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Research involving human subjects in ambulatory settings is a critical link in the chain comprising translational research, spanning preclinical research to human subject and patient cohort studies. There are presently a wide array of techniques and approaches available to investigators wishing to study blood flow, perfusion, and vascular structure and function in human subjects. In this multi-sectioned review, we discuss capillaroscopy, carotid intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilation, laser Doppler flowmetry, near-infrared spectroscopy, peripheral arterial tonometry, pulse wave velocity, retinal fundus imaging, and vascular plethysmography. Each section contains a general overview and the physical basis of the technique followed by a discussion of the procedures involved and the necessary equipment, with attention paid to specific requirements or limitations. Subsequently, we detail which aspects of vascular function can be studied with a given technique, the analytical approach to the collected data, and the appropriate application and limitation(s) to the interpretation of the data collected. Finally, a modified scoping review provides a summary of how each assessment technique has been applied in previous studies. It is anticipated that this review will provide an efficient source of information and insight for preclinical investigators seeking to add translational aspects to their research programs.

The significance of advanced smart materials in recent technological research and advancement is apparent from its extensive use in present day devices and instruments. Of the various smart materials in use today, the fascinating category of shape memory alloys (SMAs) is equipped with the ability to return to a previously memorized shape under certain thermomechanical or magnetic stimuli. The unique property of shape memory effect and superelasticity displayed by these materials along with good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance make them ideal for biomedical applications. The various applications of SMAs in surgical instruments, surgical implants, and assistive and rehabilitative devices have significant effect on the day to day life of people in the present age. Majority of these biomedical devices belong to the orthodontic, orthopedic, or surgical fields. Other remarkable applications of SMAs such as in the production of prostheses and orthoses designed through the biomimetic approach are also highly influential in improving the quality of life. The present paper provides an overview of the various properties of shape memory alloys and their applications in the biomedical field over the years, that have had a significant impact on the realm of medical science.

Supplemental Material for Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality, Ethnic Identity, and Romantic Attachment in Asian American Emerging Adults by Radhika N. Parekh, Carolyn McNamara Barry, Beth A. Kotchick, Cara H. Jacobson, and Joseph A. Stewart-Sicking in Emerging Adulthood

PURPOSE To demonstrate the need for developing standardized healthcare transition plans for persons with severe forms of thalassemia as life expectancy continues to improve. DESIGN AND METHODS This study utilized an original questionnaire to explore the factors that determined whether individuals residing in North America transferred their thalassemia care from a pediatric to an adult specialist, and what components they believed should be included in a healthcare transition plan. RESULTS Approximately one-third of respondents remained under the care of a pediatric hematologist, most commonly citing the thalassemia knowledge of the specialist as their reason for not transferring their care. Additionally, this group also reported more thalassemia-related services available at their healthcare facility, better access to flexible hours for blood transfusions and increased satisfaction with their care. Adults with thalassemia recommend enhanced communication between patient and provider and building opportunities for patients to assume the role of self advocate as key components for a healthcare transition plan. CONCLUSIONS There is an inconsistency in the transfer-of-care experience of adults with severe forms of thalassemia living in North America. Development of a healthcare transition program would benefit from the input of those who have gone through this process. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A well informed healthcare transition program can enhance the quality of life of those with thalassemia. The training and educational background of nurses and genetic counselors make them uniquely qualified to guide patients on how to advocate for themselves and to ensure continuity of care during a healthcare transition.

A vital role in mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC) involves conservation education programs in local communities. It is therefore important to assess the types of information that make conservation education programs effective. Given the public's fascination with animal minds, the elephant being a cognitively complex species, and the high occurrence of HEC surrounding Asian elephants, the current research assessed whether using information on elephant cognition in a conservation education program increased positive attitudes toward elephants/elephant conservation in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP). BNP, located in Karnataka, India, is an area reporting high HEC. Results indicated no significant difference in adult male villagers' attitudes toward elephants/elephant conservation when exposed to one of two educational programs, one of which included information on elephant cognition. However, a significant difference in attitudes between the two programs and a control group was discovered, suggesting the importance of an educational intervention in the communities surrounding BNP.

