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Purpose: Biochemical or nucleic acid based diagnostic techniques for MAC infection are unsatisfactory. This study aims to identify and evaluate M. avium secretory protein(s) of diagnostic potential, so as to [...]

HIV-induced immunosuppression paves the way for several infections, tuberculosis being very common in our country. Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB), presenting as menstrual irregularities, is a diagnostic challenge in an adolescent [...]

We report a case of pulmonary nocardiosis in an immunosuppressed patient having vasculitis who presented with fever, cough and chest pain. A suspicion of nocardiosis was made on auramine O [...]

The association between intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes with cardiovascular disease and deaths has been investigated extensively in Europe, the USA, Japan, and China, but little or no data are available from the Middle East, South America, Africa, or south Asia.

The relationship between macronutrients and cardiovascular disease and mortality is controversial. Most available data are from European and North American populations where nutrition excess is more likely, so their applicability to other populations is unclear.

The relation between dietary nutrients and cardiovascular disease risk markers in many regions worldwide is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary nutrients on blood lipids and blood pressure, two of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries.

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to study demographics of tuberculosis of spine and analyze factors that might affect neurological improvement in such patients.Methods:Of the 638 suspected cases of spinal tuberculosis, 312 cases with confirmed diagnosis with at least 1-year follow-up were selected for retrospective analysis. Two hundred cases who presented with neurological deficit were further divided into three groups—completely improved, partially improved and no improvement according to American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) grading. All continuous variables and categorical variables were compared across groups.Results:A total of 209 (66.99%) patients had typical clinical presentation. A total of 264 (84.62%) had typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presentation. Among 356 involved vertebrae, thoracic levels (T1-10) were most commonly affected in 163 (45.78%) followed by thoracolumbar (T11-L2) vertebrae in 98 (27.52%). In 250 patients (80.12%), disease was restricted to one or two adjoining vertebrae. At presentation, 112 (35.89%) patients were neurologically intact, whereas 97 (31%) were AIS D, 65 (20.83%) were AIS C, 8 (2.5%) were AIS B and 30 (9.61%) were AIS A. On statistical analysis, although three groups of patients with complete improvement, partial improvement and no improvement were similar in age, sex, radiological presentation, and co–morbidities and the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis, they were significantly different with regard to the levels of vertebral involvement, AIS grade at presentation, bladder and bowel involvement and its duration.Conclusions:In management of patients suffering from tuberculosis of spine, levels of vertebral involvement, AIS grade at presentation, bladder and bowel involvement and its duration significantly affect the final neurological improvement.

Statins may have immunomodulatory effects that benefit critically ill patients. Therefore, we retrospectively examined the association between survival and the prescription of statins prior to admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), or high dependency unit (HDU), as a result of major elective surgery or as an emergency with a presumed diagnosis of sepsis.

Pectinases are the growing enzymes of biotechnological sector, showing gradual increase in their market. They hold a leading position among the commercially produced industrial enzymes. These enzymes are ecofriendly tool of nature that are being used extensively in various industries like wine industry; food industry; paper industry for bleaching of pulp and waste paper recycling; in the processing of fruit–vegetables, tea–coffee, animal feed; extraction of vegetable oil and scouring of plant fibres. Moreover, enzymatic catalysis is preferred over other chemical methods, since it is more specific, less aggressive and saves energy. This is the review which covers the information available on the applicability potential of this group of enzymes in various sectors.

Background/Objectives:Children aged 6 months to 5 years completing treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in a Médecins Sans Frontières Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in Bihar, India, showed high cure rates; however, the program suffered default rates of 38%. This report describes the nutritional status of 1956 children followed up between 3 and 18 months after exiting the program.Subjects/Methods:All children aged 6–59 months discharged as cured with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ⩾120 mm or who defaulted from the program with MUAC <115 mm were traced at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months (±10 days) before three exit reference dates: first at the end of the food insecure period, second after the 2-month food security and third after the 4-month food security.Results:Overall, 68.7% (n=692) of defaulters and 76.2% (n=1264) of children discharged as cured were traced. Combined rates of non-recovery in children who defaulted with MUAC <115 mm were 41%, 30.1%, 9.9%, 6.1% and 3.6% at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following exit, respectively. Combined rates of relapse among cured cases (MUAC ⩾120 mm) were 9.1%, 2.9%, 2.1%, 2.8% and 0% at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following discharge, respectively. Prevalence of undernutrition increased substantially for both groups traced during low food security periods. Odds of death were much higher for children defaulting with MUAC <110 mm when compared with children discharged as cured, who shared the same mortality risk as those defaulting with MUAC 110–<115 mm.Conclusions:Seasonal food security predicted short-term nutritional status after exit, with relapse rates and non-recovery from SAM much higher during food insecurity. Mortality outcomes suggest that a MUAC of 110 mm may be considered an appropriate admission point for SAM treatment programs in this context.

