In the Starobinsky inflationary model inflation is driven by quantum corrections to the vacuum Einstein equation. We reduce the Wheeler-DeWitt equation corresponding to the Starobinsky model to a ...Schrödinger form containing time. The Schrödinger equation is solved with a Gaussian ansatz. Using the prescription for the normalization constant of the wave function given in our previous work, we show that the Gaussian ansatz demands Hawking type initial conditions for the wave function of the universe. The wormholes induce randomness in initial states suggesting a basis for time-contained description of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation.
To assess the profile and general health indices in subjects prescribed with a nutritional supplement containing red yeast rice, grape seed extract and black pepper extract (NS-YGP; PreLipid®; Abbott ...Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.) in routine clinical setting in India.
In this prospective, postmarketing observational study, consecutive subjects recommended NS-YG at their outpatient department were recruited from 39 sites in India. The primary outcome of interest was to identify the profiles of subjects recommended with NS-YGP. The secondary outcome measures were to evaluate the changes in lipid profile from baseline to 3 and 6 months and assess the safety of NS-YGP.
A total of 573 subjects were enrolled, of which 527 (92%) completed the study. Majority of subjects receiving NS-YGP were males (76.6%), non-obese (85.9%) and had borderline dyslipidemia (87.3%) at the time of enrolment. There was a significant improvement in lipid profile over a period of 6 months; with a significant decline in the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and triglycerides from baseline to month 3 and 6 (p < 0.0001 for each parameters). Furthermore, HDL-C level significantly improved from baseline till month 6 (p = 0.0007). There was a significant change in levels of other laboratory parameters, including creatine phosphokinase, serum creatinine, hemoglobin and white blood cells from baseline to 3 and 6 months (p< 0.05). No adverse events were reported in the study.
Most of the subjects prescribed with NS-YG had borderline elevated lipid levels. NS-YGP significantly improved lipid profile and was safe, well-tolerated and can be recommended in the primordial prevention of borderline dyslipidemia.
A main steam pipe of a newly commissioned boiler ruptured within a few hours of being put into service. Subsequent inspection revealed root cracking of several other main steam pipe joints. The ...failure investigation covered every aspect of welding, heating techniques and NDT inspection methods. X-20 is a martensitic grade of stainless steel having ∼0.2% carbon, which makes it highly prone to cracking in hardened condition. X-20 weld joints are given complex cycles of pre-heating and post-weld heat treatment to avoid cracking and to ensure that correct mechanical properties are achieved. The resistance-heating method was found to be inadequate for post-weld heat treatment of X-20 joints. As a result weld joints contained very hard and brittle martensite which facilitated propagation of cracks. The use of induction heating instead of resistance heating ensures the mechanical properties are within specified limits. It was demonstrated that double tempering heat treatment would give acceptable mechanical properties. Micro-cracks and fissures in the welds were identified as hydrogen induced cracking. Lowering the soaking temperature below 100°C in order to avoid double tempering is not advisable since it increases the risk of hydrogen induced cracking. It was concluded from failure investigation that every aspect of welding requires strict adherence to proven practices and there is no room for any experimentation. Electrode baking, pre-heating, post-weld heat treatment and ultrasonic inspection are critically important. Remedial actions were taken to ensure that the remaining joints were safe.
Human lung tumor cells (ChaGo) established in culture from a bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma synthesize and secrete large amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), predominantly the alpha ...subunit of the glycoprotein hormone. ChaGo cells lose their transformation phenotypes following treatment with anti-alpha-HCG antibody or following inhibition of intracellular synthesis of alpha-HCG by the anti-sense RNA technique. We report that tumors induced by ChaGo cells in female athymic mice undergo necrotic degeneration following local or intraperitoneal administration of alpha-HCG-specific-antibody. The alpha-HCG antibody did not affect the growth of tumor induced by alpha-HCG nonproducing human tumor cells. Histopathological examinations of the anti-alpha-HCG antibody-treated tumor tissues showed active necrosis. When the antibody treatment was discontinued, the tumorigenesis process resumed. When anti-alpha-HCG antibody was administered simultaneously with ChaGo cells, a concentration-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in athymic mice was completely prevented at higher concentrations of the specific antibody.
The regulatory mechanism for the hormonal control of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) gene expression in rat pituitary gland during gestation and lactation is verified in this study. The level ...of PRL-specific mRNA (mRNAPRL) sequences in the pituitary gland is elevated in the later part of gestation and more prominently so in lactation. In contrast the expression of GH gene is inhibited in the same tissue during gestation and lactation resulting in the dramatic decrease in the level of GH-specific mRNA (mRNAGH) sequences. We now demonstrate the influence of a tissue-specific altered DNA methylation pattern on the temporal modulation of expression of PRL and GH genes in the pituitary gland during alternate physiological states. An altered methylation pattern of specific “-C-” residues only in the coding region of PRL and GH gene can be detected concurrently with the altered level of expression of these genes in the pituitary gland during gestation and lactation. These results also demonstrate the dynamic state of methylation of specific -C- residues during the transition of these two genes from one state of expression to another in the same tissue. A correlation between site-specific DNA methylation and tissue-specific expression of PRL and GH gene in pituitary gland is reported. Thus a role of DNA methylation in the hormonal control of PRL and GH gene expression in physiological states such as pregnancy and lactation is proposed.
This investigation deals with the molecular mechanism of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) action of pentoxifylline (PTX) 1-(5'-oxohexyl)-3, 7-dimethylxanthine a drug widely used for ...the treatment of conditions involving defective regional microcirculation.
The inhibition by PTX of protein kinase C (PKC) or cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-mediated activation by phorbol ester (PMA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) of HIV-1-LTR-regulated reporter gene expression was studied in human CD4+ T lymphocytes (Jurkat) and human embryo kidney cells (293-27-2). A protein kinase C is involved in activation of NF-kappa B in whole cells, identified by using inhibitors specific for PKC- or PKA-catalyzed NF-kappa B activation in whole cell and cell-free systems.
PTX inhibited PKC- or PKA-catalyzed activation of NF-kappa B in cytoplasmic extracts from unstimulated Jurkat or 293-27-2 cells, but not interaction of preactivated NF-kappa B with its motifs. Calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC, inhibited NF-kappa B activation and HIV-1 LTR-driven reporter gene expression in both PMA- and TNF-alpha-treated cells. In contrast, although H88 specifically inhibited PKA activity in the cell-free extract, it did not affect NF-kappa B action in PMA- or TNF-alpha-treated cells.
The mechanism of inhibitory action of PTX on virus replication and NF-kappa B-induced transactivation of HIV-1 gene expression has been elucidated as due to blocking PKC-dependent PMA- or TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappa B in Jurkat and 293-27-2 cells. Other protein kinase inhibitors may be useful in down regulating transcription of HIV-1 provirus and thereby virus replication in HIV-infected patients.
Quasielastic ^{12}C(e,e^{'}p) scattering was measured at spacelike 4-momentum transfer squared Q^{2}=8, 9.4, 11.4, and 14.2 (GeV/c)^{2}, the highest ever achieved to date. Nuclear transparency for ...this reaction was extracted by comparing the measured yield to that expected from a plane-wave impulse approximation calculation without any final state interactions. The measured transparency was consistent with no Q^{2} dependence, up to proton momenta of 8.5 GeV/c, ruling out the quantum chromodynamics effect of color transparency at the measured Q^{2} scales in exclusive (e,e^{'}p) reactions. These results impose strict constraints on models of color transparency for protons.
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