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Recently, Bergemann et al. reported a re-analysis of O i lines, 777 and 630 nm, using their new atomic models of O and Ni, and presented solar photospheric oxygen abundance differing from others. We discuss the accuracy of atomic data employed in their models, and demonstrate that the photoionization cross-sections (σPI) of the two levels ${\rm1s^22s^22p^33s (^5S^o_2)}$ and 1s22s22p33p(5P1), which they present as illustrations of their data in the non-local-thermodynamic-equilibrium (NLTE) model, are incorrect by large factors. For example, their σPI at the threshold of level ${\rm ^5S^o_2}$ is larger by a factor of 1000 than that of Nahar and the Opacity Project data base, TOPbase, and has an incorrect energy behaviour. They included a blending of the 630 nm line with N i for which they computed σPI in the hydrogenic approximation. The approximation does not include electron–electron interaction and hence is not valid for Ni i. They noted that the use of oscillator strengths of O i by Hibbert et al., which agree very well with TOPbase and Nahar, gave an abundance close to the existing values, but reported using averaged values of two sources. Therefore, their oxygen abundance from the new atomic models is likely to be in question.

The morphologic abnormality of cattle and goat livers (collected from slaughterhouses in Mymensinghcity of Bangladesh) were investigated in the present study. The livers of slaughtered cattle (n = 14) and goat (n = 20) were examined by gross visualization, palpation and incision as well as histopathology. The total liver lesion in cattle was 71.4% and in goat was 75%. Grossly, various pathological changes, mainly thickened, rough capsule which was whitish in color, necrotic foci, thickened bile ducts with matured flukes, fibrosis were seen. Histopathologically, necrosis, degenerative changes of hepatocytes, dilated sinusoids, inflammatory infiltrates, granuloma, bile duct hyperplasia, periportal and periductal fibrosis were found in cattle and goat livers. Extensive fibrosis was seen portal areas of liver by Goldner’s trichrome staining. Migratory tracts and immature flukes were seen in intrahepatic bile ducts. Most common cause of liver lesions found in the present study was Fascioliasis in both cattle and goat. It could be concluded that the major gross and microscopic alterationsin the livers of cattle and goat due to Fasciola giganticainfectionreflected tissue damage, which can lead to substantial financial losses in animals and great health problems in human. Therefore, special care and attention are required to ensure that seriously damaged livers of food animals are not passed on for human consumption, and extensive monitoring and epidemiological surveys are necessary to cope this adverse situation

Being the backbone element of DNA, phosphorus is a key component in the search for life in the Universe. To aid in its detection, we present line emissivity ratios for the five lowest-lying forbidden [P~II] transitions, namely those among the levels $3s^23p^2(^3P_0,^3P_1, ^3P_2,^1D_2,^1S_0)$. The wavelengths range between 0.44-70 \mum, and several lie within the spectroscopic domain observable with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These line ratios have been calculated using a new collisional-radiative-recombination (CRR) model combining calculated collision strengths and level-specific recombination rate coefficients; with both datasets computed using the accurate Breit-Pauli R-Matrix method. The CRR model includes a new scheme for \eion recombination to emission line formation. We compare its effect to models incorporating only electron impact excitation and spontaneous radiative decay. We find that electron-ion recombination has a significant impact on all line ratios, and represents a major improvement in physical accuracy of emission line models., 5 pages, 4 figures

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are intricately involved in the conversion of extracellular feedback to intracellular responses. These specialized receptors possess a crucial role in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Most nonsensory GPCRs are active in almost 90% of complex brain functions. At the time of receptor phosphorylation, a GPCR pathway is essentially activated through a G protein signaling mechanism via a G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK). Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, is primarily involved in the pathophysiology of several CNS disorders; for instance, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and ADHD. Since dopamine, acetylcholine, and glutamate are potent neuropharmacological targets, dopamine itself has potential therapeutic effects in several CNS disorders. GPCRs essentially regulate brain functions by modulating downstream signaling pathways. GPR6, GPR52, and GPR8 are termed orphan GPCRs because they colocalize with dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in neurons of the basal ganglia, either alone or with both receptors. Among the orphan GPCRs, the GPR52 is recognized for being an effective psychiatric receptor. Various antipsychotics like aripiprazole and quetiapine mainly target GPCRs to exert their actions. One of the most important parts of signal transduction is the regulation of G protein signaling (RGS). These substances inhibit the activation of the G protein that initiates GPCR signaling. Developing a combination of RGS inhibitors with GPCR agonists may prove to have promising therapeutic potential. Indeed, several recent studies have suggested that GPCRs represent potentially valuable therapeutic targets for various psychiatric disorders. Molecular biology and genetically modified animal model studies recommend that these enriched GPCRs may also act as potential therapeutic psychoreceptors. Neurotransmitter and neuropeptide GPCR malfunction in the frontal cortex and limbic-related regions, including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and brainstem, is likely responsible for the complex clinical picture that includes cognitive, perceptual, emotional, and motor symptoms. G protein and GPCR-mediated signaling play a critical role in developing new treatment options for mental health issues, and this study is aimed at offering a thorough picture of that involvement. For patients who are resistant to current therapies, the development of new drugs that target GPCR signaling cascades remains an interesting possibility. These discoveries might serve as a fresh foundation for the creation of creative methods for pharmacologically useful modulation of GPCR function.

