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Large scale multiuser multi-input multi-output (MU-MIMO) system is an emerging wireless technology, which can impart huge spectral efficiency, enhanced link reliability, and serves several users simultaneously in the same frequency-time resource. Pilot contamination (PC) is the major bottleneck in achieving the optimum performance of a multi-cell large MU-MIMO system. We propose a new multi-cell block diagonalization-QR-minimum mean square error (M-BD-QR-MMSE) precoding scheme to diminish the effects of pilot contamination in a multi-cell MIMO system. The reduced effects of Pilot contamination result in the enhancement of spectral efficiency for the multi-cell MU-MIMO system. The design of the proposed scheme utilizes block diagonalization (BD) in combination with MMSE precoding that obtains large null space using QR decomposition operation to reduce intercell and intracell interference much efficiently than conventional precoding schemes. The gain in spectral efficiency with the proposed scheme is enhanced through non-universal pilot reuse in contrast to single-cell schemes. Furthermore, the downlink spectral efficiency expression has been derived for a large scale MIMO system, and the same is computed using Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the results. The numerical results depict that the proposed M-BD-QR-MMSE provides a significant improvement in the spectral efficiency in comparison with traditional singlecell MMSE (S-MMSE), regularized zero-forcing (R-ZF), ZF, Maximum ratio transmission (MRT) and multi-cellMMSE(M-MMSE) schemes. The proposed precoding design provides the spectral enhancements of 32.19 and 50.13 bit/s/Hz/cell in comparison to conventional multi-cellMMSEand single-cell MMSE precoding schemes respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity is a common acute and chronic outcome of radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa). There are currently no existing pre-assessments before treatment to predict acute and late RT-induced toxicity. Novel predictive blood biomarkers in radiation oncology may improve treatment decision-making and therapeutic monitoring for patients with PCa. A comprehensive systematic search of microRNA (miRNA/miR) profiling studies published in PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar was performed. The present systematic review, supported by meta-analysis, summarises key findings and discusses the results of prospective clinical studies investigating miRNA expression levels and their association with RT-induced toxicity in PCa. Out of seven clinical studies, six highlighted levels of 10 miRNAs changing in plasma, serum or peripheral blood mononuclear cells during RT. The post-RT expression levels of miRNA-132-5p, miRNA-1-3p, miRNA-410 and miRNA-221 were increased, and miRNA-23a-3p expression was decreased among patients with low-grade RT-induced toxicity. Furthermore, in patients with high-grade RT toxicity, miRNA-197-3p, miRNA-151a-5p, miRNA-18b-5p, miRNA-99a and miRNA-21 expression was increased, while miRNA-132-5p expression was decreased. The present miRNA meta-analysis could be the focus of future studies to identify their potential clinical value as PCa biomarkers and therapeutic mediators in RT-induced toxicity. The variations in miRNA levels post-RT could be used as predictive biomarkers of RT-induced toxicity. However, further extensive validation is required to establish the relationship between miRNA expression levels and RT-induced toxicity in PCa and to confirm their predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, researchers aim to understand the attitude of users towards information technology application in two university libraries of north India, namely Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and Panjabi University, Patiala. Survey method of research was used to collect data from the users. The sample consisted of 391 users, which included PG Students, Research Scholars and Faculty Members in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Sciences in both the universities. The data were collected through structured questionnaires and further analysed using the Chi-Square test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The data analysis and discussion reveals that despite a few number of library users being involved in the decision-making of IT application in libraries and availability of few training programmes on the know-how of IT systems, a positive attitude towards information technology application prevails among the library users in both the university libraries. In the end, some key recommendations are presented for deriving more benefits from future IT initiatives in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribological properties of Ti3SiC2 ceramic and Ti3SiC2/GNP composite were investigated using fretting sliding against Si3N4 ball counter body at a load of 50 N for a sliding distance of 900 m, under non‐textured lubricated (NTL), textured lubricated (TL) condition, and textured lubricated high temperature (TLHT). This paper presents the influence of laser surface texturing (LST) on Ti3SiC2 and its graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced composite established through spark plasma sintering (SPS), tested under fretting wear conditions. The coefficient of friction and wear rate of Ti3SiC2 and its graphene nanoplatelets reinforced composites were incontrovertibly enhanced with laser surface texturing as compared to non‐textured Ti3SiC2 and its GNP composite. The TL surface of Ti3SiC2 composite reinforced with 15% GNP showed the lowest COF and wear rate. Almost negligible changes were observed for TLHT tests. The LST proved to an efficient technique for enhancing the friction and wear properties of Ti3SiC2 and Ti3SiC2/GNP composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is necessary for eliminating uncertainty and facilitating decision-making. Quality of decisions depends upon the quality of information available to the stakeholders. But to manage access to quality information, information seekers have to depend upon different sources of information, media, and other information providers. Unfortunately, the commercial media is controlled by corporate tycoons, governments, politicians and various non-government organisations (NGOs). These information providers have some motive behind the stories flashed by them. Hence, media and information literacy (MIL) skills are necessary for ascertaining truth behind the story. Earlier, information literacy and media literacy were used as separate concepts but now UNESCO is using (MIL) as a composite concept, appreciating the symbiosis between media and information. This article gives an overview of a few MIL related developments and describes the e-ARTISTS MIL Model developed by Jagtar Singh and Alton Grizzle. Differentiating the e-ARTISTS Model from the Big6 Model and the Empowering 8 Model of Information Literacy, it justifies the need for e-ARTISTS MIL Model for managing timely access to quality information for facilitating quality decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Titanium carbide containing clads show better wear resistance than base steel and ERNiCrMo-3 clad. • ERNiCrMo-3 with 10 %TiC exhibits elongated dendritic structures. • ERNiCrMo-3 with 10 %TiC boasts double the microhardness of EN8 steel. • Transverse samples exhibit higher wear resistance due to diverse grain orientations. • ERNiCrMo-3 and EN8 fail in a ductile manner, while ERNiCrMo-3 with 5% and 10% TiC show mixed failures. ERNiCrMo-3 claddings were engineered onto EN8 steel