Momentum Dependence of Nuclear Mean Field and multifragmentation in Heavy-Ion Collisions

We report the consequences of implementing momentum dependent interactions (MDI) on multifragmentation in heavy-ion reactions over entire collision geometry. The evolution of a single cold nucleus using static soft equation of state and soft momentum dependent equation of state demonstrates that inclusion of momentum dependence increases the emission of free nucleons. However, no heavier fragments are emitted artificially. The calculations performed within the framework of quantum molecular dynamics approach suggest that MDI strongly influence the system size dependence of fragment production. A comparison with ALADiN experimental data justifies the use of momentum dependent interactions in heavy-ion collisions

Study of fragmentation using clusterization algorithm with realistic binding energies

We here study fragmentation using \emph{simulated annealing clusterization algorithm} (SACA) with binding energy at a microscopic level. In an earlier version, a constant binding energy (4 MeV/nucleon) was used. We improve this binding energy criterion by calculating the binding energy of different clusters using modified Bethe-Weizs\"{a}cker mass (BWM) formula. We also compare our calculations with experimental data of ALADiN group. Nearly no effect is visible of this modification

A Review of Metrics and Modeling Techniques in Software Fault Prediction Model Development

This paper surveys different software fault predictions progressed through different data analytic techniques reported in the software engineering literature. This study split in three broad areas; (a) The description of software metrics suites reported and validated in the literature. (b) A brief outline of previous research published in the development of software fault prediction model based on various analytic techniques. This utilizes the taxonomy of analytic techniques while summarizing published research. (c) A review of the advantages of using the combination of metrics. Though, this area is comparatively new and needs more research efforts

Investigation of cutting time and tool wear rate on EN-24 steel alloy by the drilling process

Modeling and optimization of cutting parameters are one of the most important factors in manufacturing process. The aim of present work is to establish the relation among input factors i.e. spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut and response parameters i.e. cutting time and tool wear rate. The operation is performed on EN-24 alloy steel material. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been performed to find the significant and non-significant parameters. Mathematical model is developed for CT and TWR and optimized using composite desirability (CD) function technique. It was found that the best machining factor is depth of cut whereas spindle speed is the less significant machining parameter. The confirmation experiments have been also performed to validate the results. The given model could be utilized to select the level of drilling parameters

Prevalence of and gene regulatory constraints on transcriptional adaptation in single cells

Background Cells and tissues have a remarkable ability to adapt to genetic perturbations via a variety of molecular mechanisms. Nonsense-induced transcriptional compensation, a form of transcriptional adaptation, has recently emerged as one such mechanism, in which nonsense mutations in a gene trigger upregulation of related genes, possibly conferring robustness at cellular and organismal levels. However, beyond a handful of developmental contexts and curated sets of genes, no comprehensive genome-wide investigation of this behavior has been undertaken for mammalian cell types and conditions. How the regulatory-level effects of inherently stochastic compensatory gene networks contribute to phenotypic penetrance in single cells remains unclear. Results We analyze existing bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets to uncover the prevalence of transcriptional adaptation in mammalian systems across diverse contexts and cell types. We perform regulon gene expression analyses of transcription factor target sets in both bulk and pooled single-cell genetic perturbation datasets. Our results reveal greater robustness in expression of regulons of transcription factors exhibiting transcriptional adaptation compared to those of transcription factors that do not. Stochastic mathematical modeling of minimal compensatory gene networks qualitatively recapitulates several aspects of transcriptional adaptation, including paralog upregulation and robustness to mutation. Combined with machine learning analysis of network features of interest, our framework offers potential explanations for which regulatory steps are most important for transcriptional adaptation. Conclusions Our integrative approach identifies several putative hits—genes demonstrating possible transcriptional adaptation—to follow-up on experimentally and provides a formal quantitative framework to test and refine models of transcriptional adaptation

Managing dub with progesterone - locally or orally which is a better option?

Background: The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a safe and effective form of contraception used by millions of people worldwide. Other than this, it has many non-contraceptive benefits-treatments for dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), fibroid uterus, endometriosis and endometrial hyperplasia.Methods: A prospective longitudinal comparative study was carried out at department of obstetrics and gynaecology S.N. Medical College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India including 100 women of 20-45 years of age group (comparable in all aspects), with DUB. All cases were subjected to detailed history, examination and baseline investigations- Hemoglobin (Hb), endometrial aspiration, histopathology and ultrasound pelvis (along with endometrial thickness) and PBAC scoring before starting the treatment. Then cases were randomly allocated in two equal groups. In group A LNG-IUS was inserted. In group B cases were prescribed oral medroxy progesterone acetate 10 mg bd from 5th and 25th day of menstrual cycle. Cases were followed at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after starting treatment. At each follow-up visit primary outcome in terms of subjective assessment by patient, PBAC scores and secondary outcome as Hb levels and side-effects were recorded.Results: Reduction in PBAC Scores, improvement in Hb and reduction in endometrial thickness were seen with both treatment modalities but results were significantly (p <0.0001) better with LNG-IUS group as compared to MPA. LNG-IUS was found to be more effective in endometrial hyperplasia and proliferative type of endometrium.Conclusions: LNG-IUS is a good alternative to oral progesterone therapy for patients of DUB

