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ABSTRACT Polyurea is a synthetic high-strength elastomeric coating that can be sprayed over existing structures for protection against weathering effects. In view of the fast kinetics associated with the isocyanate-amine [...]

The behaviour of composite columns with prefabricated self-compacting mortar, stay-in-place (SCM-SIP) formwork, and grouted with reinforced concrete having two grads; the first normal-strength (NSC) and the second with high-strength concrete (HSC) was investigated. Twenty-four RC composite columns with two types of cross-sections [square and circular], filled with two types of concrete grads using formwork thickness of 10-mm, and one layer of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) confinement were tested under axial compressive load. The infilled concrete grades were NSC with 36.64 MPa and HSC with 61.46 MPa. The results show that the enhancement ratios in the strength of composite columns for specimens with HSC concrete cores as percentages from the reference specimens were lower than their counterparts with NSC ones. While using square cross-section-shaped columns showed lower axial strength and strain capacities than the circular one. Peeling failure between SCM-SIP form and core concrete might have been a plausible failure mode during the design and testing stages because of differential material properties or poor interface bonding, which could lead to delamination under mechanical loads. However, the results indicate that the bonding was strong enough to prevent such issues, demonstrating the integrity of the composite columns. The confinement systems with one layer of the CFRP showed an enhanced compression strength result as compared with column without warping. The lateral strain under the axial compression load for each specimen was measured, thus models were suggested to predict the ultimate axial strength and corresponding strain of the composite columns.

The efficiency of load transfer between the concrete surface and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is greatly influenced by the adhesive agent used in any composite system. This study investigates the effects of using nano montmorillonite clay (nC) as a toughening agent with the epoxy adhesive, to improve the confinement efficiency of CFRP-wrapped stay-in-place (SIP) composite column. Twenty scaled columns were tested under axial compressive load including, unwrapped (reference columns) and wrapped with one layer (1 L) or two layers (2 L) of CFRP. Two cross-section column shapes, square and circular, were evaluated based on their nC-modified adhesive efficiency. Results revealed that SIP columns made with nC-modified epoxy adhesive showed superior compressive behavior, stress, and strain capacity, compared to unmodified composite columns, even when wrapped with 2 L of CFRP. Using 1 L and 2 L of CFRP bonded with unmodified adhesive of circular specimens, increased the confinement efficiency (CE) by about 134 % and 183 % respectively. However, the improvements for the circular specimens with nC-modified epoxy adhesive were higher by up to 15 % than their counterparts’ ones made with unmodified adhesive. For square specimens, the use of nC-modified adhesive improved the CE by up to 16 % as compared with their counterparts’ specimens made with unmodified adhesive.

Cryptoglandular anal fistula is a disorder with an incidence of around 1 per 5,000 people per year in European countries. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for anal fistula. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the outcomes assessed and reported in these studies. This limits research quality and complicates evidence synthesis. A solution for heterogeneity in outcome reporting is the development of a Core Outcome Set (COS). This paper describes the protocol for the development of a European COS for Anal Fistula (AFCOS). The first step will be a systematic review of the literature to identify potential outcomes that may be included in the COS. Patient interviews will be conducted in The United Kingdom and The Netherlands to ensure that both clinician-important and patient-important outcomes are captured. The outcomes will be categorized using the COMET taxonomy and taken forward to a Delphi consensus exercise. In up to three web-based Delphi surveys the outcomes will be prioritized by patients, clinicians (surgeons, gastroenterologists, and radiologists), and (clinical) researchers. The responses will be summarized and reported anonymously in subsequent round(s) facilitating convergence to a consensus opinion. The final COS will be decided during a face-to-face consensus meeting with patients, clinicians, and (clinical) researchers. This study protocol describes the development of a European COS for anal fistula to improve research quality, evidence synthesis, and patient care.

Mg-based alloys received significant attention for temporary implant applications while, their applications have been limited by high degradation rate. Therefore, silver–zeolite doped hydroxyapatite (Ag-Zeo-HAp) coating was synthesized on TiO2-coated Mg alloy by physical vapour deposition (PVD) assisted electrodeposition technique to decrease the degradation rate of Mg alloy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images showed the formation of a uniform and compact layer of Ag-Zeo-HAp with a thickness of 15 μm on the TiO2film with a thickness of 1 μm. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests indicated that corrosion resistance of Mg-Ca alloy was considerably increased by the Ag-Zeo-HAp coating. The bioactivity test in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution showed that a dense and homogeneous bonelike apatite layer was formed on the Ag-Zeo-HAp surface after 14 d. Investigation of antibacterial activity via disk diffusion and spread plate methods showed that the Ag-Zeo-HAp coating had a significantly larger inhibition zone (3.86 mm) towards Escherichia coli(E. coli) compared with the TiO2-coated Mg alloy (2.61 mm). The Ag-Zeo-HAp coating showed high antibacterial performance, good bioactivity, and high corrosion resistance which make it a perfect coating material for biomedical applications.

