Exploring the vulnerability of the coastal wetlands of India to the changing climate and their adaptation strategies

Changing climate exerts significant pressure on coastal wetland fishery, ecosystems and livelihood at the eco-regional level. In the present study, an indicator and scoring-based vulnerability assessment framework was developed to assess climate change-induced potential impacts and vulnerability of the coastal wetlands through stakeholder perception and primary data collection on ecology and fisheries. The study was conducted in 12 coastal wetlands in the Gangetic estuarine regions of eastern India. Analysis of rainfall, temperature and extreme climatic events was also carried out. The climate variability in the region was analysed and discussed in the context of ecosystem health and sustainability indicators. The results indicated that anthropogenic stress has a greater influence on ecosystem services than climatic stress. However, the nature and degree of vulnerability of fishers to climate change vary with their capacity to adapt to such changes and alternate sources of livelihood. Altogether, 34 fish species were documented, belonging to 11 taxonomic orders, and categorized as per intensity of resilience using selected criteria. Perception-based climate-resilient adaptation strategies have also been discussed. Developing appropriate adaptation policies and implementing climate-resilient practices and management can minimize vulnerability and increase the adaptive capacity of fishers ensuring sustainable livelihood options.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Isolated lymph node recurrence in epithelial ovarian cancer - management and outcome

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to assess the clinical outcome of isolated lymph node recurrence in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer treated by surgery and to analyze the impact of various clinico-pathological factors on prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all the epithelial ovarian cancer patients who underwent secondary lymphadenectomy surgery for isolated lymph node recurrence at our institute from 2013 to 2020. Univariate analysis of various factors influencing the post-recurrence disease free survival and post-recurrence survival was done using Kaplan-Meier for categorical variables and cox-proportional hazard progression for continuous variables.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients of isolated lymph node recurrence were treated surgically during the study period. The median disease free interval to develop lymph nodal recurrence was 13 months. All the patients achieved complete resection to no gross residual disease without any significant morbidity associated with the procedure. The median post-recurrence disease free survival after treatment of lymph node recurrence was 25 months with 3-year post-recurrence survival of 72% and 3-year overall survival of 85%. Amongst the factors influencing post-recurrence disease free survival, young age (< 50 years), para-aortic lymph node dissection at initial surgery and single site of lymph node recurrence were significantly associated with better prognosis. A single site of lymph node recurrence was associated with significantly better post-recurrence survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete resection is feasible for epithelial ovarian cancer patients presenting with isolated lymph node recurrence, without any significant perioperative morbidity. When combined with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, complete resection is associated with favourable survival outcomes. Young age, para-aortic lymph node dissection during primary surgery and single site of lymph node recurrence are associated with better prognosis.

Psychological Assessment of Health-Care Workers Working during COVID-19 Pandemic Condition in Bangladesh

The study was aimed to assess the psychological aspects and relevant factors of the health-care workers (HCWs) working in COVID 19 pandemic condition in Bangladesh. This online cross-sectional survey was conducted from different tertiary, secondary and primary hospitals in Bangladesh. Eligible 638 HCWs who were directly involved in the caring of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients were recruited in this study. The mental health was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). High frequency of depression 536(84.0%), anxiety 386(60.5%) and insomnia 302(47.3%) was found among the HCWs, which were significantly higher in physicians (p<0.001) than nurses. Moderate to severe depression was significantly higher in female, whereas minimal to mild depression was significant in male HCWs (p=0.014). Symptoms of depression (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001) and insomnia (p=0.004) were significantly higher among the HCWs of primary and secondary compared to the tertiary level. The HCWs developed psychological trauma due to family health (45.3%) and contagious disease property (66.6%). After adjusting confounders, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that physicians and HCWs of secondary hospital had significant symptoms of severe depression (OR=2.95, 95% CI=0.50-17.24; p<0.001), anxiety (OR=2.64, 95% CI=0.80-8.72; p<0.001) and insomnia (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.23-5.84; p=0.018); whereas female HCWs had more risk of developing symptoms of severe insomnia (OR= 1.84; 95% CI=1.23-2.75; p=0.003). High rate of depression, anxiety and insomnia was found among HCWs working in the COVID-19 pandemic condition in this survey.

