Kinetics of dye decolorization using heterogeneous catalytic system with immobilized Achromobacter xylosoxidans DDB6

Textile effluents containing toxic dyes must be treated effectively before discharge to prevent adverse environmental impacts. Traditional physical and chemical treatment methods are costly and generate secondary pollutants. In contrast, biological treatment is a more suitable, clean, versatile, eco-friendly, and cost-effective technique for treating textile effluent. It is well established that indigenous microbial populations present in effluents can effectively degrade toxic dyes. In this regard, Achromobacter xylosoxidans DDB6 was isolated from the effluent sample to decolorize crystal violet (CV), Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB), and alizarin red (AR) by 67.20%, 28.58%, and 20.41%, respectively. The growth parameters of A. xylosoxidans DDB6 in media supplemented with 100 ppm of various dyes were determined using the modified Gompertz growth model. The immobilized cells in calcium alginate beads showed apparent decolorization rate constant of 0.27, 0.18, and 0.13 h-1 for CV, CBB, and AR, respectively. The immobilized cells in a packed bed reactor with an optimum flow rate of 0.5 mL/min were used to treat 100 ppm of CV with a percentage decolorization of 79.47% after three cycles. Based on the findings, A. xylosoxidans DDB6 could be effectively used for decolorization of various dyes.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Association between Smartphone Addiction and Breathing Pattern in Sedentary Young College-Going Students - A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The number of smartphone users has progressively increased worldwide. Altered biomechanics of the cervicothoracic spine and ribcage could limit the chest wall function that affects the respiratory muscles strength, reducing diaphragm function in smartphone users. This study aimed to compare breathing patterns between smartphone-addicted and -nonaddicted user groups.

OBJECTIVE

To find the association between excessive smartphone use and breathing pattern in sedentary young college-going students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study includes 230 participants. The participants were screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were asked to fill out a Smartphone Addiction Scale questionnaire. These breathing patterns were then assessed by self-evaluation of breathing questionnaire (SEBQ), manual assessment of respiratory motion (MARM), breath-holding test, and capnography.

RESULTS

The correlation of smartphone-addicted and -nonaddicted groups with breathing patterns was performed by Spearman rank correlation. Results show no significant association between the smartphone-nonaddicted and -addicted users.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that excessive smartphone use and breathing patterns are not associated.

Erratum: Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 162301 (2021)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.162301.

A Call for Formalized Training of Surgical Educators

Current training curricula for future surgeons do not prioritize teaching residents how to teach. With increased expectations but decreased opportunities to operate, developing efficient and effective educators is a pressing necessity. In this article, we discuss the need to formalize the role of the surgical educator, and future directions to implement better training paradigms for surgical educators.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Computational Characterization of Xyloketal B with Human C-Reactive Protein For Management of Kawasaki Disease (KD)

The most common underlying cause of acquired cardiovascular disease in developed countries is Kawasaki disease (KD), a systemic vasculitis. The most serious and common consequence of KD is the growth of coronary artery involvement, however therapy with intravenous gammaglobulin can minimized this issue. There are various limitations of using intravenous gammaglobulin which further make researchers to look for alternative medicine. It has been found that marine natural products and compounds from natural sources are having cardioprotective nature. The present research aims at filling the gap with computational analysis to explore the target ability y of Xyloketal B on human C-Reactive Protein having vital role in Kawasaki disease. It has been found that the marine compound has the ability to inhibit CRP with considerable negative biding energy of-8.47Kcal/mol. The present stdy may aid researchers to explore new invention having the potential for enzymatic and chemical modification of the molecule for the management of KD. Patients having a history of coronary artery disease, involvement are encouraged to have long-term follow-up.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

Collision-System and Beam-Energy Dependence of Anisotropic Flow Fluctuations

Elliptic flow measurements from two-, four-, and six-particle correlations are used to investigate flow fluctuations in collisions of U+U at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV, Cu+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and Au+Au spanning the range sqrt[s_{NN}]=11.5-200  GeV. The measurements show a strong dependence of the flow fluctuations on collision centrality, a modest dependence on system size, and very little if any, dependence on particle species and beam energy. The results, when compared to similar LHC measurements, viscous hydrodynamic calculations, and trento model eccentricities, indicate that initial-state-driven fluctuations predominate the flow fluctuations generated in the collisions studied.

Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and Their Mass Number Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-π^{0}s produced at forward pseudorapidities (2.6<η<4.0) in p+p, p+Al, and p+Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back π^{0} pairs in p+Al and p+Au collisions compared to the p+p data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in p+Au relative to p+Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale Q_{s}^{2} on the mass number A. A linear scaling of the suppression with A^{1/3} is observed with a slope of -0.09±0.01.

Measurements of Proton High-Order Cumulants in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) within -0.5<y<0 and 0.4<p_{T}<2.0  GeV/c. In the most central 0%-5% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be C_{4}/C_{2}=-0.85±0.09 (stat)±0.82 (syst), which is 2σ below the Poisson baseline with respect to both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our C_{4}/C_{2} in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in C_{4}/C_{2} is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3 GeV.

Measurements of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H midrapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV. _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221±15(stat)±19(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{3}H and 218±6(stat)±13(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{4}H. The p_{T}-integrated yields of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of _{Λ}^{4}H is different for 0%-10% and 10%-50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the _{Λ}^{3}H yield well, while underestimating the _{Λ}^{4}H yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

Probing the Gluonic Structure of the Deuteron with J/ψ Photoproduction in d+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV in d+Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer -t is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going zero-degree calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the color glass condensate saturation model and the leading twist approximation nuclear shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup process, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.

Laser intensity profile based terahertz field enhancement from a mixture of nano-particles embedded in a gas

Nano-particle embedded system plays an importance in developing of future terahertz (THz) radiation source for real-world applications. The laser interactions with nanoparticle embedded system can produce a wide range of THz radiation due to plasma oscillations excitation. We investigate THz field generation from the laser-beat wave interaction with a mixture of spherical and cylindrical graphite nanoparticles in argon gas. Different laser intensity distributions such as Gaussian, cosh-Gaussian, flat-top and ring shape laser pulses have been studied in this work. The relevant plasmon resonance conditions with appropriate symmetry of spherical nanoparticles and cylindrical nanoparticles are discussed. THz field is enhanced upto the order of 10 2 when the laser intensity redistributes along the polarization direction for a ring shape field envelope.

Search for the Chiral Magnetic Effect via Charge-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations Relative to Spectator and Participant Planes in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) refers to charge separation along a strong magnetic field due to imbalanced chirality of quarks in local parity and charge-parity violating domains in quantum chromodynamics. The experimental measurement of the charge separation is made difficult by the presence of a major background from elliptic azimuthal anisotropy. This background and the CME signal have different sensitivities to the spectator and participant planes, and could thus be determined by measurements with respect to these planes. We report such measurements in Au+Au collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. It is found that the charge separation, with the flow background removed, is consistent with zero in peripheral (large impact parameter) collisions. Some indication of finite CME signals is seen in midcentral (intermediate impact parameter) collisions. Significant residual background effects may, however, still be present.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

Low mitochondrial genetic diversity in the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Sousa plumbea in South African waters

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Sousa plumbea has been described as South Africa’s most endangered marine mammal due to its low abundance, reliance on coastal habitats with increasing anthropogenic threats and high rates of mortality from bycatch in bather protection nets (BPNs). Although the species has been well studied in South Africa, only a single study has examined its molecular ecology to date, and its population structure remains poorly understood. However, understanding population structure is vital for the conservation and management of a species. To address these research gaps for S. plumbea in South African waters, we analysed the mitochondrial D-loop of 157 museum skin and tooth samples collected between 1963 and 2017 from across the species’ geographic range in South Africa. Our data show that the humpback dolphin has extremely low mitochondrial diversity (haplotype diversity, HD = 0.47; nucleotide diversity, π = 0.2%) with only 3 haplotypes identified, which is comparable to the Critically Endangered Māui dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori maui and the Critically Endangered Mekong population of Irrawaddy dolphin Orcaella brevirostris. Mitochondrial genetic diversity has not changed significantly in the last 50 yr, despite the high levels of bycatch in BPNs over this time period. Furthermore, we found no evidence of differentiation between dolphins from the KwaZulu-Natal Coast and the Cape South Coast (Western Cape and Eastern Cape). The extremely low mitochondrial diversity we found adds to the growing body of evidence that the humpback dolphin is becoming increasingly vulnerable and that urgent conservation efforts are required for the survival of the species.

