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Currently, variable speed wind turbine (WT) generators are extensively used in wind energy conversion system (WECS). Variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) generators assist in better exploitation of wind energy and enhancement of WECS efficiency. However, control action is required to provide stable and reliable operation of variable speed WECS. This paper emphasizes on doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based WECS. Therefore, a robust neural network (RNN) is proposed for DFIG to access a direct power control scheme for generator side converter (GSC), compared with classical vector control (VC). The DFIG d-q modeling is performed in MATLAB/Simulink using synchronous reference frame. Moreover, a field oriented control (FOC) scheme is employed to control the active and reactive power of GSC. The proposed control model is built in MATLAB and accuracy of results verify the conclusion. Finally, the results of RNN control scheme are analytically and critically compared with conventional proportional integral (PI) control scheme.

Energy consumption is directly affected by living standards and lifestyles of the consumers. Energy profiles of different smart grid consumers, such as (a) Residential, (b) Commercial, and (c) Industries directly relates to climate drift, weather parameters, and environment. Keeping in mind the aforesaid factors, there is an emergent need of designing correlation models for demand and weather parameters namely: (a) Dry Bulb Temperature, (b) Relative Humidity, (c) Dew Point, (d) Cloud Cover, and (e) Wind Speed. In this paper, we discussed different environmental and weather parameters that affect consumer demand. Moreover, correlation models are developed, such as (a) Spearman, (b) Pearson, and (c) Kendall, an interrelation between weather drift (independent), demand (load, dependent parameter), and month (January and June). Furthermore, we considered United State (Texas), and month of each season for more validation and evaluating the relation between the demand and weather parameters.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and particularly decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dyslipidemia are prevalent in Assam, India. This study was undertaken to investigate whether Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) gene polymorphisms (G-75A and C+83T) were associated with i) the risk for decreased HDL-C, and ii) other CVD risk factors, viz. serum lipids, atherogenic indices, obesity, and blood pressure (BP). A total of 649 subjects were screened, from which 200 eligible individuals, classified as case group with decreased HDL-C levels (100 subjects) and control group with normal HDL-C levels (100 subjects) were enrolled and genotyped using polymersase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing. Lipid fractions [HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG)] and atherogenic indices [Castelli’s Risk Indices-I and -II (CRI-I and -II), non-HDL-C fraction, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC)] were estimated. The G-75A and C+83T loci were not associated with decreased HDL-C risk. This was confirmed across different genetic models (dominant, recessive, additive and allelic). Association was also absent with BP and obesity. However, the G-75A locus was associated with LDL-C, whereas the C+83T locus was associated with TG and VLDL-C. Furthermore, these sites had effects on atherogenic indices. The rare A allele at the G-75A locus was associated with adverse CRI-I, CRI-II, non-HDL-C and AC values, while the major C allele at the C+83T locus was associated with adverse AIP values. Thus, the pro-atherogenic G-75A polymorphism and the anti-atherogenic C+83T polymorphism represent important genetic loci that modulate CVD risk factors in subjects from Assam.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are important antibiotics used for treatment of Salmonella infection in poultry in many countries. However, oral administration of fluoroquinolones may affect the composition and abundance of a number of bacterial taxa in the chicken intestine. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the microbial shifts in the gut of Salmonella infected chickens in response to enrofloxacin treatments at different dosages (0, 0.1, 4, and 100 mg/kg b.w.) were quantitatively evaluated. The results showed that the shedding levels of Salmonella were significantly reduced in the high dosage group as demonstrated by both the culturing method and 16S rRNA sequencing method. The average values of diversity indices were higher in the control group than in the three medicated groups. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis results showed that the microbial community of high dosage group was clearly separated from the other three groups. In total, 25 genera were significantly enriched (including 6 abundant genera: Lactococcus, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Acinetobacter) and 23 genera were significantly reduced in the medicated groups than in the control group for the treatment period, but these bacterial taxa recovered to normal levels after therapy withdrawal. Additionally, 5 genera were significantly reduced in both treatment and withdrawal periods (e.g., Blautia and Anaerotruncus) and 23 genera (e.g., Enterobacter and Clostridium) were significantly decreased only in the withdrawal period, indicating that these genera might be the potential targets for the fluoroquinolones antimicrobial effects. Specially, Enterococcus was significantly reduced under high dosage of enrofloxacin treatment, while significantly enriched in the withdrawal period, which was presumably due to the resistance selection. Predicted microbial functions associated with genetic information processing were significantly decreased in the high dosage group. Overall, enrofloxacin at a dosage of 100 mg/kg b.w. significantly altered the microbial community membership and structure, and microbial functions in the chicken intestine during the medication. This study fully investigates the chicken intestinal microbiota in response to enrofloxacin treatment and identifies potential targets against which the fluoroquinolones may have potent antimicrobial effects. These results provide insights into the effects of the usage of enrofloxacin on chicken and will aid in the prudent and rational use of antibiotics in poultry industry.

