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Abstract: The present work describes the development and application of rainbow schlieren deflectometry technique for the investigation of the three-dimensional concentration field around a crystal growing from its aqueous solution. The imaging technique employs a diverging beam of light to record the projection data of the concentration field. In contrast to the conventional schlieren methods, the present system makes use of a microscopic objective lens to act as the de-collimating lens for focusing the light beam onto the color filter to get the desired schlieren effect. In order to record the projection data of the concentration field from different view angles for tomographic reconstruction, the experiments are conducted in an octagonal growth cell. Detailed quantitative analysis of the schlieren images has then been carried out for each view angle to determine the path-integrated concentration distribution. Principles of tomography have been employed for the reconstruction of concentration field at select horizontal planes above the growing crystal. Results have been presented in the form of rainbow schlieren images of the convective field, path-averaged solute concentration distribution around the growing for each view angle and local concentration distribution at select horizontal planes above the crystal top surface. Recorded color schlieren images have been compared with those of the conventional monochrome schlieren and interferometric techniques for the same experimental conditions. The extent of color re-distribution as seen from the recorded rainbow schlieren images correlate well with the bright intensity regions of monochrome schlieren images and the extent of fringe deformation in the interferometric images. The comparison has been performed for a small as well as a comparatively larger-sized crystal. For small sized-crystal, the observed color redistribution is seen to be weak and restricted to the crystal vicinity only whereas the color changes are more pronounced for larger-sized crystal. Results of the quantitative analysis of the two-dimensional schlieren images as well as of tomographic reconstructions clearly show the presence of high concentration gradients around the growing crystal surfaces and the gradients are seen to diminish as one moves towards the bulk solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new series of quinoline analogs have been synthesized and found active against P. falciparum in vitro and P. yoelli in vivo. Compounds 8, 10 and 11 exhibited superior in vitro activity compared to chloroquine. Selected compounds 8, 10 and 11 exhibited significant suppression of parasitaemia in vivo assay. These analogs form a complex with hematin and inhibit the β-hematin formation, suggesting that this class of compounds act on a heme polymerization target. Further this study confirms that quinoline ring nitrogen is essential for both transportation of the molecule across the membrane as well as for tight binding to hematin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We present a strategy to create objectively labeled ground-truth set of videos. [•] Such a strategy mitigates the subjective biases of the annotation process. [•] Objective labels show superior consistency than subjective labels. [•] A classifier is trained to predict objective labels for 51K unlabeled videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present work, we discuss and assess the performances of Earth cylindrical shadow model (ECSM) and Earth shadow conical model (ESCM), with application to the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS), Low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites; Cartosat-2A, Meghatropics-1, Resourcesat-2 and Oceansat-2. Both models are very simple and efficient for the prediction of eclipse states of any Earth orbiting eclipsing satellite at a given epoch. The advantage of using ESCM over ECSM is that first one predicts both states of eclipse penumbra and umbra while the later one predicts only one which, in reality, is not true. The ESCM model can be effectively useful for the precise orbit prediction and satellite operation to utilize the power properly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results were yielded about the superiority of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocols used in ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) set-up. Reports also indicate that any single specific individual marker in follicular fluid collected at the time of oocyte retrieval bears inconclusive value as a predictor of oocyte quality . AIMS: Simultaneous analyses of large numbers of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in ovarian follicular fluid and perifollicular vascularity in both protocols for ovarian stimulation in IVF program to address the above mentioned lacunae. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: Normoresponder women (n = 45) were subjected to either GnRH-a (Group 1; n = 23) or GnRH-ant (Group 2; n = 22) for ovarian stimulation in IVF clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fluid samples of dominant follicles collected at oocyte retrieval from women in Group 1 (GnRH-a; n = 20) and Group 2 (GnRH-ant; n = 16) were used for simultaneous quantitative assays of 48 cytokines. Perifollicular vascularity was assessed by Doppler hemodynamics to assess the ovarian vascular response in all participants in Groups 1 and 2. RESULTS: Despite demographic and reproductive parameters studied remained comparable, higher follicular fluid concentration of interleukins, IL-3 (P < 0.01), IL12p70 (P < 0.05) and vascular endothelial growth factor (P < 0.01), P4 (P < 0.05) and pulsatility index (P < 0.04) along with a lower number of oocytes in metaphase II stage (P < 0.03) was observed in Group 2 compared with Group 1. GnRH-a protocol appeared to be superior to GnRH-ant protocol for ovarian stimulation in normoresponder women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The energy level of Mn4+ in LaAlO3 is calculated using the exchange charge model of crystal field theory. [•] The calculated energy levels match the experimental optical data. [•] A comparative study pertaining to variations in crystal field splitting and Racah parameter (B) is presented. [•] A dimensionless parameter is introduced to quantify the nephelauxetic effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electronic energy levels of the six-coordinated Cr4+, Cr3+, and Mn4+ ions in the pyrochlore, Y2Sn2O7, were calculated using the exchange charge model of crystal field theory. For these transition metal ions, the calculated energy levels and their trigonal splitting are in good agreement with experimental data. The calculations of the crystal field parameters show that the increased crystal field strength is related to the increased values of the moments of the 3d electron density in the sequence Mn4+ →Cr4+ →Cr3+. The nephelauxetic effect (degree of covalency) in Y2Sn2O7 was deduced by comparing the energies of the first spin-forbidden transitions of the free Cr4+, Cr3+, and Mn4+ ions with the experimentally determined values and with the estimation of the Racah parameter ratio in the crystal and in the free state. It was observed that the covalency increases in the sequence Mn4+ →Cr4+ →Cr3+, which is not easy to understand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper offers a study that compares the nature of Pr3+ luminescence in crystalline and glass modifications of LaB3O6, LiLaP4O12 and SrB4O7. In the crystalline derivative of these materials, the crystal-field split Pr3+ 4f15d1 state is higher in energy than the 1S0 state. The resulting energy level structure permits the observation of the Pr3+ 1S0 → 1I6 emission transition and the production of two photons for every absorbed UV photon, a process which is referred to as Photon Cascade Emission. In the corresponding glass derivatives, the Pr3+ 4f15d1 lies below the 1S0 state with the consequence that the emission is dominated by the interconfigurational (broad-band) Pr3+ 4f15d1 →4f2 transition. The reason for this is traced to increased strength of the crystalline field at the Pr3+ site in the glass phase. The increased crystal-field strength is traceable to decreased local coordination number and to shorter Pr3+–O2− bond distances. In this paper we also analyze the results of the Pr3+ ion luminescence in fluoride, oxyfluoride, borate and phosphate glasses. With the exception of one pure fluoride glass (ZBLAN), the Pr3+ luminescence in all these glasses is dominated by the interconfigurational Pr3+ 4f15d1 →4f2 emission transition. It is pointed out that under broad-band excitation, emission from the Pr3+ 1S0 state has yet to be observed in an oxide based glass (phosphates and borates). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

□ Nutrient deficiency in maize (Zea maysL.) was assessed through critical value methods (CVM) and the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) to compare mean yield, foliar nutrient status, and variance of nutrients in low-and high-yielding groups. A two year (2001 and 2002) field experiment was set in Benin. Based on DRIS, the most limiting nutrients in 2001 were phosphorus (P) followed by sulfur (S), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn), whereas in 2002, it was manganese (Mn), followed by Zn and magnesium (Mg). However, based on the CVM, nitrogen (N) and S were deficient in both years. Calcium (Ca) was deficient in 2002 and adequate in 2001. Leaf P and K concentrations were adequate in 2002 both in high and low yielding populations based on DRIS and CVM. Standard nutrient levels and DRIS norms established for maize can be used to evaluate crop nutritional status and correct nutritional imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We developed an artificial neural network and nomogram using readily available clinical features to model the chance of identifying sperm with microdissection testicular sperm extraction by readily available preoperative clinical parameters for men with nonobstructive azoospermia. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 1,026 men who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Patient age, follicle-stimulating hormone level, testicular volume, history of cryptorchidism, Klinefelter syndrome and presence of varicocele were included in the models. For the artificial neural network the data set was divided randomly into a training set (75%) and a test set (25%) with n1/n2 cross validation used to evaluate model accuracy, and then modeled with a neural computational system. In addition, a nomogram with calibration plots was developed to predict sperm retrieval with microdissection testicular sperm extraction. We compared these models to logistic regression. Results: The ROC area for the neural computational system in the test set was 0.641. The neural network correctly predicted the outcome in 152 of the 256 test set patients (59.4%). The nomogram AUC was 0.59 and adequately calibrated. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated patient age, history of Klinefelter syndrome and cryptorchidism to be significant predictors of sperm retrieval (p <0.05). However, follicle-stimulating hormone and testicular volume were not significant by internal validation. Conclusions: We modeled a combination of well described preoperative clinical parameters to predict sperm retrieval using a neural computational system and nomogram with acceptable predictive values. The generalizability of these findings requires external validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston's method of prediction in a western UP population and to develop a new prediction method for this specific population if necessary. Materials and Methods: 150 western UP school children (87 males and 63 females) with a mean age of 15.5 years were randomly selected. The mesio-distal crown diameters of the permanent canine and premolars were measured and comparisons were done between the actual tooth sizes and the values predicted by the Tanaka and Johnston method. Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was found in the tooth sizes. There were significant differences between the actual measurements and the predicted measurements derived by the Tanaka and Johnston prediction method. New linear regression equations were derived for both the genders for tooth size prediction in western UP population. Conclusion: There are limitations in the application of the Tanaka and Johnston's prediction method to a western UP population. A gender discrepancy is seen between the males and the females. New regression equations were formulated for both the males and the females separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undisturbed habitats of natural vegetation near agricultural areas protect and enhance specific natural enemies and provide them with resources such as nectar, pollen, physical refuge, alternative prey, alternative hosts and mating sites. In order to reduce the pesticide-induced mortality of natural enemies and to improve natural enemy fitness and effectiveness, one such area (termed an ‘entomophage park’) was established at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, at Chatha, India in 2007. Naturally occurring plants, weeds, cultivated crops and flowers were monitored regularly for natural enemies. Seven sampling methods were employed to compare the abundance of natural enemies in the entomophage park and adjoining crop fields. Both entomophage diversity and abundance in the park were much higher than in the adjacent agricultural fields of vegetables and cereals. A total of 61 species of natural enemies were recovered from the entomophage park, as compared to 22 and 20 species in cereal and vegetable fields, respectively. The abundance of parasitoids (ichneumonids, braconids, scelionids and chalcidoids) was significantly higher in the park as compared to surveyed agricultural fields, as was egg parasitism by scelionids (Telenomusspp.) and trichogrammatids, and parasitisation by the larval parasitoidCampoletis chlorideaeonHelicoverpa armigera. The entomophage park also significantly enhanced the fecundity and survival of the ichneumonidC. chlorideae, when compared to individuals collected from vegetable and cereal fields. Seventeen species of plants were recorded as ‘insectary plants' (one providing substantial floral resources) in the entomophage park. Such parks may play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of natural enemies and enhancing natural pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the formulation of optimum multi-objective ramp-stress accelerated life test (ALT) plans with stress upper bounds for the Burr type-XII distribution under type-I censoring. It is impractical to estimate only one objective parameter after conducting such costly ALT tests. Therefore, an optimum ramp-stress ALT plan with multiple estimating objectives has been designed. The Burr type-XII life distribution has been found appropriate in accelerated life testing models. The commonly used Weibull and exponential distributions are its limiting cases, and the log-logistic distribution is its particular case. The inverse power law, and a cumulative exposure model are assumed. The optimal test plan consists of determining the ramp rate by minimizing the weighted sum of the asymptotic variances of the maximum likelihood estimator of quantile lifetimes at design constant stress. The method developed has been illustrated using an example, and the effects of the pre estimates of design parameters were investigated. Comparative study has also been done to highlight the merits of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concerns over land use/land cover (LULC) change have emerged on the global stage due to the realisation that changes occurring on the land surface also influence climate, ecosystem and its services. As a result, the importance of accurate mapping of LULC and its changes over time is on the increase. Landsat satellite is a major data source for regional to global LULC analysis. The main objective of this study focuses on the comparison of three classification tools for Landsat images, which are maximum likelihood classification (MLC), support vector machine and artificial neural network (ANN), in order to select the best method among them. The classifiers algorithms are well optimized for the gamma, penalty, degree of polynomial in case of SVM, while for ANN minimum output activation threshold and RMSE are taken into account. The overall analysis shows that the ANN is superior to the kernel based SVM (linear, radial based, sigmoid and polynomial) and MLC. The best tool (ANN) is then applied on detecting the LULC change over part of Walnut Creek, Iowa. The change analysis of the multi temporal images indicates an increase in urban areas and a major shift in the agricultural practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We consider two hypothesis testing problems with independent observations on a single -vector, when , and the observations on the random -vector are independently and identically distributed as multivariate normal with mean vector and covariance matrix , both unknown. In the first problem, the -vector is partitioned into two sub-vectors of dimensions and , respectively, and we propose two tests for the independence of the two sub-vectors that are valid as . The asymptotic distribution of the test statistics under the hypothesis of independence is shown to be standard normal, and the power examined by simulations. The proposed tests perform better than the likelihood ratio test, although the latter can only be used when is smaller than . The second problem addressed is that of testing the hypothesis that the covariance matrix is of the intraclass correlation structure. A statistic for testing this is proposed, and assessed via simulations; again the proposed test statistic compares favorably with the likelihood ratio test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: With the global expansion of technology, our reading platform has shifted from traditional text to hypertext, yet little consideration has been given to how this shift might help or hinder students' reading comprehension. The purpose of this study was to compare reading comprehension of computer-based and paper-based texts in adolescents with and without language-learning disabilities (LLD). Method: Fourteen adolescents with LLD and 25 adolescents with typical language development (TLD) read literary texts in computer-based and paper-based formats and then answered reading comprehension questions. Results: The LLD group scored significantly lower than the TLD group on the reading comprehension measure, but there were no significant between-group differences for reading or answering time. In addition, there were no significant within-group differences for the computer-based or paper-based conditions. Predictors for reading comprehension varied by group and condition. Conclusion: Neither group appeared to be affected by the additional cognitive load imposed by hypertext in the computer-based condition; however, the load between conditions may not have been sufficient to differentially impact reading comprehension. Based on the regression analyses, it appears that working memory, oral language, and decoding differed in their contribution to reading comprehension for each group and condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that flow anisotropies in relativistic heavy-ion collisions can be analyzed using a certain technique of shape analysis of excursion sets recently proposed by us for CMBR fluctuations to investigate anisotropic expansion history of the universe. The technique analyzes shapes (sizes) of patches above (below) certain threshold value for transverse energy/particle number (the excursion sets) as a function of the azimuthal angle and rapidity. Modeling flow by imparting extra anisotropic momentum to the momentum distribution of particles from HIJING, we compare the resulting distributions for excursion sets at two different azimuthal angles. Angles with maximum difference in the two distributions identify the event plane, and the magnitude of difference in the two distributions relates to the magnitude of momentum anisotropy, i.e. elliptic flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure mesoporous nanosized ZnO samples have been synthesizedbycombustion synthesis method using different type of fuels such ascitric acid, dextrose, glycine, oxalyl dihydrazide, oxalic acid, andurea. All these samples were found to have the standard hexagonalwurtzite structure with the lattice constants aand chaving values 3.25 Å and 5.21 Å, respectively.The diffuse reflectance spectra of the prepared samples have shownthe maximum absorption of light in the UV region stating that thesecatalysts can be used as photocatalysts. The BET surface area measurementsof the prepared catalysts were found to vary according to the equivalenceratio. The presence of pronounced hysteresis in N2adsorption–desorptionisotherm curves indicated the three-dimensional network arrangementof pores in the ZnO samples prepared using dextrose and urea as fuels.The photodegradation ability of the various synthesized photocatalystswas tested for the photodegradation of an azo dye, namely, orangeG dye solution. ZnO photocatalyst prepared using oxalic acid as fuelshowed the highest decolorization and degradation ability under UVlight irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Software measurement is a software engineering discipline which deals in quantifying the characteristics of a software product or software process. The measurement of the characteristics of software refers to the comparative study of the same and hence the quality of the software comes into picture. There are software quality models made for quantifying various quality parameters such as Boehm''s Model, McCall''s Model, and ISO/IEC 9126 Model etc but none of these give quantification of quality parameters. Hence this paper proposes a methodology for comparing different software solutions based on the SRS to a common problem. Software quality is highly unpredictable, it is the existence of desirable characteristics in a solution, while the desired attributes differ with different view point and are highly interdependent. Therefore Choquet Integral is used to efficiently compare the set of solutions to be implemented for software. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Potential energy curve for the state of has been computed at the full CI/cc-pVXZ (X = D − Q) level. An analytic function is fitted to the resulting potential energy curve and is then used to calculate the vibrational bound states of and compared with those for H2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic study of the excitation spectrum of TbX3 (X=Cl−, Br−, I−) is presented in this work. In general, the excitation spectra of TbX3 can be divided into three major regions: (1) the short-wave host lattice absorption region, (2) the intermediate absorption region where the Tb3+ 4f8 →4f75d1 interconfigurational excitation transition are located, and (3) the long-wave excitation region where the Tb3+ 4f8 →4f8 intraconfigurational excitation transition are located. The high spin and the low spin components of the Tb3+ interconfigurational excitation transition are clearly identified in the case of TbCl3. The luminescence of TbX3 (X=Cl−, Br−, I−) is dominated by emission transitions emanating from the Tb3+ 5D4 state. A comparative study of the optical properties of TbX3 (X=Cl−, Br−, I−) with the properties of the Tb3+ ion in several halide host lattices is presented. Further, a comparative study of the fundamental host lattice optical transitions in terbium halides and other halide materials is also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Suicide is a major public health problem. Suicide can be prevented by understanding the disorder. Attitude plays a significant role in doing so. Aim: To assess the attitudes of mental health professionals and non-mental health professionals towards an act of suicide and to compare the two groups regarding their attitudes. Materials and Methods: A semistructured questionnaire having yes/no type questions was administered to 30 mental health and 30 nonmental health professionals. A blind analysis of the data was done. Statistical Analysis: Comparative analysis using mean and standard deviation and analysis of variance was performed to rate significance in differences of responses to questions that rate attitudes. Results: The results show a significant positive attitude of mental health professionals toward dealing with the patients who attempted suicide. Discussion: Considering the magnitude of the problem, simple training and education of nonmental health professionals can change their attitude toward patients who attempt suicide, which in turn leads to an optimal management. Conclusion: The study shows that the mental health professionals are much more positive in their approach towards a patient of parasuicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yrast levels of Ni, Cu and Zn isotopes for 40 ≤ N ≤ 50 have been described by state-of-the-art shell model calculations with three recently available interactions using 56Ni as a core in the f5/2pg9/2 model space. The results are unsatisfactory viz. large E(2+) for very neutron-rich nuclei, small B(E2) values in comparison to experimental values. These results indicate an importance of inclusion of πf7/2 and νd5/2 orbitals in the model space to reproduce collectivity in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the structural significance of the linkage region of N-glycoproteins, three title sugar amides have been prepared as analogs and their molecular assembly and crystal structures have been solved to explore the effect of acetyl protection and aglycon variation on the conformation, particularly of the N-glycosidic linkage. Comparative analysis of these structures with those of free sugar amides reported earlier showed that conformation of the amido aglycon moiety is not altered significantly by the masking of hydroxyl groups in the form of acetate. The bifurcated antiparallel pattern involving N‒H…O and C‒H…O hydrogen bonds, a hallmark of the N-glycoprotein models GlcNAcβNHAc and GlcNAcβAsn, is absent in all of the fully protected title alkanamides. The asymmetric unit of the tri-O-acetylated GlcNAcβNHAc contains two different conformations, in one of which the double-pillared hydrogen bond network involving C1 and C2 acetamido groups is antiparallel, while it is parallel in the other. The co-occurrence of a molecular assembly motif—a double-pillared parallel and antiparallel hydrogen bonding pattern—is hitherto unknown in the crystal structures of N-glycoprotein linkage region models and analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background/aims: The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is accelerated in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to ascertain if the urinary excretion of proteins modified by advanced glycation can be used as biomarkers for albuminuria in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.Methods: Community-based patients with type 1 (n = 68) or type 2 diabetes (n = 216) attending a diabetes clinic of a tertiary referral hospital were classified as having normoalbuminuria (Normo, albumin excretion rate (AER) <20 μg/min), microalbuminuria (Micro, AER 20-200 μg/min) or macroalbuminuria (Macro, AER ≥200 μg/min). Serum and urine AGE-modified proteins were measured.Results: In patients with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, there was a clear association between the degree of albuminuria and urinary AGE-modified proteins (p < 0.0001). Exclusive to patients with type 1 diabetes, urinary excretion of the AGE carboxymethyllysine correlated with AER, whereas patients with type 2 diabetes and macroalbuminuria had an increase in urinary methylglyoxal, an AGE intermediate. These changes were independent of isotopic glomerular filtration rate levels. Serum concentrations of AGEs or soluble receptor for AGEs were not consistently associated with albuminuria in either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.Conclusions: Urinary excretion of proteins modified by AGEs may be useful biomarkers of albuminuria in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, warranting prospective investigation in larger diabetic cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electronic energy levels of the six-coordinated Mn4+ ion in the pyrochlores Y2B2O7 (B =Sn4+, Ti4+) have been computed using the exchange charge model of crystal field theory. The calculated Mn4+ energy levels and their trigonal splitting are in good agreement with the experimental spectra. The calculated crystal field parameters show that the higher crystal field strength in Y2Sn2O7 arises from an increased orbital overlap effect between the Mn4+ ion and the nearest oxygen ions, which are located at the 48f crystallographic position of the pyrochlore lattice. This increased overlap in Y2Sn2O7 occurs despite the fact that the Mn4+–O2− bond distance in Y2Sn2O7 is longer than in Y2Ti2O7 and is attributed to a lack of hybridization (covalent bonding) between the filled 2p orbital of oxygen ion occupying the 48f site of the pyrochlore lattice and the filled Sn4+ 4d 10 orbital. The low temperature emission spectrum of Mn4+ activated Y2Sn2O7 is analyzed in terms of a weak zero phonon line (R-line) with accompanying vibrational side bands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Gastric carcinogenesis has been well documented in the step-wise histopathological model, known as Correa pathway. Several biomarkers including CD44, Musashi-1 and CD133 have been reported as putative stem cell (PSC) markers.Methods: We investigated expression of PSC markers CD44, Musashi-1 and CD133 in relation to gastric carcinogenesis and prognosis and chemoresponse. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed in gastric cancer (GC) clinical specimens representing different steps of the Correa pathway. Gastric cancer samples taken before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and capecitabine (DCX) were also evaluated for PSC marker expression.Results: We showed that the expression of three PSC markers was significantly elevated in GC relative to normal gastric mucosa (P<0.001 for each marker). Precancerous lesions, including intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, demonstrated increased expression of CD44 and Musashi-1. CD133 was predominantly expressed along the border between intramucosal carcinoma and connective tissue at later stages. High CD44 and CD133 expression showed prognostic value for worse patient survival (P=0.014 and P=0.019, respectively). A small number of tumours with high expression of CD44 and CD133 showed pathological response to DCX-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Conclusion: CD44 and Musashi-1 are frequently expressed in both premalignant gastric lesions and invasive GC, whereas CD133 expression is restricted mainly to neoplastic tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various methods of Kearns “f” parameter evaluation were compared for their consistency and dependency on measurement cross section of the sample and variation in the