Extraction of Capsaicin from Black and White Pepper

Capsaicin has general impressive health benefits such as anticancer, stimulates digestion and enables weight loss. The aim of this study is to extract capsaicin from black pepper and white pepper by using polar (Ethanol) and nonpolar (Acetone) solvents and to maximize the percentage yield of capsaicin. The effect of temperature and solid to solvent ratio on percentage yield is investigated for extraction of capsaicin from black pepper and white pepper. The percentage yield of capsaicin is higher for acetone than ethanol for both black and white pepper at the temperature and solid to solvent ratio of 50 oC and 1:10, respectively. Also, the percentage yield of capsaicin is higher for ethanol than acetone for both black and white pepper at the temperature and solid to solvent ratio of 70 oC and 1:10, respectively. Hence, black and white pepper could be the potential substrates for the extraction of capsaicin

Biodeterioramento e conservazione chimica del tempio Bhimkichak, Malhar, Chhatisgarh, India

Stone cultural heritage materials are at risk of bio-deterioration caused by diverse populations of microorganisms living in biofilms. The microbial metabolites of these biofilms are responsible for the deterioration of the underlying substratum and may lead to physical weakening and discoloration of stone [1,18]. Fungal ability in producing pigments and organic acids have a crucial role in the discoloration and degradation of different types of stone in cultural heritage objects. Additionally, stone objects may support the communities of microorganisms that are active in the biodeterioration process. This investigation focuses on the mycological analyses of microbial biofilm from the Bhimkichak temple, in Malhar of Bilaspur District of Chhattisgarh state which is made of sandstone, and is heavily colonized by fungi. Eight fungal species on the sandstone were isolated. Aspergillus sp. was observed, a common species in the stone structure of this monument . The identified micro fungi cause discoloration as well as mechanical exfoliation of the building stone material which was analyzed through mechanical hyphae penetration and production of dark pigments and organic acids.RiassuntoI materiali lapidei appartenenti ai beni culturali sono a rischio di biodeterioramento a causa della proliferazione dei microrganismi che entrano nella composizione dei biofilm. I metaboliti microbici di questi biofilm sono responsabili del degrado del substrato sottostante e possono portare a un indebolimento fisico e alterazione cromatica della superficie lapidea [1,18]. La capacità dei funghi di produrre pigmenti e acidi organici ha un ruolo fondamentale nel degrado di differenti tipi di pietra costituenti beni culturali. Inoltre, i materiali lapidei possono sostentare le comunità microbiche che sono attive nei processi di biodeterioramento fornendo dei composti che possono essere metabolizzati. Questo lavoro si focalizza sull’analisi micologica del biofilm microbico proveniente dal tempio Bhimkichak a Malhar, nel distretto Bilaspur dello stato di Chhattinsgarh, che è stato costruito in arenaria ed è estesamente colonizzato da funghi. Inquesto lavoro, sono state isolate otto specie fungine appartenenti ad Aspergillus sp. I micro-funghi identificati provocano decolorazione ed esfoliazione meccanica del materiale lapideo, a causa della penetrazione meccanica delle ife e della produzione di pigmenti scuri e acidi organici.Résumé Les matériaux pierreux appartenant aux biens culturels sont à risque de bio-détérioration à cause de la prolifération des micro-organismes qui entrent dans la composition des bio-films. Les métabolites microbiens de ces bio-films sont responsables de la dégradation du substrat sous-jacent et peuvent amener à un affaiblissement physique et à une altération chromatique de la surface pierreuse [1,18]. La capacité des champignons de produire des pigments et des acides organiques a un rôle fondamental dans la dégradation de différents types de pierre constituant les biens culturels. En outre, les matériaux pierreux peuvent sustenter les communautés microbiennes qui sont actives dans les processus de bio-détérioration fournissant des composés qui peuvent être métabolisés. Ce travail se focalise sur l’analyse mycologique du bio-film microbien provenant du temple Bhimkichak à Malhar, dans le district Bilaspur de l’état de Chhattinsgarh, qui a été construit en grès et est amplement colonisé par des champignons. Dans ce travail, ont été isolées huit espèces fongiques appartenant à Aspergillus sp. Les micro-champignons identifiés provoquent la décoloration et l’exfoliation mécanique du matériau pierreux, à cause de la pénétration mécanique des hyphes et de la production de pigments sombres et d’acides