Nahid Sultana Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nahid Sultana Department of Computer ScienceCollege of Computer Science and Information Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaTel +966 13 333 2029Email nszakir@iau.edu.saBackground: The incidence of skin cancer has increased over the past few years, owing to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Over the past decade, protection against solar radiation has been highly encouraged in numerous public health education campaigns. The adopted sun protection practices include avoiding exposure to the sun, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. The aim of this paper was to analyze the awareness and attitudes towards sun protection practices in some regions of the Arabian Peninsula.Objective: The main objective of this study is to estimate the level of sun protection practices and determine the factors that have a significant impact on the level of adoption of sun protection practices by residents in the Arabian Peninsula.Methods: A 35-question self‐reporting online questionnaire to evaluate the sun protection measures adopted by the residents was distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kingdom of Bahrain. The survey was conducted from January 2018 to May 2019, and a total 830 responses were collected for analysis. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS. The chi-squared test and Spearman’s correlation were performed to determine the association of the sun protection level with factors concerning the socio-demographic characteristics, sun sensitivity, health-conscious lifestyle, adopted sun protection measures, and general awareness about the UV index, skin cancer, and vitamin D. Logistic regression classification was applied in developing the empirical model to predict the sun protection level of the residents.Results: Based on the analysis, only 34% of the total 830 respondents use sunscreen and most of the sunscreen users are female. The three most popular sun protection practices are: 1) avoiding exposure to the sun during peak hours, 2) using protective clothing, and 3) using sunglasses. The results indicate that 22% of respondents use a low level of sun protection, 53% use a medium level of protection, while 25% of respondents use a high level of sun protection. Many of the respondents understand that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and skin aging, while 54% of the respondents still believe that a suntan can be healthy if sunburn is avoided. Thirty percent of the participants of this study are aware of the UV index, and only 20% of all respondents know the correct meaning of the UV index. The overall predictive accuracy of the constructed logistic regression model is 67%. Based on the results of the logistic regression model, the five most significant factors of the sun protection level are: 1) perception that the sun can cause skin aging, or not, 2) age, 3) awareness of the dangerous effects of sun exposure, 4) income with respect to expenses, and 5) taking the UV index into consideration during exposure to the sun.Conclusion: Most of the respondents are aware about sun protection. However, the sun protection level of the residents is still inadequate. An efficient strategy of increasing the awareness of the effective use of sun protection systems must be established based on the significant factors to prevent skin cancer.Keywords: sun protection, sunscreen, UV index, skin cancer, vitamin D

Despite the progress in characterising the pharmacological profile of drugs of abuse, their precise biochemical impact remains unclear. The metabolome reflects the multifaceted biochemical processes occurring within a biological system. This includes those encoded in the genome but also those arising from environmental/exogenous exposures and interactions between the two. Using metabolomics, the biochemical derangements associated with substance abuse can be determined as the individual transitions from recreational drug to chronic use (dependence). By understanding the biomolecular perturbations along this time course and how they vary across individuals, metabolomics can elucidate biochemical mechanisms of the addiction cycle (dependence/withdrawal/relapse) and predict prognosis (recovery/relapse). In this review, we summarise human and animal metabolomic studies in the field of opioid and psychostimulant addiction. We highlight the importance of metabolomics as a powerful approach for biomarker discovery and its potential to guide personalised pharmacotherapeutic strategies for addiction targeted towards the individual's metabolome.

We offer a theoretical and experimental study of the single-photon photoionization of Ne III. The high photon flux and the high-resolution capabilities of the Advanced Light Source at the LBNL were employed to measure absolute photoionization cross sections. The resulting spectrum has been benchmarked against high accuracy relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix calculations. A large close-coupling wave function expansion which comprises up to 58 fine-structure levels of the residual ion Ne IV of configurations 2 s 2 2 p 3 , 2 s 2 p 4 , 2 p 5 , 2 s 2 2 p 2 3 s , 2 s 2 2 p 2 3 p and 2 s 2 2 p 2 3 d was included. A complete identification of the measured features was achieved by considering seven low-lying levels of Ne III. We found that the photoionization cross-section ( σ P I ) exhibits the presence of prominent resonances in the low-energy region near the ionization thresholds that correspond to low-lying levels. These include high-peak narrow resonances with almost zero background introduced by relativistic effects. However, there does not exist a significant contribution to σ P I from relativistic effects at the high-energy interval of the present study.

Energies, weighted oscillator strengths (gf), line strengths (S) and radiative rates (A) for allowed and forbidden transitions are presented for 2s2p62S1/2 − 2s22p52P1/2, 2P3/2 and 2s22p52P1/2 − 2s22p52P3/2 transitions in fluorine-like Ca XII (Z = 20), Ti XIV (Z = 22), Cr XVI (Z = 24), Fe XVIII (Z = 26) and Ni XX (Z = 28) ions. Moreover, the allowed electric dipole (E1) and the forbidden electric quadrupole (E2), octupole (E3), magnetic dipole (M1) and quadrupole (M2) transition rates for some transitions are obtained. The 2s22p5–2s 2p6-type transitions of F-like ions are prominent in high-temperature plasmas and are useful for diagnostics. The present results are obtained from configuration interaction atomic structure calculations using the code SUPERSTRUCTURE (SS) which includes relativistic effects in Breit–Pauli approximation. The comparison of the present energies with the available observed energies displayed very good agreement (

BackgroundUndergraduate research opportunities teach students not only how to conduct research, but they too learn problem-solving aptitudes. Participating in research also increases students’ interest is being involved and making special contributions to the academic field. Therefore, the aim of our study was intended to assess the attitude and perceived barriers toward research among the medical undergraduates of Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among third, fourth, and fifth year students across medical colleges in Bangladesh, during the month of July, 2020 to December, 2020. A Google-linked questionnaire was disseminated to the students via different social platform and the responses were received through Google drive.ResultThe questionnaire survey received responses from 1279 students, with 94% claiming to be familiar with the scientific method. 82.7% of students mentioned they could design and execute a research project as well as can write scientific articles. More than half of the respondents (66.4%) expressed an interest in participating in research. Almost all respondents (96.7%) agreed that research is beneficial as it aid critical thinking and policy implementation. 79.8% of respondents opined that education on research methodology should be required in the medical curriculum. Majority of the respondents reported that lack of time and priorities to do research work because of compact academic tasks (89.1%), insufficient guidance (86.6%), lack of familiarities with research methodology (87.5%) and statistical analysis (85.2%) are the barriers of research.ConclusionOur findings indicated that Bangladeshi medical students have a positive attitude toward research and that research methodology should be taught in undergraduate medical education. In order to increase participation in research, the challenges identified by students should be addressed.