Acrylic copolymer nanoemulsions were prepared based on methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA). The prepared acrylic copolymer emulsions were characterized using solid content, rheological properties, molecular weight, MFFT and TEM. The prepared polymers were used as pre-tanning of the depickled hide to enhance the physico-mechanical properties of tanned leather. The key parameters which affect exhaustion and fixation of chrome tan as well as shrinkage temperature of the tanned leather were studied and evaluated using SEM, shrinkage temperature and the mechanical properties of the pre-tanned leather. The results showed that, the prepared polymers A & C are the best polymers in improving the physical properties of the treated leather. Furthermore, the shrinkage temperature and the mechanical properties of the tanned leather were improved. In addition, a significant enhancement in the texture of the leather treated by the polymers was noticed as proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

This study focuses on the synthesis of cockscomb-like fibrous silica beta zeolite (FSBEA) and its application in CO methanation to produce substituted natural gas (SNG). FSBEA was synthesized by microemulsion technique using commercial beta zeolite-seeds and characterized by FESEM, XRD, N2 physisorption and FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that the FSBEA had a unique cockscomb-like morphology with particle size 400-800 nm, enhanced interparticle porosity and high BET surface area of 532 m2/g, which offers more adsorption sites for the CO and H2 molecules to enhance CO methanation activity. Catalytic performance results revealed that FSBEA demonstrated higher CO conversion (71%), selectivity (64%), the yield of CH4 (46%) and the rate of CH4 formation (0.0375 μmol-CH4/m2s) than commercial based BEA. Besides, FSBEA expressed high thermal stability up to 45 h during CO methanation at 450 °C. Therefore, this study offers an attractive and sustainable route for SNG over FSBEA that may be used as a clean and alternate energy source for fossil fuels.

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during June 2006 to December 2007 to find out the effect of planting time and nitrogen fertilization on the yield and seed quality of T. Aman rice. BR11 ( Mukta) was transplanted at different dates from 5 July to 19 August at 15 days interval. The rates of N used in the experiment were 80, 100, 120, and 140 kg N/ha,. Plant height, number of tillers/hill, grain yield, and yield components parameters varied significantly due to transplanting of rice at variable dates. The optimum time of planting was found to be 4 August compared to other dates of transplanting. Result indicates that this variety planted in optimum time gave higher yield with high quality of rice seed. In comparison to early and late planting, earlier planting of the variety was better as the late planted crops were severely affected by adverse environmental condition during reproductive phase. The poor grain yield in early or late planting was due to higher percentage of spikelet sterility. The varieties responded positively with increment of N levels upto 120 kg N/ha. The higher number of panicles/m2, lower percentage of unfilled grain, and heavier individual grain contributed to increase grain yield of this verity. It is, therefore, suggested to transplant BR11 rice in the first week of August in Aman season. The application of N of 100 -120 kg/ha with three splits is optimum for achieving higher grain yield and better quality of rice seed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i4.19660 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(4): 673-688, December 2013

WiFi is widely being researched to use it beyond its original purpose of short-range communication. These kinds of efforts are stimulated due to its mass production and cost-effectiveness. WiFibased Long Distance (WiLD) networks envisage changing the rural communication scenario particularly in the undeveloped nations. However, CSMA/CA, the de-facto MAC protocol of WiFi, is found to be ill-suited for WiLD networks. As a result, various TDMA-based MAC protocols are proposed in the literature as an alternative to CSMA/CA. The proposed protocols have shown significant performance improvement in such scenarios. In this paper, we propose a classification framework of WiLD MAC protocols based on their major characteristics. Using the classification framework, a survey on the MAC protocols proposed for WiLD networks is presented. The distinctive features of the TDMA MAC protocols are critically examined by pointing out their strengths and weaknesses in WiLD environment. In addition, this paper puts forward some state of art open research challenges in this area.

