AIM: To evaluate the short and intermediate term out-come of percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA) and stenting particularly on blood pressure (BP) control and renal function and to evaluate predic...AIM: To evaluate the short and intermediate term out-come of percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA) and stenting particularly on blood pressure (BP) control and renal function and to evaluate predictors of poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients who underwent PTRA and stenting in our institute between August 2010 to September 2012. A total number of 86 patients were underwent PTRA and renal stenting. Selective angiography was done to confirm at least 70% angiographic stenosis. The predilatation done except few cases with critical stenosis, direct stenting was done in the rest of cases. All patients received aspirin 325 mg orally, and clopidogrel 300 mg orally within 24 h before the procedure. Heparin was used as the procedural anticoagulant agent. Optimal results with TIMI-Ⅲ flow obtained in all cases. Following stent placement, aspirin 150 mg orally once daily was continued for a minimum of 12 mo and clopidogrel 75 mg orally once daily for at least 4 wk. The clinical, radiological, electrocardiography, echocardiography and treatment data of all patients were recorded. The BP measurement, serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were recorded before the procedure and 1 and 6 mo after PTRA. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The mean age of study population was 55.87±11.85 years old and 67 (77.9%) of patients were male. There was a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP at 1 mo after the procedure: 170.15±20.10 mmHg vs 146.60±17.32 mmHg and 98.38±10.55 mmHg vs 89.88±9.22 mmHg respectively (P=0.0000). The reduction in BP was constant throughout the follow-up period and was evident 6 mo after the procedure: 144.23±18.19 and 88.26±9.79 mmHg respectively (P=0.0000). However, no improvement in renal function was observed at any time during the follow-up period. After multivariate analysis, we found male sex, low GFR (<60 mL/min) and higher baseline mean BP as a poor predictors of successful outcome on BP response after PTRA and stenting. CONCLUSION: The PTRA and stenting can be considered as an effective therapeutic intervention for improving BP control with minimal effect on renal function. The male sex, higher baseline BP and low GFR are associated with poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting.展开更多
A weld joint is composed of three principal zones viz., base metal, Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), and weld zone. Thus, the variation in mechanical behavior exists not only among these zones, but also from point to point i...A weld joint is composed of three principal zones viz., base metal, Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), and weld zone. Thus, the variation in mechanical behavior exists not only among these zones, but also from point to point in each individual zone. Being destructive in nature, the conventional method of mechanical testing cannot successfully used to estimate the variation in the mechanical behavior at different zones of the weld joint. Moreover, the conventional method of mechanical testing cannot characterize the material using small amount of material. In this respect, Ball Indentation (BI) methodology was considered to be useful approach, since it can characterize the mechanical properties of a material using very small amount of material in non destructive manner. The present work is an attempt to characterize the variation in the mechanical properties among each zone (global variation), and from point to point in each zone (local variation) of the similar weld joint used in nuclear application using BI approach. For this purpose, the similar weld joint of two SS-304 LN pipe lines was investigated using BI approach.展开更多
In this work, Automated Ball Indentation (ABI) technique is based on load controlled multiple indentations (at a single penetration location) of a polished surface by a spherical indenter (0.7 to 1.46 mm) and indentat...In this work, Automated Ball Indentation (ABI) technique is based on load controlled multiple indentations (at a single penetration location) of a polished surface by a spherical indenter (0.7 to 1.46 mm) and indentation depth is progressively increased to a maximum user specified limit with intermediate partial unloading. This technique permits measurement of yield strength, stress-strain curve, strength coefficient and strain hardening exponent. ABI Testing was carried out on samples of Zr-Nb2.5 (Pressure Tube Material) with different heat treatment conditions in which temperature was varying (550 degree to 900 degree and retention time was varying 0.5 to 6 hour and furnace cooled. For all these test material and conditions, the ABI derived results were in very good agreement with those from conventional standard test methods.展开更多
Since their discovery over 100 years ago, sphingolipids have caught the eyes and the imagination of scientists.Modern science has made many new insights on the cell biology and day-to-day functions of many integral sp...Since their discovery over 100 years ago, sphingolipids have caught the eyes and the imagination of scientists.Modern science has made many new insights on the cell biology and day-to-day functions of many integral sphingolipids, especially those of ceramide. Ceramide is recognized as a vital second messenger in the signal transduction process mediated by receptors of many cytokines and growth factors.A great part of our current understanding of ceramide has been achieved from apoptosis-related studies, however recent data in the fields of immunology, endocrinology and neurobiology, also suggest a fundamental involvement of ceramide in the onset of diseases. Therefore, understanding the biology of ceramide could be a key to unraveling many biological mechanisms and provide information for the treatment of some common diseases.展开更多
