Numerical and Statistical Analysis of Dissipative and Heat Absorbing Graphene Maxwell Nanofluid Flow Over a Stretching Sheet

This paper is basically devoted to carry out an investigation regarding the unsteady flow of dissipative and heat absorbing hydromagnetic graphene Maxwell nanofluid over a linearly stretched sheet taking momentum and thermal slip conditions into account. Ethylene glycol is selected as a base fluid while graphene particles are considered as nanoparticles. The highly nonlinear mathematical model of the problem is converted into a set of nonlinear coupled differential equations by means of fitting similarity variables. Further, Runge-Kutta Fehlberg algorithms along with the shooting scheme are instigated to analyse the numerical solution. The variations in graphene Maxwell nanofluid velocity and temperature owing to different physical parameters have been demonstrated via numerous graphs whereas Nusselt number and skin friction coefficients are illustrated in numeric data form and are reported in different tables. In addition, a statistical method is implemented for multiple quadratic regression estimation analysis on the numerical figures of wall velocity gradient and local Nusselt number to establish the connection among heat transfer rate and physical parameters. Our numerical findings reveal that the magnetic field, unsteadiness, inclination angle of magnetic field and porosity parameters boost the graphene Maxwell nanofluid velocity while Maxwell parameter has a reversal impact on it. The regression analysis confers that Nusselt number is more prone to heat absorption parameter as compared to Eckert number. Finally, the numerical findings are compared with those of earlier published articles under restricted conditions to validate the numerical solution. The comparison of numerical findings shows an excellent conformity among the results.

Onset of Inflammation With Ischemia: Implications for Donor Lung Preservation and Transplant Survival

Lungs stored ahead of transplant surgery experience ischemia. Pulmonary ischemia differs from ischemia in the systemic organs in that stop of blood flow in the lung leads to loss of shear alone because the lung parenchyma does not rely on blood flow for its cellular oxygen requirements. Our earlier studies on the ischemia-induced mechanosignaling cascade showed that the pulmonary endothelium responds to stop of flow by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that ROS produced in this way led to induction of proinflammatory mediators. In this study, we used lungs or cells subjected to various periods of storage and evaluated the induction of several proinflammatory mediators. Isolated murine, porcine and human lungs in situ showed increased expression of cellular adhesion molecules; the damage-associated molecular pattern protein high-mobility group box 1 and the corresponding pattern recognition receptor, called the receptor for advanced glycation end products; and induction stabilization and translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and its downstream effector VEGFA, all of which are participants in inflammation. We concluded that signaling with lung preservation drives expression of inflammatory mediators that potentially predispose the donor lung to an inflammatory response after transplant.

Activity ratios of (234)U/(238)U and (226)Ra/(228)Ra for transport mechanisms of elevated uranium in alluvial aquifers of groundwater in south-western (SW) Punjab, India

The concentrations of total dissolved uranium (U), its isotopic composition ((234)U, (235)U, (238)U) and two long lived Ra isotopes ((226)Ra and (228)Ra) in alluvial aquifers of groundwater were determined to investigate the groundwater flow pattern in the south-western (SW) Punjab, India. Particular attention was given to the spatial variability of activity ratios (ARs) of (234)U/(238)U and (226)Ra/(228)Ra to predict the possible sources and supply process of U into the water from the solid phase. The measured groundwater (234)U/(238)U ARs were ∼1 or >1 in the shallow zone (depth < 30 m) with high U concentration and <1 in the deeper zone (depth > 30 m) with relatively low U concentration. The simultaneous elevated U concentration and (234)U/(238)U ARs in waters were possibly due to differences in imprints of rock-water interactions under hydrologic conditions. However, (234)U/(238)U ARs < 1 clearly indicate the lack of recharge from surface water to groundwater leading to (234)U deficit in groundwater. This deficit might be also attributed to alpha recoil processes under strong dissolution. Overall, the decreasing pattern of (234)U/(238)U ARs observed from SE to SW or NW ward clearly indicates a groundwater flow paths from SE to SW/NW. Similarly, (226)Ra/(238)U ARs < 1 for all water samples reflect that the precursor (238)U is fairly mobile relative to (226)Ra. This might be due to unusually high amount of (238)U in groundwaters and subsequently the different geochemistry of the two isotopes. On the other hand, (226)Ra/(228)Ra ARs in groundwaters varied widely and observed about 50-300 times higher than (238)U/(232)Th ARs in granitic rocks or soils. Such elevation in ARs might be attributed to different dissolution properties of their parents during water-rock interactions or lattice damage during decay or local enrichments of uranium in the aquifers.

