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In-situ growth of CdS nanorods (NRs) has been demonstrated via solvothermal, in a low band gap polymer, poly [[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy] benzo [1,2-b:4,5-b’] dithiophene-2,6-diyl] [3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl) carbonyl] thieno [3,4-b] thiophenediyl]] (PTB7). It is a high yielding, green approach as it removes use of volatile and hazardous chemicals such as pyridine as ligand which are conventionally used to synthesize precursors of CdS (NRs). Moreover the solvothermal process is a zero emission process being a close vessel synthesis and hence no material leaching into the atmosphere during the synthesis. The PTB7:CdS nanocomposite has been characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. The photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy study of PTB7 with CdS NRs has shown significant PL quenching by the incorporation of CdS NRs in PTB7; this shows that CdS NRs are efficient electron acceptors with the PTB7. The PTB7:CdS is used as active layer in the fabrication of hybrid solar cells (HSC) as donor-acceptor combination in the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) geometry. The HSCs fabricated using this active layer without any additional supporting fullerene based electron acceptor has given power conversion efficiency of above 1%.

This study helps to select the length for fuzzy sets in fuzzy time series prediction. In order to examine the effect of intervals and evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, numerical data of water recharge and discharge are considered to predict water table elevation fluctuation (WTEF). Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is an influential tool to handle optimization of multi-model problems, whereas fuzzy logic can handle uncertainty. In this paper, adaptive inertia weights are adopted rather than static inertia weights for PSO, which further improves efficiency of PSO. This modified PSO is termed as adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO). APSO optimizes the intervals and these intervals are further used to generate fuzzy sets for prediction. The results indicate that the APSO performs better than PSO and genetic algorithm approaches for the same problem.

Introduction: Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare bleeding disorder (~1:1,000,000) caused by impaired function of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa responsible for aggregation. This novel survey was designed to identify the burden of GT through better understanding of the management of the disorder and its psychosocial impact on patients and caregivers. Methods: Participants were recruited via a rare disease specialty recruiter from Comprehensive Health Education Services. Data were collected from January 31 through March 12, 2019, via a moderator-assisted online survey. On average, the survey was completed within 45 minutes. Information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment history, and quality of life was collected. Results: In total, 45 respondents (24 patients and 21 caregivers; 58% female) completed the survey. Many patients were born with significant bruising (76%) or bled extensively during circumcision (47%). As a result of their early symptoms, more than 50% of those surveyed were diagnosed prior to their first birthday. For others, the average time between experiencing initial symptoms and visiting a specialist was just over 1 year and to diagnosis was just over 2 years (average age, 2.6 years, range Conclusions: Many patients with GT are identified early in life owing to a severe phenotype, but diagnosis remains somewhat difficult. Patients with GT experience frequent bleeding episodes, commonly as bruises and nosebleeds, with 31% experiencing more than 100 bleeds per year. Additional support from outside the GT patient community is needed. Patients desire additional education for themselves and their HCPs, especially around menstruation, childbearing, and treatment options. Disclosures Duncan: Novo Nordisk Inc: Consultancy. Kellum:Novo Nordisk Inc: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Jain:Bioverativ/Sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novo Nordisk Inc: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Octapharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda/Shire: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BPL: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Peltier:Novo Nordisk Inc: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cooper:Novo Nordisk Inc.: Employment. Saad:Novo Nordisk Inc: Employment.

61st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) -- DEC 07-10, 2019 -- Orlando, FL, WOS:000577160400199, [No Abstract Available], Amer Soc Hematol

Hybrid sensors consisting of semiconducting metal oxides and conducting polymers have immense capability of sensing various poisonous gases and chemical warfare agents at room temperature. The hybrid sensor has tunable properties, which leads to high sensing response with lower detection limits. In the present work, Ni doped ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a wet chemical synthesis and their nanocomposite with polyaniline was prepared using in-situ oxidative polymerization technique. The structure, morphology and surface composition properties were studied using XRD, FTIR, XPS and FESEM. Response of the nanocomposites towards various oxidizing and reducing gases was studied and was found to be more selective towards NO2. Amount of doping for maximum sensor response was optimized and it was found that with 10 mol% Ni doping, sensor response of 75% was obtained towards 100 ppm with response time of 82 s and recovery time of 399 s. Further, recovery time reduced significantly from 1096 s (ZnO/PANi) to 399 s (Ni@ZnO/PANi). This hybrid sensor shows better sensitivity, selectivity, and higher response compared to pure PANi and ZnO/PANi nanocomposites. Doping of Ni over ZnO nanorods leads to higher surface area, maximum adsorption of gases resulting into a very effective NO2 gas sensor at room temperature.

