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The aluminum nanocomposite is fabricated through squeeze stir casting method where CNT, SiC/B4C powder has been used as a reinforcement in an aluminum matrix. Squeeze action in stir casting opted due to proper reinforcement of 2 vol% of CNT in the matrix. The boron carbide and silicon carbide have been added by 8 and 12 vol% in the matrix. Uniform distribution of reinforcement and phase analysis has been shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD analysis. The formation of intermetallic compounds like Al3BC and Al4C3, dislocation forests, and the interaction of the reinforcement with the matrix are all confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The micro-mechanical behavior of aluminum nanocomposites was investigated using nano indentation. The nano hardness, Vickers hardness, and Young's modulus of 12 vol% B4C compared with 12 vol% of SiC are increased by 12%, 23%, and 16%, respectively, and the same trend has been observed for the 8 vol% B4C reinforced composite. The model analysis for Young's modulus has been done and the experimental value for the modulus of elasticity of the composite are validated and not find such differences significantly. The surface topography was determined, furrow scratches and wear scars, and it was discovered that B4C reinforced composites have reduced stripping pits inside the wear marks, as well as lower wear width and depth. Wear analysis is essential because abrasive encounters result in substantial damage owing to larger pits and bigger wear scars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aluminum nanocomposite is fabricated through squeeze stir casting method where CNT, SiC/B4C powder has been used as a reinforcement in an aluminum matrix. Squeeze action in stir casting opted due to proper reinforcement of 2 vol% of CNT in the matrix. The boron carbide and silicon carbide have been added by 8 and 12 vol% in the matrix. Uniform distribution of reinforcement and phase analysis has been shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD analysis. The formation of intermetallic compounds like Al3BC and Al4C3, dislocation forests, and the interaction of the reinforcement with the matrix are all confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The micro-mechanical behavior of aluminum nanocomposites was investigated using nano indentation. The nano hardness, Vickers hardness, and Young's modulus of 12 vol% B4C compared with 12 vol% of SiC are increased by 12%, 23%, and 16%, respectively, and the same trend has been observed for the 8 vol% B4C reinforced composite. The model analysis for Young's modulus has been done and the experimental value for the modulus of elasticity of the composite are validated and not find such differences significantly. The surface topography was determined, furrow scratches and wear scars, and it was discovered that B4C reinforced composites have reduced stripping pits inside the wear marks, as well as lower wear width and depth. Wear analysis is essential because abrasive encounters result in substantial damage owing to larger pits and bigger wear scars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In present scenario cost of common feed ingredients like maize and soybean are in rising trends due to less availability. Thus, the feed industry is forced to search the way to combat the feed cost. Rice Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, is one of the best alternative source of feed ingredient. It has good source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Presently, rice as subtract for bioethanol production is increasing due to its relative lower price, higher production and easy availability leads to increased availability of co-product rice distillers dried grains with solubles. In present study Nutrisigma® has been used. 'Nutrisigma®'is rice distillers dried grains with solubles produced by IFB Agro Industries limited, Kolkata. In consideration of the above fact, the present experiment was designed to study the effects of "Nutrisigma®" on productive performance of Khaki Campbell ducks. Methods: A total of nine hundred female Khaki Campbell ducks of the same genetic background and of comparable body weight at 72 wks of age, were randomly assigned into 3 dietary treatments that is Control (C), Treatment 1 (T1) and Treatment 2 (T2) each with 3 replicates of 100 ducks and they were studied for 60 days. All the experimental ducks were fed 120gm/duck/day concentrate mixture. Treatment group received (T1 group @ 3 gm/duck/day and T2 group @ 5 gm/duck/day) 'Nutrisigma®' in addition to concentrate mixture. Result: In our experiment egg production (%), fertile egg production per day, fertility%, hatchable egg weight (gm) and hatchability% were increased significantly (p<0.05) in treated groups compared with control group. Better economic efficiency was observed in T1 group compared to T2 and control groups. In conclusion, Nutrisigma® with concentrate