Role of pinch in Argon impurity transport in ohmic discharges of Aditya-U Tokamak

We present experimental results of the trace argon impurity puffing in the ohmic plasmas of Aditya-U tokamak performed to study the argon transport behaviour. Argon line emissions in visible and Vacuum Ultra Violet (VUV) spectral ranges arising from the plasma edge and core respectively are measured simultaneously. During the experiments, space resolved brightness profile of Ar1+ line emissions at 472.69 nm (3p44s 2P3/2-3p44p 2D3/2), 473.59 nm (3p44s 4P5/2-3p44p 4P3/2), 476.49 nm (3p44s 2P1/2-3p44p 2P3/2), 480.60 nm (3p44s 4P5/2-3p44p 4P5/2) are recorded using a high resolution visible spectrometer. Also, a VUV spectrometer has been used to simultaneously observe Ar13+ line emission at 18.79 nm (2s22p 2P3/2-2s2p2 2P3/2) and Ar14+ line emission at 22.11 nm (2s2 1S0-2s2p 1P1). The diffusivity and convective velocity of Ar are obtained by comparing the measured radial emissivity profile of Ar1+ emission and the line intensity ratio of Ar13+ and Ar14+ ions, with those simulated using the impurity transport code, STRAHL. Argon diffusivities ~ 12 m2/s and ~ 0.3 m2/s have been observed in the edge (ρ > 0.85) and core region of the Aditya-U, respectively. The diffusivity values both in the edge and core region are found to be higher than the neo-classical values suggesting that the argon impurity transport is mainly anomalous in the Aditya-U tokamak. Also, an inward pinch of ~ 10 m/s mainly driven by Ware pinch is required to match the measured and simulated data. The measured peaked profile of Ar density suggests impurity accumulation in these discharges.

An efficient approach to extract nanocrystalline cellulose from sisal fibers: Structural, morphological, thermal and antibacterial analysis

Nanocellulose has been proposed by many researchers as a suitable bio-reinforcement material for the development of sustainable bio-nanocomposites in advanced applications due to its excellent properties. Conventional techniques for extracting nanocellulose from plant biomass are time-consuming and involve chemical wastage. This study aims to extract nanocellulose using simple processes with minimal consumption of chemicals in a minimum time. In the present work, cellulose nanocrystalline has been extracted from sisal fibers efficiently by chemical treatment assisted with steam explosion and mechanical grinding. The morphology of extracted sisal cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC-S) was analyzed by FESEM, whereas the DLS, TEM and AFM confirmed its nanosize. The average aspect ratio and zeta potential (ζ) of CNC-S were measured as 7.4 and -14.3 mV, respectively. The XRD analysis indicated that the crystallinity of the fibers considerably improved from 48.74 % for untreated fibers (UT-S) to 74.28 % for CNC-S. The chemical structure of the fibers was changed as hemicellulose and lignin were found to be eliminated after the chemical treatment which FTIR confirmed. From TGA-DTG results, it was observed that CNC-S has good thermal stability. It was also noticed that CNC-S did not show any antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus due to the complete removal of lignin. This study suggests that the present extraction process can be considered as an efficient process to convert fibers into high performance nanocellulose to be used as potential reinforcing material in advanced applications.

Hypoxia Sensing of β-Adrenergic Receptor Is Regulated by Endosomal PI3Kγ

BACKGROUND

Impaired beta-adrenergic receptor (β1 and β2AR) function following hypoxia underlies ischemic heart failure/stroke. Activation of PI3Kγ (phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ) by beta-adrenergic receptor leads to feedback regulation of the receptor by hindering beta-adrenergic receptor dephosphorylation through inhibition of PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A). However, little is known about PI3Kγ feedback mechanism in regulating hypoxia-mediated β1 and β2AR dysfunction and cardiac remodeling.

METHODS

Human embryonic kidney 293 cells or mouse adult cardiomyocytes and C57BL/6 (WT) or PI3Kγ knockout (KO) mice were subjected to hypoxia. Cardiac plasma membranes and endosomes were isolated and evaluated for β1 and β2AR density and function, PI3Kγ activity and β1 and β2AR-associated PP2A activity. Metabolic labeling was performed to assess β1 and β2AR phosphorylation and epinephrine/norepinephrine levels measured post-hypoxia.

RESULTS

Hypoxia increased β1 and β2AR phosphorylation, reduced cAMP, and led to endosomal accumulation of phosphorylated β2ARs in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and WT cardiomyocytes. Acute hypoxia in WT mice resulted in cardiac remodeling and loss of adenylyl cyclase activity associated with increased β1 and β2AR phosphorylation. This was agonist-independent as plasma and cardiac epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were unaltered. Unexpectedly, PI3Kγ activity was selectively increased in the endosomes of human embryonic kidney 293 cells and WT hearts post-hypoxia. Endosomal β1- and β2AR-associated PP2A activity was inhibited upon hypoxia in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and WT hearts showing regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors by PI3Kγ. This was accompanied with phosphorylation of endogenous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A whose phosphorylation by PI3Kγ inhibits PP2A. Increased β1 and β2AR-associated PP2A activity, decreased beta-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation, and normalized cardiac function was observed in PI3Kγ KO mice despite hypoxia. Compared to WT, PI3Kγ KO mice had preserved cardiac response to challenge with β1AR-selective agonist dobutamine post-hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Agonist-independent activation of PI3Kγ underlies hypoxia sensing as its ablation leads to reduction in β1- and β2AR phosphorylation and amelioration of cardiac dysfunction.

Pathological and molecular studies on elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus haemorrhagic disease among captive and free-range Asian elephants in India

In the present research pathology and molecular diagnosis of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus-haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) among Asian elephants was studied. Out of 76 cases, 20 were positive for EEHV infection in PANPOL and POL1 based semi-nested PCR. Out of 20 samples, 10 samples were fatal cases of EEHV-HD while 10 were of either subclinical or latent infection. Acute onset haemorrhagic disease with EEHV-HD had anorexia, facial and neck swelling, cyanotic buccal mucosa and tongue, nasal and ocular discharge, and colic. The hallmark of gross finding in all cases were severe haemorrhagic lesions in the internal organs viz. cyanosis of tongue with multifocal petechial haemorrhages, diffuse epicardial and endocardial haemorrhages, swollen liver (rounded edges) with parenchymal haemorrhages, serosal and mucosal haemorrhages in gastrointestinal tract, congested kidneys with corticomedullary haemorrhages, highly congested meninges, and brain capillaries with haemorrhages. Microscopic findings in all the cases had severe vascular changes in the visceral organs. Microthrombi was present in the vasculature of tongue, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and brain. The endothelial lining of most of the blood vessels were swollen with apoptotic changes. Amphophilic to basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the endothelial cells. Immunostaining using anti-EEHV DNAPOL hyperimmune sera revealed intense positive signals in the endothelium of blood vessels and their walls. Quantification of viral load in necropsy tissue samples revealed highest in the heart (7.4 × 10⁶/μg of sample) and least in the brain (9 × 10³/μg of sample). The PCR amplicons from EEHV1 specific genes (POL1(U38) and TER were subjected to partial genome sequencing which had 99.9% similarity with the EEHV1A subtype. It was concluded that Asian elephants in India are latently infected for EEHV1 and in all the fatal EEHV-HD cases, EEHV1A subtype was the causative agent with characteristic pathomorphological changes in visceral organs.