Logistics services are keys to the success of almost all the manufacturing firms. Logistics companies have great responsibility to minimise the supply chain risks. Third-party logistics provider has limited role in the supply chain, whereas fourth-party logistics provider performs series of operations in the supply chain. In this study, the role of logistics service providers has been quantified and the structure of 3PL and 4PL network is compared using social network analysis approach. A case study on logistics network has been discussed in this paper which is analysed with the help of social network analysis approach. The role of individual players in 3PL and 4PL has been described based on the outcomes of social network analysis of the networks. The work is an attempt to understand the role of key players in the network and thus can aid in making important decisions while collaborating with partners and making negotiations.

Recently, chemical cross coupling reactions have emerged as a powerful tool in the hands of synthetic organic chemist to synthesize complicated organic scaffolds like drugs, natural products, optical devices and industrially impor- tant materials. Stable N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) acts as an important catalyst system in various cross coupling reac- tions. This review describes various strategies used for the synthesis of free and stable NHCs. Historical developments made in the propagation of the idea of free and stable carbene have also keenly been illustrated in the introduction of this

BACKGROUND Androgen receptor (AR) expression in breast cancers may serve as a prognostic and predictive marker. We examined the expression pattern of AR and its phosphorylated forms, Ser-213 (AR-Ser[P]-213) and Ser-650 (AR-Ser[P]-650), in breast cancer and evaluated their association with clinicopathological parameters. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed on primary and distant metastatic breast cancers and benign breast tissue using antibodies against AR, AR-Ser(P)-213, and AR-Ser(P)-650. The levels of cytoplasmic and nuclear expression were scored semiquantitatively using a histoscore. RESULTS Nuclear staining of AR was observed in all benign breast tissue and 67% of cancer cases. Nuclear and cytoplasmic AR-Ser(P)-213 was increased in breast cancers 2-fold (P = .0014) and 1.7-fold (P = .05), respectively, compared with benign controls, whereas nuclear and cytoplasmic AR-Ser(P)-650 expression was decreased in tumors by 1.9-fold and 1.7-fold (both P

We demonstrate synthesis of water insoluble, novel copolymer PA1 from condensation of glyoxal dihydrazone and glyoxal dihydrazone bis(dithiocarbamate) monomers having high capacity to remove metal ions from aqueous solution. The presence of a high atomic percentage of nitrogen and sulfur atoms in PA1 leads to strong ligating ability with metal ions. The monomers and the polymer have been characterized by FTIR, UV–Visible spectroscopy, CHNS elemental analysis, NMR, MALDI-MS, and TG/DTA. As a proof of concept, the PA1 is tested for its ability to remove heavy metal ions Cu2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and CrO 7 2− from aqueous solutions. PA1 efficiently removed metals ions from the metal solutions. The highest absorption ability has been observed toward the iron salts where 0.969 g metal salt is absorbed by 1 g polymer. This study has implication for inexpensive and efficient polymer for purification of water.

Carbon materials of various types have been extensively used as negative electrode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries because of their consistent performance and potentialities. High aspect ratio (>1000) carbons such as carbon fibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) of different dimensions have been employed to fabricate free standing anode materials. Various characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, TGA, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry has been carried out to evaluate the structure of the anode that was further correlated to its performance in Li-ion cell. MWCNTs prepared under specified conditions not only exhibits high purity and crystallinity in structure but also shows exceptional electrochemical behavior of increasing capacity with successive cycling. This is probably due to the formation of a very constructive SEI with negligible charge transfer resistance as shown by the Nyquist plots.

A metamaterial-based novel compact microstrip antenna is presented for Wi-Max applications. The antenna consists of a layer of metamaterial made by etching a crossed-shaped slots, on the the ground plane, respectively. The shunt inductance developed due to the patterned ground plane lead to the lefthanded behaviour of the metamaterial. The proposed antenna has a compact size of 45.4 × 31.6 × 1.6 and is fed by a 50 Ω microstrip line. Radiating patch is fractal antenna of star shape with 6mm side length. The impedance bandwidth (−10 dB) is from 3 GHz to more than 14 GHz with maximum radiation in the horizontal plane and tends towards a directional pattern as the frequency increases. Maximum gain 15.8533db obtained from fractal antenna.

