Ambipolar quantum dots in undoped silicon fin field-effect transistors

We integrate ambipolar quantum dots in silicon fin field-effect transistors using exclusively standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor fabrication techniques. We realize ambipolarity by replacing conventional highly-doped source and drain electrodes by a metallic nickel silicide with Fermi level close to the silicon mid-gap position. Such devices operate in a dual mode, either as classical field-effect or single-electron transistor. We implement a classical logic NOT gate at low temperature by tuning two interconnected transistors into opposite polarities. In the quantum regime, we demonstrate stable quantum dot operation in the few charge carrier Coulomb blockade regime for both electrons and holes

The interplay of DNA methylation over time with Th2 pathway genetic variants on asthma risk and temporal asthma transition

BackgroundGenetic effects on asthma of genes in the T-helper 2 (Th2) pathway may interact with epigenetic factors including DNA methylation. We hypothesized that interactions between genetic variants and methylation in genes in this pathway (IL4, IL4R, IL13, GATA3, and STAT6) influence asthma risk, that such influences are age-dependent, and that methylation of some CpG sites changes over time in accordance with asthma transition. We tested these hypotheses in subsamples of girls from a population-based birth cohort established on the Isle of Wight, UK, in 1989.ResultsLogistic regression models were applied to test the interaction effect of DNA methylation and SNP on asthma within each of the five genes. Bootstrapping was used to assess the models identified. From 1,361 models fitted at each age of 10 and 18 years, 8 models, including 4 CpGs and 8 SNPs, showed potential associations with asthma risk. Of the 4 CpGs, methylation of cg26937798 (IL4R) and cg23943829 (IL4) changes between ages 10 and 18 (both higher at 10; P?=?9.14?×?10?6 and 1.07?×?10?5, respectively).At age 10, the odds of asthma tended to decrease as cg12405139 (GATA3) methylation increased (log-OR?=??12.15; P?=?0.049); this effect disappeared by age 18. At age 18, methylation of cg09791102 (IL4R) was associated with higher risk of asthma among subjects with genotype GG compared to AG (P?=?0.003), increased cg26937798 methylation among subjects with rs3024685 (IL4R) genotype AA (P?=?0.003) or rs8832 (IL4R) genotype GG (P?=?0.01) was associated with a lower asthma risk; these CpGs had no effect at age 10. Increasing cg26937798 methylation over time possibly reduced the risk of positive asthma transition (asthma-free at age 10???asthma at age 18; log-OR?=??3.11; P?=?0.069) and increased the likelihood of negative transition (asthma at age 10???asthma-free at age 18; log-OR?=?3.97; P?=?0.074).ConclusionsThe interaction of DNA methylation and SNPs in Th2 pathway genes is likely to contribute to asthma risk. This effect may vary with age. Methylation of some CpGs changed over time, which may influence asthma transition

Intra-night optical variability of peculiar narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies with enigmatic jet behavior

Variability studies of active galactic nuclei are a powerful diagnostic tool in understanding the physical processes occurring in disk-jet regions, unresolved by direct imaging with currently available techniques. Here, we report the first attempt to systematically characterize intra-night optical variability (INOV) for a sample of seven apparently radio-quiet narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (RQNLSy1s) that had shown recurring flaring at 37 GHz in the radio observations at Metsahovi Radio Observatory (MRO), indicating the presence of relativistic jets in them, but no evidence for relativistic jets in the recent radio observations of Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) at 1.6, 5.2, and 9.0 GHz. We have conducted a total of 28 intra-night sessions, each lasting $\geq$ 3 hrs for this sample, resulting in an INOV duty cycle ($\overline{DC} ~\sim$20%) similar to that reported for $\gamma$-ray-NLSy1s (DC $\sim$25% - 30%), that display blazar-like INOV. This in turn infers the presence of relativistic jet in our sample sources. Thus, it appears that even lower-mass (M$_{BH} \sim$10$^{6}$ M$_{\odot}$) RQNLSy1 galaxies can maintain blazar-like activities. However, we note that the magnetic reconnection in the magnetosphere of the black hole can also be a viable mechanism to give rise to the INOV from these sources.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS Lette

