Attractor Solutions in f(T) Cosmology

In this paper, we explore the cosmological implications of interacting dark energy model in a torsion based gravity namely $f(T)$. Assuming dark energy interacts with dark matter and radiation components, we examine the stability of this model by choosing different forms of interaction terms. We consider three different forms of dark energy: cosmological constant, quintessence and phantom energy. We then obtain several attractor solutions for each dark energy model interacting with other components. This model successfully explains the coincidence problem via the interacting dark energy scenario.Comment: 10 pages, 23 figures, version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal C (2012

Solvable K-essence Cosmologies and Modified Chaplygin Gas Unified Models of Dark Energy and Dark Matter

This paper is devoted to the investigation of modified Chaplygin gas model in the context of solvable k-essence cosmologies. For this purpose, we construct equations of state parameter of this model for some particular values of the parameter $n$. The graphical behavior of these equations are also discussed by using power law form of potential. The relationship between k-essence and modified Chaplygin gas model shows viable results in the dark energy scenario. We conclude that the universe behaves as a cosmological constant, quintessence phase or phantom phase depending upon $n$.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

Transcriptional factor PU.1 regulates decidual C1q expression in early pregnancy in human

"Copyright: © 2015 Madhukaran, Kishore, Jamil, Teo, Choolani and Lu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms."C1q is the first recognition subcomponent of the complement classical pathway, which in addition to being synthesized in the liver, is also expressed by macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Trophoblast invasion during early placentation results in accumulation of debris that triggers the complement system. Hence, both early and late components of the classical pathway are widely distributed in the placenta and decidua. In addition, C1q has recently been shown to significantly contribute to feto-maternal tolerance, trophoblast migration, and spiral artery remodeling, although the exact mechanism remains unknown. Pregnancy in mice, genetically deficient in C1q, mirrors symptoms similar to that of human preeclampsia. Thus, regulated complement activation has been proposed as an essential requirement for normal successful pregnancy. Little is known about the molecular pathways that regulate C1q expression in pregnancy. PU.1, an Ets-family transcription factor, is required for the development of hematopoietic myeloid lineage immune cells, and its expression is tissue-specific. Recently, PU.1 has been shown to regulate C1q gene expression in DCs and macrophages. Here, we have examined if PU.1 transcription factor regulates decidual C1q expression. We used immune-histochemical analysis, PCR, and immunostaining to localize and study the gene expression of PU.1 transcription factor in early human decidua. PU.1 was highly expressed at gene and protein level in early human decidual cells including trophoblast and stromal cells. Surprisingly, nuclear as well as cytoplasmic PU.1 expression was observed. Decidual cells with predominantly nuclear PU.1 expression had higher C1q expression. It is likely that nuclear and cytoplasmic PU.1 localization has a role to play in early pregnancy via regulating C1q expression in the decidua during implantation

Cholinesterase inhibitors from heartwood of artocarpus fulvicortex F. M. Jarret (Moraceae)

Cholinesterase inhibition activities were screened on crude extracts and isolated compounds of the heartwood of Artocarpus fulvicortex. Phytochemical studies on the heartwood of A. fulvicortex have resulted in the isolation of one flavonoid, one stilbenoid and two triterpenes. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis as catechin (1), oxyresveratrol (2), lupeol-3-acetate (3) and friedelin (4). All isolates were evaluated for the first time for anti-cholinesterase activity. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tested by Ellman’s method and modified TLC bioautographic assay showed catechin (1) and oxyresvetratrol (2) were active agents with detection limit of 2 mM. The microplate assay was carried out using butyrylcholinesterase (BChe) to further confirmed that catechin (1) and oxyresvetratrol (2) displayed positive cholinesterase activity with IC50 values 50.0 mM and 6.25 mM respectively in dose dependent manner

Resolution of dark matter problem in f(T) gravity

In this paper, we attempt to resolve the dark matter problem in f(T) gravity. Specifically, from our model we successfully obtain the flat rotation curves of galaxies containing dark matter. Further, we obtain the density profile of dark matter in galaxies. Comparison of our analytical results shows that our torsion-based toy model for dark matter is in good agreement with empirical data-based models. It shows that we can address the dark matter as an effect of torsion of the space.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure

Development of wireless-based low-cost current controlled stimulator for patients with spinal cord injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) has a severe impact on human life in general as well as on the physical status and condition. The use of electrical signals to restore the function of paralyzed muscles is called functional electrical stimulation (FES). FES is a promising way to restore mobility to SCI by applying low-level electrical current to the paralyzed muscles so as to enhance that person’s ability to function and live independently. However, due to the limited number of commercially available FES assisted exerciser systems and their rather high cost, the conventional devices are unaffordable for most peoples. It also inconvenient because of wired based system that creates a limitation in performing exercise. Thus, this project is concerned with the development of low-cost current controlled stimulator mainly for the paraplegic subjects. The developed device should be based on a microcontroller, wireless based system using Zigbee module, voltage-to-current converter circuit and should produce proper monophasic and biphasic current pulses, pulse trains, arbitrary current waveforms, and a trigger output for FES applications. The performances of the device will be assessed through simulation study and validated through experimental work. This device will be developed as in the new technique of the stimulator development with low cost and one of the contributing factors in Rehabilitation Engineering for patients with SCI

Development of wireless-based low-cost current controlled stimulator for patients with spinal cord injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) has a severe impact on human life in general as well as on the physical status and condition. The use of electrical signals to restore the function of paralyzed muscles is called functional electrical stimulation (FES). FES is a promising way to restore mobility to SCI by applying low-level electrical current to the paralyzed muscles so as to enhance that person’s ability to function and live independently. However, due to the limited number of commercially available FES assisted exerciser systems and their rather high cost, the conventional devices are unaffordable for most peoples. It also inconvenient because of wired based system that creates a limitation in performing exercise. Thus, this project is concerned with the development of low-cost current controlled stimulator mainly for the paraplegic subjects. The developed device should be based on a microcontroller, wireless based system using Zigbee module, voltage-to-current converter circuit and should produce proper monophasic and biphasic current pulses, pulse trains, arbitrary current waveforms, and a trigger output for FES applications. The performances of the device will be assessed through simulation study and validated through experimental work. This device will be developed as in the new technique of the stimulator development with low cost and one of the contributing factors in Rehabilitation Engineering for patients with SCI