• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.229-240
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• 2015

In this study, nanocrystalline ferrite powders with the composition $Ni_{0.5}Zn_{0.5}Fe_2O_4$ were prepared by the autocombustion method. The obtained powders were sintered at $800^{\circ}C$, $900^{\circ}C$ and $1,000^{\circ}C$ for 4 h in air atmosphere. The as-prepared and the sintered powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and magnetization studies. An increase in the crystallite size and a slight decrease in the lattice constant with sintering temperature were observed, whereas microstrain was observed to be negative for all the samples. Two significant absorption bands in the wave number range of the $400cm^{-1}$ to $600cm^{-1}$ have been observed in the FT-IR spectra for all samples which is the distinctive feature of the spinel ferrites. The force constants were found to vary with sintering temperature, suggesting a cation redistribution and modification in the unit cell of the spinel. The M-H loops indicate smaller coercivity, which is the typical nature of the soft ferrites. The observed variation in the saturation magnetization and coercivity with sintering temperature has been attributed to the role of surface, inhomogeneous cation distribution, and increase in the crystallite size.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.132-141
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• 2015

Objectives: With recent advances in nanoparticle manufacturing and applications, potential exposure to nanoparticles in various settings is becoming increasing likely. No investigation has yet been performed to assess whether respiratory tract exposure to cerium oxide ($CeO_2$) nanoparticles is associated with alterations in protein signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis in rat lungs. Methods: Specific-pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were instilled with either vehicle (saline) or $CeO_2$ nanoparticles at a dosage of 7.0 mg/kg and euthanized 1, 3, 14, 28, 56, or 90 days after exposure. Lung tissues were collected and evaluated for the expression of proteins associated with inflammation and cellular apoptosis. Results: No change in lung weight was detected over the course of the study; however, cerium accumulation in the lungs, gross histological changes, an increased Bax to Bcl-2 ratio, elevated cleaved caspase-3 protein levels, increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and diminished phosphorylation of ERK-1/2-MAPK were detected after $CeO_2$ instillation (p<0.05). Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that high-dose respiratory exposure to $CeO_2$ nanoparticles is associated with lung inflammation, the activation of signaling protein kinases, and cellular apoptosis, which may be indicative of a long-term localized inflammatory response.

• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.492-499
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• 2013

We have investigated the electrical properties of Ru/Ni/n-GaN Schottky structure using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements at room temperature. The barrier height (${\Phi}_{bo}$) and ideality factor (n) of Ru/Ni/n-GaN Schottky structure are found to be 0.66 eV and 1.44, respectively. The ${\Phi}_{bo}$ and the series resistance ($R_S$) obtained from Cheung's method are compared with modified Norde's method, and it is seen that there is a good agreement with each other. The energy distribution of interface state density ($N_{SS}$) is determined from the I-V measurements by taking into account the bias dependence of the effective barrier height. Further, the interface state density $N_{SS}$ as determined by Terman's method is found to be $2.14{\times}10^{12}\;cm^{-2}\;eV^{-1}$ for the Ru/Ni/n-GaN diode. Results show that the interface state density and series resistance has a significant effect on the electrical characteristics of studied diode.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2006

The antitumor activity of crude saponin mixture obtained from Luffa tuberosa (Roxb.) (Fam; Cucurbitaceae) hairy roots (CSLT) in mice transplanted with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) was investigated. The EAC-bearing mice receiving 150 and $300{\mu}g/kg$ body weight, (i.p) of CSLT have shown a dose dependent elevation in tumor-tree survival and a highest number of survivors were observed after administration of CSLT $(300{\mu}g/kg)$, which was considered as an optimum dose for its antineoplastic action. The mean survival time (MST) for this dose was approximately $47.1{\pm}0.74d$, when compared with $19.0{\pm}0.36d$ of untreated control. Administration of $300{\mu}g/kg$ CSLT resulted in 130% long-term increased survival time. The measurement of body weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable and non-viable count indicated the efficacy of CSLT in tumor-bearing mice, there was a significant recovery in hematological profiles, and there was depletion in lipid peroxidation levels, and the antioxidant enzyme activities such as GSH, SOD and CAT were restored to near the normal levels. The CSLT was found to be devoid of conspicuous short-term toxicity in the mice when animals were intraperitoneally injected with 250, 500, 750 and $1000{\mu}g/kg$ bodyweight. The treated mice showed conspicuous toxic symptoms only at a dose of $1500{\mu}g/kg$. Mortality of the animals was monitored up to 14 d post drug treatment, $1/7^{th}$ of the $LD_{50}$ dose has been considered for the optimal antineoplastic activity.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2012

