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Domestic donkey plays a key role as a draft animal in rural economy of Pakistan where its population is increasing every year. The complete mtDNA control region of forty randomly sampled donkeys was PCR- amplified and sequenced bi-directionally using specific primers. Distinct mtDNA haplotypes obtained in the current study (KY446001−KY446011) were subjected to haplotype (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) measures using DnaS as well as to phylogenetic, Network, and AMOVA analyses. There were a total 27 polymorphic sites present within 11 unique mtDNA haplotypes from the studied 40 animals from different regions. Neighbor-joining network and median-joining network both illustrated the splitting of all these haplotypes into two well-defined Nubian and Somali lineages, confirming African maternal origin of Pakistani domestic donkey. Diversity parameters h (0.967± 0.037) and π (0.02917± 0.00307) were found to reveal high levels of genetic diversity in Pakistani donkeys. AMOVA demonstrated only 1% of genetic differences between two mtDNA maternal lineages, pointing to lack of population substructure in Pakistani donkeys as is the case with worldwide domestic donkey population. Pakistani donkeys have African maternal origin and high levels of mtDNA diversity. High genetic diversity may be due to non-selective breeding and heteroplasmy. We herein provide the first report on mtDNA diversity of control region in Pakistani domestic donkey. Resumo O burro doméstico possui um papel fundamental como animal de tração na economia rural do Paquistão, onde a população desse animal está aumentando a cada ano. A região de controle de mtDNA completa de 40 burros amostrados aleatoriamente foi ampliada por PCR e sequenciada bidirecionalmente por intermédio de primers específicos. Haplótipos distintos de mtDNA obtidos no estudo atual (KY446001 − KY446011) foram submetidos a medidas de haplótipo (h) e diversidade de nucleotídeos (π) por meio de DnaS, bem como análises filogenéticas, de rede e AMOVA. Havia um total de 27 sítios polimórficos presentes em 11 haplótipos de mtDNA exclusivos dos 40 animais estudados de diferentes regiões. A rede de união de vizinhos e a rede de união mediana ilustram a divisão de todos esses haplótipos em duas linhagens núbias e somalis bem definidas, confirmando a origem materna africana do burro doméstico do Paquistão. Os parâmetros de diversidade h (0,967 ± 0,037) e π (0,02917 ± 0,00307) revelaram altos níveis de diversidade genética em burros paquistaneses. AMOVA demonstrou apenas 1% de diferenças genéticas entre as duas linhagens maternas de mtDNA, apontando a falta de subestrutura populacional em burros paquistaneses, como é o caso da população mundial de burros domésticos. Os burros paquistaneses têm origem materna africana e altos níveis de diversidade de mtDNA. A alta diversidade genética pode ser por causa da reprodução não seletiva e de heteroplasmia. Aqui, fornecemos o primeiro relatório sobre a diversidade do mtDNA da região de controle em burros domésticos do Paquistão.

In this study, we compared pulsed-field gel electrophoretic (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), spa typing, and virulence gene profiles of 19 Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive, multidrug-, and methicillin-resistant clinical Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from a hospital intensive care unit in Pakistan. The isolates exhibited 10 pulsotypes, contained eight adhesin genes (bbp, clfA, clfB, cna, fnbA, fnbB, map-eap, and spa), 10 toxin genes (hla, hlb, hld, hlg, pvl, sed, see, seg, seh, and tst), and two other virulence genes (cfb, v8) that were commonly present in all isolates. The spa-typing indicated seven known spa types (t030, t064, t138, t314, t987, t1509, and t5414) and three novel spa types. MLST analysis indicated eight ST types (ST8, ST15, ST30, ST239, ST291, ST503, ST772, and ST1413). All isolates belonged to the agr group 1. Most of the isolates possessed SCCmec type III, but some isolates had it in combination with types SCCmec IV and V. The presence of multidrug-resistant MRSA isolates in Pakistan indicates poor hygienic conditions, overuse of antibiotics, and a lack of rational antibiotic therapy that have led to the evolution and development of hypervirulent MRSA clones. The study warrants development of a robust epidemiological screening program and adoption of effective measures to stop their spread in hospitals and the community.