Introduction: -Oral candidiasis is an infection of oral cavity caused by an over growth of candida species. The proportions of yeast in the periodontal pockets are similar to some of periodontal bacteria, thus suggesting the possible role of Candida species in pathogenesis of periodontal pocket. The plant extract such as garlic and propolis, contain bioactive components which act against these organisms with no or less side effects than by the conventional antibiotics. Objectives: - To evaluate the efficacy of garlic and propolis extracts against candida albicans and compare it with Amphotericin-B as control at 3 different concentrations Methodology: - Subgingival plaque samples were collected and selectively cultivated for candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity of propolis and garlic was assessed and compared with Amphotericin-B. Conclusion: Garlic extract can be used as a potent agent in the eradication of candida albicans in chronic periodontitis patient.

Patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) can develop hypoxemia and hypercapnia during exercise. However, there is limited literature on cardiorespiratory responses during submaximal exercise and their correlation with paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) genotype.To assess oxygen saturation (SpOIn this cross-sectional study, subjects with CCHS performed 6MWT with continuous pulse oximetry, HR, and capnography recorded before and during the 6MWT. Medical records were reviewed for PHOX2B genotype and phenotype data. Patients were categorized based on PHOX2B genotype and AV via tracheostomy.Fifteen subjects aged 10.5 (interquartile range 7.9-16.2) years completed the 6MWT. Nine subjects used AV via tracheostomy. Seven (47%) subjects developed hypoxemia (SpODespite normal oxygenation and ventilation at rest and during sleep on AV, patients with CCHS can develop hypoxemia and hypercapnia during submaximal exercise. Our study highlights the importance of assessing ventilatory responses during submaximal exercise in patients with CCHS regardless of their PHOX2B genotype.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that is widespread in many regions of the world. Early diagnosis through screening and preventive treatments are known to reduce mortality in the case of sickle cell disease (SCD). In addition, the screening of individuals with the largely asymptomatic condition of sickle cell trait (SCT) is necessary to curtail the genetic propagation of the disease. However, the cost and complexity of conventional diagnostic methods limit the feasibility of early diagnosis of SCD and SCT in resource-limited areas worldwide. Recently, our group developed a low-cost UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy based diagnostic test for SCD and SCT. Here, we propose an AutoML based approach to classify the raw spectra data obtained from the developed UV-Vis spectroscopy technique with high accuracy. The proposed approach can detect the presence of sickle hemoglobin with 100% sensitivity and 93.84% specificity. This study demonstrates the potential utility of the machine learning-based absorbance spectroscopy test for deployment in mass screening programs in resource-limited settings.

The objective was to study the wear behaviour of titanium nitride deposited onto 6061 aluminium alloy by DC magnetron sputtering technique. The coating on the aluminium substrate was characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. The hardness of the uncoated and coated aluminium specimens was tested using Vickers hardness tester and the results revealed that coated specimens had 26 % improvement compared to uncoated samples. The dry sliding wear behaviour of the titanium nitride coated aluminium specimens was investigated using pin on disc tribometer by response surface methodology. Five level central composite design was utilized and experiments were conducted by varying the wear process parameters such as load, velocity and sliding distance within the range 15 to 45 N, 1.5 to 4.5 m/s and 500 to 1500 m respectively. Wear test results revealed that increase in load increases the wear rate and increase in velocity and sliding distance decreases the wear rate. The developed model was validated through the comparison of experimental and model values which yields an error within 3 % confirms that the model was adequate. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to analyze the worn surfaces to study the wear mechanisms.