The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy...The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy demand and mitigate the effect of global warming.Low-cost solar energy harvesting technologies are most feasible technologies.Various solar cells technologies have been developed with improved overall performance and conversion effi-ciency.However,due to low cost and a wide range of applications,dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)have been immensely focused on one of the most promising third-generation solar cells.The highest conversion efficiency of DSSC achieved after three decades of research is more than 14%,but the commercialization of this technology is still a challenge.In this review paper,an attempt has been made to present the comparison of different articles published,that gives the in-depth study of recent developments in various types of DSSCs based on architectural assembly and physical appearance.An overview of the limitations and challenges with their possible improvement strategies have also been discussed.This review paper concludes that appropriate selection of electrolytes dramatically affects the performance of DSSC,and quasi-solid-state electrolyte proves to be a better option.Besides,it also concludes that tandem structures are widely agreed with the approach to expand light utilization spectrum for an overall increase in its performance.However,still,the research is required,which could efficiently widen the applications of the DSSCs.展开更多
Harar (Terminalia chebula), a large deciduous tree belongs to family combretaceae. It grows naturally in greater part of India up to 1500 m elevation. Due to several alkaloids present in fruit, it is used as laxative,...Harar (Terminalia chebula), a large deciduous tree belongs to family combretaceae. It grows naturally in greater part of India up to 1500 m elevation. Due to several alkaloids present in fruit, it is used as laxative, purgative and astringent for curing a number of ailments. Keeping in view its medicinal and tanning properties, the authors have been working for the last two decades on various aspects like propagation and development of promising strains of harar. Grafting/budding techniques have been standardized to produce true to type precocious plants which bear flower in two to three years. However, flowering has been observed in three months old seedling, which can be ascribed to biochemical and/or cellular changes. Early flowering is a rare incidence in tree seedlings which otherwise could be very useful for breeding and early evaluation of fruit species.展开更多
Phase change materials(PCMs)play a leading role in overcoming the growing need of advanced thermal management for the storage and release of thermal energy which is to be used for different solar applications.However,...Phase change materials(PCMs)play a leading role in overcoming the growing need of advanced thermal management for the storage and release of thermal energy which is to be used for different solar applications.However,the effectiveness of PCMs is greatly affected by their poor thermal conductivity.Therefore,in the present review the progress made in deploying the graphene(Gr)in PCMs in the last decade for providing the solution to the aforementioned inadequacy is presented and discussed in detail.Gr and its derivatives((Gr oxide(GO),Gr aerogel(GA)and Gr nanoplatelets(GNPs))based PCMs can improve the thermal conductivity and shape stability,which may be attributed to the extra ordinary thermo-physical properties of Gr.Moreover,it is expected from this review that the advantages and disadvantages of using Gr nanoparticles provide a deep insight and help the researchers in finding out the exact basic properties and finally the applications of Gr can be enhanced.In this work,Gr and its derivatives based PCMs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray diffraction spectroscopy(XRD),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)by which crystal structure was known,phase was identified along with the knowledge of surface structure respectively.The increase in the mass fraction(%)of the filler(Gr and its derivatives)led to even better thermo-physical properties and thermal stability.The thermal characterization was also done by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),thermo gravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermal conductivity tests.The enthalpy of freezing and melting showed that Gr and its derivatives based PCMs had a very high energy storage capability as reflected in its various applications.展开更多
In this work,element free Galerkin method(EFGM)has been used to obtain the solution of edge crack problem under mechanical loads as it provides a versatile technique to model static as well as moving crack problems wi...In this work,element free Galerkin method(EFGM)has been used to obtain the solution of edge crack problem under mechanical loads as it provides a versatile technique to model static as well as moving crack problems without any requirement of remeshing.At first,some techniques are presented for enriching the EFG approximations near the crack tip such as extrinsic and intrinsic enrichment.Extrinsic enrichment involves the addition of solution form to the trial function,whereas the EFG basis is expanded to include few terms from crack tip solution in intrinsic enrichment.Apart from enrichment techniques,four basic techniques of smoothing meshless approximations near nonconvex boundaries are also presented such as diffraction,transparency,see through and wedge model.These techniques are then used for the parameteric analysis of an edge crack problem under mode-1 loading and results obtained using different approaches are compared with each other as well as with exact solution.Among these techniques,the extrinsic PU enrichment technique was found to be more accurate as compared to other approaches.Extrinsic PU enrichment technique has also been used for the analysis of a shear edge crack problem.In all these techniques,the value of mode-1 stress intensity factor and mode-2 stress intensity factor has been evaluated by interaction integral approach.Effect of crack orientation is also studied for different cases.展开更多
文摘AIM: To evaluate the short and intermediate term out-come of percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA) and stenting particularly on blood pressure (BP) control and renal function and to evaluate predictors of poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients who underwent PTRA and stenting in our institute between August 2010 to September 2012. A total number of 86 patients were underwent PTRA and renal stenting. Selective angiography was done to confirm at least 70% angiographic stenosis. The predilatation done except few cases with critical stenosis, direct stenting was done in the rest of cases. All patients received aspirin 325 mg orally, and clopidogrel 300 mg orally within 24 h before the procedure. Heparin was used as the procedural anticoagulant agent. Optimal results with TIMI-Ⅲ flow obtained in all cases. Following stent placement, aspirin 150 mg orally once daily was continued for a minimum of 12 mo and clopidogrel 75 mg orally once daily for at least 4 wk. The clinical, radiological, electrocardiography, echocardiography and treatment data of all patients were recorded. The BP measurement, serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were recorded before the procedure and 1 and 6 mo after PTRA. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The mean age of study population was 55.87±11.85 years old and 67 (77.9%) of patients were male. There was a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP at 1 mo after the procedure: 170.15±20.10 mmHg vs 146.60±17.32 mmHg and 98.38±10.55 mmHg vs 89.88±9.22 mmHg respectively (P=0.0000). The reduction in BP was constant throughout the follow-up period and was evident 6 mo after the procedure: 144.23±18.19 and 88.26±9.79 mmHg respectively (P=0.0000). However, no improvement in renal function was observed at any time during the follow-up period. After multivariate analysis, we found male sex, low GFR (<60 mL/min) and higher baseline mean BP as a poor predictors of successful outcome on BP response after PTRA and stenting. CONCLUSION: The PTRA and stenting can be considered as an effective therapeutic intervention for improving BP control with minimal effect on renal function. The male sex, higher baseline BP and low GFR are associated with poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting.
文摘A weld joint is composed of three principal zones viz., base metal, Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), and weld zone. Thus, the variation in mechanical behavior exists not only among these zones, but also from point to point in each individual zone. Being destructive in nature, the conventional method of mechanical testing cannot successfully used to estimate the variation in the mechanical behavior at different zones of the weld joint. Moreover, the conventional method of mechanical testing cannot characterize the material using small amount of material. In this respect, Ball Indentation (BI) methodology was considered to be useful approach, since it can characterize the mechanical properties of a material using very small amount of material in non destructive manner. The present work is an attempt to characterize the variation in the mechanical properties among each zone (global variation), and from point to point in each zone (local variation) of the similar weld joint used in nuclear application using BI approach. For this purpose, the similar weld joint of two SS-304 LN pipe lines was investigated using BI approach.
文摘In this work, Automated Ball Indentation (ABI) technique is based on load controlled multiple indentations (at a single penetration location) of a polished surface by a spherical indenter (0.7 to 1.46 mm) and indentation depth is progressively increased to a maximum user specified limit with intermediate partial unloading. This technique permits measurement of yield strength, stress-strain curve, strength coefficient and strain hardening exponent. ABI Testing was carried out on samples of Zr-Nb2.5 (Pressure Tube Material) with different heat treatment conditions in which temperature was varying (550 degree to 900 degree and retention time was varying 0.5 to 6 hour and furnace cooled. For all these test material and conditions, the ABI derived results were in very good agreement with those from conventional standard test methods.
文摘Since their discovery over 100 years ago, sphingolipids have caught the eyes and the imagination of scientists.Modern science has made many new insights on the cell biology and day-to-day functions of many integral sphingolipids, especially those of ceramide. Ceramide is recognized as a vital second messenger in the signal transduction process mediated by receptors of many cytokines and growth factors.A great part of our current understanding of ceramide has been achieved from apoptosis-related studies, however recent data in the fields of immunology, endocrinology and neurobiology, also suggest a fundamental involvement of ceramide in the onset of diseases. Therefore, understanding the biology of ceramide could be a key to unraveling many biological mechanisms and provide information for the treatment of some common diseases.
