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We have studied the temperature and field dependences of electrical resistivity and heat capacity of TbFe2Al10, and have also complimented the above studies with low field magnetization measurements. In zero magnetic field, TbFe2Al10 exhibits paramagnetic (PM) to ferrimagnetic (Ferri-I) and Ferri-I to antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase transitions below 17.6 and 10 K respectively. We have found that the electrical resistivity of TbFe2Al10 exhibits a sharp rise across the PM to Ferri-I phase transition in this compound. Our analysis indicates that this sharp rise of electrical resistivity is related to the formation of new zone boundaries (across the PM to Ferri-I phase transition) that reduce the area of the Fermi surface. We have found that TbFe2Al10 exhibits large magnetoresistance (MR) below 100 K. Overall, the MR behaviour of TbFe2Al10 below 17.6 K in different magnetic fields reveals strong competition between AFM and ferromagnetic (FM) correlations, which seems to be quite intrinsic to the magnetic structure of the compound. Our analysis indicates that the large MR and magnetocaloric effect persisting deep inside the PM regime of TbFe2Al10 is mainly related to the presence of FM spin fluctuations and the formation of a Griffiths like (GL) phase consisting of FM clusters within the PM regime. The formation of the GL phase may be mediated by the static crystal defects in the midst of the competing inter and intra layer magnetic interactions.

We studied the electronic structure of Mo-rich Mo1-x Re x alloys ([Formula: see text]) using valence band photoemission spectroscopy in the photon energy range 23-70 eV and density of states calculations. Comparison of the photoemission spectra with the density of states calculations suggests that, with respect to the Fermi level E F, the d states lie mostly in the binding energy range 0 to  -6 eV, whereas s states lie in the binding energy range  -4 to  -10 eV. We observed two resonances in the photoemission spectra of each sample, one at about 35 eV photon energy and the other at about 45 eV photon energy. Our analysis suggests that the resonance at 35 eV photon energy is related to the Mo 4p-5s transition and the resonance at 45 eV photon energy is related to the contribution from both the Mo 4p-4d transition (threshold: 42 eV) and the Re 5p-5d transition (threshold: 46 eV). In the constant initial state plot, the resonance at 35 eV incident photon energy for binding energy features in the range E F (BE  =  0) to  -5 eV becomes progressively less prominent with increasing Re concentration x and vanishes for x  >  0.2. The difference plots obtained by subtracting the valence band photoemission spectrum of Mo from that of Mo1-x Re x alloys, measured at 47 eV photon energy, reveal that the Re d-like states appear near E F when Re is alloyed with Mo. These results indicate that interband s-d interaction, which is weak in Mo, increases with increasing x and influences the nature of the superconductivity in alloys with higher x.

We present a detailed study of the superconducting properties in the β-phase Mo(1-x)Re(x) (x = 0.25 and 0.4) solid solution alloys pursued through magnetization and heat capacity measurements. The temperature dependence of the upper critical field H(C2)(T) in these binary alloys shows a deviation from the prediction of the Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg (WHH) theory. The temperature dependence of superfluid density estimated from the variation of lower critical field H(C1) with temperature, cannot be explained within the framework of a single superconducting energy gap. The heat capacity also shows an anomalous feature in its temperature dependence. All these results can be reasonably explained by considering the existence of two superconducting energy gaps in these Mo(1-x)Re(x) alloys. Initial results of electronic structure calculations and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy measurements support this possibility and suggest that the Re-5d like states at the Fermi level may not intermix with the Mo-5p and 5s like states in the β-phase Mo(1-x)Re(x) alloys and contribute quite distinctly to the superconductivity of these alloys.

The agriculturally productive San Joaquin Valley faces two severe hydrologic issues: persistent groundwater overdraft and flooding risks. Capturing flood flows for groundwater recharge could help address both of these issues, yet flood flow frequency, duration, and magnitude vary greatly as upstream reservoir releases are affected by snowpack, precipitation type, reservoir volume, and flood risks. This variability makes dedicated, engineered recharge approaches expensive. Our work evaluates leveraging private farmlands in the Kings River Basin to capture flood flows for direct and in lieu recharge, calculates on-farm infiltration rates, assesses logistics, and considers potential water quality issues. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil series suggested that a cementing layer would hinder recharge. The standard practice of deep ripping fractured the layer, resulting in infiltration rates averaging 2.5 in d(-1) (6 cm d(-1)) throughout the farm. Based on these rates 10 acres are needed to infiltrate 1 cfs (100 m(3) h(-1)) of flood flows. Our conceptual model predicts that salinity and nitrate pulses flush initially to the groundwater but that groundwater quality improves in the long term due to pristine flood flows low in salts or nitrate. Flood flow capture, when integrated with irrigation, is more cost-effective than groundwater pumping.

Surgical intervention results in a wound. In practice of surgery, wounds and their management is a fundamental job. Various surgical wounds are created by surgeons including abdominal laparotomy wounds. Therefore disruption of a repaired laparotomy wound is an acute wound failure. Burst abdomen, abdominal wound dehiscence, dehiscence of fascial layers is a postoperative complication and the reported mortality rate is about as high as 45%. Incidence of dehiscence as described in literature ranges from 0.4%-3.5%. No specific single cause is one reason for all wound disruption. Abdominal wound dehiscence, which may occur at any age, has been subject to numerous investigations in the past and reviews of many series of cases have been there in the literature. A good knowledge of risk factors is essential for prophylaxis. High risk cases may get benefit from close observation and early intervention.

Jejunogastric intussesception is a rare entity in surgical practice. Here a case of a middle aged male patient is reported who was admitted with pain abdomen, vomiting and constipation with surgical history of gastrojejunostomy 22 years back and found to have jejunogastric intussesception. Still now nearly 200 cases have been reported in the literature.

Background: Fat grafting is a promising technique for soft-tissue augmentation, although graft retention is highly unpredictable and factors that affect graft survival have not been well defined. Because of their capacity for differentiation and growth factor release, adipose-derived stem cells may have a key role in graft healing. The authors' objective was to determine whether biological properties of adipose-derived stem cells present within human fat would correlate with in vivo outcomes of graft volume retention., Methods: Lipoaspirate from eight human subjects was processed using a standardized centrifugation technique and then injected subcutaneously into the flanks of 6-week-old athymic nude mice. Graft masses and volumes were measured, and histologic evaluation, including CD31+ staining for vessels, was performed 8 weeks after transplantation. Stromal vascular fraction isolated at the time of harvest from each subject was analyzed for surface markers by multiparameter flow cytometry, and also assessed for proliferation, differentiation capacity, and normoxic/hypoxic vascular endothelial growth factor secretion., Results: Wide variation in percentage of CD34+ progenitors within the stromal vascular fraction was noted among subjects and averaged 21.3 ± 15 percent (mean ± SD). Proliferation rates and adipogenic potential among stromal vascular fraction cells demonstrated moderate interpatient variability. In mouse xenograft studies, retention volumes ranged from approximately 36 to 68 percent after 8 weeks, with an overall average of 52 ± 11 percent. A strong correlation (r = 0.78, slope = 0.76, p < 0.05) existed between stromal vascular fraction percentage of CD34+ progenitors and high graft retention., Conclusion: Inherent biological differences in adipose tissue exist between patients. In particular, concentration of CD34+ progenitor cells within the stromal vascular fraction may be one of the factors used to predict human fat graft retention.

A novel, rapid, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method has been developed and validated as per ICH guidelines for the determination of tramadol HCl impurities in the tramadol HCl injection after reconstitution by infusion fluids (5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride). The tramadol HCl injection is for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe pain. The stability of the reconstituted solution is critical before intravenous injection. The literature search resulted in few published articles on assays of tramadol in infusion fluids by conventional HPLC. No attempts have yet been made to determine the impurities in infusion fluids, as the concentration of tramadol after reconstitution is extremely low (0.4 mg/mL) and that of impurities is even lower. The proposed method is novel as it allows the quantitation of the impurities of tramadol HCl and is based on modern chromatographic techniques like UPLC. The method was developed using the Waters Acquity BEH C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of a gradient mixture of solvent A (trifluroacetic acid buffer) and solvent B (methanol: acetonitrile). The model stability study was designed by diluting the tramadol HCl injection in the 5% dextrose injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Each mixture was kept under storage at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) for testing at initial, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 & 24 hours. The validation study illustrates that the proposed method is suitable for the determination of tramadol and its impurities. The proposed method makes use of the LC-MS-compatible mobile phase. It can be useful for the determination of tramadol HCl and its impurities in plasma samples and other pharmaceutical dosage forms.

We show that the first order magneto-structural phase transitions observed in various classes of magnetic solids are often accompanied by useful multi-functional properties, namely giant magneto-resistance, magneto-caloric effect and magneto-striction. We highlight various characteristic features associated with a disorder influenced first order phase transition namely supercooling, superheating, phase-coexistence and metastability, in several magnetic materials and discuss how a proper understanding of the transition process can help in fine tuning of the accompanied functional properties. Magneto-elastic coupling is a key element in this first order phase transition, and methods need to be explored for maximizing the contributions from both the lattice and the magnetic degree of freedom while simultaneously minimizing the thermomagnetic hysteresis loss. An analogy is also drawn with the first order phase transition observed in dielectric materials and vortex matter of type-II superconductors.

The study included 431 patients who underwent breast FNAC over a period of five years between 2003 and 2008. The required clinical details were obtained from the requisition forms. The Information about the level of education and occupation were collected by interviewing the subjects. The number of cases of breast carcinoma was significant constituting 14.84% (n = 64). The study showed that the peak age for breast carcinoma was between 41 and 50 years. This correlates with the national figure where most of the cases observed belonged to the reproductive age group. Most of the females were married (93.75%) and were multiparous (92.18%). Maximum number of patients had only received primary education. There was not much difference in the number regarding whether they lived in urban or rural areas. Middle and lower socioeconomic class contributed the bulk of the cases and it were the housewives who were in majority (85.93%).

An extractive spectrophotometric analytical method has been developed for the determination of uranium in ore leach solution. This technique is based on the selective extraction of uranium from multielement system using a synergistic mixture of 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid-mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC88A) and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) in cyclohexane and color development from the organic phase aliquot using 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethyl aminophenol (Br-PADAP) as chromogenic reagent. The absorption maximum (λ(max)) for UO(2)(2+)-Br-PADAP complex in organic phase samples, in 64% (v/v) ethanol containing buffer solution (pH 7.8) and 1,2-cyclohexylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (CyDTA) complexing agent, has been found to be at 576 nm (molar extinction coefficient, ɛ: 36,750 ± 240 L mol(-1)cm(-1)). Effects of various parameters like stability of complex, ethanol volume, ore matrix, interfering ions etc. on the determination of uranium have also been evaluated. Absorbance measurements as a function of time showed that colored complex is stable up to > 24h. Presence of increased amount of ethanol in colored solution suppresses the absorption of a standard UO(2)(2+)-Br-PADAP solution. Analyses of synthetic standard as well as ore leach a solution show that for 10 determination relative standard deviation (RSD) is < 2%. The accuracy of the developed method has been checked by determining uranium using standard addition method and was found to be accurate with a 98-105% recovery rate. The developed method has been applied for the analysis of a number of uranium samples generated from uranium ore leach solutions and results were compared with standard methods like inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICPAES). The determined values of uranium concentrations by these methods are within ± 2%. This method can be used to determine 2.5-250 μg mL(-1) uranium in ore leach solutions with high accuracy and precision., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Results of temperature- and magnetic field-dependent strain measurements across the first-order antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in Fe(0.955)Ni(0.045)Rh are presented. Distinct thermal and magnetic field hystereses are observed in the measured strain across the phase transition. The minor hysteresis loops inside the hysteretic regime across the temperature-driven transition are modeled using the Preisach model of hysteresis. The applicability of the Preisach model to explain the general features of minor hysteresis loops is discussed for a disorder influenced first-order transition. The minor hysteresis loops show the property of retaining the memory of the starting or end point of the temperature cycle followed within the hysteretic region. A larger temperature excursion within the hysteretic region wipes out the memory of a smaller temperature cycle which contains one of the extrema of the larger cycle. The end-point memory and the wiping-out property of the minor hysteresis loops can be described quite well within the Preisach model, irrespective of the temperature history followed to reach a particular starting point. Thermo-magnetic history effects across the magnetic field-induced transition are explained, which will enable the choice of the starting point of an experimental cycle in the field-temperature phase space so as to achieve the desired functionality. Our results highlight the necessity to understand the influence of disorder on a first-order phase transition so as to achieve a repeatable performance of materials whose functionalities are based on such a transition.

