TSH Receptor Gene and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

The primary regulators of thyroid activity are the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and its receptor (TSH-R). Studies have shown that genetic variants in the TSHR gene can increase susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The TSHR gene is located on chromosome 14q31 and encodes a membrane-bound receptor that interacts with TSH to regulate thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. AITD including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), are the most common thyroid disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. In AITD, autoantibodies can bind to and activate the TSHR, leading to increased thyroid hormone production and secretion in GD, or thyroid destruction and hypothyroidism in HT. In addition to its role in thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion, some studies also revealed that the TSHR has also been implicated in a variety of other physiological processes, including bone metabolism, reproduction, and immune regulation. Genetic variation in the TSHR region may affect the expression, post-translational processing, and/or protein structure, which in turn may cause or worsen the autoimmune response. The TSHR gene and its products are widely used in diagnostic testing for AITD. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between the TSHR and autoantibodies is critical for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AITD

Robust and adjustable C-shaped electron vortex beams

Wavefront engineering is an important quantum technology, often applied to the production of states carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Here, we demonstrate the design and production of robust C-shaped beam states carrying OAM, in which the usual doughnut shaped transverse intensity structure of the vortex beam contains an adjustable gap. We find that the presence of the vortex lines in the core of the beam is crucial for maintaining the stability of the C-shape structure during beam propagation. The topological charge of the vortex core controls mainly the size of the C-shape, while its opening angle is related to the presence of vortex-anti-vortex loops. We demonstrate the generation and characterisation of C-shaped electron vortex beams, although the result is equally applicable to other quantum waves. C-shaped electron vortex beams have potential applications in nanoscale fabrication of planar split ring structures and three dimensional chiral structures as well as depth sensing and magnetic field determination through rotation of the gap in the C-shape

An experimental investigation on enhancing the strength and stiffness of GFRP co-cured composite joint: effect of glass powder addition

Co-cure adhesive joints are preferred by various industries, namely, automobile, marine and aerospace, to join two surfaces in structural applications, as a useful replacement for mechanical fastenings. The present work focusses on the mechanical properties and free vibration behaviour of co-cured glass fiber compositesreinforced with glass powder. In the course of the experimentation, the adhesive is being reinforced concurrently with glass powder in four different weight percentages, such as 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%. The mechanical testing results reveal that the addition of 1.5% of glass powder to the epoxy could relatively help in increasing the tensile strength and flexural strength of the co-cured glass fiber composites respectively to the degree of 11.68% (364.29 Mpa) and 24.75% (256.16 Mpa). The Single lap shear results show that the 0.5% glass powder reinforcement significantly increases the shear strength of the cocured glass fiber composites by 20.91% (19.31 Mpa). Furthermore, the free vibrational study of 1.5% co-cured composites shows that they have a higher fundamental natural frequency than the glass powder reinforced co-cured composites that have a lower weight percentage. Furthermore, the addition of glass powder to the co-cured composites helps in increasing the damping factor of the composites due to the glass powder agglomeration. Neat and glass powder reinforced co-cured samples are further analysed afterwards, using the mechanical and shear test by scanning electron microscopy

Electrochemical Li/Na intercalation in TiOSO4, first member of the phosphate tungsten bronze-type family

The oxysulfate TiOSO4 has been prepared by an easy soft chemistry method based on the dissolution of metallic titanium in sulfuric acid at 170°C. First member of the phosphate tungsten-type bronze family, this oxysulfate, whose structure offers empty pentagonal tunnels, is shown to intercalate up to 0.9 Li per formula unit (f.u) and 0.8 Na/f.u. at an average voltage of 2.45 V vs Li+/Li and 2.12 V vs Na+/Na, respectively. The intercalation/deintercalation process is reversible according to a solid solution mechanism. Its comparison with the titanium Nasicon shows that it exhibits a similar redox voltage, but a significantly larger reversible capacity of 120 mAh/g vs Li+/Li and 100 mAh/g vs Na+/Na after 20 cycles. The open structure of this material, its low cost, and its easy synthesis, pave the way to the investigation of other transition metal oxysulfates for the realization of electrodes for rechargeable sodium ion batteries. © 2015 The Electrochemical Society

Properties of Concrete Manufactured Using Steel Slag

AbstractThis paper aims to study experimentally, the effect of partial replacement of coarse and fine aggregates by steel slag (SS), on the various strength and durability properties of concrete, by using the mix design of M20 grade. The optimum percentage of replacement of fine and coarse aggregate by steel slag is found. Workability of concrete gradually decreases, as the percentage of replacement increases, which is found using slump test. Compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and durability tests such as acid resistance, using Hcl, H2SO4, and Rapid chloride penetration, are experimentally investigated. The results indicate that for conventional concrete, the partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregates by steel slag improves the compressive, tensile and flexural strength. The mass loss in cubes after immersion in acids is found to be very low. Deflection in the RCC beams gradually increases, as the load on the beam increases, for both the replacements. The degree of chloride ion penetrability is assessed based on the limits, given in ASTM C 1202. The viability of usage of SS in concrete is found

Reversible transformation from amorphouse Na3Fe3(SO4)2(OH)6 to crystallized NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 Jarosite-type hydroxysulfate

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