Development of Green Polymer Electrolyte Through Hot Press Method

To develop the green polymeric membrane electrolyte, e-Polycaprolactone (PCL) was used as a host and the Ionic liquid (IL)(1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tosylate) as a dopant. The IL is a source of mobile charges in the polymer electrolyte system. The composite membrane has been prepared by Hot Press method and then we characterised this membrane for ionic transportation. Formation of nanocomposite system has been ascertained from their XRD pattern. Interaction phenomenon was studied by ATR based FTIR and Laser Raman spectroscopic technique. Variation of conductivity with composition and temperature was studied with the aid of impedance spectroscopy data

TCAD Based Assessment and Performance Optimization of ZnO/Si Heterojunction Based Thin-film Solar Cell

In this paper 2D numerical simulation of n-ZnO/i-ZnO/p-Si p-i-n heterojunction solar cell using TCAD has been presented. In this work the design and performance optimization of p-i-n heterojunction solar cell using two-dimensional computer aided design (TCAD) tool has been presented. The device has been simulated and analyzed with respect to the I-V characteristics of the device in dark and illuminated condition. Further figure of merits like short circuit current (Isc), Open circuit Voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), internal and external quantum efficiency (IQE &EQE), maximum power generated (Pmax) and conversion efficiency of the designed solar cell has been extracted. The I-V characteristics of the device and performance in terms of power conversion efficiency has been optimized for the proposed structure of solar cell with respect to doping concentration in n-ZnO and i-region thickness of the device. The simulation results indicate that the n-ZnO/i-ZnO/p-Si p-i-n heterojunction solar cell could be a good candidate for solar cells

Potential, Challenges, and Application for Wood–Plastic Composite Fabricated with Several Additives

The expeditious transformation of the atmosphere and economy is pushing researchers from various fields to do more by using a lesser amount of resources. Especially, in the field of forest-based resources, such as the utilization of wood resources for different utility purposes in wood industries. It is meant to say that, the wood estate should be used as an efficient means or expedient. It is also the necessity of world atmosphere, according to the point of view ecosystem or global warming condition. Thus, we will need to sustainably use forest-based resources as major sources of wood materials and reuse the underutilized woods and waste wood in any form. Further, it will require the reuse of the underutilized wood material and present wood waste material in an environment with the assistance of the latest and newer growing technology. In general, for improving the performance of wood-based materials, additives may be used for performing different functions, such as lubricants, pigments, colorants, anti-microbial agents, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, fire retardants agents, coupling agents, or stabilizers, in the wood industry

PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN SLUMS OF WEST DELHI

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of hypertension in adult population residing in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult population of 18-59 years residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Blood pressure was measured using digital machine (OMRON). The data obtained were analyzed for percent prevalence, mean, standard deviation, and median. Joint National Committee (JNC)on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC)VI and JNC VII criteria were used to classify hypertension.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 25.3%. The prevalence was higher (27.9%)in males than females (22.8%)and also in the age group 46-59 years (43.0%)as compared to 18-45 years (19.8%). The overall prevalence of prehypertension, Stage I and Stage II hypertension, respectively, was 35.2%, 16.1% and 9.2%.Conclusion: A one-fourth of the adult population is hypertensive. Early diagnosis and treatment are advisable, besides awareness about dietary and lifestyle modification

Targeting the vasopressin type-2 receptor for renal cell carcinoma therapy.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its type-2 receptor (V2R) play an essential role in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis by the kidneys. V2R activation also stimulates proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro. The current studies investigated V2R expression and activity in human RCC tumors, and its role in RCC tumor growth. Examination of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, and analysis of human RCC tumor tissue microarrays, cDNA arrays and tumor biopsy samples demonstrated V2R expression and activity in clear cell RCC (ccRCC). In vitro, V2R antagonists OPC31260 and Tolvaptan, or V2R gene silencing reduced wound closure and cell viability of 786-O and Caki-1 human ccRCC cell lines. Similarly in mouse xenograft models, Tolvaptan and OPC31260 decreased RCC tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while increasing apoptosis. In contrast, the V2R agonist dDAVP significantly increased tumor growth. High intracellular cAMP levels and ERK1/2 activation were observed in human ccRCC tumors. In mouse tumors and Caki-1 cells, V2R agonists reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation, while dDAVP treatment had the reverse effect. V2R gene silencing in Caki-1 cells also reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation. These results provide novel evidence for a pathogenic role of V2R signaling in ccRCC, and suggest that inhibitors of the AVP-V2R pathway, including the FDA-approved drug Tolvaptan, could be utilized as novel ccRCC therapeutics

