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Management of the water in the stack is a major problem in achieving optimal performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. One of the problems caused by water imbalance in the PEM system is the formation of liquid water on the side of the cathode. High water content in the PEM fuel cell stack causes liquid water and flooding, and decreases its performance. The presence of liquid water on the cathode side of the fuel cell leads to a decrease in the amount of oxygen reacting in the catalyst layer. The results of this study indicate that a general increase in water content results in a decrease in the performance of PEM fuel cell systems. The highest water content occurs at a current density of 0.9, with Rha and RHc of 90%. In this condition, system performance is relatively stable at 0.67 volts, with 0.00016 gr/cm2 of liquid water content produced. Above this water content, system performance decreases significantly.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of IV thrombolysis (IVT), IVT transfers, and stroke hospitalizations over 4 months at the height of the pandemic (March 1 to June 30, 2020) compared with 2 control 4-month periods. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study across 6 continents, 70 countries, and 457 stroke centers. Diagnoses were identified by their ICD-10 codes or classifications in stroke databases. RESULTS: There were 91,373 stroke admissions in the 4 months immediately before compared to 80,894 admissions during the pandemic months, representing an 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] -11.7 to -11.3, p < 0.0001) decline. There were 13,334 IVT therapies in the 4 months preceding compared to 11,570 procedures during the pandemic, representing a 13.2% (95% CI -13.8 to -12.7, p < 0.0001) drop. Interfacility IVT transfers decreased from 1,337 to 1,178, or an 11.9% decrease (95% CI -13.7 to -10.3, p = 0.001). Recovery of stroke hospitalization volume (9.5%, 95% CI 9.2-9.8, p < 0.0001) was noted over the 2 later (May, June) vs the 2 earlier (March, April) pandemic months. There was a 1.48% stroke rate across 119,967 COVID-19 hospitalizations. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was noted in 3.3% (1,722/52,026) of all stroke admissions. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decline in the volume of stroke hospitalizations, IVT, and interfacility IVT transfers. Primary stroke centers and centers with higher COVID-19 inpatient volumes experienced steeper declines. Recovery of stroke hospitalization was noted in the later pandemic months. © 2021 American Academy of Neurology.

Tilapia fish jerky is a fish product through the process of soaking spices and drying. The soaking and drying time influenced to acceptability consideration. The purpose of this research was to observe preference organoleptic. This study used the soaking and drying time to according hedonic preferences of ten panelists evaluating four criteria. Soaking time along was 10, 15, and 20 hours. Drying time along was 5, 10, and 15 hours. Ensuring data were used by the many-facets Rasch Model. The study found as long as soaking and drying time 10 hours and 5 hours preferences panelists to color, texture, odor, and taste. Taste criteria easy to judge by panelists. Color criteria are hard to judge by panelists. Tilapia fish jerky by soaking in seasoning formula for 10 hours and drying for 5 hours can be recommended to increase consumer preference.

Background : Despite Zinc (Zn) deficiency being prevalent in humans, less emphasis has been given on the understanding of its impact on male reproduction. Spermatogenesis has a strict requirement for zinc. The relationship of seminal plasma zinc level and semen parameter until now is controversial . Objective : The study was done to find out the impact of seminal plasma zinc and serum zinc level on semen parameter of fertile and infertile males. Subjects and methods : The study was done in Center for Assisted Reproduction, a tertiary Infertility center in Dhaka and in the Biochemistry Department of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Sixteen fertile males were taken as control and sixty nine infertile males were taken as cases. Semen analysis was done according to WHO criteria (.2004). Serum zinc and seminal plasma zinc levels were measured in the Biochemistry Department of BSMMU by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Result : Seminal parameters between fertile and infertile men showed significantly high sperm count, sperm motility, rapid linear motility, and morphology in fertile group. In fertile men, serum zinc level was lower than the infertile group, whereas the seminal plasma zinc level was higher in the fertile than the infertile group which was not statistically significant. In fertile men except for serum zinc, all parameters showed positive relationship; and in infertile men, except sperm morphology, all other parameters showed negative relationship. Seminal plasma zinc shows positive correlation with all semen parameters in fertile group and negative correlation in infertile group except for sperm morphology. There is negative correlation of serum zinc and seminal zinc-in both groups. Regarding other parameters, semen zinc shows positive correlation with all parameter except sperm morphology in fertile men and negative correlation with all parameter except sperm count in infertile men. Conclusion : Seminal zinc levels in fertile men are higher than those in the infertile patients although the serum zinc level is lower. Zinc levels in seminal plasma has a direct relationship with semen parameters. Zinc deficiency may be an important risk factor for low semen parameters and idiopathic male infertility. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2017; 35(1): 15-19

Background : Motherhood is an integral part of womanhood and being childless is a devastating experience for a woman in developing countries like Bangladesh. Majority of patients in developing countries have virtually no access to treatment. Few health facilities have provision for proper diagnosis and treatment for infertility. There is a general lack of awareness among the public regarding infertility. In the quest for conception, many couples adopt for alternative therapies and religious rituals killing crucial age and time. Objective : To find out the treatment seeking behavior and the profile of infertile patients attending a tertiary infertility center at Dhaka, Bangladesh . Methods : During a period of five years from January 2001 to December 2005, 8580 new patients attending a tertiary infertility center at Dhaka were included in the study. Results : Treatment seeking behavior of infertile patients attending Center for Assisted Reproduction, (CARe) Dhaka revealed 30% of the patients initially go to the traditional healers for the relief of infertility, 36% consult both traditional healers and doctors and 32% consulted with GP and Gynae specialist, and only 2% came straight to the tertiary center( CARe) for their subfertility. 55% of the patients attending the clinic were from urban area and 45% were from rural area. The maximum number of patients were from Dhaka division followed by Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet and Rajshahi. The overall primary and secondary infertility were in 63.34% and 36.66% of the patients respectively. 90% of the patients were Muslim and 9% were Hindu and 1% were from other religion. Only 32.37 % of the patients took treatment in the clinic for their infertility. Male factor problems as identified among the male partners of the infertile couples were azoospermia in 18%, abnormal semen parameter in 24%,and normal semen parameter in 58 %. Among the female partners completing investigations, 17% suffered from anovulation, 20% from premature ovarian failure and 3% from ovarian failure , with a total of 40% of the women suffering from ovarian factor, 8% suffered from endometriosis, 7% from bilateral tubal block, 3% from uterine factor problem. In 42% women there was no apparent cause in the females. Untreatable causes of infertility among the infertile couples were in 3.75% of the patients. Ovarian failure was in 3% cases, testicular failure in 0.5% and uterine factor in 0.25% of cases. 75% of the women were less than thirty five years of age where as 29 % of the males were less than 35 years. Conclusion : Causes of infertility vary from region to region so also social and cultural conditions. Financial condition also affects the health seeking behavior of the patients. For the purpose of management of infertile couples the cause of infertility is important to understand so that the options of treatment and the prognosis can be discussed with the patients. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(3): 140-144

