Search

Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) is a pancreatic cancer (PC) susceptibility gene reported in Caucasians. However, limited data are available among Asians. We investigated the contribution of PALB2 germline variants to Pakistani PC patients. 150 unselected and prospectively enrolled PC patients were comprehensively screened for PALB2 variants, using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. Novel variants were investigated for their pathogenic effect using in-silico tools. Potentially functional variants were screened in 200 controls. Twenty-two different PALB2 variants were identified. A missense variant (p.Arg37His) was identified in a 48-years-old male patient with a family history of breast cancer. Another missense variant (p.Trp898Arg) was identified in a 48-years-old male patient with a family history of esophageal cancer. A novel 3′ downstream variant (c.∗480A>G) was detected in a 34-years-old female patient with family history of lung cancer. Another novel 3′ downstream variant (c.∗417A>C) was identified in a 41-years-old male patient. All these variants were absent in 200 controls. p.Arg37His and p.Trp898Arg were predicted as likely pathogenic. c.∗417A>C and c.∗480A>G were classified as variants of uncertain significance. This is the first study that suggests a minimal contribution of PALB2 variants to PC risk in Pakistani population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used Bayesian Regularization Back Propagation based deep neural networks to analyze the flow and heat transfer behavior for the flow of a nanofluid (aluminum-oxide in kerosene oil) within a regenerative cooling channel in a rocket engine. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the advancement of aerospace engineering by addressing the complex flow dynamics of nanofluids in rocket propulsion systems. The aim of this study is to analyze the behavior of a mixture of kerosene oil and aggregated/non-aggregated aluminum oxide nanoparticles, considering thermal radiation and viscous dissipation effects. The research methodology involves transforming primary equations into a dimensionless form using a similarity transformation technique and employing the bvp4c numerical computation method in MATLAB. The ANN-IBR method is trained, tested, and validated using reference datasets obtained from numerical computations to approximate flow solutions under various scenarios with different physical parameters. The conclusion of this study indicates that the proposed ANN-IBR model effectively addresses the flow of kerosene and nanoparticles within the rocket engine, demonstrating its accuracy through comparison with reference outcomes based on mean square error analysis, transition states examination, histograms analysis, and regression analysis. This research provides valuable insights for aerospace engineers to enhance the design efficiency of regenerative cooling systems in liquid rocket engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding is a widespread and destructive natural hazard that can have serious consequences for communities. It is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations and can threaten lives and property. The potential of social capital to mitigate flood risks has been discussed in disaster literature. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review comprising bibliometric and thematic analysis to identify and assess the critical relationship between floods and social capital. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was applied to review 32 research articles on flood and social capital systematically selected from a dataset of 194 articles retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database. Results revealed an increasing publication trend with environmental sciences, ecology, water resources, meteorology, and atmospheric sciences as the key research areas. The studies were contributed by 550 authors, 346 institutions, and 58 countries around the globe, with particular emphasis on SDG13: Climate Action. The thematic analysis identified four key themes: social networks, risk perception, flood response and recovery, and capacity building. The findings showed that social capital is a key indicator in reducing flood risk and should be considered part of flood risk management efforts. The study results can inform future research and help stakeholders develop strategies to enhance the resilience of exposed communities and reduce the impact of flood events. • Social capital plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction and capacity building for communities. • Social capital can strengthen community resilience in the face of floods. • Social capital and risk perception highlights how individuals and communities perceive and prepare for floods. • social capital can assist in disaster recovery efforts, enabling communities to bounce back and rebuild [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anemia is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an independent risk factor for renal disease progression. Health economic evidence is important in Malaysia and yet cost and quality-of-life (QOL) data are scarce. Objectives To investigate prevalence, factors associated with anemia, and cost and QOL among T2DM patients with CKD. Here, we present the estimated 1-year cost and QOL related to anemia in this group. Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was performed at 20 government clinics. Treatment cost was calculated on the basis of resource utilization ascertained through data extracted from medical records and patient recall. QOL was elicited using the short form 36 health survey version 2 questionnaire. Propensity score matching was performed and costs and QOL were analyzed by anemia status and CKD stage. Results Data for 816 patients were obtained. The propensity score matching enabled a comparison of 257 patients with and without anemia. Annual treatment costs were significantly higher for patients with anemia (Ringgit Malaysia [RM] 4219 [US $983] vs. RM2705 [US $630]; P = 0.01). QOL scores were lower for patients with anemia but not statistically significant (physical component summary score: 44.8 vs. 46.2; P = 0.052; mental component summary score: 51.3 vs. 51.7; P = 0.562). Costs were higher and QOL lower among CKD stage 5 patients. Conclusions This study was the first to examine anemia in this group of patients. Costs were significantly higher among anemic patients compared with nonanemic patients; patients with higher CKD stage 5 fared less well than did those in lower stages. This information suggests the need to increase detection, prevention, and early treatment of anemia when managing T2DM patients, particularly those with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active and passive cooling are the two possible methods for removing heat. An active cooling system is the one that involves the use of energy as opposed to passive cooling that uses no energy. Passive cooling methods are cost effective and more reliable than active cooling due to the absence of moving parts. Microchannel heat sink is one of high-tech devices that have widely considered passive cooling methods especially for electronics cooling. In this paper, the use of passive cooling methods in microchannel heat sink is comprehensively discussed. This paper also present the effects of some important parameters such as the type of channel types, surface roughness, fluid additives, and Reynolds number on the rate of heat transfer in microchannel heat sink. Finally, the conclusions and important summaries were presented according to the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent progress and applications of CNT nanofluids in energy harvesting system especially solar collectors. In addition to reviewing the efficiency of solar collectors which use CNT nanofluids, the paper also discusses the preparation methods, factors for enhancing thermal conductivity and optical properties of CNT nanofluids. Finally, the challenges and future trends related to the application of CNT nanofluids in thermal solar collector is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotube (CNT) has the highest thermal conductivity among the nanoparticles that were discovered so far. Attempts to utilize them as heat transfer fluids by dispersing them into any kinds of base fluids called CNT nanofluids have been thoroughly conducted. However, one of the challenges faced by many researchers in applying their prepared CNT nanofluids is to maintain its homogeneous state and long-term stability. This paper presents an inclusive review on the preparation techniques and the reported period of stability of stationary CNT nanofluids. The characteristics of available treatment such as chemical treatment (covalent and non-covalent) and physical treatment methods have been systematically analyzed. Finally, the challenges and future trends of CNT nanofluids are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laminar time-dependent fluid flow of an engine oil (Zinc Oxide−Society of Automotive Engineers 50 alias ZnO − SAE 50 nano-lubricant) through a rectangular channel is presented. The channel is made up of permeable walls that can expand or contract. It is also under the impact of thermal radiation and magnetic field is dominant enough to be ignored. The lower and upper walls of the channel bear different permeabilities and temperatures. Hence, a system of governing nonlinear partial differential equations is setup by means of conversation laws and aforementioned assumptions. By the implementation of suitable similarity transformations and conservation of mass, the equations for momentum, and energy are reduced to relatively simpler system of ordinary differential equations. The resulting system is solved by employing a semi analytical technique named as Subdomain Method (SDM). The results are further supported by another numerical scheme (a duos of shooting method along with Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg algorithm). The functioning of flow and temperature profiles under the variation in significant physical parameters is demonstrate upon the description of graphs and tables. Thorough discussions and concluding results are also presented at the end of the manuscript. • The flow of ZnO-SAE50 nanolubricant inside a rectangular channel with expanding and contacting permeable walls is considered. • Nanoparticles volume fraction affects the flow and temperature profiles. • The rate of heat transfer at the walls is affected by imposed thermal radiation and the presence of magnetic field. • Subdomain Method can be used to solve problems related to the flows inside expanding contacting channels. • The flow is only due to suction or injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluids have gained significant attention in recent years due their great potential for heat transfer enhancement . The heat transfer of nanofluids can be numerically studied using a single-phase or two-phase approaches. The first assumes that the fluid phase and nanoparticles are in thermal equilibrium and move with the same velocity, while the second requires more computational effort but provides the possibility of understanding the behavior of both fluid phase and solid particles in the heat transfer mechanism. This paper reviews various computational approaches to predict fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids. The characteristics of single-phase and two-phase (volume of fluid, mixture, Eulerian–Lagrangian and Eulerian–Eulerian) approaches have been analyzed and discussed systematically. Latest development and recent researches related to the computational nanofluids are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviewed the application of nanofluids in vehicle engine cooling system. So far, nanoparticles have been used in engine oil, transmission oil, and radiator coolant to enhance heat transfer removal from vehicle engine. The heat transfer performance of nanofluids has been reported to perform better compared to pure fluid. This review focused on the experimental and numerical studies by previous researchers and their suggested amount of nanoparticles for optimum performance in vehicle engine cooling system. Finally, the conclusions and important summaries were presented according to the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the nature of the