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Antisynthease syndrome (ASSD) is a rare, complex and understudied autoimmune disease. Internet-based studies can overcome barriers of traditional on-site research and are therefore very appealing for rare diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate patient-reported symptoms, diagnostic delay, symptoms, medical care, health status, working status, disease knowledge and willingness to participate in research of ASSD patients by conducting an international web-based survey. The multilingual questionnaire was created by an international group of rheumatologists and patients and distributed online. 236 participants from 22 countries completed the survey. 184/236 (78.0%) were female, mean age (SD) was 49.6 years (11.3) and most common antisynthetase antibody was Jo-1 (169/236, 71.6%). 79/236 (33.5%) reported to work full-time. Median diagnostic delay was one year. The most common symptom at disease onset was fatigue 159/236 (67.4%), followed by myalgia 130/236 (55.1%). The complete triad of myositis, arthritis and lung involvement verified by a clinician was present in 42/236 (17.8%) at disease onset and in 88/236 (37.3%) during the disease course. 36/236 (15.3%) reported to have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 40/236 (16.3%) with depression. The most reported immunosuppressive treatments were oral corticosteroids 179/236 (75.9%), followed by rituximab 85/236 (36.0%). 73/236 (30.9%) had received physiotherapy treatment. 71/236 (30.1%) reported to know useful online information sources related to ASSD. 223/236 (94.5%) were willing to share health data for research purposes once a year. Our results reiterate that internet-based research is invaluable for cooperating with patients to foster knowledge in rare diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite Bangladesh being one of the leading countries in aquaculture food production worldwide, there is a considerable lack of updated scientific information about aquaculture activities in remote sites, making it difficult to manage sustainably. This study explored the use of geospatial and field data to monitor spatio-temporal changes in aquaculture production sites in the Satkhira district from 2017–2019. We used Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission digital elevation model (SRTM DEM) to locate aquaculture ponds based on the terrain elevation and slope. Radar backscatter information from the Sentinel-1 satellite, and different water indices derived from Sentinel-2 were used to assess the spatio-temporal extents of aquaculture areas. An image segmentation algorithm was applied to detect aquaculture ponds based on backscattering intensity, size and shape characteristics. Our results show that the highest number of aquaculture ponds were observed in January, with a size of more than 30,000 ha. Object-based image classification of Sentinel-1 data showed an overall accuracy above 80%. The key factors responsible for the variation in aquaculture were investigated using field surveys. We noticed that despite a significant number of aquaculture ponds in the study area, shrimp production and export are decreasing because of a lack of infrastructure, poor governance, and lack of awareness in the local communities. The result of this study can provide in-depth information about aquaculture areas, which is vital for policymakers and environmental administrators for successful aquaculture management in Satkhira, Bangladesh and other countries with similar issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes have gained popularity due its unique electrical and thermal properties and high strength, widely finding it application in medical and electrical field. In the presented study the single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are assumed to be aligned using a DC electric field, taking into account transportation phenomena like the rotation of tube and its polarization to form chain like structure. Authors have examined and compared the structural properties under tensile loading of aligned and non-aligned single walled carbon nanotubes SWCNT in epoxy matrix using finite element analysis. COMSOL Multiphysics has been used to model the specimens and investigate its properties. The result lays out trends and relation between various parameters and the strength of the epoxy based SWCNT composite. The study draws out result on how changes in parameters of epoxy based SWCNT composite changes its physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common primary brain tumors in children. Most of the lesions occur in or near the midline. They are rare in extra-axial locations. Case presentation: We report a 23-year-old lady who was found to have progressive right-sided sensorineural hearing loss and features of raised intracranial pressure due to a pilocytic astrocytoma of the right cerebellopontine angle. After an extensive Medline search, we could find only three cases of primary extra-axial pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) reported till now. Conclusion: Even a rare occurrence, primary pilocytic astrocytoma, and in general gliomas, should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of CPA lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a brief account of the events that led to the discovery of the superconducting system Yâ€"Niâ€"Bâ€"C. In short, several unique properties of the single phase quaternary materials RNi2B2C are briefly discussed, such as certain aspects of coexistence of superconductivity and magnetism in RNi2B2C, flux line lattices in RNi2B2C and the Kondo effect in YbNi2B2C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a disease associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recent studies have postulated a correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and aSAH, however, the mechanism of which remains obscure. Vitamin D and Calcium in patients withaSAH has not been formally investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of hypovitaminosis D and hypocalcemia in patients with aSAH. Methods: An observational study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery at tertiary care centre, New Delhi, India. 