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Introduction: In the year 2022, a Dengue virus outbreak occurred nationwide in Bangladesh, including Chattogram, a port city. The purpose of this study was to identify and document the serotypes of Dengue virus and to measure the viral load of the virus positive specimens. Methods: This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Chattogram during a period of six months from June through December, 2022. A total of 74 patients with symptoms suggestive of Dengue Fever(DF) and NS1 or IgM/IgG positive dengue patients were recruited into the study. From them clinicopathological data was collected on a case record form(CRF). Ten ml of venous whole blood was drawn in EDTA tubes then centrifuged and was sent to the laboratory at SlieaGen L.L.C in Austin, Texas, USA, for Dengue serotyping and viral load analysis by qPCR-LDT method. A total of 73 specimens were analyzed, one specimen was excluded. Ethical clearance was obtained from the hospital ethical review board, written informed consents were also taken from all subjects. Serotyping and qPCR testing data was shared by SlieaGen LLC once analysis was completed. Results: Amongst the 74 patients most were male 57(77%) and most [20(40.5%)] patients were young at 21-30 years. All had history of fever(100%), followed by body aches 67(90.5%), headache 49(66.2%) and weakness 55(74.3%). Positive NS1, IgM Dengue Ab and IgG Dengue Ab were found in 68(91.9%), 8(10.8%) and 3(4.1%) cases respectively. Frequency of serotype distributions revealed DENV 1 and DENV 3 were the most common serotypes 25(33.8%) and 16(21.6%) respectively also DENV 2 was 3(4.1%) and DENV 4 was 1(1.4%). Among 27 virus positive cases single infection DENV 1 was found in 10(13.51%) samples, DENV 3 and DENV 4 found in 1(1.4%) samples each, doubly infected (DENV 1 + DENV 2) was found in 12(16.2%) samples, triple infected (DENV 1 + DENV 2 + DENV 3) was found in 3(4.1%) samples. No virus was detected in 46(62.16%) samples. Viral load (Mean ± SD) found in DENV 1(890974.48 ± 4156206)cp/ml, DENV 2 (33423.00 ± 9088.35)cp/ml, DENV 3(23991.12 ± 51250.18)cp/ml and DENV 4 (822.00cp/ml) in virus detected samples. Conclusions: All four serotypes were found in the 2022 Dengue outbreak in Chittagong and DENV 1 and DENV 3 were common serotype. Simultaneous double and triple serotype infection in the same patients may be related with different unusual clinical features which need further documentations in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anion C5N− is one of the largest linear (C,N)-bearing chains detected in the interstellar medium. Here we present and discuss the general features of new ab initio potential energy surfaces describing the interaction of this linear anion with He and H2. We employ a Legendre Polynomials expansion representation for the former and an artificial neural network fit for the latter. We then carry out quantum scattering calculations to yield rotationally inelastic cross-sections for collisions with He and H2, using relative translational energy values in the range of 0.1–300 cm−1. We then obtained the corresponding inelastic rate coefficients as a function of temperature covering the range from 1 to 100 K. The results for these two systems are compared with each other, as well as with the earlier results on the C3N− colliding with the same partners. We found that the final inelastic rate coefficients for this anion are all fairly large, those from collisions with H2 being the largest. The consequences of such findings on their non-equilibrium rotational populations in interstellar environments are discussed in our conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Mystocestus, is proposed to accommodate a new species, Mystocestus anindoi n. g., n. sp. from Mystus vittatus (Bloch) (type host) in West Bengal and Mystus cavasius (Hamilton) (Siluriformes: Bagridae) in Maharashtra, India. The new genus is most similar to Lucknowia Gupta, 1961 in the shape of the body, which is elongate, slightly tapering towards the anterior end, and scolex, which is digitiform, but differs in the shape of the ovary, which is H-shaped (vs. inverted A-shaped in Lucknowia), the absence of a seminal receptacle (present in Lucknowia) and exclusively cortical vitelline follicles (vs. some follicles in the medulla in the latter genus). Molecular data support the erection of the new genus and place it close to Bovienia Fuhrmann, 1931, species of which can be easily distinguished by exclusively lateral vitelline follicles (lateral and median in the new genus), the presence of a seminal receptacle (absent in Mystocestus) and scolex shape (digitiform, with blunt or slightly concave anterior edge in the new genus vs. small, unspecialized or spatulate in Bovienia). The convoluted taxonomy of tapeworms placed in Mystoides Mathur, 1992 is critically reviewed to clean up taxonomic chaos in Indo-Malayan caryophyllideans. Mystoides was erected in an unpublished PhD thesis and thus its generic name becomes unavailable and also, its type species is conspecific with Lucknowia fossilisi Gupta, 1961 from the stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Other species of this genus are also conspecific with L. fossilisi. In addition, specific names of most of these taxa are unavailable because they were described in unpublished theses or conference abstracts. Based on recent revisions of Indo-Malayan caryophyllideans, the following nine genera with 15 species are considered valid (numbers of species of individual genera are provided in parentheses): Bovienia (3), Djombangia (1), Lucknowia (2), Lytocestus (2), Mystocestus (1), Pseudocaryophyllaeus (2) (all family Lytocestidae); Adenoscolex (1), Lobulovarium (2), Paracaryophyllaeus (1) (all family Caryophyllaeidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anisotropy in resonant tunneling transport through an electrostatic barrier in monolayer black phosphorus either in presence or in absence of an oscillating potential is studied. Non-perturbative Floquet theory is applied to solve the time dependent problem and the results obtained are discussed thoroughly. The resonance spectra in field free transmission are Lorentzian in nature although the width of the resonance for the barrier along the zigzag (Г–Y) direction is too thinner than that for the armchair (Г–X) one. Resonant transmission is suppressed for both the cases by the application of oscillating potential that produces small oscillations in the transmission around the resonant energy particularly at low frequency range. Sharp asymmetric Fano resonances are noted in the transmission spectrum along the armchair direction while a distinct line shape resonance is noted for