Magnetotransport and spin dynamics in an electron gas formed at oxide interfaces

We investigate the spin-dependent transport properties of a two-dimensional electron gas formed at oxides' interface in the presence of a magnetic field. We consider several scenarios for the oxides' properties, including oxides with co-linear or spiral magnetic and ferroelectric order. For spiral multiferroic oxides, the magnetoelectric coupling and the topology of the localized magnetic moments introduce additional, electric field controlled spin-orbit coupling that affects the magneto-oscillation of the current. An interplay of this spin-orbit coupling, the exchange field, and of the applied magnetic field results in a quantum, gate-controlled spin and charge Hall conductance

Behavior of integral abutment piles

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has routinely designed and constructed jointless bridges with integral abutments for many years. Due the constant need of constructing longer jointless bridges and more accurate design approach, TDOT has sponsored a research project with University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The project involved five steel H-piles to be driven into ground with integral abutment slabs cast on top. The first four piles were instrumented with weldable strain gages and pressure sensors, while the last pile was only instrumented with weldable strain gages. A slow lateral loading simulated the thermal movement of the bridge substructure. The testing program consisted of field tests that achieved a ground deflection of the pile of ½ and 1 , and tests involved cyclic loading and loading to a point where failure warranted the determination of testing. The deflections, load, and reaction were monitored during testing. The data were analyzed using elastic theory. Moment vs. depth curves were constructed using a six-order polynomial to best fit the moment points. The pressure vs. depth curves were obtained by differentiating the moment vs. depth equation twice. Another set of pressure vs. depth curves was constructed using the pressure sensor data. The purpose of the pressure vs. depth curves was the determination of the zero pressure point. The zero pressure points obtained from both sets of pressure vs. depth curves were analyzed and compared. Although different factors affected the accuracy of the field data, this study provided a better understanding of piles supporting integral abutments

The role of difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion in clinical practice

The mainstay in the treatment of ocular inflammation, either post-surgical or endogenous, is the use of steroids. While these agents effectively address inflammation, they are not without their risks, including ocular hypertension and acceleration of cataract formation. The most notorious culprits are the strong steroids, such as prednisolone acetate and betamethasone. This review aims to cover the biochemistry and drug development of difluprednate, a novel synthetic strong steroid emulsion. In vivo pharmacokinetics as well as ocular distribution and metabolism are discussed, followed by a comprehensive summary of phase I, II, and III clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy in patients suffering from postoperative inflammation or anterior uveitis. The objective is to provide an increased familiarity with this newly approved medication as a welcome addition to the ophthalmologist’s armamentarium

MEDIA OPTIMIZATION FOR BIOPROTEINS PRODUCTION FROM CHEAPER CARBON SOURCE

There are high demands for animal and human food supply especially protein, which is an important dietary component. Agricultural wastes, cheap carbon sources- which are rich and have high energy, can be used for producing the value added bioprotein. A lab scale study was carried out to optimize the media composition for bioprotein production from a cheaper carbon source - wheat flour using potential strain, which was selected earlier by screening different microorganisms. The performance of the selected strain was enhanced by media optimization with varied substrate concentration, nitrogen sources and nutrient supplementation according to the central composite design from STATISTICA software. Statistical optimization was carried out to evaluate the polynomial regression model through effect of linear, quadratic and interaction of the factors. The maximum biomass produced was 21.89 g/L with optimum fermentation conditions of wheat flour (4 g/L), nitrogen concentration (0.5 g/L), nutrient concentration (0.1 g/L), and four days of fermentation