This paper considers the theoretical problem of eliminating harmonics in inverter-output waveforms. Generalized methods are developed for eliminating a fixed number of harmonics in the half-bridge and full-bridge inverter-output waveforms, and solutions are presented for eliminating up to five harmonics. Numerical techniques are applied to solve the nonlinear equations of the problem on the computer. The uneliminated higher order harmonics can be easily attenuated by using filter circuits in the output stage of the inverter. The results show the feasibility of obtaining practically sinusoidal output waveforms, which are highly desirable in most inverter applications.

In India, Ayurveda has made a major contribution to the drug discovery process with new means of identifying active compounds. Recent advancement in bioavailability enhancement of drugs by compounds of herbal origin has produced a revolutionary shift in the way of therapeutics. Thus, bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing classical text books and peer-reviewed papers, consulting worldwide-accepted scientific databases from last 30 years. Herbal bioenhancers have been shown to enhance bioavailability and bioefficacy of different classes of drugs, such as antibiotics, antituberculosis, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancerous drugs at low doses. They have also improved oral absorption of nutraceuticals like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and certain herbal compounds. Their mechanism of action is mainly through absorption process, drug metabolism, and action on drug target. This paper clearly indicates that scientific researchers and pharmaceutical industries have to give emphasis on experimental studies to find out novel active principles from such a vast array of unexploited plants having a role as a bioavailability and bioefficacy enhancer. Also, the mechanisms of action by which bioenhancer compounds exert bioenhancing effects remain to be explored.

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BackgroundOsteocalcin (OC) is an intriguing hormone, concomitantly being the most abundant non-collagenous peptide found in the mineralized matrix of bone, and expanding the endocrine function of the skeleton with far-reaching extra-osseous effects. A new line of enquiry between OC and vascular calcification has emerged in response to observations that the mechanism of vascular calcification resembles that of bone mineralisation. To date, studies have reported mixed results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify any association between OC and vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsDatabases were searched for original, peer reviewed human studies. A total of 1,453 articles were retrieved, of which 46 met the eligibility criteria. Overall 26 positive, 17 negative, and 29 neutral relationships were reported for assessments between OC (either concentration in blood, presence of OC-positive cells, or histological staining for OC) and extent of calcification or atherosclerosis. Studies that measured OC-positive cells or histological staining for OC reported positive relationships (11 studies). A higher percentage of Asian studies found a negative relationship (36%) in contrast to European studies (6%). Studies examining carboxylated and undercarboxylated forms of OC in the blood failed to report consistent results. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between OC concentration in the blood between patients with “atherosclerosis” and control (p = 0.13, n = 1,197).ConclusionNo definitive association was determined between OC and vascular calcification or atherosclerosis; however, the presence of OC-positive cells and histological staining had a consistent positive correlation with calcification or atherosclerosis. The review highlighted several themes, which may influence OC within differing populations leading to inconclusive results. Large, longitudinal studies are required to further current understanding of the clinical relevance of OC in vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

A native isolate of Pleurotus ostreatus HP-1 (Genbank Accession No. EU420068) was found to have an excellent laccase producing ability. The extracellular laccase was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from copper sulphate induced solid-state fermentation medium by ammonium sulphate precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography. The enzyme was determined to be monomeric protein with an apparent molecular mass of 68,420 kDa, and an isoelectric point (pI) of 3.5. The inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy showed a presence of iron, zinc and copper in the purified enzyme. The absorption spectrum in the range of 200–700 nm showed the maximum absorption at 610 nm characteristic of fungal laccase and corresponding to the presence of type I copper atom. The laccase was stable at different temperatures up to 70 °C and retained 61 % activity at 50 °C. The enzyme reaction was inhibited by cysteine; sodium azide and EDTA. The enzyme oxidized various known laccase substrates, its lowest Km value being for ortho-dianisidine and highest Kcat and Kcat/Km for ABTS. The purified laccase exhibited different pH optima for different substrates. The N-terminal sequence did not show any similarity with N-terminal sequence of other species of genera Pleurotus.

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The release behaviour of poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐maleic anhydride)‐bound acriflavine was compared with that of acriflavine bound to poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride), the latter copolymer was prepared by solution polymerization and characterised. Acriflavine was covalently bound on the surface of the copolymer matrix in N,N‐dimethylformamide using triethylamine as catalyst. The amount of acriflavine covalently bound to poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) was studied as a function of time and concentration. The in vitro drug release kinetics of acriflavine in weakly basic medium and the antimicrobial activity of the released drug were established.

Polyimides were prepared by Diels-Alder (DA) reaction of furfuryl alcohol (FA) resin [poly(2,5-furandiylmethylene)] with the bis(ma1eimides) N,N-hexamethylenebis(ma1eimide) and N,N-l,4-phenylenebis(maleimide), respectively. The DA reaction was carried out in tetrahydrofuran as solvent, as well as in bulk, followed by aromatization of tetrahydrophthalimide intermediates in the presence of acetic anhydride. All the polyimides were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectral studies and thermogravimetry. The results show that polyimides based on FA resin exhibit moderate thermal stability. The results of preliminary tests for glass reinforcement of produced polyimides suggest that laminates with good mechanical strength can be obtained.