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On-chip security is an emerging challenge in the design of embedded systems with intellectual property (IP) cores. Traditionally this challenge is addressed using ad hoc design techniques with separate design objectives of secure design for testability (DfT), and IP core protection. However, in this paper, we will argue that such design approaches can incur high costs. Underpinning this argument, we propose a novel design methodology, called Secure TEst and IP core Protection (STEP), which aims to address the joint objective of IP core protection and secure testing. To ensure that this objective is achieved at a low cost, the STEP design methodology employs common key integrated hardware. This hardware is incorporated in the system through an automated design conversion technique, which can be easily merged into the electronic design automation (EDA) tool chain. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed design methodology considering various implementations of advanced encryption standard (AES) systems as case studies. We show that our proposed design methodology benefits from design automation with high security, and protection at the cost of low area, and power consumption overheads, when compared with traditional design methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In present study, 48 drought tolerant lines along with two susceptible genotypes of upland and lowland rice ecologies were tested at Central Rice Research Institute during dry season of 2011 and 2012, to identify the reproductive stage drought tolerant lines and to exploit the genetic variations. In support of various estimates of morpho-physiological parameters, genotypes Nan Te Hao, Purbachi (Chinese 1), Saita, NSIC Rc 222, Binnatoha, CO18, Ai Jiao Nan Te, Brown Gora, Black Gora (NCS 12), Jhona 349, Kalakeri are adjudged as good donors for reproductive stage drought tolerance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty five genotypes were evaluated across the year, locations and two water regimes under aerobic vs. irrigated conditions from 2011 to 2012. The objectives of this research were to determine the importance of the genotype x environment interaction (G x E) using statistical parameters for yield and other quantitative characters. Joint regression was used to understand the importance of genotypes and their interaction. Genotype, environment and their interactions influenced significantly the phenotypes for all characteristics of genotypes. IR 79906-B-192-2-1 was identified as stable genotypes by Eberhart & Russell model. The IR 78875-131-B-1-4, IR 80312-6-B-2-B, IR 74371-3-1-1, IR 79899-B-179-2-3, IR 55419-04, IR 80021-B-86-3-4, IR 78878-53-2-2-4, IR 78877-181-B-1-2 and WR 3-2-6-1 were recorded lowest aerobic response index (ARI<1) for seed yield over the seasons. Based on the various parameters, the genotypes IR 74371-1-1, IR 80021-B-86-3-4 and IR 78875-131-B-1-4 may be exploited for commercial cultivation under different water regimes. The genotypes B-6144-F-MR-6-0-0 and IR 55423-01 yielded maximum across the location and water regimes, and even produced acceptable yield under aerobic condition and provided scope for further large scale evaluation at farmer's field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we show that the Ino80 chromatin remodeling complex (Ino80C) directly prevents euchromatin from invading transcriptionally silent chromatin within intergenic regions and at the border of euchromatin and heterochromatin. Deletion of Ino80C subunits leads to increased H3K79 methylation and noncoding RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription centered at the Ino80C-binding sites. The effect of Ino80C is direct, as it blocks H3K79 methylation by Dot1 in vitro. Heterochromatin stimulates the binding of Ino80C in vitro and in vivo. Our data reveal that Ino80C serves as a general silencing complex that restricts transcription to gene units in euchromatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drawbacks of common anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), such as the high voltage plateau of Li4Ti5O12 (1.55 V vs. Li/Li+) and the moderate capacity of graphite (372 mAh-g-1), have established a need for better materials. Conversion materials, and in particular iron oxide and CaFe2O4 (CFO), have amassed recent attention as potential anode replacements. In this study, we evaluate the material and electrochemical effects of the solution combustion synthesis (SCS) of porous CFO across novel fuel-to-oxidizer ratios and calcination temperatures. We demonstrate that nearly doubling the amount of fuel used during synthesis increases capacities between 120 and 150% at high current densities (~ 1000 mA-g-1) and across 500 additional charging-discharging cycles, an effect brought on in part by enhanced compositional purity in these samples. However, in order to ensure long-term cyclic stability, it is necessary to also calcine porous CFO to 900 °C to enhance crystallite size, particle size and spacing, and compositional purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypoglycaemic activity of methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis was performed on both in vitro and in vivo models along with determination of total extractable polyphenol. Methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis contains 4.9% and water extract contains 3.2% of total extractable polyphenol. The antioxidant activity showed very promising result in both the tested methods that is 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl and ferric ion reducing capacity. The antioxidant activity is directly correlated to the antidiabetic potential of drug. The two enzymes (amylase and glycosidase) found in intestine are responsible for the increasing postprandial glucose in body. In vitro model was performed on these enzymes and the results showed that methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis was effective to check the postprandial glucose level. The in vivo hypoglycaemic activity of methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis was performed on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus showed significant inhibition of blood glucose level as compared to control and similar to that of standard glibenclamide. The overall data potentiates the traditional value of Scoparia dulcis as an antidiabetic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (MDA-7/IL-24), a secreted protein of the IL-10 family, was first identified more than two decades ago as a novel gene differentially expressed in terminally differentiating human metastatic melanoma cells. MDA-7/IL-24 functions as a potent tumor suppressor exerting a diverse array of functions including the inhibition of tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and induction