Ethnic Disparities in Contraceptive Use and its Impact on Family Planning Program in Nepal

Aims: Regardless of three decades of implementation of family planning program in Nepal, need of family planning services is largely unmet. Systematic studies, evaluating the impact of family planning program on several ethnic groups of Nepal has not been carried out in large scale. This study sheds light on the investigation of, whether the use of contraceptives varies among different ethnic groups in Nepal and what are the predictors of contraceptive variance in ethnic groups in Nepal. Methods: The study is based on data collected from Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2006. Multilevel logistic regression analyses of 10793 married women of reproductive age nested within 264 clusters from the surveys were considered as the sample size. Individual, household, and program variables were set and a multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to analyse the variables, using GLLAMM command in STATA-9. Results: Multilevel logistic regression analysis indicated that Muslims, Dalits and Terai Madheshi women were significantly less likely to use modern contraceptives compared to the Brahmins and Chhetries (Higher Castes). Women who were exposed to family planning information on radio were more likely to use modern contraceptives than women not exposed to radio information (OR=1.22, P> 0.01). An odd of using contraceptives by Newars was (OR 1.09, P>0.05), the highest among all ethnic groups. Exposure of women to family planning messages through health facilities, family planning workers and means of communication, increased the odds of using modern contraceptives. However, impact of the family planning information on contraceptive use varied among ethnicity. Conclusions: Special attention needs to be paid, in particular to the ethnicity, while formulating family planning policies in Nepal, for better success rate of family planning intervention programs. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 14-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6750

Prevalence and associations of hepatitis C viremia in hemodialysis patients at a tertiary care hospital

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis (HD) is a significant problem. We evaluated the prevalence and associations of HCV viremia in our HD patients. All patients undergoing maintenance HD at our center were tested for HCV RNA by PCR after written informed consent. Detailed history regarding age, sex, and duration of dialysis, frequency of dialysis, blood transfusions in one year, number of dialysis centers, dialyzer reuse/fresh use, and recent laboratory data was recorded. A total of 119 patients (77 males and 42 females) were tested for HCV RNA. Thirty three (27.7%) tested positive. Duration of dialysis was significantly longer in HCV RNA positive group (P = 0.001). 45.2% of patients with duration of dialysis more than 16 months were HCV RNA positive while only 7.4% of patients with dialysis duration ≤16 months were HCV RNA positive (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, in HCV RNA group patients, ALT, AST, and GGTP were significantly elevated and albumin was significantly lower. 39% of patients who had dialysis at more than one center were HCV RNA positive as compared to 20% for patients undergoing dialysis at single center (P = 0.024). Binary logistic regression analysis showed albumin, duration of dialysis, and serum ALT to be significant variables. Sensitivity and specificity of anti-HCV ELISA was 72.7 and 97.7%, respectively. Prevalence of HCV RNA in the HD population is 27.7%. Duration of dialysis, getting dialysis at more than one center, elevated transaminase levels, and low serum albumin are important associations for HCV RNA positivity.

