Search

In this paper, numerical simulationwas done to decide the hydrodynamic qualities in a cavitatingviscous stream of the standard INSEAN E779A in single and couple propeller arrangement utilizing cavitation show executed in FLUENT Software. Next, figure

This research aims to improve the efficiency of an axial flow turbine by improving the boundary conditions. In the baseline paper, Sherwood number, Nusselts number for a given flow were determined. The pressure ratio was not considered in the paper

An airfoil is basically a cross-section of the wing or a blade (in case of rotor or propeller). Flap is such a device which is used to increase the amount of lift generated by an airfoil. As the flaps are deployed the curvature (or camber) of the

Impact of multi-year La Nina events on South and East Asian summer monsoon rainfall are examined in the observations and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The analysis is carried out for the successive two summers, referred to as the first and second years during the period of 1948–2016. Composite analysis suggests that La Nina related sea surface temperature cooling is slightly high in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific during the first year summer. This anomalous cooling associated with La Nina is slightly shifted towards south and south-central Pacific Ocean during the second year. An Atlantic Nino like pattern is evident in the first year unlike the second year. Negative rainfall anomalies are apparent over most of the south Asian region except Bangladesh and Sundarbans, during the first year. Moisture convergence corroborated by low-level circulation to the north of Bangladesh and central India supports the positive rainfall anomalies in the first year. A weak circulation and negative vertically integrated moisture (VIM) anomalies in the rest of the subcontinent are consistent with the negative rainfall anomalies. In addition to these changes, the Atlantic Nino has also been found to be influencing the South Asian rainfall, remotely, during the first year. In the case of the second year, positive rainfall anomalies over the south Asian monsoon region is noted. An anomalous low-level cyclonic circulation over the central Bay of Bengal enhanced the moisture transport into the Indian subcontinent, causing positive rainfall anomalies. Moreover, an anomalous upper level divergence extends from the southeast Indian Ocean, towards the Indian subcontinent, due to La Nina’s response in the second year, which is found to be weak in the first year. This clearly suggests that the enhanced rainfall over the South Asian region is influenced remotely by La Nina forcing as well as local circulation changes during both the years. The East Asian monsoon region reported a tri-pole like structure in the rainfall anomalies, with positive values over southern and central China and negative over parts of Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia regions and north-east China—North Korea during the first year and vice-versa in the second year. A positive–negative–positive structure in the VIM anomalies is seen in the East Asian region and it supports similar rainfall anomalies during the second year. We have further examined the ability of CMIP5 models in representing multiyear La Nina teleconnections to the south and East Asian summer monsoons. Some models are able to reproduce the South Asian rainfall and circulation anomalies well in the second year, but failed to do so, in the first. The factors responsible for weak teleconnections in the models are discussed in detail.

The use of organic compounds with known medicinal properties in the synthesis of metal-based complexes is an important alternative to improve the biological activity of metal-based drugs. The reaction of [M(arene)Cl2]2 (M = Ru, arene = p-cymene and M = Ir, arene = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, cp*) with avobenzone (1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione, AVBH) and KOH in methanol leads to the formation of the neutral complexes [Ru(p-cymene)(AVB)Cl] 1 and [Ir(cp*)(AVB)Cl] 2 (cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). Subsequent reaction of 1 and 2 with pyridyl derivative-BODIPY ligands, BDP and BDPCC (BODIPY = boron dipyrromethene, BDP = 4-dipyridine boron dipyrromethene, BDPCC = 4-ethynylpyridine boron dipyrromethene) in methanol gives a series of four new dicationic supramolecules: [Ru2(p-cymene)2(AVB)2BDP][2CF3SO3] 3, [Ir2(cp*)2(AVB)2BDP][2CF3SO3] 4, [Ru2(p-cymene)2(AVB)2BDPCC][2CF3SO3] 5 and [Ir2(cp*)2(AVB)2BDPCC][2CF3SO3] 6. The synthesized complexes are fully characterized using multiple analytical techniques, including elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR (NMR = Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), Infrared Radiation (IR), Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The structures of these complexes are further rationalized using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The antiproliferative activity of the neutral and dinuclear cationic complexes is evaluated in vitro in different human cancer cell lines. These complexes are found to be active against different cancer cell lines with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values between 1 and 5 μM. Complexes 5 and 6 displayed the lowest IC50 values in all the cell lines studied. The activity of 5 and 6 is comparable to that of the well-known chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. Detailed biophysical studies indicate that complexes 5 and 6 exhibit very good Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding properties, causing the unwinding of the double helix, which is a probable reason for their high cytotoxicity.