Observation of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} Enhancement in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of charm-strange meson D_{s}^{±} production at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV from the STAR experiment. The yield ratio between strange (D_{s}^{±}) and nonstrange (D^{0}) open-charm mesons is presented and compared to model calculations. A significant enhancement, relative to a pythia simulation of p+p collisions, is observed in the D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} yield ratio in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision centralities. Model calculations incorporating abundant strange-quark production in the quark-gluon plasma and coalescence hadronization qualitatively reproduce the data. The transverse-momentum integrated yield ratio of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} at midrapidity is consistent with a prediction from a statistical hadronization model with the parameters constrained by the yields of light and strange hadrons measured at the same collision energy. These results suggest that the coalescence of charm quarks with strange quarks in the quark-gluon plasma plays an important role in D_{s}^{±}-meson production in heavy-ion collisions.

Measurement of e^{+}e^{-} Momentum and Angular Distributions from Linearly Polarized Photon Collisions

The Breit-Wheeler process which produces matter and antimatter from photon collisions is experimentally investigated through the observation of 6085 exclusive electron-positron pairs in ultraperipheral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements reveal a large fourth-order angular modulation of cos4Δϕ=(16.8±2.5)% and smooth invariant mass distribution absent of vector mesons (ϕ, ω, and ρ) at the experimental limit of ≤0.2% of the observed yields. The differential cross section as a function of e^{+}e^{-} pair transverse momentum P_{⊥} peaks at low value with sqrt[⟨P_{⊥}^{2}⟩]=38.1±0.9  MeV and displays a significant centrality dependence. These features are consistent with QED calculations for the collision of linearly polarized photons quantized from the extremely strong electromagnetic fields generated by the highly charged Au nuclei at ultrarelativistic speed. The experimental results have implications for vacuum birefringence and for mapping the magnetic field which is important for emergent QCD phenomena.

Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Global polarization of Ξ and Ω hyperons has been measured for the first time in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements of the Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+} hyperon polarization have been performed by two independent methods, via analysis of the angular distribution of the daughter particles in the parity violating weak decay Ξ→Λ+π, as well as by measuring the polarization of the daughter Λ hyperon, polarized via polarization transfer from its parent. The polarization, obtained by combining the results from the two methods and averaged over Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, is measured to be ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩=0.47±0.10(stat)±0.23(syst)% for the collision centrality 20%-80%. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to be slightly larger than the inclusive Λ polarization and in reasonable agreement with a multiphase transport model. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to follow the centrality dependence of the vorticity predicted in the model, increasing toward more peripheral collisions. The global polarization of Ω, ⟨P_{Ω}⟩=1.11±0.87(stat)±1.97(syst)% was obtained by measuring the polarization of daughter Λ in the decay Ω→Λ+K, assuming the polarization transfer factor C_{ΩΛ}=1.

Nonmonotonic Energy Dependence of Net-Proton Number Fluctuations

Nonmonotonic variation with collision energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) of the moments of the net-baryon number distribution in heavy-ion collisions, related to the correlation length and the susceptibilities of the system, is suggested as a signature for the quantum chromodynamics critical point. We report the first evidence of a nonmonotonic variation in the kurtosis times variance of the net-proton number (proxy for net-baryon number) distribution as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}] with 3.1  σ significance for head-on (central) gold-on-gold (Au+Au) collisions measured solenoidal tracker at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Data in noncentral Au+Au collisions and models of heavy-ion collisions without a critical point show a monotonic variation as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}].

Epidemiology and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in two Indian states

Although most cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have occurred in low-resource countries, little is known about the epidemiology of the disease in such contexts. Data from the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh provide a detailed view into severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission pathways and mortality in a high-incidence setting. Reported cases and deaths have been concentrated in younger cohorts than would be expected from observations in higher-income countries, even after accounting for demographic differences across settings. Among 575,071 individuals exposed to 84,965 confirmed cases, infection probabilities ranged from 4.7 to 10.7% for low-risk and high-risk contact types, respectively. Same-age contacts were associated with the greatest infection risk. Case fatality ratios spanned 0.05% at ages of 5 to 17 years to 16.6% at ages of 85 years or more. Primary data from low-resource countries are urgently needed to guide control measures.