40 patients with spontaneous aneurysmal SAH were enrolled during the period January 2019 to 15th April 2020. The standard protocol of care was given to all patients included in the study. Laboratory investigations including Vitamin D and Calcium levels; Clinical examination and grading were done for each patient. The data thus collected was used to see the clinicdemographic profile of patients of aSAH with an emphasis on Vitamin D and Calcium levels. Results: The study reported mean vitamin D level of 17.4 ± 7 ng/ml; mean calcium level of 8.3 ± 0.9 mg/dl amongst the study participants. Out of 40 patients, 8 patients (20%) were severely deficient, 24 patients (60%) were mild to moderate deficient and 8 patients (20%) were having normal vitamin D levels. 50% of the patients (n=20) were hypocalcaemic and 50% were normocalcaemic. Conclusion: A higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency was observed in our study along with an equal incidence of hypocalcemia vs normocalcemia. Further studies with a comparison group and a bigger sample size are needed to validate this evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptomeningeal inflammation caused by S. Maltophilia is rare. It is inextricably linked with prior antimicrobial therapy; prolonged ICU stays and antecedent neurosurgical intervention. Case description: We describe a case of a 5-year-old male child with posterior fossa medulloblastoma with obstructive hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt followed by suboccipital midline craniotomy and later presented with S. Maltophilia meningitis. Conclusion: The overall mortality in the cases reviewed was 17 per cent. Inherent resistance to a wide array of antimicrobial agents with a simultaneously increasing number of cases poses a therapeutic challenge. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is recommended as empirical and as a definitive treatment in patients with S. Maltophilia infection. The optimal duration of therapy for S. Maltophilia meningitis is similar to the treatment of gram-negative bacillary meningitis, which is usually 2 weeks after the culture has been negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective was to examine the effect of the surgical removal of vaginally placed prolapse and incontinence mesh on sexual function. We hypothesize that patients with painful complications of mesh will experience improvement in dyspareunia and sexual function after mesh removal. Methods: The eligible cohort consisted of 133 women who presented with a new onset of pain attributed to mesh-augmented incontinence or prolapse surgery and who elected to undergo mesh removal between 1 August 2012 and 1 July 2013. Sexual function symptoms were assessed before and after mesh removal surgery using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of improvement in dyspareunia. Results: Ninety-four patients undergoing mesh removal completed a pre-operative questionnaire, 63 of whom also completed a post-operative questionnaire. After mesh removal, there was a nearly 50% reduction in the proportion of women reporting always experiencing post-operative pain with intercourse among those experiencing pre-operative pain. There was a statistically significant quantitative improvement in pain with intercourse after mesh removal based on mean change score of PISQ-12 question 5 "How often do you experience pain with intercourse?". In multivariate analysis, only history of vaginal delivery was associated with symptom improvement. Conclusion: Removal of transvaginal prolapse mesh is associated with improvement in self-reported dyspareunia based on a standardized question on a validated instrument in a small cohort of women. Although larger studies are needed to confirm the relationship between mesh-augmented surgeries and post-procedural dyspareunia, these data suggest that consideration of mesh removal is a reasonable step for patients with painful intercourse attributed to mesh-augmented prolapse and incontinence surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-energy multipole line cusp ion source with two-grid extraction system has been developed and characterized for studying the role of the charge exchange processes on ion beam extraction, transport, and neutralization. The ion source is operated for extraction of Ar+ ion beam of current 50–240 mA at energies 850–1650 eV. The characterization of the ion beam is carried out at various axial positions along a 200–815-mm beam path with a background pressure of 4– $20\times10$ −5 Torr. An 11-channel Faraday cup array is used to measure the radial profiles of ion current density and angular beam divergence at these positions. The beam divergences are found to be in the range of 6°–15° for beam perveance of 0.50– $3.75\times10$ −9 AV−3/2. The attenuation of ion beam current along the beam path is observed due to the charge exchange neutralization of the energetic ions in the presence of high background pressure. Since ion current density along the beam path can be reduced by both the charge exchange processes and beam divergence, the accounting of beam particles, i.e., energetic ions and neutrals, at larger distances is difficult by the measurements of ion current density using the Faraday cup alone. The flux of energetic particles (energetic ions and fast neutrals) is therefore obtained by a thrust measurements on a beam target fixed at a distance of 800 mm from the ion source. The neutralization of the ion beam obtained by the emission of electrons from a hot filament neutralizer is also investigated in the presence of the charge exchange processes. Space-charge neutralization is provided initially by the secondary electrons emitted from the vessel walls or by the charge exchange processes even without the neutralizer operating at the desired temperature. However, the current neutralization is achieved only by the electrons emitted from the hot filament neutralizer operating in a space-charge-limited mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine and compare the effectiveness and safety of galea-pericranium autologous dural graft with nonautologous polypropylene (G-patch) dural substitute among traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Methods A prospective interventional randomized comparative study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery from November 2013 to March 2015 after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee. The study population included 50 cases of TBI which were divided into two groups of 25 each by the randomization technique and were treated either with autologous duraplasty (galea-pericranium) or nonautologous polypropylene (G-patch) dural substitute. The outcomes measured were time to duraplasty, blood loss, hospital stay, and the incidence of complications with the two techniques. The data were entered in a MS Excel spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The average time to harvest galea-pericranium was 5 minutes. Compared with the patients undergoing G-patch, the patients in group pericranium had comparable duraplasty time (minutes) (34.32 vs. 27.80, p = 0.44), significantly lower drain output (54.8 vs. 74.5, p = 0.017), comparable blood loss (322 vs. 308, p = 0.545), comparable blood transfusion (24% vs. 16%, p = 0.48), significantly lesser duration of hospital stay (8.6 vs. 10.44, p = 0.028), comparable wound infection (8% vs. 16%, p = 0.384), and comparable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (0% vs. 8%, p = 0.149). Conclusion The study showed that galea-pericranium and polypropylene dural patch are equally effective and safe dural substitutes in providing a dural seal to minimize the CSF leaks and infections among posttraumatic brain injury patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background  Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a common technique employed to treat the second most common congenital brain malformation, "hydrocephalus." Postshunt insertion, the consequent complications and factors contributing to shunt malfunction are much fought occurrences. The current study was planned to assess the effectiveness of the procedure, analyze the complications of VP shunt, and recognize the factors influencing shunt malfunction. Materials and Methods  The present study was a retrospective observational study, which was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER RML Hospital, New Delhi, from August 2016 to July 2018. Patients with hydrocephalus requiring shunt intervention were included in the study. A Chhabra "slit n spring" hydrocephalus shunt system was inserted in all patients. All patients with VP shunts were followed to assess for any postshunt complications. Results  Out of 541 patients for whom VP shunt was inserted over a period of 2 years, 126 (23.3%) patients developed complications. The most common cause of hydrocephalus for which VP shunt was done was tubercular meningitis (39.3%, n = 63), followed by ventriculitis (12.38%, n = 20), congenital hydrocephalus (8.87%, n = 14) and aqueductal stenosis (5.54%, n = 03). The most common complication in our study was obstruction of proximal end of the catheter by debris, which was noted in 50 patients (39.68%). The second most common complication was poor peritoneal absorption or obstruction of lower end (21.43%, n = 27 cases). Abscess along the shunt was seen in 21 patients (16.67%). Complications were mostly documented in cases with hydrocephalus due to tubercular meningitis (TBM) (39.3%, 63 patients) and ventriculitis (12.38%, 20 patients). Other complications were hyperemia with superficial ulceration or complete exposure of skin overlying the tube (11.9%, n = 15), overdrainage of the ventricles leading to chronic subdural hematoma (n = 14, 11.11%), and infection around the distal catheter (4.76%, n = 6). Conclusion  VPS procedure led to a complication in several patients, with the most common being obstruction of proximal catheter and poor peritoneal absorption or obstruction of lower end followed by abscess and infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of shunt placement is to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from within the ventricles to an alternative location most commonly peritoneal space. Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunt (VPS) is associated with many complications viz over drainage, valve failure, breaking of catheter, catheter obstruction, coiling of catheter, spontaneous knot formation, infection and migration of distal catheter and all of them finally leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. One such complication is distal catheter migration to a rare but possible site i.e. scrotum. We reported a case of scrotal migration of shunt as a late complication of VPS insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the effect of pressure on Se-doped Eu2SrBi2S4F4 and EuSr2Bi2S4F4 at S sites. We report the electrical resistivity measurements under hydrostatic pressure (P) ~ 3 GPa and ~ 2.5 GPa on Eu2SrBi2S4−ySeyF4 [dTc/dP ~ 1.68 K/GPa (x = 2)] and EuSr2Bi2S4−xSexF4 [dTc/dP ~ 1.57 K/GPa (x = 1.5) and 1.74 K/GPa (x = 2)] respectively. Pressure-induced superconductivity has been observed in EuSr2Bi2S2.5Se1.5F4 with Tc of 2.42 K at 0.12 GPa and the Tc increases with further application of P up to 3 GPa (dTc/dP ~ 1.12 K/GPa) and maximum Tc of ~ 8 K is observed for EuSr2Bi2S2Se2F4. These