The trends of glacier lake evolution during the past few decades and their future development are still not well understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the growth and changes in moraine and bed rock dammed glacier lakes of the Nubra and Shyok basin, Karakoram Range using multi-temporal satellite images. The glacier lake inventory is based on Landsat 7 and 8 (15 m spatial resolution), and Sentinels 2A (10 m spatial resolution) satellite imageries. The data revealed that during the years 2002–2017, the number of glacial lakes increased from 215 to 255. The glacial lake area also increased from ~ 9.0 km2 in 2003 to ~ 9.36 km2 in 2013 and ~ 11.27 km2 in 2017. During 2002–2017, the lake area increased by ~ 2.27 km2, out of which ~ 1.9 km2 increase is recorded between 2013 and 2017 accounts for almost 84% of the total increase. The lakes with an area of ≥ 0.2 km2 have been considered for glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) susceptibility studies and volume estimation. Analyses of the data show a progressive increase in number of glacial lakes and their areal extent. This study would help planners to minimize the adverse effects of GLOF in the Nubra-Shyok basin.

Monitoring the movement of historic structures on unstable geology is a critical part of conservation. Such documentation can be accomplished using a variety of techniques from close observation to highly accurate instrumentation. However, the monitoring of nearly a hundred structures with varying levels of significance over a large area with limited resources is challenging. This paper describes the approach, methodology, planning, and execution of the initial monitoring system for the historic mausoleums at Makli Hills, Thatta in Sindh (Pakistan). This World Heritage property, located along six kilometers of bluffs above an ancient branch of the Indus River contains the tombs of rulers, poets, and spiritual leaders spanning from the XIVth to XVIIIth centuries. These tombs, built at the edge of eroding bluff, have been subjected to differential settlement leading to a number of past structural failures, serious cracks, deformations, and potential failures. The paper describes this important site, it´s problems, and a methodology to balance the significance and the sheer number of monuments with risk and available budget.

The present study investigates the relics of the most extensive glacier advances and their retreat in the transitional climatic zone of the Chopta valley, northern Sikkim Himalaya with an aim to understand the forcing factors. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of the stratigraphically oldest glacier advance and its retreat in the Chopta valley revealed that the glacier advanced at ∼28 ± 2.8 ka and sustained through the global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM; 26.5 ka and 19 ka; Mix et al., 2001). The deglaciation is manifested by recessional moraine (ridge) dated at ∼18 ± 2.2 ka. Comparing the results of the present study with the existing glacial chronologies from the Himalayan region, it has been observed that irrespective of the geographical locations; the intensified mid latitude-westerlies during the gLGM and the associated decrease in winter temperature was the major driver of glacier advance during the MIS-2.

The study was designed to investigate the effect of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on intestinal histomorphology, immunity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and productive parameters of broilers. A total of 1800, day old broiler chicks of Cobb-500 strain were selected and randomly assorted into 6 treatment groups: T1 (basal diet without antibiotics as negative control); T2 (basal diet plus antibiotics as positive control group); T3 (basal diet plus 200g/ton MOS); T4 (basal diet plus 400g/ton MOS); T5 (basal diet plus 600g/ton MOS) and T6 (basal diet plus 800g/ton MOS). Each treatment was having 6 replicates and the feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded on weekly basis. Results showed that, MOS supplemented birds have significantly higher feed intake, weight gain and FCR (P < 0.05). Similarly, supplementation of MOS showed positive effect on villus height and crypt depth both in jejunum and ilium. Goblet cell density was unaffected by MOS addition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, birds fed with diets containing MOS, exhibited better productive performance in comparison to positive and negative control groups. In conclusion, MOS can replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) as non-microbial performance-enhancing feed advocates. Resumo O estudo foi desenhado para investigar o efeito da suplementação de mananoligossacarídeo (MOS) na histomorfologia intestinal, imunidade contra o vírus da doença de Newcastle (NDV) e parâmetros produtivos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.800 pintos de corte de um dia da linhagem Cobb-500 foram selecionados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em 6 grupos de tratamento: T1 (dieta basal sem antibióticos como controle negativo); T2 (dieta basal mais antibióticos como grupo controle positivo); T3 (dieta basal mais 200g/ton MOS); T4 (dieta basal mais 400g/ton MOS); T5 (dieta basal mais 600g/ton MOS) e T6 (dieta basal mais 800g/ton MOS). Cada tratamento tinha 6 repetições e o consumo de ração, ganho de peso corporal e conversão alimentar foram registrados semanalmente. Os resultados mostraram que as aves suplementadas com MOS apresentam consumo de ração, ganho de peso e CA significativamente maiores (P < 0,05). Da mesma forma, a suplementação de MOS mostrou efeito positivo na altura das vilosidades e na profundidade das criptas tanto no jejuno quanto no íleo. A densidade de células caliciformes não foi afetada pela adição de MOS (P < 0,05). Além disso, as aves alimentadas com dietas contendo MOS apresentaram melhor desempenho produtivo em comparação aos grupos controle positivo e negativo. Em conclusão, o MOS pode substituir os promotores de crescimento de antibióticos (AGPs) como defensores de alimentos não microbianos que melhoram o desempenho.