through a direct energy deposition method, incorporating TiC powder at 5% and 10% levels. Various mechanical assessments were conducted to appraise the cladding's efficacy across different orientations. Surprisingly, the transverse orientation exhibited superior wear resistance, attributed to a distinctive grain orientation. TiC composite clads revealed a complex mixed-mode failure, while EN8 steel and ERNiCrMo-3 clad displayed ductile mode failure. Consequently, these findings indicated that developed clads could produce the desired microstructures and improve the mechanical properties more effectively during the direct energy deposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fretting wear characteristics of Ti 3 SiC 2 reinforced with 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 15% graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are presented in this paper. Ti 3 SiC 2 /GNP composite was developed using spark plasma sintering at a temperature of 1200 °C. The tests were conducted to investigate the effect of GNPs on the tribological properties of Ti 3 SiC 2 ·Ti 3 SiC 2 /GNP composites fabricated through spark plasma sintering. Higher densification was obtained, resulting in higher values of Vickers Microhardness in the case of spark plasma sintered Ti 3 SiC 2 /GNP, as compared to Ti 3 SiC 2. The friction coefficient and wear rate of GNP reinforced Ti 3 SiC 2 composites were significantly improved, as compared to virgin Ti 3 SiC 2. The composite with 15% GNP showed the lowest friction coefficient of 0.1416 and a wear rate of 5 × 10−5 mm3/Nm, whereas virgin Ti 3 SiC 2 showed a higher coefficient of friction and wear rate of 0.3264 and 17.22 × 10−4 mm3/Nm, respectively. Although the formation of the oxide film was observed on the wear track, however, adhesive and delamination wear were observed as dominant wear mechanisms. The spark plasma sintering proved to be the most effective technique for increasing hardness and tribological properties of Ti 3 SiC 2 /GNP composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale multi-user multiple input multiple output (LS-MU-MIMO) is a promising technology to meet the demands for higher spectral and energy efficiency in the next-generation communication system. LS-MU-MIMO technology can provide 50 times or more network throughput by enhancing the spectral efficiency without cell densification and extra bandwidth requirements. This paper focuses on improvement in the spectral and energy efficiency for a single-cell LS-MU-MIMO system by considering multiple antennas at the user end with the linear precoding schemes. Spectral efficiency of zero-forcing (ZF), minimum mean square error (MMSE) and maximum ratio transmission (MRT) precoding schemes are derived, analyzed and compared for single- and double-antenna users with perfect and imperfect channel state information (CSI). MMSE precoding scheme shows the optimum spectral efficiency as compared to MRT and ZF precoding schemes for a LS-MU-MIMO system. We consider downlink and uplink transmission with various processing techniques at the base station and designed a system model for power consumption to evaluate the energy efficiency of the large MU-MIMO system. We derived energy efficiency expressions for maximal ratio, zero-forcing (ZF) and MMSE processing schemes. Numerical results reveal that the energy efficiency with double-antenna user equipments (UEs) has been enhanced as compared to the UEs having single antenna. Simulation results show that the proposal of adding multiple antennas at the user end can provide a substantial improvement in spectral and energy efficiency as compared to single-antenna users for perfect and imperfect CSI with various precoding schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among different types of microbial enzymes, amylases are the most widely used in industries as they are produced in large quantity and in an economic way as compared to plants and animals. Moreover, thermostable amylase has significance as compared to the amylase from mesophiles. Therefore, hot water springs are explored to dig into its bacterial diversity. In the current study, we tried to isolate amylase producing bacteria from the soil and water samples collected from the hot water spring in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. The samples were serially diluted before plating on the Luria Bertani agar plates. A total of 42 bacterial morphotypes were isolated and were screened for amylolytic activity by starch agar plate method. Among the 42 bacterial isolates 25 showed amylolytic activity. Production of amylase was carried out at different temperatures and pH to optimize the temperature and pH conditions for each isolate. All the 25 isolates were characterized based on morphology, biochemical tests and molecular analysis. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene for the 25 isolates followed by BLAST search revealed a majority of them (19) identified as Bacillus licheniformis. Other isolates were identified as B. subtilis, B. safensis, B. halodurans, B. stratosphericus, Caldimonas hydrothermale and Exiguobacterium mexicanum. An attempt was made to amplify amyN gene which codes for α-amylase but successful amplification was achieved only from Bacillus licheniformis alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several hydro-machinery components such as impellers of the submersible pump and turbine blades generally suffer from slurry erosion during their operation. High-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF)-sprayed coatings are promising materials to prevent such components from slurry erosion. Moreover, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a well-accepted hydrophobic material, which has several attractive properties such as chemical inertness and considerable thermal stability. Therefore, PTFE coating has been explored as a topcoat for a HVOF-sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coating, with an aim to enhance the performance of the latter and analyzed with different slurry erosion conditions. A slurry erosion test rig was used for experimentation, and the effect of four different erosion parameters, namely average particle size, slurry concentration, impact angle, and velocity of jet, was investigated. A comparative study between PTFE-modified HVOF-sprayed coating and the standalone HVOF-sprayed coating was also done with respect to slurry erosion behavior and hydrophobicity. The overall results indicate that the slurry erosion of the HVOF-sprayed coated SS 316 steel got enhanced after modification by PTFE topcoat. Furthermore, the topcoat of PTFE on HVOF-sprayed coating resulted in a remarkable improvement in hydrophobicity, showing a superhydrophobic behavior, which might have also provided a better slurry erosion resistance to the HVOF-sprayed steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) morbidity is becoming an endemic worldwide. Recently, the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the development of atherosclerotic plaques has been explored, but the association of their genetic polymorphisms and CAD has yet not been established. The present study aimed to investigate the association of IL-8-251A/T (rs4073) and IL-10 -592C/A (rs1800872) polymorphisms and the risk of CAD in North Indian population. 