First Measurement of Λ_{c} Baryon Production in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of the charmed baryon Λ_{c}^{±} production at midrapidity (|y|<1) in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The Λ_{c}/D^{0} [denoting (Λ_{c}^{+}+Λ_{c}^{-})/(D^{0}+D[over ¯]^{0})] yield ratio is measured to be 1.08±0.16  (stat)±0.26  (sys) in the 0%-20% most central Au+Au collisions for the transverse momentum (p_{T}) range 3<p_{T}<6  GeV/c. This is significantly larger than the pythia model calculations for p+p collisions. The measured Λ_{c}/D^{0} ratio, as a function of p_{T} and collision centrality, is comparable to the baryon-to-meson ratios for light and strange hadrons in Au+Au collisions. Model calculations including coalescence hadronization for charmed baryon and meson formation reproduce the features of our measured Λ_{c}/D^{0} ratio.

First Observation of the Directed Flow of D^{0} and D^{0}[over ¯] in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report the first measurement of rapidity-odd directed flow (v_{1}) for D^{0} and D^{0}[over ¯] mesons at midrapidity (|y|<0.8) in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. In 10-80% Au+Au collisions, the slope of the v_{1} rapidity dependence (dv_{1}/dy), averaged over D^{0} and D^{0}[over ¯] mesons, is -0.080±0.017(stat)±0.016(syst) for transverse momentum p_{T} above 1.5  GeV/c. The absolute value of D^{0} meson dv_{1}/dy is about 25 times larger than that for charged kaons, with 3.4σ significance. These data give a unique insight into the initial tilt of the produced matter, and offer constraints on the geometric and transport parameters of the hot QCD medium created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.

Polarization of Λ (Λ[over ¯]) Hyperons along the Beam Direction in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The Λ (Λ[over ¯]) hyperon polarization along the beam direction has been measured in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV, for the first time in heavy-ion collisions. The polarization dependence on the hyperons' emission angle relative to the elliptic flow plane exhibits a second harmonic sine modulation, indicating a quadrupole pattern of the vorticity component along the beam direction, expected due to elliptic flow. The polarization is found to increase in more peripheral collisions, and shows no strong transverse momentum (p_{T}) dependence at p_{T} greater than 1  GeV/c. The magnitude of the signal is about 5 times smaller than those predicted by hydrodynamic and multiphase transport models; the observed phase of the emission angle dependence is also opposite to these model predictions. In contrast, the kinematic vorticity calculations in the blast-wave model tuned to reproduce particle spectra, elliptic flow, and the azimuthal dependence of the Gaussian source radii measured with the Hanbury Brown-Twiss intensity interferometry technique reproduce well the modulation phase measured in the data and capture the centrality and transverse momentum dependence of the polarization signal.

Development of a new efficient and economical magnetic sorbent silicone surfactant-based activated carbon for the removal of chloro- and nitro-group phenolic compounds from contaminated water samples

In this study, activated carbon (AC) coated with a green silicone surfactant (SS) was further incorporated with magnetite particles (Fe₃O₄) via a co-precipitation method to enhance the separation of the newly designed magnetic AC–SS (Fe₃O₄@AC–SS) in a magnetic field. The properties of this magnetic adsorbent were characterized via Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The adsorption characteristics of the Fe₃O₄@AC–SS adsorbent were examined using 2,4-nitrophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol as adsorbates. Experiments were performed to investigate the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics as well as the effects of adsorption dosage and solution pH on the removal of both analytes. The kinetic data were well-fitted by the pseudo-second order model and the Freundlich model best described the adsorption isotherm for both analytes. The maximum adsorption capabilities for 2,4-dinitrophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol reached 43 and 98 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The analysis was further validated using real industrial effluent, and a removal efficiency of 62.2–98.1% and relative standard deviation value less than 7.2% were attained for both analytes. Thus, the multifunctional adsorbent has potential to function as an adsorbent for the fast, convenient, economical and highly efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater, which is significant for the purification of natural water and industrial effluent.

In this study, activated carbon (AC) coated with a green silicone surfactant (SS) was further incorporated with magnetite particles (Fe₃O₄) to enhance the separation of the newly designed magnetic AC–SS (Fe₃O₄@AC–SS) in a magnetic field.