relationship between environmental performance and financial performance of publicly listed companies in Australia. The environmental performance data was collated from environmental reports submitted by the companies to the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) and firm performance data was collated from the ASX database. After controlling for unobserved company effects, we report a strong positive association between environmental performance and financial performance during the pre-financial crisis period (2001–2007) and no relationship between environmental performance and financial performance during the financial crisis (2008–2010). Our results are robust after controlling environmental management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser attenuation system can be used to measure droplet number density in suspended particles including sprays, which are used in combustion studies. The system is also capable in determining the molar absorptivity of a liquid or solid medium. Nevertheless, any kind of light is known to experience scattering that is resulted from non-uniformity of the medium that the light passes through. In this paper the occurrence of light scattering in laser attenuation system for different medium is investigated. The laser attenuation system is developed and calibrated using commercial light filters of known densities. The occurrence of scattering and its significance is studied using iodine and water sprays. The study reveals that a total of about 13% of the light is scattered elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compulsion of low-cost high-performance lithium-ion batteries in order to meet the global per capita usage of energy is continuously trending. In this work, we address an economical and facile synthesis strategy of graphene oxide/manganese dioxide nanotubes (GMN) hybrid material as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. By adopting a simple sonication technique graphene oxide (GO) 'as is' integrated on manganese dioxide nanotubes due to the electrostatic force of attraction between GO functional groups and MnO 2 nanotubes. As a result, strong chemical bonding established by virtue of oxygen bridges such as Mn–O–C linkage due to the hydroxyl/epoxy groups pinning from GO onto the Mn atoms. This integration of graphene oxide is beneficial to reduce the volume expansion, charge transfer resistance and moreover in enhancing interfacial and structure stability during charge-discharge cycles. Consequently, GMN hybrid exhibit excellent lithium storage capacity (1290 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), sound cyclic stability (316 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1), preservation of nanotubes structure even up to 800 cycles, enhanced initial columbic efficiency from 46% (bare MnO 2) to 68% (GMN), and approximately three times lower volume expansion of (62%) in contrast to bare MnO 2 (190%). This study provides an insight to utilize GO directly to deal with the severe issue of volume expansion to boost the overall performance of metal oxide anode materials. Image 1 • Graphene oxide sheets encapsulated Manganese dioxide nanotube anode. • Alleviation of volume variation in course of cycling by utilizing 'as is' graphene oxide. • A role of Mn–O–C bridges towards stable metal oxide anode. • Stability of manganese dioxide nanotubes anode even after 800 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present analysis concentrates on the heat transfer analysis in the two-dimension viscoelastic fluid flow over an exponential stretching sheet. The medium is taken to be porous in the presence of Newtonian heating. Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model is utilized instead of Fourier's law of heat conduction in the evaluation of heat flux. The transport equations for the flow problem are reduced into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using exponential type similarity transformation. The analytical series solutions are obtained for the boundary value problem by using Optimal HAM. The impacts of different parameters counting the viscoelastic parameter, porosity parameter, Conjugate parameter, Prandtl number and relaxation time parameter are analyzed through graphs. It is observed that the thermal relaxation parameter results in the reduction of temperature field, and an increase in the viscoelastic parameter results in the enhancement of axial velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solids have higher heat transfer rate comparative to fluids, thus, in the present article, two different ferrite nano-particles are suspended in two different base fluids to demonstrates its impacts on the friction drag and heat transfer. Ferrites nano-particles are used because of the existence of Curie temperature in these particles, a property that makes them distinct from other nano-particles. Distinct ferrites have different Curie temperature, this means that the presence of ferrite nano-particles in base fluids makes them efficient for heat transfer in ferromagnetic fluid flows. Thus, this article focuses to study two ferrites, i.e., Magnetite ferrite Fe 3 O 4 and Manganese zinc ferrite MnZnFe 2 O 4 with base fluids water H 2 O and refrigerant-134A C 2 H 2 F 4. Heat transfer and friction drag are carried out for these hybridized ferrites nanoparticles in ferromagnetic nano-fluids. The higher velocity field is seen for the hybrid nanofluid MnZnFe 2 O 4 -Fe 3 O 4 -H 2 O-C 2 H 2 F 4 , whereas, the lowest velocity field is demonstrated for the nanofluid Fe 3 O 4 -H 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and advancement of next generation sequencing have not only sped up the process of identifying rare variants, but have also enabled scientists to explore all variants in a single individual. The Pakistani population has a high ratio of first degree consanguinity, which is why it is a rich source for various kinds of genetic disorders. Due to the heterogeneous composition of Pakistani population, the likelihood of genetic heterogeneity for each disorder is high. Therefore, the compilation and organization of such vast genetic data is necessary to facilitate access for analysis and