Isolated major aortopulmonary collateral as the sole pulmonary blood supply to an entire lung segment

Congenital systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries or major aortopulmonary collaterals are associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Though it is usually associated with congenital heart diseases, there is an increased incidence of isolated acquired aortopulmonary collaterals in premature infants with chronic lung disease. Interestingly, isolated congenital aortopulmonary collaterals can occur without any lung disease, which may cause congestive heart failure and require closure. We present a neonate with an echocardiogram that showed only left-sided heart dilation. Further workup with a CT angiogram demonstrated an anomalous systemic artery from the descending thoracic aorta supplying the left lower lobe. He eventually developed heart failure symptoms and was taken to the catheterization laboratory for closure of the collateral. However, with the collateral being the only source of blood flow to the entire left lower lobe, he required surgical unifocalization. Isolated aortopulmonary collaterals without any other congenital heart disease or lung disease are rare. Our patient is the first reported case to have an isolated aortopulmonary collateral being the sole pulmonary blood supply to an entire lung segment. Due to its rarity, there is still much to learn about the origin and development of these collaterals that possibly developed prenatally

Combining Plant Pathogenic Fungi and the Leaf-Mining Fly, Hydrellia pakistanae, Increases Damage to Hydrilla

Four fungal species, F71PJ Acremonium sp., F531 Cylindrocarpon sp., F542, Botrytis sp., and F964 Fusarium culmorum [Wm. G. Sm.] Sacc. were recovered from hydrilla [ Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle] shoots or from soil and water surrounding hydrilla growing in ponds and lakes in Florida and shown to be capable of killing hydrilla in a bioassay. The isolates were tested singly and in combination with the leaf-mining fly, Hydrellia pakistanae (Diptera: Ephydridae), for their capability to kill or severely damage hydrilla in a bioassay

Mutual Perception and Relational Strategies of Hindus and Muslims in India

The present study examines mutual perception and relational strategies of the Hindu and Muslim groups in the cultural context of India by focusing on religion-based “othering.” A sample of 264 participants belonging to Hindu and Muslim groups was studied in Varanasi City. An instrument developed and used in an international project was adapted and given to participants (age range 20–60 years) for measuring their relational strategies, mutual perceptions and perceived discriminations. The findings revealed the ‘Coexistence’ relational strategy to be strongly placed in both Muslim and Hindu participants. Both ‘Integration’ and ‘Assimilation’ strategies were stronger in Muslim participants than in Hindu participants. Hindus preferred the ‘Separation’ strategy, perceived greater discrimination and held less positive views of Muslims. The findings are discussed along with their implications for dealing with the problem of Hindu-Muslim relationships in India

Mucous Extravasation Phenomenon of Lingual Glands of Blandin and Nuhn

Mucocele is a collection of mucin in the submucosa, which occurs mostly due to rupture of the gland proper or the duct of a minor salivary gland. They are most commonly found on the lower lip followed by floor of the mouth and buccal mucosa. Only 9 to 10% of Mucocele are found on the tongue and that they occur exclusively in the anterior lingual salivary glands of Blandin and Nuhn. The following is a case report of mucous extra-vasation phenomenon of lingual glands of Blandin and Nuhn

A direct method for analyzing the nonlinear vehicle–structure interaction

This article presents an accurate, efficient and stable algorithm to analyze the nonlinear vertical vehicle-structure interaction. The governing equilibrium equations of the vehicle and structure are complemented with additional constraint equations that relate the displacements of the vehicle with the corresponding displacements of the structure. These equations form a single system, with displacements and contact forces as unknowns, that is solved using an optimized block factorization algorithm. Due to the nonlinear nature of contact, an incremental formulation based on the Newton method is adopted. The vehicles, track and structure are modeled using finite elements to take into account all the significant deformations. The numerical example presented clearly demonstrates the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed method

Low Speed Estimation of Sensorless DTC Induction Motor Drive Using MRAS with Neuro Fuzzy Adaptive Controller

This paper presents a closed loop Model Reference Adaptive system (MRAS) observer with artificial intelligent Nuero fuzzy controller (NFC) as the adaptation technique to mitigate the low speed estimation issues and to improvise the performance of the Sensorless Direct Torque Controlled (DTC) Induction Motor Drives (IMD). Rotor flux MRAS and reactive power MRAS with NFC is explored and detailed analysis is carried out for low speed estimation. Comparative analysis between rotor flux MRAS and reactive power MRAS with PI as well as NFC as adaptive controller is performed and results are presented in this paper. The comparative analysis among these four speed estimation methods shows that reactive power MRAS with NFC as adaptation mechanism shows reduced speed estimation error and actual speed error at steady state operating conditions when the drive is subjected to low speed operation. Simulation carried out using MATLAB-Simulink software to validate the performance of the drive especially at low speeds with rated and variable load conditions

Partial Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Extracellular Pectinase from Aspergillus Niger Isolated from Groundnut Seeds

To produce and partially purify pectinases from Aspergillus niger isolateJGIm2, characterize the enzymes for potential industrial applications in clarifying fruit juices. Methodology and results: Isolates of Aspergillus niger were screened for ability to produce pectinases by the enzymatic index method. All the 34 isolates screened were producers with isolates JGIm2, JGIm3 and JGIm5 being the best. Optimum enzyme production was found with medium containing 1.5% pectin after 48 h of fermentation. Partial purification of the enzyme was carried out by ethanol precipitation to give two fold purification and 56% yield. The enzyme had pH & temperature optima of 4.0 and 45°C, Km and Vmax values of 0.178 g/dl & 11.62 IU/mg protein, respectively. Clarification of banana and pineapple juice using the partially purified enzyme resulted in 38 and 41% reduction in viscosity as determined spectroscopically