An Intelligent Logic-Based Mold Breakout Prediction System Algorithm for the Continuous Casting Process of Steel: A Novel Study.

Mold breakout is one of the significant problems in a continuous casting machine (caster). It represents one of the key areas within the steel production facilities of a steel plant. A breakout event on a caster will always cause safety hazards, high repair costs, loss of production, and shutdown of the caster for a short while. In this paper, a logic-judgment-based mold breakout prediction system has been developed for a continuous casting machine. This system developed new algorithms to detect the different sticker behaviors. With more algorithms running, each algorithm is more specialized in the other behaviors of stickers. This new logic-based breakout prediction system (BOPS) not only detects sticker breakouts but also detects breakouts that takes place due to variations in casting speed, mold level fluctuation, and taper/mold problems. This system also finds the exact location of the breakout in the mold and reduces the number of false alarms. The task of the system is to recognize a sticker and prevent a breakout. Moreover, the breakout prediction system uses an online thermal map of the mold for process visualization and assisting breakout prediction. This is done by alerting the operating staff or automatically reducing the cast speed according to the location of alarmed thermocouples, the type of steel, the tundish temperature, and the size of the cold slab width. By applying the proposed model in an actual steel plant, field application results show that it could timely detect all 13 breakouts with a detection ratio of 100%, and the frequency of false alarms was less than 0.056% times/heat. It has the additional advantage of not needing a lot of learning data, as most neural networks do. Thus, this new logical BOPS system should not only detect the sticker breakouts but also detect breakouts taking place due to variations in casting speed and mold level fluctuation.

Time-dependent study of graphene oxide-trypsin adsorption interface and visualization of nano-protein corona.

Understanding of interactions of nanomaterials with biomolecules (especially proteins) is of great importance to the area of nanobiotechnology. Graphene and its derivative such as graphene oxide (GO), are two-dimensional (2-D) nanomaterials with remarkable physical and chemical properties and have been broadly explored in biotechnology and biomedical application. Here, we have reported the nature of adsorption of trypsin on the GO surface, considering its biomedical implications. A simple incubation of trypsin on GO surface exhibits varying resistance to autolysis. The structural morphology of trypsin on the GO surface was studied by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopies. Results suggest that the trypsin follows the Freundlich Isotherm. By the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 100 mg/g. From protein assay results we have concluded that the native trypsin exhibits the highest catalytic efficiency (33.97*104 L mol-1 min-1) in comparison to other Trp-GO constructs. We have further visualized morphological change on GO-trypsin interface throughout the adsorption process by taking samples at definite time intervals, which suggests that the interaction of trypsin with GO is an example of the soft corona. Our findings may be implicated in enzyme engineering as well as enzyme-based bio-sensing applications.

Understanding the molecular basis of stability in Kunitz (STI) family of inhibitors in terms of a conserved core tryptophan residue: A theoretical investigation.

ß-trefoil is one of the superfolds among proteins. Important classes of proteins like Interleukins (ILs), FibroblastGrowth Factors (FGFs), Kunitz (STI) family of inhibitors etc. belong to this fold. Kunitz (STI) family of inhibitors of proteins possess a highly conserved and structurally important Trytophan 91 (W91) residue, which stitches the top layer of the barrel with the lid. In this article we have investigated the molecular insights of the involvement of this W91 residue in the stability and folding pathway of Kunitz (STI) family. Winged bean Chymotrypsin inhibitor (WCI), a member of Kunitz (STI) family was chosen as a model system for carrying out the work. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were run with a set of total six proteins, including wild type WCI (WT) & five mutants namely W91F, W91M, W91A, W91H and W91I. Among all of them the coordinates of four proteins were taken from their crystal structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), where as the coordinates for the rest two was generated using in-silico modelling. Our results suggest that truly this W91 residue plays a determining role in stability and folding pathway of Kunitz (STI) family. The mutants are less stable and more susceptible to quicker unfolding at higher temperatures compared to the wild type WCI. These effects are most pronounced for the smallest mutants namely W91H and W91A, indicating more is the cavity created by mutation at W91 position more the proteins becomes unstable.