results corroborate the behavior of this material under high pressure magnetization studies. Further, the metallic nature is observed for EuSr2Bi2S2.5Se1.5F4, EuSr2Bi2S2Se2F4, and Eu2SrBi2S2Se2F4 compositions and it is slightly suppressed with the application of pressure. Pressure effect on upper critical field Hc2(0) is estimated from magnetic field–dependent ρ(T) measurements and it is found to be higher for all compositions than parent compound. The field-dependent thermal activation energy (μ0/kB) is calculated from Arrhenius plot using ρ(T) and designates a robust flux pinning potential which might be co-existing with applied magnetic field and pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexural ductility in steel sections is required to accommodate inelastic force redistribution. It is used to evaluate available inelastic performances of structures. Various factors that influence ductility of the section are compactness, material properties, and lateral support configuration close to plastic hinge region. This paper attempts to evaluate inelastic rotation response of hybrid and homogeneous I-sections considering the influence of above factors. An experimentally verified nonlinear finite element modeling technique is employed to carry out parametric studies to evaluate the extent of influence of the above parameters on rotation response. An attention is given to the interaction between local and lateral buckling and their influence on inelastic rotation for the members subjected to constant moment loading. Regression analysis of the database parametric studies resulted into an equation for evaluation of rotation capacity of I-shaped steel plate girders. The equation is validated by applying it to selected experiments conducted by various researchers. Results of the proposed equation are compared with the rotation capacity prediction equations by others. Statistical analysis of validation study shows that the proposed equation provides refined results as compared to available equations. A flowchart and solved example for the demonstration of the use of proposed equation along with stable length equations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study on the ultimate load behaviour of steel beams with openings in the web is presented in the paper. Hot rolled steel beams ISMB 100 with openings in the web were tested to failure. The beams were simply supported at the ends and subjected to a concentrated load at the mid span. The behaviour of such special type of beams was closely studied in order to obtain a complete picture of the failure, to get the optimumspacing to diameter ratio for openings. All the beams were examined by the elasto–plastic finite-element method by using general finite-element analysis software ANSYS and the results were compared with those obtained experimentally. The test results indicate that the load-carrying capacity decreases with the increase in the openings area as well as positions of openings. The finite-element results show good agreement with that of the experiments. From the parametric study, it is observed that best location for web opening is middle 2/3 of the span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accounting for approximately 1-2% of all bone tumors, chondroblastoma is a benign bone tumor that is locally aggressive too typically affects the epiphyses or apophyses of long bones. Less commonly affected sites include the talus and calcaneus of the foot and flat bones. Vertebral involvement by chondroblastoma is very rare, with advance pubmed search we could find only 30 cases, reported in literature of vertebral chondroblastoma. We are presenting one such rare case with review of available literature to evaluate clinical radiological and pathological characteristics of vertebral chondroblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) versus ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in the treatment of hydrocephalus in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and to assess clinical and radiological profiles of patients with TBM that would be better suited to either VP shunt or ETV. Methods: This study was a single-center randomized prospective study on 52 patients with TBM hydrocephalus in the pediatric age group (<18 years of age). Patients included in the study were randomized into undergo either VP shunt or ETV. Both groups were followed up for a minimum of 5 months and assessed for success and failure rates as well as procedural complications and neurologic sequelae. Results: Twenty-six patients underwent ETV with a success rate of 65.4% with six of nine failures occurring within the first 16 days after surgery (median time to failure – 3 days). In the VP shunt group, there was a success rate of 61.54% and a median time to failure of 50 days. Modified Vellore grading was found to be a significant factor in determining outcome in both ETV and VP shunt groups with high-grade TBM consistently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio = 4.2). Conclusions: ETV can be performed effectively in young children including infants, as well as those with communicating hydrocephalus, high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts, and protein levels with a lower rate of failure than that of VP shunt. Hence, ETV should be attempted as the first-choice CSF diversion procedure in hydrocephalus secondary to TBM where technical expertise and experience with this procedure is available as it avoids the myriad of lifelong complications associated with shunts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which discussed the oxidation state and superconducting properties of Y[sub1-x]Pr[subx]Sr[sub2]Cu[sub2.85]Re[sub0.15]O[sub7+δ]. Synthesis of composition elements by a solid-state method; Discussion on the cell parameters of samples; Description of the photoelectron spectra of the elements.

