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Adversarial robustness has become a central goal in deep learning, both in theory and in practice. However, successful methods to improve the adversarial robustness (such as adversarial training) greatly hurt generalization performance on the unperturbed data. This could have a major impact on how achieving adversarial robustness affects real world systems (i.e. many may opt to forego robustness if it can improve accuracy on the unperturbed data). We propose Interpolated Adversarial Training, which employs recently proposed interpolation based training methods in the framework of adversarial training. On CIFAR-10, adversarial training increases the standard test error (when there is no adversary) from 4.43% to 12.32%, whereas with our Interpolated adversarial training we retain adversarial robustness while achieving a standard test error of only 6.45%. With our technique, the relative increase in the standard error for the robust model is reduced from 178.1% to just 45.5%.

Today the DC Microgrid has achieved popularity due to its easy interconnection with renewable energy resources and high reliability. This paper presents the voltage regulation of DC microgrid using a solar photovoltaic module, Li-ion Battery and AC grid as an input source. The outputs of these three inputs are interconnected with help of buffer circuit and are fed to dc bus. The voltage across DC bus is maintained to a certain desired value, which is being further regulated to four different lower voltages with help of buck converters. Buffer circuits are used to monitor the instantaneous power imbalance between source and load of the entire circuit. The boost converter is connected along the PV module and Li-ion battery respectively to regulate the output voltage of these sources to the desired value which is being fed to dc bus. The Maximum Power Point Tracking is also connected to the PV module which is essential to drive the system to the maximum power point to obtain the much efficiency. The system is modelled and simulated in the PSIM working environment. The dc bus voltage is also regulated to four different voltages levels so that the different dc household loads can be connected through it.

Nowadays Brushless DC motors (BLDC) are gaining popularity and are also replacing the motor with brushes in numerous applications due to their high efficiency, low maintenance, and effective operation. This paper presents the sensorless speed control of the BLDC drive with the technique of zero-crossing detection of indirect back EMF. Several controllers are employed and compared for acquiring the effective control over the speed. The particular paper demonstrates the performances of sensorless BLDC drive has been evaluated with different controller schemes such as a conventional controller (PI), anti-windup PI, Fuzzy based and the Hybrid (Fuzzy-PI) controller at different load and speed. Their results have been compared in which fuzzy based controller offers a better response in maximum cases. This reduces the cost and complexity without compromising the performance. Fuzzy Logic Controller is used to enhance its robustness and reliability. The effectiveness of the work is demonstrated through simulation done in MATLAB Version (2013) environment and simulation results of the sensorless drive have been analyzed.

Corporations have always desired prompt customer experience feedback about their products for amending current pricing and policies to stay ahead of their competitors. A positive customer experience can be created by analyzing customer sentiments and acting on them promptly. Social networks like Twitter represent collective intelligence and opinion of the general public and hence can be harnessed for real-time feedback. They have evolved as a resource for extracting sentiments for applications in various fields. Sentiment analysis can be used to obtain the overall customer experience of a large customer base on a real time. In this research, a total of 153,651 distinct tweets for Twitter handle of 5 popular telecom brands in India: Aircel, Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Reliance Jio and Vodafone India were extracted for five months to develop a prediction model for telecom subscriber addition using the sentiment score. The results were validated statistically using correlation analysis. Positive customer sentiments about the brand which they prefer is reflected by higher growth rate of new subscribers added with that brand in the study period. The sentiment analysis results can be used by managements to take timely actions for improving the future customer experience and avoiding customer churn.

Background: Low back pain has plagued humans for thousands of years and it is extremely common with lifetime prevalence of 60-90% and annual incidence of 5% so we studied the problem of acute lumbosciatic syndrome which is defined as pain located near the loins in the lower back region and along the sciatic nerve, its remedies with objective to find out the possible causes of acute lumbosciatic syndrome. Aim of the study was to study characteristics of low back pain patients and outline the best possible treatment for them. Methods: The study comprises of 110 patient of adolescent to elderly age presenting with acute low back pain with radiation of pain to buttock and thigh. The prospective randomized study was completed in two years at the department of orthopedics at a tertiary care center. Results: Acute low backache was found to be more common in upper middle class and Lower class. Medium and heavy manual workers were found to be more predisposed to acute low backache and among specific occupation porters carrying heavy weights were most commonly involved. Prolapsed intervertebral disc was found be commonest cause of acute lumbosciatic syndrome. By conservative treatment in a year there was 76% of patients showed improvement in back pain, 73% showed improvement in paresthesias, 79% showed improvement in numbness and 69% showed improvement in neurological claudication. Education in proper posture and body mechanics is helpful in returning the patient to the usual level of activity after the acute exacerbation has been relieved. Conclusions: Every patient of low back pain should be thoroughly examined on all parameters before reaching to final diagnosis and treatment of low back pain by conservative treatment should be aimed on the prevention rather than treatment by multiple drugs.

Background: Osteoarthritis is an inevitable consequence of aging and second only to cardiovascular diseases in producing severe chronic disability. Osteoarthritis is characterized by degenerative changes in articular cartilage of diarthrodial joints and subsequent new bone formation at the articular margin. It is the result of excessive aging that primarily produces an alteration in the ratio of total glycosaminoglycans to that of fiber content in the matrix. The aim was to evaluate the results of proximal tibial osteotomy in medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of knee in terms of relief of pain, range of movement, correction of deformity and functional outcome Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 24 patients in the age range 54 to 70 years at the department of orthopedics, Era’s Lucknow Medical College from July 2014 to May 2016. The femorotibial angle was assessed radiologically. A written informed consent was obtained. A closed wedge osteotomy was done followed by rehabilitation programme. Results: It was concluded that proximal tibial osteotomy is a satisfactory alternative to joint replacement surgery in osteoarthritis limited to medial compartment of the knee in developing countries like India. Conclusions: The study concluded that proximal tibial osteotomy is a satisfactory alternative to joint replacement surgery when the disease is restricted to medial compartment of the knee.