Vesicular (liposomal and nanoparticulated) delivery of curcumin: a comparative study on carbon tetrachloride-mediated oxidative hepatocellular damage in rat model.

The liver plays a vital role in biotransforming and extricating xenobiotics and is thus prone to their toxicities. Short-term administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes hepatic inflammation by enhancing cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, promoting mitochondrial dysfunction, and inducing cellular apoptosis. Curcumin is well accepted for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and can be considered as an effective therapeutic agent against hepatotoxicity. However, its therapeutic efficacy is compromised due to its insolubility in water. Vesicular delivery of curcumin can address this limitation and thereby enhance its effectiveness. In this study, it was observed that both liposomal and nanoparticulated formulations of curcumin could increase its efficacy significantly against hepatotoxicity by preventing cellular oxidative stress. However, the best protection could be obtained through the polymeric nanoparticle-mediated delivery of curcumin. Mitochondria have a pivotal role in ROS homeostasis and cell survivability. Along with the maintenance of cellular ROS levels, nanoparticulated curcumin also significantly (P<0.0001) increased cellular antioxidant enzymes, averted excessive mitochondrial destruction, and prevented total liver damage in CCl4-treated rats. The therapy not only prevented cells from oxidative damage but also arrested the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In addition, it also decreased the fatty changes in hepatocytes, centrizonal necrosis, and portal inflammation evident from the histopathological analysis. To conclude, curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles are more effective in comparison to liposomal curcumin in preventing CCl4-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatocellular damage and thereby can be considered as an effective therapeutic strategy.

An anion induced multisignaling probe for Hg(2+) and its application for fish kidney and liver tissue imaging studies.

3',6'-Bis(diethylamino)-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)spiro[isoindoline-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one () was synthesized for the selective fluorescence and colorimetric recognition of Hg(2+) at pH 6.0. In addition, was useful for imaging Hg(2+) in fish kidney and liver tissues using a fluorescence microscope. Spirolactam ring opening of for Hg(2+) recognition is strongly influenced by the nature of the mercury salt and found to be NO3(-)-induced. Other mercury salts such as HgCl2, Hg(CH3COO)2 and Hg(ClO4)2 failed to induce fluorescence and colorimetric response of under the same experimental conditions. For instance, the former salt does not exhibit spirolactam ring opening but forms a new ionic compound (H3L)2[Hg6Cl18]·2H2O (), whose structure has been elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This might be explained by (1) the higher covalent nature of Hg(2+) and, hence, the lower acidity of the metal center and its inability to induce the ring opening reaction, and (2) the bulky anion, in the case of Hg(ClO4)2, which is also ionic, faces steric hindrance to accommodate within the N(Et)2 group upon spirolactam ring opening.

Comparison of fatty acid contents of the neutral and phospholipids of the trematode Paramphistomum cervi and liver of its host, Capra hircus.

The present observation records the lipid classes and their fatty acid composition of the neutral lipid and phospholipid of the trematode Paramphistomum cervi and liver of its host Capra hircus, the common Indian goat. Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Liquid Chromatography were used to identify different neutral lipid and phospholipid components. The results show that among the neutral lipid fractions, the amount of combined hydrocarbon, wax ester and steryl ester is more or less equal in parasite and its host, but the percent of triacylglycerol is more in host liver than the parasite and the percent of total sterol is more in parasite than that of its host liver. Among the phospholipid fractions, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine in the trematode parasite P. cervi and phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin in the host's liver are the major components. The predominant fatty acids in the neutral lipid and phospholipid fractions of both the host liver and the trematode P. cervi include C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and C18:2. The results reveal that the parasite P. cervi take up almost all the lipid and fatty acids from their host, which is required for their life cycle.

Nanocapsulated quercetin downregulates rat hepatic MMP-13 and controls diethylnitrosamine-induced carcinoma.

