Analysis of the CSF model for simulated loss of coolant accident conditions

An experimental facility called Containment Studies Facility (CSF) has been constructed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for the purpose of research and development in the area of nuclear reactor containment thermal hydraulics. The facility consists of reinforced concrete containment structural model (CM) and a Primary Heat Transport Model (PHTM) vessel. The containment model of CSF is divided into high enthalpy V1 volume (dry well) and low enthalpy V2 volume (wet well). The PHTM and associated pump and piping system is designed for simulating the Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) conditions within the containment model. Experiments were carried out in CSF for 30 bar and 50 bar blowdown conditions. Pressure, temperature and other transient parameters were recorded. The experimental results were compared with outputs of modeling carried out using RELAP code and in-house containment thermal hydraulic code CONTRAN.

Protective immune response of live attenuated thermo-adapted peste des petits ruminants vaccine in goats

Virulent isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) of Indian origin (PPRV Jhansi 2003) initially adapted in Vero cells was further propagated in thermo-adapted (Ta) Vero cells grown at 40 °C for attaining thermo-adaption and attenuation of virus for development of Ta vaccine against PPR in goats and sheep. The virus was attenuated up to 50 passages in Ta Vero cells, at which, the virus was found sterile, innocuous in mice and guinea pigs and safe in seronegative goats and sheep. The developed vaccine was tested for its immunogenicity in goats and sheep by subcutaneous inoculation of 100 TCID50 (0.1 field dose), 10(3) TCID50 (one field dose) and 10(5) TCID50 (100 field doses) of the attenuated virus along with controls as per OIE described protocols for PPR vaccine testing and were assessed for PPRV-specific antibodies 7-28 days post vaccination (dpv) by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization tests. The PPRV antibodies were detected in all immunized goats and sheep and goats were protective when challenged with virulent PPRV at 28th dpv along with controls for potency testing of the vaccine. The attenuated vaccine did not induce any adverse reaction at high dose (10(5) TCID50) in goats and sheep and provided complete protection even at low dose (10(2) TCID50) in goats when challenged with virulent virus. There was no shedding and horizontal transmission of the attenuated virus to in-contact controls. The results indicate that the developed PPR Ta attenuated virus is innocuous, safe, immunogenic and potent or efficacious vaccine candidate alternative to the existing vaccines for the protection of goats and sheep against PPR in the tropical countries like India.

Unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis with contralateral aplasia

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is considered as one of the complex joints of the human body. Mandibular condylysis is distinguished from condylar aplasia by its non-association with aural/facial anomalies, and also as normal development appears to proceed until the lytic event occurs. It is further distinguished from primary and secondary condylar hypoplasia by the following: Absence of condyle rather than it being small, the normal development appears to proceed until the lytic event occurs, and its non-association with aural/facial anomalies or temporomandibular ankylosis. In the present report, a patient with a unilateral missing mandibular condyle with contralateral TMJ ankylosis is presented and the treatment is outlined and discussed.

Matrix miniplate versus locking miniplate in the management of displaced mandibular angle fractures

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare various postoperative parameters like ease of operability, plate adaptability, stability etc., associated with use of matrix miniplate versus locking miniplate in the treatment of displaced mandibular angle fractures.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, King George's Medical College, GM and Associated Hospital, Lucknow. Total 50 patients were treated and included in the study. These were divided into two groups of 25 each and were treated with two of the standard techniques, i.e., one is matrix miniplate osteosynthesis and other is locking miniplate osteosynthesis. These patients were evaluated for postoperative complications and the differences between the two Groups were assessed.

Results:

Patients treated by matrix miniplate showed better recovery phase postoperatively as compared to locking miniplate group.

Conclusion:

Based on this study matrix mini plate osteosynthesis may be considered as the better alternative method available for the treatment of displaced mandibular angle fractures.

The use of oral sildenafil for management of right ventricular dysfunction after pediatric heart transplantation

High pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) can lead to right ventricular dysfunction and failure of the donor heart early after pediatric heart transplantation. Oral pulmonary vasodilators such as sildenafil have been shown to be effective modifiers of pulmonary vascular tone. We performed a retrospective, observational study comparing patients treated with sildenafil ("sildenafil group") to those not treated with sildenafil ("nonsildenafil group") after heart transplantation from 2007 to 2012. Pre- and posttransplant data were obtained, including hemodynamic data from right heart catheterizations. Twenty-four of 97 (25%) transplant recipients were transitioned to sildenafil from other systemic vasodilators. Pretransplant PVRI was higher in the sildenafil group (6.8 ± 3.9 indexed Woods units [WU]) as compared to the nonsildenafil group (2.5 ± 1.7 WU, p=0.002). In the sildenafil group posttransplant, there were significant decreases in systolic pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, transpulmonary gradient and PVRI (4.7 ± 2.9 WU before sildenafil initiation to 2.7 ± 1 WU on sildenafil, p=0.0007). While intubation time, length of inotrope use and time to hospital discharge were longer in the sildenafil group, survival was similar between both groups. Oral sildenafil was associated with a significant improvement in right ventricular dysfunction and invasive hemodynamic measurements in pediatric heart transplant recipients with high PVRI early after transplant.