In the present work, the unlubricated sliding wear behavior of conventionally sintered TiCN-WC-Ni/Co cermets with or without TaC is studied against steel and cemented carbide (WC-Co) ball at 5, 10 or 20 N load. With change in the cermet composition, sliding load and counter bodies coefficient of friction (COF) varied from 0.25 to 1.17. Wear rate of the cermet increased when slid against cemented carbide. In general, worn surfaces of TiCN based cermets reveal the adhesion, grain pull-out and layer formation at low load and grain pull-out, surface polishing and layer formation at high load. Reduced wear is observed for TaC added TiCN-WC-Ni/Co cermet.

Fe-Cr-Mo alloy steel with addition of 0.4 weight percentage graphite has been processed via Powder Metallurgy route. Green compacts prepared at 650 MPa pressure were sintered at 1120°C and 1200°C for one hour and cooled at 6.0°C/min in a stream of nitrogen and hydrogen (90%N 2 +10%H 2 ). The sintered microstructure consists of a ferrite and pearlite with some cementite at the boundaries. Presence of chromium oxide was observed in samples sintered at 1120°C. In the present sintering conditions there was no significant difference in the density achieved at 1120°C and 1200°C. No oxide formation was observed at 1200°C. This resulted in improved mechanical properties as compared to specimen sintered at 1120°C.

Estrogen Receptor-β (ER-β), a tumor-suppressor in prostate cancer, is epigenetically repressed by hypermethylation of its promoter. DNA-methyltransferases (DNMTs), which catalyze the transfer of methyl-groups to CpG islands of gene promoters, are overactive in cancers and can be inhibited by DNMT-inhibitors to re-express the tumor suppressors. The FDA-approved nucleoside DNMT-inhibitors like 5-Azacytidine and 5-Aza-deoxycytidine carry notable concerns due to their off-target toxicity, therefore non-nucleoside DNMT inhibitors are desirable for prolonged epigenetic therapy. Disulfiram (DSF), an antabuse drug, inhibits DNMT and prevents proliferation of cells in prostate and other cancers, plausibly through the re-expression of tumor suppressors like ER-β. To increase the DNMT-inhibitory activity of DSF, its chemical scaffold was optimized and compound-339 was discovered as a doubly potent DSF-derivative with similar off-target toxicity. It potently and selectively inhibited cell proliferation of prostate cancer (PC3/DU145) cells in comparison to normal (non-cancer) cells by promoting cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, accompanied with inhibition of total DNMT activity, and re-expression of ER-β (mRNA/protein). Bisulfite-sequencing of ER-β promoter revealed that compound-339 demethylated CpG sites more efficaciously than DSF, restoring near-normal methylation status of ER-β promoter. Compound-339 docked on to the MTase domain of DNMT1 with half the energy of DSF. In xenograft mice-model, the tumor volume regressed by 24% and 50% after treatment with DSF and compound-339, respectively, with increase in ER-β expression. Apparently both compounds inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation by re-expressing the epigenetically repressed tumor-suppressor ER-β through inhibition of DNMT activity. Compound-339 presents a new lead for further study as an anti-prostate cancer agent. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of cis (E)-1-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-phenyl/aryl/heteroarylprop-2-en-1-ones from 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetylpyrazol-5-one was achieved in good yield. s-cis (E)-1-(5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones were isomerized to s-trans (E)-4-(3-(phenyl/aryl/heteroaryl)acryloyl)-5-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2 H)-ones using iodobenzene diacetate in dichloromethane at room temperature in excellent yield. The structure and geometry of these α,β-unsaturated ketones (pyrazolyl ketones) were established with the help of NMR, 2D NMR and HRMS techniques. The cytotoxicity of pyrazolyl chalcones showed that s-cis(E) 1-(5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(4-methylphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one is active at very low concentrations (IC50 13.3 μM) against colon cancer cell line (HCT-116). The in vitro anti-microbial studies of pyrazolyl chalcones were also tested against gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and for anti-fungal activity against C. albicansand A. niger.

The present investigation reports the stimulating effects of different substituted alkyl silatranes (3a-3e) on the early seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays). Seeds of these plants were exposed to six different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 µmol LIt was of interest that the effect of these silatranes did not show a dose-dependent relationship but an optimum concentration, which was 100 µmol LAll the synthesized silatranes were effective in promoting root and shoot growth of wheat and maize. Furthermore, an efficient green microwave methodology was successful for the synthesis of silatranes. These observations pave the way for silatranes as efficient plant growth regulators for crops. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is one category of wireless network which plays a crucial role in many application areas like industrial process monitoring, health care monitoring, military supervision etc. WSN basically comprises of base stations and numerous sensor nodes that are placed in the geographical areas. These sensor nodes collect the information from areas and sends to the base station (sink node). When there are large numbers of sensor nodes is busy in transmitting data towards sink node then there is possibility of congestion in the network. Congestion has a significant role in reducing performance of the network or failure in network. So it is necessary to become aware of congestion and manage the congested resources in wireless sensor networks for enhancing the network performance. Thus, particular considerations are compulsory to build up more sophisticated methods to avoid, detect, and resolve congestion. Different approaches have been introduced in the past few years some include routing protocols aided with congestion detection and control mechanism, and devoted congestion control protocols. In conclusion, a comparative analysis of different protocols is made depending upon their performance on various parameters and the paper is concluded.