Investigating the effect of density variation on pitch angle scattering events of runaway electrons as observed through electron cyclotron emission diagnostic at Aditya-upgrade tokamak

Nascent observations about the influence of kinetic instabilities on electron cyclotron emission (ECE) from runaway electrons (REs) have been detected and explored at the Aditya-Upgrade (Aditya-U) tokamak. The developed broadband ECE radiometer system offers wideband measurements by integrating several radio frequency units with a fixed intermediate frequency receiver with multiple channels, which is a novel approach to meet the needs of the localized measurements at various toroidal fields and extend the system dynamic range. The low density (n_e ≤ 1 × 10^-19 m^-3) plasma discharges at Aditya-U are consistently accompanied by a 20%-40% increase in the ECE radiometer signal amplitude within 100 µs and sporadic step-like modulations. The Pitch Angle Scattering (PAS) of REs induced by kinetic instabilities is a potential candidate for their occurrence. This steep jump in the radiometer signals was detected due to its high temporal resolution of 10 µs. A "PREDICT" code that employs the relativistic test particle model validates these experimental findings of the radiometer diagnostic for the first time for Aditya-U tokamak. Preliminary observations of the ECE radiometer signals also show that additional gas puffs can be used to vary the trigger timings of such PAS events or even lead to their complete avoidance.

Large area multi-filamentary plasma source for large volume plasma device-upgrade

This paper discusses the salient features and plasma performance of the newly installed Large Area Multi-Filamentary Plasma Source (LAMPS) in large volume plasma device-upgrade. The plasma source is designed to exhibit a plasma electron density of ∼10¹⁸ m^-3, low electron temperature (∼eV), and a uniform plasma cross section of 2.54 m². The directly heated LAMPS emits accelerated primary energetic electrons when it is biased with a negative discharge voltage with respect to the anode. The hairpin shaped tungsten (W) filaments, each of diameter 0.5 mm and length 180 mm, are heated to a temperature of 2700 K by feeding ∼19.5A to each filament. The LAMPS consists of 162 numbers of filaments, and it has been successfully operated with a total investment of 50 kW of electrical power. The LAMPS as a laboratory plasma source is characterized by large operational life, ease of handling, better compatibility to high pressure conditions, and advantages over other contemporary plasma sources, viz., oxide coated cathodes, RF based sources, and helicon sources, when producing plasma over large cross sections and fill volumes. Pulsed argon plasma is produced with quiescence (δn_en_e≪1%) using LAMPS for the duration of 50 ms and a reasonably good radial uniformity (L_n = 210 cm) is achieved. Good axial uniformity is also observed over the entire length of the device. Initial measurements on plasma parameters have yielded plasma density of ∼2×10¹⁷m^-3 with existing set of filaments. A plasma density of ∼10¹⁸ m^-3 is envisaged for larger thickness of filaments, such as 0.75 and 1.0 mm, with the existing plasma source assembly setup.

Initial results from time-resolved LaBr based hard x-ray spectrometer for ADITYA-U tokamak

Runaway electrons (REs) are passively studied by hard x-ray (HX) emissions generated by REs. A LaBr₃(Ce) detector-based HX spectroscopic diagnostic (operational within ∼75 keV to 3.5 MeV) has been set up on the ADITYA-U. The diagnostic acquisition software utility is upgraded to obtain the temporal evolution of the HX spectrum to understand the RE energy distribution in plasma during its various phases. The peak position moves to lower energy for Ohmically heated discharges (200-80 keV), indicating a relative increase in the thermal particle content in the plasma. The peak position of RE energy shows a decreasing tendency with increasing n_e with Ne gas puffing and termination of the electron cyclotron resonance pulse.

Cardiac expression of microRNA-7 is associated with adverse cardiac remodeling

Although microRNA-7 (miRNA-7) is known to regulate proliferation of cancer cells by targeting Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERBB) family, less is known about its role in cardiac physiology. Transgenic (Tg) mouse with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of miRNA-7 was generated to determine its role in cardiac physiology and pathology. Echocardiography on the miRNA-7 Tg mice showed cardiac dilation instead of age-associated physiological cardiac hypertrophy observed in non-Tg control mice. Subjecting miRNA-7 Tg mice to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) resulted in cardiac dilation associated with increased fibrosis bypassing the adaptive cardiac hypertrophic response to TAC. miRNA-7 expression in cardiomyocytes resulted in significant loss of ERBB2 expression with no changes in ERBB1 (EGFR). Cardiac proteomics in the miRNA-7 Tg mice showed significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane structural proteins compared to NTg reflecting role of miRNA-7 beyond the regulation of EGFR/ERRB in mediating cardiac dilation. Consistently, electron microscopy showed that miRNA-7 Tg hearts had disorganized rounded mitochondria that was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings show that expression of miRNA-7 in the cardiomyocytes results in cardiac dilation instead of adaptive hypertrophic response during aging or to TAC providing insights on yet to be understood role of miRNA-7 in cardiac function.

Distribution and molecular characterisation of Lactobacilli in the oral cavity of children

Background

Dental caries is a chronic and multifactorial disease mainly caused by microorganisms that are accumulated on soft and hard tissues of oral cavity. Lactobacillus is one of that kind, produces acid after metabolic breakdown of dietary sugar and reduces the pH of oral environment, resulting in teeth demineralisation or dental caries.

Aim

The present study focuses on the distribution and characterisation of lactobacilli in the oral cavity of children which are associated with dental caries formation.

Methods

Total 116 swab samples were collected from different age groups of children by swabbing the caries surface of teeth. Physiological, morphological and biochemical characteristics of Lactobacillus were analysed. Whole cell protein profiling using SDS-PAGE was also performed for their characterisation. Molecular characterisation of selected isolates was done using 16S-rRNA sequencing for identification.

Results

Total 269 isolates were successfully isolated and identified by physiological and biochemical tests according to Bergey's Manual Systematic Bacteriology, which belongs to the seven species of Lactobacillus i.e., L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii, L. helveticus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. salivarius. All the isolates were further differentiated by whole cell proteins profiling and species level identification was done by 16S-rRNA gene sequencing method.

Conclusions

The present study, suggested that the occurrence of the species of Lactobacillus changes with the age of the individual, but L. rhamnosus (20.54%) and L. acidophilus (18.21%) were abundantly found in age group of 3-12 yr which could be the possible causative agent of dental caries formation in the children of Central India.