Use of 3-d plate in displaced angle fracture of mandible

Introduction Mandibular angle fractures can be treated by various methods, but even the most popular methods may not be able to give satisfactory results, as the pterygomasseteric sling and masticatory forces can result in displaced angle fracture. These displaced fragments cannot be satisfactorily retained by single miniplate fixation. The aim of this study is to assess treatment of displaced angle fracture with 3-D miniplate fixation. This study can also be considered as a therapeutic study with level V evidence. Materials and Methods This study was designed to assess the feasibility of 3-D matrix miniplate fixation in displaced angle fractures. Eighteen patients with displaced angle fractures were included in this study. Matrix miniplate fixation was done transorally under general anesthesia. Results All these cases were treated successfully, and common complications like infection (5.5% of patients), wound dehiscence (11%), paresthesia (16.7%), and malocclusion (11%) were observed in our study. Conclusions Three-dimensional miniplate fixation in displaced angle fractures provides better stability and function.

Switching at small magnetic fields in Josephson junctions fabricated with ferromagnetic barrier layers

Nb-based Josephson junctions have been fabricated, which can select one of two states depending on the relative magnetization of their ferromagnetic barrier layers. To minimize the free-layer switching energy, while maintaining adequate thermal stability at 4.2 K, a dilute Cu-permalloy alloy [Cu0.7(Ni80Fe20)0.3] with a low magnetic saturation (Ms ∼ 80 emu/cm3) is used. The optimal thickness of the permalloy (Ni80Fe20) fixed-layer is shown to be 2.4 nm. Such devices exhibit switching at magnetic fields as low as 5 Oe, demonstrating their potential use in low power non-volatile memory for superconductor digital circuits.

Diagnosis and control of peste des petits ruminants: a comprehensive review

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious, world organization for animal health (OIE) notifiable and economically important transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats associated with high morbidity and mortality and caused by PPR virus. PPR is considered as one of the main constraints in augmenting the productivity of small ruminants in developing countries and particularly severely affects poor farmer's economy. The disease is clinically manifested by pyrexia, oculo-nasal discharges, necrotizing and erosive stomatitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and bronchopneumonia. The disease can be diagnosed from its clinical signs, pathological lesions, and specific detection of virus antigen/antibodies/genome in the clinical samples by various serological tests and molecular assays. PPR is the one of the priority animal diseases whose control is considered important for poverty alleviation in enzootic countries. Availability of effective and safe live attenuated cell culture PPR vaccines and diagnostics have boosted the recently launched centrally sponsored control programme in India and also in other countries. This review article primarily focus on the current scenario of PPR diagnosis and its control programme with advancement of research areas that have taken place in the recent years with future perspectives.

Investigation of Volatile Mono-Aromatic Hydrocarbons and 1,3-Butadiene in an Urban Metropolis, India

In urban areas, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes (BTEX) constitute up to 60% of nonmethane VOCs. The present work was conducted to determine the ambient volatile 1, 3-butadiene and mono-aromatic hydrocarbons in an urban metropolis of Nagpur, India. Continuous sampling was carried out at high density traffic junctions, major petrol filling stations along with some residential areas during March to May, 2011. The samples were collected in 10 litre tedlar bags during the peak hours and analyzed within 24 hours by VOC analyzer based on Gas Chromatography-Photo Ionization Detection technique. Appreciably high concentrations of Total BBTEX were observed at petrol filling stations (237.1 μg/m3) and traffic junctions (134.3 μg/m3). The levels of BBTEX observed around a major traffic junction were significant to commuter exposure. In view of the health impacts to commuter, nearby residents and occupational exposure, preventive measures like use of CNG, installation of vapor recovery system at petrol filling stations and use of mask by the workers were needed. The correlation analysis and concentration ratio study indicates the impacts of petrol pumps and vehicular traffic on the urban air quality at the residential sites. The levels of benzene were well within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards at all the residential locations.

Biogas upgrading through kinetic separation of carbon dioxide and methane over Rb- and Cs-ZK-5 zeolites

Kinetic separation of CO₂from CH₄over rubidium or cesium-exchanged ZK-5 (KFI) zeolites for upgrade of biogas to renewable fuels.

Pyrolysis of sal seed to liquid product

Thermal pyrolysis of sal seed (Shorea Robusta) was carried out in a semi-batch reactor at a temperature range of 400-625°C and at a heating rate of 20°C/min. The FTIR analysis of bio-fuel indicates the presence of functional groups such as alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters. The composition of the liquid product was analyzed using GC-MS and found the presence of hydrocarbons between 6 and 20 carbon atoms in a chain. The physical properties of the obtained liquid were close to that of petroleum fractions. The pyrolysis char can be used as an adsorbent as well as a solid fuel due to its high calorific value.

