Doping induced singlet to triplet superconducting transition in Ba2_{2}CuO3+δ_{3+\delta}

In this study, we perform a numerical simulation on the recently discovered high-temperature superconductor ($T_c$= 73K) Ba$_2$CuO$_{3.2}$ \cite{lietal} while focusing on doping dependence of alternating CuO$_6$ octahedra and CuO chain-like states. Employing the multiband random-phase approximation, we compute the spin-fluctuation mediated pairing interaction, subsequently determining its pairing eigenvalues and eigenfunctions relative to oxygen-doping levels. We find that, for the certain range of hole doping in Ba$_2$CuO$_{3+\delta}$, a singlet $d_{x^2-y^2}$-wave pairing symmetry emerges as long as we keep the doping below the critical value $x_{c}$. Interestingly upon hole doping, the dominant pairing symmetry undergoes a transition to a triplet (odd paring) type from the singlet state. This change in pairing is driven by the competition between the nesting vectors coming from the Fermi surface of $d_{z^2}$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbitals within the CuO$_6$ octahedra. This triplet state is attainable through hole doping, while supressing inter-layer self-doping effects. Furthermore, we present the density of states within the superconducting phase, offering a potential comparison with tunnelling spectra in Ba$_2$CuO$_{3+\delta}$. Our research provides novel insights into the intricate pairing symmetries in Ba$_2$CuO$_{3+\delta}$ and their underlying pairing mechanisms

Assessment of the scale, coverage and outcomes of the Avahan HIV prevention program for female sex workers in Tamil Nadu, India: is there evidence of an effect?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, a large-scale HIV prevention program, using peer-mediated approaches and STI services, was implemented for high-risk groups for HIV in six states in India. This paper describes the assessment of the program among female sex workers (FSWs) in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An analytical framework based on the Avahan impact evaluation design was used. Routine program monitoring data, two rounds of cross-sectional biological and behavioural surveys among FSWs in 2006 (Round 1) and 2009 (Round 2) and quality assessments of clinical services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were used to assess trends in coverage, condom use and prevalence of STIs, HIV and their association with program exposure. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine trends in intermediate outcomes and their associations with intervention exposure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Avahan program in Tamil Nadu was scaled up and achieved monthly reported coverage of 79% within four years of implementation. The cross-sectional survey data showed an increasing proportion of FSWs being reached by Avahan, 54% in Round 1 and 86% in Round 2 [AOR=4.7;p=0.001]. Quality assessments of STI clinical services showed consistent improvement in quality scores (3.0 in 2005 to 4.5 in 2008). Condom distribution by the program rose to cover all estimated commercial sex acts. Reported consistent condom use increased between Round 1 and Round 2 with occasional (72% to 93%; AOR=5.5; p=0.001) and regular clients (68% to 89%; AOR=4.3; p=0.001) while reactive syphilis serology declined significantly (9.7% to 2.2% AOR=0.2; p=0.001). HIV prevalence remained stable at 6.1% between rounds. There was a strong association between Avahan exposure and consistent condom use with commercial clients; however no association was seen with declines in STIs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The Avahan program in Tamil Nadu achieved high coverage of FSWs, resulting in outcomes of improved condom use, declining syphilis and stabilizing HIV prevalence. These expected outcomes following the program logic model and declining HIV prevalence among general population groups suggest potential impact of high risk group interventions on HIV epidemic in Tamil Nadu.</p

Cultivation of Shiitake mushroom - a potential agro-industry for hilly areas of North Eastern India

74-78The survival and economic prosperity of various ethnic people of North eastern India largely depends upon rationale wise utilization and sustainable development of its local resources. Recently, Japanese wood mushroom commonly called as shiitake or golden oak mushroom [Lentinula edodes (Berk) Sing] has been explored for its large scale cultivation and production leading to conservation of biodiversity and economic upliftment of the local people. Shiitake mushroom is in high demand in the local markets due to its unique characteristic taste and usefulness in health care such as diabetes, hypertension, tumours, antiviral and as immuno-stimulant. On taking up its commercial cultivation one can earn a net profit of Rs. 4000 to 11,000 per annum from a mushroom cultivable shed of the size 4×4 m2