基金Universiti Malaysia Pahang(UMP)for the financial support under Grant RDU192205 and RDU192403.
文摘The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy demand and mitigate the effect of global warming.Low-cost solar energy harvesting technologies are most feasible technologies.Various solar cells technologies have been developed with improved overall performance and conversion effi-ciency.However,due to low cost and a wide range of applications,dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)have been immensely focused on one of the most promising third-generation solar cells.The highest conversion efficiency of DSSC achieved after three decades of research is more than 14%,but the commercialization of this technology is still a challenge.In this review paper,an attempt has been made to present the comparison of different articles published,that gives the in-depth study of recent developments in various types of DSSCs based on architectural assembly and physical appearance.An overview of the limitations and challenges with their possible improvement strategies have also been discussed.This review paper concludes that appropriate selection of electrolytes dramatically affects the performance of DSSC,and quasi-solid-state electrolyte proves to be a better option.Besides,it also concludes that tandem structures are widely agreed with the approach to expand light utilization spectrum for an overall increase in its performance.However,still,the research is required,which could efficiently widen the applications of the DSSCs.
文摘Harar (Terminalia chebula), a large deciduous tree belongs to family combretaceae. It grows naturally in greater part of India up to 1500 m elevation. Due to several alkaloids present in fruit, it is used as laxative, purgative and astringent for curing a number of ailments. Keeping in view its medicinal and tanning properties, the authors have been working for the last two decades on various aspects like propagation and development of promising strains of harar. Grafting/budding techniques have been standardized to produce true to type precocious plants which bear flower in two to three years. However, flowering has been observed in three months old seedling, which can be ascribed to biochemical and/or cellular changes. Early flowering is a rare incidence in tree seedlings which otherwise could be very useful for breeding and early evaluation of fruit species.
文摘Phase change materials(PCMs)play a leading role in overcoming the growing need of advanced thermal management for the storage and release of thermal energy which is to be used for different solar applications.However,the effectiveness of PCMs is greatly affected by their poor thermal conductivity.Therefore,in the present review the progress made in deploying the graphene(Gr)in PCMs in the last decade for providing the solution to the aforementioned inadequacy is presented and discussed in detail.Gr and its derivatives((Gr oxide(GO),Gr aerogel(GA)and Gr nanoplatelets(GNPs))based PCMs can improve the thermal conductivity and shape stability,which may be attributed to the extra ordinary thermo-physical properties of Gr.Moreover,it is expected from this review that the advantages and disadvantages of using Gr nanoparticles provide a deep insight and help the researchers in finding out the exact basic properties and finally the applications of Gr can be enhanced.In this work,Gr and its derivatives based PCMs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray diffraction spectroscopy(XRD),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)by which crystal structure was known,phase was identified along with the knowledge of surface structure respectively.The increase in the mass fraction(%)of the filler(Gr and its derivatives)led to even better thermo-physical properties and thermal stability.The thermal characterization was also done by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),thermo gravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermal conductivity tests.The enthalpy of freezing and melting showed that Gr and its derivatives based PCMs had a very high energy storage capability as reflected in its various applications.
文摘In this work,element free Galerkin method(EFGM)has been used to obtain the solution of edge crack problem under mechanical loads as it provides a versatile technique to model static as well as moving crack problems without any requirement of remeshing.At first,some techniques are presented for enriching the EFG approximations near the crack tip such as extrinsic and intrinsic enrichment.Extrinsic enrichment involves the addition of solution form to the trial function,whereas the EFG basis is expanded to include few terms from crack tip solution in intrinsic enrichment.Apart from enrichment techniques,four basic techniques of smoothing meshless approximations near nonconvex boundaries are also presented such as diffraction,transparency,see through and wedge model.These techniques are then used for the parameteric analysis of an edge crack problem under mode-1 loading and results obtained using different approaches are compared with each other as well as with exact solution.Among these techniques,the extrinsic PU enrichment technique was found to be more accurate as compared to other approaches.Extrinsic PU enrichment technique has also been used for the analysis of a shear edge crack problem.In all these techniques,the value of mode-1 stress intensity factor and mode-2 stress intensity factor has been evaluated by interaction integral approach.Effect of crack orientation is also studied for different cases.
