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A new coordination compound of Co(II) [Co(pydc)2](pydcH2)(Hapy)(H2O)5 (1) (where, pydcH2 = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid; Hapy = protonated 2- aminopyridine) was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analyses. Crystallographic analysis (CIF file CCDC no. 2236169) revealed that complex 1 has distorted octahedral geometry with pydc coordinated as a tridentate ligand to a metal ion. The electronic structure of the complex was determined using DFT calculations with pseudo potential of LANL2DZ basis function for Cobalt atom while B3LYP/GEN level using 6-31+G* basis set for other atoms. The optimized structure can reproduce the crystal structure with good accuracy at this computational level. Frontier molecular orbital analysis and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) have been evaluated to understand the reactivity characteristics of the complex. Natural bond orbital analysis illustrates the charge transfer between the donor and acceptor sites of the investigated complex. Further, the intermolecular contacts of the complex areanalyzed through Hirshfeld surface analysis and finger print plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The goal is to optimize the microsponge drug delivery system's preparation. Scaling up ensures product repeatability. FTIR, DSC, and SEM confirmed the drug-loaded microsponge particles' compatibility and porous shape. The final gel dosage had shear-thinning rheology, suggesting dermal use. Ultimately, it supports and advances the UN's sustainable development goals and G20. In 1987, Won invented the solid-phase porous microsphere (MS), which stores bioactive compounds in many interconnected voids. Spherical particles (5–300 μm), MS, may form clusters of smaller spheres, resulting in many benefits. The current investigation focussed on gel-encased formulation, which can be suitable for dermal usage. First, quasi-emulsion (w/o/w) solvent evaporation was used to prepare 5-fluorouracil (5 FU) MS particles. The final product was characterized (SEM shows porous structure, FTIR and DSC showed drug compatibility with excipients, and gel formulation is shear-thinning) and further scaled up using the 8-fold method. Furthermore, CCD (Central Composite Design) was implemented to obtain the optimized results. After optimizing the conditions, including the polymer (600 mg, ethyl cellulose (EC), eudragit RS 100 (ERS)), stirring speed (1197 rpm), and surfactant concentration (2% w/v), we achieved the following results: optimal yield (63%), mean particle size (152 µm), drug entrapment efficiency (76%), and cumulative drug release (74.24% within 8 h). These findings are promising for industrial applications and align with the objectives outlined in UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 9, and 17, as well as the goals of the G20 initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary ascites in a newborn infant is unusual and most commonly indicates a disruption to the integrity of urinary tract, the most common cause being posterior urethral valve. We report a case of fetal urinary bladder rupture due to posterior urethral valve. The case was diagnosed antenatally by ultrasonography and after birth the diagnosis is confirmed by ascitic fluid study and imaging technique and managed successfully by participation of gynecologist, neonatologist, radiologist and urologist. Urinary ascites should be considered in a male neonate with ascites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates spatial distribution and comparison of remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) variables in fve smart cities in India: Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Jaipur, and New Delhi. The RSEI variables analysed include greenness, wetness, dryness, and heat. The study examines the correlation between these variables and their impact on the ecological conditions of the cities. The results reveal variations in the distribution of the RSEI variables among the cities, with Bhopal and New Delhi having higher percentage of high greenness areas compared to the other cities. Kochi stands out with the highest percentage of high wetness and greenness areas. The comparison of RSEI values indicates that Kochi and New Delhi have better ecological environments, while Jaipur lags behind with the lowest RSEI value. Bhopal and Bhubaneswar show moderate ecological conditions. The study also explores the relationship between ecological conditions and air and ground water quality. Kochi and New Delhi show acceptable air quality, while Bhopal and Bhubaneswar have moderate conditions, and Jaipur has unacceptable air quality. Water quality assessment reveals acceptable conditions in Bhopal, New Delhi, and Kochi, moderate conditions in Bhubaneswar, and very poor conditions in Jaipur. In conclusion, Kochi and New Delhi emerge as cities with better ecological, water, and air quality conditions. The presence of natural vegetation cover and planned green spaces contribute to their favourable environmental conditions. Bhopal and Bhubaneswar exhibit moderate ecological conditions, while Jaipur faces challenges due to rapid urbanization and inappropriate planning. These fndings emphasise the signifcance of considering ecological factors