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Polycrystalline samples of mixed ferrites Cd0.5Co0.5 + tAtFe2 − 2tO4, where A = Si or Ti and t = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 were prepared by ceramic processing. X-ray analysis showed that the lattice constant increases with increasing Ti whereas it decreases with increasing Si. The saturation magnetization (Ms) decreases slowly for t ≤ 0.2 Ti and afterwards rapidly. In the case of Si-substitutions, the Ms increases slightly for x ≤ 0.2 and then decreases. The Ms value is higher for the case of Si-substitutions than that of Ti ones. The Curie temperature (Tc) decreases with t in case of Ti and increases in case of Si. The initial permeability (μi) increases slowly for t ≤ 0.2, and suddenly for t > 0.2 for Ti. In case of Si-substitutions the μi continuously decreases with t. Permeability with frequency showed dispersion behaviour. Relaxation frequencies shift to lower value in case of Ti and to higher value in case of Si-substitution. The variation in permeability is explained on the basis of single ion model.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been implicated in the control of ingestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive function. Blood pressure and sexual function were examined in Long-Evans rats receiving 6% ethanol-containing or calorically matched liquid diets, or rat chow ad lib. After 12 weeks of exposure, rats were sacrificed and plasma hormone levels and NPY content of microdissected brain regions were determined. Neither long-term alcohol ingestion nor caloric restriction were associated with major decrements in copulatory behavior. Long-term alcohol ingestion was associated with decrements in erectile function ex copula. Long-term alcohol ingestion was also associated with: (i) a moderate degree of hypertension; (ii) a failure to gain weight; (iii) decrements in circulating levels of LH, testosterone, and ACTH (but not progesterone); and (iv) increased corticosterone levels. Long-term alcohol ingesting and calorically-restricted rats exhibited alterations in daily feeding patterns. These physiological changes in response to long-term alcohol ingestion or caloric restriction were associated with neural site-selective differences in NPY content. Elevated NPY in the paraventricular nucleus was associated with voluntary (as in alcohol ingestion) or involuntary (as in caloric restriction) reductions in food intake. Differences in NPY in the suprachiasmatic and ventromedial nuclei were associated with the differences in feeding patterns. The decrements in hormone levels were associated with higher levels of NPY in the median eminence and in the arcuate nucleus.

Approximately 30, 000 tibia and femur fractures require external fixation costing the medical industry $75.6 million. Monitoring fracture healing via X-rays is one of the major costs associated with post-operative recovery. Fracture Track is designed to provide a more objective method of measuring a bone's ability to tolerate full, unsupported weight and reduce the need for periodic X-rays. This non-invasive device utilizes a sensor secured to an external fixator and will ultimately reduce costs by $50.4 million annually.

The d.c. electrical resistivity (ρ) and thermoelectric power (α) as a function of temperature for Mn-substituted ferrites with general formula Cd0.5Ni0.5+xMnxFe2–2xO4 have been studied. At lower Mn concentrations (x≤0.2) the increase in d.c. resistivity with x is attributed to hindering of the Fe3⇌Fe2+ transition. The hindering is caused by the formation of Mn3+Fe2+ stable pair at the octahedral site. The decrease in resistivity with higher concentration of Mn (x>0.2) is attributed to the formation of Ni3+ and to the Mn3+—Mn4+ transition. The observed high value of activation energy for the present system is related to Mn3+ Jahn-Teller trapping. The compositional variation of thermo-emf shows n-type conduction for samples with x≤0.2, and p-type conduction for samples with x>0.2. The n-to p-type transition is explained by the formation of p-type carriers such as Ni3+ and Fe2+ cation vacancies. The electron hopping model of electrical conductivity is applicable for samples with x≤0.2, whereas above...

The present study was aimed at determining the vascular plant species richness of an urban green-space- the Fergusson College campus, Pune and comparing it with the results of the past flora which was documented in 1958 by Dr. V.D. Vartak. For this, the species richness data was obtained by both secondary sources and intensive surveys from 2009–2014. The data from the primary and secondary sources resulted in the documentation of 812 species belonging to 542 genera under 124 families, of which 534 species (65.8%) exists today as compared to 654 in 1958 (net loss of 120 species). Of the 812 species listed, 278 species were observed only during the past, 210 species were exclusively recorded in the current survey and 324 species were observed both, in the past as well as current survey. Arboreal species richness recorded till date (196) in the campus accounts for 40.7% of that of the entire Pune City. Leguminosae and Poaceae were the dominant dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous families respectively and an inventory of all the species recorded is provided. Although the botanical garden over the past years has lost 187 species, it still houses rare species such as Acacia greggii, which has been reported from Maharashtra for the first time. Considering the rapidly changing urban land use in the city, much attention should be paid towards the conservation of these green spaces, for which such studies provide baseline data.

Present investigation was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of pre-harvest application of salicylic acid (SA) and N-propyl gallate (n-PG) for enhancing the postharvest shelf-life and quality of winter guava fruit cv. Allahabad Safeda during two seasons. Pre-harvest application of aqueous solutions of salicylic acid (150, 300, 450 ppm) or N-propyl gallate (100, 200, 300 ppm) was done at 2 and 4 weeks before harvest. Fruits were harvested during third week of December at the firm mature stage, packed in corrugated fibre board boxes with newspaper lining and stored in a walk-in-cold room maintained at 6–8°C and 90–95% RH. Fruits were analyzed at weekly intervals to evaluate various quality attributes. In control fruits harvested from untreated trees, weight loss and decay incidence increased, whereas, firmness, ascorbic acid, acidity, total phenols and pectin content decreased during the storage. Fruits treated with n-PG (300 ppm) showed minimum decay incidence (16.55%), reduced pectin methylesterase activity (2.96 μg/g FW), enhanced firmness (66.1 N), total soluble solids (9.96°Brix), acidity (0.35%), pectin (1.16% calcium pectate) and phenol contents (145.58 mg GAC/100 g pulp), and also maintained highly acceptable organoleptic rating up to 3 weeks of storage. Fruits subjected to SA treatments were intermediate in quality attributes between that of the control and n-PG treated fruits.