Hydrogeological typologies of the Indo-Gangetic basin alluvial aquifer, South Asia

The Indo-Gangetic aquifer is one of the world's most important transboundary water resources, and the most heavily exploited aquifer in the world. To better understand the aquifer system, typologies have been characterized for the aquifer, which integrate existing datasets across the Indo-Gangetic catchment basin at a transboundary scale for the first time, and provide an alternative conceptualization of this aquifer system. Traditionally considered and mapped as a single homogenous aquifer of comparable aquifer properties and groundwater resource at a transboundary scale, the typologies illuminate significant spatial differences in recharge, permeability, storage, and groundwater chemistry across the aquifer system at this transboundary scale. These changes are shown to be systematic, concurrent with large-scale changes in sedimentology of the Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial aquifer, climate, and recent irrigation practices. Seven typologies of the aquifer are presented, each having a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for groundwater development and a different resilience to abstraction and climate change. The seven typologies are: (1) the piedmont margin, (2) the Upper Indus and Upper-Mid Ganges, (3) the Lower Ganges and Mid Brahmaputra, (4) the fluvially influenced deltaic area of the Bengal Basin, (5) the Middle Indus and Upper Ganges, (6) the Lower Indus, and (7) the marine-influenced deltaic areas.

DDX17 (P72), a Sox2 binding partner, promotes stem-like features conferred by Sox2 in a small cell population in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

We have previously demonstrated the existence of two phenotypically distinct cell subsets in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC) based on their differential response to a Sox2 reporter (SRR2), with reporter responsive (RR) cells being more tumorigenic and stem-like than reporter unresponsive (RU) cells. To delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotypic dichotomy, we tested our hypothesis that Sox2, which is a key regulator of the RR phenotype, is under the control of its binding partners. In this study, we focused on DDX17, known to be a transcription co-activator and found to be a Sox2 binding partner by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using immunoprecipitation, we confirmed the binding between DDX17 and Sox2, although this interaction was largely restricted to RR cells. While DDX17 was found in both the cytoplasm and nuclei in RU cells, it is confined to the nuclei in RR cells. siRNA knockdown of DDX17 in RR cells substantially decreased the Sox2-SRR2 binding and significantly decreased the SRR2 reporter activity without affecting the protein level of Sox2. Using ChIP-PCR, DDX17 knockdown also significantly decreased the binding of Sox2 to genomic SRR2, as well as 3 of its specific gene targets including MUC15, CCND1 and CD133. Correlating with these findings, siRNA knockdown of DDX17 significantly reduced soft agar colony formation and mammosphere formation in RR cells but not RU cells. To conclude, DDX17 is a Sox2-binding protein in ER-positive BC. In RR but not RU cells, DDX17 enhances the tumorigenic and stem-like features of Sox2 by promoting its binding to its target genes.

Computer use and vision-related problems among university students in ajman, United arab emirate

Background:

The extensive use of computers as medium of teaching and learning in universities necessitates introspection into the extent of computer related health disorders among student population.

Aim:

This study was undertaken to assess the pattern of computer usage and related visual problems, among University students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 500 Students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology were recruited into this study. Demographic characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated visual symptoms were recorded in a validated self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to determine the significance of the observed differences between the variables. The level of statistical significance was at P < 0.05. The crude odds ratio (OR) was determined using simple binary logistic regression and adjusted OR was calculated using the multiple logistic regression.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 20.4 (3.2) years. The analysis of racial data reveals that 50% (236/471) students were from Middle East, 32% (151/471) from other parts of Asia, 11% (52/471) from Africa, 4% (19/471) from America and 3% (14/471) from Europe. The most common visual problems reported among computer users were headache - 53.3% (251/471), burning sensation in the eyes - 54.8% (258/471) and tired eyes - 48% (226/471). Female students were found to be at a higher risk. Nearly 72% of students reported frequent interruption of computer work. Headache caused interruption of work in 43.85% (110/168) of the students while tired eyes caused interruption of work in 43.5% (98/168) of the students. When the screen was viewed at distance more than 50 cm, the prevalence of headaches decreased by 38% (50-100 cm – OR: 0.62, 95% of the confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-0.92). Prevalence of tired eyes increased by 89% when screen filters were not used (OR: 1.894, 95% CI: 1.065-3.368).

Conclusion:

High prevalence of vision related problems was noted among university students. Sustained periods of close screen work without screen filters were found to be associated with occurrence of the symptoms and increased interruptions of work of the students. There is a need to increase the ergonomic awareness among students and corrective measures need to be implemented to reduce the impact of computer related vision problems.

