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SARS-CoV-2 has exhibited varying pathogenesis in a variety of Mammalia family's including Canidae , Mustelidae , Hominidae , Cervidae , Hyaenidae , and Felidae. Novel SARS-CoV-2 variants characterized by spike protein mutations have recently resulted in clinical and epidemiological concerns, as they potentially have increased infectious rates, increased transmission, or reduced neutralization by antibodies produced via vaccination. Many variants have been identified at this time, but the variant of continuing concern has been the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), due to its increased transmissibility and infectious rate. Felines vaccinated using an experimental SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-based veterinary vaccine mounted a robust immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Using a reporter virus particle system and feline serum, we have verified that vaccinated felines produce antibodies that neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and variant B.1.617.2 at comparable levels. • Zoetis SARS-CoV-2 vaccine producesneutralizing antibodies against variant B.1.617.2 in cats. • SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro serum neutralization assays a possible signifier of clinical results. • Zoetis SARS-CoV-2 experimentalvaccine provided to mink farms and zoos may produce cross neutralizingantibodies against viral variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO thick Stress relaxed films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering on 2"-wafer of SiO2/Si at room temperature. The residual stress of ZnO films was measured by measuring the curvature of wafer using laser scanning method and found in the range of 0.18 x 109 × 11.28 x 109 dyne/cm2 with compressive in nature. Sputter pressure changes the deposition rates, which strongly affects the residual stress and surface morphologies of ZnO films. The crystalline wurtzite structure of ZnO films were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and a shift in (0002) diffraction peak of ZnO towards lower 2θ angle was observed with increasing the compressive stress in the films. The band gap of ZnO films shows a red shift from ~3.275 eV to ~3.23 eV as compressive stress is increased, unlike the stress for III-nitride materials. A relationship between stress and band gap of ZnO was derived and proposed. The stress-free growth of piezoelectric films is very important for functional devices applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the deposition and characterization of nanocrystalline carbon thin films by filtered cathodic jet carbon arc technique assisted with three different gaseous environments of helium, nitrogen and hydrogen. All the films are nanocrystalline in nature as observed from the high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) measurements, which suggests that the nanocrystallites of size ∼10–50 nm are embedded though out the amorphous matrix. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies suggest that the film deposited under the nitrogen gaseous environment has the highest sp 3 /sp 2 ratio accompanied with the highest hardness of ∼18.34 GPa observed from the nanoindentation technique. The film deposited under the helium gaseous environment has the highest ratio of the area under the Raman D peak to G peak ( A D / A G ) and the highest conductivity (∼2.23 S/cm) at room temperature, whereas, the film deposited under the hydrogen environment has the lowest conductivity value (2.27 × 10 −7 S/cm). The temperature dependent dc conduction behavior of all the nanocrystalline carbon thin films has been analyzed in the light of Mott’s variable range hopping (VRH) conduction mechanism and observed that all the films obey three dimension VRH conduction mechanism for the charge transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniformly distributed and defect-free vertically aligned ZnO nanorods (NRs) with high aspect ratio are deposited on Si by sputtering technique. X-ray diffraction along with transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed the single crystalline wurtzite structure of ZnO. Absence of wide band emission in photoluminescence spectra showed defect-free growth of ZnO NRs which was further conformed by diamagnetic behavior of the NRs. H2 sensing mechanism based on the change in physical dimension of channel is proposed to explain the fast response (~21.6 s) and recovery times (~27 s) of ZnO NRs/Si/ZnO NRs sensors. Proposed H2 sensor operates at low temperature (~70°C) unlike the existing high temperature (>150°C) sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on makhana also known as fox nut or gorgon nut belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae and it is a floating annual aquatic plant with large leaves and prickly petioles, and grows in stagnant water bodies and occurring within a wetland ecosystem. Topics include the tropical and subtropical climatic conditions favour the growth of this cash crop, and Bihar, Assam, West Bengal and Odisha are some of the states in India where it is grown commercially as a high-value commodity.

In this article, we report the optical probing of SnTe (275 nm and 33 nm) and Indium-doped SnTe films (50 nm) which are deposited using thermal evaporation. XRD (X-ray diffraction) and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the films. Additionally, the optical characteristics of the material are examined using reflectance and PL (photoluminescence) spectroscopy. Simultaneously, the dynamics of charge carriers are studied using TRUS (Transient reflectance ultrafast spectroscopy). The TRUS probes the thin films in the visible to near-infrared range (400–1600 nm) with a probe latency of a few femtoseconds to 6 ns. The study demonstrates the presence of a resonant state in SnTe, which becomes more prominent and metastable with indium doping. Optical probing of SnTe (275 nm and 33 nm) and indium doped SnTe films (50 nm) which are deposited using thermal evaporation. The films are characterized through XRD (X-ray diffraction) and Raman spectroscopy. Further, the optical properties are investigated through reflectance spectroscopy and PL (photoluminescence) spectroscopy. The emission spectroscopy in the visible regime confirms the presence of 2.1 eV emission. The TRUS measurements confirm the confinement of the charge carriers at 33 nm SnTe film w. r.t 275 nm SnTe. The indium dopant films show the presence of a metastable state which is absent in SnTe. This state resembles the resonant state at 0.82 eV and eventually can be tuned to various optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological insulators with their inherent surface states are highly promising quantum materials. This article reports the evolution of the topological surface states by low-temperature transport measurements through magnetoresistance and the femtosecond transient reflectance ultrafast spectroscopy (TRUS) on single-crystalline topological insulators, Bi 2 Te 3 and Sb 2 Te 3. The weak anti-localization (WAL) effect was observed in the magnetoresistance measurement, showing the presence of topological surface states at low temperatures. The TRUS at different temperatures, varying from room temperature (300 K) to a low temperature of 5 K, was also performed to observe the behaviour of the charge carrier dynamics, and interestingly, the evolution of the topological surface states have been observed. The coherent optical and acoustic phonons have been evaluated with respect to the temperature variation. In addition, the various transitions are also modeled with the help of band structures. [Display omitted] • The WAL effect is confirmed by the magnetoresistance measurement, which reveals the presence of TSS in both samples. • The low-temperature TRUS is used to demonstrate the existence of dominant surface states. • The temperature dependency of phonon modes in bismuth telluride and antimony telluride has also been established. • Due to enhanced carriers in the surface conduction channel, the charge carrier dynamics indicates the transition from