Understanding the compatibility between spider silk and conducting materials is essential to advance the use of spider silk in electronic applications. Spider silk is tough, but becomes soft when exposed to water. Here we report a strong affinity of amine-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes for spider silk, with coating assisted by a water and mechanical shear method. The nanotubes adhere uniformly and bond to the silk fibre surface to produce tough, custom-shaped, flexible and electrically conducting fibres after drying and contraction. The conductivity of coated silk fibres is reversibly sensitive to strain and humidity, leading to proof-of-concept sensor and actuator demonstrations.
Alteration in the backbone structure of the endogenously released opioid peptides Leu5/Met5 enkephalins may result in compounds having comparable profile of pharmacological activity but with different physicochemical properties and side effects. Phthalyl amino acid and phthalyl esters are among the derivatives that have been synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities.This study was conducted to evaluate the possible analgesic activity of phthalyl-tyrosyl-glycin sodium that has been recently synthesized by our team.The study was carried out on 24 albino mice using hot plate method. The animals were allocated in to three groups; the first group received saline and represent a control g
... Show MoreCarbon nanoparticles (CNPs) formed by one-step laser ablation in deionized water were carefully studied. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and UV–V spectroscopy were used to obtain morphological, chemical, and optical properties of CNPs. SEM outcomes established that the synthesized nanoparticles are semi-spherical with a wide particle size distribution. Raman investigation showed two typical and expected peaks ~ (1300 - 2700) cm−1, which are confirming to transverse and longitudinal modes of the carbon structure. The absorption spectra proved that the intensity of spectra increases as particle size and concentration increase.
The L. Cretaceous succession is the main reservoir rock in the south of Iraq. Although the upper Jurassic Sargelu Formation is the main source rock in this area; however, the organic-rich interval within the studied succession, is contribute in these huge accumulations of petroleum. The pyrolysis parameters of the succession; Sulaiy, yamama, Zubair, and Nahr Umr formations showed that the main kerogen type is type III and II with moderate to good HI, which they refer to gas and/or oil prone especially in Zubair, Nahr Umr, and Sulaiy formations. The quantity parameters indicate potential source intervals in respect to (TOC). The maturity parameters suggest the threshold and peak of petroleum generation, which Tmax values ranged around 430
... Show MoreFifty isolates of Bacillus spp were obtained from rhizosphere soil of compositae
plant roots. The ability of inulinase production by these isolates was screened.
Bacillus Be9, which isolated from soil of lettuce root, was the highest inulinase
producer; it was identified as Bacillus cereus. Optimal culture medium and
condition for inulinase production were determinatd; the highest inulinase
production was obtained when the bacteria was cultured in inulin medium which
contained 0.5% inulin, 0.4% peptone as carbon and nitrogen source at pH 7.0
inoculated with 1ml of bacterial suspension and incubated at 40˚C for 48hrs.
This work focuses on the use of biologically produced activated carbon for improving the physi-co-chemical properties of water samples obtained from the Tigris River. An eco-friendly and low-cost activated carbon was prepared from the Alhagi plant using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an impregnation agent. The prepared activated carbon was characterised using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the functional groups that exist on the raw material (Alhagi plant) and Alhagi activated carbon (AAC). Scanning electron microscope–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope was also used to investigate the surface shape and the elements that compose the powder. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis was used to evaluate the spe
... Show MoreThe current standard for treating pilonidal sinus (PNS) is surgical intervention with excision of the sinus. Recurrence of PNS can be controlled with good hygiene and regular shaving of the natal cleft, laser treatment is a useful adjunct to prevent recurrence. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a gold standard of soft tissue surgical laser due to its wavelength (10600 nm) thin depth (0.03mm) and collateral thermal zone (150mic).It effectively seals blood vessels, lymphatic, and nerve endings, Moreover wound is rendered sterile by effect of laser. Aim of this study was to apply and assess the clinical usefulness of CO2 10600nm laser in pilonidal sinus excision and decrease chance of recurrence. Design: For 10 patients, between 18 and 39 year
... Show MoreA specific, sensitive and simple method was used for the determination of: vitamin B9 (Folic acid) in pure and pharmaceutical formulations using continuous flow injection analysis. The method is based on formation of ion pair compound between folic acid and ammonium molybdate in an aqueous medium to obtain a gray precipitate complex, using homemade; Ayah-6SX1-ST-2D solar cell CFI Analyzer. Optimum parameters was studied to increase the sensitivity for developed method. The linear range for the calibration graph was 0.01-0.6 mMol.L-1 of vitamin B9 and LOD was 131.994 ng/sample with correlation coefficient ( r ) of 0.9810, RSD% was lower than 0.1%, (n=9) for the determination of vitamin B9 at concentration (0.07and 0.5) mMol.L-1 respectiv
... Show MoreBackground: Schneiderian first rank symptoms are
considered highly valuable in the diagnosis of
schneideria.
They are more evident in the acute phase of the
disorder and fading gradually with time. Many studies
have shown that the rate of these symptoms are
variable in different countries and are colored by
cultural beliefs and values.
Objectives: To find out the rate of Schneiderian first
rank symptoms among newly diagnosed schizophrenic
patients, to assess which symptom(s) might
predominate in those patients, and to find out if there
is/are any correlation(s) between the occurrence of
these symptoms and the sex of the patients.
Methods: Out of twenty-four patients with no past
psychiatric hi