Partner or perish: tree microbiomes and climate change

Understanding the complex relationships between plants, their microbiomes, and environmental changes is crucial for improving growth and survival, especially for long-lived tree species. Trees, like other plants, maintain close associations with a multitude of microorganisms on and within their tissues, forming a 'holobiont'. However, a comprehensive framework for detailed tree-microbiome dynamics, and the implications for climate adaptation, is currently lacking. This review identifies gaps in the existing literature, emphasizing the need for more research to explore the coevolution of the holobiont and the full extent of climate change impact on tree growth and survival. Advancing our knowledge of plant-microbial interactions presents opportunities to enhance tree adaptability and mitigate adverse impacts of climate changes on trees.

Multi-organ segmentation of organ-at-risk (OAR's) of head and neck site using ensemble learning technique

INTRODUCTION

This paper presents a novel approach to automate the segmentation of Organ-at-Risk (OAR) in Head and Neck cancer patients using Deep Learning models combined with Ensemble Learning techniques. The study aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of OAR segmentation, essential for radiotherapy treatment planning.

METHODS

The dataset comprised computed tomography (CT) scans of 182 patients in DICOM format, obtained from an institutional image bank. Experienced Radiation Oncologists manually segmented seven OARs for each scan. Two models, 3D U-Net and 3D DenseNet-FCN, were trained on reduced CT scans (192 × 192 x 128) due to memory limitations. Ensemble Learning techniques were employed to enhance accuracy and segmentation metrics. Testing was conducted on 78 patients from the institutional dataset and an open-source dataset (TCGA-HNSC and Head-Neck Cetuximab) consisting of 31 patient scans.

RESULTS

Using the Ensemble Learning technique, the average dice similarity coefficient for OARs ranged from 0.990 to 0.994, indicating high segmentation accuracy. The 95% Hausdorff distance (mm) ranged from 1.3 to 2.1, demonstrating precise segmentation boundaries.

CONCLUSION

The proposed automated segmentation method achieved efficient and accurate OAR segmentation, surpassing human expert performance in terms of time and accuracy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This approach has implications for improving treatment planning and patient care in radiotherapy. By reducing manual segmentation reliance, the proposed method offers significant time savings and potential improvements in treatment planning efficiency and precision for head and neck cancer patients.

Measurement of Direct-Photon Cross Section and Double-Helicity Asymmetry at sqrt[s]=510 GeV in p[over →]+p[over →] Collisions

We present measurements of the cross section and double-helicity asymmetry A_{LL} of direct-photon production in p[over →]+p[over →] collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV. The measurements have been performed at midrapidity (|η|<0.25) with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At relativistic energies, direct photons are dominantly produced from the initial quark-gluon hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force at leading order. Therefore, at sqrt[s]=510  GeV, where leading-order-effects dominate, these measurements provide clean and direct access to the gluon helicity in the polarized proton in the gluon-momentum-fraction range 0.02<x<0.08, with direct sensitivity to the sign of the gluon contribution.

Meta-Analysis of Microarray Data and Their Utility in Dissecting the Mapped QTLs for Heat Acclimation in Rice

In the current global warming scenario, it is imperative to develop crops with improved heat tolerance or acclimation, for which knowledge of major heat stress-tolerant genes or genomic regions is a prerequisite. Though several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for heat tolerance have been mapped in rice, candidate genes from these QTLs have not been reported yet. The meta-analysis of microarray datasets for heat stress in rice can give us a better genomic resource for the dissection of QTLs and the identification of major candidate genes for heat stress tolerance. In the present study, a database, RiceMetaSys-H, comprising 4227 heat stress-responsive genes (HRGs), was created using seven publicly available microarray datasets. This included in-house-generated microarray datasets of Nagina 22 (N22) and IR64 subjected to 8 days of heat stress. The database has provisions for searching the HRGs through genotypes, growth stages, tissues, and physical intervals in the genome, as well as Locus IDs, which provide complete information on the HRGs with their annotations and fold changes, along with the experimental material used for the analysis. The up-regulation of genes involved in hormone biosynthesis and signalling, sugar metabolism, carbon fixation, and the ROS pathway were found to be the key mechanisms of enhanced heat tolerance. Integrating variant and expression analysis, the database was used for the dissection of the major effect of QTLs on chromosomes 4, 5, and 9 from the IR64/N22 mapping population. Out of the 18, 54, and 62 genes in these three QTLs, 5, 15, and 12 genes harboured non-synonymous substitutions. Fifty-seven interacting genes of the selected QTLs were identified by a network analysis of the HRGs in the QTL regions. Variant analysis revealed that the proportion of unique amino acid substitutions (between N22/IR64) in the QTL-specific genes was much higher than the common substitutions, i.e., 2.58:0.88 (2.93-fold), compared to the network genes at a 0.88:0.67 (1.313-fold) ratio. An expression analysis of these 89 genes showed 43 DEGs between IR64/N22. By integrating the expression profiles, allelic variations, and the database, four robust candidates (LOC_Os05g43870, LOC_Os09g27830, LOC_Os09g27650, andLOC_Os09g28000) for enhanced heat stress tolerance were identified. The database thus developed in rice can be used in breeding to combat high-temperature stress.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis with Bilateral Optic Neuropathy