We report the uptake of MSNs into the roots and their movement to the aerial parts of four plant species and their quantification using fluorescence, TEM and proton-induced x - ray emission (micro - PIXE) elemental analysis. Monodispersed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of optimal size and configuration were synthesized for uptake by plant organs, tissues and cells. These monodispersed nanoparticles have a size of 20 nm with interconnected pores with an approximate diameter of 2.58 nm. There were no negative effects of MSNs on seed germination or when transported to different organs of the four plant species tested in this study. Most importantly, for the first time, a combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) elemental analysis allowed the location and quantification MSNs in tissues and in cellular and sub-cellular locations. Our results show that MSNs penetrated into the roots via symplastic and apoplastic pathways and then via the conducting tissues of the xylem to the aerial parts of the plants including the stems and leaves. The translocation and widescale distribution of MSNs in plants will enable them to be used as a new delivery means for the transport of different sized biomolecules into plants.

Background The St. Mark's score and Cleveland Clinic score are widely used for assessing the severity of fecal incontinence, whereas the Rockwood quality of life scale is used to evaluate the impact on the quality of life of patients. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability of these assessment tools. Design All patients were recruited prospectively. To assess intraobserver reliability each patient was asked to complete 4 assessments (the St. Mark's and Cleveland Clinic scores, the Rockwood scale, and a visual analog scale) at 2 time points: initially at recruitment (P1) and then 6 weeks later (P2). No alteration to medications or treatment occurred during this interval. For interobserver reliability, the St. Mark's and Cleveland Clinic scores were also completed by a physician (time point P1) and a nurse (time point P2). Outcome measures Intra- and interobserver reliability were determined by using an intraclass correlation coefficient. An intraclass correlation coefficient value of less than 0.40 indicates poor reliability, values in the range 0.40 to 0.75 indicate fair to good reliability, and a value of greater than 0.75 shows excellent reliability. Results Thirty-nine patients (34 female) with a median age of 65 years were studied. The intraclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability for the Cleveland Clinic score at time points P1 and P2 was 0.858 (95% CI, 0.611-0.940); and for St. Mark's score, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.823 (95% CI, 0.556-0.922). The intraclass correlation coefficients for the quality-of-life domains ranged between 0.864 and 0.938, whereas the intraclass correlation coefficient for the visual analog scale was 0.958 (95% CI, 0.906-0.982). The interobserver reliability ranged from 0.795 to 0.945 for the Cleveland Clinic score and from 0.793 to 0.939 for the St. Mark's score. Limitations Of the 39 patients recruited, only 31 patients completed the second assessment at time point P2. This increases the risk of nonresponse error in this study, which is a recognized limitation of mail-mode surveys. Conclusion Current assessment tools for the severity of fecal incontinence and its impact on quality of life have an excellent intra- and interobserver reliability and remain a good objective measure of patients' symptoms (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A135).

Approximately 800,000 strokes occur in the United States every year, resulting in 200,000 deaths. Strokes may be ischemic (80%) or hemorrhagic (20%). Strokes caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) are thromboembolic, and AF is the leading cause of ischemic stroke. Rapid distinction between these forms of strokes is critical because approaches to treatment are different. The goal for acute ischemic stroke is reperfusion of ischemic brain tissue, whereas the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke is supportive therapy and correction of the underlying conditions. The treatment of acute ischemic strokes is similar to treatment of acute myocardial infarction, which requires timely reperfusion for optimal results.

