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Byline: A. Shrivastva, N. Tripathi, M. Parida, P. Dash, A. Jana, P. Lakshmana Rao Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a major public health concern in Asia including India. Objectives: To [...]

This paper presents independent multi‐instrument observations that address the physical mechanisms of how ultralow‐frequency (ULF) wave‐associated electric fields initiate ionospheric density fluctuation and scintillation at the equator. Since the magnetic field at the equator is entirely embedded in a relatively high‐collision and high‐conductivity medium, the condition may not be possible for the geomagnetic field to fluctuate due to ULF wave activity. This implies that the fluctuating electric field at the equator may not be produced through equatorial dynamo action due to fluctuating magnetic fields. Instead, the electric field penetrates from high latitudes and produces fluctuating magnetic field as well as modulates the vertical drift and hence causes the density to fluctuate at the equatorial region. We demonstrate this by estimating the ULF associated fluctuating electric field at high latitudes and at the equatorial region by applying the appropriate attenuation factor as it penetrates to lower latitudes. The periodicity of both electric field and density fluctuations appears to be between 6 and 9 min, which is a typical period of ULF waves in the Pc5 range. Because of its large amplitude and long periods compared to other ULF wave frequency bands, the Pc5 wave‐associated electric field, which can even be estimated using magnetograms with low sensitivity and low sampling rate (e.g., 1 min), can easily penetrate to the lower latitude region and produce significant ionospheric density fluctuations that can be strong enough to create scintillation at the equatorial region. The ultralow‐frequency (ULF) wave, which is believed to be generated by strong solar wind dynamic pressure at the magnetopause, can penetrate to the ionosphere and modulate high‐latitude electric field that can penetrate to equatorial latitudes and cause density irregularities in the ionosphere. Especially in the dusk to midnight local time sector, when the background density is weaker and can easily be driven up and down by small magnitude of fluctuating electric field (vertical drift), the density fluctuation becomes stronger. Such density fluctuations create favorable conditions for the creation of rapid amplitude and phase fluctuations of radio signals, which affects several technological systems such as over the horizon high‐frequency radio communication outage and increased Global Navigation Satellite System navigation errors. Thus, ionospheric density fluctuations are as much an engineering concern as they are a scientific quest, and hence understanding the physics behind the contribution of ULF wave power for the formation of small‐scale ionospheric density fluctuations is very important to develop a model that can accurately capture the structure and dynamics of the global low‐latitude ionospheric irregularities. ULF modulates high-latitude electric fieldElectric field penetrates from high to low latitudesFluctuating electric field causes scintillation at the equator

Surface array protein (Sap) can be an important biomarker for specific detection of Bacillus anthracis, which is released by the bacterium during its growth in culture broth. In the present work, we have cloned and expressed Sap in Escherichia coli. The culture conditions and cultivation media were optimized and used in batch fermentation process for scale up of Sap in soluble form. The recombinant Sap was purified employing affinity chromatography followed by diafiltration. The final yield of purified protein was 20 and 46 mg/l of culture during shake flasks and batch fermentation, respectively. The protein purity and its reactivity were confirmed employing SDS–PAGE and Western blot, respectively. The antibodies raised against purified Sap were evaluated by Western blotting for detection of Sap released by B. anthracis. Our results showed that the Sap could be a novel marker for detection and confirmation of B. anthracis.