Sex Determination in Western Indian Population by Limb Measurements

For individual identification, the principal biological element is sex determination from disfigured and amputated limbs or body fragments in forensic investigation. Diverse dimensions and proportions affect the anthropometric assessment of sex in different populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2014 to June 2016 on five hundred and four healthy individuals of age-group 22-40 years of Western India to see the degree of sexual dimorphism in limb measurements. The forearm length, whole upper limb length, tibial length and whole lower limb length of both sides were measured by the universal anthropometric criteria. Demarking points, sexual dimorphism indices and discriminant functions were developed for each measurement. The sexual dimorphism was observed in all variables and males have a higher value than females (p<0.001). The tibial length showed the highest accuracy in sex determination and the highest sexual dimorphism, followed by whole lower limb length. The range of Cross-validated sex classification precision was between 58-90% for the individual variables, 91.7% for the stepwise method and 95.4% for all measurements taken together. The established prototypes delivered effective and consistent sex estimates with high precision rates and low prediction errors.

Respiratory syncytial virus induces β2-adrenergic receptor dysfunction in human airway smooth muscle cells

Pharmacologic agonism of the β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂AR) induces bronchodilation by activating the enzyme adenylyl cyclase to generate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). β₂AR agonists are generally the most effective strategy to relieve acute airway obstruction in asthmatic patients, but they are much less effective when airway obstruction in young patients is triggered by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Here, we investigated the effects of RSV infection on the abundance and function of β₂AR in primary human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) derived from pediatric lung tissue. We showed that RSV infection of HASMCs resulted in proteolytic cleavage of β₂AR mediated by the proteasome. RSV infection also resulted in β₂AR ligand-independent activation of adenylyl cyclase, leading to reduced cAMP synthesis compared to that in uninfected control cells. Last, RSV infection caused stronger airway smooth muscle cell contraction in vitro due to increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations. Thus, our results suggest that RSV infection simultaneously induces loss of functional β₂ARs and activation of multiple pathways favoring airway obstruction in young patients, with the net effect of counteracting β₂AR agonist-induced bronchodilation. These findings not only provide a potential mechanism for the reported lack of clinical efficacy of β₂AR agonists for treating virus-induced wheezing but also open the path to developing more precise therapeutic strategies.

Relationship of depth of invasion to survival outcomes and patterns of recurrence for T3 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Current research is elucidating how the addition of depth of invasion (DOI) to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma influences its prognostic accuracy. However, there is limited research on survival in pT3N0M0 oral tongue SCC (OTSCC) patients when stratifying by DOI.

OBJECTIVES

Determine 5-year overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with pT3N0M0 oral OTSCC based on shallow DOI (<10 mm) and deep DOI (10-20 mm).

METHODS

Retrospective review involving three tertiary care cancer centers in North America. cT3N0M0 OTSCC patients receiving primary surgical treatment from 2004 to 2018 were identified. Inclusion: age > 18 years old and confirmation of pT3N0M0 OTSCC on surgical pathology. Exclusion: patients undergoing palliative treatment or previous head and neck surgery/radiotherapy. Analysis comprised two groups: shallow pT3 (tumor diameter > 4 cm, DOI < 10 mm) and deep pT3 (DOI 10 mm-20 mm).

RESULTS

One hundred and four patients with pT3N0M0 OTSCC were included. Mean age was 59.1 years (range: 18-80.74). Age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Recurrence, LVI, PNI, and positive margins were more common in deep T3 tumors (P < 0.05). 5-year OS (50% vs 26%, p = 0.006) and CSS (72% vs 24%, p = 0.005) were worse in deep pT3 tumors. Deep pT3 disease was an independent predictor of OS (p = 0.004) and CSS (p = 0.01) on Cox-Regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

DOI is an independent predictor of poor survival in pT3N0M0 OTSCC patients. Consideration should be given to escalating adjuvant therapy for deep pT3N0M0 OTSCC patients.

Two-point versus three-point fixation in the management of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures: A comparative study

Introduction:

The zygoma plays an important role in the facial contour for both cosmetic and functional reasons; therefore, zygomatic bone injuries should be properly diagnosed and adequately treated. Comparison of various surgical approaches and their complications can only be done objectively using outcome measurements that require a protocol for management and long-term follow-up. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of zygomatic bone after treatment with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using two-point fixation and ORIF using three-point fixation and compare the outcome of two procedures.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients were randomly divided equally into two groups. In Group A, ten patients were treated by ORIF using two-point fixation by miniplates and in Group B, ten patients were treated by ORIF using three-point fixation by miniplates. They were evaluated with their advantages and disadvantages and the difference between the two groups was observed.

Results:

We found that postoperative facial and neurological complications are minimum in two-point fixation group. Based on this study, open reduction and internal fixation using two-point fixation by miniplates is sufficient and the best available treatment of choice for the management of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures.

Discussion:

Alignment of the fracture at three points and fixation at two stable points provide the most accurate and satisfactory postoperative results. Two-point interosseous fixation at the “buttress” fracture and the frontozygomatic (FZ) fracture is suitable for routine surgery. The results of these studies confirm with the present study that two-point fixation provided better stability in patients with clinical and radiological evidence of fracture in FZ and zygomaticomaxillary buttress area.

Potential of graphene-based materials to combat COVID-19: properties, perspectives, and prospects

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new virus in the coronavirus family that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerges as a big threat to the human race. To date, there is no medicine and vaccine available for COVID-19 treatment. While the development of medicines and vaccines are essentially and urgently required, what is also extremely important is the repurposing of smart materials to design effective systems for combating COVID-19. Graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) exhibit extraordinary physicochemical, electrical, optical, antiviral, antimicrobial, and other fascinating properties that warrant them as potential candidates for designing and development of high-performance components and devices required for COVID-19 pandemic and other futuristic calamities. In this article, we discuss the potential of graphene and GRMs for healthcare applications and how they may contribute to fighting against COVID-19.

Systems approach for assessment of maternal deaths in Rajasthan: A feasibility study

Background

High maternal mortality in the state like Rajasthan, which is at second rank in terms of high Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India, require concentrated efforts in this direction The objectives of this study were to assess the magnitude and trend of maternal death and underlying factors contributing to maternal deaths in Rajasthan and to identify barriers and challenges in reporting maternal deaths in Rajasthan.

Methods

Data related to maternal deaths, cause of deaths and live births were retrieved from official Government sources and MMR was calculated. To find out the underlying factors contributing to maternal deaths, Verbal Autopsies were conducted through household surveys. In-depth interviews of health care staff were conducted to carry out the 'SWOT' analysis in order to identify the barriers in reporting maternal deaths. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results

A total of 7185 maternal deaths were reported from Rajasthan in last five years. The mean age of mothers was 25.18±4.98 years. Haemorrhage were reported as most common cause of maternal death (17%) followed by Severe hypertension or fits (8%) and obstructed labour (2%). The median duration of hospital stay was 23 hours (IQR=7.5-70). Maximum deaths were reported during post-partum period (61%), while around one fourth of the deaths happened during delivery.