Effects of ovaprim, a commercial spawning inducer, on vasotocin and steroid hormone profiles in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: in vivo and in vitro studies

Ovaprim (OVP) is used as an effective spawning inducer for artificial breeding of fishes and contains a salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and a dopamine receptor-2 antagonist, domperidone. Previously, we have shown that vasotocin (VT) stimulates ovarian final oocyte maturation, hydration, and ovulation through a mechanism involving induction of a steroidogenic shift, favouring the production of a maturation-inducing hormone (MIH). In the present study, we demonstrated that OVP stimulated brain, plasma and ovarian VT levels, suggesting multiple sites of action, apart from its well established role in the induction of a preovulatory LH surge. An intraperitoneal injection of 0.5μL/g body weight of OVP for different time intervals (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24h) induced ovulation as well as increased significantly brain and plasma VT levels in a time-dependent manner. Plasma steroids were differentially altered; the levels of estradiol-17β (E2) and testosterone (T) decreased, and the MIH (17, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one; 17, 20β-DP) level increased time-dependently. In order to demonstrate whether OVP acts at the level of the ovary directly, in vitro experiments were conducted. The incubation of ovarian slices/follicles with OVP (1, 5 and 10μL/mL) for different time points (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24h) induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Ovarian VT increased significantly in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with a maximal increment at 16h. Ovarian T and E2 levels decreased concurrently with the rise in the MIH level, dose- and duration-dependently. The results show that OVP stimulates VT at the brain and ovarian level. The direct OVP-VT cascade has the potential to stimulate FOM and ovulation, sidelining the pituitary glycoprotein hormone (LH) surge.

Numerical simulation of turbulent flow mixing inside a square chimney structure of a research reactor

Numerical simulation was performed to study the turbulent mixing behavior of two opposing flows inside a square chimney structure of a research reactor. The chimney design facilitates drawing pool water in the downward direction and thereby suppresses the upward flow of radioactive water jet to limit the radiation field at the reactor pool top. Analyses were carried out considering a mass flow rate of 750 kg/s for the upward flowing hot water from the core, which corresponds to Reynolds number of 3 × 106. Mass flow ratios of the downward flow and the upward flow were 0.0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15. The effects of mass flow ratio, chimney height on the velocity and temperature distribution inside three-dimensional chimney structure was evaluated using CFD code PHOENICS. The effect of temperature difference between the opposing flows on velocity was also analysed. It is observed that increase in downward flow causes the jet height to decrease due to the opposing momentum of downward flow against the upward jet. The effects of chimney height and temperature difference on the jet height are found to be marginal because of dominating inertial force over buoyancy force for the study.

Thermal analysis of VWSB-IP1 at Tarapur

High Level Liquid Radioactive Waste (HLLRW) produced during reprocessing of spent fuel from nuclear reactors is encased in the canisters after vitrification. The vitrified waste has high heat generation rate due to decay heat and needs interim storage under surveillance. The waste needs to be cooled continuously until major portion of the decay heat is dissipated. Natural circulation air cooling has been considered to cool the canisters. Canisters are placed in a storage vault and cooled by induced axial flow of air with the help of stack. The capacity of storage vault for Vitrified Waste Storage Block (VWSB) Facility proposed at Integrated Plant-1, Tarapur is designed for interim storage of waste generated of 30 yrs of IP1 plant operation. Canister and concrete temperature should be within the prescribed limit. Parametric studies have been carried out for the relevant parameters such as stack and duct dimensions, plenum height etc. Details canister temperature have been obtained using CFD code CFD-ACE+. Axial and radial temperature variation in the canisters, thimble and ventilation pipe have been evaluated in a location. Effect of natural convection (in air) within the canister and between thimble and canister is also studied. It was found that canister centerline temperature reduces by 20°C.

Osteogenic potential of cissus qudrangularis assessed with osteopontin expression

Purpose:

Fracture healing involves complex processes of cell and tissue proliferation and differentiation. Many factors are involved, including growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, bone breakdown (osteoclast) and bone building (osteoblast) cells, hormones, amino acids, and uncounted nutrients. We studied the osteogenic potential of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), a plant that has been customarily used in the Indian subcontinent to hasten the process of healing in bone fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Total of 60 patients (age, 20-35 years) of mandible fracture was divided in two groups. Patients of group 1 were given capsules of CQ and fracture healing was assessed with osteopontin expression during treatment. Group 2 was control group.

Results:

Clinical and radiological analysis in our study was suggestive of better healing of fractures in group 1. All the samples of group 1 examined for osteopontin expression using western blot analysis and flow cytometry showed significant levels of expression of osteopontin protein and CD4+ T cells expressing osteopontin, respectively.

Conclusion:

We conclude that CQ accelerates fracture healing and also causes early remodeling of fracture callus.

Improved algorithm for elemental analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

We propose a calibration-free algorithm for retrieval of elemental concentrations using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. This is a simple and improved version of other ratio-based algorithms as it needs only one trial parameter to estimate all other concentrations. The present algorithm has been used to estimate the composition of a brass sample, and the results agree within 1% with electron probe microanalyzer measurements.

Effect of actin polymerization inhibitor during oocyte maturation on parthenogenetic embryo development and ploidy in Capra hircus

This study was designed to observe the effect of cytochalasin B (CCB) concentrations on ploidy and early development of parthenogenetic embryos in a caprine species. Caprine oocytes were matured in the presence of different concentrations of CCB (5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/ml) and activated by 7% ethanol followed by incubation with 2 mM DMAP. For embryos fertilized in vitro, oocytes were matured in maturation medium without CCB. The cleavage rate and further embryo development were significantly higher (P < 0.05) when oocytes were treated in this way. The percentage of embryos showed higher diploid values in 15 μg/ml CCB (83.66 ± 1.13), followed by 20 (72.22 ± 1.22), 10 (68.57 ± 1.17), and 5 μg/ml (62.00 ± 2.48). These results indicate that CCB with a concentration of 15 μg/ml in maturation medium can be used for the production of diploid parthenogenetic embryos in the caprine species.