This cross sectional study was carried out on incomplete abortion cases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ObG) Department, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital (SSMCMH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was carried out from 1st January 2012 to 30th June 2012 to assess the effectiveness of MVA in terms of completeness, duration, cost and complication of the procedure and duration of hospital stay. Incomplete abortion cases attending the ObG indoor were considered as study population. A total of 50 patients were collected by purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria were: i) Incomplete abortion up to 12 weeks of gestation, ii) Failed medical abortion and iii) Incomplete MR. Exclusion criteria were: i) Induced abortion, ii) Septic abortion with fever, iii) Haemodynamically unstable patients. Counseling was done to provide emotional support during the procedure. Pain management was done by paracervical block, analgesia and or mild sedation. During MVA, measures taken to prevent infection. Complication like excessive pervaginal bleeding and incomplete evacuation was assessed by ultrasonogram. Duration of hospital stay and total cost were assessed. Limitation of the study: short sample, short follow-up, small population not enough for a reproducible data. Further study needed in future. Mean age of the patients was 21-30 years. Most of them were grand multipara (36%), 70% belong to below average income group, 44% of them never used contraceptives. Many of the incomplete abortion cases presented with 9-10 weeks (66%) of gestation with per vaginal bleeding (96%). Lower abdominal pain (66%), passage of fleshy mass (14%). 88% of them are mildly anaemic and 12% were severely anaemic. Eighty two percent (82%) of them were haemodynamically stable and 18% were haemodynamiclly unstable. The mean time of the procedure was 6-10 minutes. Most of the patients (82%) did not need any resuscitation after the procedure. For 25% cases, analgesics had to be used. Four percent (4%) cases had complication like incomplete evacuation and excessive p/v bleeding after the procedure.

Biomass is a renewable energy source derived from plants and is known as green energy. Biomass is a term used for various types of organic matter in solid form that can be used as fuel. Bio Briquette is a solid fuel made from a mixture of biomass. This fuel is an alternative material that was developed in a bulk with relatively short time and is relatively cheaper. The use of briquettes that must be included with the use of a stove or stove which type and size must be adjusted to the needs. To increase the heat efficiency of the existing briquette stoves, this research was carried out using two different types of stove walls, namely cement-filled stoves and glass wool-filled walls. The performance of the stove can be seen from the combustion of biomass briquette fuel against the briquette shape was molded. From the tests that have been carried out, the efficiency of stoves with cement walls is 29.86%, while for stoves with glass wool walls is 40%. Of the three forms of bio briquette (ellipsoidal, cylinder, perforated cylinder) the use of cylindrical bio briquettes is better because the flame on the briquette is longer when compared to other forms.

Finding the cheaper alternative fuels and shortening the rendang cooking time are the potential efforts to reduce the production cost of rendang. This study aims to use low-rank cheap coal to cook beef rendang and to develop a more efficient rendang cooking method. First, the raw coals were carbonized, then the charcoals obtained were crushed and mixed with the filler and binder. After that, the charcoal mixture was molded into briquettes. Furthermore, the carbonized coal briquettes resulted were characterized and used as fuel to cook beef rendang in a semi-closed moveable-grate stove. To get a more efficient cooking time, a modified cooking method was developed. From the research has been obtained that there was almost no significant odor and smoke emissions during the cooking process except at the initial ignition period, which takes between 10-15 minutes. The modified cooking method took time 3 hours to get the dry beef rendang, 1 hour shorter than that of the normal cooking ones. Briquettes consumption for 1 kg of beef rendang cooking, using the modified cooking method, was about 0.75 kg, equivalent to USD 0.18 if 1 kg of briquette is priced USD 0.24. Finally, it can be summarized that carbonized coal briquette is a solid smokeless fuel that is safe and cheap to cook beef rendang.

Porous asphalt (PA) has potential to be utilized in many urban area in Indonesia which often faced high street runoff during rainy season. PA is an environmentally friendly tool for stormwater management. A typical porous pavement has an open-graded surface over an underlying stone recharge bed. The water drains through the porous asphalt and into the stone bed, then, slowly, infiltrates into the soil. However, despite of the benefit of porous asphalt, there is still weaknesses, such as less of service life than dense-graded asphalt due to its lower durability and strength. In order to improve durability and strength of PA, this study investigates the effect of using fly ash (FA) class F in porous asphalt (PA) mixture as replacement of common filler. Since asphalt pen 60/70 is mainly binder material in Indonesia, it is used as the default for all samples in this experiment. The optimum bitumen content (OBC) was determined for all the mix by Marshall mix design. In view of the nanomaterial approach, samples were then prepared for the same optimum bitumen content (5.85%) by using Bina-Marga’s PA standard in control mix as well as natural FA and treated FA as alternative filler in modified mixes. Treated FA itself has been milled using transversal ball mill machine for 3 to 6 hours. Experimental results indicated higher stability value and reduction of permeability with the same OBC for the mixture having treated FA as filler content in comparison with standard mix and natural FA mix. It is proposed that additional finer material of treated Fly ash as alternative filler added into asphalt mixture resulted in improvement strength. In order to do that, the required amount of treated Fly ash should be less than 200 grams.