Geospatial technology is adopted in India through ‘Digital India’, for better governance and socio-economic benefits of common citizens. Remote sensing imageries and derived products are a direct input for geospatial data generation, monitoring resources and providing citizen services. As Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is responsible for technology development, launch and data distribution of Indian remote sensing satellites, there is a conscious effort for partnership development with international space agencies and Indian industries to fulfil this requirement. Simultaneously ISRO’s co-operation with government departments for geo-spatial data generation and utilization is taken as a priority. This Paper presents the effort of ISRO for cooperation with International and national agencies as well as with government departments and policy makers. In this surge of utilization of geo-spatial techniques capacity building has become very relevant. A glimpse of geospatial education through government & academic institutes in India and E-learning is presented here with an emphasis of ISRO’s contribution.

Background Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is gaining popularity over endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the management of common bile duct stones. However, its application has been almost exclusively following preoperative stone confirmation via magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or ERCP. We present our series of LCBDE following detection of common bile duct stones with intraoperative imaging (IOI) alone, in consecutive elective and emergency patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Materials and methods All patients with suspected but unconfirmed choledocholithiasis undergoing LC with intention to proceed to LCBDE between January 2015 and June 2017 were included. LCBDE was performed following the discovery of choledocholithiasis on IOI. Results 371 patients with suspected choledocholithiasis underwent LC with IOI. CBD stones or obstructing sludge was identified in 107 patients (29%), with sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 98.5%. 100 patients, median age 59, went on to have LCBDE as indicated by intraoperative imaging. 76% were performed as emergency cases and conversion to open rate was 2%. There were no mortalities. Bile leak and retained stones occurred in 4% and 3% respectively. 7/100 patients required re-intervention, with re-look laparoscopy (n = 4) and ERCP (n = 3). Median length of stay was 1.5 and 3 days for elective and emergency cases respectively, and 30 readmission rate was 8%. Discussion and conclusion Traditionally patients presenting with suspicion of choledocholithiasis undergo preoperative MRCP/EUS and/or ERCP prior to eventual LC. We propose an alternative, more streamlined, pathway of treatment without requiring preoperative cholangiography, applicable to both elective and emergency patients., Highlights • Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is a safe and effective treatment for bile duct stones. • Intraoperative cholangiography is sensitive and specific in identification of bile duct stones. • Bile duct exploration can be safely performed on the basis on intraoperative imaging alone. • Intraoperative imaging provides sufficient information for real time decision making.

Nanocrystalline nickel oxide (NiO) was prepared from nickel hydroxide by Spark plasma sintering (SPS) and the mechanisms involved in the densification of NiO were studied. Reverse precipitated nickel hydroxide powders were SPS processed at 400, 600 and 700 °C with 70 MPa pressure. Pure NiO with 12 nm crystallite size formed after 400 °C sintering process. However NiO grains had grown to 18 and 38 nm after 600 and 700 °C sintering respectively. NiO pellets prepared using 600 and 700 °C SPS sintering schedules had relative densities of 83% and 94% respectively. Two displacement rate regimes were observed during densification of NiO in both 600 and 700 °C sintering processes. Decomposition of nickel hydroxide and particle sliding of NiO led to first displacement rate maximum while inverse Hall-Petch based plastic deformation facilitated densification during the constant second displacement rate regime. No densification occurred during sintering holding times indicating the limited role that diffusion played during densification.