GPCRs and Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Fibroblast-Associated Diseases

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse class of signaling receptors. GPCRs regulate many functions in the human body and have earned the title of most targeted receptors . About one-third of the commercially available drugs for various diseases target the GPCRs. Fibroblasts lay the architectural skeleton of the body, and play a key role in supporting the growth, maintenance, and repair of almost all tissues by responding to the cellular cues via diverse and intricate GPCR signaling pathways. This review discusses the dynamic architecture of the GPCRs and their intertwined signaling in pathological conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, and cancer as opposed to the GPCR signaling of fibroblasts in physiological conditions. Understanding the dynamics of GPCR signaling in fibroblasts with disease progression can help in the recognition of the complex interplay of different GPCR subtypes in fibroblast-mediated diseases. This review highlights the importance of designing and adaptation of next-generation strategies such as GPCR-omics, focused target identification, polypharmacology, and effective personalized medicine approaches to achieve better therapeutic outcomes for fibrosis and fibrosis associated malignancies

Persistencia de malezas gramíneas en cultivos de trigo del sudeste bonaerense

En la presente tesis se estudió la persistencia de especies poáceas en cultivos de trigo del sudeste de Buenos Aires. En dicha región, Avena fatua L. y Lolium multiflorum Lam. son las malezas poáceas más importantes, tanto por la dificultad de control como por sus efectos competitivos sobre el cultivo. A los efectos de cuantificar la persistencia de dichas especies, se estudió la composición de la comunidad de malezas en dos momentos del ciclo: preaplicación de herbicidas y precosecha. Individuos de ambas malezas fueron registrados en ambos momentos como consecuencia de “escapes” al control realizado con herbicidas, siendo A. fatua más constante que L. mutiflorum. Posteriormente, se estudiaron los procesos que definen la persistencia de ambas malezas. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el ajuste del momento de emergencia es jerárquicamente el factor más importante para explicar la persistencia de A. fatua. Se demostró que los modelos de germinación son diferentes según las semillas provengan de un lote agrícola o de una condición de no cultivo, siendo estas diferencias de naturaleza genética. Por otro lado, la variabilidad en la supervivencia a los herbicidas es el factor que mejor explica la persistencia de L. multiflorum, habiéndose documentado resistencia cruzada a los herbicidas inhibidores de la ALS, pyroxsulam, imazamox y flucarbazone, sin antecedentes previos en la región. Los índices de resistencia encontrados presentan variación con la temperatura ambiente en post-aplicación del herbicida, habiéndose registrado mayor resistencia con mayor temperatura. Además, se comprobó que los individuos resistentes presentan menor tiempo a floración que los susceptibles. Tal atributo puede significar una ventaja demográfica para dichas poblaciones. Queda así demostrada la persistencia de A. fatua y L. multiflorum durante el ciclo del cultivo más allá de las prácticas de control realizadas y la participación de dos procesos demográficos distintos (establecimiento y supervivencia) en dicha persistencia

