Electron Beam Irradiation Effects on Dielectric Parameters of SiR–EPDM Blends

The survival of an electrical system is mostly governed by the endurance limit of the dielectric material employed in it. The five different compositions of SiR–EPDM blends were prepared. Electron beam radiation has been widely used in the cable manufacturing industries in order to increase the life of the cable. Hence, the five blends were irradiated to 5, 15 and 25 Mrad dose levels by electron beam accelerator. The dielectric parameters such as breakdown voltage (BDV), dielectric strength (DS), dielectric constant (DC), and dissipation factor (DF) were measured as per ASTM/IEC standards. This chapter evaluates the effect of electron beam irradiation on dielectric parameters of SiR–EPDM blends

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF GRID CONNECTED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

This paper presents the mathematical modeling of three-phase grid connected inverter fed by Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). Analysis has been carried out to choose the proper modulation index for maximum output for three-phase inverter. With this modulation index, the variation of the active and reactive power for different loads has been presented along with major parameters like Transfer ratio and Efficiency. Also the Real and Reactive power output of the SPV has been measured with various solar Radiation levels

GIS-MAP based Spatial Analysis of Rainfall Data of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States Using R

The rainfall conditions across wide geographical location and varied topographic conditions of India throw challenge to researchers and scientists in predicting rainfall effectively. India is Agriculture based country and it mainly depends on rainfall. Seasons in India are divided into four, which is winter in January and February, summer is from March to May, monsoon is from June to September and post monsoon is from October to December. India is Agriculture based country and it mainly depends on rainfall. It is very difficult to develop suitable rainfall patterns from the highly volatile weather conditions. In this Paper, it is proposed that Map based Spatial Analysis of rainfall data of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states is made using R software apart from Hybrid Machine learning techniques. A Study will be made on rainfall patterns based on spatial locations. The Visual analytics were also made for effective study using statistical methods and Data Mining Techniques. This paper also introduced Spatial mining for effective retrieval of Remote sensed Data to deal with retrieval of information from the database and presents them in the form of map using R software

Anomalous origin of the left vertebral artery from the arch of the aorta: review of the literature and a case report

The present report describes an anomalous case of the left vertebral artery arising from the aortic arch between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery in a male cadaver during dissection in an anatomical laboratory. Aortic origin of the vertebral artery is a rare anatomic variant. Detailed knowledge of anomalous origin is important for patients who undergo four-vessel angiography. Normally, the vertebral artery arises from the first part of the subclavian artery on both sides. We also review the anomalous origin of the vertebral artery in the literature and discuss its clinical significance. (Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 4: 258-260

Mechanical properties of phormium tenax reinforced natural rubber composites

The introduction of natural fibers as a filler in a natural rubber (NR) matrix can be of relevance for their eco-friendly and sustainable nature as the substitute for carbon-based fillers. In this work, short Phormium tenax fibers were introduced in random orientation into a NR matrix in different lengths (6, 10, and 14 mm) and various amounts (10, 20, and 30%, taking 100 as the NR weight). The composite was fabricated using a two-roll mill according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3184-11 standard. Several properties were determined, namely tensile and tear characteristics, hardness, and abrasion resistance. The results suggest that the shortest fiber length used, 6 mm, offered the best combination between loss of mechanical (tensile and tear) properties and hardness and the most acceptable resistance to abrasion, with the properties increasing with the amount of fibers present in NR. As a consequence, it is indicated that a higher amount of fibers could be possibly introduced, especially to achieve harder composites, though this would require a more controlled mixing process not excessively reducing tensile elongation at break

Cellulosic fiber based hybrid composites: A comparative investigation into their structurally influencing mechanical properties

This paper focuses on hybrid and twisted hybrid Indian mallow/roselle cellulosic fiber yarn mat reinforced polyester composites and effects of their wood sawdust filler. The composite materials were fabricated using compression molding technique. There were four different combinations of hybrid yarn mat composite samples used, while the twisted hybrids were six. An evaluation of the hybrid and twisted hybrid mechanical properties for the single and double layer cases of the yarn mat was done with and without wood sawdust filler effects. The samples were tested at both warp and weft directions. From the results obtained at warp direction, it was observed that for the hybrid double layer case, longitudinal yarn mat with wood sawdust (filler) composite sample exhibited better tensile, impact and flexural strength properties in comparison with other related composites of hybrid type reported in literature. Moreover, the modified twisted hybrid double layer composites with longitudinal yarn mat and wood sawdust filler sample recorded significantly greater improvement on the mechanical properties at warp direction, when compared with the hybrid double layer longitudinal yarn mat composites with wood sawdust filler and other reported similar hybrid composite materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was utilized to evaluate morphological internal damage (cracks) and fractured surfaces of the various tested composite samples. Based on their mechanical performances and for further practical evidence, these two types of eco-composites were used to effectively fabricate tri-wheeler auto-wheel hubs and ceiling fan blades, as applicable to automobile and electronics industries, respectively.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Anatomic variations of superficial peroneal nerve: clinical implications of a cadaver study