Introduction Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is characterized by an inflammatory response to a non-invasive fungus which leads to sinus obstruction. Ophthalmic manifestations of AFRS are rare but can be of grave consequence. Case Report A 22-year-old female patient presented with a 5-day history of headache and decreased vision in both eyes (right- perception of light; left-6/18), along with a past history of nasal blockage and recurrent rhinorrhoea. She had thick viscid mucous secretion with polyposis in bilateral nasal cavities. Computed tomography showed pansinusitis with heterogenous opacification and polypoidal mucosal hypertrophy. Bony erosion was seen in bilateral orbital apices with oedematous optic nerves. MRI was suggestive of bilateral optic neuritis. Patient underwent emergency surgical debridement via endoscopic sinus surgery. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed cellular debris, eosinophilic prominence and numerous Charcot-Leyden crystals, with presence of branched septate fungal hyphae. Fungal culture grew Aspergillus flavus. Patient was treated with steroids (injectable followed by oral in gradually tapering doses). Over a period of 3 months vision returned to normal. Conclusion Vision loss is a rare complication of AFRS and constitutes an emergency. Prompt treatment with surgical debridement and corticosteroids is essential for reversal of visual complications.

Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Allele mining for a drought responsive gene DRO1 determining root growth angle in donors of drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Deeper Rooting 1 (DRO1) gene identified from a major QTL on chromosome 9 increases the root growth angle (RGA) and thus facilitates survival under drought and hence is an excellent candidate for rice improvement. Twenty-four major Indian upland and lowland genotypes including the 'yield under drought' (DTY) QTL donors were subjected to allele mining of DRO1 (3058 bp) using four pairs of overlapping primers. A total of 216 and 52 SNPs were identified across all genotypes in the gene and coding region (756 bp) respectively with transversions 3.6 fold more common than transitions in the gene and 2.5 times in the CDS. In 251 amino acid long protein, substitutions were found in 19 positions, wherein change in position 92 was the most frequent. Based on allele mining, the 24 genotypes can be classified into 16 primary structure variants ranging from complete functional allele (Satti, IR36 and DTY 3.1 donor, IR81896-B-B-195) to truncated non-functional alleles in PMK2, IR64, IR20 and Swarna. All the DTY donors, other than IR81896-B-B-195, and most of the upland drought tolerant cultivars (Nagina 22, Vandana and Dhagaddeshi) had accumulated 6-19 SNPs and 4-8 amino acid substitutions resulting in substantial differences in their protein structure. The expression analysis revealed that all the genotypes showed upregulation under drought stress though the degree of upregulation varied among genotypes. The information on structural variations in DRO1 gene will be very useful for the breeders, especially in the light of recent breeding programmes on improving drought tolerance using several DTY donors and upland accessions.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12298-021-00950-2).

Systemic lupus erythematosus and infections

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory and multi-systemic autoimmune disorder, characterized by an uncontrolled auto-reactivity of B and T lymphocytes, leading to the production of autoantibodies against self-directed antigens and tissue damage. The life expectancy in patients with SLE has improved tremendously in the last two decades, but the mortality rates still remain three times greater compared to those of the general population. Despite increased awareness and improved management, infections remain a major source of morbidity, mortality, hospitalization, and death in patients with SLE. The infections in SLE patients widely range from opportunistic to common bacterial and viral infections with typical or atypical presentations. Moreover, SLE patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections. Factors associated with increased risk of infections include high disease activity, specific immune dysregulation, drug-induced immune deficiency, and organ failure with irreversible damage. Furthermore, immunosuppressive agents may make patients more susceptible to opportunistic infections. A big challenge faced by physicians in these patients is to distinguish between infections and flares of SLE, as infections may mimic them, leading to predicament in diagnosis and appropriate management. Immunosuppression used to treat severe flares of lupus can have catastrophic complications in patients with active infections. There is an urgent need for biomarkers to make an accurate differential diagnosis in this situation. In spite of increased understanding of SLE, many questions remain unanswered. Further research is needed to determine specific immune dysregulation underlying the increased susceptibility to specific infections, predictors of infection in SLE such as genetic markers, and biomarkers that discriminate between disease activity and active infections. Also, measures must be evaluated appropriately to prevent infections, and their complications in SLE.

Development of Microbiome Biobanks - Challenges and Opportunities

The microbiome research field is rapidly evolving, but the required biobanking infrastructure is currently fragmented and not prepared for the biobanking of microbiomes. The rapid advancement of technologies requires an urgent assessment of how biobanks can underpin research by preserving microbiome samples and their functional potential.