1000 subjects (500 angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 500 controls) were genotyped by ARMS-PCR. Results revealed a significant risk association of both the polymorphisms with CAD. The heterozygous and the mutant genotypes of IL-8 rs4073 were both found to be associated with the risk of disease after adjusting for the confounders (padj < 0.001, ORadj 3.121, 95% CI 1.926-5.056 and padj < 0.001, ORadj 3.116, 95% CI 1.952-4.973, respectively), but only the mutant AA genotype of IL-10 rs1800872 correlated with risk of disease with padj < 0.001, ORadj 4.106, 95% CI 2.160-7.806). Stratifying the samples on the basis of gender revealed CAD in heterozygous and mutant in males (padj < 0.001, ORadj 3.693, 95% CI 2.031-6.716; padj < 0.001, ORadj 3.288, 95% CI 1.848-5.851, respectively) and only the mutant to be associated with risk of disease in females (padj = 0.010, ORadj 2.867, 95% CI 1.284-6.404) for IL-8 rs4073, whereas only the mutant genotype AA of IL-10 rs1800872 associated with CAD risk in males (padj < 0.001, ORadj 5.821, 95% CI 2.831-11.970). Stratified analysis based on age showed a significant higher risk in the heterozygous and mutant genotype in subjects below 40 years of age (padj = 0.039, ORadj 5.052, 95% CI 1.081-23.602; and padj = 0.025, ORadj 5.533, 95% CI 1.239-24.704, respectively) compared with the heterozygous and mutant genotype association of the risk of disease in subjects above 40 years of age (padj < 0.000, ORadj 2.964, 95% CI 1.747-5.027; and padj < 0.000, ORadj 2.859, 95% CI 1.716-4.762, respectively) in IL-8 rs4073. For IL-10 rs1800872, risk association was seen only in subjects above 40 years of age (padj < 0.001, ORadj 5.049, and 95% CI 2.414-10.561). The present study exhibited associations of IL-8-251A/T (rs4073) and IL-10 -592C/A (rs1800872) with CAD in the North Indian population and also that the associations are gender and age dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade witnessed an escalating growth in wireless devices. Because of the development of smart devices like mobiles, tablets and other data-intensive applications, wireless data traffic grows exponentially. In the present scenario and in the future, the wireless and fixed devices require high data throughput to support data-intensive applications such as video streaming to play online games, movies and real-time videos. The requirement of wireless throughput and number of wireless devices will be growing more in the near future. Moreover, the power consumption at Base Stations (BSs) is a growing concern for wireless communication systems. So the future wireless communication system has to fulfill the requirements of high throughput, less power consumption and serving many users simultaneously. To overcome the problems of increased data rates and power consumption at BSs, Large-Scale Multiuser Multiple Input Multiple Output (LS-MU-MIMO) is one of the solutions. LS-MIMO is new technology and has attracted considerable research attention recently. The paper provides information about theoretic concepts of MIMO starting from Single User MIMO (SUMIMO) to LS-MU-MIMO. It also discusses the benefits, survey of precoding and detection techniques and research issues and analyzes the LS-MU-MIMO system in terms of spectrum and power efficiencies by varying antennas at BS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Arachidonate 12/15-lipoxygenase (ALOX) is a member of the lipid peroxidizing enzyme family and implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, but with contradicting results. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the association of two polymorphisms in ALOX15 (rs2619112 and rs7217186) and the risk of CAD in North Indian population. Methods: A total of 500 angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 500 control subjects of North Indian population were recruited in the case-control study and genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Results: The data showed a significant association between the two polymorphisms and CAD. Multiple logistic regression revealed heterozygous genotype of both the polymorphisms viz. GA of rs2619112 and CT of rs7217186 to be associated with significant high risk of CAD after adjustment for confounders (p = 0.034, OR = 2.274, 95% CI (1.062-4.870) and p = 0.000, OR = 3.407, 95% CI (2.092-5.548) respectively). Stratified analysis based on gender showed GA and AA of rs2619112 each significantly increased the risk of CAD in females (p = 0.001, OR = 13.120, CI = 2.780-61.928; p = 0.028, OR = 5.393, CI = 1.196-24.316 respectively) whereas only GA increased CAD risk in males (p = 0.005, OR = 2.277, CI = 1.290-4.020). In case of rs7217186, CT and TT showed a significant high risk of CAD in males (p = 0.000, OR = 4.048, CI = 2.678-6.119; p = 0.000, OR = 2.861, CI = 1.928-4.245). Conclusion: The present study shows that rs7217186:C > T and rs2619112:G > A of ALOX15 are associated with increased risk of CAD in the North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of traditional products viz. turmeric powder, turmeric grits, garlic powder along with standard check (7 cm layer of sand on the top of stored seed) was evaluated on the biochemical aspects of stored mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)] infested with Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). Treatments with garlic powder at 1.5 % concentration recorded significantly less egg laying (2.00), less larval penetration (5.00%), less adult emergence (1.02%) as compared to other treatments. Alcoholic acidity increased significantly from 0.51 to 0.59, 0.46 to 0.55 and 0.38 to 0.49 % by turmeric powder at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 % concentration, respectively, as compared to control samples. Garlic powder was found to be most effective in checking uric acid at concentration of 1.5 % during four months of storage, followed by turmeric powder @ 2.0 % and turmeric grits @ 1.0 %. Order of effectiveness of used traditional products was garlic powder> turmeric powder>turmeric grits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular markers can be used to identify residual cancer at the surgical margins of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and assist in evaluating the complete resection of the tumour. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of prognostic molecular markers at the histological tumour free surgical margins. In the present clinical retrospective study, 24/48 patients were selected with negative surgical margins for further analysis with immunohistochemical staining. Contingency tables and Fisher's exact tests were used to investigate the association between the expression levels of p53 and eukaryotic translation imitation factor 4E (eIF4E) with the clinical outcomes for patients with HNSCC. The expression levels of p53 and eIF4E were 54.2 and 87.5%, respectively, in the surgical margins of patients with HNSCC. A total of 3/7 patients with recurrent cancer (42.8%) were identified with p53-positive margins, and 6 (85.7%) patients exhibited recurrence with eIF4e-positive margins. No statistically significant differences were identified for the recurrence risk between the overexpression of p53 and eIF4E in the surgical margins (P=0.88 and P=0.99, respectively). The eIF4E marker appears to be a more marked prognosticator compared with p53, as overexpression of eIF4E was identified in the margins of 6/7 patients with local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: TIM1 is a key regulator of Th2-dominated immune responses, including allergy, asthma, autoimmunity, and response to the pathogens. They are mainly expressed by hepatocytes and lymphoid cells. Analysis of the sequence of TIM1 was found to have range of SNPs which increases the transcriptional activity of the TIM1 gene. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with a total of 964 subjects, including 483 healthy controls and 481 asthma patients in the present study. DNA samples were extracted from blood, and genotyping was done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that both heterozygous (GA) as well as the mutant (AA) genotype of −1454G>A (rs41297579) polymorphism shows resistance toward asthma with OR = 0.74, 95 % CI (0.55-0.98), p = 0.029 and OR = 0.43, 95 % CI (0.28-0.65), p = 0.000, respectively. The mutant (A) allele was also found to be highly protective toward asthma with OR = 0.68, 95 % CI (0.56-0.82) p = 0.000. However, no statistical difference was found between the TIM1-416G>C (rs9313422) polymorphism and asthma patients ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first study conducted in India conferring −1454G>A polymorphism provides resistance toward asthma while lack of association was found between −416G>C polymorphism and asthma in the studied North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of tensile pre-strain on LCF 6061 and 2024 aluminium alloys is studied. • Tensile pre-strain caused a mixed softening/hardening behaviour. • Full relaxation of mean stress occurred only at higher strain amplitudes. • Fatigue lifetime decreased with increasing tensile pre-strain. The present study attends to the effect of tensile pre-strain histories and strain ratio on cyclic deformation behavior of 6061 aluminum alloy and 2024 aluminum alloy. Low-cycle fatigue tests performed in this study covered two areas; Under fully reversed conditions, with 8% tensile pre-strain, 4% tensile pre-strain, and 0% tensile pre-strain, at strain amplitudes varying in the range 0.6–1.75%; Under strain-controlled circumstances at three different strain ratios [−1, 0, and 0.5] with strain amplitudes varying in the range 0.60–1.75%. The outcomes indicate that the material demonstrates a cyclic strain-softening behavior whose degree rises with rising values of strain ratio and reducing values of strain amplitude. The material demonstrates a non-Masing behavior for higher strain amplitudes amid the interval [1.00%−1.75%]. The material demonstrates a nearly-Masing behavior for lower strain amplitudes amid the interval [0.6%−0.85%]. Under non-zero mean strain, a total relaxation of mean stress is observed at higher strain amplitudes, whereas at lower strain amplitudes, no such behavior is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Galactosidase hydrolyzes the α-1,6-linkage present at the non-reducing end of the sugars and results in the release of galactosyl residue from oligosaccharides like melibiose, raffinose, stachyose, etc. In the present study we report, α-galactosidase from Bacillus flexus isolated from Manikaran hot springs (India). Maximum enzyme production was obtained in guar gum and soybean meal after 72 h at 150 rpm. While, the temperature/pH of production was optimized at 50 °C and 7.0, respectively. Isoenzymes (α-gal I and II) were obtained and characterized based on temperature/pH optima along with their stability profile. JS27 α-Gal II was purified with a final purification fold of 11.54. Native and SDS-PAGE were used to determine the molecular weight of the enzyme as 86 and 41 kDa, respectively, indicating its homodimeric form. JS27 α-Gal II showed optimum enzyme activity at 55 °C and pH 7 (10 min). The enzyme displayed Km value of 2.3809 mM and Vmax of 2.0 × 104 µmol/min/ml with pNPG as substrate. JS27 α-Gal II demonstrated substrate hydrolysis and simultaneous formation of transgalactosylation products (α-GOS) with numerous substrates (sugar/sugar alcohols, oligosaccharides, and complex carbohydrates) which were verified by TLC and HPLC analysis. α-GOS are significant functional food ingredients and can be explored as prebiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: CHIT1 is expressed by pulmonary macrophages, which is typically the site of entry for many environmental fungi that may increase the risk of pulmonary fungal infection and lead to hypersensitivity. The conserved expression of this gene in humans suggests its physiological importance in the mammalian lung. Methods: The present study was conducted with a total of 964 subjects, including 483 healthy controls and 481 asthma patients. DNA samples were extracted from blood, and the genotyping was done using polymerase chain reaction method. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the 24 bp duplication in CHIT1 gene polymorphism shows highly significant association in heterozygous (wild/dup) genotype with OR 1.74, 95 % CI (1.29-2.36), and p = 0.000. However, the homozygous mutant genotype (dup/dup) was found to be non-significant with OR 1.06, 95 % CI (0.69-1.63), and p = 0.786. The combination of both wild/dup and dup/dup was also found to be highly significant with OR 1.57, 95 % CI (1.18-2.11), and p = 0.002. Conclusions: This is the first study conducted in India which reports a significant association between 24 bp duplication in CHIT1 gene polymorphism and asthma in the studied North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The journal literature in the field of library and information science has grown exponentially. A few countries publish a good number of library and information science journals and India is also in the race. The study researches the growth and development of library and information science journals globally with special reference to India. It has been found that publication of LIS journals gained momentum from third quarter of 20th century. Compared to global scenario, the visibility status of Indian LIS journals is not promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The role of IL-4 VNTR polymorphism in a North Indian population with asthma was evaluated for the first time. [•] Significant risk association was observed between the polymorphism and asthma. [•] Most of the phenotypic traits of asthma were associated with the polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper lists important publications on classification by S. R. Ranganathan (1892-1972), veritably called the father of Indian library movement. It outlines brief history of the seven editions of his revolutionary colon classification (CC) from 1928 to 1987. Seven editions are grouped into three evolutionary versions. It states the unique features of the CC as based on his deep study of the nature and growth of knowledge, and explains the work of designing a classification system into three successive but demarcated planes of work, namely, idea, verbal, and notional planes. Tools for designing and evaluating a system are enshrined in his 55 canons, 22 principles, 13 postulates and 10 devices. Further, this paper discusses the division and mapping of knowledge, types of subjects, and modes of their formation in the universe of knowledge as envisaged by Ranganathan. Semantic and syntactic relations are enshrined in his PMEST facet formula fitted with rounds and levels of facets, and other principles, such as the famous Wall-Picture principle, for citation order of facets. It also briefly explains facet analysis and number building with its notational base of 74 digits, and concludes with extent of its use and its enduring contribution to the science of classification and its future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] For the first time, the role of IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism in a North Indian population with asthma was evaluated. [•] A total of 824 subjects were genotyped. [•] Significant risk association was observed between the polymorphism and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: IL-18, a pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a major role in innate as well as acquired immunity, has been implicated in asthma etiology and this is the first study investigating the role of IL-18 −137G/C (rs 187238) promoter polymorphism in asthma pathogenesis in a North Indian population. Methods: A pilot study was conducted with a total of 824 subjects, out of which 410 were asthma patients including 323 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and 414 healthy controls from regions of North India. Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tetra-Primer ARMS PCR) was used for genotyping the IL-18 −137G/C polymorphism. Results: While the homozygous wild (GG) genotype was equally prevalent in asthma patients as well as control subjects (70.0%), the homozygous mutant (CC) genotype was more prevalent among the controls (8.0%) than in asthma patients (3.4%), which yielded a significant protection or decreased risk towards asthma. Statistical analysis revealed Odds Ratio (OR)=0.43 (95% CI=0.21–0.85), Chi2 (χ 2)=6.93 and p-value=0.008 (p <0.005). Moreover, a few asthma phenotypic traits also revealed significant protective associations with the polymorphism. Conclusions: The IL-18 −137G/C polymorphism confers a significant protection from asthma in the studied North Indian population. This is the first study to report the protective association of the polymorphism with the disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: According to the National Family Health Survey, asthma is one of the leading diseases in India. In order to understand the complexity of asthma, the susceptibility genes need to be targeted for their association. Glutathione S-transferases play a major role in the detoxification of metabolites of oxidative stress resulting in inflammation and asthma. In the present study, the hypothesis that GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma was examined. Methods: This is the first study to investigate the role of GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in asthma pathogenesis in a North Indian population. A total of 824 subjects were recruited, of which 410 were asthma patients, including 323 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. The other 414 recruits were healthy controls from regions of North India. Multiplex PCR was used for genotyping the GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms. Results: The GSTT1 null allele was more prevalent in asthma patients (40 %) than in the control subjects (13.3 %), which yielded a nearly fourfold risk towards asthma with odds ratio (OR) (95 % CI) = 4.35 (3.04-6.24), χ = 75.34, and p = 0.000. The GSTM1 polymorphism also revealed a greater prevalence of the GSTM1 null allele in asthma patients (46.6 %) than in controls (39.4 %). Statistical analysis yielded a marginal risk toward asthma with OR (95 % CI) = 1.34 (1.01-1.79), χ = 4.37, and p = 0.036. Conclusions: Polymorphisms as a result of deletions in the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes confer an increased risk towards asthma thereby suggesting the protective role of these functional genes in the development of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-Adrenergic receptor (βAR), a G-protein coupled receptor, is present on the bronchial smooth muscle cells and results in bronchodilation upon activation. The genetic factors determining βAR expression and function may not only alter the response of an individual to the therapy but also may serve as predictive markers for response to the agonists used in the therapy. The present study aimed at evaluating the role of βAR-16 and βAR-27 gene polymorphisms in asthma. Methods: A case-control study was performed with a total of 824 adult subjects, including 410 asthmatics and 414 healthy controls from regions of North India. The βAR-16 and βAR-27 polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Results: Statistical analysis for the βAR-16 polymorphism revealed that the mutant Gly16 allele was significantly associated with asthma, with OR = 0.80, 95 % CI = 0.65-0.99, and P = 0.032. The Gly16/Gly16 mutant genotype also confers decreased risk toward asthma, with OR = 0.65, 95 % CI = 0.41-1.02, and P = 0.049. However, the βAR-27 polymorphism was not associated with asthma as it did not reach statistical significance, with OR = 0.86, 95 % CI = 0.69-1.07, and P = 0.163. Conclusion: The βAR-16 polymorphism confers a decreased risk toward asthma while the βAR-27 polymorphism is not associated with asthma in the studied North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High serum MBL level as well as polymorphisms in the mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene resulting in MBL deficiency are involved in the mechanism of a number of non-infectious diseases such as asthma, conferring either risk or protection in different population studies. MBL being the first reactant of the MBL pathway is also a major determinant of the fate of the anaphylatoxins such as C3a and C5a, which are also pro-inflammatory mediators. The MBL2 gene polymorphisms thus control the serum levels of MBL as well as C3a and C5a. Objective: This is the first case-control study conducted in India, investigating the role of MBL2 codon 54 A/B polymorphism in asthma pathogenesis. Methods: A case-control study was performed with a total of 992 adult subjects, including 410 adult asthmatics and 582 healthy controls from regions of North India. The MBL2 codon 54 A/B polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Results: Statistical analysis for the codon 54 polymorphism revealed that the wild (A) allele was significantly associated with asthma with OR=1.9, 95% CI (1.4-2.4), and p< 0.001. Conclusion: The MBL2 codon 54 A/B polymorphism is significantly associated with asthma and its phenotypic traits as the wild (A/A) genotype confers a significant risk towards the disease in the studied North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is the most prevalent disease in India according to the national survey conducted by NFHS 2 in 1998-399. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is a bronchoconstriction inducing metabolite of arachidonic acid in the mast cells, which is produced on exposure to allergens and acts as a ligand for the Prostaglandin D2 Receptor (PTGDR). Polymorphisms in the PTGDR gene have been suggested to be involved in the mechanism of asthma. Objective: This is the first study conducted in India, investigating the role of PTGDR -441C/T} promoter polymorphism in asthma pathogenesis. Methods: A case-control study was performed with a total of 992 subjects, including 410 adult asthmatics and 582 healthy controls from regions of North India. The PTGDR -441C/T polymorphism was genotyped by Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tetra-Primer ARMS PCR). Results: Statistical analysis of the results between asthma cases and controls for the PTGDR -441C/T polymorphism showed Chi^{2} (χ ^{2})=0.29, OR=0.95, 95% CI (0.70-1.15) and p=0.599. Neither the genotypic nor the allelic frequencies observed for the PTGDR -441C/T polymorphism, were significantly associated with asthma or asthma phenotypes. Conclusions: The PTGDR -441C/T polymorphism is not associated with asthma or its phenotypes in the studied North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bacillus coagulans RCS3 isolated from hot water springs secreted five isozymes i.e. β-gal I–V of β-galactosidase. β-gal III isozyme was purified using DEAE cellulose and Sephadex G 100 column chromatography. Its molecular weight characterization showed a single band at 315kD in Native PAGE, while two subunits of 50.1 and 53.7kD in SDS PAGE. β-Gal III had pH optima in the range of 6–7 and temperature optima at 65°C. It preferred nitro-aryl-β-d-galactoside as substrate having K m of 4.16mM with ONPG. More than 85% and 80% hydrolysis of lactose (1–5%, w/v) was recorded within 48h of incubation at 55°C and 50°C respectively and pH range of 6–7. About 78–86% hydrolysis of lactose in various brands of standardized milk was recorded at incubation temperature of 50°C. These results marked the applications of β-gal III in processing of milk/whey industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Agricultural residues are spatially scattered in Punjab. The spatial distribution and associated costs on collection and transportation of this resource are the critical factor in planning the biomass based power plants. This paper presents a case study of Bathinda district of Punjab, using geographical information system to evaluate the feasibility of setting up biomass based power plants and optimizing their location. Mathematical models were developed to determine the storage and handling cost of agricultural residue. Geographical information system and non-linear optimization techniques were employed to locate appropriate sites and sizes of power plants. It was found that two power plants and their two collection centres are financially feasible. Power generation capacity is 20 MW (e). The fuel procurement area was in the range of less than 20 km. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Punjab, million of tons of agricultural biomass are being generated every year, but it is spatially scattered. The spatial distribution of this resource and the associated costs on collection and transportation are the major bottleneck in the success of biomass energy-conversion facilities. This paper deals with the mathematical model for collection and transporting the biomass from fields to biomass based power plant. The unit transport cost was calculated by using this model. Four systems of transport were conceptualized for two transport modes (tractor with wagon and truck). Three types of agricultural biomass (loose, baled and briquetted) were considered for transport analysis. For all modes of transport, it was observed that unit cost of transport decreases with increase in distance. The transport cost was least for briquetted biomass as compared to loose and baled biomass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Agricultural biomass has immense potential for power production in an Indian state like Punjab. A judicious use of biomass energy could potentially play an important role in mitigating environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources particularly global warming and acid rain. But the availability of agricultural biomass is spatially scattered. The spatial distribution of this resource and the associate costs of collection and transportation are major bottlenecks for the success of biomass energy conversion facilities. Biomass, being scattered and loose, has huge collection and transportation costs, which can be reduced by properly planning and locating the biomass collection centers for biomass-based power plants. Before planning the collection centers, it is necessary to evaluate the biomass, energy and collection cost of biomass in the field. In this paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the spatial potential of biomass with geographical information system (GIS) and a mathematical model for collection of biomass in the field has been developed. The total amount of unused agricultural biomass is about 13.73Mtyear−1. The total power generation capacity from unused biomass is approximately 900MW. The collection cost in the field up to the carrier unit is US$3.90t−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper emphasises the sense-making approach to the concept and practice of information literacy (IL). After discussing the meaning and purpose of IL, passing references are made to the IL standards, models, and rubrics. The information search process is emphasised in this paper. Nature and types of knowledge and learning have also been discussed. Expectations from INFLIBNET, vision of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC), and the UNESCO's Education for All, and Information for All Programmes have also been put into the context of IL. Finally, the paper suggests that IL programmes must be based upon the complexity and diversity of information communities, and cultural hegemony and intellectual imperialism should not be allowed to prevail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel strain of Bacillus sphaericus JS1 producing thermostable alkaline carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase; endo-1,4-b-glucanase, E.C. 3.2.1.4) was isolated from soil using Horikoshi medium at pH 9.5. CMCase was purified 192-fold by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography, with an overall recovery of 23%. The CMCase is a multimeric protein with a molecular weight estimated by native-PAGE of 183 kDa. Using SDS-PAGE a single band is found at 42 kDa. This suggests presence of four homogeneous polypeptides, which would differentiate this enzyme from other known alkaline cellulases. The activity of the enzyme was significantly inhibited by bivalent cations (Fe3+ and Hg2+, 1.0 mM each) and activated by Co2+, K+ and Na+. The purified enzyme revealed the products of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrolysis to be CM glucose, cellobiose and cellotriose. Thermostability, pH stability, good hydrolytic capability, and stability in the presence of detergents, surfactants, chelators and commercial proteases make this enzyme potentially useful in laundry detergents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the impact of ICTs, the Internet, and the Web on the life and work of people and mentions new services available through the convergence of computer and communication technologies. Also discussed are “digital determinism” in general and India''s growing “digital divide” in particular. The paper discusses the promises and perils of the digital revolution. Comments are made on the library and information infrastructure, superstructure, and digitization initiatives in India. The paper concludes with the observation that only a suitable national policy for library and information systems can contain the emerging “digital divide” in India. Otherwise, networked information and library networks will have no meaning for the 47·79% Indians who are totally illiterate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses challenges faced by South Asian libraries and information services in becoming part of the electronic global village. Impact of the Internet on libraries and information services; Status of networking among South Asian nations, such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Information and Library Network program in India; Updates on information work and librarianship.