International audience; In recent decades, ground source heat pump systems have become popular for space heating and cooling applications. In both modes of operation, GSHP needs to interact with the ground through GHX. The thermal performance analysis of single and double U-tube heat exchangers are discussed in this paper by focusing on its effectiveness, ground temperatures, heat extraction & injection rate and its effects on surrounding ground formations. Initially the method of calculating length of GHX for a given heat load is explained, then the effectiveness of GHX is defined. Experimental set up used to study the performance of single and double U-tube GHX at bureau of geological and mining research (BRGM), France is explained. Results obtained from the experimental study shows that the average effectiveness of single U-tube heat exchanger in heating and cooling modes are 0.34 and 0.40 respectively and for double U-tube, it is 0.46 and 0.57 respectively. In both the heat exchangers, the average effectiveness is observed to be high in cooling mode operation, the reason may be that in cooling mode operation, the temperature difference between the heat carrier fluid and the ground is found to be high compared to the difference observed during heating mode operation.

Background: Good quality information on characteristics of victims, types, and frequency of injuries, causes of accidents, vehicles involved in injury and outcome is essential for understanding and planning required for managing the trauma epidemic. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of trauma victims admitted to King George's Medical University trauma center. Methods: This observational study enrolled trauma victims over a 1-year period. Characteristics recorded were age, sex, systolic blood pressure at admission, respiratory rate at admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at the time of admission, time since injury to admission, referral, specific injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS), chronic medical condition, mechanism of injury, and the regions involved. Outcome at the end of hospital stay was recorded. Results: A total of 3280 injuries were recorded in 2288 patients. Mean age 40.81 ± 16.3 years, predominantly male (83.57%), mean ISS 12.56 ± 7.3, mean GCS 12.20 ± 4.1. Mean time to admission (hospitalization) to trauma center was 54.22 ± 185.2 h. Head was the most commonly involved region (32.44%). Patients referred from peripheral hospitals had significantly lower GCS, higher time to admission to trauma center, and longer duration of hospital stay. Road traffic accidents were responsible for 1514 (66.40%) injuries. Five hundred and ten (22.37%) patients sustained injury due to a fall. Three hundred and ninety (68.59%) patients were discharged, 67 (11.69%) left the hospital against medical advice, 8 absconded from the trauma center, and 104 expired within the hospital. Conclusion: Traumatic brain injuries and orthopedic injuries constitute a majority of injured admitted to the trauma center. Motorcycle collision with other vehicles and pedestrian hits by other vehicles are the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. In contrast to west, the most common cause of spinal cord injury was falls. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are the vulnerable road users. Long time to admission is an alarming finding.

In the present research, a methodology is proposed to optimize the solar collector area and ground heat exchanger length for achieving higher COP of Solar Assisted Ground Source Heat Pump (SAGSHP) system using Taguchi method and utility concept. Four operating parameters for solar collector and four parameters for ground heat exchanger have been selected with mixed level variation using an L 18 (2 1 , 3 7 ) orthogonal array. The key parameters such as solar collector area, ground heat exchanger length and COP of the SAGSHP system are optimized to predict the best levels of operating parameters for maximum COP of SAGSHP system. Lower the better concept has been used for the solar collector area and ground heat exchanger length whereas higher the better concept has been employed for the COP of SAGSHP system and the results have been analyzed for the optimum conditions using signal-to-noise (SN) ratio and ANOVA method. Computations were carried out for 18 experimental trial runs by considering 2 ton heating load in winter season. The optimum COP for SAGSHP was estimated to be 4.23 from the utility concept, which is 8.74% higher than the optimum COP predicted by Taguchi optimization. Optimization of solar collector area and ground heat exchanger length by the utility concept has shown only about 2.3% reduction in area and 1.6% reduction in length respectively compared to those values optimized by the Taguchi method.

s-cis-(E)-1-(5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones (pyrazolyl chalcones), prepared from 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetylpyrazol-5-one and aromatic aldehydes, were oxidatively cyclized to pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles using iodine in excellent yield (90–98 %). The structure of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles was established using NMR, 2D NMR, and HRMS techniques. Among the synthesized pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles, 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrano[2,3-c]pyrazol-4(1H)-one and 6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrano[2,3-c]pyrazol-4(1H)-one displayed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylcococcus aureus having MIC 0.46 × 10−2 and 0.32 × 10−2 µM, respectively. Graphics for use in the Table of Contents

This is an endeavour to simulate the concept of determining type of Thyroidism after stipulating the TSH, T3 and T4 levels in the human body by using proposed analog circuit. The Analog devices like operational amplifiers have behaviour similar to the mathematical operations. Till date there are so many software based techniques used for determination of effective dose to be provided to the patient so that normal level of Thyroxine can be maintained in the human body [1]. There is a need for hardware-oriented analog device to provide an accurate and efficient mean for calculation of effective dose amount and TSH, T3 and T4 values can be used. Basically, the voltages in the high-gain dc amplifiers are equated to these three variables and the operational amplifiers can do the mathematical operations on the voltages, although the accuracy of measuring voltage is limited to certain point. The simulation has been done using CircuitMaker.