Superficial peroneal nerve and its branches are frequently at risk for iatrogenic damage. Although different studies on anatomical variations of superficial peroneal nerve are available in the medical literature, such reports are rare from India. Hence the present study was undertaken on Indian population. A total of 60 specimens of inferior extremities from 30 properly embalmed and formalin fixed cadavers were dissected and examined for the location and course of the superficial peroneal nerve including number, level, course and distributions of branches. The superficial peroneal nerve in 28.3% specimens was located in the anterior compartment of the leg. In 8.3% specimens the superficial peroneal nerve branched before piercing between the peroneus longus and extensor digitorum longus muscle whereas in 11.7% specimens it branched after piercing the aforementioned muscles and before piercing the deep fascia. In 41 out of 60 specimens the sensory division of superficial peroneal nerve branched into the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve distal to its emergence from the deep fascia and proximal to its relation to the extensor retinaculum. In 20 out of 60 specimens the accessory deep peroneal nerve, an additional branch from the sensory division of superficial peroneal nerve, through its course in the anterior compartment of the leg passed deep to the extensor retinaculum and supplied the ankle and the dorsum of foot. Hopefully the present study will help in minimizing iatrogenic damage to the superficial peroneal nerve and its branches while performing arthroscopy, local anesthetic block, surgical approach to the fibula, open reduction and internal fixation of lateral malleolar fractures, application of external fixators, elevation of a fasciocutaneous or fibular flaps for grafting, surgical decompression of neurovascular structures, or miscellaneous surgery on leg, foot and ankle

Big Domains Are Novel Ca2+-Binding Modules: Evidences from Big Domains of Leptospira Immunoglobulin-Like (Lig) Proteins

binds to a Big domains, which would provide a novel functional role of the proteins containing Big fold. with dissociation constants of 2–4 µM. Lig A9 and Lig A10 domains fold well with moderate thermal stability, have β-sheet conformation and form homodimers. Fluorescence spectra of Big domains show a specific doublet (at 317 and 330 nm), probably due to Trp interaction with a Phe residue. Equilibrium unfolding of selected Big domains is similar and follows a two-state model, suggesting the similarity in their fold. binding

Gene Expression Modifications by Temperature-Toxicants Interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans

Although organophosphorus pesticides (OP) share a common mode of action, there is increased awareness that they elicit a diverse range of gene expression responses. As yet however, there is no clear understanding of these responses and how they interact with ambient environmental conditions. In the present study, we investigated genome-wide gene expression profiles in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to two OP, chlorpyrifos and diazinon, in single and combined treatments at different temperatures. Our results show that chlorpyrifos and diazinon induced expression of different genes and that temperature affected the response of detoxification genes to the pesticides. The analysis of transcriptional responses to a combination of chlorpyrifos and diazinon shows interactions between toxicants that affect gene expression. Furthermore, our combined analysis of the transcriptional responses to OP at different temperatures suggests that the combination of OP and high temperatures affect detoxification genes and modified the toxic levels of the pesticides

Identification of a Novel Gene Product That Promotes Survival of Mycobacterium smegmatis in Macrophages

BACKGROUND: Bacteria of the suborder Corynebacterineae include significant human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. leprae. Drug resistance in mycobacteria is increasingly common making identification of new antimicrobials a priority. Mycobacteria replicate intracellularly, most commonly within the phagosomes of macrophages, and bacterial proteins essential for intracellular survival and persistence are particularly attractive targets for intervention with new generations of anti-mycobacterial drugs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We have identified a novel gene that, when inactivated, leads to accelerated death of M. smegmatis within a macrophage cell line in the first eight hours following infection. Complementation of the mutant with an intact copy of the gene restored survival to near wild type levels. Gene disruption did not affect growth compared to wild type M. smegmatis in axenic culture or in the presence of low pH or reactive oxygen intermediates, suggesting the growth defect is not related to increased susceptibility to these stresses. The disrupted gene, MSMEG_5817, is conserved in all mycobacteria for which genome sequence information is available, and designated Rv0807 in M. tuberculosis. Although homology searches suggest that MSMEG_5817 is similar to the serine:pyruvate aminotransferase of Brevibacterium linens suggesting a possible role in glyoxylate metabolism, enzymatic assays comparing activity in wild type and mutant strains demonstrated no differences in the capacity to metabolize glyoxylate. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: MSMEG_5817 is a previously uncharacterized gene that facilitates intracellular survival of mycobacteria. Interference with the function of MSMEG_5817 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for control of mycobacterial pathogens by assisting the host immune system in clearance of persistent intracellular bacteria