Cytokines influence the biological behaviour of prostate cancer (PC) and may influence patient outcome and serve as useful prognostic biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate cytokine expression levels in prostatic needle biopsy specimens and the association with clinicopathological characteristics of patients with PC. A total of 18 patients with PC who underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy were included in the clinical study. These patients were naïve to radiotherapy (RT) or androgen deprivation therapy prior to TRUS biopsy and clinical follow up data was collected. Cytokine expression levels were analysed by using immunohistochemistry and Spearman's correlation test was used to determine the correlation between cytokine expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Expression levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 decreased as Gleason score (GS) increased; however, a statistically significant difference was not detected. A statically significant correlation was observed between needle biopsy specimen and pre-RT plasma sample expression levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 (P=0.01 and P=0.05, respectively) and anti-inflammatory TGF-β1 (P=0.05). However, further studies are needed to confirm these results using a larger sample size to confirm the prognostic value of pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 and anti-inflammatory TGF-β1 in patients with PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental practices generate a huge amount of biomedical waste (BMW) and dental waste contaminated with body fluids and many toxic chemicals. Improper handling of these wastes affects the surroundings and health of all living beings of that area. It is, therefore, important for budding dentists to be well versed with the existing rules and regulations of BMW management and the harmful effects of these wastes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among undergraduates, interns, and postgraduate students pursuing dentistry in a dental institute in Punjab. The responses of the student were recorded and analyzed statistically using Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: The mean knowledge score of the students about the segregation of BMW is significantly more than legislation (P = 0.003) and management (P = 0.03). The knowledge of preclinical students is found to be less than other students. More than 80% opined that and there should be a regular program on BMW management and it should be made a compulsory part of the college education. Conclusion: Although the knowledge of students attending patients is more than the preclinical students, their overall awareness is less than adequate. It is envisaged through this study that implementing BMW management to be a compulsory part of college education could help to fill the lacuna in the knowledge of the present scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic materials have the potential to replace the existing surface modification materials to combat the problem of cavitation erosion (CE), owing to their various capabilities like self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, anti-fogging, anti-icing, anti-fouling, and drag-reduction. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a hydrophobic material exhibits specific combination of properties such as low friction coefficient, chemically neutral, good impact strength and considerable thermal firmness, that allow PTFE to be used in a wide range of applications. Therefore, in this work, an effort has been made to explore the effect of thickness of hydrophobic PTFE coatings on CE of the hydro-machinery SS410 steel. Hydrophobic PTFE coatings with three variable thicknesses have been prepared on the hydro-machinery SS410 steel using sintering process. Using high-velocity submerged water jet cavitation erosion test rig, CE behaviour of PTFE coated and bare SS410 steel was evaluated under various combinations of operating parameters: namely jet velocity, stand-off distance (SOD), and impact angle. Contact angle was reported to be increased with the decrease in the thickness of PTFE layer, which may be due to the increased surface roughness of PTFE layer with decrease in thickness. CE resistance of PTFE coated material with a maximum thickness of 121 μm, was found to be highest for all the combinations of operating parameters, which may be attributed to its lowest fracture toughness and better cushioning effect. Further, it was observed that CE of the coated and SS410 steel was found to be maximum at the chosen maximum velocity, normal impact angle, and intermediate SOD. The signatures of pits with circular and elongated morphology were observed for normal and shallow impact angles, respectively. In case of lowest PTFE layer thickness, overlapped pits with relatively higher depth were observed, which might be responsible for higher CE of the same amongst all the PTFE coatings. • Cavitation erosion behaviour of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings with different thickness. • Maximum cavitation erosion for intermediate stand-off distance, maximum jet velocity, and normal impact angle. • 121 μm thick PTFE coating exhibited a higher cavitation erosion resistance. • The signatures of pits for SS410 steel with circular and elongated morphology were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

a-Amylase is an endoamylase catalysing the degradation of starch into maltose, maltotriose and glucose. The enzyme isolated from microbial sources possess unique properties of thermostability thus making it a useful tool in the detergent industry. Here, we explored a strain of thermophilic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis for its potential application in detergent industry. The B. licheniformis RA31 was isolated from soil samples of hot spring in Rampur district of Himachal Pradesh, India and grown on optimized media to produce thermostable a-amylase. The enzyme was ethanol precipitated, purified (12.93 fold, 55.52% yield and 621.93 U/mg specific activity) to homogeneity with a single band on SDS-PAGE (66 kDa) and native-PAGE (68 kDa). Purified enzyme displayed best activity in pH 8 buffer and ~80% activity was retained in pH 7 and 10. It showed temperature optima at 70°C. Its activity was decreased at 70°C (70% after 4 h), 80°C (65% after 4 h) and 90°C (50% after 1 h). The enzyme was stimulated (126%; 5 mM) by barium chloride. It was relatively stable in the presence of commercial detergents (109-125%), SDS (84%), Tween 20 (88%), EDTA (72%) and ß-ME (70% at 10 mM). Km and Vmax for the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch were 0.339 mg/mL and 1.450 mg/min, respectively. The enzyme revealed the highest specificity towards wheat starch granule (140% after 1 h) and SEM analysis displayed its biodegradation (2-10 h). Improved cleaning efficiency of potato curry stained fine cotton clothes were observed with enzyme assisted detergent advance treatment (0.02% w/v). The enzyme showed potential applications in detergent industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports published within the issue, including one which deals with Dewey Decimal Classification and Colon Classification, another which focuses on different approaches to knowledge organisation, and another which traces the development of cataloguing from Panizzi's Principles to Resource Description and Access (RDA).

