Two-step hybrid calibration of remote microphones.

A two-step, hybrid procedure to calibrate the remote microphones is presented. The calibration obtained in this manner can be directly applied to the measured pressure spectrum without resorting to any modeling or assumptions about the shape of the calibration curve. To demonstrate an application of the methodology, measurements of wall pressure fluctuations underneath a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer were made. The calibrated pressure spectrum is shown to be qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with previous experimental studies and an empirical model, indicating the accuracy of the hybrid calibration technique.

Diversity of cellulolytic microbes and the biodegradation of municipal solid waste by a potential strain.

Municipal solid waste contains high amounts of cellulose, which is an ideal organic waste for the growth of most of microorganism as well as composting by potential microbes. In the present study, Congo red test was performed for screening of microorganism, and, after selecting a potential strains, it was further used for biodegradation of organic municipal solid waste. Forty nine out of the 250 different microbes tested (165 belong to fungi and 85 to bacteria) produced cellulase enzyme and among these Trichoderma viride was found to be a potential strain in the secondary screening. During the biodegradation of organic waste, after 60 days, the average weight losses were 20.10% in the plates and 33.35% in the piles. There was an increase in pH until 20 days. pH however, stabilized after 30 days in the piles. Temperature also stabilized as the composting process progressed in the piles. The high temperature continued until 30 days of decomposition, after which the temperature dropped to 40°C and below during the maturation. Good quality compost was obtained in 60 days.

Optimization for the production of cellulase enzyme from municipal solid waste residue by two novel cellulolytic fungi.

The main purpose of this study is to reduce the production cost of cellulase by optimizing the production medium and using an alternative carbon source such as municipal solid waste residue. In the present investigation, we aim to isolate the two novel cellulase producing fungi (Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma sp.) from municipal solid waste. Municipal solid waste residue (4-5% (w/v)) and peptone and yeast extract (1.0% (w/v)) were found to be the best combination of carbon and nitrogen sources for the production of cellulase by A. niger and Trichoderma sp. Optimum temperature and pH of the medium for the cellulase production by A. niger were 40°C and 6-7, whereas those for the production of cellulase by Trichoderma sp. were 45°C and 6.5. Cellulase production from A. niger and Trichoderma sp. can be an advantage as the enzyme production rate is normally higher as compared to other fungi.

Is slow follicular growth the cause of silent estrus in water buffaloes?

The present experiment was conducted to study the growth profile of the ovulatory follicle in relation to the expression of estrus following administration of PGF(2alpha) to subestrus buffaloes. After detection of a mature corpus luteum by examination per rectum, confirmed by ultrasound scanning, subestrus buffaloes (n=20) were treated (Day 0) with single dose of Dinoprost tromethamin (25 mg, i.m.). Blood samples were collected at 0, 24 and 48 h after treatment for estimation of plasma progesterone concentration. Growth profile of the ovulatory follicle was monitored daily through ultrasound scanning starting from Day 0 until ovulation and the regression profile of CL was monitored at 0, 24 and 48 h of treatment. Estrus was detected by exposure to a fertile buffalo bull three times a day until expression of overt estrus or ovulation. Behavioral estrus was recorded in 14 animals and 6 animals ovulated silently. Sixteen animals including six animals with silent estrus ovulated from the dominant follicle present at treatment (Group A) and remaining four animals ovulated from the dominant follicle of succeeding follicular wave (Group B). The intervals from treatment to estrus (6.5+/-0.25 versus 3.2+/-0.27 days, P<0.001) and treatment to ovulation (7.5+/-0.25 versus 5.4+/-0.46 days, P<0.005) were significantly longer in animals of Group B compared with animals of Group A. Significant differences were observed in growth profile of the ovulatory follicle between animals of Groups A and B with respect to size of the follicle on Day 0 (9.8+/-0.7 versus 5.3+/-0.45 mm, P<0.001), daily growth rate (0.97+/-0.07 versus 1.6+/-0.2 mm/day, P<0.01) and increase in diameter (4.1+/-0.6 versus 7.8+/-0.7 mm, P<0.01). The animals with silent estrus (subgroup A-2) had significantly smaller diameter of the ovulatory follicle on Day 0 (7.7+/-0.4 versus 11.0+/-0.7 mm, P<0.005), its daily growth rate was significantly slower (0.7+/-0.02 versus 1.1+/-0.1 mm/day, P<0.01) and they recorded significantly longer interval from treatment to ovulation (7.3+/-0.56 versus 4.2+/-0.27 days, P<0.001) compared with the animals that showed overt estrus (subgroup A-1). The corpus luteum area (CL area) and plasma progesterone (P(4)) concentration declined continuously from 0 to 48 h after PGF(2alpha) treatment in the animals of both the Groups A and B. Non-significant differences were observed in mean CL area and plasma P(4) concentration at 0, 24 and 48 h post-treatment between animals of Groups A and B and also between animals of subgroups A-1 and A-2. The small size and the slow growth rate of the ovulatory follicle were identified as the possible cause of silent estrus in subestrus buffaloes after PGF(2alpha) treatment.

Is one-wave follicular growth during the estrous cycle a usual phenomenon in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)?

The pattern of growth and regression of ovarian follicles was monitored once daily for one complete estrous cycle in eight individual water buffaloes by ultrasonographic scanning of the ovaries for an entire interovulatory interval of normal cycle length. One-wave follicular growth was observed in five animals and two-wave follicular growth in three buffaloes during the estrous cycle. The first follicular wave of a two-wave cycle emerged significantly earlier (P < 0.05) than the emergence of the solitary wave of a one-wave cycle. One- and two-wave cycles differed significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to the mean interovulatory interval (21.0 +/- 0.54 days versus 22.7 +/- 0.33 days) and the mean interestrus interval (20.8 +/- 0.58 days versus 22.3 +/- 0.66 days). The overall linear growth rate of the ovulatory follicle was significantly greater (P < 0.01) in a two-wave cycle compared to that of a one-wave cycle (1.17 +/- 0.33 mm/day versus 0.32 +/- 0.01 mm/day). In a one-wave pattern, the growth profile of the solitary dominant follicle was atypical, showing three distinct phases, i.e. growth phase, regression phase and regrowth phase culminating in ovulation. The level of plasma progesterone steadily increased from day 0 of estrous cycle, attained peak level on day 14 and declined thereafter. A slower growth rate of the dominant follicle was observed in the presence of higher plasma progesterone concentration. The present study shows that one-wave follicular growth is a normal phenomenon in suckled water buffaloes.

Persistence and degradation of metalaxyl, mancozeb fungicides and its metabolite ethylenethiourea in soils.

The degradation pattern of metalaxyl, mancozeb and its metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU) residues indicated a close correspondence to first order exponential degradation kinetics in soils. Degradation of fungicides in soils was predominantly biological as well as chemical in nature. Slower degradation ofmetalaxyl was noticed in the soils and their half-life values were higher than mancozeb and ETU as evident by wide range of half-life values from 41.24 to 165.11 days. In case of metalaxyl, Hiriyur soil was found to be superior in degrading the metalaxyl. Lower persistence of mancozeb and ETU was observed in soils resulting in rapid rate of degradation at smaller half-life values as compared to metalaxyl indicating the faster degradation of mancozeb and ETU. In mancozeb applied soils, the ETU formation was increased up to 30 days of incubation and thereafter it declined. Amongsoils, degradation of either mancozeb or ETU is not influenced by soil types. However, mancozeb persistence was higher in Hiriyur soils than Chettalli and Bangalore soils.

Multifocal musculoskeletal tuberculosis in children: appearances on computed tomography.

PURPOSE AND PATIENTS: The incidence of skeletal tuberculosis (TB), which once accounted for a majority of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, has fallen significantly in recent years with the advent of effective drug therapy. Disseminated bone involvement in TB is very uncommon but it may still occur in countries where TB is endemic. We present the imaging findings of four children ranging in age from 2 to13 years, each of whom had multiple osseous stigmata of tuberculous infection. They presented to us over a period of 9 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Three of four children had calvarial lesions, with involvement of the bony orbit in one, and large abscesses were present in the chest wall and the mediastinum of another. Lesions along the dorsal spine were demonstrated in three cases, two of which showed epidural extensions. Bone lesions in the thoracic cage accompanying those in the spine were also seen in two children, one of whom had a solitary destructive focus in a rib distant from the site of vertebral involvement. Bone lesions involving the first metacarpal in one case and the scapular wing in two others are also described. The diagnosis in each of the cases was confirmed by the identification of epitheloid giant cells and caseous necrosis or tubercle bacilli in fine needle aspirates or on tissue culture studies.

Fetus in fetu. Rare cause of a lump in an adult's abdomen.

Fetus in fetu is a rare entity. The patient usually presents in childhood. A case in which the patient presented in adulthood, with a lump in the abdomen, is reported. Computed tomography findings were diagnostic of this condition and a prospective diagnosis could be made. Computed tomography also helped to differentiate it from mature teratoma.

Imaging findings in rabies encephalitis.

SUMMARY: Rabies encephalitis is perhaps one of the few infectious diseases that command attention and fear not only from the layman but also from physicians. The unique mode of transmission, the virtually exclusive neurotransmission shown by the agent, and the complete hopelessness of the established disease sets rabies apart from other zoonoses transmitted to man. Rabies encephalitis is a fatal disease and its diagnosis is usually based on the clinical presentations and findings. Hence, imaging in rabies is seldom done, and imaging findings in rabies encephalitis have rarely been described. We present the imaging findings in two confirmed cases of rabies encephalitis in which antemortem diagnosis was obtained by corneal impression smears showing the presence of viral antigens. The differential diagnosis of the imaging findings as well as the role and the relevance of imaging in the diagnosis of this disease are discussed. The current literature on the subject is also reviewed.

Cerebral cryptococcosis: atypical appearances on CT.

Cryptococcal infection is common in immunocompromised patients, often presenting with meningitis or meningoencephalitis. We report an unusual presentation of cryptococcal infection in an immunocompetent patient presenting with headache and hemiplegia. CT demonstrated a large ring-enhancing lesion in the parietal region with intralesional calcification.

Genetic heterogeneity in the Indian Mus musculus.

This study deals with the characterization of 10 populations of M. musculus from different geographical locations in India. The genetics of Indian wild mice has been completely obscure and this is the first report on allozyme variations in the natural population. We have used a set of 24 biochemical genetic markers to measure levels of diversity within and among populations. The allelic frequency data indicate extreme genetic variability, which is further enhanced by the presence of novel alleles. Overall the species shows a high level of heterogeneity. The highly polymorphic central populations of M. musculus cannot be assigned to any one particular subspecies. The allelic profiles, however, indicate a gradual differentiation toward the castaneus and batcrianus subspecies lineages.

Short communication: Protoplast formation from the thermophilic fungus Malbranchea sulfurea, using the thermostable chitinase and laminarinase of Paecilomyces varioti.

Two thermostable enzymes produced by the thermophilic fungus Paecilomyces varioti, a chitinase and laminarinase, were used to isolate protoplasts of a thermophilic fungus, Malbranchea sulfurea. The frequency of protoplast regeneration observed (35%) was considerably higher than that obtained using commercial lytic enzymes.

Metabolic changes induced by organophosphates in the piscine organs.

Two common fish of commercial importance viz., Channa punctatus and Heteropneustes fossilis were exposed to sublethal concentrations of malathion and dimethoate (rogor). The exposure to malathion showed a gradual decrease in glycogen content in the liver and kidney of C. punctatus whereas the cholesterol level was increased. The protein content decreased initially, but thereafter a gradual increase was observed. However, in the exposure of H. fossilis to dimethoate, there was an increase in the glycogen content both in the liver and kidney during the second week. Thereafter a decrease was noted. The protein content showed insignificant changes. The specific activity of SDH showed a sharp rise initially for 2 weeks followed by a steep decline in both the tissues. The significance of these results are discussed in light of piscine metabolism.