A Unique Case of Mycophenolate Induced Colitis after 10 Years of Use

A 31-year-old female with a history of lupus nephritis on Hydroxychloroquine, Prednisone, and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) for 10 years presented to the hospital for ankle swelling. On day four, she started to have severe, nonbloody, watery diarrhea with abdominal distension and tenderness. Stool PCR was negative for C. difficile. CT abdomen/pelvis showed gaseous distension of the colon without any obstruction. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed a normal looking mucosa. Histopathology showed crypt atrophy and increased crypt apoptosis, consistent with MMF colitis. The diarrhea resolved three days after stopping MMF. Although generally well tolerated, diarrhea is a common side effect of MMF. Most cases occur in the first six months of starting MMF. This case is unique because it describes MMF colitis in lupus after more than 10 years. Thus, MMF colitis should be considered as a differential in patients taking it, regardless of the duration of use

A novel bacterial isolate Stenotrophomonas maltophilia as living factory for synthesis of gold nanoparticles

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) has received considerable attention with their potential applications in various life sciences related applications. Recently, there has been tremendous excitement in the study of nanoparticles synthesis by using some natural biological system, which has led to the development of various biomimetic approaches for the growth of advanced nanomaterials. In the present study, we have demonstrated the synthesis of gold nanoparticles by a novel bacterial strain isolated from a site near the famous gold mines in India. A promising mechanism for the biosynthesis of GNPs by this strain and their stabilization via charge capping was investigated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A bacterial isolate capable of gold nanoparticle synthesis was isolated and identified as a novel strain of <it>Stenotrophomonas malophilia </it>(AuRed02) based on its morphology and an analysis of its 16S rDNA gene sequence. After 8 hrs of incubation, monodisperse preparation of gold nanoparticles was obtained. Gold nanoparticles were characterized and found to be of ~40 nm size. Electrophoresis, Zeta potential and FTIR measurements confirmed that the particles are capped with negatively charged phosphate groups from NADP rendering them stable in aqueous medium.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The process of synthesis of well-dispersed nanoparticles using a novel microorganism isolated from the gold enriched soil sample has been reported in this study, leading to the development of an easy bioprocess for synthesis of GNPs. This is the first study in which an extensive characterization of the indigenous bacterium isolated from the actual gold enriched soil was conducted. Promising mechanism for the biosynthesis of GNPs by the strain and their stabilization via charge capping is suggested, which involves an NADPH-dependent reductase enzyme that reduces Au³⁺to Au⁰through electron shuttle enzymatic metal reduction process.</p

Topical corticosteroid misuse: observational study to evaluate pattern of abuse and adverse drug reactions

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TC) have a reputation as anti-acne, anti-blemish effects and popularly used as fairness creams. In India, there has been a rise in misuse of TC in last10 years. The present study was conducted to analyse the magnitude of adverse effects of topical corticosteroids abuse in dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients after categorizing them as a TC misuser by dermatologists. The socio-demographic data, chief complaints, details of drugs misuse and adverse drug reaction outcome was collected.Results: A total of 1240 patients was screened, out of which 80 patients misused TC without dermatologist prescription for their skin disease. TC was mainly misused by teenagers (43.8%). Misuse of topical corticosteroids was more common among females (76.3%). Betamethasone valerate (72.5%) was most common TC misused. Most common source of advice of TC misuse was friends (37.5%). Most common purpose of TC misuse was acne (55%) followed by cosmetic purposes (21.3%). The most common morphological varieties of adverse drug reactions were burning and itching sensation (53%) followed by increase severity of acne (44%).Conclusions: TC misuse was more common in teenage females. Most common adverse effect reported is burning and itch sensation followed by increase severity of acne. The study data indicates a significance of problem and requirement of urgent measures to control TC misuse

A combined experimental-numerical framework for residual energy determination in spent lithium-ion battery packs

The present research proposes a combined framework that evaluates remaining capacity, material behavior, ions concentration of remaining metals, and current rate of chemical reactions of spent Li‐ion batteries accurately. Voltage, temperature, internal resistance, and capacity were studied during charging and discharging cycles. Genetic programming was applied on the obtained data to develop a model to predict remaining capacity. The results of experimental work and those estimated from model were found to be correlated, confirming the validation of model. Materials structure and electrochemical behavior of electrodes during cycles were studied by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersion spectrum