Conclusions

The discrepancies were observed in the reporting of number and causes of maternal deaths. The trend and forecasted figures were quite different from the published National and State level reports in this regard.

Key messages

need to streamline and strengthen the Maternal Deaths Surveillance and Response to track the number of deaths and get the exact information about the underlying factors contributing to them. Effective strategies can be developed to reduce the Maternal Deaths in the State.

Prolonged persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of asymptomatic infected individuals

BACKGROUND

Duration of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of infected individuals has important clinical and epidemiological implications.

AIM

We aimed to establish the duration and risk factors for persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of asymptomatic infected individuals.

METHODS

Data of repeat rRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test done for SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals at our institute at Jodhpur, India were analysed from 19 March to 21 May 2020. Duration of virus persistence was estimated with parametric regression models based on weibull, log-normal, log-logistic, gamma and generalized gamma distributions. Factors associated with prolonged viral persistence were analysed with the best-fitting model.

RESULTS

Fifty-one SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals with repeat rRT-PCR test were identified with 44 asymptomatics. The asymptomatic individuals had median virus persistence duration of 8.87 days (95% CI: 7.65-10.27) and 95 percentile duration of 20.70 days (95% CI: 16.08-28.20). The overall median virus persistence including both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals was found to be 9.18 days (95% CI: 8.04-10.48). Around one-fourth asymptomatics (10/44) demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 persistence beyond 2 weeks. Age <60 years and local transmission were found to be significantly associated with longer virus persistence among asymptomatic individuals on univariate regression but not in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Recommended home isolation duration for SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals in India should be extended from 17 days to at least 3 weeks. Prolonged persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in a considerable proportion of asymptomatic individuals merits attention with regard to ensuring universal infection prevention precautions irrespective of symptomatic status.

Abstract 407: Beta-blockers Reverse Beta Adrenergic Receptors Desensitization Under Hypoxia

Hypoxia to heart or brain is a primary cause of heart failure or stroke. Studies have shown that hypoxia increases the beta-adrenergic receptors (βARs) phosphorylation and dysfunction (Cheong et. al., 2016). These observations provide evidence that βARs can directly be regulated by hypoxia but less is known about the underlying mechanisms. We postulated that hypoxia shifts the homeostasis between kinase and phosphatase driven mechanisms may underlie βAR dysfunction. β2AR HEK 293 cells were exposed to hypoxia (2% O 2 ) and assessed the mechanisms underlying desensitization (G-protein coupled receptor kinases, GRKs) and resensitization (Protein phosphatase 2A, PP2A). Six hours of hypoxia treatment resulted in increase of βAR phosphorylation and GRK2 expression, and interestingly, the internalization of phosphorylated β2AR is β-arrestin independent. Assessment of βAR phosphorylation in the plasma membrane and endosomal fractions surprisingly, showed marked increase in β2AR phosphorylation in the endosomal fraction. Furthermore, we also observed that receptor associated PP2A activity was inhibited in the endosomes following hypoxia with minimal changes of activity at the plasma membranes. At the same time, PI3Kγ activity markedly upregulated in the endosomes along with an increase of I2PP2A phosphorylation. Similarly subjecting normal mice to 20 hours of hypoxia resulted in significant cardiac dysfunction (% FS: Normoxia 38.83% vs. Hypoxia 32.38%, P=0.0055; % EF: Normoxia 69.71% vs. Hypoxia 60.76%,P=0.0105) and was associated with significant increase in β2AR phosphorylation associated with significant loss in βAR function as measured by G-protein coupling adenylyl cyclase activity. Given that β-blockers confer beneficial effects, we tested whether β-blocker (propranolol) would prevent βARs phosphorylation under hypoxia or normoxia. Consistently, β-blocker treatment in normoxia results in increased β2AR phosphorylation however, remarkably β-blocker treatment in hypoxia results in loss of β2AR phosphorylation, reduction in GRK2 expression and increase in βAR-associated PP2A. These studies show that agonist-independent hypoxia-driven β2AR dysfunction can be ameliorated by β-blockers and the underlying mechanisms for this unexpected findings will be discussed in the presentation. These findings have significant clinical implications as understanding these mechanisms could provide novel insights into the benefits provided by β-blockers.

Structural, elastic, vibrational and optical properties of energetic material octanitrocubane studied from first-principles theory

We present a thorough density functional theory based computational study of crystalline properties of cubane caged potential energetic material octanitrocubane (ONC). As expected for a layered molecular solid, van der Waals corrections are inevitable and the same has been incorporated to capture the ground state properties more accurately. Study of Born effective charge and zone centered phonon frequencies using density functional perturbation theory reveals the important role of N2, N4 type nitrogen and associated oxygen atoms in contributing to the high intensity infrared modes. From the calculated electronic band structure we can conclude that ONC is an insulator with a band gap of 5.31 eV. The optical properties of ONC are found to be nearly isotropic in low energy region in spite of strong anisotropic crystal structure.

Phonons and oxygen diffusion in Bi2O3and (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3

We report investigation of phonons and oxygen diffusion in Bi2O3and (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3. The phonon spectra have been measured in Bi2O3at high temperatures up to 1083 K using inelastic neutron scattering.Ab initiocalculations have been used to compute the individual contributions of the constituent atoms in Bi2O3and (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3to the total phonon density of states. Our computed results indicate that as temperature is increased, there is a complete loss of sharp peak structure in the vibrational density of states.Ab initiomolecular dynamics simulations show that even at 1000 K in δ-phase Bi2O3, Bi-Bi correlations remain ordered in the crystalline lattice while the correlations between O-O show liquid like disordered behavior. In the case of (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3, the O-O correlations broadened at around 500 K indicating that oxygen conductivity is possible at such low temperatures in (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3although the conductivity is much less than that observed in the undoped high temperature δ-phase of Bi2O3. This result is consistent with the calculated diffusion coefficients of oxygen and observation by quasielastic neutron scattering experiments. Ourab initiomolecular dynamics calculations predict that macroscopic diffusion is attainable in (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3at much lower temperatures, which is more suited for technological applications. Our studies elucidate the easy directions of diffusion in δ-Bi2O3and (Bi0.7Y0.3)2O3.

GPCRs and Insulin Receptor Signaling in Conversation: Novel Avenues for Drug Discovery

Type 2 diabetes is a major health issue worldwide with complex metabolic and endocrine abnormalities. Hyperglycemia, defects in insulin secretion and insulin resistance are classic features of type 2 diabetes. Insulin signaling regulates metabolic homeostasis by regulating glucose and lipid turnover in the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Major treatment modalities for diabetes include the drugs from the class of sulfonyl urea, Insulin, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-IV inhibitors and Thiazolidinediones. Emerging antidiabetic therapeutics also include classes of drugs targeting GPCRs in the liver, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Interestingly, recent research highlights several shared intermediates between insulin and GPCR signaling cascades opening potential novel avenues for diabetic drug discovery.

