DEMO: Simulation of Realistic Mobility Model and Implementation of 802.11p (DSRC) for Vehicular Networks (VANET)

An ad hoc network of vehicles (VANET) consists of vehicles that exchange information via radio in order to improve road safety, traffic management and do better distribution of traffic load in time and space. Along with this it allows Internet access for passengers and users of vehicles. A significant characteristic while studying VANETs is the requirement of having a mobility model that gives aspects of real vehicular traffic. These scenarios play an important role in performance of VANETs. In our paper we have demonstration and description of generating realistic mobility model using various tools such as eWorld, OpenStreetMap, SUMO and TraNS. Generated mobility scenario is added to NS-2.34 (Network Simulator) for analysis of DSR and AODV routing protocol under 802.11p (DSRC/WAVE) and 802.11a. Results after analysis shows 802.11p is more suitable than 802.11a for VANET.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figures, International Journal of Computer Applicatio

Evaluation of interior designers\u27 and interior design students\u27 perceptions of CAD (computer aided design)

This research project used quantitative research method to evaluate interior designers\u27 and interior design students\u27 perceptions about CAD (computer aided design) in interior design. Survey method was used to collect data about demographics, perceptions regarding CAD use, difficulties with its use, and expectations of CAD in near future. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize data from self-administered questionnaires for students and interior designers. The outcome ofthe study provided an explanation for co-relation of the use of CAD among interior designers and students of interior design. It also provided understanding of practitioners\u27 and students\u27 expectations regarding the use of CAD in near future

Loss of DNA polymerase zeta enhances spontaneous tumorigenesis.

Mammalian genomes encode at least 15 distinct DNA polymerases, functioning as specialists in DNA replication, DNA repair, recombination, or bypass of DNA damage. Although the DNA polymerase zeta (polzeta) catalytic subunit REV3L is important in defense against genotoxins, little is known of its biological function. This is because REV3L is essential during embryogenesis, unlike other translesion DNA polymerases. Outstanding questions include whether any adult cells are viable in the absence of polzeta and whether polzeta status influences tumorigenesis. REV3L-deficient cells have properties that could influence the development of neoplasia in opposing ways: markedly reduced damage-induced point mutagenesis and extensive chromosome instability. To answer these questions, Rev3L was conditionally deleted from tissues of adult mice using MMTV-Cre. Loss of REV3L was tolerated in epithelial tissues but not in the hematopoietic lineage. Thymic lymphomas in Tp53(-/-) Rev3L conditional mice occurred with decreased latency and higher incidence. The lymphomas were populated predominantly by Rev3L-null T cells, showing that loss of Rev3L can promote tumorigenesis. Remarkably, the tumors were frequently oligoclonal, consistent with accelerated genetic changes in the absence of Rev3L. Mammary tumors could also arise from Rev3L-deleted cells in both Tp53(+/+) and Tp53(+/-) backgrounds. Mammary tumors in Tp53(+/-) mice deleting Rev3L formed months earlier than mammary tumors in Tp53(+/-) control mice. Prominent preneoplastic changes in glandular tissue adjacent to these tumors occurred only in mice deleting Rev3L and were associated with increased tumor multiplicity. Polzeta is the only specialized DNA polymerase yet identified that inhibits spontaneous tumor development

Ten years’ trend of HIV seroprevalence among Indian pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at tertiary hospital in Dhule, Maharashtra, India

Background: In India, HIV epidemic is in fourth decade and has the heterogeneity. The trend indicated HIV infection spreads from high risk behavior groups to general population. Maternal to foetal HIV transmission rate is found to vary from 20 to 25% in absence of any interventions. Newly infected persons contribute to the total number of persons living with HIV, they will progress to disease and death over the time and are a potential source of further infection. Maternal HIV status directly affects the perinatal transmission and hence the paediatric HIV cases. This transmission of HIV from mother to child can be prevented by appropriate measures. So this study is intended to identify ten years’ trends in HIV seroprevalence among antenatal population at a tertiary hospital in Dhule, Maharashtra, India.Methods: Retrospective study of ICTC evaluation of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at obstetrics and gynaecology department of Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College in Dhule, Maharashtra, India. Blood samples were collected after informed consent and pre-test counseling. The samples were tested for HIV antibodies as per WHO and NACO guidelines. The data of ten years period from January 2004 to December 2013 was evaluated to identify the trends of HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic.Results: 309 pregnant women were HIV positive out of 70453 tested from 84608 ANC women during the study period. The overall prevalence for the 10 years was 0.44%. HIV prevalence had reduced from 0.89% in 2004 to 0.17% in 2013. Maximum HIV positive women i.e. 63.2% were 18 to 23 years old, primigravida (53.8%) and from rural area (58.5%). Mother to foetal transmission was noted 10 babies were detected to be HIV positive while 223 were HIV negative. 10 HIV positive mothers decided for MTP, while in 36 neonatal death was noted.Conclusions: Declining HIV seroprevalence rate is noted among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics from 2004 to 2013. The effective implementation of prevention of parent to child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PPTCT) programmed is helping in control of the spread of HIV