We have studied the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the electrical resistivity of GdCu(6) and have co-related the results with the temperature dependence of heat capacity and magnetization. The magnetoresistance of GdCu(6) is found to be positive both in the paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic regimes. Within the antiferromagnetic regime, the magnetoresistance is very high and increases to still higher values both with increasing field and decreasing temperature. In the paramagnetic regime the magnetoresistance continues to exhibit a finite positive value up to temperatures much higher than that corresponding to the antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition. We have shown through quantitative analysis that both the temperature dependences of resistivity and heat capacity indicate the presence of spin fluctuations within the paramagnetic regime of GdCu(6). The field dependence of electrical resistivity indicates that the positive magnetoresistance in the paramagnetic phase is not related to the orbital motion of the conduction electrons in a magnetic field (the Kohler rule). In contrast, our analysis indicates that these spin fluctuations are responsible for the positive magnetoresistance observed within this paramagnetic regime. The nature of the field dependence of electrical resistivity is found to be qualitatively similar both in the antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic regimes, which probably indicates that spin fluctuations in the paramagnetic regime are of the antiferromagnetic type.

The sustainability of water resources in future decades is likely to be affected by increases in water demand due to population growth, increases in power generation, and climate change. This study presents water withdrawal projections in the United States (U.S.) in 2050 as a result of projected population increases and power generation at the county level as well as the availability of local renewable water supplies. The growth scenario assumes the per capita water use rate for municipal withdrawals to remain at 2005 levels and the water use rates for new thermoelectric plants at levels in modern closed-loop cooling systems. In projecting renewable water supply in future years, median projected monthly precipitation and temperature by sixteen climate models were used to derive available precipitation in 2050 (averaged over 2040-2059). Withdrawals and available precipitation were compared to identify regions that use a large fraction of their renewable local water supply. A water supply sustainability risk index that takes into account additional attributes such as susceptibility to drought, growth in water withdrawal, increased need for storage, and groundwater use was developed to evaluate areas at greater risk. Based on the ranking by the index, high risk areas can be assessed in more mechanistic detail in future work.

In a prospective observational case series, we assessed the effects and management and outcome of oral anticoagulant associated abnormal uterine bleeding in women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Six women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis, who were admitted with persistent severe vaginal bleeding between 2003 and 2010, were evaluated. For each woman, detailed history, treatment received, if there was any complication and their final outcome and satisfaction were recorded. All the 6 women were parous, with their ages ranging from 27 to 50 years. They were receiving oral anticoagulant therapy for mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Of the 6 women, 4 had uterine fibroids, and the other 2 had dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Three patients with uterine fibroids underwent abdominal hysterectomy, and one underwent balloon thermal ablation of endometrium. While 1 patient with dysfunctional uterine bleeding underwent hysterectomy, the other patient desirous for further children, required levonorgestrel intra-uterine system. Two women requiring hysterectomy, developed postoperative complications, one a massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage and another a rectus sheath haematoma. At follow-up, 5 women were satisfied, and 1 woman had died suddenly at home 1 year after hysterectomy. Because of the twin problem of heart disease and anticoagulant therapy, treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding in these women is extremely challenging. Although medical treatment yields only temporary relief, endometrial ablative procedures or levonorgestrel intra-uterine system provides more durable solution. As anticoagulant associated peri-operative haemorrhage can be potentially fatal, hysterectomy should be reserved for women with major pelvic pathologies. Proper counselling and integrated management involving gynaecologist, cardiologist, haematologist and anaesthesiologist is essential to tackle this problem.

Gastrojejunal intussusception is a rare complication of gastric surgery. It can occur in cases with gastrojejunostomy done after partial gastric resection or in cases of simple gastrojejunostomy. There are only few cases reported worldwide, Review of literature showed about 200 cases reported till 2006 and a few more cases reported after that. A rare case of retrograde gastrojejunal intussusception is reported. The patient presented in the emergency with severe pain upper abdomen and haematemesis. Contrast enhanced CT scan of abdomen showed hugely distended stomach with retrograde gastrojejunal intussusception on laparotomy, the intussusception was reduced. A jejunojejunostomy was done. The patient is doing well after 1 1/2, months.

Background: Elucidation of the relationships between malaria incidence and climatic and non-climatic factors in a region is of utmost importance in understanding the causative factors of disease spread and design of control strategies. Very often malaria prevalence data is restricted to short time scales (months to few years). This demands application of rigorous statistical modelling techniques for analysis and prediction. The monthly malaria prevalence data for three to five years from two cities in southern India, situated in two different climatic zones, are studied to capture their dependence on climatic factors., Methods: The statistical technique of response surface method (RSM) is applied for the first time to study any epidemiological data. A new step-by-step model reduction technique is proposed to refine the initial model obtained from RSM. This provides a simpler structure and gives better fit. This combined approach is applied to two types of epidemiological data (Slide Positivity Rates values and Total Malaria cases), for two cities in India with varying strengths of disease prevalence and environmental conditions., Results: The study on these data sets reveals that RSM can be used successfully to elucidate the important environmental factors influencing the transmission of the disease by analysing short epidemiological time series. The proposed approach has high predictive ability over relatively long time horizons., Conclusions: This method promises to provide reliable forecast of malaria incidence across varying environmental conditions, which may help in designing useful control programmes for malaria.

