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When studying the seismic effect of the occurred earthquake, the collected macroseismic data are of great importance. To design the most reliable map of the macroseismic field, it’s necessary to have the sufficient number of such data, which descript accurately, how and under what circumstances the earthquake was felt. However, in sparsely populated regions, collecting such information is often impossible. In similar situations, the lack of near-field data is particularly sensitive. This is the case of the Monte Cristo Rangeearthquake, 15.05.2020, MW= 6.5, which occurred in Western Nevada. The nearest settlement from the epicenter was at a distance of » 59 km. In addition, there were not only strong ground motion instruments, but also regional seismic stations near the epicenter. The nearest seismic station that recorded the event was at a distance of »39 km. In the absence of information or their extremely small number, the construction of isoseists near the epicenter can be made only by theoretical calculations. Global or regional empirical attenuation curve is used. Usually, the attenuation law is described by single curve. The accuracy of such constructions is low. The separation of several zones in the earthquake wave field with their individual attenuation laws and the correlations between the vibration parameters and the parameters of the earthquake source and ground conditions significantly improves the accuracy of calculations. The article proposes a methodology for calculating accelerations and intensities based on empirical data. The aim of the work is study of the macroseismic field of the Monte Cristo Range earthquake, 15.05.2020, MW = 6.5: assessment of peak accelerations and intensity in the near-field of this earthquake. Research methods - analysis of available data on the earthquake, and development of attenuation curves for this seismic event, calculation of peak ground accelerations, duration of oscillations and assessing intensity. Results of the work – for Monte Cristo Range earthquake, 15.05.2020, PGA attenuation equations were proposed and the seismic effect in the near-field was estimated. При исследовании сейсмического эффекта происшедшего землетрясения большое значение имеют собранные макросейсмические данные. Их достаточное количество и точность описания того, как и при каких обстоятельствах ощущалось землетрясение, способствуют построению наиболее достоверной карты макросейсмического поля. Однако в малонаселенных регионах сбор такой информации зачастую невозможен. В подобных ситуациях особенно чувствителен недостаток данных в ближней зоне землетрясений. Именно такой случай представляет собой землетрясений Монте Кристо Рэйндж, 15.05.2020 г., MW = 6,5, произошедшее в Западной Неваде. Ближайший населенный пункт от эпицентра находился на расстоянии » 59 км. К тому же, вблизи эпицентра не оказалось не только приборов сильных движений, но и регулярных сейсмостанций. Ближайшая с/станция, зафиксировавшая событие, находилась на расстоянии » 39 км. При отсутствии сведений или их крайней малочисленности построение изосейст вблизи эпицентра может быть произведено только теоретическими расчетами. Используются среднемировые или региональные эмпирические зависимости затухания параметров колебаний. При этом закон затухания обычно описывается одной кривой. Точность таких построений невысока. Выделение в волновом поле землетрясения нескольких зон со своими законами затухания и зависимостями параметров колебаний от параметров очага и среды значительно повышает точность расчетов. В статье предлагается методика расчетов ускорений и интенсивностей, основанная на эмпирических данных. Цель работы – исследование макросейсмического поля землетрясения Монте Кристо Рэйндж, 15.05.2020 г., MW = 6,5: оценка пиковых ускорений и интенсивности вблизи очага этого землетрясения. Методы исследования – анализ имеющихся данных о землетрясении, разработка кривых затухания применительно к этому сейсмическому событию, расчет пиковых ускорений грунта, продолжительности колебаний и оценка интенсивности. Результаты работы – для землетрясения Монте Кристо Рэйндж, 15.05.2020 г., предложены уравнения затухания пиковых ускорений, и оценен сейсмический эффект

The nutrient profile of five freshwater fish species viz., Mystus vittatus, Ompok bimaculatus, Channa striata, Wallago attu and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus were studied. The proximate composition data shows that the moisture and fat content differed significantly (P

The nutrient profile of five carps, viz . Labeo bata , Labeo calbasu , Labeo fimbriatus , Cirrhinus reba and Puntius javanicus were studied. The samples were collected from different geographical locations of West Bengal, Odisha and Karnataka states of India. The data on proximate composition reveal that the moisture and fat content differed significantly (P

