Experimental investigation of a 1 kA/cm² sheet beam plasma cathode electron gun.

In this paper, a cold cathode based sheet-beam plasma cathode electron gun is reported with achieved sheet-beam current density ∼1 kA/cm(2) from pseudospark based argon plasma for pulse length of ∼200 ns in a single shot experiment. For the qualitative assessment of the sheet-beam, an arrangement of three isolated metallic-sheets is proposed. The actual shape and size of the sheet-electron-beam are obtained through a non-conventional method by proposing a dielectric charging technique and scanning electron microscope based imaging.

Nonlocality and conflicting interest games.

Nonlocality enables two parties to win specific games with probabilities strictly higher than allowed by any classical theory. Nevertheless, all known such examples consider games where the two parties have a common interest, since they jointly win or lose the game. The main question we ask here is whether the nonlocal feature of quantum mechanics can offer an advantage in a scenario where the two parties have conflicting interests.

A Single Center Experience Comparing Miniperc and Shockwave Lithotripsy for Treatment of Radiopaque 1-2 cm Lower Caliceal Renal Calculi in Children: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background And Purpose: A prospective randomized study was performed comparing miniperc and shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treatment of radiopaque 1 to 2 cm lower caliceal renal calculi in children to evaluate safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Patients And Methods: Pediatric patients (<15 years) with a single radiopaque lower caliceal renal stone 1 to 2 cm undergoing treatment between March 2012 and September 2013 in our department were randomized into two groups-group A, miniperc; group B, SWL. The two groups were compared statistically regarding patient demographic profile, 3-month stone-free rate (SFR), re-treatment rates, auxiliary procedures, and complications.

Exact distributions for stochastic gene expression models with bursting and feedback.

Stochasticity in gene expression can give rise to fluctuations in protein levels and lead to phenotypic variation across a population of genetically identical cells. Recent experiments indicate that bursting and feedback mechanisms play important roles in controlling noise in gene expression and phenotypic variation. A quantitative understanding of the impact of these factors requires analysis of the corresponding stochastic models.

Memory-induced anomalous dynamics in a minimal random walk model.

A discrete-time dynamics of a non-Markovian random walker is analyzed using a minimal model where memory of the past drives the present dynamics. In recent work [N. Kumar et al.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison Between Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for Lower Caliceal Stones ≤2 cm: A Single-Center Experience.

Aims And Objectives: The optimal management method of lower caliceal calculi is still undefined. We performed a prospective randomized comparison to evaluate safety and efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS) for lower caliceal calculus ≤2 cm.

Materials And Methods: Between December 2011 and January 2012, 195 patients with single radio-opaque lower caliceal calculi ≤2 cm were included in the study.

Cloning, overexpression and characterization of soluble 42kDa fragment of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium vivax.

Plasmodium vivax represents the second most prevalent malaria species of major public health importance and the global eradication of malaria requires the development of vaccines to prevent infection. The lack of in vitro culture and a suitable animal model for P. vivax malaria are the major problems for the delay in developing a functional vivax vaccine.

Anesthetic management of craniosynostosis repair in patient with Apert syndrome.

Apert syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia and syndactyly. In general, patients present in early childhood for craniofacial reconstruction surgery. Anesthetic implications include difficult airway, airway hyper-reactivity; however, possibility of raised intracranial pressure especially when operating for craniosynostosis and associated congenital heart disease should not be ignored.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison Between Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy and Semirigid Ureteroscopy for Upper Ureteral Stones >2 cm: A Single-Center Experience.

Aims And Objectives: The optimal management method of upper ureteral stones >2 cm is still a challenge. We performed a prospective randomized comparison between laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy for upper ureteral calculus >2 cm to evaluate safety and efficacy of both procedures.

Materials And Methods: Between January 2010 and May 2012, 110 patients with a single radiopaque upper ureteral calculus >2 cm were included in the present study.

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and caloric test results in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders.

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder is a type of hearing loss where outer hair cell function are normal (as evidenced by the preservation of OAEs and cochlear microphonics), whereas auditory nerve functions are abnormal (as evidenced by abnormal auditory brainstem evoked potentials beginning with wave I of the ABR) and acoustic reflexes to ipsilateral and contralateral tones are absent. It is likely that in cases with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder not only the cochlear nerve, but also the vestibular nerves might get involved. The present study was conducted with an aim of finding out the inferior and superior vestibular nerve involvement through cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and Caloric test results respectively in individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders.

A prospective, randomized comparison of shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniperc for treatment of 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal renal calculi: a single center experience.

Purpose: A prospective, randomized comparison of shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniperc for the treatment of 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal renal calculi was done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Materials And Methods: Patients with a single 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal renal stone who underwent treatment between January 2012 and May 2013 were included in study. They were randomized to shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniperc groups.

The effect of silver nanoparticles on seasonal change in arctic tundra bacterial and fungal assemblages.

The impact of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) on bacterial and fungal assemblages was studied in soils collected from a low arctic site. Two different concentrations (0.066% and 6.

Management of aspirated tooth in an adult head injury patient: Report of two cases.

Aspiration of foreign bodies is common in a pediatric age group but adults can also be at risk. We describe management of two adult trauma victims with aspirated tooth. In the first case, foreign body went missing for sometime by intensive care physician and detected by radiologist while it was obvious in the second case.

A prospective study on the effect of photoselective vaporization of prostate by 120-W high-performance system laser on sexual function.

Introduction: Photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP) by 120W HPS laser emerged as an efficient, bloodless, and durable first line alternative to transurethral resection of prostate for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). In this study, we assessed effects of PVP by HPS laser on erectile function.

Material And Methods: Between January 2012 and February 2014, 143 consecutive patients presenting with LUTS secondary to BPE, who underwent PVP by 120W HPS laser, were prospectively enrolled in the study.

Effect of intraurethral dwell time of local anesthetic jelly on pain perception in men undergoing outpatient rigid cystoscopy: a randomized prospective study.

Aim: To determine optimum duration of intraurethral 2% lidocaine jelly for pain relief during outpatient rigid cystoscopy.

Materials And Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted between June 2012 and November 2013. Four hundred consecutive adult males requiring diagnostic rigid cystoscopy were randomized into four groups depending on intraurethral 2% lidocaine jelly dwell time before rigid cystoscopy: jelly was instilled 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes before start of the procedure in group A, B, C, and D patients, respectively.

Prospective evaluation of risk factors for mortality in patients of Fournier's gangrene: A single center experience.

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors associated with mortality among patients of Fournier's gangrene.

Materials And Methods: Between May 2011 and September 2012, all patients of Fournier's gangrene treated at our center were included in the study.

A prospective randomized comparison between shockwave lithotripsy and semirigid ureteroscopy for upper ureteral stones <2 cm: a single center experience.

Background And Purpose: The best management of upper ureteral calculi is undefined. We performed a prospective randomized comparison between semirigid ureteroscopy (URS) and shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for upper ureteral stones <2 cm to evaluate safety and efficacy of both procedures.

Patients And Methods: Patients with a single radiopaque upper ureteral stone <2 cm undergoing treatment between January 2010 and May 2011 in our department were included.

Prostato-cutaneous fistula: a rare clinical entity.

A 30-year-old man presented with intermittent leak of straw-colored fluid from his left lateral thigh, which on evaluation was diagnosed as prostatocutaneous fistula. Exploration and revision anastomotic urethroplasty was done and the patient remains asymptomatic in follow-up.

A prospective randomized comparative study of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate and photoselective vaporization of the prostate in patients who present with benign prostatic obstruction: a single center experience.

Purpose: The first prospective randomized study to compare the safety and short-term efficacy of monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP, and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using GreenLight high-performance system 120W laser in patients who presented with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

Patients And Methods: The 186 consecutive patients who presented with BPO and who were planned for surgery were randomized into three groups: Group A, patients who underwent monopolar TURP; group B, patients who underwent bipolar TURP; and group C, patients who underwent PVP. All three groups were subdivided into two subgroups based on prostate volume: Subgroup 1 >20 cc and <50 cc, and subgroup 2, between 50 and 80 cc.

The effect of freeze-thaw conditions on arctic soil bacterial communities.

Climate change is already altering the landscape at high latitudes. Permafrost is thawing, the growing season is starting earlier, and, as a result, certain regions in the Arctic may be subjected to an increased incidence of freeze-thaw events. The potential release of carbon and nutrients from soil microbial cells that have been lysed by freeze-thaw transitions could have significant impacts on the overall carbon balance of arctic ecosystems, and therefore on atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

Efficiency of isothermal molecular machines at maximum power.

We derive upper and lower bounds for the efficiency of an isothermal molecular machine operating at maximum power. The upper bound is reached when the activated state is close to the fueling or reactant state (Eyring-like), while the lower bound is reached when the activated state is close to the product state (Kramers-like).