Pathogenic variants in SYNGAP1 are one of the most common genetic causes of nonsyndromic intellectual disability (ID) and are considered a risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SYNGAP1 encodes a synaptic GTPase activating protein that modulates the intrinsic GTPase activity of several small G-proteins and is implicated in regulating the composition of the postsynaptic density. By targeting the deletion of exons encoding the calcium/lipid binding (C2) and GTPase activating protein (GAP) domains, we generated a novel rat model to study SYNGAP related pathophysiology. We find that rats heterozygous for the C2/GAP domain deletion (Syngap+/Δ-GAP) exhibit reduced exploration and fear extinction, altered social behaviour, and spontaneous seizures, while homozygous mutants die within days after birth. This new rat model reveals that the enzymatic domains of SYNGAP are essential for normal brain function and provide an important new model system in the study of both ID/ASD and epilepsy.

Background: Diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major health care problem, even in rural India. The earlier occurrence, delayed diagnosis and improper care leads to high complication rates, greater productivity loss and consequently higher costs. As the epidemiological burden of diabetes increases, the economic burden is expected to rise and the economically disadvantaged will be affected the most. Objectives: To assess the economic burden of diabetes among type 2 diabetic patients and to explore the factors associated with the economic burden of diabetes. Materials and Methods: Community based cross sectional study was carried out in rural field practice area of a medical college in Davangere for a period of six months during 2016-17 among 112 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Information was collected using pretested predesigned questionnaire on socio-demographic details, health services utilization, expenditure incurred on diabetes care (both direct and indirect costs) in the past six months. Results: The direct cost accounted for 94.2% of the total cost of treatment, of which hospitalization for diabetes related complications and medications were major components. Source of health care significantly influenced the direct cost. About 8.9% of study subjects skipped medications at least once due to lack of money. Conclusions: Direct cost in the management of diabetes is major contributor to the expenditure. Availability of affordable essential quality diabetic medications and strengthening of public healthcare is crucial in reduction of these direct costs involved in diabetic management.

The present study investigates latero-frontal moraines to reconstruct the pattern of glacier advances and associated climate variability in the Suru valley, southwestern Zanskar Himalaya. Impressive sets of latero-frontal moraines and discontinuous morainic ridges (recessional) represent the records of the past glacier advance and retreat. The northerly trending latero-frontal moraines that descend down the tributary valleys and terminate at the trunk Suru valley are the geomorphic expression of one of the oldest preserved record of glacier advance and is named as Tongul glacial stage. Previous studies (based on 10Be and 14C ages) defining the chronology of Tongul glacial stage are either limited in number (14C ages) or have a large spread (10Be ages) and hence demand further investigation. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating suggests that the Tongul glacial stage responded to the global last glacial maximum (gLGM) dated between ~20 and 24 ka. We suggest that the Tongul glacial stage was driven by enhanced mid-latitude westerlies and reduced temperature (viz., continental cooling) during MIS 2 and facilitated by corresponding long winters.

