High-pressure Synthesis and Bulk Modulus of Non-centrosymmetric Superconductor Mo3Al2C

Mo3Al2C is a superconductor without inversion symmetry (the transition temperature T C ~ 9K). We have succeeded in preparing high-quality samples of Mo3Al2C using the high-pressure synthesis technique. The samples were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Furthermore, powder XRD patterns for the samples with synchrotron radiation have been studied under high pressures up to around 10 GPa and the volume versus pressure curve for the compound has been investigated. A bulk modulus was estimated to be 221 GPa

A SECURED AUTHENTICATED WATERMARKING TECHNIQUE

Whenever media contents transmitted through the network, compressed and encrypted media data is used so it is important to give proper protection to the data items to avoid unauthorized access and for that we need to enhance media authentication and for that the compressed encrypted media data which is used to distribute through the network is watermarked for providing proof of ownership or distributorship. For doing compression JPEG 2000 compression and while doing compression the data is packed to  low  number of bits and to this data encryption is applied so  stream cipher technique is used for avoiding media quality degradation and also this technique allow to do watermarking in a predictable manner. And a robust watermarking algorithm is used for watermarking this compressed and encrypted media data

In a free healthcare system, why do men not consult for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) varies among different populations but the rate of seeking medical advice is consistently low. Little is known about the reasons for this low rate. In the city of Macau, China, primary healthcare is free and easily accessible to all citizens. We aim to study the patients' rate of consulting for LUTS and their reasons for not consulting under a free healthcare system.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>A convenience sample of 549 male patients aged 40-85 years in a government health centre filled in the International Prostate Symptoms Scale (IPSS) questionnaire. They were also asked if they had consulted doctors for LUTS, and if not, why not.</p> <p>Result</p> <p>Of the whole sample, 64 men (11.7%) had ever consulted doctors for LUTS. Of 145 with moderate to severe LUTS, 35 (24.1%) consulted. Of 73 who were dissatisfied with their quality of life, 22 (30.1%) consulted. Regarding the symptoms as normal or not problematic was the main reason for not consulting. Advancing age and duration of symptoms were the significant factors for consulting.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Primary care doctors could help many of LUTS patients by sensitively initiating the discussion when these patients consult for other problems.</p

FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MICROSPHERES FOR THE TREATMENT OF FAMILIAL ADENOMATOUS POLYPOSIS

Objective: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) also known as familial polyposis coli, is a hereditary disease characterized by progressive appearance of numerous polyps mainly in the large intestine. Polyps are initially benign but can easily become cancerous and as such it is a life threatening condition. Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor is thought to induce cell death, and thus prevent or delay the growth of polyps. So in the present study celecoxib loaded microspheres were prepared using control release Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4M) and pH dependent polymer eudragit L 100-55 in different ratios (1:1 to 1:4) respectively. The main objective of the study is to identify the polymer concentration required to prevent the drug release in stomach region and promotes in intestinal region.Methods: Emulsification solvent evaporation method was selected for the preparation and all the optimized formulations were evaluated for drug-polymer interactions, percentage yield, micrometric properties, entrapment efficiency, particle size analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and in vitro dissolution study.Results: Drug and polymer interactions were evaluated by using FTIR and DSC. The FTIR spectrum and DSC thermograms stated that drug and polymer are compatible to each other. The micrometric properties of drug loaded microspheres were carried out and they were found to be as the angle of repose (18.26 °-40.69 °), bulk density (0.2846-0.3875), tapped density (0.4111-0.5428), Carr's index (9.66-14.77), Hausner's ratio (1.112-1.2642) which were within the limits. In vitro dissolution, drug release was found to be from 4.5 to 6.5 h for the prepared four formulations (F1–F4). From the kinetic data modeling the order of drug release was found to be zero order and korsmeyer-peppas with n value above 0.5 for all the formulations indicating non-fickian diffusion.Conclusion: All the result demonstrated that celecoxib microspheres can be effectively used in the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposi

Air Pollution in South Texas: A Short Communication of Health Risks and Implications

Air pollution is a major public health concern. The region of South Texas in the United States has experienced high levels of air pollution in recent years due to an increase in population, cross-border trade between the U.S.A. and Mexico, and high vehicular activity. This review assesses the relationships between human health and air pollution in South Texas. A thorough scientific search was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest, with most of the literature focusing on the source apportionment of particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in width (PM2.5), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), Black Carbon (BC), and associated health risks for children and pregnant women. Findings from the source apportionment studies suggest the role of industries, automobiles emissions, agricultural burning, construction work, and unpaved roads in the overall deterioration of air quality and deleterious health effects, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This review demonstrates the pressing need for more air pollution and health effects studies in this region, especially the Brownsville–Harlingen–McAllen metropolitan area

A Review of Literature on the Usage of Low-Cost Sensors to Measure Particulate Matter

With advances in technological sciences, individuals can utilize low-cost air monitoring sensors to record air quality at homes, schools, and businesses. Air quality data collected from LCSs are publicly accessible, informing the community of the air quality around them. It is important to measure local and regional particulate matter (PM) concentrations to keep the public involved, especially those with specific health concerns, such as asthma, wheezing, and seasonal allergies. The number of studies involving the use of LCSs to evaluate PM levels is increasing with more manufacturers producing ‘easy to use’ LCSs targeting the public. The goal of this review is to understand and incorporate the findings from studies using LCSs to analyze PM of various sizes, i.e., PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10. This review integrates analyses from 51 different studies in 14 countries, including the U.S. The findings indicate spatial heterogeneity in the PM concentrations across a region. Some of the low-cost sensor manufacturers mentioned in these studies include Plantower, AQMesh, Alpha-sense, PurpleAir, E-MOTEs, and Shinyei. This review emphasizes the importance of LCSs in the field of PM monitoring and its potential to inform the public about their exposure burden, and to aid state and federal decision makers in formulating policies for mitigating the effects of PM pollution in any urban or rural setting