Background The use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is not up to its potential because of their gastrointestinal side effects. Significant attention has been focused on the growth of bio-reversible derivatives, such as mutual prodrugs, to momentarily mask the acidic group of NSAIDs as a promising means of decreasing or eliminating the GI side effects. The aims of this paper are to synthesize the mutual prodrugs of selected NSAIDs (Ketorolac, niflumic acid, tolfenamic acid) with propyphenazone, a study on their several physicochemical characters, hydrolysis kinetics, antiinflammatory, analgesic activity and ulcerogenicity. Methods Mutual prodrugs were synthesized and their structures were confirmed and characterized using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy and their purity was established by elemental analysis. Synthesized prodrugs were subjected for pharmacokinetic studies, analgesic, anti-inflammatory activities and ulcerogenic index. Results In vitro hydrolysis study of synthesized prodrugs in enzyme-free simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4) and 80% human plasma showed encouraging hydrolysis rate following first order kinetics while found stable in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2). Considerable decrease in ulcerogenic index and better anti-inflammatory activities were found in most of the cases as compared to their parent drugs. Among all prodrugs, viz. KE and NG showed excellent pharmacological response. A very less irritation to gastric mucosal was observed with the synthesized prodrugs than their parent drugs and can be considered for sustained drug release. Conclusion Encouraging hydrolysis rate in SIF and 80% human plasma, improved analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and reduced ulcerogenic liabilities of synthesized prodrugs revealed enhancement in the therapeutic index of the parent drugs. On the basis of above observation, it is concluded that mutual prodrugs approach can be applied to obtain synergistic effect for analgesic and anti inflammatory activities as well as to minimize gastrointestinal toxicity of the drug.

Sickle cell disease crises are precipitated by an acute occlusion of microvessels, which can lead to end organ ischaemia reperfusion injury and acute haemolysis. Acute fat emboli syndrome, acute lung injury (the acute chest syndrome), acute pulmonary hypertension, and cor pulmonale, haemorrhagic and occlusive stroke, and systemic infection represent the most common life-threatening complications observed in current ICU practice. General principles of management in all patients admitted to the critical care unit are hydration, antibiotics, pain control, and maintenance of oxygenation and ventilation. Red blood cell transfusion therapy is the treatment of choice for most complications of sickle cell disease requiring intensive care management. Transfusion of sickle negative, leukoreduced red blood cells, phenotypically matched for Rhesus and Kell antigens is the minimum standard of care in sickle cell disease patients as they have a high incidence of red blood cell alloimmunization.

The study surveyed 1255 (Male = 847, Female = 408) University students who are pursuing professional courses. The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied to identify the relationship between Gender, Locus of control (LOC) and whether students consider government long term policies as a support to start their own business with Entrepreneurial Intensity of Students. Entrepreneurial intensity captures the combined effect of degree (proactiveness, innovativeness and risk taking) and frequency (number of times entrepreneurial act is repeated) of entrepreneurship. It was found that type of locus of control (internal or external) differs significantly on Proactiveness, frequency of entrepreneurship, innovativeness and Entrepreneurial Intensity of students. It was also found that if students consider government long term policies as support to start their business; they differ significantly on Entrepreneurial Intensity (both degree and frequency of entrepreneurship).

An overview of the present status and potential of gum and resin yielding trees in India is provided. Since these products occupy an important place in the international markets, ample opportunities exist for enhancing export earnings by developing appropriate facilities for processing, storage, packaging and marketing. Gum and resin industries can play a significant role towards the economic growth and also providing employment to rural/tribal communities. The need to assess its economics of production under optimum conditions of cultivation and harvesting for its sustainability is discussed.