This research paper deals with the standardization of the Lime Mortar used in the rehabilitation of Jahangir's Tomb of same composition (as constructed) to get maximum strength and cracks free surface. We worked for the standardization of the proportion, gradation of aggregate, water/lime ratio and determination of initial setting time for the mortar. Finally, the best standards were established for the lime mortar to use in rehabilitation of the said building with successful results. Now this material will not only be used in conservation of the said building but also for other heritage sites by Archaeological department of Pakistan.

Drought is a worldwide problem, getting more serious with global climate change. Among various strategies, seed priming is the simplest approach for improving drought tolerance in crop plants. Seed priming treatments were applied by soaking seeds in aerated solution of 1% mannose (56 mM) and 10 mM mannitol for 8 h while 100 µM H2O2for 5 h. Seeds soaked in aerated water (hydropriming) and non-primed seed were used as controls. Drought stress significantly reduced the seedling fresh weight and leaf relative water content. Pre-sowing seed treatment with mannitol significantly increased the seedling, root and shoot fresh as well as dry weights under non-stress condition. Moreover, H2O2increased the root length; seedling and root dry weights while mannose increased the shoot dry weight under drought stress. Leaf relative water content (RWC) improved after mannitol and H2O2priming under drought and non-stressed conditions. Hydropriming increased the root and shoot fresh weights, shoot dry weight and RWC under non-stress condition while seedling, root, shoot fresh weights and shoot dry weight along with raised TSP, MDA, reducing sugars under drought stress. Drought stress raised the total soluble protein (TSP), protease, APX and POD activities, MDA and reducing sugars in leaves. Mannitol and H2O2confiscate the drought-induced increase in TSP while H2O2significantly increase it under non-stress condition. Drought stress reduced the catalase activity in leaves while H2O2and mannitol priming brought it back to control level. Drought stress elevated the MDA in leaves and H2O2treatment prevented this increase. Only mannose priming rose the reducing sugars in leaves under non-stress condition. Under drought, mannose and mannitol priming raised the reducing sugars in the leaves as a tactic for osmotic adjustment. In conclusion, seed priming treatments ameliorated the drought tolerance in wheat by elevating the level of antioxidants, reducing oxidative damage of biomolecules and accumulating more reducing sugars for osmotic adjustments.

Ablatives are heat-shielding materials used to protect aerospace substructures. These materials are sacrificial in nature and provide protection primarily through the large endothermic transformation during exposure to hyper thermal environment such as encountered in re-entry modules. The performance of certain ablatives was reported in terms of their TGA/DTA in Advanced Materials-97 (pp57-65) (1). The focus of this earlier research resided in the consolidation of interface between the refractory inclusion and the host polymeric matrix to improve thermal resistance. In the present work we explore the scope of transpiration cooling in ablative performance through flash evaporation of liquid incorporated in the host EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) matrix. The compression-molded specimens were exposed separately to plasma flame (15000 C) and oxyacetylene torch (3000 C) and the back face transient temperature is recorded in situ employing a thermocouple/data logger system. Both head on impingement (HOI) and parallel flow (PF) through a central cavity in the ablator were used. It is observed that transpiration cooling is effective and yields (a) rapid thermal equilibrium in the specimen, (b) lower back face temperature and (c) lower ablation rate, compared to conventional ablatives. SEM/EDS analysis is presented to amplify the point.

Detection of genotypic variation in response to water stress at seedling stage could help in escalating selection intensity in breeding drought tolerant varities. Nine genotypes were tested for seedling survivability under drought stress. Four genotypes, i.e. ‘Sarsabz’, ‘Sitta’, ‘Fareed’ and ‘FD-83’, showed complete survival on resumption of irrigation after drought stress. These genotypes were late dying as they withered slowly under drought. Percent wilting and percent survival on resumption of irrigation were negatively correlated. Six genotypes were selected on the basis of seedling survivability (late and early dying) and evaluated for seedling growth response under drought. Root length and dry weight increased significantly under stress in ‘Sitta’, ‘FD-83’ and ‘Fareed’. Drought stress also increased the root-to-shoot length ratio in ‘FD-83’ and ‘Fareed’. However, seedling fresh and dry weight significantly reduced in ‘Nesser’ and ‘Inqalab-91’ under stress. In ‘FD-83’, seedling fresh and dry weight increased over control under stress. Results indicated that seedling survivability, root-to-shoot length ratio, root length and dry weight were most important traits for screening drought tolerance at seedling stage. On the basis of these indices, ‘Sitta’, ‘Fareed’ and ‘FD-83’ were classified as drought tolerant, ‘Sarsabz’ and ‘Nesser’ as moderately tolerant and ‘Inqalab-91’ as sensitive genotypes. Collectively, results suggested that selection by combining seedling survivability, growth response, RWC and leaf water potential can be efficiently used for rapid evaluation of drought tolerance in wheat breeding.