in evaluating the overall environmental quality of smart cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quinoline-derived Schiff base ligand, namely 2,5-Dimethyl-N1,N4-bis((quinoline-4-yl)-methylene) benzene-1,4-diamine 1 was characterized by single crystal X-ray structural studies that included a thorough examination of visualizing and investigating intermolecular interactions in molecular crystals via the Hirshfeld surface. The crystal packing of 1 displays intermolecular π∙∙∙π stacking interactions, resulting in a one-dimensional array. The major role of π∙∙∙π stacking interactions in stabilizing the crystal is also supported by the pre-eminence of dispersion energy over the other components in interaction energy calculation and energy framework analysis. The electronic structure of the ligand computed at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level shows a good correlation with the experimentally obtained structure. Additionally, the Fukui function is calculated to identify the electrophilic and nucleophilic active sites in the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical investigations on state-selective total and angular differential cross sections for single-electron capture in collision of H e + with ground state helium atom has been presented within the framework of four-body distorted-wave model in the energy range of 30–4000 keV. In this model, distortions in the initial channel related to the Coulomb continuum states of the target and the active electron in the field of residual projectile ion are included. Here, the electron in the projectile plays the role of screening of the projectile ion. In this formalism, the dielectronic interaction 1 r 12 explicitly appears in the perturbation potential V i of the prior form of transition amplitude. Moreover, we include the interaction of the projectile with the passive electron in the target in both prior and post forms of the transition amplitude. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the relative importance of this interaction to the state-selective total as well as projectile angular-differential cross sections with impact energies. The angular-differential cross sections (DCS) for ground-state transfer exhibit an oscillatory structure at intermediate energies. This oscillatory structure demonstrates the analogy of atomic de Broglie's matter-wave scattering with Fraunhofer-type diffraction of light waves. The present theoretical results are compared with the available experimental data as well as few theoretical calculations. We find that our computed results, particularly in the prior form, indicate better agreement with the experimental data than that of the post form. Post-prior discrepancy of the total cross sections does not exceed 25% throughout the energy range considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we prove three fundamental results concerning almost *-Ricci soliton in the framework of para-Sasakian manifold. The paper is organised as follows:. If a para-Sasakian metric g represents an almost *-Ricci soliton with potential vector field V is Jacobi along Reeb vector field, then g becomes a *-Ricci soliton. If a para-Sasakian metric g represents an almost *-Ricci soliton with potential vector field V as infinitesimal paracontact transformation, then V is killing and g is n-Einstein. If a para-Sasakian metric g represents an almost *-Ricci soliton with potential vector field V being collinear with the Reeb vector field, then λ = 0, V is strict and g is n-Einstein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical validation of a generalized space error model is reported. This was achieved by comparing inline e-beam “direct” space metrology measurements with an end-of-line, yield-based, space error metric. This electrical test (e-test) of the space error is derived from the conductance of metallized test structures with programmed interlayer offsets between line and block layers used for patterning. Local space variation was extracted from voltage contrast arrays, and from inline metrology statistics. A good match was observed between the predicted space error from the weighted sum of the local and non-local terms, and the measured e-test space error. A model is proposed for the experimental validation of the local term (stochastic) of the space error model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New-onset neurologic signs and symptoms Includes encephalopathy in a patient without prior cognitive impairment, seizures, meningeal signs or peripheral neuropathy (including Guillain-Barre syndrome)2. These patients have either tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or they had positive antibody assays indicating recent infection. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has crippled the world by its fatality and protean manifestations, of which multisystem inflammatory syndrome seems to be a relatively new trick under its sleeve. [Extracted from the article]

Single-electron capture in ground state from several biologically relevant molecules by He + has been studied theoretically by a three-body version of the distorted-wave (DW) approximation both in prior and post forms in the energy range from 60 to 8000 keV. Due to multi-electron targets, this approximation is developed within the framework of independent electron model taking into account the molecular character of the target and the simple Bragg's additivity rule. The present formalism satisfies the proper boundary conditions. The interaction of the active electron with the incoming projectile ion has been approximated by a model potential containing a long-range part and a short-range part. The quantum-mechanical post and prior forms of the transition amplitude for charge exchange between He + and molecules are derived in terms of one-dimensional real integral which can be computed numerically. A detailed analysis on the contributions to the total cross sections (TCSs) coming from different molecular orbitals has also been discussed. Moreover, the contribution of short-range potential to the TCS in prior form is analysed. The calculated cross sections are compared with the available experimental and theoretical results in the wide range of impact energies. Overall, numerical results for the TCS show good agreement with the available experimental findings particularly at intermediate energy region. From this investigation, we find that the additivity rule is to be limited to relatively high energies where the molecular character is insignificant. Finally, the dependence of TCS on the number of valance electrons of different target molecules is analysed at different collision energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the mechanical and fracture performance of epoxy nanocomposites consisting of epoxide and imidazole functionalized silica nanoparticles has been studied. The post-synthesis grafting method was utilized to functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles with GPTMS (GGS) and used them as reinforcement (0-2 wt%) in epoxy resin. The cure behavior of nanocomposites demonstrated that the composite has excellent cure capability at 0.5 wt% of GGS. The composite containing 0.5 wt% of GGS exhibited significant improvement in tensile strength (~65%) and modulus of toughness (~272%), respectively. Additionally, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and work of flexural were enhanced by ~48, ~50, and ~48%, respectively. Interestingly, the GGS showed its tremendous potential to improve the fracture toughness (K1C) and the fracture energy (G1C) of the nanocomposite by ~97 and ~292%, which is also evident by the study of cure behavior. The fractography analysis endorsed the enhancement of material properties due to the use of GGS in the epoxy matrix. Failure investigation examined under FESEM elucidated forced the crack to move around the poles of the nanoparticles due to better interfacial adhesion. Hence, GGS nanoparticle has the potential to use as an excellent cost-effective reinforcement for the epoxy matrix to mitigate the brittle failure in epoxy composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal cholestasis is a hepatobiliay disease characterized by biliary obstruction in the neonatal period. Biochemically it is evidenced by prolonged elevation of serum conjugated bilirubin beyond the first 14 days of life.1 Most common causes are biliary atresia and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis.3, 4 Objective: To evaluate stool color as a screening test by visual inspection in infants with prolonged neonatal cholestasis. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytic study, conducted in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department, BSMMU, Dhaka, from 3 September 2012 to 3 February 2013 about 6 month duration. Statistically calculated 38 infants with prolonged neonatal direct hyperbilirubinaemia beyond their 14 days of age were included in this study. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 62.3 days with a standard deviation (SD) ±13.7 days. Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. All (100%) the subjects were icteric and hepatomegaly was found in 94.7% subjects. Dark urine (84.2%), pale stool (78.5%), bleeding manifestations (31.8%) and infection (29%) were also observed. Thirty (78.5%) subjects had pale colored stool. Mean (± SD) albumin and conjugated bilirubin levels were 3.68 (±1.88)gm/dl and 5.29 (±1.31)mg/dl respectively. ALT and GGT level of the study subjects were 346.19±124.28 u/dl and 315±198.91 u/l respectively. Common ultrasonographic findings of the patients were non visualization of gallbladder 60.5%, non-visualization of common bileduct 50%, hepatomegaly 92.1%, and triangular cord sign in portahepatis 7.9%. Scintigraphy revealed impaired excretion into intestine 88.9% in majority of the subjects. Liver biopsy revealed liver architecture was preseved 65.8% bile duct proliferation 52.6%, regenarating nodule was absent 65.8% gaint cell was present 52.6% portal tract inflammation was found in 47.4%. Sensitivity of stool color in the diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis was found 90.6%, specificity 83.3%, accuracy 89.5%, positive predictive value 96.7% and negative predictive value 62.5%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that stool color might be reliable indicator for screening of prolonged neonatal cholestasis namely biliary atresia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent successes, patients suffering from locked-in syndrome (LIS) still struggle to communicate using vision-independent brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). In this study, we compared auditory and tactile BCIs, regarding training effects and cross-stimulus-modality transfer effects, when switching between stimulus modalities. We utilized a streaming-based P300 BCI, which was developed as a low workload approach to prevent potential BCI-inefficiency. We randomly assigned 20 healthy participants to two groups. The participants received three sessions of training either using an auditory BCI or using a tactile BCI. In an additional fourth session, BCI versions were switched to explore possible cross-stimulus-modality transfer effects. Both BCI versions could be operated successfully in the first session by the majority of the participants, with the tactile BCI being experienced as more intuitive. Significant training effects were found mostly in the auditory BCI group and strong evidence for a cross-stimulus-modality transfer occurred for the auditory training group that switched to the tactile version but not vice versa. All participants were able to control at least one BCI version, suggesting that the investigated paradigms are generally feasible and merit further research into their applicability with LIS end-users. Individual preferences regarding stimulus modality should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical study of the double-differential cross sections (DDCS) for ejection of electron from hydrogen atom in ground state by the impact of C 6 + ion with energy values 1 and 2.5 MeV/amu is presented. For the final state, we use a continuum distorted wave that contains the product of two Coulomb distortions due to the projectile–electron and target–electron Coulombic interactions for which it is called the two-Coulomb-wave (2CW) model. In this paper, the energy and angular distributions of DDCS for electron emission from atomic hydrogen have been investigated. The ejected electrons are influenced by the combined fields of the target and the projectile ion. Comprehensive comparisons are made between the three-Coulomb-wave model (Jana et al. in Eur Phys J D 66:243, 2012) and the present 2CW model. The emitted electron, the incident projectile ion and the residual ion are considered to be in the same plane. It is found that the two-centre effect has a major influence on the observed forward–backward angular asymmetry in the angular distribution of electron emission spectra. The region of the binary encounter peak is analysed in detail. The present computed results have been compared with the available experimental results as well as other theoretical calculations based on the first Born approximation and the continuum distorted wave eikonal initial state approximation. Moreover, the present computed results are in better agreement with the available experimental data for electron emission cross sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-body formalism of the modified target continuum distorted wave (MTCDW-4B) with incorrect boundary conditions and boundary corrected continuum intermediate state (BCCIS-4B) approximation have been employed to calculate the differential cross sections (DCS) and total cross sections (TCS) for double-electron capture (DC) in collision of fast bare ions with helium atoms in their ground states. In both these formalisms, the intermediate continuum state of each of the active electrons with the target has been taken into account. The influence of the static-electron-correlations on cross sections has also been taken into account by choosing the proper wave functions of the initial states of the bound electrons. Moreover, we have computed the cross sections using the asymptotic Coulomb logarithmic phase for the relative motion of two colliding nuclei in BCCIS-4B theory. The present computed results are compared with the available experimental and other existing theoretical results. TCS are found to be in good agreement with the measurements. In addition, we have also analyzed DCS for DC in the collision of α -particles with helium atoms at intermediate and high projectile energies. We have investigated the significance of the contributions to TCS and DCS from excited states (both single and double) of He and 𝐿𝑖 + especially in comparison between theories and measurements. For symmetric collision, the ground state capture dominates over the excited states whereas for asymmetric collision, the excited states including singly and doubly excited states dominate over the ground state capture. It is also clear that the ground state contribution dominates at very high impact energies for asymmetric collision. The obtained results for DCS into the ground state and excited states are compared with the experimental data and overall satisfactory agreements have been found at different impact energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single ionization of He atom by the impact of highly charged dressed projectile nucleus is investigated by applying the three-body formalism of three-Coulomb wave (3CW) model and the first Born approximation (FBA). In the 3CW formalism, the interaction between the dressed projectile and the active electron is represented by a model potential containing both the long-range and short-range part of the Coulomb potential. The target is treated as a one-electron atom, where the interaction of