Modeling swirling wakes is of considerable interest to wind farm designers. The present work is an attempt to develop a computational tool to understand free, far-wake development behind a single rotating wind turbine. Besides the standard momentum and continuity equations from the boundary layer theory in two dimensions, an additional equation for the conservation of angular momentum is introduced to study axisymmetric swirl effects on wake growth. Turbulence is simulated with two options: the standard ${\kappa}-{\varepsilon}$ model and the Reynolds Stress transport model. A finite volume method is used to discretize the governing equations for mean flow and turbulence quantities. A marching algorithm of expanding grids is employed to enclose the growing far-wake and to solve the equations implicitly at every axial step. Axisymmetric far-wakes with/without swirl are studied at different Reynolds numbers and swirl numbers. Wake characteristics such as wake width, half radius, velocity profiles and pressure profiles are computed. Compared with the results obtained under similar flow conditions using the computational software, FLUENT, this far-wake model shows simplicity with acceptable accuracy, covering large wake regions in far-wake study.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2024

Storage temperature profoundly influences the storability of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.). However, the impact of storage temperature on storability and its association with the antioxidant activity of paprika are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the storage attributes, activity, and gene expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in paprika stored at 4, 10, and 20℃ for 14 d and then at 20℃ for an additional 5 d (14+5 d; retail conditions). Storage at 10℃ effectively mitigated pitting, stalk browning, shriveling, and decay while significantly enhancing the marketability of paprika. The fruits stored at 4℃ were prone to pitting, whereas those stored at 20℃ were sensitive to stalk browning and decay. Moreover, paprika stored at 10℃ exhibited higher 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) activity and total phenolic content than those stored at 4 and 20℃, indicating improved antioxidant activity. Additionally, storage at 10℃ upregulated the expression levels of the antioxidant genes, catalase and peroxidase, suggesting the mechanism underlying the quality enhancement of paprika. Our findings suggest that paprika storage at 10℃ alleviates chilling injuries, preserves the quality and marketability, and enhances the antioxidant potential of paprika. These findings provide insights into how temperature influences the quality and minimizes post-harvest losses during the storage and distribution of paprika.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.197-209
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• 2004

The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanol extract of Caesalpinia bonducella leaves (MECB) (Family: Caesalpiniaceae). The effect of MECB on antioxidant activity, reducing power, free radical scavenging (DPPH radical, nitric oxide radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging), total phenolic content and antimicrobial activities were studied. The antioxidant activity of MECB increased in a dose dependent manner. About 50, 100, 250 and 500 g of MECB showed 53.4, 61.2, 69.1 and 76.2 % inhibition respectively on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion. Like antioxidant activity, the effect of MECB on reducing power increased in a dose dependent manner. The free radical scavenging activity of MECB was determined by DPPH radical scavenging method. The potency of this activity was increased with increased amount of extract. MECB was found to inhibit the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside $(IC_{50}\;=\;102.8\;g/ml)$ whereas the $IC_{50}$ value of curcumin was 20.4 g/ml. Moreover, the MECB was found to scavenge the superoxide generated by photoreduction of Riboflavin. MECB was also found to inhibit the hydroxyl radical generated by Fenton reaction, where the $IC_{50}$ value is 104.17 g/ml compared with catechin 5 g/ml, which indicates the antioxidant activity of MECB. The MECB capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide in a concentration-dependent manner. The amounts of total phenolic compounds were also determined. Antimicrobial activities of MECB were carried out using disc diffusion methods with five Gram positive, four Gram negative and four fungal species. The results obtained in the present study indicate that MECB leaves are potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2007