the zigzag direction at higher frequency of the oscillating potential. Even after the angular average, the conductance along the Г–X direction retains the characteristic Fano features that could be observed experimentally. The present results are supposed to suggest that the phosphorene electrostatic barrier could be used successfully as switching devices and nano detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate theoretically the effect of a time dependent oscillating potential on the transport property of the Dirac Fermion through a monolayer graphene electrostatic barrier under the influence of the Rashba spin orbit interaction. The time dependent problem is solved in the frame work of the non-perturbative Floquet approach. It is noted that the dynamic condition of the barrier may be controlled by tuning the Rashba parameter. Introduction of the spin orbit interaction causes splitting of the Fano resonance (FR), a characteristic feature in photon assisted tunneling. The separation between the spin split FR's gives an indirect measure of the fine structure of the quasi-hole bound state inside the barrier. The present findings on the Rashba splitting of the FR and its external control by tuning the oscillating field parameters might have potential for applications in spintronic devices, especially in the spin field effect transistors. The spin polarization of different Floquet sidebands is found to be quite sensitive to the spin-pseudospin interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of an external intense laser field on the tunneling transport (ballistic) of the Dirac fermions through a monolayer graphene electrostatic barrier is studied in the framework of the Floquet approach for a continuous wave, linearly polarized, monochromatic laser. The Klein tunneling is shown to be suppressed by the irradiation of a strong laser field, arising due to breaking of chiral symmetry. The symmetric nature of the field free angular transmission spectrum around the normal to the well-barrier interface is destroyed due to the additional coupling between the pseudo-spin and the time dependent vector potential. The energy distribution of the tunneling spectrum displays Fano resonance which is absent for a laser assisted conventional electrostatic barrier but similar to the case of quantum well structures, providing an optical tool to identify field free quasi bound states inside the graphene nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractive index is directly proportional to the concentration of medium. Based on this principle, we report two schemes of measuring varying concentration of solvent by measuring output response through intensity interrogation. In the first case, we use evanescent field by exposing certain portion of a cladding to varying concentration of fossil fuels. In the second case, we utilize reflectance through a displacement scheme for measuring the same analyte. Accordingly, all results are comprehensively analyzed and all sensing performances are procedurally investigated. The sensitivity of both the schemes are estimated and compared. The evanescent fiber optic set-up renders better response as compared to the displacement one. Due to simplicity in design approach, the all fiber optic schemes prove to be highly adaptable to sense other chemical contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was carried out to find the effect of combining EGF with IGF, cysteine and sodium pyruvate singly as additive in a medium consisting of TCM-199 + 100 μl/ml foetal bovine serum + 100 μM/ml cysteamine + 1 μg/ml 17β- Oestradiol + 5 μg/ml pFSH + 5μg/ml oLH + 10 per cent follicular fluid and 10 per cent oestrous goat serum on in-vitro maturation (IVM) of caprine oocytes on incubation at 38.5°C for 24 hours in a CO2 incubator maintaining 5 per cent CO2 under humidified condition. The additives comprised 10 ng/ml EGF + 50 ng/ml IGF-1, 10 ng/ml EGF + 600 μM/ml cysteine and 10 ng/ml EGF + 0.2 mM/ml sodium pyruvate. The IVM rate of oocytes on the basis of cumulus cells expansion and nuclear maturation was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) with EGF + IGF-1 (88.74 ± 1.85% and 61.71 ± 1.61%) than with EGF + sodium pyruvate (82.86 ± 0.97% and 54.62 ± 1.88%), EGF + cysteine (78.58 ± 1.45% and 49.02 ± 1.52%) and without additive (control) (75.27 ± 1.58% and 43.03 ± 1.48%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-known asymmetric Fano resonances that results from the quantum interference between the discrete and the continuum states are noted for the first time in the ballistic transmission spectrum of the bilayer graphene tunneling structures. This unconventional tunneling transmission, in stark contrast to the monolayer graphene and to the conventional heterostructures, arises due to the quadratic dispersion of the chiral charge carriers. If the Klein tunneling (the phenomenon for normal incidence) is an unusual characteristic of the massless chiral particles, then the Fano tunneling (the phenomenon for low glancing incidence) would be the specialty for the massive chiral particles. The characteristic features of the Fano line shape are found to be highly sensitive to the direction of incidence of the charge carriers, the applied homogeneous electric field, and to the barrier height. The sharp anti-resonance at the center of the tunneling band arising due to the destructive interference between the electron and the holelike states could probably be responsible for the high negative differential conductance (NDC) in the bilayer graphene. The tunneling conductance in the double barrier structure exhibits a resonant peak with a sharp NDC region for the Fermi energy less than or equal to half of the barrier height. The present findings might have great implications in the preparation of NDC-based devices using bilayer graphene nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission coefficient and the ballistic conductance are studied theoretically for a Dirac fermion through the graphene periodic magnetic barriers modulated by a homogeneous in-plane electric field. The transmission is highly asymmetric for zero and low biased conditions of the system. In contrast, it turns out to be symmetric in case of strongly modulated (by electric field) magnetic barriers and becomes independent of the number of barriers due to the predominant Klein tunneling effect. Interesting electric field effects are noted on the angular transmission properties of the chiral carriers. The conductivity profile exhibits some negative differential conducting regions, the number and the sharpness of the regions being intimately related to the number of barriers and the Fermi energy of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the