In this paper, we report the charge trapping phenomena in zinc oxide (n-ZnO) and Bi0.7Dy0.3FeO3 (BDFO)/ZnO thin films deposited on p-type conducting Si substrate. The significant change in contrast above the protrusions of ZnO verifies the possibility of heavy accumulation of injected holes in there. The ZnO and BDFO/ZnO films were characterized by the electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) to understand the phase dependence phenomenon on the bias supporting electron tunnelling. The EFM has an important role in the analysis of electrical transport mechanism characterization and electric charge distribution of local surface in nanoscale devices. It was observed that in BDFO/ZnO, the contrast of EFM images remains constant with the bias switching and that primarily indicates availability of trap sites to host electrons. The change in contrast over the protrusions of ZnO suggests that mobility of the electrical charge carriers may be through the grain boundary. The formation of these hole-trapped sites may be assumed by bond breaking phenomenon.

Pollen morphology of 28 plant taxa belonging to 23 families from Lucknow, India is illustrated and described on the basis of observations from light microscopy (LM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The principal objective is to observe and document the widespread variation in pollen shape, size, aperture diameter and pollen wall architecture of the studied plant taxa. The pollen morphological characters of 28 plant taxa were subjected to Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Component Analysis (PCA and HCA) suggesting four clusters. Cophenetic correlation coefficient also validates the four group clustering. The study will improve precise identification of fossil pollen grains recovered in sediments, thus aid in pollen analysis of the Quaternary deposits in India and also in similar tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Also, the study has implications for comparative morphologic, taxonomic and phylogenic studies. Besides these, preservation potential of different pollen grains has been described on the basis of pollen wall architecture.

Multiferroic PbTi 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3 films are grown by using pulsed laser deposition technique on Si, Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si and SrRuO 3 /Si substrates. It is found that the PbTi 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3 films get modified from tetragonal to orthorhombic while deposited on Si substrate unlike the other two substrates. For Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si and SrRuO 3 /Si substrates the crystal structure remains tetragonal. More importantly, the magnitude of ferroelectric, magnetic polarization and magneto-electric coupling observed in both tetragonal and orthorhombic phases are good enough for a variety of device applications. It gives flexibility for selecting substrate while fabricating PbTi 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3 based multifunctional devices.

We carried out textural, petrological, mineralogical and multi-element geochemical investigations of a ~25 m sediment core from the lower reaches of the Mahi River basin to understand the influence of climate and tectonics in the Gujarat Alluvial Plain (GAP) over the last >115 thousand years (ka) (Marine Isotopic Stage; MIS-5e). Ternary diagrams of texture analysis, A–CN–K, and A–CNK–FM including mafic index of alteration (MIA) and elemental ratios, suggest that most of the sediments are sandy-silt to silty-sand in nature and show incipient to moderate degree of chemical weathering. Additionally, the higher concentrations of lithic fragments (17%), feldspar (9%), and the presence of pyroxene and amphibole are also suggestive of increased physical weathering rather than chemical weathering. An increase in silt, clay and organic carbon contents register an increase in immobile elements (Al2O3, TiO2, FeOt, K2O, REEs, and Al2O3/SiO2), suggesting grain size control in the sediment geochemistry. The increase in sand and secondarily produced carbonates reduces the absolute concentration of all other elements due to the quartz and calcite dilution effect, respectively. Four major tectonoclimatic zones, namely 1 to 4 (oldest to youngest), have been identified based on the observed changes. The extrapolated Bayesian-base age model suggests that the bottom zone 1 (~25–17.64 m depth) was deposited between >115 and 60 ka (MIS-5a-e) during the enhanced phase of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM), as indicated by higher Rb/Sr ratio and dominance of kaolinite-illite over smectite. However, the deposition of gravel/coarser sediment horizons is also linked to base level change due to localized tectonic activities. The terminal part of zone 1 shows relatively drier conditions that continued through zone 2 (~60–54 ka; MIS-4), represented by lower values of immobile elements and Rb/Sr and kaolinite/smectite ratios. However, during Zone 3 (~54–38 ka; MIS-3), the sediment became coarser, implying enhanced rainfall or tectonic activity and a higher sedimentation rate. The top-most zone 4 (~38.0–6.7 ka MIS-3, 1) marks a fluctuating trend as indicated by the presence of gravely sand in the lower part of this zone (at ~5 m and ~3 m depth) due to intense rainfall or tectonic activity at ~37–38 ka. However, the upper part of this zone is dominated by sand and silt as evidenced by the decreasing chemical index of alteration (CIA) values and lower Rb/Sr ratio (