microstructure across different cross sections. The study showed that, EBSD (Electron Back Scattered Diffraction) method is more consistent in comparison to X-ray based techniques for the “f” parameter determination especially in case of recrystallized microstructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was undertaken to determine and compare the efficacy of manual and powered toothbrushes under supervised and unsupervised conditions in 200 school-going children between 6 and 13 years of age. Two hundred schoolgoing children aged between 6 and 13 years were selected. Children were randomly divided into two groups of 100 in each. Group 1 children were given manual brushes, while group 2 children were given powered brushes. The groups were further divided into two subgroups, with supervised brushing in subgroup A and unsupervised brushing in subgroup B. At 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks, plaque was recorded according to Turseky-Gilmore-Glickman modification of Quingley Hein index and oral hygiene performance index. Data were statistically analyzed. Both brushes significantly reduced the plaque accumulation, though to different degrees. Powered brushes showed significant plaque reduction as compared to the manual brushes. Supervised group of both brushes showed a greater plaque reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale iron particles are increasingly attracting interest as efficient sorbents for various types of pollutants from aqueous solutions and effluents. In the present study, nanoparticles were prepared by a coprecipitation method and then characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transformation IR spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The diameters of the nanoparticles were in the range (10 to 15) nm. The adsorption of Ni(II) and Cr(VI) from diluted aqueous solutions onto Fe3O4nanoparticles was investigated. The parameters studied include contact time and concentration of the metal ions. Iron nanoparticles demonstrated very rapid uptake of these metal ions. The adsorption was found to be highly dependent on solution pH. Cr(VI) removal was found to be greater in the acidic range while Ni(II) removal was greater in the basic range of solutions. Increasing the temperature increased the removal of both metal ions, indicating the endothermic nature of the system. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm constants were determined and revealed that magnetic nanoparticles can serve as efficient adsorbents for the removal of Ni(II) and Cr(VI). These data can be used in the design of a treatment plant on an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study describes the antileishmanial efficacy of the novel drug formulation of amphotericin B (AmB) attached to functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) and compares it with AmB. Methods f-CNTs were prepared in a two-step chemical carboxylation and amidation process. The AmB was then attached to make f-CNT–AmB and its construction was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cytotoxicity of the constructed compound, f-CNT–AmB, was assessed in vitro using the J774A.1 macrophage cell line and in vivo using healthy BALB/c mice. Antileishmanial activity of AmB and f-CNT–AmB was assessed in vitro using a macrophage (J774A.1 cell line) model of Leishmania donovani infection. Antileishmanial activity was assessed in vivo by comparing the parasite load of hamsters treated with a 5 day course of AmB, f-CNTs or f-CNT–AmB initiated at 30 days after infection with L. donovani parasites. Results The FTIR spectroscopy and TEM data demonstrate the successful attachment of AmB to f-CNTs. The in vitro cytotoxicity of AmB, f-CNTs and f-CNT–AmB was measured by the cytotoxic concentration required to kill 50% of the cells: 0.48 ± 0.06 μg/mL; 7.31 ± 1.16 μg/mL; 0.66 ± 0.17 μg/mL, respectively, in the J774A.1 cell line. The in vivo toxicity assessment of the compounds in BALB/c mice revealed no hepatic or renal toxicity. Against intracellular amastigotes the in vitro antileishmanial efficacy of f-CNT–AmB was significantly higher than that of AmB (IC50 0.00234 ± 0.00075 μg/mL versus 0.03263 ± 0.00123 μg/mL; P ≤ 0.0001). The percentage inhibition of amastigote replication in hamsters treated with f-CNT–AmB was significantly more than that with AmB (89.85% ± 2.93% versus 68.97% ± 1.84%; P = 0.0004). Conclusions The results of these experiments clearly demonstrate that f-CNT–AmB has significantly greater antileishmanial efficacy than AmB and had no significant cytotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Some treatment planning systems (TPSs), when used for large-field (>14 cm) intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), create split fields that produce excessive multiple-leaf collimator segments, match-line dose inhomogeneity, and higher treatment times than nonsplit fields. A new method using a fixed-jaw technique (FJT) forces the jaw to stay at a fixed position during optimization and is proposed to reduce problems associated with split fields. Dosimetric comparisons between split-field technique (SFT) and FJT used for IMRT treatment is presented. Five patients with head and neck malignancies and regional target volumes were studied and compared with both techniques. Treatment planning was performed on an Eclipse TPS using beam data generated for Varian 2100C linear accelerator. A standard beam arrangement consisting of nine coplanar fields, equally spaced, was used in both techniques. Institutional dose-volume constraints used in head and neck cancer were kept the same for both techniques. The dosimetric coverage for the target volumes between SFT and FJT for head and neck IMRT plan is identical within ±1% up to 90% dose. Similarly, the organs at risk (OARs) have dose-volume coverage nearly identical for all patients. When the total monitor unit (MU) and segments were analyzed, SFT produces statistically significant higher segments (17.3 ± 6.3%) and higher MU (13.7 ± 4.4%) than the FJT. There is no match line in FJT and hence dose uniformity in the target volume is superior to the SFT. Dosimetrically, SFT and FJT are similar for dose-volume coverage; however, the FJT method provides better logistics, lower MU, shorter treatment time, and better dose uniformity. The number of segments and MU also has been correlated with the whole body radiation dose with long-term complications. Thus, FJT should be the preferred option over SFT for large target volumes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multi-stage Interconnection Networks (MINs) are designed to achieve fault-tolerance and collision solving by providing a set of disjoint paths. Ching-Wen Chen and Chung-Ping Chung had proposed a fault-tolerant network called Combining Switches Multi-stage Interconnection Network (CSMIN) and an inaccurate algorithm that provided two correct disjoint paths only for some source-destination pairs. This paper provides a more comprehensive and accurate algorithm that always generate correct routing-tags for two disjoint paths for every source-destination pair in the CSMIN. The 1-fault tolerant CSMIN causes the two disjoint paths to have regular distances at each stage. Moreover, our algorithm backtracks a packet to the previous stage and takes the other disjoint path in the event of a fault or a collision in the network. Furthermore, to eliminate the backtracking penalties of CSMIN, we propose a new design called Fault-tolerant Fully-Chained Combining Switches Multi-stage Interconnection Network (FCSMIN). It has similar characteristics of 1-fault tolerance and two disjoint paths between any source-destination pair, but it can tolerate only one link or switch fault at each stage without backtracking. Our simulation and comparative analysis result shows that FCSMIN has added advantages of destination-tag