Erratum: Evolution of π^{0} Suppression in Au+Au Collisions from sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 to 200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 152301 (2012)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.152301.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

De-novo Drug Design, Molecular Docking and In-Silico Molecular Prediction of AChEI Analogues through CADD Approaches as Anti-Alzheimer's Agents

Background: There are over 44 million persons who suffer with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) worldwide, no existence of cure and only symptomatic treatments are available for it. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer potential of designed AChEI analogues using computer simulation docking studies. AChEIs are the most potential standards for treatment of AD, because they have proven efficacy. Among all AChEIs donepezil possesses lowest adverse effects, it can treat mild-moderate-severe AD and only once-daily dosing is required. Therefore, donepezil is recognized as a significant prototype for design and development of new drug molecule.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

COMPUTER AIDED DRUG DESIGN: AN OVERVIEW

Discovery and development of a new drug is generally known as a very complex process which takes a lot of time and resources. So now a day’s computer aided drug design approaches are used very widely to increase the efficiency of the drug discovery and development course. Various approaches of CADD are evaluated as promising techniques according to their need, in between all these structure-based drug design and ligand-based drug design approaches are known as very efficient and powerful techniques in drug discovery and development. These both methods can be applied with molecular docking to virtual screening for lead identification and optimization. In the recent times computational tools are widely used in pharmaceutical industries and research areas to improve effectiveness and efficacy of drug discovery and development pipeline. In this article we give an overview of computational approaches, which is inventive process of finding novel leads and aid in the process of drug discovery and development research. Keywords: computer aided drug discovery, structure-based drug design, ligand-based drug design, virtual screening and molecular docking

Post-operative Sensorineural Hearing Loss After Middle Ear Surgery

Chronic suppurative otitis media is managed by tympanomastoid surgery often requires mastoid drilling. Sometimes patients develop sensorineural hearing loss after middle ear surgery. Objective of the study was to compare pre and post operative bone conduction thresholds after middle ear surgeries. The study was conducted on 90 patients who had undergone middle ear surgeries, 30 patients of tympanoplasty (group I), modified intact canal wall mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty type-I (group II) and modified radical mastoidectomy (group III) each ware included. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed. Duration of surgery, ossicular and middle ear status and drilling time noted. Pre operative and post operative (after 3-4 months) bone conduction thresholds were compared statistically. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistical significant. The average pre-operative hearing loss of study group was 43.78 ± 14.22 dB. Though postoperatively mean air conduction threshold improved to 36.07 ± 13.05 dB, six patients presented with deterioration of hearing. Mastoidectomy has been performed in all six. Post-operative worsening of bone conduction was seen in three patients (13.75-21.5 dB), one patient of group II and two patients of group III developed postoperative worsening of bone conduction thresholds. Significant hearing losses may occur after tympanomastoid surgery in few patients. While we are evaluating the results besides reporting average results such individual patient should be identified.

Post Parotidectomy Quality of Life in Patients with Benign Parotid Neoplasm: A Prospective Study

Parotid tumours are not uncommon. The management is surgical for benign and malignant parotid neoplasm. Due to the location of parotid gland and its intricate relationship with facial nerve, cosmetic and functional outcomes after parotid surgery are extremely important. Objectives of the study were to analyse facial nerve functions with emphasis on the quality of life of patients undergoing surgery for parotid neoplasm. A prospective study was conducted on patients presented with parotid neoplasm and undergone parotid surgery. Patient with malignant neoplasm were excluded. 30 patients with benign parotid neoplasm in final histopathology were included in the study. Post operative assessment of facial nerve was done using postparotidectomy facial nerve grading system. Symptom-specific QOL was assessed with the parotidectomy outcome inventory-8. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated with an ordinal scale. Posterior belly of digastric muscle and tragal pointer were the commonest landmark used for facial nerve identification. Temporary facial nerve dysfunction was present in six (20%) patients with marginal mandibular branch most commonly involved. 96% of the female patients and 91% of the male patients rated the cosmetic result as good or very good. A statistically significant difference is noted between superficial parotidectomy and total Parotidectomy for cosmetic outcome and sensory impairment. We noted that changed appearance due to resection of the parotid gland and scar and sensory impairment in the area affect the quality of life of patients and such affect are more after total conservative parotidectomy.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

Centrality-Dependent Modification of Jet-Production Rates in Deuteron-Gold Collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV

Jet production rates are measured in p+p and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV recorded in 2008 with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Jets are reconstructed using the R=0.3 anti-k_{t} algorithm from energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter and charged tracks in multiwire proportional chambers, and the jet transverse momentum (p_{T}) spectra are corrected for the detector response. Spectra are reported for jets with 12<p_{T}<50  GeV/c, within a pseudorapidity acceptance of |η|<0.3. The nuclear-modification factor (R_{dAu}) values for 0%-100% d+Au events are found to be consistent with unity, constraining the role of initial state effects on jet production. However, the centrality-selected R_{dAu} values and central-to-peripheral ratios (R_{CP}) show large, p_{T}-dependent deviations from unity, challenging the conventional models that relate hard-process rates and soft-particle production in collisions involving nuclei.

