Greed is Good for Deterministic Scale-Free Networks

Large real-world networks typically follow a power-law degree distribution. To study such networks, numerous random graph models have been proposed. However, real-world networks are not drawn at random. In fact, the behavior of real-world networks and random graph models can be the complete opposite of one another, depending on the considered property. Brach, Cygan, Lacki, and Sankowski [SODA 2016] introduced two natural deterministic conditions: (1) a power-law upper bound on the degree distribution (PLB-U) and (2) power-law neighborhoods, that is, the degree distribution of neighbors of each vertex is also upper bounded by a power law (PLB-N). They showed that many real-world networks satisfy both deterministic properties and exploit them to design faster algorithms for a number of classical graph problems like transitive closure, maximum matching, determinant, PageRank, matrix inverse, counting triangles and maximum clique. We complement the work of Brach et al. by showing that some well-studied random graph models exhibit both the mentioned PLB properties and additionally also a power-law lower bound on the degree distribution (PLB-L). All three properties hold with high probability for Chung-Lu Random Graphs and Geometric Inhomogeneous Random Graphs and almost surely for Hyperbolic Random Graphs. As a consequence, all results of Brach et al. also hold with high probability for Chung-Lu Random Graphs and Geometric Inhomogeneous Random Graphs and almost surely for Hyperbolic Random Graphs. In the second part of this work we study three classical NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems on PLB networks. It is known that on general graphs, a greedy algorithm, which chooses nodes in the order of their degree, only achieves an approximation factor of asymptotically at least logarithmic in the maximum degree for Minimum Vertex Cover and Minimum Dominating Set, and an approximation factor of asymptotically at least the maximum degree for Maximum Independent Set. We prove that the PLB-U property suffices such that the greedy approach achieves a constant-factor approximation for all three problems. We also show that all three combinatorial optimization problems are APX-complete, even if all PLB-properties hold. Hence, a PTAS cannot be expected, unless P=NP

Pyrexia of Unknown Origin: A High Suspicion of COVID-19

We report a case of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) in a 19-year-old male, who was admitted with a history of pyrexia for 2 weeks. The diagnosis remained uncertain despite multiple investigations and the patient subsequently had various clinical manifestations similar to those seen in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since it was initially presumed to be pyrexia due to viral origin or enteric fever, patient was started on empirical treatment. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by corroborating various biochemical markers that had a greater association with COVID-19. Patient was discharged after 21 days with empirical antibiotics, anticoagulants and other supportive medications. He required no further hospital admissions and has been on regular follow-up

A study on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in general population in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: A global transition in the disease pattern has been observed, where the relative impact of infectious disease is decreasing while chronic disease like cardiovascular disease and diabetes are increasingly dominating the disease pattern. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex web of metabolic factors that are associated with a 2-fold increased risk of CVD and 5-fold risk of diabetes.Methods: A total of 350 patients were included and a cross sectional study was conducted to identify metabolic syndrome prevalence and to evaluate risk factor for development of metabolic syndrome.Results: 48% of participants were male and 52% were female our results showed a BMI of 22.11±3.57 in male and 22.16±2.82 in females. The overall prevalence of overweight was 31%. This study also showed significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome in older age group i.e. 9.38% in age group of 30-39 years and 26.98% in 60-70 age group. Proportionally more subjects with MetS (74%) have sedentary life style as compared to those without MetS (54%).Conclusions: The prevalence of Metabolic syndrome varies among ethnic groups. Indians are at high risk for ASCVD and their predisposition. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity was one of the major driving force in the development of MetS

Feasibility Analysis of Machining Cobalt-Chromium Alloy (Stellite-6) Using TiN Coated Binary Inserts

