A ProspectIve, OpeN-Label, Randomized Study Comparing EffIcacy and Safety of Teneligliptin VErsus Sitagliptin in Indian Patients with Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: INSITES Study.

BACKGROUND: Teneligliptin is widely prescribed dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) in India because of its economical pricing. However, there is no headto-head trial comparing teneligliptin with any other DPP-4i in Indian setting. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin versus sitagliptin as add-on to metformin and/or sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This prospective, open-label, randomized, active-controlled study enrolled 76 patients (1:1) at 2 centres. Patients received teneligliptin 20 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks as add-on to ongoing metformin or sulfonylurea therapy. Primary endpoint was mean change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline at week 12. RESULTS: Both arms were comparable (p>0.05) at baseline in terms of age, gender, metformin daily dose, sulfonylurea use, HbA1c, fasting and postprandial blood glucose (FBG and PPBG). At the end of 12 weeks, statistically significant reductions were observed in both teneligliptin and sitagliptin arms in HbA1c (-1.19 ± 1.16% p<0.0001 and -0.92 ± 0.95%, p<0.0001), in FBG (-28.3 ± 63.0 mg/dL, p= 0.01 and -22.9 ± 47.4 mg/dL, p=0.006) and PPBG (-41.3 ± 85.4 mg/dL, p=0.006 and -54.7 ± 85.6 mg/dL, p=0.0005). The reductions in all glycemic parameters were similar between the arms. Both gliptins were well-tolerated with no difference in the number of adverse events. There was no change in QT/QTc intervals or other ECG parameters at week 12 in both arms. In post-hoc comparison, percentage of patients achieving target HbA1c <7% (as per American Diabetes Association guidelines) at week 12 favored teneligliptin arm over sitagliptin arm (33.3% vs. 19.4% patients). CONCLUSION: Teneligliptin provided similar glycemic control as compared to sitagliptin and reduced HbA1c, FBG and PPBG values significantly within 12 weeks of treatment. Both gliptins were found to be safe and well-tolerated in Indian patients with T2DM.

Investigation of rank order centroid method for optimal generation control.

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) presents a significant challenge in decision-making processes, aiming to ascertain optimal choice by considering multiple criteria. This paper proposes rank order centroid (ROC) method, MCDM technique, to determine weights for sub-objective functions, specifically, addressing issue of automatic generation control (AGC) within two area interconnected power system (TAIPS). The sub-objective functions include integral time absolute errors (ITAE) for frequency deviations and control errors in both areas, along with ITAE of fluctuation in tie-line power. These are integrated into an overall objective function, with ROC method systematically assigning weights to each sub-objective. Subsequently, a PID controller is designed based on this objective function. To further optimize objective function, Jaya optimization algorithm (JOA) is implemented, alongside other optimization algorithms such as teacher-learner based optimization algorithm (TLBOA), Luus-Jaakola algorithm (LJA), Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm (NMSA), elephant herding optimization algorithm (EHOA), and differential evolution algorithm (DEA). Six distinct case analyses are conducted to evaluate controller's performance under various load conditions, plotting data to illustrate responses to frequency and tie-line exchange fluctuations. Additionally, statistical analysis is performed to provide further insights into efficacy of JOA-based PID controller. Furthermore, to prove the efficacy of JOA-based proposed controller through non-parametric test, Friedman rank test is utilized.

Public debt sustainability in sub-national level: a case of Karnataka.

This paper attempts to empirically measure the public debt sustainability of Karnataka State in India for the period starting from 1991 to 2018. Three well-established methods are adopted to measure public debt sustainability, namely, indicator approach, time series approach and sensitivity analysis. The indicator approach shows that Karnataka's public debt satisfies Domer (1944) debt sustainability condition. Both the unit root test and fiscal policy response function under the time series approach revealed that public debt is sustainable and the response function is positive and significant in the post-fiscal reform period. Forward-looking sensitivity analysis has indicated public debt sustainability even after including growth rate and interest rate risks. Fiscal distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and corrective measures taken by Karnataka state is also discussed in the paper.

Ultimate Spin Currents in Commercial Chemical Vapor Deposited Graphene.

Establishing ultimate spin current efficiency in graphene over industry-standard substrates can facilitate research and development exploration of spin current functions and spin sensing. At the same time, it can resolve core issues in spin relaxation physics while addressing the skepticism of graphene's practicality for planar spintronic applications. In this work, we reveal an exceptionally long spin communication capability of 45 µm and highest to date spin diffusion length of 13.6 µm in graphene on SiO2/Si at room temperature. Employing commercial chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene, we show how contact-induced surface charge transfer doping and device doping contributions, as well as spin relaxation, can be quenched in extremely long spin channels and thereby enable unexpectedly long spin diffusion lengths in polycrystalline CVD graphene. Extensive experiments show enhanced spin transport and precession in multiple longest channels (36 and 45 µm) that reveal the highest spin lifetime of ∼2.5-3.5 ns in graphene over SiO2/Si, even under ambient conditions. Such performance, made possible due to our devices approaching the intrinsic spin-orbit coupling of ∼20 µeV in graphene, reveals the role of the D'yakonov-Perel' spin relaxation mechanism in graphene channels as well as contact regions. Our record demonstration, fresh device engineering, and spin relaxation insights unlock the ultimate spin current capabilities of graphene on SiO2/Si, while the robust high performance of commercial CVD graphene can proliferate research and development of innovative spin sensors and spin computing circuits.

Optimization of the configuration of porous bone scaffolds made of Polyamide/Hydroxyapatite composites using Selective Laser Sintering for tissue engineering applications.

Numerous biomaterials are used to fabricate bone scaffolds to repair the bones subjected to trauma. The scaffolds are fabricated with interconnected pores with 40-70% porosity to facilitate the entry of the cells that ensures rapid bone formation. In addition, the interconnected pores also serve as a channel for the exchange of nutrients and waste materials. Rapid prototyping techniques use the CAD model of the scaffold to be fabricated which facilitates fabrication of components with complex architecture easily. This research deals with the design, fabrication and analysis of porous scaffold models with different configurations. Apart from the conventional pore geometry like cubical, spherical shaped pores, their shifted arrangements were also considered for this study. The minimum pore size used for the study is 400 µm and the porosity ranges from 40-70%. Based on the results of finite element analysis, the best scaffold configuration is identified and was fabricated with different build orientation using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process with different mix of Polyamide and Hydroxyapatite. The fabricated test specimens were evaluated based on mechanical tests for its strength and in vitro studies with human osteosarcoma cell line for cell growth studies. The mechanical tests witnesses good physical properties than the earlier reported research. The suitability of the porous scaffolds for bone repair is also ensured using finite element analysis of a human femur bone under various physical activities.

Role of RKKY torque on domain wall motion in synthetic antiferromagnetic nanowires with opposite spin Hall angles.

We experimentally show the effect of enhanced spin-orbit and RKKY induced torques on the current-induced motion of a pair of domain walls (DWs), which are coupled antiferromagnetically in synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) nanowires. The torque from the spin Hall effect (SHE) rotates the Néel DWs pair into the transverse direction, which is due to the fact that heavy metals of opposite spin Hall angles are deposited at the top and the bottom ferromagnetic interfaces. The rotation of both DWs in non-collinear fashion largely perturbs the antiferromagnetic coupling, which in turn stimulates an enhanced interlayer RKKY exchange torque that improved the DW velocity. The interplay between the SHE-induced torque and the RKKY exchange torque is validated via micromagnetic simulations. In addition, the DW velocity can be further improved by increasing the RKKY exchange strength.

Transverse domain wall profile for spin logic applications.

Domain wall (DW) based logic and memory devices require precise control and manipulation of DW in nanowire conduits. The topological defects of Transverse DWs (TDW) are of paramount importance as regards to the deterministic pinning and movement of DW within complex networks of conduits. In-situ control of the DW topological defects in nanowire conduits may pave the way for novel DW logic applications. In this work, we present a geometrical modulation along a nanowire conduit, which allows for the topological rectification/inversion of TDW in nanowires. This is achieved by exploiting the controlled relaxation of the TDW within an angled rectangle. Direct evidence of the logical operation is obtained via magnetic force microscopy measurement.

The use of nutshell carbons in drinking water filters for removal of trace metals.

Filtration of drinking water by point-of-use (POU) or point-of-entry (POE) systems is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Drinking water is filtered to remove both organic and inorganic contaminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of granular activated carbon from nutshells (almond, English walnut, pecan) in a POU water filtration system to determine its effectiveness in removing select, potentially toxic metal ions, namely, copper (Cu2+), lead (Pb2+) or zinc (Zn2+) found in drinking water. The nutshell-based carbon system was designated "Envirofilter" and was compared to four commercial POU systems with brand names of BRITA, Omni Filter, PUR and Teledyne Water Pik. Eight prototype "Envirofilters", consisting of individual or binary mixtures of carbons made from acid-activated almond or pecan shells and steam-activated pecan or walnut shells were constructed and evaluated for adsorption of the three metal ions. The results indicated that a binary mixture of carbons from acid-activated almond and either steam-activated pecan or walnut shells were the most effective in removing these metals from drinking water of all the POU systems evaluated. Binary mixtures of acid-activated almond shell-based carbon with either steam-activated pecan shell- or walnut shell-based carbon removed nearly 100% of lead ion, 90-95% of copper ion and 80-90% of zinc ion. Overall the performance data on the "Envirofilters" suggest that these prototypes require less carbon than commercial filters to achieve the same metal adsorption efficiency and may also be a less expensive product.

Freundlich adsorption isotherms of agricultural by-product-based powdered activated carbons in a geosmin-water system.

The present study was designed to model the adsorption of geosmin from water under laboratory conditions using the Freundlich isotherm model. This model was used to compare the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse and pecan shell-based powdered activated carbon to the efficiency of a coal-based commercial activated carbon (Calgon Filtrasorb 400). When data were generated from Freundlich isotherms, Calgon Filtrasorb 400 had greater geosmin adsorption at all geosmin concentrations studied than the laboratory produced steam-activated pecan shell carbon, steam-activated bagasse carbon, and the CO2-activated pecan shell carbon. At geosmin concentrations < 0.07 microg/l for the phosphoric acid-activated pecan shell carbon and below 0.08 microg/l for a commercially produced steam-activated pecan shell carbon obtained from Scientific Carbons, these two carbons had a higher calculated geosmin adsorption than Filtrasorb 400. While the commercial carbon was more efficient than some laboratory prepared carbons at most geosmin concentrations, the results indicate that when the amount of geosmin was below the threshold level of human taste (about 0.10 microg/l), the phosphoric acid-activated pecan shell carbon and the Scientific Carbons sample were more efficient than Filtrasorb 400 at geosmin removal.

Physical and chemical properties of selected agricultural byproduct-based activated carbons and their ability to adsorb geosmin.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate selected physical and chemical properties of agricultural byproduct-based activated carbons made from pecan shells and sugarcane bagasse, and compare those properties to a commercial coal-based activated carbon as well as to compare the adsorption efficiency of these carbons for geosmin. Comparison of the physical and chemical properties of pecan shell- and bagasse-based carbons to the commercial carbon, Calgon Filtrasorb 400, showed that pecan shell carbon, but not the bagasse carbon, compared favorably to Filtrasorb 400, especially in terms of surface area, bulk density, ash and attrition. A carbon dosage study done in a model system showed the amount of geosmin adsorbed to be greater for Filtrasorb 400 and the bagasse-based carbon at low carbon concentrations than for the pecan shell carbons, but geosmin adsorption was similar in all carbons at higher carbon dosages. Application of the Freundlich isotherm model to the adsorption data showed that carbons made by steam activation of pecan shells or sugarcane bagasse had geosmin adsorption characteristics most like those of the commercial carbon. In terms of physical, chemical and adsorptive properties, steam-activated pecan shell carbon most resembled the commercial carbon and has the potential to replace Filtrasorb 400 in applications involving removal of geosmin from aqueous environments.

Calibration of a solid state nuclear track detector for the measurement of indoor levels of radon and its daughters.

Time-integrated measurements of environmental radiation levels are commonly carried out using solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD). These detectors are particularly suitable for monitoring indoor radiation, however they should be calibrated for the measurement of the levels of radon (Rn) and its daughters likely to be found in dwellings. This paper reports the results of experiments conducted to calibrate cellulose nitrate film. LR-115 type II, which is used for the measurement of Rn levels in indoor environments of dwellings in India. The detector was exposed to varying concentrations of Rn inside an exposure chamber both in Bare and in Cup with membrane modes. We obtained calibration factors of 1.05 x 10(-3) tracks cm2 day-1 per pCi m-3 (2.84 x 10(-2) tracks cm-2 day-1 per Bq m-3) and 4.8 x 10(2) tracks cm-2 day-1 per WL of Rn.

Measurements of the equilibrium factor for 222Rn daughters in dwellings in India.

As part of an ongoing project to assess the population dose from indoor radon and its daughters in India, a set of parallel measurements was made in more than 150 houses of different types to estimate indoor radon and progeny levels. Time-integrated solid state nuclear track detectors were employed for the measurement of radon concentration and potential alpha energy exposure level. From these values the equilibrium factor (F) between radon and its progeny was estimated for each house. An average F value of 0.39 was obtained.

Prevalence of neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre in South India.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for neuropathy among South Indian type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre. METHODS: One thousand consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre in South India were recruited for the study. Biothesiometry studies were performed by a single observer using a biothesiometer. Neuropathy was diagnosed if the vibratory threshold of the great toe exceeded twenty five. RESULTS: Overall, 19.1% of the patients had evidence of neuropathy. The prevalence of neuropathy increased with increase in age (p < 0.001) and duration of diabetes (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed age (OR--3.2, 95% confidence interval--2.7-4.1, p < 0.001) and duration of diabetes (OR--1.4, 95% confidence interval--1.2-64, p = 0.001) as the risk factors for neuropathy. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of neuropathy in this South Indian type 2 diabetic subjects is 19.1% and age and duration of diabetes are the risk factors for neuropathy.

All-electrical deterministic single domain wall generation for on-chip applications.

Controlling domain wall (DW) generation and dynamics behaviour in ferromagnetic nanowire is critical to the engineering of domain wall-based non-volatile logic and magnetic memory devices. Previous research showed that DW generation suffered from a random or stochastic nature and that makes the realization of DW based device a challenging task. Conventionally, stabilizing a Néel DW requires a long pulsed current and the assistance of an external magnetic field. Here, we demonstrate a method to deterministically produce single DW without having to compromise the pulse duration. No external field is required to stabilize the DW. This is achieved by controlling the stray field magnetostatic interaction between a current-carrying strip line generated DW and the edge of the nanowire. The natural edge-field assisted domain wall generation process was found to be twice as fast as the conventional methods and requires less current density. Such deterministic DW generation method could potentially bring DW device technology, a step closer to on-chip application.