Introduction L’immunoglobuline humaine sous-cutanee a 20 % (Ig20Gly) est une nouvelle preparation liquide prete a l’emploi d’immunoglobuline humaine G hautement purifiee (IgG). Nous avons realise deux etudes de phase 2/3 avec l’Ig20Gly chez des patients adultes et pediatriques souffrant de deficits immunitaires primaires (DIP) en Europe et en Amerique du Nord. Patients et methodes Les patients âges de ≥ 2 ans ayant recu un traitement substitutif par immunoglobulines (300–1000 mg/kg de poids corporel toutes les 3 a 4 semaines) ≥ 3 mois avant l’inclusion, et ayant un taux residuel serique d’IgG > 500 mg/dL lors de la selection, ont ete inclus (n = 122). Les patients ont recu des perfusions hebdomadaires d’Ig20Gly durant les etudes. Les donnees combinees d’innocuite et de tolerabilite chez les patients âges Resultats Trente-neuf patients pediatriques âges de Discussion Chez les patients âges de moins de 16 ans souffrant de DIP, les taux de RI locales et generales etaient faibles, des volumes de perfusion d’Ig20Gly jusqu’a 60 mL/site et des taux de perfusion jusqu’a 60 mL/h/site etaient bien toleres. Conclusion Ces donnees confirment l’innocuite et la tolerabilite de l’Ig20Gly chez les patients pediatriques souffrant de DIP dans deux etudes effectuees en Europe et en Amerique du Nord.

Introduction We present anaphylaxis to coffee from one region with tolerance to coffee from elsewhere. This is relevant, as foods from various geographic regions are widely available. Case Description 28-year old Saudi Arabian male presented with throat closing, chest tightness, wheezing with airborne exposure to Arabic coffee. When drinking Arabic coffee, he has immediate lip swelling. Denies hives, pruritis, breathing issues. Drinks black Starbucks coffee (House blend, Latin America) without symptoms. Arabic coffee (Yemen) is brewed with cardamom, ginger, milk. Patient tolerates cardamom, ginger, dairy. He has nasal allergies triggered by cats, trees (skin testing, 2016). Significant physical exam findings: dark circles, Dennie's folds, moderate nasal turbinate edema. Skin testing Positive to bell pepper (7/10), walnut (7/10), hazelnut (7/20), brewed Arabic coffee containing cardamom, ginger, milk (13/30). Negative to brewed Starbucks coffee (0/0); cow's milk (0/0). Histamine 7/20 Saline 0/0 Discussion This patient has history consistent with anaphylaxis to Arabic coffee, but not to Latin American coffee. He tolerates the components of Arabic coffee (cardamom, ginger, milk) in other foods. Skin test was positive to brewed Arabic coffee and negative to Latin American coffee. We recommended avoidance of Arabic coffee, self-injectable epinephrine, Albuterol inhaler. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a patient being sensitized to coffee from one region but not another, perhaps due to inherent differences in coffee from disparate regions or to variations in processing. This patient also has tree nut allergy. We were unable to determine whether the Arabic coffee was cross contaminated with any tree nuts.

Introduction Subcutaneous immune globulin 20%, Ig20Gly, was well tolerated in the phase 2/3 North American study in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD). Here we analyze the safety, tolerability, and infusion parameters by age groups. Methods Patients aged ≥2 years with PIDD received weekly Ig20Gly infusions at volumes ≤60 mL/site and rates ≤60 mL/h/site for ∼1.3 years in the North American study (NCT01218438). Adverse events (AEs), tolerability, and infusion parameters were assessed in 74 patients (2- Results Overall, 71.6% (53/74) of patients achieved a maximum infusion rate ≥60 mL/h/site. Median maximum infusion rates and volumes/site were higher in adults (16–[60 mL/h/site; 45.3 mL/site]; ≥65 y [60 mL/h/site; 39 mL/site]) and adolescents aged 12–5–Percentages of infusions associated with causally related AEs were low among all pediatric age groups (0% [2–[5–12–3.1% [16–; there were no serious or severe causally related AEs. Ig20Gly infusions were well tolerated by all age groups; >99% of infusions were administered without an infusion rate reduction, interruption, or discontinuation due to AEs. Conclusions Ig20Gly infused at relatively high rates and volumes was well tolerated in patients of all ages with PIDD.

