New Pathways in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Toll-Like Receptor 4-to-Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Through the Coupled Uniform Sequential Reaction Systems Model

The coupled uniform sequential reaction systems (CUSERS) model, which allows for determining the structure of signaling pathways with incomplete information from the temporal patterns of their components, was applied to the experimental records of activities of TLR4 downstream species IKK and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated wild-type (WT), MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient macrophages. New signaling pathways targeting IKK were revealed in MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient macrophages, and shown to be described by the coupled systems formed by 3- and 5-component or 5- and 10-component pathways, respectively. By comparing the temporal pattern of IKK in WT macrophages with those in MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient macrophages, two new signaling pathways, which were absent in the above defective macrophages, were found and described by a system formed by coupling 9- and 10-component pathways. As a direct consequence of the above findings, a coupled system composed of six different 3-, 5-, 5-, 9-, 10- and 10-component pathways targeting IKK and describing its temporal pattern, IKK(f), in WT macrophages was constructed. This system significantly modifies the canonical NF-κB signaling by introducing novel pathways of IKK activation. The expression of nuclear NF-κB in WT macrophages was found to depend on two different signaling pathways and to be modelled by a coupled system composed of 1- and 4-component or 2- and 8-component pathways, in dependence on sampling frequencies used in different experiments. From the three-modal NF-κB(t) temporal pattern in LPS-stimulated WT fibroblasts, three 1-, 12- and 17-component signaling pathways targeting nuclear NF-κB were determined.

New Epoxy Poly(dimethyl acrylamide) Polymer for the Dispersion of ZnO Nanoparticles

A series of novel Zinc Oxide (ZnO) copolymer composites films with different Zinc Oxide concentration were prepared through incorporation of pre-made Zinc Oxide particle in to copolymer epoxy poly(dimethyl acrylamide). The copolymer epoxy poly(dimethyl acrylamide) was synthesized by free radical polymerization to disperse the Zinc Oxide nanoparticles. The Zinc Oxide nanoparticles with the diameter of 19 nm–35 nm were synthesized from zinc nitrate via a wet chemical method. The aim of the work is to develop a new method/process/material for the dispersion of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles and testing the performance of these composites films. Thermo gravimetric analysis show that Zinc Oxide nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the polymer matrix and the Zinc Oxide copolymer composites have a good thermal stability. The micro structural analysis also show newly synthesized polymer disperse the nanoparticles well as evidenced by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The uniformly dispersed Zinc Oxide nanoparticle in the polymer matrix and the particles almost remained in their original shape and size even after incorporation in the polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) shift of the copolymer adsorbed Zinc Oxide nanoparticles confirmed that polymer molecules chain was anchored on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Titanium Doped Barium Ferrite—A Case Study

In this paper synthesis of titanium doped barium ferrite (BaTixFe12–xO19) nanoparticles of hexagonal structure by employing sol-gel technique is reported. The composition was varied between x = 0.25 to 0.45. Structural analysis were carried out with the help of techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological studies, to identify the elemental composition energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) was performed and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for bonding related information. From X-ray analysis it was observed that initially, with increase in Ti concentration there was a decrease in lattice parameters and cell volume. However, at Ti concentration of 0.38, an increase in lattice parameter was observed and has been attributed to electron hopping mechanism. Morphological analysis (SEM) done on the samples reveal that the nanoparticles are spherical in shape. EDX was utilized for elemental analysis of the products. FTIR spectroscopic studies reveal prominent peaks around 470 and 540 cm−1 is attributed to formation of ferrite structure and also indicative that the reaction is complete. The obtained results were discussed in the light of the available literature.

Calculation of Linear Attenuation Coefficients of Algerian Silica Sand (ASS)

Radiation is an important phoneme and thus radiation shielding is one of the most popular subjects for researchers. Sand is the main materials to produce besides many things also construction materials. It may also be used as a decorative material and therefore it is important to know its radiation shielding parameters. In this study, linear attenuation coefficients of Algerian Silica Sand (ASS) were calculated using computer code of XCOM for 1 keV—100 GeV gamma energies.

Modular Self Reconfigurable Robotic Systems

Modular Self-Reconfigurable robot (MSR) is a combinational system of independent and identical robotic modules. An MSR can further reconstitute itself out of the identical building units for adaptability to task-oriented functions and changing environment. An overview of the taxonomy related to the building of MSR modules has been discussed. Further, the high utility areas of the MSR robots have been considered. Then a study of the existing MSR robotic systems has been carried out. Lastly, control architectures of MSR modules and reconfiguration along with the further scope of advancement in the technological aspects have been discussed related to MSR.