Medullary thyroid cancer: an introduction

Medullary thyroid cancer (mtc) is a rare cancer, making up perhaps only a few percent of all thyroid cancers […]

Abstract 249: ERBB2 and beta-1-Adrenergic Receptor Cross-talk Underlies Cardiac Dysfunction

ERBB2 is a member of the EGFR growth factor receptor family and a primary target for anti-cancer treatment in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. ERBB2 targeting is known to cause cardiotoxicity, resulting in cardiac dilation while, less is understood about the underlying mechanisms. Studies have shown a direct co-relationship between beta2-adrenergic receptors (β2ARs) and ERBB2 in the cardiac hypertrophy wherein increased ERBB2 expression is associated with elevated β2ARs. Given the key role of β1ARs in cardiac function, we assessed potential cross-talk between ERBB2 and β1ARs. Towards this end, we have used a transgenic mouse model of cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of microRNA-7 (miR-7 Tg) that abrogates ERBB2 expression in the adult cardiomyocytes and associated with cardiac dilation. Radio-ligand binding in miR-7 Tg hearts showed selective increase in β1AR density with no changes in the β2ARs. In contrast, cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of ERBB2 results cardiac hypertrophy and is associated with significant increase in β2AR density with no changes in β1ARs. These observations show that ERBB2 expression may differentially regulate β1AR versus β2AR providing a unique role for ERBB2 in cardiac physiology. Further, ERBB2 expression is elevated in an age-dependent manner in C57BL6 mice that may account for hypertrophic response. Consistently, miR-7 Tg mice have age-dependent cardiac dilation consistent with the loss in the ERBB2 expression. To test for such a role, C57BL6 mice were administered vehicle, AG1875 (EGFR inhibitor) or AG825 (ERBB2 inhibitor) for two weeks to assess for changes in cardiac function. Administration of AG825 resulted significant cardiac dysfunction and dilation compared to AG1875 or vehicle controls, conferring the idea that inhibition of ERBB2 and not EGFR that mediates deleterious remodeling. Proteomic analysis showed dramatic differences in the associated proteins following AG825 compared to vehicle or AG1478 and our presentation will elucidate the results on how homeostatic ERBB2 signaling and expression is key for cardiac function and how chemotherapeutic inhibition of ERBB2 underlies deleterious pathways leading to cardiotoxicity.

Tests of General Relativity with GW170817

The recent discovery by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo of a gravitational wave signal from a binary neutron star inspiral has enabled tests of general relativity (GR) with this new type of source. This source, for the first time, permits tests of strong-field dynamics of compact binaries in the presence of matter. In this Letter, we place constraints on the dipole radiation and possible deviations from GR in the post-Newtonian coefficients that govern the inspiral regime. Bounds on modified dispersion of gravitational waves are obtained; in combination with information from the observed electromagnetic counterpart we can also constrain effects due to large extra dimensions. Finally, the polarization content of the gravitational wave signal is studied. The results of all tests performed here show good agreement with GR.

Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of “Phog”- Calligonum polygonoides L

Calligonum polygonoides (Phog) belongs to family Polygonaceae. It is a geographically widely distributed shrub seen from the arctic to the tropics. This endangered plant (included in Red data book of IUCN) is morphologically having stem with nodes and internodes, white flowers in spike inflorescence and needle like leaves. It is traditionally used to stabilize sand dunes, as fuel, and in treatment of heat-stroke by mixing with curd or “Rayata”. It is also reported as antidote for opium poisoning. Various phyto-chemicals present include butanolides- calligonolides A and B, various flavanoids like kaempferol, quercetin and their derivatives. Various steroidal compounds are reported in roots. Pharmacologicallly, its cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal and biosorbent potentials are reported by various researchers. Therefore, an attempt has been made to accumulate properties of this potential herb. Keywords: Calligonum, Phog, biosorbent, heat-stroke, calligonolides, kaempferol

Constraining the p-Mode-g-Mode Tidal Instability with GW170817

We analyze the impact of a proposed tidal instability coupling p modes and g modes within neutron stars on GW170817. This nonresonant instability transfers energy from the orbit of the binary to internal modes of the stars, accelerating the gravitational-wave driven inspiral. We model the impact of this instability on the phasing of the gravitational wave signal using three parameters per star: an overall amplitude, a saturation frequency, and a spectral index. Incorporating these additional parameters, we compute the Bayes factor (lnB_{!pg}^{pg}) comparing our p-g model to a standard one. We find that the observed signal is consistent with waveform models that neglect p-g effects, with lnB_{!pg}^{pg}=0.03_{-0.58}^{+0.70} (maximum a posteriori and 90% credible region). By injecting simulated signals that do not include p-g effects and recovering them with the p-g model, we show that there is a ≃50% probability of obtaining similar lnB_{!pg}^{pg} even when p-g effects are absent. We find that the p-g amplitude for 1.4  M_{⊙} neutron stars is constrained to less than a few tenths of the theoretical maximum, with maxima a posteriori near one-tenth this maximum and p-g saturation frequency ∼70  Hz. This suggests that there are less than a few hundred excited modes, assuming they all saturate by wave breaking. For comparison, theoretical upper bounds suggest ≲10^{3} modes saturate by wave breaking. Thus, the measured constraints only rule out extreme values of the p-g parameters. They also imply that the instability dissipates ≲10^{51}  erg over the entire inspiral, i.e., less than a few percent of the energy radiated as gravitational waves.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We present the first Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo search for ultracompact binary systems with component masses between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙} using data taken between September 12, 2015 and January 19, 2016. We find no viable gravitational wave candidates. Our null result constrains the coalescence rate of monochromatic (delta function) distributions of nonspinning (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.0×10^{6}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} and the coalescence rate of a similar distribution of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.9×10^{4}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} (at 90% confidence). Neither black holes nor neutron stars are expected to form below ∼1  M_{⊙} through conventional stellar evolution, though it has been proposed that similarly low mass black holes could be formed primordially through density fluctuations in the early Universe and contribute to the dark matter density. The interpretation of our constraints in the primordial black hole dark matter paradigm is highly model dependent; however, under a particular primordial black hole binary formation scenario we constrain monochromatic primordial black hole populations of 0.2  M_{⊙} to be less than 33% of the total dark matter density and monochromatic populations of 1.0  M_{⊙} to be less than 5% of the dark matter density. The latter strengthens the presently placed bounds from microlensing surveys of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) provided by the MACHO and EROS Collaborations.

GW170817: Measurements of Neutron Star Radii and Equation of State

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(ρ) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R_{1}=10.8_{-1.7}^{+2.0}  km for the heavier star and R_{2}=10.7_{-1.5}^{+2.1}  km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97  M_{⊙} as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R_{1}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km and R_{2}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(ρ) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5_{-1.7}^{+2.7}×10^{34}  dyn cm^{-2} at the 90% level.