Background There is paucity of data on assessment of invasive hemodynamics via right heart catheterization (RHC) after LVAD implantation and association with outcomes. We sought out to define if right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, persistent volume overload and low cardiac output state defined via invasive hemodynamics is associated with adverse 1-year outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of end-stage heart failure (HF) patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation and subsequent right heart catheterization (RHC) to determine invasive hemodynamics. 1-year outcomes including mortality, all-cause readmission and HF readmissions were assessed after index RHC. Definitions included low cardiac output state (CI) 12 mm Hg), moderate right ventricle (RV) dysfunction (RAP/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) >0.75) and severe right ventricle dysfunction (RA/PCWP >1). Chi-square for categorical variables and Student's T-test for continuous variables were used to determine significant differences in each group. Results A total of 142 patients underwent invasive hemodynamics after LVAD implantation. The median time from LVAD implantation to RHC was 6 months. RAP/PCWP ratio was not predictive of adverse outcome and although RAP > 12 mmHg was not associated with increased mortality it was associated with significantly increased HF readmissions at 1 year. Discussion RV dysfunction defined using invasive hemodynamic criteria did not predict adverse 1-year outcomes. RAP > 12 mmHg indicative of persistent volume overload after LVAD implantation was significantly associated with increase HF readmissions at 1 year.

Thermodynamic and experimental facts of CO methanation were conducted by the Gibbs energy minimization method to produce substituted natural gas (SNG). The microemulsion technique was used to synthesized metal-free fibrous silica ZSM-5 (FSZSM-5) to compare with the catalytic activity results with the thermodynamic results. The catalysts were characterized by FESEM, TEM, XRD, BET, FTIR, and ESR. While spent catalysts were evaluated by TGA/DTA, TEM, EDX, and Raman spectra to study the change in morphology and carbon deposition. In-situ FTIR spectroscopy was used to investigate the possible reaction mechanism. The FSZSM-5 was proved the best catalyst than ZSM-5 due to unique fibrous morphology, high BET surface area (610 m2/g), high basicity, and extensive oxygen vacancies. The FSZSM-5 exhibited a higher CO methanation activity of 56% CO conversion and 78% CH4 selectivity using H2/CO = 5:1 at 450 °C. Increasing the H2: CO ratio favored methanation activity to produce CH4 and to resist carbon deposition in the following order: 5:1 > 3:1 > 2:1 > 1:1. Furthermore, the in-situ FTIR results supported the proposal that the dissociation of linear adsorbed CO over oxygen vacancies appeared to control the rate of CH4 formation by hydrogenation of adsorbed C*. These results will be beneficial to understand better and optimize the CO methanation reaction process in the preparation of highly active catalysts for SNG production.

Background The subcutaneous immune globulin (SCIG) 20% product, Ig20Gly, was shown to be efficacious and well tolerated in 2 phase 2/3 North American and European studies at infusion volumes up to 60 mL/site and rates up to 60 mL/h/site in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Objective To assess patient experience after switching to Ig20Gly with fast infusion rates and large infusion volumes/site in the North American study. Methods In this analysis of the open-label phase 2/3 study in which patients aged ≥2 years received weekly Ig20Gly infusions for up to approximately 1.3 years, tolerability and infusion parameters were assessed throughout the study for all patients and by prestudy treatment regimen (intravenous [IV] switchers or SC switchers). Results Overall, 61% of patients reached the infusion rate of ≥60 mL/h/site and continued at this rate for 1 or more subsequent infusions; the median infusion number when patients first reached ≥60 mL/h/site was 3. No association was found between higher infusion volumes or rates and increased incidences of local and systemic adverse events (AEs) in the total population and patients younger than 16 years. Infusion parameters and tolerability were generally comparable regardless of the route of prestudy treatment (IV or SC switchers); however, IV switchers experienced lower rates of local AEs than SC switchers and had a slightly higher median infusion volume per site and longer infusion duration vs SC switchers. Conclusion High Ig20Gly infusion rates of at least 60 mL/h/site and volumes ≥60 mL/site were well tolerated during onboarding and throughout treatment, regardless of prestudy treatment. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01218438 .