Fresh unripe whole fruits of Luffa tuberosa (Roxb.) or Momordica tuberosa (Roxb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) were evaluated for the antidiabetic and hyperlipidemic potential in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by administration of intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 55 mg/kg body weight. After the induction of diabetes aqueous extract of L.tuberosa (AELT) was administered orally at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. body weight/day for a period of 14 days. The Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, serum insulin levels, changes in body weight, food and liquid intake were measured. In diabetic rats, the AELT exhibited significant reduction in blood glucose levels. Biochemical assay of plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), glycogen content and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in liver were assessed. Antihyperlipidemia in diabetic rats after the extract supplementation was confirmed by significant reduction in the levels of above mentioned hyperlipidemic indicators. This study focus on the efficacy of L.tuberosa fruits for the management of experimental STZ induced diabetic rats and provides the scientific basis of ancient herbal therapy and use of these fruits as vegetable.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2007

The plant Ichnocarpus frutescens (Linn) R.Br. (Family-Apocynaceae) has been indicated for the treatment of various diseases, one amongst it is cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the possible antitumor activity and antioxidant role of Ichnocarpus frutescens in the mice transplanted with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The chloroform and methanol extract of whole plant of Ichnocarpus frutescens (CEIF and MEIF) were administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, body weight per day for 7 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation in mice. Treatment with CEIF at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg remarkably decreased the tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable cell count and increased the nonviable cell count of EAC tumor bearing mice when compared to e effect of MEIF at 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Further the EAC mice treated with CEIF and MEIF showed significant decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation and significant increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), however the decreasing and increasing capacity of CEIF was less in both doses as compared to MEIF. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the chloroform and methanol extact of Ichnocarpus frutescens exhibit significant antitumor and antioxidant activity in EAC bearing mice.

• Kyungpook Mathematical Journal
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.95-101
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• 2014

An n-tuple ($a_1,a_2,{\ldots},a_n$) is symmetric, if $a_k$ = $a_{n-k+1}$, $1{\leq}k{\leq}n$. Let $H_n$ = {$(a_1,a_2,{\ldots},a_n)$ ; $a_k$ ${\in}$ {+,-}, $a_k$ = $a_{n-k+1}$, $1{\leq}k{\leq}n$} be the set of all symmetric n-tuples. A symmetric n-sigraph (symmetric n-marked graph) is an ordered pair $S_n$ = (G,${\sigma}$) ($S_n$ = (G,${\mu}$)), where G = (V,E) is a graph called the underlying graph of $S_n$ and ${\sigma}$:E ${\rightarrow}H_n({\mu}:V{\rightarrow}H_n)$ is a function. The restricted super line graph of index r of a graph G, denoted by $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r$(G). The vertices of $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r$(G) are the r-subsets of E(G) and two vertices P = ${p_1,p_2,{\ldots},p_r}$ and Q = ${q_1,q_2,{\ldots},q_r}$ are adjacent if there exists exactly one pair of edges, say $p_i$ and $q_j$, where $1{\leq}i$, $j{\leq}r$, that are adjacent edges in G. Analogously, one can define the restricted super line symmetric n-sigraph of index r of a symmetric n-sigraph $S_n$ = (G,${\sigma}$) as a symmetric n-sigraph $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r$($S_n$) = ($\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(G)$, ${\sigma}$'), where $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(G)$ is the underlying graph of $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$, where for any edge PQ in $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$, ${\sigma}^{\prime}(PQ)$=${\sigma}(P){\sigma}(Q)$. It is shown that for any symmetric n-sigraph $S_n$, its $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$ is i-balanced and we offer a structural characterization of super line symmetric n-sigraphs of index r. Further, we characterize symmetric n-sigraphs $S_n$ for which $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$~$\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$ and $$\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n){\sim_=}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$$, where ~ and $$\sim_=$$ denotes switching equivalence and isomorphism and $\mathcal{R}\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$ and $\mathcal{L}_r(S_n)$ are denotes the restricted super line symmetric n-sigraph of index r and super line symmetric n-sigraph of index r of $S_n$ respectively.