Purpose Many childhood diseases often present with skin abnormalities with which radiologists are largely unfamiliar. Knowledge of associated dermatologic manifestations may aid the radiologist in confirming the diagnosis and recommending targeted imaging of affected organs. Methods We review the imaging findings in childhood diseases associated with dermatologic manifestations. Findings Diseases include dermatologic findings which herald underlying malignancy (Neuroblastoma, leukemia/lymphoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis),are associated with risk of malignancy (Epidermolysis Bullosa, basal cell nevus syndrome, Cowden's syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis),or indicate a systemic inflammatory/immune disorder (Kawasaki's disease, Henoch Schonlein Purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis and immune thrombocytopenic purpura). Conclusion Familiarity with pertinent findings in childhood diseases presenting with dermatologic manifestations in childhood diseases aids the radiologist in confirming the diagnosis and guiding imaging workup.

The vertebrate immune response comprises multiple molecular and cellular components that interface to provide defense against pathogens. Because of the dynamic complexity of the immune system and its interdependent innate and adaptive functionality, an understanding of the whole-organism response to pathogen exposure remains unresolved. Zebrafish larvae provide a unique model for overcoming this obstacle, because larvae are protected against pathogens while lacking a functional adaptive immune system during the first few weeks of life. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to immune agonists for various lengths of time, and a microarray transcriptome analysis was executed. This strategy identified known immune response genes, as well as genes with unknown immune function, including the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif-9 (Trim9). Although trim9 expression was originally described as “brain specific,” its expression has been reported in stimulated human Mϕs. In this study, we found elevated levels of trim9 transcripts in vivo in zebrafish Mϕs after immune stimulation. Trim9 has been implicated in axonal migration, and we therefore investigated the impact of Trim9 disruption on Mϕ motility and found that Mϕ chemotaxis and cellular architecture are subsequently impaired in vivo. These results demonstrate that Trim9 mediates cellular movement and migration in Mϕs as well as neurons.

Background: Promotion of maternal health should be an integrated approach comprising adequate planning of pregnancy coupled with the awareness of the available maternal and child health services and its utilization. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) among antenatal and postnatal women and to assess the factors related to it. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 antenatal and postnatal women attending a tertiary care hospital of Karad. Antenatal women in their third trimester and postnatal women up to Postnatal day-7 were included. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained before the commencement of the study. All the women were interviewed after their informed consent using the appropriately validated and modified BPACR tool developed with respect to the Indian setup. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out to determine the various associated factors with BPACR. Results: The study population comprised 55.5% antenatal mothers and 44.5% postnatal mothers. The BPACR index was found to be 59.56, and the maximum had a good BPACR 208 (52%). There was poor knowledge regarding blood transfusion, danger signs, and available community resources. A higher level of education had a statistically significant association with BPACR (46.2%) in women educated above high school). Women belonging to the upper class had two times, and postnatal women had 2.02 times increased chances for a good BPACR. Conclusion: An inclusion of components related to BPACR during pregnancy will improve timely and adequate access to healthcare, better management of complications, and thereby improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.

LM25 aluminium alloy reinforced with 15 wt% SiO2 metal matrix composite was fabricated by liquid metallurgy technique. Microstructure of the fabricated composite specimen was observed using inverted metallurgical microscope and result showed uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in the matrix. The dry sliding wear behaviour of LM25/SiO2 composite was analyzed by conducting experiments using pin-on-disc tribometer. Taguchi’s method was used for designing the number of experiments and L16 orthogonal array was developed for wear analysis. Optimization of parameters like applied load (10 N, 20 N, 30 N, 40 N), sliding velocity (0.5 m/s, 1 m/s, 1.5 m/s, 2 m/s) and sliding distance (500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m) was done using Signal-to-Noise ratio analysis and Analysis of Variance. ‘smaller-the-better’ characteristic was chosen to analyze the dry sliding wear behaviour. Results found that load (69.17 %) had the highest impact on wear rate followed by sliding velocity (18.04 %) and sliding distance (1.5 %). The regression equation was developed and it was validated with confirmatory experiment. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis was done to observe the mechanism of the worn out composite specimen and found more delamination at the load of 40 N.