Nepali migrant workers and the need for pre-departure training on mental health: a qualitative study

Every year around 1,000 Nepali migrant workers die abroad. Every one in three females and one in ten males commit suicide, reflecting a high mental health risk among Nepali migrant workers. This study aims to identify triggers of mental ill-health among Nepali migrant workers and their perception on need of mental health components in the pre-departure orientation programme. We conducted five focus group discussions (FGD) and seven in-depth interviews with Nepali migrant workers and eight semi-structured interviews with stakeholders working for migrants. Participants were invited at Kathmandu’s international airport on return from abroad, at hotels or bus stations near the airport, through organisations working for migrants, and participants’ network. All FGD and interviews were conducted in Kathmandu and audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Data were analyzed thematically. High expectations from families back home, an unfair treatment at work, poor arrangements of accommodation, loneliness and poor social life abroad were frequently reported factors for poor mental health. Access to mental health services abroad by Nepali migrant was also poor. We found little on mental health in the pre-departure orientation. We need to improve our knowledge of mental health risks to provide better, more focused and more up-to-date pre-departure training to new migrant workers leaving Nepal

Hydrophobicity modulated antibacterial small molecule eradicates biofilm with potent efficacy against skin-infections

The role of molecular arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups for designing membrane-active molecules remains largely ambiguous. To explore this aspect, herein we report a series of membrane-active small molecules by varying the spatial distribution of hydrophobic groups. The two terminal amino groups of linear triamines such as diethylene triamine, bis(trimethylene)triamine and bis(hexamethylene)triamine were conjugated with cationic amino acids bearing variable side chain hydrophobicity (such as diaminobutyric acid, ornithine and lysine). The hydrophobicity was also modulated through conjugation of different long chain fatty acids with the central secondary amino group of the triamine. Molecules with constant backbone hydrophobicity displayed an enhanced antibacterial activity and decreased hemolytic activity upon increasing the side chain hydrophobicity of amino acids. On the other hand, increased hydrophobicity in the backbone introduced a slight hemolytic activity but a higher increment in antibacterial activity resulting in better selective antibacterial compounds. The optimized lead compound derived from structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies was the dodecanoyl analogue of lysine series of compounds consisting of bis(hexamethylene)triamine as the backbone. This compound was active against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at a low concentration (MIC ranged between 3.1-6.3 µg/mL) and displayed low toxicity towards mammalian cells (HC50 = 890 µg/mL and EC50 against HEK = 85 µg/mL). Additionally, it was able to kill metabolically inactive bacterial cells and eradicate preformed biofilms of MRSA. This compound showed excellent activity in a mouse model of skin-infection with reduction of ~4 log MRSA burden at 40 mg/kg dose without any sign of skin-toxicity even at 200 mg/kg. More importantly, it revealed potent efficacy in an ex-vivo model of human skin-infection (with reduction of 85% MRSA burden at 50 μg/mL), which indicates great potential of the compound as an antibacterial agent to treat skin-infections

Cymbopogon citratus L. essential oil as a potential antifungal agent against key weed moulds of Pleurotus spp. spawn

The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus L. (250–1500 p.p.m.) was tested in vitro for antifungal activity against seven Pleurotus spp. spawn-contaminating fungi, viz. Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium citrinum, Curvularia lunata and Trichoderma harzianum. Oil-enrichment resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction of growth for the pathogens examined. Fungal spore production inhibited up to 80% at 250 p.p.m. of the oil except for C. lunata, which was inhibited by only 30%. In the higher oil concentration (1500 p.p.m.) employed, fungal sporulation was completely retarded. Lemongrass oil reduces spore germination in A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. alternata, P. citrinum and T. harzianum, with the effects dependent on oil concentration. However, lemongrass oil at 250 p.p.m. accelerated spore germination for A. niger and P. citrinum. Indeed, further increase in oil concentration shows complete inhibition. Among the pathogens, C. lunata was found to be most resistant strain, while A. niger was the most sensitive strain against lemongrass oil. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd