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Since the innovative work of Terada and Akiyama, asymmetric reaction using chiral Brønsted acid has attracted great attention. Asymmetric aldol reactions are extensively studied in different organocatalysis. Brønsted acid-catalyzed aldol reaction may be carried out directly without modification of the substrates or Mukaiyama type aldol reaction using silyl enol ether as nucleophiles. The reaction may proceed through the formation of enol intermediate followed by the attack to the electrophile while Mukaiyama type aldol reactions may follow two mechanistic pathways-Brønsted acidic pathways where Brønsted acid directly activates the substrate or Lewis acid pathways where Brønsted acid acts as precatalyst. Here, the recent advancement of asymmetric aldol reactions using chiral Brønsted acid as a catalyst and the fate of the catalysts in the reaction has been discussed in this review. It is observed that some kinds of aldol reactions have rarely been studied and need more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have highly active disease, despite the use of standard disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). However, the optimal time for offering AHSCT to patients with 'aggressive' MS is yet to be established. Objectives: The objective was to explore the safety and efficacy of AHSCT as a first-line DMT in patients with 'aggressive' MS. Methods: All patients with 'aggressive' MS who received AHSCT as a first-line DMT in five European and North American centres were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Twenty patients were identified. The median interval between diagnosis and AHSCT was 5 (1–20) months. All had multiple poor prognostic markers with a median pre-transplant Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 5.0 (1.5–9.5). After a median follow-up of 30 (12–118) months, the median EDSS score improved to 2.0 (0–6.5, p < 0.0001). No patient had further relapses. Three had residual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activities in the first 6 months post-transplant, but no further new or enhancing lesions were observed in subsequent scans. Conclusion: AHSCT is safe and effective as a first-line DMT in inducing rapid and sustained remission in patients with 'aggressive' MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) cultivated as 'desi cotton' in India, is renowned for its climate resilience and robustness against biotic and abiotic stresses. The genome of G. arboreum is therefore, considered as a valued reserve of information for discovering novel genes or gene functions for trait improvements in the present context of cotton cultivation world-wide. In the present study, we carried out genome-wide analysis of LIM gene family in desi cotton and identified twenty LIM domain proteins (GaLIMs) which include sixteen animals CRP-like GaLIMs and four plant specific GaLIMs with presence (GaDA1) or absence (GaDAR) of UIM (Ubiquitin Interacting Motifs). Among the sixteen CRP-like GaLIMs, eleven had two conventional LIM domains while, five had single LIM domain which was not reported in LIM gene family of the plant species studied, except in Brassica rapa. Phylogenetic analysis of these twenty GaLIM proteins in comparison with LIMs of Arabidopsis, chickpea and poplar categorized them into distinct αLIM1, βLIM1, γLIM2, δLIM2 groups in CRP-like LIMs, and GaDA1 and GaDAR in plant specific LIMs group. Domain analysis had revealed consensus [(C-X2-C-X17-H-X2-C)-X2-(C-X2-C-X17-C-X2-H)] and [(C-X2-C-X17-H-X2-C)-X2-(C-X4-C-X15-C-X2-H)] being conserved as first and/or second LIM domains of animal CRP-like GaLIMs, respectively. Interestingly, single LIM domain containing GaLIM15 was found to contain unique consensus with longer inter-zinc-motif spacer but shorter second zinc finger motif. All twenty GaLIMs showed variable spatio-temporal expression patterns and accordingly further categorized into distinct groups of αLIM1, βLIM1, γLIM2 δLIM2 and plant specific LIM (DA1/DAR). For the first time, response of GaDA1/DAR under the influence of biotic and abiotic stresses were studied in cotton, involving treatments with phytohormones (Jasmonic acid and Abscisic acid), salt (NaCl) and wilt causing pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum). Expressions patterns of GaDA1/DAR showed variable response and identified GaDA2 as a probable candidate gene for stress tolerance in G. arboreum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underfrequency load shedding is commonly used in the utility systems when AGC (Automatic Generation Control) cannot keep pace with the load demand and the stability of the generators can be jeopardized—undue stresses can be imposed on steam turbine blades. For an industrial system the underfrequency load shedding may have to be resorted to on loss of a source, to restore load-generation balance and prevent Undervoltages in the distribution system. It is documented that as long as the utility source is connected, there may not be any significant change in the frequency. This is because the plant generators, which are relatively small, cannot dictate the system frequency when operating in synchronism. Undervoltage load shedding can be resorted to. In both case the stability and frequency recovery characteristics of the generators must be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arc-melted multiphase intermetallic alloys, Mo76Si14B10, Mo74Si14B10Zr2, Mo79.5Si12B8.5 and Mo77.5Si12B8.5Zr2 with microstructures containing Moss, Mo3Si and Mo5SiB2 were isothermally exposed for 1 h or 24 h at 1000 °C, 1150 °C and 1300 °C in dry or moist air. The residual area fraction was found to be the highest on exposure at 1150 °C in dry air, but the least at this temperature in moist air. Examination of dry air formed oxide scales by X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed the presence of Mo, and MoO2 with a continuous, protective glassy B2O3–SiO2 top layer. Formation of Zr(MoO4)2 in the Zr-containing alloys had lowered mass loss by arresting MoO3 vaporization, and had enhanced the B2O3–SiO2 scale formation kinetics. Further, Si(OH)4, cristobalite, H3BO3 and MoO3·(H2O)2 appeared