Effects of extreme weather events and legume presence on mycorrhization of Plantago lanceolata and Holcus lanatus in the field

Little is known about direct and indirect effects of extreme weather events on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under field conditions. In a field experiment, we investigated the response of mycorrhization to drought and heavy rain in grassland communities. We quantified AMF biomass in soil, mycorrhization of roots of the grass Holcus lanatus and the forb Plantago lanceolata, as well as plant performance. Plants were grown in four-species communities with or without a legume. We hypothesised that drought increases and heavy rain decreases mycorrhization, and that higher mycorrhization will be linked to improved stress resistance and higher biomass production. Soil AMF biomass increased under both weather extremes. Heavy rain generally benefitted plants and increased arbuscules in P. lanceolata. Drought neither reduced plant performance nor root mycorrhization. Arbuscules increased in H. lanatus several weeks after drought, and in P. lanceolata several weeks after heavy rain spells. These long-lasting effects of weather events on mycorrhization highlight the indirect influence of climate on AMF via their host plant. Legume presence increased plant community biomass, but had only minor effects on mycorrhization. Arbuscule colonisation was negatively correlated with senescence during the dry summer. Mycorrhization and biomass production in P. lanceolata were positively related. However, increased mycorrhization was related to less biomass in the grass. AMF mycelium in soil might generally increase under extreme events, root colonisation, however, is host species specific. This might amplify community shifts in grassland under climate change by further increasing stress resistance of species that already benefit from changed precipitation.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

Measurement of Long-Range Angular Correlation and Quadrupole Anisotropy of Pions and (Anti)Protons in Central d+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We present azimuthal angular correlations between charged hadrons and energy deposited in calorimeter towers in central d+Au and minimum bias p+p collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. The charged hadron is measured at midrapidity |η|<0.35, and the energy is measured at large rapidity (-3.7<η<-3.1, Au-going direction). An enhanced near-side angular correlation across |Δη|>2.75 is observed in d+Au collisions. Using the event plane method applied to the Au-going energy distribution, we extract the anisotropy strength v_{2} for inclusive charged hadrons at midrapidity up to p_{T}=4.5 GeV/c. We also present the measurement of v_{2} for identified π^{±} and (anti)protons in central d+Au collisions, and observe a mass-ordering pattern similar to that seen in heavy-ion collisions. These results are compared with viscous hydrodynamic calculations and measurements from p+Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. The magnitude of the mass ordering in d+Au is found to be smaller than that in p+Pb collisions, which may indicate smaller radial flow in lower energy d+Au collisions.

Cold-nuclear-matter effects on heavy-quark production at forward and backward rapidity in d + Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV

The PHENIX experiment has measured open heavy-flavor production via semileptonic decay over the transverse momentum range 1 < p(T) < 6  GeV/c at forward and backward rapidity (1.4 < |y| < 2.0) in d+Au and p + p collisions at √sNN = 200  GeV. In central d+Au collisions, relative to the yield in p + p collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, a suppression is observed at forward rapidity (in the d-going direction) and an enhancement at backward rapidity (in the Au-going direction). Predictions using nuclear-modified-parton-distribution functions, even with additional nuclear-p(T) broadening, cannot simultaneously reproduce the data at both rapidity ranges, which implies that these models are incomplete and suggests the possible importance of final-state interactions in the asymmetric d + Au collision system. These results can be used to probe cold-nuclear-matter effects, which may significantly affect heavy-quark production, in addition to helping constrain the magnitude of charmonia-breakup effects in nuclear matter.

Azimuthal-angle dependence of charged-pion-interferometry measurements with respect to second- and third-order event planes in Au+Au collisions at √[S(NN)]=200 GeV

Charged-pion-interferometry measurements were made with respect to the second- and third-order event plane for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. A strong azimuthal-angle dependence of the extracted Gaussian-source radii was observed with respect to both the second- and third-order event planes. The results for the second-order dependence indicate that the initial eccentricity is reduced during the medium evolution, which is consistent with previous results. In contrast, the results for the third-order dependence indicate that the initial triangular shape is significantly reduced and potentially reversed by the end of the medium evolution, and that the third-order oscillations are largely dominated by the dynamical effects from triangular flow.

The CTLA4 +49 A/G (rs231775) polymorphism influences susceptibility to SLE in South Indian Tamils

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype autoimmune disease with complex etiology. Loss of immune tolerance and synthesis of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens contributes to the disease. Genetic aberrations disrupting the functions of immune regulatory receptors may facilitate the development of autoimmune diseases. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is an inhibitory receptor for T cells and this study was carried out to analyze the influence of CTLA4 +49A/G (rs231775) polymorphism on susceptibility to SLE in ethnic Tamils. Three hundred SLE patients and 460 age and sex similar, ethnicity-matched controls were screened for the +49 A/G polymorphism by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The wild allele (A) frequency in controls and cases was 63% and 47%, respectively. The presence of heterozygous (AG) and homozygous mutant (GG) genotype was associated with a significant risk to develop SLE (P = 0.0001, OR-2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-3.3) and (P = 0.0001, OR-4.3, 95% CI, 2.8-6.99). The frequency of mutant allele (G) in patients was also significantly associated with SLE (P = 0.0001, OR-1.9, 95% CI, 1.5-2.4). However, this polymorphism did not influence the clinical or serological phenotypes in our study. Therefore the CTLA4 +49 A/G polymorphism is a potential genetic risk factor for lupus susceptibility in South Indian Tamils, but does not appear to influence either the clinical or serological phenotype.