Background: Inter-hospital transfer is a common in trauma victims due to paucity of super-specialty care, lack of specialty beds, and lack of funding. The government of Uttar Pradesh introduced Emergency Medical Response system (EMRS). There is a need to audit and evaluate the transfer process since the introduction of the service. The objectives of this study were to identify critical gaps in the transfer of trauma patients and secondary over triage to the trauma centre of KGMU.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on trauma victims referred to the trauma centre. Patients were evaluated for clinical status, Injury Severity Score, protective patient devices present, type of intravenous fluid infusion, mode of transport, and level of referring hospital. Transfer records, transport vehicles and accompanying personal were evaluated.Results: Of the 342 patients enrolled in the study, 91 had a GCS score

Background: Socioeconomic structure, policies and cultural traditions play important roles in the determining the epidemiological characteristics of spinal injury patients. An understanding of epidemiology of spinal injuries is essential for planning and implementation of preventive measures as well as clinical services. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of spinal injury patients admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics, King George Medical University (KGMU).Methods: Age, sex, time since injury to admission, site of injury, mechanism of injury, stability of injury, vertebral level, collision type, visibility, type of road, associated injuries, complications and outcome at the end of hospital stay was recorded.Results: Mean age of the 149 enrolled patients was 33.62±13.47 years. Male to female ratio was 2.63. More than fifty percent (52.3%) patients were admitted more than 48 hrs after injury. Most of the patients sustained injury in the house (59.1%). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (79.2%). 54.23% of the falls were less than body height. Stable injuries (51%) were more common than unstable injuries. 21.48% patients had multiple levels of injury. 1st lumbar vertebra was the most common vertebra injured (20.88%). Ninty six (64.42%) patients had associated injuries. Most common complication were pulmonary (16.10%).Conclusions: Traumatic spinal injuries predominantly involve young males. Household falls are the most common cause of traumatic spinal injuries. There is a need to determine the modifiable factors that contribute to household falls. There is a significant association between falls and complete injuries.

The fuel cell and electrolyzer together may be an important alternative source for clean energy production. The oxygen-hydrogen produced in the water splitting reaction in an electrolyzer may also be used in any conventional combustion engines with a little or no modification of the existing engines. The sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in these devices necessitates higher loading of catalysts in the cathode. However, the best catalyst used in fuel cell and electrolyzer is platinum and/or its derivatives. The use of metal free graphene based heteroatom doped ORR catalyst may be a promising alternative for conventional platinum electrocatalyst. In particular, nitrogen-doped Graphene synthesized from natural carbon based biomass material has the potential to be a sustainable, green and economical ORR. In this study, Assam silk cocoons was used to synthesize nitrogen doped graphene based catalyst via one step in-situ pyrolysis. The morphological and chemical characterization of the synthesized catalyst was carried out with the help of XRD, Raman, FTIR, TEM, EDS and XPS. The X-Ray diffractograms of the catalyst revealed presence of defect induced broad peaks at graphitic 002 and 004 peaks at 24.5° and 43°, respectively. The Raman spectra showed the presence of D-band, G-band and D′ band with an ID/IG ratio of 0.86. The EDS analysis confirmed the presence of 21.55 At% in-situ nitrogen in the synthesized catalyst. The morphological analysis through TEM showed the presence of multilayer graphene. The formation of in-situ nitrogen doped graphene catalyst was confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which showed the presence of pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen. The synthesized electrocatalyst was later analyzed with the help of a rotating disk electrode for its catalytic activity in ORR.

Background: Femoral neck fracture in elderly continues to pose a treatment dilemma. Associated co-morbidities and high mortality (1-year mortality of 25–30% and only 25% survivorship at 10 years) often skews the surgical decision. The underlying treatment goal is minimum revision and maximum functional outcome. Lack of clear guidelines is reflected by the continued debates regarding their management namely osteosynthesis vs arthroplasty; hemiarthroplasty vs total hip arthroplasty, unipolar vs bipolar and cemented vs uncemented. A review of joint registries, uniformly suggest that cemented fixation in elderly patient results in early mobilization, less residual pain and the lowest risk of revision. We analyzed clinical outcome of cemented monoblock hemi-arthroplasty (modified design) in femoral neck fracture in elderly.Methods: Total 94 cemented hemiarthroplasty, performed since January 2009, with a minimum follow up of 3 years are included in the study. Mean modified Haris Hip score at 2 years, 3 years and in the last follow up was 88 (72-91), 84 (70-89) and 81 (65-86) respectively. Acetabular erosion was noted in three patients (3.19%) (one was symptomatic) and aseptic loosening in another two patients (2.12%). Major complications such as deep wound infection, dislocation or peri-prosthetic fracture were not noted in any patient.Results: Result of the present study is consistent to marginally superior when compared to cemented Thompson monoblock and the cemented bipolar prostheses. We attribute this to routine use of cement in the elderly osteoporotic bone along with design modification of the monoblock stem. Long term result of THA is marginally (not statistically significant) better compared to hemiarthroplasty. However, it is associated with prolonged surgery, more blood loss and higher dislocation rate. The rates of dislocation following THA, bipolar and unipolar arthroplasty were 11%, 3%, and 2% respectively.Conclusions: Cemented monoblock hemiarthroplasty is effective and viable option in displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly in terms of excellent functional outcome, low reoperation without adversely affecting morbidity and mortality. Being cost effective procedure this may be considered as first line surgical option especially in socio-economically disadvantaged section of the society.

Tuberculosis of the musculoskeletal system is generally confined to bones and joints. The surrounding soft tissue is secondarily infected. Tuberculous bursitis, tenosynovitis and primary pyomyositis are rarer manifestations of the disease. Of these, primary tuberculouspyomyositis is probably the rarest entity. We report a case of tubercular myositis of infraspinatus in an 8 year-old female who presented with pain, low grade fever, weight loss, anorexia, progressively increasing pain in the scapular region and restriction of movements. There was no history of trauma, diabetes, immunosuppression, corticosteroid usage, or renal failure. History of contact was present. Tenderness was present along the medial border of scapula and movements of upper extremity requiring movement of the scapula were painful and grossly restricted. MRI of the scapulothoracic region and shoulder revealed small amount of fluid along medial border of scapula with T2 hyperintensity of infraspinatus. Histopathology showed caseous necrosis, inflammatory cells and granulomatous cells suggestive of tuberculosis. Polymerase Chain Reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found to be positive. Patient was started on four-drug antitubercular treatment and regular dressings. The patient’s general condition improved and at 4 weeks post starting ATT, there was no pain and the patient was able to perform complete range of movement. This is probably the first reported case of tubercular myositis of infraspinatus in an immunocompetent patient without any identifiable focus elsewhere in the body. Rarity of the condition, presence of characteristic findings on MRI and histopathology make the case illustrative for young Orthopaedics surgeons.