The online atomic database of NORAD-Atomic-Data, where NORAD stands for Nahar OSU Radiative, is part of the data sources of the two international collaborations of the Opacity Project (OP) and the Iron Project (IP). It contains large sets of parameters for the dominant atomic processes in astrophysical plasmas, such as, (i) photo-excitation, (ii) photoionization, (iii) electron&ndash, ion recombination, (iv) electron&ndash, impact excitations. The atomic parameters correspond to tables of energy levels, level-specific total photoionization cross-sections, partial photoionization cross-sections of all bound states for leaving the residual ion in the ground state, partial cross-sections of the ground state for leaving the ion in various excited states, total level-specific electron&ndash, ion recombination rate coefficients that include both the radiative and dielectronic recombination, total recombination rate coefficients summed from contributions of an infinite number of recombined states, total photo-recombination cross-sections and rates with respect to photoelectron energy, transition probabilities, lifetimes, collision strengths. The database was created after the first two atomic databases, TOPbase under the OP and TIPbase under the IP. Hence the contents of NORAD-Atomic-Data are either new or from repeated calculations using a much larger wave function expansion making the data more complete. The results have been obtained from the R-matrix method using the close-coupling approximation developed under the OP and IP, and from atomic structure calculations using the program SUPERSTRUCTURE. They have been compared with available published results which have been obtained theoretically and experimentally, and are expected to be of high accuracy in general. All computations were carried out using the computational facilities at the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) starting in 1990. At present it contains atomic data for 154 atomic species, 98 of which are lighter atomic species with nuclear charge Z &le, 28 and 56 are heavier ones with Z &gt, 28. New data are added with publications.

Due to their performance and flexibility, FPGAs are an attractive platform for the execution of network functions. It has been a challenge for a long time though to make FPGA programming accessible to a large audience of developers. An appealing solution is to compile code from a general-purpose language to hardware using high-level synthesis. Unfortunately, current approaches to implement rich network functionality are insufficient because they lack: (i) libraries with abstractions for common network operations and data structures, (ii) bindings to the underlying “substrate” on the FPGA, and (iii) debugging and profiling support. This paper describes Emu, a new standard library for an FPGA hardware compiler that enables developers to rapidly create and deploy network functionality. Emu allows for high-performance designs without being bound to particular packet processing paradigms. Furthermore, it supports running the same programs on CPUs, in Mininet, and on FPGAs, providing a better development environment that includes advanced debugging capabilities. We demonstrate that network functions implemented using Emu have only negligible resource and performance overheads compared with natively-written hardware versions.

Single electron hydrogen or hydrogenic ions have analytical forms to evaluate the atomic parameters for the inverse processes of photoionization and electron-ion recombination (H I + hν↔ H II + e) where H is hydrogen. Studies of these processes have continued until the present day (i) as the computations are restricted to lower principle quantum number n and (ii) to improve the accuracy. The analytical expressions have many terms and there are numerical instabilities arising from cancellations of terms. Strategies for fast convergence of contributions were developed but precise computations are still limited to lower n. This report gives a brief review of the earlier precise methodologies for hydrogen, and presents numerical tables of photoionization cross sections (σPI), and electron-ion recombination rate coefficients (αRC) obtained from recombination cross sections (σRC) for all n values going to a very high value of 800. σPI was obtained using the precise formalism of Burgess and Seaton, and Burgess. αRC was obtained through a finite integration that converge recombination exactly as implemented in the unified method of recombination of Nahar and Pradhan. Since the total electron-ion recombination includes all levels for n = 1–∞, the total asymptotic contribution of n = 801–∞, called the top-up, is obtained through a n−3 formula. A FORTRAN program “hpxrrc.f” is provided to compute photoionization cross sections, recombination cross sections and rate coefficients for any nl. The results on hydrogen atom can be used to obtain those for any hydrogenic ion of charge z through z-scaling relations provided in the theory section. The present results are of high precision and complete for astrophysical modelings.

The objective of this study was to investigate the antidepressant activity of Agaricus blazei Murrill in stressed and unstressed swiss albino mice. Antidepressant activity was evaluated by consecutive oral administration of two doses i.e. (273 mg/kg and 819 mg/kg) of hydroalcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill. Mice were immobilized to induce stress. Fluoxetine 20 mg/kg orally was given to stressed and unstressed animals and immobility time was noted by using forced swim test and tail suspension test. The concentration of plasma nitrite was also evaluated in stressed and unstressed mice. The effect of prazosin (a1-adrenoceptor antagonist), p-CPA (parachlorophenylalanine – tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor) and 7-nitroindazole (nNOS inhibitor) on the antidepressant activity of Agaricus blazei Murrill was also evaluated. Agaricus blazei Murrill (273 mg/kg, 819 mg/kg, and fluoxetine 20 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased the duration of immobility time in stressed and unstressed mice, showing significant antidepressant activity. No substantial change was found in the locomotor activity. However, significant reduction in the level of plasma nitrite was also noted in stressed mice. Hydroalcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill showed prominent antidepressant activity in mice.

