Mapping behavioral specifications to model parameters in synthetic biology

With recent improvements of protocols for the assembly of transcriptional parts, synthetic biological devices can now more reliably be assembled according to a given design. The standardization of parts open up the way for in silico design tools that improve the construct and optimize devices with respect to given formal design specifications. The simplest such optimization is the selection of kinetic parameters and protein abundances such that the specified design constraints are robustly satisfied. In this work we address the problem of determining parameter values that fulfill specifications expressed in terms of a functional on the trajectories of a dynamical model. We solve this inverse problem by linearizing the forward operator that maps parameter sets to specifications, and then inverting it locally. This approach has two advantages over brute-force random sampling. First, the linearization approach allows us to map back intervals instead of points and second, every obtained value in the parameter region is satisfying the specifications by construction. The method is general and can hence be incorporated in a pipeline for the rational forward design of arbitrary devices in synthetic biology

From Flat to Curved: Two-Dimensional Polymers and [8]Circulene

The focus of this dissertation is the synthetic efforts towards [8]circulene and the synthesis of two-dimensional, hydrocarbon polymer.[n]Circulenes are an array of n-benzenoid rings surrounding a central n-sided polygon. Due to the curvature that can be induced by small ( 6 sided) central polygons, they can provide insight into the flexibility of aromatic systems. There have been numerous attempts to synthesize [8]circulene, but it has not been synthesized so far. In an attempt to achieve this target, we designed a synthesis of octa-peri- benzo[8]circulene. We succeeded in introducing six bonds but could not generate all eight bonds.Two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) are one-monomer unit thick, covalently bonded molecular sheets with a long-range periodic internal structure. A single layer of graphene is an example of a naturally occurring two-dimensional polymer. We have synthesized a two-dimensional, hydrocarbon polymer. The synthesis of our polymer is based on the solid-state photochemistry of the monomer, antrip. The key step of photopolymerization is the dimerization of anthracene blades at 9, 10 positions. Infrared spectroscopy and solid-state NMR spectroscopy establish the microstructure of the polymer

Impact of Country Level Corporate Governance on Profitability of Banks in India

In recent years, there has been an uptick in the level of concern over corporate governance. This is mostly attributable to the widespread collapse of major corporations in both the local and international arenas. Both proactive and reactive actions have been adopted by governments in reaction to the growing number of instances of financial crises to achieve stability in the sector. Nevertheless, the stability of banking operations continues to be questionable despite the interventionist responsibilities played by the government. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the effect that corporate governance at the national level has on the profitability of Indian banks using a representative sample of 33 financial institutions, including 21 private and 12 public banks. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis of the two-way variable intercept random effect model, and robustness checks including robust regression are utilized in the study. The purpose of the study is to assess; via the use of empirical research methods, the impact that good corporate governance has on the profitability of the banking sector in India. Return on Equity (ROE), Return on Assets (ROA) and Net Interest Margin (NIM) were accepted as proxies for profitability in the banking industry. The empirical evidence presented in the paper demonstrates that good corporate governance has a considerable influence on the profit performance of the Indian banking sector. In the context of India's status as a developing economy, this study offers new research that establishes a relationship between country-level corporate governance and the profitability of banking institutions

Tracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilization: A comparison of McGrath ® video laryngoscope and Truview EVO2 ® laryngoscope

Background and Aims: Literature suggests that glottic view is better when using McGrath® Video laryngoscope and Truview® in comparison with McIntosh blade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of McGrath Video laryngoscope in comparison with Truview laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in patients with simulated cervical spine injury using manual in-line stabilisation. Methods: This prospective randomised study was undertaken in operation theatre of a tertiary referral centre after approval from the Institutional Review Board. A total of 100 consenting patients presenting for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to undergo intubation using McGrath® Video laryngoscope (n = 50) or Truview® (n = 50) laryngoscope. In all patients, we applied manual-in-line stabilisation of the cervical spine throughout the airway management. Statistical testing was conducted with the statistical package for the social science system version SPSS 17.0. Demographic data, airway assessment and haemodynamics were compared using the Chi-square test. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The time to successful intubation was less with McGrath video laryngoscope when compared to Truview (30.02 s vs. 38.72 s). However, there was no significant difference between laryngoscopic views obtained in both groups. The number of second intubation attempts required and incidence of complications were negligible with both devices. Success rate of intubation with both devices was 100%. Intubation with McGrath Video laryngoscope caused lesser alterations in haemodynamics. Conclusions: Both laryngoscopes are reliable in case of simulated cervical spine injury using manual-in-line stabilisation with 100% success rate and good glottic view

Large Area Synthesis of a Nanoporous Two-Dimensional Polymer at the Air/Water Interface

We present the synthesis of a two-dimensional polymer at the air/water interface and its nm-resolution imaging. Trigonal star, amphiphilic monomers bearing three anthraceno groups on a central triptycene core are confined at the air/water interface. Compression followed by photopolymerization on the interface provides the two-dimensional polymer. Analysis by scanning tunneling microscopy suggests that the polymer is periodic with ultrahigh pore density

A Two-Dimensional Polymer from the Anthracene Dimer and Triptycene Motifs

A two-dimensional polymer (2DP) based on the dimerization of anthraceno groups arranged in a triptycene motif is reported. A photoinduced polymerization is performed in the crystalline state and gives a lamellar 2DP via a crystal-to-crystal (but not single-crystal to single-crystal) transformation. Solvent-induced exfoliation provides monolayer sheets of the 2DP. The 2DP is considered to be a tiling, a mathematical approach that facilitates structural elucidation

A novel triazine-aryl-bis-indole derivative inhibits both phosphodiesterase IV and expression of cell adhesion molecules

Asthma, like many inflammation related disorders, has a complex etiology. Drugs targeting multiple pathways may prove more efficacious in these complex disorders. Cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase IV (PDE IV) is one of the validated targets in bronchial asthma and despite availability of some therapeutic molecules targeting PDE IV, molecules with better properties are desired. Eosinophil/neutrophil infiltration into lung may also be an important component of bronchial asthma in which increased expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecules may play an important role. This study describes the synthesis of a novel class of compounds ‘triazine-aryl-bis-indoles’ having a catechol derived structure constituting a part of ‘triazine’ and a part of ‘bis-indole’ moiety on it. This class of molecules potently inhibited both phosphodiesterase IV and expression of cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The best molecule of this class (compound 11) inhibited PDE IV activity in vitro, with an IC50 value of 14 μM compared to 12.7 μM for an existing drug rolipram. The compound 11 not only stabilized the cAMP level in human lung epithelial cells (L132) following stimulation with forskolin, but also inhibited TNF-α induced expression of cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in human umbilical vein epithelial cells (HUVECs). It also significantly inhibited the adhesion of human neutrophils to the endothelial monolayer (IC50 = 17.86 μM) in a dose dependent manner. Its absolute bioavailability (in mice) was found to be 70% and its toxicity and pharmacokinetic profiles are excellent. The dual activity of this class of molecules suggests that this class of molecules could have broad therapeutic applications in neutrophil dominant diseases such as severe asthma, COPD and acute lung injury