The "folding algorithm" [M. C. Bañuls, M. B. Hastings, F. Verstraete, and J. I. Cirac, Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 240603 (2009)] is a matrix product state algorithm for simulating quantum systems that involves a spatial evolution of a matrix product state. Hence, the computational effort of this algorithm is controlled by the temporal entanglement. We show that this temporal entanglement is, in many cases, equal to the spatial entanglement of a modified Hamiltonian. This inspires a modification to the folding algorithm, which we call the "hybrid algorithm." We find that this leads to improved accuracy for the same numerical effort. We then use these algorithms to study relaxation in a transverse plus parallel field Ising model, finding persistent quasiperiodic oscillations for certain choices of initial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:In the last 30 years, concepts in pharmacology have moved from Essential Medicines (EM) to P-drugs via the Rational Use of Medicines (RUM), but no structured study has evaluated the level of understanding among working clinicians about these concepts. The present study is designed to fulfill that lacuna. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out in and around the teaching hospitals attached to Medical Colleges, enrolling 504 clinicians from six centers across North India to fill-up a questionnaire containing 25 questions. The results were compiled using percentages and averages. Results:Only one-fourth of the participants claimed that they always prescribed Essential Medicines; no one could accurately count the number of drugs / drug combinations in the Indian Essential Drug list; only 15.1% of the clinicians used to write the generic names of drugs on a prescription slip; about one-third of the clinicians were not fully aware about the adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications of the drugs they prescribed; about 83% of the physicians admitted to rely on information from Medical Representatives (MRs) and the interest in research activities seemed to be lost. Conclusion:Results show a sorry state of affairs among clinicians, as far as the level of understanding about EM, P-drugs, and RUM is concerned, and points toward arranging more continuing medical education (CME) for clinicians regarding these concepts.

Purpose:Biochemical or nucleic acid based diagnostic techniques for MAC infection are unsatisfactory. This study aims to identify and evaluate M. avium secretory protein(s) of diagnostic potential, so as to develop a rapid and simple method for diagnosis of MAC infection. Material and Methods:Initially, a specific protein band of ~80-85 kDa was recognised by differential immunoblotting; which was subjected to anion exchange column chromatography for purification of proteins. After fractionisation using SDS-PAGE and electroelution, blast search was carried out. Further immunoreactivity studies were done with M. avium and Mtb infected mice sera. Clinical utilisation of separated protein was evaluated by conducting indirect ELISA with serum samples from mycobacterial infected patients. Results:A specific 81.6 kDa protein, shown to be catalase-peroxidase protein (KatG) by blast search was separated. Immunoreactivity studies of purified KatG proteins with mice sera confirmed it to be specific for M. avium infection. Indirect ELISA with patient samples further confirmed it to be M. avium infection specific. Conclusion:KatG protein is specifically recognised by MAC patients and can be used as a marker for simple and rapid ELISA based tests for differential diagnosis of M. avium infection.

Brinjal (Solanum melongenaL.) is an important Solanaceae vegetable. It is a good source of minerals and vitamins and has medicinal properties. India, being a primary center of origin, possesses large variability for growth habit; leaf blade lobing; calyx color; fruit shape, size, and color; and color distribution. The objective of this study was to develop a core set of brinjal germplasm to facilitate access, conservation, and utilization. Germplasm accessions (1798) were evaluated in 2005 and 2006. Data were recorded for 28 morphological (14 qualitative and 14 quantitative) descriptors. The accessions were classified into 15 groups based on the regions and continents of their origin. Ten percent accessions were allocated to different groups, in direct proportion to the diversity summed across all qualitative descriptors in a group. From each group, accessions were selected by the “principal component score strategy” (PCSS). A comparison of means, variances, and phenotypic correlations for quantitative descriptors, and the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H′) for qualitative descriptors indicated that the genetic variation for these descriptors was conserved in the core set. This core set can be evaluated intensively for agronomic traits, economic traits including resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses to identify accessions with desirable traits for use in crop improvement research and genomic studies.

