Alkaline phosphatase in nasal secretion of cattle: biochemical and molecular characterisation

BACKGROUND: Nasal secretion (NS) was investigated as a source of information regarding the mucosal and systemic immune status of cattle challenged by respiratory disease. A method for the collection of substantial volumes (~12 ml) of NS from cattle was developed to establish a reference range of analytes that are present in the NS of healthy cattle. Biochemical profiles of NS from a group of 38 healthy Holstein-Friesian cows revealed high alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity of up to 2392 IU/L. The character and source of the high activity of AP in bovine NS was investigated. RESULTS: Histochemical analysis confirmed the localization of the AP enzyme activity to epithelial cells and serous glands of the nasal respiratory mucosa. Analysis of mRNA levels from nasal mucosa by end point RT-PCR and PCR product sequencing confirmed that the AP was locally produced and is identical at the nucleotide level to the non-specific AP splice variant found in bovine liver, bone and kidney. Analysis by isoelectric focussing confirmed that AP was produced locally at a high level in nasal epithelium demonstrating that AP from nasal secretion and nasal mucosa had similar pI bands, though differing from those of the liver, kidney, bone and intestine, suggesting different post-translational modification (PTM) of AP in these tissues. CONCLUSIONS: A nasal isozyme of AP has been identified that is present at a high activity in NS, resulting from local production and showing distinctive PTM and may be active in NS as an anti-endotoxin mediator

Application of response surface methodology for chloride transport properties in nano metaclayed-UHPC

The major concern on the deterioration of reinforced concrete structure is due to the corrosion of steel reinforcement from the aggressive environment such as chloride penetration. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an advanced concrete material having ultra-high strength with excellent durability properties. Inclusion of nano metaclay in UHPC is expected to overcome the chloride transport properties in UHPC by providing nano filler effect. Two (2) assessments were conducted which are chloride content and chloride depth were examined. All the concrete specimens were immersed in 3% NaCl solution up to 365 days and the tests conducted were performed at 3, 7, 28, 56, 91, 182 and 365 days. Response surface method (RSM) was performed to evaluate the interaction and relationship between operating variables (compressive strength and nano metaclay content). Based on RSM analysis, inclusion of nano metaclay in UHPC have good relationship towards the chloride resistance characteristics and adequate durability performance in terms of chloride penetration resistance. The results exhibited that inclusion of 1% nano metaclay significantly and positively affect in term of chloride penetration resistance

Bandwidth and Gain Enhancement of a Modified Ultra-wideband (UWB) Micro-strip Patch Antenna using a Reflecting Layer

A novel technique to enhance bandwidth and gain of an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antenna using a reflecting layer is presented in this chapter. A Microstrip Patch Antenna (MPA) with T-shaped patch and partially grounded plane is used in this design where a T-slot is inserted into the patch. The pro-posed compact-size antenna is designed and simulated using Computer Simula-tion Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software by considering flame retar-dant 4 (FR-4) as substrate with a relative permittivity of 4.3 and a thickness 1.6 mm. The antenna efficiency includes, a wide impedance bandwidth of 9.31 GHz ranging from 3.19 GHz to 12.5 GHz, for voltage standing wave ratio, VSWR<2; 5.74 dB gain; and 6.87 dBi directivity. In comparison with the MPA without the reflecting layer, the bandwidth, gain and directivity of the proposed antenna (with reflector) is increased by 123%, 3.64 dB, and 3.44 dBi respec-tively. Thus, the proposed antenna can cover a wider range than the UWB range (3.1-10.6 GHz) and can be suitable for the use of various bio-medical applications