Evaluation of the role of a cationic surfactant on the flow characteristics of fly ash slurry

Transportation of fly ash is a major problem in its efficient disposal. The main problem associated with fly ash transportation is that the particles settle down sooner than desired. The primary objective of this research is that not only the fly ash particles should remain floated till it reaches the end but also settle down after that. In this investigation the role of a drag-reducing cationic surfactant and a counter-ion has been evaluated to achieve the objectives. The experimental results show encouraging trends of surfactant helping fly ash particles to remain water-borne. The material exhibited Newtonian behavior. This paper describes these in term of shear rates, shear stress, temperature, concentration and viscosity. Rheological tests were conducted using Advanced Computerized Rheometer. Zeta potential was measured to test the stability of the colloidal fly ash particles using Malvern Zeta Sizer instrument. Surface tension was also measured to know the drag reduction behavior of the fly ash slurry by using Surface Tensiometer. The test results and flow diagrams were generated using Rheoplus software and are presented in this paper. Surfactant concentration of 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% by weight was mixed with equal amount of counter-ion and the slurry was prepared by adding fly ash with ordinary tap water to achieve the desired solid concentration of 20% (by weight).

Small amplitude ion-acoustic double layers in multicomponent plasma with positrons

Ion-acoustic double layers has been studied in multicomponent plasma with positrons. Using the reductive perturbation method, the modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation is derived for the system. The double-layer solution of the mKdV equation is discussed in detail. It is found that there exist two critical concentrations of positrons, alphaR and alphaQ, which decide the existence and nature of the ion-acoustic double layers. It is also found that the system supports ion-acoustic double layers only when the positron concentration (alpha) is less than the critical concentration alphaR (i.e., alpha<alphaR). It is also investigated that for the given set of parameter values, if alphaR<alphaQ, the system supports only rarefactive double layers for the values of alpha lying in the range 0<alpha<alphaR. However, for the given set of parameter values alphaR>alphaQ, the system supports rarefactive double layers for alpha<alphaQ, and for alpha>alphaQ, compressive double layers exist. The present theory also predicts that for a given set of parameter values on increasing the positron concentration, the amplitude of the rarefactive (compressive) double layer decreases (increases), whereas as positron concentration is increased, the width of the rarefactive (compressive) double layer increases (decreases). The effects of positron concentration and temperature ratio on the characteristics of the double layers (namely amplitude and width) are discussed in detail.

Thyroid hormone-dependent seasonality in American tree sparrows (Spizella arborea): effects of GC-1, a thyroid receptor beta-selective agonist, and of iopanoic acid, a deiodinase inhibitor

To explore the role of TH in the control of seasonality [i.e., photoperiodic testicular growth, photorefractoriness, and postnuptial (prebasic) molt] in American tree sparrows (Spizella arborea), we performed experiments in which THX males were simultaneously photostimulated and given TH replacement therapy. In the first experiment, equimolar concentrations (1X = 1.3 nmol) of T4, T3, or GC-1, an iodine-free TRbeta agonist, were administered s.c. daily during the first 21 days of photostimulation. Two additional THX groups received GC-1 at 0.1X or 10X, and THX and THI control groups received vehicle. In the second experiment, T4 or T3, alone or in combination with the deiodinase inhibitor IOP, was injected i.m. twice daily during the first 14 days of photostimulation. In both experiments, end points were testis length and molt score. In the first experiment, THI birds given vehicle and THX birds given T4 replacement therapy exhibited all three components of seasonality. THX birds given T3 or GC-1 (1X or 10X) showed a subdued photoperiodic testicular response, but they did not become photorefractory or initiate molt. THX birds that received 0.1X GC-1 or vehicle exhibited none of the components of seasonality. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that photoperiodic testicular growth, a vernal component of seasonality, is a TRbeta-mediated response and suggest that T4 may activate TRbeta more efficiently than does T3 or GC-1. By contrast, the failure both of T3 and of GC-1, but not of T4, to program photostimulated THX males for photorefractoriness and postnuptial molt suggests that autumnal components of seasonality may be TRalpha-mediated responses solely to T4. In the second experiment, IOP administered alone had no significant impact on seasonality. THX birds that received T4 with or without IOP showed all components of seasonality, whereas birds that received T3 with or without IOP showed only photoperiodic testicular growth. These results challenge the widely held view that T4 is merely a prohormone for T3 and support the emerging view that T4 has intrinsic hormonal activity. Because IOP augmented the photoperiodic testicular response in T3-treated THX birds, T3 may act either independently or co-dependently with T4 in programming vernal seasonal events.

Effect of side chain length on the aggregation of amphiphilic 5,10,15-tris (1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-20-[4-(alkoxy) phenyl] 21H, 23H porphyrin tritosylates

Self-aggregation of cationic amphiphilic 5, 10, 15-tris-(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-20-[4-(alkoxy)phenyl]-21H, 23H porphyrin tritosylates (2a-e) with different alkoxy chain length in aqueous and binary solvent systems has been studied by UV-visible, fluorescence and (I)H NMR spectroscopy. Binary solvent, concentration, ionic strength, presence of surfactants, and temperature govern the aggregations of 2a-e. Porphyrins having side chain length more than ten carbon atoms (2c-e) form higher aggregates, such as vesicles by sonication of dimers formed initially, whereas porphyrins with lesser side chain length (2a & b) form lower aggregates only. Further, the size and the formation of vesicles have been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dye entrapment experiments for 2e.

A comparative study of PUVASOL therapy in lichen planus

BACKGROUND

PUVA therapy is reported to be effective in lichen planus. However, PUVASOL therapy is more easily available in India.

AIM

To carry out a three way open comparison of oral PUVASOL therapy with oral metronidazole and with the conventional oral antihistamine plus topical steroid therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five cases of lichen planus were studied for 12 weeks with three different modalities: 1. Oral metronidazole and topical emollient cream, 2. Oral PUVASOL and topical emollient cream, and 3. Oral cetirizine and topical betamethasone dipropionate cream. Lesions were assessed before starting the treatment and after every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Seventy patients completed the trial. Statistical analysis showed that therapy 1 was less effective than 2 and 3, which were found to be equally effective.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that PUVASOL therapy is a useful alternative to conventional therapy in lichen planus in our country where sunlight is available in plenty.

Ion-acoustic compressive and rarefactive double layers in a warm multicomponent plasma with negative ions

Propagation of ion-acoustic double layers has been studied in plasma consisting of warm positive- and negative-ion species with different masses, concentrations, and charge states along with electrons with two-electron temperature distributions. It is found that there exist two critical concentrations of negative ions, alpha(R) and alpha(Q). One of them (alpha(R)) generally decides the existence of the double layer, whereas the other one (alpha(Q)) decides the nature of the double layer. It is found that the system supports ion-acoustic double layers only when the negative-ion concentration (alpha) is greater than the critical concentration alpha(R). It is also found that below the critical concentration alpha(Q), compressive double layers exist and above it rarefactive double layers exist. For some values of cold-electron concentrations (mu) it is found that if the temperature of the negative-ion species is higher than the positive-ion species, then the system supports compressive double layers for all values of alpha lying in the range 0<alpha<alpha(Q). The dependence of the critical concentrations on the temperatures of the two-ion species and on the concentration of cold electrons has also been investigated.

Evaluation of cysticercus fasciolaris antigen for the immunodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis

Cysticercus cellulosae antigen has been frequently used to detect antibodies for immunodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis. We have, for the first time, used membrane extract of cysticercus fasciolaris, the larval stage of Taenia taeniaeformis, in ELISA, with successful results. IgM and IgG antibodies against cysticercus were measured in serum from cases of neurocysticercosis (217), normal and diseased controls (89). 203 sera from cases of neurocysticercosis were positive for either or both IgG and IgM antibodies while 157/217 cases showed IgM and 158/217 showed IgG antibodies. Ten controls showed false postivity in IgG ELISA. Eight of these cases also had IgM antibodies. The test had an overall sensitivity of 93.54% and a specificity of 84.2% with a positive predictive value of 93.54% and a negative predictive value of 84.2%. Cysticercus fasciolaris can be conveniently produced in the experimental laboratory host, Rattus rattus, and would be of practical value in the immunodiagnosis of cysticercosis in humans.