it. • Studying TIs at low temperatures reveals the evolution of TSS-related transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dimensional chalcogenides and metal sulfide materials with their sensitive surfaces are promising and potential postulant for the purpose of chemical gas sensing as a consequence of extraordinary vast surface area to volume ratio and significant band gap. We demonstrate a highly selective and sensitive NO 2 gas sensor using vertically aligned 2D SnS 2 flakes, grown by a chemical vapor deposition method in controlled gas flow. The vertically aligned SnS 2 flakes were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The sensing behaviour of the vertical aligned structures was analyzed for various concentrations of NO 2 at different temperatures. The sensor exhibits high gas sensing response (ΔR/R%) of ~164 at 120 °C with 50 ppm of NO 2 gas, which is the highest response among the SnS 2 based reports. The device shows excellent sensing response at room temperature but poor recovery. The selectivity of the sensor was performed under different gas environments and found highly selective towards NO 2 gas, and the results are supported by electronic structure calculations. Based on experimental results and electronic structure calculations, a gas sensing mechanism is proposed. The result indicates that fabricated sensor can be used in air purification industries and in air monitoring. • Vertically aligned 2D SnS 2 flakes were grown by CVD in controlled gas flow. • Highly selective and sensitive NO 2 gas sensor was fabricated using vertically aligned 2D SnS 2 flakes. • The sensor exhibits high gas sensing response (ΔR/R%) of ~164 at 120 °C with 50 ppm of NO 2 gas. • The selectivity of the sensor is supported by electronic structure calculations. • The sensing mechanism responsible for the dramatically increased sensitivity was also discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dimensional chalcogenides and metal sulfide materials with their sensitive surfaces are promising and potential postulant for the purpose of chemical gas sensing as a consequence of extraordinary vast surface area to volume ratio and significant band gap. We demonstrate a highly selective and sensitive NO 2 gas sensor using vertically aligned 2D SnS 2 flakes, grown by a chemical vapor deposition method in controlled gas flow. The vertically aligned SnS 2 flakes were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The sensing behaviour of the vertical aligned structures was analyzed for various concentrations of NO 2 at different temperatures. The sensor exhibits high gas sensing response (ΔR/R%) of ~164 at 120 °C with 50 ppm of NO 2 gas, which is the highest response among the SnS 2 based reports. The device shows excellent sensing response at room temperature but poor recovery. The selectivity of the sensor was performed under different gas environments and found highly selective towards NO 2 gas, and the results are supported by electronic structure calculations. Based on experimental results and electronic structure calculations, a gas sensing mechanism is proposed. The result indicates that fabricated sensor can be used in air purification industries and in air monitoring. • Vertically aligned 2D SnS 2 flakes were grown by CVD in controlled gas flow. • Highly selective and sensitive NO 2 gas sensor was fabricated using vertically aligned 2D SnS 2 flakes. • The sensor exhibits high gas sensing response (ΔR/R%) of ~164 at 120 °C with 50 ppm of NO 2 gas. • The selectivity of the sensor is supported by electronic structure calculations. • The sensing mechanism responsible for the dramatically increased sensitivity was also discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) nanostructures hold great potential for formaldehyde sensors. • The design and synthesis approaches of MOS nanostructures are summarized. • The structure–property relationships of various MOS for formaldehyde detection are discussed. • Optimization strategies to improve formaldehyde detection of MOS sensors are presented. • Future perspectives and challenges of formaldehyde sensors are outlooked. Formaldehyde sensors are essential devices in the indoor air quality monitoring and gas leakage detection in industrial areas. Enormous efforts are made to promote the development of sensitive formaldehyde sensors with fast response and recovery, low manufacture cost, low energy consumption and long work life. The progress in fundamental research of metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) nanomaterials has enabled significant development of high performance formaldehyde sensors. This review focuses on the most recent advances of formaldehyde sensors utilizing MOS nanostructures. The design and synthesis principles of MOS nanostructures that hold a great potential for real sensor applications have been summarized. Particular emphasis is given to the structure–property relationships of some typical n-type and p-type MOS for efficient detection of formaldehyde. The optimization strategies to enhance the formaldehyde sensor performances are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the perspectives and challenges in the future development of the formaldehyde sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-fleshed dragon fruit offers an array of bioactive compounds. Its cultivation is gaining momentum in India, including in arid and semi-arid conditions. Among various factors, the fruit developmental stages and climatic conditions of locations greatly influence the biosynthesis and actual contents of different bioactive compounds and mineral contents of the fruit. The changes in physical attributes, and bioactive and mineral content in red-fleshed dragon fruit grown in semi-arid conditions in India were assessed and quantified at six developmental stages. Significant changes occurred in the physical attributes of the fruit and the bioactive compounds and mineral content during the fruit maturation stages of the red-fleshed dragon fruit. The fruit physical characteristics, such as fruit size, fruit and pulp weight gain, peel thickness, and fruit firmness, along with eating quality parameters, such as soluble solids, sugars, acidity and soluble proteins, were observed at optimum at 35 days after anthesis (DAA). The decrease in total phenolics (29.96%), total flavonoids (41.06%), and vitamin C (75.3%) occurred throughout the fruit development stages, whereas the content of betalains, which was detected initially at 25 DAA, increased (48.6%) with the progression of the fruit development stages. However, the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity demonstrated variable trends throughout the fruit maturation period. There was an increasing trend in all the minerals up to 35 days, followed by a slight decrease, except for phosphorus content, which increased until the last stage of evaluation. The colour characteristics, in conjunction with the bioactive and antioxidant potential determined in the present study, suggest that red-fleshed dragon fruit can be harvested at 35 DAA for long-distance transportation, and from 35 to 40 DAA for local marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enicostemma littorale is an ethno-medicinally important plant belonging to Gentianaceae family. Objective: The main aim of this study was to establish tissue culture of E. littorale and compare the antioxidant capacities and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEi) properties of in vitro and field-grown E. littorale plants. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant capacities for various E. littorale extracts were studied in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free-radical scavenging along with ferric reducing antioxidant power and total phenolic content was also determined. AChEi properties were also compared between field- grown and in vitro E. littorale extracts. Results: In vitro plantlets of E. littorale was established in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with three different hormonal combinations, viz. naphthalene acetic acid (1 mg/l) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP)(0.2 mg/l) or N1 B0.2, BAP (1 mg/l) and kinetin (0.1 mg/l) or B1 K0.1 and indole butyric acid (IBA) (1 mg/l) or IBA1. Alcoholic extracts of shoots developed in MS medium supplemented with B1 K0.1 showed highest antioxidant potential than other extracts. Alcoholic extracts of plantlets grown in MS medium supplemented with IBA1 showed both antioxidant and AChEi potential equivalently to field-grown extracts. Conclusion: In vitro plantlets grown in MS medium half strength supplemented with IBA1 can be considered as most suitable for rapid proliferation because it offers advantage of equivalent potential of bioactivity in terms of antioxidant capacity and AChEi when compared to field-grown plants. Further studies can lead to better utilization of therapeutic potential of E. littorale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acute and transient psychotic disorder has been accepted as a distinct diagnostic entity in the ICD-10. However, there are few studies delineating its demographics and factors affecting its outcome. This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic profile of patients with acute and transient psychotic disorder and the variables associated with the onset of illness and their effect on illness outcome in an Indian setting. Methods: This was a retrospective study in which case notes of patients admitted from 1 January to 31 December 2012 and diagnosed with acute and transient psychotic disorder (according to the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria) were analysed. Socio-demographic variables and variables associated with the onset of illness were noted. Duration of hospital stay was used as a proxy measure for clinical outcome. Results: A total of 185 patient records were analysed. Overall, 49% of the patients were males and 51% were females. Most of the cases (60%) were aged between 20 and 39 years. The majority was married, unemployed, educated up to middle school, living in a nuclear family, and had a rural background. Age (p = 0.05) and marital status (p = 0.03) significantly affected the outcome. Overall, 46% of the patients had stress as a precipitating factor, 27% reported substance use, and 23% had a family history of psychiatric illness prior to the onset of their illness. The onset of illness was from May to October in 54% of the patients, with the duration of untreated illness ranging from 7 to 15 days in 38% of the patients. The clinical outcome was significantly affected by duration of untreated illness (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Acute and transient psychotic disorders show slight female preponderance and occur in early adulthood. There is no precipitating stress in most cases and shorter duration of untreated illness predicts favourable clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the experimental studies on self-breakdown-based single-gap plasma cathode electron (PCE) gun (5-20 kV/50-160 A) in argon, gas atmosphere and its performance evaluation based on particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation code 'OOPIC-Pro'. The PCE-Gun works in conducting phase (low energy, high current) of pseudospark discharge. It produces intense electron beam, which can propagate more than 200 mm in the drift space region without external magnetic field. The profile of this beam in the drift space region at different breakdown conditions (i.e., gas pressures and applied voltages) has been studied and the experimental results are compared with simulated values. It is demonstrated that ∼30% beam current is lost during the propagation possibly due to space charge neutralization and collisions with neutral particles and walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonpolar a-plane InN films were grown on r-plane sapphire substrate by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy with GaN underlayer. Effect of growth temperature on structural, morphological, and optical properties has been studied. The growth of nonpolar a-plane (1 1 -2 0) orientation was confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction study. The film grown at 500 °C shows better crystallinity with the rocking curve FWHM 0.67° and 0.85° along [0 0 0 1] and [1 -1 0 0] directions, respectively. Scanning electron micrograph shows formation of Indium droplets at higher growth temperature. Room tem-perature absorption spectra show growth temperature dependent band gap variation from 0.74-0.81 eV, consistent with the expected Burstein-Moss effect. The rectifying behaviour of the I-V curve indicates the existence of Schottky barrier at the InN and GaN interface. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can have profound physical, social and psychological consequences. We aimed to assess the clinical predictors of quality of life of people with epilepsy. We recruited 31 patients suffering from epilepsy in this crosssectional study. Their clinical profile was recorded. Quality Of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE- 31) was used to assess quality of life of our patients. Depression was screened by Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy (NDDI-E). Among all the clinical variables, only seizure frequency significantly correlated with seizure worry (P=0.002), emotional well-being (P=0.026) and social functions (P=0.013) subscales of QOLIE-31. NDDIE score showed a significant negative correlation with all the subscales of QOLIE-31 except medication effects (P=0.993). A significant positive correlation was also noted between seizure frequency and NDDI-E score (r=0.417, P=0.020). Seizure frequency and depression are the most important predictors of quality of life in epilepsy patients. The management of patients with epilepsy should not only be aimed at just preventing seizures but the treating clinicians should also be cognizant about depression which itself can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although some of the studies earlier reported that bovine semen parameters are associated with some candidate markers genes, but scanty of reports available regarding the effect of allelic variation in Y specific microsatellite markers on semen quality parameters in bulls. In the present study we have targeted three Y specific microsatellite markers (INRA126, INRA 189 and BM861) for their association ship analysis with some semen quality parameters among Frieswal (HF×Sahiwal) crossbred bulls of Indian origin. The polymorphic loci of INRA 126, bulls with 182 and 184 alleles had significantly (P <0.01) higher semen volume as compared to 186 allele, however, 186 allele showed significantly (P <0.01) higher concentration per ml of semen compared to 182 and 184. Interestingly our study also revealed that number of sperm/ejaculate is also significantly (P <0.05) higher in 184 allele compared to 182 and 186. Similarly, association analysis of INRA 189 major three alleles also revealed a significant difference in semen volume and concentration. Allele 89 and 96 having significantly (P <0.01) higher volume compared to 86, whereas allele 86 having significantly (P <0.01) higher concentration per volume of semen than 89 and 96. Again after association of two major alleles (160 and 164) of BM861 loci with semen parameters revealed no significant difference with any of the semen quality parameters chosen here. Therefore the present study may be for the first time revealed that the Y chromosomal microsatellite alleles are important male reproductive biomarkers for improving semen quality traits in bulls. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Here, a colloid of ZnO nanoparticles is sprayed on PS layers. [•] PS stability attributed to the strong absorption/adsorption of ZnO. [•] Vast surface area & strong absorbality of PS with ZnO would lead to sensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in infective corneal ulcer. Methods: This observational (non comparative) clinical analysis was done at the Department of ophthalmology unit-II, Liaquat University Eye hospital Hyderabad of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro / Sindh, Pakistan from April 2010 to March 2012. All the subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were registered. Anterior segment examination was performed. Corneal staining and sensitivity test was done to exclude viral and paralytic element. Corneal samples were collected for gram's staining and culture sensitivity tests. After getting the preliminary laboratory results, Gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution was used in bacterial corneal ulcer every 30 minutes for first twenty four hours, and every one hour till three days. On obtaining better response the drops were used every two hours up to 7 days. The treatment was continued with tapering of dosage for three weeks. After total recovery (reepithelialization of corneal epithelium) the drops were used two times a day for one more week. Results: The total of 170 patients (male=68.8%; female=31.2%) were recruited. Culture sensitivity examination revealed staphylococcus (36.5%), followed by fungi (24.1%). Pseudomonas thus detected were 10%. Gatifloxacin showed highest sensitivity and lowest resistance i.e. 87.65% and 12.35% respectively against gram positive and gram negative isolates. Conclusion: Gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution due to its strong activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative microbes is strongly effective in the treatment of acute bacterial keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Radiation induced cranial nerve palsy (RICNP) involving the lower cranial nerves (CNs) is a serious complication of head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Recommendations for delineating the lower CNs on RT planning studies do not exist. The aim of the current study is to develop a standardized methodology for contouring CNs IX–XII, which would help in establishing RT limiting doses for organs at risk (OAR). Methods: Using anatomic texts, radiologic data, and guidance from experts in head and neck anatomy, we developed step-by-step instructions for delineating CNs IX–XII on computed tomography (CT) imaging. These structures were then contoured on five consecutive patients who underwent definitive RT for locally-advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). RT doses delivered to the lower CNs were calculated. Results: We successfully developed a contouring atlas for CNs IX–XII. The median total dose to the planning target volume (PTV) was 70Gy (range: 66–70Gy). The median CN (IX–XI) and (XII) volumes were 10c.c (range: 8–12c.c) and 8c.c (range: 7–10c.c), respectively. The median V50, V60, V66, and V70 of the CN (IX–XI) and (XII) volumes were (85, 77, 71, 65) and (88, 80, 74, 64) respectively. The median maximal dose to the CN (IX–XI) and (XII) were 72Gy (range: 66–77) and 71Gy (range: 64–78), respectively. Conclusions: We have generated simple instructions for delineating the lower CNs on RT planning imaging. Further analyses to explore the relationship between lower CN dosing and the risk of RICNP are recommended in order to establish limiting doses for these OARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Explored the linear and nonlinear optical interaction in the Bi2Se3 single-crystal cleaved flake. • Kramer's Kronig approach and DFT calculations confirm the prominent 2 eV OBT from the Ɛ1 and Ɛ2 simulations. • Concurrently, the TRUS measurements are done to explore the excited-state dynamics of the states populating due to the Moss-Burstein shifts. • With the same excitation, probing in the NIR region shows the occurrence of the Pauli blocking. • The low temperature study give a clear evidence of presence of second surface state and a broad absorbance of 1.2 eV can be easily seen through TRUS. [Display omitted] We report the optical response and temperature-dependent excited-state carrier dynamics in the flake of Bi 2 Se 3 , which is cleaved from its single crystal. The optical properties are explored using the visible-near infrared (VIS-NIR), infrared (IR), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The VIS-NIR spectra are then used to find the Ɛ 1 and Ɛ 2 using Kramer's Koning relations, confirming OBT of 2 eV and 1.4 eV. The DFT (density functional theory) calculations are also carried out to confirm the experimental optical transitions (OBT). To probe these OBT in the bismuth selenide, we have studied the temperature, fluence, and excitation dependent ultrafast transient reflectance over a wide spectral range from 2.58–0.77 eV (VIS-NIR) with different excitation energies 3.02 eV, 2.61 eV, 1.9 eV, and 1.4 eV to explore several previously unseen transitions that do not appear in PL spectroscopy and room temperature carrier analysis. The temperature-dependent excited-state dynamics are investigated at 5–300 K. This study clearly indicates the existence of Moss-Burstein shift in the visible region and Pauli blocking effect in the NIR region in the Bi 2 Se 3 topological insulator. Moreover, the low-temperature TRUS confirms the transition to the second surface state present in bismuth selenide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the study of the alteration of wavelength and decay time of intraband transitions in the laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) of silver formed by varying the incident laser peak fluence. The studies are performed using a femtosecond laser (λ 0 = 800 nm) based ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy (UFTS)setup. Using the same laser, an array (~2 mm size) of laser-induced periodic surface structures were obtained in a single-step fabrication process in the open air without translating the sample. Each unit cell of the array comprises low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) near the center with nanoparticles/clusters around the edges. As obtained from 2D Fast Fourier Transform, the overall periodicity(Λ) of LSFL is within 0.714λ 0 –0.723λ 0 range. The nanoparticles/clusters show a random size distribution that varies from 50 nm to 300 nm. In UFTS measurement, the LIPSS was excited by a 3.3 eV laser. The SPP/SPR dip in the data is an indication of intraband transition or hot electron generation. The effect of change in structuring due to varying laser fluence on these intraband transitions is also analyzed. It is observed that there is a non-linear redshift (~16 nm) in the SPR peak wavelength with a significant enhancement in the relaxation times of the hot electrons due to localized annealing of shallow defects. Therefore, a large tunability in wavelength of SPP/SPR and lifetime of hot electrons was achieved by varying the laser fluence. The study highlights the suitability of LIPSS in applications requiring efficient energy transfer, enhanced photocatalytic action, and tunable sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature spermatozoa contain thousands of mRNA transcripts. These untranslated mRNA may perhaps serve as a "footprint" of spermatogenesis since many of them might directly or indirectly be involved in fertilization, early embryo cleavage, poor semen quality and fertility. In this study, we tried to isolate high-quality RNA from mature spermatozoa and to monitor the expression profile of protamine 1 (PRM1) and protamine 2 (PRM2) gene in ejaculated spermatozoa of normal (good, % initial progressive motility: 57.61 ± 1.41, n = 9) and motility impaired (poor, % initial progressive motility: 18.45 ± 1.61, n = 8) crossbred Frieswal (HF x Sahiwal) bulls semen using real time quantitative PCR. Semen samples were subjected to discontinuous (45:90) Percoll gradient centrifugation, specifically to eliminate damaged spermatozoa and contaminating somatic cells. Total RNA was extracted from sperm pellets and cDNA was synthesized. Furthermore, the absence of contamination of germ cells, epithelial cells and leucocytes in all the RNA extractions was tested by RT-PCR targeting specific molecular markers like KIT, CDH1 and CD4, respectively. The presence of transcripts like PRM1, PRM2, DAZL, and PPIA were demonstrated in ejaculated spermatozoa using appropriate PCR primers without RNA amplification. Expression of PRM1 and PRM2 genes were evaluated by real time quantitative PCR using TaqMan chemistry, where PPIA was used as internal control. The cDNA synthesized from normal buffalo testicular tissue was served as positive control. The good quality semen producing group showed significantly higher level of PRM1 mRNAs expression as compared to the poor quality semen producers (P < 0.05) indicating putative role of the gene and semen quality parameters especially initial progressive motility. However, PRM2 transcript levels were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the changes implemented in the international investments policies and investment trends in 2012. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows has reached 668 million dollars in the first half of 2012 and China has become the largest recipient of FDI inflows. It discusses several investment agreements, free trade agreements and framework agreements.