This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of orlistat (a pancreatic lipase inhibitor) therapy over lifestyle change on weight reduction and ovulation in overweight and obese subfertile women. It was carried out in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2015 to January 2016. Subfertile obese and overweight female patients attending the study centre during study period was considered as study population. Subfertile women with normozoospermic husband with BMI (25-40) Kg/M2, age (18-35) years with no history of taking medication or dietary modification for weight loss currently or for the preceding 3 months were included in this study but subfertile patients having laparoscopic ovarian drilling and metformin and those with structural abnormalities in reproductive tract and known hormonal and medical disorder were excluded from this study. Detailed history taking, physical examination including weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and baseline relevant investigations were done. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) on day 12 and day 14 of menstrual cycle was done for evaluation of ovulatory status of the patients. Counseling was done about life style change by diet of low glycemic index and moderate exercise. Following written informed consent, 120 patients were enrolled into either of the two groups. Group I received capsule Orlistat 120 mg twice daily for 3 months period. Group II was counseled for life style modification only. Post treatment weight measurement and TVS on day 12 and 14 were done after completion of intervention. Then pre and post-treatment parameters were assessed between two groups. Mean age was (27.31±4.58) years in Group I and (26.20±4.71) years in Group II. Majority patients, (78.3%) in Group I and (76.7%) in Group II had oligomenorrhoea. Hirsuitism was observed in (25%) in Group I and (43.3%) in Group II. Mean weight (kg) at booking was (72.26±7.81) in Group I and (67.10±5.93) in Group II; after 3 months (67.77±7.82) and (63.55±6.07). Reduction of weight (%): (6.52±2.28) in Group I and (5.33±2.14) in Group II which was significantly higher in Group I than that of Group II in (25.0-29.9) BMI. Ovulation assessed by TVS at booking and after 3 months in Group I: 13(21.7%) and 37 (61.7%) and in Group II: 14 (23.3%) and 27 (45.0%). Ovulation was higher in Group I than that of Group II, but the difference was not statistically significant. Majority of the overweight and obese subfertile patients suffered from oligomenorrhoea and anovulation. Weight significantly reduced in both groups along with ovulation improvement, more in Group I, but insignificant in between groups. Therefore this study suggested that orlistat can improve ovulation as it acts indirectly by weight reduction more than life style modification alone.

Research aims to analyze the index properties and minerals content of subgrade materials, as well as to analyze how much degradation of bearing capacity of subgrade by providing immersion cycles. Research to be performed in the laboratory sequentially starting from material index properties tests to ensure the soil sample meets the requirements as a subgrade. The test was continued by unconfined compression (UCS) and CBR test against each test specimen after being subjected to immersion cycles in 4 days, 8 days, 12 days and 16 days. The last step is to compare the degradation of subgrade bearing capacity before and after immersion cycles. Test results of index properties are in conformity with x-ray diffraction test results, based on index properties results of activity degree (A) is 0.52 including kaolinite minerals and x-ray diffraction test results of this subgrade material is largely dominated by Kaolinite clay minerals. Test results by immersion cycles shown significant decrease in the value of CBR and UCS, especially in the initial immersion for 4 days, CBR and UCS values drastically decreased by 90% and 97%, subsequent to 8 days, 12 days and 16 days CBR and UCT values, not significant decrease compared to age 4 days.

The Liquid smoke can be use for food preservation, be obtained from pyrolysis of materials containing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The form of liquid smoke that has the ability to preserve,for their phenolic compounds,acids and carbonyl. The purpose of this research is to know the quality of liquid smoke from process of charcoal the biomass obtained from rotary pyrolysis carbonisator as fish preservative, the effect of liquid smoke on the chemical and organoleptic properties of fish, and the resilience of fish after being given smoke liquid. The metode of experiments with skin biomass of durian, coconut shell, and palm shell. Biomass is dried, then is burned in rotary carbonisator pyrolysis. The results ofthe process are namely liquid, tar and charcoal smoke. Next, Liquid smoke is precipitated and then it is distilled twice, namely ordinary distillation and vacuum distillation. Results combustion produces liquid smoke with a yield of 19% on the skin of durian, 23.6% on coconut shell, and 20.8% on palm shells. Organoleptic test results on the fish with the addition of liquid smoke from the skin of durian with a concentration of 5 % is most preferred by the panellists in terms of color, aroma, flavor, and texture.

We found 140 neutrino-induced muons in 854.24 live days in the MINOS far detector. We looked for evidence of neutrino disappearance in this data set by computing the ratio of the number of low momentum muons to the sum of the number of high momentum and unknown momentum muons for both data and Monte Carlo expectation in the absence of neutrino oscillations. The ratio of data and Monte Carlo ratios is consistent with an oscillation signal. A fit to the data for the oscillation parameters excludes the null oscillation hypothesis at the 94% confidence level. We separated the muons by charge sign in both the data and Monte Carlo events and found the ratio of the total number of negative to positive muons in both samples. The ratio of those ratios is a test of CPT conservation. The result is consistent with CPT conservation., 14 pages, 15 figures

Background: Inferile males have been shown to have lower levels of seminal plasma zinc which have been associated with reduced levels of zinc in their blood. Supplementation improve semen parameters by improving zinc level in blood. Objective: To fnd out whether zinc supplementation is effective in improving semen parameters in oligo­asthenozoospermic patients.Method: The study was carried out in the Infertility unit of the Dept of Obs & Gynae, BSMMU during the period of March 2011 to February 2012. Seventy five oligo-asthenozoospermic patients having no history of medical treatment were recruited for the study. The patients were divided into two groups by odd and even numbers. Odd numbers received tablet zinc 20 mg twice daily (Group A) and even numbers received placebo (Group B).Serum zinc level and seminal zinc level estimation were done by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectropho­tometry and semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines (1999). Data analysis was done using software SPSS (version 16) by applying ANOVA (PostHock) and Paired Student's 't' test.Results: Serum zinc level was low in oligo­zoospermic patients which showed significant improvement with zinc supplementation (A+ 197.83 mmol/1, PConclusion: The study shows zinc deficiency affects sperm count, sperm motility, rapid linear motility and sperm morphology and with zinc supplementa­tion there can be significant improvement in semen parameters.

