Holographic entanglement entropy in imbalanced superconductors

We study the behavior of holographic entanglement entropy (HEE) for imbalanced holographic superconductors. We employ a numerical approach to consider the robust case of fully back-reacted gravity system. The hairy black hole solution is found by using our numerical scheme. Then it is used to compute the HEE for the superconducting case. The cases we study show that in presence of a mismatch between two chemical potentials, below the critical temperature, superconducting phase has a lower HEE in comparison to the AdS-Reissner-Nordstrom black hole phase. Interestingly, the effects of chemical imbalance are different in the contexts of black hole and superconducting phases. For black hole, HEE increases with increasing imbalance parameter while it behaves oppositely for the superconducting phase. The implications of these results are discussed.Comment: V2 (Published Version), 19 pages: We replace earlier analytical method by numerical analysis. The effect of imbalance is more cleare

A novel approach to meet the unmet need for family planning

Background: Post-partum intra-uterine contraceptive device is one of the important methods of spacing to meet up the unmet need of family planning. The low complication rate, ease and certainty of insertion and one-time adoption advantages made it an option of family planning by Government of India. In the background of recent trends in family planning, the study aims to establish the efficacy and draw-backs of PP-IUCD among the clients in a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal.Methods: Prospective observational study on 1680 women during January 2016 to December 2016, where the PP-IUCD was given to the patients after vaginal delivery or Cesarean section and were followed up to 3 months.Results: During the study 1.37% patients did not turnup in either follow-up. The most common complication encountered was missing thread (4.64% at 6th week follow-up and 6.67% at 3rd month follow-up). Expulsion rate was much lower (2.02% at 6th week and 2.5% at 3rd month). Heavy bleeding per-vagina was in 1.55% at 6th week and 2.08% at 3rd month. Pain abdomen was .83% at 6th week and 1.67% at 3rd month. Incidence of perforation and failure was both nil at either follow-up. Dysmenorrhea was complained 2.44% at 6th week and 3.33% at 3rd month. Overall satisfaction rate at 6th week (86.05%) was higher than non-satisfaction (13.95%). This was also true for 3rd month where satisfaction rate (77.85%) was higher than non-satisfaction rate (22.15%).Conclusions: PP-IUCD appears to be a safe, efficacious, acceptable and accessible method of contraception

Intracellular Targeting Specificity of Novel Phthalocyanines Assessed in a Host-Parasite Model for Developing Potential Photodynamic Medicine

Photodynamic therapy, unlikely to elicit drug-resistance, deserves attention as a strategy to counter this outstanding problem common to the chemotherapy of all diseases. Previously, we have broadened the applicability of this modality to photodynamic vaccination by exploiting the unusual properties of the trypanosomatid protozoa, Leishmania, i.e., their innate ability of homing to the phagolysosomes of the antigen-presenting cells and their selective photolysis therein, using transgenic mutants endogenously inducible for porphyrin accumulation. Here, we extended the utility of this host-parasite model for in vitro photodynamic therapy and vaccination by exploring exogenously supplied photosensitizers. Seventeen novel phthalocyanines (Pcs) were screened in vitro for their photolytic activity against cultured Leishmania. Pcs rendered cationic and soluble (csPcs) for cellular uptake were phototoxic to both parasite and host cells, i.e., macrophages and dendritic cells. The csPcs that targeted to mitochondria were more photolytic than those restricted to the endocytic compartments. Treatment of infected cells with endocytic csPcs resulted in their accumulation in Leishmania-containing phagolysosomes, indicative of reaching their target for photodynamic therapy, although their parasite versus host specificity is limited to a narrow range of csPc concentrations. In contrast, Leishmania pre-loaded with csPc were selectively photolyzed intracellularly, leaving host cells viable. Pre-illumination of such csPc-loaded Leishmania did not hinder their infectivity, but ensured their intracellular lysis. Ovalbumin (OVA) so delivered by photo-inactivated OVA transfectants to mouse macrophages and dendritic cells were co-presented with MHC Class I molecules by these antigen presenting cells to activate OVA epitope-specific CD8+T cells. The in vitro evidence presented here demonstrates for the first time not only the potential of endocytic csPcs for effective photodynamic therapy against Leishmania but also their utility in photo-inactivation of Leishmania to produce a safe carrier to express and deliver a defined antigen with enhanced cell-mediated immunity

Gallbladder reporting and data system (GB-RADS) for risk stratification of gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography:an international expert consensus

The Gallbladder Reporting and Data System (GB-RADS) ultrasound (US) risk stratification is proposed to improve consistency in US interpretations, reporting, and assessment of risk of malignancy in gallbladder wall thickening in non-acute setting. It was developed based on a systematic review of the literature and the consensus of an international multidisciplinary committee comprising expert radiologists, gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and pathologists using modified Delphi method. For risk stratification, the GB-RADS system recommends six categories (GB-RADS 0–5) of gallbladder wall thickening with gradually increasing risk of malignancy. GB-RADS is based on gallbladder wall features on US including symmetry and extent (focal vs. circumferential) of involvement, layered appearance, intramural features (including intramural cysts and echogenic foci), and interface with the liver. GB-RADS represents the first collaborative effort at risk stratifying the gallbladder wall thickening. This concept is in line with the other US-based risk stratification systems which have been shown to increase the accuracy of detection of malignant lesions and improve management. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Power Relationships in Rural Uttar Pradesh

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

An uneven path to accountability: a comparative study of MGNREGA in two states of India

In India, a lack of accountability is considered the key reason for the failure of most development programs. Most poverty alleviation programs are riddled with inefficiency, absenteeism, incompetence, and corruption. This has resulted in poor service delivery, and to ordinary citizens losing trust. This paper examines whether Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is accountable to ordinary citizens, and civil society's role in making the Act viable. This study draws upon empirical evidence from two states of India - Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP). The findings suggest that this Act has been implemented relatively well in AP, despite the state's dismal performance in the implementation of most welfare programs. The political class in AP has taken a keen interest in the Act, rather than in using it to amass wealth for their political activities. Social audits have been institutionalized with the help of civil society organisations, providing a platform to the beneficiaries to voice their concerns and negotiate their entitlements with the state machinery. But implementation has lagged in a politically vibrant state like UP where local leadership, is accountable neither to citizens nor to elected representatives, misappropriating resources from developmental funds and nurturing factional politics. This has resulted in poor participation in rural institutions and loss in faith on the part of citizens. (author's abstract