Cyclic voltammetry, fluorescence and viscosity measurements were carried out to study the effect of various glycol additives such as EG, DEG, TEG, EGMME and EGMEE on the micellar properties of zwitterionic surfactants, DPS, TPS and HPS. Cyclic voltammetry has been used to determine the diffusion coefficient ‘D’ values by the use of well known Randles-Sevcik equation. The decrease in the ‘D’ values on addition of glycol additives has been explained on the basis of hydration effect and obstruction effect which is more in case of TEG and EGMEE. The destabilization of micelles of zwitterionic surfactants with the addition of glycol additives is explained on the basis of decrease in transfer of free energy (∆Gºt). In case of TEG the change in intensity ratios (∆ I1/I3) determined by fluorescence measurements become more negative with its increasing concentration which indicates that the zwitterionic surfactants are becoming more hydrophobic in its presence. The determination of relative viscosity (ηr) for each system indicates the surfactant-glycol oligomer interaction in the micellar state.

Free radicals are common outcome of normal aerobic cellular metabolism. In-built antioxidant system of body plays its decisive role in prevention of any loss due to free radicals. However, imbalanced defense mechanism of antioxidants, overproduction or incorporation of free radicals from environment to living system leads to serious penalty leading to neuro-degeneration. Neural cells suffer functional or sensory loss in neurodegenerative diseases. Apart from several other environmental or genetic factors, oxidative stress (OS) leading to free radical attack on neural cells contributes calamitous role to neuro-degeneration. Though, oxygen is imperative for life, imbalanced metabolism and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation end into a range of disorders such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, aging and many other neural disorders. Toxicity of free radicals contributes to proteins and DNA injury, inflammation, tissue damage and subsequent cellular apoptosis. Antioxidants are now being looked upon as persuasive therapeutic against solemn neuronal loss, as they have capability to combat by neutralizing free radicals. Diet is major source of antioxidants, as well as medicinal herbs are catching attention to be commercial source of antioxidants at present. Recognition of upstream and downstream antioxidant therapy to oxidative stress has been proved an effective tool in alteration of any neuronal damage as well as free radical scavenging. Antioxidants have a wide scope to sequester metal ions involved in neuronal plaque formation to prevent oxidative stress. In addition, antioxidant therapy is vital in scavenging free radicals and ROS preventing neuronal degeneration in post-oxidative stress scenario.

Abstract—We report here a chance find of a meteorite in the sand dunes of Ararki village of Hanumangarh district in the Rajasthan desert of northwest India. Chemical and petrological evidence in conjunction with isotopic composition of oxygen indicate that it is an L5 chondrite. The fayalite content of olivines is 26.3 mol%. The meteorite has some serpentinized olivines and 0.3% carbon having a terrestrial isotopic composition, indicating that it is moderately weathered. The absence of 22Na indicate that the meteorite fell to Earth more than a decade ago. The cosmic‐ray exposure age based on cosmogenic 21Ne is 7.2 Ma. Low density of cosmic‐ray heavy nuclei tracks, low 26A1 activity, the shielding parameter [(22Ne/21Ne)C= 1.094] and absence of neutron capture effects indicate cosmic‐ray shielding in a meteoroid having radius of about 16 cm, implying a meteoroid mass of about 60 kg and ablation of about 93%. The gas retention ages, based on U/Th‐4He and K‐40Ar are 1.1 and 0.58 Ga, respectively, suggesting a heating and degassing event late in the history of this meteorite.

Coupling between axial and torsional degrees of freedom often modifies the conformation and expression of natural and synthetic filamentous aggregates. Recent studies on chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes and B-DNA reveal a reversal in the sign of the twist–stretch coupling at large strains. The similarity in the response in these two distinct supramolecular assemblies and at high strains suggests a fundamental, chirality-dependent nonlinear elastic behaviour. Here we seek the link between the microscopic origin of the nonlinearities and the effective twist–stretch coupling using energy-based theoretical frameworks and model simulations. Our analysis reveals a sensitive interplay between the deformation energetics and the sign of the coupling, highlighting robust design principles that determine both the sign and extent of these couplings. These design principles have already been exploited by nature to dynamically engineer such couplings, and have broad implications in mechanically coupled actuation, propulsion and transport in biology and technology.