Absorption of protein in teleosts: a review

Teleost is a widely diverse group of fishes and so do their feeding habits. From aquaculture points of view, there have been un-interrupted efforts to optimize feeding rates with protein as the chief ingredients in the supplementary diet. However, knowledge on its protein absorption is incomplete so far, to acquire absolute feeding design to mobilize enhanced production of animal-source protein as fish biomass. In this review, the variable protein absorption across digestive tract (DT) in this group of fish has been highlighted. Emphasis is given to outline how DT components, like enterocyte specific absorptive mechanisms, are different in anterior and posterior regions of DT or from the absorptive transporter system. The existence of a transporter-based absorption mechanism brings more variability in the protein absorption in teleosts. At least two such transport systems (Na⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent) with within-system differences impart more variability to protein absorption. Further, shifting from one stage to another stage of development involves considerable modification of the protein absorptive mechanism in teleosts. Gut microbes may also indirectly facilitate protein absorption in teleosts. Overall, the present review projects a comprehensive understanding of the protein absorption in teleosts that will help to strategize the modulation of feeding technology in fish culture.

Methods and variables in Electrical discharge machining of titanium alloy - A review

Titanium alloys are difficult to machine using conventional methods, therefore, nonconventional processes are often chosen in many applications. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of those nonconventional processes that is used frequently for shaping titanium alloys with their respective pros and cons. However, a good understanding of this process is very difficult to achieve as research results are not properly connected and presented. Therefore, this study investigates different types of EDM processes such as, wire EDM, die-sink EDM, EDM drill and hybrid EDM used to machine titanium alloys. Machining mechanism, tool electrode, dielectric, materials removal rate (MRR), and surface integrity of all these processes are critically analysed and correlated based on the evidence accessible in literature. Machining process suffer from lower material removal rate and high tool wear while applied on titanium alloys. Formation of recast layer, heat affected zone and tool wear is common in all types of EDM processes. Additional challenge in wire EDM of titanium alloys is wire breakage under severe machining conditions. The formation of TiC and TiO₂ are noticed in recast layer depending on the type of dielectrics. Removal of debris from small holes during EDM drilling is a challenge. All these restricts the applications EDMed titanium alloys in high-tech applications such as, aerospace and biomedical areas. Most of these challenges come up due to extraordinary properties such as, low thermal conductivity, high melting point and high hardness, of titanium alloys. Though hybrid EDM has been introduced and there is some work on simulation of EDM process, further developments in EDM of this alloy is required for widening the application of this methods.

Enzyme-assisted three-phase partitioning: An efficient alternative for oil extraction from Sesame (<em>Sesamum indicum</em> L.)

Three-phase partitioning (TPP) was explored for oil extraction from Sesamum indicum L. seeds. The process parameters, namely the salt concentration, slurry/t-butanol ratio and system pH were standardized. The optimum conditions for maximum oil recovery using TPP were an ammonium sulphate concentration of 40% (w/v), slurry/t-butanol ratio of 1:1 (v/v) and system pH of 5.0. The powdered seeds were subjected to enzyme-assisted three-phase partitioning (EATPP) which was pre-treated with pectinase, protease and a mixture of ɑ-amylase and amylo-glucosidase (1:1 ratio) followed by TPP (as standardized conditions) and its efficacy in recovering oil was compared with TPP and solvent extraction (SE). Out of all the enzymes studied, EATPP with pectinase resulted in the highest oil recovery (86.12%), which was higher than that of TPP (78.24%). The free fatty acids, saponification value and peroxide values were observed to be lower in the case of TPP and EATPP when compared to SE, indicating better oil quality.