organiques.ZusammenfassungZu den Kulturgütern zählende Steinmaterialien unterliegen aufgrund der Proliferation der in die Zusammenstellung der Biofilme eintretenden Mikroorganismen einer Verwitterungsgefahr. Die mikrobischen Metabolite dieser Biofilme sind für den Verfall des darunter liegenden Substrats verantwortlich und können eine physische Schwächung sowie eine farbliche Änderung der Steinfläche bewirken. [1,18]. Die Fähigkeit von Pilzen, Pigmente und organische Säuren zu produzieren, spielt im Rahmen der Verwitterung der unterschiedlichen, das Denkmal bildenden Steinarten eine grundlegende Rolle. Darüber hinaus können Steinmaterialien in die Verwitterungsprozesse aktiv eingebundene Mikrobengemeinschaften erhalten, da sie umwandelbare Verbindungen liefern. Diese Arbeit konzentriert sich auf eine im Tempel Bhimkichak in Malhar, im Bezirk Bilaspur des Staats Chhattinsgarh durchgeführte mykologische Analyse des mikrobischen Biofilms, im Rahmen derer die Sandsteinkonstruktion eine extreme Pilzbesiedelung aufwies. Im Verlauf dieser Tätigkeit wurden acht, dem Aspergillus sp. angehörige Pilzsorten isoliert. Die identifizierten Mikropilze verursachen durch die mechanische Penetration der Hyphen und die Produktion dunkler Pigmente sowie organischer Säuren einen Farb- verlust und die mechanische Abblätterung des Steinmaterials.ResumenLos materiales lapídeos que constituyen los bienes culturales están a riesgo de biodeterioro a causa de la proliferación de los microorganismos que entran en la composición de las biopelículas. Los metabolitos microbianos de estas biopelículas son responsables de la degradación del substrato subyacente y pueden causar una debilitación y alteración cromática de la superficie lapídea [1,18]. La capacidad de los hongos de producir pigmentos y ácidos orgánicos desempeña un papel fundamental en la degradación de diferentes tipos de piedra que constituyen los bienes culturales. Además, los materiales lapídeos pueden sustentar las comunidades microbianas activas en los procesos de biodeterioro proporcionando compuestos que se pueden metabolizar. Este artículo se centra en el análisis micológica de una biopelícula micróbica procedente del templo Bhimkichak en Malhar, en el distrito Bilaspur del Estado de Chhattinsgarh, construido en arenisca y ampliamente colonizado por hongos. En este trabajo, se han aislado ocho especies fungíneas que pertenecen a Aspergillus sp. Los micro-hongos identificados provocan la decoloración y exfoliación mecánica del material lapídeo, debido a la penetración mecánica de las hifas y a la producción de pigmentos oscuros y ácidos orgánicos.Резюме Каменный материал, являющий культурным достоянием, находится в состоянии биораспада по причине роста микроорганизмов, которые входят в составбиопленки. Микробные метаболиты этих биопленок виновны в ухудшении основного субстрата и могут привести к физическому ослаблению и изменению цвета каменной поверхности [1,18]. Способность грибов производить пигменты и органические кислоты играет очень важную роль в распаде различных видов камней, принадлежащих культурному наследию. Кроме этого, каменные материалы могут поддерживать микробные сообщества, активизирующиеся в процессах биоразложения, предоставляя компосты, которые могут быть метаболизированы. Данная работа сосредоточена на микологическом анализе микробной биопленки, взятой из храма Бхимкичак в Малхаре (район Биласпур, штат Чхаттинсгарх), который выстроен из песчаника и значительно покрыт грибами. В данной работе выделяются восемь видов грибов, относящихся к Aspergillus sp. Идентифицированные микрогрибы вызывают обесцвечивание и механическое отшелушивание каменного материала по причине механического проникновения гиф и выработке темных пигментов и органических кислот. Ամփոփում Մշակութային ժառանգության պատկանող քարե նյութերը բիոքայքայման ռիսկի են ենթարկվում շնորհիվ միկրոօրգանիզմների տարածմանը բիոֆիլմի կազմի մեջ: Այս բիոֆիլմերի մանրէաբանական նյութափոխանակիչները պատասխանատու են քարի մաշվելուն և կարող են հանգեցնել քարի մակերեսի ֆիզիկական թուլացման և գունաթափման [1,18]: Սնկերի ունակությունը արտադրել պիգմենտներ և օրգանական թթուներ մեծ ազդեցություն ունի տարբեր տիպի պատմական քարերի վրա: Ավելին, քարե նյութերը կարող են պահպանել մանրէաբանական խմբերը, որոնք ակտիվորեն նպաստում են քայքայմանը, տրամադրելով միացություններ, որ կարող են փոխակերպվել: Այս աշխատանքը նկարագրում է բիոֆիլմի միկոլոգիական մանրէաբանական վերլուծությանը Bhimkichak Malhar տաճարում, Chhattinsgarh պետության Bilaspur շրջանի, որը կառուցվել է ավազաքարով և լայնորեն բնակված է սունկերով: Այս աշխատանքում մեկուսացած են ութ տեսակի սունկեր որ պատկանում են Aspergillus Sp. տեսակին: Այս միկրո–սունկերը գունաթափում և մեխանիկական քայքայման են ենթարկում քարե նյութերը, որովհետև մեխանիկորեն մտնում էն քարի մեջ և արտադրում են մուգ գույնի պիգմենտներ և օրգանական թթուներ:

Subcortical structural abnormalities in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME): MR volumetry and vertex based analysis

AbstractPurposeImaging studies in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) have shown abnormalities of the thalamus and frontal cortex. The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the morphological changes in the deep gray matter (GM) structures using techniques of voxel based morphometry (VBM), MR volumetry and shape analysis.MethodologyThe study included 40 patients with JME (M:F=21:19; age 22.8±5.3 years) and 19 matched controls (M:F=13:6; age 24.5±4.2 years). All subjects underwent MRI using standard protocol that included T1-3D TFE (Turbo Field Echo) images with 1mm thickness. VBM analysis and MR volumetry were performed. The volumes of deep subcortical GM structures were extracted and vertex-wise shape analysis was performed using FSL-FIRST (FSL-Integrated Registration and Segmentation Toolbox) software.ResultsVBM analysis with a thalamic mask revealed focal thalamic alterations in the anteromedial aspect of the thalamus (p<0.05, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected) which remained significant after adjusting for age, gender and intracranial volume (ICV). Significant volume loss was noted in both the thalami. Vertex-wise shape analysis showed significant focal surface reductions in the thalami bilaterally in patients that were predominantly seen in the medial as well as lateral aspects of the thalamus (p<0.05, FDR corrected). The disease duration correlated with left hippocampus volume while age of onset correlated with right hippocampus volume.ConclusionsThis study confirms the presence of thalamic alterations in patients with JME. Shape analysis technique provided complementary information and disclosed the presence of focal atrophic changes in patients’ thalami. The striatum and hippocampus did not show any significant alterations

Exploring unusual metastasis in carcinoma breast: Divulging vulval metastasis

Regional lymph nodes, bones, brain, lung, and liver are the most common sites of the breast carcinoma metastases. Nodular or&nbsp;ulcerated lesions over the vulva are ignored for a long time as benign lesions by the patient and there is a lot of hesitance to undergo&nbsp;the examination. Here, we report the case of a 41-year-old female with an isolated, asymptomatic vulval metastasis of Invasive ductal&nbsp;carcinoma of the breast. The purpose of reporting this case is to make the clinicians aware of this rare site of metastasis of breast&nbsp;cancer and the importance of pelvic examination in follow-up patients

Processing of aluminum-graphite particulate metal matrix composites by advanced shear technology

Copyright @ 2009 ASM International. This paper was published in Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance 18(9) and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of ASM International. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplications of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of this paper are prohibited.To extend the possibilities of using aluminum/graphite composites as structural materials, a novel process is developed. The conventional methods often produce agglomerated structures exhibiting lower strength and ductility. To overcome the cohesive force of the agglomerates, a melt conditioned high-pressure die casting (MC-HPDC) process innovatively adapts the well-established, high-shear dispersive mixing action of a twin screw mechanism. The distribution of particles and properties of composites are quantitatively evaluated. The adopted rheo process significantly improved the distribution of the reinforcement in the matrix with a strong interfacial bond between the two. A good combination of improved ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and tensile elongation (e) is obtained compared with composites produced by conventional processes.EPSR

Anisotropic flow of charged hadrons, pions and (anti-)protons measured at high transverse momentum in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76 TeV

The elliptic, $v_2$, triangular, $v_3$, and quadrangular, $v_4$, azimuthal anisotropic flow coefficients are measured for unidentified charged particles, pions and (anti-)protons in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Results obtained with the event plane and four-particle cumulant methods are reported for the pseudo-rapidity range $|\eta|<0.8$ at different collision centralities and as a function of transverse momentum, $p_{\rm T}$, out to $p_{\rm T}=20$ GeV/$c$. The observed non-zero elliptic and triangular flow depends only weakly on transverse momentum for $p_{\rm T}>8$ GeV/$c$. The small $p_{\rm T}$ dependence of the difference between elliptic flow results obtained from the event plane and four-particle cumulant methods suggests a common origin of flow fluctuations up to $p_{\rm T}=8$ GeV/$c$. The magnitude of the (anti-)proton elliptic and triangular flow is larger than that of pions out to at least $p_{\rm T}=8$ GeV/$c$ indicating that the particle type dependence persists out to high $p_{\rm T}$.Comment: 16 pages, 5 captioned figures, authors from page 11, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/186