Rice germplasm comprising wild species, low land and upland genotypes and 7 progenies of their inter-specific hybrids were tested under water levels of field capacity (100% moisture) and 75, 50 and 25% of field capacity. The objectives were to identify i) most water stress tolerant genotype, ii) characters associated with that genotype and iii) its ability to contribute water deficiency tolerance to lowland rice varieties. Experiment was conducted in potted soil with Randomized Complete Block two-factor factorial design and three replications. Different growth parameters were studied at tillering stage. Within an entry, reduction due to water level was significant in all the parameters. The interaction between various water levels and rice entries was also highly significant. We observed six parameters (shoot length, root length, shoot and root dry weight, number of tillers and leaf area) that were comparatively less affected in some of the progenies such as WAB-56-50 (shoot dry weight and root length), WAB-56-104 (root dry weight and tillers), WAB-272-H3 (leaf area) and WAB-272-H2 (shoot length) when tested under water level which is only 25% of the field capacity. This indicated that using these progenies as donor; water deficiency tolerance in lowland rice cultivars can be improved.

Genetic diversity of 48 Pakistani wheat varieties and 12 landraces was assessed, loss of genetic diversity in bread wheat during the change from traditional landraces (LVs) to modern breeding varieties was examined, and recent trends of national wheat breeding programmes were identified. A total of 29 SSR markers, representing at least one marker from each chromosome of wheat, were used to analyze the genetic diversity. A total of 80 alleles were generated by the 29 loci with an average of 2.76 alleles per marker. A significant loss of genetic diversity was observed from LVs to elite cultivated varieties. Average genetic similarity between landraces was 61% while varieties released after 1990 showed 73% similarity. Range of genetic distance observed between all possible pairs was from 1.41 to 4.90. It was also observed that most of the varieties released from one source showed comparatively lower diversity indicating the utilization of common elite breeding material or interbreeding of released varieties.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to correlate inhibition zone diameters, in millimeters (agar diffusion disk method), with the broth dilution MICs or minimum effective concentrations (MECs) (CLSI M38-A method) of five antifungal agents to identify optimal testing guidelines for disk mold testing. The following disk diffusion testing parameters were evaluated for 555 isolates of the molds Absidia corymbifera, Aspergillussp. (five species), Alternariasp., Bipolaris spicifera, Fusariumsp. (three species), Mucorsp. (two species), Paecilomyces lilacinus, Rhizopussp. (two species), and Scedosporiumsp. (two species): (i) two media (supplemented Mueller-Hinton agar [2% dextrose and 0.5 µg/ml methylene blue] and plain Mueller-Hinton [MH] agar), (ii) three incubation times (16 to 24, 48, and 72 h), and (iii) seven disks (amphotericin B and itraconazole 10-µg disks, voriconazole 1- and 10-µg disks, two sources of caspofungin 5-µg disks [BBL and Oxoid], and posaconazole 5-µg disks). MH agar supported better growth of all of the species tested (24 to 48 h). The reproducibility of zone diameters and their correlation with either MICs or MECs (caspofungin) were superior on MH agar (91 to 100% versus 82 to 100%; R, 0.71 to 0.93 versus 0.53 to 0.96 for four of the five agents). Based on these results, the optimal testing conditions for mold disk diffusion testing were (i) plain MH agar; (ii) incubation times of 16 to 24 h (zygomycetes), 24 h (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger), and 48 h (other species); and (iii) the posaconazole 5-µg disk, voriconazole 1-µg disk, itraconazole 10-µg disk (for all except zygomycetes), BBL caspofungin 5-µg disk, and amphotericin B 10-µg (zygomycetes only).

Abstract This study was planned to identify the chromosomal location of esterase loci in wheat (Triticum aestivum), in comparison to Aegilops uniaristata, using wheat Ae. uniaristata disomic addition and translocation lines. Two loci (Est-N1 and Est-N8) were identified on 3N chromosome of Ae. uniaristata and their probable homoeoloci were, for the first time, mapped close to three RFLP probes (Xpsr56, Xpsr394, and Xpsr1196) on homoeologous group 3 wheat chromosomes.