Locking v/s non-locking reconstruction plates in mandibular reconstruction

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of locking plates to non-locking plates in the osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures on the basis of clinical parameters.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Science, CSMMU (formerly King Georges Medical College), Lucknow, to treat consecutive mandible fractures. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The patients underwent osteosynthesis—group 1 with 2.4-mm locking titanium plates and group 2 with 2.7 mm non-locking titanium plates. The cause of trauma, the number of days from injury to surgery, average age, gender, and site distribution were all reviewed. The assessment of the patients was done at 1, 3, and 6 weeks and 3 months using the clinical parameters.

Results:

A total of 12 patients with mandibular fractures met the inclusion criteria. In our study, a statistically significant difference was not found in the clinical parameters such as infection, paraesthesia, hardware failure, and mobility between the fracture segments. A statistically significant difference was found between pain and swelling from the previous follow-up visit in groups 1 and 2. In locking group, pain decreases significantly at 3^rd week, 6^th week, 12^th week from 1^st week and pain was absent after 3 week. In non-locking group, pain decreases significantly at 3^rd week, 6^th week and 12^th week from 1^st week but pain was present till 12^th week. Pre-operative swelling was present only in case of non-locking group. Swelling was present in 66.7% of non-locking group and 0% in locking group. After one week swelling was absent in 100% patients at 3^rd, 6^th and 12^th week. Swelling was considerably decreased in locking group as compared to the non-locking group.

Conclusion:

These findings show that the use of locking plates in mandibular fracture was efficacious enough to bear the masticatory loads during osteosynthesis of the fracture. The locking plates provide the advantage of a greater stability, with clinical results almost similar to those seen with non-locking plate osteosynthesis.

Direct vs. indirect sinus lift procedure: A comparison

BACKGROUND

There are different techniques for the sinus augmentation; the factors that contribute to the survival rate of sinus augmentation and dental implant placement are still the subject of discussion. So we compare the two different ways of sinus floor elevation: a) Lateral antrostomy as a one or two step procedure as direct method. b) Osteotome technique with a crestal approach as indirect method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of twenty partially edentulous patients in maxillary posterior region who opted for implant retained prosthesis but had a low sinus and deficient alveolar ridge within the age group of 20-55 years were taken up, 25 implants were placed in combination with bone grafting material for sinus augmentation. The final bone height was measured from Orthopantomogram. Post-operative Clinical Evaluation was based on pain, gingival inflammation status, stability, swelling and bone height. Statistical analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 15.0) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS

The gain in bone height was significantly greater in direct procedure through lateral antrostomy (mean 8.5 mm) than in indirect method through crestal approach by osteotome technique (mean 4.4 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Osteotome technique can be recommended when more than 6 mm of residual bone height is present and an increase of 3-4 mm is expected. In case of more advanced resorption direct method through lateral antrostomy has to be performed. Both sinus elevation techniques did not seem to affect the implant success rate.

Efficacy of plain radiographs, CT scan, MRI and ultra sonography in temporomandibular joint disorders

The complexity of structure and functions of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) make the diagnosis of its diseases/disorders difficult. Remarkable progress made in the field of imaging of this joint led us to compare four imaging modalities viz. plain radiographs, CT scan, MRI and ultrasound. We found that MRI was most specific and sensitive for interpretation of soft tissue and inflammatory conditions in the joint, whereas CT examination produced excellent image for osseous morphology and pathology. Plain X-rays are useful for destructive bony changes and sonography is a good in aid in diagnosing disc derangement and is very economical.

Generation of transgenic mesenchymal stem cells expressing green fluorescent protein as reporter gene using no viral vector in caprine

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are multipotent cells that can be derived from many different organs and tissues. While there are many ways to label and track cells each with strengths and weakness, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a reporter gene commonly employed. In the present study, caprine MSC were collected from bone marrow and cells were characterised with MSC specific markers. Passage 10 (P10) MSC cells were transfected using plasmid vector containing GFP as reporter gene with different concentrations of DNA and lipofectamine. Six different concentrations of DNA and lipofectamine as 1 microg DNA: 2 microL lipofectamine, 1 microg DNA: 2.5 microL lipofectamine, 1.2 microg DNA: 2.2 microL lipofectamine, 1.2 microg DNA: 2.5 microL lipofectamine, 1.5 microg DNA: 2.5 microL lipofectamine, 1.5 microg DNA: 3 microL lipofectamine were used. After 24 h and 48 h of transfection, caprine MSC were observed under florescent microscope. Highest transfection rate indicating green flourecscent MSC were found when the cells were transfected with 1.2 microg DNA: 2.2 microL lipofectamine and 1.5 microg DNA: 2.5 microL lipofectamine than other combinations. These cells have been propagated beyond 4th passage maintaining GFP expression. The results indicated that stable GFP positive MSC cells can be generated using the above protocol. These cells are being used for transplantation studies.