Examining CAF Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cancer

This thesis delves into the complexities of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its microenvironment. This study centers on unraveling the heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) using a panel of patient-derived pancreatic fibroblasts. Additionally, it delves into the realm of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), with a specific emphasis on the Endothelin receptors (ETAR and ETBR), all within the context of PDAC. A key achievement is the development of immortalized patient-derived pancreatic fibroblasts (iPDPFs), replicating CAF heterogeneity in PDAC. The iPDPFs were able to recapitulate the PDAC CAF heterogeneity, plasticity, and the overlapping nature of the tumor stroma. Functional characterization of iPDPFs highlighted their roles in ECM remodeling, cancer cell proliferation, and chemoresistance. In vivo studies showed iPDPFs\u27 ability to modify the PDAC microenvironment, affecting drug perfusion and immune cell infiltration. The research also explored GPCRs in various diseases, revealing their temporal expression patterns and therapeutic potential. Specific GPCR profiles were identified for different CAF subtypes, offering tailored treatment prospects. Within the PDAC microenvironment, the Endothelin Axis (ET-axis), particularly GPCRs ETAR and ETBR, played a multifaceted role, influencing ECM remodeling and promoting pro-tumorigenic functions. In summary, this thesis enhances our comprehension of CAF heterogeneity using iPDPFs, elucidates GPCR implications in disease contexts, and highlights the ET-axis\u27s significance in the PDAC microenvironment. Future research directions include refining the iPDPF model, validating promising GPCR discoveries, expanding into diverse disease scenarios, and deepening our understanding of the ET-axis. These efforts collectively strive towards the advancement of personalized PDAC treatments

A Toxicochemical Review of Gallium Arsenide (Review Paper)

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is extensively used in defence as a semiconductor material, in radar and in electronic warfare. However, its toxicity is still not well understood. The chemistry of gallium arsenide in the body plays a key role in defining its toxicity. GaAs is found to be soluble in aqueous solution and forms unidentified gallium and arsenic species upon dissolution. GaAs causes toxicity to various organs including lung, testes, kidney, brain and immune system. The toxicity of GaAs can be attributed to the synergistic toxic effects associated with gallium and arsenic. Till date, there is no well defined treatment regime for GaAs induced toxicity. This review gives a recent account of work carried out in the toxicology of GaAs including chemistry involved in the mechanism of toxicity of GaAs, its toxicological effects on various organs and current therapy available.Defence Science Journal, 2012, 62(2), pp.95-104, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.101

Relationship between dominant hand and ear preference for listening among medical students

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine dominant hand for routine activities and ear preference for listening among medical students. Mobile phone usage was also studied. Methodology: Medical students of three batches (2nd, 3rd, and 4th year) studying in a government medical college of Delhi (India) were considered. Out of 150 permitted (50 per batch) seats, only 139 were filled. Thus, after seeking an informed consent, a total of 117 (84.1%) available students could be contacted in person who completed the survey capturing details such as Section-I: Sociodemographic background; Section-II: Dominant hand (right/left) for undertaking routine activities, ear (right/left) preference for listening say mobile phones; and Section-III: Selected details of their mobile phones. Results: There were 71 (60.7%) males and 46 (39.3%) female students; It was found out that out of 117 students, 110 (94.0%) were right handed while 7 (5.9%) were left handed. Out of all the right-handed persons (n = 110), 94 (85.4%) preferred right ear, 14 (12.7%) left ear, and 2 (1.8%) either of the ears for listening phone. Similarly, out of all the left-handed persons (n = 07), 6 (85.7%) preferred left ear and only 1 (14.2%) right ear for listening mobile phone. Right-sided (right hand-right ear) laterality was observed in 85.4% and left-sided (left hand-left ear) laterality in 85.7% with overall (same hand-same ear) laterality of 85.4% among study participants (P < 0.01). Most common color of mobile phone was black (59, 50.4%), white (30, 25.6%), golden (13, 11.1%), silver (6, 5.1%), etc. Average time spent per day by medical students on mobile phones (either communication, Internet/WhatsApp/Facebook, listening songs, playing games, or reading E-books) was 3.83 (±2.1) h and average monthly expenditure on mobile phone was 10% of personal expenditure, i.e., Rs. 532 (±374.4). Conclusion: Our descriptive study reiterates that most participants were right handed (dominant limb) and majority of them preferred right ear for listening phones