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This work is motivated by the importance of vertical vibration in nanofluids suspension, because of its wide applications in heat exchangers from one fluid to another, controlling the mixing in microvolumes, pharmaceutical industry, and engineering. The current study analyzes the effects of high-frequency vertical vibration on a horizontal Casson nanofluid layer heated from below saturated between rigid-rigid, rigid-free, and free-free boundary conditions. Field equations are derived by using time-average method, which describes the vibrational thermo-convection. These field equations are solved by utilizing linear stability analysis and Galerkin technique to obtain the thermal stability curve. By using this curve, the impacts of vertical vibration and physical governing factors on temperature profile are discussed. High-frequency vertical vibration is observed to have a stabilizing effect on Casson nanofluid suspension, thereby reducing thermo-convective heat transfer from one fluid to another. Stability threshold of vibrated suspension is increased approximately as 5. 7 4 8 % and 8 1. 9 3 7 % when R v → 5 0 and R v → 1 0 0 , respectively. The significance of Brownian motion and thermophoretic force on convective heat transfer with vertical vibration is discussed. The resisting nature of Casson nanofluid on vibrational convective heat transfer is also tabulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power is a clean source of energy that not only helps in meeting the growing electricity demand but can also play a profound role in transforming the global energy distribution to mitigate the impact of climate change. Accurate forecasting of wind speed is a crucial factor of power system management. The present endeavor focuses on the development of a non-gaussian framework, Kumaraswamy seasonal autoregressive moving average (KSARMA), to model and forecast the wind speed data of 12 locations across the Indian subcontinent. The monthly wind speed dataset during the period 2003 to 2019 has been utilized to perform the analysis. Diagnostic analysis, Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), and conditional maximum likelihood estimator have been used to select the best-fit model for each location. The correlation coefficient between observed and predicted values for all the locations ranges from 0.77 to 0.93. The root mean squared error (RMSE) was found to lie in 0.04 to 0.16 whereas the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was observed in 0.06 to 0.2. A comparison of the proposed KSARMA model with the recently developed beta seasonal autoregressive moving average (βSARMA) and Kumaraswamy autoregressive moving average (KARMA) models has also been facilitated. Error estimates such as root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) reveal that the KSARMA model outperforms the βSARMA and KARMA models except at the Kanyakumari location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the influence of chemical reactions and anisotropic porous material on the convective instability, heat and mass transfer rate of water-based carbon nanotube suspension. Flow governing dynamics are modeled using the modified Brinkman–Buongiorno model. The effects of pertinent flow characterizing parameters such as chemical reaction parameter, porosity parameter, mechanical anisotropy parameter and thermal anisotropy parameter on the threshold of convection, heat and mass transport rate are discussed and compared for three types of enclosures: shallow, square and tall. The study concludes that nanoliquid suspended with single-walled carbon nanotubes has higher heat and mass transfer capability than the multi-walled carbon nanotubes when saturated in a tall porous enclosure and also tall enclosure allows the convection to set in earlier. Anisotropic effect and destructive chemical reaction delay the starting of convection. Further, it is observed that the heat transfer rate decreases with the chemical reaction parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to investigate non-linear Bénard convection in a single-walled carbon nanotube suspension saturated in a rotating porous medium with an internal heat sink/source. The modified Buongiorno model is utilized to formulate the governing equations for the flow. Both linear and weak non-linear stability analyses are conducted in this investigation. The linear stability analysis employs the truncated Fourier series transformation, while the weakly non-linear stability analysis utilizes the Lorenz model, assuming weak thermophoresis, porous friction, and small-scale convective motion. The cubic Ginzburg–Landau equation is formulated and subsequently solved to derive the expression for the amplitude. The influence of various parameters, such as the Taylor number, heat sink/source parameter, and viscosity parameter, is discussed in relation to the threshold criteria of convection, as well as heat and mass transport rates. Based on the linear stability analysis, it is determined that the introduction of a rotating frame of reference delays the initiation of convection, whereas the energy supplied to the system accelerates the onset of convection. The heat transfer rate increases by 22 % when the nanofluidic system is placed in the rotating frame of reference under the presence of an internal heat source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that have been recognised widely for their regenerative & immunomodulatory potential. Studies have reported that hypoxia exposure (1% O 2) to MSCs helps in enhancing their therapeutic functionalities, especially via augmenting the release & content of their small Extracellular Vesicles (sEVs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the comparative regenerative & immunomodulatory functionality of hypoxia (1% O2; 24h) primed Bone marrow (BM) & Wharton's Jelly (WJ) MSCs derived sEVs, and elucidate the mechanism behind it. MSCs were isolated and cultured in serum free media, followed by hypoxia priming. sEVs were isolated, and their functionality was checked via in vitro assays for proliferation, migration, ROS alleviation & immunomodulation in human keratinocyte, fibroblast, and macrophage cell lines respectively. The mechanism was identified in terms of miRNA packaging via qPCR. Upregulation & downregulation of selected miRNA was performed in MSCs-sEVs via lipofection technique. Furthermore, excisional wound model was created in Wistar rats and sEVs treatment was given for validation. Results were assessed in terms of wound closure, histopathological & molecular analysis. It was observed that there was a significant regenerative effect of hypoxia primed WJ-MSCs derived sEVs. It was also observed that there was an increase in miR125b-5p packaging in hypoxia primed MSCs-sEVs. Further through the upregulation & downregulation studies, it was found that miR-125b-5p enriched sEVs were highly efficacious in wound healing in all the in vitro assays. Moreover, it was demonstrated that miR enriched sEVs were instrumental