Effect of carbon allotropes and thickness variation on the EMI shielding properties of PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO ternary composite systems.

The innovative design of thin, multiphase flexible composite systems with good mechanical properties, low density and improved EMI shielding properties at low filler content has become a key area of research. In this work, we report the low temperature synthesis of three-dimensional ternary composites (PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO) by oxidative chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of two different binary composites, viz. NFO@CNTs and NFO@RGO. Enhanced impedance matching is achieved by varying the ratio of the carbon allotropes (CNTs and RGO) to the ferrite component. The synthesis of NFO, PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO is validated by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the synthesis of core-shell structures of PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO, where the binary composites (NFO@CNTs and NFO@RGO) serve as a core onto which a tubular PANI layer was coated. Shielding effectiveness of 22.36 dB (99.41% attenuation) is exhibited by the ternary composite PANI/NFO@CNTs (8 : 1), while for PANI/NFO@RGO (20 : 1) a total shielding effectiveness of 31 dB equivalent to 99.92% attenuation was observed at a thickness of 2 mm. The ternary composite PANI/NFO@RGO (20 : 1) 4 mm showed a maximum SET of 43 dB corresponding to 99.996% attenuation of incident EM waves. The enhanced EMI shielding properties of the synthesized ternary composite systems are accredited to good impedance matching, effective dielectric and magnetic loss mechanisms and good conductivity, which facilitate multiple reflections and scattering of incident radiation.

I-Cubid: a nonlinear cubic graph-based approach to visualize and in-depth browse Flickr image results.

The existing image search engines allow web users to explore images from the grids. The traditional interaction is linear and lookup-based. Notably, scanning web search results is horizontal-vertical and cannot support in-depth browsing. This research emphasizes the significance of a multidimensional exploration scheme over traditional grid layouts in visually exploring web image search results. This research aims to antecedent the implications of visualization and related in-depth browsing via a multidimensional cubic graph representation over a search engine result page (SERP). Furthermore, this research uncovers usability issues in the traditional grid and 3-dimensional web image search space. We provide multidimensional cubic visualization and nonlinear in-depth browsing of web image search results. The proposed approach employs textual annotations and descriptions to represent results in cubic graphs that further support in-depth browsing via a search user interface (SUI) design. It allows nonlinear navigation in web image search results and enables exploration, browsing, visualization, previewing/viewing, and accessing images in a nonlinear, interactive, and usable way. The usability tests and detailed statistical significance analysis confirm the efficacy of cubic presentation over grid layouts. The investigation reveals improvement in overall user satisfaction, screen design, information & terminology, and system capability in exploring web image search results.

Serum MicroRNAs as Predictors for HCV Progression and Response to Treatment in Pakistani Patients.

Hepatitis is one of the common liver diseases, imposing a heavy health burden worldwide. Acute hepatitis may develop into chronic hepatitis, progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the present study, the expression of miRNAs was quantified by real-time PCR, such as miRNA-182, 122, 21, 150, 199, and 222. Along with the control group, HCV was divided into chronic, cirrhosis, and HCC groups. The treated group was also included after the successful treatment of HCV. Biochemical parameters, such as ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, viral load, and AFP (HCC), were also evaluated in all of the study groups. We compared the control and diseased groups; these parameters showed significant results (p = 0.000). The viral load was high in HCV but was not detected after treatment. miRNA-182 and miRNA-21 were overexpressed with disease progression, while the expression of miRNA-122 and miRNA-199 was increased compared with the control, but decreased in the cirrhosis stage compared with chronic and HCC. The expression of miRNA-150 was increased in all of the diseased groups compared with the control, but decreased compared with the chronic group. We compared the chronic and treated groups and then all of these miRNAs were down-regulated after treatment. These microRNAs could be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosing different stages of HCV.

Surface Microhardness Of Microhybrid And Nanocomposite After Storage In Mouth Washes.