variation in resonant tunneling lifetime (RTL) with the applied electric field is presented for the GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs periodic multibarrier systems (MBSs). The variation shows a contrasting behavior of lifetime for quasiresonant states situated at the miniband edge and those for well inside the miniband. For fields larger than 500 kV/m, the RTL corresponding to the midband state increases with the increase in electric field, whereas it decreases with the increase in field for the states near the miniband edges. The existence of the characteristic field and the characteristic lifetime that represent the synchronization of carrier velocity associated with all the quasiresonant states is an interesting outcome of the present theoretical investigation in ballistic transport of carriers through a MBS. This synchronization results in the maximum average escape rate through the system. It has also been shown that the characteristic field corresponds to the formation of localized partial Wannier–Stark ladder states in the miniband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We simulated hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon with molecular dynamics calculations using embedding and melt-quenching approaches. The embedding approach generates a well-defined crystallite residing in an amorphous matrix and a structure free of coordination defects. The H-distribution is inhomogeneous with an excess hydrogen density at the strained grain boundary between the nanocrystallite and the amorphous matrix. The amorphous matrix is better ordered in hydrogenated nanocrystalline-Si than in the homogenous amorphous silicon networks. Nanocrystals have been annealed at higher temperature where the nanocrystalline regions shrink in size. Nucleation and growth theory of these nanocrystals is developed. Melt-quenching simulations generate nc-Si structures which do not show a disordered grain boundary but generate a very high density of defects in the amorphous region, which cannot be annealed. The embedding approach may favor structures closer to experimental H-diluted growth conditions. Melt-quenching may better represent structures formed by laser induced recrystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine different types of order measured in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and their effect on the optical absorption (band gap). We first review previous experimental work determining order on a short-range scale as probed by Raman spectroscopy, and provide, using molecular dynamics simulations, a theoretical explanation for why the band gap increases when this type of ordering is improved. We then present results on a-Si:H films deposited by hot wire chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma enhanced CVD where the short-range order, from Raman spectroscopy, does not change, but order on a larger or medium-range scale does. This order is determined by measuring the width of the first x-ray diffraction peak, and was varied by depositing films at different substrate temperatures and/or different hydrogen dilutions. We find that the film band gap also increases when this type of ordering improves, and we provide a possible mechanism to explain these trends. We also suggest that much of the previous literature showing an increase in band gap with increasing film hydrogen content should be treated with caution, as these works may not have accurately deconvoluted the effects of optical adsorption due to film hydrogenation from those due to both types of lattice ordering. Finally, we argue that this same trend may apply, to a limited extent, to microcrystalline silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small deformation micromorphic computational homogenization framework for matrix–inclusion composites was recently presented in Biswas and Poh (2017), where standard continuum models at the micro-scale are translated consistently onto the macro-scale to recover a micromorphic continuum. In this contribution, the micromorphic framework is extended to the regime of significant geometrical and material nonlinearities. Following the small deformation framework, an additional degree of freedom is introduced to capture the influence of rapid fluctuations within a unit cell. In this contribution, we elaborate on the specific choice of decomposition for the kinematic fields, where certain higher-order modes are deliberately neglected. Several examples are considered to illustrate the influence of different higher-order modes, and how the corresponding size effect emerges naturally in the homogenized micromorphic model. In the regime of geometrical softening, the higher order term provides a regularizing effect to give mesh independent solutions, albeit with a stiffer response. A detailed discussion on this phenomenon is provided. The homogenization framework is implemented using a client–server based parallel processing algorithm to reduce the computational time. The excellent predictive capability and efficiency of the micromorphic approach are demonstrated with a mixed loading problem on a composite plate with non-uniform cross-section. Furthermore, the micromorphic solutions are shown to be independent of the choice of a unit cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The titled system has been investigated from the modelling point of view. The equilibration time for the system is 45 min, and 5% (v/v) heptane-1-ol in the organic phase is used as a de-emulsifier. The factors affecting the extent of extractions are [Ti(IV)], pH(eq), [Cyanex 301], [SO42-] and temperature (T). The selected levels are high (+) and low (-) for these factors in the present investigation. Model equation for the extraction of Ti(IV) by Cyanex 301 is determined from 25 full factorial design. However, the success of the factorial design depends on the linear relationship between yield and factor. Plots of log CD vs log [Ti(IV)], pH(eq), log [Cyanex 301] and log [SO42-] are curves. Logistic functions involving these factors are considered in designing. While [Ti(IV)] < 1.00 g/L and [HA](o) > 0.10 mol/L, considered logistic functions viz. -log(1+316.2 ([Ti(IV)], mol/L)), -log (10-pH + 229 10-2pH), log ([HA](o), mol/L), -log (1+0.79 ([SO42-], mol/L)) and absolute temperature are abbreviated as M, P, E, S and T, respectively. Model is log CD = 5.847 + 0.964 M + 0.909 P + 2 E + 0.995 S - (1437.5/T). The experimental model illustrates that there is no interaction effect between the factors under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes periodic layer-by-layer dielectric structures with full three-dimensional photonic band gaps (PBG). Relationship between the electronic Bloch states and electromagnetic wave propagation; Significant features of structures with three-dimensional photonic bandgaps; Advantages of double-etched structures; Potential applications for PBG structures.

