Search

Objective: Pharmacogenomics plays an important role in drug metabolism. A stable anticoagulation is important for primary and secondary prevention of cardioembolic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). We report the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP2C9*2/*3) and vitamin K epoxide reductase subunit 1 (VKORC1) genotypes and acquired causes in maintaining stability of anticoagulation following acenocoumarin in cardioembolic stroke and CVST. Methods: The study comprised 157 individuals with cardioembolic stroke and CVST who were on acenocoumarin. Their comorbidities, comedication, and dietary habits were noted. Prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) were measured during follow-up, and the coagulation status was categorized as stable (>50% occasions in therapeutic range) and unstable (>50% below and above therapeutic range). Genotyping of VKORC1, CYP2C9*2, and CYP2C9*3 was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Bleeding and embolic complications were noted. The predictors of unstable INR were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Results: INR was stable in 47.8% and unstable in 52.2% of patients. Patients with mutant genotypes required low dose of acenocoumarin. The predictors of unstable INR were metallic valve (odds ratio [OR] 4.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-13.49, P = 0.02), use of digoxin (OR 0.031, 95% CI 0.13-0.74, P = 0.09), proton pump inhibitor (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.91, P = 0.037), sodium valproate (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.85, P = 0.029), and CYP2C9*2 genotype (OR 5.57, 95% CI 1.19-26.06, P = 0.02). Conclusions: Variant genotypes of VKORC1, CYP2C9*2, and CYP2C9*3 required lower dose of acenocoumarin, and CYP2C9*2 was associated with unstable INR. Comedication is a modifiable risk factor that needs attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diagnosis of autism typically depends on clinical assessments by highly trained professionals. This high resource demand poses a challenge in low-resource settings. Digital assessment of neurodevelopmental symptoms by non-specialists provides a potential avenue to address this challenge. This cross-sectional case-control field study establishes proof of principle for such a digital assessment. We developed and tested an app, START, that can be administered by non-specialists to assess autism phenotypic domains (social, sensory, motor) through child performance and parent reports. N = 131 children (2–7 years old; 48 autistic, 43 intellectually disabled and 40 non-autistic typically developing) from low-resource settings in Delhi-NCR, India were assessed using START in home settings by non-specialist health workers. The two groups of children with neurodevelopmental disorders manifested lower social preference, greater sensory interest and lower fine-motor accuracy compared to their typically developing counterparts. Parent report further distinguished autistic from non-autistic children. Machine-learning analysis combining all START-derived measures demonstrated 78% classification accuracy for the three groups. Qualitative analysis of the interviews with health workers and families of the participants demonstrated high acceptability and feasibility of the app. These results provide feasibility, acceptability and proof of principle for START, and demonstrate the potential of a scalable, mobile tool for assessing neurodevelopmental conditions in low-resource settings. Autism is diagnosed by highly trained professionals– but most autistic people live in parts of the world that harbour few or no such autism specialists and little autism awareness. So many autistic people go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and misunderstood. We designed an app (START) to identify autism and related conditions in such places, in an attempt to address this global gap in access to specialists. START uses computerised games and activities for children and a questionnaire for parents to measure social, sensory, and motor skills. To check whether START can flag undiagnosed children likely to have neurodevelopmental conditions, we tested START with children whose diagnoses already were known: Non-specialist health workers with just a high-school education took START to family homes in poor neighbourhoods of Delhi, India to work with 131 two-to-seven-year-olds. Differences between typically and atypically developing children were highlighted in all three types of skills that START assesses: children with neurodevelopmental conditions preferred looking at geometric patterns rather than social scenes, were fascinated by predictable, repetitive sensory stimuli, and had more trouble with precise hand movements. Parents' responses to surveys further distinguished autistic from non-autistic children. An artificial-intelligence technique combining all these measures demonstrated that START can fairly accurately flag atypically developing children. Health workers and families endorsed START as attractive to most children, understandable to health workers, and adaptable within sometimes chaotic home and family environments. This study provides a proof of principle for START in digital screening of autism and related conditions in community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a Computer‐aided design (CAD) model for a‐IGZO thin film transistors (TFTs) by adapting SPICE level‐61 RPI a‐Si: H (Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon) TFT model and level‐62 RPI Poly‐Si (Poly Silicon) TFT model. This work provides a complete understanding of SPICE level‐61 and 62 model parameters, which must be tuned for a‐IGZO TFT simulation. The adapted SPICE models of level‐61 and level‐62 could model all regions of operation of the TFT, that is, above‐threshold and below‐threshold regions. Adapted RPI poly‐Si model also shows the kink effect in ZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) due to the recombination of electron–hole pairs in the channel via boundary trap states present in the poly‐Si TFTs thereby increasing the drain current in the transistors above pinch‐off region. The extracted performance parameters of the adapted models were found to be contiguous with experimental results. The maximum deviation in the subthreshold slope is approximately 5 mV/decade for level‐61 a‐Si TFT, and for level‐62 poly‐Si TFT, deviation in the subthreshold slope is even less, that is, 0.2 mV/decade. The experimental and simulated characteristics, extracted on‐to‐off ratio, negative bias reverse saturation current, and threshold voltage were almost similar. However, an average deviation of 2.4% and 2.27% was observed in the output characteristics of the adapted level‐61 and level‐62 models, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmentally sustainable diets are represented in the EAT‐Lancet recommendations developed by the Lancet Commission on Planetary Health in 2019. Very few studies have compared Indian diets with the EAT‐Lancet recommendations. The present study performed such a comparison using primary dietary consumption data from adults in north and south India. Methods: Data from 8762 adults (52.4 ± 11.7 years) residing in Sonipat and Vizag India were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, wealth index (household assets) and dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire: nine food groups). The quantity consumed and energy from each food group was compared with the EAT‐Lancet recommendations. We investigated the likelihood of deficit or excess in consumption compared to the EAT‐Lancet recommendations by different sociodemographic factors. Results: Half of the participants were women and half resided in rural areas. Vegetables and fruits were consumed in lower quantity, whereas dairy and added fats were consumed in higher quantity than recommended by the EAT‐Lancet recommendations. For whole grains, female gender and poorest wealth index were the factors associated with deficit or no consumption, whereas, for vegetables and fruits, it was poorest wealth index and residence in rural areas (p < 0.05, all). Rural residence and poorest wealth index were associated with excess consumption of dairy and added fats (p < 0.05, all). Conclusions: The diets of the study participants were mainly plant‐based, and high in dairy but lacking in nutrient‐rich foods such as vegetables and fruits. Appropriate policy actions for making healthy sustainable diets and micronutrient‐rich foods available and affordable to all with a particular focus on the poor and rural populations are warranted. Very few studies have compared Indian diets with the EAT‐Lancet dietary recommendations. The present study performed such a comparison using primary dietary consumption data, finding that Indian diets were mainly plant‐based, being high in dairy but lacking in nutrient‐rich