This paper addresses the static response of geotextile-reinforced slopes resting on a firm foundation to the self-weight loading imposed in a geotechnical centrifuge at pre-failure and at failure. A series of centrifuge tests were carried out on model geotextile-reinforced sand slopes with different types of reinforcement, spacing and slope inclination. A wrap-around technique was used to represent a flexible facing. In order to initiate failure in the reinforcement layers, the ratio of the length of the reinforcement to the height of the slope was maintained as 0.85. Reinforced slope models were subjected to varied g-levels (in steps of 5gfrom 10gonwards) up to a maximum target g-level of 75gor to collapse, whichever occurred first. A digital image analysis technique was employed to arrive at displacement vectors of markers glued to the reinforcement layers. The displacements were used to compute and analyse the strain distribution along the reinforcement layers, and to identify the peak strain distribution pre-failure and at failure. The development of a particular type of failure mechanism was found to depend upon the tensile strength-strain characteristics of a reinforcement layer. Maximum peak strain in the reinforcement layers was observed to occur at mid-height of the slope. With an increase in slope inclination from 2V:1H to 5V:1H, the magnitude of maximum peak strain was observed to increase, and its location was observed to move downwards from mid-height of the slope. Stability analysis of the reinforced slope models was found to be in good agreement with physically observed centrifuge test results.

Genu varum in the achondroplastic patient has a complex and multifactorial aetiology. There is little mention in the literature of the role of fibular overgrowth. Using the ratio of fibular to tibial length as a measurement of possible fibular overgrowth, we have related it to the development of genu varum. Full-length standing anteroposterior radiographs of 53 patients with achondroplasia were analysed. There were 30 skeletally-immature and 23 skeletally-mature patients. Regression analysis was performed in order to determine if there was a causal relationship between fibular overgrowth and the various indices of alignment of the lower limb.Analysis showed that the fibular to tibial length ratio had a significant correlation with the medial proximal tibial angle and the mechanical axial deviation in the skeletally-immature group. We conclude that there is a significant relationship between fibular overgrowth and the development of genu varum in the skeletally-immature achondroplastic patient.

Micromechanical systems are increasingly being used as tools in biological applications, since their characteristic dimensions permit to operate at the same length scale of the structures under investigation. Here, we present a methodology for the design, fabrication and operation of a tool for the assessment of mechanical properties of single cells. In particular, we describe a microsystems platform to study bio-mechanical response of single living cells to in-plane biaxial stretching. The proposed device employs a new linkage design in order to obtain the displacement of the quadrants of a sliced circular plate in mutually-orthogonal directions using just one linear actuator. With this linkage geometry, the whole device has only one degree of freedom. This results in a very predictable and reliable mechanical behaviour, thereby allowing use a simple and easily available control electronics. Results of this study have relevance for the design of a powerful yet simple BioMEMS platform for the characterization of living cells as in-plane bi-axial loading simulated the conditions experienced by cells in vivomore realistically than a uniaxial stretching.Micromechanical systems are increasingly being used as tools in biological applications, since their characteristic dimensions permit to operate at the same length scale of the structures under investigation. Here, we present a methodology for the design, fabrication and operation of a tool for the assessment of mechanical properties of single cells. In particular, we describe a microsystems platform to study bio-mechanical response of single living cells to in-plane biaxial stretching. The proposed device employs a new linkage design in order to obtain the displacement of the quadrants of a sliced circular plate in mutually-orthogonal directions using just one linear actuator. With this linkage geometry, the whole device has only one degree of freedom. This results in a very predictable and reliable mechanical behaviour, thereby allowing use a simple and easily available control electronics. Results of this study have relevance for the design of a powerful yet simple BioMEMS platform for the characterization of living cells as in-plane bi-axial loading simulated the conditions experienced by cells in vivomore realistically than a uniaxial stretching.

Abstract Amongst the processes that have been implemented in microfluidic devices, electrophoretic transport of charged molecules, along microfluidic channels, is one of the most commonly found. However, less work has been done about continuous, pressure gradient driven flow systems where an electric field is applied orthogonally with respect to the microchannel walls. The perspective applications of this technique, include continuous flow separation and concentration of analyte molecules, and the kinetic control of surface reactions. In order to dimensioning and optimizing such a device, a mathematical model has been formulated and analyzed both with numeric and analytic methods. The given solutions let the designer of microfluidic devices able to estimate the concentration profiles along the microchannel length, as a function of the main system parameters. As a practical example of application which could be of great interest in biotechnology applications, the results relative to the simulation of the electrostatic induced cross flow of single strand DNA oligonucleotides of about 20 bases has been reported.

Abstract—Chemical and mineral analysis of the Bhawad chondrite, which fell in Rajasthan in 2002, suggest that this stone belongs to LL6 group of chondrites. Based on helium, neon, and argon isotopes, it has a cosmic ray exposure age of 16.3 Ma. The track density in the olivines shows a narrow range of 1.7–6.8 times 106/cm2. The 22Na/26Al ratio of 1.13 is about 25% lower than the solar cycle average value of about 1.5, but is consistent with irradiation of the meteoroid to modulated galactic cosmic ray fluxes as expected for a fall around the solar maximum. The cosmogenic records indicate a pre‐atmospheric radius of about 7.5 cm. Based on U/Th‐4He and K‐40Ar, the gas retention ages are low (about 1.1 Ga), indicating a major thermal event or shock event that lead to the complete loss of radiogenic 4He and 40Ar and the partial loss of radiogenic 129Xe and fission Xe from 244Pu.