A series of new C3-trans-cinnamide linked β-carboline conjugates has been synthesized by coupling between various β-carboline amines and substituted cinnamic acids. Evaluation of their anti-proliferative activity against a panel of selected human cancer cell lines such as A549 (lung cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), B16 (melanoma), HeLa (cervical cancer) and a normal cell line NIH3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line), suggested that the newly designed conjugates are considerably active against all the tested cancer cell lines with IC50 values 13–45 nM. Moreover, the conjugates 8v and 8x were the most active against MCF-7 cells (14.05 nM and 13.84 nM respectively) and also even potent on other cell lines tested. Further, detailed investigations such as cell cycle analysis, apoptosis induction study, topoisomerase I inhibition assay, DNA binding affinity and docking studies revealed that these new conjugates are DNA interactive topoisomerase I inhibitors.

The Indian rainfall and the Atlantic Nino peaks during summer month and have inverse relationship. This relationship has been revisited in the current study and it is found that the Atlantic Nino significantly influences a dipole pattern of rainfall in the north–east and the north-western parts of India. The positive phase of the Atlantic Nino intensifies the inter-tropical convergence zone, as a result of this local tropospheric warming, over the equatorial east Atlantic and west Africa, owing to the enlargement of the upper-troposphere divergence. This provokes meridional stationary wave owing to the stronger meridional transfer of energy, as the influences of background jet-streams are minimal over North Africa and Europe. This results in the consecutive anomalous negative, positive, and negative geopotential heights (GPHs) over the tropical east Atlantic, Mediterranean, and north–west Europe, respectively. The north–west Europe acts as the center of action for the propagation of a Rossby wave train zonally oriented toward central Asia reinforcing positive GPH anomaly over there. The positive GPH anomaly reduces the Asian subtropical westerly jet-stream east of the Caspian Sea, owing to the reduction in the upper-troposphere divergence toward the Indian subcontinent and caused for above (below) normal north–east (north–west) Indian summer monsoon rainfall. The atmospheric general circulation model captures general characteristics of wave pattern and changes in the Asian jet when correlated with Atlantic Nino with considerable skill. Exploration of the unrevealed pathway that bridge the Atlantic Nino and Indian summer monsoon (ISM) via the Asian subtropical westerly jet-stream. The ISM is one of the largest global phenomena. It not only affects the life of millions of Indian, but also other parts of the globe. Predicting ISM remains a challenging problem as it is influenced by many remote forcing (e.g., El- Nino-Southern Oscillation). Interestingly, Atlantic Nino peaks during summer month and significantly influences a dipole pattern of ISM rainfall in the north–east and the north-western parts of India. The Atlantic Nino generates a meridional stationary wave, modulating the propagation of the Eurasian Rossby wave train, which reduces the Asian jet causing above (below) normal north–east (north–west) ISM rainfall. The lead–lag relationship reveals the predictability of ISM 2 months ahead.

This study discusses the impact of the Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern on Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall and its possible physical linkages through coupled and uncoupled pathways. Empirical orthogonal function analysis of 850-hPa relative vorticity over the western North Pacific (WNP) is used to extract the PJ pattern as the leading mode of circulation variability. The partial correlation analysis of the leading principal component reveals that the positive PJ pattern, which features anticyclonic and cyclonic low-level circulation anomalies over the tropical WNP and around Japan respectively, enhances the rainfall over the southern and northern parts of India. The northwestward propagating Rossby waves, in response to intensified convection over the Maritime Continent reinforced by low-level convergence in the southern flank of westward extended tropical WNP anticyclone, increase rainfall over southern peninsular India. Meanwhile, the anomalous moisture transport from the warm Bay of Bengal due to anomalous southerlies at the western edge of the low-level anticyclone extending from the tropical WNP helps to enhance the rainfall over northern India. The atmospheric general circulation model forced with climatological sea surface temperature confirms this atmospheric pathway through the westward propagating Rossby waves. Furthermore, the north Indian Ocean (NIO) warming induced by easterly wind anomalies along the southern periphery of the tropical WNP–NIO anticyclone enhances local convection, which in turn feeds back to the WNP convection anomalies. This coupled nature via interbasin feedback between the PJ pattern and NIO is confirmed using coupled model sensitivity experiments. These results are important in identifying new sources of ISM variability/predictability on the interannual time scale.