foods such as vegetables and fruits. Highlights: Compared with the EAT‐Lancet recommendations, Indian diets were deficit in fruits and vegetables consumption but exceeded in dairy and added fats.Female gender, rural residence and poorest wealth index were associated with lower nutrient rich foods consumption.To ensure sustainable and healthy diets in India, the EAT‐Lancet recommendations should be adopted considering Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines.Urgent policy actions are needed to make healthy and sustainable diets locally available accessible and affordable to all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy [AT] is a functional problem characterised by swelling and pain above the Achilles tendon insertion region. In individuals with AT, PRP or platelet-rich plasma can be used as an alternative modality of treatment with an aim to lessen the discomfort and enhance functional recovery. We assessed the available data supporting the effectiveness of PRP in treating chronic AT. Materials and methods: We did a literature search for randomised controlled trials [RCTs] that contrasted the effectiveness of PRP with that of eccentric exercise and placebo injections as treatment for AT in databases such as the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE. The Visual analogue scale [VAS] score, Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles [VISA-A] score, and Achilles tendon thickness were used to measure the results. We used the RevMan 5.3.5 software for statistical analysis. Results: We included five RCTs in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the VISA-A between the PRP and placebo groups at 12 weeks, 24 weeks and 1 year after treatment. However, at 6 weeks after treatment, PRP exhibited better efficacy than the placebo treatment. Two studies in our meta-analysis included VAS scores and tendon thickness. There was no significant difference in VAS scores at 6 weeks and 24 weeks after treatment. However, VAS scores at 12 weeks and tendon thickness were significantly different. Conclusion: PRP injection is an effective treatment for chronic AT. It has a unique potential for increasing function and reducing discomfort in AT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertensive (PIH) disorders are a significant cause of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, especially in developing areas of the world. Objective of this study to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of PIH patients with normotensive control in central India Materials & Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in the department obstetrics and Gynaecology, GRMC, Gwalior, India. 122 women with PIH admitted for delivery were included in the study. Outcomes of PIH were assessed in terms of feto-maternal complications. All the quantitative data were statistically analyzed by chi-quire test and P-value. Results: Majority (56.6%) of the study subjects were between 21 to 25 years, mostly from rural areas (55.7%) and belonged to lower socio-economic status (74.5%). The highest proportion of them (73.7%) had >37 wk of gestational age and also primigravida (74.5%). Anaemia and edema was significantly associated with PIH patients. LSCS, IUGR and PROM were more common in PIH group, whereas GDM, BOH and decreased foetal movement were common in control group. LBW babies, me conium Stained Liquor, maternal and foetal mortality were significantly higher in PIH. Conclusions: Pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders are common and adversely impact maternal and fetal outcomes. Efforts should be made at both the community and hospital levels to increase awareness regarding PIH and reduce its associated morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In multi-transfused thalassemia patients, serological phenotyping fails to test patient's actual blood group antigen profile due to the presence of donor red blood cell (RBC) in the circulation. This limitation of serological tests can be overcome by genotype determination using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. The aim of this study is to compare the serological phenotyping of Kell, Kidd, and Duffy blood group systems with molecular genotyping in the normal blood donors and multi-transfused thalassaemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples from 100 normal blood donors and 50 thalassemia patients were tested using standard serological techniques and PCR-based methods for Kell (K/k), Kidd (Jka/Jkb), and Duffy (Fya/Fyb) blood group systems. The results were compared for concordance. RESULTS: Genotyping and phenotyping results were 100% concordant for normal blood donors whereas those for thalassemia patients showed 24% discordance. The frequency of alloimmunization in thalassemia patients was 8%. The results of genotyping were used to provide Kell, Kidd, and Duffy matched blood for transfusion therapy to thalassemia patients. CONCLUSION: The actual antigen profile in multitransfused thalassaemia patients can be reliably determined using genotyping. This would benefit in providing better antigen matched transfusion therapy to such patients hence reducing the rate of alloimmunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we implement the semi‐analytical schemes, namely, local fractional homotopy perturbation Sumudu transform method (LFHPSTM) and local fractional homotopy analysis Sumudu transform method (LFHASTM), for finding the approximate analytical solutions of local fractional Laplace equations under different initial conditions on Cantor sets. The novelty of the work lies in the application of these suggested schemes which were never used to solve the local fractional Laplace equation. The Laplace equation mainly contributes to electrostatistics, mechanical engineering, and theoretical physics. This equation also helps in formulation of the electrostatic problem of a rod under a torsion load. Moreover, it helps in handling potential field problems also. These aspects enhance the significance of getting a solution of the local fractional Laplace equation in fractal media. The suggested methods are copulation of local fractional homotopy perturbation method and local fractional homotopy analysis method with the local fractional Sumudu transform, respectively. The computational process indicates that the schemes are very efficient to obtain nondifferentiable solutions for given equations in a smooth way. Moreover, the solution analysis depicts that both the local fractional hybrid homotopy schemes are in a good agreement with each other. These methods depict the accuracy and efficiency of the implemented methods in view of correspondence with solutions obtained with other methods in previous works. The numerical simulations for obtained results are discussed for various values of order of a local fractional derivative. The 3D graphs on the Cantor set are constructed with the help of Matlab software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have investigated perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) with seven different organic hole transport layers (HTLs), which include spiro-2,2’,7,7’-Tetr- akis-(N, N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino) −9,9’-spirobifluorene (OMeTAD), poly(triaryl amine) (PTAA), poly (3,3”’-dialkyl- quaterthiophene) (PQT), poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), poly (3-hexylthioph- ene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), Poly [2-methoxy-5-(2’-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV), and n-Propyl Bromide (nPB). This article reports the impact of several device parameters, such as perovskite layer defect density, and thickness, on the solar cell performance. We examined the device performance for the PSC device architecture, i.e., fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/HTLs/Au. For this study, numerical simulation has been performed and optimized for optimum absorber layer thickness and defect density. In this study, we report the power conversion efficiency (PCE) with various HTLs, such as 10.01% for MEH-PPV, 13.94% for PEDOT:PSS, 14.75% for P3HT, 15.42% for PQT, 15.74% for NPB, 17.08% for PTAA, and 17.11% for spiro-OMeTAD at an optimized thickness of 300 nm. It is asserted that there is an enhancement in the photovoltaic performance observed while using spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA as HTL. PSC using spiro-OMeTAD as HTL shows exceptional performance compared to other HTLs. Other parameters obtained for PSC using spiro-OMeTAD are ${V}_{OC}$ of 1.10 V, ${J}_{SC}$ of 20.772 mA/cm2, FF of 0.74%, and PCE of 17.11%. The elicited simulation results suggest that spiro-OMeTAD is the most promising candidate for HTL to fabricate low-cost, highly efficient, and low-temperature processed hybrid PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of an online, video-based, structured, educational