interpretation to researchers and medical geneticists. The increased research on Pakistani ethnic families for disease gene identification has revealed many mutations, which has led us to develop a Pakistani mutome database entitled “Pakistan Genetic Mutation Database (PGMD)”. In PGMD, the medico-genetic information about diseases are mainly compiled into Syndromic and Non-syndromic disorders. It is a public database, which can be freely accessed from http://www.pakmutation.com . At present, we have registered more than 1000 mutations, reported in about 130 different kinds of genetic disorders. Practically, PGMD will assist researchers, clinicians, and geneticists in genetic counseling and screening of population-specific mutations, which will also aid in personalized healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent progress and applications of nanofluids in machining processes. In addition to reviewing the various conventional and advanced cooling techniques during machining, the paper also discusses the preparation methods, factors for enhancing thermal conductivity and properties of nanofluids. In line with fast development of nanofluid in machining process, the purpose of this paper is to review recent progress on the application of nanoparticles in lubricants especially for MQL technique. The conclusions and important summaries were also presented according to the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decades, the technology to make particles in nanometer dimensions has been improved and a new kind of solid–liquid mixture, which is called a nanofluid, has appeared. Nanofluids are an advanced kind of fluid containing a small quantity of nanoparticles (usually less than 100 nm) that are uniformly and stably suspended in the liquid. The dispersion of a small amount of solid nanoparticles in conventional fluids such as water or ethylene glycol changes their thermal conductivity remarkably. Since then, nanofluids have been applied to enhance the thermal performance of many engineering systems. Recently, nanofluids have been used as heat transfer fluids to enhance the performance of solar collector devices. This paper reviews the recent progress and applications of nanofluids in flat-plate and evacuated tube solar collectors. Other than to review the efficiency of solar collectors with nanofluids, the paper also discusses the impact of nanofluids in solar collectors on economic and environmental viewpoints. Finally, the challenges and future trends in the application of nanofluids in thermal solar collectors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acromesomelic dysplasia is a type of skeletal malformation affecting distal and middle segments of the extremities. It occurs in both isolated (non-syndromic) and syndromic forms. In later case, it shows association with cardiac, respiratory, neurological and genital abnormalities. Acromesomelic dysplasia segregates in autosomal recessive mode. Mutations in three genes ( GDF5 , NPR2, BMPR1B ) have been reported to cause different forms of acromesomelic dysplasia. In the present review, we have discussed clinical spectrum, genetics and signalopathies of isolated acromesomelic dysplasias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, turbulent flow characteristic of nanofluids is thoroughly reviewed. Turbulent flows have unique characteristics and are preferred in many industrial applications. Therefore, this paper reviews different techniques used to enhance heat transfer using nanofluids within turbulent regime. This paper also presents the effects of some important parameters such as nanoparticle type, nanoparticles concentration, and Reynolds number on heat transfer rate. Studies on numerical techniques are also discussed. Finally, the conclusions and important summaries are presented according to the data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM), representing variable degree of median clefts of hands and feet, is a genetically heterogeneous group of limb malformations with seven loci mapped on different human chromosomes. However, only 3 genes (TP63, WNT10B, DLX5) for the seven loci have been identified. The study, presented here, described three consanguineous Pakistani families segregating SHFM in autosomal recessive manner. Linkage in the families was searched by genotyping microsatellite markers and mutation screening of candidate gene was performed by Sanger DNA sequencing. Clinical features of affected members of these families exhibited SHFM phenotype with involvement of hands and feet. Genotyping using microsatellite markers mapped the families to WNT10B gene at SHFM6 on chromosome 12q13.11–q13. Subsequently, sequence analysis of WNT10B gene revealed a novel 4-bp deletion mutation (c.1165_1168delAAGT) in one family and 7-bp duplication (c.300_306dupAGGGCGG) in two other families. Structure-based analysis showed a significant conformational shift in the active binding site of mutated WNT10B (p.Lys388Glufs*36), influencing binding with Fzd8. The mutations identified in the WNT10B gene extend the body of evidence implicating it in the pathogenesis of SHFM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article deals with numerical analysis of two-dimensional viscous fluid in modified square duct. A rectangular obstacle with constant temperature at walls is placed inside it. Flow duct is depicted in Figs. 1 and 2. Influence of Prandtl number and geometry on heat transfer of working fluid is studied in two cases. Computation for the present model is made in commercial package ANSYS-Fluent. Calculations are carried at two different values of Reynolds numbers i.e., Re 40 and 200 for each of the cases. Liquid water (H 2 0) and Liquid Aniline (C 6 H 5 NH 2) are taken as working fluids. Stream functions, isotherms, vorticity, velocity and pressure profiles are examined. Graphical data for C f and Nu is presented to analyze the effect of Reynolds number and Prandtl number on heat transfer. Thermal boundary layers are discussed in each of the cases. It is shown that heat transfer has high dependance on Reynolds number and Prandtl number. Geometry of the problem has noticeable effect on heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]