Multi-objective optimization for optimum tolerance synthesis with process and machine selection using a genetic algorithm

This paper presents a new approach to the tolerance synthesis of the component parts of assemblies by simultaneously optimizing three manufacturing parameters: manufacturing cost, including tolerance cost and quality loss cost; machining time; and machine overhead/idle time cost. A methodology has been developed using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique to solve this multi-objective optimization problem. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology has been demonstrated by solving a wheel mounting assembly problem consisting of five components, two subassemblies, two critical dimensions, two functional tolerances, and eight operations. Significant cost saving can be achieved by employing this methodology

Establishing a large prospective clinical cohort in people with head and neck cancer as a biomedical resource: head and neck 5000

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is an important cause of ill health. Survival appears to be improving but the reasons for this are unclear. They could include evolving aetiology, modifications in care, improvements in treatment or changes in lifestyle behaviour. Observational studies are required to explore survival trends and identify outcome predictors. METHODS: We are identifying people with a new diagnosis of head and neck cancer. We obtain consent that includes agreement to collect longitudinal data, store samples and record linkage. Prior to treatment we give participants three questionnaires on health and lifestyle, quality of life and sexual history. We collect blood and saliva samples, complete a clinical data capture form and request a formalin fixed tissue sample. At four and twelve months we complete further data capture forms and send participants further quality of life questionnaires. DISCUSSION: This large clinical cohort of people with head and neck cancer brings together clinical data, patient-reported outcomes and biological samples in a single co-ordinated resource for translational and prognostic research

Should Indian researchers pay to get their work published?

Paying to publish is an ethical issue. During 2010-14, Indian researchers have used 488 open access (OA) journals levying article processing charge (APC), ranging from US$7.5 to 5,000, to publish about 15,400 papers. Use of OA journals levying APC has increased from 242 journals and 2,557 papers in 2010 to 328 journals and 3,634 papers in 2014. We estimate that India is potentially spending about US$2.4 million annually on APCs paid to OA journals and the amount would be much more if we add APCs paid to make papers published in hybrid journals open access. It would be prudent for Indian authors to make their work freely available through interoperable repositories, a trend that is growing in Latin America and China, especially when funding is scarce. Scientists are ready to pay APC as long as institutions pay for it and funding agencies are not ready to insist that grants provided for research should not be used for paying APC

Azonium-ammonium tautomerism and inclusion complexation of 4-amino-2′, 3-dimethylazobenzene

407-417The spectral characteristics of 4-amino-2′,3-dimethylazobenzene (GBC), 4-aminoazobenzene (AAB) and azobenzene (AB) have been studied in various solvents, varying hydrogen ion concentrations and in -cyclodextrin (-CD). The inclusion complexes of GBC, AAB and AB with -CD have been analysed by UV-visible, fluorometry, FT-IR, 1H NMR, SEM and Cache-DFT methods. The solvent study shows that the azo form is present only in GBC and AAB molecules. No significant spectral difference is observed in GBC indicating that the presence of two methyl groups does not effectively change the spectral behaviour as compared to that of AAB. In acid solutions, unusual red shift is observed in the monocation suggesting that the azonium-ammonium tautomer is present in both molecules. The absorption maximum at ~500 nm, is due to the azonium cation while that at ~320 nm originates from the ammonium cation. In -CD solutions, the increase in the fluorescence intensity and large bathochromic shift in S1 state indicates that both GBC and AAB form 2:2 inclusion complex, whereas AB forms 1:1 inclusion complex. Also, head-to-head dimer is formed in both the aminoazobenzene compounds

Inclusion complexation of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid with β-cyclodextrin at different <i style="">p</i>Hs

1515-1521Effect of -cyclodextrin on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of 3,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid has been studied in buffer solutions of different pHs (1, 7, 10). The study reveals that in all the studied pHs, DHB forms 1:1 inclusion complex. The hydroxyl group is present in the interior part of the -CD cavity and carboxyl group is present in the hydrophilic part of the -CD cavity. Dual luminescence is observed in pH~1 and pH~7 solutions which shows that intramolecular charge transfer is present in these pHs. The broad spectral maximum at pH~10 indicates intramolecular proton transfer in DHB

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Calothrixins B and their Deoxygenated Analogues

A series of calothrixin B (<b>2</b>) analogues bearing substituents at the ‘E’ ring and their corresponding deoxygenated quinocarbazoles lacking quinone unit were synthesized. The cytotoxicities of calothrixins <b>1</b>, <b>2</b>, and <b>15b</b>–<b>p</b> and quinocarbazole analogues were investigated against nine cancer cell lines. The quinocarbazoles <b>21a</b> and <b>25a</b> inhibited the catalytic activity of human topoisomerase II. The plasmid DNA cleavage abilities of calothrixins <b>1</b>, <b>2</b>, and <b>15b</b>–<b>p</b> identified compound <b>15h</b> causing DNA cleavage comparable to that of calothrixin A (<b>1</b>). Calothrixin A (<b>1</b>), 3-fluorocalothrixin <b>15h</b> and 4-fluoroquinocarbazole <b>21b</b> induced extensive DNA damage followed by apoptotic cell death. Spectral and plasmid unwinding studies demonstrated an intercalative mode of binding for quinocarbazoles. We identified two promising drug candidates, the 3-fluorocalothrixin B <b>15h</b> with low toxicity in animal model and its deoxygenated derivative 4-fluoroquinocarbazole <b>21b</b> as having potent cytotoxicity against NCI-H460 cell line with a GI₅₀ of 1 nM