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We have systematically studied the level density parameter, nuclear level density and decay width of neutron and fission of superheavy nuclei. This paper is validated by comparing with available experiments for 2 3 6 U and 2 4 0 Pu. The angular dependence of level density parameter, level densities and ratio of Γ n and Γ f the thermal excitation energy (U) have been studied in the superheavy region 1 0 4 ≤ Z ≤ 1 1 8. The role of entrance channel parameter on decay width of neutron and fission has been studied both in cold and hot fusion reactions in the superheavy region 1 0 4 ≤ Z ≤ 1 1 8. Systematic variation of Γ n and Γ f is observed in both the cases. Finally, predicted Γ n / Γ tot for the synthesis of superheavy nuclei Z = 1 1 9 and 120. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the readability of existing patient education materials and explored the potential of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini, to simplify these materials to a sixth-grade reading level, in accordance with guidelines. Seven patient education documents were selected from a major radiology group. ChatGPT-4 and Gemini were provided the documents and asked to reformulate to target a sixth-grade reading level. Average reading level (ARL) and proportional word count (PWC) change were calculated, and a 1-sample t-test was conducted (p=0.05). Three radiologists assessed the materials on a Likert scale for appropriateness, relevance, clarity, and information retention. The original materials had an ARL of 11.72. ChatGPT ARL was 7.32 ± 0.76 (6/7 significant) and Gemini ARL was 6.55 ± 0.51 (7/7 significant). ChatGPT reduced word count by 15% ± 7%, with 95% retaining at least 75% of information. Gemini reduced word count by 33% ± 7%, with 68% retaining at least 75% of information. ChatGPT outputs were more appropriate (95% vs. 57%), clear (92% vs. 67%), and relevant (95% vs. 76%) than Gemini. Interrater agreement was significantly different for ChatGPT (0.91) than for Gemini (0.46). Generative AI significantly enhances the readability of patient education materials, which did not achieve the recommended sixth-grade ARL. Radiologist evaluations confirmed the appropriateness and relevance of the AI-simplified texts. This study emphasizes the capabilities of generative AI tools and the necessity for ongoing expert review to maintain content accuracy and suitability. • AI tools reduced radiology material reading levels from 11 to ∼7 grade level. • ChatGPT outperformed Google Gemini in appropriateness, clarity, and relevance. • AI simplification maintained high content accuracy and relevance in most cases. • Radiologist oversight remains crucial to ensure patient safety and preparation. • Study suggests AI can make radiology education more accessible to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interface of core-shell Co-CoO nanostructure exhibits exchange bias (EB) phenomenon which arises due to the competition between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) order at the interface. Here, in this manuscript, we study core-shell Co-CoO nanostructure and report an approach for tuning the EB field ( H E ) and coercivity ( H C ) via controlling interparticle separation which leads to variable interactions. The core-shell Co-CoO structure has been prepared in a conventional sol-gel route. Further, a variable amorphous non-magnetic silica (SiO 2 ) shell is coated over the nanoparticles via typical chemical synthesis to control the interparticle interaction. Analysis of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirms creation of SiO 2 -coated Co-CoO with average particle size ≈ 18 nm. Studies on isothermal remanence magnetization (IRM) and dc demagnetization (DCD) indicate that the dipolar interaction among the nanoparticles varies inversely with interparticle separation. With increase in SiO 2 coating thickness, i.e., decrease in interparticle interactions, H E and H C decrease monotonically. These results open up the possibility of tuning EB by controlling interparticle interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects an individual's behavior. The rising cases of ADHD among children and adolescents worldwide have raised the concern and require techniques for its early diagnosis and identification. The symptoms of ADHD are characterized by patterns of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Recent advances in neuroimaging have allowed researchers to obtain the functional and structural patterns of the brain affected by ADHD. This work considers the resting state functional magnetic imaging (rs-fMRI) data and analyzes the functional connectivity of 40 subjects (20 ADHD and 20 healthy controls) through voxel size blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal. These BOLD signals are functionally relevant to the corresponding resting state networks (RSN). In this paper, we have proposed a modified deep learning-based bidirectional long short-term memory (BLSTM) model that automates the classification of ADHD through the identified voxels within the active region of the RSN. Initially, we have visualized the 28 active regions of RSN and time series of behavioral data of 40 subjects with 176 time stamps. Then, the proposed modified BLSTM has been trained by using the feature vector (40 × 261 × 28) for each subject and Adam hyper-parameter for optimization. The experimental results represent that the proposed model outperforms the many other models by achieving the classification accuracy of 87.50 % . We have also provided a detailed comparative analysis of the proposed model with the different existing state-of-the-art approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we systematically studied half-lives of the different decay modes using