mixture could be used economically up to 5gm/head/day (T2) without any harmful effect on productive performance, however, the use of 3 gm/head/day (T1) is more economical than 5 gm/head/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium oxide nanoparticles, synthesized by microwave mediated hydrothermal method, was characterized by using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XPS, DR/UV–vis, and BET analyzer and applied for simultaneous adsorption/ photocatalytic decolourisation of two commonly used organic dyes namely Alizarin red S (ARS) and Eriochrome black-T (EBT). Powder XRD pattern coupled with SEM/TEM revealed the formation of single cubic phase spherical CeO 2 nanoparticles with average particle size of ∼15 nm. The sample showed moderate specific surface area (47.73 m 2  g −1 ) and relatively lower band gap (2.78 eV) than bulk CeO 2 . XPS study confirmed the existence of both Ce 4+ and Ce 3+ in the prepared sample. Batch adsorption studies without light irradiation showed significant adsorption of both the dyes on CeO 2 nanoparticles with monolayer adsorption capacity (Q o ) values 44.1 and 57.8 mg g −1 for ARS and EBT, respectively. Under visible light irradiation, the overall decolourisation (adsorption/photo-degradation) of both the dyes increased substantially and the optimum amount of CeO 2 required for complete decolourisation of ARS (100 mg L −1 ) was 0.80 g L −1 while relatively lesser dose of catalyst (0.60 g L −1 ) was required for the same concentration of EBT. Suitable mechanisms were proposed for the decolourisation of dyes under visible light based on GC–MS/LC–MS data of the degraded products/intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India as a developing economic power, has to rely much on its energy sector for growth and development. The growth is largely interlinked with the availability of energy and its judicious utilization. Also involved is the question whether the available energy is environmentally acceptable and technically viable. With the growth of country's economy, per capita power consumption has also increased resulting greater demands for power. India's power sector is mainly dependent on conventional or fossil fuels i.e., coal (60.1%) and gas (8.7%) (2015). India has around 10% of the world's coal reserves that will last for about another 30–40 years at the present consumption rate. The use of conventional fossil fuels has a negative impact on the environment due to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. On the other hand, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, the country has untapped source of renewable energies such as, wind, solar power, nuclear energy and biomass. Globally, depletion of conventional fuel resources, is increasingly turning the focus on non-conventional sources of energy. The present paper is a review of biomass energy, its sources and its energy efficiency. Even though sources of biomass fuels are widely available all across India, these are still largely underutilized. According to the available statistics, in India the share of renewable energy has increased from 7.8% to 12.3% during 2012-13 and to 12.95% as on 31st March 2014, this paper also highlights the challenges and advantages of biomass energy over conventional fuels as well as utilization and applicability of biomass in sintering process as a replacement for coke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinction between model structure verification and model updating is logically clear. In the former, one adjusts the physics to better match experimental data; in the latter the physical parameters of the model are adjusted. The current state of the practice is to iterate back and forth between both problems until reasonable agreement with experimental data is obtained. In this work, the selection of model physics from a predefined set and the simultaneous updating of the corresponding physical parameters are investigated in an unified computational framework. A newly developed parallel (computational efficiency) multispecies (physics models) genetic algorithm is proposed and evaluated. The genetic algorithm "evolves" both model physics and parameters to improve the correlation of analytical models and corresponding test data. Two new genetic operators are developed. The first is a crossover function, which enables the sharing of the genes between two species. The second is a transmutation operator, which allows a species member to transform into a different species. The proposed algorithms are demonstrated and evaluated using three different "numerical" experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses research which used Xenopus egg extracts and magnetic chromatin beads to show that mitotic chromatin induces phosphorylation of Stathmin/Op18. Meiotic and mitotic spindles in chromosome segregation; Mechanism of spindle assembly; Two models to explain spindle assembly; Role of Stathmin/Op18; Stathmin/Op18 and preferential microtubule growth.