The main purpose of the study is to explore the usage of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings to enhance slurry erosion (SE) resistance of hydro-machinery components. Although PTFE doesn't have enough hardness, however its hydrophobicity and good impact strength make it an interesting material to evaluate whether these properties could help in developing SE resistance in the parent hydro-machinery materials. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is one of the leading materials for developing hydrophobic surfaces, which has numerous desirable properties like low friction coefficient, chemically neutral, and considerable thermal firmness. Therefore, in the present study, hydrophobic coatings of PTFE having three different thicknesses were produced (by sintering process) on a hydro-machinery steel SS410. The effect of thickness of hydrophobic coatings on the SE was analysed by conducting SE tests on the coated and uncoated steel SS410 with different combinations of operating parameters; namely average erodent particle size, slurry concentration, impingement angle and impact velocity. A relative study of different thickness of PTFE coatings vis-à-vis the bare steel SS410 was also conducted with respect to hydrophobicity. PTFE coating with minimum thickness showed the lowest erosion rate as compared to its counterparts. Moreover, the PTFE coating with minimum thickness showed superhydrophobic behavior with a contact angle of 159°, which might have also imparted the best SE resistance. With regard to SE of all the candidate materials, impact velocity was found to be the most influencing operating parameter. • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings were successfully developed on SS410 steel. • A 60 μm-thick PTFE coating showed a super-hydrophobic behaviour with a CA of 159°. • The PTFE coating exhibited a high erosion resistance owing to super-hydrophobicity. • A schematic to correlate contact angle with erosion mechanism for PTFE coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual pathway reveals the connection between neuronal activity of the brain and eye. The neural networks of brain amplify the retinal signals resulting in the formation of visual image. The laser injury in the retina may affect the visual pathway and may lead to disruption of neuronal signals/activity. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of retinal injury induced by laser on cognitive abilities in laser-induced mouse model. We have established laser model to understand the relation between retina and brain by disrupting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer and evaluate the effect of laser-induced retinal injury on visuospatial memory. Age- and sex-matched C57BL/6J male mice were taken for conducting the experiments. The laser model was established by using laser photocoagulator to disrupt the RPE layer of the retina. After defined irradiation of laser onto mouse retina, the fundus fluorescein angiography was performed to confirm the laser spots. The visuospatial and short-term memory was performed using neurobehavioral test, that is, Morris water maze (MWM), and passive avoidance, respectively. In MWM experiment, results showed that escape latency time, which was taken by healthy and laser-injured mice was comparable. This was further validated by another neurobehavioral analysis, that is, passive avoidance that showed nonsignificant difference between these two groups using independent t -test. Visuospatial memory may not be affected by retinal injury induced by laser photocoagulation. It may depend on the power of the laser and duration of the laser. The severe injury in the retina such as optic nerve damage may cause dysfunctioning of visual pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconel 625 was cladded on EN-8 along with the blending of TiC powder (10%, 20%, and 30%) by utilizing the hybrid-mode Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process, with an aim to increase the resistance against abrasive wear of tillage tools. Cladded specimens with maximum blending of 30% TiC showed superior wear resistance owing to higher microhardness and formation of elongated dendrites. However, the coefficient of friction enhanced with the addition of TiC particles. Specimen with oblique orientation showed better wear resistance owing to irregular and stronger grain orientation. Composite clads with TiC blend have been worn out with mixed mode of failure comprising of plastic deformation at Inconel 625 pool sites and no penetration in high TiC content regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a drastic increase in the number of people suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) worldwide with Indians being no exception. Being a developing country and experiencing a dramatic shift in lifestyle and eating habits, urbanization and industrialization, all these factors have collectively predisposed the Indian population towards CAD and the prevalence data are quite alarming. Genetic studies have disclosed the role of genes in CAD susceptibility and severity. One such gene is proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) which is sought to modulate the cholesterol levels and hence, has implications in CAD. We aim to explore the association of PCSK9 A/G (rs505151) polymorphism and hence, the susceptibility towards CAD in the north Indian population. Five-hundred angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 500 healthy individuals as control were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association with the G allele with odds ratio (OR)=1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.22-1.85 and P=0.000. Also, a strong association was observed for CAD risk with OR=1.590, 95% CI=1.106-2.284 and P=0.012. However, the homozygous GG mutant genotype was found to be completely absent from our population. Analysis of the dominant model also revealed an association with CAD risk. Our work demonstrated for the first time the association of PCSK9 A/G (rs505151) polymorphism with CAD risk in the north Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manuscript reports plasticizer-mediated conversion of poly(ε-caprolactone) hollow particles into microcapsules followed by encapsulation and sustained release of doxorubicin from the microcapsules through a progressive approach. Plasticizer molecules account for increased mobility of polymer chains. Chloroform was observed to be the best plasticizer for potential transformation of the hollow particles into microcapsules, compared to 1,4-dioxane, and toluene. In the next step, an anticancer drug doxorubicin was encapsulated in the hollow particles in presence of chloroform. In vitro release of drug from the microcapsules in phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) demonstrated sustained release pattern over 15 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the challenge of enhancing aluminum substrates with AlN coatings for improved durability. Novel RF-sputtered AlN coatings were developed, demonstrating deposition with equiaxed crystals and a predominant presence of aluminum and nitrogen. The coatings exhibited hydrophobic properties as shown by contact angle measurements. Cavitation erosion resistance was systematically analyzed, revealing optimal parameters for minimizing mass loss, including jet velocity, impingement angle, and stand-off distance, thereby showcasing the protective role of the RF-sputtered AlN coating. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) provided insights into the correlation between operational parameters and mass loss, leading to process optimization with specific mass loss values and high desirability percentages. XPS analysis of corroded AlN on Al-6061 revealed aluminum compounds, sodium, NaCl, and oxidation products, aligning with SEM/EDS results and confirming the coating's effectiveness in mitigating corrosion. Carbon and oxygen were the most abundant elements by weight and peak area. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the multifaceted performance and protective capabilities of RF-sputtered AlN coatings. [Display omitted] • RF-sputtered AlN coating: non-homogeneous and porosity-free • XPS analysis of corroded AlN on Al-6061 revealed aluminum compounds, sodium, NaCl, and oxidation products. • AlN coating shows improved water contact angle, implying superior wettability behavior. • RF-sputtered AlN demonstrates approximately 1.5 times lesser erosion compared to uncoated substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]