Abstract—An extremely bright fireball was seen for over 250 km near the eastern coast of India in the evening sky on September 27, 2003. In a rare observation, the fireball was seen by two airline pilots, providing direction of the trail with reasonable accuracy, consistent with ground‐based observations. A few fragments of the meteorite were subsequently recovered along the end of the trail in different parts of Kendrapara district (20°30′ N; 86°26′ E) of Orissa. Based on petrography and chemical composition, the meteorite is classified as H5 chondrite. The cosmogenic radionuclides54Mn,22Na,60Co, and26Al and tracks have been studied in this stony meteorite. Two of the fragments show an unusually high activity of60Co (˜160 dpm/kg) indicating a meteoroid radius of 50–150 cm. Assuming that less than 10% (by weight) of the fragments could be recovered because of difficult terrain, an atmospheric mass ablation of >95% is estimated. Based on the observations of the trail and the estimated mass ablation, orbital parameters of the meteoroid have been calculated. The aphelion is found to lie in the asteroidal belt (1.8–2.4 AU), but the inclination of the orbit is large (22°–26°) with respect to the ecliptic. Noble gases have been analysed in two samples of this meteorite. He and Ne are dominantly cosmogenic. Using production rates based on the sample depth derived from60Co content,21Ne‐based exposure age of 4.50 ± 0.45 Ma is derived for Kendrapara. One of the samples, known to be more deeply shielded based on high60Co activity, shows the presence of80Kr,82Kr, and128Xe produced by (n, γ) reaction on79Br,81Br, and127I, respectively. The (80Kr/82Kr)nratio of 3.5 ± 0.9 is consistent with neutrons being mostly thermal. Trapped84Kr and132Xe are in the expected range for metamorphic grade H5.

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2)-specific inhibitors are marketed as safer analgesics than non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there has been conflicting evidence concerning endothelial function and cardiovascular risk after COX-2 inhibitor use. We investigated forearm skin vascular reactivity to brief axillary artery occlusion in healthy volunteers after a single dose of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen (non-selective) and rofecoxib (COX-2 specific).

Background:Neostigmine given through the neuraxial route has been found to have analgesic properties. In this clinical trial, we evaluated for the first time the efficacy of a varying dose of caudal neostigmine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing genitourinary surgery.

Recently, the transient hyperaemic response (THR) to brief compression (20 s) of the brachial artery has been described as a way to assess vascular reactivity of the forearm skin. We studied the effects of locally iontophoresed vasoactive agents on this response in 20 male volunteers.

Abstract: A laser microprobe capable of analysing nitrogen and noble gases in individual grains with masses less than a milligram is described. It can be used in both continuous wave (CW) mode, useful for stepwise heating of an individual grain, as well as in pulsed mode, useful for ablating material from a small selected area of a sample, for gas extraction. We could achieve low blanks (in ccSTP units) for 4He(4.8 x 10{-12}),22Ne(1.0 x 10{-12}),36Ar(1.0 x10 -13),84Kr(2.9 x 10{-14}),132 Xe(2.6 x 10{-14}), and N (87 pg), using this system. Preliminary data for individual chondrules from the Dhajala meteorite show that noble gases and nitrogen from grains as small as 170 microgram can be analysed using the present laser microprobe setup. The amount of trapped neon in Dhajala chondrules is very small, and nitrogen in the chondrules is isotopically heavier as compared to the bulk meteorite.

Altered cerebral circulation, as reported during normal pregnancy, and in patients with pre-eclampsia, can be associated with changes in cerebral vascular reactivity and/or cerebral autoregulation. The aim of our study was to perform a comparative assessment of cerebral haemodynamics, including vascular reactivity and autoregulation, in pre-eclamptic patients, healthy pregnant women, and healthy non-pregnant women.

We aimed to study if brief compression (20 s) of the brachial artery could provoke a hyperaemic response in forearm skin. In addition, we studied the effect of pre-dilating the skin vessels with locally iontophoresed sodium nitroprusside on the hyperaemic response.