Quadrupole anisotropy in dihadron azimuthal correlations in central d+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

The PHENIX collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) reports measurements of azimuthal dihadron correlations near midrapidity in d+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. These measurements complement recent analyses by experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) involving central p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV, which have indicated strong anisotropic long-range correlations in angular distributions of hadron pairs. The origin of these anisotropies is currently unknown. Various competing explanations include parton saturation and hydrodynamic flow. We observe qualitatively similar, but larger, anisotropies in d+Au collisions at RHIC compared to those seen in p+Pb collisions at the LHC. The larger extracted v2 values in d+Au are consistent with expectations from hydrodynamic calculations owing to the larger expected initial-state eccentricity compared with that from p+Pb collisions. When both are divided by an estimate of the initial-state eccentricity the scaled anisotropies follow a common trend with multiplicity that may extend to heavy ion data at RHIC and the LHC, where the anisotropies are widely thought to arise from hydrodynamic flow.

Nuclear modification of ψ', χc, and J/ψ production in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

We present results for three charmonia states (ψ', χc, and J/ψ) in d+Au collisions at |y|<0.35 and sqrt[s(NN)]=200  GeV. We find that the modification of the ψ' yield relative to that of the J/ψ scales approximately with charged particle multiplicity at midrapidity across p+A, d+Au, and A+A results from the Super Proton Synchrotron and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. In large-impact-parameter collisions we observe a similar suppression for the ψ' and J/ψ, while in small-impact-parameter collisions the more weakly bound ψ' is more strongly suppressed. Owing to the short time spent traversing the Au nucleus, the larger ψ' suppression in central events is not explained by an increase of the nuclear absorption owing to meson formation time effects.

Evaluation of wound healing property of Terminalia catappa on excision wound models in Wistar rats

Wound is defined as the loss of breaking cellular and functional continuity of the living tissues. Management of wounds is frequently encountered with different problems. Drug resistance and toxicity hindered the development of synthetic antimicrobial agents with wound healing activity. Many plants with potent pharmacological activities may offer better treatment options viz. Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Phyllanthus emblica formulations have shown healing activities on wounds.The present study was planned to investigate the wound healing activity of Terminalia catappa on excision wound model in rats. Ointment was prepared by using bark extract of Terminalia catappa in soft paraffin and preservative. Wistar albino rats (200-250 gm) of either sex were used in the present study. A circular wound of 2 cm in diameter was made on the depilated dorsal thoracic region of the rats under ether anesthesia in aseptic conditions. The ointment was applied for 18 days and percent wound closure observed along with the parameters viz. Epithelization, granuloma weight and scar formation. Animals were observed on 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th and 18th post-wounding day.Wound healing activity was compared with that of control and Betadine ointment as standard drug. Animals treated with Terminalia catappa ointment exhibited 97% reduction in wound area as compared to the control animals (81%). Ointment treated wounds were found to induce epithelization faster compared to the control. In conclusion, Terminalia catappa ointment promotes significant wound healing in rats and further evaluation of this activity in humans is suggested.

Study of optimal basal insulin glargine dose requirement in Indian population as an add on therapy to oral hypoglycaemic agents to achieve target fasting blood glucose levels

Optimal dosing of basal insulin is needed to achieve target fasting blood glucose and to avoid hypoglycaemia on the other hand in patients of type 2 diabetes on bedtime basal insulin and daytime sulfonylureas. This is an open label, randomised prospective study done in 40 type 2 diabetics having uncontrolled diabetes. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS programme for windows, version 17.0. Continuous variables are presented as mean +/- SD, and categorical variables are presented as absolute numbers and percentage. Data were checked for normality before statistical analysis. Normally distributed continuous variables were compared from baseline to 12th week using paired t-test. The average dose requirement of insulin glargine was 33.55 +/- 11.94 units (mean +/- SD). The average insulin glargine dose requirement per kg body weight was 0.48 +/- 0.17 units/kg body weight. The range of insulin dose was 0.23 to 0.96 units/kg body weight. Dose titration is patient specific and should be done in order to achieve target fasting blood glucose.

Medium modification of jet fragmentation in Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV measured in direct photon-hadron correlations

The jet fragmentation function is measured with direct photon-hadron correlations in p+p and Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The p(T) of the photon is an excellent approximation to the initial p(T) of the jet and the ratio z(T)=p(T)(h)/p(T)(γ) is used as a proxy for the jet fragmentation function. A statistical subtraction is used to extract the direct photon-hadron yields in Au+Au collisions while a photon isolation cut is applied in p+p. I(AA), the ratio of hadron yield opposite the photon in Au+Au to that in p+p, indicates modification of the jet fragmentation function. Suppression, most likely due to energy loss in the medium, is seen at high z(T). The associated hadron yield at low z(T) is enhanced at large angles. Such a trend is expected from redistribution of the lost energy into increased production of low-momentum particles.