Delhi metropolitan area suffers from extreme haze during the post‐monsoon and winter season, impacting climate, public health, and economy. We used a high‐resolution time‐of‐flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR‐ToF‐AMS) and aethalometer at two urban locations in Delhi to capture non‐refractory PM2.5(NR‐PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) during the post‐monsoon and winter season of 2019–2020. Four haze periods with high composition based‐PM2.5(C‐PM2.5= NR‐PM2.5+ BC) concentration and distinct chemical composition were identified, during all of which organics dominated but with varying contribution (∼[50%–70%] of C‐PM2.5). Biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) was dominant in all periods (∼[31%–45%] of OA), but the majority of it was highly aged ∼(45%–50%) with high O/C (0.71 and 0.46 at the two sites), formed most likely through rapid dark oxidation of freshly emitted and partially oxidized BBOA. High polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) signals in the fresh BBOA mass spectra suggest incomplete combustion activities such as open biomass burning emissions as major source. During an agricultural burning event in north‐western India, we estimated that ∼(44%–53%) of total C‐PM2.5(combined contribution of aged BBOA and oxygenated OA) measured in Delhi was influenced by long‐range transported biomass burning emissions. During winter, secondary inorganics constituted a significant fraction apart from organics ∼(48%–55%), mainly in the form of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3; up to ∼[19%–25%] of C‐PM2.5) and ammonium sulfate (NH4SO4; up to ∼[27%–38%]). Enhanced formation of NH4NO3and related‐secondary organic aerosol (SOA) were linked to nighttime oxidation of BBOA, while NH4SO4and related‐SOA were linked to heterogeneous aqueous phase oxidation under high RH conditions (>90%). During post‐monsoon and winter seasons, Delhi experiences high concentration of fine particles leading to haze events. To design targeted mitigation policies, an understanding of key factors responsible for haze events is needed. We used an advanced suite of instrumentation to capture temporal trends of real‐time particle chemical composition at two urban locations in Delhi. Using advanced receptor modelling and molecular level source signatures, the open burning of biomass material was estimated to be the largest contributor to haze events during post‐monsoon and winter haze events. The post‐monsoon haze pollution was largely affected by the aged biomass burning particles likely from the long‐range transport of agricultural residue burning emissions in the upwind states of Delhi. Winter haze episodes were also highly affected by biomass burning emissions, likely from the local burning of wood, coal and/or roadside trash for heating and/or cooking purposes. However, the winter haze particles contained significant aged inorganic material including ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride aerosol apart from aged organics. This study also suggests that the nighttime aging of biomass burning emissions contributed in the rapid formation of aged organic and inorganic particles, causing haze events. Four haze periods with distinct PM2.5chemical composition were identified during post‐monsoon and winter season in DelhiBiomass burning organic aerosol was dominant in all haze periods with the majority of it present in highly aged formOpen biomass burning emissions undergo rapid nighttime oxidation resulting in high yields of secondary organic and inorganics Four haze periods with distinct PM2.5chemical composition were identified during post‐monsoon and winter season in Delhi Biomass burning organic aerosol was dominant in all haze periods with the majority of it present in highly aged form Open biomass burning emissions undergo rapid nighttime oxidation resulting in high yields of secondary organic and inorganics

An advanced online thermochemical model was developed for Xstrata Nickel's Sudbury smelter. The model is connected to a PI server to upload plant operating data in real time. The PI server receives and archives plant data through various interfaces, while PI DataLink retrieves the data from the server into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The model was built on the ChemSheet platform, which combines the practicality and simplicity of a spreadsheet, with the robustness of FactSage, a well known thermochemical calculator. The interface of the model is relatively simple and easy-to-use. For effective modelling, the industrial unit operations were divided into thermochemical modules; the modules were then interconnected and compiled sequentially to produce the final result. Online plant data, such as flowrates, compositions and operating conditions, are dynamically entered into the model. For a given feed scenario, the model converges in ~20 s, producing final results for calcine, matte, slag and off-gas compositions.The smelter primarily treats Ni–Cu sulphide concentrate via roasters, electric furnace and converters, producing a high grade Bessemer matte product for further refining in Norway. The described model integrates the thermochemistry of the roasters and electric furnace, and predicts important process parameters such as degree of sulphur elimination in the fluid-bed roasters, matte grade, iron metallisation, slag losses and the iron to silica ratio in the electric furnace slag. One of the main objectives of the model was to assist process engineers and operators in calculating the addition rates of coke, flux and air for different feed scenarios. The model is also valuable in helping to stabilise the metallurgy of the converter aisle operation, which is a batch process. Before implementation, the model was extensively validated using daily historical plant data for five randomly selected months from years 2011–2012. The predicted values from the model were found to be in good agreement with the plant data.

Basidiocarps of Ganoderma lucidum(Leyss: Fr) Karst are of immense medicinal value with anticancerous and immunomodulating properties. During the present investigation, stored basidiocarps revealed presence of nine deteriorating fungal species viz., Aspergillus carneus, A. flavipes, A. flavus, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. sulphurious, A. terreus, A. tubengensisand Fusarium nivale. Essential oils of 12 aromatic plant species and 3 chemical fungicides were evaluated for their antifungal potential against these fungal species. Chenopodium ambrosioidesoil was found to be most potent. The oil exhibited greater toxicity than Bavistin during storage; the oil was able to preserve basidiocarps up to 15–25 days.Basidiocarps of Ganoderma lucidum(Leyss: Fr) Karst are of immense medicinal value with anticancerous and immunomodulating properties. During the present investigation, stored basidiocarps revealed presence of nine deteriorating fungal species viz., Aspergillus carneus, A. flavipes, A. flavus, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. sulphurious, A. terreus, A. tubengensisand Fusarium nivale. Essential oils of 12 aromatic plant species and 3 chemical fungicides were evaluated for their antifungal potential against these fungal species. Chenopodium ambrosioidesoil was found to be most potent. The oil exhibited greater toxicity than Bavistin during storage; the oil was able to preserve basidiocarps up to 15–25 days.

A III-nitride based tunable hyperspectral detector pixel is described with the potential for real time detection in a wide range of wavelengths including near infrared (NIR). This detector has intrinsic hyperspectral pixels, each pixel being tunable in real time through a range of wavelengths determined by pixel design. This will eliminate the need for external gratings and filters, substantially decreasing weight, size, and complexity and increasing robustness. The single pixel detector discussed here offers the potential of wavelength spectroscopy from UV to NIR. To allow for dynamic tunability a multilayered AlxGa1-xN (0

The standardization and validation of a one-step, single-tube, accelerated, quantitative reverse transcription (RT) loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay targeting the E1 gene for the rapid and real-time detection of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are reported. A linear relationship between the amount of template and time of positivity value over a range of 2 x 108to 2 x 102copies was obtained. The feasibility of CHIKV RT-LAMP for clinical diagnosis was validated with patient serum samples from an ongoing epidemic in Southern India. Optimal assay conditions with zero background were established for the detection of low levels of CHIKV in acute-phase patient serum samples. The comparative evaluation of the RT-LAMP assay with acute-phase patient serum samples demonstrated exceptionally higher sensitivity by correctly identifying 21 additional positive borderline cases that were missed by conventional RT-PCR (P < 0.0001) with a detection limit of 20 copies. The quantification of virus load in patient serum samples was also determined from the standard curve based on their time of positivity and was found to be in the range of 2 x 108to 2 x 101copies. In addition, the field applicability of the RT-LAMP assay was also demonstrated by standardizing SYBR Green I-based RT-LAMP wherein the amplification was carried out in a water bath at 63°C for 60 min, which was followed by monitoring gene amplification with the naked eye through color changes. These findings demonstrated that the RT-LAMP assay is a valuable tool for rapid, real-time detection as well as quantification of CHIKV in acute-phase serum samples without requiring any sophisticated equipment and has potential usefulness for clinical diagnosis and surveillance of CHIKV in developing countries.

ABSTRACTThe standardization and validation of a one-step, single-tube accelerated quantitative reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay is reported for rapid and real-time detection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The RT-LAMP assay reported in this study is very simple and rapid; the amplification can be obtained in 30 min under isothermal conditions at 63°C by employing a set of six primers targeting the E gene of JEV. The RT-LAMP assay demonstrated exceptionally higher sensitivity compared to that of RT-PCR, with a detection limit of 0.1 PFU. The specificities of the selected primer sets were established by cross-reactivity studies with other closely related members of the JEV serocomplex as well as by evaluation of healthy human volunteers. The comparative evaluation of the RT-LAMP assay for clinical diagnosis with a limited number of patient cerebrospinal fluid samples revealed 85% concordance with conventional RT-PCR, with a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% and 86%, respectively. The concentration of virus in most of the clinical samples was 102to 105PFU/ml, as determined from the standard curve based on the time of positivity in the samples. In addition, the monitoring of gene amplification can also be visualized with the naked eye by using SYBR green I fluorescent dye. Thus, due to easy operation without a requirement of sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel, the RT-LAMP assay reported here is a valuable tool for the rapid and real-time detection of JEV not only by well-equipped laboratories but also by peripheral diagnostic laboratories with limited financial resources in developing countries.