Investigates the role of the atomic hydrogen by molecular dynamics simulations of the hydrogen deposition process. Analysis on backscattering events in a-Si:H and C-Si; Displacements of the silicon and hydrogen atoms of the substrate from their initial positions; Techniques used for growing a-Si:H films.

We report a highly sensitive Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) based photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor by embedding an array of gold nanospheres into the first layer of air-holes of PCF. We present a comprehensive analysis on the basis of progressive variation of refractive indices of analytes as well as sizes of the nanospheres. In the proposed sensing scheme, refractive indices of the analytes have been changed from 1 to 1.41(RIU), accompanied by alteration of the sizes of nanospheres ranging 40–70 nm. The entire study has been executed in the context of different material based PCFs ( viz . phosphate and crown) and the corresponding results have been analyzed and compared. We observe a declining trend in modal loss in each set of PCFs with increment of RI of the analyte. Lower loss has been observed in case of crown based PCF. The sensor shows highest sensitivity ∼27,000 nm/RIU for crown based PCF for nanosphere of 70 nm with average wavelength interrogation sensitivity ∼5333.53 nm/RIU. In case of phosphate based PCF, highest sensitivity is found to be ∼18,000 nm/RIU with an average interrogation sensitivity ∼4555.56 nm/RIU for 40 nm of Au nanosphere. Moreover, the additional sensing parameters have been observed to highlight the better design of the modelled LSPR based photonic crystal fiber sensor. As such, the resolution (R), limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity (S) of the proposed sensor in each case (viz. phosphate and crown PCF) have been discussed by using wavelength interrogation technique. The proposed study provides a basis for detailed investigation of LSPR phenomenon for PCF utilizing noble metal nanospheres (AuNPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to find the comparative efficacy of three extenders to preserve semen of Labrador- Retriever (LR) dogs at 5o C for a short term. The semen samples of LR dogs were collected by digital manipulation method and extended at the rate of 1:4 in Tris-Egg Yolk- Citric Acid-Glucose (TEYCAG), Tris-Egg Yolk- Citric Acid-Fructose (TEYCAF) and Egg Yolk-Citrate-Glycine-Glucose (EYCGG) extenders by split sample technique. Semen was evaluated at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours of preservation. Mean motile, live and HOST-reacted sperm and acrosomal, head, mid piece and tail abnormalities of spermatozoa varied significantly (P<0.01) between extenders and between preservation periods. The interactions between extender and preservation period were also significant (P<0.01) except for HOSTreacted and head abnormalities of sperm. The highest mean motile, live and HOST-reacted sperm were recorded in TEYCAG extender which did not differ significantly from that of TEYCAF extender. Mean per cent sperm acrosomal and tail abnormalities were significantly (P<0.05) lower, and the incidences of mean sperm head and mid piece abnormalities were also lower in TEYCAG, but not significantly from that in TEYCAF irrespective of hour of preservation. Per cent motile, live and HOST-reacted sperm were significantly (P<0.05) lower and sperm acrosomal, head, mid piece and tail abnormalities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in EYCGG as compared to that in TEYCAG and TEYCAF irrespective of hour of preservation. It was concluded that the semen of LR dog sustained good quality during preservation up to 5 days at 5oC suitable for successful artificial insemination and would be preserved better in TEYCAG and TEYCAF extenders than in EYCGG extender, since more than 50 per cent sperm motility and live sperm were maintained up to 120 hours of preservation in the former two extenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic transport through graphene magnetic barriers is studied theoretically in presence of an external time harmonic scalar potential in the framework of non-perturbative Landau–Floquet Formalism. The oscillating field mostly suppresses the transmission for rectangular magnetic barrier structure and exhibits the Fano resonance for multiphoton processes due to the presence of bound state inside the barrier. While, for a pair of delta function barriers of larger separation, the oscillating potential suppresses the usual Fabry–Perot oscillations in the transmission and a new type of asymmetric Fano resonance is noted for smaller separation, occurring due to extended states between the barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The titled system has been investigated using a single drop technique and flux (F) method of data treatment. In calculating fluxes, the time for drop formation and coalescence (Δt = 0.75 s) is considered. At lower concentration region of vanadium, V(V), the rate of V(V) transfer is directly proportional to its concentration. With the increase in [V(V)], slowly extractable V(V) species are formed gradually resulting in decrease in rate. Rate is directly proportional to the square root of [TOA]. It is reported that the most favorable extractable V(V) species exists in maximum amount at pH 2, and so, log F vs pH plots show a maximum at pH~2. The flux of V(V) transfer in most cases is found to be decreased with increasing [NO3-]. Reaction orders with respect to [V(V)], pH and [NO3-] have been attempted to be estimated, but in vein due to non-linearity of plots in most cases. Activation energies for the present system is ~-12 kJ/mol. This is unexpected but explained. Due to irregular variation of the composition of extractable species with [V(V)], [H+]; as well as temperature; it is not possible to elucidate the value of rate constant (k) and mechanism in simple way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulforaphene from cruciferous vegetable has shown to modulate various signaling pathways of apoptosis. But it has not yet been studied extensively for the cervical cancer treatment. Previous studies show the promising role of photodynamic therapy for cervical cancer. Here, we confirm that sulforaphene can synergistically enhance the efficacy of photodynamic therapy. Human cervical cancer cells HeLa were treated with a very low dose of sulforaphene (2.0 μg/ml) and photodynamic therapy with radachlorin (0.5 μg/ml) at a