in wound regeneration via in vivo assays. This study hereby concludes that hypoxia priming mediated increase in miRNA 125b-5p can be considered as a minimum manipulation strategy to enhance the regenerative capabilities of MSCs & their EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monsoon rainfall has always been a key driver of the Indian economy. Understanding the spatiotemporal rainfall pattern and its prediction is therefore of great importance. The present endeavor implements a beta seasonal autoregressive moving average (BSARMA) model to forecast the southwest monsoon rainfall (June–September) in five homogeneous regions of the Indian subcontinent. The southwest monsoon rainfall data set for the period 1871–2016 was utilized to conduct the analysis. The best-fit model for each region was selected on the basis of diagnostic analysis and the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Further, the conditional maximum likelihood estimator was employed to compute the parameters of the models. The accuracy of the models was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute scaled error (MASE). The study demonstrates that the BSARMA model outperforms the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model in all three measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, SASRD, Nagaland University during 2018 to evaluate the seasonal variation of soil physico-chemical properties under forest (natural), pineapple and paddy (low land) land use systems (LUS) of Medziphema block, Dimapur, Nagaland. 432 geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons from surface and sub-surface soil. pH of soils under paddy LUS was found highest (4.95) followed by forest (4.84) and pineapple (4.65) LUS. Significantly minimum values of BD was recorded in forest LUS (1.17 and 1.20 Mg m-3) followed by higher BD (1.21 and 1.25 Mg m-3) in pineapple and maximum in paddy LUS (1.34 and 1.37 Mg m-3) during post-monsoon season at surface and sub-surface soil respectively. Forest LUS recorded maximum average content of organic carbon (16.72 g kg-1). Available nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and magnesium content was also found maximum in soils of forest LUS. Significant positive correlation among soil fertility parameters were obtained in different seasons. Results of the investigation revealed that the pineapple LUS in the study area can be considered as a sustainable LUS owing to its comparable soil physico-chemical properties with the forest LUS. However, there is need for large scale adoption of location specific soil management practices for sustainable production and management of soil health in order to counteract deterioration of soil fertility under traditionally practiced low land paddy LUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted at 10 sites in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), Jammu and Kashmir, India, with the objective to analyse the diversity and distribution of macrofungal communities. A total of 40 permanent plots (four plots in each site) were established and macrofungal fruiting bodies were recorded monthly from each plot between July 2015 and October 2017. Diversity indices and canonical correspondence analysis were applied to determine the composition and environmental factors responsible for structuring the macrofungal communities in the study area. In total, 83 wild macrofungal species were identified belonging to 35 genera, 24 families and 9 orders. Humicolous fungi were the most dominant group of macrofungi contributing 71.8% of the total dominance, followed by lignicolous fungi (11.8%). The distribution of fruiting bodies of macrofungal species was mainly in groups, i.e. aggregated pattern (75.9%). The diversity indices varied from 20 to 37 (richness), 2.04 to 3.16 (Menhinick), 4.14 to 7.25 (Margalef), 0.03 to 0.06 (Simpson’s dominance), 2.91 to 3.49 (Shannon– Wiener’s diversity), 0.86 to 0.95 (evenness), 7.69 to 16.29 (Fisher’s alpha) and 0.05 to 0.12 (Berger–Parker diversity). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that Scleroderma verrucosum, Boletus granulatus and Ramaria formosa were the most important species, and that mean temperature and rainfall were the key environmental factors responsible for the diversity and distribution of macrofungi in the present study. The present study was conducted at 10 sites in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), Jammu and Kashmir, India, with the objective to analyse the diversity and distribution of macrofungal communities. A total of 40 permanent plots (four plots in each site) were established and macrofungal fruiting bodies were recorded monthly from each plot between July 2015 and October 2017. Diversity indices and canonical correspondence analysis were applied to determine the composition and environmental factors responsible for structuring the macrofungal communities in the study area. In total, 83 wild macrofungal species were identified belonging to 35 genera, 24 families and 9 orders. Humicolous fungi were the most dominant group of macrofungi contributing 71.8% of the total dominance, followed by lignicolous fungi (11.8%). The distribution of fruiting bodies of macrofungal species was mainly in groups, i.e. aggregated pattern (75.9%). The diversity indices varied from 20 to 37 (richness), 2.04 to 3.16 (Menhinick), 4.14 to 7.25 (Margalef), 0.03 to 0.06 (Simpson’s dominance), 2.91 to 3.49 (Shannon– Wiener’s diversity), 0.86 to 0.95 (evenness), 7.69 to 16.29 (Fisher’s alpha) and 0.05 to 0.12 (Berger–Parker diversity). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that Scleroderma verrucosum, Boletus granulatus and Ramaria formosa were the most important species, and that mean temperature and rainfall were the key environmental factors responsible for the diversity and distribution of macrofungi in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Kumaraswamy seasonal autoregressive moving average (KSARMA) model was developed to predict double-bounded relative humidity time-series data. In the proposed model, we used the conditional maximum-likelihood method to estimate parameters of the model. For the conditional score vector and conditional Fisher information matrix, the closed type expression were derived. This paper conjointly discusses interval estimation, hypothesis testing, model selection and forecasting. We also used a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the finite sample performance of conditional likelihood estimators (CMLEs) and white noise test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the effect of multivalent Cr-ion doping on the structural, optical, magnetic, and resistive switching properties of BiFe1-xCrxO3 (BFCO) thin films (where, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15). BFCO thin films were deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si (100) substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman analysis revealed the presence of a secondary phase in BFCO thin films, above 5% Cr doping concentrations. Enhanced