Presents a systemic study on the effect of variation of growth conditions on the microstructure of the Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) films suitable for YBa[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7-δ] film growth. Effect of variations in growth conditions on the quality of YSZ films by rf magnetron sputtering technique and subsequent YBCO film growth by pulsed laser deposition; Analysis of the microstructure of the YSZ buffer layers; Growth and microstructure of YBCO films on YSZ buffered sapphire.

Presents a study that discussed the significance of the pulsed laser ablation technique in stabilizing strained lattices that do not form by the conventional ceramic method. Analysis of the factors which destabilize the superconducting phase in the Lu-Ba-Cu-O system; Details on the proposed model for the stabilization of strained lattices in thin films; Schematic representation of granular nature of films prepared at 600°C and 700°.

Presents a study which examined microwave transmission properties of undoped and silver-doped laser ablated thin film Y[sub1]Ba[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7-δ] microstrip resonators both on magnesium oxide and LaAlO[sub3] substrates. Problems with the granularity of high temperature ceramic superconductors; Materials and methods used; Description of the transmitted power as a function of frequency.

In this part of the paper, a method is given for allocating least-cost component tolerances to engineering designs whose functional requirements lead to systems of simultaneous tolerance equations, having one or more component tolerances occurring in more than one tolerance equation. These least-cost tolerances are obtained by minimising the total cost of achieving them, using the method of Lagrange's undetermined multipliers. Methods of solving the resulting non-linear equations in Lagrange's multipliers are given. A notation for the treatment of simultaneous tolerance equations is developed. The procedure is illustrated by examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method of assigning tolerances to components so that (a) assemblies composed of the components meet specified functional requirements and (b) the cost of manufacturing all the components to their respective tolerance is minimised. Methods of obtaining tolerance equations from functional equations are briefly reviewed; the "method of extremes" is explained in detail. A relationship between cost and tolerance is derived, based upon published data.
A method of assigning least-cost tolerances to a single tolerance equation is then developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexural tests were conducted on five full scale I-shaped steel beams, three hybrid and two homogeneous, with two aims: 1) validate the inelastic flexural behavior of hybrid girder that is manufactured using lower grade steel 2) simplify finite element (FE) analysis procedure, for further parametric studies, by neglecting residual stresses when symmetrical welding sequence is adopted. Effect of material properties and member slenderness on flexural strength, ductility, and failure mode shapes is discussed. It is also found that failure mode shape and expansion of plastic field are mainly influenced by slenderness of member. Load-deflection and moment rotation response in tests are closely matching with non-linear finite element study. Close match is also observed in failure mode shapes and plastic field expansion. Considerable reduction is observed in residual stresses in symmetrically welded sections as compared to sections welded without proper sequence. This validates non-linear FE analysis procedure by neglecting residual stresses. Test results are compared with prediction equations for flexural strength, rotation capacity available in literature. Test results are also compared with provisions in EN 1993-1-1 and IS 800. Moment gradient (3-P) and uniform moment (4-P) loading have been considered to ensure that results are equally applicable in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chordoid meningioma is a rare variety of meningioma (0.5%–1%) with high rate of recurrence. They are grouped in WHO Grade II tumors. They are mainly distributed in the supratentorial location. There has been a single report of foramen magnum chordoid meningioma in a 3-year, 6-month-old child. Our patient, a 22-year-old female, admitted with progressive spastic quadriparesis with bowel and bladder involvement. She was operated with tumor resection done; postoperatively, patient showed dramatic improvement in the motor power as well as bowel and bladder function. Histopathology was suggestive of chordoid meningioma. She received 54 Gy of radiotherapy. She is doing well with no neurological deficits and no recurrence at 2-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report seven cases of probable endotoxin poisoning linked to contaminated compounded glutathione. Five