fluence of 27 J/cm2 (30 milliwatts/cm2, λmax ∼ 670 ± 3 nm). The combination treatment showed a synergistic effect to induce apoptosis. The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was activated via caspase 3 and caspase 9. On the other hand, caspase 12 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were expressed that indicated endoplasmic reticulum stress. This combination treatment also activated death receptor pathway via activation of caspase 8 and inhibited cell proliferation via down-regulation of EGFR. Thus, several apoptotic pathways were simultaneously activated in this combination treatment which results in a synergistic efficacy of sulforaphene with photodynamic therapy. Therefore, this study could be useful in the improvement of therapies for human cervical and other types of cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate theoretically the transmission of electrons through a pair of δ-function magnetic barriers in graphene in presence of external monochromatic, linearly polarized and CW laser field. The transmission coefficients are calculated in the framework of non-perturbative Floquet theory using the transfer matrix method. It is noted that the usual Fabry–Perot oscillations in transmission through the graphene magnetic barriers with larger inter barrier separation takes the shape of beating oscillations in presence of the external laser field. The laser assisted transmission spectra are also found to exhibit the characteristic Fano resonances (FR) for smaller values of the inter barrier separation. The appearance of the perfect node in the beating oscillation and the asymmetric Fano line shape can be controlled by varying the intensity of the laser field. The above features could provide some useful and potential information about the light - matter interactions and may be utilized in the graphene based optoelectronic device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo fertility of frozen thawed boar semen. Twenty ejaculates collected from six mature boars were frozen in a programmable freezer. After freezing the semen was evaluated for different sperm quality parameters. Twenty five sows were inseminated artificially utilizing frozen thawed semen. The percentage of sperm motility, live sperm, live intact acrosome, plasma membrane intact sperm, HOST-reacted sperm, live sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid peroxidised sperm and DNA-damaged sperm of frozen semen utilised for AI were 56.25±0.96, 63.75±1.47, 59.88±1.09, 41.08±1.01, 40.31±1.02, 86.23±1.29, 9.28±0.83 and 4.20±0.29 respectively. The farrowing rate was 44.00 per cent and the mean litter size at birth was 5.91±0.69. It could be concluded that the freezing and insemination protocol of boar semen used in the present study resulted in moderate fertility of frozen boar semen and it would help in further improvement and utilization of frozen boar semen for AI in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modal characteristics of photonic crystal fibers (PCF) with guiding cores consisting of seven missing air holes are investigated with effective index method. We incorporate two different composites – phosphate and crown and systematically analyze the modal characteristics with good control from structural parameters i.e., diameter ( d ) and pitch ( Λ ) in the E and L band of communication. The comprehensive analysis of these two varying PCFs suggests that crown PCF exhibits more spot size and good coverage of V parameters relative to phosphate in the same communication band implicating low loss as well as divergence with better tuning with respect to structural parameters. We also observe good correlation between the theoretical and experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of different liquid semen extenders for preservation of boar semen at 15°C. Twenty ejaculates, four from each of five Hampshire boars were used to study the efficacy of BTS, GEPS, FEY and LSEEY extenders for preservation of boar semen at 15°C up to 72 h. The mean sperm motility, live sperm and live spermatozoa with intact acrosome were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in GEPS as compared to other extenders. The sperm motility, live sperm and live spermatozoa with intact acrosome differed significantly (P < 0.01) between extenders, preservation periods and interaction of extenders and preservation periods. GEPS was found to be the best extender for preservation followed by BTS, LSEEY and FEY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron(III) has been estimated spectrophotometrically at 425 nm following its quantitative extraction from Cl medium by Cyanex 301 in redistilled colorless kerosene. Beer's law is valid provided (i) a 10-min phase agitation is allowed in extraction, (ii) [HCl] in the aqueous phase during extraction is kept at 0.10 mol/l or less, (iii) [Cyanex 301] is kept over 0.5% (v/v). It is observed that the linearity range of Beer's plot is increased with increasing (v/v)% of the Cyanex 301 used; the optimum ([Fe(III)], mg/l)/[Cyanex 301] in ((v/v)%) is 20:1. The color is stable for at least 10 days. The molar extinction coefficient ε is 7111 l/mol⋅cm. The method has been applied in the analysis of some metallurgical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nd:YAG laser microdrilled holes on gamma-titanium aluminide, a newly developed alloy having wide applications in turbine blades, engine valves, cases, metal cutting tools, missile components, nuclear fuel and biomedical engineering, are important from the dimensional accuracy and quality of hole point of view. Keeping this in mind, a central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) is employed for multi-objective optimization of pulsed Nd:YAG laser microdrilling operation on gamma-titanium aluminide alloy sheet to achieve optimum hole characteristics within existing resources. The three characteristics such as hole diameter at entry, hole diameter at exit and hole taper have been considered for simultaneous optimization. The individual optimization of all three responses has also been carried out. The input parameters considered are lamp current, pulse frequency, assist air pressure and thickness of the job. The responses at predicted optimum parameter level are in good agreement with the results of confirmation experiments conducted for verification tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aqueous Fe can be quantified spectrophotometrically at 360 and 500 nm following its quantitative extraction from SO medium by Cyanex 302. Beer's law is followed (up to 50 ppm Fe) provided (i) a 5 min phase agitation is used, (ii) aqueous pH in extraction is kept at 2.9 ± 0.05, and (iii) [Cyanex 302] = 0.30% (v/v). The