the active electron with the rest of the target is represented by a similar type of model potential. The correlated motion of each pair of particles, interacting through long-range Coulomb potential, is taken into account in the final state. In addition, an independent particle model and a single-zeta Roothaan-Hartree-Fock 1s wavefunction, describing helium in its ground state, is used to carry out the calculations, where the effective charge of the target nuclei is obtained from the initial orbital energy. The energy distributions of the double-differential cross sections (DDCS) at low and intermediate energy electron emission from helium atom have been investigated. Our theoretical results are compared with both the available experimental measurements and theoretical calculations using other methods. There is good overall agreement of the present calculations with experimental data except for low-energy electron emission (less than 10 eV). For target ionization by a dressed projectile, we find that the cross sections depend on the projectile charge. For distant collisions involving high energy ions, the primary effect of bound projectile electrons is to screen the projectile nuclear charge, thereby reducing the strength of the interaction potential. Finally, the energy distribution of DDCS ratio at different angles has also been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total as well as angular-differential cross sections for single electron capture have been investigated in collision of bare ions ( H + , H e 2 + and L i 3 + ) with hydrogen molecules at intermediate and high collision energies with special emphasis on finding interference effects to be exhibited by angular-differential cross sections. Here, we apply the first-order molecular target continuum distorted-wave approximation. Within the distorted-wave formalism, the one-active-electron model, developed to describe collisions with multi-electronic atomic targets, has been employed for the case of H 2 targets. Here, distortion in the final channel related to the Coulomb continuum state of the active electron in the field of residual molecular target ion is included. The present computed results are compared with the available experimental and other theoretical results. The total cross section is obtained by integrating over the projectile's scattering angle and averaging over all the molecular orientations. The total capture cross sections for all the projectile ions have fair agreement with the experimental observations particularly at lower projectile energies. We have studied the differential cross sections at θ ρ = 90 ∘ , ϕ ρ = 0 ∘ , where θ ρ and ϕ ρ are the polar and azimuthal angles, respectively, of the molecular axis with respect to the incident direction at different impact energies. The interference between two capture amplitudes associated with two centers in the molecule has been found to be more pronounced at fixed orientation of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five advanced potato genotypes, along with three check varieties were evaluated at six locations in order to find out the stable varieties for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh. Combined analysis exhibited a highly significant variability among the genotypes, locations and GEI. The average tuber yield at 90 days after planting (DAP) of the genotypes ranged from 31.18 t ha-1 in the check BARI Alu-28 to 43.8 t ha-1 in the clone 9.35. The result of AMMI analysis of tuber yield at 90 DAP also showed that the first IPCA1 captured 55.30% of the interaction SS. IPCA2, IPCA3 and IPCA4 explained 29.01, 8.55 and 7.08% of GE interaction SS, respectively. In general, the AMMI2 model contained 99.94% of the treatment SS, while the residual contained 0.06%. In ASV method, the clone 9.125, followed by the check BARI Alu-28 and clone 9.91 were more stable than 9.35. Biplot of IPCA1 and IPCA2 covers 84.3% of GE interaction. Biplot analysis also showed that clone 9.44 and 9.35 and the environment of Gazipur and Jashore had a better result in the GE interaction. Clone 9.44 had specific adaptation with the environment of Gazipur and Jashore, while 9.35 had specific adaptation with Gazipur and Jamalpur. Clone 9.125, 9.91, BARI Alu-28, BARI Alu-8 and clone 9.112 were located toward the center of the biplot and can be considered as stable. Based on the GSI the most desirable genotype for both stability and high tuber yield is the clone 9.125 followed by clones 9.112, 9.91 and 9.35. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high-resolution x-ray diffractometry (HRXRD) and computer simulations, germanium content x, thickness T of pseudomorphic Si1-xGex layers, and Ge depth profile in their advanced heterobipolar transistor (HBT) structures grown on (001)Si substrates have been determined. High-resolution rocking curves (RCs) with well-resolved intensity oscillations have been recorded by using a double-crystal x-ray diffractometer in (+,-) geometry with Cu Kα1 radiation from a 12-kW rotating anode x-ray generator. The experimental RCs were simulated with the in-house developed computer program based on the semikinematical theory. In addition to the Ge depth profile, the thickness of SiGe layer, Si cap layer, and SiGe plateau layers of the HBT structures have been determined for the best fit