CD47 is a cell surface transmembrane protein that binds to signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages and results in a “don't eat me” signal that inhibits phagocytosis. Breast cancer cells, both primary and metastatic, frequently overexpress CD47 and exploit this pathway to evade macrophage-mediated destruction. Anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) block the CD47/SIRPα interaction and promote tumor cell destruction via phagocytosis. Anti-CD47 mAbs also contribute to an anti-tumor T-cell response in immune-competent mice. Therefore, anti-CD47 antibodies represent a new class of immune checkpoint inhibitors that modulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems. CD47 is expressed on multiple cell types, including tumor cells and normal cells. Many anti-CD47 mAbs block the CD47/SIRPα interaction and cause phagocytosis of tumor cells, but do not directly induce the death of human tumor cells. Tioma has created new humanized anti-CD47 mAbs with novel and differentiated functional profiles to enhance functional heterogeneity. Ti-104, Ti-176 and Ti-108 block the binding of SIRPα to CD47 and increase phagocytosis of human tumor cells. They also induce cell death of human hematological and solid tumor cell lines (including breast cancer lines) in a cell autonomous manner. Cell death was determined by an increase in phosphatidylserine-positive/7AAD-positive tumor cells assessed by flow cytometry following incubation in media containing anti-CD47 mAb or a negative control immunoglobulin. In vitro, these mAbs bind to human tumor cell lines with apparent binding affinities ranging from low pM to low nM, depending on the cell line and method of analysis (solid-phase or cell-based ELISA, flow cytometry or surface plasmon resonance). In vitro, Ti-104 and Ti-108 bind to human RBCs, whereas Ti-176 has markedly reduced binding to human and cynomolgus monkey RBCs. In a four-week (once-weekly dosing) exploratory safety study in cynomolgus monkeys with Ti-176 and Ti-108, no dose-limiting toxicity or gross pathological or microscopic findings were identified after an initial dose of 5 mg/kg (Week 1) followed by doses of 50 mg/kg (Weeks 2, 3, and 4). Ti-176 treatment resulted in minimal decrease in red cell mass, hemoglobin and hematocrit, which corresponded in vitro to markedly reduced binding to cynomolgus monkey RBCs. Ti-108 caused transient reduction of RBC parameters comparable to some previously reported anti-CD47 mAbs. Ti-104, Ti-176 and Ti-108 showed potent, dose-dependent efficacy in multiple mouse tumor models, including in the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer orthotopic model. These data provide the preclinical rationale for further evaluation of Ti-104, Ti-176 and Ti-108 as breast cancer treatments. Citation Format: Karr RW, Liu K, Hiebsch R, Capoccia B, Donio M, Crowley K, Puro R, Chanda S, Manning P. Development of humanized anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies with differentiated functional profiles [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-15.

An 8 months feed demonstration program was conducted in the ponds of Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, West Bengal, India. The program aimed at providing hands-on training to trainees at Samaj Sevak Sikshan Mandir (SSSM) on farm-made feed formulation and use in aquaculture. Two ponds were selected, one at Shilpamandira of 0.1 h and fish were fed Feed-1, and another of 0.08 h at Samaj Sevak Sikshan Mandir (SSSM) and fed Feed-2. Indian major carps, Catla catla (catla) and Labeo rohita (rohu) were stocked at 4500 fish ha-1. The stocking size of rohu was 80-90g and of catla was 220-245g. Locally available low cost feed ingredients, rice bran, mustard oil cake, til oil cake and linseed oil sludge were used to formulate and prepare two farm-made mash feeds (Feed-1 and Feed-2). The fish were fed at 2% of total fish biomass in the ponds and were fed through bag feeding. At the end of the study rohu grew to 1.07 kg and catla to 1.6 kg in Shilpamandira pond (Feed-1), and rohu to1.5 kg and catla to 2.2 kg in Samaj Sevak Sikshan Mandir pond (Feed-2). The net production of fish was 4.9 and 6.8 t ha-1 for 8 months with Feed-1 and Feed-2, respectively. Dietary inclusion of linseed-oilsludge significantly increased the PUFA content in Indian major carps. The feed cost was substantially reduced by replacing mustard oil cake with til oil cake and incorporation of linseed oil sludge, a very low priced ingredient.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 45-55 (2017)