Fe-doped nanocrystalline samples of titanium oxide have been synthesised by sol–gel route and conventional sintering process at 450°C under atmospheric conditions. These samples are characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dielectric property measurement. Samples with Fe content more than 4 mole% crystallises in rutile phase and those with less than 4 mole% crystallises in anatase phase. Nanocrystallite size has been controlled by Fe doping. Crystallite size was found to decrease with Fe concentration in the anatase phase samples whereas reverse happens in rutile phase samples of titanium oxide. There is a slight variation in numerical values of crystallite sizes measured by the two techniques: TEM and XRD peak broadening. The highest crystallite size was 86 nm in 10 mole% Fe-doped samples and the lowest 20 nm in 4 mole% Fe-doped sample. Large dispersions and anomalous values of the dielectric constant,εrwere observed at low frequency in anatase phase samples. Rutile phase samples exhibit little dispersion over the measurement frequency range of 20 Hz to 10 MHz. The dielectric constant value of all the samples stabilises to a constant value at higher frequencies. This value is dependent on the final crystalline phase but independent of the crystallite size. The anomalous dielectric behaviour of anatase samples at low frequencies is assigned to the adsorbed –OH ions on the sample surface. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2001-02 and 2002-03 under farmers' participatory research approach at village Khera Murar of Bawal block in district Rewari (Haryana). The experiment consisted of three nitrogen placement methods (N fertilizer applied in furrows only, N fertilizer applied on top of bed only and N fertilizer broadcasting) in main plots and six varieties (WH-147, WH-283, C-306, PBW-343, WH-896 and HD-2687) in sub plots of split plot design having four replications. Application of N on top of bed caused an increase of 12.5 and 28.8 per cent in grain yield, 11.9 and 28.2 per cent in straw yield over broadcasting and application of N in furrows, respectively during 2001-02. Corresponding increases for 2002-03 were 11.5 and 30.3 per cent for grain, 11.2 and 29.2 per cent for straw yield. PBW-343 produced significantly higher grain yield over all other varieties except HD-2687. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an extensive study on the structural, electrical and optical properties of InN thin films grown on c-Al2O3, GaN(130nm)/Al2O3, GaN(200nm)/Al2O3 and GaN(4μm)/Al2O3 by using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The high resolution X-ray diffraction study reveals better crystalline quality for the film grown on GaN(4μm)/Al2O3 as compared to others. The electronic and optical properties seem to be greatly influenced by the structural quality of the films, as can be evidenced from Hall measurement and optical absorption spectroscopy. Kane''s k.p model was used to describe the dependence of optical absorption edge of InN films on carrier concentration by considering the non-parabolic dispersion relation for carrier in the conduction band. Room temperature Raman spectra for the InN films grown on GaN show the signature of residual tensile stress in contrast to the compressive stress observed for the films grown directly on c-Al2O3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: To survey the occurrence of nodulated legumes in the arid and semi-arid areas of Western Rajasthan and to characterize their associated symbiotic bacteria. Methods: Herbaceous annual species were excavated whole, while tree species were studied as seedlings in the field or as trap plants in pot experiments. Nodules were examined by microscopy to confirm their effectiveness and to determine their internal structure. Bacteria isolated from the nodules were authenticated on their original hosts and were identified on the basis of 16S rRNA sequencing. Phylogenetic trees were inferred using the neighbour-joining method. Results: We studied 35 of more than 50 species of native legume reported from these areas. Legumes are drought escaping (annual species), drought tolerant perennials or trees possessing deep root systems and other adaptations to arid conditions. Nodulation was recorded in all members of the Papilionoideae and Mimosoideae, but only one species of Caesalpinioideae. Internal structure of nodules varied within these groups, especially with respect to the presence or absence of uninfected cells in the infected region. Full 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the nodules harboured a range of nodulating bacteria belonging to the genera Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium, within which they formed separate sub clades. Conclusions: This study extends the range of legumes known to grow and nodulate in semi-arid regions, and provides information about their endosymbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of substrate bias on the structural, morphological, electrical and mechanical properties of hydrogenated amorphous carbon films having embedded nanocrystallites deposited by cathodic jet carbon arc technique has been investigated. X-ray diffraction exhibits predominantly an amorphous nature of the film with nanocrystallites of diamond embedded in the amorphous carbon matrix. High resolution transmission electron microscope investigations reveal largely a uniform amorphous structure. However, an ultra fine microstructure with the average grain size between 8 and 25nm was constituting the entire film with the diffused grain boundaries between the grains. Majority of the individual grains are single crystallite with the preferred inter planar spacing of about 0.213nm and 0.208nm corresponding to the diamond planes of 102 and 103, respectively. All the evaluated parameters were seen to depend strongly on the negative substrate bias and exhibit maxima or minima in the properties of the films deposited at −60V substrate bias. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highly conducting polypyrrole (PPY) films, doped with various anions [pTS−, ClO4−, and NO3− and mixed electrolyte system (pTS− + ClO4−)], have been electrochemically synthesized in aqueous solution at ∼275 K in an inert atmosphere. PPY exhibits metallic order dc conductivity at room temperature and shows variation of conductivity with respect to time of polymerization. Effect of dopant anion on growth mechanism of PPY is evident from its surface morphology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), used to examine the surface composition and doping level of various PPY films, confirms the anionic doping into the polymer backbone. Both XPS and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy give evidence of formation of polarons and bipolarons. The temperature (4.2-320 K)-dependent dc conductivity data of these PPY films have been explained by Mott's 3D variable-range hopping conduction model. Mott's parameters have been estimated, and structural disorder with doping is correlated for all the samples. Mott's criterion for distant hopping sites prevails in case of moderately doped samples (PPY3, PPY4, and PPY5), whereas the hopping to nearest neighbor sites is found more suitable in case of highly doped samples (PPY1 and PPY2). The origin of these changes is due to the modification in the molecular structure of PPY, which is governed by