Correction for ‘Endoplasmic reticulum targeted chemotherapeutics: the remarkable photo-cytotoxicity of an oxovanadium(iv) vitamin-B6 complex in visible light’ by Samya Banerjee et al., Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 5590–5592.

Key teaching points • Muir-Torre Syndrome (MTS) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome that results from a mutation in mismatch repair genes. It is characterized by sebaceous neoplasms, keratoacanthomas, and visceral neoplasm(s) affecting the colon, uterus, ovaries, bladder, or other organs. • Mismatch repair immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability testing of sebaceous neoplasms are available to confirm a diagnosis of MTS. • Early recognition of cutaneous features of MTS could lead to early diagnosis and prevention of advanced neoplasms in patients and family members.

Here, first-principles density functional theory calculations are presented which reveal how water incorporation in hybrid halide perovskite [CH3NH3]PbI3 (MAPbI3) catalyzes the phase transition to the ([CH3NH3]PbI3.H2O edge-sharing) monohydrate (colorless) phase, eliminating its favorable photovoltaic properties. First, fundamental chemical and electrostatic interactions between water and each component of MAPbI3 are analyzed, demonstrating their dependence on water concentration. Second, the energetics of incorporated water is explored, leading to the discovery of spontaneous phase segregation into dry regions and regions with more than one water per formula unit—termed the “super-hydrous state.” Third, the properties of the super-hydrous state are analyzed, including the acceleration of octahedron breaking and rearrangement by the high water density. This reveals the phase transformation to be a bulk process, initiated at the super-hydrous regions. This paper concludes with a discussion of how this super-hydrous model explains disparate recent experimental observations concerning the water-induced transition from (black) perovskite to edge-sharing PbI2 (yellow) phase.

In sit u gels are one of the most successful means of delivering the drug at ocular site with maximum bioavailability, which undergoes gelation upon instillation as drops into the eye due to physicochemical changes inherent to the biological fluids. The main aim of the present investigation was to obtain an ophthalmic drug delivery system with improved mucoadhesive and mechanical properties that could provide extended retention time for the treatment of ocular infections. For this in situ gels of Gemifloxacin Mesy late comprised of the combination of a thermosetting polymer, polaxamer with a mucoadhesive agent chitosan was developed. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry techniques (DSC) were performed to know the compa tibilities between drug and polymer. FTIR spectra and DSC thermograph of Gemifloxacin Mesylate formulations showed that there is no chemical interaction between drug and polymer and confirmed the stability of the drug. The gels were evaluated for pH, Gel s trength, Gelling capacity, Rheology, Drug content uniformity and Ocular irritancy studies . In vitro drug release studies reveal that all the formulations showed sustained release of the drug in the range of 70.82 to 76.43 % for a period of 8 h . The optimiz ed formulation was tested for ocular irritation study on male albino rabbit and the result indicated that the formulation was well tolerated, non - irritating and therapeutically efficacious. In conclusion in situ gelling systems containing polaxamer / chito san solution are viable alternative to enhance bioavailability thus leads to an excellent potential alternative ophthalmic sustained - release formulation of Gemifloxacin Mesylate

1and it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Majority of global burden of this disease is occurs in developing countries. Although rates are declining in many developed countries, the disease has shown an increasing trend in developing and transitional countries, partly as a result of increasing longevity, urbanization, and lifestyle changes 2,3 Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are among the most common infectious diseases in humans caused by bacteria and bacterial products of dental plaque. It has been hypothesized that the chronic inflammatory burden of periodontal diseases and the host response to this inflammation may be involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. A number of studies in recent years have attempted to examine the potential relationship between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Several prospective studies have demonstrated a significant association between periodontal infection and atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease. In addition, several case-control and cross-sectional studies with different populations measuring periodontal diseases and clinical endpoints have found similar association 4-6 . However based on current evidence the association between periodontal diseases and coronary heart disease remains controversial 7 . The results of the epidemiological studies demonstrated that periodontal diseases are the most common infectious diseases in the world and are caused by dental plaque microorganisms, the effects of which are modified by other important local and systemic factors. Chronic periodontitis is a common disease that can occur in most age groups. The most prevalent are among adults and seniors worldwide. 8