Impact of botanical oils on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and leukotriene generation in mild asthmatics

Background: Dietary supplementation with botanical oils that contain n-6 and n-3 eighteen carbon chain (18C)-PUFA such as γ linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6), stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) and α linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) have been shown to impact PUFA metabolism, alter inflammatory processes including arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and improve inflammatory disorders. Methods: The diet of mild asthmatics patients was supplemented for three weeks with varying doses of two botanical seed oils (borage oil [Borago officinalis, BO] and echium seed oil [Echium plantagineum; EO]) that contain SDA, ALA and GLA. A three week wash out period followed. The impact of these dietary manipulations was evaluated for several biochemical endpoints, including in vivo PUFA metabolism and ex vivo leukotriene generation from stimulated leukocytes. Results: Supplementation with several EO/BO combinations increased circulating 20–22 carbon (20–22C) PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and dihommo-gammalinolenic acid (DGLA), which have been shown to inhibit AA metabolism and inflammation without impacting circulating AA levels. BO/EO combinations also inhibited ex vivo leukotriene generation with some combinations attenuating cysteinyl leukotriene generation in stimulated basophils by >50% and in stimulated neutrophils by >35%. Conclusions: This study shows that dietary supplementation with BO/EO alters 20–22C PUFA levels and attenuates leukotriene production in a manner consistent with a reduction in inflammation

An interesting case of intrauterine torsion of ovarian cyst in a female fetus

Fetal ovarian cysts are usually benign and managed conservatively. We report an interesting case of fetal ovarian cyst diagnosed in the antenatal period. Post-delivery, neonate was operated for torsion of the ovarian cyst. The baby recovered well.

CORRELATION OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT STATUS (TAS) WITH DNA DAMAGE IN HIV/AIDS PATIENTS

Abstract Title: Correlation of total antioxidant status (TAS) with DNA damage in HIV/AIDS patients. Background: The antioxidant deficiency in HIV-positive populations is probably due to increased utilization of antioxidant micronutrients because of increased oxidative stress rather than to inadequate dietary intake [1].  Objectives: The study had 2 principal objectives. The first was to determine total antioxidant status (TAS) and DNA damage in HIV /AIDS patients on varying antiretroviral therapy(ART)  and those not on ART. The second objective was to ascertain whether there is any correlation between TAS and oxidative DNA damage in these patients. Design: This was a cross-sectional study involving 300 HIV positive and 100 HIV-negative subjects aged 20–60 yrs. Results: The varying ART has not have much effect on TAS levels but there was different levels of DNA damage in ART first line, ART second line and ART not yet started patients. There is a negative correlation between TAS & DNA damage. Conclusions: In this study, we observed that ART plays a significant role in the oxidative DNA damage. Decreased TAS is associated with increased DNA damage. Â

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Delonix regia (Boj. Ex. Hook)

The present work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Delonix regia leaves (Family: Caesalpiniaceae). The powder of Delonix regia leaves was subjected to extraction with ethanol in soxhlet extractor. The ethanol extract after preliminary phytochemical investigation showed the presence of sterols, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma at a three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) of ethanol extract. The ethanol extract of Delonix regia leaves was exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at the dose of 400 mg/kg in both models when compared with control group. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w. p.o) was also shown significant anti-inflammatory activity in both models

A Pre-, Post- Analysis of Laws Against Domestic Violence in India and Pakistan: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Domestic violence (DV) is a major social and public health issue in countries such as India and Pakistan where patriarchy is the way of life and cultural norms, and beliefs hold a greater say in community decision-making. Women in these countries are discriminated against from birth and face hurdles in nearly all aspects of life be it education, employment, or even household decision-making. In recent years there has been increasing attention to the status of women in these countries and the governments after a lot of push from feminist and international organizations have enacted laws for the protection of women against domestic violence. The purpose of this dissertation was to analyze national health surveys in India and Pakistan conducted before and after the laws against DV to estimate the prevalence of DV and help sought by the DV victims from informal and formal sources. Findings indicate that though the prevalence of DV dropped in both countries post-law the help-seeking also dropped despite the passing of the laws. Studies attribute this perpetration of DV and lesser help-seeking to the barriers women face such as retaliation and fear of greater abuse, fear of loss of support and isolation, fear of losing control of house and children, being blamed and ridiculed, and an unsympathetic behavior of the police, and personnel in charge of organizations responsible for providing support. There is a need for stringent implementation of the laws and monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs aimed at the abatement of DV. Dismantling of traditional patriarchal mindset, empowering women to treat violence as unacceptable, use of media to increase awareness of the law, and training and sensitization of personnel entrusted with legal authority are some of our recommendations