different growth mechanisms for organic (pTS−) and inorganic (ClO4− and NO3−) counter anions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of substrate bias on the structural, morphological, electrical and mechanical properties of amorphous carbon (a―C) films having embedded nanocrystallites deposited by filtered cathodic jet carbon arc technique has been investigated. X-ray diffraction exhibits predominantly an amorphous nature of the film. High resolution transmission electron microscope investigations reveal largely an amorphous structure. However, an ultra-fine nanograined microstructure with the average grain size between 20 and 50nm was observed throughout the entire film and the majority of the individual grains were single crystallites with the preferred interplanar spacing of about 0.2nm. All the parameters evaluated were seen to depend strongly on the negative substrate bias and exhibit maxima or minima in the properties of the films deposited at −150V substrate bias. These a-C films having embedded nanocrystallites act as hard coating materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, a xenon-filled coaxial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has been studied to understand the high-pressure nonequilibrium nonthermal plasma discharge. A quartz coaxial DBD tube (ID: 6 mm, OD: 12 mm) at 400-mbar xenon-filled pressure has been used in the experiment. A unipolar pulselike voltage up to a -6-kV peak working at 30 kHz has been applied to the discharge electrodes for the generation of microdischarges. A single discharge is observed per applied voltage pulse. Visual images of the discharge and electrical waveform confirm the diffused-type discharges. The knowledge obtained by dynamic processes of DBDs in the discharge gap explains quantitatively the mechanism that is obtained in the ignition, development, and extinction of DBDs. The behavior of different discharge parameters has also been analyzed. From the experimental results and equivalent electrical circuit, the dynamic nature of equivalent capacitance has been reported. The relative intensity analysis of the Xe peak in the optical emission spectra (172 nm) has also been carried out for different supplied powers, and it is found that the radiation power has increased with supplied power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and purpose: Dose planning requires a CT scan which provides the electron density distribution for dose calculation. MR provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and the use of MR-alone for prostate planning would provide further benefits such as lower cost to the patient. This study compares the accuracy of MR-alone based dose calculations with bulk electron density assignment to CT-based dose calculations for prostate radiotherapy. Materials and methods: CT and whole pelvis MR images were contoured for 39 prostate patients. Plans with uniform density and plans with bulk density values assigned to bone and tissue were compared to the patient’s gold standard full density CT plan. The optimal bulk density for bone was calculated using effective depth measurements. The plans were evaluated using ICRU point doses, dose volume histograms, and Chi comparisons. Differences in spatial uniformity were investigated for the CT and MR scans. Results: The calculated dose for CT bulk bone and tissue density plans was 0.1±0.6% (mean±1 SD) higher than the corresponding full density CT plan. MR bulk bone and tissue density plans were 1.3±0.8% lower than the full density CT plan. CT uniform density plans and MR uniform density plans were 1.4±0.9% and 2.6±0.9% lower, respectively. Paired t-tests performed on specific points on the DVH graphs showed that points on DVHs for all bulk electron density plans were equivalent with two exceptions. There was no significant difference between doses calculated on Pinnacle and Eclipse. The dose distributions of six patients produced Chi values outside the acceptable range of values when MR-based plans were compared to the full density plan. Conclusions: MR-alone bulk density planning is feasible provided bone is assigned a density, however, manual segmentation of bone on MR images will have to be replaced with automatic methods. The major dose differences for MR bulk density plans are due to differences in patient external contours introduced by the MR couch-top and pelvic coil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To examine altered amino acid homeostasis as a predisposing factor of fatigue in female radiotherapy breast cancer patients. Design and methods: Participants underwent breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant breast irradiation and were free from significant fatigue pre-radiotherapy. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy fatigue subscale was used to assess fatigue pre- and post-radiotherapy. Blood biochemistry factors and urinary and plasma amino acid levels were measured. Results: One third of 27 patients developed fatigue and were designated as the fatigued cohort. It was possible to differentiate between fatigued subjects pre- and post-radiotherapy based upon their urinary amino acid profiles. Univariate analysis supported altered amino acid homeostasis within the fatigued cohort. Urinary levels of histidine and alanine were increased pre-radiotherapy whilst threonine, methionine, alanine, serine, asparagine and glutamine levels were higher after 5weeks of radiotherapy for the fatigued cohort. Conclusions: Fatigue was accompanied by altered amino acid homeostasis with increased amino acid excretion suggestive of a catabolic response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Non-polar a-plane GaN films were grown on an r-plane sapphire substrate by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). The effect of growth temperature on structural, morphological and optical properties has been studied. The growth of non-polar a-plane (11−20) orientation of the GaN epilayers were confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) study. The X-ray rocking curve (XRC) full width at half maximum of the (11−20) reflection shows in-plane anisotropic behavior and found to decrease with increase in growth temperature. The atomic force micrograph (AFM) shows island-like growth for the film grown at a lower temperature. Surface roughness has been decreased with increase in growth temperature. Room temperature photoluminescence shows near band edge emission at 3.434–3.442eV. The film grown at 800°C shows emission at 2.2eV, which is attributed to yellow luminescence along with near band edge emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, tri-octyl phosphine/tri-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO)-capped cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) of varied sizes (5–9 nm), prepared by varying the input Cd:Se precursor ratio using chemical route, were dispersed in conducting polymer matrices viz. poly[2-methoxy, 5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). By using a binary solvent mixture (pyridine–chloroform), homogeneous dispersion of CdSe nanocrystals in polymers (MEH-PPV, P3HT) could be realized. The properties of the resulting dispersions could be tailored by the composition and concentration of QDs in polymer. The emission and structural properties of polymer–CdSe nanocomposites are found to be dependent on the crystallite size and morphology of CdSe nanocrystallites. An effective quenching of photoluminescence emission in the polymer nanocomposite was observed for smaller CdSe quantum dots (size ∼6 nm) as compared to larger CdSe quantum dots (size ∼9 nm), thus ensuring efficient charge transfer process across the polymer–CdSe interface in the former case. The incomplete quenching, particularly for MEH-PPV:CdSe nanocomposites, could be as a result of insufficient coverage of polymers on the surface of CdSe nanocrystallites, mainly due to phase segregation for TOPO-stripped CdSe nanocrystallites. The superior morphology and optical properties of polymer nanocomposite (P3HT:CdSe QDs) could play a pivotal role for the realization of effective charge separation and transport in hybrid solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anchorage independent growth is an important hallmark of oncogenic transformation. Previous studies have shown that when adhesion dependent fibroblasts were prevented from adhering to a substrate they underwent anoikis. In the present study we have demonstrated how anoikis resistant cells gain the transformation related properties with sequential selection of genes. We have proposed this process as a model system for selection of transformed cells from normal cells. Results: This report demonstrates that some fibroblasts can survive during late stages of anoikis, at which time they exhibit transformation-associated properties such as in vitro colony formation in soft agar and in vivo subcutaneous tumour formation in nude mice. Cytogenetic characterisation of these cells revealed that they contained a t (2; 2) derivative chromosome and they have a selective survival advantage in non adherent conditions. Gene expression profile indicated that these cells over expressed genes related to hypoxia, glycolysis and tumor suppression/metastasis which could be helpful in their retaining a transformed phenotype. Conclusion: Our results reveal some new links between anoikis and cell transformation and they provide a reproducible model system which can potentially be useful to study multistage cancer and to identify new targets for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant cell tumor (GCT) was first described by cooper and Traver in 1818. More prevalent in India and China constituting around twenty present of all bone tumors with a female preponderance. GCT of bone is characteristically homogeneous pale brown, firm though friable associated with secondary haemorrhagic changes. The presence of Multinucleated Giant cell along with mononuclear spindle shaped stromal cells is pathognomic. On a radiograph, they are characterised by lytic tumor surrounding with a poorly defined zone of sclerosis often eroding the cortex. They may present as an eccentrically located expansile lesion. Recurrence of the tumor has been noticed and hence long-term follow-up is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the extensive use of poultry vaccines to control the spread of H5N1 influenza in poultry, H5N1 outbreaks continue to occur in domestic birds. Our objective was to determine the duration of the neutralizing antibody response under field conditions after vaccination with a laboratory-tested inactivated reverse genetics-derived H5N3 vaccine. H5N3 hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) antibodies were observed 40 weeks after vaccination of chickens with two doses and vaccination of ducks with one dose. Cross-clade antibodies to an H5N1 virus (A/chicken/Laos/A0464/07) antigenically distinct from the vaccine strain were detected in ducks after a single vaccination and were sustained for 28 weeks (for 40 weeks when a boost vaccination was given). Our results indicate that this inactivated H5N3 vaccine can produce long-lasting antibodies to homologous and heterologous viruses under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This retrospective review was conducted to compare outcomes using different fractionation schedules for early stage glottic cancer treated with radiotherapy between 1991 and 2003. Methods: The records of 87 patients with either T1 or T2 squamous cell carcinomas of the glottic larynx were analysed, dividing the patients into those treated with a hypofractionated schedule, mostly 51 Gy/16# (<53 Gy) and standard fractionation, minimum 60 Gy/30# in 2 Gy fractions. The median follow up was 4 years and 7 months. Results: Local control at 5 years was 81% with standard fractionation vs 93% in the hypofractionated group ( P = 0.1). Laryngectomy free survival at 5 years was 78% with standard fractionation versus 95% in the hypofractionated arm ( P = 0.017). Overall survival at 5 years was 65%with standard fractionation versus 74% in the hypofractionated arm ( P = 0.55). Conclusion: In early stage glottic cancer, a hypofractionated course of radiotherapy has been shown to be a safe and possibly more effective treatment compared with standard fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The toxicity of heavy metals like Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, and Copper and their impact to humans is explored. • Recent trends in heavy metal ion sensing with semiconductor devices, including ISFETs and AlGaN/GaN HEMTs are highlighted. • Role of semiconductors like graphene, 2D metal dichalcogenides, metal oxides for heavy metal ion sensing is discussed. • An overview of the state-of-the-art development of semiconductor-based heavy-metal-ion sensors is also addressed. Heavy metal ions are highly toxic, carcinogens, and non-biodegradable in nature and pollute most water resources that lead to severe health-related issues. It is essential to develop highly sensitive, selective, rapid, and accurate approaches for their detection in water. Semiconducting devices and materials with micro and nanostructures have been featured with fast response time, low power, high sensitivity, low detection limit. This review concisely introduces the recent trends in heavy metal ion sensing with semiconductor devices, including ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) and AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and semiconductor materials like graphene, two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides, decorated with different nanoparticles with appropriate functionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Marek''s disease virus (MDV) vaccine strains CVI 988 and herpes virus of turkeys (HVT) strain FC126, usually are grown in primary chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). We found that the strains could be grown also in the so-called JBJ-1 cell line to titres in the same range as when chicken embryo fibroblasts were used. The JBJ-1 cell line is a fibroblast-like continuous chicken cell line, which can be grown in flat bottom tissue culture flasks, roller bottles and on micro carriers. We investigated the efficacy of experimental CVI 988 vaccines grown in JBJ-1 cells and the efficacy of combinations of CVI 988 grown in JBJ-1 cells with HVT FC 126 also grown in JBJ-1 cells. The study was performed in accordance with European Pharmacopoeia monograph 0589 for live MDV disease vaccines. Groups of 1-day-old SPF chicks were vaccinated subcutaneously or intramuscularly, with 102.5 TCID50 per dose of CVI 988 alone or in combination with 500PFU per dose of HVT. As a control a group vaccinated with CVI 988 grown in CEF was included. One group was not vaccinated. Five days after vaccination all chickens were challenged with the very virulent MDV strain RB1B. After challenge the chickens were observed for a period of 70 days for signs of Marek''s disease (MD). The protection induced by CVI 988 grown in JBJ-1 cells and the combination of CVI 988 and HVT-FC126 both grown in JBJ-1 cells, amply complied with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia which prescribes that the protection index should be at least 80%. The safety of the vaccines grown in JBJ-1 cells was tested in a field study in commercial layer chickens. No signs of MD were noticed during the study and no other signs attributable to the vaccine. It is concluded that the JBJ-1 cell line is a suitable substrate for the current vaccines against MD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An aqueous preparation from Acacia arabica var. indica Benth (Mimosaceae) (locally known as "babul") leaves (BExt) was assessed for its in vitro antiviral activity using peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) as a test model in the Vero cell system. Cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition, virus titration, cell ELISA, sandwich-ELISA (s-ELISA), and PCR assays were used to determine the antiviral effects (at maximum noncytotoxic concentrations 150 and 200 μg/mL) against PPRV, and in vitro cytotoxicity assays established the relative safety concentration of the BExt for the cells. BExt inhibited viral infectivity drastically in terms of