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activate the host immune system to target cancer cells. However, the unchecked systemic inflammatory response may result in cardiovascular immune-related adverse events, as myocarditis, pericardial disease, stress-induced, and dilated cardiomyopathy are increasingly reported in case series and pharmacovigilance databases. We sought to further investigate ICI-related cardiotoxicity in a cohort of patients with lung cancer. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of primary lung cancer treated with ICIs or non-ICI systemic therapy over three years to assess the likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. Data was collected on co-morbidities, cardiovascular medications, past or concurrent radiation or systemic therapies, serum troponin, brain natriuretic peptide levels, pre- and post-treatment electrocardiograms, echocardiography, angiography, and total ICI dose. Each factor was compared between patients treated with ICIs and non-ICI systemic therapy. Results We included 252 patients in our study. During a median follow-up of 6 months (interquartile range: 2-14 months), patients treated with ICIs (n = 135) who had a troponin elevation were more likely to sustain a MACE (hazard ratio: 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 3.2-15, p Discussion Patients with lung cancer on ICIs are more likely to incur a troponin elevation compared to patients on conventional chemotherapy. Elevated troponin is associated with an increased likelihood of MACE, especially early during treatment with ICIs. This data supports closer monitoring, including serial troponin measurements during the early phase of ICI therapy.

Purpose After initial efforts at heart transplantation (HT) in patients with light chain amyloidosis were fraught with poor outcomes, emerging experience with modern chemotherapy regimens has led to a major improvement in outcomes in select centers. Given the systemic nature of the disease and the added immunosuppression in the form of chemotherapy, this study sought to analyze if AL patients undergoing HT had a higher burden of readmissions and infections non-amyloid heart transplant patients. Methods One-year all-cause readmissions and infections requiring admissions were analyzed retrospectively between the 2 groups. Results A total of 253 patients underwent heart transplant in our institution from 2009 to 2017, of these, 15 patients had AL-amyloidosis with substantial cardiac involvement. There was no difference in readmissions or infections 1 year from transplant (Table 1). 2/15 patients died within 1 month from transplant due to multi-organ failure and cerebrovascular accident, respectively. All patients underwent chemotherapy pre-transplant. 9/13 patients continued chemotherapy after heart transplantation with a median duration of 7.2 months (range 1.5-42 months), 1 was transferred to another institution, 2 remained in remission. Chemotherapy included bortezomib (88.9%), lenalidomide (11.1%), and melphalan (11.1%). Conclusion Despite chemotherapy pre and post HT in most AL patients, there was not a significant difference in readmissions or infections in the first year post -HT compared to non-amyloid patients undergoing HT. This adds to the growing evidence that carefully selected patients with AL amyloid can safely undergo HT with ongoing chemotherapy.

Purpose The gold standard to determine adequate LV unloading after LVAD implantation remains invasive hemodynamics via right heart catheterization (RHC). Echocardiogram parameters have been used as surrogates for adequate LV unloading as part of LVAD speed optimization protocols. We sought to determine if echocardiogram can be used to precisely predict adequate LV unloading as compared to invasive hemodynamics. Methods Single-center retrospective analysis of all patients that underwent LVAD implantation followed by pump speed optimization using echocardiogram and RHC concomitantly in the catheterization laboratory. Adequate LV unloading was defined as CI >=2.2 and PCWP Results Our sample included 142 patients with a mean age of 57.5. Significant parameters associated with LV unloading are shown in table 1. Not significant parameters include: E/A, E/e’ and PASP estimate. Conclusion Our study shows that echocardiogram is able to determine adequate LV unloading with enough specificity only when it shows very significant changes from the baseline echocardiogram. If the cutoffs are not met, patient would benefit from RHC to determine with confidence if LV is adequately unloaded and if necessary, LVAD speed optimization.

Early recognition of acute severe rejection in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients and judicious management with mechanical circulatory support is key to averting a fatal outcome. A 64-year-old male status post OHT 4 months ago presents with 3 days of fevers, chills and lethargy. He was