Introduction: Low Von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity, considered a bleeding risk factor, is prevalent in some adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), wherein upfront hemostatic therapy may not be readily considered. There is a need to better define this patient subset phenotypically and genotypically, to stratify their risk to bleed, and to tailor their therapy in hopes of preventing complications. In adolescents with HMB and low VWF, we hypothesized that a significant proportion will have disease-causing sequence variations in the VWF gene and/or modifier genes that affect hemostasis, thrombosis or vascular biology, and these will correlate with their bleeding phenotype. Methods: The objectives of this multi-center, single arm, observational cohort study were to 1) study the genotype of adolescent females with HMB and low VWF (≥ 30 and ≤ 50 IU/dL), 2) correlate genotype with bleeding phenotype by Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) score and ISTH bleeding assessment tool (BAT) score. Post-menarchal females < 21 years, with HMB (defined as PBAC score >100) and low VWF were eligible for the study. Patients who did not meet these criteria or diagnosed with other bleeding disorders were ineligible. Members of the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders are participating centers in the study. Clinical phenotype data including HMB characteristics, PBAC, BAT, response to desmopressin challenge, management details, clinical outcomes, and laboratory values were obtained. Blood samples were collected for analysis of a 142 gene array that includes VWF, genes involved in hemostasis, thrombosis and vascular biology. DNA sequencing of all exons and intron/exon boundaries was performed; variants were called presumably pathogenic if categorized as damaging by the pipeline with allele frequency Results: 63 subjects were enrolled to date; 1 subject was later found to be ineligible due to detection of another bleeding disorder. The mean age was 16 years (range 11.5-20.2). The median BAT score was 5.0 (N=61; 2-20), median PBAC score was 481 (N=62; 114-8150). 11/48 (23%) had hemoglobin Conclusion: Our study confirms the feasibility of a multi-center study in adolescent females with HMB and low VWF. All subjects had significant bleeding phenotype with elevated BAT and PBAC scores, with complications including anemia, iron deficiency, transfusion requirement, and hospitalization. Response to DDAVP challenge in subjects tested was good and sustained. Potential pathogenic gene variants, not only in VWF, but also in CF and PLT genes were found in 51% of the subjects, which may account for their bleeding phenotype. The separate or the combined presence of VWF, PLT and CF damaging gene variants does not appear to correlate with the subjects' bleeding severity in this interim analysis. A larger sample size and further analysis of gene variants may provide more information regarding the phenotype/genotype correlation in this patient population. Study supported by an investigator-initiated research grant from Baxalta US Inc., now part of Shire Disclosures Srivaths: Shire: Research Funding. Kulkarni:Bioverativ: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; NovoNordisk: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Octa Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kedrion: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genetech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BPL: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mullins:Shire: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ragni:Sangamo: Research Funding; Bioverativ: Consultancy, Research Funding; Shire: Research Funding; Alnylam: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; SPARK: Consultancy, Research Funding; Biomarin: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; MOGAM: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CSL Behring: Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Research Funding. Kouides:Octapharma: Research Funding; UniQure: Other: DSMB.

Malignancies of the gallbladder are uncommon in the developed world. Collision tumors are also extremely rare neoplastic phenomena. Given their scarcity, there are no guidelines for treatment, and prognosis is based on the more aggressive tumor type. We present a patient with a collision tumor consisting of signet-ring cholangiocarcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine gallbladder carcinoma of the biliary tract, and we review the literature pertaining to biliary tract collision tumors and their management.

India (and by extension, Indians) has a notorious reputation of being 'dirty'. Such reputation is both embarrassing, as well as deeply ironic since the father of the nation himself put cleanliness next to Godliness. But despite our failures, successive governments have focused on various aspects of public health, hygiene and sanitation. The present government too has declared a war against unhygienic sanitation through the Swachh Bharat mission (SBM) launched on 2 October 2014. This mission will remain incomplete without creating a behavioural change among the Indian populace as also mentioned in the vision documents of SBM. Studies investigating the impact of the SBM on the attitudes and behaviours of people will help the government and other stakeholders to review and streamline the strategies to achieve the mission. This paper is an attempt to study such attitudes led by involvement in responsible waste management of employees working in government organisations located in the National Capital Region of India regarding the SBM.

Osteosarcoma (OS), referred to as osteogenic sarcoma, is the most common primary malignant bone tumor excluding plasma cell tumors. It accounts for approximately 15% of all primary bone tumors confirmed at biopsy. It commonly involves the appendicular skeleton. Like, its counterpart in the long bones, OS affecting the head-and-neck region shows the distinct yet diverse clinical, histologic, and prognostic characteristics. Its diagnosis is a challenge to oral pathologists and is especially important in early stages to improve its prognosis. The data have been taken from the published articles and standard books and are summarized. In this review, in addition to summarizing the current understanding of OS etiology and diagnostic methods, various experimental therapeutics have been described that provides evidence to encourage a potential paradigm shift toward the introduction of immunomodulation, which may offer a more comprehensive approach to battling cancer.

Particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is a population-based powerful evolutionary computational technique inspired by social behaviour simulation of bird flocking and fish schooling. PSO has been applied successfully to a wide range of applications like scheduling, artificial neural networks (ANN) training, control strategy determination and ingredient mix optimisation. Fuzzy logic can easily cope up with vagueness and uncertainty in time series data. This has been applied for prediction of water table elevation, in our earlier work and results are quite promising. But, the optimisation of length of fuzzy intervals was a big constraint for researchers. In this research paper, the optimal length of fuzzy intervals in the universe of discourse is been selected using particle swarm optimisation. The results obtained after applying this combined approach to prediction of water table elevation are better than the previous method.