various theoretical models such as the unified fission model (UFM) and the effective liquid drop model. Beta-decay half-lives were evaluated using semi-empirical formulae available in the literature. We compared half-lives of all the studied decay modes and identified shorter half-lives among the same in 2 0 5 − 2 3 3 Ac nuclei. We investigated the actinium series which is similar to the thorium series. Among these decay series, alpha-emitting isotopes show great promise for cancer treatment because of their short path length and high-energy transfer of radiation. Furthermore, we predicted the decay chains of the actinium isotopes. All the decay series of actinium ends with the formation of stable nuclei or with longer half-lives. The predicted decay series and new isotopes during the decay process are helpful in the field of medicine and radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, 2D and 3D meso‐models of concrete are developed numerically using different shapes of aggregate. For 2D model, circular and random polygon aggregate shapes are considered while for 3D model, spherical and convex hull aggregate shapes are adopted. Five different spatial distributions are employed in both circular and polygon shapes to get Circle1–Circle5 and Poly1–Poly5 geometrical model. Similarly, for 3D meso‐model, Spherical1–Spherical5 and one Convex hull geometrical models are developed. In all the numerical models, three different phases of concrete are considered, that is aggregate, mortar, and interfacial transition zone. Explicit analysis of the developed models has been performed using LS‐DYNA. All the developed models are verified by comparing the obtained results of stress–strain variations with the existing literature. The behavior of concrete is studied for both the loading conditions, that is quasi‐static and high strain loading rate. Added to this, the effect of spatial distribution of aggregates is also evaluated. Finally, the dynamic impact factors (DIF) are evaluated and compared for all the developed numerical models. Finally, cubic polynomial equations for DIF, for different shape aggregate 3D models, are obtained using regression analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus pneumoniae is leading bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and according to World Health Organization, responsible for 14 % death in children. There is effective vaccine available against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hence the primary objective was to isolate Streptococcus pneumoniae from nasopharyngeal swabs in children aged 2–59 months with and without community acquired pneumonia and to assess their serotypes. This case-control study was conducted in tertiary teaching institutes in northern India. Hospitalized children, aged 2–59 months, with World Health Organization-defined community acquired pneumonia were included as cases. Age matched healthy controls were recruited from immunization clinic. All enrolments were done after written informed parental consent. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from both cases and controls, and were cultured on 5 % sheep blood agar with gentamycin plate for growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and incubated in a jar at 370 for 18–24 hrs. Quellung reaction test was used for serotyping. From March 2017 to December 2022, 2693 children (1910 cases and 783 controls), were recruited. The median age of cases was 7 months and controls 10 months. Almost all the cases had received antibiotics prior to hospitalization. Streptococcus pneumoniae positivity in nasopharyngeal swab was 8.1 % in cases, of which 56.8 % were vaccine serotypes and 23.6 % in controls, of which 37.8 % were vaccine serotypes. Adjusted odds ratio of isolating vaccine serotypes among cases as compared to controls was 1.77 (95 % CI, 1.09–2.88). Streptococcus pneumoniae isolation from nasopharyngeal was found to be in lower proportion in cases as compared to control, though colonization with vaccine serotypes was higher in cases as compared to control. Therefore, pneumococcal vaccine coverage must be increased to prevent community acquired pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly sensitive RP-HPLC method developed for the quantification of Lenalidomide in Lenalidomide capsules dosage formulations. Samples are analyzed by means of reverse phase (RP-HPLC) using stationary phase an Kromasil C18 (150 x 4.6 mm, 5µm) and the mobile phase consisted of pH 2.5 phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of (90:10 volume/volume). The flow rate is 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 30°C and sample cooler temperature was maintained at 5°C, injection volume 10 µL and wavelength 210 nm. The developed HPLC method was validated with respect to specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, solution stability and filter study. Validation study compared as per ICH guideline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of annular syphilis, a rare presentation of secondary syphilis caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The patient, a 28-year-old male with a history of high-risk homosexual activity, presented with multiple raised lesions on the neck, red flat lesions on the palms, and white plaques on the penis. The diagnosis was confirmed through positive non-treponemal and treponemal tests. Treatment with intramuscular benzathine penicillin was administered, and the patient is currently under follow-up. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse clinical features of syphilis for timely diagnosis and appropriate management. [Extracted from the article]

Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) infections cause morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Hence India introduced 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) in 2017 in a phased manner. The primary objective of this study was to assess the proportion of healthy children having nasopharyngeal colonization (NP) with SP. Secondary objective was to determine prevalent serotype of SP among the PCV13 vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 hospitals of Lucknow District, Northern India. Three hundred healthy children (2–59 months) were recruited between July and August 2019 from vaccination-clinics of hospitals. NP specimen was cultured using 5% sheep blood agar plate containing gentamicin. Pneumococcal isolates were identified by optochin sensitivity and bile-solubility tests. Serotyping was done using Quellung Method. Of the 300 healthy children, 56.7% (170/300) were males and 59.3% (181/300) had received at least one dose of PCV13 vaccine. The NP carriage rate of SP among healthy children was 37.7% (113/300). Vaccine serotypes were found in 33.3% (22/66) in PCV vaccinated children and 48.9% (23/47) in non-vaccinated children (p 0.09). Common vaccine serotypes that isolated were: 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F, 3, 4, 6A, 6B, 9 V. Thus more than one-third of healthy children had NP colonization with SP. Adjusting for age, there was a trend for significant reduction in vaccine serotypes in the NP with one doses versus two or more doses (ptrend = 0.04). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasifission barriers were studied in the superheavy region 1 0 4 ≤ Z ≤ 1 2 6 using different projectile-target combinations. The different entrance channels parameters on quasifission barriers give an insight into the formation of compound nuclei and quasifission process. The quasifission barriers are more systematic for χ m = 0. 2 5 χ CN + 0. 7 5 χ eff . The effect of compound nucleus fissility χ CN and effective entrance channel fissility χ eff on quasifission barriers were investigated. The quasifission barriers are strongly influenced by χ CN and χ eff entrance channel parameters. The detailed investigations of entrance channel parameters on quasifission barriers provide a thorough understanding of compound nuclei formation in the superheavy element in the region 1 0 4 ≤ Z ≤ 1 2 6. Eventually, this study helps in the selection of projectile-target combinations to synthesis of superheavy nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been carried out to identify the effect of the okra plant lifespan upon the tensile properties, that is, fiber bundle strength and elongation of the yielded fibers. 90 ± 10 days, 120 ± 10 days, and 160 ± 10 days matured crop waste were subjected to different retting conditions (retting duration and retting medium flow rate). Water was used as retting medium with two different flow rates (0 and 6.5 m/min). Five retting durations were taken for this study between 11 and 35 days. The bundle tenacity (gf/tex) and elongation at break (%) were measured by Instron automatic bundle strength tester for the extracted okra fibers. The study revealed that okra fiber extracted through the running water showed better tensile strength (at least 14% higher, range 14-80%) than fiber extracted through stagnant water retting conditions at every retting duration (11-35 days) for the different lifespans of okra plants. Okra fiber bundle tenacity continuously reduced with the retting period ranging from 11 to 35 days irrespective of okra plant lifespan and retting conditions. Improvement in tenacity was found from 90 ± 10 days to 120 ± 10 days okra plant lifespan, but no significant improvement was found after 120 ± 10 days okra plant lifespan. No significant effect of elongation at break (%) was found for the okra plant lifespan and retting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra bast fiber (OBF) is one of the underutilized natural bast fibers, extracted from the bark of the okra plant's (Abelmoschus esculentus) stem. Globally, the okra crop is cultivated for its green immature fruit consumed as a vegetable. After fruit harvesting, the okra plants are treated as agro-waste. Worldwide, 62.11 lakh MT of green okra plant agro-waste is estimated annually. This agro-waste can be utilized to extract the technical bast fibers. The estimated production potential per hectare is 162 kg OBF and nearly 186 lakh kg OBF in the world. Extracted OBF has the potential to be utilized as commercial fiberlike jute fiber (JF). Therefore, the properties of extracted OBF were compared with those of JF in terms of linear density (tex), optical, tensile, and structural properties. OBF was extracted from the 120 ± 10 days old okra plant harvest waste through the water retting process (both flowing and stagnant water) in two different time intervals (17 and 25 days). Overall OBF showed better optical properties and similar or better tensile properties, while coarseness in its fineness than JF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research study has been made to identify the effect of the okra plant lifespan upon the optical appearance of the yielded fibers. 