Abstract Densities, ρ, viscosities, η, and refractive indices, nD, have been measured as a function of composition for binary mixtures of cyclohexane, decane, hexadecane, and squalane with hexane at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. From these measurements the excess molar volumes, VmE, viscosity deviations, δη, and the change in refractive indices on mixing, ΔnD, were calculated. These results were fitted to Redlick–Kister polynomial equations to estimate the binary coefficients and standard errors. The effects of size and shape of the components on excess properties have been discussed.

Densities, ρ, viscosities, η, and refractive indices, nD, for binary mixtures of hexane, decane, hexadecane, and squalane with benzene were measured over the whole composition range at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The excess molar volumes, %@mt;sys@%%@ital@%V%@rsf@%%@sx@%m%@be@%E%@sxx@%%@mx@% , and viscosity deviations, δη, were calculated from experimental measurements. These result were further fitted to the Redlich−Kister equation to estimate the binary coefficients and standard errors. The effects of chain length and branching of alkanes on %@mt;sys@%%@ital@%V%@rsf@%%@sx@%m%@be@%E%@sxx@%%@mx@% and δη values have been discussed.

Essential oils extracted from different parts of some angiosperms collected either in the locality of Gorakhpur or from the local market were assayed for their fungitoxicity against the mycelial growth of Aspergillus nigerand Curvularia ovoidea, two storage fungi found in blackgram, Vigna mungoL. The volatile oils from wood chips of Cedrus deodara(Roxb. ex Lamb) G. Don and that from seeds of Trachyspermum ammi(L.) Sprague exhibited absolute toxicity, inhibiting the mycelial growth of both the test fungi completely. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the potent oils of C. deodaraand T. ammiwere found to be 1000 ppm and 500 ppm, respectively, at which level they were fungicidal. Both the oils showed a broad fungitoxic spectrum inhibiting the mycelial growth of 10 and 12 out of 15 fungi (all isolated from blackgram seeds) at their respective MICs. Moreover, the fungitoxicity of the oils was not destroyed by autoclaving (15 lb/in2for 20 min in closed vials) and storage (up to 90 days). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Essential oils extracted from different parts of some angiosperms collected either in the locality of Gorakhpur or from the local market were assayed for their fungitoxicity against the mycelial growth of Aspergillus niger and Curvularia ovoidea, two storage fungi found in blackgram, Vigna mungo L. The volatile oils from wood chips of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex Lamb) G. Don and that from seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague exhibited absolute toxicity, inhibiting the mycelial growth of both the test fungi completely. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the potent oils of C. deodara and T. ammi were found to be 1000 ppm and 500 ppm, respectively, at which level they were fungicidal. Both the oils showed a broad fungitoxic spectrum inhibiting the mycelial growth of 10 and 12 out of 15 fungi (all isolated from blackgram seeds) at their respective MICs. Moreover, the fungitoxicity of the oils was not destroyed by autoclaving (15 lb/in² for 20 min in closed vials) and storage (up to 90 days). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using the Brock and Bird relation and the Flory statistical theory, the surface tension of five binary mixtures of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane with benzene, toluene,p-xylene, acetone and cyclohexane have been evaluated at 298.15 K. The values of surface tension thus obtained have been utilized to compute ultrasonic velocity via the Auerbach relation. Theoretical values have been compared with experimental data and deviations in the ultrasonic velocity have been interpreted in terms of intermolecular interactions.

Thiamin or methionine supplementation was equally and moderately effective in preventing the accumulation of cadmium in soft organs and alterations in a few selected biochemical indices during concomitant administration. Adequate intake of sulfur amino acid following methionine supplementation might increase the bioavailability of glutathione, facilitating the prevention of the binding of cadmium to different compartments and consequently reversing cadmium-induced biochemical disorders. In the case of thiamine the possibility of formation of a readily excretable complex between cadmium and thiamine or an increase in the body's resistance to cadmium might be the beneficial factor.