The effects of oil ageing on hydraulic system efficiency and oil rheological performance were studied. The various physical and chemical properties of fresh and aged oils were studied by determining total acid value, iodine value and density. The variation of oil functional group was analyzed by FTIR. The rheological behavior i.e., variation of viscosity with time, temperature and shear rate was studied using Brookfield viscometer. An attempt was made to establish the relationship between variation of viscosity and time of fresh and aged oil. The hydraulic performance has been investigated by determining system volumetric and mechanical efficiencies. The results show that the volumetric efficiency increases with ageing period while mechanical efficiency decreases when the oil ageing time increases.

This study explores to find out the qualitative and quantitative psychosocial consequences of infertility in women coming for infertility treatment in tertiary infertility center. A total of 400 infertile couples who agreed to participate in the study were asked to fill up the questionnaires and later interviewed to access the psychosocial consequences of infertility on their personal life in a tertiary infertility clinic in Dhaka at Center for Assisted Reproduction (CARe Hospital), Dhaka from June 2011 to December 2011 and agreed to participate in the study were included in the study. The data was analyzed and the quantitative and qualitative psychosocial factors were evaluated. Four hundred infertile couple who filled the questionnaires was included in the study. Sixty three percent of the women belonged to age group20 30 years at the time of interview. Regarding age at marriage 43.8% of the women were married by 20 years, 51.3% were married between 20 30 years. Mean±SD duration of present married life was 7.20±4.45 (range 1 to 28) years and 74.4% of the women were living with their husbands. Of them 75.5% women were housewife. When asked whether they knew what was the reason of infertility in the couple, 32.5% knew the cause was in the female partner, 14.5%, knew the cause was in the male partner, 10.3% knew the cause was in both partners, 21.5% knew cause of infertility was not in any of the partners, and 21.3% had no idea about the cause of infertility. The male partner's response about the issue of prognosis and outcome of couple's infertility revealed 37.3% believed their wives will conceive someday, 31.3% had no intention for a second marriage, 13% were indifferent, 11.3% blamed their wives for infertility and 4.8% threatened for a second marriage. Only 2.5% of the male partners were suggested on consulting and continuing treatment by specialist. The family pressure by in-laws and relatives towards their infertility was that 57.3% insisted on consulting a good gynaecologist, 29.8% had no family pressure, 11.3% insisted the male partners to remarry, and 1.8% insisted the husbands to divorce their wives. In evaluating the social response it showed that 55.8% was suggested to consult a good gynaecologist, 31% asks embarrassing questions, 13% taunted and 0.3% insisted the husband to divorce the wife. In developing countries, despite overpopulation, unwanted childlessness is also an important psychosocial burden that needs attention. The consequences of infertility have greater impact on woman's life and can be a life time crisis. There is no direct intervention regarding infertility from government or NGO's. National services is lacking because policy makers and donor NGOs are not interested to invest on it and also women want to hide their infertility as long as they can.

This cross sectional study was carried out in Center for Assisted Reproduction, Dhaka, and in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to December 2012. The study population was 71 consecutive male partners of infertile couple suffering from at least one year of infertility. Lead and Zinc level was measured in blood and semen in the male partner of infertile couple and compared with semen parameters. Serum zinc at different values did not show any statistically significant change in semen volume, total count of sperm and total motility of sperm. At serum zinc level 80-90 μg/dl blood lead and semen lead level was lowest 20.6 ± 8.60 μg/dl and 48.17 ± 51.33 μg/dl respectively and showed highest total count of sperm (54.00 ± 46.67 million/ml) but was not statistically significant. Rapid linear motility and normal sperm morphology was also highest at values 80-90 μg/dl and was 45.33 ± 26.62% and 36.67 ± 11.60% respectively and was statistically significant. At serum zinc level90 μg/dl semen lead level was significantly higher (120.73 ± 58.02 μg/dl) and showed statistically significant decrease in rapid linear motility and normal sperm morphology. Total count of sperm was lowest at blood zinc level of 70-80 μg/dl. Sperm morphology also showed statistically significant improvement at Serum zinc values of 80-90 μg/dl. The results suggest that Serum zinc level of values 80-90 μg/dl is the optimum level to have the best impact on semen parameter as well it is the critical level at which the semen lead level is lowest. Serum zinc levels higher as well as lower than values 80-90 μg/dl was associated with increased semen lead values and with negative impact on semen parameters.

Infertility is an important health issue which has been neglected in the developing countries. First test-tube babies (triplet) in Bangladesh were born on 30th May, 2001. Although there is no tertiary level infertility center in the public sector, several private centers have come up with the facilities. The objective of the study was to find i) the quality and quantity of infertility care in Bangladesh and ii) the cause of infertility in the attending patients iii) the treatment seeking behaviors iv) and the reasons for not taking treatment among the attending patients. There are now 10 tertiary level Infertility centers in Bangladesh. The information was collected in a preformed datasheet about the facilities and the profile of the patients and the treatment seeking behavior of the attending patients. Out of the ten centers two centers refused to respond and did not disclose their data. Around 16700 new patients are enrolled in a year in the responsive clinics. Five percent (5%) of the patients underwent ART, 7% of the patients gave only one visit, 84% of the patients completed their evaluation, 76% of the patients took treatment. Causes of infertility in the patients taking treatment were male factor in 36.4%, bilateral tubal block in 20.2%, PCOS and anovulation in 31.7%, endometriosis in 19.6%, unexplained in 10.95, combined in 3.5%, ovarian failure in 1.4%, testicular failure in 0.33%, congenital anomaly in 0.3%. The main reason for not taking treatment was financial constrainment. The quality and quantity of infertility care is dependent on the available resources and on the use of the resources by the patients. In developing countries the resources are merging and confined to specified areas which cannot meet the demand of their population. The study gives us the idea of the need and the demand of the services in the country.