Trichomoniasis caused byTrichomonas vaginalismay lead to either a complete absence of symptoms or to severe inflammatory manifestations in infected women. Studies of the role of immune responses in the pathogenesis and varied symptomatology of this disease are lacking. Mice may prove useful as an experimental model for intravaginal trichomoniasis in developing an understanding of the role of local immune responses in the pathogenesis and varied symptomatology of this disease. The present study reports the levels of anti-Trichomonas IgA antibodies in serum and vaginal washes, and T-cell subtype and cytokine profile in vaginal cervical tissues of mice infected intravaginally withT. vaginalisisolates from 15 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic women. It also correlates the responses with symptomatology of the patients. Successful intravaginal infection was established by inoculatingT. vaginalisin BALB/c mice preinoculated withLactobacillus acidophilusand pretreated with oestradiol. A significant increase in specific IgA antibody levels was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in vaginal secretions and serum samples collected on the 7th post-infection day from animals infected with isolates from asymptomatic women when compared with mice infected with isolates from symptomatic women. T-cell subset analysis showed significant differences, with increased CD4+T-cell count in animals infected with isolates from asymptomatic women compared with animals infected using isolates from symptomatic women. No difference in CD8+T cells was observed between the two groups. Cytokine profile revealed significantly higher (P<0.001) production of γ-IFN and IL-2 in mice infected with asymptomatic isolates compared with animals infected with symptomatic isolates, usingT. vaginaliscrude antigen extract and nonspecific mitogen (ConA) as stimulants for vaginal cervical lymphocytes. However, no difference in IL-4 levels was observed in the two groups of animals. In contrast, significant increase in tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels was observed in animals infected with asymptomatic isolates compared with those infected with isolates from symptomatic women and controls, thereby indicating that TNF-α may play an important role in the inflammatory response to trichomoniasis. The study further suggests that specific IgA antibodies might help to protect asymptomatic individuals from severe infection and T-lymphocytes may play an important function in the eradication of the parasite. The cytokine profile indicated the involvement of Th-1 like responses in mice infected with asymptomatic isolates, compared with those infected with symptomatic isolates.

Abstract—A stony meteorite fell at Itawa Bhopji, Rajasthan, India on 2000 May 30. This is the fifth recorded fall in a small area of Rajasthan during the past decade. The meteorite is an ordinary chondrite with light clasts in a dark matrix, consisting of a mixture of equilibrated (mainly type 5) and unequilibrated components. Olivine is Fa24–26and pyroxene Fs20–22but, within the unequilibrated components, olivine (Fa5–29) and low calcium pyroxene (Fs5–37) are highly variable. Based on petrographic studies and chemical analyses, it is classified as L(3–5) regolith breccia. Studies of various cosmogenic records, including several gamma‐emitting radionuclides varying in half‐life from 5.6 day 52Mn to 0.73 Ma 26Al, tracks and rare gases have been carried out. The exposure age of the meteorite is estimated from cosmogenic components of rare gases to be 19.6 Ma. The track density varies by a factor of ˜3 (from 4 to 12 times 106/cm2) within the meteorite, indicating a preatmospheric body of ˜9 cm radius (corresponding to a meteoroid mass of ˜11 kg) and small ablation (1.5 to 3.6 cm). Trapped components in various rare gases are high and the solar component is present in the dark portion of the meteorite. Large excess of neutron‐produced 82Kr and 128Xe in both the light and the dark lithology but very low 60Co, indicating low neutron fluxes received by the meteoroid in the interplanetary space, are clear signatures of an additional irradiation on the parent body.

Abstract—The petrographic and chemical characteristics of a fresh Indian meteorite fall at Sabrum are described. Its mean mineral composition is defined by olivine (Fa31.4), orthopyroxene (Fs25.1,Wo2.0), clinopyroxene (Wo45En45.6Fs9.4) and plagioclase (An10.6Ab83.6Or5.8). The meteorite shows moderate shock features, which indicate that it belongs to the S4 category. Based on mineralogical and chemical criteria the meteorite is classified as an LL6 brecciated veined chondrite. Several cosmogenic radioisotopes (46Sc, 7Be, 54Mn, 22Na and 26Al), noble gas (He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe), nitrogen isotopes, and particle tracks density have been measured. Concentrations of cosmogenic 21Ne and 38Ar indicate that its cosmic‐ray exposure age is 24.8 Ma. Small amounts of trapped Kr and Xe, consistent with petrologic class 5/6, are present. The track density in olivines is found to be (1.3 ± 0.3) × 106/cm2. Activities of most of the short‐lived isotopes are lower than those expected from solar cycle variation. 22Na/26Al (1.12 ± 0.02) is found to be significantly anomalous, being ˜25% lower than expected from the Climax neutron monitor data. These results indicate that the cosmic‐ray flux during the terminal segment of the meteoroid orbit was low. The activities of 26Al and 60Co and the track density indicate small meteoroid size with a radius ˜15 cm.