routing, lower hardware costs, strong reroutability, lower preprocessing overhead, and higher fault-tolerance power in comparison to CSMIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electronic energy levels of the six-fold coordinated Cr4+ ion in the pyrochlores Y2 B 2O7 (B=Sn4+, Ti4+), have been computed using the exchange charge model of crystal field theory. The calculated Cr4+ energy levels and their trigonal splitting are in good agreement with experimental spectra. Calculations of the crystal field parameters show that the higher crystal field strength in Y2Sn2O7 (in comparison with Y2Ti2O7) arises from increased orbital overlap effects between the Cr4+ ion and the nearest oxygen ions, which are located at the 48f crystallographic position of the pyrochlore lattice. The increased overlap in Y2Sn2O7 occurs despite the fact that the Cr4+–O2– bond distance in Y2Sn2O7 is longer than in Y2Ti2O7. This is attributed to a lack of hybridization (covalent bonding) between the filled 2p orbital of oxygen ion occupying the 48f site of the pyrochlore lattice and the filled Sn4+ 4d10 orbital. As a result, a stronger crystal field is experienced by Cr4+ ions in Y2Sn2O7, even if the Cr4+–O2− distances are greater in this case, when compared to those in Y2Ti2O7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four microbial species (Kocuria rhizophila, Microbacterium resistens, Staphylococcus equorum and Staphylococcus cohnii subspecies urealyticus) were isolated from the rhizospheric zone of selected plants growing in a lindane contaminated environment and acclimatized in lindane spiked media (5–100μgmL−1). The isolated species were inoculated with soil containing 5, 50 and 100mgkg−1 of lindane and incubated at room temperature. Soil samples were collected periodically to evaluate the microbial dissipation kinetics, dissipation rate, residual lindane concentration and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). There was a marked difference (p <0.05) in the MBC content and lindane dissipation rate of microbial isolates cultured in three different lindane concentrations. Further, the dissipation rate tended to decrease with increasing lindane concentrations. After 45d, the residual lindane concentrations in three different spiked soils were reduced to 0%, 41% and 33%, respectively. Among the four species, S. cohnii subspecies urealyticus exhibited maximum dissipation (41.65mgkg−1) and can be exploited for the in situ remediation of low to medium level lindane contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nature of chemical bonding that is responsible for the disparity between the optical properties of the impurity ions in the pyrochlores, Y2Sn2O7 and Y2Ti2O7 has been quantified by computing in the density functional theory framework the structural, physical electronic and optical properties of the host lattices. The partial density of states calculations and the estimation of the Mulliken charges indicate the significant different behavior of the oxygen ions in the two different crystallographic positions (48f and 8b) of the pyrochlore lattice. The hybridization between the filled 2p orbital of oxygen ion on the 48f site () and the empty 3d0 orbital of Ti4+ results in an anomalously lower charge on in Y2Ti2O7 when compared with that in Y2Sn2O7 with filled Sn4+ 4d10 orbital. This covalent mixing is chiefly responsible for the disparity between the optical properties of the impurity ions in Y2Sn2O7 and Y2Ti2O7. Additional information on the nature of chemical bonding is provided by calculating the influence of external hydrostatic pressure on the interatomic distances and the elastic properties of the pyrochlores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponges are an ancient group of animals that diverged from other metazoans over 600 million years ago. Here we present the draft genome sequence of Amphimedon queenslandica, a demosponge from the Great Barrier Reef, and show that it is remarkably similar to other animal genomes in content, structure and organization. Comparative analysis enabled by the sequencing of the sponge genome reveals genomic events linked to the origin and early evolution of animals, including the appearance, expansion and diversification of pan-metazoan transcription factor, signalling pathway and structural genes. This diverse ‘toolkit’ of genes correlates with critical aspects of all metazoan body plans, and comprises cell cycle control and growth, development, somatic- and germ-cell specification, cell adhesion, innate immunity and allorecognition. Notably, many of the genes associated with the emergence of animals are also implicated in cancer, which arises from defects in basic processes associated with metazoan multicellularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inguinal hernia repair under local anaesthesia though cost effective as well as safe, but due to apprehension of intra operative pain, hinders its wide spread use. Probably ilioinguinal block along with local infiltrations and continuous intravenous ketorolac administration (augmented LA) can improve intra operative analgesia. Methods: We performed a randomized study in 100 patients undergoing inguinal hernia mesh repair, divided into two equal groups of augmented local anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia. Intra-operative pain and post operative complications were compared between these groups. Results: Operative analgesia was equally satisfactory in both groups. Early ambulation and post operative analgesia were better as well as complications like nausea, vomiting, headache and urinary retention were not encountered in the augmented LA group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the use of augmented LA results in increased day-care surgery rates, lower postoperative analgesic requirements and fewer urinary problems. The excellent results can be anticipated if it can be practiced routinely by district general hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the partial differential equation (PDE) based homomorphic filtering technique is proposed for speckle reduction from digitally reconstructed holographic images based on the concepts of complex diffusion processes. For digital implementations, the proposed scheme was discretized using finite differences scheme. Further, the performance of the proposed PDE-based technique is compared with other speckle reduction techniques such as homomorphic anisotropic diffusion filter based on extended concept of Perona and Malik (1990) , homomorphic Weiner filter, Lee filter, Frost filter, Kuan filter, speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion (SRAD) filter and hybrid filter in the context of digital holography. For the comparison of various speckle reduction techniques, the performance is evaluated quantitatively in terms of all possible parameters that justify the applicability of a scheme for a specific application. The chosen parameters are mean-square-error (MSE), normalized mean-square-error (NMSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), speckle index, average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), effective number of looks (ENL), correlation parameter (CP), mean structure similarity index map (MSSIM) and execution time in seconds. For experimentation and computer simulation MATLAB 7.0 has been used and the performance is evaluated and tested for various sample holographic images for varying amount of speckle variance. The results obtained justify the applicability of proposed schemes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of three surgical techniques for the closure of urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) after hypospadias repair.Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients (mean age 6.5 years) who underwent UCF closure between June 1998 and February 2008 were divided in to three groups depending on fistula size; group I had <2 mm and (n = 17, 33.4%), group II had 2-4 mm (n = 21, 41.2%) and group III had >4 mm or multiple fistulas (n = 13, 25.4%). Group I patients were treated by excision and simple closure. Patients in group II and III were treated with flip flap technique along with the wrapping of repaired area with scrotal dartos flap and tunneled tunica vaginalis flap (TVF), respectively.Results: Mean surgical time was 45 min (range 30-55), 60 min (range 50-75) and 80 min (range 60-100) in three techniques, respectively. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 6 months-10 years). No patient had recurrence of fistula in group III, while 2 (9.5%) and 4 (25.4%) patients in groups II and I, respectively, had recurrent UCF. No postoperative complications were encountered in the testis or the scrotum. No patient had torsion or deviation of penis.Conclusion: Simple fistula closure carries a higher risk of recurrence even in small sized fistulas. The application of scrotal dartos or TVF for wrapping the repaired area gives excellent results and they are easy to harvest with no harmful effects on the scrotum or testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The broad bands in the room-temperature excitation spectra of Sm3+-, Dy3+- and Tm3+-activated Ca-α-SiAlON phosphors are interpreted as the N3−-to-rare earth charge transfer transition (CTT). From the energies of the charge transfer transitions and from the optical data presented for the Eu2+ ion, the location of the divalent rare earth ion energy levels relative to the valence and the conduction band of Ca-α-SiAlON is derived. The salient features of the energy-level diagram are shown to be practical in explaining the temperature-dependent variations of the Eu2+ and Yb2+ luminescence efficiency in Ca-α-SiAlON. A comparative study pertaining to the nature of the Yb2+ and Eu2+ ion luminescence in Ca-α-SiAlON and in SrSi2O2N2 is presented. A tentative energy-level diagram of the trivalent rare earth ions in Ca-α-SiAlON is also constructed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Natural killer (NK)-cell malignancies are among the most aggressive lymphoid neoplasms with very poor prognosis. We performed array comparative genomic hybridization analysis on a number of NK cell lines and primary tumors to gain better understanding of the pathogenesis and tumor biology of these malignancies. We also obtained transcriptional profiles of genes residing in these regions and compared them with normal and activated NK cells. Only 30-50% of the genes residing in the gained or deleted regions showed corresponding increased or decreased expression. However, many of the upregulated genes in regions of gain are functionally important for the proliferation and growth of the neoplastic population. Genes downregulated in regions of loss included many transcription factors or repressors, tumor suppressors or negative regulators of the cell cycle. The minimal common region of deletion in 6q21 included three known genes (PRDM1, ATG5 and AIM1) showing generally low expression. Mutations resulting in truncated PRDM1 and changes in conserved amino-acid sequences of AIM1 were detected. Highly methylated CpG islands 5' of PRDM1 and AIM1 correlated with low expression of the transcripts. Reversal of methylation by Decitabine induced expression of PRDM1 and cell death. In conclusion, we have shown a general tumor-promoting effect of genetic alterations and have identified PRDM1 as the most likely target gene in del6q21. ATG5, an essential gene for autophagy and AIM1, a gene implicated in melanoma, may also participate in the functional abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction of 6-chloro-1-hexynylphosphonate with primary and secondary amines afforded exclusively 2-aminocyclohexenylphosphonates in 62–85% isolated yields. In contrast, reaction of various amines with isobutyl 7-chlorohept-2-ynoate in acetonitrile at 70°C gave (E)-sec-butyl 2-(1-alkylpiperidin-2-ylidene)acetates in 65–78% isolated yields. Calculations offer an explanation for the difference in the behavior of the two compounds classes. It is shown that C–C cyclization in the alkyne-phosphonate group occurs via an initial formation of a zwitterionic intermediate, which is stabilized by both an inductive effect of the phosphonate group and a newly formed hydrogen bond. The alkyne-carboxylate group, on the other hand, proceeds via enamine formation as a result of the smaller inductive effect of the carboxylate combined with involvement of an allene-like resonance form. This resonance form both delocalizes the negative charge in the zwitterionic intermediate making it to be less available for attack, and affects the geometry thus preventing formation of the stabilizing hydrogen bond. Hence, the zwitterionic intermediate of the alkyne-carboxylates is less stable leading to formation of an enamine, which is followed by N–C cyclization to give the azaheterocycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Land surface temperature (LST) is an important factor in global change studies, heat balance and as control for climate change. A comparative study of LST over parts of the Singhbhum Shear Zone in India was undertaken using various emissivity and temperature retrieval algorithms applied on visible and near infrared (VNIR), and thermal infrared (TIR) bands of high resolution Landsat-7 ETM+ imagery. LST results obtained from satellite data of October 26, 2001 and November 2, 2001 through various algorithms were validated with ground measurements collected during satellite overpass. In addition, LST products of MODIS and ASTER were compared with Landsat-7 ETM+ and ground truth data to explore the possibility of using multi-sensor approach in LST monitoring. An image-based dark object subtraction (DOS3) algorithm, which is yet to be tested for LST retrieval, was applied on VNIR bands to obtain atmospheric corrected surface reflectance images. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was estimated from VNIR reflectance image. Various surface emissivity retrieval algorithms based on NDVI and vegetation proportion were applied to ascertain emissivities of the various land cover categories in the study area in the spectral range of 10.4–12.5μm. A minimum emissivity value of about 0.95 was observed over the reflective rock body with a maximum of about 0.99 over dense forest. A strong correlation was established between Landsat ETM+ reflectance band 3 and emissivity. Single channel based algorithms were adopted for surface radiance and brightness temperature. Finally, emissivity correction was applied on ‘brightness temperature’ to obtain LST. Estimated LST values obtained from various algorithms were compared with field ground measurements for different land cover categories. LST values obtained after using Valor’s emissivity and single channel equations were best correlated with ground truth temperature. Minimum LST is observed over dense forest as about 26°C and maximum LST is observed over rock body of about 38°C. The estimated LST showed that rock bodies, bare soils and built-up areas exhibit higher surface temperatures, while water bodies, agricultural croplands and dense vegetations have lower surface temperatures during the daytime. The accuracy of the estimated LST was within ±2°C. LST comparison of ASTER and MODIS with Landsat has a maximum difference of 2°C. Strong correlation was found between LST and spectral radiance of band 6 of Landsat-7 ETM+. Result corroborates the fact that surface temperatures over land use/land cover types are greatly influenced by the amount of vegetation present. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of uterine artery embolization (UAE) versus laparoscopic occlusion of uterine vessels (LOUV) in the management of symptomatic fibroids.Methods: A pilot randomized clinical trial in which 20 patients with symptomatic fibroids were randomly allocated into two groups. Ten women underwent UAE, and 10 women underwent LOUV. Symptomatic improvement in menorrhagia and reduction in the volumes of the uterus and the fibroid were assessed at 3 and 6 months.Results: The patients were comparable with regard to age and parity. At 6 months, there was no significant difference in the mean reduction in menstrual blood loss, uterine volume, and volume of the dominant fibroid between the two groups (P=0.436, P=0.796, P=1.00, respectively). However, higher pain scores were recorded on day 1 in the UAE group compared with the LOUV group (P=0.0002).Conclusions: The effects of UAE and LOUV in the management of symptomatic fibroids are comparable. The main advantage of LOUV is less postoperative pain compared with UAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells; however, at concentrations much above the clinically achievable levels in humans. The concentration of curcumin achieved in the plasma after oral administration in humans was estimated to be around 1.8 microM. Here, we report that treatment of BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells with a low and single exposure of 2.5 microM curcumin for 24 h causes significant arrest of cells in the G2/M phase and induces significant apoptosis. Immunoblot studies revealed increased phosphorylation of H2A.X at Ser-139 and Chk1 at Ser-280 and a decrease in DNA polymerase-beta level in curcumin-treated cells. Phosphorylation of H2A.X and Chk1 proteins are an indicator of DNA damage whereas DNA polymerase-beta plays a role in the repair of DNA strand breaks. Normal immortalised human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE-6) cells remained unaffected by curcumin treatment. In addition, we also observed a significant increase in the phosphorylation of Chk1 at Ser-345, Cdc25C at Ser-216 and a subtle increase in ATM phosphorylation at Ser-1981. Concomitant decrease in the expressions of cyclin B1 and Cdk1 were seen in curcumin-treated cells. Further, curcumin treatment caused significant cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP in BxPC-3 but not in HPDE-6 cells. Silencing ATM/Chk1 expression by transfecting BxPC-3 cells with ATM or Chk1-specific SiRNA blocked the phosphorylation of ATM, Chk1 and Cdc25C and protected the cells from curcumin-mediated G2/M arrest and apoptosis. This study reflects the critical role of ATM/Chk1 in curcumin-mediated G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of nondismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasty and percutaneous endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with low volume renal pelvis. Material and Methods: Retrospective acquired data of 34 patients of laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty was compared with 26 patients of UPJO with pelvic volume less than 50 ml undergoing antegrade endopyelotomy and analyzed for clinical parameters, operative outcomes and success of procedures. All patients were followed up clinically and with diuretic renogram at regular intervals. Results: Mean age, renal pelvic volume and preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 25 years, 43.6 ml and 42.5 ml/ min, respectively in endopyelotomy group and 21 years, 34.4 ml and 39.9 ml/min, respectively in laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. Mean operative time, postoperative analgesic requirement and mean hospital stay was 100min, 250 mg and 4 days, respectively in endopyelotomy group and 210 min, 300 mg and 4 days, respectively in laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. Only operative time was significantly different between two groups ( P < 0.05). Mean follow-up was 36 and 39 months and success rates were 91.2% and 88.8% in laparoscopy and endopyelotomy group, respectively ( P < 0.05). No significant complication was seen in endopyelotomy group while two patients had hematuria (one requiring blood transfusion) and three had increased drain output for more than 3 days in laparoscopy group. Conclusion: Percutaneous endopyelotomy is associated with significantly less operative time and postoperative complication rate and provides equivalent success in comparison to nondismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasty in patients with UPJO and low volume pelvis. It can be a preferred minimally invasive treatment modality for such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MWCNT-WS 2 and MWCNT-SnO 2 were synthesized via eco-facile hydrothermal process. • The nanocomposites were used to immobilize Lens culinaris β -galactosidase. • Storage stability and reusability were superior in MWCNT-WS 2 than MWCNT-SnO 2 NC. • AFM, FE-SEM, CLSM, and FTIR were employed for characterization of nanobiocatalyst. In the present study, Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) decorated with two different nanoparticles namely tungsten disulfide (WS 2) and tin oxide (SnO 2), nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized via hydrothermal method. Spectroscopic studies showed that both synthesized NCs possess nearly same functional groups but MWCNT-SnO 2 NCs are rich in O-functional group. Microscopic studies revealed that both NCs have different morphological microstructure. Lens culinaris β -galactosidase (Lcβ-gal) was immobilized using glutaraldehyde cross-linker resulted in immobilization efficiency of 91.5% and 88% with MWCNT-WS 2 and MWCNT-SnO 2 NCs, respectively. Remarkable increase in rate of hydrolysis of whey lactose has been observed with both NCs i.e. Lcβ-gal immobilized MWCNT-WS 2 hydrolyzes the 97% whey lactose in 1.5 h while MWCNT-SnO 2 showed maximum 92% of whey hydrolysis in 2 h at optimum conditions. Both nanobiocatalyst could serve as a promising candidates for dairy industries and would offer a potential platform for enzyme based biosensor fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic activity of a novel catalyst [HFN + HT] containing a rhodium complex, HRh(CO)(PPh 3) 3[HFN], and a solid base, hydrotalcite Mg 1- xAl x(OH 2) x+ (CO 32−) x/ n· mH 2O [HT], was evaluated for carrying out hydroformylation, aldol condensation, and hydrogenation in a single pot for the synthesis of C 8-aldehydes, 2-ethylhexenal and 2-ethylhexanal, from propylene. In typical catalytic experiments conducted in a high-pressure reactor of 100 mL capacity, the selectivity for the formation of 2-ethylhexanal (54%) was found to be four times more than that of 2-ethylhexenal (13%) at 150 °C with employed partial pressures of propylene, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen at 10, 5, and 15 bar, respectively. Detailed investigations were performed on the effects of various reaction parameters, Mg/Al molar ratio ( X) of [HT], amount of [HFN] complex, amount of [HT], and reaction temperature, on the formation of C 8-aldehydes from propylene in a single pot. Under the employed reaction conditions, the maximum selectivity for 2-ethylhexanal was observed using hydrotalcite of Mg/Al molar ratio 3.5. Increasing the amounts of both [HFN] complex and [HT] favored the selectivities for the formation of 2-ethylhexanal up to certain amounts, and after that, on further increasing the amounts, the selectivities for the same were decreased. The kinetic profiles for the formation of various products with time and reaction rates were determined. For comparative studies, the kinetic profiles and reaction rates with the commercially employed catalyst, [HFN + KOH], were also determined under identical reaction conditions of [HFN + HT(3.5)], and the selectivity of 2-ethylhexanal was found to be almost identical at 7 h for the both systems. On the basis of experiments and kinetic profiles, reaction pathways are suggested for the formation of C 8-aldehydes from propylene in a single pot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]