Front line demonstration is an effective and appropriate tool to demonstrate recommended technologies among the farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Betul (M.P.) conducted 78 demonstrations on soybean since 2004-05 to 2009-10 in six adopted villages. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through farmers meeting and group discussion with the farmers. The six years data revealed that an average yield of demonstration plot was obtained 18.35 q/ha over local check (11.85 q/ha) with an additional yield of 6.5 q/ha and the increase average soybean productivity by 60.93%. The average technologies gap and technological index were observed to be 11.65 q/ha and technological index 38.33% respectively.

Fruit extract of Cupressus sempervirens (CS), which is used traditionally to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)-like urinary symptoms in patients, was scientifically validated for anti-BPH activity. The ethanolic fruit extract of CS inhibited proliferation of human BPH-stromal cells and the activity was localized to its chloroform-soluble, diterpene-rich fraction. Eight major diterpenes isolated from this fraction exhibited moderate to potent activity and the most active diterpene (labda-8(17),12,14-trien-19-oic acid) exhibited an IC50 of 37.5 μM (antiproliferative activity against human BPH-stromal cells). It significantly inhibited activation (phosphorylation) of Stat-3 in BPH-stromal cells and prevented transactivation of androgen sensitive KLK3/PSA and TMPRSS2 genes in LNCaP cells. Labda-8(17),12,14-trien-19-oic acid-rich CS fraction prevented prostatic hyperplasia in rat model and caused TUNEL labeling of stromal cells with lower expressions of IGF-I, TGF-s and PCNA, and bcl-2/bax ratio. Human BPH tissues exhibited precise lowering of stromal component after incubation in labda-8(17),12,14-trien-19-oic acid, ex vivo. We conclude that labda-8(17),12,14-trien-19-oic acid contained in CS exhibits anti-BPH activity through inhibition of stromal proliferation and suppression of androgen action in the prostate, presenting a unique lead structure for further optimization of anti-BPH activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Process Validation emphasizes on process design ele ments and maintaining process control during commercialization and communicate that process validation is an ongoing program and align process vali dation activities with product lifecycle. It has always be en known that facilities and processes involved in pharmaceutical production impact significantly on the quality of t he products. The processes include raw material and equipment inspections as well as in-process controls. Process controls are mandatory in good manufacturing pract ice (GMP).

The effect on the microstructure obtained in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and the carbide zone in the weld metal properties of Casted grey cast iron plates (grade-GJLEN 1561) are used as base material. The welding was carried out with manual shielded metal arc welding using ENiFe-CI filler metal. The welds were prepared by using the arc welding process and filler Nickel base filler materials are used in welding as electrode, which is ductile in nature 85 ENiFe-CI is the grade of nickel base filler electrode. For knowing the effect of preheat treatment, the plates were firstly heated to near about 400- 450˚C by the help of gas cutting torch and the post weld heat treatment (PWHT) was limited only for 45 minute at 810 o C. The welds were characterized by micro structural analysis, impact test, and tensile test. The Charpy-impact properties of the weldment specimens improved with the PWHT and were somewhat lower than previously developed data on the wrought material. Keyword: - gray cast iron, impact test, microstructure, post weld heat treatment (PWHT), tensile test. I. INTRODUCTION Weld ability of cast iron has been found to be very poor due to the heterogeneity of matrix phase and non-wet ability of the graphite phase. These phases undergo a series of microstructure changes in the HAZ during weld repairing by fusion welding the project discusses the nature of these changes occurring in the vicinity of the weld zone as well as method of controlling these to get satisfactory weldment. It further discusses the practical aspect of weld joint preparation, the selection of welding process and procedure, the choice of filler metal-composition etc. and degree of pre as well as post weld heat-treatment to obtain defect and stress free welding. The welding of ductile cast iron is not normally practiced in the foundry industry for the reclamation or fabrication of castings, due to the inconsistency of the mechanical and physical properties achieved. Grey irons contain higher amounts of carbon compared to steels which diffuses into the austenite during welding, forming hard brittle phases, namely martensite and carbides at the weld interface. These give rise to poor elongation properties and high hardness values. Weldability of ductile cast iron depends on its original matrix, chemical composition mechanical properties and structure of welding process and working condition. The preheating temperature range depends on the hardenability of the iron chemical composition or carbon equivalent, the size and complexity of the weld and the type of filler materials.

With the enhancement in mobile technology, QR (Quick Response) codes became popular. QR codes are widely used in our daily life from social media websites to cashless shopping wallets, ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning) software implementation to display advertising and digital marketing etc. In this paper we have focused upon one major issue with the QR codes. We have focused upon data various techniques used to increase data storage capacity of QR code. This paper is divided into five subparts. In first part we have introduced about basics of QR codes, their versions, creating and scanning process and its various applications. Then in second part we have written about various features of QR codes, due to them QR code became so popular and we have also discussed about its structure to understand its basic functionality. Thereafter we have compared three different kinds of co des-b ar code, quick response code and color quick response code, on the basis of its storage capacity, error resistance, 360° reading and other factors. Then in fourth part we have reviewed the literature and mentioned various techniques used by researcher to in crease data storage capacity of QR codes. In fifth part of this research paper we have proposed encoding and decoding algorithm, which will result into high storage color QR code. And a t the end, we have discussed about our future directions in order to increase storage capacity of QR codes and make stored information more secure and reliable for the end users.