Abstract—The Lohawat meteorite is a texturally heterogeneous breccia having a variety of mineral and lithic fragments. Among mineral fragments, pyroxenes show a wide range of composition (Wo0.011–0.17En0.37–0.78Fs0.21–0.60) whereas plagioclase is anorthitic (An0.92Ab0.07Or0.007). Abundant rounded “chondrule‐like” objects ranging in size up to ∼7 mm, some with concentric layering, have been observed. Petrographic features, trace element composition and rare earth element patterns show the presence of eucritic and diogenitic components confirming that it is a typical howardite. Cosmogenic tracks, rare gases (He, Ne, and Ar) and radionuclides (22Na and 26Al) were measured. Track density in olivine and plagioclase varies between 0.7 to 6 times 106/cm2. 38Ar exposure age is estimated to be ∼110 Ma, being the highest among howardites. The track production rates correspond to ablation of 9 to 15 cm, implying a radius for its preatmospheric size of ∼27 cm. 22Na/26Al ∼ 1, as expected from the production models and solar modulation of galactic cosmic‐ray fluxes before its fall, suggesting that the meteoroid did not undergo any fragmentation during the past ∼2 Ma in interplanetary space. The radiogenic age based on K‐Ar method is 4.3 Ga while the U‐Th‐4He age is 3.3 Ga indicating partial loss of He.

Abstract—The mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the Didwana‐Rajod chondrite are described. The mean mineral composition is found to be olivine (Fo83.2) and pyroxene (En83.5Wo0.7Fs15.8), and feldspar is mainly oligoclase. Oxygen isotopic analysis shows δ18O = +3.8%0 and δ17O = +2.59%0. The nitrogen content of Didwana‐Rajod is ∼2 ppm with δ15N ≅ 3.4%0. Based on microscopic, chemical, isotopic and electron probe microanalysis, the meteorite is classified as an H5 chondrite. Cosmogenic tracks, radionuclides and the isotopic composition of rare gases were also measured in this meteorite. The track density in olivines varies in a narrow range with an average value of (6.5 ± 0.5) × 105/cm2for four spot samples taken at the four corners of the stone. The cosmic‐ray exposure age based on neon and argon is 9.8 Ma. 22Na/26Al ≅ 0.94 is lower than the solar‐cycle average value of ∼1.5 and is consistent with irradiation of the meteoroid to lower galactic cosmic‐ray fluxes as expected at the solar maximum. The track density, rare gas isotopic ratios, 60Co activity and other radionuclide data are consistent with a preatmospheric radius of ∼15 cm, corresponding to a mass of ∼50 kg. The cosmogenic properties are consistent with a simple exposure history in interplanetary space.

Complexes of nitrocellulose (NC – low and high nitrogen content) with copper oxide (CuO) have been synthesized and studied for morphological behaviour on heating from room temperature to 500°C with the help of hot stage microscopy (HSM).

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of desflurane, at 1 and 1.5 MAC, on cerebral autoregulation. Data were analysed from eight patients undergoing non-neurosurgical procedure. The blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery was measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound and cerebral autoregulation was assessed by the transient hyperaemic response test. Partial pressure of the end-tidal carbon dioxide (PE'(CO(2))) and mean arterial pressure were measured throughout the study. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and was maintained with desflurane at end-tidal concentrations of 7.4% (1 MAC) or 10.8% (1.5 MAC). The order of administration of the desflurane concentrations was determined randomly and a period of 15 min was allowed for equilibration at each concentration. The transient hyperaemic response tests were performed before induction of anaesthesia and after equilibration with each concentration of desflurane. An infusion of phenylephrine was used to maintain pre-induction mean arterial pressure and ventilation was adjusted to maintain the pre-induction value of PE'(CO(2)) throughout the study. Two indices derived from the transient hyperaemic response test (the transient hyperaemic response ratio and the strength of autoregulation) were used to assess cerebral autoregulation. Desflurane resulted in a marked and significant impairment in cerebral autoregulation; at concentrations of 1.5 MAC, autoregulation was almost abolished.