Genetic Analysis of the Neuraminidase (NA) Gene of Equine Influenza Virus (H3N8) from Epizootic of 2008-2009 in India

The neuraminidase (NA) gene sequences of four Indian equine influenza viruses (EIVs) isolated from epizootic in 2008 and 2009 were analyzed. The phylogenetic relationship and selection pressure of NA genes were established in comparison to other EIVs circulating worldwide along with the domains and motifs of the encoded protein to find out the significance of mutational changes. Among Indian isolates, two amino acid (aa) changes each in Mysore/12/08 (Asn67Tyr & Asp396Gly), Gopeshwar/1/09 (Ile49Val & Asp396Gly), and Uttarkashi/1/09 (Ile49Val & Asp396Gly) isolates were observed in respect to Jammu-Katra/06/08 isolate. Amino acid (aa) sequence analysis also revealed five consistent aa residue changes viz, Gly/Arg40Glu, Tyr66His, Val191Ile, Val209Ile and Asp235Asn in Asian including Indian isolates, Spain/07 and Spain/09 isolates in comparison to other EIVs circulating worldwide. The topology of the phylogenetic tree revealed that the Indian, Chinese, Mongolian and Kazakhstan isolates together formed a subgroup with Yokohama/10 isolate. Spain/07 & Spain/09 isolates showed closest clustering with Asian isolates. This indicates that non-synonymous mutations in Asian isolates with temporal pattern originating from Spain/07, led to the subgroup of the Asian isolates within Florida clade 2 sublineage. The analysis of the predicted secondary structure has not shown any significant difference in the NA proteins of all Indian isolates. Fixed-effects likelihood (FEL) analysis of the selection pressure revealed three codons (43, 355 & 434) under positive selection pressure. The overall evolutionary changes (ω value) of 3.4 indicates NA gene to be under strong selection pressure. Further, seven putative N-glycosylation sites were observed in the NA protein. The mapping of specific aa changes, their mutational and functional analysis need to be carried out to ascertain their role in pathogenecity of the virus.

Preliminary evaluation of effect of Engineered Safety Features on source term for AHWR containment

The proposed Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) employs double containment envelope along with many Engineered Safety Features (ESFs) to mitigate the consequences of Loss-of-Coolant Accidents (LOCA) with safety system failure, during which high enthalpy steam and radioactive fission products will be discharged into the containment. In such conditions, the pressurized containment will be the source of activity release to the environment by way of leakage. It is required to study the effect of ESFs on the source term from the AHWR containment. An analysis was performed to evaluate the release rate from the AHWR containment during a postulated accident with the in-house containment code CONTRAN and the aerosol behavior code NAUA5-M in a coupled way. Modules for simulating the engineered safety features were incorporated in the CONTRAN code and the aerosol transport behaviour was evaluated using NAUA5-M separately. The AHWR containment is divided into three nodal volumes interconnected by junctions. The blow down mass, energy discharge data and activity released into the containment from the reactor core, for a postulated LOCA case of 200% RIH break with failure of shutdown systems (1 & 2), are inputs to the CONTRAN code. Thermodynamic parameters like containment gas temperature, partial pressure of steam, air in the subdivided volumes along with the flow rates through junctions obtained from CONTRAN were supplied to NAUA5-M. An analysis was carried out for a number of cases, postulated based on availability/unavailability of ESFs. Pressure, temperature and activity concentration transients were evaluated, for 72 h, in the subdivided volumes along with the activity released out of the containment through leakages and stack discharges for all the cases. This paper highlights the importance of operation of ESF in reducing the activity release to the environment.

CFD analysis of passive autocatalytic recombiner interaction with atmosphere

In water cooled power reactors, significant quantities of hydrogen could be produced following a severe accident (loss-of-coolant-accident along with non availability of Emergency Core Cooling System) from the reaction between steam and zirconium at high fuel clad temperature. In order to prevent the containment and other safety relevant components from incurring serious damage caused by a detonation of the hydrogen/air-mixture generated during a severe accident in water cooled power reactors, passive autocatalytic recombiners (PAR) are used for hydrogen removal in an increasing number of French, German and Russian plants. These devices make use of the fact that hydrogen and oxygen react exothermally on catalytic surfaces generating steam and heat. Numerous tests and simulations have been conducted in the past to investigate passive autocatalytic recombiners behaviour in situations representative of severe accidents. Numerical models were developed from the experimental data for codes like COCOSYS or ASTEC in order to optimise the passive autocatalytic recombiners location and to assess the efficiency of passive autocatalytic recombiners implementation in different scenarios. However, these models are usually simple (black-box type) and based on the manufacturer's correlation to calculate the hydrogen depletion rate. Recently, uses of enhanced CFD models have shown significant improvements towards modeling such phenomenon in complex geometry. The work presents CFD analysis of interaction of a representative nuclear power plant containment atmosphere with passive autocatalytic recombiners simulated using the commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics code for PAR Interaction Studies (PARIS benchmarks) exercise. A two-dimensional geometrical model of the simulation domain was used. The containment was represented by an adiabatic rectangular box with two PAR located at intermediate elevations near opposite walls. The flow in the simulation domain was modelled as single-phase. The results of the simulations are presented and analysed.