90 ± 10 days, 120 ± 10 days, and 160 ± 10 days matured crop waste were subjected to two different retting conditions. For this study, stagnant water retting conditions and running water retting conditions were approached. Optical properties such as whiteness index, yellowness index, and brightness index of yielded okra fibers were measured by spectrophotometer. The study revealed that for both the retting conditions, the whiteness and the brightness index increased with the retting period up to a certain level, i.e., approximately 5–15% improvement for the whiteness index while approximately 10–40% improvement for the brightness index. While the yellowness index mostly showed a reverse effect with the retting period. The reduction in the yellowness index was approximately 2–7%. However, the effect of the retting period got saturated after a certain retting period, i.e., in between 17 and 25 days. Okra fiber yielded from both 90 ± 10 days and 120 ± 10 days matured okra plants showed similar optical properties, but better whiteness index than fiber yielded from 160 ± 10 days matured okra plants. In this research study, similar optical properties were observed for the fibers yielded from both the retting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have systematically studied quasifission (QF) and fusion–fission (FF) lifetimes for heavy ion fusion reactions which were used in the synthesis of superheavy elements (SHEs) 104 to 118 as well as attempted to synthesise SHEs 119 and 120 using the DNS model. The dependence of QF on energy, angular momentum, entrance channel parameters, deformation parameters and orientation angles are studied. The study reveals that QF lifetimes are larger for the successful reactions than for the unsuccessful reactions. It is also observed that the study of FF lifetimes of both successful and unsuccessful reactions will not give any clue for the reason of failure of experiments to synthesise superheavy elements. It is also observed that the QF process can be controlled by the projectile of lightly deformed or spherical nuclei. The present study finds the importance in selecting the projectile–target combination for the synthesis of SHEs with Z = 119 and 120. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic helicity is a fundamental constraint in both ideal and resistive magnetohydrodynamics. Measurements of magnetic helicity density on the Sun and other stars are used to interpret the internal behaviour of the dynamo generating the global magnetic field. In this note, we study the behaviour of the global relative magnetic helicity in three self-consistent spherical dynamo solutions of increasing complexity. Magnetic helicity describes the global linkage of the poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields (weighted by magnetic flux), and our results indicate that there are preferred states of this linkage. This leads us to propose that global magnetic reversals are, perhaps, a means of preserving this linkage, since, when only one of the poloidal or toroidal fields reverses, the preferred state of linkage is lost. It is shown that magnetic helicity indicates the onset of reversals and that this signature may be observed at the outer surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cold fusion reactions with lead and bismuth as targets were used in the synthesis of superheavy elements (SHE) with mass number up to 113. Researchers ignored the cold fusion reactions in the synthesis of SHE>113. This may be due to the improper choice of projectiles. The present study focusses on cold fusion reactions leading to the formation of SHE from Z = 112 to 126. Suitable projectiles for the fusion reaction using 208 Pb and 209 Bi targets were identified. The fusion and evaporation residue cross-sections are evaluated using advance statistical model. The produced cross-sections were compared with the available experiments. Suitable projectiles for synthesising the superheavy elements with Z = 104 –126 using lead and bismuth targets are predicted. The predicted production cross-sections vary from nanobarn (nb) to picobarn (pb). The use of spherical–spherical projectile and target yields larger cross-sections than spherical–deformed or deformed–spherical projectile and target combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to estimate the combining ability and heterosis in pearl millet hybrids. Forty five pearl millet hybrids were developed using three male sterile lines (A line) with fifteen restore lines (R line) through the Line x Tester mating approach and were evaluated during kharif, 2018. Analysis of variance revealed that the mean square of treatments showed significance for all the traits. For days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity, lines viz., ICMA 93333, ICMA 97111, BIB 186, BIB 193 and BIB 281 had negative gca effect so these lines can be used as parents for hybrid development under harsh environmental conditions. Based on sca effect, heterosis and per se performance, crosses ICMA 97111 x BIB 208, ICMA 93333 x BIB 186 and ICMA 88004 x BIB 283 were identified as potential crosses for commercial exploitation of heterosis in pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to understand the role of Wnt signal in ovarian oestradiol synthesis in various size categories of ovarian follicles. A six‐day cell culture system was adopted to test the effect of a Wnt inhibitor i.e. Inhibitor of Wnt response (IWR) on the ovarian granulosa cell oestradiol synthesis and associated genes related to oestradiol synthesis and Wnt signalling (CYP19A1, CCND2, WNT2, FZD6, DVL1, APC, AXIN2, CTNNB1) in buffalo. It was conducted with four groups: Group 1: control, Group 2: control + FSH, Group 3: IWR, Group 4: IWR + FSH. No significant effect of IWR was observed on the ovarian granulosa cell proliferation. No significant difference in the oestradiol levels was found in the spent media harvested after six days of in vitro culture among different groups in small and large‐sized ovarian follicles. However, the oestradiol level varied significantly (p <.05) among different treatment groups in medium‐sized follicles. The oestradiol level was significantly lower (p <.05) in IWR group compared with the control group and was also significantly lower in IWR + FSH group compared with the FSH group. The Wnt inhibitor had significantly (p <.05) reduced the gene expression of CYP19A1 in large ovarian follicles. Varied effects of IWR‐1 and FSH on the expression of other genes were observed. The results indicated that there is a positive role of Wnt signal