Noninvasive in vivo imaging of the mouse retina is essential for eye research. However, imaging the mouse fundus is challenging due to its small size and requires specialized equipment, maintenance, and training. These issues hinder the routine evaluation of the mouse retina. In this study, we developed a noncontact imaging system consisting of a smartphone, a 90D condensing lens, a homemade light diaphragm, a tripod, and a Bluetooth remote. With minimal training, examiners were able to capture fundus images from the mouse retina. We also found that fundus images captured using our system from wild type mice, mice with laser-induced retinal injury, and a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa showed a quality similar to those captured using a commercial fundus camera. These images enabled us to identify normal structures and pathological changes in the mouse retina. Additionally, fluorescein angiography was possible with the smartphone system. We believe that the smartphone imaging system is low cost, simple, accessible, easy to operate, and suitable for the routine screening and examination of the mouse eye.

Photoionization cross sections of (Ca XV + hν → Ca XVI + e), with high energy resonant photo-absorption phenomena, of a large number of bound states, 701 in total with n ≤ 10 and l ≤ 9, are reported. They are obtained using the R-matrix method with a close coupling (CC) wavefunction expansion of 29 states of n = 2,3 complexes of the core ion Ca XVI. Characteristic features found in photoionization of the ion are illustrated with examples. The cross section (σPI) of the ground 2s22p2(3P) state is found to be unaffected by the size of the wavefunction expansion except for weak sparse resonances in high energy region. However, effects on excited states are considerable as the core excitations to n = 3 states are manifested in huge resonant absorption in high energy photoionization. They show existence of prominent high peak resonant features and enhancement in the background that were not studied before for Ca XV. In addition photoionization of the excited states with a single valence electron is dominated by Seaton resonant structures formed by the photo-excitation-of-core in the high energy region. These features will impact other quantities, such as the opacity, electron-ion recombination in high temperature plasmas where the ion exists, and hence will play important role in determination of elemental abundances in the astronomical objects.

An experimental and theoretical study of the single photoionization cross section of the P+ cation of phosphorus is presented. Photoionization (PI) cross sections are instrumental for the determination of abundances in the interstellar medium. The experiment was performed by merging an ion beam with a photon beam. The photon beam was nearly monochromatic and had an energy resolution of 24 meV. Calculations were carried out using the Breit–Pauli R-matrix method. The combined study was developed in the photon energy interval from 18 eV (68.9 nm) to 50 eV (24.8 nm). Comparison between the measured and the calculated cross section shows good agreement in general and identifies features of the process and existence of states in the experimental beam. The present results should provide for more accurate modeling of P+.

Photoionization cross section (σPI) of P II, (hν + P II → P III + e), from ground and a large number of excited levels are presented. The study includes the resonant structures and the characteristics of the background in photoionization cross sections. The present calculations were carried out in the Breit–Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method that includes relativistic effects. The autoionizing resonances are delineated with a fine energy mesh to observe the fine structure effects. A singular resonance, formed by the coupling of channels in fine structure but not allowed in LS coupling, is seen at the ionization threshold of photoionization for the ground and many excited levels. The background cross section is seen enhanced compared to smooth decay for the excited levels. Examples are presented to illustrate the enhanced background cross sections at the energies of the core levels, 4P3/2 and 2D3/2, that are allowed for electric dipole transitions by the core ground level 2 P 1 / 2 o . In addition strong Seaton or photo-excitation-of-core (PEC) resonances are found in the photoionization of single valence electron excited levels. Calculations used a close coupling wave function expansion that included 18 fine structure levels of core P III from configurations 3s23p, 3s3p2, 3s23d, 3s24s, 3s24p and 3p3. Photoionization cross sections are presented for all 475 fine structure levels of P II found with n ≤ 10 and l ≤ 9. The present results will provide high precision parameters of various applications involving this less studied ion.

This report presents i) various characteristic features in photoionization cross sections (σPI) of Cl II + hν → Cl III + e for many fine structure levels of Cl II, 392 in total with n ≤ 10 and l ≤ 9, ii) comparison of features with those observed in an experiment carried out at the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and iii) partial photoionization cross sections of the ground level for ionization leaving the core ion in to various excited levels for applications in plasma modeling. The features correspond to resonant structures, the shape of the background, and their interference effect in σPI of this near neutral ion Cl II with 16 electrons. σPI for the 5 levels of the ground configuration 3s23p4(3P0,1,2, 1D2, 1S0) of Cl II show regions of narrow Rydberg resonances at and near threshold energies, and resonant structures at higher energies in contrast to typical smooth decrease in the background. Various other features in σPI of levels of excited equivalent electron states and broad Seaton resonances in single valence electron excited levels are illustrated with examples. Comparison of calculated σPI of the 15 lowest levels with the combined features of the measured photoionization spectrum shows excellent agreement by reproducing and thus identifying them to the levels that they belong to. The calculations were carried out in relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method using a close coupling wave function expansion of 45 levels up to 4s of the core ion Cl III. These levels were optimized using a set of 12 configurations going up to orbital 5s, 3s23p3, 3s3p4, 3p5, 3s23p23d, 3s23p24s, 3s23p24p, 3s23p24d, 3s23p24f, 3s23p25s, 3s3p33d, 3s23p3d2, 3p43d producing 283 levels of Cl III. The autoionizing resonances are delineated with a fine energy mesh to observe the fine structure effects. The present results will provide high precision parameters for various applications involving this less studied ion.

A review on the positron scattering from atoms and molecules is presented in this article. The focus on positron scattering studies is on the rise due to their presence in various fields and application of cross section data in such environments. Positron scattering is usually investigated using theoretical approaches that are similar to those for electron scattering, being its anti-particle. However, most experimental or theoretical studies are limited to the investigation of electron and positron scattering from inert gases, single electron systems and simple or symmetric molecules. Optical potential and polarized orbital approaches are the widely used methods for investigating positron scattering from atoms. Close coupling approach has also been used for scattering from atoms, but for lighter targets with low energy projectiles. The theoretical approaches have been quite successful in predicting cross sections and agree reasonably well with experimental measurements. The comparison is generally good for electrons for both elastic and inelastic scatterings cross sections, while spin polarization has been critical due to its sensitive perturbing interaction. Positron scattering cross sections show relatively less features than that of electron scattering. The features of positron impact elastic scattering have been consistent with experiment, while total cross section requires significant improvement. For scattering from molecules, utilization of both spherical complex optical potential and R-matrix methods have proved to be efficient in predicting cross sections in their respective energy ranges. The results obtained shows reasonable comparison with most of the existing data, wherever available. In the present article we illustrate these findings with a list of comprehensive references to data sources, albeit not exhaustive.

Models of stellar spectra are necessary for interpreting light from individual stars, planets, integrated stellar populations, nebulae, and the interstellar medium. We provide a comprehensive and homogeneous collection of synthetic spectra for a wide range of atmospheric parameters and chemical compositions. We compile atomic and molecular data from the literature. We adopt the largest and most recent set of ATLAS9 model atmospheres, and use the radiative code ASS$\epsilon$T.The resulting collection of spectra is made publicly available at medium and high-resolution ($R\equiv\lambda/\delta\lambda$ = 10,000, 100,000 and 300,000 spectral grids, which include variations in effective temperature between 3500 K and 30,000 K, surface gravity ($0\le \log g \le 5$), and metallicity ($-5 \le$[Fe/H]$\le +0. 5$), spanning the wavelength interval 120-6500 nm. A second set of denser grids with additional dimensions, [$\alpha$/Fe] and micro-turbulence, are also provided (covering 200-2500 nm). We compare models with observations for a few representative cases., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures. To appear in A&A

Detailed photoionization of ground and many excited states with autoionizing resonances of neutral Ti are presented. Ti I with 22 electrons forms a large number of bound states, the present work finds a total of 908 bound states with n ⩽ 10 and l ⩽ 8 . Photoionization cross sections ( σ PI ) for all these bound states have been obtained. Calculations were carried out in the close-coupling R-matrix method using a wave function expansion that included 36 states of core ion Ti II. It is found that the resonances enhance the low energy region of photoionization of the ground and low lying excited states. The resonant features will increase the opacity, as expected of astrophysical observation, and hence play important role in determination of abundances in the elements in the astronomical objects. The excited states also show prominent structures of Seaton or photo-excitation-of-core resonances.

The K α resonance fluorescence (RFL) effect via photoabsorptions of inner shell electrons as the element goes through multiple ionization states is studied. We demonstrate that the resonances observed recently in K α (1s–2p) fluorescence in aluminum plasmas by using a high-intensity X-ray free-electron laser [1] are basically K-shell resonances in hollow atoms going through multiple ionization states at resonant energies as predicted earlier for gold and iron ions [2] . These resonances are formed below the K-shell ionization edge and shift toward higher energies with ionization states, as observed. Fluorescence emission intensities depend on transition probabilities for each ionization stage of the given element for all possible K α ( 1 s → 2 p ) transition arrays. The present calculations for resonant photoabsorptions of K α photons in Al have reproduced experimentally observed features. Resonant cross sections and absorption coefficients are presented for possible observation of K α RFL in the resonant energy ranges of 4.5–5.0 keV for Ti ions and 8.0–8.7 keV for Cu ions respectively. We suggest that theoretically the K α RFL process may be driven to enhance the Auger cycle by a twin-beam monochromatic X-ray source, tuned to the K-edge and K α energies, with potential applications such as the development of narrow-band biomedical X-ray devices.

Highlight A host-induced gene-silencing strategy for controlling potato late blight is presented, a plant disease that conventionally requires regular application of fungicides at high rates., Phytophthora infestans is an oomycete that causes severe damage to potato, and is well known for its ability to evolve rapidly in order to overcome resistant potato varieties. An RNA silencing strategy was evaluated here to clarify if small interfering RNA homologous to selected genes in P. infestans could be targeted from the plant host to reduce the magnitude of the infection. As a proof-of-concept, a hairpin RNA (hp-RNA) construct using the GFP marker gene was designed and introduced in potato. At 72 hpi, a 55-fold reduction of the signal intensity of a corresponding GFP expressing P. infestans strain on leaf samples of transgenic plants, compared with wild-type potato, was detected. This suggests that an RNA interference construct in the potato host could be processed and target a transcript of the pathogen. Three genes important in the infection process of P. infestans, PiGPB1, PiCESA2, and PiPEC, together with PiGAPDH taking part in basic cell maintenance were subsequently tested using an analogous transgenic strategy. Out of these gene candidates, the hp-PiGPB1 targeting the G protein β-subunit (PiGPB1) important for pathogenicity resulted in most restricted disease progress. Further, Illumina sequencing of inoculated transgenic potato leaves revealed sRNAs of 24/25 nt size homologous to the PiGPB1 gene in the transgenic plants indicating post-transcriptional silencing of the target gene. The work demonstrates that a host-induced gene-silencing approach is functional against P. infestans but is highly dependent on target gene for a successful outcome. This finding broadens the arsenal of control strategies to this important plant disease.