Simulation model of a nuclear power plant turbine

A computer code “TURDYN” has been developed for prediction of high pressure and low pressure turbine torque under thermodynamic transient conditions. The model is based on the conservation laws of mass and energy. All the important components of turbine systems, e. g. high pressure turbine, low pressure turbine, feed heaters, reheater, moisture separator have been considered. The dynamic equations are solved simultaneously to obtain the stage pressure at various load conditions. The details of the mathematical formulation of the model and open loop responses for specific disturbances are presented.

Numerical simulation of passive catalytic recombiner

Resolving hydrogen related safety issues, pertaining to nuclear reactor safety have been an important area of research world over for the past decade. Studies on hydrogen transport behavior and development of hydrogen mitigation systems are still being pursued actively in various research labs, including Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), in India. The Passive Catalytic Recombiner is one of such hydrogen mitigating devices consisting of catalyst surfaces arranged in an open-ended enclosure. In the presence of hydrogen with available oxygen, a catalytic reaction occurs spontaneously at the catalyst surfaces and the heat of the reaction produces a natural convection flow through the enclosure. The present study aims for performing a CFD simulation to obtain the temperature distribution inside the recombiner. A 3D CFD model has been developed to study the mechanism of catalytic recombination and has been tested for literature quoted experiments. A parametric study has been performed for a particular recombiner geometry for various inlet conditions. Salient features of the simplified CFD model developed at BARC and results of the present model calculations are presented in this paper.

Pattern of head and neck malignancies in eastern part of Nepal

The term head and neck refers to the upper aerodigestive tract, the salivary glands, the thyroid, parathyroid glands, the sino-nasal tract and the skin of the head and neck region. Malignancies at these sites are important due to the divergence in their behaviors and prognosis. A retrospective, cross sectional, series of cases were studied to determine the pattern of head and neck malignancies in our department from January, 2005 to July, 2006. A total of 90 cases of head and neck malignancies proven on histopathology were studied. Pharynx 25 (27.78%) was the commonest site involved by cancer. In the pharynx, malignancies at the nasopharyngeal region contributed to the bulk of the tumor constituting 12 (48.00%). Histopathologically, squamous cell carcinoma was seen in 61, (67.77%) subjects. Most of the patients presented in IIIrd or IVth stage of disease. The commonest treatment strategy adopted was surgery with post operative radiotherapy. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a major concern in this part of the region.

Bionomics and vectorial capacity of Anopheles annularis with special reference to India: a review

Anopheles annularis is widely distributed mosquito species all over the country. An. annularis has been incriminated as a malaria vector in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. In India, it has been reported to play an important role in malaria transmission as a secondary vector in certain parts of Assam, West Bengal and U.P. In Odisha and some neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar it has been recognised as a primary vector of malaria. This is a species complex of two sibling species A and B but the role of these sibling species in malaria transmission is not clearly known. An. annularis is resistant to DDT and dieldrin/HCH and susceptible to malathion and synthetic pyrethorides in most of the parts of India. In view of rapid change in ecological conditions, further studies are required on the bionomics of An. annularis and its role in malaria transmission in other parts of the country. Considering the importance of An. annularis as a malaria vector, the bionomics and its role in malaria transmission has been reviewed in this paper. In this communication, an attempt has been made to review its bionomics and its role as malaria vector. An. annularis is a competent vector of malaria, thus, due attention should be paid for its control under the vector control programmes specially in border states where it is playing a primary role in malaria transmission.

Sero-epidemiological study of peste des petits ruminants in sheep and goats in India between 2003 and 2009

This study describes the serosurveillance of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats that was carried out between 2003 and 2009 using serum samples from animals suspected of PPR that were submitted to the Rinderpest and Allied Disease Laboratory (Division of Virology of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute [IVRI]). A total of 2,197 serum samples from sheep and 2,687 from goats were screened for PPR virus (PPRV) antibody using a monoclonal antibody-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed at IVRI. Screening of the 4,884 serum samples showed that the prevalence of PPRV antibody in sheep and goats was 41.01% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.86 to 50.16) and 46.11% (95% CI: 37.18 to 55.04), respectively, with an overall prevalence of 43.56% (95% CI: 36.78 to 50.34) during the period. This indicates increased and widespread infection with the virus in India compared with earlier reports, which is attributed to the variations in sheep and goat husbandry practices in different regions, the agro-climatic conditions, the topography of different states, the socio-economic status of individual farmers and the migration of livestock in India.

Anchor lag screw vs conventional lag screw in mandibular fractures: A series of 30 cases

Lag screw osteosynthesis is a well proven technique. Its application is limited by the fact that the spherical head of the screw act as wedge. Combining this screw with a bioconcave washer has broadened the range of applications for lag screw osteosynthesis in the maxillofacial region.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of anchor lag screw with conventional lag screw in anterior mandibular fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Thirty patients with anterior mandible fractures with no concomitant fractures, infection or extraoral communication, who visited our outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, were included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; where Group A underwent fixation using conventional lag screw and Group B anchor lag screw. The fixation system used included 2 mm titanium lag screws of sizes 25 mm, 27 mm and 30 mm and 3 mm titanium bioconcave washer. At each follow up visit, clinical data was collected detailing clinical presentation of healing and radiographic findings.