The present study was conducted to assess the utility of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and sTfR ferritin indices to differentiate ACD from IDA and also to diagnose coexisting IDA and ACD.The study group comprised of 30 IDA patients, 30 cases of ACD and 30 age and sex matched controls. Complete hemogram with peripheral smear examination, markers of ACD, iron profile including serum ferritin and serum transferrin receptor levels were done in all patients and controls. Serum TfR and ferritin indices were calculated.sTfR levels were significantly higher in the IDA group compared to ACD group (p0.001). ACD group was further subdivided into two groups on the basis of sTfR levels (B13 microg/ml and B2or = microg/ml), suggesting coexisting IDA in group B2. sTfR/log ferritin index was1.5 in all cases of IDA and ACD with coexisting IDA while all pure ACD cases and control subjects had sTfR/log ferritin index1.5. All case in IDA group had log sTfR/serum ferritin index2.55 and all patients with ACD with or without associated iron deficiency had log sTfR/serum ferritin ratio2.55.The sTfR levels along with the above mentioned indices can be very useful in differentiating pure IDA, ACD and ACD with coexisting iron deficiency, thus providing a noninvasive alternative to bone marrow iron.

A 43-year-old woman presented with right upper abdominal pain, on and off for 3–4 years. One year prior to her presentation, a space-occupying lesion was found in the right lobe of the liver, which was suspected to be hemangioma, as the patient had history of combined oral contraceptive pill use for the last 15 years. On examination, she was thinly built and had pallor; abdominal examination revealed tender hepatomegaly 3 cm below the costal margin, smooth surface, sharp regular edge with left lobe enlargement, and no bruit. All routine biochemical and hematologic investigations were normal, except hemoglobin of 7.6 gm/dl. On triple-phase CT scan, there were hypodense ill-defined lobulated area in right lobe of liver; similar lesions were also seen in segments V and VII of liver along with a few sub-diaphragmatic and para-aortic nodes. Liver biopsy showed features suggestive of hemangioendothelioma, and immunohistochemistry showed CD 31 and CD 34 positivity but negative for estrogen receptors. Laparoscopy revealed presence of multiple deposits on left lobe of liver and ascites. Tumor was unresectable, and the patient was found to be a candidate for liver transplant. Chemoembolization was tried as a palliation awaiting transplant, but the procedure was unsuccessful due to the hypovascular nature of the tumor. The patient died within 4 months of diagnosis due to liver failure, awaiting liver transplant, as a suitable donor was not available. A clinical suspicion based on demographics, risk factors and imaging, familiarity with the pathologic findings, and utilization of advanced imaging techniques may allow early diagnosis of these tumors and hence their appropriate management.

Anemia is defined as a reduction in red blood cell mass or hemoglobin concentration in blood. It is statistically differentiated from normal states as a hemoglobin concentration or hematocrit 2 SD below the mean for the healthy population adjusted for age and sex. Anemias may be classified based on the morphologic function of red blood cells and their size on a peripheral blood smear. Subcategories are microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemias, but these are not mutually exclusive. In infants and children, the most common form of anemia is microcytic. A detailed history and physical examination with appropriate laboratory test results can help detect the correct cause of anemia in most patients. The objective of this article is to aid physicians taking care of children in conducting a proper evaluation to identify the correct cause of microcytic anemia.

Reduced beta-adrenoreceptor signaling is associated with increased sympathoadrenal activity in hypertensive patients and animal models of hypertension. However, the mechanism that accounts for this characteristic decline in beta-adrenergic signaling is unclear. In the present study, we investigated renal phosphodiesterase 4B, which metabolizes cAMP. Immunoblot analysis detected only the phosphodiesterase 4B4 isoform present in kidney tissue from spontaneously hypertensive rats, hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, and Dahl salt-resistant rats. The phosphorylated (activated) form of the protein was present at 2-fold greater levels in Dahl SS rats than in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Dahl salt-resistant rats, whereas the unphosphorylated form of the protein was reduced by approximately one half in SS animals. In accord with immunoblot data, rolipram-inhibitable cAMP hydrolyzing activity, a measure of PDE4 activity, was approximately 3-fold greater in kidney cytosolic extracts from SS rats than in extracts from spontaneously hypertensive rats and salt-resistant rats. Phosphodiesterase 4B expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in the renal vasculature, proximal tubules, and distal tubules. These results raise the possibility that increased PDE4 activity, specifically phosphodiesterase 4B4 activity, reduces beta-adrenergic signaling in the kidney and contributes to salt-sensitive hypertension in the Dahl SS rat.