module in increasing awareness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Material and Methods: Patients with PCOS were assessed for baseline awareness about PCOS, quantified as "awareness score", using a validated questionnaire. Topics assessed included factual and conceptual knowledge of the disease and awareness of behaviour-related lifestyle modification and therapy compliance in PCOS. An educational video module was shown to the participants which covered normal menstrual physiology, symptomatology, pathophysiology and natural history of PCOS, a comparative animation of healthy versus unhealthy lifestyle, indications of pharmacological intervention, and role of treatment adherence. The questionnaire was re-administered after exposure to the educational module, and effectiveness of the teaching method was evaluated by comparing pre and post test scores. Results: The total number of subjects was 41. Baseline knowledge was "fair" in 17.1%, "moderate" in 48.8% and "good" in 34.1%. Significant increase in awareness scores was noted among participants regarding PCOS after exposure to the learning module from 15.09±4.31 to 18.60±3.85 (p<0.00001) with a large effect size (Cohen's d=0.85). Most (48.8%) of the respondents had baseline awareness in the "moderate" range (scores between; 11-17) whereas post intervention scores improved to the "good" category for 63.4% of the women. Conclusion: The educational module was effective in significantly increasing knowledge about PCOS. Patient education is likely to help reinforce the message about lifestyle modification and continued compliance and may aid in promoting a patient-driven healthcare model in PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oncology patients and physicians value empathy because of its association with improved health outcomes. Common measures of empathy lack consistency and were developed without direct input from patients. Because of their intense engagement with health care systems, oncology patients may have unique perspectives on what behaviors signal empathy in a clinical setting.Methods: As part of a cross-sectional study of patient perspectives on clinician empathy at an academic cancer center in the northeastern United States, the authors solicited up to 10 free-text responses to an open-ended question about what clinician behaviors define empathy.Results: The authors categorized open-ended responses from 89 oncology patients into 5 categories representing 14 themes. These categories were relationship sensitivity, focus on the whole person, communication, clinician attributes, and institutional resources and care processes. Frequently represented themes, including listening, understanding, and attention to emotions and what matters most, aligned with existing measures of empathy; behaviors that were not well represented among existing measures included qualities of information sharing and other communication elements. Patients also associated clinician demeanor, accessibility, and competence with empathy.Conclusions: Oncology patients' perspectives on empathy highlight clinician behaviors and attributes that may help to refine patient experience measures and may be adopted by clinicians and cancer centers to enhance patient care and outcomes. High-quality communication skills training can promote active listening and paying attention to the whole person. A system-level focus on delivering empathic care may improve patients' experiences and outcomes.Lay Summary: Oncology patients' responses to an open-ended question about empathic clinician behavior have revealed insights into a variety of behaviors that are perceived as demonstrative of empathy. These include behaviors that imply sensitivity to the clinician-patient relationship, such as listening and understanding and attention to the whole person. Participants valued caring communication and demeanor and clinician accessibility. Perspective taking was not common among answers. Many existing measures of clinical care quality do not include the behaviors cited by patients as empathic. These results can inform efforts to refine quality measures of empathy-associated behaviors in clinical practice. Cancer centers can use skills training to improve elements of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore how physicians in neurology, family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine characterize clinical empathy.Methods: Physicians (N = 94) were asked to describe up to 10 examples of empathic physician behavior. Data were analyzed using template analysis.Results: Physicians' descriptions of clinical empathy patterned into three themes: Clinical Performance and Professionalism, Interpersonal Communication, and Clinician Orientation. Clinical Performance and Professionalism sub-themes included physician competency and accessibility; intersection with institutional resources; and spending/making/taking time with patients. Interpersonal Communication sub-themes involved information sharing; verbal and nonverbal approaches; interpersonal sensitivity; physician self-disclosure; and attention to emotion. Clinician Orientation encompassed general physician demeanor and internal thoughts and feelings that might be unobservable by patients. Physicians varied widely in the themes they mentioned in their definition of empathy.Conclusion: Physicians hold diverse notions of clinical empathy. These extend beyond traditional affective and cognitive empathy definitions to include structural elements like team-based care and accessibility after hours. Communication behaviors were perceived as important for demonstrating empathy. Some physician descriptions of empathy may not be perceptible to patients.Practice Implications: Training physicians to engage in behaviors that both they and patients perceive as empathic may lead to higher patient and physician satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the shear-based attenuation of vibration of an annular sandwich plate using two different shear mode piezoelectric fiber composite (PFC) actuators namely Shear Actuated Fiber Composite (SAFC) and Balanced Laminate of PFC (BLPFC). A conventional shear mode monolithic piezoelectric (PZT5H) actuator is also used, and a comparative study on the shear actuation capabilities of all three shear actuators is performed to address the best one for shear-based control of the annular sandwich plate. Every actuator is used in the form of an actuator laminate that is inserted at the core of the sandwich plate in the form of the patches, where a fruitful arrangement of the patches and a shear-based control strategy are presented for effective attenuation of vibration of the sandwich plate according to the velocity feedback control law. First, the effective properties of the actuator laminate are determined using the Uniform Field Method. Next, a closed-loop finite element model of the sandwich plate is developed based on the layer-wise shear deformation theory. Subsequently, the suitability of the present arrangement of shear actuator patches and the shear-based control strategy are substantiated. This arrangement of the actuator patches is further optimized for every shear actuator, and the corresponding shear actuated resonant displacement-amplitudes of the sandwich plate are evaluated. These results reveal lesser actuation capability of the SAFC than that of the PZT5H while the BL-PFC is the best one for shear-based attenuation of vibration of the annular sandwich plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares various herbal cosmetic brands to find their popularity ranking. The study was to understand consumer perception of Herbal products. The demand of herbal cosmetics is increasing rapidly thanks to their skin friendliness and lack of side effects. The best thing of the herbal cosmetics is that it is purely made by the herbs and shrubs and therefore provide the body with nutrients and other useful minerals. The herbal cosmetics are capable for treating various skin ailments like dry skin, anti-ageing, skin protection, and other acne problems too. The herbal brand not only beautify our skin but also hair. The method used was a survey-based questionnaire. This research was carried out in diferent zones of Kanpur. According to the survey it was found that Ayur Herbals was the most popular brand. Therefore, we can conclude that there is not at all shortage in the demand for herbal products in the market. The consumers concern towards health risk and harmful effect of chemical products forcing them to switch over to natural products. There is high favorability of Ayur Herbals products among its users. People mostly used Ayur Herbals brand products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pattern of post-stroke aphasia in speakers of Bengali language has not previously been reported in the literature. Furthermore, the inter-relationship between age, gender, and level of education and aphasia typology has remained unsettled thus far. Aims: To investigate the incidence and type of aphasia in first-ever acute stroke patients who were speakers of Bengali language. Methods & Procedures: Bengali version of Western Aphasia Battery was used for language assessment in our study participants. Lesion localization was done by using magnetic resonance imaging(3T) for ischemic stroke (if not contraindicated) and computed tomography for hemorrhagic stroke. Among 515 screened cases of first-ever acute stroke, 208 presented with aphasia. Language assessment was done between 7 and 14 days in all study participants. Outcomes & Results: The incidence of post-stroke aphasia in our sample was found at 40.39%. Types of aphasia were – Broca's (38.5%) followed by global (27.9%); Wernicke's (12.5%); transcortical motor (9.6%); anomic (4.3%); transcortical sensory (3.8%); isolation (1.9%); and conduction (1.4%). Mean number of years of formal education was significantly higher in fluent aphasia group in comparison with non-fluent group (10.51 years versus 7.01 years, p = 0.003). In logistic regression analysis, location of lesion (posterior perisylvian) (p = 0.007, OR = 5.406, 95% CI, 1.602–18.240) and education (p = 0.044, OR = 1.097, 95% CI, 1.003–1.199) were two independent predictors favoring fluent aphasia. Conclusions: Aphasia among post-stroke Bengali patients is quite frequent. The commonest type of aphasia in our sample was Broca's aphasia. Bengali-speaking people with higher education were more likely to present fluent aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to characterize the semen quality parameters in roosters of three genetic groups viz. Rhode Island Red (RIR), Punjab Red and RIR X local cross. The roosters for each genetic group were also evaluated for fertility rate. There was no significant difference in color, pH and abnormalities among different genetic groups. RIR X local cross had significant higher (p<0.01) ejaculate volume (0.51±0.02 ml vs. 0.27±0.01 and 0.30±0.01ml), sperm concentration (2804.70±114.61 vs. 1826.10±77.66 and 2133.50±81.18X106 sperms/ml), sperm motility % (66.60±2.12 vs. 55.38±1.82 and 51.95±1.84), sperm viability % (72.43±2.06 vs. 64.67±1.88 and 51.25±1.89) and HOST % (64.59±2.61 vs. 58.55±1.17 and 47.09±2.11) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively. Interestingly, RIR X local cross had significant lower (p<0.01) partially damaged sperm % (36.96±2.81 vs. 41.84±1.78 and 48.98±1.89) and fully damaged sperm % (14.15±3.39 vs. 26.27±1.93 and 31.25±2.46) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively indicating desirable performance. The fertility rate for RIR X local cross was also found to be higher than Punjab Red and RIR respectively. Sperm traits were significantly positively correlated among groups with high correlation between fertility rate and sperm traits. It can be concluded that the selection of roosters on the basis of sperm function tests for artificial insemination may improve fertility rate and thereby may reduce maintenance cost of large number of cocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine which parameter of Cirrus and RTVue optical coherence tomography (OCT) has the highest ability to discriminate between early, moderate, and advanced glaucoma. Simultaneously, to compare the performance of the two OCT devices in terms of their ability to differentiate the three stages of glaucoma. Further, to analyze the macular parameters of both devices and compare them with the conventional retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters.Methods: One hundred and twenty eyes (30 healthy and 90 glaucomatous [30 mild, 30 moderate, and 30 advanced glaucoma]) of 65 participants (15 healthy, 50 glaucomatous [15 mild, 15 moderate, and 20 advanced glaucoma]) underwent Cirrus and RTVue OCT scanning on a single visit.Results: Average RNFL thickness and superior RNFL thickness of both the devices and inferior (ganglion cell complex [GCC] of RTVue device best differentiated normals from all stage glaucomatous eyes (P > 0.05). Cirrus average RNFL thickness and superior RNFL thickness performed better than other parameters (P < 0.05) in differentiating early glaucoma from moderate and advanced. In differentiating advanced from early and moderate glaucoma, RTVue average, superior, and inferior RNFL thickness and inferior GCC parameters had the highest discriminating ability (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Overall, average RNFL thickness had the highest ability to distinguish different stages of the disease. No significant difference was found between RTVue and Cirrus OCT device in different severity levels. No significant difference was observed between RNFL and macular parameters in different stages of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Loss of function of the astrocyte-specific protein MLC1 leads to the childhood-onset leukodystrophy "megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts" (MLC). Studies on isolated cells show a role for MLC1 in astrocyte volume regulation and suggest that disturbed brain ion and water homeostasis is central to the disease. Excitability of neuronal networks is particularly sensitive to ion and water homeostasis. In line with this, reports of seizures and epilepsy in MLC patients exist. However, systematic assessment and mechanistic understanding of seizures in MLC are lacking.Methods: We analyzed an MLC patient inventory to study occurrence of seizures in MLC. We used two distinct genetic mouse models of MLC to further study epileptiform activity and seizure threshold through wireless extracellular field potential recordings. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and K+ -sensitive electrode recordings in mouse brain slices were used to explore the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy in MLC.Results: An early onset of seizures is common in MLC. Similarly, in MLC mice, we uncovered spontaneous epileptiform brain activity and a lowered threshold for induced seizures. At the cellular level, we found that although passive and active properties of individual pyramidal neurons are unchanged, extracellular K+ dynamics and neuronal network activity are abnormal in MLC mice.Interpretation: Disturbed astrocyte regulation of ion and water homeostasis in MLC causes hyperexcitability of neuronal networks and seizures. These findings suggest a role for defective astrocyte volume regulation in epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2018;83:636-649. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background of the study: Enteral feeding in preterm neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AREDF) on umbilical artery (UA) Doppler is delayed owing to an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Delaying enteral feeding with longer duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) carries an increased risk of sepsis.Objectives: To study early versus late feeding in preterm IUGR neonates for time required to attain sufficient feed volume to discontinue PN and increased risk of NEC or feed intolerance (FI).Design: Open-label randomized controlled trial.Setting: Tertiary care neonatal unit and fetal-maternal medicine unit in India.Participants: Preterm intrauterine growth restricted neonates' ≤32 weeks with AREDF on UA Doppler enrolled from 1 January 2014 to 31 July 2015.Intervention: Randomized to receive early or late feeding using mothers own or donor breast milk as per a feed initiation and advancement protocol.Primary outcome: Time in days required to attain sufficient feed volume allowing discontinuation of PN and incidence of NEC in neonates fed early versus late.Results: There were 77 eligible neonates. Sixty-two neonates were included and stratified as extreme preterm (27-29 weeks) (n = 20) and very preterm (30-32 weeks) (n = 42). Ten extreme preterm and 21 very preterm neonates were randomized to each early feeding and late feeding arm. There was a significantly faster attainment of sufficient feeds in the early feeding arm of both the stratified groups [extreme preterm: median 14 days (Interquartile range IQR: 12-15) compared with 18 days (IQR: 18-20), hazard ratio (HR): 1.59, 95% CI: 0.626-4.078; very preterm: 12 days (IQR: 10-14) as compared with 16 days (IQR 15-17), HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.011-3.555]. There was no difference in the incidence of NEC, FI and combined outcome of NEC and FI.Conclusion: Early feeding in preterm IUGR neonates with AREDF on antenatal UA Doppler allowed earlier discontinuation of PN, allowing birth weight to be regained earlier and did not increase the incidence of NEC and FI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper experimentally investigates the performance and exhaust emissions of a variable compression ratio engine fueled with 100%, 90%, 70% and 50% Jatropha bio-diesel and turpentine oil. In this paper, highly viscous Jatropha biodiesel is blended with relatively low viscosity turpentine oil in various proportions resulting in effective viscosity comparable with that of standard diesel with a view to developing a new alternative fuel which is comparable equally cost effective and eliminates dependency on conventional diesel fuel. Experimental analysis is carried out on ATE Make VCRE_MF single cylinder, naturally aspired, four stroke, and variable compression ratio diesel engine to study combustion performance and emission properties via conventional diesel fuel and different blends of Jatropha biodiesel with turpentine oil. Dual biofuel blend is found to be the greatest substitute to fossil (diesel) fuel in all aspects such as emissions and performance. Experiments have been accompanied at CR (compression ratio) of 15.5:1, 17:1, 18.5:1 and 20:1. Further, dual biofuel blend (JBT 50) resulted at full load and compression ratio 20, there was 2.17% increase in brake thermal efficiency and 13.04%, 17.5%, 4.21% and 30.8% decrease in CO, HC and NOx and smoke opacity respectively while CO 2 was observed to increase by 11.04% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune encephalitis and compare it to that of infectious encephalitis.Methods: We performed a population-based comparative study of the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune and infectious encephalitis in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis and subgroups were defined by 2016 diagnostic criteria, and infectious encephalitis diagnosis required a confirmed infectious pathogen. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates were calculated. Patients with encephalitis of uncertain etiology were excluded.Results: The prevalence of autoimmune encephalitis on January 1, 2014 of 13.7/100,000 was not significantly different from that of all infectious encephalitides (11.6/100,000; p = 0.63) or the viral subcategory (8.3/100,000; p = 0.17). The incidence rates (1995-2015) of autoimmune and infectious encephalitis were 0.8/100,000 and 1.0/100,000 person-years, respectively (p = 0.58). The number of relapses or recurrent hospitalizations was higher for autoimmune than infectious encephalitis (p = 0.03). The incidence of autoimmune encephalitis increased over time from 0.4/100,000 person-years (1995-2005) to 1.2/100,000 person-years (2006-2015; p = 0.02), attributable to increased detection of autoantibody-positive cases. The incidence (2.8 vs 0.7/100,000 person-years, p = 0.01) and prevalence (38.3 vs 13.7/100,000, p = 0.04) of autoimmune encephalitis was higher among African Americans than Caucasians. The prevalence of specific neural autoantibodies was as follows: myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, 1.9/100,000; glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, 1.9/100,000; unclassified neural autoantibody, 1.4/100,000; leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1, 0.7/100,000; collapsin response-mediator protein 5, 0.7/100,000; N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, 0.6/100,000; antineuronal nuclear antibody type 2, 0.6/100,000; and glial fibrillary acidic protein α, 0.6/100,000.Interpretation: This study shows that the prevalence and incidence of autoimmune encephalitis are comparable to infectious encephalitis, and its detection is increasing over time. Ann Neurol 2018;83:166-177. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: To date, the surgical approaches for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis by transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using minimally invasive spine surgery assisted with intraoperative computed tomography image-integrated navigation (MISS-iCT), fluoroscopy (MISS-FS), and conventional open surgery (OS) are debatable.Purpose: This study compared TLIF using MISS-iCT, MISS-FS, and OS for treatment of one-level lumbar spondylolisthesis.Study Design: This is a prospective, registry-based cohort study that compared surgical approaches for patients who underwent surgical treatment for one-level lumbar spondylolisthesis.Patient Sample: One hundred twenty-four patients from January 2010 to March 2012 in a medical center were recruited.Outcome Measures: The outcome measures were clinical assessments, including Short-Form 12, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, Core Outcome Measurement Index, and patient satisfaction, and blood loss, hospital stay, operation time, postoperative pedicle screw accuracy, and superior-level facet violation.Methods: All surgeries were performed by two senior surgeons together. Ninety-nine patients (40M, 59F) who had at least 2 years' follow-up were divided into three groups according to the operation methods: MISS-iCT (N=24), MISS-FS (N=23), and OS (N=52) groups. Charts and surgical records along with postoperative CT images were assessed.Results: MISS-iCT and MISS-FS demonstrated a significantly lowered blood loss and hospital stay compared with OS group (p<.01). Operation time was significantly lower in the MISS-iCT and OS groups compared with the MISS-FS group (p=.002). Postoperatively, VAS scores at 1 year and 2 years were significantly improved in the MISS-iCT and MISS-FS groups compared with the OS groups. No significant difference in the number of pedicle screw breach (>2 mm) was found. However, a lower superior-level facet violation rate was observed in the MISS-iCT and OS groups (p=.049).Conclusions: MISS-iCT TLIF demonstrated reduced operation time, blood loss, superior-level facet violation, hospital stay, and improved functional outcomes compared with the MISS-FS and OS approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently proposed Social Motivation theory (Chevallier et al., Trends in cognitive sciences 16(4):231-239, 2012) suggests that social difficulties in Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) might be caused by a difference in the motivation to engage with other people. Here we compared adolescents with (N = 31) and without (N = 37) ASC on the Choose-a-Movie paradigm that measures the social seeking. The results showed a preference for viewing objects over smiling faces in ASC, which is in line with the theory of low social motivation. However, typical adolescents did not show any stimuli preferences, raising questions about developmental changes in social motivation. Age was found to play a significant role in moderating the choice behaviour of the participants. We discuss the implications of these findings in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There has been a paradigm shift of focus toward quality of spinal anesthesia with sedation being an integral aspect of this regional anesthesia technique. Thus, this study was designed to compare efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine and propofol for moderate sedation during spinal anesthesia. Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients of age group 18-60 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I & II, posted for surgeries under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided in to three groups (n = 40 each); Group D received infusion of dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg over 10 min followed by maintenance infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/h. Group P received infusion of propofol 6 mg/kg/h for 10 min followed by the infusion maintenance of 2.5 mg/kg/h. Group C (control group) received normal saline. Level of sedation (using observer's assessment of alertness/sedation score), pain intensity (by visual analogue scale), onset and recovery from sedation, hemodynamic changes, and overall patient's satisfaction were assessed. Results: The onset and recovery from sedation were significantly earlier with propofol (15.57 ± 1.89 min vs. 27.06 ± 2.26 min; P < 0.001) however intraoperative sedation (level 4), and overall patient's satisfaction was significantly better with dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.05). Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly prolonged with dexmedetomidine (225.53 ± 5.61 min vs. 139.60 ± 3.03 min; P = 0.0013). Mean heart rate and blood pressure were significantly lower in the propofol group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine with its stable cardio-respiratory profile, better sedation, overall patient's satisfaction, and analgesia could be a valuable adjunct for intraoperative sedation during spinal anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Heterogeneity of presenting symptoms makes the initial clinical diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) challenging.Methods: Observational retrospective study from 2 teaching hospitals (Parkland Memorial Hospital and University of Texas Southwestern University Hospital) between 2008 and 2013.Results: Sixty-nine GBS patients were identified. GBS was suspected on initial emergency department visit in only 49%. During first hospital encounter, 58% were evaluated by a neurologist. Neuropathic pain and presence of intact deep tendon reflexes were associated with delayed GBS diagnosis (P < 0.05). There was significantly better clinical outcome among patients who were evaluated by a neurologist during the initial visit (P < 0.005). Among these patients there was also significant difference in discharge destination; 71.2% of patients evaluated by a neurologist were discharged home (P < 0.01). Patients in whom GBS was not suspected at the time of initial Neurology evaluation were more likely to require intubation and to have residual weakness at the time of discharge (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Atypical clinical signs and symptoms may lead to delayed diagnosis of GBS. Early neurological evaluation is associated with improved clinical diagnosis and discharge disposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ball bearings are considered as a critical element in various mechanical systems. Vibration signal analysis is very effective method for finding bearing fault. Accelerometers are used to capture the multi-component vibration signal generated in the machine when it is in use. Various methods based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) have been used for ball bearing fault diagnosis. EMD method usually suffered from the boundary distortion of intrinsic mode function. Classification of ball bearing fault is one of the challenging tasks in the field of mechanical systems. Various classification schemes such as support vector machine (SVM), K-means clustering, extreme learning machine (ELM) have been used for the classification of ball bearing fault. In this study, footprint analysis of Hilbert transform along with the neural network has been done for ball bearing fault analysis. A comparative analysis of the proposed research study has been done with available methods such as SVM and ELM. A high fault classification accuracy has been achieved using the proposed method for detection of ball bearing fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two simple finite volume advection schemes based on linear sub-grid reconstruction are implemented over spherical icosahedral–hexagonal grids. One of theses schemes is fully discrete in space and time, while the other one is a semi-discrete scheme with third order Runge–Kutta time integration. For the linear sub-grid reconstruction, we propose two possible candidates for consistent gradient discretization over general grids. These gradients are designed in a finite volume sense with an adequate modification to guarantee convergence in the absence of special grid optimization. To generate our computational mesh from triangular grid, we either use centroids (BT grid) or circumcenters (VT grid) of the spherical triangular mesh. A numerical convergence study is used to show that for a first order convergence of our discrete gradients grid modification is sufficient, whereas to achieve second order convergence grid optimization is mandatory. This study also implicates that BT grid offers a better rate of convergence than VT grid. Monotonicity of the advection schemes is enforced by a slope limiter as well as flux-corrected transport (FCT). We compared aforementioned space–time coupled and space–time decoupled advection schemes in terms of their performance for the recently proposed advection test cases. Our findings advocate that space–time coupled advection scheme is performing better than its counterpart. Furthermore, we used the fully discrete advection scheme to carried out a comparison of slope limitation and FCT approach to achieve monotonicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study investigated adherence with MMF treatment among patients attending rheumatology clinics at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) with Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). Methods: This retrospective study collated hospital pharmacy data in patients who requested the prescription for MMF between January 2015 and December 2018. Clinical data were obtained from paper and electronic notes. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Ethical approval was obtained through Coventry University. Results: We recruited 144 patients into this study with age range from 18 to 91 years, including 100 females and 44 males. There were 112 White patients, 22 of South Asian origin, 3 East Asian and 4 black patients. SLE (56), scleroderma (18), mixed connective tissue disease (15), myositis (13), vasculitis (13) were the commonest diagnoses. Overall adherence with Mycophenolate mofetil was 62%. The adherence rates were below 80% for all age groups with ∼60% of patients having adherence levels of >60%. Poor adherence with MMF correlated with 3‐fold increase in risk of flares compared to good adherence (p = 0.002). We also found a significant difference between Asian patients (mean adherence 47%) and White patients (mean adherence 65%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Adherence with MMF has improved considerably compared to historical studies, although these remain suboptimal. Certain population groups such as young adults, elderly and Asian patients continue to have lower adherence and higher risk of flares. Strategies are needed to improve adherence levels overall and specifically in the high‐risk groups to reduce risk of flares and organ damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish some sufficient conditions for the complete controllability of linear and semilinear impulsive matrix Lyapunov systems. For the semilinear systems, we assume that nonlinearities are Lipschitz type or monotone type. Few illustrative examples are given to compare and substantiate the results of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total 937 bp of the thyroglobulin (TG) gene, including promoter, exon1 and partial intron1 were characterized and compared across four livestock species, cattle, buffalo, yak and mithun. Identity was more than 98% and transcription factor binding sites analysis revealed the presence of variable numbers of potential binding sites in cattle, riverine buffalo, swamp buffalo, yak and mithun. The putative TTF-1 binding sites appeared to be conserved across all the investigated species except for a single C>T variation observed in TG promoter of Indicus cattle. A total of 15 polymorphic sites were observed in cattle and 8 in buffalo, out of which 2 were already reported in cattle and 4 polymorphic sites were common among cattle and buffaloes. The Principal component analysis results based on identified SNPs, revealed a close relationship between Crossbred and Indian Tharparkar breed of cattle as well as between Murrah and Banni breeds of buffalo. Analysis of the previously reported SNP, PsuI (g.-422C>T) marker (378C>T in our studies), associated with low marbling trait of meat in cattle, revealed an average frequency of 95% for the favourable C allele in Indian cattle, while it was fixed in the Indian swamp and riverine buffalo breeds. The study indicates, identification of genetic variation in the promoter region that could potentially affect the TG expression however, the association of the T allele with the fat deposition in Indian cattle and buffalo breeds needs to be verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ab-initio calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been performed to study the optical properties of pure graphene and have been compared to that of individual boron (B), nitrogen (N) and BN co-doped graphene sheet. The effect of doping has been investigated by varying the concentrations of dopants from 3.125% (one atom of the dopant in 32 host atoms) to 18.75% (six dopant atoms in 50 host atoms) for individual B and N doping and from 6.25% (one B/N pair in 32 host atoms) to 75% for BN co-doping. Positions of the dopants have also been varied for the same concentration of substitution doping. The dielectric matrix has been calculated within the random phase approximation (RPA) using VASP (Vienna ab-initio Simulation Package) code. The dielectric function, absorption spectrum and energy loss-function of single layer graphene sheet have been calculated for light polarization parallel and perpendicular to the plane of graphene sheet and compared with doping graphene. The calculated dielectric functions and energy-loss spectra are in reasonable agreement with the available theoretical and experimental results for pure graphene. It has been found that individual B and N doping does not significantly affect the imaginary dielectric function and hence the absorption spectra. However, significant red-shift in absorption towards the visible range of the radiation at high doping is found to occur for the B/N co-doping. The results can be used to tailor the optical properties