Pear cv. Punjab Beauty has become quite popular in Punjab. Excessive softening during cold storage leading to low shelf life is the major factor limiting its wider adoption. Studies were, therefore, conducted to determine the firmness and pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity at 4 harvest dates (2nd, 3rd and 4th week of July, and 1st week of August). Various packaging materials i.e. corrugated fiber board boxes and crates with high and low density polyethylene liners, corrugated fiber board boxes, crates and wooden boxes were also evaluated for their role in extending the shelf life of fruits. The enzyme activity and fruit firmness was evaluated periodically after 30, 45, 60 and 75 days of storage at 0–1 °C and 90–95 % RH. The firmness of the fruits decreased with the increase in storage intervals but the enzyme activity increased with the storage period up to 60 days and declined thereafter. Ripening-related changes in all the harvests were characterized mainly by an increase in the solubilization of pectin with a concomitant decrease in the degree of firmness. There was a continuous increase in enzyme activity with the advancement in harvesting dates and then fell sharply in the advanced ripening stages. Highest pectin methyl esterase activity was in fruits packed in crates followed by wooden boxes and corrugated fiber board boxes while the lowest was recorded in fruits packed in corrugated fiber board boxes with high density polyethylene liners. Therefore, high density polyethylene lined CFB boxes proved to be most effective in preventing the loss in firmness.

Progress in surgical practice has paralleled the civilizational evolution. Surgery has progressed from being the last resort in saving life to being form and function preserver. Post-renaissance Industrial age gave an impetus to this march of surgery. The currently on going digital technological revolution has further catalysed this march. Having achieved the stabilized and acceptable clinical outcomes, the surgeon has embarked on a journey of improving patient reported outcomes (PRO). Improvement in PROs with the advent of laparoscopic surgery with the attendant emphasis on minimising invasion has led to debates about invasion being just parietal or holistic in physiological sense. There is a concern that parietal invasiveness shouldn’t be a trade-off for compromised clinical outcomes. Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) in its current avatar with current instrumentation seems to be an enthusiastic bandwagon rolling on with the cosmetic benefits acting as veil to hide the potential clinical concerns. History of surgical innovations is riddled with tales of vindictiveness and vicissitude. Lest the same fate befalls SILS we would do better to examine the SILS bandwagon in its current form till the emerging technologies address the current concerns.

The dc electrical resistivity (q) and thermoelectric power (α) are studied as functions of temperature for Mn-substituted ferrites with general formula Cd0.3Ni0.7 + xMnxFe2−2xO4. At lower Mn concentrations (i.e., x 0.15) is attributed to the formation of Mn3+ clusters which lowers the concentration of Mn3+ + Fe2+ bonds. The compositional variation of thermo-e.m.f. shows n-type behaviour for the samples with x less than 0.15, whereas p-type behaviour for the samples with x > 0.15. The n-p transition is attributed to the formation of Ni3+ and Fe2+ + vacancies which act as p-type carriers. The thermo-e.m.f. remains constant for all the samples at the measured temperatures. The temperature dependences of α, Q, and mobility clearly confirm the conduction mechanism to be due to polaron hopping. The compositional variations of dielectric constant show two regions, one for x ≦ 0.15 in which the dielectric behaviour is due to Fe3+ ions and the other for x > 0.15, where the nature of the dielectric is complex. The complex dielectric structure might have its origin in the different valence states of Mn, inhomogeneities within the ferrite grain, and oxygen stoichiometry.

The electrical resistivity (ϱ) and thermoelectric power (α) as a function of temperature for Cd0.5Ni0.5+xTixFe2−2xO4 system have been studied. It is observed that the resistivity (ϱ) increases slowly with increasing Ti content up to x = 0.2 and monotonously above x > 0.2. This is explained on the basis of localization phenomenon due to Ti which hinders the Verwey-de-Boer mechanism between Fe3+ → Fe2+ and Ni3+ → Ni2+ ions at B-site in the spinel up to x = 0.2. For x > 0.2 the inhomogeneous distribution of conduction between Ni3+ → Ni2+ ions in oxygen rich regions and between Fe2+ → Fe3+ ions in oxygen poor regions may take place by different mechanism. Ti4+ ions at B-site can also act as scattering center which hinders this mechanism. The variation of α with Ti and with temperature suggest that the oxygen poor and oxygen rich regions occur in these ferrites. Activation energies in the para (Ep) region are greater than the ferro-region (EF). This indicates the effect of magnetic ordering on conduction behaviour. The proportionality constant ΔE = AKTc(ΔE = Ep - EF) is 4 for x 0.2 Ti. This is related to oxygen content in the ferrites. The polaron hopping model is used to discuss the conduction phenomenon for these samples.

The electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient for Ni-Cd ferrites have been studied as a function of temperature. The lattice constant of the phases have been evaluated from X-ray powder data. The thermoelectric power measurements indicate that the samples aren-type semiconductors and the conduction mechanism is interpreted on the basis of localized model of polarons.

The study was carried out on the harvesting and handling methods of okra with the objective to maintain the best quality of pods from harvesting to end consumer especially for export marketing. For that purpose okra cv. ‘Punjab-8’ pods were harvested with minimum handling (least injuries to the pubescence on the ridges of pod) and normal handling (no safety taken to prevent injuries on pods). Pods were precooled at 15 ± 1oC, 90–95% RH; jumble packed in the CFB boxes of 2.0 Kg capacity and than stored at 8 ± 1oC, 90–95% RH. The quality parameters of okra namely texture, chlorophyll content, physiological loss in weight, rotting percentage and general appearance were studied. The pods harvested with minimum handling and field packaging can retain their green colour, crisp texture (maximum force to puncture pod = 500.2 g) with minimum rotting (3.0%) and physiological loss in weight (15.8%) and good appearance upto 13 days of cold storage whereas normal handled pods can be stored upto 5 days at 8 ± 1oC, 90–95% RH and thereafter lost their general appearance on the 7th day of storage and were discarded. Therefore, in order to maintain high quality of okra from harvesting to the final destination (consumer), the okra pods should be harvested with minimum handling followed by field packaging in CFB boxes.

Neuroacanthocytoses are neurodegenerative disorders marked by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. There are several associated genetic loci, and many defects, including gene deletions and insertions, and missense, nonsense, and splicing mutations, have been found spread over hundreds of kilobases of genomic DNA. In some cases, specific diagnosis is unclear, particularly in the early stages of disease or when there is an atypical presentation. Determination of the precise genetic defect allows assignment of the diagnosis and permits carrier detection and genetic counseling. The objective of this report was to utilize exome sequencing for genetic diagnosis in the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. Genomic DNA from 2 patients with clinical features of chorea-acanthocytosis was subjected to targeted exon capture. Captured DNA was subjected to ultrahigh throughput next-generation sequencing. Sequencing data were assembled, filtered against known human variant genetic databases, and results were analyzed. Both patients were compound heterozygotes for mutations in the VPS13A gene, the gene associated with chorea-acanthocytosis. Patient 1 had a 4-bp deletion that removes the 5' donor splice site of exon 58 and a nucleotide substitution that disrupts the 5' donor splice site of exon 70. Patient 2 had a dinucleotide deletion in exon 16 and a dinucleotide insertion in exon 33. No mutations were identified in the XK, PANK2, or JPH3 gene loci. Exome sequencing is a valuable diagnostic tool in the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. These studies may provide a better understanding of the function of the associated proteins and provide insight into the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Immature green cucumber cv. ‘Padmini’ fruits were individually shrink wrapped with Cryovac D955 (60 guage) film and stored at 12 ± 1 °C, 90–95% RH as well as ambient conditions (29–33 °C, 65–70% RH). At 12 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH, individual shrink wrapped cucumber recorded minimum Physiological loss in weight (0.66%) as compared with unwrapped fruits (11.11%) at the end of refrigerated storage (15 days). The softening (loss of firmness) was maximum (1304.6–876.6 g force) in unwrapped cucumbers whereas in shrink wrapping, minimum loss in firmness (1304.6–1065.3 g force) was observed after 12 days storage at 12 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH but greater loss of weight and firmness makes the control cucumbers unmarketable after 9 days of storage. There were no rotting at all both in shrink wrapped and unwrapped cucumbers upto 15 days of storage at 12 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH. After 15 days storage of shrink wrapped cucumbers at 12 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH, there was loss of green colour and development of yellowness and decay. The sensory attributes score was highest in shrink wrapped cucumbers as compared to unwrapped cucumbers at end of both storage conditions. Thus it can be concluded that individual shrink wrapped cucumber can be stored well upto 15 days at 12 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH and for 5 days at ambient conditions (29–33 °C, 65–70% RH) with maximum retention of green colour, no spoilage, minimum weight and firmness loss and very good sensory quality attributes whereas, unwrapped fruits can be stored well upto 9 days at 12 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH and for 2 days at ambient conditions with maximum retention of physico-chemical quality attributes.

A self-organizing map (SOM) is a classical neural network method for dimensionality reduction. It comes under the unsupervised class. SOM is a neural network that is trained using unsupervised learning to produce a low-dimensional, discretized representation of the input space of the training samples, called a map. SOM uses a neighborhood function to preserve the topological properties of the input space. SOM operates in two modes: training and mapping. Using the input examples, training builds the map. It is also called as vector quantization. In this paper, we first survey related dimension reduction methods and then examine their capabilities for face recognition. In this work, different dimensionality reduction techniques such as Principal component analysis [PCA], independent component analysis [ICA] and self-organizing map [SOM] are selected and applied in order to reduce the loss of classification performance due to changes in facial expression. The experiments were conducted on ORL face database and the results show that SOM is a better technique.

Echinococcosis is a multisystem disease and has propensity to involve any organ, an unusual anatomical site, and can mimic any disease process. Primary peritoneal echinococcosis is known to occur secondary to hepatic involvement but occasional cases of primary peritoneal hydatid disease including pelvic involvement have also been reported. We report here 1 such case of primary pelvic hydatidosis mimicking a malignant multicystic ovarian tumor where there was no evidence of involvement of the liver or spleen. Our patient, a 27-year-old female, was detected to have a large right cystic adnexal mass on per vaginal examination which was confirmed by ultrasonography. Her biochemical parameters were normal and CA-125 levels, though mildly raised, were below the cut off point. She underwent surgery and on exploratory laparotomy, another cystic mass was found attached to the mesentery of the small gut. The resected cysts were processed histopathologically. On cut sections both large cysts revealed numerous daughter cysts. Microscopic examination of fluid from the cysts revealed free scolices with hooklets and the cyst wall had a typical laminated membrane with inner germinal layer containing degenerated protoplasmic mass. The diagnosis of pelvic hydatid disease was confirmed and patient was managed accordingly. Hydatid disease must be considered while making the differential diagnosis of pelvic cystic masses, especially in endemic areas.

Influence of pre-harvest foliar application of calcium nitrate on quality attributes of winter guava cv. ‘Sardar’ during different interval of cold storage and post cold storage shelf-life under ambient conditions was investigated. Plants were sprayed with calcium nitrate solutions (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) at colour break stage of fruit and a fruit with no treatment was control. The fruits were harvested at optimum maturity. Bruise and disease free fruits were packed in corrugated fibre board boxes with newspaper lining and stored at 6–8 °C and 90–95% RH. The fruits were evaluated after 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of storage and during shelf-life at 2 and 4 days interval. Physiological loss in weight and spoilage of fruits increased and firmness, ascorbic acid and acidity decreased continuously during storage. Fruits treated with 1% Ca(NO3)2 effectively reduced spoilage, maintained higher firmness, total soluble solid and ascorbic acid up to 2 days under ambient conditions after 30 days of cold storage and remained moderately acceptable up to the 40 days of storage.

Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm) Nakai) fruits of cultivar ‘Patharnakh’ were harvested at optimum maturity and treated with 500, 750 and 1000 ppb concentration of 1-MCP gaseous vapours for 4 h in a closed chamber maintained at 20°C. After treatments the fruits were packed in corrugated fibre board cartons and stored at 0–1°C and 90–95% RH. Fruits treated with 1000 ppb 1-MCP recorded minimum weight loss, maintained acceptable firmness and quality attributes till 75 days of storage. The stored fruits also retained post-storage shelf life for 3 days at ambient conditions (30–35°C and 60–65% RH) and 6 days at supermarket conditions (20°C and 85–90% RH).

The ferrites of the composition CuLa 2x Fe 2−2x O 4 prepared by ceramic method exhibited spinel phases for X upto 0.4 whereas for x > 0.4 the mixed phases of spinel and pervoskite were observed. For spinel phase x x > 0.4 the lattice constants of spinel phase increase and remain constant. The pervoskite phase has been indentified to be that of La 2 CuO 4 . The compositional variation of magnetisation shows decrease of n B with the increase of x. However, the samples with x =0.6 do not exhibit net magnetisation. The Curie temperature shows decrease with x for upto 0.4 while for x =0.4 Curie temperature increases and remains invariant. This constant value of T C is nearly equal to the Curie point for pure copper ferrite. The variation of magnetisation has been discussed on the basis of AB interaction and migration of Cu, Fe to A site from B site. La goes to B site only. The I.R. spectra reveal two extra prominent bonds for x =0.4. The change in the force constants is explained by considering the oxygen vacancies and La ions on B site.

Medium sized cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) curds after removing outer leaves, sorting and without washing were packed in different packaging films and stored at 0 ± 1°C, 90–95% RH. Changes in curd colour, texture, physiological loss in weight, spoilage and sensory quality were evaluated at weekly interval upto 28 days. Cauliflower curds individual packed in high density polyethylene bags (20 μm) with perforation (6 holes/bag) can be stored up to 21 days at 0 ± 1°C and 90–95% RH with maximum retention of white colour of curd, minimum spoilage, weight and firmness loss and good sensory quality attributes. The use of cling wrap films should be avoided as this leads to accumulation of excessive moisture resulting in huge spoilage loss.

The actual rate of Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) (up to the age of 6 months) is dismally low in urban slums of India. The reasons and determinants of this are debatable. The study was planned to understand the determinants of EBF in the infants in urban slums. A community-based cross sectional study was done in urban slums of Gwalior, India. The data were collected by interviewing the caregivers of 279 infants aged between 6 and 11 months from November 2005 to July 2006. Only 11 (3.8%) mothers knew that EBF should be done till six months and 22 (7.8%) actually practiced EBF. A total of 178 (63.8%) and 212 (76.0%) newborns were given pre- and post-lacteal feeds with 26.2% discarding colostrum. Only 22 (7.8%) practiced EBF. The early breastfeeding (BF) initiation, Ante Natal Clinic (ANC) visits, mothers' education and immunization visits were significantly associated with higher probability of EBF. There were a number of myths and misconceptions about BF in this urban slum population. The correct information about BF was more common amongst the women who had frequent contacts with health facilities due to any reason or during ANC or immunization visit. Similarly, it is the continuum of good health and feeding practices and the mothers who start early BF or get their child immunized regularly are more likely to EBF their children. Considering the widely prevalent myths and low rate of utilization of health services along with high potential benefits of EBF, every opportunity of mothers' interaction with the health facility should be utilized for promoting correct and EBF practices.

To optimize the physiochemical properties of 2-alkoxydihydrocinnamates as PPARalpha/gamma dual agonist, a quantitative structure activity relationship, Hansch approach was made using combination of various thermodynamic, electronic and spatial descriptors. Several regression expressions are obtained using multiple linear regression analysis. The best QSAR model is further validated by leave-one-out cross validation method. Analyses of results from the present QSAR study suggest that for favorable dual PPARalpha/gamma agonist activity electronic property of the substituents in hydrophobic tail phenyl ring plays a key role. The contribution of Hammett constant and dipole moment in the models deduced the importance of electron withdrawing substituents for dual activity. Additionally the study also indicates that bulky substituents in head acid moiety not confer selectivity towards the PPAR activity. Thus the QSAR study brings important structural insight to aid the design of dual PPARalpha/gamma receptor agonist.

Absence of recurrence, seroma, and pain eludes the laparoscopic surgeon managing ventral and incisional hernias. Multifactorial etiology (i.e., obesity, comorbidity, and dyscollagenemia) is a challenge. Surgeons have risen to this challenge by providing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Stability of mesh in a standard LVHR is attributed to Pascal's Principle (PP). PP, based upon concentration of forces at the point of least resistance, has been classically applied in hydraulic jacks to move large masses. Application of PP in LVHR is thus misplaced where the hernial defect becomes a point of concentration of intra-abdominal forces. This makes the mesh inherently unstable. For a stable mesh aided by PP, benefits of defect closure needed to be explored.Between January 2000 and December 2004, 30 nonsmoker patients with incisional, primary ventral, and recurrent ventral hernias were operated on. Laparoscopic closure of the defect augmented with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM), as done in standard LVHR, was preformed.Thirty patients with 34 defects of a mean "closed defect" length of 5.7 cm (range, 3-10) were operated on. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (range, 75-110). There were no conversions, visceral injury, postoperative visible bulge, or seroma. No painkiller except Paracetamol was required. There was no recurrence in a mean follow-up of 58 months (range, 26-84). Restored abdominal contour was achieved by all the patients.Closure of hernial defect augmented with IPOM is a safe, patient friendly, and scientific way of doing LVHR.

Bancroftian filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic in many parts of India. In recent years diagnosis of W. bancrofti infection has been revolutionized with the availability of filarial antigen tests, which is important in monitoring success of chemotherapy. We carried out this study to measure microfilariaemia and antigenemia levels in bancroftian microfilariae (mf) carriers at 1 yr follow up after chemotherapy, in lymphoedema patients and in endemic controls from a filariasis endemic area in Tamil Nadu State using Og(4)C(3) ELISA to identify the best marker to assess success of chemotherapy.Serum samples were collected from 30 bancroftian microfilaremic (Mf) carriers pre-treatment and at sequential intervals (7,30,60,90,180 and 365 days) following treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC:6mg/kg body weight, single dose), 30 lymphoedema patients (without treatment) at periodic intervals, and 68 control subjects (24 endemic normal subjects in filariasis endemic area in Tamil Nadu State, 24 non-endemic normal subjects residing in Chandigarh, India; 5 brugian filariasis, 5 endemic control subject in brugian filariasis endemic area and 10 other disease controls). The circulating antigen of W. bancrofti was measured quantitatively using Og(4)C(3) ELISA kit.In Mf carriers, there was no significant difference in microfilariae count in pre- and post-treatment (PT) samples till day 30 while significant differences were observed in pre- and sequentially collected post-treatment (PT) samples day 60 to 180 (P0.001), day 365 (P0.005). However, there was no significant difference in antigenaemia levels between pre-treatment (day 0) and PT samples collected on day 7 onwards till day 365. Though of the 19 patients who could be followed up till 365 days PT, 4 (21%) were amicrofilaraemic, none became antigen negative. No significant difference was found in antigenaemia levels in sequentially collected samples from lymphoedema patients. Significant differences were observed in antigenaemia levels in samples collected at the start of study in mf carriers as compared to lymphoedema patients and endemic normal subjects (P0.001). Subjects (non-endemic control) residing in filariasis free area (24), brugian endemic area (5), B.malayi infected patients (5) and patients with other parasitic diseases (10) were found antigen negative.Annual single dose of DEC therapy alone may not result in complete clearance of infection and detection of antigenaemia rather than microfilaraemia may be taken into consideration as an indicator of successful chemotherapy. The study supports the earlier view that filarial antigenaemia is relatively common in amicrofilaraemic and asymptomatic subjects in endemic areas and further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance, prognosis and effective management of such infections in endemic areas.

Success of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal herniorrhaphy depends upon strengthening of the weakened native tissue by inflammation resulting in mesh–aponeurosis scar tissue (MAST) complex formation. The inflammatory response attributable to polypropylene (PP) content of the mesh is linked to weight of PP and pore size of the mesh. Continuation of the inflammatory process beyond MAST complex formation can entrap contiguous structures, leading to adverse outcome such as groin pain. Reduction of PP content has been shown to be beneficial in animal studies. Paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on human beings has left choice of mesh to surgeon preference or cost. We carried out a double-blind RCT comparing heavy- and lightweight PP-based meshes in TEP. Consecutive, married, sexually active male candidates for bilateral TEP herniorrhaphy were enrolled without any exclusion, with ethical and informed consent protocol. Standard TEP technique was followed for day-care surgery. Heavy- and lightweight meshes were implanted in each patient, one in either groin after randomization. Surgeon and patient were blinded to side of groin and type of mesh. An independent doctor (AID) evaluated the patients for groin pain, discomfort, sexual dysfunction, and clinical recurrence. A nonmedical secretary/AID transferred prospective data for both sides of groin collected by AID to Microsoft Excel. Twenty-five bilateral TEPs implanting 25 heavy- and 25 lightweight PP meshes, one of each type in each patient, were performed from December 2005 to July 2007 without difficulty or complication. Lightweight PP mesh was associated with significantly better pain scores, patient comfort, and sexual function. There was no infection or recurrence with either type of mesh. Lightweight PP mesh is associated with significantly better outcomes in TEP inguinal herniorrhaphy as compared with heavyweight PP mesh.

Instrumentation for heavyion accelerators; Instrumentation for particle accelerators and storage rings-high energy; Cherenkov and transition radiation; Gaseous detectors; Liquid detectors; Photon detectors for UV, visible and IR photons; Scintillators, scintillation and light emission processes; Solid state detectors; Calorimeters; Cherenkov detectors; dE/dx detectors; Gamma detectors; Large detector systems for particle and astroparticle physics; Particle identification methods; Particle tracking detectors; Photon detectors for UV, visible and IR photons; Spectrometers; Time projection chambers; Timing detectors; Transition radiation detectors; Analysis and statistical methods; Computing; Data processing methods; Data reduction methods; Pattern recognition, cluster finding, calibration and fitting methods; Simulation methods and programs; Software architectures; Detector alignment and calibration methods; Detector cooling and thermo-stabilization; Detector design and construction technologies and materials; Detector grounding; Manufacturing; Overall mechanics design; Special cables; Voltage distributions. ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model. It is designed to address the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at extreme values of energy density and temperature in nucleus-nucleus collisions. Besides running with Pb ions, the physics programme includes collisions with lighter ions, lower energy running and dedicated proton-nucleus runs. ALICE will also take data with proton beams at the top LHC energy to collect reference data for the heavy-ion programme and to address several QCD topics for which ALICE is complementary to the other LHC detectors. The ALICE detector has been built by a collaboration including currently over 1000 physicists and engineers from 105 Institutes in 30 countries. Its overall dimensions are 16x16x26 m3with a total weight of approximately 10 000 t. The experiment consists of 18 different detector systems each with its own specific technology choice and design constraints, driven both by the physics requirements and the experimental conditions expected at LHC. The most stringent design constraint is to cope with the extreme particle multiplicity anticipated in central Pb-Pb collisions. The different subsystems were optimized to provide high-momentum resolution as well as excellent Particle Identification (PID) over a broad range in momentum, up to the highest multiplicities predicted for LHC. This will allow for comprehensive studies of hadrons, electrons, muons, and photons produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. Most detector systems are scheduled to be installed and ready for data taking by mid-2008 when the LHC is scheduled to start operation, with the exception of parts of the Photon Spectrometer (PHOS), Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) and Electro Magnetic Calorimeter (EMCal). These detectors will be completed for the high-luminosity ion run expected in 2010. This paper describes in detail the detector components as installed for the first data taking in the summer of 2008. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.

Significance of preharvest foliar sprays of brassinosteroid (BRs) on physicochemical properties and postharvest life of table grape cv. Flame Seedless were studied. The experiment was performed on 12-year old own rooted, grapevines planted at 3m x 3m spacing trained on overhead system. Vines were treated with aqueous solutions of BRs (0.0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg l-1) at pea stage and at veraison. After harvesting, clusters were divided into two lots in which one was subjected to initial quality evaluation, while the other was stored in cold room (3-40C, 90-95% RH) for evaluation of postharvest quality. Clusters treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mg l-1 BRs showed significant increase in cluster weight and breadth as well as berry weight, length and breadth. BRs, at the dose of 0.5 mg l-1 effectively reduced the rate of berry softening, maintained external colour, stabilized anthocyanins, increased total phenols along with reduced rate of degradation in TSS and TA during low temperature storage on the contrary to other two doses and the control. It also exhibited protective role against decay development. Preharvest foliar spray of 0.5 mg l-1 BRs could be an effective means of maintaining quality and extending postharvest life of grape cv. Flame Seedless during cold storage.Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 26 (2): 368 – 379 (2015)

India is a land mark for the traditional system of medicine from the past few centuries. Most of the traditional system of medicine are effective but only one major drawback is lack of standardization. So, there is a need to develop standardization technique to mingle this system of medicine in the main stream of health sciences. Centre council for research in Ayurveda and siddha has given the preliminary guideline for standardizing these conventional formulations. The present paper reports standardization of Talisadi churna an Ayurvedic formulation, from three different companies. Three marketed samples were subjected to organoleptic study, physical characterization and chromatographic study. It was observed that all the formulations are similar with their organoleptic properties and to some extend to their physical characters but they do not match quantitatively in active constituent (piperine) content which may be due to variation in raw material like geographical variation, collection time, storage etc. This study ready reference for selection of an appropriate formulation in the clinical practice and hence effective rational therapy, the overall theme of health science. The physical data obtained from various samples shows different values as they are claimed to be of same plant material in same quantities. The qualitative estimation of volatile oil shows the presence in all the formulations. The HPLC results of quantitative estimation of piperin shows considerable variation in piperine content into the formulations in which the maximum concentration was obtained in the formulation A.

This paper aims to develop an integrated multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) analytical tool, combining fuzzy-quality function deployment (F-QFD) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach for preference, in order to examine and to determine the best residential housing project in India. A new approach, fuzzy-QFD-AHP (FQA) MCDM method, has been suggested to combine the results of these techniques to find the final ranking. This paper integrates F-QFD and AHP; AHP is used to obtain the relative importance of the evaluation criteria. The fuzzy-QFD approach typical for residential house selection in the house of quality (HOQ) is used in determining the importance weights for the customer requirements. Utilising the linguistic factor to organise criteria and sub-criteria weight, fuzzy set are pair wise compared with fuzzy QFD and solved by a proposed fuzzy suitability index (FSI). The case study findings demonstrated that the FQA MCDM model could be successfully applied in the housing projects as a strategic tool to facilitate marketing decisions. A team has been formed to collect and verify the expectations of the customer profile of the sample project, which was a high-rise building project located in Mumbai, India.

Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba sp. a protozoan parasite, is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. The symptomatic patients are treated by specific chemotherapy. However, there are reports of treatment failure in some cases suggesting the possibility of drug resistance. The present study was therefore planned to assess the presence and expression of mRNA of multidrug resistance (MDR) gene in clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar.Forty five clinical isolates of Entamoeba sp. [E. histolytica (15) and E. dispar (30)] were maintained in polyxenic followed by monoxenic medium. DNA and total RNA were extracted from clinical isolates of Entamoeba sp. and from sensitive strain of E. histolytica (HM1: IMSS) and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR techniques.The 344 bp segment of E. histolytica DNA was seen by PCR using primers specific to EhPgp1 in all clinical isolates and sensitive strain of E. histolytica. Over expression of EhPgp1 was observed only in resistant mutant of E. histolytica; however, transcription of EhPgp1 was not seen in any clinical isolates and sensitive strain of E. histolytica.The findings of the present study indicate that, so far, drug resistance in clinical isolates of E. histolytica does not seem to be a major problem in this country. However, susceptibility of clinical isolates of E. histolytica against various antiamoebic drugs needs to be investigated for better management.

Visceral leishmaniasis is characterized by diversity and complexity of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infection to life threatening illness. Experimental evidence and clinical studies indicate multifaceted role of various factors leading to parasite survival and multiplication. In early stage of infection, generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates play significant role in curtailing the parasite multiplication while in later phase on one hand, hepatic resistance is expressed by the dominant role played by nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 gene regulation and on the other hand, production of inhibitors of NOS-2 gene expression, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) correlate well with reduced parasite killing. The hepatic infection is usually self-limiting due to production of multiple cytokine responses including moderate level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) while in spleen excess TNF mediates destructive pathology. CD8+ T cells appear to play multiple roles comprising both cytotoxic activity and secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Capacity to produce ThI cytokines is associated with asymptomatic or subclinical self-healing infection. However, in symptomatic patients, Th I cytokine production is not depressed but there appears to be unresponsiveness to the stimuli of these cytokines. Experimental evidences indicate genetic basis for such a phenomenon.

Biochemical analysis of the beta-globin gene function has led to the identification of several multi-protein complexes at the locus control region (LCR), insulator and promoters. This review briefly summarizes these multi-protein complexes and discusses their contribution towards the regulation of the beta-globin gene expression.

Amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is a major public health problem in developing countries. Morphologically similar E. dispar is non pathogenic. Because of the redefinition of E. histolytica and E. dispar, and the limited number of antiamoebic drugs available, a new approach to treat such individuals is necessary. The cost of treating asymptomatic individuals is highly exorbitant and not justifiable. The indiscriminate use of antiamoebic drugs can result in increased minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Entamoeba species, and treatment failure may emerge as an important public health problem. Development of new antiamoebic drugs is still in infancy and vaccine development appears to be distant dream. In future, the development of drug resistance may seriously affect the control of disease. This review discusses the factors involved in drug resistance mechanisms developed by the parasite.

Malaria is still a major public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. Malaria vaccine is highly desirable as an adjunct to existing malaria control measures. The polymorphisms in malaria vaccine candidates antigens might be a hurdle in developing an effective vaccine. The present article reviews the genetic polymorphism in several antigens expressed on the parasite surface, which are targets for immunological responses of the host and are good candidates for vaccine development against P. falciparum. Variable regions of most genes are generally dimorphic probably as a result of intragenic recombinations. Each allele in turn shows polymorphism resulting from point mutations, or other mechanisms. Several antigens like merozoite surface protein-1 and 2 (MSP-1 and MSP-2) and S antigen show high polymorphism while in others like circumsporozoite protein (CSP), apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) and erythrocyte binding antigen-175 (EBA-175) functional constraints limit the degree of polymorphism. Polymorphism reported in these genes is discussed.

Ever since the discovery of the first case of chloroquine resistance along the Thai-Combodian border in the late 1950s, Southeast Asia has played an important role as a focus for the development of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. Although the first case of quinine resistance had been reported much earlier from South America, the onset of chloroquine resistance marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of malaria in Southeast Asia and by 1973 chloroquine finally had to be replaced by the combination of sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine (SP) as first line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Thailand and more than 10 African countries have also switched their first line drug to SP. In 1985, eventually SP was replaced by mefloquine. The rapid development of resistance to this new drug leads to the introduction of artemisinin as a combination drug in the mid-1990s. It is mandatory to mention here that therapeutic regimens for prevention and treatment of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum are associated with higher costs and side-effects compared to chloroquine. Additionally, some of these alternative treatments are associated with more side-effects, take longer time for cure and are more difficult to comply with than chloroquine. Urgent efforts are needed to identify effective, affordable, alternative antimalarial regimens. Molecular markers for antimalarial resistance have been identified, including pfmdr-1 and pfcrt polymorphisms associated with chloroquine resistance and dhfr and dhps polymorphisms associated with SP resistance. Polymorphisms in pfmdr-1 may also be associated with resistance to chloroquine, mefloquine and artemisinin. Use of such genetic information for the early detection of resistance foci and future monitoring of drug resistant malaria is a potentially useful epidemiological tool, in conjunction with the conventional in vitro and in vivo drug sensitivity assessments. The purpose of this review is to describe the state of knowledge regarding drug resistant malaria and to outline the changing patterns of drug resistance including its determinants, current status in diverse geographical areas, molecular markers and their implications to limit the advent, spread and intensification of drug resistant malaria.

Blood transfusion is indispensable in the management of many haematological diseases and has become the mainstay in major surgical procedures. Transfusion-transmitted infections have been a major threat to life since the dawn of transfusion therapy. The authors have highlighted the different viral, parasitic and bacterial infections associated with transfusion and have focussed on the precautionary measures that can be implemented for prevention of the infections along with a brief review of the literature.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), an intracellular metabolite of glycolytic pathway is known to affect the oxygen binding capacity of haemoglobin and mechanical properties of the red blood cells. 2,3-DPG levels have been reported to be elevated during anaemic conditions including visceral leishmaniasis. 2,3-DPG activity in P. falciparum infected red blood cells, particularly in cells infected with different stages of the parasite and its relationship with structural integrity of the cells is not known. Chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of P. falciparum were cultured in vitro and synchronized cultures of ring, trophozoite and schizont stage rich cells along with the uninfected control erythrocytes were assayed for 2,3-DPG activity and osmotic fragility. It was observed that in both the strains, in infected erythrocytes the 2,3-DPG activity gradually decreased and osmotic fragility gradually increased as the parasite matured from ring to schizont stage. The decrease in 2,3-DPG may probably be due to increased pyruvate kinase activity of parasite origin, which has been shown in erythrocytes infected with several species of Plasmodium. The absence of compensatory increase in 2,3-DPG in P. falciparum infected erythrocytes may aggravate hypoxia due to anaemia in malaria and probably may contribute to hypoxia in cerebral malaria. As 2,3-DPG was not found to be increased in erythrocytes parasitized with P. falciparum, the increased osmotic fragility observed in these cells is not due to increased 2,3-DPG as has been suggested in visceral leishmaniasis.

Due to the devastating nature of acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARNS), early diagnosis is essential. 5 cases of clinically diagnosed ARNA were investigated for CMC, herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections. Of the three VZV IgM positive cases, two were positive in acute blood samples and one in vitreous fluid. Thus VZU can be incriminated as the causative agent of ARNS cases in North India.

Fasciolopsiasis is endemic in the far east. In India, there have been a few reports of the infection, prior to the 1990's. We report two cases from Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Both the cases were from nearby villages where water chestnuts are cultivated. These may be a source of infection. Pigs are commonly observed in these areas and and may be the source of ova. The only missing link is the finding of infected snails. Presence of at least three cases (one reported earlier) in the area indicates the potential for the infection to re-emerge. Further epidemiological studies are needed to analyse the various ecological factors of transmission. Fasciolopsiasis is endemic in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand. In India, (Fascilopsis buski) infections in man have been reported earlier from Assam, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and parts of Uttar Pradesh. However, to the best of our knowledge, no such reports have been made since 1990's. We herewith report two recent cases from district Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), India. Factors, such as cultivation of water chestnuts, presence of snails as intermediate hosts and pigs as definitive host in this geographical area seem to be suggestive of an endemic focus and thus needs further epidemiological survey for preventive and control measures, at the earliest.

Rabies is one of the most common causes of human encephalitis in developing countries. This study shows the diagnosis of rabies among suspected human rabies encephalitis cases by Seller stain, Flourescent stain as well as mouse inoculation test. Out of 71 postmortem brain specimens, 26 were diagnosed as rabies positive. Negri bodies were demonstrated in 18 (25.4%) brain saples by Seller stain. Flourescent antibody technique could detect rabies antigen in 21 (29.6%) samples. Rabies virus could be isolated in 15 (42.9%) of the 35 samples by intracerebral inoculation in 15 (42.9%) of the 35 samples of intracerebral inoculation in newborn Swiss albino mice. Of the 26 confirmed cases, 61.5% occurred during the months of June to August and history of dog bite was present in 9 (34.6%) cases.

Human toxocariasis owing to lodgement of the larvae of Toxocara canis in different organs can result in serious clinical syndromes such as visceral larva migrans or ocular larva migrans. Detection of an antibody response to Toxocara canis excretory-secretory (TES) antigen in serum samples is sensitive and specific for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys. To assess the extent of this problem in northern India, we tested the antibody response to the TES antigen by ELISA technique in subjects residing in a rural area near Chandigarh and in patients attending Nehru hospital, Chandigarh and clinically suspected to have toxocariasis.Serum samples were collected from 94 randomly selected subjects, residents of Kheri village, Ambala district, Haryana; 30 patients clinically suspected to have toxocariasis attending Nehru hospital, Chandigarh; 25 control patients and 15 normal healthy individuals. These were subjected to ELISA technique for detection of an antibody response to TES antigen usinga commercial kit (LMD Laboratories Inc. Ca. USA). All the samples were tested in duplicate and positive samples were tested by a different kit (Melotec Biotechnology, Spain).Of the 94 subjects residing in Kheri village and 30 clinically suspected toxocariasis patients, 6 (6.4%) and 7 (23.3%), respectively, were seropositive for anti-Toxocara antibody response. A history of pica and/or contact with puppies could not be obtained from all the subjects/patients, hence the exact mode of transmission could not be ascertained. However, 3 (3.2%), 2 (2.13%) and 1 (1.06%) seropositive subjects in Kheri village were in the age groups of 1-10, 11-20 and 21-30 years, respectively, while 4 (13.33%) and 3 (10%) seropositive patients who attended Nehru hospital, Chandigarh were in the age groups of 1-10 and 21-30 years, respectively. None of the control patients/healthy individuals were seropositive.A positive antibody response to TES antigen in 6.4% subjects residing in a rural area near Chandigarh and in 23.3% of patients clinically suspected to have toxocariasis indicates that human toxocariasis may be endemic in certain regions of northern India. A detailed epidemiological study is needed to determine the extent of this problem.

Background: There is a considerable intra and inter-individual variation in both width and thickness of the facial gingiva. As the attached gingiva is an important anatomic and functional landmark in the periodontium, the identification of gingival biotype is important in clinical practice since differences in gingival and osseous architecture have been shown to exhibit a significant impact on the outcome of restorative therapy. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the variation in width and thickness of facial gingiva in the anterior segment with respect to age, gender and dental arch location. Materials and Methods: 120 subjects were divided into three age groups: The younger age group (16-24 years), the middle age group (25-39 years) and the older age group (>40 years) with 20 males and 20 females in each group. The width of the gingiva was assessed by William's graduated probe and the thickness was determined using transgingival probing in the maxillary and mandibular anterior segment. Results: It was observed that the younger age group had significantly thicker gingiva but less width than that of the older age group. The gingiva was found to be thinner and with less width in females than males. The mandibular arch had thicker gingiva with less width compared to the maxillary arch. Conclusion: In the present study, we concluded that gingival thickness and width varies with age, gender and dental arch location.