in oestradiol synthesis in buffalo, but the positive role was more discernible in medium‐ and large‐sized follicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a model to understand the behavior of the turbulence generated in the magnetic field of mega gauss order during high-intensity laser interaction with magnetized plasma. The modified nonlinear Schrödinger (MNLS) equation is developed by contemplating the effect of the group velocity dispersion, diffraction, and nonlinearity induced by the relativistic variation of electron mass and the nonlinear ponderomotive force. Numerical simulation is carried out to solve the dimensionless MNLS equation. The simulation results show the generation of the solitary wave type coherent structures in the nonlinear spatiotemporal evolution of the laser pulse at the early stage, but subsequent turbulence generation has also been observed. The ensemble-averaged turbulent power spectrum has been studied and the power-law scaling is approximately ∼ k − 1.85 (a solid red line of scaling k − 1.85 is given for reference). To get insight into the spatiotemporal nonlinear development of the laser pulse, while propagating in the plasma medium, a semi-analytical model has also been presented. The present study could be substantial in replicating astrophysical scenarios by laboratory simulations along with understanding the underlying quintessential physics of magnetic turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have studied all possible 4 8 Ca and 5 8 Fe -induced fusion reactions for the synthesis of superheavy nuclei 1 0 4 ≤ Z ≤ 1 2 5. The semi-empirical formula for fusion barriers of 4 8 Ca and 5 8 Fe is constructed. Fusion and evaporation residue cross-sections are studied using advance statistical model (ASM). The fusion and evaporation residue cross-sections of this work are compared with that of experiments. We have also predicted suitable targets and production cross-sections for the synthesis of superheavy elements using the 4 8 Ca and 5 8 Fe -induced fusion reactions. The 5 8 Fe -induced fusion reactions can be used to synthesize superheavy elements Z = 1 2 0 , 1 2 2 and 124 using the targets 2 4 5 Cm, 2 4 9 Bk and 2 4 9 Cf have half-lives greater than one year and produce the cross-sections in terms of pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histopathological differential diagnosis of JXG includes benign cephalic histiocytosis, generalized eruptive histiocytosis and disseminated xanthogranuloma, all of which can have overlapping histological features but can be distinguished on the pattern and distribution of lesions. Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a collective term encompassing a vast group of benign proliferative disorders of histiocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells that do not meet the criteria of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. References 1 Classen CF, Minkov M, Lehrnbecher T. The non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses (rare histiocytoses) - clinical aspects and therapeutic approaches. [Extracted from the article]

In this present paper, an M/M/1 retrial queueing model with a waiting server subject to breakdown and repair under working vacation, vacation interruption is considered. Customers are served at a slow rate during the working vacation period, and the server may undergo breakdowns from a normal busy state. The customer has to wait in orbit for the service until the server gets repaired. Steady-state solutions are obtained using the probability generating function technique. Probabilities of different server states and some other performance measures of the system are developed. The variation in mean orbit size, availability of the server, and server state probabilities are plotted for different values of breakdown parameter and repair rate with the help of MATLAB software. Finally, cost optimization of the system is also discussed, and the optimal value of the slow service rate for the model is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(2-phenoxyacetate)2(temed)] (1) and [Cu(4-chlorobenzoate)2 (temed)] (2) are synthesized by the addition of temed (N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) to Cu(II) 2-phenoxyacetate/4-chlorobenzoate in a water:methanol (1:4, V/V) mixture. The newly synthesized complexes are characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR), magnetic moment, molar conductance and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In both crystals, the asymmetric unit consists of one half of the neutral complex in which the central metal atom lies on a glide plane in 1 and on a twofold axis in 2. Both ternary complexes are neutral and consist of six coordinated CuN2O4 chromophores. In both complexes, the Cu(II) metal centre is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of chelating temed and four oxygen atoms from two bidentate 2-phenoxyacetate/4-chlorobenzoate ligands. Detailed packing analyses of complexes 1 and 2 reveal that the C–H...π interaction along with weak intermolecular C–H...O hydrogen bonding interactions provide the stability and robustness of the crystal lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Candida‐associated fungal infections are prevalent in hospitalized and immune‐compromised patients. Their biofilm architecture and high rate of antifungal resistance make treatment challenging. Eucalyptol (EPTL), a monoterpene majorly present in the essential oil of eucalyptus is well known for curing respiratory infections. Hence, the present study investigated the anti‐biofilm efficacy of EPTL against the laboratory strains and clinical isolates of Candida to delineate its mode of action. Methods: The effect of EPTL on the viability, biofilm formation, and mature biofilm of Candida strains was studied. Furthermore, its effect on cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ROS generation, germ tube formation, ergosterol content and transcriptional expression of selected genes was also investigated. Results: EPTL exhibited anti‐biofilm activity against mature and developing biofilm of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata along with their clinical isolates. The biochemical components and enzyme activity were differentially modulated in EPTL‐treated biofilm extracellular matrix. EPTL generated ROS and arrested cell cycle at the G1/S phase in both the species, while altered MMP was recorded in C. glabrata. Transcriptional analysis evidenced for differential gene expression of selected ABC transporters, secreted hydrolytic enzymes, and cell wall biogenesis in C. albicans/C. glabrata upon treating with EPTL. Conclusion: The current data on anti‐biofilm activity of EPTL establish its candidacy for drug development or as an adjuvant with existing antifungal formulations. Significance and Impact of the Study: Present investigation elucidates the mode of action of Eucalyptol as antifungal agent and would stand as a candidate for management of topical fungal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to test the efficiency of three different synchronization protocols on oestrous synchronization in Salem Black goats. Thirty does were selected and divided into three groups. Group I (n = 10): animals were injected with 250μg of cloprostenol at 11 days apart. Group II (n = 10): animals were under Ovsynch protocol. Group III (n = 10): animals were impregnated with progesterone-releasing intravaginal sponges, AVIKESIL-S kept in vagina for 15 days and given injections of 250μg of cloprostenol and 200IU of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) on the day of sponge withdrawal. The experiment was replicated thrice. Oestrous detection was performed by aproned bucks. The percentage of animals that showed oestrous for double PGF2α, Ovsynch and vaginal sponges was found to be 0, 51.72 and 77.35, respectively. There was no significant (p > 0.05) change in estradiol and progesterone concentration after double PGF2α and Ovsynch protocol. There were significant changes in the estradiol and progesterone concentration in the Group III animals. From the present study, it was concluded that AVIKESIL-S showed better oestrous synchronization response and rhythmic changes in estradiol and progesterone concentration which indicates that AVIKESIL-S can be effectively used to synchronize oestrous in Salem Black goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Knowledge of genetic variation, genetics, physiology/molecular basis and breeding (including biotechnological approaches) for biofortification and bioavailability for Zn, Fe and Se will help in developing nutritionally improved wheat. Biofortification of wheat cultivars for micronutrients is a priority research area for wheat geneticists and breeders. It is known that during breeding of wheat cultivars for productivity and quality, a loss of grain micronutrient contents occurred, leading to decline in nutritional quality of wheat grain. Keeping this in view, major efforts have been made during the last two decades for achieving biofortification and bioavailability of wheat grain for micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se. The studies conducted so far included evaluation of gene pools for contents of not only grain micronutrients as above, but also for phytic acid (PA) or phytate and phytase, so that, while breeding for the micronutrients, bioavailability is also improved. For this purpose, QTL interval mapping and GWAS were carried out to identify QTLs/genes and associated markers that were subsequently used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during breeding for biofortification. Studies have also been conducted to understand the physiology and molecular basis of biofortification, which also allowed identification of genes for uptake, transport and storage of micronutrients. Transgenics using transgenes have also been produced. The breeding efforts led to the development of at least a dozen cultivars with improved contents of grain micronutrients, although land area occupied by these biofortified cultivars is still marginal. In this review, the available information on different aspects of biofortification and bioavailability of micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se in wheat has been reviewed for the benefit of those, who plan to start work or already conducting research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Co addition on the atomic ordering of bcc FeCo-phase in partially nanocrystalline Fe81-xCoxNb7B12 alloys (x = 20.25, 27, 40.5, 54, 60.75) was investigated using synchrotron radiation based x-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS). The results indicate that as the Co content in the alloy increases, there is a decrease in the thermal stability against crystallization of the amorphous phase. In the pure amorphous state, topological ordering as well as compositional homogeneity of the amorphous phase increases with Co addition (x ≥ 40.5). In the partially nanocrystalline state (isothermally annealed at 823 K for 1 h), the anomalous diffraction measurements close to Fe K-edge provide unambiguous evidence of atomically ordered α′-FeCo phase (CsCl type) as the nanocrystalline ferromagnetic phase by the presence of (100) super-lattice reflection for the alloys with x ≥ 40.5. However, alloys with x ≤ 27 present a disordered structure as confirmed by the absence of superlattice reflection. The long range order parameter (S) possess maximum value for the alloys close to equi-atomic composition (x = 40.5 and 54). By predominant low hyperfine field contribution (close to 33.7 T), Mössbauer spectroscopy measurement also validates the atomically ordered FeCo nanocrystalline phase in Fe81-xCoxNb7B12 alloy with x ≥ 40.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional structural properties such as pore size, interconnectivity, and tortuosity of scaffold play an essential role in bone tissue regeneration. We report the structural characterization of bioactive glass-based scaffolds by employing micro-computed tomography (µCT) imaging. µCT images were filtered and binarized to get 3D reconstruction of the scaffold. Fast march method was applied on 3D reconstructed scaffold to estimate tortuosity. Further, Canny edge detection algorithm was used to identify pore boundaries. Graph traversal algorithm was used to identify pore networks as open, close, and through. Pore and minimum throat size for a through path were quantified using equivalent circle diameter based on ASTM F2603-06. The porosity (66.69%), mean pore size (443 µm), mean pore throat diameter (131 µm), and tortuosity in different planes (~ 1) imply suitability of the scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Any porous sample can be characterized by the methodology directly with µCT or other imaging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid optical interrogation of flowing cells or particles is a powerful tool in the field of biomedical diagnostics. Determination of size and composition of fast-flowing cells, with diameters in the range of 2– 15 μ m , often require complex open-space optics and expensive high-speed cameras. In this work, a method to overcome these challenges by using a hydrodynamic flow-based microfluidic platform coupled with on-chip integrated fiber optics is reported. The lab-scale portable device developed uses a combination of on-chip lensed and non-lensed optical fibers for precision illumination. The narrow light beam produced by the lensed fiber (f = 150 μ m) enables precise optical analysis with high sensitivity. A planar arrangement of optical fibers at various angles facilitates multi-parametric analysis from a single point of interrogation. As proof of concept, the laboratory-scale portable bench-top prototype is used to measure fluorescence signals from CD4 immunostained cells and human blood samples. The performance of microfluidic flow analyzer is also compared to the conventional Guava® easyCyte 8HT flow cytometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently used experimental techniques for the characterization of tensile and compressive behavior of active layers in lithium-ion batteries have limitations of different kinds. This is particularly true for measurements of compressive properties. Furthermore, the characterizations of time-dependent stress-strain behavior are largely missing. In order to characterize the stress-strain relationship for a dry cathode active layer in lithium-ion batteries, a mechanical testing method is presented that previously has been applied to the testing of optical fibers. The method is based on U-shaped bending of single-side coated aluminum foils, which enables separate measurements of tensile and compressive properties. In particular, the method has clear advantages for measurements of compressive properties in comparison to previously reported techniques. Relaxation experiments are also conducted in order to characterize the time-dependent properties of the dry active layer and to check if these effects could explain the measured hysteresis. It is found that the elastic modulus in compression is significantly larger than the elastic modulus in tension and that the compressive modulus increases with strain level. Contrary, the tensile modulus is approximately independent of strain. Furthermore, hysteresis effects are present at loading-unloading measurements, both for tension and compression. The low values of the measured elastic moduli show that the electrode properties are largely controlled by the binder and carbon additives. It is concluded that the development of particle-particle contacts most likely is the reason for the higher modulus in compression in comparison to tension. The time-dependent effects are significant, primarily for shorter time scales, which explains the relaxation behavior, but they cannot fully explain the hysteresis effects. Most likely non-linear micro-mechanisms do contribute as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we exhibit example of Szabó metrics of neutral signature, which is obtained by the deformed Riemannian extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt has been made to investigate the evolution of the structure of the amorphous phase of Fe73.9 Cu0.9 Nb3.1 Si13.2 B8.9 (finemet) alloy by a combination of wide-angle x-ray scattering, small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy on the supposition that they would provide complementary information. Before the onset of nanocrystallization, the amorphous phase undergoes a structural relaxation resulting in small increase in the hyperfine field and a decrease in the width of the first diffraction maxima. There is an increase in the topological ordering in the system, though chemical inhomogeneity sets-in due to the clustering of Cu atoms in the pure amorphous state of this alloy. Annealing at 400 °C (well below the crystallization temperature) for different time durations results in occurrence of Cu clusters having fcc structure. Kinetics of Cu clustering is studied using SAXS. The incubation time for the clustering at 400 °C is ∼120 min. With further annealing, the average cluster size gradually increases from the initial value of ∼0.4 nm, reaching a value of ∼0.6 nm after annealing for 720 min. Cluster size exhibits a t1/2 dependence, suggesting a diffusion controlled growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here the growth of high work function bilayered structures of thin MoOx (2.0