Import-Karyopherin or Importin proteins bind nuclear localization signals (NLSs) to mediate the import of proteins into the cell nucleus. Karyopherin β2 or Kapβ2, also known as Transportin, is a member of this transporter family responsible for the import of numerous RNA binding proteins. Kapβ2 recognizes a targeting signal termed the PY-NLS that lies within its cargos to target them through the nuclear pore complex. The recognition of PY-NLS by Kapβ2 is conserved throughout eukaryotes. Kap104, the Kapβ2 homolog in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, recognizes PY-NLSs in cargos Nab2, Hrp1, and Tfg2. We have determined the crystal structure of Kapβ2 bound to the PY-NLS of the mRNA processing protein Nab2 at 3.05-Å resolution. A seven-residue segment of the PY-NLS of Nab2 is observed to bind Kapβ2 in an extended conformation and occupies the same PY-NLS binding site observed in other Kapβ2·PY-NLS structures.

Objectives: To present 17 natal/neonatal teeth in 15 patients and describe their clinical characteristics, associated disorders, complications and treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of neonates who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, India, between 2003 and 2006 was carried out. It was a study of clinical data, such as the age and gender of the patients, the history and chief complaints of mothers, the clinical appearance and location of natal/neonatal teeth, and associated complications and treatments. Results: A total of 17 teeth (6 natal, 11 neonatal) were found in 15 patients. No significant gender predilection (8 male, 7 female) was found. Sixteen natal/neonatal teeth were placed in mandibular incisor area (10 on the right side and 6 on the left side) and one tooth in the maxillary incisor area. In 13 patients, the occurrence of natal/neonatal teeth was unilateral, and in 2 patients, it was bilateral. Three cases were associated with enamel hypoplasia, 3 cases with Riga-Fede disease, and 1 case with gingival hyperplasia. One case involved a patient with cleft lip and palate. Radiographic examination confirmed these teeth to be supernumerary, and all teeth exhibited hypermobility. Extraction had been done in all the cases. Eleven of the extracted teeth exhibited only rudimentary roots, and six teeth showed no roots. Conclusions: The occurrence of a natal/neonatal tooth is a rare phenomenon. When it occurs, the teeth have a variety of clinical characteristics and lead to different complications. Knowledge of the management of these structures is essential for the overall well being of a child. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:168-172)

Both inhibitory and activating forms of natural killer (NK) cell receptors are found in mammals. The activating receptors play a direct role in the recognition of virally infected or transformed cells and transduce activating signals into the cell by partnering with an adaptor protein, which contains a cytoplasmic activation motif. Activating NK receptors encoded by the mammalian leukocyte receptor complex (e.g., killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors) and the natural killer complex (e.g., Ly49s) partner with the adaptor protein DAP12, whereas NK receptors encoded in the CD94/NKG2 complex partner with the adaptor protein DAP10. Novel immune-type receptors (NITRs) found in bony fish share several common features with immunoglobulin-type NK receptors. Nitr9 is a putative activating receptor in zebrafish that induces cytotoxicity within the context of human NK cells. One isoform of Nitr9, Nitr9L, is shown here to preferentially partner with a zebrafish ortholog of Dap12. Cross-linking the Nitr9L-Dap12 complex results in activation of the phosphytidylinositol 3-kinase--AKT--extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway suggesting that the DAP12-based activating pathway is conserved between bony fish and mammals.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has many known aetiologies. However, using current diagnostic testing, a large fraction of recurrent pregnancy losses remain unexplained. Many of these may have immune underpinnings. HLA-G is a non-classical MHC class I product whose fairly restricted expression at the maternal-fetal interface suggests a role in successful embryonic implantation and/or subsequent pregnancy maintenance. The study of immune-mediated RPL should be enhanced by comparing groups of idiopathic RPL patients with normal fetal chromosomes to RPL patients with known chromosomal abnormalities in their index pregnancies. We hypothesized that if alteration of HLA-G expression at the maternal-fetal interface were associated with immune-mediated RPL, such changes might be detectable using these comparisons. HLA-G protein expression at the maternal-fetal interface in maternal and gestational age-matched women with history of idiopathic RPL and normal male fetuses were compared with expression in RPL patients with known fetal trisomy 16 in their index pregnancy. We detected no significant quantitative differences in the levels of HLA-G between these groups of RPL patients. Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that HLA-G expression is not a major immunological determinant of pregnancy maintenance among patients with idiopathic RPL.