color is stable for at least 2 months. The estimated ε and ε are 1820 and 970 l/mol∙cm, respectively. The tolerance limits of some cations and anions have been determined. The method has been applied in the analysis of some metallurgical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The scattering of a bound Frohlich large polaron in the presence of a coulomb impurity center as well as a linearly polarized laser field is studied. The differential (DCS) as well as the momentum transfer cross sections (MTCS) and the conductivity depend remarkably on the electron–phonon coupling ( ) and the strength of the coulomb impurity ( ). The strongly bound polaron is found to be reluctant to contribute to the conductivity which is justified physically. The curves for MTCS and conductivity verses and appear to be complementary, indicating the possibility of controlling the mobility and thereby conductivity by varying one of the parameters. This behavior indicates the possibility of optimizing the composition of optoelectronic materials where laser is the dominant source of excitation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive disease with high mortality rates of about 60 per cent. The increasing incidence of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in coronavirus disease 2019 patients in India and worldwide has become a matter of concern owing to the case fatality rate. This study explored the use of low dose aspirin in decreasing the mortality rate of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis. Method: This was a retrospective observational study. Patients suffering from post-coronavirus disease 2019 mucormycosis were included in the study. Each patient was treated with surgical debridement and systemic amphotericin B. Low dose aspirin was added, and mortality rates were compared with the patients who did not receive aspirin. Results: The demographic data and rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis staging between the two groups were not significantly different. There was a statistically significant difference in mortality outcomes between the two groups (p = 0.029) and a 1.77 times higher risk of dying for patients not receiving aspirin. Kaplan–Meier survival indicated that patients receiving aspirin had better survival rates (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Low dose aspirin improves survival rates in coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present theoretical model deals with the transmission property of the Dirac fermions in the Floquet sidebands for the laser radiated graphene nanostructure. The laser assisted structure behaves as a tunneling barrier that leads to asymmetric transmission around the normal to the interface and is capable to confine the massless Dirac particles in a monolayer graphene strip. The absence of the Klein tunneling and the presence of a large number of controlling parameters would make the time dependent vector potential barrier superior over the electrostatic and magnetic barriers towards the opto-electronic device fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A theoretical model is proposed to study the ballistic electron transport for a quasi-periodic multibarrier structure where two different barrier shapes are arranged according to the Thue–Morse sequence. Important tunneling features are revealed form such arrangements. It is noted that the tunneling band spectrum could be fragmented by tailoring the shape of the barriers in the structure. Results for the transmission coefficients and the current densities are compared with the corresponding periodic and single shape barrier arrangements. The quasi-periodic structure consisting of the rectangular and triangular barrier shapes is suggested to be more suitable for the electronic and opto-electronic devices due to its high negative differential conducting effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The title system has been studied elaborately. 3% (v/v) octan-1-ol is added as de-emulsifier. Equilibration time is < 2 min. Distribution ratio (D) at constant pH(eq) and [H2A2] is independent of [Ni(II)](aq). The pH dependency is always found to be 2; whilst the extractant dependence is found to vary from 1 (at lower concentration region, lcr) to 3 (at high concentration region, hcr). Moreover, the distribution ratio is found to be inversely proportional to (1+6.92 […]) and [Ac-]. Based on these results, the extraction equilibrium reactions have been proposed at various parametric conditions. The extraction process is endothermic (ΔH = 54.66 kJ/mol). The Kex values at 303 K are evaluated to be 10-11.086 and 10-11.56 at lcr and hcr of extractant, respectively. The maximum loading capacity is 21.28 g Ni(II) per 100 g extractant indicating the formation of NiAcA at maximum loading. The stripping ability of various inorganic acids towards loaded nickel, as well as, the possibilities of separation of Ni(II) from its binary mixtures with other ions of 3d-block elements have also been investigated [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose, design, and experimentally demonstrate a novel, simple, distributed refractometric measurement technique based on unique spectral properties of antiresonant-guiding photonic crystal fibers for measuring temperature gradients. We use a simple and accurate analytical model and numerical simulations to guide our experiments. The proposed technique may find applications for monitoring and control of chemical and biological reactions in microfluidic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric Fano resonances (FRs) are noted for the first time in the coherent ballistic transmission spectrum of bilayer graphene tunneling structures. This characteristic tunneling transmission that occurs particularly at small glancing incidence mainly arises due to the quadratic dispersion of chiral charge carriers. The Fano line shape is found to be highly sensitive with respect to the direction of incidence of the charge carriers, the applied homogeneous electric field, as well as to the barrier height and width. The absence of the FR at normal incidence is in accordance with the conservation of chirality of the Dirac fermions in bilayer graphene. The sharp antiresonance at the center of the tunneling band arising due to destructive interference between the electron and the holelike states might be responsible for high negative differential conductivity (NDC) in bilayer graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dynamics of the Dirac fermions, in particular the transmission coefficient and the resonant tunneling lifetime are studied across a bilayer graphene electrostatic double barrier structure modulated by an