Centrality dependence of charged particle production at large transverse momentum in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 2.76 TeV

The inclusive transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) distributions of primary charged particles are measured in the pseudo-rapidity range $|\eta|<0.8$ as a function of event centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}=2.76$ TeV with ALICE at the LHC. The data are presented in the $p_{\rm T}$ range $0.15<p_{\rm T}<50$ GeV/$c$ for nine centrality intervals from 70-80% to 0-5%. The Pb-Pb spectra are presented in terms of the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm{AA}}$ using a pp reference spectrum measured at the same collision energy. We observe that the suppression of high-$p_{\rm T}$ particles strongly depends on event centrality. In central collisions (0-5%) the yield is most suppressed with $R_{\rm{AA}}\approx0.13$ at $p_{\rm T}=6$-7 GeV/$c$. Above $p_{\rm T}=7$ GeV/$c$, there is a significant rise in the nuclear modification factor, which reaches $R_{\rm{AA}} \approx0.4$ for $p_{\rm T}>30$ GeV/$c$. In peripheral collisions (70-80%), the suppression is weaker with $R_{\rm{AA}} \approx 0.7$ almost independently of $p_{\rm T}$. The measured nuclear modification factors are compared to other measurements and model calculations.Comment: 17 pages, 4 captioned figures, 2 tables, authors from page 12, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/284

Measurement of charm production at central rapidity in proton-proton collisions at s=2.76\sqrt{s} = 2.76 TeV

The $p_{\rm T}$-differential production cross sections of the prompt (B feed-down subtracted) charmed mesons D$^0$, D$^+$, and D$^{*+}$ in the rapidity range $|y|<0.5$, and for transverse momentum $1< p_{\rm T} <12$ GeV/$c$, were measured in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 2.76$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis exploited the hadronic decays D$^0 \rightarrow$K$\pi$, D$^+ \rightarrow$K$\pi\pi$, D$^{*+} \rightarrow$D$^0\pi$, and their charge conjugates, and was performed on a $L_{\rm int} = 1.1$ nb$^{-1}$ event sample collected in 2011 with a minimum-bias trigger. The total charm production cross section at $\sqrt{s} = 2.76$ TeV and at 7 TeV was evaluated by extrapolating to the full phase space the $p_{\rm T}$-differential production cross sections at $\sqrt{s} = 2.76$ TeV and our previous measurements at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV. The results were compared to existing measurements and to perturbative-QCD calculations. The fraction of cdbar D mesons produced in a vector state was also determined.Comment: 20 pages, 5 captioned figures, 4 tables, authors from page 15, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/307

Particle-yield modification in jet-like azimuthal di-hadron correlations in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76 TeV

The yield of charged particles associated with high-$p_{\rm T}$ trigger particles ($8 < p_{\rm T} < 15$ GeV/$c$) is measured with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV relative to proton-proton collisions at the same energy. The conditional per-trigger yields are extracted from the narrow jet-like correlation peaks in azimuthal di-hadron correlations. In the 5% most central collisions, we observe that the yield of associated charged particles with transverse momenta $p_{\rm T}> 3$ GeV/$c$ on the away-side drops to about 60% of that observed in pp collisions, while on the near-side a moderate enhancement of 20-30% is found.Comment: 15 pages, 2 captioned figures, 1 table, authors from page 10, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/350

Measurement of the polarisation of W bosons produced with large transverse momentum in pp collisions at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV with the ATLAS experiment

This paper describes an analysis of the angular distribution of W->enu and W->munu decays, using data from pp collisions at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC in 2010, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 35 pb^-1. Using the decay lepton transverse momentum and the missing transverse energy, the W decay angular distribution projected onto the transverse plane is obtained and analysed in terms of helicity fractions f0, fL and fR over two ranges of W transverse momentum (ptw): 35 < ptw < 50 GeV and ptw > 50 GeV. Good agreement is found with theoretical predictions. For ptw > 50 GeV, the values of f0 and fL-fR, averaged over charge and lepton flavour, are measured to be : f0 = 0.127 +/- 0.030 +/- 0.108 and fL-fR = 0.252 +/- 0.017 +/- 0.030, where the first uncertainties are statistical, and the second include all systematic effects.Comment: 19 pages plus author list (34 pages total), 9 figures, 11 tables, revised author list, matches European Journal of Physics C versio