Nowadays in our country, the Green Building and Sustainable development is increasing swiftly. It is now well proven fact that the built environment and construction sector is as much a contributor to the Global Warming. The concept and Economics of Green Building is the main focus of our study. This paper explains the concept of Green Building, Benefits and study of Green building in our country. This paper includes the comparison of green building with conventional building with respect to economy and resource saving. It also includes study of existing green building, by carrying out survey with respect to energy saving, operating cost, saving in electricity, water etc. we are showing this comparison. Finally, this paper aims at raising awareness not only within the building sector but in all social bodies to creating green environment.

The novel immune-type receptors (NITRs), which have been described in numerous bony fish species, are encoded by multigene families of inhibitory and activating receptors and are predicted to be functional orthologs to the mammalian natural killer cell receptors (NKRs). Within the zebrafish NITR family, nitr9 is the only gene predicted to encode an activating receptor. However, alternative RNA splicing generates three distinct nitr9 transcripts, each of which encodes a different isoform. Although nitr9 transcripts have been detected in zebrafish lymphocytes, the specific hematopoietic lineage(s) that expresses Nitr9 remains to be determined. In an effort to better understand the role of NITRs in zebrafish immunity, anti-Nitr9 monoclonal antibodies were generated and evaluated for the ability to recognize the three Nitr9 isoforms. The application of these antibodies to flow cytometry should prove to be useful for identifying the specific lymphocyte lineages that express Nitr9 and may permit the isolation of Nitr9-expressing cells that can be directly assessed for cytotoxic (e.g. NK) function., Journal Article, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Although emotions have proven difficult to define, they nonetheless influence the lives of humans and non-human animals. Processing emotions is particularly important for members of species with dynamic social lives. For such animals, the ability to recognize and respond to the emotional states of others facilitates successful social interactions. For example, dolphins live in dynamic fission/fusion societies, and it seems likely that dolphins are sensitive to the emotional states of other dolphins. In this chapter, we consider the evidence for emotional states and emotional recognition in dolphins from a comparative perspective. This includes a discussion of methodologies used to study emotions in animals as well as a consideration of the overlap between animal personality research and animal emotion research. We conclude that there are many challenges facing those who study animal emotions, but also believe that a better understanding of animal emotions will increase our understanding of animal behavior and our ability to improve the welfare of wild animals in captivity and domestic animals.