The proximate composition, fatty acid, amino acid and fat soluble vitamins of Indian climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, locally called “Koi” were assayed in relation to its body weight. The fish samples were collected from different geographical locations and were grouped as small (10-50g) and big (52-150g) sizes. The proximate composition, essential amino acid (EAA) and non-essential amino acid (NEAA) contents in Koi did not differ significantly between the groups. The monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content was significantly (P

The fatty acid, amino acid and fat soluble vitamin content of magur (Clarias batrachus) and singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis) were assayed from collected samples from different geographical locations. Length and weight of collected samples were (50-235g and 165-300 mm) for magur and (50-210g and 190-255mm) for singhi. The essential amino acid (EAA) and the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) content in magur and singhi did not differ significantly. The Vitamin A and D contents were significantly (P

Oxidative stress a major cause of fluoride induced toxicity and mitochondrial impairment in common in experimental rats during chronic exposure of fluoride. Attempts have been made in the present experiment to diminish oxidative damage, combined therapy with (+)-catechin hydrate (an antioxidant) and sodium meta borate (chelator) were used. Fluoride intoxication in rats was performed by using 13mg/kg NaF and both antioxidant CH and chelator SMB were used at a concentration of 8.98μM/kg body weight. Mixture of CH and SMB in free or in PLGA nanocapsule encapsulated form were prepared. The efficacies of those formulations were tested in combating free radical mediated oxidative insult produced by sodium fluoride (NaF). The amalgamated therapy used in this experiment was shown to reduce fluoride levels in liver, brain and kidney from 9.5, 5.5, 6.3μg/g to 4.6, 2, 2.6μg/g, respectively. Our result indicated that the combined chelator and antioxidant therapy in nanocapsulated drug delivery system could provide a projection in combating fluoride induced mitochondrial impairment in rat model.

Pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolines are known to be versatile heterocyclic compounds with different biological properties because of a large number of derivatives with different structural modifications. Therefore, some new Pyrazolo quinazoline heterocycles were synthesized from chalcones and their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass spectral data. All these synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial potential against Gram positive, Gram negative strains of bacteria as well as fungal strains in dimethylsulfoxide. Among the screened compounds, KC-10 showed the most potent antimicrobial activity. None of the compound shows antifungal activity. This may be due to the fact that fungal cells are complex organisms as compared to bacterial cell. Furthermore, the presence of S-CH3 group in the synthesized compounds may cause inactive behavior of these compounds against the studied fungal strains.

Air pollution has become a major environmental risk as far as public health is concerned. It has been proposed that reduction in levels of air pollution may result in lessening of the global burden of disease. Monitoring and management of air pollution has been carried out for a long time. However, the causes of air pollution and effects of air pollution on humans, animals, and plants are yet to be fully unraveled. Moreover, management of air pollution is facing challenges due to lack of availability of suitable tools and techniques. The latter half of the 19th century was dominated by research on the recognition and description of different pollutants and to some extent toward the search for tools and techniques to control and reduce air pollution. One of the major air pollutants is atmospheric particulate matter. Resuspended roadside dust is one of the sources of these particulate matters. Resuspended dust is composed of several elements from different sources. The elemental composition of these dust pa...

Bridge inspection is a pathway to bridge condition rating assessment, and is an essential element of any bridge management system (BMS). The success of a BMS is highly dependent on the quality of bridge inspection outcomes and accurate estimation of future bridge condition ratings. However, existing visual bridge inspection methods suffer several limitations due to human subjective judgment. In order to minimise such limitations, a feasibility study has been performed to enhance the current visual inspection method using optical image processing techniques. However, the accuracy of the inspection outcomes still requires further improvement. This paper proposes an automatic bridge inspection approach employing wavelet-based image features along with support vector machines (SVM) for automatic detection of cracks in bridge images. A two-stage approach is followed, in the first stage, a decision is made as whether an image should undergo a pre-processing step (depending on image characteristics); in the second stage, wavelet features are extracted from the image using a sliding window texture analysis-based technique. Consequently, an average accuracy of 92% (effect of training image types on accuracy) is obtained even when undertaking experiments with noisy and complex bridge images.

In the present study we establish the use of the proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique coupled with Rutherford backscattering as a sensitive technique for air-pollution monitoring. Several elements such as Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and As were detected in the ppm level of concentration. Comparisons show the advantages of micro-PIXE over scanning microscope-based energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF).

