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

The present work used eight different proximity functions in the modified liquid drop model [MGLDM] to study the cluster and alpha decay half-lives in the superheavy nuclei Z = 120. The values produced by the present work are compared with experiments. We have explored the proximity function is suitable in MGLDM for the cluster and alpha radioactivity of superheavy nuclei. The present work is useful in the study of decay modes of superheavy nuclei Z = 120. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radioactivity of the superheavy nuclei 250 - 275 Db is studied and presented using the Coulomb and proximity potentials. The half-lives corresponding to different decay modes such as α , cluster decay ( 12 C, 14 N, 18 , 20 O, 23 F, 20 Ne, 34 S, 28 Mg and 40 Ca) and spontaneous fission in the superheavy nuclei 250 - 275 Db are studied. The studied half-lives are compared with the available experiments. The decay modes and the branching ratios of isotopes of dubnium are presented. The isotopes of dubnium, 254 - 263 Db, are identified as α emitters, whereas isotopes such as 250 - 253 Db and 264 - 275 Db are identified as having spontaneous fission. The identified alpha emitting isotopes of dubnium have decay energies from 6 MeV to 10 MeV and half-lives 1 ms to 100 s. The possible projectile–target combinations to synthesise the superheavy nuclei 253 - 263 Db were predicted. The fusion of spherical projectile and target yields larger evaporation residue cross-sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spontaneous fission (SF) half-lives of all 96 experimentally accessible SF emitters were examined. The SF emitters are classified as even Z-even A, odd Z-even A, odd Z-odd A and even Z-odd A. A plot of log T 1 ∕ 2 + k δ m versus Z 2 ∕ A demonstrates a straight line, where k is variable. The log T 1 ∕ 2 values produced in this study are compared to all other semi-empirical relations such as Ren et al., [Nucl. Phys. A 759, 64 (2005)], Xu et al., [Phys. Rev. C 78, 044329 (2008)], Santhosh et al., [Nucl. Phys. A 832, 220 (2010)] and Karpov et al., [Int. J. Mod. Phys. E 21, 1250013 (2012)] available in the literature. When compared to earlier semi-empirical equations accessible in the literature, the new formula shows reduced uncertainty in standard deviation in the case of Odd Z-even A and even Z-Odd A nuclei. When compared to other sets of combinations (even Z-even A, and odd Z-odd A nuclei), this study more accurately reproduces the experimental SF half-lives for even Z-odd A and odd Z-even A nuclei with smaller σ in the atomic number range 9 0 ≤ Z ≤ 1 12 and mass number range 23 2 ≤ A ≤ 2 84. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the almost all possible 64Ni-induced fusion reactions to synthesis of superheavy elements 104 ≤ Z ≤ 123. On rigorous investigations, we have identified the suitable targets to synthesis superheavy elements through 64Ni-induced fusion reactions. To synthesis superheavy elements with atomic number Z > 118 , the projectiles heavier than 48Ca must be used. Hence this work presents new Physics required for the synthesis of superheavy elements Z > 118. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically studied proton radioactivity half-lives in the atomic number range 53 ≤ Z ≤ 83 using macroscopic models such as Coulomb and Proximity potential model, effective liquid drop model (ELDM), Generalized liquid drop model (GLDM), Universal decay law for proton emission (UDLP), Gammow-like model (GLM) and Unified fission model (UFM). The proton decay half-lives produced by the macroscopic models are compared with those of semi-microscopic approach such as DDM3Y and using effective interaction potentials such as JLM, M3Y+EX, R3Y+EX, SLy4, SRG, SKC and SKD. After detail analysis, it is found that among macroscopic models ELDM and semi-empirical formula UDLP produce proton decay half-lives close to experiments. Furthermore, among semi-microscopic approach, DDM3Y produces proton decay half-lives close to the experiments. Thus, Both ELDM and DDM3Y model can be effectively used in the prediction of half-lives of unexplored proton emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coulomb fission may take place in a reaction if the maximum Coulomb excitation energy transfer exceeds the fission barrier of either the projectile or the target nucleus. This condition is satisfied in all the reactions used for the earlier blocking measurements of fission time-scale except for the reaction 208 Pb + natural Ge crystal, where the time-scale is below the measurement limit of the blocking technique < 1 as. Inclusion of Coulomb fission in the data analysis of the blocking experiments leads us to interpret the measured time-scales longer than a few attoseconds (as) (about 1–2.2 as) due to slow Coulomb fission and those shorter than 1 as, as due to quasifission and fast Coulomb fission. Consequently, this finding