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.

Cold-nuclear-matter effects on heavy-quark production in d+Au collisions at sqrt[S(NN)]=200 GeV

The PHENIX experiment has measured electrons and positrons at midrapidity from the decays of hadrons containing charm and bottom quarks produced in d+Au and p+p collisions at sqrt[S(NN)]=200 GeV in the transverse-momentum range 0.85 ≤ p(T)(e) ≤ 8.5 GeV/c. In central d+Au collisions, the nuclear modification factor R(dA) at 1.5<p(T)<5 GeV/c displays evidence of enhancement of these electrons, relative to those produced in p+p collisions, and shows that the mass-dependent Cronin enhancement observed at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider extends to the heavy D meson family. A comparison with the neutral-pion data suggests that the difference in cold-nuclear-matter effects on light- and heavy-flavor mesons could contribute to the observed differences between the π(0) and heavy-flavor-electron nuclear modification factors R(AA).

Role of transient evoked otoacoustic emission beyond screening of hearing impairment: a study of 400 cases

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of transient-evoked Otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) beyond screening for hearing impairment in different middle/inner ear disorders in 3-65 years age group. Because TEOAEs are present in ears with normal cochlear and middle ear function and typically are absent or reduced in ears with cochlear and/or middle ear disorders of even mild degree. This was a prospective study of four hundred cases. Out of these 364 cases were having problems related to otology and 36 were healthy volunteers who attended the department of otorhinolaryngology of our institute. All the cases were kept in different eight groups and then subjected to Otoacoustic emission testing with the 'GSI AUDIO screener' equipment installed in our ENT department. The data obtained in all groups were analyzed and conclusion was made. TEOAEs is a reliable, simple and cost effective screening technique for hearing disorders with sensitivity varying from 72 to 96.42 % among the study groups and 88 % in composite group comprising all study groups.

Evolution of π(0) suppression in Au+Au collisions from √(s(NN))=39 to 200 GeV

Neutral-pion π(0) spectra were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.35) in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=39 and 62.4 GeV and compared with earlier measurements at 200 GeV in a transverse-momentum range of 1<p(T)<10 GeV/c. The high-p(T) tail is well described by a power law in all cases, and the powers decrease significantly with decreasing center-of-mass energy. The change of powers is very similar to that observed in the corresponding spectra for p+p collisions. The nuclear modification factors (R(AA)) show significant suppression, with a distinct energy, centrality, and p(T) dependence. Above p(T)=7 GeV/c, R(AA) is similar for √(s(NN))=62.4 and 200 GeV at all centralities. Perturbative-quantum-chromodynamics calculations that describe R(AA) well at 200 GeV fail to describe the 39 GeV data, raising the possibility that, for the same p(T) region, the relative importance of initial-state effects and soft processes increases at lower energies. The p(T) range where π(0) spectra in central Au+Au collisions have the same power as in p+p collisions is ≈5 and 7 GeV/c for √(s(NN))=200 and 62.4 GeV, respectively. For the √(s(NN))=39 GeV data, it is not clear whether such a region is reached, and the x(T) dependence of the x(T)-scaling power-law exponent is very different from that observed in the √(s(NN))=62 and 200 GeV data, providing further evidence that initial-state effects and soft processes mask the in-medium suppression of hard-scattered partons to higher p(T) as the collision energy decreases.

Observation of direct-photon collective flow in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV

The second Fourier component v(2) of the azimuthal anisotropy with respect to the reaction plane is measured for direct photons at midrapidity and transverse momentum (p(T)) of 1-12 GeV/c in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV. Previous measurements of this quantity for hadrons with p(T) < 6 GeV/c indicate that the medium behaves like a nearly perfect fluid, while for p(T) > 6 GeV/c a reduced anisotropy is interpreted in terms of a path-length dependence for parton energy loss. In this measurement with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider we find that for p(T) > 4 GeV/c the anisotropy for direct photons is consistent with zero, which is as expected if the dominant source of direct photons is initial hard scattering. However, in the p(T) < 4 GeV/c region dominated by thermal photons, we find a substantial direct-photon v(2) comparable to that of hadrons, whereas model calculations for thermal photons in this kinematic region underpredict the observed v(2).

Measurements of higher order flow harmonics in Au+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV

Flow coefficients ν(n) for n=2, 3, 4, characterizing the anisotropic collective flow in Au+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV, are measured relative to event planes Ψ(n), determined at large rapidity. We report ν(n) as a function of transverse momentum and collision centrality, and study the correlations among the event planes of different order n. The ν(n) are well described by hydrodynamic models which employ a Glauber Monte Carlo initial state geometry with fluctuations, providing additional constraining power on the interplay between initial conditions and the effects of viscosity as the system evolves. This new constraint can serve to improve the precision of the extracted shear viscosity to entropy density ratio η/s.