Urbanization has lead to the challenge of waste disposal. The dumping sites are affecting the natural habitats in and around urban areas. The most eye catching group of animals, the birds had used these modified habitats. The reconnaissance surveys were conducted for eleven sites of the seven municipal areas Rajasthan and Punjab states of India to assess the avifaunal composition. The observations of bird species using modified habitats in form of solid and liquid (effluent/ sewage) waste sites were assessed. The dumping site at Mount Abu (Sirohi, Rajasthan) was no more in existence. Since authors were involved in studies since last two decades, therefore, past records were also included for such sites. It was observed that such sites of waste collection (solid and liquid) were harboring 100 species of birds with three additional species in past, accounting 103 bird species belonging to 37 families in 11 orders. Terrestrial species accounted 53 whereas wetland bird species were 37 species and 11 species were wetland dependent. Around 58 species were resident, 18 migrants and 27 species resident with local movements. Thirteen species of global interest were recorded from the sites. Three of these species were under critically endangered and were the past records. Two endangered species, one vulnerable species and seven near threatened species were recorded from the investigation sites. Sites of Udaipur and Bharatpur were having the maximum diversity of birds. Besides scavenger and raptors species, egrets and passerines were of common occurrence. It was observed that the sites were mainly used for the feeding purposes and if the surrounding habitats were used for the other life cycle processes by the birds. The dumping sites with the organic (biodegradable and animal) wastes could be prepared and further modified as per the nature’s rule to develop the birding sites for the species of global interest. The animal waste management through reviving bio-disposal mechanism through scavenger birds could be ideal model for revenue generation through birding.

The thermal properties of hypervalent iodine reagents (iodobenzene diacetate, bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene, [hydroxyl(mesyloxy)]iodobenzene, [hydroxy(tosyloxy)] iodobenzene) and polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents (polystyrene-supported iodobenzene diacetate, polystyrene-supported bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene, polystyrene-supported[hydroxyl(mesyloxy)]iodobenzene, polystyrene-supported [hydroxy(tosyloxy)] iodobenzene) were investigated using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The polystyrene-supported iodobenzene diacetate, synthesized from polystyrene, was a precursor to other three polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents (PS-HTIB, PS-HMIB and PS-BTI). The TG curves of hypervalent iodine reagents and their polymer analogues show mainly one-step mass loss behaviour, whereas enthalpy change (∆H) and onset temperature were calculated from a DSC curve which that shows hypervalent iodine reagents and their polymer analogues decompose endothermically. The results suggest that the polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents are more stable than hypervalent iodine reagents and therefore may be used in reactions without decomposition up to 350–410 °C in comparison to the polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents that are stable up to 132–160 °C.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report a comparison between the zinc oxide eugenol dressing and plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF) with gelatin sponge in the treatment of dry socket. Materials and Methods: This study comprised of 45 patients of dry socket in the span of one year. The patients were randomly divided into three groups on the basis of treatments: Group A (PRGF with gelatin sponge), group B (zinc oxide eugenol group), and group C (irrigation with sterile saline only). The clinical progress was noted at 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , 7 th , and 15 th day after the treatment. Results: Patient's healing was better in group A than in group B but symptomatic pain relief was faster in group B. Group C fared worst in both aspects. Conclusion: We conclude that PRGF with gelatin sponge might be a treatment of choice in the management of dry socket.

Background/Objective: The objective of this research is to make improvement in defining the clusters automatically and to assign required clusters to un-clustered points. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The main disadvantage of k-mean is of accuracy, as in k-mean clustering user needs to define number of clusters during the start of process. This restriction of predefined number of clusters leads to some points of the dataset remained un-clustered. So by enhancing the cluster technique, the predictions can be improved. We use Iris dataset for the current study and to generate the results using normalization in the methodology which will lead to improvement in accuracy and will reduce clustering time by the member assigned to the cluster. Findings: The normalization is used to get better results in the form of finding distance to have exact centroid and to remove noise data which is not needed. We are applying backtracking method to find the exact number of clusters that should be defined to analyze the data in better way. The results shows that there is an improvement in clustering when compared to the existing methodologies.

Background & Aims Only a minority of heavy drinking individuals develop alcoholic hepatitis (AH), for unclear reasons. We analyzed data from the Translational Research and Evolving Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment cohort, consisting of subjects who drink heavily with normal results from liver tests (controls) and patients with AH. We examined risk factors for the development of AH including body mass index (BMI), drinking pattern and quantity, and sex. Methods We compared data from 145 patients with AH and 124 controls based on BMI when they joined the cohort; groups were matched for sex and race. Drinking patterns were assessed using the timeline followback method, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 6-question survey. We performed univariable and multivariable analyses to assess the effects of these factors and their interaction in increasing the risk for AH. We also explored the association between PNPLA3 variants and AH. Results Cases with AH were older (47 vs 44 y; P = .03). For nearly all measures of quantity of alcohol consumed or frequency of binge drinking, controls drank more heavily than cases with AH. We did not find an association between BMI, sex, drinking patterns, and the presence of AH. Age and BMI were independent predictors for the severity of AH. When we analyzed cases and controls of European ancestry, the PNPLA3 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs738409 was associated with risk for AH (odds ratio, 1.89; P = .007). Conclusions Compared with heavy drinkers without liver disease, subjects with AH consumed lower levels of alcohol and had less binge drinking, suggesting an increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of alcohol. The risk for AH may be associated with the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism.