AIMS: The aims of our work were to investigate the controlling role and the efficacy of nanocapsulated quercetin drug delivery system on the decrement of inflammatory mediators such as MMP-13 in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Hepatocellular carcinoma was developed in the Swiss albino rats by the exposure of DEN. DEN administration caused the generation of reactive oxygen species, upregulation of TNF-α, IL-6, activation of MMP-13, severe oxidative damage, hyperplastic nodules with preneoplastic lesions and the histopathological changes in rat liver. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Nanocapsulated quercetin treatment restricted all alterations in DEN-mediated development of hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, it may be concluded that nanocapsulated quercetin may be accepted as a potent therapeutic formulation in preventing DEN-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis.

Mercuric chloride induced toxicity responses in the olfactory epithelium of Labeo rohita (Hamilton): a light and electron microscopy study.

Bioaccumulation of mercury and histomorphological changes in the olfactory epithelium of Labeo rohita were investigated after exposing the fish to two sublethal concentrations of HgCl2 (66 and 132 µg/L) for 15 and 30 days. Mercury deposition increased in the tissue significantly (p < 0.05) with dose- and duration-dependent manner. Severe damage to the olfactory epithelium was evident. When fish exposed to 66 µg/L for 15 days, the histology of olfactory epithelium exhibited that mucous cell proliferation was upregulated and cell size was significantly increased from the control. Similar trends were found in 30 days exposure in both treated groups. Histology showed that mercury induced degeneration of columnar sensory cells, supporting cells and ciliated non-sensory cells and induced basal cell proliferation. Basal cell hyperplasia led to form intraepithelial proliferative lesion, thickening of epithelium, basal lamina disruption and cyst formation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that mercury exposure at 66 µg/L caused clumping and loss of cilia, erosion in microridges on the supporting cells and proliferation of mucous cell opening. Complete degeneration of ciliated cells and cyst formation was observed in the fish when exposed to 132 µg/L HgCl2. This result suggests that prolonged exposure to mercury might cause irreversible damage to the olfactory epithelium and impair the olfactory function of fish.

Studies on changes in microstructure and proteolysis in cow and soy milk curd during fermentation using lactic cultures for improving protein bioavailability.

Cow milk curd was prepared using 2% v/v of Streptococcus thermophilus DG1 and a mixed culture (0.5:1.5 v/v) of S. thermophilus DG1 and Lactobacillus plantarum and incubating at 37 °C for 16 h. Soy milk curd was prepared using different ratios of lactic cultures as stated earlier and also a mixed culture containing S. thermophilus DG1, L. plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides sub spp. mesenteroides in the ratio 1:1:1 v/v along with beet pulp (2% w/w) and incubating at 37 °C for 18 h. This improved functional and probiotic properties of curd. Structural changes in curd samples during fermentation were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Soy milk curd showed loosened structure. The degradation of proteins into peptides and amino acids were evaluated by SDS PAGE and amino acid analysis. Maximum production of amino acids i.e. cystine, histidine and asparagine were observed in both the cow and soymilk after fermentation.

Histopathological effects and bioaccumulation of mercury in the kidney of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton).

The effect of mercuric chloride on the histo-morphology and bioaccumulation in the kidney of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) were examined after exposing the fish (15-20 cm) to three sublethal concentrations (0.033, 0.066 and 0.132 mg/L) of HgCl(2) for 30 days. Mercury deposition in kidney tissues had increased significantly with dose and exposure duration dependant manner. Several histological changes were noted in the kidney of all treated groups in compare to control group.

Nanocapsulated curcumin: oral chemopreventive formulation against diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rat.