of the experimental RCs with the theoretically simulated RCs. Due to the decay of intensity oscillations, in the case of partially relaxed layers, the values of germanium content x and relaxation R were calculated from the perpendicular and parallel (in-plane) lattice constants a⊥ and a∥ obtained by recording a pair of RCs from symmetric and asymmetric lattice planes. The simulation method using HRXRD has been described with the help of typical results obtained from samples of different structures. In this method the maximum error values of x and T are, respectively, ±0.5% and 1%. The error in the value of R is ±2% for partially relaxed samples. In the case of HBT structures, the maximum error in the value of thickness of SiGe and cap layers is ±1% and that of plateau layer is ±5%. The method is very convenient, faster, accurate, and nondestructive in comparison with other methods such as transmission electron microscopy and Secondary-ion-mass spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report theoretical electron capture cross sections for single-electron removal from molecules of biological interest and noble gases by bare ion (H+ and He2+) impact at energies ranging from 25 to 10,000 keV/amu. We use a distorted wave (DW) method where the intermediate continuum state of the active electron with the target ion has been taken into account. This method is developed within the framework of the independent electron model taking particular care of the representation of the bound continuum target states. Two different approximations have been considered for molecular targets: molecular representation of the bound-state target wavefunction and Bragg's additivity rule. The molecular orbital for targets are described within the framework of the complete neglect of differential overlap (CNDO) method based on the linear combination of atomic orbital (LCAO) approximation. Using the DW method, we have also calculated the K-, L- and M- shell electron capture in collisions of bare ions with three noble gases He, Ne, and Ar respectively. Contributions from different molecular orbitals and different shells to the total cross sections (TCS) are studied. The preference of electron capture occurs in accordance as the binding energy of the active electron in molecular orbital and atomic shell. The maximum contributions to TCS for SC comes from the less bound electrons in repetitive orbitals, whereas the tightly bound electrons dominate the TCS at higher projectile energy regime. Variation of TCS with impact energy are compared with the available experimental observation and other theoretical findings. We find that the present theoretical method is satisfactory in both intermediate and high-energy region for molecules as well as noble gas targets to give reliable outcomes compared to other theoretical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the electric field and temperature dependence of dielectric, impedance and conduction characteristics of a lead-free complex distorted perovskite (Bi1/2K1/2)(Zn1/2W1/2)O3 ceramic. The material was synthesized by using a standard high-temperature ceramic technology. Analysis of x-ray diffraction data and patterns collected at room temperature has provided the information on the formation of a distorted perovskite with an orthorhombic crystal system. Dielectric and impedance spectroscopy techniques have been utilized to study the effect of frequency and temperature on the dielectric, impedance and transport (conduction) characteristics of the compound. The mechanism of dielectric relaxation phenomenon in the compound has been analyzed using the dielectric and impedance data collected in a wide range of temperature (100-500°C) and frequency (1 kHz-1 MHz). Analysis of temperature-frequency-dependent Nyquist (impedance) plots has shown an important role of grains (bulk) and grain boundaries in the capacitive and resistive characteristics of the material. Based on the frequency-dependent electrical modulus and impedance data of the compound, the dielectric relaxation of non-Debye type has been suggested. The nature of the temperature- and frequency-dependence of ac conductivity of the compound follows Joncher’s power law. The fabricated compound has some important dielectric characteristics which can potentially be used for electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lead-free dielectric material [Bi(ZnTa)O] has been prepared using a solid state reaction technique at high-temperature. The resistive, conducting and capacitive characteristics of the prepared electronic material have been studied in different experimental conditions. The determination of basic crystal parameters and reflection indices confirm the development of polycrystalline compound with orthorhombic crystal structure. The study of frequency-temperature dependence of ac conductivity illustrates the nature and conduction mechanism of the material. On the basis of observed impedance data and detailed dielectric analysis, the existence of non-Debye type relaxation has been affirmed. The electronic charge carriers of compound have short range order that has been validated from the complex modulus and impedance spectrum. The detailed studies of resistive, capacitive, microstructural characteristics of the prepared material provide some useful data for considering the material as an electronic component for fabrication of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacitive, resistive and conducting characteristics of Bi(ZnNb)O electronic material have been investigated experimentally. Detailed studies of frequency-temperature dependence of electrical parameters using impedance spectroscopy technique provide the experimental evidence of contributions of grain as well as grain boundary in the resistive and capacitive characteristics of the synthesized material. Temperature and frequency dependent ac conductivity of the compound provides the nature and conduction mechanism of the material studied. The compound illustrates its non-Debye type of dielectric relaxation behaviour. The preliminary study of the electronic material may provide some useful information for formulation of electronic components as well as gadget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric dispersion and impedance spectroscopy of multiferroic bismuth ferrite (BFO; BiFeO) and lead titanate (PT; PbTiO) electro ceramics have been altered by doping chemically with Yttrium (Y). The distinctive structural study including morphology as well as electrical properties of Y doped BFO-PT solid composite [(PbBi.Y) (FeTi)O] depicts several interesting results on structure-properties correlation. The development of single phase compound with tetragonal crystal coordination is predicted from X-ray diffraction (XRD). The micrograph substantiates the development of dense grains. The chemical content and composition of the prepared solid solution is determined using the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique. The impedance spectroscopy shows the evidence of grain as well as grain boundary effects leading to the subsistence of negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) in this processed material. At lower temperature region, the ac conductivity of this compound rises with the frequency. The processed electronic compound illustrates non-Debye type electrical relaxation behaviour. The preliminary study of the prepared electronic material may provide some useful information for devise of electronic components as well as gadget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performances of tissue cultured (TC) plantlets of BARI Kola-3 and BARI Kola-4 were evaluated against transplanting of conventional (CON) sucker at hill valleys during July 2011 to December 2014. The plantlets were produced at Biotech Lab, BARI Gazipur and validation trial was conducted at Ramgarh, Khagrachari hill district during March-April and September-October planting seasons (2011-14). Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented @ 3 mg 1-l and 5 mg l-1 BAP showed the best performance for multiple shoot production in BARI Kola-3 and BARI Kola-4, respectively. Both the varieties produced well developed roots in ½MS medium supplemented @ 0.5 mg 1-l IBA. Among the plantlets 98.5% plantlets were survived when hardened 7 days under polyethylene tunnel after 5 days hardening at room temperature but 100% plantlets died when transplanted plantlets were kept in open conditions at the nursery. 45 day - old healthy plantlets were planted at hill valleys in September-October and April-May planting seasons. BARI Kola-3 produced the highest 45.67 and 44.05 t ha-1 bunch yield at April- May and September-October planting, respectively. The highest 55.89 t ha-1 bunch yield was recorded from TC BARI Kola-4 in March-April planting followed by 49.67 t ha-1 in September-October Planting. TC BARI Kola-3 and BARI Kola-4 produced 3.68 and 12.52% higher yields in March-April planting, respectively than September-October planting. In case of planting materials, TC BARI Kola-3 and TC BARI Kola-4 produced 23.43 and 20.33% higher yield over CON suckered plant in March-April planting. On the other hand, TC BARI Kola-3 and TC BARI Kola-4 also produced 12.34 and 9.35% higher yield than CON Suckered plant in September-October planting. Similarly, TC BARI Kola-4 produced 28.33% higher yield than CON suckered BARI Kola-4 in March-April planting. In every case, TC plants showed better performances than the CON suckered plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important clinical problem in sick neonate. In most patients, AKI accompanies with a predisposing factor such as sepsis, asphyxia and surgery. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence, associated contributing factors and short term outcome of AKI in hospitalized newborn infants. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was done in Dhaka Shishu Hospital from March 2011 to September 2011. This study included 300 sick neonates admitted during the study period. AKI was defined when serum creatinine level >1.5 mg/dl and BUN was >20 mg/dl on two separate occasions at 24 hours apart. Oliguria was defined as urine output <1ml/kg/hr. Medical records of those patients were reviewed and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Fourteen babies (4.66%) out of 300 sick neonates had AKI, of whom 64.2% were male and 35.7% female. Theterm and preterm neonates were 71% and 29% respectively. While a normal birth weight was observed in 57% cases, 35% had low birth weight and 7.14% had very low birth weight. Sepsis was the most common (71%) association of AKI, followed by perinatal asphyxia (52%). All patients had more than one predisposing factors. Frequency of oliguric kidney injury was 57% and non-oliguric was 43%. Mortality among the hospitalized neonate with AKI was 21%. Conclusion: This study showed that in a tertiary care hospital AKI is not uncommon (4.66%) in neonatal care unit. It is associated with some preventable conditions such as sepsis, perinatal asphyxia and shock. Outcome is poor in sick neonates with AKI (21% mortality) in comparison to sick neonates without AKI (10.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gastrointestinal infections are risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) and functional dyspepsia ( FD). We investigated whether non-enteric infections and antibiotic exposure are also associated with the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders ( FGIDs). Methods In a nested case-control study, random samples of Olmsted County, MN, were mailed valid self-report questionnaires from 1988 through 1994, and then follow-up questionnaires from 1995 through 2003. Survey responders who did not report any FGID symptoms at baseline, but then reported such symptoms in at least one subsequent survey, were classified as new-onset cases. Age-matched controls were individuals who did not have symptoms at either the initial or subsequent surveys. Key Results The overall response rate was 78% to the initial survey and 52% to the follow-up survey. Based on the responses, 316 participants had a new onset of an FGID (43 IBS constipation, 95 IBS diarrhea, 25 IBS mixed, and 153 other FGIDs, including FD) and 250 did not (controls). Around 76% (241/316) of cases reported a non-enteric infection vs 66% (166/250) of the controls. The frequency of enteric infections was similar between the two groups. Of the new FGID cases, 83% had a non-enteric infection that was treated with antibiotic. In a logistic regression model, treatment with antibiotics for a non-gastrointestinal infection was associated with the development of an FGID (odds ratio = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.21-2.98; p = 0.005), after adjusting for age and sex. Conclusions & Inferences Based on a case-control study, treatment of a non-gastrointestinal infection with antibiotics appears to be a risk factor for development of an FGID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily moderate rainfall events, that constitute a major portion of seasonal summer monsoon rainfall over central India, have decreased significantly during the period 1951 till 2005. Mean and extreme near surface daily temperature during the monsoon season have also increased by a maximum of 1-1.5 °C. Using simulations made with a high-resolution regional climate model (RegCM4) with prescribed vegetation cover of 1950 and 2005, it is demonstrated that part of the above observed changes in moderate rainfall events and temperature have been caused by land-use land-cover change (LULCC) which is mostly anthropogenic. Model simulations show that the increase in seasonal mean and extreme temperature over central India coincides with the region of decreased (increased) forest (crop) cover. The results also show that land-use landcover alone causes warming in the extremes of daily mean and maximum temperatures by maximum of 1-1.2 °C, that is comparable with the observed increasing trend in the extremes. Decrease (increase) in forest (crop) cover reduces the evapotranspiration over land and large-scale convective instability, apart from decreasing the moisture convergence. These factors act together not only in reducing the moderate rainfall events over central India but also the amount of rainfall in that category, significantly. This is the most interesting result of this study. Additionally, the model simulations are repeated by removing the warming trend in sea surface temperatures. As a result, there is enhanced warming at the surface and decrease in moderate rainfall events over central India. Results from the additional experiments corroborate our initial findings and confirm the contribution of land-use land-cover change on increase in daily mean and extreme temperature and decrease in moderate rainfall events. This study not only demonstrates the important implications of LULCC over India, but also shows the necessity for inclusion of projected anthropogenic changes in land-use land-cover in future climate change scenarios for developing better adaptation and mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the synthesis of four 2-(arylazo)phenol-Pd(II) complexes and their anti-proliferative property against the human lung cancer (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), and ovarian teratocarcinoma (PA-1) cell lines with cisplatin as the gold standard. One of the complexes, [Pd(L2)2], induced robust apoptosis in all the chosen cells, as revealed by annexin-V-positive/propidium iodide dual staining, increased sub-G1 cell cycle population, and significant morphological changes in the treated cells. The Pd complex inflicted mitochondrial dysfunction leading to mitochondrial membrane potential loss, reactive oxygen species generation and release of cytosolic cytochrome c that activated caspase-9 and caspase-3 proteins which finally caused programmed cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]