50% ethanolic extract of seeds of forty plant species were tested for their fungitoxicity against Aspergillus niger and Absidia ramosa. Only the seed extract of Pimpinella diversifolia showed absolute toxicity against both the test organisms, inhibiting the mycelial growth completely. The maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) was found to be 1:10and 1:50 (w/v) againstA niger and A. ramosa respectively. The extract showed fungistatic effect against A. niger but fungicidal to A. ramosa at the respective maximum inhibitory dilutions. Further the extract exhibited a broad fungitoxic spectrum. Autoclaving was found to have adverse effect on the fungitoxicity of the extract but temperature (100°C) and storage (12 months) did not affect the toxicity.

On assaying different parts of Iberis amara L. (Cruciferae) for their fungitoxicity against Hel-minthosporium oryzae, flowers and seeds were found to possess strong toxicity. Seed extract was found to be fungicidal at the minimum inhibitory concentration (2%), remained active up to 35 days, and exhibited a broad range of activity and non-phytotoxicity. The fungitoxicity of the seeds was thermostable up to 120°C, remained active up to 9 months at room temperature but declined on autoclaving.

A procedure is presented for ground water exploration in terms of depth and quality in an alluvial terrain with shallow groundwater occurrence. The study area forms a part of the marginal Gangetic terrain with a clay-sand sequence. Variation in groundwater quality has been mapped in earlier research on the basis of field sampling and chemical analysis of groundwater. In the present study, a scheme of image processing and GIS techniques using false colour composites, vegetation indices, density slicing, image registration, overlaying, and supervised classification has been applied on IRS-1B LISS II data. Various zones established within the terrain based on our research are in conformity with ground water salinity and depth contours.

The chromosome complements of six cyprinid fishes were studied, using the routine air-drying Giemsa staining technique. The diploid chromosome number recorded is 2n = 50 (8m+18sm+14st+10t) with NF = 90 in Aspidoparia morar, 2n = 50 (8m+12sm+12st+18t) with NF = 82 in Crossocheilus latius latius, 2n = 50 (6m+12sm-16st+16t) with NF = 90 in Labeo pangusia, 2n = 70 (16m+6sm+16st-32t) with NF = 108 in Perilampus atpar, 2n = 48 (4m+6st+38t) with NF = 58 in Puntius chrysopterus and 2n = 50 (2m+2sm+4st+42t) with NF = 58 in P. tetrarupagus. Sex chromosomes are not identifiable in any of these species. A pair of marker chromosomes has been observed in all species excepting A. morar.

Extracts of leaves of 40 species of higher plants were screened for antifungal activity against Fusar-ium oxysporum f. sp. lentis. An extract of Mentha spicata L. completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the test pathogen. The maximum dilution of the extract for absolute inhibition (MDAI) was found to be 1:2 (w/v). At this dilution the extract was fungistatic and exhibited a broad spectrum of activity. The extract remained active up to 6 days during storage and even after autoclaving. Furthermore, the extract did not show any adverse effect on the host plant in respect to seed germination and morphology.

The heat transfer properties of current liquids are specifically improved by suspending nanocrystalline solid elements smaller than 100 nm in diameter. These liquids are considered as potential working fluids for applications such as car radiators, solar collectors, electronic frost systems, nuclear reactors and heat pipes. Due to such uses, here we formulate CuO–H2O nanofluids in a two-dimensional circular geometry with a rhombus-shaped barrier maintaining the constant temperature of two adjacent high walls. The streamlines and isotherms have been plotted using the control volume finite element method and applying the KKL model for nanofluid simulation. The results were calculated for different concentrations of nanoparticles, Hartmann number and Rayleigh number. It was found that in a large number of volume fraction and Hartmann number, the isotherms near the outer margin are more prominent while the low-volume-concentration isotherms are concentrated near the adiabatic wall of the obstacle. It was also found that there is a temperature gradient in the radial direction at a higher volume fraction and Hartmann number (Ha). The temperature gradient was limited to adiabatic walls of the obstruction in lower volume fraction and Ha. Two similar shapes but differently directed eddies are formed for any value of Ra in streamlines. |Ψmax|nfincreases with an increase in the values of Ra from 103to 105.

Using second‐ and third‐order elastic modulii (SOEM and TOEM) data, the Anderson‐Gru¨neisen parameter δ has been evaluated at room temperature for 16 crystals of cubic symmetry.

Title compounds of type (II)‐(IV) are synthesized from the heteroaryl chalcones (I) (no yields given).