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The aim of this qualitative case study is to examine the phenomenon of female students’ disproportionate representation in senior level Physical Health Education (PHE) classes. The subject for this teacher’s Masters level project arose from the first author’s personal observations while teaching across several schools in British Columbia, Canada. Through semi-structured interviews with self-identified female participants, we explore female subject choice and if, along with possible reasons why, females may avoid participation in senior level (grade 11-12) mixed gender PHE activity courses. This discussion asserts that females mostly make conscious choices to avoid mixed gender courses at the senior level for several key reasons; females feel silenced by their male peers, PHE is not an inclusive environment, and females perceive their male counterparts assert dominance over them in PHE class. This paper continues with a discussion regarding reinforced gendered norms and their effect on perceived barriers to female participation in schools, and concludes with suggestions for how schools and educators might support female students’ participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is generally considered a risk state for dementia, its prevalence and association with dementia are impacted by the number of tests and cut-points used to assess cognition and define "impairment," and sources of norms. Here, we investigate how these methodological variations impact estimates of incident dementia in adults with bipolar disorder (BD), a vulnerable population with pre-existing cognitive deficits and increased dementia risk. Method: Neuropsychological data from 148 adults with BD and 13,610 healthy controls (HC) were drawn from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. BD participants' scores were standardized against published norms and again using regression-based norms generated from HC within the same catchment area as individual BD patients ("site-specific norms"), varying the number of within-domain tests (one vs. two) and the cut-points (−1 vs. −1.5 SD) used to operationalize MCI. Results: Site-specific norms were more sensitive to incident dementia (88.6%–94.3%) than published norms (74.3%–88.6%), but only when using a "single test" definition of impairment. Specificity (22.1%–74.3%), accuracy (37.8%–68.9%), and positive predictive values (26.1%–38.3%) were overall poor. Applying a "single test" definition of impairment resulted in better negative predictive values using site-specific (92.3%–93.3%) than published norms (83.6%–86.2%), and a substantial increase in relative risk of incident dementia relative to published norms. Conclusions: Neuropsychologists should define "impairment" as scores below −1.0 or −1.5 SD on at least two within-domain measures when using published norms to interpret cognitive performance in adults with BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (B-DUMP) is a paraneoplastic disorder that may be seen in patients with a known malignancy but more commonly is seen in those without any history of cancer. It leads to multiple uveal tumors with exudative retinal detachment along with thickening of the choroid and generally carries a poor prognosis. Its etio-pathogenesis is poorly understood but is said to involve factors secreted by the systemic malignancy that lead to proliferation of melanocytes in the uvea. We report the presentation and management of a female with history of treated frontal lobe meningioma who presented with neovascular glaucoma along with B-DUMP and was found to have recurrence of the meningioma on neuro-imaging. Central nervous system meningiomas can cause B-DUMP and management of the malignancy may lead to partial resolution of posterior segment manifestations of B-DUMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This self-study addresses the embedded racism experienced by a racialized female professor who taught in the USA during Trump's presidency. The article presents two incidents that reflect the emboldened racist behaviors and actions of teacher education students during the Trump administration. The study is based on the author's experiences as a racialized female faculty member in the Midwest. Using critical pedagogy and critical race theory frameworks, the article argues that racism needs to be dismantled in spaces of teacher education programs that have been deeply impacted by the ultra-right politics of the Trump administration. This article calls attention to endemic racism, particularly as experienced by racialized faculty. The author calls on teacher educators to take action in response to such incidents and in support of racialized faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic has created a restrictive working system including remote working, and flexible hours for the firms and employees all around the globe, thus transforming into a platform economy may reduce unemployment and enhance job opportunities. Therefore, firms are now trying to identify the ways for enhancing survivability of Sustainable Supply Chains (SSCs). This study has made an effort to develop a framework for enhancing survivability of SSCs to survive in and post-COVID-19 pandemic. This study has utilised Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method for identifying the significant factors for