We develop four iterative algorithms for the solution of separable, convex nonlinear optimization problems with a single linear constraint and bounded variables. The design of the algorithms makes them suitable for implementation on massively parallel computers of the SIMD (i.e., Single Instruction, Multiple Data) class. The algorithms are specialized for the solution of network problems whereby the linear constraint reflects conservation of flow. Details of implementations on a Connection Machine CM-2 are reported. The numerical results indicate that all algorithms are very effective, and can solve very large problems. Three of the algorithms are also very efficient when implemented on the massively parallel system. Interestingly, the most effective algorithm (in number of steps required to solve the test problems) is the least efficient (in solution time) when implemented in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron ore sintering is an energy-intensive process that converts iron ore fines into an agglomerated porous mass. Sintering plays a prominent pre-processing role in blast furnace smelting operations because of its unsuitability with finer ores. In recent years, the conventional sintering method using coke/coal is being gradually discarded due to environmental degradation. As a result, there is a need for extensive research on sustainable technologies and cleaner fuel sources with lesser carbon footprints. The recent trend is towards the use of biomass. Although biomass is carbon neutral and environmentally friendly energy source, its energy value is comparatively low and inferior. Nevertheless, biomass is emerging to be a viable alternative. In the present study, life cycle assessment has been carried out between the conventional and eco-friendly method of sintering to reveal comparative economic and environmental aspects. The assessment witnessed a 10% reduction in the production cost which is offered with biomass incorporation. Moreover, biomass addition ensured a reduction in emissive indices by 6% for COx, 15.25% for NOx and 20.79% for SOx. Although these reported values are only for the 30% biomass replacement and are subject to enhance with higher biomass proportions. Image 1 • Evolution of biomass-derived metallurgical sintering process. • Assessment of the conventional process for emission generation study. • LCA of the modified process comparative to the coal-based conventional process. • Carbon footprint reduction and production cost reduction. • Comparison of the footprint and the cost-effectiveness for both the processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platinum based catalyst exhibits good "oxygen reduction reaction" (ORR) activity while its lower methanol tolerance and high cost obstructs its commercialization. In order to replace this precious metal containing ORR catalysts, transition metal oxides and their composites have been extensively studied. Among the various transition metal oxides, oxides of manganese have attracted massive interest because of their high electrochemical stability, availability, low cost, variable oxidation states and effective catalytic properties. Among the various rare earth oxides, CeO 2 is extensively studied. To facilitate the catalytic activity of CeO 2 , either doping with transition metal and/or integration with a conducting framework is required. In this paper, we have reported the synthesis of manganese doped CeO 2 /reduced graphene oxide (Mn-CeO 2 /rGO) nanocomposite with varying manganese concentration using microwave mediated solvothermal method. The ORR activity of synthesized nanocomposites has been studied in basic medium. An optimized 5% Mn doped CeO 2 /rGO leads to highest ORR activity among the studied catalysts. The synthesized nanocomposite surpasses Pt/C in terms of methanol tolerance and stability. Unlabelled Image • Mn doped CeO 2 /rGO nano composites were synthesized by microwave mediated solvothermal method. • 5% Mn doped CeO 2 /rGO exhibited better performance for ORR catalytic activity among all composite as well as CeO 2 /rGO. • The stability of the 5% Mn doped CeO 2 /rGO was remarkably superior compared to Pt/C. • The typical product possesses more excellent tolerance to methanol poisoning as compared to Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant shutdowns due to the accumulation of ash materials in the boilers is a commonly practiced problem in thermal power sectors. Cleaning of ash products at regular intervals need to be necessary for maintaining the good furnace operation conditions. Use of slagging technology is the best practice for the removal of high temperature ash products, in which the melting temperature of ash is lowered by using the additive technology. In this paper, the properties of ash products formed during the combustion of low grade Indian coal were analyzed in terms of proximate and ash fusion temperature analysis. The effect of flux addition on the slagging behavior of Indian coal ash was analyzed. The AFT analysis of Indian origin coal ash shows that it is of non-fusible type. The formation of high temperature stable phases like kaolinite and quartz are the reason for high AFT temperatures in Indian origin coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diagnostic tools to measure the response to individual immunosuppressive drugs for transplant patients are currently lacking. We previously developed the blood-based Immunobiogram bioassay for in-vitro characterization of the pharmacodynamic response of patients' own immune cells to a range of immunosuppressants. We used Immunobiogram to examine the