Research has recognized the important role of personality in developing and selecting employees and in determining behaviour at workplace. Personality is believed to affect decisionmaking, problem-solving, conflict management, and stress management. This stems from the assumption that role conflicts and organizational stress are also manifestations of the underlying turbulence of one�s personality predispositions. This paper reports the results of the threephase study conducted in Maruti Udyog Limited to understand the different behaviour patterns in workplace. In phase I, secondary data were collected through organizational stress and work motivation questionnaires, and job satisfaction and role conflict scales. In phase II, Dynamos and Drones were identified. Those scoring low on organizational stress, role conflict, and absenteeism and high scores on work motivation, work performance, and job satisfaction were grouped as Dynamos. On the other hand, those obtaining high scores on organizational stress, role conflict, and absenteeism and low scores on work motivation, work performance, and job satisfaction were categorized as Drones. In phase III, the Edwards' Personal Preference Schedule was administered to Dynamos and Drones to compare the need orientation of their behaviour. In order to examine the difference between the Dynamos and the Drones on various need orientation of their personality, t-test was conducted. The results reveal the following: The Dynamos are significantly higher on achievement, order, and autonomy compared to the Drones. Dynamos prefer to participate in friendly groups and form strong attachments. Dynamo's high score on endurance shows that they keep pursuing a job till it is complete. The drones are significantly higher on aggression and heterosexuality resulting in poor interpersonal relationship. There is no difference between the Dynamos and the Drones on deference, exhibition, interception, dominance, abasement, and change. In order to grow and be successful, an organization therefore needs a workforce consisting of more Dynamos. And, to be a dynamo, one should have the need personality orientation of order, endurance, and achievement which accounts for one's desire to give his best, to be successful, plan work, and stick to the job till the end. The author also stresses upon the need orientation of affiliation, succorance, and nurturance which together form the key ingredients for building interpersonally sensitive relationship.

A major abnormality that characterizes the red cell "storage lesion" is increased hemolysis and reduced red cell lifespan after infusion. Low levels of intravascular hemolysis after transfusion of aged stored red cells disrupt nitric oxide (NO) bioavailabity, via accelerated NO scavenging reaction with cell-free plasma hemoglobin. The degree of intravascular hemolysis post-transfusion and effects on endothelial-dependent vasodilation responses to acetylcholine have not been fully characterized in humans.To evaluate the effects of blood aged to the limits of Food and Drug Administration-approved storage time on the human microcirculation and endothelial function.Eighteen healthy individuals donated 1 U of leukopheresed red cells, divided and autologously transfused into the forearm brachial artery 5 and 42 days after blood donation. Blood samples were obtained from stored blood bag supernatants and the antecubital vein of the infusion arm. Forearm blood flow measurements were performed using strain-gauge plethysmography during transfusion, followed by testing of endothelium-dependent blood flow with increasing doses of intraarterial acetylcholine.We demonstrate that aged stored blood has higher levels of arginase-1 and cell-free plasma hemoglobin. Compared with 5-day blood, the transfusion of 42-day packed red cells decreases acetylcholine-dependent forearm blood flows. Intravascular venous levels of arginase-1 and cell-free plasma hemoglobin increase immediately after red cell transfusion, with more significant increases observed after infusion of 42-day-old blood.We demonstrate that the transfusion of blood at the limits of Food and Drug Administration-approved storage has a significant effect on the forearm circulation and impairs endothelial function. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01137656).

Conducting polyaniline/tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) composites have been synthesized by ‘in situ’ deposition technique by placing fine graded WO 3 in polymerization mixture of aniline. This is a single step polymerization process for the direct synthesis of emeraldine salt phase of the polymer. The results were also well supported by FTIR spectral analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), XRD and conductivity measurements. High temperature conductivity measurements show thermal activated behavior. The change in resistance with respect to percent relative humidity (RH) is observed. The composites in the pellet form exhibit almost linear behavior within a chosen range of humidity (ranging between 10 and 95% RH).

Polyaniline/cobalt oxide composites were synthesized by an in situ chemical polymerization method with ammonium persulfate as an oxidizing agent. This was a single-step polymerization process for the direct synthesis of the emeraldine salt phase of the polymer. The polymers were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. The formation of mixed phases of the polymer together with the conducting emeraldine salt phase was confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. High-temperature conductivity measurements showed thermally activated behavior. A change in the resistance was observed with respect to the relative humidity when the pellets were exposed to a wide humidity range of 10–95%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 653–658, 2007

