Avoiding space robot collisions utilizing the NASA/GSFC tri-mode skin sensor

A capacitance based proximity sensor, the 'Capaciflector' (Vranish 92), has been developed at the Goddard Space Flight Center of NASA. We had investigated the use of this sensor for avoiding and maneuvering around unexpected objects (Mahalingam 92). The approach developed there would help in executing collision-free gross motions. Another important aspect of robot motion planning is fine motion planning. Let us classify manipulator robot motion planning into two groups at the task level: gross motion planning and fine motion planning. We use the term 'gross planning' where the major degrees of freedom of the robot execute large motions, for example, the motion of a robot in a pick and place type operation. We use the term 'fine motion' to indicate motions of the robot where the large dofs do not move much, and move far less than the mirror dofs, such as in inserting a peg in a hole. In this report we describe our experiments and experiences in this area

Nucleotide-dependent DNA gripping and an end-clamp mechanism regulate the bacteriophage T4 viral packaging motor.

ATP-powered viral packaging motors are among the most powerful biomotors known. Motor subunits arranged in a ring repeatedly grip and translocate the DNA to package viral genomes into capsids. Here, we use single DNA manipulation and rapid solution exchange to quantify how nucleotide binding regulates interactions between the bacteriophage T4 motor and DNA substrate. With no nucleotides, there is virtually no gripping and rapid slipping occurs with only minimal friction resisting. In contrast, binding of an ATP analog engages nearly continuous gripping. Occasional slips occur due to dissociation of the analog from a gripping motor subunit, or force-induced rupture of grip, but multiple other analog-bound subunits exert high friction that limits slipping. ADP induces comparably infrequent gripping and variable friction. Independent of nucleotides, slipping arrests when the end of the DNA is about to exit the capsid. This end-clamp mechanism increases the efficiency of packaging by making it essentially irreversible

Electrodeposition of Sn, Se, SnSe and the material properties of SnSe films

Tin sulphide (SnS) films have been electrodeposited and the materials properties are reported, The potential-pH diagram of Sn and S in aqueous medium are superimposed to obtain the common immunity domains which predicts a pH value 1.5 and deposition potential of ·1.0 VseE for the stoichiometric deposition. Films are cathodically deposited on 5002 coated conducting glass substrates at bath temperatures 303-353 K. XRD studies show the polycrystalline nature with orthorhombic structure. The optical band gap of the snS film is 1.1 eV from the absorption studies. ESCA spectrum confirms the presence of Sn and S on the grey black sample. Uniform, smooth and pin hole free surface morphology is observed by SEM

Targeting quiescent leukemic stem cells using second generation autophagy inhibitors

In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment induces autophagy that promotes survival and TKI-resistance in leukemic stem cells (LSCs). In clinical studies hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the only clinically approved autophagy inhibitor, does not consistently inhibit autophagy in cancer patients, so more potent autophagy inhibitors are needed. We generated a murine model of CML in which autophagic flux can be measured in bone marrow-located LSCs. In parallel, we use cell division tracing, phenotyping of primary CML cells, and a robust xenotransplantation model of human CML, to investigate the effect of Lys05, a highly potent lysosomotropic agent, and PIK-III, a selective inhibitor of VPS34, on the survival and function of LSCs. We demonstrate that long-term haematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs: Lin−Sca-1+c-kit+CD48−CD150+) isolated from leukemic mice have higher basal autophagy levels compared with non-leukemic LT-HSCs and more mature leukemic cells. Additionally, we present that while HCQ is ineffective, Lys05-mediated autophagy inhibition reduces LSCs quiescence and drives myeloid cell expansion. Furthermore, Lys05 and PIK-III reduced the number of primary CML LSCs and target xenografted LSCs when used in combination with TKI treatment, providing a strong rationale for clinical use of second generation autophagy inhibitors as a novel treatment for CML patients with LSC persistence

State of the Art Review on Prescriptive & Performance Based Approaches for Concrete Durability

Durability is a crucial and important requirement for concrete structures.  A durable concrete not only leads to sustainability but serve for longer period of time without much repair and maintenance.  The Concrete has been studied under various exposure conditions as stated in relevant standards but no significant attention is given for the in service performance of the concrete. In the last few decades, many researchers investigated the causes of structures deterioration and suggested various solutions to tackle the durability issues which are mainly adopting of performance-based specifications rather than prescriptive. In this paper, the previous findings on concrete durability are reviewed. The studies on the durability problems are highlighted along with prescriptive and performance-based approaches and test methods.  The effects on service life of the structures along with the solution are reviewed

Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge about postnatal care among mothers