BENEFICIAL OUTCOMES AFTER COMBINED THERAPY WITH AZATHIOPRINE AND PIOGLITAZONE IN PRECLINICAL ARTHRITIC MODELS

Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of azathioprine-pioglitazone combination therapy to check whether it has an add on benefit over monotherapy with azathioprine or pioglitazone on disease activity in rodent models. Methods: The antioxidant activity of test drugs and their combination was screened by H2O2 and nitric oxide scavenging assays. They were further evaluated for anti-arthritic activity using in vitro models such as protein denaturation and membrane stabilization and in vivo methods such as formaldehyde and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Results: The combination of test drugs showed better inhibition of free radicals in both H2O2 and nitric oxide scavenging assay than individual counterparts revealing its potential antioxidant activity. They also showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation and proliferation of the red blood cell in in vitro models. The test drugs showed significant inhibition of the paw volume in both the formaldehyde and CFA-induced arthritis along with reverting the altered biochemical parameters. These findings were corroborated by radiological and histopathological studies. Conclusions: Combination of azathioprine and pioglitazone exhibited better antioxidant and anti-arthritic effect than the individual drugs showing synergistic interaction between them

Ozone in Dental Therapy : An Outlook

Dentistry is in a continual battle with infection, soft tissue, and/or hard tissue. These infections come from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. An infection can be of a single organism or a combination of all the above. The use of ozone in dentistry is gaining place in every day’s dental practise and is used in almost all dental applications with no toxicity and side effects. The undisputed disinfection power of ozone in dentistry is a very good alternative and/or additional disinfectant to standard antiseptics. Ozone therapy in dentistry is now the new standard of care in all disciplines of dentistry. Ozone therapy holds great potential as an atraumatic treatment modality to incorporate into dental practice

Golf ball near elbow: a rare presentation of a giant ulnar nerve Schwannoma

Schwannoma is a type of peripheral nerve sheath tumor but can produce a mass effect with increase in size, spontaneous pain, paresthesia and motor weakness being the main complaints. A 60-year-old male patient presented with swelling in the left forearm since the past 8 months and numbness and tingling sensation in the hand for 1 month. Examination revealed a solitary lesion in the ulnar aspect of left proximal forearm with glove and stocking type of neuropathy, wasting of hypothenar eminence and amputation of left 5th digit, with hypopigmented lesions over the forearm and leg. Slit skin smear and biopsy of hypopigmented lesion was done to rule out leprosy. Ultrasonography (USG) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) of left forearm lesion revealed homogenously enhancing lesion involving the proximal portion of left forearm - suggestive of peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Hence the patient was treated with excision and biopsy. Histopathological examination revealed a giant Schwannoma (6×4×3.5 cm) of the ulnar nerve with typical findings of spindle shaped cells few verocay bodies. Despite rare, tumors should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis in such presentations. It is important to remember that Schwannoma, in these cases, is the most common tumor. The simple removal of the tumor after careful dissection is generally enough since the recurrence and malignant transformation rates are low

Flotation Kinetics of Coking Coal Fines

Investigations were carried out on the coking coal fines generated at Bhelatand Washery. The studies include inve-stigations on physical, chemical and flotation chara-cteristics. Different operating parameters were optimised in flotation to get best product with low ash content. Flotation performance was evaluated by studying the kinetics of different size fractions and also on sample ground for different length of time. Flotation rate constant was calculated using Klimpei's model. Maximum Rate constants were obtained for size fraction -300+150μm (-0.0082)and one minute ground product (-0.0077) with low ash content. From these observations it is concluded that less than one minute grinding is sufficient for these coal fines to achieve a better product with minimum sh

Functional outcome of displaced clavicle fractures treated with locking compression plate