Levels of air pollution can be assessed through passive and active monitoring. However, due to several drawbacks of active monitoring recently much emphasis is being given to the passive monitoring of air-pollution. Street dust and the dusts deposited over the leaves of roadside trees can be considered a valuable indicator of environmental pollution. Present study was undertaken to analyze the size distribution and investigate the elemental and mineralogical components of the street dusts and the dusts deposited on the leaves of roadside trees. Samples were collected from three representative areas of metro-city Kolkata, India, considering the urban characteristics and traffic profile. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was selected to detect major mineral components. The size distribution of dust particles was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the elemental distribution was analyzed using SEM attached to energy dispersive X ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX). X-ray diffraction analysis has revealed the presence of mineral components like quartz and various clay minerals such as calcite, gypsum, albite, microcline, chlorite, muscovite and oxides of iron. Elemental analysis has shown the presence of elements like Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn. Variations in size, mineral and elemental composition were observed. From the study it is evident that the information on mineralogical and elemental composition of street dusts and dusts deposited on the leave surfaces of roadside trees can act as indicator of air-pollution.

High-spin band structures of $^{200}\mathrm{Tl}$ have been studied by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic methods using the $^{198}\mathrm{Pt}(^{7}\mathrm{Li},5n)^{200}\mathrm{Tl}$ reaction at 45 MeV of beam energy. The level scheme of $^{200}\mathrm{Tl}$ has been extended significantly and several new band structures have been established with the observation of 60 new transitions. The $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{9/2}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}{i}_{13/2}$ oblate band has been extended beyond the particle alignment frequencies. The band structures and the other excited states have been compared with the neighboring odd-odd Tl isotopes. Total Routhian surface calculations have been performed to study the deformation and shape changes as a function of spin in this nucleus. These calculations could reproduce the particle alignment frequency and suggest that the neutron pair alignment in $\ensuremath{\nu}{i}_{13/2}$ orbital induces $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ softness in $^{200}\mathrm{Tl}$.

Succeeding the Moore's law CMOS technology accumulated extreme device complexity with larger interconnects. But owing to physical scaling limitations CMOS technology itself is degrading the overall performance of binary logic ICs. This has augmented the urgency of Multi Valued Logic (MVL). A ternary logic or a three-valued logic is contemplated as the noblest radix of all assorted MVL formulates. The synthesis of ternary future ready logic circuits is itself a benchmark in device research arena. Yet there sustain ample research dearth to realize ternary hardware to meet the common needs of basic living. To cope up with such pivotal necessitates the authors here render a heuristic approach in developing ternary gates and flip-flops. Besides, Single Electronic technology is incorporated to further enhance the novel nature of the models in this paper. Initially the Single Electron ternary gates andflip-flops are simulated using Monte Carlo based SIMON 2.0 simulator and the simulation results exhibit a simple structure with less propagation delay and lower power consumption compared to conventional CMOS topology. Further it also ratify that such models are completely trustworthy and it accord perfectly with next generation computing having the merits of higher information storing capacity and thereby minimizing interconnections. Eventually more transistors can be cramped into the reduced chip dia in order to enhance the performance of SET MVL circuits.

Urban and peri-urban vegetation is being considered for air pollution abatement. Appropriate plants with efficiency to adsorb and absorb air-pollutants are the prerequisite for green space development. The contributions of surface morphology towards plant’s ability to function as dust particulate adsorber and distribution of trace elements over the leaves are investigated in the present study. Dust interception efficiency was estimated for two roadside plant species named Ficus benghalensis, and Polyalthia longifolia. Leaves of both the plants are capable of capturing dust in the range of 0.12 mg/cm2 to 1.89 mg/cm2 on either of the leaf surfaces. However, variation in dust capturing capacity between the plants was observed. Leaf surface characters such as roughness, length, frequency of trichomes and frequency of stomata played a significant role in capturing re-suspended dust. Frequency (2 to 4 per 0.0004 cm2) and length (152.5 to 92.1 cm) of trichome showed negative co-relation trend, where as frequency and size of stomata showed positive co-relation trend. Elemental analysis by Scanning Electron Microscope attached with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer (SEMEDS) indicated the presence of elements such as Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminium (Al), Silicon (Si), Chlorine (Cl), Pottasium (K), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Arsenic (As). The results support the fact that plant canopies can be used for mitigation and bio-monitoring of air pollution as well.