of potent "bystander" antitumor activity and synergy with conventional cancer therapeutics. MDA-7/IL-24 induces cancer-specific cell death through apoptosis or toxic autophagy, which was initially established in vitro and in preclinical animal models in vivo and later in a Phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced cancers. This review summarizes the history and our current understanding of the molecular/biological mechanisms of MDA-7/IL-24 action rendering it a potent cancer suppressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman scattering and ab initio Raman/phonon calculations, supported by X-ray diffraction, are combined to study the vibrational properties of Zn1−xBexTe under pressure. The dependence of the Be–Te (distinct) and Zn–Te (compact) Raman doublets that distinguish between Be- and Zn-like environments is examined within the percolation model with special attention to x ~ (0,1). The Be-like environment hardens faster than the Zn-like one under pressure, resulting in the two sub-modes per doublet getting closer and mechanically coupled. When a bond is so dominant that it forms a matrix-like continuum, its two submodes freely couple on crossing at the resonance, with an effective transfer of oscillator strength. Post resonance the two submodes stabilize into an inverted doublet shifted in block under pressure. When a bond achieves lower content and merely self-connects via (finite/infinite) treelike chains, the coupling is undermined by overdamping of the in-chain stretching until a «phonon exceptional point» is reached at the resonance. Only the out-of-chain vibrations «survive» the resonance, the in-chain ones are «killed». This picture is not bond-related, and hence presumably generic to mixed crystals of the closing-type under pressure (dominant over the opening-type), indicating a key role of the mesostructure in the pressure dependence of phonons in mixed crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the mechanism to enhance the dielectric and ferroelectric behavior of polymer-ceramic composites through surface hydroxylation of 0.5Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8)O 3 -0.5(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3)TiO 3 (BZT-BCT) ceramic filler-particles embedded in PVDF-HFP copolymer matrix. Varying the hydroxylated h-(BZT-BCT) filler particle-content (φ = 0–40 wt%) in PVDF-HFP copolymer matrix, composite films (of ~75 μm thickness) were prepared. We observed that, with an increase in filler content up to an optimum concentration of 15 wt% , a microstructure with gradually denser particle-arrangement and enhanced particles-polymer surface interaction is exhibited, which leads to improved dielectric and ferroelectric behavior. The energy storage density (728 mJ/cm3 at an electric field of 750 kV/cm) of the composite with 15 wt% of h-(BZT-BCT) is found to be much higher than those of the pure BZT-BCT sample, pure PVDF-HFP copolymer and their composites. Our work demonstrates the method of enhancing the functional properties through a suitable microstructure of composite materials with surface-hydroxylation of filler particles. • Ferroelectricity in virgin and hydroxylated (h-) BZT-BCT ceramic/PVDF-HFP copolymer composites is studied. • A 15 wt% concentration of h-(BZT-BCT) filler particles enhances packing density of composite by minimizing voids. • High packing density enhances interfacial interaction between h-(BZT-BCT) fillers and PVDF-HFP polymer. • Hydroxyl (–OH) ions on h-(BZT-BCT) particles facilitates formation of electroactive β-phase of PVDF-HFP. • Our work demonstrates a method to improve ferroelectricity and energy storage density of ceramic/polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between transcription, histone modification, and RNA processing. In fact, genome-wide analyses that correlate histone marks with RNA processing signals raise the possibility that specific RNA processing factors may modulate transcription and help to "write" chromatin marks. Here we show that the nuclear cap binding complex (CBC) directs recruitment of transcription elongation factors and establishes proper histone marks during active transcription. A directed genetic screen revealed that deletion of either subunit of the CBC confers a synthetic growth defect when combined with deletion of genes encoding either Ctk2 or Bur2, a component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog of P-TEFb. The CBC physically associates with these complexes to recruit them during transcription and mediates phosphorylation at Ser-2 of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. To understand how these interactions influence downstream events, histone H3K36me3 was examined, and we demonstrate that CBCΔ affects proper Set2-dependent H3K36me3. Consistent with this, the CBC and Set2 have similar effects on the ability to rapidly induce and sustain activated gene expression, and these effects are distinct from other histone methyltransferases. This work provides evidence for an emerging model that RNA processing factors can modulate the recruitment of transcription factors and influence histone modification during elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increasing population of elderly and the emergence of epidemic of chronic or (non-communicable) diseases, which is likely to adversely affects their health-related quality of life (HRQOL), has implications on health systems in developing countries such as India. A study was conducted to know the common impairments and disabilities and their effect on HRQOL in elderly population. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study on elderly, selected by cluster sampling from central Delhi, India, was conducted from April 2005 to February 2006. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, along with Short Form -36 (SF-36) survey was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using Chi square and student's t test on SPSS v12 statistical software. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 200 elderly were included in the study. 