Pollen records from a 2.13 m thick palaeolacustrine sediment profile from Triloknath glacier valley, Lahaul region reveal the vegetation succession and climatic variability since the Mid-Holocene. Around 6300 to 5379 cal. yrs. BP, the region supported broad-leaved birch (Betula) forests in which Quercus, Corylus, Carpinus, Rhododendron etc. were other major constituents. Coniferous forests in the form of pure stands of Pinus wallichiana, Abies, Cedrus etc. grew on the lower dry northern sunny slopes adjoining to the lake. The vegetation composition, in general, evidences that the region was under warm and moderately humid climatic conditions. The sporadically encountered pollen of aquatic plants, Ludwigia, Potamogeton etc., signals the existence of a lake of small dimension. Between 5379 and 3167 cal. yrs. BP, the broad-leaved birch forest declined, whereas coniferous forests expanded simultaneously, reflecting the deterioration of climate, which turned warm and less-humid due to weakening of SW monsoon. Later on, the diminishing of broad-leaved forests continued, however, around 3167 to 2228 cal. yrs. BP; the coniferous forests occupied most of the landscape. This significant alteration in the vegetation scenario might have occurred as a consequence of severity of climate, attributed to further weakening of SW monsoon. During the time bracket from 2228 to 962 cal. yrs. BP, the maximum expansion of broad-leaved forests and coeval improvement of coniferous forests implies that the region witnessed warm and humid conditions on account of enhanced monsoonal precipitation. Since 962 to 300 cal. yrs. BP, the warm and more humid climatic conditions prevailed in the region as manifested by the further increase in broad-leaved forests and a contemporary reduction of coniferous forests, most likely due to initiation of more active SW monsoon. Chronologically, the early part of this phase coincides with the time interval of Medieval Warm Period, which is well known globally between 950 AD and 1200 AD. A pulsatory cool climatic phase towards the termination of this phase, around 350 years ago (1650 AD), is evidenced by a sharp decline in the broad-leaved forests, which likely reflects the impact of a Little Ice Age event.

Hamtah and Chhota Shigri are two nearby, well monitored glaciers of western Himalaya, lying in the same climatic zone and driven by the same climatic conditions. In this study, topographical characteristics of both the glacier have been explored to understand the role of topography in controlling the glacier response. Further, their topographical characteristics and possible response towards climatic variations have been compared with each other and also with that of the other glaciers in the basin to find out the suitability of these two glaciers to be considered as representative of the region. Multi sensor and multi temporal remote sensing data have been used to carry out to fulfill the objectives. It is found that being in the same climatic zone, the mean accumulation area ratio of Chhota Shigri is 54% and Hamtah is 11% between 1980 and 2014. In comparison to Hamtah, Chhota Shigri glacier has a small upslope area, low compactness ratio indicating the ability of the glacier to receive direct precipitation and solar radiation. The analysis revealed that the Chhota Shigri glacier has a closer resemblance with the other glaciers in the region than Hamtah glacier. Also, the topographical settings of Chhota Shigri glacier are suitable for recording and reflecting year-to-year climatic variations. (C) 2016, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

The present communication deals with pollen analyses of moss polsters in order to understand the pollen rain from Udhampur District of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The study revealed that the pollen of Pinus sp. (average 46% pollen) dominates the pollen rain, which could be attributed to its high pollen productivity and excellent pollen dispersal efficiency, followed by Cedrus sp., and Podocarpus sp. However, other conifers such as Abies sp., Picea sp., Juniperus sp. and Tsuga sp., as well as the broad-leaved taxa such Alnus sp., Betula sp., Ulmus sp., Quercus sp., Carpinus sp., Corylus sp., Juglans sp., Ilex sp., Mallotus sp., Elaeocarpus sp. and Aesculus sp., were sporadically recorded which could be due to either their poor pollen dispersal efficiency or poor preservation in the substrate. Tubuliflorae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae and Cerealia are the other prominent taxa of the pollen rain, revealing their actual composition in the ground vegetation.