enhancing survivability of SSCs to be focused in pandemic situation. The study revealed that 'Supply Chain Network Viability (SCV)' is the main criterion for managing buyer–supplier relationship and enhancing survivability of SSCs during and post-COVID-19 situation. This study is helpful for firms, suppliers, and other stakeholders to focus on the identified factors for healthier future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and economical method was developed for the extraction and isolation of pentacyclic triterpenoid lantadene A from the leaves of Lantana camara. The lantadene A displays significant anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties via the inhibition of IKK-mediated NF-κB protein. Therefore, the derivatives of lantadene A were synthesised to further optimise the pharmacophore for anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The synthesised compounds were docked into the active site of IKK to find the most potent inhibitor of IKK. Molecular docking studies revealed that 3β,22β-diisobutyl substituted lantadene derivative (10) binds to the IKK protein with the highest affinity. Furthermore, in the in silico ADMET studies, the lead IKK inhibitor (10) was found to be Ames non-toxic, non-carcinogen, and a weak inhibitor of hERG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postage stamps are a significant visual text of an issuing state. In 1947, British India was divided into independent states of India and Pakistan. The successive new regimes in both countries got the freedom to design, print, and circulate the official visual iconography through postage stamps as a symbol of sovereignty for its citizens and the world community. This article explores how India and Pakistan visualized the narrative of national identity and discourse on development through postage stamps in the first two decades of their independence. The article does not intend to retell the narrative of the postcolonial nation-building process in the subcontinent. Instead, the objective is to introduce postage stamps as a primary visual resource for exploring the contours of public history of India and Pakistan by arguing that stamps retain its importance as excellent visual archives for postcolonial scholarly analysis in the age of new media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenarimol (FNL), an organic chlorinated fungicide, is widely used in agriculture for protection from fungal spores and fungi. Despite being an endocrine disruptor, no toxicokinetic data is reported for this fungicide. In the present work, we determined the plasma protein binding, metabolic pathways and toxicokinetics of FNL in rats. In vitro binding of FNL to rat and human plasma proteins was ∼90%, suggesting that FNL is a highly protein bound fungicide. The predicted in vivo hepatic clearance of FNL in rats and humans was estimated to be 36.71 and 14.39 mL/min/kg, respectively, indicating it to be an intermediate clearance compound. Reaction phenotyping assay showed that CYP3A4 mainly contributed to the overall metabolism of FNL. The oral toxicokinetic study of FNL in rats at no observed adverse effect level dose (1 mg/kg) showed maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 33.97 ± 4.45 ng/mL at 1 h (Tmax). The AUC0–∞ obtained was 180.18 ± 17.76 h*ng/mL, whereas, the t1/2 was ∼4.74 h. Following intravenous administration, FNL displayed a clearance of 42.48 mL/min/kg which was close to the predicted in vivo hepatic clearance. The absolute oral bioavailability of FNL at 1 mg/kg dose in rats was 45.25%. FNL at 10 mg/kg oral dose exhibited non-linear toxicokinetics with greater than dose-proportional increase in the systemic exposure (AUC0–∞ 8270.53 ± 1798.59 h*ng/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was focussed on development of curcumin loaded solid binary lipid nanoparticles (C-SBLNs) to ameliorate stability, uptake and therapeutic potential of curcumin during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). C-SBLNs with nano-size range (210.56 ± 41.22 nm) and high entrapment efficiency (83.12 ± 6.57%) were prepared by solvent emulsification evaporation method using binary lipids i.e. stearic acid and tristearin after optimizing various formulation and process variables. Physicochemical characterization of C-SBLNs by ATR-FTIR confirmed drug entrapment whereas thermal and pXRD study corroborated loss of crystallinity of drug into C-SBLNs. Lyophilized C-SBLNs were found to be spherical shaped with good gastrointestinal stability and prolonged drug release up to 24 h. Optimized C-SBLNs formulation displayed significantly enhanced cellular uptake and localization in inflamed tissues during IBD. Oral administration of C-SBLNs in DSS induced colitis model revealed significant reduction in leucocyte infiltration, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) secretion and maintenance of colonic structure similar to healthy animal group compared to curcumin. Thus, in vitro and preclinical findings of study clearly confirmed that C-SBLNs could be a stable and efficacious alternative platform for curcumin delivery with strong competence in IBD chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite element (FE) model of a square cantilevered plate instrumented with a piezoelectric sensor and an actuator is created using Hamilton's principle. Rotational degrees of freedom (dofs) of the FE