Benchmarking an 11-qubit quantum computer

The field of quantum computing has grown from concept to demonstration devices over the past 20 years. Universal quantum computing offers efficiency in approaching problems of scientific and commercial interest, such as factoring large numbers, searching databases, simulating intractable models from quantum physics, and optimizing complex cost functions. Here, we present an 11-qubit fully-connected, programmable quantum computer in a trapped ion system composed of 13 ¹⁷¹Yb⁺ ions. We demonstrate average single-qubit gate fidelities of 99.5\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}%, average two-qubit-gate fidelities of 97.5\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}%, and SPAM errors of 0.7\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}%. To illustrate the capabilities of this universal platform and provide a basis for comparison with similarly-sized devices, we compile the Bernstein-Vazirani and Hidden Shift algorithms into our native gates and execute them on the hardware with average success rates of 78\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}% and 35\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}%, respectively. These algorithms serve as excellent benchmarks for any type of quantum hardware, and show that our system outperforms all other currently available hardware.

The growing complexity of quantum computing devices makes presents challenges for benchmarking their performance as previous, exhaustive approaches become infeasible. Here the authors characterise the quality of their 11-qubit device by successfully computing two quantum algorithms.

Respiratory Morbidity among Indian Tea Industry Workers

Background:

Indian tea industry workers are exposed to various exposures at their workplace.

Objective:

To investigate the respiratory health of Indian tea industry workers.

Methods:

We administered a respiratory questionnaire to and measured lung function in workers of 34 tea gardens and 46 tea factories. We used correlation matrices to test the association between their respiratory symptoms and lung functions.

Results:

The garden workers complained of shortness of breath 3 times higher than the factory workers. However, nasal allergy was more predominant among the factory workers compared to garden workers (69.6% vs 41.2%, p=0.02). The factory workers had higher total (median 107.3% vs 92.9%, p=0.05, as measured by R at 5 Hz) and peripheral airway resistance (143.8% vs 61.1%, p=0.005, as measured by R at 5–20 Hz) than the garden workers. Respiratory symptoms were inversely associated with airway obstruction as measured by the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and positively correlated with increased overall airway reactance among the workers.

Conclusion:

Respiratory symptoms and increased allergen susceptibility of Indian tea industry workers due to occupational exposures warrant routine systematic surveillance of their workplace air quality and health monitoring.

DNA damage-induced ephrin-B2 reverse signaling promotes chemoresistance and drives EMT in colorectal carcinoma harboring mutant p53

Mutation in the TP53 gene positively correlates with increased incidence of chemoresistance in different cancers. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of chemoresistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer involving the gain-of-function (GOF) mutant p53/ephrin-B2 signaling axis. Bioinformatic analysis of the NCI-60 data set and subsequent hub prediction identified EFNB2 as a possible GOF mutant p53 target gene, responsible for chemoresistance. We show that the mutant p53-NF-Y complex transcriptionally upregulates EFNB2 expression in response to DNA damage. Moreover, the acetylated form of mutant p53 protein is recruited on the EFNB2 promoter and positively regulates its expression in conjunction with coactivator p300. In vitro cell line and in vivo nude mice data show that EFNB2 silencing restores chemosensitivity in mutant p53-harboring tumors. In addition, we observed high expression of EFNB2 in patients having neoadjuvant non-responder colorectal carcinoma compared with those having responder version of the disease. In the course of deciphering the drug resistance mechanism, we also show that ephrin-B2 reverse signaling induces ABCG2 expression after drug treatment that involves JNK-c-Jun signaling in mutant p53 cells. Moreover, 5-fluorouracil-induced ephrin-B2 reverse signaling promotes tumorigenesis through the Src-ERK pathway, and drives EMT via the Src-FAK pathway. We thus conclude that targeting ephrin-B2 might enhance the therapeutic potential of DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents in mutant p53-bearing human tumors.