Toxic outcome of chemical therapeutics as well as multidrug resistance are two serious phenomena for their inacceptance in cancer chemotherapy. Antioxidants like curcumin (Cur) have gained immense importance for their excellent anticarcinogenic activities and minimum toxic manifestations in biological system. However, Cur is lipophilic and thus following oral administration hardly appears in blood indicating its potential therapeutic challenge in cancer therapy. Nanocapsulated Cur has been used as a drug delivery vector to focus the effectiveness of these vesicles against hepatocellular carcinoma. The theme of work was to evaluate effectiveness in oral route of polylactide co-glycolide (PLGA) Nanocapsulated curcumin (Nano Cur) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rat. Nano Cur of average diameter 14nm and encapsulation efficiency of 78% were prepared. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) analysis revealed that there is no chemical interaction between drug and the polymer. Three i.p. injections of the chemical hepatocarcinogen DEN at 15days interval causes hepatotoxicity, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, decrease in plasma membrane microviscosity and depletion of antioxidant enzyme levels in liver. Nano Cur (weekly oral treatment for 16weeks at 20mg/kg b.wt) in DEN induced HCC rats exerted significant protection against HCC and restored redox homeostasis in liver cells. Nanocapsulated Cur caused cancer cell apoptosis as visualized by ApoBrdU analysis. Histopathological analysis confirmed the pathological improvement in the liver. Nano Cur was found to be a potential formulation in oral route in combating the oxidative damage of hepatic cells and eliminating DEN induced hepatocellular cancer cells in rat whereas identical amount of free Cur treatment was found almost ineffective.

Anticarcinogenic activity of nanoencapsulated quercetin in combating diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinoma in rats.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary hepatic malignancy worldwide. N-Nitroso compounds act as strong carcinogens in various animals, including primates. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a well known carcinogenic substance, which induces hepatic carcinoma. The theme of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of nanoencapsulated flavonoidal quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxy flavone, QC) in combating DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. DEN induced a substantial increase in relative liver weights with proliferation and development of hyperplastic nodules. A significant increase in hepatocellular and nephrotoxicity indicated by serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, urea, and creatinine was observed in DEN-treated animals. Maximum protection from such toxicity was provided by nanoparticulated QC. Elevated levels of conjugated diene in DEN-treated rats were lowered significantly by nanoparticulated QC. Antioxidant levels in hepatic cells were reduced significantly by the induction of DEN. Nanoparticulated QC was found most potent for complete prevention of DEN-induced reduction in antioxidant levels in the liver. Upregulation of glutathione-S-transferase activity by DEN induction was reduced maximally by nanoencapsulated QC. Nanoencapsulated QC completely protected the mitochondrial membrane of the liver from carcinoma mediated by DEN injection. A significant correlation could be drawn between DEN-induced tissue reactive oxygen species generation and cytochrome C expression in the liver. Nanoencapsulated QC completely prevented the DEN-induced cytochrome C expression in the liver significantly.

Application of principal component analysis (PCA) as a sensory assessment tool for fermented food products.

The objective of the work was to use the method of quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) to describe the sensory attributes of the fermented food products prepared with the incorporation of lactic cultures. Panellists were selected and trained to evaluate various attributes specially color and appearance, body texture, flavor, overall acceptability and acidity of the fermented food products like cow milk curd and soymilk curd, idli, sauerkraut and probiotic ice cream. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the six significant principal components that accounted for more than 90% of the variance in the sensory attribute data. Overall product quality was modelled as a function of principal components using multiple least squares regression (R (2) = 0.8). The result from PCA was statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). These findings demonstrate the utility of quantitative descriptive analysis for identifying and measuring the fermented food product attributes that are important for consumer acceptability.

Encapsulation of the flavonoid quercetin with an arsenic chelator into nanocapsules enables the simultaneous delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs with a synergistic effect against chronic arsenic accumulation and oxidative stress.