The objective of the study was to check the feasibility of machining Stellite 6, a cobalt–chromium superalloy, using TiN-coated carbide inserts in an end milling operation. The inserts were coated using the magnetron sputtering process. The sputtering power and gas flow rate were considered as the variables during the coating process. The performance of the coated binary carbide insert was checked during the end milling of Stellite 6 (~45 HRC) through an experiment with a Taguchi design. Experimental runs based on an orthogonal array were executed for each insert type to check the feasibility of machining this cobalt-based alloy. Adequate precision and the optimum parametric conditions were determined and are reported in this study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a two-factor interaction model was also undertaken to forecast the key elements influencing surface roughness. Based on the ANOVA model, the depth of the cut, combined with the insert type, was the factor that had the greatest influence on surface roughness, followed by the cutting feed, whereas the cutting velocity had the least significance based on the tests. Moreover, the regression analysis demonstrated that the created model can be used to accurately forecast surface roughness in end milling of Stellite 6 with confidence intervals of 95%.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Isolation and preliminary characterization of a bacteriocin-producer Bacillus strain inhibiting methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In a multivalent approach to discover new antimicrobial substance, a total of 160 Bacilli were isolated from termitarium soil, characterized on the basis of their morphological and physiological characters and screened for their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method against certain drug resistant pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and common food contaminating bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. After preliminary screening, sixteen isolates showed inhibitory activity against test pathogens. Among them Bacillus isolate TSH58 exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rDNA characteristics isolate TSH58 was identified as a member of the Bacillus cereus species group. Various nutrient sources and culture conditions were optimized, the partially purified antimicrobial metabolite was subjected to various treatments such as heat, pH and proteolytic enzymes. Complete loss in the activity observed when the crude metabolite was treated with proteolytic enzymes suggesting its proteinaceous nature and termed as bacteriocin like inhibitory substance (BLIS). Minimal inhibitory concentration of the partially purified bacteriocin determined by microtiter plate assay was 80 μg/ml for MRSA and 40 μg/ml for L. monocytogenes. Tricine SDS PAGE analysis revealed that the partially purified bacteriocin produced by the Bacillus strain TSH58 had an apparent molecular weight of about 4.0 KDa

STUDIES ON MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SPROUTS OF MUNG BEAN (VIGNA RADIATE L.)

Sprouts are now well known for their high nutritive value and digestibility. They are rich in enzymes, bioavailable vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fibers. Sprouts are low in fat and calories, being rich in nutrients and known to promote health, sprouts now a days are available in most of the grocery stalls. Survey of sprouted seeds available at retail venders has shown the presence of pathogenic bacteria like E. coli 0157, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogens, which is of concern for health conscious public. In the present study an attempt has been made to identify and examine the microorganisms present in seed sprouts of mung bean. Key Words: Mung Bean Sprouts, Morphological Identification, Biochemical Characteristics

Reversible Inferolateral ST-Segment Elevation Associated with Small Bowel Obstruction

ST-segment elevation is an important and alarming electrocardiographic sign that necessitates immediate attention but does not always indicate that the primary pathology is cardiac in origin. It needs to be interpreted in the clinical context as several pathological conditions involving especially gastrointestinal tract may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment as well as complications from invasive unnecessary interventions. We present two patients, a 64-year-old male and a 71-year-old female, who were admitted to the emergency room of a community-based hospital with similar complaints of worsening epigastric abdominal pain and were diagnosed later with small bowel obstruction. Both patients reported a history of abdominal surgeries in the past. Also in both patients the ECG showed signs of ST-segment elevation in inferior and lateral leads. These ECG changes were related to the intra-abdominal pathology as no evidence of contributing coronary artery disease could be found. In addition, prompt resolution of ST-segment elevation was seen after surgical treatment. The pathophysiological etiology of electrocardiographic changes accompanying small bowel obstruction is yet to be explored

Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Oral Films of an Anti-Migrain Drug (Zolmitriptan)

Zolmitriptan known for its anti-migrain activity. The fast dissolving oral film of drug Zolmitriptan was designed in order to relief and ease the pain caused to patient suffering from Migraine followed by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity towards light/sound. The oral film was prepared using HPMC (Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose) as polymer and PEG as plasticizer by solvent casting method. The aim of preparing fast dissolving oral film of drug zolmitriptan was to have better Bioavability, quick onset of action (quick relief) and to prevent first pass metabolism. Films were subjected to physicochemical characterization such as thickness, weight variation, folding endurance drug content and were found to be satisfactory. The surface pH of all the films was found to be neutral. The results of the studies indicated that HPMC E50 could be used as a film forming polymer for the formulation. All the films prepared using HPMC E50 showed acceptable mechanical properties. On the basis of tensile strength, drug content and in vitro dissolution, formulation F3 was found to be the promising formulation showing better strength and good drug release profile. Also this formulation was stable for a period of 45 days with no significant change in drug content and drug release profile. Thus it could be said that the fast dissolving sublingual film of Zolmitriptan could be a better option for acute treatment of migraine attacks compared to the available conventional dosage forms. Keywords: Zolmitriptan, Fast dissolving, HPM