Quiescent sperm survive in cauda epididymis for long periods of time under extreme crowding conditions and with a very limited energy substrate, while after ejaculation, motile sperm live for a much shorter period with an unlimited energy resource and without crowding. Thus, the energy metabolism in relation to the energy requirement of the two may be quite different. A simple physiological technique was evolved to collect viable quiescent sperm from rat cauda epididymis to compare its energy metabolism with motile sperm. Quiescent sperm exhibited 40%-60% higher activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I-IV and ATP synthase in comparison to motile sperm and accumulated Ca(2+) in the midpiece mitochondria to enhance oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). In contrast, motile sperm displayed up to 75% higher activities of key glycolytic enzymes and secreted more than two times the lactate than quiescent sperm. Quiescent sperm phosphorylated AMPK and MAPK-p38, while motile sperm phosphorylated AKT and MAPK/ERK. Glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetamide prevented motility activation of quiescent rat sperm and inhibited conception in rabbits more effectively than OxPhos uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol. Apparently, quiescent sperm employ the most energy efficient OxPhos to survive for extended periods of time under extreme conditions of nutrition and crowding. However, on motility initiation, sperm switch predominantly to glycolysis to cater to their high- and quick-energy requirement of much shorter periods. This study also presents a proof of concept for targeting sperm energy metabolism for contraception.

To evaluate the efficacy and diagnostic potential of interferon- gamma release assays QuantiFERON-TB Gold® In Tube (QFT-TB-IT) for the detection of gamma interferon against the antigen ESAT-6, CFP-10, TB 7.7(p4) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and compare the reactivity with other methods (smear, culture and IS6110 targeting PCR).The study was carried out on children with pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis along with matching and PPD+ controls (82 cases, 48 matching controls and 20 PPD+ controls).QFT-TB-IT showed a significantly higher sensitivity (51.2%) as compared with LJ medium culture method (11.0%; p 0.001), BacT/Alert 3D system (12.1%; p 0.001), ZN staining (19.5%; p 0.001) and PCR (45.1%; p 0.05). Specificity of QFT-TB-IT was 48.0%.Less specificity of this assay may be due to high endemicity of tuberculosis. However, further studies are recommended.

An open label, controlled clinical study was conducted in Indian infants aged 6-14 weeks to compare the immunogenicity and safety of a reconstituted pentavalent vaccine (DTwP-HBV+Hib) of Serum Institute of India Ltd (SIIL) with TritanrixHB+Hiberix vaccine of Glaxo Smithkline (GSK).Eligible infants were randomized to receive three doses of the study / comparator vaccine. The vaccines were reconstituted prior to administration, by mixing DTwP-HBV (liquid) with the Hib (lyophilized) vaccine. IgG antibody titres were assessed by ELISA at baseline and after one month following the 3-dose primary immunization schedule. Safety was evaluated after each dose. Further, safety and immunogenicity was also evaluated following a booster dose in the same cohort of children (aged between 15-24 months).Tertiary-care hospitals in India Important outcome measures: Immunogenicity and safety following a 3-dose primary vaccination series and a booster vaccination.Post-primary immunization, 100% seroprotection was noted for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and PRP-Hib components in both the vaccine groups. For pertussis, response was 96.1% in SIIL and 95.4% in GSK group. The overall safety profile as well as persistence of antibodies against all vaccine components up to the time of booster immunization was comparable between the SIIL and GSK groups. A marked rise of all antibody concentrations indicated effective priming. The booster dose was safe, well tolerated with a significant increase in antibody concentrations of all the vaccine antigens in both the groups.DTwP-HBV+Hib vaccine of SIIL was found to be safe and immunogenic. This Indian vaccine compared well with the licensed vaccine and is a cost-effective alternative for incorporating into the immunization schedule of various countries so as to control worldwide Hepatitis B and Hib infections.

The existing drugs for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are partially effective with undesirable side-effects; hence new agents acting by different mechanism(s) are required as supplements. Modulation of estrogen receptor signaling using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) offers an alternative approach for BPH management. Using human BPH-derived stromal cells and tissue explants in culture we evaluated two SERMs, DL-2-[4-(2-piperidinoethoxy)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2 H-1-benzopyran (BP) and Ormeloxifene (Orm) in comparison to Tamoxifen (Tam) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT). BP, OHT and Tam were more effective than Orm in reducing stromal cell proliferation of human BPH. BP was either equipotent or more effective than OHT and Tam in increasing estrogen receptor(ER)-ß, TGFß1, Fas and FasL, and in decreasing ER-α, AR, EGF-R and IGF-I expressions in BPH stromal cells. BP, Tam and Orm (1.0 mg/Kg) reduced rat prostate weights by almost same extent as Finasteride (Fin, 5.0 mg/Kg); however combination treatment (SERM+Fin) was more effective. BP was exceptionally efficient in reducing IGF-1 and cleaving PARP while combination treatments more effectively increased bax:bcl-2 ratio. Fin reduced acinar diameter and prostatic DHT level but increased testosterone, estradiol (E(2)) and E(2)/T+DHT ratio. SERMs, especially BP, reduced epithelial cell height drastically without significantly altering steroid hormone levels and E(2)/T+DHT ratio. Combination treatment reduced both acinar diameter and epithelial cell height with modest increase in E(2), T and E(2)/T+DHT. The study reveals the potential of SERMs per se for BPH management, and more effectively in combination with a 5α-reductase inhibitor. BP appears promising for further evaluation as a drug candidate for BPH and prostate cancer.