Background Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has emerged as a recommended alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the management of choledocholithiasis. However, its use in the elderly has been limited, and evidence of its safety and efficacy in these patients is yet to be established. This study describes our experience of LCBDE in elderly patients, analysing the safety and efficacy of this technique in comparison to younger patients. Methods All patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with LCBDE for choledocholithiasis in our unit between January 2015 and January 2017 were included. Data pertaining to patient demographics, comorbidities, investigations, operative technique and outcomes were analysed. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on age (Group A:/ = 65 years) for comparative analysis. Results 124 patients (Group A: 65, Group B: 59) were included. Group B were more co-morbid and had a higher ASA grade than Group A. However, there was no significant difference between groups in rates of conversion to open or complications, including bile leak (3.1% vs 5.1%, p = 0.67), retained stone (4.6% vs 1.7%, p = 0.62), or complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification (p = 0.78). Re-intervention rates were also similar between groups (7.7% vs 3.4%, p = 0.44 and 3.1% vs 3.4%, p = 1.0 respectively), as was length of stay. Conclusion Despite higher frequency of comorbidities and ASA grade, LCBDE in elderly patients is safe and effective, and has similar outcomes to younger patients. Therefore elderly patients with choledocholithiasis should be offered LCBDE as an alternative to ERCP., Highlights • Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in elderly patients is safe despite comorbidities and higher ASA grades than younger patients. • Elderly patients have similar rates of operative success, conversion to open, complications, length of stay and readmission to younger patients. • Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration following intra-operative bile duct imaging without pre-operative imaging is safe and reliable.

Transparent and conducting thin films on flexible substrates have enormous applications in the areas of space, solar, displays, etc. We hereby report the sputter deposition of transparent and conducting ITO/Ag/ITO (IAI) thin films on commercially available flexible Kapton® substrate at a lower substrate temperature. IAI multilayer has been deposited by magnetron sputtering system using an alloy In:Sn (90%:10%) and Ag targets at room temperature without breaking the vacuum. The optimized IAI coating shows high transmittance (∼81.3% at λ = 650 nm) along with very low resistance (8.36 Ω/□). Optical haze value of IAI on Kapton was measured and found to be ϕ = T 10 R s . At λ = 650 nm ϕ = 15 × 10 - 3 Ω - 1 was observed. Our findings give worthful insight into the sputter deposition of transparent conducting IAI coating on flexible Kapton® substrate for flexible electronics applications.

Centrifugal compressor plays a vital role in aircraft jet engine propulsive industry. All the mini gas turbine engines are effectively using centrifugal compressor. Comparatively with axial flow compressor, the centrifugal compressor have low cost with lower pressure ratios. Therefore it is very much essential and important to increase the performance of the centrifugal compressor for upcoming pure-jet engine propulsion system. Aircraft industry much focusing on type of materials selecting the centrifugal compressor and how well the component is stable aerodynamically. To achieve the best performance in centrifugal compressor this paper more focused on a systematic numerical simulation approach as it can complete in an easier way with less computational facility. The main focus given in this paper to improve the performance of the centrifugal compressor under different materials selection and different mass flow rates of air. A systematic literature review conducted on centrifugal compressor materials and its aerodynamic behavior. The work carried out under both the structural and flow simulations using ANSYS tool. Basic methodology involves the geometrical modelling using Cero parametric version 2.0 tool. The same model was imported into ANSYS tool to perform the meshing for flow simulations. The work further carried out the simulations by applying the suitable boundary conditions at a subsonic speed. To have the better reliability of numerical analysis results the compressor performed at different mass flow rates with suitable grid independence check. The numerical simulation work also attempted with different types of aluminum materials selection with varying mas flow rates. Finally the improved efficiency results also compared with the experimental data from the literature for better aero mechanical features.