71.5% subjects had at least one disability/impairment. Around 40% subjects reported their health being poor and another 50% of worsening of their health in the last 1 year. HRQOL score for people with and without chronic morbidity/disability was 51.8 and 73.5, respectively (P<0.05), with overall mean score 56.7 (±17.2). The most commonly affected HRQOL domains were Role Physical, Physical Functioning, and General Health. The HRQOL and domain scores decreased with increasing age, and females had lower mean scores than males (P<0.05). Conclusion: The HRQOL of elderly in urban India is severely affected by impairments and disabilities. There is an immediate need for specific preventive and rehabilitative measures targeted on elderly to maintain their health related quality of life. This information may be utilized for designing any policy and/or program targeted for elderly in India and in other similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Far-infrared and optical [O iii] lines are useful temperature-density diagnostics of nebular as well as dust obscured astrophysical sources. Fine-structure transitions among the ground state levels 1 s22 s22 p33 P 0,1,2 give rise to the 52- and 88-m lines, whereas transitions among the 3 P 0,1,2, 1 D 2, 1 S 0 levels yield the well-known optical lines λλ4363, 4959 and 5007 Å. These lines are excited primarily by electron impact excitation. However, despite their importance in nebular diagnostics collision strengths for the associated fine-structure transitions have not been computed taking full account of relativistic effects. We present Breit-Pauli R-matrix calculations for the collision strengths with highly resolved resonance structures. We find significant differences of up to 20 per cent in the Maxwellian averaged rate coefficients from previous works. We also tabulate these to lower temperatures down to 100 K to enable determination of physical conditions in cold dusty environments such photodissociation regions and ultraluminous infrared galaxies observed with the Herschel Space Observatory. We also examine the effect of improved collision strengths on temperature- and density-sensitive line ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising material due to its unique property to adopt different crystalline polytypes which monitor the band gap and the electronic and optical properties. Despite being an indirect band gap semiconductor, SiC is used in several highperformance electronic and optical devices. SiC has been long recognized as one of the best biocompatible materials, especially in cardiovascular and blood-contacting implants and biomedical devices. In this paper, diverse role of SiC in its nanostructured form has been discussed. It is felt that further experimental and theoretical work would help to better understanding of the various properties of these nanostructures in order to realize their full potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal data from 3 commercial dairy herds in the northeast United States were collected from 2004 to 2007. Johne's disease status, as indicated by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis infection levels, was determined through quarterly ELISA serum testing, biannual fecal culture, and culture of tissues at slaughter. Milk production data were collected from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. The effect of Johne's disease status on milk production was analyzed using a mixed linear model with an autocorrelation random effect structure. Infected animals produced more milk than uninfected cows before they began shedding M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis. Cows infected with M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis had monthly decreases of 0.05 to 1 kg in daily milk production relative to uninfected animals, with greater decreases in progressive disease categories. Animals with fecal culture results of >30 cfu/g produced approximately 4 kg less milk per day compared with uninfected cows. These results will be valuable in calculating the economic effect of Johne's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear finite-state machines (LFSMs) such as linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs), cellular automata (CA), and ring generators (RGs) are used as test pattern generators in built-in self-test schemes that employ 2-D scan design. These mechanisms are usually accompanied by phase shifters (PSs) in order to avoid the degradation of the fault coverage caused by correlations/dependences in the produced test bit sequences. Given this context, we investigate in this paper the potential of generalized (or Galois) LFSRs (GLFSRs) as onboard test pattern generators. We compare GLFSRs with and without PSs against LFSMs with PSs (LFSM/PSs) for various types of LFSMs (LFSRs, CA, RGs, and dense RGs) on two accounts: channel separation and overall hardware cost. Experimental results show that GLFSRs achieve larger channel separation with lower hardware cost than LFSM/PS and attain higher fault coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 cathode materials were synthesized by solid-state reaction route. Single-phase layer structure with hexagonal unit cell having symmetry was obtained and the average particle size was around 6μm. Electrochemical studies showed single redox reaction and a maximum charging capacity of ∼140mAhg−1 was obtained. Ex situ structural studies by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering at various stages of charging and discharging showed that the host layered structure is maintained throughout the electrochemical lithiation–delithiation processes in the 3–4.5V range with systematic change in the lattice parameters. First discharge capacity was 132mAhg−1 and the capacity retention was ∼86% after 20 charge–discharge cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report the first examples of an intermolecular electrophilic O-amination of aliphatic alcohols. Thus, the new reagents, fluorenone oxime tosylate, 5a, or mesylate, 5b, permit O-amination of diverse alcohols in the presence of Nail under mild conditions. By following the formation of the resulting oxime ethers, 6, the reaction was shown to be sensitive to steric effects in the alcohol. Furthermore, the presence of an aromatic ring or of a double bond in the alcohol molecule (benzyl, allyl) was found to increase the reaction rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an investigation of the dynamic response of foundations resting on a layered soil underlain by a rigid layer. Model block vibration test results are used for the investigation. For the analysis, two different methods, namely, the equivalent spring-mass-dashpot model and the cone model, are used. A simple method to estimate the equivalent stiffness of the foundations resting on any multilayered soil system is presented. Obtaining stiffness from the proposed method and using different values of the damping factor ranging between 1.5 and 10.0%, the dynamic response of a foundation resting on a layered soil system is computed. One-dimensional wave propagation in an elastic cone for the analysis of foundations resting on the elastic homogeneous half-space or layered soil is also used to compute dynamic responses of the foundations resting on different layered soil. Finally, results obtained from two analytical methods are compared with the test results. It has been observed from the comparison that the results obtained by the equivalent spring-mass-dashpot model with a damping factor of 1.5% matched well with the experimental results for all cases. Results