Clavicle fractures, common in young, active individuals, often occur due to trauma or repetitive stress and account for about 2.6% to 5% of all fractures. These fractures typically happen in the midshaft and are often displaced. Historically, they were treated conservatively, but this approach often led to malunion and poor shoulder function. Recent studies show that surgical interventions, particularly with locking compression plates (LCP), improve healing, shoulder function, and reduce complications like non-union and malunion. Surgical treatments, such as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF), are especially beneficial for displaced fractures or those with additional complications. LCPs provide better stability, especially in osteoporotic patients, although potential complications include screw loosening and infection. Overall, evidence supports surgical treatment with LCPs for better functional outcomes and fewer complications compared to nonoperative methods. This study is being done to assess functional outcome of clavicle fractures managed with open reduction with LCP. A prospective interventional study was conducted to assess functional outcome of clavicle fractures managed with ORIF with LCP. Constant-Murley score was evaluated before the treatment and were repeated after 6 weeks (T1), 12 weeks (T2) and 24 weeks (T3). The study involved 30 participants with an average age of 31.23 years, consisting of 80% males and 20% females. Of these, 53% had right-sided clavicular fractures, and 47% had left-sided fractures. Most surgeries were performed within 2-3 days of admission, with 93.33% of fractures showing union within 12 weeks. The constant Murley’s score, which measures functional outcomes, improved significantly over time: from 5.28 before surgery to 91.09 after 24 weeks. The functional outcome was graded excellent in 90% of patients. Statistical analysis showed significant improvement in scores post-surgery (p<0.001). Age had a weak positive correlation with better outcomes, while time from admission to surgery and time to union had strong negative correlations with functional outcomes. These findings suggest that faster surgery and quicker union lead to better functional recovery, and age has a slight impact on outcomes

Non-adherence to anti- diabetic therapy and its consequences among type-2 diabetic patients in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Despite the extensive therapy options available for various stages of type 2 diabetes, studies have indicated that less than 50% of patients achieve the glycemic goals. Failure to attain the desired therapeutic goal might be related to inadequate adherence. Objectives of present study were to determine the extent of non-adherence to antidiabetic medications and identify reasons for the same.Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess the level of non-adherence to antidiabetic therapy among type 2 diabetics attending medicine outpatient department or admitted to the wards of a tertiary care hospital from Jan 2015 to Jan 2016. A pretested and validated questionnaire was used to assess the level of adherence. Reasons for missing medications were also elicited. Data thus collected was analysed using a suitable statistical software.Results: Out of the 210 study participants, 55.2% were females. Most participants were in the age group of 51-60. The mean duration of diabetes was 8.17± 5.39. The most common diabetes-related complication was Diabetic Keto Acidosis (DKA), followed by diabetic foot ulcer. The average number of drugs per prescription was 1.98 ± 1.05. Poor glycemic control was observed in 58% and non-adherence to treatment in 45.2% of study participants.Conclusions: Good adherence to antidiabetic therapy is fundamental for good glycemic control which in turn prevents the occurrence of short and long-term complications of diabetes. Poor doctor-patient intercommunication and inadequacy on part of physicians to adjust medications negatively affect adherence. Active participation of the patient is also equally important

Trends and Pattern of Poultry Production and Development in India, Special Reference to Karnataka

Poultry farming in India, in spite of several hurdles, has progressed considerably during the last decade. The present study has been done to investigate many areas of the country's poultry production growth and development. Until recently, poultry production in India was limited to backyards. The study examined the trends and patterns of poultry population in Karnataka and in India. Secondary data was collected from the various livestock census reports from 1997 to 2019. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) analysis is used to achieve the objective. The results revealed that the Karnataka’s total poultry population was 213.99 lakh during 1997 census increased to 594.94 lakh in 2019. Kolar district has registered highest population of poultry 86.08 lakh accounting for 14.47 per cent of state population. The overall growth rate of all the districts of Karnataka was 32.67 per cent over years, whereas Kolar district stands in first position with a highest positive growth rate of 69.90 per cent.The country’s poultry population has increased marginally from 3476.1 lakh in 1997 to 8078.9 lakh in 2019. Among states Tamil Nadu (14.73%) has registered highest poultry population.The country’s overall growth rate was 22.57 per cent during 1997 to 2019.  The study conclude that poultry sector plays an important role in economy by providing gainful employment. and supplementary income to the farmers in the rural areas.  Among states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana were major states have registered highest poultry population. It is suggested promote the poultry development with incentive schemes in less aspirational districts and states which increase employment and income with nutritional security