Phosphorus abundance is crucial for DNA-based extraterrestrial life in exoplanets. Atomic data for observed spectral lines of P-ions are needed for its accurate determination. We present the first calculations for collision strengths for the forbidden PIII fine structure transition $3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2-3/2})$ within the ground state at 17.9 $\mu$m, as well as allowed UV transitions in the $3s^23p (^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}) \rightarrow 3s3p^2 (^2D_{3/2,5/2}, ^2S_{1/2}, ^2P_{1/2,3/2})$ multiplets between 915-1345 $\AA$. Collision strengths are computed using the Breit-Pauli R-Matrix method including the first 18 levels, and they exhibit extensive auto-ionizing resonance structures. In particular, the Maxwellian averaged effective collision strength for the FIR 17.9 $\mu$m transition shows a factor 3 temperature variation broadly peaking at typical nebular temperatures. Its theoretical emissivity with solar phosphorus abundance is computed relative to H$\beta$ and found to be similar to observed intensties from planetary nebulae; the abundances derived in earlier works are 3-5 times sub-solar. The results pertain to the reported paucity of phosphorus from preferred production sites in supernovae, and abundances in planetary nebulae and supernova remnants., Comment: To appear in Mon. Not. Royal Astron. Soc. Letters, 5 pages, 3 figures

A review of a renewed effort to recalculate astrophysical opacities using the R-Matrix method is presented. The computational methods and new extensions are described. Resulting enhancements found in test calculations under stellar interior conditions compared to the Opacity Project could potentially lead to the resolution of the solar abundances problem, as well as discrepancies between recent experimental measurements at the Sandia Z-pinch inertial confinement fusion device and theoretical opacity models. Outstanding issues also discussed are: (i) accuracy, convergence, and completeness of atomic calculations, (ii) improvements in the Equation-of-State of high-temperature-density plasmas, and (iii) redistribution of resonant oscillator strength in the bound-free continuum, and (iv) plasma broadening of auotionizing resonances., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, Review, Proc. Workshop on Astrophysical Opacities 2017, PASP

The IRON Project, initiated in 1991, aims at two main objectives, i) study the characteristics of and calculate large-scale high accuracy data for atomic radiative and collisional processes, and ii) application in solving astrophysical problems. It focuses on the complex iron and iron-peak elements commonly observed in the spectra of astrophysical plasmas. The present report will illustrate the characteristics of the dominant atomic process of photoionization that have been established under the project and the preceding the Opacity Project and their importance in applications., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, Workshop on Astrophysical Opacities, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA August 1 - 4, 2017

Extensive resonance structures are manifest in R-Matrix (RM) calculations. However, there exist a large number of highly excited electronic configurations that may contribute to background non-resonant bound-free opacity in high-temperature plasmas. Since RM calculations are very complex, and not essential for background contributions, the Relativistic Distorted Wave (RDW) method is utilized to complement ("top-up") photoionization cross sections of Fe XVII obtained using Close-Coupling Breit-Pauli R-Matrix (CC-BPRM) method. There is good agreement between RDW and BPRM for background cross sections where resonances are not present, and individual fine structure levels can be correctly matched spectroscopically, though resonances are neglected in the RDW. To ensure completeness, a high energy range up to 500 Ry above the ionization threshold for each level is considered. Interestingly, the hydrogenic Kramer's approximation also shows the same energy behavior as the RDW. Grouping separately, the BPRM configurations consist of 454 bound levels with resonances corresponding to configurations $1s^22s^22p^4nln'l'$ (n $\leq$ 3, n' $\leq$ 10); including RDW configurations there are 51,558 levels in total. The topup contribution results in $\sim$20\% increment, in addition to the 35\% enhancement from BPRM calculations over the Opacity Project value for the Rosseland Mean Opacity at the Z-temperature of 2.11 $\times 10^6$K (Pradhan and Nahar 2017)., Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, Proc. Workshop on Astrophysical Opacities 2017, PASP

With the advent of monochromatic and quasi-monochromatic x-ray sources, we explore their potential with computational and experimental studies on propagation through a combination of low and high-Z (atomic number) media for applications to imaging and detection. The multi-purpose code GEANT4 and a new code PHOTX are employed in numerical simulations, and a variety of x-ray sources are considered: conventional broadband devices with well-known spectra, quasi-monochromatic laser driven sources, and monochromatic synchrotron x-rays. Phantom samples consisting of layers of low-Z and high-Z material are utilized, with atomic-molecular species ranging from H2O to gold. Differential and total attenuation of x-ray fluxes from the different x-ray sources are illustrated through simulated x-ray images. Main conclusions of this study are: I. It is shown that a 65 keV Gaussian quasi-monochromatic source is capable of better contrast with less radiation exposure than a common 120 kV broadband simulator. II. A quantitative measure is defined and computed as a metric to compare the efficacy of any two x-ray sources, as a function of concentration of high-Z moieties in predominantly low-Z environment and depth of penetration. III. Characteristic spectral features of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] fluorescent emission and Compton scattering indicate pathways for accelerating x-ray photoexcitation and absorption; in particular, we model the tungsten [Formula: see text] at 59 keV alongside experimental measurements at the European synchrotron research facility to search for the signature of induced [Formula: see text] resonance fluorescence. The present study should contribute to the understanding of diagnostic potential of new x-ray sources under development, as well as the underlying fundamental physical processes and features for biomedical applications.

The capacity and programmability of reconfigurable hardware such as FPGAs has improved steadily over the years, but they do not readily provide any mechanisms for monitoring or debugging running programs. Such mechanisms need to be written into the program itself. This is done using ad hoc methods and primitive tools when compared to CPU programming. This complicates the programming and debugging of reconfigurable hardware. We introduce Program-hosted Directability (PhD), the extension of programs to interpret direction commands at runtime to enable debugging, monitoring and profiling. Normally in hardware development such features are fixed at compile time. We present a language of directing commands, specify its semantics in terms of a simple controller that is embedded with programs, and implement a prototype for directing network programs running in hardware. We show that this approach affords significant flexibility with low impact on hardware utilisation and performance.

In case of multidrug resistant CNS infection use of intraventricular antibiotics are considered which have their own undesirable effects1 An adult male patient who presented with multidrug resistant infection secondary to procedures done to facilitate to drain cerebrospinal fluid. Secondary to intraventricular antibiotic administration patient developed an intraparenchymal bleed with intraventricular extension; as a result of the bleed there was persistently raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The harmful effects of intraventricular antibiotics have to always be considered before taking a decision to start it. Appropriate precaution and low threshold of suspicion is required to rule out complications. How to cite this article Sultana N, Reddy KS, Alam MI. Intraventricular Bleed Secondary to Intraventricular Antibiotics: A Case Report. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(10):484–485.

The purposes of this study were (i) to investigate the differences in effects between 160-kV low-energy and 6-MV high-energy X-rays, both by computational analysis and in vitro studies; (ii) to determine the effects of each on platinum-sensitized F98 rat glioma and murine B16 melanoma cells; and (iii) to describe the in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity of a Pt(II) terpyridine platinum (Typ-Pt) complex. Simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo code Geant4 to determine enhancement in absorption of low- versus high-energy X-rays by Pt and to determine dose enhancement factors (DEFs) for a Pt-sensitized tumor phantom. In vitro studies were carried out using Typ-Pt and again with carboplatin due to the unexpected in vivo toxicity of Typ-Pt. Cell survival was determined using clonogenic assays. In agreement with computations and simulations, in vitro data showed up to one log unit reduction in surviving fractions (SFs) of cells treated with 1–4 µg/ml of Typ-Pt and irradiated with 160-kV versus 6-MV X-rays. DEFs showed radiosensitization in the 50–200 keV range, which fell to approximate unity at higher energies, suggesting marginal interactions at MeV energies. Cells sensitized with 1–5 or 7 µg/ml of carboplatin and then irradiated also showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in SFs. However, it was unlikely this was due to increased interactions. Theoretical and in vitro studies presented here demonstrated that the tumoricidal activity of low-energy X-rays was greater than that of high-energy X-rays against Pt-sensitized tumor cells. Determining whether radiosensitization is a function of increased interactions will require additional studies.

The atomic parameters–oscillator strengths, line strengths, radiative decay rates ( A ), and lifetimes–for fine structure transitions of electric dipole (E1) type for the astrophysically abundant ion Ne IV are presented. The results include 868 fine structure levels with n ≤ 10, l ≤ 9, and 1/2 ≤ J ≤ 19/2 of even and odd parities, and the corresponding 83,767 E1 transitions. The calculations were carried out using the relativistic Breit–Pauli R-matrix method in the close coupling approximation. The transitions have been identified spectroscopically using an algorithm based on quantum defect analysis and other criteria. The calculated energies agree with the 103 observed and identified energies to within 3% or better for most of the levels. Some larger differences are also noted. The A -values show good to fair agreement with the very limited number of available transitions in the table compiled by NIST, but show very good agreement with the latest published multi-configuration Hartree–Fock calculations. The present transitions should be useful for diagnostics as well as for precise and complete spectral modeling in the soft X-ray to infra-red regions of astrophysical and laboratory plasmas.

Study of characteristic features in photoionization of a large number of excited levels of Ne IV, (h ν + Ne IV → Ne V + e), using ab initio Breit–Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method, is presented. This is the second large atomic system, after Fe XVII, for which BPRM method has been used for a full scale computation of photoionization cross sections for a large number of bound levels ( N ⩽ 10 ). The study include features, such as, of Seaton resonances due to photo-excitation-of-core and new near threshold resonant features. Coupling of fine structure channels due to relativistic effects is found to introduce low energy resonances near threshold, not allowed in LS coupling approximation. These resonances play crucial role for low temperature recombination rates. Photoionization cross sections ( σ PI ) for the largest set of levels of Ne IV, a total of 868, with n ⩽ 10 and l ⩽ 9 are presented. A wave function expansion optimized with 24 configurations with orbitals going up to 4p of core Ne V was used. Resonances due to Rydberg series of autoionizing states belonging to various core excited core levels are resolved with fine energy mesh. Details of resonant structures and enhanced background due to Seaton resonances are elaborated in this first study of the ion with relativistic effects.

Summary A simple, rapid, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination and quantification of fusidic acid and steroids (prednisone, betamethasone valerate, hydrocortisone acetate, and dexamethasone sodium) from bulk drugs and human plasma. A RP-HPLC, operated at ambient temperature, was equipped with a UV detector for monitoring the effluents at 235 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol, acetonitrile, and 0.05 M phosphoric acid (10:60:30, v/v/v), and separation was achieved on a Medeterrane, C18 (5 μm, 12.5 × 0.46 mm) column at a flow rate of 1.7 mL min−1. Calibration curves were linear over concentration range 0.625–10 μg mL−1 with correlation coefficient (r2) greater than 0.9999. The coefficient of variation (CV) and relative error (RE) for intra- and interassay were

Characteristic features of the resonances and background cross sections for photoionization (σPI) of oxygen-like iron ion, Fe XIX + hν → Fe XX + e, are demonstrated. The features are introduced by excitations of the core ion to states of n = 2,3,4 complexes in σPI of the ground, equivalent electron, and single valence electron excited states. Study from a large number of states is important to establish the general properties of photoionization for complex ions. This is the first detailed study of the ion with a complete set of σPI for 900 bound states with n ≤ 10 and l ≤ 9. The ion itself is of great interest for being detected in the x-ray to UV spectra of various astronomical objects. It is found that i) the ground and equivalent electron states have high peak narrow Rydberg resonances in the low energy region corresponding to n = 2 excitations only, ii) for other excited states the resonant features are stronger for core ion excitations to n = 3 complex compared to those for n = 2,4, iii) Seaton resonances due to photo-excitation of the core (PEC) are found most distinct in the energy region for dipole allowed excitation from n = 2 to n = 3 states, and iv) resonances with lower peaks in the energy region between n = 3 and n = 4 excitation indicate convergence. Computations were carried out in the R-matrix method using a large close coupling wavefunction expansion up to orbital 4f and 16 configurations. The present results should provide the data for precise modeling and applications.