This paper applies multivariate cointegration methodology and vector error-correction models to investigate the factors that are likely to contribute to economic growth and employment in Bangladesh. This paper concludes that exports, FDI and external remittances enhance both economic growth and employment in the short run. But the exchange rate depreciation seems contractionary, although the empirical evidence lacks abundance of clarity and robustness.

The hydatidiform mole with coexisting fetus is a rare condition. There have been few reports on this condition following ovulation induction and ART. We describe here the clinical features, management and outcome of a case of complete hydatidiform mole with coexisting viable twin fetus following Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. A 29 year old lady was pregnant following Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Embryo Transfer. Three good quality embryo with two pronuclei on pronuclear check was transferred. A triplet pregnancy with two live fetus and a complete mole was delivered at 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. The antenatal period was uneventful and the human chorionic gonodotrophin returned to baseline by 4 weeks after delivery. There was no further complication at one year follow-up. Continuation of pregnancy as long as maternal complications are absent or controllable can be a safe and rewarding effort in managing the patient.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the cause of a large increase in the number of children with unexplained renal failure. DESIGN--Case-control study. SETTING--Children's hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. SUBJECTS--Cases were all 339 children with initially unexplained renal failure; controls were 90 children with cause of renal failure identified; all were admitted to hospital during 35 months after January 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Differences between the case and control patients in clinical and histological features and outcome; toxicological examination of 69 bottles of paracetamol from patients and pharmacies. RESULTS--Compared with children with an identified cause for their renal failure, children with initially unexplained renal failure were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to have hepatomegaly (58% v 33%), oedema (37% v 20%), and hypertension (58% v 23%); to have a higher serum creatinine concentration (mean 519 mumol/l v 347 mumol/l) and lower serum bicarbonate concentration (10.1 mmol/l v 12.4 mmol/l); to have been given a drug for fever (91% v 31%); to have ingested a brand of paracetamol shown to contain diethylene glycol (20% v 0%); and to have died in hospital (70% v 33%). Diethylene glycol was identified in 19 bottles of paracetamol, from 7 of 28 brands tested. In the 12 months after a government ban on the sale of paracetamol elixir, new cases of renal failure decreased by 54%, and cases of unexplained renal failure decreased by 84%. CONCLUSION--Paracetamol elixirs with diethylene glycol as a diluent were responsible for a large outbreak of fatal renal failure in Bangladesh.

As a good number of couples are coming to infertility clinics to have children at advanced ages, it is essential to know whether advanced paternal age is associated with diminished semen quality and a higher risk of infertility. This retrospective study was done to see the effects of age on semen quality, a well-known indicator of fertility status. Semen parameters of smokers and non-smokers in the study population were also analyzed. A sample of 1121 male partners of infertile couples (aged 25-55 years) who came to an infertility clinic for treatment were included into the study. In addition to clinical history including lifestyle, medical and occupational details and physical examination, their semen samples were examined. Semen volume (ml), sperm concentration (x 10(6)/ml), motility (%), rapidly progressing (%), slowly progressing (%), non-progressive (%) motility and morphology (%) were measured. Semen volume showed IQR 1.5-3.0 ml, and significant decreasing trend with increasing age (r = -0.070, p0.05). Sperm motility and rapidly progressing motility showed significant decrease (IQR 40.0-70.0, r = -0.115, p0.01 and IQR 20.0-50.0, r = -0.107, p0.01 respectively) with increasing age. There was no significant difference between semen parameters of smokers and non-smokers in the study population. This study shown that semen volume, sperm motility and rapidly progressing motility were significantly decreased with increasing age.

Four pregnancies were exposed to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) during early pregnancy and the patients were followed up to find out the outcome of their pregnancies. In three patients long-acting GnRHa (triptorelin acetate 3.75 mg) once monthly was used for severe pelvic endometriosis as part of preparation for undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle, and in one patient daily injections of short-acting GnRHa (buserelin 0.05 mg) was given for down-regulation for ART cycle. The age of the patients ranged from 29 to 38 years and duration of infertility was 3 to 13 years. In patients prescribed long-acting GnRHa, diagnosis of pregnancy was done late at around 5-8 weeks by ultrasonography, whereas in patients using short-acting GnRHa diagnosis of pregnancy was made with blood beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level after the 26th day of injections. Three pregnancies were delivered around term and the babies had no apparent complication or any congenital anomaly. One of the pregnancies ended up into spontaneous abortion at 14 weeks of pregnancy. The children were regularly examined by pediatricians regarding physical and mental development and for any abnormal behavioral problems. All of them are normal till now.

Lead has for long been known to affect multiple organs and can affect reproduction in male and female as well as the offspring. The study was done to find out the level of lead in blood and semen of infertile men and to find its effect on the semen parameters, as well as the minimum level of lead in blood and semen that can have negative impacts on semen parameters. The study was cross sectional in design. Male partners of 57 infertile couples attending a tertiary infertility center in Dhaka, Bangladesh were recruited for the study. Blood lead was measured by the Graphite Furnance Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and semen analysis was done according to the WHO recommendation (1999). With increasing blood lead concentration there was corresponding increase in the mean semen lead concentration. Reduction of mean semen volume started at level of mean blood lead level of40mugm/dl. Mean total count of sperm (x106/ml) started decreasing at blood lead level of30mugm/dl with very significant reduction of the count at level40mugm/dl. At mean blood lead level35mugm/dl there was decrease in mean values for total motility and rapid linear motility of sperm. In 12.3 % of the patients mean blood lead level was above35mugm/dl. Higher mean blood and semen lead level was associated with significant declining semen parameters.