BACKGROUND: Dental composites are aesthetic direct restorative material. However, the effect of mouthwashes on the durability of the material is controversial. This study evaluated and compared the influence of mouthwash composition on the surface hardness of nanofilled (Z350XT) and microhybrid (P60) resin composites. METHODS: Comparative in-vitro study was conducted over 6 months at Multan Medical & Dental College. Sixty-four disc-shape specimens of each {nanofilled (Z350XT) and microhybrid (P60)} resin composite were prepared and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. The baseline microhardness reading (To) was recorded by Vickers micro-hardness tester. Samples were then randomly divided into four groups (n=16) and stored in Listerine Cool Mint, Colgate Plax, Clinica and distilled water (control). The hardness test was repeated after 12 hours and 24 hours of storage. RESULTS: Nanocomposite (Z350XT) had statistically (p<0.01) higher surface hardness. A significant reduction (p≤0.05) in microhardness was observed after immersion of samples in mouthwashes. The reduction in surface hardness was dependent on the immersion time and composition of mouthwashes. Listerine Cool Mint (alcohol-based mouthwash) had greatest degradation effect. CONCLUSIONS: Mouth rinses negatively impacted the surface microhardness of the tested resin-based materials. Alcohol-based mouthwashes had greater potential for reducing microhardness. Microhybrid composite appears to be a more suitable material for restoring teeth in patients accustomed to using regular mouthwashes.

Determination of Shear Bond Strength of Nanocomposite to Porcelain and Metal Alloy

Abstract Objective: To compare porcelain and metal repair done with both nanocomposite and conventional composite. Material and Methods: A total of 30 cylinders were fabricated from Porcelain (I), Porcelain fused to metal (II), and metal (III) substrate each. Control group (A) was bonded with conventional micro-hybrid composite and experimental group (B) was bonded with nanocomposite in a 2 mm thickness. All specimens were thermocycled and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 7 days. A universal testing machine was used to measure the Shear bond strength (SBS). The difference between bond strengths of the groups was compared using an independent t-test. Results: In all three groups, the SBS was higher in the experimental group as compared to the control group. The use of nanocomposite of metal alloy presented maximum shear bond strength, followed by samples of porcelain fused to metal and finally porcelain, showing the lowest values of SBS. Conclusion: Porcelain and alloys bonded with nanocomposite exhibit enhanced adhesiveness as well as aesthetic and mechanical properties. This subsequently would translate into providing higher clinical serviceability and durability and hence a cost-effective and accessible repair option for human welfare (AU).

Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Punjab region, Pakistan, based on a study of 4177 specimens.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a heterogenetic infectious agent that affects a huge proportion of population around the globe. Diverse distribution of multiple subtypes of HCV makes it mandatory and remarkably imperative to understand the genotypic distribution in target population. It could serve as an indictive guideline for the improvement of diagnostic methodologies, and development of effective therapies against this viral infection, in order to improve the infected patients' quality of life. This study included HCV infected patients presented to the diagnostic facility of the Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of Punjab, Lahore, between 2016 and 2019. During the 4 years of study, samples were collected from 4177 subjects. Our data revealed no significant differences regarding the prevalence of various genotypes between genders in the adult population. Genotyping was carried out by following the Ohno protocol. The obtained results shown that genotype 3a is the most frequent genotype and accounts for 66.29% of cases. Among other genotypes, 1a is 2.11%, 1b is 0.07%, 3b is 1.89%, 5a is 0.02%, while genome of 28.23% patients was untypable; 1.22% of the samples were non-detectable as viremic. An important concern is that this untypable genome in HCV infected patients may indicate possible mutation of HCV.

Aminodextran Coated CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Combined Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Hyperthermia.

Aminodextran (AMD) coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via electrostatic adsorption of aminodextran onto magnetic nanoparticles and their potential theranostic application is evaluated. The uncoated and aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are characterized to determine their hydrodynamic size, morphology, chemical composition, zeta potential and magnetization. The aminodextran containing cobalt ferrite nanoparticles of nanometer size are positively charged in the pH range from 3 to 9 and exhibit saturation magnetization of 50 emu/g. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicates capability for diagnostics and a reduction in intensity with an increase in nanoparticle amount. The hyperthermia capability of the prepared particles shows their potential to generate suitable local heat for therapeutic purposes. There is a rise of 7 °C and 9 °C at 327 kHz and 981 kHz respectively and specific absorption rates (SAR) of aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are calculated to be 259 W/g and 518 W/g at the given frequencies larger than uncoated nanoparticles (0.02 W/g). The development of novel aminodextran coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles has significant potential to enable and improve personalized therapy regimens, targeted cancer therapies and ultimately to overcome the prevalence of nonessential and overdosing of healthy tissues and organs.

Size-dependent magnetic and magnetothermal properties of gadolinium silicide nanoparticles.

Gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) nanoparticles are an interesting class of materials due to their high magnetization, low Curie temperature, low toxicity in biological environments and their multifunctional properties. We report the magnetic and magnetothermal properties of gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) nanoparticles prepared by surfactant-assisted ball milling of arc melted bulk ingots of the compound. Using different milling times and speeds, a wide range of crystallite sizes (13-43 nm) could be produced and a reduction in Curie temperature (T C) from 340 K to 317 K was achieved, making these nanoparticles suitable for self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia applications. The magnetothermal effect was measured in applied AC magnetic fields of amplitude 164-239 Oe and frequencies 163-519 kHz. All particles showed magnetic heating with a strong dependence of the specific absorption rate (SAR) on the average crystallite size. The highest SAR of 3.7 W g-1 was measured for 43 nm sized nanoparticles of Gd5Si4. The high SAR and low T C, (within the therapeutic range for magnetothermal therapy) makes the Gd5Si4 behave like self-regulating heat switches that would be suitable for self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia applications after biocompatibility and cytotoxicity tests.

Statistical Tools for Air Pollution Assessment: Multivariate and Spatial Analysis Studies in the Madrid Region.

The present work reports the distribution of pollutants in the Madrid city and province from 22 monitoring stations during 2010 to 2017. Statistical tools were used to interpret and model air pollution data. The data include the annual average concentrations of nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulate matter (PM10), collected in Madrid and its suburbs, which is one of the largest metropolitan places in Europe, and its air quality has not been studied sufficiently. A mapping of the distribution of these pollutants was done, in order to reveal the relationship between them and also with the demography of the region. The multivariate analysis employing correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) resulted in establishing a correlation between different pollutants. The results obtained allowed classification of different monitoring stations on the basis of each of the four pollutants, revealing information about their sources and mechanisms, visualizing their spatial distribution, and monitoring their levels according to the average annual limits established in the legislation. The elaboration of contour maps by the geostatistical method, ordinary kriging, also supported the interpretation derived from the multivariate analysis demonstrating the levels of NO2 exceeding the annual limit in the centre, south, and east of the Madrid province.

3D Digitization and Prototyping of the Skull for Practical Use in the Teaching of Human Anatomy.

The creation of new rapid prototyping techniques, low cost 3D printers as well as the creation of new software for these techniques have allowed the creation of 3D models of bones making their application possible in the field of teaching anatomy in the faculties of Health Sciences. The 3D model of cranium created in the present work, at full scale, present accurate reliefs and anatomical details that are easily identifiable by undergraduate students in their use for the study of human anatomy. In this article, the process of scanning the skull and the subsequent treatment of these images with specific software until the generation of 3D model using 3D printer has been reported.

Aminodextran polymer-functionalized reactive magnetic emulsions for potential theranostic applications.

Aminodextran (AMD) polymer was prepared via chemical grafting of hexamethylenediamine on oxidized dextran. Magnetic latex particles were successfully obtained by adsorption of positively charged AMD on negatively charged submicron magnetic emulsion. The adsorbed amount was found to be ranged from 20 to 1280mg of AMD per gram of dried magnetic dispersion. The AMD-coated magnetic emulsions were characterized by positive zeta potential in the pH range from 3 to 9 compared to bare seed magnetic emulsion. All the samples showed to be superparamagnetic property, even after the adsorption of the polymer. The developed magnetic submicron particles exhibited good potential for in vivo biomedical diagnosis applications as demonstrated by their higher T2 contrast-ability compared to Gd in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hyperthermia.

Pharmacoinformatics approach for investigation of alternative potential hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5B inhibitors.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major viruses affecting the world today. It is a highly variable virus, having a rapid reproduction and evolution rate. The variability of genomes is due to hasty replication catalyzed by nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) which is also a potential target site for the development of anti-HCV agents. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration approved sofosbuvir as a novel oral NS5B inhibitor for the treatment of HCV. Unfortunately, it is much highlighted for its pricing issues. Hence, there is an urgent need to scrutinize alternate therapies against HCV that are available at affordable price and do not have associated side effects. Such a need is crucial especially in underdeveloped countries. The search for various new bioactive compounds from plants is a key part of pharmaceutical research. In the current study, we applied a pharmacoinformatics-based approach for the identification of active plant-derived compounds against NS5B. The results were compared to docking results of sofosbuvir. The lead compounds with high-binding ligands were further analyzed for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters based on in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile. The results showed the potential alternative lead compounds that can be developed into commercial drugs having high binding energy and promising ADMET properties.

Examining pyrethroids, carbamates and neonicotenoids in fish, water and sediments from the Indus River for potential health risks.