A 2.13-m-thick palaeolake sequence deposited between the right lateral moraine and the valley wall of Triloknath glacier, has been studied at high resolution to understand the past climatic changes in Lahaul Himalaya. The OSL and AMS 14C chronology suggests that the lake building activity was initiated post-cooling phase since ~ 6484 cal. YBP. The combination of sedimentological, geochemical, and environmental magnetic parameters helped to infer five first-order climatic zones. The influx of magnetic minerals along with a notable increase in antiferromagnetic mineralogy (appearance of hematite) and higher chemical index of alteration (CIA) values during ~ 5925 cal. YBP to 5676 cal. YBP suggests warm and wet conditions owing to enhanced Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) precipitation corresponding to the mid-Holocene warming. Further, reduction in the magnetic mineral concentration with few peaks of antiferromagnetic mineralogy and higher CIA values suggests warmer episodes within an overall cold climate, and the finer ferrimagnetic grain size suggests intermittent low energy and ponding conditions during ~ 3904 cal. YBP to 2365 cal. YBP. This was followed by fluctuating cold arid conditions in response to reduced ISM precipitation during ~ 2365 cal. YBP and 1758 cal. YBP. Further, between 1758 cal. YBP to the present, episodic warming, pedogenic enhancement, and increased monsoon precipitation have been recorded. A major warm episode (Medieval warm period) as depicted from enhanced antiferromagnetic mineralogy and higher CIA values has been recorded between ~ 742 cal. yrs. BP and 593 cal. YBP. The sudden drop in the magnetic mineral concentration as well as the CIA value, around ~ 300 cal. YBP (1650 CE) is likely because of colder conditions prevailing during the Little Ice Age (LIA). The study illustrates high sensitivity of the lake sediment sequence to witness the climatic episodes experienced in the glaciated regime of the Triloknath glacier.

Reconstruction based on the geomorphology, lateral moraine stratigraphy, and limited optical chronology indicate that the monsoon-dominated Kosa Valley experienced four glacial advances during the late glacial to late Holocene. The oldest and most extensive glaciation, which is termed as Raj Bank Stage-1 (RBS-1), is represented by the degraded moraine ridge. This glaciation remains undated; however, the chronology of outwash terrace gravel dated to 12.7 ± 1.3 ka indicates that the RBS-1 probably represents the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The second glacial advance (RBS-2) is preserved as a curvilinear lateral moraine and is dated to 6.1 ± 0.4 ka. The third glacial advance viz. RBS-3 is bracketed between 5.0 ± 0.5 and 4.0 ± 0.4 ka. Following this, the glacier receded in pulses that are represented by two distinct recessional moraines (RBS-3a and b). The forth glacial stage (RBS-4), which is dated between 2.2 ± 0.2 and 1.6 ± 0.2 ka, shows a pulsating recession and is represented by a prominent recessional moraine (RBS-4a). Whereas, presence of unconsolidated, poorly defined moraine mounds proximal to the glacier snout are ascribed as neoglacial advance corresponding to the Little Ice Age (LIA). With the limited chronometric data, we speculated that the glaciation was driven during the weak to moderate Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) aided by lowered temperature. Presence of recessional moraines associated with mid-Holocene glacial phase indicate that the monsoon-dominated glaciers respond sensitively to minor (sub-millennial scale) changes in temperature and precipitation conditions. The observations are broadly in accordance with the studies carried out in other monsoon-dominated valleys in the central Himalaya, implying that in ISM dominated regions, lowered temperature seems to be the major driver of glaciations during the late glacial to late Holocene.

We present pollen proxy records of the variability in the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) precipitation during the last ∼4ka (ka = thousand years ago; Late Holocene) from a lacustrine area of Koriya District in Chhattisgarh (C'garh), (central Indian core monsoon zone [CMZ]), India. The results show that open, mixed tropical, deciduous forest occupied the region under a warm and moderately humid climate probably indicative of moderate monsoon precipitation between ∼3796 and ∼2428 cal yr BP. Subsequently, between ∼2428 and ∼1431 cal yr BP, the forest became dense and succeeded the open, mixed tropical, deciduous forest owing to the prevalence of a warm and relatively more humid climate with increased monsoon precipitation. The forest became less diversified from ∼1431cal yr BP to Present under the regime of a warm and relatively less humid climate with decreased monsoon precipitation.

In this work thedependence of electrical properties on operation temperature (27 degrees C to 200 degrees C) of Au-Cr/Bi0.7Dy0.3FeO3 (BDFO)/ZnO/p-Si (MIS device) are discussed. The thin film of BDFO was deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on p-Si. From the electrical characterization, the devices properties like ideality factor (eta), barrier height) (BH) of Au-Cr/BDFO/ZnO/p-Si MIS were determined. The values of eta and BH were found to be 134.and 0.86 eV at 200 degrees C and 2.16 and 0.30 eV; respectively, at room temperature (27 degrees C). The leakage current conduction mechanism of the device was investigated and found to be Schottky emission (SE) in the low electric field (

Antifibrotic prescribing for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is limited by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Effectiveness (NICE) to patients with a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 50–80%. 38% of IPF patients on the British Thoracic Society registry have an FVC above 80%. Methods This is a retrospective single centre cohort study of IPF patients with baseline FVC above 80%, between January 2007 and September 2018. We assessed electronic records to collect data on patient demographics, treatment and lung function changes over time. Data and statistics are described as in Table1. A linear mixed model was performed to assess the change in FVC and DLCO over time. Results 161 patients with baseline FVC above 80% were included, 74.5% (n=120) were male. The mean age was 72.7 ±7.4. 128 patients initially were treated with antifibrotics through compassionate use programmes (CUP) (42 (26.1%) on pirfenidone and 104 (64.6%) on nintedanib) compared to 33 patients who had no treatment, as the CUP had closed. Patient demographics, duration of treatment, adverse events and reasons for discontinuation are presented in Table 1. Patients without antifibrotic therapy had a statistically higher baseline FVC compared to other groups (3.55 (100%) vs. 2.88 (89%) pirfenidone vs 2.96 (92%) nintedanib) (p Conclusion Untreated patients had higher FVC and DLCO compared to treated cohorts, which makes comparison of lung function decline difficult. Despite this, one in five untreated patients with an average FVC of 100% still die within a median of 2.5 years while antifibrotic therapy was associated with a median survival to 3–3.5 years in a cohort with lower baseline lung function. Lung function decline in treated cohorts is similar to that seen in clinical trials (-2.64%nintedanib and -3.24%pirfenidone).

We have analyzed one rapidly expanding glacial lake and one stagnant glacial lake located in the central Himalaya to understand the impact of local topography on the expansion and evolution of glacial lakes using remote sensing data. The slope, aspect, incoming solar radiation and compactness ratio of glaciers associated with the glacial lakes have been studied and analyzed. Glacier topography play important role in the expansion of glacial lakes as observed from the study..

Background Treatment of superficial venous reflux in addition to compression therapy accelerates venous leg ulcer healing and reduces ulcer recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of early versus delayed endovenous treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. Methods This was a within-trial cost-utility analysis with a 1-year time horizon using data from the EVRA (Early Venous Reflux Ablation) trial. The study compared early versus deferred endovenous ablation for superficial venous truncal reflux in patients with a venous leg ulcer. The outcome measure was the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) over 1 year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with alternative methods of handling missing data, alternative preference weights for health-related quality of life, and per protocol. Results After early intervention, the mean(s.e.m.) cost was higher (difference in cost per patient £163(318) (€184(358))) and early intervention was associated with more QALYs at 1 year (mean(s.e.m.) difference 0·041(0·017)). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £3976 (€4482) per QALY. There was an 89 per cent probability that early venous intervention is cost-effective at a threshold of £20 000 (€22 546)/QALY. Sensitivity analyses produced similar results, confirming that early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective. Conclusion Early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective in patients with venous leg ulcers over 1 year. Registration number: ISRCTN02335796 (http://www.isrctn.com).