Royal jelly is widely consumed in the community and has perceived benefits ranging from promoting growth in children and improvement of general health status to enhancement of longevity for the elderly. However, royal jelly consumption has been linked to contact dermatitis, acute asthma, anaphylaxis and death. High prevalence of positive skin tests to royal jelly have been reported among atopic populations in countries with a high rate of royal jelly consumption. The present study is aimed to identify the major allergens of royal jelly. Royal jelly extract was separated by sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-D). Immunoblotting of the SDS-PAGE and 2-D profiles were performed to identify the allergenic spots. Spots were then excised from the 2-D gel, digested with trypsin and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The SDS-PAGE of royal jelly extract revealed 18 bands between 10 to 167 kD. Western blot of the fractionated proteins detected 15 IgE-binding bands between 14 to 127 kD with seven major allergens of 32, 40, 42, 49, 55, 60 and 67 kD using serum from 53 subjects with royal jelly allergy. The 2-D gel fractionated the royal jelly proteins to more than 50 different protein spots. Out of these, 30 spots demonstrated specific IgE affinity to the sera tested. Eight spots of the major royal jelly allergens were selected for mass-spectrometry analysis. Digested tryptic peptides of the spots were compared to the amino acid sequence search in protein databases which identified the fragments of royal jelly homologus to major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJ1) and major royal jelly protein 2 (MRJ2). In conclusion, the major allergens of royal jelly are MRJ1 and MRJ2 in our patients' population.

The Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS) experiment uses an accelerator-produced neutrino beam to perform precision measurements of the neutrino oscillation parameters in the "atmospheric neutrino" sector associated with muon neutrino disappearance. This long-baseline experiment measures neutrino interactions in Fermilab's NuMI neutrino beam with a near detector at Fermilab and again 735 km downstream with a far detector in the Soudan Underground Laboratory in northern Minnesota. The two detectors are magnetized steel-scintillator tracking calorimeters. They are designed to be as similar as possible in order to ensure that differences in detector response have minimal impact on the comparisons of event rates, energy spectra and topologies that are essential to MINOS measurements of oscillation parameters. The design, construction, calibration and performance of the far and near detectors are described in this paper., Comment: Revised according to referee's comments. 91 pages, 43 figures, submitted to NIM. arXiv figures are greatly compressed, please see NIM itself or the Fermilab library server for full resolution figures

We report the results of a search for muon-neutrino disappearance by the Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search. The experiment uses two detectors separated by 734 km to observe a beam of neutrinos created by the Neutrinos at the Main Injector facility at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data were collected in the first 282 days of beam operations and correspond to an exposure of 1.27e20 protons on target. Based on measurements in the Near Detector, in the absence of neutrino oscillations we expected 336 +/- 14 muon-neutrino charged-current interactions at the Far Detector but observed 215. This deficit of events corresponds to a significance of 5.2 standard deviations. The deficit is energy dependent and is consistent with two-flavor neutrino oscillations according to delta m-squared = 2.74e-3 +0.44/-0.26e-3 eV^2 and sin^2(2 theta) > 0.87 at 68% confidence level., In submission to Phys. Rev. D

Six nitrogen-, sulfur- and cyclopropane-containing derivatives of cholestanol were examined as inhibitors of growth and sterol biosynthesis in the trypanosomatid protozoan Crithidia fasciculata. The concentrations of inhibitors in the culture medium required for 50% inhibition of growth were 0.32 microM for 24-thia-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (2), 0.009 microM for 24-methyl-24-aza-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (3), 0.95 microM for (20,21),(24,-25)-bis-(methylene)-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (4), 0.13 microM for 22-aza-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (5), and 0.3 microM for 23-azacholestan-3-ol (7). 23-Thia-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol (6) had no effect on protozoan growth at concentrations as high as 20 microM. Ergosterol was the major sterol observed in untreated C. fasciculata, but significant amounts of ergost-7-en-3 beta-ol, ergosta-7,24(28)-dien-3 beta-ol, ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraen-e beta-ol, cholesta-8,24-dien-3 beta-ol, and, in an unusual finding, 14 alpha-methyl-cholesta-8,24-dien-3 beta-ol were also present. When C. fasciculata was cultured in the presence of compounds 2 and 3, ergosterol synthesis was suppressed, and the principal sterol observed was cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3 beta-ol, a sterol which is not observed in untreated cultures. The presence of this trienol strongly suggests that 2 and 3 specifically inhibit the S-adenosylmethionine:sterol C-24 methyltransferase but do not interfere with the normal enzymatic processing of the sterol nucleus. When C. fasciculata was cultured in the presence of compounds 5 and 7, the levels of ergosterol and ergost-7-en-3 beta-ol were suppressed, but the amounts of the presumed immediate precursors of these sterols, ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraen-3 beta-ol and ergosta-7,24-(28)-dien-3 beta-ol, respectively, were correspondingly increased. These findings suggest that 5 and 7 specifically inhibit the reduction of the delta 24(28) side chain double bond. When C. fasciculata was cultured in the presence of compound 4, ergosterol synthesis was suppressed, but the sterol distribution in these cells was complex and not easily interpreted. Compound 6 had no significant effect on sterol synthesis in C. fasciculata.

The 5.4 kton MINOS far detector has been taking charge-separated cosmic ray muon data since the beginning of August, 2003 at a depth of 207 m.w.e. in the Soudan Underground Laboratory, Minnesota, USA. The data with both forward and reversed magnetic field running configurations were combined to minimize systematic errors in the determination of the underground muon charge ratio. When averaged, two independent analyses find the charge ratio underground to be Nμ+/Nμ-=1.374±0.004(stat)-0.010+0.012(sys). Using the map of the Soudan rock overburden, the muon momenta as measured underground were projected to the corresponding values at the surface in the energy range 1-7 TeV. Within this range of energies at the surface, the MINOS data are consistent with the charge ratio being energy independent at the 2 standard deviation level. When the MINOS results are compared with measurements at lower energies, a clear rise in the charge ratio in the energy range 0.3-1.0 TeV is apparent. A qualitative model shows that the rise is consistent with an increasing contribution of kaon decays to the muon charge ratio. © 2007 The American Physical Society.