Structural transformation, Griffiths phase and metal-insulator transition in polycrystalline Nd2-x Sr x NiMnO6 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 1) compound

Polycrystalline double perovskite Nd_2-x Sr _x NiMnO₆ (x  =  0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 1) samples were synthesized using the solid state reaction method. There occurs a structural transformation from monoclinic (P2₁/n, for x  =  0 to x  =  0.5) to cubic (Fm [Formula: see text] m, for x  =  1) with increasing Sr doping. Raman spectroscopy reveals the increase in static disorder with doping. The Curie temperature (T _C) shows a small increase from x  =  0 to 0.5 (T _C ~ 200 K), but for x  =  1, T _C increases drastically upto ~264 K. The deviation of 1/χ(T) from Curie-Weiss behaviour for doped samples with exponent less than one, indicates a development of the Griffiths phase with doping. The systematic reduction in magnetic moment at 5 K suggests an increase in anti-site disorders with doping. Mn 3s x-ray photoemission spectra show an increase in exchange splitting, indicating a decrease in the valency of Mn. The x-ray absorption spectra at Ni and Mn 2p edges show that the formal valence remains 2+  (Ni) and 4+  (Mn) for all the samples, with changes in spectral weights. Ni 2p x-ray photoemission spectra show characteristic feature similar to Ni³⁺ systems, only for x  =  1 sample. Our GGA-based calculations for the ordered supercell, predict half metallic character for doping (x  >  0) samples due to delocalization of Ni e_g orbitals. The calculations with anti-site disorders yield drastic reduction in Ni moments, with the disordered anti-ferromagnetic phase having lowest energy at maximum doping. Temperature dependent resistivity measurements exhibit a clear metallic region for x  =  0.2 sample, while for higher dopings (x  >  0.2), the metallicity gets suppressed due to increase in anti-site disorders in these samples.

Abstract 400: ERBB2 Inhibition Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction

Growth factor ERBB2 inhibition is a reliable treatment for patients diagnosed with breast cancer but is known to cause cardiotoxicity, resulting in dysfunction and dilation. In our studies, we have taken a unique approach with the premise that ERBB2 inhibitors like trastuzumab or pertuzumab binding to ERBB2 may lead to a conformation that could engage/activate non-canonical signals while inhibiting classical pathways. Such non-canonical activation of signals by inhibitor may be beneficial for treating cancer, while the same pathways could be detrimental in the cardiomyocytes. Our data is further suppored by the microRNA-7 Transgenic mice developed in our lab, which downregulates ERBB2 leading to cardiac dysfunction as seen by echocardiography. These studies will lay the foundation for developing strategies that could specifically block the deleterious effect of ERBB2 inhibitors on the heart. Moreover, administration of AG825 in mice for two weeks results in significant cardiac dysfunction and dilation compared to AG1875 or vehicle controls, conferring the idea that inhibition of ERBB2 and not EGFR that mediates deleterious remodeling. Furthermore, mitochondria morphology was also affected upon ERBB2 inhibition as seen in our microRNA-7 transgenic mice hearts as well as AG825 (ERBB2 inhibtor) treated mice in the electrom micrographs. We will also discuss the proteomics analysis in the ERBB2 inhibitor treated hearts, microRNA-7 Transgenic mice hearts, ERBB2 transgenic mice hearts as compared to the C57/BL6 wildtype hearts. Our studies therefore aims to target these non-canonical signals in the heart with an idea to insulate the heart from the deleterious effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract 579: Beta-blockers Regulate Hypoxia Sensing of Beta Adrenergic Receptors

Beta adrenergic receptors (βARs) are one of the most powerful regulators of cardiac function. Activation of βAR leads to phosphorylation by G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2 and β-arrestin binding resulting in desensitization. The phosphorylated βARs are resensitized by dephosphorylation by PP2A. Besides classical agonist activation, increasing evidence shows that βARs can be regulated by inflammation and oxidative stress. In this regard, we have shown that βARs can be regulated by hypoxia wherein hypoxia increases the β2AR phosphorylation and HIFα accumulation (Cheong et. al., 2016). However, the mechanisms of βARs regulation in hypoxia are not well understood and we postulated that shift in homeostasis existing between kinase and phosphatase driven mechanisms may underlie βAR dysfunction. To test this hypothesis, β2AR HEK 293 cells were exposed to hypoxia (2% O 2 ) and assessed the mechanisms underlying desensitization (kinases) and resensitization (PP2A). Our studies showed that 6 hours of hypoxia treatment resulted in increase of βAR phosphorylation and GRK2 expression. Assessment of βAR phosphorylation in the plasma membrane and endosomal fractions surprisingly, shoed marked increase in β2AR phosphorylation in the endosomal fraction. Furthermore, we also observed that receptor associated PP2A activity was reduced specifically in the endosomes with minimal changes of activity at the plasma membranes. Given that β-blockers confer beneficial effects, we tested whether β-blockers (propranolol or carvedilol) would prevent βARs phosphorylation under hypoxia or normoxia. Consistently, β-blocker treatment in normoxia results in increased β2AR phosphorylation. Remarkably β-blocker treatment in hypoxia results in loss of β2AR phosphorylation and reduction in GRK2 expression. These studies suggest agonist-independent hypoxia-driven β2AR dysfunction can be ameliorated by β-blockers and the underlying mechanisms driving this hypoxia mediated β2AR dysfunction will be discussed in the presentation. These unexpected findings have significant clinical implications given that hypoxia underlies stroke/myocardial infarction and understanding these mechanisms could provide novel insights into the benefits provided by β-blockers.

Search for Tensor, Vector, and Scalar Polarizations in the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background

The detection of gravitational waves with Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo has enabled novel tests of general relativity, including direct study of the polarization of gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for only two tensor gravitational-wave polarizations, general metric theories can additionally predict two vector and two scalar polarizations. The polarization of gravitational waves is encoded in the spectral shape of the stochastic gravitational-wave background, formed by the superposition of cosmological and individually unresolved astrophysical sources. Using data recorded by Advanced LIGO during its first observing run, we search for a stochastic background of generically polarized gravitational waves. We find no evidence for a background of any polarization, and place the first direct bounds on the contributions of vector and scalar polarizations to the stochastic background. Under log-uniform priors for the energy in each polarization, we limit the energy densities of tensor, vector, and scalar modes at 95% credibility to Ω_{0}^{T}<5.58×10^{-8}, Ω_{0}^{V}<6.35×10^{-8}, and Ω_{0}^{S}<1.08×10^{-7} at a reference frequency f_{0}=25  Hz.

