrupted. Digital information systems computer networks which not only affected governing system but also the population of a target area was affected to create a panic or situation of threat. Computer and digital communication networks were main tools of extremists in this case. Also, Supreme Court judgement on Mumbai Attacks case, in para number 57 specifies about use of Google Earth, tampering with telecommunication networks and digital networking shows that the Attack was done by was done by Hi-Tech offenders. Although electronic eavesdropping often yields valuable data, even tantalizing clues can be missed if the technology is not closely monitored, the intelligence gleaned from it is not linked with other information, or analysis does not sift incriminating activity from the ocean of digital data as traced by Inteligence agencies of US, UK and India during investigation of attacks

Energy Efficient Future Generation Electronics Based on Strongly Correlated Electron Systems

Three major developments in three decades are quietly changing the whole spectrum of ‘electronics’ (as it is conventionally known) making it ready for a major revolution. At the heart of this lies the ‘electronics based on strongly correlated electron systems’. The broad canvass of ‘strongly correlated electron systems’—especially the ones assuming importance for future generation electronics—covers primarily transition metal ion based complex oxide compounds exhibiting superconductivity at a record high temperature (cuprate superconductors); gigantic change in electrical resistivity under tiny magnetic field (CMR manganites); and coexisting ferroelectric and magnetic orders within a single phase with an extraordinary cross-coupling (multiferroics). Thanks to these developments, apart from charge of an electron, its spin and orbital degrees of freedom are now being shown to offer tremendous manoeuvrability for developing not just electronic but spintronic and orbitronic devices as well. Larger coherence length and stability of spin and orbital spectra can be exploited for bringing functionalities hitherto unknown. Using up and down spins and different patterns of orbital occupancy of the electrons, it is now possible to design and develop spintronic and even orbitronic devices by exploiting esoteric effects such as spin-transport, spin-tunnelling, spin-Hall, spin-Seebeck or switching of orbital orders under optical illumination. These nanoscale devices are energy efficient and ultra-sensitive. They are expected to perform more complex jobs in a vast arena which includes even bio-electronics. In this article, we introduce the area of strongly correlated electron systems and explore the advancements already made and possibilities emerging in developing future generation electronic-spintronic-orbitronic devices based on complexities which till now stubbornly defied complete understanding in spite of intense efforts worldwide—a classic example of which is the mechanism of high temperature cuprate based superconductors

Development of nano-grained Calcium Hydroxyapatite using slip casting technique

The purpose of this study is to synthesize nano-grained Calcium Hydroxyapatite (HAp) through slip casting technique. For this, hydroxyapatite powders were synthesized using two methods, wet chemical method and Ammoniacal method. The as-prepared powders and calcined powders were characterized using XRD, FTIR, to study the phases of the powders. The hydroxyapatite powder calcined at 1000°C for 2hr was used to prepare 50 vol% slurry using DN40 (sodium polyacrylate) as dispersing agent. After slip casting, the green bodies were sintered at different temperatures, 1100, 1200, 1250 and 1300°C with 2hr soaking time. The sintered dense samples were characterized for physical, mechanical and biological behavior

Synthesis and characterization of nano-grained hydroxyapatite through slip casting technique

Nano hydroxyapatite (HAp) more closely mimics the size of HAp crystals in natural bone and teeth. Due to high surface energy, nano-sized HAp powder can result in better sinterability and, therefore improve mechanical properties. In this present work, nano particle hydroxyapatite was prepared using two methods, wet chemical method and ammoniacal method. The as prepared powder and calcined powder was characterized by XRD, FTIR to study the phases of the powders. 50 vol slurry was prepared using powders calcined at 1000°C for 2 hours and sodium polyacrylate was used as deflocculating agent. After slip casting in Plaster of Paris mould, the green samples were sintered at different temperature 1100, 1200, 1250 and 1300°C for 2 hours to study the sintering behavior. Physical, mechanical and biological characterization was done for the sintered samples. © 2010 IEEE

A comparative study of alumina wear in air and distilled water

Wear behaviour of high density high purity alumina against itself was studied at low speeds in air as well as in distilled water using a pin-ondisc machine. Depending on the apparent contact pressure and environment used, different wear mechanisms were identified. It was observed that in dry sliding (ie, without lubrication), abrasive ploughing and grain boundary microcracking causing grain pull out were dominant mechanisms at low contact pressure while at higher contact pressure, asperity melting due to high flash temperature was found. In wet sliding, the mechanism was different and associated with the formation of aluminium hydroxide that acted as a solid lubricant between the contacting surfaces reducing the wear at lower contact pressure. At higher pressure, clear intergranular fracture was noticed

Improved properties of hydroxyapatite-carbon nanotube biocomposite: Mechanical, in vitro bioactivity and biological studies

The present work describes a simple shear mixing technique for developing a hydroxyapatite (HAp)-carbon nartotube (CNT) nanocomposite and the effect of reinforcement on the physical, mechanical, in vitro bioactivity and biological properties of HAp. XRD and El lit confirmed that the main phase of the composites is HAp. HRTEM images demonstrated the formation of a two-dimensional nanocomposite structure, whereas FESEM images indicated the formation of nanosized HAp grains featuring sporadically distributed CNT molecules. No major phase changes in HAp were observed with up to 5% added CNT. However, adding more than 1% CNI's caused an increase in internal crystal strain and increased substitution of CO32- for OH- and PO43- groups in pure HAp. The average crystallite size increased from similar to 46 nm to similar to 100 nm with only 0.5% added CNT, remained nearly unaffected up to 2% CNTs thereafter and suddenly decreased at 5% CNTs (similar to 61 nm). The FESEM and HRTEM images clearly showed the attachment of MWCNT chains on HAp grains, which directly affected the samples fracture toughness and flexural strength. Of the samples, 1% showed maximum values of K-1C, whereas 5% showed maximum values of HV and three-point bending flexural strength. The in vitro bioactivity indicated increased apatite formation on the sample surface up to 1% CNTs after 24 weeks. However, adding 2% and 5% CNTs resulted in a manifold increase in apatite formation up to 12 weeks, after which dissolution increased up to 24 weeks, possibly due to increased substitution of CO32- for OH- and PO43- groups. This result is confirmed by the Fl1R studies. For all added CNT contents, all samples exhibited high haemocompatibility. However, there was a compromise between the observed mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity studied up to 24 weeks, and care must be taken before selecting any final application of the nanocomposites. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved

Effect of functionalisation of CNT in the preparation of HAp-CNT biocomposites

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are being fabricated, where CNT acts as a reinforcement in the ceramic matrix. CNT improves the mechanical property of HAp and offers a potential implant material used for orthopaedic applications. In the present work, a comparative study is presented to analyse the effect of functionalisation on the properties of HAp-CNT nanocomposites, prepared by a simple shear mixing technique. The MWCNT chains were functionalised with carboxyl groups, confirmed through FUR spectra. FESEM and TEM results of the composites showed that for non-f-unctionalised chains, CNT molecules were present in sporadic clusters while the functionalised chains were found to be dispersed in the HAp matrix. Fractographs exhibited the presence of CNT chains acting as bridges across the cracks. Nanocomposites with functionalised CNT molecules exhibited better mechanical properties compared to non-functionalised ones as revealed through HV, K-1c, nano-indentation H and E estimation, flexural and compressive strength and impact resistance. This superiority of composite specimens may be attributed to the crack bridging action of the CNT. Both composites exhibited excellent haemocompatibility and incorporation of CNT molecules and functionalisation did not affect this. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved