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Abstract: It has long been known that an analogue of Jensen’s inequality holds for positive unital linear maps on matrix algebras provided that instead of ordinary convex functions one restricts to matrix convex functions. We show that this restriction is not necessary in the case of matrices. A noncommutative analogue of the variance is studied, and a basic inequality, with several applications, is established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the rationale and possible indications of pulmonary artery banding (PAB) for palliation of congenital heart disease with pulmonary hypertension. It outlines some of the original, newer and more controversial indications of PAB, discusses the Trusler formulae as guide to the tightness of PAB and the role of PAB in sepsis, low birth weight and intracranial bleeding. It also discusses the risks involved in the procedure.

Petrochemical studies of granitoid rocks from the eastern part of Kumaun region suggest that the leading edge of India represents an active arc during Late Paleoproterozoic times. It has been observed that melt generation for granodiorite rocks from the eastern Almora Nappe and Chhiplakot klippe along with the Askot klippe was caused through a subduction-related process involving hydrous partial melting of a Paleoproterozoic amphibole- and/or garnet-bearing mafic source with the involvement of sediments from the subduction zone. The medium- to high-K basic rocks, common in subduction-related magmatic arcs, can also explain the generation of the high-K granodiorites of the Chhiplakot klippe. The augen gneisses from the eastern Almora nappe and Chhiplakot klippe along with the Askot klippe further show geochemical similarity with the associated granodiorites, suggesting there is a genetic linkage with one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Layers, bands, lenses and pockets of graphite are confined to mica schists, garnet-mica schist, micaceous quartzites and black carbonaceous phyllites of the Almora Group, forming graphite prospect in Indian Lesser Himalaya. The field and microscopic features of graphite reveal that the graphite in Almora Group was crystallized from metamorphism of the organic material before Himalayan thrusting. Upto 100μm size nodular and <5μm size circular features points to the involvement of biogenic carbonaceous material in graphitization as also substantiated by δ13C values and probably by the presence of V and P associated with this graphite. Impurities consisting Si, Al, Mg, O, Fe, Ti, V, Ca and K, are common with graphite. These are derived from associated minerals such as muscovite, quartz, biotite, garnet etc. Raman shifts obtained from this graphite suggest that it is an ordered graphite, with its fine dust scattered in the host rocks. The calculated degree of graphitization varies from 64 to 89, with no systematic spatial variation in the estimated temperatures (cf. 485–568°C) of graphite formation. Within this range the temperatures for the intensely folded graphite are higher, probably promoted by the Himalayan tectonics. Although high end thermal records reported from the Almora Group are not evident in graphite, however these temperatures obtained from graphite match with host rock thermometry implying that the graphite was formed during regional metamorphism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphite is widely associated with the meta sedimentary rocks of the Almora Group, predominantly in the Gumalikhet Formation, which were metamorphosed up to the upper amphibolite grade. This graphite occurs in the form of layers, bands, pockets and lenses, hosted within the garnetiferous mica schist and quartzite. The carbon isotope analyses of the representative samples of Almora graphite are presented there. The δ 13C values range from –23.2‰ to –31.7‰, however with mean value of –29.08‰, which attributes that graphite is crystallized from the biogenic carbon during the metamorphism of the host sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of tissue- and cell-based methods in developing drugs for retinal diseases is inefficient. Consequently, many aspects of ocular drug therapy for retinal diseases are poorly understood. Biomarkers as prognostic indicators of change are needed to optimize the use of drugs. VEGF is considered an important target of drug therapy and VEGF levels in tissue are indicative of solid tumor growth. However, since many aspects of VEGF as a biomarker of ocular disease have not been validated, it has been difficult to ascertain without invasive procedures whether VEGF in the eye is a biomarker of response to drug therapy. Using published papers, registered clinical trials, and proteomic databases we assessed the earlier evidence for VEGF as an exploratory biomarker of proliferative and vasculopathic disease of the retina and asked whether the molecule has been rigorously validated in clinical trials. The emerging use of aqueous humor sampling has made it possible to explore biomarkers in oculo, and determine whether they are predictive of drug efficacy. We present data supporting the use of aqueous humor to validate drug-signaling pathways and biomarkers in the eye. In addition, we recommend convening a collaborative congress to help standardize the identification, validation, and use of biomarkers in retinal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superior colliculus (SC) is the target of retinal neurons, allowing them to form connections. Cultured stem cells/progenitors can potentially be used as donor tissue to reconstruct degenerated retina including perhaps replacing lost ganglion cells in glaucoma. In which case, it will be essential for these cells to integrate with the central nervous system targets. Here, we have investigated if the mid -brain region containing superior colliculus (SC) provides a permissive environment for the survival and differentiation of neural progenitors, including retinal progenitor cells propagated in cultures. Neural (NPCs) and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice were cultured. Passage two through four neural and retinal progenitor cells were subsequently cocultured with the SC organotypic slices and maintained in culture for 17 and eight days respectively. Differentiation of the neurons was studied by immunocytochemistry for retinotypic neuronal markers. Retinal progenitor cells cocultured with SC slices were able to differentiate into various neuronal morphologies. Some cocultured progenitor cells differentiated into neurons as suggested by class III β tubulin immunoreactivity. In addition, specific retinotypic neuronal differentiation of RPC was detected by immunoreactivity for calbindin and PKC. SC provides a permissive environment that supports survival and differentiation of the progenitor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progenies raised from bigger seeds of the same genotype were taller, had more leaves, more tillers and higher grain yield than their small seeded counterparts. Differences during growth period between seed categories were also recorded for leaf area, number of leaves, tillering and plant height at different growth stages. Higher grain yield resulted mainly from a greater number of heads on plants grown from large seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fully developed electrically conducting micropolar fluid flow and heat transfer along a semi-infinite vertical porous moving plate is studied including the effect of viscous heating and in the presence of a magnetic field applied transversely to the direction of the flow. The Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model which includes the effects of boundary and inertia forces is employed. The differential equations governing the problem have been transformed by a similarity transformation into a system of non-dimensional differential equations which are solved numerically by element free Galerkin method. Profiles for velocity, microrotation and temperature are presented for a wide range of plate velocity, viscosity ratio, Darcy number, Forchhimer number, magnetic field parameter, heat absorption parameter and the micropolar parameter. The skin friction and Nusselt numbers at the plates are also shown graphically. The present problem has significant applications in chemical engineering, materials processing, solar porous wafer absorber systems and metallurgy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Current prophylactic vaccines based on HPV (Human papillomavirus) late gene protein L1 are ineffective in therapeutic settings. Therefore, there is an acute need for the development of therapeutic vaccines for HPV associated cancers. The HPV E7 oncoprotein is expressed in cervical cancer and has been associated with the cellular transformation and maintenance of the transformed phenotype. As such, E7 protein represents an ideal target for the development of therapeutic subunit vaccines against cervical cancer. However, the low antigenicity of this protein may require potent adjuvants for therapeutic efficacy. We recently generated a novel chimeric form of the 4-1BBL costimulatory molecule engineered with core streptavidin (SA-4-1BBL) and demonstrated its safe and pleiotropic effects on various cells of the immune system. We herein tested the utility of SA-4-1BBL as the immunomodulatory component of HPV-16 E7 recombinant protein based therapeutic vaccine in the E7 expressing TC-1 tumor as a model of cervical cancer in mice. A single subcutaneous vaccination was effective in eradicating established tumors in approximately 70% of mice. The therapeutic efficacy of the vaccine was associated with robust primary and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, Th1 cytokine response, infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the tumor, and enhanced NK cell killing. Importantly, NK cells played an important role in vaccine mediated therapy since their physical depletion compromised vaccine efficacy. Collectively, these data demonstrate the utility of SA-4-1BBL as a new class of multifunctional immunomodulator for the development of therapeutic vaccines against cancer and chronic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sensitive, precise, accurate, rapid and reproducible reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic procedure is developed for simultaneous determination of rabeprazole sodium and itopride hydrochloride in solid dosage form. The mobile phase used was a combination of acetonitrile: buffer (35:65 v/v) and the pH was adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.1 by addition of triethylamine. The detection of the capsule dosage form was carried out at 266 nm and a flow rate employed was 1 mL/min. Linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 2 to 16 μg/mL of rabeprazole sodium and 5 to 55 μg/mL of itopride hydrochloride with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992 and 0.9996 respectively. The results of the analysis were validated statistically and recovery studies confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the unsteady MHD free convection heat and mass transfer of viscous fluid flowing through a Darcian porous regime adjacent to a moving vertical semi-infinite plate under Soret and Dufour effect have been examined. Viscous dissipation effects are included in the energy equation. A uniform magnetic field is applied transversely to the direction of the flow. The differential equations governing the problem have been transformed by a similarity transformation into a system of non-dimensional differential equations which are solved numerically by element free Galerkin method. The influence of Grashof number (Gr), magnetic parameter (M), heat absorption parameter (Q), permeability parameter (K), Schmidt number (Sc), Soret number (Sr), and Dufour number (Du) on the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are shown graphically. Some of the result has been compared with finite element method. Finally, the numerical values of local skin friction, local rate of heat transfer parameter and local mass transfer parameter are also presented in tabular form. The present problem finds significant applications in chemical engineering, materials processing, solar porous wafer absorber systems and metallurgy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report here occurrence of polymetallic sulphide mineralization near Gasku, about 6 km north of Tawaghat in Kali valley. The minerals in the ore assemblage include chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, minor galena and pyrrhotite. They are present in the sericite- muscovite-talc-chlorite (± biotite) schist, and in the quartz veins present in these schists as well as in the amphibolite of the Chiplakot Crystalline Belt, localized in the vicinity of the North Chiplakot Thrust. The initial results of ore chemical and the fluid inclusions studies are presented, and a hydrothermal origin is plausible for this mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was conducted to assess the risk to human health by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) through the intake of locally grown vegetables, cereal crops and milk from wastewater irrigated site. Milk is not directly contaminated due to wastewater irrigation, but is an important route of food chain transfer of heavy metals from grass to animals. Heavy metal concentrations were several fold higher in all the collected samples from wastewater irrigated site compared to clean water irrigated ones. Cd, Pb and Ni concentrations were above the ‘safe’ limits of Indian and WHO/FAO standards in all the vegetables and cereals, but within the permissible limits in milk samples. The higher values of metal pollution index and health risk index indicated heavy metal contamination in the wastewater irrigated site that presented a significant threat of negative impact on human health. Rice and wheat grains contained less heavy metals as compared to the vegetables, but health risk was greater due to higher contribution of cereals in the diet. The study suggests that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in food stuff causing potential health risks to consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel technique to modify a metallic surface for anti-icing applications is presented. An oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique has been used to fabricate metallic nanorods of Aluminum and Tungsten on a glass substrate. A conformal coating of a silane has been applied using a molecular vapor deposition technique. The resulting surface has shown a static contact angle of 134° with the water droplet. SEM, AFM and XPS have been used to study the surface modification. This is a highly promising approach for anti-icing applications due to its scalability at a very low cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Osteoporosis is recognized as the disease of females; however, males are also affected and have serious consequences thereof., the present study was undertaken with the aim to study the prevalence of osteoporosis in otherwise healthy Indian males using DEXA spine and Femur.DEXA Spine of the study population suggested that 36.53% of the population was hving osteopenia and only 7.69 % of the male were suffering from osteoporosis and 55.76% of the study population was normal. DEXA Femur of the study population suggested that 30.76% of the population was having osteopenia and only 3.48 % of the male were suffering from osteoporosis and 65.38 %of the study population was normal. As per age wise classification DEXA Spine and femur suggested that age more than 40 had significantly more osteopenia & osteoporosis in comparison to population with age less than 40 years. Healthy Men particularly with advancing age presented with osteopenia and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate in vitro the effects of bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, on retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and retinal ganglion cells (RGC), at doses that were inhibitory to VEGF-enriched choroidal endothelial cells (CEC). Methods: Monkey CEC (RF6A), human RPE cells (ARPE-19), and rat RGC (RGC-5) were exposed for 24 h to increasing doses of bevacizumab. Cell numbers were quantified with WST-1 assay. Cell death was assessed using propidium iodide (PI) staining via flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Results: Bevacizumab was inhibitory to RF6A at 2.0 mg/mL ( P < 0.005). No effect on cell viability was noted on ARPE-19 and RGC-5 cell lines at this particular dose of bevacizumab. These results were supported by fluorescent microscopy of PI-stained cells. Conclusions: VEGF-stimulated proliferation of CEC was inhibited by bevacizumab. Bevacizumab was not cytotoxic to human RPE and rat RGC in vitro at a dose that is inhibitory to monkey CEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the impact of irrigation with wastewater on nutritional property and heavy-metal concentrations in the soil and consequent accumulation in vegetables at sites having long-term uses of wastewater for irrigation. Samples of irrigation water, soil, and root and shoot parts of palak plants were analyzed to determine the concentration of heavy metals. Wastewater irrigation led to increases in the total and phytoavailable heavy-metal concentrations in the soil at all the sites. Heavy-metal concentrations in soil under wastewater irrigation were negatively and positively correlated with soil hydrogen potential (pH) and organic carbon (OC), respectively. The enrichment factor and metal pollution index were higher at wastewater-irrigated sites as compared to the clean water-irrigated ones. The study concludes that wastewater irrigation modified the physicochemical properties of the soil, leading to more availability of heavy metals in the soil and consequently to the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effects of bevacizumab on cell viability and proliferation in a commonly used retinal ganglion cell line, RGC-5, were examined. Methods: RGC-5 cells were exposed to 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml of commercially available bevacizumab in vitro. To examine the specificity of effects, cells were also cultured with increasing and comparable concentrations of proteins (increasing the concentration of proteins in the culture media by 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml by using additional fetal bovine serum [FBS] and bovine serum albumin [BSA]). Cell proliferation was assessed using a WST-1 kit, crystal violet staining and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by quantifying cell numbers in proliferation-deficient RGC-5 following exposure to bevacizumab using the WST-1 kit, microscopic examination of cells stained with propidium iodide (PI) cells and flow cytometry for differential staining with PI. Results: Bevacizumab was not toxic to RGC-5 cells in the tested concentrations. It had a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation. A stimulatory effect on proliferation was also noted when equivalent amounts of proteins from FBS or BSA were used, which suggests that bevacizumab may stimulate proliferation non-specifically by increasing the protein contents of the cell growth environment. Conclusions: Results suggest that intravitreal injection of bevacizumab could alter the internal milieu of the eye by increasing protein concentrations to elicit functional responses in retinotypic cells. This may be especially relevant for cells outwith the control of vascular endothelial growth factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This investigation analyses the failure of left barrel used in engine of an aircraft. The barrel was subjected to detailed examination using standard non-destructive and destructive testing methods in order to identify the cause of failure of left barrel. The experimental results include fractography, chemical analysis, coating analysis and optical microstructure. The investigation concludes that failure is caused by the formation of corrosion pits which act as stress raiser and fatigue has assisted in propagation of the crack. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A synergistic combination of nanostructure synthesis and surface engineering was used to enhance the photoelectrochemical activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) photoanodes. Titania nanotubular arrays were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of Ti thin foils. An atmospheric-pressure helium plasma followed by exposure to nitrogen was used to modify the surface properties of TiO2 nanotubes. The photocurrent from plasma-treated samples was approximately 25% higher than that from untreated samples. This increase in photoactivity could be ascribed to the following: 1) increased absorption of visible light due to bandgap reduction; 2) efficient charge separation; 3) production of optimal oxygen vacancies; and 4) increased surface area and, hence, enhanced electrode-electrolyte area to provide maximum optical adsorption and efficient charge transfer. The diffused reflectance Ultraviolet-visible (DR-UV-Vis) absorption spectra indicated a marginal increase in absorbance for the plasma-treated samples in the visible region, suggesting a change in surface electronic structure, although bulk electronic properties remain unchanged during plasma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This investigation presents and interprets fluid inclusion data from different lithological units of the Cu skarn deposits at Mazraeh, north of Ahar, Azarbaijan, NW Iran. The results provide an assessment of the P–T conditions and mineral–fluid evolution and suggest new exploration parameters. Five types of inclusions are recognized from quartz and garnet. The temperature of homogenization of Type I inclusions with daughter minerals halite and sylvite ranges from 312° to 470 °C with total salinity of 52 to 63 wt.% NaCl equiv.; Type II and III inclusions with halite have homogenization temperatures of 230° to 520 °C and salinity of 31 to 50 wt.% NaCl equiv. The salinity of Types IV and V biphase (liquid+vapor) inclusions, based on their final ice melting temperature, varies between 10.2 to 20.8 wt.% NaCl equiv. T h vs. salinity plots of inclusions show that the salinity of the fluids correlates positively with temperature. The inclusions formed at low pressure. Changes in the temperature and salinity of the fluids can be reconstructed from the inclusions. Highly saline, high-temperature fluids were most abundant during the main chalcopyrite ore-forming phase in the skarn and mineralized quartz veins. Low-salinity aqueous fluids were abundant in barren veins, in which there is no evidence for early hot high-salinity brine, and might have resulted from late-stage dilution and mixing of hydrothermal fluids with meteoric water. Based on petrographic features and fluid-inclusion data, early-stage magnetite deposition is related to boiling of fluid at temperatures of about 500 °C. At a later stage, boiling at temperatures of around 320° to 400 °C favored the deposition of sulfides and Fe mobility was decreased at these lower temperatures. The following inclusion characteristics may be used as exploration parameters in the Mazraeh area. (i) Presence of high-temperature, salt-bearing inclusions, with T h between 300 and 500 °C; (ii) High-salinity fluid inclusions; and (iii) Inclusions showing evidence of boiling of the fluid. In addition, the presence of magnetite is an important exploration parameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Therapeutic vaccines present an attractive alternative to conventional treatments for cancer. However, tumors have evolved various immune evasion mechanisms to modulate innate, adaptive, and regulatory immunity for survival. Therefore, successful vaccine formulations may require a non-toxic immunomodulator or adjuvant that not only induces/stimulates innate and adaptive tumor-specific immune responses, but also overcomes immune evasion mechanisms. Given the paramount role costimulation plays in modulating innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune responses, costimulatory ligands may serve as effective immunomodulating components of therapeutic cancer vaccines. Our laboratory has developed a novel technology designated as ProtEx™ that allows for the generation of recombinant costimulatory ligands with potent immunomodulatory activities and the display of these molecules on the cell surface in a rapid and efficient manner as a practical and safe alternative to gene therapy for immunomodulation. Importantly, the costimulatory ligands not only function when displayed on tumor cells, but also as soluble proteins that can be used as immunomodulatory components of conventional vaccine formulations containing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). We herein discuss the application of the ProtEx™ technology to the development of effective cell-based as well as cell-free conventional therapeutic cancer vaccines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vegetables (Beta vulgaris L., Abelmoschus esculentus L. and Brassica oleracea L.) from the production and market sites of India were tested for Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb. At market sites, the mean concentration of Cu in cauliflower, and of Zn and Cd in both palak and cauliflower had exceeded the PFA standard. Zn at the production sites also exceeded the PFA standard in cauliflower. Cd concentration in vegetables tested from both production and market sites was many folds higher than the EU standard. In contrast, Pb in vegetables tested from both production and market sites was below the PFA limit, but was considerably higher than the current EU and WHO standards. Heavy metals accumulation in vegetables tested are higher at market sites than those at the crop production sites. The contributions of these vegetables to dietary intake of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were 13%, 1%, 47% and 9% of provisional tolerable daily intake, respectively. The study concludes that the transportation and marketing systems of vegetables play a significant role in elevating the contaminant levels of heavy metals which may pose a threat to the quality of the vegetables with consequences for the health of the consumers of locally produced foodstuffs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The electrodynamic screen (EDS) is considered to be one of the feasible dust mitigation technologies for future Mars missions. In this paper, the performance of EDS for surface cleaning was characterized with respect to the following operational parameters: 1) the efficiency of screens under both continuous and intermittent operations with different rates of dust deposition; 2) electrical power requirements for the screen operation with respect to dust removal efficiency (DRE), frequency, and excitation frequency; and 3) the optical transmission efficiency of the transparent EDSs and the corresponding power loss, when these screens were placed on solar panels. The average DRE of EDS during continuous dust loading was over 95 %, whereas it was 90 % when the screen was activated intermittently. Power consumption by EDS, as well as the size and weight of the power supply, is one of the critical factors for its applicability for dust removal from solar panels during future Mars mission. The power consumption by EDS was measured under several dust loadings and using different frequencies and electrical field intensities for the safe operation of power supplies without Paschen breakdown. Experiments were conducted under simulated Martian atmosphere (5.0 mb CO2 atmosphere) using a screen with an active surface area of 59 cm2. The average power consumption of screen varied between 1.02 and 2.87 mW. The optical transmission efficiency for a transparent EDS (PET substrate with indium tin oxide electrodes) was measured for a PET screen with ITO electrodes. It was found that placing the transparent EDS on a typical space-type solar panel resulted in a significant obscuration. The power output of the solar panel decreased by 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress, which play an important role in ocular diseases, are well known. In this study, we investigated the effect of non-lethal doses of oxidative stress on various cell functions, namely cell viability, cell attachment and cell migration in a widely used retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line (ARPE-19). Methods: A single exposure to various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to establish a dose response for H2O2-induced cell death. Other cellular responses, such as changes in cell attachment and migration, were monitored after exposure to increasing doses. Finally, the effects of preconditioning cells with increasing non-lethal doses of H2O2, with and without a subsequent exposure to lethal doses of H2O2, were determined. Results: The optimum dose for inducing cell death in ARPE-19 cells was between 900 and 1000 μm H2O2. Preconditioning the cells with 1, 10 and 50 μm of H2O2 provided a dose-dependent protection against cell death induced by a lethal dose (900–1000 μm) of H2O2. Preconditioning with higher doses caused cells to become more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of the lethal dose. Although H2O2 increased cell attachment in lower doses, it induced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell attachment to the substrate in higher doses. H2O2 did not affect cell migration in sub-lethal doses. Conclusion: Preconditioning RPE cells with limited exposure to non-lethal oxidative stress confers significant protection against subsequent H2O2-induced cell death. It also affects cell attachment in a dose-specific manner. This finding may help in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases in which oxidative stress plays an important role and in determining the suitability of certain treatment strategies, in particular RPE transplantation in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric cardiac surgery is undergoing a metamorphosis, with more and more critical patients being operated in our country today. Although the principles of physiology have not changed, it is imperative that care providers continue to stay abreast with developments and newer drugs that may help modify the outcome. The team dynamics have also become more complex, which necessitates the need for all care providers (surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and intensivists) to better understand the interactions and benefits of newer drugs. Vasopressin has been used in our adult patients for more than a decade and recently has found its rightful place in the pediatric armoury. The objective of this article is to review the physiology of vasopressin and the rationale of its use in critically ill children with shock, in context of the available published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have drawn attention because they offer possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders in the form of regenerative therapy or transplantation. NPCs adapt and change in response to the cues in the pathological environment. We assessed the effect of pre-exposure to non-cytotoxic levels of oxidative stress, a common pathogenic factor in a number of neurological disorders, on the cell viability and neurosphere morphology of NPCs derived from the periventricular zone of mice brain. Neural progenitor cell viability and neurosphere morphology (neurosphere number, size and chain migration) were assessed in response to cytotoxic levels of oxidative stress in the presence or absence of preconditioning with non-cytotoxic doses of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Preconditioning with non-cytotoxic levels of H2O2 provided significant protection against subsequent exposure to lethal doses of H2O2. Preconditioning also modulated alteration in the neurosphere morphology in response to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress increased chain migration and neurosphere size while decreasing neurosphere numbers, specially in the cultures that were preconditioned with higher doses of H2O2. Non-cytotoxic exposure to oxidative stress can evoke endogenous cytoprotection in NPCs. Redox signaling plays a role in other cellular functions of NPCs, namely the chain migration of NPCs from neurospheres, perhaps as a result of its effect on cell differentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Use of fly ash (FA) to agriculture is not always beneficial, however, utilization of lower concentration of FA as soil amendment is suitable for better management of few crops. The present study was conducted to study the effects of various concentrations of FA (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) on heavy metal accumulation, growth, and yield responses of palak (Beta vulgaris L. var All Green H1). The results showed that application of FA caused significant reductions in growth, biomass and yield responses of B. vulgaris plants at different ages of observations. The concentrations of all the heavy metals increased significantly with increasing concentrations of FA. Metal pollution index (MPI) of both roots and shoots showed significant and negative relationships with the yield of B. vulgaris plants. The study concludes that B. vulgaris plant is sensitive to FA concentrations used in this study. It is further recommended that leafy vegetable like B. vulgaris is not a suitable crop to be grown in a region where FA is used for amendment of agricultural soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Results of mineral, chemical and XRD investigations on stannoidite and cubanite from Askot sulphide deposit, Kumaun Himalaya are presented here. Stannoidite occurs as myrmekitic intergrowth and cubanite as exsolved lamellae in chalcopyrite. Chemical composition of this tin-bearing sulphide closely matches that of stannoidite, hitherto unreported from the Himalayan sulphides. Stannoidite and cubanite from Askot are nonstoichiometric. An average of 1.13 wt% Zn is present in stannoidite, whereas the zinc content of cubanite is very low. Cu/(Cu + Fe) ratio of about 0.326 in cubanite indicates iron enrichment. These sulphides were formed from cooling of high-temperature hydrothermal solution, possibly with higher sulphur fugacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of triboelectric properties of the Martian dust would be critical for future human and robotic missions to Mars. Several major studies relating to future missions to Mars have highlighted the significance of electrostatic charge accumulation and its impact on various aspects of the mission due to tribocharging of the Mars dust. The tribocharging properties of the Mars dust simulant (JSC Mars-1) against stainless steel and Teflon were characterized. An electronic single particle aerodynamic relaxation time (ESPART) analyzer was used to measure the aerodynamic size and charge distributions of the dust particles. Faraday cup measurements were used for calculating average charge-to-mass ratio. The average charge-to-mass ratio of dust tribocharged against stainless steel (SS) was -1.19 µC/g, whereas it was found to be +1.21 µC/g against Teflon (PTFE). These results indicated that the work function of the JSC Mars-1 lies between that of the SS and Teflon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Class III β-tubulin, a constituent of neuronal microtubules, has been frequently used as a marker for the neuronal lineage in developmental biology. In retina, it is often used as a marker for ganglion cells. We investigated the developmental expression of this protein in retina and identified the cell types expressing it to gain a better understanding of whether preferred expression of this isotype in certain retinal neurons plays a cell specific role, or whether it is only a part of an intrinsic developmental program. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was done using an antibody against class III β-tubulin and other retinal cell specific markers in adult retinae of mice. Rabbit and human retinae were used to investigate if there are any species-specific differences. Results: Class III β-tubulin was found in ganglion cells, certain amacrine cells, some horizontal cell processes and cone photoreceptors. Class III β-tubulin was already expressed in the earliest developmental stage studied (Embryonic day 14) in developing nerve fiber layer but became distinct at the day of birth when immunoreactive cells were located in the ganglion cell layer (ganglion and displaced amacrine cells), proximal parts of neuroblastic/inner nuclear layer (amacrine cells) and distal part of neuroblastic/outer nuclear layer (photoreceptors). In one animal, class III β-tubulin containing bodies were found in the retinal pigment epithelium cells. Conclusions: Class III β-tubulin is not solely expressed by ganglion cells and, therefore, cannot be used as an exclusive marker for these cells. Results show that the expression of class III β-tubulin was not related to cell morphology or cell function, but rather to the cell lineage (early born retinal neurons) suggesting that the expression of class III β-tubulin in certain cell types may be due to the cell specific developmental program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper, the influence of solutionizing temperature during artificial age hardening treatment (T6) of cast Al–(8,12,16%)Si–0.3%Mg on abrasive wear behaviour has been reported. Alloys were prepared by controlled melting and casting. Cast alloys were given artificial age hardening treatment having a sequence of solutionizing, quenching and artificial aging. All the alloys were solutionized at 450°C, 480°C, 510°C, and 550°C for 8h followed by water quenching (30°C) and aging hardening at 170°C for 12h. Abrasive wear tests were conducted against 320 grade SiC polishing papers at 5N and 10N normal loads. It was observed that the silicon content and solution temperature affected the wear resistance significantly. Increase in solution temperature improved the wear resistance. Hypereutectic alloy showed better wear resistance than the eutectic and hypoeutectic alloys under identical conditions. Optical microstructure study of alloys revealed that the increase in solutionizing temperature improved distribution of silicon grains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of wear surface was carried out to analyze the wear mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polycarbonate films are subjected to plasma treatment in a number of applications such as improving adhesion between polycarbonate and silicon alloy in protective and optical coatings. The surfaces that undergo changes in surface properties due to plasma treatment have a tendency to revert back to their original states. Thus, the stability of the plasma induced changes on polymer surfaces over a desired time period is an important issue. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of ageing on atmospheric-pressure helium-plasma treated polycarbonate (PC) sample as a function of treatment time. The ageing effects were studied over a period of 10 days. The samples were plasma treated for 0.5, 2, 5 and 10min. Contact angle made by water droplet on polymer surfaces were measured to study surface energy changes. Modification of surface chemical structure was examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Contact angle decreased from 93° for untreated samples to 30° for samples treated with plasma for 10min. After 10 days the contact angle for the 10min plasma treated sample increased to 67°, but it never reverted back to that of the untreated surface. Similarly, the oxygen-carbon (O:C) ratio increased from 0.136 for untreated samples to 0.321 for 10min plasma-treated samples, indicating an increase in surface energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Medium to coarse-grained Neo-Proterozoic Nagthat siliciclastic rocks form a part of the Krol Formation in the Lesser Himalayan geotectonic zone. Fluid inclusion and geochemical studies have been carried out on the Nagthat siliciclastics from the Tons valley to determine their provenance during the Proterozoic and their recrystallisation during maximum burial to uplift. Fluid inclusion studies have been carried out on detrital, recrystallised quartz grains and quartz overgrowths. Major and trace element analyses of the siliciclastics, the relationships of SiO2 with various trace elements, and the association of various trace elements with mineral species suggest a granitic source for these siliciclastics. Primary Q1 aqueous brine inclusions and Q3 H2O–CO2 fluid with 0.9gm/cm3 CO2 density in detrital quartz grains characterised the protolith of the sandstone as granite or metamorphic rocks. H2O–NaCl fluids participated in the cementation history, temperatures of quartz overgrowth from 198 to 232°C show the effect of maximum burial. The re-equilibration of the primary fluid due to elevated internal pressure>confining pressure is evident from features like ‘C’ shaped cavities, stretching of the inclusions, their migration, decrepitation clusters, etc. During recrystallisation these inclusions were equilibrated at 187° and 235°C in a restricted fluid of aqueous, moderately saline composition. The observed inclusion morphology is attributed to a decrease in external pressure related to isothermal decompression uplift. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

After publication of abstract S 2‑06 in supplement [1], it was brought to our attention that the second author's name is spelled incorrectly. Originally the author name has been published as Rajesh Sarma. The correct author name is Rajesh Sharma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaS phosphor samples singly doped with Mn impurity and doubly doped with Mn and X (X=&ThickSpace;Fe, Co and Ni) have been synthesized using a flux method. Crystal structure and phase identification of doped CaS phosphors have been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. A pulse excitation method has been employed to study the optical parameters of the doped phosphors. Excited state lifetime measurements at liquid nitrogen temperature were carried out with a pulsed UV laser (nitrogen laser) as the excitation source has a short pulse width (10&ThickSpace;ns) and high peak power (200&ThickSpace;kW per pulse). The results have been compared with room temperature lifetime studies. Enhancement in photoluminescence intensity and lifetime shortening in these synthesized doped phosphors is reported at low temperature. The lifetime values have been found to be in the microsecond time domain for CaS:Mn phosphors while on addition of a quencher impurity Ni to CaS:Mn phosphors, the lifetime values reduce to the nanosecond time domain at 77&ThickSpace;K temperature. A thermally activated carrier transfer model has been proposed to explain the observed abnormal temperature behaviour of emission from CaS:Mn, X-doped phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Singly and doubly doped ZnS phosphors have been synthesized in the laboratory. The crystal structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Laser-induced photoluminescence has been observed in ZnS-doped phosphors when these were excited by the pulsed UV N2 laser radiation at liquid nitrogen temperature (77K). The temperature dependence of lifetimes, trap-depths and decay constant values were investigated for quencher impurities doped ZnS:Mn phosphors. The lifetimes of the orange emission from 4T1–6A1 transition of Mn2+ ions has been found to decrease at liquid nitrogen temperature. Due to downconversion phenomenon fast phosphorescence /fluorescence emission in the visible region is recorded in milliseconds time domain for ZnS:Mn while in case of ZnS:Mn, X (X=Fe, Co and Ni) phosphors lifetime reduces to nanoseconds time domain. A thermally activated carrier-transfer model has been proposed to explain the observed abnormal temperature behaviour of the lifetimes in ZnS:Mn, X (X=Fe, Co and Ni) phosphors. The high efficiency and fast recombination times observed in doped ZnS phosphors make these materials very attractive for optoelectronic applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluid inclusion data are presented for the successive stages of limestone, dolomite, magnesite and sulphide-bearing quartz veins in Proterozoic carbonate rocks of the Lesser Himalaya. Subsurface fluids were H2O–NaCl–KCl±MgCl2 ±CaCl2 and showed successive increase in salinity and temperature. The salinity of the pore fluid during limestone diagenesis was in the range of ∼7.5–15 eq wt.% NaCl and the magnesite-forming fluids had a salinity of about 9 to 19 eq wt.% NaCl. This progressive rise in salinity is attributed to a more saline fluid in the deeper zones. The inverse relation between homogenization temperatures and final melting temperatures suggests mixing of the fluids during diagenesis, and highly depleted δ 18O values rule out participation of magmatic fluid in the mixing. A late stage carbonic fluid is linked with talc formation. The low temperature of sulphide-forming epigenetic solutions, as obtained from fluid inclusions, is also substantiated by the chemical data from these sulphides. δ 34S values in galena infer that magmatic sulphur was probably not involved, and the sulphur of the galena is derived from an isotopically heavy source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Singly and doubly doped CaS phosphors have been synthesized using the flux method. Excited-state lifetime measurements have been carried out for CaS doped with Mn and quencher impurities (Fe or Co or Ni) having doping concentrations 0.05–0.70% by weight, using pulsed-UV laser (nitrogen laser) as the excitation source having pulse width (10 ns) and peak power (200 kW per pulse). Laser-induced photoluminescence has been observed in CaS-doped phosphors when these phosphors were excited by the pulsed-UV N 2 laser radiation. Owing to the downconversion phenomenon, fast photoluminescence emission in the visible region is recorded in microseconds time domain for CaS:Mn, whereas in case of CaS:Mn:Ni, shortest component of lifetime values reduces to nanoseconds time domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In present paper, the influence of silicon (wt.%) and precipitation hardening treatment of cast Al–(4–20%)Si–0.3%Mg alloy on two body abrasive wear behaviour has been reported. Alloys under investigation were prepared via foundry route. Cast alloys were subjected to the precipitation hardening treatment following a sequence of solutionizing, quenching and artificial aging. All the alloys were solutionized at 510°C for 4h followed by water quenching (30°C) and aging hardening at 170 and 210°C for 12h. Abrasive wear tests were conducted against 100, 320 and 600 grade SiC polishing papers at 3N contact load. It was observed that increase in silicon (wt.%) reduced the wear rate. Heat treatment of all the alloys under investigation improved the wear resistance. Precipitation hardening at 210°C results in better wear resistance than the alloys hardened at 170°C. Optical microstructure study of alloys in heat treated condition showed that dendrite structure is broken down after the heat treatment and spheroidization of eutectic silicon takes place. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of wear surfaces of was carried to analyze the mechanism of material removal under abrasive wear condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A nonthermal atmospheric pressure helium plasma was used for catalyst activation. The CO oxidation activity of alumina-supported Au and Pd catalyst was monitored using a gas chromatograph before and after plasma treatment. Catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of Au and Pd salts on alumina. The plasma-treated Au catalyst converted 78% CO to CO2 as compared to 45% in the case of untreated catalyst at room temperature. Similarly, plasma-treated Pd catalysts demonstrated improved performance at 100 °C and 150 °C. At 100 °C, 16% conversion was achieved with the plasma-treated catalyst whereas there was no conversion with untreated catalyst. The conversion increased to 82% as compared to 44% for the untreated sample at 150 °C. At 200 °C both untreated as well as plasma-treated samples achieved nearly 100% conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Fraction 1 (F1) antigen of Yersinia pestis is known to induce thymocyte proliferation. It serves as a major protective antigen against challenge of Y. pestis. Recently, we reported rF1-induced activation of macrophages. Current investigation elucidates the role of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)-mediated signal transduction in murine peritoneal macrophages on stimulation with rF1 (10μg/ml) in vitro. The p42/44 MAPK activation was determined by studying the expression of the phosphorylated p42/44 MAPK in rF1-treated macrophages. PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibited the p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation, indicating the specificity of the above response. Furthermore, the rF1-induced phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK is found to blocked by upstream protein kinase C inhibitor H7, tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor wortmannin. Additionally, phosphorylation of JNK and activation of the transcription factor, c-jun and c-fos was also observed in response to rF1 treatment. The rF1-induced activation of p42/44 MAPK was correlated to the functional activation of macrophages by demonstrating the inhibition of actin rearrangement, IL-1, TNF-α and NO production caused by PD98059 in the rF1-treated macrophages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Yersinia antigenic proteins LcrV and YopB are translocators of effector Yops in type III secretion system. Recently, we have reported that rLcrV and rYopB inhibit the production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12 in murine peritoneal macrophages. It was also demonstrated that IL-10 and TLR2 signaling pathways and inhibition of MAPK cascade is involved in rLcrV- and rYopB-induced immunomodulation. In the present study, it is reported that rLcrV and rYopB inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-1β in macrophages. Pretreatment of macrophages with rLcrV and rYopB also inhibited the LPS-induced transcription of IL-6 but not of GM-CSF. However, the transcription of chemokines like MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES were inhibited by rLcrV and rYopB. Both proteins also affected the cytoskeleton and lipid rafts in macrophages. It is further observed that IL-10 antibodies abrogated the rLcrV- and rYopB-induced inhibition of IL-1β production in LPS-treated macrophages. The data, therefore, suggests a possible role of IL-10 in rLcrV and rYopB mediated inhibition of LPS-induced production of IL-1β in macrophages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper some further bounds are given for the transverse modulus of a multiphase composite body when the stress distribution among the constituents of the composite is not uniform. A bound for the ratio of transverse modulus to the value given by the inverse mixture rule is also obtained here. The mixture is assumed to possess the properties as described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: LcrV of Yersinia pestis is an enigmatic antigenic protein having multiple functions such as effector, translocator and regulator in Type III secretion system. In present study, it is reported that rLcrV causes subversion of macrophage-mediated immune functions. rLcrV treatment down regulated the transcription of IL-12, IRAK-1, MHC-II, phosho-STAT1 and adhesion molecule CD18 in LPS stimulated macrophages. rLcrV induced up regulation of phospho-STAT3 expression, while had no effect on expression of phospho-STAT6. Neutralization and immunoprecipitation experiments suggest the probable involvement of TLR2 and TLR6 heterodimer in rLcrV-mediated immunomodulation of macrophages. Adaptor molecule MyD88, CD11b, and MHC-I expression did not modulate upon treatment with rLcrV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Minimum and maximum values of the ratio and difference of reciprocals of the two values of transverse modulus given by inverse mixture rule and Chamis simplified micromechanics equation [Hopkins, D.A. and Chamis, C.C. (1988). A Unique set of Micromechanics Equations for High Temperature Metal Matrix Composite, In: DiGiovanni, P.R. and Adsit, N.R. (eds), Testing Technology of Metal Matrix Composites, ASTM STP 964, pp. 159-176, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA.] are obtained in this paper when the fractional concentrations are changed in a specified manner and the moduli of the constituents take prescribed values. It is shown that if the values of the moduli of constituents are increased by a fixed value, the value of the longitudinal modulus is also increased by this fixed value while the corresponding value of the transverse modulus is increased by a greater amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yersinia pestis causative organism of bubonic and pneumonic plague uses type III secretion system for the translocation of effector molecules in to the target host cells. Type III secretion system of Yersinia pestis, secretes Low calcium response V (LcrV) or V antigen and many other Yersinia outer proteins (Yops). LcrV and YopB were initially known as translocator proteins, but recently have been shown to act as effector and regulatory proteins. Macrophages participate actively in immune response by secreting various effector molecules or by phagocytosis in clearing most of the pathogens. We investigated the effect of rLcrV and rYopB (10 μg/ml) on peritoneal macrophages in vitro. It is observed that rLcrV and rYopB inhibited LPS induced TNF-α and NO production in murine peritoneal macrophages. rLcrV and rYopB also inhibited expression of phospho-p38, -p42/44, -JNK MAPKs and transcription factors NFκB, c-fos and c-jun in LPS treated macrophages. The inhibition in the expression of these signaling molecules has been correlated to the inhibition of TNF-α and NO production in macrophages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interaction between macrophages and bacterial pathogens is crucial in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. The 70 kb plasmid encodes low calcium response V (LcrV) or V antigen and a group of highly conserved yersinia outer proteins (Yops) are essential for full virulence. In present study, we investigated the effect of rLcrV and rYopB on macrophage functions in vitro. It is observed that rLcrV and rYopB inhibited the LPS induced expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, KC, IP-10, and IL-12 in macrophages. rLcrV and rYopB caused increased expression of IL-10 and TLR2, whereas inhibited TLR4 expression in LPS treated macrophages. IL-10 and TLR2 antibodies reversed the rLcrV and rYopB induced inhibition of TNF-α production by LPS treated macrophages, whereas IL-4 and TLR4 antibodies had no effect. Our data suggests a possible role of IL-10 and TLR2 in rLcrV and rYopB mediated inhibition of macrophage function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fraction 1 antigen of Yersinia pestis is a capsule protein of 17.5 kDa, known to induce thymocyte proliferation and have anti-phagocytic role in macrophages. It serves as a major protective antigen against challenge of Y. pestis by inducing high concentration of IgG1 antibody response. In the present investigation it is observed that 10 μg/ml of rF1 antigen activated murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. rF1 induced the production of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and NO. rF1 treatment also induced increased transcription of IFN-γ and its related chemokines KC, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MCP-1, RANTES in macrophages. Significantly increased transcription of TLR5 was observed in macrophages treated with rF1, while the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 remained unaffected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]