Hearing loss in patients of chronic renal failure: a study of 100 cases

The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of hearing loss and to describe the hearing impairment and the possible contributing factors, responsible for sensori neural hearing loss in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. This was a prospective study carried out on 50 cases of CRF attending otorhinolaryngological services for hearing disturbance and on 50 healthy volunteers for control study, having the same inclusion criteria except (does not suffering with CRF) having normal renal function tests. These volunteers attended the ENT OPD, for oto-rhino-laryngological services but not for hearing problems. 14 (28%) out of 50 cases of CRF had sensori neural hearing loss of moderate to severe degree in the high frequency range which was bilateral and symmetrical, while in control group the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss was only 6%.

The use of intra-operative image intensifier control for the ACL surgeon

Tunnel placement during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is an important factor in determining the outcome of surgery. Tibial and femoral tunnel placement depends on the experience of the operating surgeon in order to achieve an isometric graft position. We performed a case series to study how often tunnel placement was adequate, as perceived by the surgeon, and if intra-operative image guidance could improve tunnel position. Over 3 years, a single surgeon and his team operated on 55 patients using single bundle patellar tendon bone or hamstring graft. The surgeon placed the guidewires where he felt they would achieve an isometric graft position. A transtibial jig was used for femoral tunnel positioning. At each step, the guidewires were checked using an image intensifier and repositioned as necessary. The number of times that the guidewire position could be improved using the image intensifier was documented. Follow up was between 1 to 3 years. The tibial guidewire was repositioned in 13 out of 55 cases and the femoral guidewire in 16 out of 55 cases. Forty-five out of 55 patients returned to their pre injury state. There were no cases of graft failure in the follow up period. The study concludes that tunnel placement is not always successful despite the surgeon's perception of adequate placement. The use of an intra-operative image intensifier can help the surgeon to achieve accurate and reproducible tunnel placement in ACL reconstruction surgery. We recommend this technique to all surgeons carrying out such procedures.

Suppression of back-to-back hadron pairs at forward rapidity in d+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV

Back-to-back hadron pair yields in d+Au and p+p collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV were measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Rapidity separated hadron pairs were detected with the trigger hadron at pseudorapidity |η|<0.35 and the associated hadron at forward rapidity (deuteron direction, 3.0<η<3.8). Pairs were also detected with both hadrons measured at forward rapidity; in this case, the yield of back-to-back hadron pairs in d+Au collisions with small impact parameters is observed to be suppressed by a factor of 10 relative to p+p collisions. The kinematics of these pairs is expected to probe partons in the Au nucleus with a low fraction x of the nucleon momenta, where the gluon densities rise sharply. The observed suppression as a function of nuclear thickness, p(T), and η points to cold nuclear matter effects arising at high parton densities.

Cold nuclear matter effects on J/ψ yields as a function of rapidity and nuclear geometry in d+A collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

We present measurements of J/ψ yields in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200  GeV recorded by the PHENIX experiment and compare them with yields in p+p collisions at the same energy per nucleon-nucleon collision. The measurements cover a large kinematic range in J/ψ rapidity (-2.2<y<2.4) with high statistical precision and are compared with two theoretical models: one with nuclear shadowing combined with final state breakup and one with coherent gluon saturation effects. In order to remove model dependent systematic uncertainties we also compare the data to a simple geometric model. The forward rapidity data are inconsistent with nuclear modifications that are linear or exponential in the density weighted longitudinal thickness, such as those from the final state breakup of the bound state.

Antiinflammatory Activity of Piper longum Fruit Oil

In the present study, antiinflammatory activity of the Piper longum dried fruit's oil was studied in rats using the carrageenan-induced right hind paw edema method. The activity was compared with that of standard drug ibuprofen. The dried fruit's oil inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The results indicated that the dried fruit's oil produced significant (p< 0.001) antiinflammatory activity when compared with the standard and untreated control.

Cross section and parity-violating spin asymmetries of W± boson production in polarized p + p collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV

Large parity-violating longitudinal single-spin asymmetries A(L)(e+) = -0.86(-0.14) (+0.30) and A(L)(e-) = 0.88(-0.71) (+0.12) are observed for inclusive high transverse momentum electrons and positrons in polarized p+p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s] = 500 GeV with the PHENIX detector at RHIC. These e± come mainly from the decay of W± and Z0 bosons, and their asymmetries directly demonstrate parity violation in the couplings of the W± to the light quarks. The observed electron and positron yields were used to estimate W± boson production cross sections for the e± channels of σ(pp → W+ X) × BR(W+ → e+ ν(e)) = 144.1 ± 21.2(stat)(-10.3) (+3.4) (syst) ± 21.6(norm)  pb, and σ(pp → W- X) × BR(W- → e- ν[over ¯](e)) = 31.7 ± 12.1(stat)(-8.2) (+10.1) (syst) ± 4.8(norm)  pb.