of graphene in the visible region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One-and-a-half-year-old Kinnow plants budded on Jatti Khatti were treated with different triazole compounds in the presence or absence of NaCl. All of the NaCl damage symptoms were alleviated by the triazoles. The maximum improvement in leaf weight ratio (LWR) (40.9%), membrane stability index (MSI) (1.2-fold), and relative water content (RWC) (1.1-fold) was found in paclobutrazol (PBZ)-treated plants in the presence of NaCl. Furthermore, hexaconazole (HEX) and PBZ plants had lower accumulation of Na+in leaves while less Cl−content and maximum K+content in leaf tissues were found in PBZ-treated plants under NaCl stress condition. Thus, PBZ and/or triazole (TRZ) could be used as a potential tool to enhance salinity stress tolerance in Kinnow budded on Jatti Khatti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syntheses of a new Schiff base, diethyl-5- (2-hydroxybenzylidene)aminoisophthalate (HL), and a copper complex, [Cu(L2)] (1), imparting L-, have been described. Both the ligand HL and complex 1 have been thoroughly characterized by elemental analyses, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, FT-IR, NMR (¹H and 13C), electronic absorption, and emission spectral studies and their structures determined by X-ray single-crystal analyses. Distinctive chemodosimetric behavior of HL and 1 toward Hg2+ has been established by UV/vis, emission, and mass spectral studies. Comparative studies further revealed that the chemodosimetric response solely originates from selective hydrolysis of the aldimine moiety over the ester group and I exhibited greater selectivity toward Hg2+ relative to HL while the sensitivity order is reversed. Further, these followed different hydrolytic pathways but ended up with the same product analyzed for diethyl-5-aminoisophthaIate (DEA). Hg2+-induced displacement of Cu2+ and subsequent hydrolysis of the --HC=N-- moiety in 1 affirmed the identity of the actual species undergoing hydrolysis as HL. The occurrence of Cu2+ displacement and Hg2+ detection via hydrolytic transformation has been supported by various physicochemical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One of the different issues limiting the wider application of monolithic hydroxyapatite (HA) as an ideal bone replacement material is the lack of reasonably good electrical transport properties. The comprehensive electrical property characterization to evaluate the efficacy of processing parameters in achieving the desired combination of electroactive properties is considered as an important aspect in the development of HA-based bioactive material. In this perspective, the present work reports the temperature (RT-200°C) and frequency (100Hz–1MHz) dependent dielectric properties and AC conductivity for a range of HA–CaTiO3 (HA–CT) composites, densified using both conventional pressureless sintering in air as well as spark plasma sintering in vacuum. Importantly, the AC conductivity of spark plasma sintered ceramics [∼upto 10−5 (Ωcm)−1] are found to be considerably higher than the corresponding pressureless sintered ceramics [∼upto 10−8 (Ωcm)−1]. Overall, the results indicate the processing route dependent functional properties of HA–CaTiO3 composites as well as related advantages of spark plasma sintering route. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports the mechanoluminescence (ML) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of (Zn, Cd)S:Mn, (Zn, Cd)S:Cu, (Zn, Cd)S:Ag, and (Zn, Cd)S:Au mixed phosphors. The PL spectra of the phosphors were similar to the ML spectra within the limit of experimental error. For (Zn, Cd)S:Cu, (Zn, Cd)S:Ag, and (Zn, Cd)S:Au phosphors ML spectra shifted toward lower wavelength compared with PL spectra whereas for the Mn-doped (Zn, Cd)S phosphor ML spectra shifted toward higher wavelength compared with PL spectra. ML and PL spectra of doped (Zn, Cd)S mixed phosphors shifted toward longer wavelength with increasing CdS content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas production generates digested slurry as a by-product. It can be used as fertilizer especially after its conversion into digested liquid. A microcosm-based study was conducted in order to compare the effects of single application of digested liquid or chemical fertilizer on NO flux and crop yield of komatsuna vegetable. Analysis revealed that digested liquid-treated soils released almost equal cumulative NO (0.43 g N m) compared to chemical fertilizer (0.39 g N m). The uncropped soils treated with the digested liquid and chemical fertilizer released more NO compared to corresponding cropped soils. The NO emission factor and soil mineral N contents were similar for the digested liquid and chemical fertilizer-treated soils. Plant biomass in the first crop after digested liquid application was significantly higher (5.59 g plant) than that after applied chemical fertilizer (4.78 g plant); but there was no significant difference for the second crop. Nitrogen agronomic efficiency was improved by the digested liquid compared to chemical fertilizer. This study indicates that cumulative NO flux was similar after application of the digested liquid and chemical fertilizer, while the overall yield from both croppings was increased in the digested liquid-treated soil compared to chemical fertilizer-treated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Silicon–Germanium-on-Insulator (SGOI) and Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) based MOS structures are spearheading the strained-Si technology. The present work compares the subthreshold characteristics of two short-channel back-gated (BG) strained-Si-on-SGOI (SSGOI) and BG strained-Si-on-Insulator (SSOI) MOSFETs, and provides some solutions to overcome the degradation in subthreshold characteristics with the unrelenting downscaling of the devices. Subthreshold behaviors of the MOS structures are based on surface potential model which is determined by solving the 2D Poisson's equation with suitable boundary conditions by evanescent mode analysis for both of the MOS structures. The closed form expressions for threshold voltage, subthreshold current and subthreshold swing have been derived for symmetrical as well as independent gate operation (IGO). In addition, the Electrostatic integrity (EI) factors for SSOI and SSGOI MOS structures have been estimated and compared with Double-Gate (DG) MOSFET. The numerical simulation results, obtained by ATLAS™, a 2D device simulator from Silvaco, have been used to assess the validity of the models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing applications of different nanomaterials in the myriad of nano-enabled products and their potential for leaching have raised considerable environmental, health and safety (EHS) concerns. As systematic studies investigating potential anomalies in the morphology and anatomy of crop plants are scarce, herein we report on the developmental responses of two agriculturally significant crop plants, maize (Zea mays L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), upon in vitro exposure to nanoparticles of citrate-coated silver (Citrate–nAg) and zinc oxide (nZnO). Analyses involve histology of the primary root morphology and anatomy using light microscopy, metal biouptake, moisture content, rate of germination, and root elongation. Comparative toxicity profiles of the ionic salts (AgNO3 and ZnSO4) are developed. Notably, we uncover structural changes in maize primary root cells upon exposure to Citrate–nAg, nZnO, AgNO3, and ZnSO4, possibly due to metal biouptake, suggesting potential for functional impairments in the plant growth and development. Citrate–nAg exposure results in lower Ag biouptake compared to AgNO3 treatment in maize. Microscopic evidence reveals ‘tunneling-like effect’ with nZnO treatment, while exposure to AgNO3 leads to cell erosion in maize root apical meristem. In maize, a significant change in metaxylem count is evident with Citrate–nAg, AgNO3, and ZnSO4 treatment, but not with nZnO treatment (p>0.1). In both maize and cabbage, measures of germination and root elongation reveal lower nanoparticle toxicity compared to free ions. As moisture data do not support osmotically-induced water stress hypothesis for explaining toxicity, we discuss other proximate mechanisms including the potential role of growth hormones and transcription factors. These findings highlight previously overlooked, anatomically significant effects of metal nanoparticles, and recommend considering detailed anatomical investigations in tandem with the standard developmental phytotoxicity assays (germination and root elongation) as the latter ones appear less sensitive for screening plant responses to nanomaterial insults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the ideal correction of intraocular lens (IOL) power for sulcus implantation. Design: Retrospective, comparative case series. Participants: The records of 679 patients undergoing cataract surgery from June 2007 to June 2008 were reviewed. Intervention: Eyes in this series underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with local anesthesia. Patients in our study population had their IOL power reduced by 0.5 or 1 diopter (D) from that calculated by the SRK-T formula for in-the-bag implantation. The IOL implanted was the foldable 3-piece acrylic Acrysof MA60AC (Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Main Outcome Measures: In each case, the difference between actual spherical equivalent (SE) refraction and that predicted by biometry using the SRK-T formula was calculated. Results: Posterior capsule tears requiring implantation of IOL in the ciliary sulcus occurred in 36 eyes. When comparing eyes in which the power was reduced by 0.5 D with those in which the reduction was 1.0 D, those with a power reduction of 1.0 D had significantly less unexpected error (0.49 vs. 1.01 D SE). After stratifying eyes by axial length (AL), we found higher unexpected refractive error in short eyes (<22 mm AL). Likewise, eyes with a predicted IOL power >25 D had a greater postoperative refractive error. Conclusions: This is the first comparative clinical review examining adjustment of power of the sulcus-implanted IOL. We found that the IOL power should be adjusted according to the measured AL and predicted IOL power. For patients with a predicted IOL power from 18 to 25 D, power should be reduced by at least 1 D; for lenses >25 D, power should be reduced by 1.5 to 2 D. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Micro Pulse Polarization LIDAR (MPPL) has been designed and developed for aerosol and cloud studies at National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India (28° 35′ N, 77° 12′E) using a low-energy pico-second pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm and single PMT detector. This has been used for detecting depolarization characteristics with back-scatter coefficient of atmospheric aerosols and clouds. The back-scattered signals are detected at the emitted wavelength with co-polarization and cross-polarization discrimination with a mirror on stepper motor for aerosols and cloud. Data are obtained by MPPL and are inter-compared with a well-established commercial Leosphere made EZ LIDAR, industry standard at the same site and time, and the results are found to be in good agreement. In the present communication the back-scattered coefficient, aerosols optical depth, depolarization ratio etc. obtained using MPPL & EZ LIDAR are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a suite of algorithms for migrating Lagrangian data between processors in a parallel environment when the underlying mesh is Eulerian. The collection of algorithms applies to both uniform and adaptive meshes. The algorithms are implemented in, and distributed with, FLASH, a publicly available multiphysics simulation code. Migrating Lagrangian data on an Eulerian mesh is non-trivial because the Eulerian grid points are spatially fixed whereas Lagrangian entities move with the flow of a simulation. Thus, the movement of Lagrangian data cannot use the data migration methods associated with the Eulerian mesh. Additionally, when the mesh is adaptive, as the simulation progresses the grid resolution changes. The resulting regridding process can cause complex Lagrangian data migration. The algorithms presented in this paper describe Lagrangian data movement on a static uniform mesh and on an adaptive octree based block-structured mesh. Some of the algorithms are general enough to be applicable to any block structured mesh, while some others exploit the meta-data and structure of PARAMESH, the adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) package used in FLASH. We also present an analysis of the algorithms’ comparative performances in different parallel environments, and different flow characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluoride in drinking water plays a dual role, beneficial or detrimental depending on its concentration and total amount consumed. The fluoride contamination in drinking water is perhaps the most common drinking water related problem which becomes a global problem and widely spreads worldwide. Adsorption-based defluoridation systems are well known as the best feasible option. The endeavor of the present work is to investigate the defluoridation by three effective adsorbents, developed from minerals and used tea leaves carbon. On the whole the proposed treatment method relies on adsorptive phenomenon for defluoridation in water reclamation process. Effects of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and initial fluoride ion concentration were evaluated. To understand the pivotal role of developed materials, evaluation of best optimized conditions for kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherm modeling has been explored for decontamination processes and assess their characteristics along the processes. The data were fitted by different kinetics model viz. pseudo first-order, second-order, Elovich and Ritchie. Langmuir isotherm was applied to evaluate the adsorption capacity. Linear correlation regression coefficient R2 was used to judge the favorable kinetic and isotherm models for adsorption. Adsorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and fourier transform infra red spectroscopy. Ecotoxicological assessment of developed material was carried out on adult freshwater teleosts Poecilia reticulata (Guppy fish) for its safe disposal of SACS. Expected outcome of this research work provides a barrier against the release of fluorides into waters thus improve water quality for human consumption. Pseudo second-order kinetic model was found to be most suitable for all the three adsorbents. Langmuir was a better fitting model in AdAA but Freundlich isotherm had a better fitting model for AdTC and SACS than the Langmuir. Silver impregnated-alumina-carbon-sand (SACS) was found most suitable among the studied adsorbents having adsorption capacity of 71.43mg/g. Thermodynamics study reveals the endothermic nature of the adsorption. Significant details the obtained from the IR analysis, which also support the defluoridation by the possible groups/ions found on the surface of the adsorbents. The developed adsorbents were found effective for defluoridation from lower to higher concentration range of fluoride ion. The adsorbents can be disposed safely after their use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Present study was designed to investigate the impact of two cryodevices; french mini straw (FMS) and open pulled straw (OPS) using two different cryoprotectants; ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) on morphological damage, recovery rate, DNA damage and developmental competence of in vitro matured vitrified-thawed buffalo oocytes. In vitro matured oocytes were divided into three groups: (a) no cryoprotectant (unfrozen, control), (b) vitrified in FMS and (c) in OPS using EG/PG. After thawing, recovered oocytes were subjected to morphological evaluation, cryoinjury at DNA level and their developmental competence. Results showed that recovery rate from both the groups (b and c) were almost same. Amongst the morphological damaged oocytes, zona pellucida crack, oocyte shrinkage and splitting were significantly (P <0.05) higher in FMS with PG as compared to FMS with EG (group b) while, OPS with EG was significantly (P <0.05) better as it maintained the architecture of oocytes and hardly any damage was found except some cytoplasmic shrinkage and change in shape. The number of oocytes displaying DNA damage was significantly (P <0.05) higher in FMS with PG. Cleavage and blastocysts production rate was significantly higher (P <0.05) for the oocytes recovered from OPS as compared to FMS with PG or EG. OPS with EG gave best cleavage and blastocysts rate amongst all the groups. In conclusion, combination of EG with OPS gives the best result in terms of better recovery and survival rate, least morphological damages with good developmental competence of vitrified matured buffalo oocytes post-thawing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An accurate and standardized technique for breast tumor segmentation is a critical step for monitoring and quantifying breast cancer. The fully automated tumor segmentation in mammograms presents many challenges related to characteristics of an image. In this paper, a comparison of two different semi-automated methods, viz., level set and marker controlled watershed methods that perform an accurate and fast segmentation of tumor is made. The robustness of the proposed methods is demonstrated by the segmentation of a set of 17 mammogram images. Numerical validation of the results is also provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]