The complete 5.4 kton MINOS far detector has been taking data since the beginning of August 2003 at a depth of 2070 meters water-equivalent in the Soudan mine, Minnesota. This paper presents the first MINOS observations of muon neutrino and muon anti-neutrino charged-current atmospheric neutrino interactions based on an exposure of 418 days. The ratio of upward to downward-going events in the data is compared to the Monte Carlo expectation in the absence of neutrino oscillations giving: R_data(up/down)/R_MC(up/down) = 0.62^{+0.19}_{-0.14} (stat.) +- 0.02 (sys.). An extended maximum likelihood analysis of the observed L/E distributions excludes the null hypothesis of no neutrino oscillations at the 98 % confidence level. Using the curvature of the observed muons in the 1.3 T MINOS magnetic field muon neutrino and muon anti-neutrino interactions are separated. The ratio of muon neutrino to muon anti-neutrino events in the data is compared to the Monte Carlo expectation assuming neutrinos and anti-neutrinos oscillate in same manner giving: R_data(numubar/numu)/R_MC(numubar/numu) = 0.96^{+0.38}_{-0.27} (stat.) +- 0.15 (sys.), where the errors are the statistical and systematic uncertainties. Although the statistics are limited, this is the first direct observation of atmospheric neutrino interactions separately for muon neutrinos and muon anti-neutrinos.

This letter reports results from the MINOS experiment based on its initial exposure to neutrinos from the Fermilab NuMI beam. The rate and energy spectra of charged current muon neutrino interactions are compared in two detectors located along the beam axis at distances of 1 km and 735 km. With 1.27 x 10^{20} 120 GeV protons incident on the NuMI target, 215 events with energies below 30 GeV are observed at the Far Detector, compared to an expectation of 336 \pm 14.4 events. The data are consistent with muon neutrino disappearance via oscillation with |\Delta m^2_{23}| = 2.74^{+0.44}_{-0.26} x 10^{-3} eV^2/c^4 and sin^2(2\theta_{23}) > 0.87 (at 60% C.L.)., Comment: To be submitted to PRL. 6 pages, 4 figures

A novel process for the preparation of hybrid copolymers based on cycloolefin-maleic anhydride and methacrylate (COMA/Methacrylate) monomers has been developed. A variety of copolymers have been synthesized form t-butylnorbonene carboxylate (BNC), hydroxyethylnorbornene carboxylate (HNC), and norbornene carboxylic acid (NC) with different types of methacrylate monomers such as 2-methyl-2-adamantyl- methacrylate(MAdMA), mevalonic lactone methacrylate(MLMA) and maleic anhydride (MA). The effect of the different types of monomers and the ratios of monomers in the copolymer on lithographic performance has been studied. Lithographic evaluation of some of these polymers has shown resolution down to 80nm for semi and fully isolated lines using conventional 193nm illumination and standard development conditions. This paper will report the chemistry of the hybrid polymer platforms and the progress of our effort to develop 193 resist for semi-dense and isolated line applications.

The biosynthesis of MHC class II/peptide complexes involves classical, cell surface MHC products as well as the intracellular component H2-M, required for the removal of invariant chain-derived CLIP and for peptide loading. The function of another intracellular class II heterodimer, H2-O, is the matter of some controversy. The physical association of H2-O with H2-M and co-localization in class II+ vesicles suggest a related function in peptide exchange. Furthermore, the distinctive thymic distribution of H2-O raises the possibility of a specialized role in T cell thymic selection. To investigate the role of H2-O in vivo we generated mice carrying a targeted disruption in the H2-Oa gene. No evidence was obtained for a defect in removal of CLIP. However, the array of endogenous peptides bound by class II was altered and a defect in antigen presentation through H2-A to T cells was seen on the 129/Sv/ C57BL/6 mixed strain background but not in 129/Sv pure strain mice. Furthermore, H2-O-null mice showed enhanced selection of CD4+ single positive thymocytes. The findings indicate that H2-O interacts with H2-M in peptide editing but that the genetic background in which H2-O deficiency is manifest is also important. Overall, the experiments indicate that H2-O/HLA-DO should be regarded as neither up-regulating nor down-regulating the DM-dependent release of CLIP, but as a modulator of peptide editing, determining the presenting cell type specific peptide profile able to retain stability in the class II groove.

Novolak resins fractionated using a unique method, were compared to resins fractionated with conventional methods. The potential for improving the fractionation/separation process and for making improved or more consistent resist with the resins was identified. Several experimental designs were run to determine optimum conditions needed to achieve better separation. Isolated resins were used to make experimental i-line photoresists which were tested against resists made with the conventional processes.

The need to make well characterized resins consistently is paramount to the preparation of high performance photoresists. Solid resins fractionated by selective precipitation have been separated by ultracentrifugation at varying temperatures. At sufficiently high revolutions per minute, solvents and oligomers are efficiently squeezed out leaving behind polymer with higher average molecular weight and lower dispersity than resins obtained by more common isolation techniques. By controlling isolation conditions, resins with desired dissolution rates could be produced. Lithographic test confirmed that resists properties could effectively be controlled by manipulation of process conditions to isolate resins used in the formulations.

Several low molecular weight polyhydroxy phenolic compounds were used to study their effect on DNQ novolak photoresist compositions. These compounds used with fractionated novolak resins in a positive photoresist composition, tend to improve the photospeed, but in some cases degrades the other characteristics of the resist including resolution and depth of focus. Improvements in performance (photospeed, sidewall angle, resolution, and depth of focus) may depend on the structure of the speed enhancer. Speed enhancers were obtained commercially or synthesized, characterized by HPLC and NMR, and were formulated as i-line resists. The goal of these studies was to find out the relationship between the structure of the speed enhancer and the performance of the resist.

in order to meet customer driven functional criteria for modern i-line resists, formulations have become increasingly more complicated. Often mixtures of both the photoactive compounds and resins are necessary to balance and optimize dissolution inhibition, photosensitivity and resolution. Mixtures of fractionated novolak resins along with low molecular weight (Mw) speed enhancing resin additives were used to attain desired properties. Scumming tendencies increased as the concentration of the low Mw additives increased. Novel resins were synthesized by incorporating fully formed low Mw additives into the synthetic recipes along with the phenolic monomers and formaldehyde. These resins were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, NMR and by functional comparison to traditional formulations. When formulated with small amounts of low Mw additives, photospeeds could be increased while increasing thermal resistance and reducing scumming tendencies. Additional resist performance enhancements were possible when the new resins were fractionated to remove low Mw oligomers and unreacted starting materials. The need for use of small amounts of low Mw speed enhancers to the formulations with the new resins substantiates earlier work on the optimization of resist formulations.