Bioanalytical method development, validation and quantification of dorsomorphin in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS

The present investigation describes the development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the estimation of dorsomorphin in rat plasma. A sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed using multiple reaction monitoring mode, with the transition of m/z (Q1/Q3) 400.2/289.3 for dorsomorphin and m/z (Q1/Q3) 306.2/236.3 for zaleplon. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a reverse phase Agilent XDB C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 5 mm ammonium acetate buffer (pH 6.0) 90:10 v/v, at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The effluence was ionized in positive ion mode by electrospray ionization (ESI) and quantitated by mass spectrometry. The retention times of dorsomorphin and internal standard were found to be 2.13 and 1.13 min, respectively. Mean extraction recovery of dorsomorphin and internal standard in rat plasma was above 80%. Dorsomorphin calibration curve in rat plasma was linear (r(2) ≥ 0.99) ranging from 0.005 to 10 µg/mL. Inter-day and intra-day precision and accuracy were found to be within 85-115% (coefficient of variation). This method was successfully applied for evaluation of the oral pharmacokinetic profile of dorsomorphin in male Wistar rats.

Evaluation of bactericidal efficacy of silver ions on Escherichia coli for drinking water disinfection

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is the development of a suitable process for the disinfection of drinking water by evaluating bactericidal efficacy of silver ions from silver electrodes.

METHODS

A prototype of a silver ioniser with silver electrodes and control unit has been fabricated. Silver ions from silver electrodes in water samples were estimated with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A fresh culture of Escherichia coli (1.75 × 10(3) c.f.u./ml) was exposed to 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 ppb of silver ions in 100 ml of autoclaved tap water for 60 min. The effect of different pH and temperatures on bactericidal efficacy was observed at constant silver ion concentration (5 ppb) and contact time of 30 min.

RESULTS

The maximum bactericidal activity (100%) was observed at 20 ppb of silver ion concentration indicating total disinfection after 20 min while minimum bactericidal activity (25%) was observed after 10 min at 01 ppb of silver ions. Likewise, 100% bactericidal activity was noticed with 2, 5 and 10 ppb of silver ions after 60, 50 and 40 min, respectively. Bactericidal activity at pH 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 was observed at 79.9%, 79.8%, 80.5%, 100% and 100%, respectively, whereas it was 80.4%, 88.3%, 100%, 100% and 100% at 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C and 50°C, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study revealed that very low concentrations of silver ions at pH 8-9 and temperature >20°C have bactericidal efficacy for total disinfection of drinking water. Silver ionisation is suitable for water disinfection and an appropriate alternative to chlorination which forms carcinogenic disinfection by-products.

An estimation of fluoride release from various dental restorative materials at different pH: In vitro study

BACKGROUND

In the mid of 1980s, the cariostatic effect of fluoride ions on enamel caries had been demonstrated in many studies. The use of fluoride releasing dental restorative materials has seen increasing from many years for the specific purpose of leaching of fluoride into the surrounding tissues to inhibit secondary dental caries as well as prevention of caries in the newly erupted tooth. In the dental caries, acidic environment causes the demineralization of tooth structure and also affect the restorative margins of dental restoration.

AIM

various restorative materials show different behavior in different pH conditions of oral cavity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release of the various restorative materials at different pH.

DESIGN

In this in vitro study, 30 samples of each dental restorative material were prepared and grouped into five with six samples in each group as per the pH of the solution 4.3, 4.6, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.2. All the samples were subjected to alternate cycling of the demineralizing solution (6 h) and remineralizing solution (18 h) for 15 days.

RESULTS

the fluoride release was measured by using fluoride ion specific electrode and digital ion analyzer. The result showed that the fluoride release rate was significantly higher in first day and reduced after third day to nearly constant level. At pH 4.3, the fluoride release was highest and lowest at pH 6.2.

CONCLUSION

the Amalgomer CR showed the highest fluoride release among all the experimental dental restorative materials.

EPHX1 gene polymorphisms in alcohol dependence and their distribution among the Indian populations

BACKGROUND

The microsomal epoxide hydrolase is a phase II enzyme of the biotransformation. The human epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) gene lies in the chromosomal region 1q42.1 and exhibits polymorphism. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been described in the coding region of the EPHX1 gene that produces two protein variants.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 604 samples belonging to 13 Indian populations were included in this study. Based on the DSM-IV criteria, 184 individuals from Kota population were classified into alcoholism cases (100) and controls (84). Genotypes of Tyr113His and His139Arg polymorphisms in the EPHX1 gene were determined using PCR and sequencing. Associations were tested using Pearson's χ(2) test and haplotype analyses.