The martensitic transition in Ni(50)Mn(34)In(16) alloy has been studied by measuring the magnetization of the alloy as a function of temperature, magnetic field and pressure. Magnetic field and pressure have opposite effects on the martensitic transition in this alloy; the martensitic transition temperature decreases with increasing magnetic field but it increases with increasing pressure. The effect of pressure on the magnetocaloric properties of this large magnetocaloric effect alloy has been investigated in detail. The magnitude of the peak in the isothermal magnetic entropy change in Ni(50)Mn(34)In(16) increases with pressure. The temperature at which the magnetocaloric effect reaches the peak value in this alloy increases from near 240 K under ambient pressure to near 280 K under an external pressure of 9.5 kbar. The temperature corresponding to the peak in the isothermal magnetic entropy change increases with increasing pressure at a rate which matches the rate of increase of the martensite start temperature with increasing pressure. The temperature dependence of the isothermal magnetic entropy change under different pressures is found to follow a universal curve for a particular magnetic field change. These results show that pressure as a control parameter can be used to tune the temperature regime of the magnetocaloric effect in the alloy. The effect of pressure on the martensitic transition also gives a clue as regards the possibility of tuning this temperature regime with elemental substitution.

Carcinoma stomach still remains a major killer cancer all over the world. Delay in early diagnosis or lack of awareness, infrastructure etc. is the major factor for late presentation in developing countries. This work was carried out to study the prevalence of carcinoma stomach in a tertiary referral centre in Eastern India and its corroboration with endoscopic findings. The aim is to create an awareness regarding early diagnosis of this monstrous killer. The study was conducted on 8706 symptomatic patients attending for upper GI endoscopy, of which 165 patients were found to have adenocarcinoma of stomach and 8 patients with other stomach neoplasms. The age, sex, religious status and economic background were analysed. The endoscopic findings, histological nature and grading, site of the lesions vis-à-vis clinical signs and symptoms were analysed and statistically reviewed. Of the total 165 cases of carcinoma stomach, highest number of cases (24.8%) were among 40-49 years of age, followed by 50-59 years (23.7%). The male sex (67.6%) and patients with low socio-economic background (75.7%) were the worst sufferer. On gross microscopic findings of endoscopy, ulcero-proliferative lesions were highest (80.8%) and antrum was the commonest (46.8%) site of neoplastic lesions. Histologically, adenocarcinoma (95.4%) was commonest. The significant symptoms of presentation were pain abdomen (84%), weight loss (89%), anorexia (86%), gastric outlet obstruction (40%) while signs were anaemia (100%), epigastric tenderness (60%), lump abdomen and gastric outlet obstruction (40%). We found a large number of neoplastic lesions in endoscopy series with the highest number in males at forty. This implies a gross economic fall out on the family. The interesting finding of antral growth differs from western series. Liberal use and availability of endoscopy may help in detecting the lesions early with better outcome.

Sharp rise in the caesarean section rate, over the past years has been causing lot of concerns. It is to be evaluated whether the decrease in perinatal mortality rate is due to the rising rate of caesarean section. Five hundred consecutive patients were selected on whom caesarean section had been performed. Both mother and baby were followed till they are discharged from the hospital. Foetal distress was the commonest indication in primigravidae who underwent caesarean section. The other indications of caesarean section in this study were breech, severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, cord prolapse, elderly primi, postdated, premature rupture of membrane, twin, compound presentation, meconium stained liquor. The occurrence of perinatal morbidity in caesarean section was 10% compared to 12% in vaginal delivery. Common causes of perinatal morbidity were asphyxia, prematurity, diarrhoea, septicaemia, jaundice, conjunctivitis and scalp injury. The occurrence of perinatal mortality in caesarean section was 3.8% compared to 3% in vaginal delivery. Causes of perinatal mortality were stillbirth, meconium aspiration syndrome, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, prematurity and congenital malformation. In spite of safety of vaginal birth after caesarean section it continues to be underutilised. Good perinatal care proper screening and use of newer effective pharmacological agents improve the maternal progress as well as perinatal outcome without increasing the caesarean section rate.