During an ethnobotanical study undertaken in Ayodhya hills of Purulia district in West Bengal State of India the authors recorded through an intimate contact with the Paharia tribe the indigenous knowledge about non-timber use of 49 species associated with the ambient tropical dry deciduous forest. Paharia is one of the scheduled tribes representing about 0.05% of the total tribal population of the district with their 45 families settled in such villages of Ayodhya hills as Kalabera, Khakri and Ghatbera. The species thus recorded belong to 35 families of which 29 are dicotyledonous, four monocotyledonous and one pteridophyte. A precise account has been prepared of their habits, ethnic names, present status in the study site and use, an analysis of which shows 17 different use categories. The knowledge of the tribe traditionally concerns medicinal use of 37 species, which is noteworthy. It is interesting to find four species linked with their religious and cultural activities. A sustainable use of these pl...

The adsorption model developed by Kralchevsky and co-workers, the Kralchevsky–Danov–Broze–Mehreteab (KDBM) model, has been applied to fit the surface tension data in the submicellar region of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in water, water + 50 wt.% formamide (FA) and FA media. The KDBM model satisfactorily fits the surface tension data and from the fitting surface density of surfactant monomer ( Γ 1 ), surface density of counterion ( Γ 2 ) and electrostatic potential at the air–solution interface were evaluated. The value of Γ 1 decreases as the FA content in the medium increases due to decreasing solvophobicity, but the value of Γ 2 does not follow this trend. For both SDS and CPC the maximum value of the counterion binding constant ( Γ 2 / Γ 1 ) is almost same (about 0.8) in water and FA, but much low (about 0.3–0.5) in 50% FA. In all the three media, on increasing the concentration of SDS or CPC the surface potential passes through a maximum in the low concentration region.

The variation in proximate composition was determined in relation to season and body weight of nine freshwater fish i.e. Mystus vittatus, Ompok bimaculatus, Channa striata, Wallago attu, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Labeo bata, Labeo calbasu, Cirrhinus reba and Puntius javanicus. The samples were collected in different seasons from different places and divided into small and big body weight groups. Nutritional composition of fish species was determined during the three seasons i.e. S1 (January-April), S2 (May-August) and S3 (September-December) of the year. Protein content ranged from 12.52–19.19% among the species on wet weight basis. Protein content was higher (P 100 g) during January-April. Protein, fat and ash content of P. javanicus was higher (P 100 g) during S3 (September-December). Protein content was higher (P 500 g) size group. Fat content of the L. bata was higher (P 100g size group during S1 (January-April). Protein content was higher in W. attu of >1000 g size group during S2 (May-August). P. hypopthalamus of (>1000 g) size group revealed that fat content was higher (P

Background and context: Two-thirds of global cancer deaths are from less developed countries. Late stage presentation and inability to access care are observed to be higher in lower and middle-income countries resulting in avoidable deaths and disability. Kamrup district in Assam has the fourth highest incidence of cancers in India. Detect Early Save Her, Him (DESH) initiative by Piramal Swasthya in Kamrup district focuses on reducing late-stage diagnosis and mortality. Aim: To reduce the proportion of late-stage diagnosis and mortality from breast, cervical and oral cancers through a community based screening and referral program. Strategy: 1. Community level interventions to increase awareness, improve knowledge, alter attitudes and motivate and mobilize people to undergo screening. 2. Evidence based highly sensitive screening and referral through mobile cancer screening unit. 3. Partnering with a regional cancer care institute (Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute - BBCI) to ensure end to end care to the patients. Program: DESH initiative in partnership with BBCI was launched in November 2017. The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit (MCSU) is fully equipped with state-of-the-art cancer screening facilities including a mammography unit. It is staffed by trained medical doctor, two nurses, a radiographer, two community mobilization officers, a counselor, a driver and a helper. Apart from the driver and the helper, the entire staff is women. In consultation with community networks, a schedule is prepared to conduct awareness programs at the community level. Subsequently, the MCSU visits the village and the staff screen the adult population over the age of 30 years for the presence of oral, breast and cervical cancer. A vehicle ferries those who are screened positive, to BBCI for diagnostic tests. The program is also supported by a helpline, which provides tele-counseling for suspected cases of cancer. Outcomes: A total of 1750 beneficiaries have been screened for oral, breast and cervical cancers through 43 screening clinics in 18 villages of Kamrup district from November 2017 through March 2018. Of them, 57% were females. 57 beneficiaries (3.25%) were screen-positive. Majority were positive for oral cancers (n=50) followed by breast and cervical cancers. Out of the 15 beneficiaries who visited BBCI, 3 were confirmed to have oral cancer. What was learned: Rural community of Kamrup district has been very receptive of the screening program with 1750 people screened in a short duration of time. Many screen-positive patients have not yet to visited the hospital for diagnostic tests, due to their financial difficulties. With financial support from the government through a special scheme, the number of screen-positive patients reaching the hospital for diagnostic tests is expected to increase substantially. DESH initiative aims to screen 15,000 individuals in the next 12 months and the results will provide better insights about the scalability and impact of the program.