Objectives: To present 17 natal/neonatal teeth in 15 patients and describe their clinical characteristics, associated disorders, complications and treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of neonates who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, India, between 2003 and 2006 was carried out. It was a study of clinical data, such as the age and gender of the patients, the history and chief complaints of mothers, the clinical appearance and location of natal/neonatal teeth, and associated complications and treatments. Results: A total of 17 teeth (6 natal, 11 neonatal) were found in 15 patients. No significant gender predilection (8 male, 7 female) was found. Sixteen natal/neonatal teeth were placed in mandibular incisor area (10 on the right side and 6 on the left side) and one tooth in the maxillary incisor area. In 13 patients, the occurrence of natal/neonatal teeth was unilateral, and in 2 patients, it was bilateral. Three cases were associated with enamel hypoplasia, 3 cases with Riga-Fede disease, and 1 case with gingival hyperplasia. One case involved a patient with cleft lip and palate. Radiographic examination confirmed these teeth to be supernumerary, and all teeth exhibited hypermobility. Extraction had been done in all the cases. Eleven of the extracted teeth exhibited only rudimentary roots, and six teeth showed no roots. Conclusions: The occurrence of a natal/neonatal tooth is a rare phenomenon. When it occurs, the teeth have a variety of clinical characteristics and lead to different complications. Knowledge of the management of these structures is essential for the overall well being of a child.

Certain group I introns insert into intronless DNA via an endonuclease that creates a double-strand break (DSB). There are two models for intron homing in phage: synthesis-dependent strand annealing (SDSA) and double-strand break repair (DSBR). The Cr.psbA4 intron homes efficiently from a plasmid into the chloroplast psbA gene in Chlamydomonas, but little is known about the mechanism. Analysis of co-transformants selected using a spectinomycin-resistant 16S gene (16S spec ) provided evidence for both pathways. We also examined the consequences of the donor DNA having only one-sided or no homology with the psbA gene. When there was no homology with the donor DNA, deletions of up to 5 kb involving direct repeats that flank the psbA gene were obtained. Remarkably, repeats as short as 15 bp were used for this repair, which is consistent with the single-strand annealing (SSA) pathway. When the donor had one-sided homology, the DSB in most co-transformants was repaired using two DNAs, the donor and the 16S spec plasmid, which, coincidentally, contained a region that is repeated upstream of psbA. DSB repair using two separate DNAs provides further evidence for the SDSA pathway. These data show that the chloroplast can repair a DSB using short dispersed repeats located proximally, distally, or even on separate molecules relative to the DSB. They also provide a rationale for the extensive repertoire of repeated sequences in this genome.

AIM : To establish Inter-rater and Intra-rater reliability of star excursion balance test (SEBT) in children of age 12-16 yrs Objective : To establish Inter-rater and Intra-rater reliability of SEBT for balance assessment in anterior, antero-lateral, lateral, postero-lareral, posterior, postero-medial, antero-medial direction Methodology : 200 healthy children between the ages of 12-16years without any obvious motor, sensory or neurological problem that would affect balance were selected. The format and procedure of performing the star excursion balance test was explained them.Test procedure ,assessment and result interpretation were standardized for both examiners .The children were assessed using SEBT on first day by both examiners to test inter- rater reliability and by first examiner after 6 days to test intra rater reliability. Data obtained was analyzed using interclass coefficient. Result : The ICC ranged from 0.59-0.95 for SEBT scores of both examiners and 0.68-0.95 for SEBT scores evaluated by same examiner on 1st day and 7th day. Conclusion : SEBT has shown moderate to excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability under standardized conditions. Thus it can be used to assess balance in children of 12-16yrs.

This paper involves the optimization of input process parameters in Electric Discharge Machining of Aluminium hybrid Metal Matrix Composite. Aluminium AlSi10Mg alloy reinforced with 9 %wt. alumina and 3 %wt. graphite particles fabricated through liquid metallurgy route was used for machining. Experiments were conducted in an Electric Discharge Machine and the influence of input process parameters such as Peak current, Pulse-on time and Flushing pressure during machining of aluminium composite was studied. The objective was to obtain a minimum surface roughness with minimum tool wear rate and maximum material removal rate. Multi-objective optimization of the input process parameters was performed by employing Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm hybrid optimization technique. The results obtained provide a pareto-optimal solution set that offers a set of non-dominated solutions that can be used in a practical situation by a decision maker.