Polyaniline/CeO2 composites were synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. This is the single step polymerization process for the direct synthesis of emeraldine salt phase of polymer. The polymers were characterized by using FTIR spectral analysis, SEM, and XRD studies. Formation of conducting emeraldine salt phase is confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. High temperature conductivity measurements show “thermal activated behavior.” The change in resistance with respect to percentage relative humidity (% RH) is observed, when the pressed pellets of the polymer were exposed to the broad range of humidity (humidity ranging between 10 and 95% RH). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5533–5537, 2006

The study explored the relationship of creativity and locus of control of students coming from various academic disciplines (Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Civil Engineering, Electronics & Communication, Centre for Women Studies, Mathematics, Food and Nutrition and Geography).The data was collected from a sample of 450 students of Mysore University out of which 40 belonged to Electronics and communication, 44 were from Civil Engineering, 40 from Environmental Sciences, 37 from Biotechnology, 40 from Geography, 16 from mathematics, 20 from Food and Nutrition and 7 from Centre for Women Studies. Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults and Levenson’s Locus of Control tests were administered on students and their socio – demographic information was taken. Results showed that highly creative students are significantly higher on Internal Locus of Control and the students who were low on creativity are significantly higher on External Locus of Control. The study also found that students at post graduate level were significantly higher on Powerful Others as compared to students at under graduate level. Students with low creativity at both post graduate and undergraduate levels and from all disciplines are significantly higher on powerful others (external locus of control) as compared to the students with high creativity, while students with high creativity at post postgraduate and undergraduate level and from all disciplines are significantly higher on individual control as compared to students with low creativity at both the levels. The results also show that students from Geography are significantly higher on powerful others as compared to students from other disciplines, while students from centre for women studies are significantly lower on powerful others as compared to students from other academic disciplines except food and nutrition students. Students from Centre for women studies are significantly lower on chance control as compared to students from mathematics, environment sciences, biotechnology, civil engineering, and geography. However the students of geography are significantly higher on chance control as compared to students from mathematics, food and nutrition, electronics and communication, and centre for women studies.

In this paper, we report the chlorine gas sensing using the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) as an active layer, which is incorporated in fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). The sensor film was made by grafting acrylic acid onto FEP. This grafting was carried out using gamma rays on the film, which was then sulphonated using concentrated H 2 SO 4 . Finally aniline was polymerized onto this film resulting into FEP-g-AA-SO 3 H/PANI. The film of FEP-g-AA-SO 3 H-PANI was found to be selectively sensing chlorine with sensitivity of 45–50% at low ppm levels.

Progressive neurological disorders often present a challenge to occupational therapists owing to their variable presentation and relentlessly deteriorating course. The literature available to guide therapists either is process driven or describes key roles without detail of the specific therapeutic intervention used. This report describes an occupational therapy programme provided for eight people with multiple system atrophy as part of a randomised controlled trial. The framework given illustrates the three stages of the client-centred programme and provides a comprehensive account of the therapeutic interventions used to change occupational performance. The treatment included techniques to enhance skills, increase knowledge and change attitude. Upon completion of the 8-week programme, the clients reported benefit. Although it cannot be asserted that all these techniques are effective, the occupational therapy programme described constitutes a ‘black box’ and may be useful in formulating further research questions.

This Study consists of a sample of 480 associates of public and private sector in the age range of 20- 55 years. Employee Motivation Schedule was administered to all the subjects individually A 2X4 factorial design was applied to compare the difference of motivational needs of public and private sector associates at different levels.

In this paper, we report the behaviour of humidity sensors with polyaniline-based conducting polymers doped with different weak acidic dopants. Changes in surface resistivity of films were monitored as a function of relative humidity. The acidic dopants used were camphosulphonic acid (CSA), diphenyl phosphate (DPPH), and maleic acid (Mac) blends of these were formed with styrene–butyl acrylate copolymer for improving the mechanical stability. The sensitivity of responding the level of relative humidity was compared for three composites wherein, although low sensitivity the Mac-doped films were found to be repeatable and more stable compared to the others. Films prepared out of styrene–butyl acrylate copolymer with different concentrations of PANI–Mac were used for sensing humidity ranging between 20 and 95% relative humidity. The films exhibited almost linear behaviour within a chosen range of humidity.

Lead Phthalocyanine (PC) tetracarboxylic acid prepared by chemical reaction from phthalic anhydride and urea was used as sensor element for sensing humidity and alcohol vapors. The surface was treated with electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma consisting of 25% H2 and 75% N2. Remarkable improvement in the selectivity with respect to ethyl alcohol and reduction in the sensitivity for humidity was observed after this treatment. The response and recovery time for resistive sensing were of the order of 50 and 30 s respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transformation infra red studies showed that the increased cross-linking of PC is responsible for the creation of new functional groups which have imparted the sensing of alcohol vapor through extrinsic doping.