The high spin states of N = 80 138Ce have been populated in the fusion evaporation reaction 130Te(12C, 4n)138Ce at E beam = 65 MeV . The γ transitions belonging to various band structures were detected and characterized using an array of five Clover Germanium detectors. The level scheme has been established up to a maximum spin and excitation energy of 23ℏ and 9511.3 keV, respectively, by including 53 new transitions. The negative parity Δ I = 1 band, developed on the 6536.3 keV 15 − level, has been conjectured to be a magnetic rotation band following a semiclassical analysis and comparing the systematics of similar bands in the neighboring nuclei. The said band is proposed to have a four quasiparticle configuration of [ π g 7 2 h 11 2 ] ⊗ [ ν h 11 2 ] − 2 . Other band structures are interpreted in terms of multi-quasiparticle configurations, based on Total Routhian Surface (TRS) calculations. For the low and medium spin states, a shell model calculation using a realistic two body interaction has been performed using the code OXBASH.

The objective of the present study was to screen various solvent extracts of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula (Annonaceae) leaf for anti-inflammatory activity and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective potency of the potent solvent extract. Successive extraction was performed with six different solvents, viz. petroleum ether, hexane, toluene, chloroform, acetone and methanol. Toluene, chloroform, acetone and methanol were used in acute inflammatory studies; the results revealed methanol as most potent extract. Hence three concentrations of methanolic extract (300, 600, 900 mg/kg) were used to evaluate its potential as an anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent. Diclofenac sodium was used as the toxicant in hepatoprotective studies, in which various serum biochemical parameters and liver glycogen were assessed. The three concentrations of methanol showed anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of the control (Diclofenac sodium). All the serum biochemical parameters studied revealed the hepatoprotective nature of the methanol extract, but a concentration effect was not observed. The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula leaf possesses significant anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. However, the appropriate effective concentration needs to be determined.

The present work describes radiation-induced effects of major seeds like Oryza sativa Cv-2233, Oryza sativa Cv-Shankar, Cicer arietinum Cv-local and seed-borne fungi like Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp. and Curvularia sp. 60Co gamma source at 25 °C emitting gamma ray at 1173 and 1332 keV energy was used for irradiation. Dose of gamma irradiation up to 3 kGy (0.12 kGy/h) was applied for exposing the seed and fungal spores. Significant depletion of the fungal population was noted with irradiation at 1–2 kGy, whereas germinating potential of the treated grain did not alter significantly. However, significant differential radiation response in delayed seed germination, colony formation of the fungal spores and their depletion of growth were noticed in a dose-dependent manner. The depletion of the fungal viability (germination) was noted within the irradiation dose range of 1–2 kGy for Alternaria sp. and Aspergillus sp., while 0.5–1 kGy for Trichoderma sp. and Curvularia sp. However, complete inhibition of all the selected fungi was observed above 2.5 kGy.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the principal constituent of a variety of cells especially the brain neurons and retinal cells and plays important role in fetal brain development, development of motor skills, and visual acuity in infants, lipid metabolism, and cognitive support and along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) it plays important role in preventing atherosclerosis, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and so forth. Being an essential nutrient, it is to be obtained through diet and therefore searching for affordable sources of theseω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is important for consumer guidance and dietary counseling. Fish is an important source of PUFA and has unique advantage that there are many food fish species available and consumers have a wide choice owing to availability and affordability. The Indian subcontinent harbors a rich fish biodiversity which markedly varies in their nutrient composition. Here we report the DHA and EPA content and fatty acid profile of 39 important food fishes (including finfishes, shellfishes, and edible molluscs from both marine water and freshwater) from India. The study showed that fishesTenualosa ilisha,Sardinella longiceps,Nemipterus japonicus, andAnabas testudineusare rich sources of DHA and EPA. Promotion of these species as DHA rich species would enhance their utility in public health nutrition.