Phonons, phase transitions and thermal expansion in LiAlO2: an ab initio density functional study

We have used the ab initio density functional theory technique to understand the phase transitions and structural changes in various high temperature/pressure phases of LiAlO₂. The electronic band structure as well as phonon spectra is calculated for various phases as a function of pressure. The phonon entropy used for the calculations of Gibbs free energy is found to play an important role in the phase stability and phase transitions among various phases. A sudden increase in the polyhedral bond lengths (Li/Al-O) signifies the change from the tetrahedral to octahedral geometry at high-pressure phase transitions. The activation energy barrier for the high-pressure phase transitions is calculated. The phonon modes responsible for the phase transition (upon heating) from high pressure phases to ambient pressure phases are identified. Moreover, ab initio lattice dynamics calculations in the framework of quasi-harmonic approximations are used to study the anisotropic thermal expansion behavior of γ-LiAlO₂.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Resensitization Paradigms

Cellular responses to extracellular milieu/environment are driven by cell surface receptors that transmit the signal into the cells resulting in a synchronized and measured response. The ability to provide such exquisite responses to changes in external environment is mediated by the tight and yet, deliberate regulation of cell surface receptor function. In this regard, the seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors that regulate responses like cardiac contractility, vision, and olfaction including platelet activation. GPCRs regulate these plethora of events through GPCR-activation, -desensitization, and -resensitization. External stimuli (ligands or agonists) activate GPCR initiating downstream signals. The activated GPCR undergoes inactivation or desensitization by phosphorylation and binding of β-arrestin resulting in diminution of downstream signals. The desensitized GPCRs are internalized into endosomes, wherein they undergo dephosphorylation or resensitization by protein phosphatase to be recycled back to the cell membrane as naïve GPCR ready for the next wave of stimuli. Despite the knowledge that activation, desensitization, and resensitization shoulder an equal role in maintaining GPCR function, major advances have been made in understanding activation and desensitization compared to resensitization. However, increasing evidence shows that resensitization is exquisitely regulated process, thereby contributing to the dynamic regulation of GPCR function. In recognition of these observations, in this chapter we discuss the key advances on the mechanistic underpinning that drive and regulate GPCR function with a focus on resensitization.

GW170817: Implications for the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Compact Binary Coalescences

The LIGO Scientific and Virgo Collaborations have announced the event GW170817, the first detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of two neutron stars. The merger rate of binary neutron stars estimated from this event suggests that distant, unresolvable binary neutron stars create a significant astrophysical stochastic gravitational-wave background. The binary neutron star component will add to the contribution from binary black holes, increasing the amplitude of the total astrophysical background relative to previous expectations. In the Advanced LIGO-Virgo frequency band most sensitive to stochastic backgrounds (near 25 Hz), we predict a total astrophysical background with amplitude Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.8_{-1.3}^{+2.7}×10^{-9} with 90% confidence, compared with Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.1_{-0.7}^{+1.2}×10^{-9} from binary black holes alone. Assuming the most probable rate for compact binary mergers, we find that the total background may be detectable with a signal-to-noise-ratio of 3 after 40 months of total observation time, based on the expected timeline for Advanced LIGO and Virgo to reach their design sensitivity.

Is amalgamated ligno-bupivacaine an answer to complicated minor oral surgical anesthesia? A randomized split-mouth double-blind clinical trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to find a suitable anesthetic combination for complicated and protracted minor oral surgical procedures.

METHODS

Fifty patients with bilaterally impacted deep-seated mandibular third molars were included in this study and randomly divided on the basis of anesthetic used into two groups. Group A received 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline while in group B, amalgamated mixture of 2% lignocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine was used. The onset time, duration of anesthetic effect, supplementary injections, pain (during local anesthetic deposition, intra and postoperatively), and postoperative analgesia were the study parameters. Chi-square and unpaired t tests were used to compare means.

RESULTS

The onset time in both the groups was comparable and showed statistically significant difference between the duration of anesthetic effect with notable requirement of supplemental anesthetic injections in group A (54%) (p < 0.05). Pain scores also revealed a statistically significant intergroup difference (p < 0.05). Requirement of postoperative analgesics was delayed in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The amalgamated mixture of lignocaine and bupivacaine had equivocally rational onset and provided a more profound and in-depth anesthesia especially in complicated and protracted minor oral surgical procedures. Though this mixture is widely used in other surgical fields, its efficacy still remains unexploited and undocumented in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.

First Search for Nontensorial Gravitational Waves from Known Pulsars

We present results from the first directed search for nontensorial gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for tensorial (plus and cross) modes only, a generic metric theory may, in principle, predict waves with up to six different polarizations. This analysis is sensitive to continuous signals of scalar, vector, or tensor polarizations, and does not rely on any specific theory of gravity. After searching data from the first observation run of the advanced LIGO detectors for signals at twice the rotational frequency of 200 known pulsars, we find no evidence of gravitational waves of any polarization. We report the first upper limits for scalar and vector strains, finding values comparable in magnitude to previously published limits for tensor strain. Our results may be translated into constraints on specific alternative theories of gravity.

A prospective randomized trial comparing capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy with 5-FU-based chemoradiotherapy in neoadjuvant setting in locally advanced carcinoma rectum

INTRODUCTION

Fluorouracil (FU)based chemoradiotherapy is regarded as a standard perioperative treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer. Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine that generates 5FU preferentially at the tumor site by exploiting the higher activity of the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase in tumor tissue compared with healthy tissue. As an oral agent, capecitabine can be administered in the outpatient setting, potentially providing FU exposure similar to a lowdose continuous infusion of 5FU.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To compare capecitabine with 5FU, with regard to efficacy and toxicity when used in neoadjuvant setting along with radiotherapy for locally advanced carcinoma rectum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients were enrolled, 14 in 5FU and 16 in capecitabine arm. All patients were planned for 45 Gy/25#/5 weeks pelvic radiotherapy followed by a boost of 5.4 Gy/3#/3 days. 5FU was prescribed at a dose of 500 mg/m2 #1-#5 and #21-#25 of RT and capecitabine was given at 1650 mg/m2 on RT days throughout the course of radiotherapy. A magnetic resonance imaging/computerized tomography scan was done at the start of treatment and 1 month after completion of treatment, followed by surgery. Toxicity was assessed weekly during treatment and on the first followup.

RESULTS

Response rates and toxicity profile of capecitabinebased cathode ray tube (CRT) was similar to 5FUbased CRT with nonsignificant P values.

CONCLUSION

Capecitabine may be used as an alternative in patients who do not tolerate 5FU.

GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral

On August 17, 2017 at 12∶41:04 UTC the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors made their first observation of a binary neutron star inspiral. The signal, GW170817, was detected with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 32.4 and a false-alarm-rate estimate of less than one per 8.0×10^{4}  years. We infer the component masses of the binary to be between 0.86 and 2.26  M_{⊙}, in agreement with masses of known neutron stars. Restricting the component spins to the range inferred in binary neutron stars, we find the component masses to be in the range 1.17-1.60  M_{⊙}, with the total mass of the system 2.74_{-0.01}^{+0.04}M_{⊙}. The source was localized within a sky region of 28  deg^{2} (90% probability) and had a luminosity distance of 40_{-14}^{+8}  Mpc, the closest and most precisely localized gravitational-wave signal yet. The association with the γ-ray burst GRB 170817A, detected by Fermi-GBM 1.7 s after the coalescence, corroborates the hypothesis of a neutron star merger and provides the first direct evidence of a link between these mergers and short γ-ray bursts. Subsequent identification of transient counterparts across the electromagnetic spectrum in the same location further supports the interpretation of this event as a neutron star merger. This unprecedented joint gravitational and electromagnetic observation provides insight into astrophysics, dense matter, gravitation, and cosmology.