An improved process for isolation of novolak resins from phenol-formaldehyde condensation products has been developed. The process results in resins having low polydispersity and higher photospeed while typical phenol/formaldehyde resin syntheses generate a broad distribution of molecular weight fragments with a wide polydispersity. The novolak resins were characterized by NMR and GPC and were formulated to obtain ultra fast high resolution i-line photoresists. The characteristics of the resins and their effect on lithographic properties as i-line photoresist compositions will be discussed in this paper.

A novolak/polyhydroxystyrene copolymer having a structure as shwon in formula (I), in which R = H, -CH3, -CH2CH3 or -CH2CH2CH3, n = 2 to 15, a process for producing such a copolymer, a photoresist composition containing such a copolymer, a process for producing such a photoresist and a process for producing a semiconductor device using such a photoresist.

The nature and degree of substitution patterns on different ring carbons in novolak (cresol- formaldehyde) resins have been determined by carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy. The acquisition of carbon-13 NMR spectra of novolak resins yielded improved S/N ratio through selective irradiation of protonated carbons while suppressing quaternary carbons. For quantitative estimations, carbon nuclear spin-relaxation rates were measured to ensure that carbon nuclei of interest fully relax after each pulse train. NMR signals from quaternary carbons in the aromatic region have been selectively suppressed employing distortionless enhancement via polarization transfer (DEPT) pulse sequence, thus greatly improving the quantitative estimations. An experimental parameter, Un, where n is the carbon position in the ring, has been defined for chain propagation at any given carbon position. For example, in a pure meta cresol novolak resin, polymerization mainly proceeds via 4,6-disubstitution, and the C2 ortho carbons do not seem to participate in the polymerization process as much as C4 and C6 carbons do. However, in novolak resins prepared by mixing meta and para cresols, the chain propagation step greatly involves C2 carbons ortho to the hydroxyl group in meta cresol. The extent of such involvement can easily be determined relative to a given standard sample. The polymerization preference and differences in chemical structure of various polymers can easily be compared by determining their respective Un parameters. The bridged methylene linkages yield weaker NMR signals compared to those in the pure meta or para cresol resins, and thus, the estimations based on these carbons are only approximate. The experimental parameters as defined in this paper are discussed in relation to the physical and lithographic properties of these polymers.

3 beta-Tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 alpha-cholesta-20(21),24-diene: C32H52O2, Mr = 468.77, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 6.710 (4), b = 11.361 (4), c = 37.812 (11) A, V = 2882 (2) A3, Z = 4, Dx = 1.08 g cm-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.54178 A, mu = 4.60 cm-1, F(000) = 1040, T = 224 K, final R = 0.088 for 1729 unique observed reflections. 3 beta-Tetrahydropyranyloxy-21-nor-5 alpha-ergost- 24-en-20-one: C32H52O3, Mr = 484.77, triclinic, P1, a = 6.640 (2), b = 9.589 (2), c = 12.202 (3) A, alpha = 111.33 (2), beta = 101.22, gamma = 90.27 (2) degrees, V = 707.4 (3) A3, Z = 1, Dx = 1.14 g cm-3, lambda(Mo K alpha) = 0.71069 A, mu = 0.8 cm-1, F(000) = 268, T = 225 K, final R = 0.058 for 2208 unique observed reflections. The configuration at C(17) of these synthetic sterol derivatives, which had been uncertain, is unambiguously established to be 'normal' (possessing a 17 alpha-H).

Six nitrogen-, sulfur- and cyclopropane-containing derivatives of cholestanol were examined as inhibitors of growth and sterol biosynthesis in the trypanosomatid protozoan Crithidia fasciculata. The concentrations of inhibitors in the culture medium required for 50% inhibition of growth were 0.32 microM for 24-thia-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (2), 0.009 microM for 24-methyl-24-aza-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (3), 0.95 microM for (20,21),(24,-25)-bis-(methylene)-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (4), 0.13 microM for 22-aza-5 alpha,20 xi-cholestan-3 beta-ol (5), and 0.3 microM for 23-azacholestan-3-ol (7). 23-Thia-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol (6) had no effect on protozoan growth at concentrations as high as 20 microM. Ergosterol was the major sterol observed in untreated C. fasciculata, but significant amounts of ergost-7-en-3 beta-ol, ergosta-7,24(28)-dien-3 beta-ol, ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraen-e beta-ol, cholesta-8,24-dien-3 beta-ol, and, in an unusual finding, 14 alpha-methyl-cholesta-8,24-dien-3 beta-ol were also present. When C. fasciculata was cultured in the presence of compounds 2 and 3, ergosterol synthesis was suppressed, and the principal sterol observed was cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3 beta-ol, a sterol which is not observed in untreated cultures. The presence of this trienol strongly suggests that 2 and 3 specifically inhibit the S-adenosylmethionine:sterol C-24 methyltransferase but do not interfere with the normal enzymatic processing of the sterol nucleus. When C. fasciculata was cultured in the presence of compounds 5 and 7, the levels of ergosterol and ergost-7-en-3 beta-ol were suppressed, but the amounts of the presumed immediate precursors of these sterols, ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraen-3 beta-ol and ergosta-7,24-(28)-dien-3 beta-ol, respectively, were correspondingly increased. These findings suggest that 5 and 7 specifically inhibit the reduction of the delta 24(28) side chain double bond. When C. fasciculata was cultured in the presence of compound 4, ergosterol synthesis was suppressed, but the sterol distribution in these cells was complex and not easily interpreted. Compound 6 had no significant effect on sterol synthesis in C. fasciculata.