Austenitic Type 304L stainless steel (SS) and martensitic Alloy EP-823 have been identified as candidate structural materials to contain spallation target for transmutation of nuclear waste. Welded specimens consisting of either or both materials have been evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the dislocation density near the heat-affected-zone (HAZ) and the base material. The results indicate that the average dislocation density determined from the TEM micrographs taken at different locations was much higher near HAZ compared to that of the base material. Further, the estimated dislocation density was higher on the Alloy EP-823 side of the weld than that of the Type 304L SS side possibly due to the faster rate of solidification of the martensitic alloy. Higher dislocation density is an indication of enhanced residual stress resulting from the welding operation.

Welded specimens consisting of Type 304L stainless steel and/or Alloy EP-823 were tested for evaluations of the extent and nature of resultant residual stress in terms of line-shape parameters based on the activation technique associated with positron annihilation spectroscopy. A maximum residual stress was estimated near the welded region of specimens of similar and dissimilar materials. It is suggested that the compressive residual stress in the vicinity of the fusion line of Alloy EP-823 side of the welded specimen may be attributed to the volume increase and plastic strain developed during its rapid cooling and solidification.

The micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are required in small amounts but are essential for health, development, and growth. Micronutrient deficiencies, which affect over two billion people around the globe, are the leading cause of many ailments including mental retardation, preventable blindness, and death during childbirth. Fish is an important dietary source of micronutrients and plays important role in human nutrition. In the present investigation, micronutrient composition of 35 food fishes (includes both finfishes and shellfishes) was investigated from varying aquatic habitats. Macrominerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se) were determined by either atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)/atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Phosphorus content was determined either spectrophotometrically or by ICP-AES. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis showed that, in general, the marine fishes were rich in sodium and potassium; small indigenous fishes (SIFs) in calcium, iron, and manganese; coldwater fishes in selenium; and the brackishwater fishes in phosphorous. The marine fishes Sardinella longiceps and Epinephelus spp. and the SIFs were rich in all fat-soluble vitamins. All these recommendations were made according to the potential contribution (daily value %) of the species to the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Information on the micronutrients generated would enhance the utility of fish in both community and clinical nutrition.

Late -Quaternary Pollen Analysis in Relation to Palaeoecology, Biostratigraphy and Dating of Calcutta Peat

We have studied the high spin states in the N = 80 137 La nucleus by in-beam γ -spectroscopic techniques following the reaction 130 Te( 11 B, 4 n ) 137 La at E beam = 52 MeV using an array, consisting of 8 Compton-suppressed Clover germanium detectors. Forty five new γ rays have been assigned to 137 La on the basis of γ ray singles, γγ doubles and γγγ triples coincidence data. Thirty eight new levels have been proposed and the level scheme of 137 La has been extended above the known 360 ns 19 2 − isomer up to an excitation energy of ∼ 6 MeV and spin 39 2 ℏ . The spin-parity assignments for most of the newly proposed levels have been made using the deduced directional correlation orientation and polarisation information for the de-exciting transitions. The new scheme consists, among others, two decay sequences having states with alternating parity connected by E1 transitions. An attempt has been made to understand these interesting structure by a modest shell model calculation.

The present work describes radiation-induced effects on some morphological characters of a cereal and a pulse-producing crop in India. 60 Co gamma source is used for irradiating (from 50 to 350 Gy) the rice ( Oryza sativa L. , Cv-2233) and mung ( Phaseolus mungo L.) . Irradiation at lower doses of gamma rays effectively influences improving the morphological traits like seedling/plant height, tiller number, panicle number, panicle length, seed per panicle, seed per pod, pod length, pod number, while exposure at higher doses results in depletion of such parameters. Effective stimulatory dose for Oryza sativa L . Cv-2233 is 50 Gy and that for Phaseolus mungo L . is 200 Gy. Significance of such stimulation correlated with yielding ability of the plant concerned is discussed in the light of newer aspects in agricultural research.