association between patients' sensitivity to their prescribed immunosuppressants and clinical outcome. Methods We conducted an international, multicenter, observational study in a kidney transplant population undergoing maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Patients were selected by clinical course poor [PCC] N = 53 (with renal dysfunction, and rejection signs in biopsy or/and an increase in DSA strength in last 12 months) versus good [GCC] N = 50 (with stable renal function and treatment, no rejection and no DSA titers). Immunobiogram dose-response curve parameters were compared between both subgroups in patients treated with mycophenolate, tacrolimus, corticosteroids, cyclosporine A or everolimus. Parameters for which significant inter-group differences were observed were further analyzed by univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression. Results Clinical outcome was associated with following parameters: area over the curve (AOC) and 25% (ID25) and 50% (ID50) inhibitory response in mycophenolate, tacrolimus, and corticosteroid-treated subgroups, respectively. These statistically significant associations persisted in mycophenolate (OR 0.003, CI95% <0.001–0.258; p = 0.01) and tacrolimus (OR < 0.0001, CI95% <0.00001–0.202; p = 0.016) subgroups after adjusting for concomitant corticosteroid treatment, and in corticosteroid subgroup after adjusting for concomitant mycophenolate or tacrolimus treatment (OR 0.003; CI95% <0.0001–0.499; p = 0.026). Conclusions Our results highlight the potential of Immunobiogram as a tool to test the pharmacodynamic response to individual immunosuppressive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lysosomal storage disorder Fabry disease is caused by deficient or absent activity of the GLA gene enzyme α-galactosidase A. In the present study we present the molecular and biochemical data of the Danish Fabry cohort and report 20 years' (2001–2020) experience in cascade genetic screening at the Danish National Fabry Disease Center. The Danish Fabry cohort consisted of 26 families, 18 index patients (9 males and 9 females, no available data for 8 index-patients) and 97 family members with a pathogenic GLA variant identified by cascade genetic testing (30 males and 67 females). Fourteen patients (5 males and 9 females; mean age of death 47.0 and 64.8 years respectively) died during follow-up. The completeness of the Fabry patient identification in the country has resulted in a cohort of balanced genotypes according to gender (twice number of females compared to males), indicating that the cohort was not biased by referral, and further resulted in earlier diagnosis of the disease by a lower age at diagnosis in family members compared to index-patients (mean age at diagnosis: index-patients 42.2 vs. family members 26.0 years). Six previously unreported disease-causing variants in the GLA gene were discovered. The nationwide screening and registration of Fabry disease families provide a unique possibility to establish a complete cohort of Fabry patients and to advance current knowledge of this inherited rare lysosomal storage disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to see the effect of recovery techniques and culture media on in-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes indigenous cattle of Assam. Oocytes were collected by aspiration and dissection techniques and were graded as A, B, C and D on the basis of their cumulus cell layers surrounding the zona pellucida. Oocytes with A, B and C categories were subjected to IVM using three different media (TCM-199, Ham's F-12 and Ham's F-10) with same additives (Sodium pyruvate, Gentamicin, L-glutamine, Porcine FSH, Follicular Fluid and HIOCS). Percentage of oocytes with expansion of cumulus cells was found to be the highest in dissection technique using TCM-199 media in comparison to Ham's F-12 and Ham's F- 10 using same additives. However, it did not differ significantly between techniques. Incidence of Metaphase-I + Metaphase- II was the highest in oocytes recovered by dissection technique and cultured in TCM-199 with additives when incubated at 38.5°C for 24 hours and it differed significantly between media but there was no significant difference between the recovery techniques. In conclusion, the culture medium TCM-199 along with additives may give better IVM rate of the oocytes recovered by dissection technique from indigenous cattle ovaries of Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lake Victoria basin has a large rural and rapidly growing peri-urban population that lacks sustainable solutions to safe and adequate water supply, energy and sanitation. Access to safe water and sanitation was 60% and 53%, respectively, by 2006. An Integrated Water, Energy and Sanitation Solution (IWESS) has been muted as a sustainable way of utilising the natural resources through a concept that turns waste into a resource thereby taking advantage of what is currently considered as problem sources and converting them into useful inputs. Tests from the Pilot sites developed show that grey and black water, kitchen and solid human waste can be used as separate inputs into an integrated waste management technological chain system that incorporates a constructed wetland-biogas-sand filter system to purify water and biodegrade solid waste to provide water for non-potable uses, biomass and biogas for energy and timber supply and manure for soil nutrient enrichment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in women attending an antenatal clinic in a Delhi hospital; to investigate any associated risk factors; main