Disruption of the 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction significantly improves the erythroid defect in a mouse model for Diamond-Blackfan anemia

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital erythroid hypoplasia caused by haploinsufficiency of genes encoding ribosomal proteins (RPs). Perturbed ribosome biogenesis in DBA has been shown to induce a p53-mediated ribosomal stress response. However, the mechanisms of p53 activation and its relevance for the erythroid defect remain elusive. Previous studies have indicated that activation of p53 is caused by the inhibition of mouse double minute 2 (Mdm2), the main negative regulator of p53, by the 5S ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP). Meanwhile, it is not clear whether this mechanism solely mediates the p53-dependent component found in DBA. To approach this question, we crossed our mouse model for RPS19-deficient DBA with Mdm2(C305F) knock-in mice that have a disrupted 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction. Upon induction of the Rps19 deficiency, Mdm2(C305F) reversed the p53 response and improved expansion of hematopoietic progenitors in vitro, and ameliorated the anemia in vivo. Unexpectedly, disruption of the 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction also led to selective defect in erythropoiesis. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of erythroid progenitor cells to aberrations in p53 homeostasis mediated by the 5S RNP-Mdm2 interaction. Finally, we provide evidence indicating that physiological activation of the 5S RNP-Mdm2-p53 pathway may contribute to functional decline of the hematopoietic system in a cell-autonomous manner over time.

Pregnancy diagnosis in Black Bengal goat by progesterone assay

Pregnancy is the main event in the life of a female mammal to reproduce the progeny and maintain the descents of the species. Progesterone level in the plasma is one of the indications of stages of pregnancy of an individual and the present study was undertaken to determine the progesterone level in different stages of pregnant Black Bengal does and to correlate blood progesterone level with stages of pregnancy in Black Bengal does. For this experiment the blood samples were collected from different stages of pregnant and non-pregnant Black Bengal does, kids and bucks, and subjected to use for further study.  The progesterone level was measured at 3 different stages of pregnancy (25-30 days, 60- 70 days, and 90-92 days) using the test kit (EIA TEST KIT Progesterone, Biocheck, Inc. Foster city, CA 94404 USA). Progesterone was also assayed in different ages of non-pregnant does, kids and bucks blood as the control. The logarithmic graph paper was used to calculate the progesterone level.  The progesterone levels were found 1.5 ng/ml, 6.6-9.3 ng/ml and 14-15.5 ng/ml in 25-30 days, 60-70 days and 90-92 days of pregnancy, respectively.  In case of non-pregnant does the progesterone level varied from 0.19-6.6 ng/ml in different ages.  Whereas the progesterone level was found between <0.1 ng/ml and 4.4 ng/ml in kids blood samples and in case of bucks the progesterone level was <0.1 ng/ml.  So, it is clear that the progesterone level simultaneously increased as the stages of pregnancy advanced in the blood of pregnant Black Bengal does.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i3.21645 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (3): 180-184

Beat note stabilization of mode-locked lasers for quantum information processing

We stabilize a chosen radio frequency beat note between two optical fields derived from the same mode-locked laser pulse train in order to coherently manipulate quantum information. This scheme does not require access or active stabilization of the laser repetition rate. We implement and characterize this external lock, in the context of two-photon stimulated Raman transitions between the hyperfine ground states of trapped 171Yb(+) quantum bits.

Optimal quantum control of multimode couplings between trapped ion qubits for scalable entanglement

We demonstrate entangling quantum gates within a chain of five trapped ion qubits by optimally shaping optical fields that couple to multiple collective modes of motion. We individually address qubits with segmented optical pulses to construct multipartite entangled states in a programmable way. This approach enables high-fidelity gates that can be scaled to larger qubit registers for quantum computation and simulation.

Coherent error suppression in multiqubit entangling gates

We demonstrate a simple pulse shaping technique designed to improve the fidelity of spin-dependent force operations commonly used to implement entangling gates in trapped ion systems. This extension of the Mølmer-Sørensen gate can theoretically suppress the effects of certain frequency and timing errors to any desired order and is demonstrated through Walsh modulation of a two qubit entangling gate on trapped atomic ions. The technique is applicable to any system of qubits coupled through collective harmonic oscillator modes.

