Christ University

About: Christ University is a education organization based out in Bengaluru, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Convection. The organization has 2267 authors who have published 2715 publications receiving 14575 citations. The organization is also known as: Christ College & Christ University.

Superior charge discharge ability of reduced graphene oxide/Li-ion embedded polymer composite films

Abstract: Electroactive polymeric composites are recent generation material for energy application in lithium batteries, solar cells and supercapacitors. In present study, reduced graphene oxide is prepared from graphite powder using liquid exfoliation. The synthesized reduced graphene oxide is embedded with polystyrene sulfonic acid/lithium phosphate polymer electrolyte to obtain polymer composite films. The dielectric studies of composite reveals huge change in relaxation time with addition of rGO in polymeric lithium ion composites. This attributes to decrease in ion-dipolar interaction strength and enhanced polymer segmental motion in presence of carbon. It also implies the activation of electrochemical properties of polystyrene sulfonic acid/lithium phosphate/reduced graphene oxide (PL–rGO) composites which can be effectively utilize for charge storage applications. The PL–rGO composite exhibits an improved electrochemical performance with different scan rate on potential window ranged between − 0.5 and 1.2 V. The specific capacitance value of ~ 17 F/g with high rate charge–discharge capability over 8000 cycles was observed. Higher electrochemical stability and steady charge/discharge behavior makes PL–rGO composites a promising candidate for charge storage applications.

Unsteady squeezing flow of a magnetized nano-lubricant between parallel disks with Robin boundary conditions

Abstract: The aim of the present work is to examine the impact of magnetized nanoparticles (NPs) in enhancement of heat transport in a tribological system subjected to convective type heating (Robin) boundary conditions. The regime examined comprises the squeezing transition of a magnetic (smart) Newtonian nanolubricant between two analogous disks under an axial magnetism. The lower disk is permeable whereas the upper disk is solid. The mechanisms of haphazard motion of NPs and thermophoresis are simulated. The non-dimensional problem is solved numerically using a finite difference method in the MATLAB bvp4c solver based on Lobotto quadrature, to scrutinize the significance of thermophoresis parameter, squeezing number, Hartmann number, Prandtl number and Brownian motion parameter on velocity, temperature, nanoparticle concentration, Nusselt number, factor of friction and Sherwood number distributions. The obtained results for the friction factor are validated against previously published results. It is found that friction factor at the disk increases with intensity in applied magnetic field. The haphazard (Brownian) motion of nanoparticles causes an enhancement in thermal field. Suction and injection are found to induce different effects on transport characteristics depending on the specification of equal or unequal Biot numbers at the disks. The main quantitative outcome is that, unequal Biot numbers produce significant cooling of the regime for both cases of disk suction or injection, indicating that Robin boundary conditions yield substantial deviation from conventional thermal boundary conditions. Higher thermophoretic parameter also elevates temperatures in the regime. The nanoparticles concentration at the disk is boosted with higher values of Brownian motion parameter. The response of temperature is similar in both suction and injection cases; however, this tendency is quite opposite for nanoparticle concentrations. In the core zone, the resistive magnetic body force dominates and this manifests in a significant reduction in velocity i.e. damping. The heat buildup in squeeze films (which can lead to corrosion and degradation of surfaces) can be successfully removed with magnetic nanoparticles leading to prolonged serviceability of lubrication systems and the need for less maintenance.

Inhibiting Extracellular Cathepsin D Reduces Hepatic Steatosis in Sprague⁻Dawley Rats †.

Abstract: Dietary and lifestyle changes are leading to an increased occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using a hyperlipidemic murine model for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), we have previously demonstrated that the lysosomal protease cathepsin D (CTSD) is involved with lipid dysregulation and inflammation. However, despite identifying CTSD as a major player in NAFLD pathogenesis, the specific role of extracellular CTSD in NAFLD has not yet been investigated. Given that inhibition of intracellular CTSD is highly unfavorable due to its fundamental physiological function, we here investigated the impact of a highly specific and potent small-molecule inhibitor of extracellular CTSD (CTD-002) in the context of NAFLD. Treatment of bone marrow-derived macrophages with CTD-002, and incubation of hepatic HepG2 cells with a conditioned medium derived from CTD-002-treated macrophages, resulted in reduced levels of inflammation and improved cholesterol metabolism. Treatment with CTD-002 improved hepatic steatosis in high fat diet-fed rats. Additionally, plasma levels of insulin and hepatic transaminases were significantly reduced upon CTD-002 administration. Collectively, our findings demonstrate for the first time that modulation of extracellular CTSD can serve as a novel therapeutic modality for NAFLD.