We present the results of magnetization relaxation measurements across the ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition in Fe(0.955)Ni(0.045)Rh. The transition from the high temperature ferromagnetic phase to the low temperature antiferromagnetic phase seems to be arrested by increasing the applied magnetic field. The crossover from crystallization-like dynamics to glassy dynamics can be tracked by measuring isothermal time dependent magnetization at various constant temperatures while cooling across this ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition. The initial conversion from the ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase as a function of time at higher temperatures follows a distinct power law relaxation. The transition is incomplete at low temperatures with the stretched exponential relaxation behaviour dominating over the power law, which is indicative of glassy dynamics or the arrest of the kinetics of the phase transition. In the intermediate temperature regime, the magnetic relaxation can be explained as a combination of both the power law and stretched exponential. The temperature dependence of the time constant of the stretched exponential follows the Arrhenius law which is usually observed in the case of strong glass-forming liquids.

The magnetic properties of the rare-earth intermetallic compound DyAg(2) are studied in detail with the help of magnetization and heat capacity measurements. It is shown that the multiple magnetic phase transitions can be induced in DyAg(2) both by temperature and magnetic field. The detailed magnetic phase diagram of DyAg(2) is determined experimentally. It was already known that DyAg(2) undergoes an incommensurate to commensurate antiferromagnetic phase transition close to 10 K. The present experimental results highlight the first order nature of this phase transition, and show that this transition can be induced by magnetic field as well. It is further shown that another isothermal magnetic field induced transition or metamagnetic transition exhibited by DyAg(2) at still lower temperatures is also of first order nature. The multiple magnetic phase transitions in DyAg(2) give rise to large peaks in the temperature dependence of the heat capacity below 17 K, which indicates its potential as a magnetic regenerator material for cryocooler related applications. In addition it is found that because of the presence of the temperature and field induced magnetic phase transitions, and because of short range magnetic correlations deep inside the paramagnetic regime, DyAg(2) exhibits a fairly large magnetocaloric effect over a wide temperature window, e.g., between 10 and 60 K.

The potential shape memory alloy Ni(50)Mn(34)In(16) is studied with partial substitution of Mn with Fe and Cr to investigate the effect of such substitution on the martensitic transition in the Ni-Mn-In alloy system. The results of ac susceptibility, magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements show that while the substitution with Cr increases the martensitic transition temperature, the substitution with Fe decreases it. Possible reasons for this shift in martensitic transition are discussed. Evidence of kinetic arrest of the austenite to martensite phase transition in the Fe substituted alloys is also presented. Unlike the kinetic arrest of the austenite to martensite phase transition in the parent Ni(50)Mn(34)In(16) alloy which takes place in the presence of high external magnetic field, the kinetic arrest of the austenite to martensite phase transition in the Fe doped alloy occurs even in zero magnetic field. The Cr substituted alloys, on the other hand, show no signature of kinetic arrest of this phase transition.

Occlusive clot formation in the veins causes venous thrombosis, the site most common in the deep veins of leg, called deep vein thrombosis. The clot can block blood flow and when it breaks off, called an embolism which in turn can damage the vital organs. Venous thrombosis occurs via three mechanisms ie, Virchow's triad. The mechanisms are decreased flow rate of blood, damage to the blood vessel wall and an increased tendency of the blood to clot. There are several factors which can increase a person's risk for deep vein thrombosis. The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis in the legs are pain, swelling and redness of the part. One variety of venous thrombosis is phlegmasia alba dolens where the leg becomes pale and cool. Investigations include Doppler ultrasound examination of the limb, D-dimer blood test, plethysmography of the legs, x-rays to show vein in the affected area (venography). Hospitalisation is necessary in some cases with some risk factors. The mainstream of treatment is with anticoagulants, mostly low molecular weight heparin for 6 months. Deep venous thrombosis is a rising problem. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with a good prognosis.

Indiscriminate use of organophosphorus compounds (OPC) increases the potential threat of self-poisoning and death. To make a conclusive diagnosis on academic interest a retrospective record-based study was undertaken. Postautopsy studies were carried out on 100 victims of OPC poisoning by collecting data from following 3 sources: Medicolegal autopsy reports, inquest reports, and inpatient case sheets. Mode of ingestion of OPC was to commit suicide. Incidence was more in 20 to 30 years age group, in females and in urban area. Diagnosis was confirmed by history of poison exposure, clinically well-defined cholinergic effects, and characteristic autopsy findings. Early and correct identification of the cause of poisoning enables specific treatment. Restrictions on access of very toxic pesticides through national policies and enforcement, public education on storage and safe use, early recognition of poisoning, and appropriate medical management may reduce the incidence of poisoning and death.

We have studied a 10% Ru-doped CeFe(2) alloy, Ce(Fe(0.9)Ru(0.1))(2), through magnetization, magnetotransport, and heat capacity measurements. This study shows that, while this alloy is antiferromagnetic at low temperatures and paramagnetic at high temperatures, there exists evidence of ferromagnetic ordering in the intermediate temperature regime. We show here that with 10% Ru doping the first order magnetic transition observed in the Ce(Fe(1 - x)Ru(x))(2) alloys with x < 0.08 is reduced to a quasi-continuous phase transition. The characteristic thermomagnetic history effects associated with the ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic phase transition in the Ce(Fe(1 - x)Ru(x))(2) alloys with x < 0.08 are not observed in the Ce(Fe(0.9)Ru(0.1))(2) alloy. This alloy continues to exhibit the large magnetoresistance and large magnetocaloric effect associated with this first order magnetic transition in the alloys with smaller Ru concentration, but it does not show any energy loss due to thermomagnetic hysteresis. The present work thus shows how the introduction of quenched disorder due to alloying effects may be used to tune the first order magnetic transition in a material for more efficient functional use.

Aim of the present work was to examine whether the SCOD (soluble chemical oxygen demand) released after the physical disruption of excess activated sludge can be used as an alternative carbon source for biological denitrification. In the first stage of research, we investigated the potential use of energy efficient hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) technique for the disruption of activated sludge. In a comparative study between ultrasonic cavitation (UC) and HC, it was observed that UC needs five times more energy than that of HC to release the same amount of SCOD. In the second stage of the experimental study, SCOD was successfully used as an alternative carbon source (alternative to sodium acetate) for biological denitrification. The critical weight ratio (SCOD/NO(3)-N) of seven ensured 100% removal of nitrate. Nitrate removal kinetics indicated that denitrification with SCOD as a carbon source gives higher specific denitrification rate (by approximately 200%) as compared to conventional carbon source (sodium acetate)., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The martensite to austenite phase transition in the off-stoichiometric Heusler alloy Ni(50)Mn(34)In(16) can be induced both by temperature change and by application of a magnetic field. We have used scanning Hall probe imaging to study the magnetic field induced martensite-austenite phase transition. The study provides clear visual evidence of the coexistence of the martensite and austenite phases across this field induced transition in both increasing and decreasing magnetic fields. Clear evidence of thermomagnetic history effects associated with the martensite-austenite phase transition is also obtained. Quantitative analysis of the magnetic field dependence of the volume fraction of the austenite phase in Ni(50)Mn(34)In(16) shows evidence of a nucleation and growth mechanism across the field induced martensite-austenite phase transition. The local M-H loops constructed from the Hall images indicate the presence of a landscape of the critical magnetic field (for the field induced transition) distributed over the sample volume and thus confirm the disorder influenced nature of this first-order magnetic phase transition.

We present results of dc magnetization measurements focusing on the magnetic properties of the field-induced ferromagnetic state in MnSi. The temperature dependence of saturation magnetization in this ferromagnetic state exhibits the signatures of both spin wave excitations and itinerant electron ferromagnetism. The Arrott plots obtained from the isothermal field dependence of magnetization, however, are found to be distinctly nonlinear and hence cannot be explained within a simple framework of itinerant electron magnetism.

Carbon sequestration strategies highlight tree plantations without considering their full environmental consequences. We combined field research, synthesis of more than 600 observations, and climate and economic modeling to document substantial losses in stream flow, and increased soil salinization and acidification, with afforestation. Plantations decreased stream flow by 227 millimeters per year globally (52%), with 13% of streams drying completely for at least 1 year. Regional modeling of U.S. plantation scenarios suggests that climate feedbacks are unlikely to offset such water losses and could exacerbate them. Plantations can help control groundwater recharge and upwelling but reduce stream flow and salinize and acidify some soils.

First order ferromagnetic (FM) to antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase transition in doped CeFe2 alloys is studied with the micro-Hall probe technique. Clear visual evidence of magnetic phase coexistence on micrometer scales and the evolution of this phase coexistence as a function of temperature, magnetic field, and time across the first order FM-AFM transition is presented. Such phase coexistence and metastability arise as a natural consequence of an intrinsic disorder-influenced first order transition. The generality of these phenomena involving other classes of materials is discussed.