Delayed impact of El Nino on Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variations and associated physical mechanisms are well documented by several studies. However, TIO SST evolution during the decay phase of La Nina and related processes are not adequately addressed before. Strong cooling associated with La Nina decay over the TIO could influence climate over the Indian Oceanic rim including Indian summer monsoon circulation and remotely northwest Pacific circulation. Thus understanding the TIO basin-wide cooling and related physical mechanisms during decaying La Nina years is important. Composite analyses revealed that negative SST anomalies allied to La Nina gradually dissipate from its mature phase (winter) till subsequent summer in central and eastern Pacific. In contrast, magnitude of negative SST anomalies in TIO, induced by La Nina, starts increasing from winter and attains their peak values in early summer. It is found that variations in heat flux play an important role in SST cooling over the central and eastern equatorial Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and part of Arabian Sea from late winter to early summer during the decay phase of La Nina. Ocean dynamical processes are mainly responsible for the evolution of southern TIO SST cooling. Strong signals of westward propagating upwelling Rossby waves between 10°S to 20°S are noted throughout (the decaying phase of La Nina) spring and summer. Anomalous cyclonic wind stress curl to the south of the equator is responsible for triggering upwelling Rossby waves over the southeastern TIO. Further, upwelling Rossby waves are also apparent in the Arabian Sea from spring to summer and partly contributing to the SST cooling. Heat budget analysis reveals that negative SST/MLT (mixed layer temperature) anomalies over the Arabian Sea are mostly controlled by heat flux from winter to spring and vertical advection plays an important role during early summer. Vertical and horizontal advection terms primarily contribute to the SST cooling anomalies over southern TIO and the Bay of Bengal cooling is primarily dominated by heat flux. Further we have discussed influence of TIO cooling on local rainfall variations.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been demonstrated to regulate flagellar/ciliary motility of spermatozoa and miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni . However, the role of MAPKs in mediating flagella-driven motility of Leishmania donovani is unexplored. We investigated the function of MAPKs in motility regulation of L. donovani using pharmacological inhibitors and activators of various MAPKs and fast-capture videomicroscopy. Our studies have revealed that the inhibitor of p38 MAPK, PD 169316, significantly affected various motility parameters such as flagellar beat frequency, parasite swimming speed, waveform of the flagellum and resulted in reduced parasite motility. Together, our results suggest that a MAPK, similar to human p38 MAPK, is implicated in flagellar motility regulation of L. donovani .

Transparent and conducting ITO/Ag/ITO (IAI) multilayer coatings were deposited on glass and flexible fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) substrates by reactive sputtering using metallic In:Sn (90%:10%) and Ag targets at room temperature. Middle Ag layer thickness was optimized to obtain maximum figure of merit ( ϕ ) and the optimum Ag layer thickness was found to be ~13 nm. The optimized IAI multilayer on glass substrate showed transmittance of ~88.6% and sheet resistance of ~7.1 Ω/sq. The transmittance increased to ~91.4% for the IAI multilayer deposited on one side etched glass. The optimized IAI multilayer coating was also deposited on flexible FEP substrates. The electrical, optical, structural and morphological properties of IAI deposited on glass and FEP substrates were compared. IAI deposited on FEP substrate showed transmittance of ~90.2% at λ = 550 nm, sheet resistance of ~6.9 Ω/sq. and figure of merit of ~52 × 10−3 Ω−1. Bending test of IAI deposited FEP proved the high flexibility of IAI multilayer for the flexible transparent electrode applications. Solar selectivity study of IAI on FEP substrate showed it can effectively reflect the higher wavelength region of solar spectrum and can be used as a flexible solar spectrum segregator. Optical haze measurements of IAI coated glass and FEP show that high haze value can be achieved by increasing the roughness on non-coated side of the FEP substrate.

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore protective mechanisms of hypothermia against mild cold and heat stress on highly proliferative homogeneous human Neural Precursor Cells (NPCs) derived from Subventricular Zone (SVZ) of human fetal brain. Methods: CD133+ve enriched undifferentiated and differentiated human NPCs were exposed to heat stress at 42°C. Then, Western-blot quantification was performed using Hsp-70 (70 kilodalton heat shock proteins) recombinant protein. Finally, changes in pluripotency and Hsp-70 expression were measured using immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR (Quantitative reverse transcription PCR) analysis, respectively. Results: Heat stress resulted in abnormal neurospheres development. The apoptosis rate was enhanced during long-term in vitro culture of neurospheres. Neurogenic differentiation reduced and showed aberrent phenotypes during heat stress. After hypothermia treatment significant improvement in neurospheres and neuronal cell morphology was observed. Conclusion: Mild-hypothermia treatment induces attenuated heat shock response against heat stress resulting in induced HSP-70 expression that significantly improves structure and function of both undifferentiated human NPCs and differentiated neurons.