Background: Mothers and new-borns are vulnerable to illness and deaths during the postnatal period. Care during postnatal period is the important part of maternal health care as the serious and life-threatening complications can occur in postnatal period.Methods: A Quantitative approach with pre- experimental design was used to study the effectiveness of STP on postnatal care. Sixty postnatal mothers were selected from tertiary care hospital. The Purposive sampling techniques was used to select the study subjects. Data was collected by using Structured Knowledge questionnaire.Results: The results show that the overall mean pre-test knowledge score of postnatal mothers was 19.8±2.98 and mean post-test knowledge score of postnatal mothers was 26.28±1.89 and the mean difference was 6.48. This revealed that the STP was an effective method in improving mother’s knowledge on postnatal care. There was no significant association found between pre-test knowledge score with their demographic variables except occupation.Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of postnatal mothers on postnatal care

Structured teaching programme on knowledge about polycystic ovarian syndrome among adolescent girls

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common female endocrine disorder affecting 4 – 18% of women in their reproductive age. It is common in adolescent girls. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects throughout the life and produce gynaecological and metabolic health problems. The aim of this study to create the awareness about the polycystic ovarian syndrome to the adolescent girls.Methods: A Quantitative approach with pre- experimental design was used to study the effectiveness of STP on Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Ninety-four adolescent girls aged between 15 – 18 years were conveniently selected. Data was collected by using Structured Knowledge questionnaire.Results: The mean post-test knowledge score (22.55± 3.57) was higher than that of mean pre-test mean knowledge score (11.13± 3.32) and the mean difference was11.42. The ‘t’ calculated value was 23.45 which is higher than the tabulated value of 1.98 (df 93 at p< 0.05). Therefore, research hypothesis was accepted. So, it can be interpreting that structured teaching programme is effective in improving the knowledge of adolescent girls.Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of adolescent girls on PCOS. Hence the study concluded that structured teaching programme had a great potentiality to increase the awareness on PCOS

Bilateral neck of femur stress fracture secondary to osteopetrosis treated with dynamic hip screw

Osteopetrosis, a rare hereditary bone disorder, is characterized by increased bone density due to defective osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. This condition often leads to skeletal fragility, resulting in recurrent fractures despite increased bone mass. Among these, stress fractures of the femoral neck pose a unique challenge where conventional management may not be optimal. Valgus osteotomy offers a viable surgical intervention to realign the mechanical axis, thereby reducing stress on the femoral neck and facilitating healing. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of osteopetrosis, its impact on fracture healing, and the role of valgus osteotomy in managing femoral neck stress fractures in osteopetrotic patients

Respiratory syncytial virus infection in children less than five years of age presenting as severe community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children in both the community and hospital setting. Ongoing surveillance of the clinical and molecular epidemiology of RSV genotypes is important to characterize prevalent and emerging genotypes that may have impact on vaccine development. Objective: To assess the epidemiology of RSV infection in children &lt;5 years of age in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Children &lt;5 years of age hospitalized with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were included in the study. Nasopharyngeal aspirate was taken for RSV reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 100 children were recruited in the study. clinicoepidemiological epidemiological and radiological features were analyzed. The prevalence of RSV infection in children &lt;60 months of age admitted with the features of severe pneumonia in our study was 30% with almost equal proportion of RSV A and B groups. Underlying congenital heart disease and family history of asthma were identified as significant risk factors. There were no significant clinical and radiological features to distinguish RSV from non-RSV disease. Conclusions: This study highlights the relevance of RSV infection in hospitalized cases of CAP in our region. Our findings warrant the conduct of further investigations which can help design strategies for controlling the disease. If RT-PCR could be used in children with severe pneumonia who are hospitalized, an accurate diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis can be made in high percentage of children

Host genotype and time dependent antigen presentation of viral peptides: predictions from theory

The rate of progression of HIV infected individuals to AIDS is known to vary with the genotype of the host, and is linked to their allele of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins, which present protein degradation products at the cell surface to circulating T-cells. HLA alleles are associated with Gag-specific T-cell responses that are protective against progression of the disease. While Pol is the most conserved HIV sequence, its association with immune control is not as strong. To gain a more thorough quantitative understanding of the factors that contribute to immunodominance, we have constructed a model of the recognition of HIV infection by the MHC class I pathway. Our model predicts surface presentation of HIV peptides over time, demonstrates the importance of viral protein kinetics, and provides evidence of the importance of Gag peptides in the long-term control of HIV infection. Furthermore, short-term dynamics are also predicted, with simulation of virion-derived peptides suggesting that efficient processing of Gag can lead to a 50% probability of presentation within 3 hours post-infection, as observed experimentally. In conjunction with epitope prediction algorithms, this modelling approach could be used to refine experimental targets for potential T-cell vaccines, both for HIV and other viruses