resolves the critical discrepancies between the fission time-scales measured using the nuclear and blocking techniques. This, in turn, validates the fact that the quasifission and fast Coulomb fission time-scales are indeed of the order of zeptosecond (zs) in accordance with the nuclear experiments and theories. The present results thus provide an essential input to the understanding of the fusion evaporation reaction during the formation of heavy elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead free magnetoelectric laminates has been prepared by sandwiching Sodium Bismuth Titanate (Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3) between two Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95 (TDF) by epoxy bonding. The piezoelectric material Sodium Bismuth Titanate (Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3) has been prepared by conventional solid state double sintering method and the magnetostrictive material, Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95 (TDF) by vacuum induction melting process. NBT showed a saturated ferroelectric hysteresis behavior with the values of Ps=22.24μC/cm², Ec=41kV/cm and Pr=27μC/cm². The piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) measured for NBT was 102pC/N. Magnetization versus magnetic field measurements were performed in longitudinal (L) and transverse (T) modes of TDF specimen that showed ferromagnetic hysteresis behavior. The magnetostriction of 950ppm at 4kOe and static strain coefficient of 0.37x10-6kOe-1 at 1kOe magnetic field were recorded for Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95. The magnetoelectric output was measured in L and T modes for the different NBT thickness of 1.0, 1.5 and 2mm with TDF thickness of 1.5mm. The high magnetoelectric coefficient (α) was found to be 0.08mV/cmOe (L mode) and 0.13mV/cmOe (T mode) for the NBT/TDF laminates with 1.0mm thick NBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of heavy particle radioactivity is studied using modified generalised liquid drop model (MGLDM) in the superheavy element Z = 126. The eight different proximity functions and different mass excess values were used to evaluate cluster/HPR. The logarithmic half-lives using different proximity functions and mass excess values are compared with that of experiments. The HPR of 60Ni to 102Ru have been studied in the superheavy region 126 306 to 126 326. The HPR half-lives has been compared with the different decay modes such as α -decay, β -decay and spontaneous fission. 9 HPR emitters, 4 α emitters, 1 β + emitter and 7 spontaneous fission nuclei were identified in the superheavy nuclei 126 306 − 314 , 126 315 − 318 , 126 319 and 126 320 − 326 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New organic third-order NLO efficient 2PPNP crystal was successfully grown. • 2PPNP crystal belongs to monoclinic crystal system with space group C2/c. • Cutoff wavelength of 2PPNP crystal was 348 nm and thermally stable upto 120°C. • Third-order NLO refractive index of 2PPNP was found to be n 2 =2.5321 × 10−11 cm2/w. • 2PPNP crystal was tolerant upto 100 g mechanical indentation was observed. 2-phenylethylaminium p-nitrophenolate monohydrate (2PPNP) single crystals were grown by evaporation of solvent method. Defect free 2PPNP crystal was subjected to single X-ray diffraction analysis and revealed the unit cell parameters, packing style. The molecular geometrical parameters, molecular orbital, first order hyperpolarizability, MEP map, Mulliken atomic charges and thermodynamic properties of 2-phenylethylaminium p-nitrophenolate monohydrate crystal were theoretically investigated by DFT calculations. FTIR, FT-Raman and NMR studies encompasses its functional components precisely to confirm the compound as 2PPNP. Optical transparency of the as-grown crystals was studied by using UV-Vis spectrum and it shows the transparency in the entire visible region. Photo-excitation of 2PPNP was examined to understand its light emitting behavior. Thermal stability of the grown was examined by TG-DTA analysis to understand the withstanding temperature of 2PPNP and its various endothermic reactions. Microhardness property of 2PPNP was evaluated upto 100 g indentation load and results are analyzed. The Z-scan study was made for the polished 2 mm thick 2PPNP defect free single crystal to evaluate its third-order nonlinearity for knowing the usefulness to optoelectronic applications. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The half-lives of one-proton emitters in the actinide region are presented using the coulomb and proximity potential method. The studied proton decay half-lives are compared with that of other decay modes such as alpha decay, spontaneous fission and beta decay. We have identified proton emitters in the actinide region and also it is the competing decay mode for all the observed proton emitters. We have included the effects of deformations in the present study. One-proton decay half-lives of present study have shown good agreement with the available experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to facilitate intracranial simulation of traumatic events by determining the mechanical properties of different anatomical structures of the brain. Our experimental indentation paradigm used fresh, post-operative human tissue, which is highly advantageous in determining mechanical properties without being affected by postmortem time. This study employed an inverse finite element approach coupled with experimental indentation data to characterize mechanical properties of the human hippocampus (CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus), cortex white matter, and cortex grey matter. We determined that an uncoupled viscoelastic Ogden constitutive formulation was most appropriate to represent the mechanical behavior of these different regions of brain. Anatomical regions were significantly different in their mechanical properties. The cortex white matter was stiffer than cortex grey matter, and the CA1 and dentate gyrus were both stiffer than cortex grey matter. Although no sex dependency was observed, there were trends indicating that male brain regions were generally stiffer than corresponding female regions. In addition, there were no statistically significant age dependent differences. This study provides a structure-specific description of fresh human brain tissue mechanical properties, which will be an important step toward explicitly modeling the heterogeneity of brain tissue deformation during TBI through finite element modeling., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Biomedical Engineering Society.)

Background: To characterize neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children up to 36 months of age with congenital Zika virus exposure., Methods: From the U.S. Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry, a national surveillance system to monitor pregnancies with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection, pregnancy outcomes and presence of Zika associated birth defects (ZBD) were reported among infants with available information. Neurologic sequelae and developmental delay were reported among children with ≥1 follow-up exam after 14 days of age or with ≥1 visit with development reported, respectively., Results: Among 2248 infants, 10.1% were born preterm, and 10.5% were small-for-gestational age. Overall, 122 (5.4%) had any ZBD; 91.8% of infants had brain abnormalities or microcephaly, 23.0% had eye abnormalities, and 14.8% had both. Of 1881 children ≥1 follow-up exam reported, neurologic sequelae were more common among children with ZBD (44.6%) vs. without ZBD (1.5%). Of children with ≥1 visit with development reported, 46.8% (51/109) of children with ZBD and 7.4% (129/1739) of children without ZBD had confirmed or possible developmental delay., Conclusion: Understanding the prevalence of developmental delays and healthcare needs of children with congenital Zika virus exposure can inform health systems and planning to ensure services are available for affected families., Impact: We characterize pregnancy and infant outcomes and describe neurodevelopmental abnormalities up to 36 months of age by presence of Zika associated birth defects (ZBD). Neurologic sequelae and developmental delays were common among children with ZBD. Children with ZBD had increased frequency of neurologic sequelae and developmental delay compared to children without ZBD. Longitudinal follow-up of infants with Zika virus exposure in utero is important to characterize neurodevelopmental delay not apparent in early infancy, but logistically challenging in surveillance models., (© 2023. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

We investigated different decay modes such as heavy particle radioactivity (HPR), spontaneous fission (SF), alpha decay and beta-decay in superheavy (SH) region 104 ≤ Z ≤ 126. In HPR, different emissions from Zmin = 28 to maximum heavy particle (HP) emission up to Zmax = Z - 82 were considered. In the evaluation of Q-values, mass excess Weizsäcker-Skyrme 4+radial basis function (WS4+RBF) values were taken into account. The half-lives of cluster decay determined using modified generalised liquid drop model (MGLDM) and Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM) were in close agreement with the experimental results. The MGLDM produce less deviation compared with CPPM. The role of asymmetry effect, relative neutron excess, pairing effect and Coulomb effect on half-lives were studied. A band of neutron numbers from 193 to 200 shows extra stability against HPR. The HPR of 86Kr, 94Zr, 91Y and 96Mo is observed in the superheavy elements Z = 118, 122-124 and 126. The dominant decay mode identified is compared with SF, alpha and beta± decay, the majority of decay chains end with the lead nuclei, which is also evident in supernova and galaxy spectrum. This study could be useful in nuclear astrophysics., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The current study proposes an empirical formula for absorption buildup factors as a function of target thickness. The present formula produces absorption buildup factors of compounds and mixtures with simple inputs of linear attenuation coefficient (μ), tenth value layer (TVL) and half value layer (HVL) of interacting target for the atomic number region 29 < Z < 92 for the energies 0.2 MeV < E < 1.5 MeV. This method is used to compute the energy absorption buildup factors using HVL and TVL., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