in plane homogeneous electric field. Asymmetric Fano type resonances are noted for the first time in the transmission spectrum of the bilayer graphene nanostructures and are found to be highly sensitive to the direction of incidence of the charge carriers and the applied homogeneous electric field. The effect of the external field on the extended and the evanescent modes is also analysed. Resonant tunneling lifetime is found to be highly anisotropic in nature. The chiral carriers are either accelerated or decelerated by the electric field depending on the energy of the quasi-bound states, the angle of incidence and the magnitude of the applied field. Effects of the external field on the localization of the chiral carriers are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salmonella spp. has the capability to form biofilm on various surfaces. Biofilm-associated protein (bapA), a large surface protein has been shown to play a leading role in the development of biofilm in Salmonella. Objective of this study was to investigate the presence of bapA gene in different serotypes of Salmonella spp. and to characterize DNA fragment encoding bapA protein of Salmonella Enteritidis. Sixty-seven Salmonella strains belonging to 34 serovars isolated from diverse sources in India were screened for the presence of bapA gene employing a primer designed for the purpose. All the strains yielded a positive amplification indicating that the bapA gene is well conserved in Salmonella spp. The amplified gene fragment of bapA was cloned in Escherichia coli (DH5 α) cells by using pGEM-T easy cloning vector. On partial sequence analysis, the product exhibited 667 base pairs, corresponding to 218 amino acids. BapA gene was found to be highly conserved in Salmonella. Partial sequence analysis of this gene from a strain of Salm. Enteritidis revealed close association with serotypes of poultry origin and also with some other animal/zoonotic serotypes. BapA gene can be targeted for the genus-specific detection of this organism from different sources. Antigenic index of bapA protein indicates its protective and diagnostic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title system has been investigated over a wide range of aqueous acidity. The equilibration time is 1 h. The extraction ratio (D) is independent of [Fe(III)] provided equilibrium [HCl] and [HA] are kept constant. At a constant equilibrium extractant concentration, the [HCl] dependences are -1.6, ~0 and -3 in the [HCl] regions of >3, 2-0.5 and <;0.3 M; respectively; whilst at constant [HCl], the [HA] dependence is 3.0. On the other hand, [Cl-] dependence varies within -0.5 to -3 at constant [HCl] of 0.3 M; whereas its values are ~ -1 and ~ 0.63 at constant [HCl] of 3 and 1 M, respectively. Based on these results the extraction mechanisms have been suggested to be FeCln(3-n) + 3 HA(o) ⇌ FeA3(o) + n Cl- + 3 H+ in the low [HCl] region, FeCl(3-n)n+ + 3 HA(o) + n Cl- ⇌ FeCl3.3HA(o) in the intermediate [HCl] region and HFeCl4 + 3 HA(o) ⇌ FeCl3.3HA(o) + HCl in the high [HCl] region under investigation. The Kex and ΔH values have been evaluated. Loading capacity is 5.5 g Fe(III)/100 g Cyanex 301. The stripping can be made effective by a mixture of 6 M H2SO4 and 1 M Na2C2O4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In micro-manufacturing, circularity of a drilled hole at entry and exit are important attributes which greatly influence the quality of a drilled hole. This study investigates the effect of five parameters in the circularity of drilled holes in pulsed Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling process. The drilling operation has been carried out on titanium nitride-alumina (TiN-AlO) composite, an important electroconductive ceramics suitable for wear and heating applications. The effect of various process parameters like lamp current, pulse frequency, pulse width, air pressure, and focal length of Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling on hole circularity at entry and exit has been investigated through response-surface-methodology-based experimental study. The parametric combination for optimal hole circularity at entry and exit has also been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline silicon solar cells were enhanced with a photonic crystal back-reflector. Rigorous scattering matrix simulations were used to optimize a photonic crystal back-reflector consisting of a triangular lattice of nano-holes, with a pitch near 800nm. The photonic crystal back-reflector with a pitch of 800nm was fabricated on the crystalline silicon substrate by photolithography and reactive-ion etching, and coated with silver and zinc oxide. Nanocrystalline silicon solar cells were grown on the patterned substrates. We observed ∼7% enhancement of the absorption and photo-generated current relative to a Ag/ZnO substrate, with an enhancement ratio of 1.5 near the band edge. Significant enhancement occurred in photon absorption at near infrared wavelengths greater than 700nm, due to diffraction resonances of the incoming light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature carbonization (LTC) of coal generates highly complex wastewater warranting stringent treatment. Developing a techno-economically viable treatment facility for such wastewaters is a challenging task. The paper discusses a case study pertaining to an existing non-performing effluent treatment plant (ETP). The existing ETP comprising an ammonia stripper followed by a single stage biological oxidation was unable to treat 1,050m3/d of effluent as per the stipulated discharge norms. The treated effluent from the existing ETP was characterized with high concentrations of ammonia (75-345mg N/l), COD (313-1,422 mg/l) and cyanide (0.5-4 mg/l). Studies were undertaken to facilitate recycling/reuse of the treated effluent within the plant. A second stage biooxidation process was investigated at pilot scale for the treatment of the effluent from the ETP. This was further subjected to tertiary treatment with 0.5% dose of 4% hypochlorite which resulted in effluent with pH: 6.6-6.8, COD: 73-121 mg/l, and BOD5: , 10 mg/l. Phenol, cyanide and ammonia were below detectable limits and the colourless effluent was suitable for recycle and reuse. Thus, a modified treatment scheme comprising ammonia prestripping followed by two-stage biooxidation process and a chemical oxidation step with hypochlorite at tertiary stage was proposed for recycle/reuse of LTC wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of the external homogeneous electric field on the transmission coefficient and the ballistic conductance are studied theoretically for an electron across a graphene double barrier structure. The Klein transmission is