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Antisynthease syndrome (ASSD) is a rare, complex and understudied autoimmune disease. Internet-based studies can overcome barriers of traditional on-site research and are therefore very appealing for rare diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate patient-reported symptoms, diagnostic delay, symptoms, medical care, health status, working status, disease knowledge and willingness to participate in research of ASSD patients by conducting an international web-based survey. The multilingual questionnaire was created by an international group of rheumatologists and patients and distributed online. 236 participants from 22 countries completed the survey. 184/236 (78.0%) were female, mean age (SD) was 49.6 years (11.3) and most common antisynthetase antibody was Jo-1 (169/236, 71.6%). 79/236 (33.5%) reported to work full-time. Median diagnostic delay was one year. The most common symptom at disease onset was fatigue 159/236 (67.4%), followed by myalgia 130/236 (55.1%). The complete triad of myositis, arthritis and lung involvement verified by a clinician was present in 42/236 (17.8%) at disease onset and in 88/236 (37.3%) during the disease course. 36/236 (15.3%) reported to have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 40/236 (16.3%) with depression. The most reported immunosuppressive treatments were oral corticosteroids 179/236 (75.9%), followed by rituximab 85/236 (36.0%). 73/236 (30.9%) had received physiotherapy treatment. 71/236 (30.1%) reported to know useful online information sources related to ASSD. 223/236 (94.5%) were willing to share health data for research purposes once a year. Our results reiterate that internet-based research is invaluable for cooperating with patients to foster knowledge in rare diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common primary brain tumors in children. Most of the lesions occur in or near the midline. They are rare in extra-axial locations. Case presentation: We report a 23-year-old lady who was found to have progressive right-sided sensorineural hearing loss and features of raised intracranial pressure due to a pilocytic astrocytoma of the right cerebellopontine angle. After an extensive Medline search, we could find only three cases of primary extra-axial pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) reported till now. Conclusion: Even a rare occurrence, primary pilocytic astrocytoma, and in general gliomas, should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of CPA lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective was to examine the effect of the surgical removal of vaginally placed prolapse and incontinence mesh on sexual function. We hypothesize that patients with painful complications of mesh will experience improvement in dyspareunia and sexual function after mesh removal. Methods: The eligible cohort consisted of 133 women who presented with a new onset of pain attributed to mesh-augmented incontinence or prolapse surgery and who elected to undergo mesh removal between 1 August 2012 and 1 July 2013. Sexual function symptoms were assessed before and after mesh removal surgery using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of improvement in dyspareunia. Results: Ninety-four patients undergoing mesh removal completed a pre-operative questionnaire, 63 of whom also completed a post-operative questionnaire. After mesh removal, there was a nearly 50% reduction in the proportion of women reporting always experiencing post-operative pain with intercourse among those experiencing pre-operative pain. There was a statistically significant quantitative improvement in pain with intercourse after mesh removal based on mean change score of PISQ-12 question 5 "How often do you experience pain with intercourse?". In multivariate analysis, only history of vaginal delivery was associated with symptom improvement. Conclusion: Removal of transvaginal prolapse mesh is associated with improvement in self-reported dyspareunia based on a standardized question on a validated instrument in a small cohort of women. Although larger studies are needed to confirm the relationship between mesh-augmented surgeries and post-procedural dyspareunia, these data suggest that consideration of mesh removal is a reasonable step for patients with painful intercourse attributed to mesh-augmented prolapse and incontinence surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the effect of pressure on Se-doped Eu2SrBi2S4F4 and EuSr2Bi2S4F4 at S sites. We report the electrical resistivity measurements under hydrostatic pressure (P) ~ 3 GPa and ~ 2.5 GPa on Eu2SrBi2S4−ySeyF4 [dTc/dP ~ 1.68 K/GPa (x = 2)] and EuSr2Bi2S4−xSexF4 [dTc/dP ~ 1.57 K/GPa (x = 1.5) and 1.74 K/GPa (x = 2)] respectively. Pressure-induced superconductivity has been observed in EuSr2Bi2S2.5Se1.5F4 with Tc of 2.42 K at 0.12 GPa and the Tc increases with further application of P up to 3 GPa (dTc/dP ~ 1.12 K/GPa) and maximum Tc of ~ 8 K is observed for EuSr2Bi2S2Se2F4. These results corroborate the behavior of this material under high pressure magnetization studies. Further, the metallic nature