In outer space, we find many types of radiations that are due to solar flares, radiation belt, cosmic rays, etc. We are fortunate enough to be protected from these radiations on the surface of the Earth, whereas in other celestial objects such as planets and satellites, without a protecting atmosphere, penetration of radiation that may be ionising or non-ionising is inevitable. Hence, studying radiation environment and its effect on such celestial objects is very important for establishing facilities such as satellites, payloads, vehicles and human exploration. For such cases, manufacturing the products with lightweight, thermally stable, flexible, mechanically durable materials is essential and needs to be studied for the radiation effect. Hence, in the present work, we have made an attempt to calculate the rate of absorbed dose in case of polymers such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene, Mylar, polystyrene and Zylon for the lunar radiation environment. From the literature, it is found that ions up to iron has a lion share in the ionic radiation in space. The simulations were carried out for ions from hydrogen to iron using the SRIM software with various energies. It is observed that the absorbed dose rate in the polymers increases with the increase in ion mass. Further, the study can be extended to get the information of various flexible materials for these ions from which a suitable material can be chosen for the different space applications., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Aspergillus strains are known to produce multiple enzymes of industrial importance. To screen Aspergillus isolates and select a strain with the ability to produce multiple enzymes and discriminate it from non-enzymatic strains, a rapid and accurate approach is required. With this background, a DNA fingerprinting-based study was conducted to develop a simple but accurate molecular detection method with the potential to discriminate multienzyme-producing Aspergillus strains from non-enzymatic strains, irrespective of species. To achieve this, Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) PCR was employed to derive group-specific Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) markers (i.e., markers corresponding to PCR amplicons of known DNA sequence). To this end, both group-specific (multienzyme-producing and non-enzymatic Aspergillus group) SCAR markers were sought by comparing the ERIC fingerprint profiles and used to develop primers for use in specific and differential identification of multienzyme-producing Aspergillus isolates. As an outcome, the two SCAR-PCR formats were developed. One format is for specific identification of multienzyme-producing Aspergillus strains (SCAR-PCR1), and the other for identifying non-enzymatic Aspergillus strains (SCAR-PCR2). Both SCAR-PCRs were able to discriminate between these two contrasting groups. These formats are simple but accurate and rapid compared to the time-consuming and laborious conventional methods. Therefore, they could be efficient as an alternative strategy for the high-throughput screening of industrially important Aspergillus strains., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This study characterizes the mechanical properties of human brain tissue resected during the course of surgery under multistep indentation loading up to 30% strain. The experimental characterization using fresh, post-operative, human brain tissue is highly advantageous since postmortem times can affect its biomechanical behavior. Although the quasilinear theory of viscoelasticity (QLV) approach has been widely used to model brain tissue mechanical properties, our analysis concluded that the linear viscoelastic approach provided a better fit to the experimental data overall. The only statistically significant regional difference in observed stiffness was between the cortex gray and dentate gyrus. There were no statistically significant age or sex dependent differences, although the data suggested that the cortex white matter in males was stiffer than that in females. Our results can help improve the accuracy of finite element models of brain tissue deformation to predict its response to traumatic brain injury., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Biomedical Engineering Society.)