The amorphous Fe73.9Nb3.1Cu0.9Si13.2B8.9 alloy has been submitted to current annealing at four different current densities ranging from 3.3×107 to 3.9×107 A/m2. The effect of annealing current density on the structure of the resulting nanocrystalline phase in the same alloy has been studied using in situ wide angle x-ray scattering and small angle x-ray scattering measurements. Some information about the magnetic properties has been obtained from Mössbauer measurements. It is found that higher current density results in significant grain refinement and decrease in the lattice parameter of the nanocrystalline phase, as well as lowering of x-ray contrast between nanocrystalline grains and the amorphous grain boundary phase. These results suggest a variation, with increasing current density, in the composition of the nanocrystalline grains and/or the amorphous grain boundary phase and are corroborated by ex situ Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements on current annealed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study on the microstructural evolution of the Fe73.9Cu0.9Nb3.1Si13.2B8.9 (Finemet) alloy upon Joule heating and its correlation with the magnetic properties is reported. Mössbauer spectroscopy suggests the coexistence of soft nonstoichiometric Fe3Si and hard iron boride magnetic phases. The uncoupled magnetic character of these phases is evidenced by dc-hysteresis loop measurements. X-ray diffraction results display an excellent agreement with the magnetic characterization. The magnetic contribution of the soft phase has been decreased from 70% to 10% with increasing annealing current and time. The switching field value for the soft magnetic phase is 50 A/m, which is very less as compared to 2000 A/m, for the hard magnetic phase. Existence of uncoupled soft and hard magnetic phases makes these systems suitable for use as magnetic labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermoscopic features noticed in both of our patients were different from those reported in cutaneous leishmaniasis, and the previous report of PKDL resembled more closely to that of leprosy.4 This difference in the dermoscopic features is due to the pathophysiological differences in development of cutaneous leishmaniasis vis-à-vis PKDL. Post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a well-known sequela of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) developing either spontaneously or after treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of death among all cancer-related diseases (Cancer Research UK in Cancer mortality for common cancers. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/mortality/common-cancers-compared, 2017). It is primarily diagnosed by performing a scan analysis of the patient's lung. This scan analysis could be of X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Automated classification of lung cancer is one of the difficult tasks, attributing to the varying mechanisms used for imaging patient's lungs. Image processing and machine learning approaches have shown a great potential for detection and classification of lung cancer. In this paper, we have demonstrated effective approach for detection and classification of lung cancer-related CT scan images into benign and malignant category. Proposed approach firstly processes these images using image processing techniques, and then further supervised learning algorithms are used for their classification. Here, we have extracted texture features along with statistical features and supplied various extracted features to classifiers. We have used seven different classifiers known as k-nearest neighbors classifier, support vector machine classifier, decision tree classifier, multinomial naive Bayes classifier, stochastic gradient descent classifier, random forest classifier, and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) classifier. We have used dataset of 15750 clinical images consisting of both 6910 benign and 8840 malignant lung cancer related images to train and test these classifiers. In the obtained results, it is found that accuracy of MLP classifier is higher with value of 88.55% in comparison with the other classifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the potential of SCATSAT-1 scatterometer data for catchment-scale hydrological applications related with river water level estimation and flood detection. New approaches have been developed for estimation of river water levels and detection of surface flooding using Oceansat-II scatterometer (OSCAT) and SCATSAT-1 scatterometer-based highresolution backscatter and brightness temperature (BT) datasets respectively. Ku-band sigma-0 and BT data, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model and observed hydrometric data have been used in this study. Catchments of gauging sites and their influencing areas were delineated using the topography, wetness conditions and land-cover variations. OSCAT time series of scatterometer image reconstruction data were used to develop model function between basin water index and ground-observed river-stage datasets. Subsequently, inverting these functions on SCATSAT-1 observations, river water levels for 2017 were estimated at different gauging sites. A study on the magnitude of each flooding event in terms of intensity, duration and extent of area affected was also carried out using the scatterometer-based BT data analysis. The study demonstrated that high temporal resolution scatterometer data has the potential to fill the gap of coarser temporal resolution altimeters (10-35 days) for river heights and Synthetic Aperture Radar Data (7-25 days) for surface flooding with the advantage of capturing extreme events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]