magnetization was observed in BFCO films owing to ferromagnetic superexchange interaction between Fe and Cr-ions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements revealed the multivalent states of Cr and Fe-ions, where suppression of oxygen vacancies due to Cr-ion doping in BFCO films was discussed based on the defect chemistry viewpoint. Moreover, current conduction and resistive switching properties were studied and the dominant switching mechanism was explained in the light of oxygen vacancies assisted filamentary conduction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride Imager on AstroSat has proven to be a very effective All-Sky monitor in the hard X-ray regime, detecting over three hundred GRBs and putting highly competitive upper limits on X-ray emissions from gravitational wave sources and fast radio bursts. We present the algorithms used for searching for such transient sources in CZTI data, and for calculating upper limits in case of non-detections. We introduce CIFT: the CZTI Interface for Fast Transients, a framework used to streamline these processes. We present details of 87 new GRBs detected by this framework that were previously not detected in CZTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We thank Prof Chen I et al i . for their comments on our study titled 'Characteristics and outcomes of heart failure patients discharged from different speciality units in Australia: an observational study'.[1] We acknowledge that in this study we were unable to classify patients into different heart failure (HF) categories depending upon their ejection fraction because of lack of echocardiogram data, and this was a major limitation of our study. Self-care of heart failure patients: practical management recommendations from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology. It can be implied from our study that outcomes were not significantly different among HF patients managed under the two specialities, who were identified at a low risk of frailty according to the HFRS. [Extracted from the article]

Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) as an important II-VI semiconductor and one of the first semiconductors discovered with a band gap of around 2.7 eV at 25 °C. ZnSe thin films have been deposited by e-beam evaporation method with different thicknesses from 50 nm to 150 nm and effects of annealing temperature on optical and electrical properties of thin films have been investigated at room temperature (RT), 100°C and 200°C. It has been found that the energy bandgap of semiconductor thin films tend to decrease as the temperature increases. Optical properties of the synthesized films were investigated by UV-VIS spectrometer in the wavelength range of 400-1000 nm. Energy band gap of films were calculated and variation due to variation in the thickness were observed. The least band gap value was found to be 1.92 eV for 150 nm thin at 200°C. The band gap results show the semiconducting nature of films grown. XRD technique was used to study the structural properties and the Hall measurement and I-V characteristics were used to study the electrical properties of the thin films. Hall characteristic of the ZnSe thin films for 150 nm at room temperature show that the material has p-type semiconducting nature which remains same if annealed to 200°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of groundwater quality with special reference to fluoride (F) contamination was carried out systematically on extensive basis using hydrogeochemical and multivariate statistical approach to delineate the factors governing the chemistry of groundwaters in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh (India). The water samples (n=84) were collected randomly at a random intersection of 2.6 km × 2.6 km of a square grid from both shallow (n=42) and deep (n=42) hand-pumps from the study area. The results revealed higher concentration of F in shallow hand-pumps which ranged between 0.19 to 4.33 mg L-1. The F level in the shallow hand-pumps exceeded the desirable limit of 1.0 mg L-1 in 28.57% of sampled water whereas it was only 7.14% in case of deep hand-pumps. The hydro-geochemical analysis revealed that, besides pH, weathering of silicates, carbonates, and ion exchange processes were responsible for the geochemistry of the groundwater. The F had a significant positive correlation with pH (r=+0.63, p<0.05) in shallow hand-pumps. The water type of majority of the samples of groundwater was found to be Na-HCO3 type. The spatial distribution of F concentration in deep hand-pumps was determined by geo-statistical method using semi-variogram analysis and F map was generated by using Kriging. The inverse distance weighting method was applied for mapping of F in shallow hand-pumps, where no valid semi-variogram was obtained. The present study may be helpful for public health departments for carrying out epidemiological surveillance to reduce the F exposure risk in the delineated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high efficient energy materials with low toxicity is present need of research. Today bismuth selenide, a topological insulator has attracted great attention due to its electrical properties. Solid samples of bismuth selenide of different elemental ratio of Bi/Se have been prepared by solid state reaction and thin films of these solid sample have been deposited on glass substrate using thermal evaporation technique. Transport properties of bismuth selenide thin films were investigated. Electric properties of these films were studied by Hall measurements. A comparative study among different thin films along with annealing effect has been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) varieties were biometrically studied for seed yield and yield contributing traits to assess genetic variability, character association and genetic divergence. Highly significant differences between varieties for all the studied traits were observed. Pooled results illustrated high estimates of PCV along with GCV for number of branches per plant, test weight, number of pods per plant, number of nodules per plant, plant height and seed yield per plant. High heritability along with genetic advance was recorded for plant height and test weight. Association studies showed highly significant positive correlation and high direct effect of test weight, plant height and number of pods per plant on seed yield. Diversity analysis grouped the set of 17 varieties into two clusters and there was lack of parallelism between genetic and geographic diversities. Intra cluster distance was the highest in cluster I than cluster II. Test weight (37.50%) contributed the maximum to total divergence, followed by plant height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic density of modes (DOM) in a finite one-dimensional photonic crystal containing dispersive metamaterials is computed using Wigner's time approach. The expression of DOM is derived using the transfer matrix method. Different structural parameters, such as relative thickness, incident angle, and total number of unit cells are varied and their effects are investigated. It is observed that relative thickness, angle of incidence, and total number of unit cells all play an important role in determining the properties of DOM depending on the frequency regime under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowell's syndrome (RS) is recognized since 1963 as a presentation of lupus erythematosus (LE) with erythema multiforme-like lesions and characteristic immunological changes. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) encompasses antibodies to phospholipids/phospholipid-binding cofactor proteins and/or circulating lupus anticoagulant with clinical manifestations of thrombosis such as recurrent spontaneous abortions, etc. A 32-year-old female with primary infertility since marriage (7 years) and sequential appearance, for the past 6 months, of various lupus-specific cutaneous lesions, "targetoid" lesions on palms, musculoskeletal, ocular and auditory (sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL]) complaints with positive serological profile for SMD-1, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, U1-snRNP, Ku, antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies, and histopathologically confirmed LE is presented as a case of concurrent overlap syndrome, RS and APS, primary infertility, and SNHL. A brief review of RS including analysis of data of cases reported from India hereto vis-a-vis that of cases worldwide up to 2012 has also been done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2015-16. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design with four levels of phosphorus (0, 11, 22 and 33 mg P2O5 kg-1 soil) and three levels of bio-inoculants (uninoculed, Rhizobium and Rhizobium + PSB) and three replications. Results revealed that application of 22 mg P2O5 kg-1 significantly increased the plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, pods size and number of grains pod-1 and it was at par with 33 mg P2O5 kg-1. However, 33 mg P2O5 kg-1 showed significant increase over the lower phosphorus levels with respect to number of pods plant-1, grain and stover yields. Dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB significantly increased plant height, number of branches and leaves plant-1, number of pods plant-1 and pods size over control, while Rhizobium alone was at par with control on these parameters. Rhizobium significantly increased the grain and stover yields over control while Rhizobium + PSB had significant effect over control as well as Rhizobium alone. Interaction effects revealed that highest grain and stover yields were obtained with 33 mg P2O5 kg-1 without inoculation and inoculation with Rhizobium, but yield was at par with 22 mg P2O5 kg-1 when crop inoculated with dual inoculants (Rhizobium + PSB). Application of 33 mg P2O5 kg-1 resulted in the highest content of nitrogen and phosphorus in grain and stover whereas 22 mg P2O5 kg-1 gave highest content of potassium. Rhizobium had significant effect only on nitrogen content whereas Rhizobium + PSB increased both nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Uptake of nutrients by the crop increased significantly with application of P and bio-inoculants. Phosphorus and bio-inoculant application improved only phosphorus content significantly of post harvest soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coleus (Plectranthus barbatusAndr.) is a medicinal herb whose roots contain forskolin. Incidences of soil-borne diseases, wilt complex and nematodes are the major limiting factors for growing this crop under soil media. Hence, an investigation was initiated for the standardization of soilless growth media and nutrient solution concentration in coleus. Coco peat, vermiculite, sand and their combinations were used as potting media with different concentrations of nutrients based on the recommended dose of fertilizers for soil media (1,080 mg plant−1nitrogen, 960 mg plant−1phosphorous and 1200 mg plant−1potassium). Among the different media and nutrients, plants grown under coco peat media with 80% of the recommended dose of fertilizer for soil (864 mg plant−1nitrogen, 768 mg plant−1phosphorous and 960 mg plant−1potassium) recorded significantly higher root yield (17.10 tha−1) and quality parameters (0.98% forskolin). Benefit–cost ratio was also recorded maximum (4.25) in the same treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of emissivity in one dimensional photonic crystals are studied using transfer matrix method and Kirchhoff's second law. It is found that emissivity and its angular distribution can be controlled by truncating the first layer. It is observed that with increase in incident angle, emissivity is shifted towards lower wavelength. From the studies of angular distribution of emissivity with truncation parameter, it is demonstrated that the magnitude of emissivity can be increased with truncation parameter while maintaining the same angular lobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have investigated the thermal radiation power spectra of 1D photonic crystal structure containing Si and SiO having an absorbing substrate with truncated thickness. The thermal radiation power spectra are determined by the means of a theoretical model based on a transfer matrix for both normal and oblique incidence together with Kirchhoff's second law. It is observed that thermal radiation power spectra show strong dependence on truncation parameter and incident angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefit of providing early nutrition intervention and its continuation post-discharge in older hospitalized patients is unclear. This study examined efficacy of such an intervention in older patients discharged from acute care. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 148 malnourished patients were randomized to receive either a nutrition intervention for 3 months or usual care. Intervention included an individualized nutrition care plan plus monthly post-discharge telehealth follow-up whereas control patients received intervention only upon referral by their treating clinicians. Nutrition status was determined by the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool. Clinical outcomes included changes in length of hospital stay, complications during hospitalization, Quality of life (QoL), mortality and re-admission rate. Results: Fifty-four males and 94 females (mean age, 81.8 years) were included. Both groups significantly improved PG-SGA scores from baseline. There was no between-group differences in the change in PG-SGA scores and final PG-SGA scores were similar at 3 months 6.9 (95% CI 5.6-8.3) vs. 5.8 (95% CI 4.8-6.9) (P=0.09), in control and intervention groups, respectively. Median total length of hospital stay was 6 days shorter in the intervention group (11.4 (IQR 16.6) vs. 5.4 (IQR 8.1) (P=0.01). There was no significant difference in complication rate during hospitalization, QoL and mortality at 3-months or readmission rate at 1, 3 or 6 months following hospital discharge. Conclusion: In older malnourished inpatients, an early and extended nutrition intervention showed a trend towards improved nutrition status and significantly reduced length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attenuation based X-ray micro computed tomography (XCT) provides three-dimensional images with micrometer resolution. However, there is a trade-off between the smallest size of the structures that can be resolved and the measurable sample size. In this letter, we present an imaging method using a compact laboratory setup that reveals information about micrometer-sized structures within samples that are several orders of magnitudes larger. We combine the anisotropic dark-field signal obtained in a grating interferometer and advanced tomographic reconstruction methods to reconstruct a six dimensional scattering tensor at every spatial location in three dimensions. The scattering tensor, thus obtained, encodes information about the orientation of micronsized structures such as fibres in composite materials or dentinal tubules in human teeth. The sparse acquisition schemes presented in this letter enable the measurement of the full scattering tensor at every spatial location and can be easily incorporated in a practical, commercially feasible laboratory setup using conventional X-ray tubes, thus allowing for widespread industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic density of modes in a finite one dimensional magnetized plasma photonic crystal is computed using Wigner time approach. Structural parameters are varied to observe its effect on the density of modes. It is found that cyclotron frequency, collision frequency, incident angle, dielectric constant of constituent material, and filling factor of plasma strongly influence the value of density of modes on the band gap edges and in the mid frequency. It is observed that the value of density of modes at the left edge of the band gap is always higher than those at the right edge and in the midpoint of the band gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel algorithm has been developed and validated to isolate individual papermaking fibres in micro-computed tomographic images of paper handsheets as a first step to characterize the structure of the paper. The three-step fibre segmentation algorithm segments the papermaking fibres by (i) tracking the hollow inside the fibres via a modified connected component methodology, (ii) extracting the fibre walls using a distance transform and (iii) labelling the fibres through collapsed sections by a final refinement step. Furthermore, postprocessing algorithms have been developed to calculate the length and coarseness of the segmented fibres. The fibre segmentation algorithm is the first ever reported method for the automated segmentation of the tortuous three-dimensional morphology of papermaking fibres within microstructural images of paper handsheets. The method is not limited to papermaking fibres, but can be applied to any material consisting of tortuous and hollow fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha curcas cake has been studied to produce the bio-oil in a fixed bed pyrolysis unit (slow pyrolysis). The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the product yield and composition was investigated. The highest yield of bio-oil was obtained at 550°C with the heating rate of 5°C/min for the particle size of 0.5–0.8 mm. The physicochemical characteristics of optimum (maximum yield) bio-oil have been completed. The empirical formula of the bio-oil with a calorific value of 25.91 MJ/kg is C23.19H53.53N O10.78. The physicochemical characterization studies of the bio-oil showed that the bio-oil obtained from the jatropha curcas cake might be a valuable source for conventional fuel. Chemical composition of the bio-oil has been also investigated by1H and13C NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Doubly substituted [Bi0.9La0.1][Fe0.97Ta0.03]O3 (BLFTO) films were fabricated on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The ferroelectric photovoltaic properties of ZnO:Al/BLFTO/ Pt thin film capacitor structures were evaluated under white light illumination. The open circuit voltage and short circuit current density were observed to be ~0.20V and ~1.35 mA/cm², respectively. The band gap of the films was determined to be ~2.66 eV, slightly less than that of pure BiFeO3 (2.67 eV). The PV properties of BLFTO thin films were also studied for various pairs of planar electrodes in different directions in polycrystalline thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitated wax has pronounced effect on kinematic viscosity and pour point of crude oils. Thus, the authors attempted to develop a regression model to predict wax content of the crude oil from the kinematic viscosity and pour point data of crude oil. The wax content predicted by this model is in good agreement with those determined by standard acetone method. This model has the standard error of estimate of 1.28 and R2of 0.92. This model had been compared with other existing models and we found this model was better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending of the original bio-oil and conventional oil is not possible due to the presence of oxygenating polar compounds in the bio-oil. An attempt has been made to remove/reduce the oxygenated compounds from the bio-oil to make a perfect emulsion of bio-oil and conventional oil. In this regard; a technique, i.e. true boiling point (TBP) distillation has been adopted by which the blending complexity of the bio-oil is resolved. In this process, An initial boiling point (IBP) <140°C fraction of the bio-oil has been made, as a result, oxygenate compounds have been removed/reduced from the bio-oil. In addition to this; an indicative emulsion of 10% (v/v) and an IBP <140°C fraction of the bio-oil and conventional diesel have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted during rabi 2008-09 and 2009-10 for the management of cumin wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumini. The results showed that seed treatment with Trichoderma viride (10 g kg-1 of seed) and soil application (2.5 kg ha-1) recorded minimum percent disease incidence (PDI) of 18.5 (disease reduction of 51.8%) versus 38.4 in the control. It was on par with seed treatment and soil application with Aspergillus versicolor at 10 g kg-1 of seed and 2.5 kg ha-1, respectively which reduced the disease incidence by 45.4%. The chemical treatment i.e. seed treatment with carbendazim at 2.5 g kg-1 seed recorded PDI of 23.9 with 37.7% disease reduction. Among different treatments seed treatment and soil application with A. versicolor gave a seed yield of 246 kg ha-1 followed by P. fluorescens (222.6 kg ha-1). Treatment T. viride, recorded the highest yield of 258.2 kg ha-1. Hence, seed treatment at 10 g kg-1 and soil application at 2.5 kg ha-1 of T. viride was the most effective, eco-friendly disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green house experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to study the