62 research outputs found
Utilization of Renewable Biomass and Waste Materials for Production of Environmentally-Friendly, Bio-based Composites
The introduction of renewable biomass into a polymer matrix is an option competing with other
possibilities, such as energy recovery and/or re-use in the carbonized state, or production of
chemicals, such as, in the case of ligno-cellulosic waste, concentrates on the production of simple
sugars, then possibly leading to the development of biopolymers. These competitive applications
have also some interest and market, however with a considerable energy, water and materials
consumption, due also to the not always high yielding. Other possibilities for renewable biomass are
therefore being used as fillers to increase mechanical performance of polymers or to allow e.g., the
absorption of toxic chemicals. This review concentrates on the use of biomass as close as possible
to the âas receivedâ state, therefore avoiding whenever suitable any thermal treatment. More
specifically, it focuses on its introduction into the three categories of oil-based (or bio-based
replacement) of engineered polymers, into industrial biopolymers, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA)
and self-developed biopolymers, such as thermoplastic starch (TPS)
Evaluation of diastolic function by three-dimensional volume tracking of the mitral annulus with cardiovascular magnetic resonance: comparison with tissue Doppler imaging
Nursesâ perceptions, acceptance, and use of a novel in-room pediatric ICU technology: testing an expanded technology acceptance model
Efficacy of Quasi Agro Binding Fibre on the Hybrid Composite Used in Advance Application
The choice for natural fibre obtained from agricultural products is on the rise
due to its solution to eco-friendly, environmental and improved mechanical
properties concerns. Its abundant availability, low cost, emission reduction and
adaptability to base material for composite make it a prime material for
selection. This review explores diverse perspectives to the future trend of agro
fibre in terms of the thermo-mechanical properties as it applies to advanced
application in building structures. It is important to investigate the
ecofriendliness of the products of composites from fibres in agricultural
wastes so as to achieve a green and sustainable environment. This will come
to fore by the combined efforts of both researchers and feedback from
building stakeholders
Simvastatin Sodium Salt and Fluvastatin Interact with Human Gap Junction Gamma-3 Protein
Finding pleiomorphic targets for drugs allows new indications or warnings for treatment to be identified. As test of concept, we applied a new chemical genomics approach to uncover additional targets for the widely prescribed lipid-lowering pro-drug simvastatin. We used mRNA extracted from internal mammary artery from patients undergoing coronary artery surgery to prepare a viral cardiovascular protein library, using T7 bacteriophage. We then studied interactions of clones of the bacteriophage, each expressing a different cardiovascular polypeptide, with surface-bound simvastatin in 96-well plates. To maximise likelihood of identifying meaningful interactions between simvastatin and vascular peptides, we used a validated photo-immobilisation method to apply a series of different chemical linkers to bind simvastatin so as to present multiple orientations of its constituent components to potential targets. Three rounds of biopanning identified consistent interaction with the clone expressing part of the gene GJC3, which maps to Homo sapiens chromosome 7, and codes for gap junction gamma-3 protein, also known as connexin 30.2/31.3 (mouse connexin Cx29). Further analysis indicated the binding site to be for the N-terminal domain putatively âregulatingâ connexin hemichannel and gap junction pores. Using immunohistochemistry we found connexin 30.2/31.3 to be present in samples of artery similar to those used to prepare the bacteriophage library. Surface plasmon resonance revealed that a 25 amino acid synthetic peptide representing the discovered N-terminus did not interact with simvastatin lactone, but did bind to the hydrolysed HMG CoA inhibitor, simvastatin acid. This interaction was also seen for fluvastatin. The gap junction blockers carbenoxolone and flufenamic acid also interacted with the same peptide providing insight into potential site of binding. These findings raise key questions about the functional significance of GJC3 transcripts in the vasculature and other tissues, and this connexinâs role in therapeutic and adverse effects of statins in a range of disease states
Understanding the Difference Between Healthcare Informatics and Healthcare Data Analytics in the Present State of Health Care Management
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