Background: Coil embolization of wide-neck cerebral aneurysms frequently requires stent or balloon assistance. Such approaches to coil embolization increase the procedural complexity, adding risk and cost. Objective: To describe a series of coil embolization procedures performed using a single-balloon microcatheter to treat wide-neck aneurysms and establish the safety, feasibility and efficacy of this technique. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify cases in which the Ascent balloon (Codman Neurovascular, Raynham, Mass., USA) was used as a single-balloon microcatheter for aneurysm coil embolization at two institutions. Clinical, demographic and angiographic data were obtained, and aneurysm volumes as well as packing densities (PD) were calculated. Results: Eight cerebral aneurysms were treated using this technique. Six of these were unruptured. The aneurysms had an average neck diameter of 3.7 mm, and the maximum dimension ranged from 5 to 11 mm, with a mean of 7.5 mm. The mean aspect ratio was 2.07. The mean volume of the aneurysms was 180.38 mm3. The average PD achieved in these 8 aneurysms was 41.79%. Complete occlusion with coil embolization [Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) 1] was achieved in all cases except one, where a small residual was left deliberately and the occlusion grade was RROC 2. There were no intraprocedural complications. Conclusion: This initial experience demonstrates the feasibility and immediate outcomes of a single-balloon microcatheter technique in coil embolization of wide-neck cerebral aneurysms. This technique may be used to achieve a high PD, comparable to that obtained with stent-assisted coiling or coiling alone, while avoiding permanent stent placement and potentially reducing thromboembolic complications.

This study conduct to produce nutritious bread using locally abundant and available raw materials such as wheat, potato, soybean flour & oil. Potato ranks third in Bangladesh behind rice and wheat, in terms of total production. Potato is commonly used as a vegetable in Bangladesh, but in many other areas potato is treated as a staple food. Policy makers and administrators realize that, to meet the country's growing food requirements, the dependence on cereals must be reduced. A bounty production of potatoes in Bangladesh should channelize to product diversification to legitimize the price of Potatoes will help the potato farmers. It is relatively labor-intensive and land-intensive and would combine well with other crops in cropping systems to use land that would otherwise be idle. A sharp revenue earning will be enjoyed for the Government provided potato diversified use occurs here in Bangladesh. This study was dedicated to very high share use of potatoes in various frequently used foods like bread. Trying to use upto 50% of potato to make various products like bread, cakes & potato flakes. The proximate analysis test or laboratory test shows containing protein 2.26% comparing with market breads 1%. The taste of bread produced in our laboratory was compared with other five company wheat breads, available in market. The product showed extraordinary softness & flavor relative to other market available breads. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i3.17332 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(3), 201-204, 2013

Background: In India, for the high concentration of fluoride in groundwater, people are at risk of dental fluorosis. The problem is common in various states of India. The condition in Rajasthan is worse where all districts have such a problem. Objective: To study the fluoride concentration in groundwater and prevalence of dental fluorosis in Didwana block of Nagaur district, Central Rajasthan, India. Methods: The fluoride concentration in water of 54 villages was measured electrochemically, using fluoride ion selective electrode. Dental fluorosis was assessed in 1136 people residing in study area by Dean's classification for dental fluorosis. Results: The fluoride concentration in groundwater in studied sites ranged from 0.5 to 8.5 mg/L. The concentration of fluoride was more than the maximum permissible limit set by WHO and Bureau of Indian Standards (1 mg/L) in 48 groundwater sources. Of 1136 people studied, 788 (69.4%; 95% CI: 66.7%–72.1%) had dental fluorosis—252 had mild and 74 had severe dental fluorosis. Conclusion: High level of fluoride in drinking water of Didwana block of Nagaur district, Central Rajasthan, India, causes dental fluorosis in most people in the region and is an important health problem that needs prompt attention.

600 ppm (T 2 ), and 800 ppm (T 3 ) and compared with a treatment which was not supplemented with LEMO, i.e. control (T 0 ). The addition of LEMO at all three levels did not have any effect on butter composition. Free fatty acids, peroxide value and p -anisidine value (AnV) of T 2 after 90 days of storage were 0.10%, 0.71 meq/kg and 14.85 as compared to the control 0.16%, 1.24 meq/kg and 28.85, respectively. Peroxide value of the control and T 2 in Schaal oven test after 5 days in oven was 8.19 and 2.99 meq/kg, respectively. Induction period and overall acceptability score of the control and T 2 were 6.35 h, 8.91 h and 7.6, 7.2, respectively. The results of this study suggest that LEMO at 600 ppm may be used for reasonable storage stability of butter at refrigeration temperate with acceptable sensory characteristics.