Photoperiodic induction of ovarian growth and plasma estradiol secretion in a migratory finch, Emberiza melanocephala: involvement of circadian rhythm

To demonstrate the involvement of circadian rhythm in photoperiodic time measurement, photosensitive female blackheaded buntings were kept under different photoperiodic schedules consisting of 6 h of main photophase coupled with scotophases of various durations. Ovarian mass and circulating plasma estradiol concentration were found to be elevated in cycles of 6L:6D, 6L:36D, 6L:54D and in control 15L:9D groups. But cycles of 6L:18D, 6L:42D and 6L:66D did not stimulate ovarian growth or elevate circulating plasma estradiol concentration. These results are consistent with the Bünning hypothesis according to which a photoperiodic response is elicited as a result of the coincidence of light with the photoinducible phase of an endogenous circadian rhythm. The results thus indicate the involvement of a circadian rhythm of photoinducibility in ovarian growth and estradiol secretion.

Involvement of threshold photoperiod in control of reproductive rhythmicity in migratory blackheaded bunting, Emberiza melanocephala

To explore the need for minimum threshold photoperiodicity in regulation of metabolic and reproductive activities of a migratory finch, various programmed light-dark (LD) schedules, such as P1 (3L/21D), P2 (6L/18D), P3 (9L/15D), P4 (12L/12D), P5 (15L/9D), P6 (18L/6D), P7 (21L/3D), and P8 (24L/0D), have been used on photosensitive female blackheaded buntings for 42 days. Results indicate that the photoperiodic thresholds of 3 h, 6 h, and 9 h completely failed to have any response on buntings, while threshold photoperiodicities of 12 h, 15 h, 18 h, 21 h, and 24 h had significant effect (P < .001) on body weight, ovarian weight, and circulating plasma estradiol concentration, suggesting the role of the photoperiod as a primary environmental source to regulate various metabolic and reproductive functions. Further, it has been suggested that the threshold photoperiod in this species appears to be of 12 h duration.

Involvement of circadian rhythm in response to ultrashort photoperiods in blackheaded bunting, Emberiza melanocephala

Groups of photosensitive adult female blackheaded buntings were exposed to various ultrashort days photoperiodic regimes for 60 days in which a fixed 3 h photophase was coupled with dark phases in cycles of 22 to 32 hours duration. One group of buntings was kept in long days (15L:9D) as control. Significant increase in ovarian weight and circulating plasma estradiol concentration was marked in the cycles of 30 h (3L:27D), and 32 h (3L:29D) photoperiodic schedules as well as in control group (15L:9D), whereas there was no response in the cycles of 22 h (3L:19D) and 24 h (3L:21D). It seems that the response to ultrashort day cycles is due to a phase advance or delay in photosensitivity of the response system repeatedly shows coincidence of the external photophase (3 h) with the photoinducible phase of an endogenous circadian rhythm. Therefore, the present result appears to be consistent with Bünning hypothesis suggesting the involvement of an endogenous circadian component in the female blackheaded bunting.

Evaluation of parasitological and serological techniques in diagnosis of amoebiasis

Parasitological investigations carried out on 324 subjects of symptomatic and asymptomatic amoebiasis showed that formol-ether concentration was a superior technique than examination of 3 consecutive stool specimens by direct microscopy in cases of colitis, hepatitis and cyst passers. Culture of pus yielded better results than the other techniques for examination of stool in cases of liver abscess. Indirect haemagglutination test carried out with 238 sera from cases confirmed to be either positive or negative for Entamoeba histolytica revealed good correlation of its results with parasitological investigations in cases of dysentery and hepatitis. This test proved to be much superior to parasitological investigations in diagnosis of liver abscess. A close correlation between the results of gel-diffusion and I.H.A. was observed in dysentery and liver abscess groups, although I.H.A. was more sensitive. Precipitin band appeared in gel-diffusion test only when the I.H.A. titre was 1: 486 and the number of bands increased with rise in the titre.