The extracellular cellobiase (EC 3.2.1.21) of Termitomyces clypeatus separated in two protein fractions when culture filtrate or ammonium sulfate precipitated proteins were chromatographed on BioGel P-200 column. During purification of cellobiase (CBS) from the lower molar mass (LMM) protein fraction, the enzyme behaved like a low molecular weight multimeric protein. The purified enzyme gave a single 56 kDa band in SDS-PAGE but ladderlike bands (14, 28, 42, and 56 kDa) on denaturation by reducing-SDS and urea. The protein, however, dissociated on dilution and protomeric (14 kDa) and multimeric forms (28 and 60 kDa) were eluted separately during HPGPLC. Specific activity of CBS gradually decreased as the molar mass of the enzyme was lowered in different eluted peaks. Protein present in all CBS pool fractions had the same amino acid composition and all displayed the same, single protein peak in reverse-phase HPLC and 56 kDa band in SDS-PAGE. Thus, T. clypeatus CBS was a multimeric 14 kDa protein that was optimally active as a tetramer. CBS purified from the higher molar mass fraction (HMM) as a SDS-PAGE homogeneous 110-kDa protein did not dissociate on dilution or by SDS-urea. The purified protein was a protein aggregate as CBS consistently contained 20 +/- 5% sucrase (SUC) Units in the preparation. The aggregate resolved during reverse-phase chromatography on a C(4) column, and an additional protein peak other than CBS was detected. The aggregated CBS had a higher temperature optimum and was more stable toward thermal and chemical denaturations than SUC-free CBS. Increase of stability and catalytic activity of CBS by aggregation with SUC was much higher than those by the multimerization of CBS itself. All of these observations for the first time suggested that the heterologous protein-protein aggregation, observed for a long time for fungal enzymes, might have a significant role in modulating physicochemical properties of the extracellular enzyme.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczelk cv. Pusa Baisakhi seedlings were raised in individual (0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm) and combined solutions (1 : 1, 10: 1, 1: 0 ppm Hg : Mn) of mercury and manganese for 6 days. Phenol and proline were found to accumulate in leaves in response to treatment with heavy metals. The magnitude of accumulation correlated with concentration of metals. However, a reverse trend was noticed in stem for phenol. Accumulation of phenol in response to heavy metal treatment was organ specific and occurred at higher rate in plant parts, which faced the stress mostly. However, accumulation of proline helped the plant to survive stress situation. In combined solutions, amelioration of mercurial toxicity by manganese was recorded.

Mercury, a non essential element renders inhibitory effect on many physiological activities of plants even at a low concentration. Plants absorb "Hg" from soil through root system. Manganese, an essential element has been found to counter the inhibitory effect of mercury mostly by preventing it's uptake from soil. Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) cv. Pusa Baisakhi grown in individual (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm) solution of Hg and Mn showed varied uptake of these heavy metals. However, in combined solutions (1 : 1, 10 : 1 and 1 : 10 ppm Hg : Mn), mercury uptake was mostly prevented in presence of 10 ppm Mn, indicating it's ameliorating effect.

The 450 kDa cellobiase from Termitomyces clypeatus which migrates as a single band on IEF, PAGE and SDS-PAGE, was found to possess appreciable sucrase activity. The fungus produced sucrase and cellobiase constitutively in different media but with different activity ratios. The kinetics of secretion of the two enzymes was similar under in vivo and in vitro conditions. HPGPLC analysis of the culture filtrates indicated the presence of both sucrase and cellobiase in the same protein fractions of different molar mass, even in the 30-kDa protein fraction. No free sucrase or cellobiase could be detected in the culture filtrates. It was also observed that fractionation of cellobiase by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation was different with different amounts of associated sucrase activity present in the culture filtrate. The (NH4)2SO4-precipitated cellobiase fraction also contained cellobiases in proteins of widely varied molar mass ranges. However, none of the low-molar mass proteins other than the 450-kDa enzyme could be purified, as all low-molar-mass fractions spontaneously aggregated to the 450-kDa enzyme. Hydrophobic chromatography of the (NH4)2SO4-precipitated fractions followed by HPGPLC of the eluted active fraction yielded both cellobiase-free sucrase and a very low sucrase-containing cellobiase fraction. The cellobiase fraction, homogeneous in PAGE, was also a high-molar-mass protein complex dissociating into a number of protein bands on SDS-PAGE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)