This study investigates predictability of the sub-seasonal Indian summer monsoon (ISM) circulation and its relation with rainfall variations in the coupled model National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2). Hindcasts based on CFSv2 for the period of 1982–2009 are used for detailed analysis. Though the model is capable of predicting the seasonal ISM rainfall at long lead months, the predication skill of the model for sub-seasonal rainfall in general is poor for short and long lead except for September. Rainfall over the ISM region/Indian Subcontinent is highly correlated with the low-level jet (LLJ) or Somali jet both in the observations and the model. The model displays improved skill in predicting LLJ as compared to precipitation in seasonal mean and September, whereas the model skill is poor for June and August. Detailed analysis reveals that the model LLJ variations throughout the season are overdependent on the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) unlike in the observations. This is mainly responsible for the model’s low skill in predicting LLJ especially in July and August, which is the primary cause for the poor rainfall skill. Though LLJ is weak in September, the model skill is reasonably good because of its ENSO dependency both in model and the observations and which is contributed to the seasonal mean skill. Thus, to improve the skill of seasonal mean monsoon forecast, it is essential to improve the skill of individual months/sub-seasonal circulation and rainfall skill.

Background With those over 65 making up over 16% of the UK's population, surgeons are counselling increasing numbers of elderly patients for hernia repair. Data is currently lacking comparing different repair methods of inguinal hernias in the elderly population with regards to patient reported outcomes. Aim To compare open and laparoscopic hernia repair in patients >65 years old and those 65 TEP group this was significantly lower (10.2% open IHR 65). Patient satisfaction with the surgery was satisfied or very satisfied in all patients in all groups. Conclusion Time off work is not an absolute appropriate measure of return to premorbid status with respect to the elderly as a substantial number of >65 year olds have retired. We therefore present this interesting insight into patient perceptions following hernia repair by age group. Overall patients over 65 can expect the same high levels of satisfaction and low levels of pain following either technique for inguinal hernia repair as younger patients., Highlights • Time off work is not an appropriate measure of laparoscopic hernia repair in the over 65 year old population as the majority of this cohort is retired. • Dizziness and drowsiness appeared to be no more prevalent in the over 65 year age group. • Patient satisfaction with the surgery was satisfied or very satisfied in all patients in all groups. • Overall a patient of any age can expect the same high levels of satisfaction and low levels of pain with either technique.

Proper gas distribution is very important in fluidized bed drying in industrial practice. Improper distribution of gas may lead to non-idealities like channeling, short circuiting and accumulation which gives rise to non-uniform quality of dried product. Gas distribution depends on the distributor plate used. Gas distribution mainly depends on orifice diameter, number of orifices and opening area of the distributor plate. Small orifice diameter leads to clogging, and a large orifice diameter gives uneven distribution of gas. The present work involves experimental studies using different distributor plates and simulation studies using ASPEN PLUS steady state simulator. The effect of various parameters such as orifice diameter, number of orifices and the opening area of the distributor plate on the performance of fluidized bed dryer have been studied through simulation and experimentation. Simulations were carried out (i) with increasing air inlet temperature to study the characteristics of solid temperature and moisture in outlet (ii) with increasing orifice diameter and (iii) with increase in number orifices to study the solid outlet temperature profiles. It can be observed from the simulation that, an increase in orifice diameter and number orifices increases solid outlet temperature upto certain condition and then after there is no effect with further increase. Experiments were carried out with increasing opening area (3.4 to 42%) in the form of increasing orifice diameter keeping the number of orifices constant and increasing number of orifices of the distributor plate keeping the orifice diameter constant. It can be seen that the drying rate and solid outlet temperature increase upto certain condition and then after with further increase in the orifice diameter and number of orifices, the change in the drying rate and solid outlet temperature observed is little. The optimum values of orifice diameter and number of orifices from experimentation are found to be 5 mm and 60 (22% opening area).