decreased virus titer and antigen load in a dose-dependent manner either when added to cell monolayers postinfection or when preincubated with virus before adsorption on the cells. Inhibition of cell-free and cell-associated PPRV during replication in presence of BExt in Vero cells, using a multistep growth curve experiment, were assessed by s-ELISA. BExt (200 μg/mL) completely inhibited PPRV replication in Vero cells that were infected with PPRV at 0.01 multiplicity of infection. Incubation of PPRV with BExt (150 and 200 μg/mL) followed by infection had a virucidal effect on subsequent progeny virus yield by a 3 log10 TCID50 reduction. This indicates that active principle(s) of BExt either inactivated the virus or inhibited the viral release. Real-time PCR data based on nucleoprotein gene showed 196.7-and 770.6-fold reduction in the viral load in the presence of BExt concentrations of 150 and 200 μag/mL, respectively, indicating the efficacy of BExt in inhibiting PPRV multiplication. These data suggest that extracts of A. arabica could be a potential natural antiviral agent for management of PPR disease and also a possible addition in the traditional phyto-antiviral repertoire for viral disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current Asian H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has spread over much of Asia and into Europe and Africa. As well as affecting village and commercial chicken operations in many South East Asian countries, it differs from past H5 avian influenza viruses in that it causes morbidity and mortalities in other domesticated birds, such as ducks and turkeys and in wild waterbirds. Effective vaccines that can prevent infection, as well as disease, and be used in a variety of avian species are needed for field use. In this report, a bivalent H5N9+H7N1 oil emulsion vaccine is compared, in ducks, to a monovalent H5N3 oil emulsion vaccine that has been derived by reverse genetics with an H5 from A/chicken/Vietnam/C58/04. While both vaccines protected against morbidity, the monovalent vaccine provided effective protection, with no evidence of shedding of the challenge virus and no serological response to the H5N1 challenge virus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: H5N1 avian influenza viruses are continuing to spread in waterfowl in Eurasia and to threaten the health of avian and mammalian species. The possibility that highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1 avian influenza is now endemic in both domestic and migratory birds in Eurasia makes it unlikely that culling alone will control H5N1 influenza. Because ducks are not uniformly killed by HP H5N1 viruses, they are considered a major contributor to virus spread. Here, we describe a reverse genetics-derived high-growth H5N3 strain containing the modified H5 of A/chicken/Vietnam/C58/04, the N3 of A/duck/Germany/1215/73, and the internal genes of A/PR/8/34. One or two doses of inactivated oil emulsion vaccine containing 0.015 to 1.2 μg of HA protein provide highly efficacious protection against lethal H5N1 challenge in ducks; only the two dose regimen has so far been tested in chickens with high protective efficacy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of subclinical inflammation, and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content, a novel correlate of insulin resistance, has not previously been investigated. We estimated IMCL content in soleus muscle in 30 healthy Asian Indian males using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), and correlated it with body mass index (BMI), measures of abdominal obesity, percentage of body fat (%BF), serum lipoproteins, fasting and post-oral glucose load serum insulin levels and other surrogate markers of insulin resistance. Soleus muscle IMCL content was significantly correlated with age (ρ = 0·64, P < 0·001), BMI (ρ = 0·41, P < 0·05), %BF (ρ = 0·53, P ≤ 0·01), waist circumference (ρ = 0·45, P < 0·05) and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (ρ = 0·58, P < 0·01) but did not correlate significantly with insulin resistance measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) or CRP levels. CRP levels did not correlate with the HOMA-IR value. Soleus muscle IMCL content correlated significantly with measures of generalized and abdominal obesity but not with insulin sensitivity or CRP levels in healthy Asian Indian males. Studies are needed in other ethnic groups to corroborate these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physician competency assessment requires the use of validated methods and instruments. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) developed a draft audit form to be evaluated as a competency assessment instrument for radiation oncologists (ROs) in Australasia. We evaluated the reliability of the RANZCR instrument as well as a separate The Cancer Institute (TCI) Singapore-designed instrument by having two ROs perform an independent chart review of 80 randomly selected patients seen at The Cancer Institute (TCI), Singapore. Both RANZCR and TCI Singapore instruments were used to score each chart. Inter- and intra-observer reliability for both audit instruments were compared using misclassification rates as the primary end-point. Overall, for inter-observer reproducibility, 2.3% of TCI Singapore items were misclassified compared to 22.3% of RANZCR items ( P < 0.0001, 100.00% confidence that TCI instrument has less inter-observer misclassification). For intra-observer reproducibility, 2.4% of TCI Singapore items were misclassified compared to 13.6% of RANZCR items ( P < 0.0001, 100.00% confidence that TCI instrument has less intra-observer misclassification). The proposed RANZCR RO revalidation audit instrument requires further refinement to improve validity. Several items require modification or removal because of lack of reliability, whereas inclusion of other important and reproducible items can be incorporated as demonstrated by the TCI Singapore instrument. The TCI Singapore instrument also has the advantage of incorporating a simple scoring system and criticality index to allow discrimination between ROs and comparisons against future College standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cutaneous metastasis from head and neck cancer is uncommon and it is seen from laryngeal cancer. Cutaneous metastasis from the base of tongue is relatively rare. Case Report: A 55-year-old male, who was a treated case of squamous carcinoma of the base of tongue presented with metastatic nodule on the skin of face and thigh. But, there was complete resolution of the tumor at the primary site. In the present case, clinically obvious cutaneous nodules with metastasis appeared soon after the completion of treatment with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. The metastasis to the skin of face clinically appeared like an inflammatory lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of metastasis to skin at both the sites. Conclusion: Our case has highlighted that there could be associated occult skin metastasis at the time of diagnosis in squamous carcinoma of the base of tongue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy (UFTS) is a widely used technique to determine the change in optical parameters on laser irradiation and can highlight the pathways and the lifetime of decay of the charge carriers. Here, UFTS was used to detect the structural changes occurring in a MoO 3 /Ag heterostructure because of dewetting and dealloying. A comparative study of transient absorption behavior of samples exposed to different temperatures indicated a change in phase and crystallinity of the film. Later through GI-XRD, it was concluded that the MoO 3 film has become crystalline at 350 °C along α-(110) plane. A wide plasmonic band in UFTS data of dealloyed sample followed by FESEM showed randomly distributed Ag-Mo nanoporous clusters (315 nm - 6 μm). Tuning of surface plasmon resonance (~19 nm) was seen with etching time. This study proves UFTS's suitability for correlating the structural change in a film or heterostructure of films with spectroscopic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]