The study was carried out to assess whether exogenously applied glycinebtaine has any role in reducing the adverse effects of water stress on sunflower achene yield and oil contents. Two sunflower lines, Gulshan-98 and Suncross were subjected to water stress at the vegetative and reproductive stages of plant growth. Three levels of glycinebtaine (0, 50 and 100 mM) were applied before sowing (seed treatment) and at the time of initiation of stress at the vegetative and reproductive stages. A marked adverse effect of water stress on 100-achene weight and achene oil contents were observed in both sunflower lines. Exogenous supply of glycinebtaine was not effective in alleviating the adverse effects of water stress on achene oil percentage. Foliar spray of glycinebtaine, however, significantly reduced the negative effects of water stress on achene weight. Seed treatment with either level of glycinebtaine was not effective in increasing the 100-achene weight and achene oil percentage under both normally irrigated and water stress conditions. The sunflower line, Suncross produced higher oil yield than that of Gulshan-98.

Phenylethylidenehydrazine (PEH), a proposed metabolite of phenelzine (PLZ), was synthesized in our laboratories and administered to rats in a series of time- and dose–response studies. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibiting antidepressant/antipanic drug that also causes marked elevations of brain levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter (γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Like PLZ, PEH inhibited GABA transaminase (GABA-T) and caused marked, long-lasting increases in rat brain levels of GABA. The addition of the double bond in PEH caused a marked decrease in its ability to inhibit MAO compared to PLZ. Given the ability of PEH to elevate GABA levels and its lack of significant effect on MAO, it may be a very effective and safe tool with which to study the role of GABA in anxiety disorders and may be a potentially useful compound to test against seizures, ischemia, mania, and stroke. Drug Dev. Res. 54:35–39, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A group of racemic alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates (13a−q) was prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (7a−j) with an alkyl or 2-phenethyl 3-aminocrotonate (11a−d) and nitroacetone (12). Nuclear Overhauser (NOE) studies indicated there is a significant rotamer fraction in solution where the pyridyl nitrogen is oriented above the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, irrespective of whether a substituent is located at the 3- or 6-position. A potential H-bonding interaction between the pyridyl nitrogen free electron pair and the suitably positioned 1,4-dihydropyridine NH moiety may stablize this rotamer orientation. In vitro calcium channel antagonist and agonist activities were determined using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays, respectively. Compounds having an i-Pr ester substituent acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle-selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM), except for the C-4 3-nitro-2-pyridyl compound which exhibited an antagonist effect on both GPLA and GPILSM. In contrast, the compounds with a phenethyl ester group, which exhibited antagonist activity (IC50 = 10^-5−10^-7 M range) on GPILSM, were devoid of cardiac agonist activity on GPLA. Structure−activity relationships showing the effect of a substituent (Me, CF3, Cl, NO2, Ph) at the 3- or 6-position of a C-4 2-pyridyl moiety and a variety of ester substituents (Me, Et, i-Pr, PhCH2CH2-) upon calcium channel modulation are described. Compounds possessing a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl moiety, in conjuction with an i-Pr ester substituent, are novel 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulators that offer a new drug design approach directed to the treatment of congestive heart failure and may also be useful as probes to study the structure−function relationships of calcium channels.

Sperm from the same ejaculate were capacitated in TEST-yolk, calcium-free Tyrode's, modified Tyrode's containing follicular fluid or heparin, and analyzed at 0, 4, 8, and 12h for motility characteristics and acrosomal integrity. Percentage of motility, progressive motility, progressive velocity, path velocity, curvilinear velocity, linearity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement differed with media and decreased with time. Calcium-free Tyrode's ranked first in maintaining most motility parameters. However, TEST-yolk sperm ranked first for lateral head displacement but last for linearity at each time. Acrosome-reacted sperm increased over time but were not different between TEST-yolk, calcium-free Tyrode's, and heparin at 4h. The TEST-yolk sperm at 4h had about twice the hyperactivation (62.3%) of the other sperm capacitation media. Capacitation of bovine sperm was not associated with a specific change in any measured motility parameter. Differences among the efficacies of capacitation systems were unrelated to parameters of sperm motion, hyperactivation, or acrosomal integrity.