obtained by the cone model match well with experimental results for the cases where the top layer is softer than the bottom layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian bombesin (BN) receptors are among those most frequently overexpressed by a number of common tumors including prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancers. The aim of this study was to develop a camptothecin-bombesin (CPT-BN) conjugate that interacts with all classes of BN receptors and possibly functions as a prodrug via a labile linker with site-specific cytotoxicity for cancer cells bearing these receptors. CPT was coupled to analogs of [D-Tyr6,β-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]BN-(6-14) (BA0) using carbamate linkers (L1 and L2) with built-in nucleophile-assisted releasing groups for intracellular cleavage of free cytotoxic agents. One conjugate, CPTL2-BA3, bound to all three BN receptor classes with high affinity and functioned as a full agonist at each. 125ICPT-L2-BA3 was rapidly internalized by cells expressing each BN receptor class and, using fluorescent imaglng, was found to co-localize with BN receptors initially and later to be internalized in cytoplasmic compartments. HPLC analysis of internalized ligand showed that 40% was intact, 25% was metabolized by releasing free CPT, and 35% was metabolized to other breakdown products. CPT-L2-BA3 inhibited the growth of NCIH1299 non-small cell lung cancer cells in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clonal growth assays. CPT-L2-BA3 was cytotoxic in an MTT assay for cells transfected with each class of BN receptor; however, it had significantly less effect in cells lacking BN receptors. These results indicate that CTP-L2-BA3 is a potent agonist that is cytotoxic for cells overexpressing any of the three BN receptor classes and functions as a prodrug for receptor-mediated cytoxicity. It therefore should be a useful prototype to explore the effectiveness of tumorspecific cytotoxicity delivery using a receptor-mediated mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides a description of regional occurrence of plasmid-medicated SHV-7 in Enterobacteriaceae other than Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the U.S. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive Enterobacter cloacae recovered at three hospitals in the Philadelphia region; Difficulty in the detection of plasmid-encoded ESBL in the presence of AmpC beta-lactamases.

The addition of suitable metallic dopants into the indium or zinc oxide matrix is essential to obtain transparent conducting oxide (TCO) thin films for high-performance optoelectronics devices. However, scarcity of indium is one of the major challenges for the common use of indium doped tin oxide (ITO) as a TCO material for future state-of-the-art devices. To overcome the challenge, doped zinc oxide is used an alternative material for traditional ITO and retains both high transparency and electrical conductivity. One such potential material is gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO). GZO thin films were deposited onto glass as well as Kapton substrates using the pulsed laser deposition technique. Structural, optical, and electro-thermal properties of these films were studied to assess the performance of the films as thin-film transparent heaters. The samples show a good transmittance value greater than 85% in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. At room temperature, the electrical resistivity of GZO films showed a value of 110.46 × 10−4 Ω cm on glass and 2.90 × 10−4 Ω cm on the Kapton substrate, followed by a Joule heating effect, with temperatures reaching more than 120 °C at an applied voltage of ∼12 V. This high transparency, cost-effectiveness, low sheet resistance, and small surface roughness make GZO a unique and potential candidate for various practical applications not only as a transparent electrode but also as an indium free thin-film transparent heater and an affordable transparent conducting oxide in displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophthalmic delivery of dexamethasone can control inflammation and also some forms of uveitis. But it is effective therapeutically over a short period of time and frequent instillation is required. hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix films containing dexamethasone were prepared by casting method in presence and absence of particulate kaolin for extending ophthalmic drug delivery. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the complexation of dexamethasone and kaolin in the film via formation of hydrogen bond and the observed shouldering at 1032 cm-1 increased with corresponding higher amount of kaolin binding. Differential scanning calorimetry thermogram resulted in almost complete amorphization of dexamethasone in the film. X-ray diffractogram demonstrated almost disappearance of kaolinite diffraction and the reduced order of dexamethasone crystal lattice in all the film formulations. Submicrons, tubular and nano-fibrous morphology of the kaolin and drug particles were seen in the scanning electron microscope images of the film. Relatively extended diffusion controlled drug release and ophthalmic permeation behavior were observed with the increase of kaolin loading in the film. Stable complex facilitated the sustained ophthalmic delivery of dexamethasone and prolonged anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking study also revealed the complex formation of dexamethasone with kaolin and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose to understand the fitting and stable configuration of drug-carrier interaction. Kaolin-based hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose hydrogel film containing dexamethasone as a model drug can enhance the corneal residence time for anti-inflammation for an extended period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) toxicity is a major abiotic stress which severely reduces rice yield in many countries of the world. Genetic variation for this stress tolerance exists in rice germplasms. Mapping of gene(s)/QTL controlling the stress tolerance and transfer of the traits into high yielding rice varieties are essential for improvement against the stress. A panel population of 119 genotypes from 352 germplasm lines was constituted for detecting the candidate gene(s)/QTL through association mapping. STRUCTURE, GenAlEx and Darwin softwares were used to classify the population. The marker-trait association was detected by considering both the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Mixed Linear Model (MLM) analyses. Wide genetic variation was observed among the genotypes present in the panel population for the stress tolerance. Linkage disequilibrium was detected in the population for iron toxicity tolerance. The population was categorized