noted for the normal to near normal incidence only. The electrons are found to be confined by the external static electric field for the glancing incidence and not for the normal incidence. Although the conductance profile for the lower barrier widths is almost sinusoidal in nature, some interesting features occur for the higher barrier width of the structure. The oscillations in the below barrier conductance are greatly suppressed by the external field. Some negative differential conducting regions are also noted, being quite sensitive to the Fermi energy of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present research, Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling of gamma-titanium aluminide, a new material which has performed well in laboratory tests as well as in different fields of engineering, is studied. The effect of different process parameters in the optimization of the process is investigated. The aspects considered are the hole circularity at exit and the hole taper of the drilled hole. Lamp current, pulse frequency, air pressure and thickness of the job are selected as independent process variables. The central composite design (CCD) technique based on response surface methodology (RSM) is employed to plan the experiments to achieve optimum responses with a reduced number of experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CONTEXT: India has rudimentary and fragmented primary health care (PHC) and family medicine systems, yet it also has the policy expectation that PHC should meet the needs of extremely large populations with slums and difficult to reach groups, rapid social and epidemiological transition from developing to developed nation profiles. Historically, the system has lacked impetus to achieve PHC. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of PHC approaches and the current state of PHC and family medicine in India in order to assess the opportunities for their revitalization. METHODS: A narrative review of the published and grey literature on PHC, family medicine, Web2.0 and health informatics key papers and policy documents, pertinent to India. OUTCOMES: A conceptual framework and recommendations for policy makers and practitioner audiences. FINDINGS: PHC is constructed through systems of local providers who address individual, family and local community basic health needs with strong community participation. Successful PHC is a pre-eminent strategy for India to address the determinants of health and the almost chaotic of massive social transition in its institutions and health care sector. There is a lack of an articulated comprehensive framework for the publicly stated goals of improving health and implementing PHC. Also, there exists a very limited education and organization of a medical and PHC workforce who are trained and resourced to address individual, family and local community health and who have become increasingly specialized. However, emerging technology, Health2.0 and user generated health care informatics, which are largely conducted through mobile phones, are co-evolving patient-driven health systems, and potentially enhance PHC and family medicine workforce development. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve health outcomes in an equitable manner in India, there is a pressing need for a framework for implementing PHC. The co-emergence of information technologies accessible to the mass population and user-driven health care provide a potential catalyst or innovation for this transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanophotonic structures of indium telluride having barbed wire morphology exhibits second order non-linearity. This distinctive non-linear behavior is leading to the generation of second harmonics. Here, we demonstrate low power driven SHG by barbed wire indium telluride system by tuning polarization of the fundamental laser beam in a perpendicular orientation to the axis of the nanostructures. The energy corresponding to the second harmonic is found to be saturating toward higher range of polarizing angles. This study will lead to implementation of the structure in photonic applications negating the influence of polarization to a wide extent. Apart from this, when the nanostructure is subjected to low potential driven Kerr opto-electric non-linearity, the system reveals a critical electric field exhibiting intensity reversal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis in the conceptual model was that a user-driven innovation in presently available information and communication technology infrastructure would be able to meet patient and health professional users information needs and help them attain better health outcomes. An operational model was created to plan a trial on a sample diabetic population utilizing a randomized control trial design, assigning one randomly selected group of diabetics to receive electronic information intervention and analyse if it would improve their health outcomes in comparison with a matched diabetic population who would only receive regular medical intervention. Diabetes was chosen for this particular trial, as it is a major chronic illness in Malaysia as elsewhere in the world.It is in essence a position paper for how the study concept should be organized to stimulate wider discussion prior to beginning the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence based on average patient data, which occupies most of our present day information databases, does not fulfil the needs of individual patient-centred health care. In spite of the unprecedented expansion in medical information we still do not have the types ofinformation required to allow us to tailor optimal care for a given individual patient. As our current information is chiefly provided in disconnected silos, we need an information system that can seamlessly integrate different types of information to meet diverse usergroup needs. Groups of certain individual medical learners namely patients, medical students and health professionals share the patient's need to increasingly interact with and seek knowledge and solutions offered by others (individual medical learners) who have the lived experiences that they would benefit to access and learn from. A web-based user-drivenlearning solution may be a stepping-stone to address the present problem of information oversupply in medicine that mostly remains underutilized, as it doesn't meet the needs of the individual patient and health professional user. The key to its success would be to relax central control and make local trust and strategic health workers feel more engaged in the project such that it is truly user-driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]