GW170814: A Three-Detector Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Coalescence

On August 14, 2017 at 10∶30:43 UTC, the Advanced Virgo detector and the two Advanced LIGO detectors coherently observed a transient gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar mass black holes, with a false-alarm rate of ≲1 in 27 000 years. The signal was observed with a three-detector network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 18. The inferred masses of the initial black holes are 30.5_{-3.0}^{+5.7}M_{⊙} and 25.3_{-4.2}^{+2.8}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The luminosity distance of the source is 540_{-210}^{+130}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift of z=0.11_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. A network of three detectors improves the sky localization of the source, reducing the area of the 90% credible region from 1160   deg^{2} using only the two LIGO detectors to 60  deg^{2} using all three detectors. For the first time, we can test the nature of gravitational-wave polarizations from the antenna response of the LIGO-Virgo network, thus enabling a new class of phenomenological tests of gravity.

Abstract 103: Role of miRNA-7 in Cardiac Function

Studies in cancer have established clearly the role of epidermal growth factors receptors as targets of microRNA-7 (miR-7) but there are no studies so far to elucidate the role and function of miR-7 in human heart. Our studies show that ERBB2 (a member of epidermal growth factors receptor family) is targeted by miR-7 in human heart failure as well as in mice hearts undergoing stress. In order to understand the role of miR-7 in the heart, we generated miR-7 transgenic (Tg) mice with cardiac myocyte-specific overexpression of miR-7. miR-7 Tg mice have age dependent deterioration in cardiac dysfunction associated with cardiac dilation as measured by echocardiography (3 months - 60% FS, 6 month -52% FS and 12 months - 24%FS) and yet, they survive well for more than a year. To investigate whether pathological stress would accelerate the deterioration in cardiac function, miR-7 Tg mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for two weeks. In contrast to the wild type littermates which undergo hypertrophic response following TAC, miR-7 Tg mice have accelerated cardiac dysfunction and dilation within two weeks. Histological analysis shows increased fibrosis in miR-7 Tg mice hearts as shown by Picro Sirius red and Meson Trichome staining which is further accelerated after TAC stress in hearts of the miR-7 Tg mice as compared to their sham controls. We also find that there is a difference in the mitochondrial morphology and structure in miR-7 Tg mice as compared to Wildtype controls as seen by transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) explaining the reason for deteriorated cardiac function in terms of energy generation. Our study will discuss the mechanism underlying the deteriorated cardiac function in the miR-7 Tg mice after pathological stress as compared to wildtype littermates.

GW170104: Observation of a 50-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence at Redshift 0.2

We describe the observation of GW170104, a gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of a pair of stellar-mass black holes. The signal was measured on January 4, 2017 at 10∶11:58.6 UTC by the twin advanced detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory during their second observing run, with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 13 and a false alarm rate less than 1 in 70 000 years. The inferred component black hole masses are 31.2_{-6.0}^{+8.4}M_{⊙} and 19.4_{-5.9}^{+5.3}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The black hole spins are best constrained through measurement of the effective inspiral spin parameter, a mass-weighted combination of the spin components perpendicular to the orbital plane, χ_{eff}=-0.12_{-0.30}^{+0.21}. This result implies that spin configurations with both component spins positively aligned with the orbital angular momentum are disfavored. The source luminosity distance is 880_{-390}^{+450}  Mpc corresponding to a redshift of z=0.18_{-0.07}^{+0.08}. We constrain the magnitude of modifications to the gravitational-wave dispersion relation and perform null tests of general relativity. Assuming that gravitons are dispersed in vacuum like massive particles, we bound the graviton mass to m_{g}≤7.7×10^{-23}  eV/c^{2}. In all cases, we find that GW170104 is consistent with general relativity.

Investigating anomalous thermal expansion of copper halides by inelastic neutron scattering and ab initio phonon calculations

We investigate the detailed lattice dynamics of copper halides, CuX (X = Cl, Br, and I), using neutron inelastic scattering measurements and ab initio calculations aimed at a comparative study of their thermal expansion behavior. We identify the low energy phonons which soften with pressure and are responsible for negative thermal expansion. The eigenvector analysis of these modes suggests that softening of the transverse-acoustic modes would lead to NTE in these compounds. The calculations are in very good agreement with our measurements of phonon spectra and thermal expansion behavior as reported in the literature. Our calculations at high pressure further reveal that a large difference in negative thermal expansion behavior in these compounds is associated with the difference in the unit cell volume.

Upper Limits on the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

A wide variety of astrophysical and cosmological sources are expected to contribute to a stochastic gravitational-wave background. Following the observations of GW150914 and GW151226, the rate and mass of coalescing binary black holes appear to be greater than many previous expectations. As a result, the stochastic background from unresolved compact binary coalescences is expected to be particularly loud. We perform a search for the isotropic stochastic gravitational-wave background using data from Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory's (aLIGO) first observing run. The data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. We constrain the dimensionless energy density of gravitational waves to be Ω_{0}<1.7×10^{-7} with 95% confidence, assuming a flat energy density spectrum in the most sensitive part of the LIGO band (20-86 Hz). This is a factor of ∼33 times more sensitive than previous measurements. We also constrain arbitrary power-law spectra. Finally, we investigate the implications of this search for the background of binary black holes using an astrophysical model for the background.

Directional Limits on Persistent Gravitational Waves from Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We employ gravitational-wave radiometry to map the stochastic gravitational wave background expected from a variety of contributing mechanisms and test the assumption of isotropy using data from the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory's (aLIGO) first observing run. We also search for persistent gravitational waves from point sources with only minimal assumptions over the 20-1726 Hz frequency band. Finding no evidence of gravitational waves from either point sources or a stochastic background, we set limits at 90% confidence. For broadband point sources, we report upper limits on the gravitational wave energy flux per unit frequency in the range F_{α,Θ}(f)<(0.1-56)×10^{-8}    erg cm^{-2} s^{-1} Hz^{-1}(f/25  Hz)^{α-1} depending on the sky location Θ and the spectral power index α. For extended sources, we report upper limits on the fractional gravitational wave energy density required to close the Universe of Ω(f,Θ)<(0.39-7.6)×10^{-8}  sr^{-1}(f/25  Hz)^{α} depending on Θ and α. Directed searches for narrowband gravitational waves from astrophysically interesting objects (Scorpius X-1, Supernova 1987 A, and the Galactic Center) yield median frequency-dependent limits on strain amplitude of h_{0}<(6.7,5.5,  and  7.0)×10^{-25}, respectively, at the most sensitive detector frequencies between 130-175 Hz. This represents a mean improvement of a factor of 2 across the band compared to previous searches of this kind for these sky locations, considering the different quantities of strain constrained in each case.