RESULTS

We found significant association between EPHX1 gene Tyr113His polymorphism and alcoholism in the Kota population (T vs. C: OR = .615, 95% CI = .399-.949, p = .027; TT vs. CC + CT: OR = .536, 95% CI = .297-.969, p = .038). The very slow activity haplotype CA (113His-139His) was also found to be associated with alcohol dependence (p = .048). Analysis of additional populations demonstrated that the Tyr113His polymorphism significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in four populations but only one population deviated for the His139Arg locus. All populations shared the four possible two-site haplotypes. Linkage disequilibrium between these two loci was not significant in any of the population studied.

CONCLUSION

EPHX1 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with an increased risk for alcoholism in the Kota population. This is the first report from India that will serve as a template for future investigations of the prevalence of EPHX1 alleles in association with various clinical entities.

Effect of dietary β carotene on cerebral aneurysm and subarachnoid haemorrhage in the brain apo E-/- mice

Atherosclerosis will lead to stenosis/occlusion in the lumen of various arteries of living body. This can lead various conditions including myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction/aneurysm and peripheral artery disease. Ang II is believed to be an important regulatory peptide involved in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis and pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. Matrix metalloproteinase's (MMPs), adhesion molecules and plasminogen systems are involved in the inflammatory reaction of various blood vessels as well as pathogenesis of cerebro vasuclar disease in apo E(-/-) mice during angiotensin II injection. The present study analyses the role of ang II in development of cerebral aneurysm and also evaluated the mRNA levels of MMPs, adhesion molecules, plasminogen systems and peroxisome proliferators-associated receptors in the brain of apo E(-/-) mouse during the progression of cerebral aneurysm and ischemic conditions. Also, this study evaluates the role of dietary β carotene on cerebrovascular disease. Serum total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly increased in angiotensin II treated animals and further β carotene supplementation reduces TC but does not affect the triglyceride and LDL levels. Circulating levels of macrophages were significantly increased in angiotensin treated animals and further beta carotene supplementation significantly reduced the circulating macrophages. Cerebro meningeous aneurysm, subarachnoid haemorrhage, multiple foci of infarction, necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the cerebral hemispheres of ang II treated animals, however, infarction size were reduced and no aneurysm, inflammatory foci was observed in β carotene treated animals. Real time analysis showed down regulation of mRNA levels of MMP 2, uPA, PAI, PPAR-A, MCSF1 and up regulation of tPA and MCP-1 in the brain during the progression of cerebral aneurysm and β carotene supplementation to bring to normal expression levels of all the candidate genes for cerebrovascular diseases. Based on above results, Ang II may induced cerebral aneurysm, ischemia/infarction on brain through RAS system by down regulating the mRNA levels of MMP 2, uPA, PAI, PPAR-A, MCSF1 and up regulating tPA and MCP-1 and β carotene attenuates the disease condition and bring down to normal expression levels of above genes.

Studies on urban drinking water quality in a tropical zone

Anthropogenic activities associated with industrialization, agriculture and urbanization have led to the deterioration in water quality due to various contaminants. To assess the status of urban drinking water quality, samples were collected from the piped supplies as well as groundwater sources from different localities of residential, commercial and industrial areas of Lucknow City in a tropical zone of India during pre-monsoon for estimation of coliform and faecal coliform bacteria, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and heavy metals. Bacterial contamination was found to be more in the samples from commercial areas than residential and industrial areas. OCPs like α,γ-hexachlorocyclohexane and 1,1 p,p-DDE {dichloro-2, 2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethene)} were found to be present in most of the samples from study area. The total organochlorine pesticide levels were found to be within the European Union limit (0.5 μg/L) in most of the samples. Most of the heavy metals estimated in the samples were also found to be within the permissible limits as prescribed by World Health Organization for drinking water. Thus, these observations show that contamination of drinking water in urban areas may be mainly due to municipal, industrial and agricultural activities along with improper disposal of solid waste. This is an alarm to safety of public health and aquatic environment in tropics.