Improved collisions strengths for the mid-infrared and optical transitions in Ne V are presented. Breit-Pauli R-Matrix calculations for electron impact excitation are carried out with fully resolved near-threshold resonances at very low energies. In particular, the fine structure lines at 14 micron and 24 micron due to transitions among the ground state levels 1s^22s^22p^3 (^3P_{0,1,2}), and the optical/near-UV lines at 2973, 3346 and 3426 Angstrom transitions among the ^3P_{0,1,2}, ^1D_2, ^1S_0 levels are described. Maxwellian averaged collision strengths are tabulated for all forbidden transistion within the ground configuration. Significant differences are found in the low temperature range Te < 10000 K for both the FIR and the opitcal transitions compared to previous results. An analysis of the 14/24 line ratio in low-energy-density (LED) plasma conditions reveals considerable variation; the effective rate coefficient may be dominated by the very low-energy behaviour rather than the maxwellian averaged collision strengths. Computed values suggest a possible solution to the anomalous mid-IR ratios found to be lower than theoretical limits observed from planetary nebulae and Seyfert galaxies. While such LED conditions may be present in infrared sources, they might be inconsistent with photoionization equilibrium models., 6 pages, 7 figures

Results are reported for Fe XIV energy levels and transitions obtained from the ab initio relativistic Breit–Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method. BPRM method developed under the Iron Project is capable of calculating very large number of fine structure energy levels and corresponding transitions. However, unlike in the atomic structure calculations, where levels are identified spectroscopically based on the leading percentage contributions of configurations, BPRM is incapable of such identification of the levels and hence the transitions. The main reason for it is that the percentage contributions can not be determined exactly from the large number of channels in the R-matrix space. The present report describes an identification method that uses considerations of quantum defects of channels, contributions of channel from outer regions, Hund’s rule, and angular momenta algebra for addition and completeness of fine structure components. The present calculations are carried out using a close coupling wave function expansion that included 26 core excitations from configurations 2 s 2 2 p 6 3 s 2 , 2 s 2 2 p 6 3 s 3 p , 2 s 2 2 p 6 3 p 2 , 2 s 2 2 p 6 3 s 3 d , and 2 s 2 2 p 6 3 p 3 d . A total of 1002 fine structure levels with n ⩽ 10, l ⩽ 9, and 0.5 ⩽ J ⩽ 9.5 with even and odd parities and the corresponding 130,520 electric dipole allowed (E1) fine structure transitions, a most complete set for astrophysical modelings of spectral analysis and opacities, is presented. Large number of new energy levels are found and identified. The energies agree very well, mostly in less than 1% with the highest being 1.9%, with the 68 observed fine structure levels. While the high lying levels may have some uncertainty, an overall accuracy of energy levels should be within 10%. BPRM transitions have been benchmarked with the existing most accurate calculated transition probabilities with very good agreement for most cases. Based on the accuracy of the method and comparisons, most of the transitions can be rated with A ( ⩽ 10 % ) to C ( ⩽ 30 % ).

Photoionization of Li-like argon, ( h ν + Ar XVI → Ar XVII + e ) , and He-like argon, ( h ν + Ar XVII → Ar XVIII + e ) , are studied using the relativistic Breit–Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) method. Results include both the partial and total photoionization cross-sections of fine structure levels with 1 / 2 ≤ J ≤ 17 / 2 , n ≤ 10 and 0 ≤ l ≤ 9 of Ar XVI and with 0 ≤ J ≤ 10 , n ≤ 10 and 0 ≤ l ≤ 9 of Ar XVII. They correspond to 98 bound levels of Ar XVI and 191 of Ar XVII. The close coupling wave function expansion for Ar XVI included 17 core levels up to n=3 thresholds and that of Ar XVII 16 core levels up to n=4 thresholds. Because of high-lying core excitations of these ions, the photoionization cross-section, σ PI ( nSLJ ) , decreases monotonically without features until at high energies where narrow high-peak resonances of Rydberg series of autoionizing states belonging to excited n=2 thresholds begin to appear. The dominant photoexcitation-of-core (PEC) or Seaton resonances also appear in the excited level cross-sections. The background of the total cross-section shows enhancement at n=2 thresholds due to resonant 1s–2p core excitations. However, the resonances become much weaker beyond n=2 thresholds. Radiation damping of resonances, important for these highly charged He- and Li-like ions, is included. These cross-sections are much improved over the existing TOPbase cross-sections where resonances, and background enhancements for Ar XVII were not included. With consideration of these effects, the present results should be accurate up to 10%–30% for various applications in modeling, recombination rates, opacities and diagnostic spectral analysis in the ultraviolet and X-ray regions. Cross-sections for H-like Ar are also included for completeness.

We report the first observation of the decay J/psi-->3gamma. The signal has a statistical significance of 6sigma and corresponds to a branching fraction of B(J/psi-->3gamma)=(1.2+/-0.3+/-0.2)x10;{-5}, in which the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The measurement uses psi(2S)-->pi;{+}pi;{-}J/psi events acquired with the CLEO-c detector operating at the CESR e;{+}e;{-} collider.

Using 281pb-1 of data collected with the CLEO-c detector, we present new measurements of Cabibbo-suppressed decays of D0 and D+ mesons to η and η′ final states. We make first observations of D0→η′ π0, ηη, ηη′, and ηπ+π-, and find evidence for D+→ηπ+π0, D+→η′π+π0, and D0→η′π+π-. We also report on improved measurements of D0→ηπ0, D+→ηπ+, and D+→η′π+. Using the measured two-body Cabibbo-suppressed decays, we extract amplitudes for specific flavor topologies and compare them to those from Cabibbo-favored decays. © 2008 The American Physical Society.