Oxidation of anhydrous milk fat products is a serious problem making them unfit for consumption. Moringa oleifera oil (MOO) is known to contain substantial amount of natural antioxidants. In this study, the effect of various concentrations of MOO for the stabilization of butter oil (BO) at ambient temperature was investigated. MOO was incorporated into BO at four different levels i.e., T1 (97.5% BO and 2.5% MOO) T2 (95% BO and 5% MOO) T3 (92.5% BO and 7.5% MOO) and T4 (90% BO and 10% MOO). Control was used for comparison (100% BO). Concentration of oleic acid in T3 was 14.02 ± 0.11% higher than control, total phenolic content of MOO, BO and T3 were 38.75 ± 0.15, 2.84 ± 0.07 and 5.51 ± 0.09 mg/100 g, respectively. Free radical scavenging activity of control, MOO and T3 was 51.11 ± 0.42, 15.74 ± 0.36 and 31.65 ± 0.34%, respectively. Peroxide value of control and T3 at elevated temperature was 16.94 ± 0.56, 8.35 ± 0.29 (meq./kg) and induction period was 5.9 ± 0.06, 8.2. ± 0.14 h, respectively. BO samples added with various concentration of MOO showed less concentration of conjugated dienes, trienes, free fatty acids and anisidine value than control. The overall acceptability score of T3 was 7.6 out of 9; these results give indications for exploiting the antioxidant properties of MOO in different dairy and nondairy fat products. Practical Applications The antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera oil can be used for the enhancement of keeping quality of butter oil in tropical regions. Moringa oleifera oil is highly resistant to autoxidation and can be used as a replacement of synthetic oxidants due to their perceived carcinogenicity.

Butter oil was chemically interesterified with sesamum oil at three different levels i.e. T1 (75 % butter oil and 25 % sesamum oil) T2 (50 % butter oil and 50 % sesamum oil) T3 (25 % butter oil and 75 % sesamum oil). All these treatments were compared with a control (To). Free fatty acids were in the range of 0.09 to 0.11 % (oleic acid) before intereseterification and decreased after rearrangement of esters. Iodine value did not change before and after reaction (P > 0.05). Melting point increased from 36.42 to 41.40, 25.50 to 35.80, 19.40 to 32.50 and 16.70 to 29.3 °C in To, T1, T2 and T3, respectively, after interesterification. Free fatty acids of control increased to 0.11 % as compared to 0.05 % in T2. Peroxide value and para anisidine value of T2 were 0.68 meq/kg., 13.56 and 1.20 meq/kg., 17.82 for the control at the end of storage period. Induction period of T2 was 5.8 h. at 120 °C in contrast of control; 4.5 h. Results of Schaal oven test revealed that control sample had peroxide value of 5.32 meq/kg and T2 had 2.45 meq/kg. All the treatments remained homogenous and no separation of solid and liquid fractions was observed during storage of 120 days. The results of this study suggest that interesterified blend containing 50 % butter oil and 50 % sesamum oil can be used in the formulation of functional and shelf stable fat.

Obesity has become an increasingly important health problem over the past 30 years. Presently around a quarter of the UK adult population are obese and this figure is set to increase further in the coming decades. The health consequences of obesity on multiple body systems have been well established as has the financial cost of the condition to both the individuals affected as well as to society as a whole. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the only long term effective solution in terms of sustained weight loss and comorbidity resolution. The commonest bariatric procedure in the UK is the Roux-en-y gastric bypass which consistently results in the loss of 70%-80% of excess bodyweight. Results however are variable and in order to optimise resource allocation and avoid exposing patients unlikely to benefit from surgery to its inherent risks, much research has been done to try to identify those patients most likely to obtain a good result. The only factor which has been subjected to meta-analysis is that of preoperative weight loss which shows a positive association with postoperative weight loss following bypass surgery. Although the remaining data are not based on level 1 evidence those other preoperatively identifiable factors which are associated with an improved outcome include Caucasian or Hispanic ethnicity, higher educational status, non-shift-work working patterns, female gender and divorced or single marital status. Similarly increased levels of preoperative physical activity and an absence of binge eating behaviour are consistent with a favourable result whereas increased age, smoking and other socioeconomic factors have not been shown to have a significant impact. Conversely diabetes mellitus seems to have a slight negative correlation with postoperative weight loss; however, a history of sexual abuse or psychiatric illness has not been shown to have a lasting influence.