Objective. To compare tympanic membrane temperature and rectal temperature in febrile pediatric patients.Methods. Sixty febrile children were enrolled as continuous enrollment at initial triage. Two readings of ear temperature were taken in each child with Thermoscan infrared thermometer. Rectal temperature was recorded by a digital electronic thermometer. Comparison of both the techniques was done and co-relation co-efficients calculated. Parental preference for both techniques was assessed.Results. It was observed that mean ear temperature was 38.9±0.90C and that for rectal temperature was 38.8±0.8°C. The correlation coefficient between the two was 0.994 (p < 0.01). Coefficients for both sites were comparable over a wide age range. The difference between readings taken from two ears was not significant. Temperature ranges over which readings were recorded were quite wide for both techniques. Parental preference for tympanic thermometry over rectal thermometry was noticed. Tympanic thermometry utilizes pyro-electric sensors, to detect infra-red rays emitted from the surface of tympanic membrane. Ear temperatures correlates well with rectal temperatures which have long been considered as “core” temperatures. Parents prefer the technique of ear thermometry which is quick (2 sec), safe and non-invasive and patient resistance for this is also less.Conclusion. A non-invasive, non-mucous device which is accurate over a wide range of temperature could be very useful.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest heritable hematologic abnormality affecting humans. Pulmonary hypertension is documented in patients of SCD by both non-invasive methods and catheterization, with incidence reported to be as high as 20%-63%. However, pulmonary hypertension has not been studied as complication of patients of sickle cell disease in India.Methods: A total of 94 (54 SS and 40 AS) more than 12 years old cases diagnosed to have sickle cell disease by hemoglobin electrophoresis were recruited. All the participants were assessed with complete history, general and systemic examination, hematological and biochemical tests, X-ray chest, ECG, pulmonary function tests and 2D echocardiography and Doppler studies. Cases were observed in 2 groups: SS cases and AS cases. Sixty four age/sex matched healthy close relatives of the cases with ‘AA’ Hb electrophoresis pattern were the controls. Results: Five SS cases were detected to have pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension was not detected in any AS case or control. Pulmonary hypertension was more common in females (3/23, 13%) than males (2/26, 7.7%). The mean age of the SS cases with PH (32±5.15) was found to be significantly higher than that of the SS cases without PH (24.2±6.21) (p.Conclusions: The incidence of PH was low in this study, as compared to western studies. This may be since most of the cases of SCD being in remote areas having no access to health care facilities.

Esophageal cancer is a serious malignancy with high mortality. The two common distinctive pathologic subtypes of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These differ with regards to etiology, ethnic distribution, pathogenesis, and location in the esophagus. The precursor lesions are also unique to each subtype. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in East Asia, is linked to smoking and tobacco use, more commonly involves the middle esophagus, and the precursor lesion is squamous dysplasia. Adenocarcinoma is more common in the United States and certain European countries, associated with obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly involves the distal esophagus, and the precursor lesion is Barrett’s esophagus. Endoscopic surveillance with biopsy evaluation is the standard of care in high-risk groups. Endoscopic ablative therapies for early cancers have lower morbidity than surgery. Despite increased awareness, identification of high-risk groups and endoscopic surveillance, a large proportion of patients present with advanced cancers. Surgery and chemoradiation, either in neo-adjuvant or adjuvant setting, is the usual treatment for patients with advanced but resectable esophageal cancers. The prognosis and further management largely depends upon the pathologic tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging provided by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the International Union against Cancer. Currently, the 7th edition of TNM staging system is being applied for prognostication and this is more focused on pathologic evaluation. Eighth edition of AJCC/UICC TNM staging has been introduced and will be implemented for clinical use in 2018.

The present study was aimed to map the impact of Training and Development practices on overall employee engagement and also with respect to different factors of employee engagement. These factors are Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Advocacy, Pride, Intention to Stay and Emotional Connect. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data of 450 respondents. The results of the study revealed that there is a significant effect of Training and development on Job satisfaction, Organizational commitment, Advocacy, Pride, Intention to stay and overall employee engagement score. However, training and development had no effect on Emotional connect of the employees.

Study was conducted to evaluate the ethyl acetate extract of Dysoxylum malabaricum Bedd. wood against the plant pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. It indicated the presence of secondary metabolites such as quinones, terpenoids and flavonoids in the wood extracts. The extract was active at 0.5 % concentration and showed 15.0 % inhibition where as at 2.0 % the inhibition was 40 %.