Chronic arsenic exposure causes oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver and brain. The ideal treatment would be to chelate arsenic and prevent oxidative stress. meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is used to chelate arsenic but its hydrophilicity makes it membrane-impermeative. Conversely, quercetin (QC) is a good antioxidant with limited clinical application because of its hydrophobic nature and limited bioavailability, and it is not possible to solubilize these two compounds in a single nontoxic solvent. Nanocapsules have emerged as a potent drug delivery system and make it feasible to incorporate both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Nanoencapsulated formulations with QC and DMSA either alone or coencapsulated in polylactide-co-glycolide [N(QC+DMSA)] were synthesized to explore their therapeutic application in a rat model of chronic arsenic toxicity. These treatments were compared to administration of quercetin or DMSA alone using conventional delivery methods. Both nanoencapsulated quercetin and nanoencapsulated DMSA were more effective at decreasing oxidative injury in liver or brain compared to conventional delivery methods, but coencapsulation of quercetin and DMSA into nanoparticles had a marked synergistic effect, decreasing liver and brain arsenic levels from 9.5 and 4.8µg/g to 2.2 and 1.5µg/g, respectively. Likewise, administration of coencapsulated quercetin and DMSA virtually normalized changes in mitochondrial function, formation of reactive oxygen species, and liver injury. We conclude that coencapsulation of quercetin and DMSA may provide a more effective therapeutic strategy in the management of arsenic toxicity and also presents a novel way of combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs into a single delivery system.

Preparation of idli batter, its properties and nutritional improvement during fermentation.

Idli is a traditional fermented rice and black gram based food. Idli batter is prepared by soaking polished parboiled rice and decorticated black gram for 4 h at 30 ± 1 °C in water. The soaked mass was ground using a grinder with adequate amount of water. The blend ratios of 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 (w/w) batter were allowed for fermentation for different periods with the addition of 2% (w/w) of salt. The rheology of the product was assessed using a Brookfield Viscometer having disc spindles. Shear stress values were in the range of 0.22 and 4 Pa and reached a maximum value at 7 h of fermentation. The density, pH, and percentage total acidity of batter during fermentation for different blend ratios ranged between 0.93 and 0.59 gm cm(-3), 4.21 and 5.9 and 0.44 and 0.91% respectively. During fermentation, maximum production of riboflavin and thiamine were found to be 0.76 mg/100 gm and 0.73 mg/100 gm in 3:1 blend ratio of idli batter; and the folic acid content was found to be at a maximum of 0.75 mg/100 gm of idli batter after 10 h of fermentation. Digestibility in terms of amino N2 content was analysed by formol titration.

Quercetin in vesicular delivery systems: evaluation in combating arsenic-induced acute liver toxicity associated gene expression in rat model.

Arsenic, the environmental toxicant causes oxidative damage to liver and produces hepatic fibrosis. The theme of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of liposomal and nanocapsulated herbal polyphenolic antioxidant quercetin (QC) in combating arsenic induced hepatic oxidative stress, fibrosis associated upregulation of its gene expression and plasma TGF beta (transforming growth factor beta) in rat model. A single dose of arsenic (sodium arsenite-NaAsO(2), 13 mg/kgb.wt) in oral route causes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), arsenic accumulation in liver, hepatotoxicity and decrease in hepatic plasma membrane microviscosity and antioxidant enzyme levels in liver. Arsenic causes fibrosis associated elevation of its gene expression in liver, plasma TGF ss (from normal value 75.2+/-8.67 ng/ml to 196.2+/-12.07 ng/ml) and release of cytochrome c in cytoplasm. Among the two vesicular delivery systems formulated with QC, polylactide nanocapsules showed a promising result compared to liposomal delivery system in controlling arsenic induced alteration of those parameters. A single dose of 0.5 ml of nanocapsulated QC suspension (QC 2.71 mg/kg b.wt) when injected to rats 1h after arsenic administration orally protects liver from arsenic induced deterioration of antioxidant levels as well as oxidative stress associated gene expression of liver. Histopathological examination also confirmed the pathological improvement in liver. Nanocapsulated plant origin flavonoidal compound may be a potent formulation in combating arsenic induced upregulation of gene expression of liver fibrosis through a complete protection against oxidative attack in hepatic cells of rat liver.