A series of 27 aryl/heteroaryl/aralkyl/aroyl piperazines were synthesized, and most of these compounds reduced prostate weight of mature rats by 15-47%. Three compounds, 10, 12, and 18, had better activity profile (reduced prostate weight by 47%, 43%, and 39%, respectively) than the standard drug flutamide (24% reduction). QSAR suggested structures with more cyclic and branched moieties, increased topological separation of O and N therein, and reduced solvation connectivity index for better activity. Pharmacokinetic study with compound 10 at an oral dose of 10.0 mg/kg indicated good absorption, negligible extrahepatic elimination, and rapid distribution to the target organ (prostate) but restricted entry through the blood-brain barrier. A 10-fold decrease in PSA and 15-fold increase in ER-β gene expressions of human prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) by compound 10 in vitro indicated AR and ER-β mediated actions. The findings may stimulate further explorations of identified lead for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In Hyderabad, India, diphtheria is common among children aged 5–19 years. On account of low coverage of diphtheria vaccine boosters recommended under the universal immunization programme, a large proportion of children were susceptible/partially immune against diphtheria and/or tetanus. We evaluated immunogenicity and safety of single dose of indigenously developed tetanus–diphtheria (Td) vaccine (diphtheria–toxoid ≤5 Lf) among 483 school children from Hyderabad aged 7–17 years and susceptible/partially immune against diphtheria and/or tetanus. Serological testing 6 weeks after vaccination indicated that vaccine was highly immunogenic with >96% sero-protected against both antigens. The immune response observed indicated a booster response to previously acquired immunity. Administration of additional dose of Td vaccine to the older school children and replacing the tetanus toxoid vaccine with Td in the school health programme would considerably reduce diphtheria burden in Hyderabad.

In view of the need for a cost effective Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine, a lyophilized vaccine as capsular polysaccharide (PRP) conjugated to tetanus toxoid (Sii HibPRO) was indigenously developed by Serum Institute of India Ltd., Pune (SIIL). From 2004-07, this new vaccine underwent a series of clinical studies before its licensure by National Regulatory Authority (NRA). This paper discusses the results obtained during the clinical development of this vaccine. On finding the vaccine to be safe in animal toxicity studies, a Phase I single dose study was carried out to assess the safety profile of Sii HibPRO in healthy adult male volunteers. Subsequently, in Phase III pre-licensure study, immunogenicity and safety of Sii HibPRO was assessed and compared with Hib tetanus conjugate vaccine (Act-HIB) of Aventis, France. Immunogenicity was evaluated based upon serum anti-PRP IgG antibody concentrations by ELISA at prevaccination and one month each after the second and third dose. Safety was evaluated by recording details of adverse events after each dose of the vaccine. Postvaccination after the third dose, there was 100% seroprotection (anti PRP IgG titre >or= 0.15 microg/ml) in both the groups. Long term protection (>or=1 microg/ml) was achieved in 95.2% and 98.06% infants in Sii HibPRO and Act-HIB groups, respectively. At 15 months, prior to booster dose, 30 children in each group were evaluated and all were found to be seroprotected. Post booster, all of them responded with a strong boost response. Safety of Sii HibPRO was re-established in the post marketing surveillance in which 2,739 doses were administered to 1,029 infants, in 23 cities across India.

The characterization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) strains has important prognostic, therapeutic, and epidemiologic implications. The present study was intended to determine the HCV genotypes from Northern India in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. The response to therapy in various subtypes was also evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis. Furthermore, the genotypes were correlated with the biochemical and histopathologic parameters to assess the severity of liver disease. Five milliliter of blood sample was collected aseptically from 98 patients with CLD due to hepatitis C. Genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and type-specific polymerase chain reaction, followed by direct sequencing. The HCV genotypes depicted were 1a (6.12%), 1b (8.16%), 1c (8.16%), 3a (17.34%), 3b (6.12%), 3a + 3b (40.81%), 3a + 1b (7.14%), and an unclassified type of 6.12%. The present study revealed that HCV genotype 3 is the predominant one, with 40.81% (40/98) being a mixed type of 3a with 3b and identification of newer subtype 1c. HCV subtypes 1a, 3a, and 3b are responding to therapy, whereas 1b (40%, 2/5), 1c (66.67%, 2/3), 3g (33.3%, 1/3), 3a + 3b (41.6%, 5/12), and mixed type 3a + 1b (66.67%, 4/6) are poor responders to therapy. The biochemical profiles were higher in mixed type followed by types 3 and 1, whereas the histologic parameters revealed that the severity of liver disease was more in mixed type followed by types 1 and 3, which also showed poor response to therapy.

Isolated fracture of the pisiform is an extremely rare injury. Generally fractures of the pisiform are associated with fractures of other carpal bones or the distal radius. Fractures of the carpals and metacarpals account for roughly 6% of all fractures. The average incidence of pisiform fractures is 0.2% of all carpal fractures and approximately half of them are isolated fractures. Fracture of the pisiform may be missed on standard radiographs due to orientation of the fracture, improper wrist positioning, superimposition of adjacent bones, an inadequate number of projections or more obvious fractures of other carpal bones. Special radiographic projections such as carpal tunnel, scaphoid or supinated oblique view are indicated if routine AP and lateral views fail to demonstrate a fracture. MRI is the second-step imaging method in patients whose radiographs are negative or indistinct. MRI not only shows the fracture line but also shows marrow edema within the pisiform bone indicating fracture. Late sequels include pisotriquetral chondromalacia, subluxation and osteoarthritis consequent to poor alignment of the articular surfaces. KEY WORDS: Isolated fracture; Pisiform; Wrist injury

Tuberculous bursitis in an immunocompetent patient is rare and needs a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis and management. We present a case of tubercular bursitis of the left greater trochanter in a 45 year old female, which was diagnosed on histopathology after surgical debridement and biopsy of the lesion. KEY WORDS : Tuberculous bursitis; Greater trochanter, Immunocompetent patient; Hip pain