into three genetic structure groups. Marker-trait association study considering both the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Mixed Linear Model (MLM) showed significant association of leaf browning index (LBI) with markers RM471, RM3, RM590 and RM243. Three novel QTL controlling Fe-toxicity tolerance were detected and designated as qFeTox4.3, qFeTox6.1 and qFeTox10.1. A QTL reported earlier in the marker interval of C955-C885 on chromosome 1 is validated using this panel population. The present study showed that QTL controlling Fe-toxicity tolerance to be co-localized with the QTL for Fe-biofortification of rice grain indicating involvement of common pathway for Fe toxicity tolerance and Fe content in rice grain. Fe-toxicity tolerance QTL qFeTox6.1 was co-localized with grain Fe-biofortification QTLs qFe6.1 and qFe6.2 on chromosome 6, whereas qFeTox10.1 was co-localized with qFe10.1 on chromosome 10. The Fe-toxicity tolerance QTL detected from this mapping study will be useful in marker-assisted breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generic 1-bond → 2-mode "percolation-type" Raman signal inherent to the short bond of common A1−xBxC semiconductor mixed crystals with zincblende (cubic) structure is exploited as a sensitive "mesoscope" to explore how various ZnSe-based systems engage their pressure-induced structural transition (to rock-salt) at the sub-macroscopic scale—with a focus on Zn1−xCdxSe. The Raman doublet, that distinguishes between the AC- and BC-like environments of the short bond, is reactive to pressure: either it closes (Zn1−xBexSe, ZnSe1−xSx) or it opens (Zn1−xCdxSe), depending on the hardening rates of the two environments under pressure. A partition of II–VI and III–V mixed crystals is accordingly outlined. Of special interest is the "closure" case, in which the system resonantly stabilizes ante transition at its "exceptional point" corresponding to a virtual decoupling, by overdamping, of the two oscillators forming the Raman doublet. At this limit, the chain-connected bonds of the short species (taken as the minor one) freeze along the chain into a rigid backbone. This reveals a capacity behind alloying to reduce the thermal conductivity as well as the thermalization rate of photo-generated electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial hypotension due to multiple spinal epidural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is rare and has multiple etiologies. These patients require epidural blood patches (EBP). We report a patient with recurrent paraplegia due to intracranial hypotension following recurrent epidural CSF leak. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was noted at D1, D10, D11, and L2 levels. Autologous epidural blood patch (EBP) at lower thoracic (3 ml) and lumbar region (4 ml) was performed. The patient developed paraplegia with sensory level at D2 for which 3 ml of EBP was done at D1 level after two months. Following EBP, the patient developed quadriplegia and root pain, which recovered in one month. The patient was free of symptoms for 18 months. Spinal epidural CSF leak should be suspected in patients with features of low pressure headache and recurrent paraplegia at multiple levels. Nuclear scintigraphy and CT myelography help in localizing the site of leak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis has been recognized as a major public health problem worldwide. The consumption of uncooked or undercooked meat infected with Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts is one of the main means of transmission of this parasite. Although sheep, goats, and pigs are commonly infected with T. gondii, little information is available on the distribution of T. gondii tissue cysts in naturally infected meat. In this study, we investigated the distribution of viable T. gondii tissue cysts in shoulder muscles of naturally infected lambs and goats. Hearts and shoulders of 46 lambs and 39 goats from a local grocery store were tested for T. gondii infection. Animals were evaluated for the presence of anti–T. gondii antibodies in heart blood and clots by the modified agglutination test. Fourteen of the 85 animals (seven lambs and seven goats) were seropositive. Six to 12 samples weighing 5, 10, and 50 g were obtained from shoulder muscles of each seropositive animal and used for bioassay in mice. The distribution of viable T. gondii differed according to the size of the sample analyzed, but in general larger sample sizes resulted in higher isolation rates (P , 0.05). Results of the study revealed an uneven distribution of T. gondii in muscle samples of lambs and goats and that T. gondii can be transmitted by consumption of very small servings (5 and 10 g) of meat when it is consumed raw or is undercooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite some progress, treating advanced prostate cancer remains a major clinical challenge. Recent studies have shown that prostate cancer can originate from undifferentiated, rare, stem cell-like populations within the heterogeneous tumor mass, which play seminal roles in tumor formation, maintenance of tumor homeostasis and initiation of metastases. These cells possess enhanced propensity toward chemoresistance and may serve as a prognostic factor for prostate cancer recurrence. Despite extensive studies, selective targeted therapies against these stem cell-like populations are limited and more detailed experiments are required to develop novel targeted therapeutics. We now show that MDA-9/Syntenin/SDCBP (MDA-9) is a critical regulator of survival, stemness and chemoresistance in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). MDA-9 regulates the expression of multiple stem-regulatory genes and loss of MDA-9 causes a complete collapse of the stem-regulatory network in PCSCs. Loss of MDA-9 also sensitizes PCSCs to multiple chemotherapeutics with different modes of action, such as docetaxel and trichostatin-A, suggesting that MDA-9 may regulate multiple drug resistance. Mechanistically, MDA-9-mediated multiple drug resistance, stemness and survival are regulated in PCSCs through activation of STAT3. Activated STAT3 regulates chemoresistance in PCSCs through protective autophagy as well as regulation of MDR1 on the surface of the PCSCs. We now demonstrate that MDA-9 is a critical regulator of PCSC survival and stemness via exploiting the inter-connected STAT3 and c-myc pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruns syndrome is characterized by attacks of sudden severe headache, vomiting, and vertigo precipitated due to abrupt movements of the head due to presence of mobile deformable intraventricular lesion causing episodic obstructive hydrocephalus. Proposed underlying mechanism is intermittent or positional CSF obstruction resulting from ball-valve mechanism. Most common etiologies are NCC and