The high spin states in the N = 79 odd–odd 136 La nucleus have been investigated by in-beam γ -spectroscopic techniques following the 130 Te( 11 B, 5 n ) 136 La reaction at E = 52 MeV using an array, consisting of eight Compton-suppressed clover germanium detectors. Thirty nine new γ rays have been assigned to 136 La on the basis of γ ray singles and γγ -coincidence data. The level scheme of 136 La has been extended above the known 115 ms isomer upto an excitation energy of 4.6 MeV and spin 18 ℏ . Thirty one new levels have been proposed and spin-parity assignments for most of the newly proposed levels have been made on the basis of the deduced asymmetry ratios and polarisation information for the de-exciting transitions. The observed positive parity yrast band has been compared with the theoretical calculation, done within the framework of particle rotor coupling model (PRM) where the two odd quasi-particles are coupled to an axially symmetric core. The level structure has been discussed in the light of the known systematics of the neighbouring N = 79 isotonic nuclei.

The present work describes radiation-induced effects on surface microorganisms on some stored seeds widely used in India. Co-60 gamma source at 25°C emitting gamma ray at 1173 and 1332 keV energy was used for irradiating the rice ( Oryza sativa . Cv-2233 and Oryza sativa . Cv-Shankar) and pulse ( Cicer arietinum . Cv-local) having >10% moisture content. Dose of gamma irradiation up to 6 kGy (0.12 kGy/h) was applied for exposing the seeds. Significant depletion of the fungal population on seeds was noted with irradiation at 1–2 kGy, while complete inhibition of the contaminating fungi was observed above 4 kGy. Though the germinating potential of the treated grains did not alter significantly, loss in membrane permeability of the exposed seeds was significant.

The high spin states in the N =80 odd- A 141 Pm nucleus have been investigated by in-beam γ -spectroscopic techniques following the reaction 133 Cs( 12 C, 4n) 141 Pm at E =65 MeV using a modest γ detector array, consisting of seven Compton-suppressed high purity germanium detectors and a multiplicity ball of 14 bismuth germanate elements. Thirty new γ rays have been assigned to 141 Pm on the basis of γ -ray singles and γγ -coincidence data. The level scheme of 141 Pm has been extended upto an excitation energy of 5.2 MeV and spin 35 2 ℏ and 16 new levels have been proposed. Spin-parity assignments for most of the newly proposed levels have been made on the basis of the deduced directional correlation orientation ratios for strong transitions. The meanlives of a few excited states have been determined from the pulsed beam- γγ coincidence data using the generalised centroid-shift method. The level structure is discussed in the light of known systematics of neighbouring N =80 isotonic nuclei.

at a beam energy of 112.5 MeV. γ-γ coincidences, directional correlation ratio, and integrated polarization asymmetry ratio were measured by using the INGA array with 15 Compton-suppressed clover high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. Definite spins and parities were assigned to the observed levels. The high-spin structure is grouped into three bands (B1, B2, and B3), of which two (B1 and B2) exhibit the properties of magnetic rotation (MR). Tilted axis cranking calculations were carried out to explain the MR bands having large multiquasiparticle(qp)configurations.ThecalculatedresultsexplainthebandsB1andB2verynicely,confirming the shears mechanism and suggest a crossing of two MR bands in both the cases. The crossing is from 6-qp to 8-qp in band B1 and from 4-qp to 6-qp in band B2, a very rare finding. A semiclassical model has also been used to obtain the particle-hole interaction strengths below the band crossing for the bands B1 and B2.

Dihydropyrimidinthione is an important class of heterocyclic compounds which exhibits wide spectrum of biological activities. In the present study, some bio-active dihydropyrimidinthione derivatives have been synthesized and their characterization was done by IR, NMR and mass spectral data. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of synthesized compounds have also been studied in N,N-dimethyl formamide and Dimethyl sulfoxide.

An array consisting of six neutron detectors has been constructed for measurement of neutron multiplicities in heavy ion reactions. The measurements are reported to demonstrate that, even with a modest array of six neutron detectors, it is possible to infer unambiguously the neutron multiplicity (upto M"4) of the reaction channel from the neutron fold distribution obtained in coincidence with c-rays, if the array is calibrated with known reaction channels. The neutron multiplicity for the 991 keV c-ray produced in the two heavy ion reactions 133Cs(12,13C, xn) has been determined from this set-up-indicating that it deexcites levels in 142Pm. This is in agreement with the excitation function measurements for the same reactions. ( 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.