Background Early temporal artery biopsy is recommended in all patients with suspected cranial GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) by the BSR (British Society of Rheumatology) and BHPR (British Health Professionals in Rheumatology) guidelines. This should be performed within one week ideally. Aim To assess ACR (American College of Rheumatology) score at presentation and whether temporal artery biopsy result affects clinical management of the clinically suspected GCA patient. Method Case records of all temporal artery biopsies performed within January 2012 until December 2014 were analysed for size and result of biopsy and this was correlated to clinical management following result. Results 129 temporal arteries were biopsied with a total of 17 positive biopsy results. 10 biopsy samples were insufficient to confirm or refute GCA. 8 patients within the biopsies negative for GCA had their prednisolone therapy stopped. 5 patients had unknown follow up, with the remainder (89, 87.3%) of the patients continued prednisolone management for treatment of GCA for at least 6 weeks. Conclusion Overall 13.2% of our biopsies were positive for GCA and 87.3% of biopsy negative patients continued prednisolone therapy on clinical grounds. In the face of new diagnostic tests (high resolution MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), colour duplex USS (Ultra Sound Scan) and PET (Positive Emission Topography) can we justify invasive surgery to all patients on histological grounds when the results may not alter management? Further investigation is needed directly comparing newer imaging modalities to histology., Highlights • Of the 129 temporal artery biopsies performed 17 (13.2%) were positive for Giant Cell Arteritis. • 83% of patients had an American College of Rheumatology score of 3 or more and would not be biopsied in America. • Colour Duplex Ultrasound scan now offers a greater sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of GCA.

In the present study the association between mean and interannual subsurface temperature bias over the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) is investigated during boreal summer (June through September; JJAS) in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) hindcast. Anomalously high subsurface warm bias (greater than 3 °C) over the eastern EIO (EEIO) region is noted in CFSv2 during summer, which is higher compared to other parts of the tropical Indian Ocean. Prominent eastward current bias in the upper 100 m over the EIO region induced by anomalous westerly winds is primarily responsible for subsurface temperature bias. The eastward currents transport warm water to the EEIO and is pushed down to subsurface due to downwelling. Thus biases in both horizontal and vertical currents over the EIO region support subsurface warm bias. The evolution of systematic subsurface warm bias in the model shows strong interannual variability. These maximum subsurface warming episodes over the EEIO are mainly associated with La Nina like forcing. Strong convergence of low level winds over the EEIO and Maritime continent enhanced the westerly wind bias over the EIO during maximum warming years. This low level convergence of wind is induced by the bias in the gradient in the mean sea level pressure with positive bias over western EIO and negative bias over EEIO and parts of western Pacific. Consequently, changes in the atmospheric circulation associated with La Nina like conditions affected the ocean dynamics by modulating the current bias thereby enhancing the subsurface warm bias over the EEIO. It is identified that EEIO subsurface warming is stronger when La Nina co-occurred with negative Indian Ocean Dipole events as compared to La Nina only years in the model. Ocean general circulation model (OGCM) experiments forced with CFSv2 winds clearly support our hypothesis that ocean dynamics influenced by westerly winds bias is primarily responsible for the strong subsurface warm bias over the EEIO. This study advocates the importance of understanding the ability of the models in representing the large scale air–sea interactions over the tropics and their impact on ocean biases for better monsoon forecast.

A series of nickel cadmium ferrite nanoparticles synthesized using one step auto combustion technique. The magnetic properties of these synthesized samples determined using Zero Field NMR and the Vibrating sample Magnetometry techniques. The plot of NMR as a function frequency exhibits two peaks corresponding to the octahedral (A) and the tetrahedral (B) sites of the Fe3+ ions. A qualitative correlation is found between the saturation magnetization obtained from VSM and the spin echo signal amplitude measured at the B-site from the NMR. This could be explained by considering the behavior the domains to the applied external magnetic field and the radiofrequency field (rf enhancement in the ferrimagnetic materials).