RESULTS

Radiographic features at post surgery evaluation indicated loss of bone contact around the screw head and bone resorption in five patients of Group A, thus causing loosening of lag screw whereas none of the patient in Group B, was found to have any such complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings support the hypothesis that bioconcave washer aids in holding up the farthest fragment at the interface of the fracture fragment. Application of bioconcave washer provides easy loading of lag screw.

Retrospective study of absorbable gelatin sponge soaked in triamicinolone acetonide as interpositioning material in temporomandibular joint ankylosis in 350 patients

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of absorbable gelatin sponge soaked in triamcinolone acetonide as an interposition material in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in 350 patients of TMJ ankylosis who visited our outpatient department between 2000 and 2010, and were treated by the same surgeon. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, where in group 1, absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with triamcinolone acetonide was interposed in the surgical gap created after arthroplasty and in group 2, temporalis fascia was interposed. Preoperative assessment included history and physical examination, along with cause of ankylosis, Postoperative observation were undertaken for maximum mouth opening (MMO), facial nerve paralysis and recurrence.

RESULTS

At one year follow-up, in group 1 MMO ranged from 35 to 45 mm with no case of re-ankylosis while in the other group 25-43 mm, with re-ankylosis in 20 patients (13.69%).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed successful management of TMJ ankylosis using absorbable gelatin sponge soaked in triamcinolone acetonide in cases which did not require condylar reconstruction.

Fluoride in groundwater: toxicological exposure and remedies

Fluoride is a chemical element that is found most frequently in groundwater and has become one of the most important toxicological environmental hazards globally. The occurrence of fluoride in groundwater is due to weathering and leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals from rocks and sediments. Fluoride when ingested in small quantities (<0.5 mg/L) is beneficial in promoting dental health by reducing dental caries, whereas higher concentrations (>1.5 mg/L) may cause fluorosis. It is estimated that about 200 million people, from among 25 nations the world over, may suffer from fluorosis and the causes have been ascribed to fluoride contamination in groundwater including India. High fluoride occurrence in groundwaters is expected from sodium bicarbonate-type water, which is calcium deficient. The alkalinity of water also helps in mobilizing fluoride from fluorite (CaF2). Fluoride exposure in humans is related to (1) fluoride concentration in drinking water, (2) duration of consumption, and (3) climate of the area. In hotter climates where water consumption is greater, exposure doses of fluoride need to be modified based on mean fluoride intake. Various cost-effective and simple procedures for water defluoridation techniques are already known, but the benefits of such techniques have not reached the rural affected population due to limitations. Therefore, there is a need to develop workable strategies to provide fluoride-safe drinking water to rural communities. The study investigated the geochemistry and occurrence of fluoride and its contamination in groundwater, human exposure, various adverse health effects, and possible remedial measures from fluoride toxicity effects.

Abstract P5-07-01: Defining the mechanism of breast cancer growth by chemokine receptor CXCR7 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor coupling interaction

Introduction: Breast cancer (BrCa) ranks second in both incidence and cancer deaths for women in the USA. Recent advances have revealed a significant contribution of chemokines and their receptors in tumor growth, survival after chemotherapy, and organ-specific metastasis. CXCR7 is the latest CXC-chemokine receptor implicated in BrCa growth. It is endogenously over expressed in BrCa, but its mechanism of tumor growth enhancement is still not clearly defined. CXCR7 heterodimerizes with CXCR4 and binds to SDF-1 (CXCL12) and CXCL11. No direct ligand mediated physiological action has been implicated for CXCR7 in BrCa other than facilitating CXCR4-mediated cell motility, however, studies in other cancers have implicated CXCR7 in cell proliferation, anti-apoptotic activity and cell-cell adhesion. The expression pattern of CXCR7 in BrCa tissues and its potential contribution in BrCa cell proliferation and survival were investigated in representative BrCa cell lines using knock down and knock-in experiments.

Results: CXCR7 was only expressed in ER-α positive BrCa cells (e.g., MCF-7) and was not found in BrCa cells with known metastatic potential (MDA-MB231 and SKBr3). Depletion of CXCR7 in MCF-7 BrCa cells by both siRNA and shRNA decreased cell proliferation and caused cell cycle arrest. Since CXCR7 is an atypical G-protein coupled receptor where ligand activation does not elicit conventional intracellular signaling, we hypothesized that CXCR7 regulates BrCa proliferation through interaction with EGFR or activating other potential targets of MAP-kinase activation. CXCR7 depletion reduced site-specific phosphorylation of EGFR at Tyrosine 1110 after EGF-stimulation. CXCR7 depletion also reduced phosphorylation of ERK-1/2, indicating a potentially direct interaction with mitogenic signaling in MCF-7 cells. We tested for direct interaction of CXCR7 with EGFR by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies. We found EGFR and CXCR7 co-immunoprecipitate and co-localize as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. Interestingly, our results also demonstrate CXCR7 and EGFR are co-localized before EGF stimulation. Further corroboration of CXCR7-EGFR interaction was established using the proximity ligation assay (PLA) technique that allowed us to visualize CXCR7-EGFR co-localization both in cell culture and in human normal and breast cancer tissue.

Conclusion: This data demonstrates an important role for CXCR7 in BrCa growth and explores the mechanism of action of direct coupling of EGFR with CXCR7.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-01.