Introduction: Endotracheal extubation causes transient hemodynamic stimulation leading to increase in blood pressure and heart rate (HR) due to increase in sympathoadrenergic activity caused by epipharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal stimulation. Lignocaine, a sodium channel blocker, attenuates the hemodynamic response to tracheal extubation by inhibiting sodium channels in the neuronal cell membrane, decreasing the sensitivity of the heart muscles to electric impulses. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, attenuates hemodynamic response by blocking voltage-sensitive L type channels and inhibiting calcium entry-mediated action potential in smooth and cardiac muscle., Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of this are to study and to compare the efficacy of combination of intravenous (i.v.) diltiazem 0.1 mg/kg and i.v. lidocaine 1.0 mg/kg, diltiazem 0.2 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.0 mg/kg, lignocaine 1.0 mg/kg with normal saline given to attenuate exaggerated hemodynamic extubation responses and airway reflexes during extubation., Materials and Methods: This study was undertaken with 105 patients belonging to the age group 20-65 years with physical status ASA Classes I and II of either sex. Group A received injection diltiazem 0.1 mg/kg and preservative-free lignocaine 1 mg/kg. Group B received injection diltiazem 0.2 mg/kg and lignocaine 1 mg/kg. Group C received injection lignocaine 1 mg/kg with normal saline. In this study group, the drug dosage was fixed based on the previous studies., Results: At postextubation, significant difference in HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) were observed from 1 to 10 min between three groups. The difference in HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP were statistically significant between Group C in comparison with Group A and Group B from 1 min postextubation to 10 min., Conclusion: Combined diltiazem and lidocaine are more effective prophylaxis than lidocaine alone for attenuating the cardiovascular responses to tracheal extubation., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Periodontal plastic and aesthetic surgery are gaining significant momentum owing to the increasing aesthetic demands by patients. Along with the fulfilment of aesthetic needs, it is imperative that clinicians also enhance function. From these two important viewpoints, subepithelial connective tissue grafting remains an optimum treatment choice for periodontists when treating gingival recession defects accompanied by periodontal attachment apparatus breakdown. Clinical relevance: Subepithelial connective tissue grafting is a successful procedure in its dual role of gingival recession coverage and predictable periodontal regeneration.

Background & Objectives: Despite the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural India, data on the dietary profile of the rural Indian population in relation to the recommendations for prevention of NCDs are scarce. This study was conducted to assess the dietary intake of a rural south Indian population in relation to the current dietary recommendations for the prevention of NCDs., Methods: The dietary profiles of 6907 adults aged ≥ 20 yr, from a cluster of 42 villages in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu State in southern India, were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire., Results: The prevalence of general obesity was 27.4 per cent and that of abdominal obesity, 14.0 per cent among this rural population. The median daily energy intake of the population was 2034 (IQR 543) kcals. More than 3/4 th of the calories (78.1%) were provided by carbohydrates. Refined cereals, mainly polished rice, was the major contributor to total calories. About 45 per cent of the population did not meet WHO recommendation for protein due to low intake of pulses, flesh foods and dairy products and more than half (57.1%) exceeded the limit of salt intake; 99 per cent of the population did not meet WHO recommendations for fruits and vegetables and 100 per cent did not meet the requirement of n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids., Interpretation & Conclusions: The dietary profile of this rural south Indian population reflected unhealthy choices, with the high consumption of refined cereals in the form of polished white rice and low intake of protective foods like fruits, vegetables, n-3 poly and monounsaturated fatty acids. This could potentially contribute to the increase in prevalence of NCDs like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in rural areas and calls for appropriate remedial action., Competing Interests: None.

The title mol-ecular salt, C8H12N(+)·C4H3O4 (-), crystallized with two independent cations and anions in the asymmetric unit. The ethanaminium side chains of the cations exhibit anti conformations [C-C-C-N torsion angles = 176.5 (3) and -179.4 (3)°]. In the crystal, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect adjacent anions and cations, and , O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect adjacent anions, generating sheets parallel to (001).

In the title hydrated mol-ecular salt, C8H12N(+)·C6H4NO3 (-)·H2O, the conformation of the side chain in the cation is anti [C-C-C-N = 179.62 (12)°] and the dihedral angle between the aromatic ring and the nitro group in the anion is 3.34 (11)°. In the crystal, the components are linked by O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating (10-1) sheets, which feature R 4 (4)(21) loops. The sheets inter-act by weak aromatic π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.896 (3) Å], forming a three-dimensional network.