phosphorus and zinc requirement of rice, irrigated with saline water. Three levels of water salinity viz. control (S0), 8.0 (S1) and 16.0 (S2) dSm-1 electrical conductivity (EC), three levels of phosphorus 40 (P1), 80 (P2) and 120 (P3) kg ha-1 and four levels of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) viz. control (Zn0), 25 (Zn1), 50 (Zn2) and 75 (Zn3 ) kg ha-1 were tested in a factorial completely randomized design. Saline water having EC 16 dSm-1 decreased the plant height, number of tillers plant-1 and grain yield by 18.2, 24.0 and 52.3% during 1st year and 18.73, 22.13 and 51.63%, respectively during 2nd year of experimentation. Phosphorus application @ 80 kg ha-1 increased grain yield to extent of 19.12 and 29.02% during1st and 2nd years over 40 kg ha-1 dose of phosphorus while ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 increased grain yield by 46.29 and 43.33% during 1st and 2nd year over control, respectively. On the basis of grain yield, positive interaction indicated that 95.10 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 60.68 kg ha-1 zinc sulphate were found to be optimum doses for getting higher yield of rice under salt stressed condition on sandy loam soils. The N, P, K, Ca, Na and Zn uptake by grain significantly increased up to 50 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 application. The electrical conductivity of saturated extract of soil after experimentation remarkably increased but pH was not affected with water salinity levels. Irrigation with saline water adversely affected the growth and yield of rice and nutrient uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen Trichoderma isolates from soils under cumin, identified as Trichoderma harzianum, T. koningiopsis and T. asperllum showed variation in their colony morphology as well as degree of inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumini. In the field experiment, all Trichoderma isolates were tested as seed treatment and soil application on cumin cultivar RZ 209. The result showed that T. asperllum (CuTa7-02, CuTa3-01), T. koningiopsis (CuTk7-01) and T. harzianum (CuTh9-02, CuTh3- 03, CuTh8-01) significantly reduced wilt incidence (58-85%) and can be used as biological components in integrated management of cumin Fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Good sleep is vital for a healthy heart. Studies showed that short sleep duration contributes to the development of myocardial infarction (MI). ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) in comparison to non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is considered a dangerous health condition. Sleep qualities among patients with NSTEMI and those with STEMI are less clear in the available literature. So, the author undertook this study. Objective: To assess and compare the sleep quality among patients with STEMI and those with NSTEMI in cardiology units of a tertiary care hospital, Chandigarh. Methodology: The research design was descriptive and the approach used was the quantitative approach. A total of 100 patients were chosen by using the consecutive sampling technique. The interview technique was used to collect data with the help of the interview schedule comprised of socio-demographic profile sheets, clinical profile sheets and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (to assess the sleep quality). Results: The data revealed that more than 76% of patients were diagnosed with STEMI, whereas less than 24% of patients were diagnosed with NSTEMI. A significantly higher percentage of patients suffering from NSTEMI (40%) reported very good subjective sleep quality than those suffering from STEMI (12%) (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was seen in the sleep quality and sleep duration between patients with NSTEMI and those with STEMI as assessed by the Global Sleep Quality Index (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Each patient, irrespective of their type of MI, reported sleep difficulty. Patients with NSTEMI showed comparatively better sleep quality and sleep duration than those with STEMI. More efforts are required to improve the sleep qualities of patients with both NSTEMI and STEMI for the prevention of secondary cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reviews the research studies that have been so far carried out and reported in the literature on the stability of middle distillate fuels. The emphasis is mainly given to understand the stability of diesel fuels. It has been divided into five principle sections: (a) Introduction, (b) Methods for Determination of Fuel Stability, (c) Mechanism of Degradation, (d) Composition of Total Gum, and (e) Current Status of Methods to Improve Fuel Stability. The introduction provides information of in-stabilization of distillate fuel that depends on the various blending streams of middle distillates in the introduction part. In the second section the author elaborate the methods so far used to determine the instability of middle distillate fuels. The third section serves the elaborated mechanism of degradation, the role of chemical composition of distillate fuels, and the responsible components in distillate fuels that impart in degradation of distillate fuels. The fourth section comprises the composition of material formed during degradation and the fifth section of reveals the current status of methods used to improve the stability. In combination, these five sections would provide a ready reference source of data available in the literature on diesel fuel stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid clonal propagation system for Berberis lycium Royle (Berberidaceae) an endangered medicinal shrub is reported. Various concentrations of growth substances were tested. 6-benzyl aminopurine with GA3 and 3% sucrose proved to be the best for shoot induction using cotyledonary node explants obtained from germinated seeds. Shoots were multiplied on BAP + GA3, medium with 4.8 shoots per explant and 2.9 cm shoot length. Hardened plantlets produced yellow coloured roots like the parent plants. Regenerated plantlets produced, after 12 weeks successfully transferred to field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasite poses a great problem for the malaria control programme of any country. The most commonly used antimalarial drugs, viz. chloroquine (CQ) and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) have been rendered ineffective and are replaced by the artesunate-based combination therapy (ACT). In India, artesunate is combined with SP (ASP). Nevertheless, CQ is continued to be used. Therefore, Indian P. falciparum population continues to be under CQ and SP pressure. Molecular surveillance should be used to keep track of the drug-resistant parasite population in the field for better implementation of the drug policy. By employing molecular markers, we have generated a large body of data on the status of CQ and SP resistance-associated mutations in Indian P. falciparum population. These data revealed a regional variation in the frequency of