Functionally graded LM13 aluminium/10wt% TiS2 composite was fabricated by centrifugal casting method and hollow cylindrical part has the dimension of 150x150x20 mm was obtained. The microstructural evaluation and vicker’s micro-hardness test was carried out on the surfaces at the distance of 1, 6, 12 and 18 mm from the outer surface of functionally graded composites. The microstructural investigation reveals that the TiS2 reinforcement particles concentrated more on the outer periphery and less at the inner periphery of the composite. The hardness of the composite surface increases at the particle rich region of outer periphery and decreases towards inner region. The dry sliding wear experiments were conducted on the composite specimens as per plan of Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array design. The parameters considered were load, sliding velocity, sliding distance and distance from outer periphery of the composite, varied for four levels. Signal- to- Noise ratio and Analysis of Variance were carried out and the significance test revealed that distance from outer periphery had major impact (43.11 %) followed by sliding distance (31.19 %), load (16.59 %), and sliding velocity (7.33 %). Adequacy of model was predicted through regression equation and the error was found to be less than 8 %. The scanning electron microscope analysis carried out for the worn-out surfaces showed maximum wear resistance of the functionally graded composite at outer periphery.

Metal matrix composites utilises the combined properties of the constituent material that finds applications in various fields. The present study investigates the influence of peak current, flushing pressure and pulse-on time on Electrical Discharge Machining of AlSi10Mg alloy reinforced with 3 wt% graphite and 9 wt% alumina hybrid metal matrix composites. Taguchi’s Design of Experiment was used to analyse the machining characteristics of hybrid composites. Analysis of Variance and Signal-to-Noise ratio were used to determine the influence of input process parameters on the surface roughness, material removal rate and tool wear rate. Signal to Noise ratio and Analysis of Variance revealed that peak current was the most influential parameter on surface roughness followed by pulse on time and flushing pressure. For material removal rate, the major parameter was flushing pressure followed by peak current and pulse on time. The most significant parameter of tool wear rate was pulse on time followed by peak current and flushing pressure. Interaction terms also have significant effect on their output responses.

Aluminium/alumina/graphite hybrid metal matrix composites manufactured using stir casting technique was subjected to machining studies to predict tool condition during machining. Fresh tool as well as tools with specific amount of wear deliberately created prior to machining experiments was used. Vibration signals were acquired using an accelerometer for each tool condition. These signals were then processed to extract statistical and histogram features to predict the tool condition during machining. Two classifiers namely, Random Forest and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) were used to classify the tool condition. Results showed that histogram features with Random Forest classifier yielded maximum efficiency in predicting the tool condition. This machine learning approach enables the prediction of tool failure in advance, thereby minimizing the unexpected breakdown of tool and machine.

Functionally graded aluminium (Al-Si5Cu3) metal matrix composite reinforced with 10 wt-percent of boron carbide particles having average size of 33 µm was synthesized through horizontal centrifugal casting method. The specimen of length 150 mm and outer diameter of 154 mm with the thickness of 20 mm was produced under the centrifuging speed of 1000 rpm. Composite specimens were prepared as per ASTM standards from the casting and subjected to microstructural evaluation, hardness testing and three body abrasion wear test. The microstructural observation was done on the surfaces at the distance of 1, 2.5, 10 and 15 mm from the outer periphery of the casting and the result shows that larger amount of particles observed at distance of 2.5 mm and very less particles observed at the distance of 15 mm. The hardness test was conducted on the different surfaces in the radial direction from the outer periphery and found decrease in hardness from 2.5 to 15 mm. The abrasion wear test was conducted using dry abrasion tester for various loads of 28, 40 and 52 N at different distances from the outer periphery of the casting and the results revealed that wear rate gradually increases when moving towards the inner periphery and also with the increasing load. Therefore higher wear resistance was observed at the outer periphery and the lower wear resistance was obtained at the inner periphery. This property makes them suitable for using in wear applications such as in cylinder liners.