Diagnostic value of PCR in genitourinary tuberculosis

Genitourinary tuberculosis is a disease of the genitourinary system which includes the entire urinary tract and reproductive system. Genital tuberculosis is an important cause of female infertility, especially in developing nations like India. In the present study, a total of 257 clinical specimens comprising of endometrial biopsy (109), endometrial curetting (42), menstrual blood (8), semen (17), placenta (11) and urine (70) were collected from patients and subjected for PCR, Culture and AFB detection. The endometrial biopsy, endometrial curetting, menstrual blood, semen, placenta, urine showed 30.2, 45.2,12.5, 5.8, 27.2, 31.4 %, positivity rate for tuberculosis by PCR, 7.3, 9.5, 25.0, 0, 9, 8.5 % by culture and 1.8, 2.3, 0, 0, 0, 2.8 % respectively by AFB smear. Being a novel, rapid technique, PCR is the method of choice for rapid diagnosis and management of genitourinary tuberculosis shared with the other concerned tests. This study reveals that genital tuberculosis can occur in any age group, however, the majority of patients were from reproductive age (nearly 75 % of them were from 20-45 years of age) group.

Insecticide susceptibility status of Phlebotomus argentipes, a vector of visceral leishmaniasis in different foci in three states of India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Phlebotomus argentipes is the vector for visceral leishmaniasis in India. The development of resistance in kala-azar vector to DDT has been reported from various parts of India. The main objective of this study was to generate information on insecticides susceptibility status of P. argentipes to DDT, malathion and deltamethrin in different parts in three states of India.

METHODS

Phlebotomus argentipes were collected from different villages, identified and used to investigate the susceptibility status against DDT, malathion and deltamethrin as per the WHO standard methods.

RESULTS

Phlebotomus argentipes was resistant to DDT in different areas, viz. PHCs Murumgaon in Maharashtra; Ramgarh in Jharkhand; Kodah, Falka, Mahua and Lalganj in Bihar. In Phulwari Shareef PHC of Patna district in Bihar, DDT produced 89% mortality in P. argentipes, indicating resistant/tolerance (verification required) to DDT. The corrected percent mortality to malathion (5%) in different areas ranged between 98 and 100%; and to deltamethrin (0.05%) between 98.4 and 100%. The results showed that the tested P. argentipes are susceptible to malathion and deltamethrin.

CONCLUSION

Phlebotomus argentipes are still susceptible to malathion and deltamethrin, but resistant to DDT. The susceptibility status of P. argentipes should be monitored regularly in diversified situations to ascertain the judicious use of insecticides being used for indoor residual spraying in the programme for rational use of appropriate insecticide.

Effect of cell rupturing methods on the drying characteristics and lipid compositions of microalgae

This paper investigated the effect of cell rupturing methods on the drying characteristics and the lipid compositions of a green algae consortium grown in an open raceway pond. The ruptured microalgae samples obtained from French press, autoclave and sonication methods were used for conducting thin layer drying experiment at four drying temperatures (30, 50, 70 and 90 °C). The rate of moisture removal at each drying condition was recorded until no change in moisture loss. A typical drying curve for a microalgae consortium indicated that the rate of drying was limited by diffusion. Among three drying models (Newton, Page and Henderson-Pabis) used to fit the drying data, Page model fitted well on the experimental drying data with a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of 0.99. Solvent extraction of French press ruptured cells produced the highest total lipid yield with no significant change in lipid compositions.

Management of a massive pediatric cerebral infarct with mass effect

A preschool child presented with a large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct with midline shift, overt signs of raised intracranial pressure and hemodynamic instability. Aggressive management including ventilatory support was instrumental in the successful outcome. Raising awareness of pediatric stroke is crucial to improving overall care of these children.

Effects of Growth Factors on Establishment and Propagation of Embryonic Stem Cells from Very Early Stage IVF Embryos and Their Characterization in Buffalo

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although ES cells have been derived from very early stage embryos in different species, but, so far ES cell line could be derived from early stage IVF embryos in buffalo. The present experiment was carried out to study the effects of different growth factors on attachment, formation of ES cell colonies, their extent of passaging and relative expression of pluripotency marker in these colonies in buffalo.

METHODS AND RESULTS

For this, 8~16 cell stages zona free IVF embryos were cultured with different culture condition viz. Control, Media-I: (Control+SCF), Media-II: (Control+SCF+bFGF) and Media-III: (Control+SCF+bFGF+IGF1). A total of 25 number of embryos were cultured in each medium. The efficiency (%) of blastomere attachment, % stem cell colony formation were recorded and number of passaging were evaluated in each culture condition. The results indicated that the efficiency of embryonic blastomere attachment, % stem cell colonies formation and propagation were significantly higher when medium was supplemented with growth factors viz. SCF, bFGF and IGF-1 (Media-III) than when supplemented with either SCF or SCF+bFGF. The expression of pluripotent genes viz Oct4, Nanog, FoxD3 and KLF4 were significantly higher (p<0.005) when medium was supplemented with three growth factors.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that when 8~16 cell stages zona free IVF embryos of buffalo was cultured on feeder,the %of blastomere attachment, % of ES cell colony formation and their further propagation were higher in ES cell medium supplemented with SCF+bFGF+IGF1 which may be due to high expression of pluripotent stem cell markers.