Azimuthal anisotropy of π⁰ production in Au+Au collisions at sqrt((s)NN)=200 GeV: path-length dependence of jet quenching and the role of initial geometry

We have measured the azimuthal anisotropy of π⁰ production for 1<p(T)<18  GeV/c for Au+Au collisions at sqrt((s)NN)=200  GeV. The observed anisotropy shows a gradual decrease for 3≲p(T)≲7-10  GeV/c, but remains positive beyond 10  GeV/c. The magnitude of this anisotropy is underpredicted, up to at least ∼10  GeV/c, by current perturbative QCD (PQCD) energy-loss model calculations. An estimate of the increase in anisotropy expected from initial-geometry modification due to gluon saturation effects and fluctuations is insufficient to account for this discrepancy. Calculations that implement a path-length dependence steeper than what is implied by current PQCD energy-loss models show reasonable agreement with the data.

Elliptic and hexadecapole flow of charged hadrons in Au+Au collisions at sq.rt(s(NN))=200 GeV

Differential measurements of the elliptic (v(2)) and hexadecapole (v(4)) Fourier flow coefficients are reported for charged hadrons as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)) and collision centrality or number of participant nucleons (N(part)) for Au+Au collisions at sq.rt(s(NN))=200  GeV. The v(2,4) measurements at pseudorapidity |η|≤0.35, obtained with four separate reaction-plane detectors positioned in the range 1.0<|η|<3.9, show good agreement, indicating the absence of significant Δη-dependent nonflow correlations. Sizable values for v(4)(p(T)) are observed with a ratio v(4)(p(T),N(part))/v(2)(2)(p(T),N(part))≈0.8 for 50≲N(part)≲200, which is compatible with the combined effects of a finite viscosity and initial eccentricity fluctuations. For N(part)≳200 this ratio increases up to 1.7 in the most central collisions.

Transition in yield and azimuthal shape modification in dihadron correlations in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Hard-scattered parton probes produced in collisions of large nuclei indicate large partonic energy loss, possibly with collective produced-medium response to the lost energy. We present measurements of π^{0} trigger particles at transverse momenta p{T}{t}=4-12  GeV/c and associated charged hadrons (p{T}{a}=0.5-7  GeV/c) vs relative azimuthal angle Δϕ in Au+Au and p+p collisions at sqrt[s{NN}]=200  GeV. The Au+Au distribution at low p{T}{a}, whose shape has been interpreted as a medium effect, is modified for p{T}{t}<7  GeV/c. At higher p{T}{t}, the data are consistent with unmodified or very weakly modified shapes, even for the lowest measured p{T}{a}, which quantitatively challenges some medium response models. The associated yield of hadrons opposing the trigger particle in Au+Au relative to p+p (I{AA}) is suppressed at high p{T} (I{AA}≈0.35-0.5), but less than for inclusive suppression (R{AA}≈0.2).

Sorption of 137Cs, 133Ba and 154Eu by synthesized sodium aluminosilicate (Na-AS)

Sodium aluminosilicate has been synthesized by solution route for use as a sorbent for various radionuclides. It was characterized by XRD, zeta potential, BET surface area, FTIR spectroscopy and site density measurement. Sorption studies of (137)Cs, (133)Ba and (154)Eu on synthesized sodium aluminosilicate have been carried out at varying pH (3-10). Sorption of all the metal ions was found to increase with pH of suspension with the saturation value increasing with the oxidation state of metal ion. Effect of Aldrich humic acid (2mg/l) on sorption was also investigated. In case of (137)Cs, the sorption was not affected by the presence of humic acid, while in case of (133)Ba and (154)Eu, sorption was enhanced at lower pH and decreased at higher pH in presence of HA. A series of experiments were carried out for (154)Eu sorption on sodium aluminosilicate at various conditions. Sorption of europium was analyzed by different sorption isotherms, viz., Freundlich and D-R isotherm. Thermodynamic data reveal sorption phenomena as endothermic and spontaneous. Studies were further extended to find out effect of diverse ions (Ca(2+) and CO(3)(2-)) on sorption of europium.

Screening of counterfeit cephalosporin and discrimination from penicillins by high-throughput chemical color tests

To combat the global upsurge in counterfeiting of antibiotics, rapid screening tests offering identification and binary (yes/no) information are required. Cephalosporins are susceptible to counterfeiting due to high prescription rates and prices. We propose a scheme consisting of a pair of chemical color tests for the screening of cephalosporins. The first test is based on the reducing behavior of cephalosporins towards iodate and iodine under strongly acidic conditions. The second test involves alkaline desulphurization and makes the scheme highly selective for cephalosporins. Penicillins and other antibiotics do not interfere with the proposed scheme. The tests have virtues of simplicity, ruggedness, and high-throughput.

Modeling sulphur dioxide due to vehicular traffic using artificial neural network

The dispersion characteristics of vehicular exhaust are highly non-linear. The deterministic as well as numerical models are unable to predict these air pollutants precisely. Artificial neural network (ANN), having the capability to recognize the non-linearity present in the noisy data, has been used in the present work to model the emission concentration of sulphur dioxide from vehicular source in an urban area. ANN model is developed with different combinations of traffic and meteorological parameters. The model prediction reveals that the artificial neural network trained with both traffic and meteorological parameters together shows better performance in predicting SO2 concentration.