The Electrical properties of Bi0.7Dy0.3FeO3 (BDFO) thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on ZnO/Si films and its potential applications are discussed in this paper. MIS (metal/insulator/semiconductor) Capacitors of Cr-Au/BDFO/ZnO/p-Si structures have been fabricated and their interface traps and electrical properties have been investigated. To obtain the information about the interface trap states, systematic studies on the frequency-dependent capacitances and conductance measurement were performed. Frequency dependent analysis of the device was made in the frequency range of 10kHz-500kHz. It was observed that dispersion of the oxide capacitance was 2% per decade within this frequency range. When the sweeping voltage changes from -3 to +4V the memory aperture was found to be increased from 300 to 850mV. This significant hysteresis property in the C-V characteristics may be attributed to the slight ferroelectric behaviour of BDFO/ZnO film, which is essential for a memory device. It was also observed that density of trap state (Dit) is found approximately 9?1011cm-2eV-1 while increasing the frequency from 10kHz to 500kHz, the thickness of the oxide layer was 300nm in this experiment. The calculated dielectric constant of device (~190) is much higher than that of BDFO (>30). The dielectric loss tangent of the device was found to initially increase with voltage then decrease, whereas the ac conductivity depicted an opposite trend. Multiferroic BDFO is promising material shows the good coupling between ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties and ideal behaviour at room temperature. Integration of BDFO films with ZnO piezoelectric can be used directly as electricity generator with enhanced output in MEMS applications as well as in Memory devices. Display Omitted Frequency dependent analysis of the device was made in the frequency range of 10kHz-500 kHz.Memory aperture was found to be increased from 300 to 850 mVDensity of trap state (Dit) is found approximately 9?1011 cm-2 eV-1 for all frequenciesDielectric constant of device (~190) is much higher than that of BDFO (>30)Dielectric Loss tangent of the device was found to initially increase with voltage then decrease

Detailed field mapping of glacial and paraglacial landforms supported by optical and radiocarbon dating is used to reconstruct the history of late Quaternary glaciation and landform evolution in the Trans Himalayan region of the upper Dhauliganga valley. The study identifies four events of glaciations with decreasing magnitude which are termed as Purvi Kamet Stage -Ia (PKS-Ia), PKS-Ib, PKS-II, PKS-III and PKS-IV respectively. The oldest PKS-Ia and Ib are assigned the Marine Isotopic Stgae-3 (MIS-3), the PKS-II to the Last Glacial Maximum (MIS-2), PKS-III dated to 7.9 ± 0.7 ka, and the PKS-IV is dated to 3.4 ± 0.3 ka and 1.9 ± 0.2 ka respectively. The largest valley glaciations viz. the (PKS-Ia) occurred during the strengthened summer monsoon corresponding to the MIS-3, following this, the recessional moraines (PKS-Ib) represent the gradual decline in summer monsoon towards the later part of MIS-3. The valley responded to the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), which is represented by the PKS-II moraine implying the influence of strengthened mid-latitude westerlies during the LGM. The post-LGM deglaciation was associated with the onset of summer monsoon and is represented by the deposition of four distinct outwash gravel terraces. The early Holocene PKS-III glaciation occurred around 7.9 ± 0.7 ka and broadly coincides with the early Holocene cooling event (8.2 ka). This was followed by the deposition of stratified scree deposits and the alluvial fan (between 5.5 ka and 3 ka) during the mid to late Holocene aridity. This was followed by marginal re-advancement of the valley glacier (viz. PKS-IV) during the late Holocene cool and moist climate. Although glaciers respond to a combination of temperature and precipitation changes, however during the Holocene it seems that temperature played a major role in driving the glaciation.

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor logic circuits used in conventional computers require frequent communication with external nonvolatile memory, causing the memory wall problem. Recently reported magnetic logic with reconfigurable logic operation and built-in nonvolatile memory can potentially bridge this gap. However, its high-frequency performance is not well studied. Here, we first perform experimental and theoretical investigation on the switching time of magnetic logic-memory devices combining magnetic units and negative differential resistance (NDR) of semiconductors. It is found that the switching time of S-type NDR (transistor circuits) in logic operations is ∼300 ns and determined by the transistor's internal turn-on properties. We then propose a magnetic logic-memory device by coupling the anomalous Hall effect in magnetic materials and the insulator-to-metal transition in VO2. Our device realizes reliable output (output ratio > 1000%), a low work magnetic field (