Quality characteristics and stability of Moringa oleifera seed oil of Indian origin

Cold pressed and hexane extracted moringa seed oils (CPMSO and HEMSO) were evaluated for their physico-chemical and stability characteristics. The iodine value, saponification value and unsaponifiable matter of CPMSO and HEMSO were found to be 67.8 and 68.5 g I2 / 100 g oil, 190.4 and 191.2 mg KOH / g oil and 0.59 and 0.65%, respectively. The total tocopherols of CPMSO and HEMSO were found to be 95.5 and 90.2 mg/Kg. The fatty acid composition of CPMSO and HEMSO showed oleic acid as the major fatty acid (78-79%). The oxidative, thermal and frying stabilities of the CPMSO were compared with commercial raw and refined groundnut oil (GNO and RGNO). The CPMSO was of adequate thermal stability and better oxidative stability as it showed 79% lesser peroxide formation than GNO. The frying stability of CPMSO was better as it showed lower increase in free fatty acid (28%), peroxide value (10 meq O2/Kg) and color (25%) than RGNO (48%, 22 meq O2/kg and 52%, respectively) after frying.

Studies on the Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Nanoparticles containing Cytarabine

The activity of cytarabine was decreased by its rapid deamination to the biologically inactive metabolite uracil arabinoside. This rapid deamination is the reason for the ongoing research for effective formulation of cytarabine that can not be deaminated and exhibit better pharmacokinetic parameters. Protection of cytarabine from fast degradation and elimination was investigated by encapsulating the drug into chitosan nanoparticles. Cytarabine loaded nanoparticles prepared by ionotropic gelation were characterized by SEM and was found to in the range of 200 nm.The mechanism by which drug is being released is non-Fickian(anomalous) solute diffusion mechanism. It is evident from the result that initial burst release was retarded or delayed due to adsorption of coating material. The in vivo biodistribution study results showed that the nanoparticles were having better distribution of drug compared to free drug in different organs like spleen, lungs, kidney etc.

Tripartite entanglement versus tripartite nonlocality in three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger-class states

We analyze the relationship between tripartite entanglement and genuine tripartite nonlocality for three-qubit pure states in the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger class. We consider a family of states known as the generalized Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states and derive an analytical expression relating the three-tangle, which quantifies tripartite entanglement, to the Svetlichny inequality, which is a Bell-type inequality that is violated only when all three qubits are nonlocally correlated. We show that states with three-tangle less than 1/2 do not violate the Svetlichny inequality. On the other hand, a set of states known as the maximal slice states does violate the Svetlichny inequality, and exactly analogous to the two-qubit case, the amount of violation is directly related to the degree of tripartite entanglement. We discuss further interesting properties of the generalized Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger and maximal slice states.

Interface effects on mechanical properties of particle-reinforced composites

OBJECTIVES

Effective bonding between the filler and matrix components typically improves the mechanical properties of polymer composites containing inorganic fillers. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that composite flexural modulus, flexure strength, and toughness are directly proportional to filler-matrix interfacial shear strength.

METHODS

The resin matrix component of the experimental composite consisted of a 60:40 blend of BisGMA:TEGDMA. Two levels of photoinitiator components were used: 0.15, and 0.5%. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine degree of cure, and thermogravimetry (TGA) was used to quantify the degree of silane, rubber, or polymer attachment to silica and glass particles. Filler-matrix interfacial shear strengths were measured using a microbond test. Composites containing glass particles with various surface treatments were prepared and the modulus, flexure strength, and fracture toughness of these materials obtained using standard methods. Mechanical properties were measured on dry and soaked specimens.

RESULTS

The interfacial strength was greatest for the 5% MPS treated silica, and it increased for polymers prepared with 0.5% initiator compared with 0.15% initiator concentrations. For the mechanical properties measured, the authors found that: (1) the flexural modulus was independent of the type of filler surface treatment, though flexural strength and toughness were highest for the silanated glass; (2) rubber at the interface, whether bonded to the filler and matrix or not, did not improve toughness; (3) less grafting of resin to silanated filler particles was observed when the initiator concentration decreased.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest that increasing the strength of the bond between filler and matrix will not result in improvements in the mechanical properties of particulate-reinforced composites in contrast to fiber-reinforced composites. Also, contraction stresses in the 0.5 vs 0.15% initiator concentration composites may be responsible for increases in interfacial shear strengths, moduli, and flexural strengths.