is observed for EuSr2Bi2S2.5Se1.5F4, EuSr2Bi2S2Se2F4, and Eu2SrBi2S2Se2F4 compositions and it is slightly suppressed with the application of pressure. Pressure effect on upper critical field Hc2(0) is estimated from magnetic field–dependent ρ(T) measurements and it is found to be higher for all compositions than parent compound. The field-dependent thermal activation energy (μ0/kB) is calculated from Arrhenius plot using ρ(T) and designates a robust flux pinning potential which might be co-existing with applied magnetic field and pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexural ductility in steel sections is required to accommodate inelastic force redistribution. It is used to evaluate available inelastic performances of structures. Various factors that influence ductility of the section are compactness, material properties, and lateral support configuration close to plastic hinge region. This paper attempts to evaluate inelastic rotation response of hybrid and homogeneous I-sections considering the influence of above factors. An experimentally verified nonlinear finite element modeling technique is employed to carry out parametric studies to evaluate the extent of influence of the above parameters on rotation response. An attention is given to the interaction between local and lateral buckling and their influence on inelastic rotation for the members subjected to constant moment loading. Regression analysis of the database parametric studies resulted into an equation for evaluation of rotation capacity of I-shaped steel plate girders. The equation is validated by applying it to selected experiments conducted by various researchers. Results of the proposed equation are compared with the rotation capacity prediction equations by others. Statistical analysis of validation study shows that the proposed equation provides refined results as compared to available equations. A flowchart and solved example for the demonstration of the use of proposed equation along with stable length equations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexural tests were conducted on five full scale I-shaped steel beams, three hybrid and two homogeneous, with two aims: 1) validate the inelastic flexural behavior of hybrid girder that is manufactured using lower grade steel 2) simplify finite element (FE) analysis procedure, for further parametric studies, by neglecting residual stresses when symmetrical welding sequence is adopted. Effect of material properties and member slenderness on flexural strength, ductility, and failure mode shapes is discussed. It is also found that failure mode shape and expansion of plastic field are mainly influenced by slenderness of member. Load-deflection and moment rotation response in tests are closely matching with non-linear finite element study. Close match is also observed in failure mode shapes and plastic field expansion. Considerable reduction is observed in residual stresses in symmetrically welded sections as compared to sections welded without proper sequence. This validates non-linear FE analysis procedure by neglecting residual stresses. Test results are compared with prediction equations for flexural strength, rotation capacity available in literature. Test results are also compared with provisions in EN 1993-1-1 and IS 800. Moment gradient (3-P) and uniform moment (4-P) loading have been considered to ensure that results are equally applicable in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

$$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$ crystallizes in tetragonal CeOBiS $$_{2}$$ structure (S. G. P4/ nmm). We have investigated the effect of pressure on magnetization measurements. Our studies suggest improved superconducting properties in polycrystalline samples of $$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$ . The $$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$ in our sample is 5.3 K, at ambient pressure, which is marginal but definite enhancement over $$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$ reported earlier (= 5.1 K). The upper critical field $$H_{\mathrm{c}2}$$ (0) is greater than 3 T, which is higher than earlier report on this material. As determined from the M- H curve, both $$H_{\mathrm{c}2}$$ and $$H_{\mathrm{c}1}$$ decrease under external pressure P (0 $$\le P \le $$ 1 GPa). We observe a decrease in critical current density and transition temperature on applying pressure in $$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the hydrogeochemical composition of groundwater in Chhatarpur area with special focus on nitrate and fluoride contamination, considering the fact that groundwater is the only major source of drinking water here. Carbonate and silicate mineral weathering followed by ground water-surface water interactions, ion exchange and anthropogenic activities are mainly responsible for high concentrations of cations and anions in the groundwater in the region. The average concentration of nitrate and fluoride found in 27 samples is 1.08 and 61.4 mg/L, respectively. Nitrate enrichment mainly occurs in areas occupied with intense fertilizer practice in agricultural fields. Since the area is not dominated by industrialization, the possibility of anthropogenic input of fluoride is almost negligible, thus the enrichment of fluoride in groundwater is only possible due to rock-water interaction. The highly alkaline conditions, which favor the fluorite dissolution, are the main process responsible for high concentration of fluoride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports observation of rf-SQUID effect due to natural grain boundary junctions in YNi2B2C ( Tc ∼ 15.5 K), ErNi2B2C ( Tc ∼ 11.5 K, TN ∼ 6.5 K), and DyNi2B2C ( Tc ∼ 6.5 K, TN ∼ 11K), LuNi2B2C ( Tc ∼ 16.5 K) and YPd5B3C0.35 ( Tc ∼ 23 K) bulk borocarbide superconductors. The observation of rf-SQUID effect due to natural grain boundary junctions in all the five borocarbide superconductors clearly indicates that natural grain boundary junctions in these superconductors behave as Josephson junctions, and this behavior of natural grain boundary junctions in the quaternary borocarbides appear to be universal in this class of superconductors. Observation of rf-SQUID effect in magnetic borocarbide superconductors (ErNi2B2C and DyNi2B2C) at 4.2 K also indicates that antiferromagnetic ordering does not destroy SQUID effect, as TN > 4.2 K in both cases. Rapid increase in flux noise due to thermally activated flux hopping has been observed in all the SQUIDs as temperature approaches Tc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissolved fluoride (F-) in the Lower Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river system, Bengal basin, Bangladesh, was studied during 1991–1993 to determine its distribution and source in the basin, and its annual flux to the Bay of Bengal. The concentration of dissolved F- varied between 2 and 11 μmol l-1 with statistically significant variations both spatially and temporally in the basin. Such variations are attributable to the geology of the individual subbasins (Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna), dilution by rainwater during monsoon and groundwater contribution to the river systems during dry season. Correlation coefficients among F- and major cations and anions suggest diverse inorganic processes responsible for regulating the concentration of F- in these river systems. However, fluorite seems to be one of the major sources of dissolved F-. The concentration of F- in the Lower GBM river system is low compared to the rivers draining Deccan Plateau and arid regions of the subcontinent, for example, Yamuna and its tributaries. However, it is within the range of most of the other Peninsular and Himalayan rivers. The GBM system contributes about 115×103 tonnes year-1 of dissolved F- into the Bay of Bengal, and thus accounts for about 3% of the global F- flux to the oceans annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mircen Journal of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mircen Journal of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mircen Journal of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mircen Journal of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rhodotorula sp. produced a high yield of levanase (12.5 nkat/mL) in shake flasks in basal medium containing 1% maltose as the sole carbon source. Among the different carbon sources used, maltose was found to be the best for levanase production. The optimum temperature and pH for levanase production were 30°C and 6, respectively. In a batch reactor the enzyme productivity was higher (500 nkat L h) than in shaken flasks (347 nkat L h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A silver-resistant mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae B-5 was produced by passaging in nutrient broth containing graded concentrations of silver nitrate up to 150 ppm. The development of silver resistance in the strain resulted in rough colonies, decrease in cell size, carbohydrate content and change in klebocin pattern. The virulence of the Ag strain as checked by the burn wound model decreased as the mutant could not establish itself in the skin and spleen of the animals and the organism was cleared more efficiently by human lymphocytes than the parent Ag strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy in the ultraviolet regime has been used for the detection of biochemical through a fiber coupled CCD detector from a distance of 2 m. The effect of concentration and laser excitation energy on the fluorescence spectra of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been investigated. The signature fluorescence peak of NADH was centred about 460 nm. At lower concentration Raman peak centred at 405 nm was also observed. The origin of this peak has been discussed. Detection limit with the proposed set up is found to be 1 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of case study on ameloblastoma in a 60-year-old male. Various methods of reconstruction of mandible have been described. An examination of the patient's oral cavity revealed poor orodental hygiene with lower third molar missing and ulceration present over right buccal area. It was concluded that curettage was a desirable form of treatment for the disease.

Single phase Ba-free Sr-based YSr[sub 2] Cu[sub 3-x] M[sub x] O[sub 7+δ] (M=Mo, W and Re) compounds have been stabilized by chemical doping. Superconductivity is observed for these phases in the range 30–45 K. X-ray diffraction studies suggest a relatively small orthorhombicity compared to Ba-analogue. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigations reveal that the stabilizing cations are in the hexavalent state. The observation of the higher oxidation state of M-ions accounts for the excess oxygen content in these phases which is in accordence with the diffraction results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have carried out detailed magnetic and transport studies of the new Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) superconductors derived by doping Se in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2. Se-doping produces several effects: it suppresses semiconducting-like behavior observed in the undoped Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2, the ferromagnetic ordering temperature, TFM, decreases considerably from 7.5 K (in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2) to 3.5 K and the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, gets enhanced slightly to 2.9-3.3 K. Thus in these Se-doped materials, TFM is marginally higher than Tc. Magnetization studies provide evidence of bulk superconductivity in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex at x ≥ 0.5 in contrast to the undoped Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2 (x = 0) where magnetization measurements indicate a small superconducting volume fraction. Quite remarkably, as compared with the effective paramagnetic Ce-moment (~2.2 μB), the ferromagnetically ordered Ce-moment in the superconducting state is rather small (~0.1 μB) suggesting itinerant ferromagnetism. To the best of our knowledge, Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-x Sex (x = 0.5 and 1.0) are distinctive Ce-based bulk superconducting itinerant ferromagnetic materials with Tc < TFM. Furthermore, a novel feature of these materials is that they exhibit a dual and quite unusual hysteresis loop corresponding to both the ferromagnetism and the coexisting bulk superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The penetration of poultry muscle strips by Pseudomonas putida, P. fragi, Lactobacillus plantarum and L. casei was studied at 37°C. The first three bacteria penetrated along the muscular septa while Lactobacillus casei did not invade the poultry muscle strips at all. The penetration by both pseudomonads occurred throughout the 3 cm muscle strip but L. plantarum showed minor penetration up to 2 cm only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R-mode factor analysis of the recently acquired data on water and sediment chemistry has been performed. Basic chemical parameters have been merged together which aid in interpreting a few empirical geochemical factors controlling the chemical nature of water and sediments of the Gomti River, a major Himalayan tributary of the Ganges drainagebasin. Water chemistry seems to be controlled by three factors: bicarbonate, rainfall and silicate and phosphate factors. Sediment chemistry is largely controlled by the following four factors: clay, adsorption/desorption, Fe-Mn hydroxide and mercury factors. These factors show spatial and temporal variability in terms of their R-scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have carried out detailed magnetic and transport studies of the new Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) superconductors derived by doping Se in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2. Se-doping produces several effects: it suppresses semiconducting-like behavior observed in the undoped Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2, the ferromagnetic ordering temperature, TFM, decreases considerably from 7.5 K (in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2) to 3.5 K and the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, gets enhanced slightly to 2.9-3.3 K. Thus in these Se-doped materials, TFM is marginally higher than Tc. Magnetization studies provide evidence of bulk superconductivity in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex at x ≥ 0.5 in contrast to the undoped Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2 (x = 0) where magnetization measurements indicate a small superconducting volume fraction. Quite remarkably, as compared with the effective paramagnetic Ce-moment (~2.2 μB), the ferromagnetically ordered Ce-moment in the superconducting state is rather small (~0.1 μB) suggesting itinerant ferromagnetism. To the best of our knowledge, Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-x Sex (x = 0.5 and 1.0) are distinctive Ce-based bulk superconducting itinerant ferromagnetic materials with Tc < TFM. Furthermore, a novel feature of these materials is that they exhibit a dual and quite unusual hysteresis loop corresponding to both the ferromagnetism and the coexisting bulk superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]