Abstract—‐We demonstrate the presence of solar flare as well as neutron capture effects in the isotopic composition of rare gases in the Fermo regolith breccia acquired on its parent body based on the measurements of tracks, rare gases and radionuclides. The track density along a 3.2 cm long core decreases by a factor of about 6 and by more than a factor of 13 within the meteorite, indicating small (2–9 cm) and asymmetrical ablation. Rare gases show a large trapped component; the isotopic ratios, particularly 20Ne/22Ne ≃ 11 and 20Ne/36Ar = 10 are indicative of a solar component. The galactic cosmic‐ray exposure age is determined to be 8.8 Ma. Activities of a dozen radionuclides ranging in half‐life from 16 day 48V to 0.73 Ma 26Al are consistent with their expected production rates. Track, rare gas and radionuclide data show that the meteoroid was a small body (≤ 120 kg) and had a simple, one‐stage exposure history to cosmic rays in the interplanetary space. However, 82Kr and 128Xe show an excess due to neutron irradiation on the parent body of the meteorite. The presence of solar gases and the neutron capture effects indicate several stages of irradiation on the parent asteroid. The chemical composition of Fermo confirms that it belongs to the H group of ordinary chondrites with lithic clasts having varying compositions. δ15N is found to be 8.3 ± 1.2%0, close to the typical values observed in H chondrites.

Abstract: The dielectric properties (dielectric constant and loss) for the system Cu x Fe3−x O4 with x = 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4 and 0.2, were studied in the temperature range 300 ∼ 800 K and also in the frequency range 1 kHz ∼ 1 MHz. A.c. conductivity was derived from dielectric constant and loss tangent data. The conduction in this system is interpreted as due to small polaron hopping. The dielectric relaxation was observed for the compositions with tetragonal structure whereas normal behaviour was observed for cubic structure.

Prior work has suggested simple guidelines for matching transport characteristics of materials to form high-performance mixed-matrix materials for gas separation. Such materials comprise a dispersion of molecular sieving particles in a properly selected matrix polymer phase. Recent work has shown that these simple criteria are necessary but not sufficient to achieve the desired properties. The analysis presented here shows the need to optimize the transport properties of the interfacial region, i.e., the region between the bulk polymer and dispersed sieve phases. Guided by the need to optimize both the transport properties of the interfacial region and the matrix material selection criteria noted above, a new paradigm is recommended for matrix phase selection. The practicality of the paradigm is validated by the formation of mixed-matrix membranes with an appropriate polymer and sieve. These materials lead to the attractive predicted performances at low loading. For success at higher loading a zeolite “priming” protocol based on polymer-solvent sieve interactions is shown to be necessary. This modified protocol leads to success at intermediate and high dispersed-phase loading.

Composites of CuFe2O4and BaTiO3were prepared using a conventional ceramic double sintering process. The presence of both phases was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The variations of resistivity and thermo emf with temperature in these samples were studied. All the composites showed n-type behaviour. The variation of dielectric constant (έ′) in the frequency range 100 Hz to 1 MHz and with temperature at constant frequency were studied. The conduction phenomenon was explained on the basis of a small polaron-hopping model. Also confirmation of this phenomenon was made with the help of a.c. conductivity measurements. The static value of the magnetoelectric conversion factor, i.e. d.c. (ME)Hwas studied as a function of intensity of the magnetic field. The maximum value of ME coefficient was observed for 75% ferroelectric phase composite.

Phrenic nerve conduction studies were performed within 48 h of admission and subsequently in 29 patients (14 of whom required mechanical ventilation) with acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning. The mean (±SD) amplitude of the diaphragmatic compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (119.09 ± 173.85 μV) was significantly lower than in those not requiring mechanical ventilation (461.63 ± 138.69 μV) (P &lt; 0.0001). Diaphragmatic CMAP amplitudes in ventilated patients increased with time during the course of hospitalization and were normal in 5 (36%) patients and only mildly reduced in another 6 (43%) patients prior to discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, which was undertaken 4–18 days (mean 7 ± 3 days) after poisoning. Eleven patients (79%) were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation at the first attempt. In the 3 (21%) remaining patients, mechanical ventilation had to be reestablished because of weaning failure. The mean (±SD) diaphragmatic CMAP amplitude, prior to discontinuation of ventilatory assistance, was 242.6 ± 94.1 μV in these 3 patients. After ventilatory discontinuation, it fell to 95.5 ± 105.8 μV. Thus, reduced diaphragmatic CMAP amplitudes correlate with the need for mechanical ventilation in acute OP poisoning. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 627–632, 2000.

AbstractExhibition of mixed mesophases in binary systems where both the components are non-mesogenic should offer a very interesting study because that should throw light on the mode of formation of mixed liquid crystal and factors favourably affecting it or otherwise. Five binary systems of non-mesogenic compounds were investigated for the induction of thermotropic mesophases. In three binary systems induced nematic and smectic mesophases are observed in number of compositions.