Study of Ultimate Tensile Strength of Borosilicate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite

Application of composite materials are increasing remarkably because of its much advantage compared to base matrix alloys properties like reduced weight, increasing strength, increasing wear resistance capacity etc. Reinforcement particles play a very important role for preparing metal matrix composite and ultimately improve its properties. In the present experiment, Al6063 designated aluminium alloy is used as matrix material and borosilicate glass powder is used as reinforcement. Specimens are prepared by stir casting method. Borosilicate glass is collected from scientific laboratory scrap to support disposal as well as recycle of the waste glass materials. In order to reduce the experimental run, the design of experiment is incorporated as per Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. It is observed that glass reinforcement in Al6063 aluminium alloy is compatible to form metal matrix composite. Secondly, ultimate tensile strength of the composite increases in selected combination of grain size and weight ratio of the borosilicate glass powder to the metal matrix.

Chromatic Effect Reproduction of Irlen Colored Filters by a Pulse Width Modulation-Driven Three-Chromatic Light Emitting Diode Device

Visual Stress (VS) is an abnormal visuoperceptual condition caused by an imbalance in light adaptation ability which yields reading deficits. It was first described in 1983 and, since then, has been treated with the usage of colored spectral filters, either as Irlen overlays either as lenses for symptoms relief. However, the limited options of overlays compromise the pursuit for the patient’s optimal filter so that a device that could provide a broader range of colors would improve achievements for both screeners and patients. The present work aims to develop a micro-controlled RGB LED device whose goal is to reproduce Irlen overlays combinations chromaticities through colored light metamers. Such a device can open possibilities for better diagnosing Visual Stress (VS) by providing screeners a much more extensive range of colors than regular overlays and glasses and, therefore, allowing more accurate scrutiny of the optimal chromatic point for the patient. For the pursuit of this goal, a LED controller based on PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) of currents was built, and a color reproduction methodology was developed to ensure chromaticity matching. From the 47 filters considered, 22 showed a ratio ΔE/JND < 6 and, thus, laid within a range that could provide the reading performance associated with its corresponding filter. Reproduction methodology was effective and demanded 5 main inputs: LED individual and white point color coordinates plus LED characterization curves. The controller proved to be effective for color manipulation inside the device’s gamut, which opens the possibility for both readjustment of the chromaticity, if it is found to vary with patient’s aging, and further connection to an eye tracker to shorten the search for the optimal point.

Fault Detection and Isolation for Systems in Aerospace: An Experience Report

The paper throws light on the review of detection of fault and isolation for aerospace systems. Developing detection framework for small satellites is critical task due to limited availability of on board sensors and computational budget. In aerospace operations there are many subsystems and or components which can fail anytime. Once the fault has occurred, it can cause uncoverable losses and pollution of the environment and so forth. It is important to detect, isolate and find the remaining usefulness of that defective component and enable a suitable conclusion making before such faults make a great damage. Hence the fault detection is very important aspect for improving the economy as well as the safety of the system. The following research is intended to introduce an overview for fault diagnosis and prognosis techniques.

Assessment and Recurrence of Kidney Stones Through Optimized Machine Learning Tree Classifiers Using Dietary Water Quality Parameters and Patient’s History

Kidney stone disease is a result of combination of food items consuming, drinking water quality and genetic heritability, which has been observed to be more prone (both occurrence and recurrence) to certain geographic regimes as Thanjavur suburbs of Tamil Nadu in southern India. The research carried out involves collection of medical information of Kidneystone patients of the study area and survey of their dietary habits including drinking water quality (through laboratory study), selection of suitable classifier to model the Kidney stone recurrence with the most contributing of 22 parameters (with due model evaluation). Weka (3.8.1) machine learning framework was used for the study, for evaluating the model accuracy of 66 classifiers, resulting 22 classifiers with accuracy higher than ZeroR, which was considered to be the benchmark. Based on this study, C-4.5 classifier (called J48 in Weka) was found to be most robust classifier, based on accuracy, precision, Recall, F-Measure, MCC, ROC Area and PRC Area. The selected classifiers were again evaluated based on domain conformance (namely, literature, logic and consistency) to obtain four validated classifiers, thereby providing seven parameters and their threshold value for kidney stone recurrence, namely, family history (Yes), Sulphate (>17ppm), potassium (>74 ppm), nitrate (>1.2 ppm), salinity (>120 ppm), conductivity (<=289 ppm) and water consumption (moderate).

Optimization of Process Parameters in Drilling of Al6063 Reinforced with Magnesium Oxide Nano Particles

Aluminum Nano Metal Matrix Composites are extensively utilized for high-performance operations such as branches of engineering and medicine due to their enhanced physical and mechanical properties compared to traditional metals and metal alloys. In this research, Al6063 alloy was reinforced with 15 nm sized Magnesium Oxide particles in different weight percentages. The development of Nano Metal Matrix Composites (NMMC) was completed through stir casting method at 750 °C temperature. The fabricated Nanocomposites were examined for the mechanical properties and impact of drilling parameters on chips and burr formation. The input parameters adopted for analysis were speed, feed, and material of the drill tool. The drill tools made of HSS & TiN coated HSS were utilized in the drilling of NMMC. The influence of process parameters on chips and burr formation were analyzed and optimized the process parameters for better output intended for this experimental environment through the Artificial Immune Algorithm technique.