perpetrators; forms and severity of violence. An anonymous validated questionnaire was used. A total of 26.9% of women reported physical abuse. Emotional and sexual abuse was reported by 29% and 6.2%, respectively. The prevalence of DV was similar in women from different religions or age groups. The prevalence was higher in the poor, less educated and in women who had witnessed abuse. The husband was the main perpetrator (47.4%); other family members were responsible in 31%. The majority of women (69%) reported to have no control over their lives. In addition, the majority of the women did not contribute to major family decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a cancer-causing virus in humans, primarily affecting AIDS patients. KSHV causes a range of cancers including Kaposi’s sarcoma, pleural effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman’s disease. Current methods available for treating these cancers are relatively ineffective, and new targets for therapy are needed. The KSHV viral homolog of interleukin-6 gene (vIL-6) may play a significant role in tumor development and may serve as a new anti-cancer target, but its role in tumor formation is only partially understood. Here, a novel animal model was used to study how vIL-6 affects tumor development. Highly immune-deficient Rag2-/-γc-/- mice were transplanted with an immortalized human B cell line (BJAB) harboring either wild-type (WT) KSHV or a mutant strain lacking vIL-6 ΔvIL-6). Solid tumors developed and total tumor mass and the number of tumors were characterized. The vIL-6 gene had no significant impact on tumor mass, but significantly more tumors were detected when vIL-6 was present. Significant differences in expression of B cell markers in cells from extracted tumors were detected based upon the presence of vIL-6. B cell markers in tumor cells were also compared to the same cell type in culture, prior to xenotransplantation; B cell markers were mostly downregulated during tumor formation and these changes did not differ based upon the presence of vIL-6. The only marker that significantly increased in expression during tumor development was CD30. Tumor blood vessels were quantified to determine if more angiogenesis occurred with vIL-6-expressing virus, but there was no significant difference. These data indicate that vIL-6 plays a role in KSHV tumor formation in B cells in vivo. Further investigation into how vIL-6 manipulates CD30 expression may shed insight into KSHV oncogenesis, and may identify how vIL-6 can be targeted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference 1 Effraimidis G, Rasmussen ÅK, Dunoe M, Hasholt LF, Wibrand F, Sorensen SS, et al. (2022) Systematic cascade screening in the Danish Fabry Disease Centre: 20 years of a national single-centre experience. The thirteenth author's initials are indexed incorrectly in PubMed. [Extracted from the article]

An experiment was carried out to examine the method of adjustment when determining user preferences for the colour appearance of ambient lighting. A booth was lit using luminaires containing an array of white and coloured light emitting diodes (LEDs), allowing continuous variation of correlated colour temperature (CCT) between 2736 and 4014 K. It was predicted that the preferred CCT would be influenced by the available stimulus range, the anchor (initial setting before adjustment), adaptation time before onset of adjustment action and type of control dial. Preference was estimated for three different CCT stimulus ranges within the available range. All three ranges led to significantly different results for preferred CCT: 3288, 3490 and 3671 K. The experimental results confirmed that stimulus range, anchor and adaptation time have significant effect on the preferred CCT determined using the adjustment task, and thus, the importance of considering and reporting this information in studies that employ the method of adjustment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, results from the deficient activity of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). In affected males, the clinical diagnosis is confirmed by the markedly decreased α-Gal A activity. However, in female heterozygotes, the α-Gal A activity can range from low to normal due to random X-chromosomal inactivation, and diagnostic confirmation requires identification of the family''s α-Gal A gene mutation. In a young female who had occasional acroparesthesias, corneal opacities, and 15 to 50% of the lower limit of normal leukocyte α-Gal A activity, α-Gal A sequencing in two expert laboratories did not identify a confirmatory mutation, presenting a diagnostic dilemma. A renal biopsy proved diagnostic and renewed efforts to detect an α-Gal A mutation. Subsequent gene dosage analyses identified a large α-Gal A deletion confirming her heterozygosity, and she was started on enzyme replacement therapy. Thus, gene dosage analyses can detect large deletions (>50bp) in suspect heterozygotes for X-linked and autosomal dominant diseases that are “sequencing cryptic,” resolving molecular diagnostic dilemmas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Texture evolution during accumulative roll bonding of an Al–Mn (AA3103) alloy has been investigated up to five passes. It has been seen that the textural evolution has no similarity with the simple shear texture; the components can be well represented by the ideal rolling texture components. The textural components are also similar to those of conventionally rolled sample of similar strains with scatter around the ideal components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]