This 3 × 3 factorial study assessed pyrethroids, carbamates and neonicotenoids groups of pesticides in replicated samples of three fish species from low (S1, reference), medium (S2) and heavy (S3) polluted sites receiving agricultural run-offs around the Indus River. Water and sediment samples from the same sites were also analysed for these pesticides by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Out of nine investigated pesticides, only three pesticides (deltamethrin, carbofuran and cypermethrin) were detected in fish and sediment samples. Deltamethrin in Cyprinus carpio ranged from 0.490 to 0.839 µg/g, mostly exceeding 0.5 µg/g as the maximum residual limit suggested by FAO-WHO, whereas it ranged from 0.214 to 0.318 µg/g in the sampled sediments. The carbofuran concentrations were 0.0425-0.066 and 0.613-0.946 µg/g in Labeo rohita and Channa marulius muscles respectively and 0.069-0.081 µg/g in the corresponding sediment samples. These values were either higher or lower than the maximum limit (0.1 µg/g) as suggested by FAO-WHO. Conversely, the cypermethrin concentration ranged from 0.141 to 0.174 in Ch. marulius and 0.183-0.197 µg/g in sediments which were both below the FAO-WHO maximum limit of 2 µg/g. No pesticide residues were detected in water from these sampling sites. Most selected physicochemical variables were within the acceptable range of World Health Organization for the water quality for aquatic life. The detected pesticide contents were mostly higher in fish muscles from heavily polluted sites. This is worrying because these pesticides may pose health risks for the fish and people of the study area. However, a preliminary risk assessment indicated that the calculated daily intake of detected pesticides by people consuming fish from the Indus River was low and did not present an immediate risk to the fish-consuming people. This study may be used as a benchmark to determine the safety of fish meat in order to develop intervention strategies to maintain the water quality and to protect the health of fish and fish-consuming people.

Anomalous optical and magnetic behavior of multi-phase Mn doped Zn(2)SiO(4) nanowires: a new class of dilute magnetic semiconductors.

We present the synthesis of Mn doped Zn(2)SiO(4) dense nanowire bundles using the VLS mode of growth with unusual optical and magnetic properties. The synthesized Zn(2)SiO(4) nanowires were identified with two phases, α-Zn(2)SiO(4) as the major phase and ß-Zn(2)SiO(4) as the minor phase. XPS studies confirmed that Zn(2)SiO(4) nanowires were Zn rich and Mn doped. Temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed three distinct emission bands: green, yellow and red due to Mn doping in the α-phase, ß-phase and the substitution of Si with Mn in the α-phase, respectively. The PL analysis showed that these emission bands followed anomalous Berthelot-type behavior. The carrier escape energies were 70 ± 3 meV, 49 ± 2 meV and 65 ± 4 meV for the 530, 570 and 660 nm bands, respectively, while the radiation rates (Er =) were 1.0 ± 0.4 meV, 3.10 ± 1.10 meV and 1.4 ± 0.4 meV corresponding to the three respective bands. Mn doping of Zn(2)SiO(4) nanowires induced ferromagnetism, which was observed above room temperature, with a Curie temperature well above 380 K. The observation of magnetic behavior in this class of semiconductors has potential applications in high temperature spintronics and magneto-optical devices.

Bulk and interfacial effects in Co-Cr2O3 nanocomposites.

The exchange bias field has been measured in a set of Co-Cr2O3 nanocomposites in order to distinguish between the bulk and interfacial contributions to H(ex). The studies were carried out on a set of samples prepared by the sol gel technique in which the Co concentration was varied between 30 and 80 wt%. The particle sizes in all samples were carefully controlled so as to enable a comparison of their magnetic properties. Using thermal activation measurements we are able to distinguish between contributions to H(ex) arising from the thermal stability of the antiferromagnetic particles (bulk behaviour) and that due to changing interface density with increasing Co concentration. We have interpreted our results in terms of the independent particle volume model.

The degenerate Fermi gas of π electrons in fullerenes and the σ surface instabilities.

The departure from perfect spherical symmetry in the case of fullerenes (C60 being the sole exception) induces instabilities due to the stresses generated by the pentagonal protrusions in the σ-bonded surfaces. By assuming σ-π separability and treating π electrons as a degenerate Fermi gas in the two shells around the central σ structure, the resulting degeneracy pressures can further enhance the σ-surface initiated instabilities for non-icosahedral structures (especially for those C60) with large protrusions. Under certain circumstances the net degeneracy pressure across the σ surface may have a structure stabilizing effect. The role of the π-electron degeneracy in a broad range of fullerenes from C20 to C1500 and its effects on fullerene stability are investigated.