the parasite with mutant allele of the selected drug resistance marker. The mutations in these markers were found to be fixed in the parasite population as the microsatellites flanking the mutant alleles showed reduced genetic variation. However, the selection valley of the reduced genetic variation in these flanking microsatellites was narrower for the Indian isolates than that reported for the African or South East Asian population, thereby indicating a lower selection pressure on Indian parasite population. The origin of the drug-resistant parasite in India seems to be from South East Asia. Increased parasite population with higher number of mutations associated with antifolate resistance should be a cause of concern as ACT in India has the SP component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in the dark current and improvement in signal to noise ratio in the quantum dots in a well infrared photodetectors using resonant tunneling barriers have been demonstrated. Ultra-low dark current levels and high detectivity of 3×1010 cm.Hz1/2/W at 77K for f/2 optics has been obtained for longwave infrared detection. In another experiment, the ability to control the excited state in the DWELL has been demonstrated by systematically varying the quantum well thickness. These detectors demonstrate high operating temperature with high detectivity values, even for high operating temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of nano-Al2O3for the removal of hexavalent chromium has been investigated. The nano-Al2O3was used as an adsorbent in the present study. Nano-alumina was prepared in the laboratory by a sol-gel method. The effect of initial concentration on the removal of Cr(VI) was studied by varying the initial concentration of Cr(VI) from (0.03 to 0.19) mmol·L−1. It was found that the percent removal of Cr(VI) decreases by increasing the initial adsorbate concentration. A contact time of 60 min was found to be sufficient for maximum removal and was recorded as the equilibration time. Resultant data were analyzed by pseudofirst- and pseudosecond-order rate equations. The pH of the solutions affected the removal of Cr(VI) significantly, and removal decreased from (92.2 to 60.8) % by varying the pH from the acidic to alkaline range. Maximum removal was, however, achieved at pH 2.0. It was found that removal decreased by increasing the temperature from (25 to 45) °C. The value of activation energy was very low which indicates that adsorption was physical adsorption. Resulting data at different temperatures were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations using linearized equations. Values of different thermodynamic parameters were determined for the resultant data. Values of ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° were calculated and found to be −4.81 kJ·mol−1, −24.28 kJ·mol−1, and −97.57 kJ·mol−1·K−1at 25 °C at an initial chromium concentration of 0.03 mmol·L−1. Findings of the present study revealed that nano-Al2O3can be an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. This study may serve as baseline data and may help in designing wastewater treatment plants for the treatment of Cr(VI) in particular and that for pollutant species in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present the electron momentum densities of PbCl2 and PbBr2 using 661.65keV γ-rays from 20 Ci 137Cs source. To supplement our experimental investigations, we also report energy bands, density of states, Mulliken''s population and Compton profiles of PbCl2 and PbBr2 using linear combination of atomic orbitals within Hartree–Fock and density functional theories. The energy bands are also computed employing full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. Compton profiles are also analyzed in terms of equal-valence-electron-density scale. It shows that PbCl2 is more covalent than PbBr2, which is in agreement with the Mulliken''s population analysis. It is seen that the Hartree–Fock and density functional theory based Compton line shapes show similar type of deviations from the experimental data. The luminescence properties of these halides are explained on the basis of energy band and density of states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of Pr3+ doped silicate glasses of the composition (in wt.%) 68.94SiO2 - 22.55Na2O - 1.91CaO - 4.96K2O - 0.85B2O3 - 0.29 As2O3 - xPr6O11 where x = 0, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5, have been studied in the Ultra Violet- Visible/near infrared (UV-VIS/NIR) regions. Judd-Ofelt theory has been applied to the f ↔ f transitions for evaluating various Ωχ (χ = 2, 4, 6) parameters. Using the fluorescence data and these Ωχ parameters, various radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability, branching ratio, radiative lifetime and the stimulated emission cross-section of various emission lines have been evaluated. The values of these parameters have been used to predict potential laser transitions. The bonding environment surrounding the Rare Earth (RE) ion in this glass-network has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the results of a Compton profile study of two polycrystalline A15 compounds, namely, V3Ge and Cr3Ge, have been reported. The measurements have been performed using 59.54 keV γ-rays from an 241Am source. The theoretical Compton profiles have been computed for both the compounds using ab-initio linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method employing CRYSTAL98. For both the A15 compounds, the isotropic experimental profiles are found to be in good overall agreement with the calculations. The comparison points out residual differences in V3Ge whereas for Cr3Ge the differences are within experimental error. The behaviour of valence electrons in the two iso-structural compounds has been examined on the scale of Fermi momentum. The valence electron distribution seems to be dominated by the metallic constituents rather than Ge and two compounds show covalent nature of bonding which is larger in V3Ge compared to Cr3Ge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density ρ/10 3 &ThickSpace;kg&ThickSpace;m -3 , viscosity η/10 -1 &ThickSpace;kg&ThickSpace;m -1 &ThickSpace;s -1 and surface tension γ/N&ThickSpace;m -1 of nucleosides (2-deoxy adenosine (DOA), thymidine (TMD)), nucleotides (guanosine monophosphate (GMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) and their integral furanose sugar, 2-deoxy ribose (DOR) solutions have been measured at three different temperatures. The ρ values were used for apparent molal volume ( V χ /10 -6 &ThickSpace;m 3 &ThickSpace;mol -1 ), η and γ calculations; η fitted in extended Jones–Dole equation for B /kg&ThickSpace;mol -1 and D /(kg&ThickSpace;mol -1 ) 2 coefficients. The γ and V χ were regressed against molality, m for limiting surface tension, γ 0 and apparent molal volume, at m &ThickSpace;→&ThickSpace;0. Partial molal volume () of water calculated from ρ values. Free energy of activation of viscous flow (/kJ&ThickSpace;mol -1 ) per mol of solvent was calculated from η 0 and and of solution from B and , and of dropwise flow of biomolecules from γ 0 and values. The and depict a state of activation energy for structure making and breaking of solvent. The B and γ 0 values are used to calculate transition state functions, - and &ThickSpace;≥&ThickSpace;0 or&ThickSpace;≤&ThickSpace;0 for critical state molecular optimization to explain positive transitions of interacting heteromolecules. The , and are found to be negative inferring biomolecules as water structure breakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectroscopic analysis of trivalent praseodymium (Pr+3) and neodymium (Nd+3) ions have received very much interest and reveals good fluorescence efficiency in visible and near IR (NIR) region. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanomaterial sample doped with Pr+3 and Nd+3 ions are synthesized at room temperature by simple chemical precipitation method. The synthesized sample has been characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction studies, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectra. Absorption spectra of CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles have been recorded at room temperature. Various parameters such as interplanar spacing, micro strain, dislocation density, distortion parameter, and particle size of nanomaterial are computed. TEM and XRD analysis reveal the spherical structure of the CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles in the prepared samples. Energy interaction parameters of the CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles are computed using UV‐visible absorption spectrum. Actually, CdS nanoparticle amplifies the luminescence intensity of Pr+3, Nd+3 ions by up conversion processes. So energy transfer can be observed from CdS nanoparticles doped with Pr+3, Nd+3 ions. Therefore, the use of pump sources and diode lasers in the UV range can be used to excite these samples to work as lasers. CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles find potential application as a window material for hetero‐junction solar cell, light emitting diodes (LED), biological sensors, address decoders, gas detectors, opto‐electronic devices, etc. CdS nanomaterials are also used as pigment in paints and in engineered plastic due to their good thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body height and weight were found to contribute significantly in linear regression equations established to estimate lean body weight, body density and leg muscle volume from anthropometric measurements. These two measurements were also found to contribute significantly in linear regression equations established to estimate the body measurements including chest circumference at sea level and high altitude locations. To ascertain whether body weight and height could also be significant predictors of chest circumference of healthy young males in different states of India, the anthropometric data on these three body measurements (viz. chest circumference, height and weight) were collected on 1.00.293 young healthy Indian males aged 16-21 years of 18 states of India using standard anthropometric techniques. Separate multiple linear regression equations for predicting chest circumference were constructed for 18 states of India using height and weight as predictors because these multiple linear regression equations differed significantly from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 39-year-old soldier presented with anhidrosis affecting both upper extremities below the shoulders, the right side of the trunk below the third rib in front and the third ver tebra on the back, and the left lower extremity below the inguinal ligament since 1992. Ten years later in 2002, he was also found to have bilateral absence of Achilles ref lex and decreased right knee jerk. In addition, the patient was found to have congenital spinal abnormalities in the form of block of ver tebrae C3-C4; decreased disc space C4-C5; and break in pars interarticularis L5-S1 with decreased disc space. A total of seven cases of Ross syndrome, Holmes-Adie syndrome (tonic pupil with lost tendon jerks) with segmental anhidrosis, have been described in the literature. Our case, however, did not have any pupillary abnormality. A case of progressive isolated segmental anhidrosis has also been described. The association of congenital spinal abnormality, which may be pathognomonic in the causation of this progressive sudomotor degeneration, is quite interesting in our case. The distribution of anhidrosis on the right side is just below the level of sweating loss sometimes described in lesions of superior sympathetic cervical ganglion in Horner's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: Aspirin is widely used as an antiplatelet agent in the primary and secondary prevention of cardio­vascular disease. In order to spare prostacyclin formation and reduce gastrointestinal side-effects, very low doses of aspirin have been introduced. However, it remains unclear whether these low doses are equally effective with respect to inhibition of platelet aggregation. Aims: In a randomized, controlled study in 60 patients with stable coronary artery disease, the effects on platelet aggregation of five doses (50, 80, 100, 162.5 and 325 mg) of aspirin, which are widely used in clinical practice, given for 70 days, were investigated. Two ­reagents, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine, were used to induce platelet aggregation in ­platelet-rich plasma. An age- and sex-matched group of people without coronary artery disease served as the control. Results: ADP- and epinephrine-induced platelet ­aggregation was 78.2 ± 12.8% and 76.7 ± 15.5% of maximum aggregation in the control group. Aspirin inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Minimum platelet aggregation was observed at a dose of 325 mg aspirin (27.5 ± 17.4% with ADP). Doses of 50 and 80 mg aspirin were much less effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation (59.1 ± 11.4% and 50.3 ± 12.1% with ADP, respectively). Doses of 100 and 162.5 mg aspirin produced significantly greater inhibition of platelet aggregation than lower doses (36.2 ± 11.7% and 38.5 ± 19.8% platelet aggregation with ADP, respectively). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that doses of aspirin less than 100 mg are not as effective at inhibiting platelet aggregation as doses greater than 100 mg. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 350-354). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For reducing the supply-demand gap of diesel fuel, blending of cracked stocks is essential with straight run products. This enhances the instability problem. This problem can be reduced using various stabilization procedures. In the present paper blends of cracked stocks light cycle oil (LCO) with straight run gas oil (SRGO) were stabilized by methanol extraction and hydrostabilization techniques. The insoluble from these fuels as such and their blends were stabilized and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]