of the cases were using the infusions for treatment of Lyme disease highlighting the risks of using compounded sterile preparations for unapproved indications, especially if the quality of source products cannot be assured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketogenic diet (KD) is a high‑fat, adequate‑protein, and low‑carbohydrate diet that leads to nutritional ketosis, long known for antiepileptic effects and has been used therapeutically to treat refractory epilepsy. This review attempts to summarize the evidence and clinical application of KD in diabetes, obesity, and other endocrine disorders. KD is usually animal protein based. An empiric vegetarian Indian variant of KD has been provided keeping in mind the Indian food habits. KD has beneficial effects on cardiac ischemic preconditioning, improves oxygenation in patients with respiratory failure, improves glycemic control in diabetics, is associated with significant weight loss, and has a beneficial impact on polycystic ovarian syndrome. Multivitamin supplementations are recommended with KD. Recently, ketones are being proposed as super‑metabolic fuel; and KD is currently regarded as apt dietary therapy for “diabesity.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

$$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$ crystallizes in tetragonal CeOBiS $$_{2}$$ structure (S. G. P4/ nmm). We have investigated the effect of pressure on magnetization measurements. Our studies suggest improved superconducting properties in polycrystalline samples of $$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$ . The $$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$ in our sample is 5.3 K, at ambient pressure, which is marginal but definite enhancement over $$T_{\mathrm{c}}$$ reported earlier (= 5.1 K). The upper critical field $$H_{\mathrm{c}2}$$ (0) is greater than 3 T, which is higher than earlier report on this material. As determined from the M- H curve, both $$H_{\mathrm{c}2}$$ and $$H_{\mathrm{c}1}$$ decrease under external pressure P (0 $$\le P \le $$ 1 GPa). We observe a decrease in critical current density and transition temperature on applying pressure in $$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observation of voltage-flux oscillations due to the radio-frequency–superconducting quantum interference device (rf-SQUID) effect in polycrystalline bulk MgB2 superconductor is reported. This provides a direct evidence of the presence of Josephson junction-type weak-link grain boundaries in MgB2. Analysis of the SQUID modulation indicates that only a few grain boundaries are of weak-link type whereas others are strong links. Generation of even and odd harmonics are observed when the MgB2 sample is subjected to both ac and dc fields. This also indicates the presence of weak-link grain boundaries. Flux noise in the bulk rf-SQUID in MgB2 is studied and compared with the flux noise in bulk high-Tc rf-SQUID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaMn7O12 is a magnetic multiferroic material, in which large ferroelectricpolarization has reportedly been induced by magnetic ordering. In this work, we observe remarkable changes in the spontaneous ferroelectric polarization PS as well as the magnetization M with only 2% Sr doping. In Ca0.98Sr0.02Mn7O12, PSdramatically becomes more than double the PS in the un-doped material and concomitantly M is reduced to less than half of its value therein. Increase of PStogether with the decrease of M points out clearly the coupling of PS and M in CaMn7O12. We stress here that as Ca and Sr are isovalent, no charge carriers (electrons and holes) are added in the system due to Sr-doping. X-ray diffraction shows that all our Sr-doped materials Ca1-xSrxMn7O12 (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10) are free from secondary phases. From our work, it becomes clear why SrMn7O12exhibits no or weak ferroelectricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebellopontine angle extraaxial glioblastoma (GBM) is extremely rare at any age but especially in children. We reported a case of 14-year-old girl, who presented with nausea, vomiting and ataxia. She was evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging demonstrated irregular ring enhancing right CP angle mass. The atypical findings of irregular ring enhancement, CP angle location and presentation in childhood, combine to make the prospective diagnosis of GBM a difficult one. This combination of findings has been reported very rarely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the magnetic order of RNi[sub2]B[sub2]C using neutron diffraction. Attribute of magnetic ordering temperatures in Chevrel-phase and related compounds; Relation between antiferromagnetic intensity and temperature; Impact of refinement of magnetic structures on magnetic order.

Presents a study which examined the magnetically ordered valence fluctuating compound samarium ruthenium tin[sub3]. Methods; Results; Discussion.