model are eliminated using system equivalent reduction expansion process (SEREP). Experimental mode shapes and natural frequencies are extracted from the structure using high speed cameras and digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Initial FE model is updated using experimental mode shapes and natural frequencies by well-known Berman and Nagy approach. Updated FE model thus derived is further reduced to first three modes using orthonormal modal reduction technique. Modal model of the smart plate is then used to derive state space model of the smart plate. Two Kalman observers are constructed: one using initial FE model and other using updated FE model. Active vibration control experiments are conducted on the cantilevered using these two Kalman observers in the control law. It is observed that much better vibration suppression occurs when Kalman observer based on updated FE model is used in the control law. Strategy suggested in this work to implement a typical active vibration control scheme on a structure is simple and yet very effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical and surface analytical study on the corrosion behavior of AISI 316L stainless steel orthodontic archwire in different fruit juices was carried out. The electrochemical parameters were measured after immersing the wires for approx. 24 h in artificial saliva (AS) containing different fruit juices and separately in fruit juices with 1% NaCl in AS. All the fruit juices used in this study increased the rate of corrosion process in AS in the presence or absence of salt. Addition of 1% NaCl to the AS, all experiments exhibited pitting. Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) and Durio zibethinus (Amra) are rated as most detrimental to the surface followed by Prunus domestica Linn. (Plum) juice. SEM Micrographs of the specimens show formation of blisters onto the steel surface which are remnants of passive film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report epidemiology of uveitis in a tertiary-care referral institute in North India. Methods: Hospital records of patients with uveitis between June 2011 and September 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of the 1912 patients, 56.64% were males. Anterior uveitis (43.04%) was the most common manifestation followed by posterior uveitis (24.58%), panuveitis (16.21%), and intermediate uveitis (10.66%). Specific etiologies could be ascertained in 60.56%. Tuberculosis (22.9%) was the most common infectious and HLA-B27-associated uveitis (9.46%) among non-infectious causes. Conclusions: There is a trend towards a decrease in idiopathic etiologies of uveitis. Tuberculosis remains the most common infectious etiology in North India [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of structural vibrations has significant applications in manufacturing, infrastructure engineering, aerospace engineering and various consumer products. In last two decades, considerable attention has been focused to suppress structural vibrations using active vibration control technique. Various researchers have proposed various optimization criteria for optimal placement of piezoelectric patches over a smart structure to suppress vibrations using various optimization techniques. This paper presents a review of various optimization criteria and techniques that have been used by various researchers in the field of smart structures. Mathematical expressions of objective functions of twelve optimization criteria have been presented and their justifications have been reasoned. Step by step procedures of commonly used optimization techniques have also been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel technique for Active Vibration Control (AVC) based on updated mathematical model of a mechanical structure. Vibrations of a smart plate instrumented with PZT sensor and actuator are suppressed using a negative velocity feedback controller. The AVC controllers are designed and compared for two cases. In first case it is assumed that there is a mismatch between the analytical model and the actual structure. In the second case the mismatch in analytical model and actual structure is compensated using direct method of model updating. Numerical simulations carried out in MATLAB software for these two cases demonstrate the improvement in performance of the AVC controller when updation is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel technique is proposed for generating desired transient vibrations in a structure. Cantilevered plate structure is instrumented with one piezoelectric sensor patch and one piezoelectric actuator patch. Quadrilateral plate finite element having three degrees of freedom at each node is employed to divide the plate into finite elements. Thereafter, Hamilton's principle is used to derive equations of motion of the smart plate. Finite-element model is reduced to first three modes using orthonormal modal truncation and subsequently, the reduced finite-element model is converted into a state-space model. Optimal tracking control is then applied to the state-space model of the smart plate. Using this optimal controller, cantilevered plate is made to vibrate as per desired decay curves of first three modes. Simulation results show that presented optimal control strategy is very effective in simultaneously tracking first three vibration modes of the smart plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel technique is presented for exciting desired transient vibrations in a structure. A cantilevered plate instrumented with piezoelectric sensor and actuator is used as a test-structure. Finite element model of the test-plate is developed using Hamilton's principle. Finite element model is reduced to first two modes using orthonormal modal truncation and then this reduced model is converted into a state-space model. Tracking optimal control is then employed to obtain desired transient curves simultaneously, of first two modes of vibration. Theoretical findings are verified by conducting experiments, for experimentation, Kalman observer is used to estimate first two modes and Labview software is used for interfacing. Presented strategy can be used to do dynamic vibration testing of a product by forcing the product to experience same transient vibrations that it is expected to experience in field. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Enteric submicron particles (SPs) formulations of α-amylase were prepared by w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) and Eudragit L 100, to avoid gastric inactivation of α-amylase. Smaller internal and external aqueous phase volume provided maximum encapsulation efficiency (71.92-73.40%), least particle size (546.4-595.4 nm) and 23-26% loss of enzyme activity. Release studies in 0.1 N HCl confirmed the gastro-resistance of formulations. The anionic SPs aggregated in 0.1 N HCl (i.e. gastric pH 1.2), due to protonation of carboxylic groups of enteric polymer. The aggregates being < 500 µm size would not impede gastric emptying. However, at pH >5.0 (duodenal pH), SPs showed de-aggregation due to restoration of surface charge. HPMCP and Eudragit L 100 SPs facilitated almost complete release of α-amylase within 30 min at pH 6.0 and 6.8, respectively, following Higuchi kinetics. PXRD and DSC indicated amorphous character and scanning electron microscope showed spherical shape of SPs. In simulated gastro-intestinal pH condition, HPMCP and Eudragit L 100 SPs showed good digestion of cooked rice and could serve as potential carrier for oral enzyme delivery. Stability studies indicated the formulations as quite stable to ensure 2 years shelf life at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Various Ocimum species (Labiateae) are commonly used for the treatment of inflammation, stress, diarrhea, and as an antioxidant drug in the Indian ethnic system of medicine. Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the antimelanoma and radioprotective activity of different species of Ocimum in C57BL and Swiss albino mice. Materials and methods: The antimelanoma activity of 50% alcoholic aqueous leaf extract of five species of Ocimum [ Ocimum sanctum (SE), Ocimum gratissimum (GE), Ocimum basilicum (BE), Ocimum canum (CE), and Ocimum kilimandscharicum (KE)] alone or in combination with radiotherapy was determined on the basis of tumor volume, body weight, and survival rate of animals. The radioprotective potential of different species of Ocimum was determined by chromosomal aberration assay. The effect of the alcoholic aqueous extract of different species of Ocimum was also evaluated for the estimation of glutathione level and glutathione S-transferase activity in Swiss albino mice. Results: The 50% alcoholic aqueous extract of different species of Ocimum administered orally (200 mg/kg, p.o.) resulted in significant reduction in tumor volume, increase in average body weight, and survival rate of mice. The various extracts showed modulatory influence against lethal irradiation doses of gamma radiation in terms of radiation-induced chromosomal damage, while at the same time induced an increase in reduced glutathione level and GST activity. Discussion and conclusion: These findings demonstrate that Ocimum species have antimelanoma and radioprotective activity against B16F10 metastatic melanoma cell line-induced metastasis and could be exploited as one of the potential sources for plant-based pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentacyclic triterpenoid lantadene A congener with hydroxyl functionality in ring A was designed and synthesised on the basis of enhancement of polarity and bioactivity. The new synthesised compound 22β-angeloyloxy-methyl-2-hydroxy-3-oxoolean-1,12-dien-28-oate (6) was screened for cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines (HL-60, HeLa, Colon 502713 and A-549) and showed a better cytotoxicity than the parent compound (p < 0.05). Further, compound 6 was screened for in vivo antitumour activity in a two-stage squamous cell carcinogenesis model, using female Swiss albino mice. Compound 6 showed a better tumour inhibition profile than the parent compound. Compound 6 also exhibited a marked decrease in protein expression of activator protein-1 (c-jun), nuclear factor-kappa B (p65) and p55. The results inferred that an increase in polarity of the lead molecule not only increased the antitumour activity but also reduced the dose, which may be linked to the deregulation of the abovementioned molecular targets, and warrants further optimisation of the structure to make it a drug-like candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) with the single and mixed micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium lauroyl sarcosine (SLAS) have been studied at different