intraventricular tumors. Here we present an unusual case of Bruns syndrome that was initially MRI negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration is generally constrained due to lack of required hydrometeorological datasets. This study addresses the performance analysis of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimated from NASA/POWER, National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) global reanalysis data before and after dynamical downscaling through the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The state-of-the-art Hamon's and Penman-Monteith's methods were utilized for the ETo estimation in the Northern India. The performance indices such as bias, root mean square error (RMSE), and correlation (r) were calculated, which showed the values 0.242, 0.422, and 0.959 for NCEP data (without downscaling) and 0.230, 0.402, and 0.969 for the downscaled data respectively. The results indicated that after WRF downscaling, there was some marginal improvement found in the ETo as compared to the without downscaling datasets. However, a better performance was found in the case of NASA/POWER datasets with bias, RMSE, and correlation values of 0.154, 0.348, and 0.960 respectively. In overall, the results indicated that the NASA/POWER and WRF downscaled data can be used for ETo estimation, especially in the ungauged areas. However, NASA/POWER is recommended as the ETo calculations are less computationally expensive and easily available than performing WRF simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining two materials in a nanoscale level can create a composite with new functionalities and improvements in their physical and chemical properties. Here we present a high-throughput approach to produce a nanocomposite consisting of metal nanoparticles and semiconductor oxide nanostructures. Volmer-Weber growth, though unfavorable for thin films, promotes nucleation of dense and isolated metal nanoparticles on crystalline oxide nanostructures, resulting in new material properties. We demonstrate such a growth of Au nanoparticles on SnO2 nanostructures and a remarkable sensitivity of the nanocomposite for detecting traces of analytes in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Au nanoparticles with tunable size enable us to modify surface wettability and convert hydrophilic oxide surfaces into super-hydrophobic with contact angles over 150°. We also find that charge injection through electron beam exposure shows the same effect as photo-induced charge separation, providing an extra Raman enhancement up to an order of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large area highly crystalline MoS2 and WS2 thin films were successfully grown on different substrates using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique. Structural, morphological and thermoelectric transport properties of MoS2, and WS2 thin films have been investigated systematically to fabricate high-efficient thermal energy harvesting devices. X-ray diffraction data revealed that crystallites of MoS2 and WS2 films are highly oriented in 002 plane with uniform grain size distribution confirmed through atomic force microscopy study. Surface roughness increases with substrate temperature and it plays a big role in electron and phonon scattering. Interestingly, MoS2 films also display low thermal conductivity at room temperature and strongly favors achievement of higher thermoelectric figure of merit value of up to 1.98. Raman spectroscopy data shows two distinct MoS2 vibrational modes at 380 cm−1 for E12g and 410 cm−1 for A1g. Thermoelectric transport studies further demonstrated that MoS2 films show p-type thermoelectric characteristics, while WS2 is an n-type material. We demonstrated high efficient pn-junction thermoelectric generator device for waste heat recovery and cooling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study consolidated our understanding on the weeds of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India based on both bibliographic sources and field studies. A total of 277species of weed taxa belonging to 198 genera and 65 families are reported from the study area. About 95.7% of these weed taxa are distributed across six major superorders; the Lamids and Malvids constitute 43.3% with 60 species each, followed by Commenilids (56 species), Fabids (48 species), Companulids (23 species) and Monocots (18 species). Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae are best represented. Forbs are the most represented (50.5%), followed by shrubs (15.2%), climber (11.2%), grasses (10.8%), sedges (6.5%) and legumes (5.8%). Annuals comprised about 57.5% and the remaining are perennials. As per Raunkiaer classification, the therophytes is the most dominant class with 135 plant species (48.7%).The use of weed for different purposes as indicated by local people is also discussed. This study provides a comprehensive and updated checklist of the weed speciesof Bhadrak district which will serve as a tool for conservation of the local biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is focused on the effects of graphene addition on the electrochemical performance of environmentally benign nanostructured graphene–nickel–phosphorus composite coating (G–NiP) on copper developed by electroless deposition. The coatings were developed using no external dispersing agents and toxic reductant such as hydrazine. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the coating was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) measurement. The anodic polarization curves of the Ni–P coating on copper (Cu–NiP) show two distinct active–passive regions and an oxidation peak, whereas graphene Ni–P coating (Cu–G–NiP) shows almost passive behavior. For Cu–NiP at critical pitting potential (Ec), the passivation breaks indicating initiation of pits, whereas Cu–G–NiP shows the absence of Ec. The PDP results also demonstrate the enhanced corrosion resistance property of the Cu–G–NiP with corrosion inhibition efficiency of 95%. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to analyze the physical and electrochemical process occurring at various interfaces and to study the influence of graphene in the coating under a corrosive environment. The higher density of micropores is evident from the FESEM image of Cu–NiP, whereas comparatively fewer micropores are observed in the case of Cu–G–NiP after the electrochemical test. This study also reveals that the addition of graphene in the Ni matrix inhibits pore creation and pit formation leading to better intactness of the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoresistance is a primary cause of breast cancer treatment failure, and protein-protein interactions significantly contribute to chemoresistance during different stages of breast cancer progression. In pursuit of novel biomarkers and relevant protein-protein interactions occurring during the emergence of breast cancer chemoresistance, we used a computational predictive biological (CPB) approach. CPB identified associations of adhesion molecules with proteins connected with different breast cancer proteins associated with chemoresistance. This approach identified an association of Integrin β1 (ITGB1) with chemoresistance and breast cancer stem cell markers. ITGB1 activated the Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) pathway promoting invasion, migration, and chemoresistance in breast cancer by upregulating Erk phosphorylation. FAK also activated Wnt/Sox2 signaling, which enhanced self-renewal in breast cancer. Activation of the FAK pathway by ITGB1 represents a novel mechanism linked to breast cancer chemoresistance, which may lead to novel therapies capable of blocking breast cancer progression by intervening in ITGB1-regulated signaling pathways. [Display omitted] • Developed a novel Computational-Predictive-Biological (CPB) strategy to predict different types of biomarkers in cancers. • CBP identified that ITGB1 is associated with chemoresistance, and cancer stem cell associated proteins in breast cancer. • ITGB1 regulated chemoresistance via activation of FAK pathway which regulates survival pathways, invasion, migration. • ITGB1 also regulated activated Wnt/Sox2 signaling through FAK, which enhanced self-renewal in breast cancer. • Thus, CBP established a unified pathway to regulate chemoresistance in breast cancer and ITGB1 as a potential biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipid soluble, endogenous antioxidant present at highest levels in the heart followed by the kidney and liver. The reduced CoQ10 ubiquinol is well known for its chemical instability and low bioavailability. The present study was designed to synthesize ubiquinol acetate, which is more stable and biologically active, and further evaluate its safety and genotoxic potential. Synthesized ubiquinol acetate showed better stability than that of ubiquinol at the end of 3 months. In vitro genotoxicity studies (AMES test, in vitro micronucleus and chromosomal aberration) showed ubiquinol acetate as nongenotoxic with no clastogenic or aneugenic effects at high dose of 5000 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. In subchronic toxicity study, ubiquinol acetate was administered orally to Sprague Dawley rats at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day for 90 days. No treatment related adverse effects were observed in males at 600 mg/kg/day; however, females showed treatment related increase in AST and ALT with small focal irregular white-yellow spots in liver on gross necropsy examination. Histopathological evaluation revealed hepatocellular necrosis in high dose females which was considered as adverse. Based on the results, the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) of ubiquinol acetate in males and females was determined as 600 and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177lutetium (Lu)‑labeled somatostatin analogs is a promising new tool in the management of patients with inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. Some of these patients may present with carcinoid syndrome and it is known that rarely carcinoid crisis can be precipitated by surgical or other interventions in these patients. However, there are anecdotal reports of carcinoid crisis after Lu‑labeled peptide therapy. We are reporting our experience of successful management of one such case of carcinoid crisis which was precipitated by Lu therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177lutetium (Lu)-labeled somatostatin analogs is a promising new tool in the management of patients with inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. Some of these patients may present with carcinoid syndrome and it is known that rarely carcinoid crisis can be precipitated by surgical or other interventions in these patients. However, there are anecdotal reports of carcinoid crisis after Lu-labeled peptide therapy. We are reporting our experience of successful management of one such case of carcinoid crisis which was precipitated by Lu therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the risk–benefit assessment for alien fishes. It mentions the assessment targeted matrix of biological, ecological and socio-economic attributes of the species in question; and also mentions that bio-security is important for the protection from invasive species, in addition to exotic pathogens.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a thin membrane at the lower end of the fourth ventricle near the foramen of Magendie and dilation of the fourth ventricle [Figure 1], left]. An MRI of the brain showed a thin membrane obstructing the foramen of Magendie and tetraventricular hydrocephalus. About 6% of patients may have a partial or complete obstruction of the foramen of Magendie and 20% have similar imperforate foramen of Luschka.[[19]] Similarly, descriptions of incomplete obstruction have been reported by Longatti et al. on transaqueductal endoscopic exploration of the fourth ventricle.[[12]]. [Extracted from the article]

Granisetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist has a good safety profile but a shorter half-life hence is only suited for a multiple-dosage regimen, which increased side effects. Ion-exchange resins were extensively investigated as potential drug release modulators and the ability to get encapsulated along with drugs appeared to be a distinct advantage. Optimized conditions for drug loading using ion-exchange resins Kyron T-114 and Kyron T-134 were evaluated. The microencapsulated drug-resin complexes were incorporated into oral dispersible tablets prepared using crospovidone as a superdisintegrant. The in vitro release profile of the optimized formulation of F4 was investigated, which showed linearity of Higuchi's rate kinetic equation. The shelf life of the optimized formulation was estimated to be 6.7 y, based on accelerated stability study data obtained. The physical and dissolution 3-month stability studies with the three formulations, F4, F5 and F6, showed better disintegration times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very simplistic, selective, sensitive, and reproducible procedure based on a reversed-phase highperformance liquid chromatography was used and developed for the determination of praziquantel in rat plasma. For the separation of praziquantel from the internal standard, diazepam on an Enable, C18 column (250×4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size), with the retention time of 6.4, 8.5 min, respectively. For praziquantel with UV detector at 225 nm. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile:water in a ratio of (60:40 v/v), running through the column at the flow rate of 1 ml/min. Sample preparation of 200 μl of plasma was done by a protein precipitation by using perchloric acid. Calibration curve was found to be linear with correlation coefficients (r2) is 0.9989 prepared in plasma at the concentrations of 5 to 1000 ng/ml. The precision of the above method was based on inter-day, and intra-day repeatability, and reproducibility (day-to-day variation) were found to be within the limit of 15%. Limit of quantification was accepted and found to be 5 ng/ml using 200 μl samples. The method appears to be robust and has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study of praziquantel in three groups of rats with a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first and second moments of stellar velocities encode important information about the formation history of the Galactic halo. However, due to the lack of tangential motion and inaccurate distances of the halo stars, the velocity moments in the Galactic halo have largely remained 'known unknowns'. Fortunately, our off-centric position within the Galaxy allows us to estimate these moments in the galactocentric frame using the observed radial velocities of the stars alone.We use these velocities coupled with the hierarchical Bayesian scheme, which allows easy marginalization over the missing data (the proper motion and uncertainty-free distance and line-of-sight velocity), to measure the velocity dispersions, orbital anisotropy (β) and streaming motion (vrot) of the halo main-sequence turn-off (MSTO) and K-giant (KG) stars in the inner stellar halo (r = 15 kpc). We study the metallicity bias in kinematics of the halo stars and observe that the comparatively metal-rich ([Fe/H] > −1.4) and the metal-poor ([Fe/H]≤−1.4) MSTO samples show a clear systematic difference in vrot ∼ 20−40 km s−1, depending on how restrictive the spatial cuts to cull the disc contamination are. The bias is also detected in KG samples but with less certainty. Both MSTO and KG populations suggest that the inner stellar halo of the Galaxy is radially biased i.e. σr > σθ or σφ and β > 0.5. The apparent metallicity contrariety in the rotation velocity among the halo sub-populations supports the co-existence of multiple populations in the galactic halo that may have formed through distinct formation scenarios, i.e. in situ versus accretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large mismatch of the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between the metal contact and CdZnTe exerts thermal stress at the metal/CZT interface, which causes mechanical degradation of the contact in addition to the poor adhesion of the metallic thin film to CZT. To form a reliable and stable interface, the contact material should have better adhesion and a close match of the coefficients of thermal expansion with CZT/CdTe. Here, we report on our investigations of a novel non-metallic contact layer for use in radiation detector applications. The proposed ZnO:Al contact layer offers better adhesion due to the oxide interface, higher hardness and better matching of the CTE with CZT. It has high prospects for a reliable and stable device structure that can serve as a replacement to the common metallic electrodes used today. We evaluated AZO contacts to CZT and extracted the electronic characteristics, such as resistivity and mobility-lifetime product of electrons, and compared the results of the same characterization measurements for CZT with gold contacts. The present observations showed that the characteristics of CZT detectors with AZO contacts are nearly identical to the same detectors with gold contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Graves's disease is classically considered to involve both the lobe of thyroid gland but rarely there can be unilateral involvement of the thyroid gland in this condition. Case: A 30 year housewife presented to us with hyperadrenergic symptom suggestive of thyrotoxicosis. On examination there was diffuse enlargement of thyroid left greater than right. Thyroid ultrasound even following review did not reveal any nodule. Technetium 99 thyroid scan showed uptake in the left lobe of thyroid. TSH receptor antibody was positive further to support the diagnosis of unilateral Graves' disease. On literature review it was found to have predominant involvement of right lobe. All the cases which were treated with hemithyroidectomy went on to develop thyrotoxicosis involving other lobe. Hence we propose unilateral to bilateral involvement of the thyroid being natural history of the Graves' disease. The time duration in unilateral to bilateral involvement is usually very small. Hence, it's rarely encountered with unilateral involvement in clinical practice unless thyroid scan is done in early part of the disease. Due to some differences in between the thyroid lobe either anatomically or due to infection the unilateral to bilateral progression is slower or hence can be picked up. Conclusion: We present a case of Graves' disease with unilateral involvement of the thyroid on the left side.We propose unilateral to bilateral involvement of the thyroid being natural history of the Graves' disease. Unilateral graves should be treated with treatment to target both lobe of thyroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploidy, the possession of multiple sets of chromosomes, has been a predominant factor in the evolution and success of the angiosperms. Although artificially formed allopolyploids show a high rate of genome rearrangement, the genomes of cultivars and germplasm used for crop breeding were assumed stable and genome structural variation under the artificial selection process of commercial breeding has remained little studied. Here, we show, using a repurposed visualization method based on transcriptome sequence data, that genome structural rearrangement occurs frequently in varieties of three polyploid crops (oilseed rape, mustard rape and bread wheat), meaning that the extent of genome structural variation present in commercial crops is much higher than expected. Exchanges were found to occur most frequently where homoeologous chromosome segments are collinear to telomeres and in material produced as doubled haploids. The new insights into genome structural evolution enable us to reinterpret the results of recent studies and implicate homoeologous exchanges, not deletions, as being responsible for variation controlling important seed quality traits in rapeseed. Having begun to identify the extent of genome structural variation in polyploid crops, we can envisage new strategies for the global challenge of broadening crop genetic diversity and accelerating adaptation, such as the molecular identification and selection of genome deletions or duplications encompassing genes with trait-controlling dosage effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]