Filler-coupling agent-matrix interactions in silica/polymethylmethacrylate composites

The interactions of the silane coupling agent methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) with both fumed silica and a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin matrix were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. OX 50 fumed silica was silanated with MPS at concentrations of 1% and 5% in aqueous ethanol (95%), acetone, and anhydrous toluene. Methyl methacrylate was polymerized with the silanated fumed silica (5% wt/wt) to form composites. The amount of MPS adsorption on the fumed silica and the amount of PMMA attached to the silanated fumed silica were determined by thermogravimetric analysis. MPS could be removed from the fumed silica after washing with methanol, but not after it underwent a drying process at 25 degrees C under vacuum. After vacuum drying at 25 degrees C, two types of adsorbed silane were found, i.e., firmly adsorbed and loosely adsorbed silane. The loosely adsorbed silane could desorb from silica and be incorporated into the polymer matrix through copolymerization with monomeric methyl methacrylate, resulting in crosslinking of the matrix. When the silanated silica was dried at 110 degrees C for 2 h, the loosely adsorbed silane was removed and the amount of firmly adsorbed silane increased. There was a positive correlation between the amount of firmly adsorbed MPS and the amount of PMMA attachment. The highest efficiency for PMMA attachment was found when MPS was adsorbed as a monolayer, because the loosely adsorbed silane did not contribute to the bonding of PMMA, and this suggested that not all of the double bonds of the MPS were accessible for reaction with the methacrylate monomer. Drying at 110 degrees C may also decrease the number of unsaturated double bonds of MPS.

Antimicrobial activity of new coumarin derivatives

A preliminary exploration of coumarin analogs as novel antimicrobial agents was carried out to determine the basic features of the structure responsible for the observed biological activity. The substituents ester or carboxylic acid on the coumarin ring were needed to have potent inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The presence of phenolic hydroxyl group and/or carboxylic acid was necessary to possess higher activity against Helicobacter pylori.

Stimulation of pregnenolone metabolism and aromatase activity by luteinizing hormone in mouse uterus

In vitro metabolism of pregnenolone (P5) as well as production of 17beta-estradiol (E2) were studied in uteri of untreated and luteinizing hormone (LH)-treated mice that had been ovariectomized (OVX) at late-diestrus stage. In the uteri of untreated mice, [H]pregnenolone was shown to be metabolized to Delta-components such as 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone (17alpha-P5) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), whereas LH treatment resulted in significant increases in the formation of progesterone (P4), 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17alpha-P4), androstenedione (AD) and testosterone (T). This was assessed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The content and release of P4 was shown to be stimulated by LH. Trilostane, an inhibitor of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), inhibited LH-induced P4 synthesis and its release in a dose-dependent manner. A considerable increase in [H]estradiol formation from [H]testosterone was recorded in LH-stimulated uterine tissue as compared with the control, indicating the stimulatory effect of LH on aromatase activity. LH-stimulation in the synthesis of P4 and E2 in OVX mouse uteri was mimicked by dbcAMP (cell-permeable cAMP). Incubation with LH was shown to augment the conversion of P4 to various delta-3-oxosteroids. In vitro effects of LH on the synthesis and metabolism of P4, as well as on the stimulation of aromatase activity, were more pronounced in the uterine tissue of LH-primed OVX mice. Thus the results of the present study indicate that, under specific conditions, the uterus of the mouse behaves like steroidogenic tissue. Its prompt response to LH reveals the probable physiological relevance of the existence of LH receptors of high binding affinity in the uterine tissue of the mouse, as reported earlier.

Ambient Electrical Properties of Mica-Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Composites

We have studied the effect of addition of (a) mica, (b) silane coupling agent, and (c) silane-treated mica on the ambient dielectric properties of vulcanized styrene-butadiene rubber. It is observed that both dielectric constant and dielectric loss increase as mica, silane, and silane-treated mica are added. The increase is more pronounced in the case of silane-treated mica than for the untreated mica systems. The observed values of dielectric constants are in close agreement with the calculated ones obtained from different theories of heterogeneous dielectrics. Dielectric strength shows an increasing trend in the presence of mica. At higher mica loading, D.C. conductivity decreases slightly.