Semen was divided into five aliquots and capacitated for 4 or 6h in calcium-free Tyrode's( 37°C), modified Tyrode's bovine follicular fluid (39°C), modified Tyrode's heparin (39°C), and TEST-yolk buffer (4°C) or incubated in BSA-saline (39°C). Sperm before and after capacitation were electrophoresed at 100V of constant current for 3 and 6min. Samples were collected, sperm were counted, and percentages of sperm migrating toward the anode at 0h and 4 or 6h were calculated. At 0h, 61 to 80% of the sperm migrated with a net negative charge. After 4 or 6h, the percentage of sperm migrating toward the anode significantly decreased in all capacitation media but not in the control.The percentage of sperm migrating toward anode was lowest in calcium-free Tyrode's (22.1%) followed by TEST (28.4%), Tyrode's follicular fluid (29.5%), and Tyrode's heparin (42.5%); these values were less than those for the control (56.0%). The movement of live sperm without the influence of current or freeze-killed sperm under the influence of electrical current (control trials) was negligible. Capacitation reduced the net negative surface charge of sperm, the magnitude of which depended on capacitation system. Net negative charge of sperm was inversely associated with efficiency in penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes.

Sperm from the same ejaculate were capacitated in calcium-free Tyrode's, modified Tyrode's with bovine follicular fluid or heparin, and TEST-yolk. Capacitated sperm were coincubated with zona-free hamster oocytes at 37°C for 3h or with bovine cumulus-enclosed oocytes matured in vitro for 8h at 37 or 39°C. Bovine oocytes were transferred to fertilization medium and incubated for 72h at 37 or 39°C. Penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes was highest in calcium-free Tyrode's (53.7%), followed by Tyrode's with follicular fluid (50.6%), TEST-yolk (48.6%), and Tyrode's with heparin (34.2%). Penetration of bovine cumulus-enclosed oocytes matured in vitro at 37°C was highest with heparin (48.1%), followed by TEST-yolk (35.0%), calcium-free Tyrode's (32.5%), and follicular fluid (26.4%). Sperm capacitation with heparin, assayed by penetration of bovine oocytes at 39% was better at 39°C (77.1%) than at 37°C (46.1%). However, penetration rates in calcium-free Tyrode's and TEST-yolk were higher at 37°C. The capacitation system with heparin at 39°C and bovine oocytes was best followed by the systems using TEST-yolk and calcium-free Tyrode's at 37°C.

In this paper we consider a class of Hybrid Dynamic systems having Descriptor Systems/Differential Algebraic Equations based dynamic model defined within linear state constraints. The system behaviour, at a typical commutation surface, is studied which evolves when a state trajectory hits it.

We revisit a strange representation of the Sagittarius constellation painted on a door arch of a tomb in Kashmir. We show that it is a very strong case of a representation of Kepler's supernova (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

An open, clinical, pilot study showed terbinafine to be effective and well tolerated by patients suffering from tinea capitis. On the basis of those results a study comparing efficacy and tolerability of terbinafine, taken for 4 weeks, with those of griseofulvin taken for 8 weeks, was carried out. The treatment periods were separated by a 4-week placebo wash-out phase. Treatment was administered once daily in the evening according to the patient's body weight. The therapeutic efficacy of the drugs was determined by evaluation every 2 weeks for clinical signs and symptoms and by mycological examination of clinical material. The clinical parameters were assessed according to a four-point scale ranging from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). Of 105 evaluable patients (49 males and 56 females), 56 were treated with terbinafine and 49 with griseofulvin. Fungi isolated included: Trichophyton violaceum (n = 92), T. verrucosum (n = 7), T. tonsurans (n = 4), T. rubrum (n = 1) and Microsporum audouinii (n = 1). Final evaluation at week 12 showed a cure rate of 93% and 80% in the terbinafine and griseofulvin treatment groups, respectively. Adverse effects noted (terbinafine n = 5, griseofulvin n = 7) were not drug related. It appears that short-term (4 weeks) terbinafine treatment is as effective as 8 weeks griseofulvin therapy, and both are safe especially in children (94/105).

5H-Indolo[3,2-a]-6H-phenothiazin-6-one and its regioisomer 1H-Indolo[2,3-a]-6H-phenothiazin-6-one were prepared by the condensation of 2-aminobenzenethiol with carbazole-1, 4-dione or with isomeric mixture of bromo-carbazole-1,4-diones.

Compares the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets. Cumulative percentage of subjects who dropped out of the study.

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Reaction of the saturated oxosteroid (I) with perbenzoic acid results in ring enlargement, yielding the fused oxepinones (II) and (III).

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

The reaction of the cholestene derivatives (Ia), (Ib) (→ (III)), (V) and (VII) with 2‐aminothiophenol (IV) does not afford the expected steroidal benzothiazepines but the products shown in the scheme.