concentrations of γ-CD by using conductivity measurements. From conductivity data, the pure and mixed critical micellar concentration (cmc), the equivalent ionic conductivities of the monomeric species (Λm), the associated species (Λassc) and the micelle (Λmic), the degree of counterion dissociation (χ) in the presence of γ-CD have been evaluated from the slope of the conductivity versus concentration plots for the pure and binary mixture of surfactants. From the dependence of cmc of the surfactantson γ-CD concentration, we have deduced the association constant (K) of surfactant-γ-CD inclusion complexes assuming 2:1 stoichiometry. Theories of Clint, regular solution, and Motomura's have been used for the evaluation of ideality or nonideality of the mixed system. Mixed micelles were found to be rich in SDS content in the presence and the absence of γ-CD. The cmc values have been used to evaluate the transfer of standard free energy of micelles (ΔG0M,tr) from the aqueous medium to additive medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have studied the influence of different concentrations of β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) on the mixed micellization of anionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium lauroyl sarcosine (SLAS) at different SDS mole fractions (αSDS). From conductivity data, the critical micellar concentration (cmc), the equivalent ionic conductivities of the monomeric species (Λm), the associated species (Λassc) and the micelle (Λmic), the degree of counterion dissociation (α) in the presence of β-CD were evaluated from the slope of the conductivity versus concentration plots for the pure and binary mixtures. The apparent cmc of the surfactants vary linearly with the β-CD concentrations. From the dependence of cmc of the surfactants on β-CD concentration, we have deduced the association constant (K) of surfactant-β-CD inclusion complexes assuming 1:1 stoichiometry. Theories of Clint, Regular solution, and Motomura's have been used for the evaluation of ideality or nonideality of the mixed system. Mixed micelles were found to be rich in SDS content at the cmc in the presence and the absence of β-CD. The cmc values have been used to evaluate the transfer of standard free energy of micelles (ΔG0M,tr) from the aqueous medium to additive medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little attention has been paid to the problem of the spread of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in India. Between August 2002 to March 2003, faecal and urine samples of patients from various wards of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, were screened for vancomycin resistance. 36 VRE were isolated (18 Enterococcus gallinarum, 9 E. casseliflavus, 7 E. faecium and 2 E. faecalis). These isolates were characterized as low-, moderate- and high-level resistant strains by phenotypic as well as genotypic methods such as minimum inhibitory concentration determination, polymerase chain reaction assays, sequencing of PCR products and multiple sequence alignment of van genes. Correlations established between these results and the vancomycin resistance markers were designated as vanA (783 bp), vanB (635 bp), vanC1 (822 bp) and vanC2 (484 bp) according to the findings of earlier workers as well as comparison with existing databases. Prolonged hospital stay and vancomycin were important risk factors for both VRE UTI and colonization. Renal dialysis, renal failure, prior aminoglycoside and third generation cephalosporin were the other significant factors for VRE UTI. The study also highlights the importance of screening for VRE in clinical samples and recommends the institution of control measures to prevent the further spread of VRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aim: Alterations in extracellular glutamate levels have been previously found to contribute to cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Increased activity of system xc-, a cystine-glutamate membrane antiporter, has been previously implicated in our lab in these nociceptive behaviours. System xc- subunit xCT, is further positively regulated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In the current investigation, we hypothesized that DR-1–55-mediated inhibition of pSTAT3 will lead to decreased nociceptive behaviours in a validated xCT overexpression model of CIBP. Methods: Using a murine xenograft CIBP model, a high glutamate-releasing xCT/pSTAT3 overexpressing human breast cancer cell line (T47D clone) was injected into the distal epiphysis of the femur of female nude mice. Nociceptive behaviours were monitored through automated von Frey, dynamic weight bearing, and open field testing for the study duration. Three weeks after cell inoculation, a 14-day schedule of intraperitoneal injections of DR-1–55 or vehicle were administered. Results: In vitro, there were elevated levels of glutamate, IL-6, and IL- 1β exhibited in the T47D clone. These cells also showed significant nociceptive behaviours earlier than the T47D wild type (WT). Treatment with DR-1–55 significantly delayed the onset and severity of spontaneous and induced nociceptive behaviours, as seen with behavioural testing. Discussion/Conclusions: This study shows that targeting pSTAT3 may be a viable treatment when managing CIBP, and can be a molecule of interest in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]