to be constituting the oxidation products formed in moist air. Alloying with Zr enhanced the kinetics of protective scale formation by lowering the Moss content, and microstructural refinement. The deterioration of oxidation resistance in moist air was conjectured to be due to longer duration required for protective scale to form, formation of β-cristobalite permitting grain boundary diffusion of oxygen anions, as well as volatile hydrated oxidation products as mentioned above. Formation of ZrSiO4 and dissolved ZrO2 in B2O3–SiO2 scale of the Mo-Si-B-Zr alloys in both dry air and moist air is considered to have contributed to the enhanced protective character of oxide scale by stabilizing the glassy scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the microgrid to meet up the localized power demand is of immense importance considering the growing power demand as well as grid inadequacy in Indian power scenario. Apart from meeting localized power demand with various distributed generating sources microgrid can render support to the adjacent main grid or similar localized grid as when needed. This paper presents the techniques for identifying placement sites for Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) in a microgrid system based on complete observability of the system. The main objective of optimal placement of PMU problem is to determine a minimal set of PMUs such that the whole system is observable. This study has been done on a 14 bus test model with the help of PSAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Zn 1-x Cr x O (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) samples synthesised by solid state reaction technique were sintered at different temperatures following slow step sintering schedule, investigated for optical and magnetic properties using suitable characterisation techniques. Cr 2 O 3 and CrO 2 phases have been detected in the Raman spectra of Zn 1 -x Cr x O samples with x ≥ 0.05. Photoluminescence study indicated improved optical property of the samples compared to undoped ZnO. While low percentage Cr doped samples show diamagnetic behaviour, different types of magnetic orderings are observed in the samples with higher percentage of dopants (x ≥ 0.05) for different sintering temperatures. The spin system and magnetic properties were analysed through Electron Spin Resonance study; g-value of 1.97 indicates Cr in 3+ valence state in ZnO. Presence of both Cr3+ and Cr4+ in ZnO understood to facilitate super exchange interactions to promote room temperature ferromagnetism. ESR study ensures improved magnetic homogeneity through slow step sintering process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonchiral bosonization (NCBT) is a nontrivial modification of the standard Fermi—Bose correspondence in one spatial dimension done to facilitate studying strongly inhomogeneous Luttinger liquids where the properties of free fermions plus the source of inhomogeneities are reproduced exactly. We introduce the NCBT formalism and discuss limit case checks, fermion commutation rules, point-splitting constraints, etc. We expand the Green's functions obtained from NCBT in powers of the fermion—fermion interaction strength (only short-range forward scattering) and compare them with the corresponding terms obtained using standard fermionic perturbation theory. Finally, we substitute the Green's functions obtained from NCBT in the Schwinger—Dyson equation, which is the equation of motion of the Green's functions and serves as a nonperturbative confirmation of the method. We briefly discuss some other analytic approaches such as functional bosonization and numerical techniques like the density-matrix renormalization group, which can be used to obtain the correlation functions in one dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine what components of executive function (EF) – inhibition, shifting and updating/working memory – predict reading comprehension in young adults. Ninety university students (65 females, 25 males; mean age = 21.82 years) were assessed on shifting (Planned Connections and Colour/Shape Shifting), inhibition (Colour‐Word Stroop and Number Stroop), updating/working memory (Digit Memory and Listening Span), reading fluency (Word Reading Efficiency), vocabulary (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test), and reading comprehension (Nelson‐Denny Reading Test). The results of path analysis indicated that only shifting predicted directly reading comprehension. These findings extend those of previous studies showing that different EF components predict different reading outcomes and suggest that EF has a place in reading comprehension models over and above traditional predictors of reading comprehension such as reading fluency and vocabulary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pole amplitude modulation (PAM) motor is a single-winding two speed motor used for induced draft fans. Its cost is much less than that of an adjustable speed drive motor. This paper is prompted by a rigorous study that was undertaken to replace an existing oil filled, leaky, transfer-switch type, two-speed motor starter, with an adjunct of tens of hard wired timers in a utility installation. The paper describes the fundamental operation of a PAM motor, different torque speed and thermal withstand characteristics at two speeds, and design of an alternate starter using conventional vacuum contactors with modern multifunction microprocessor relays to provide effective protection during normal two-speed operation and starting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, the canine endometrium tissue is characterized for its stem cell properties such as adherence to tissue culture plate (plasticity), short population doubling time, serial clonal passaging, long-term culturing properties, stem cell marker expression, and multilineage differentiation potential. Materials and Methods: The present work describes a novel isolation protocol for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells from the uterine endometrium and is compared with cells derived from umbilical cord matrix as a positive control. These cells are clonogenic, can undergo several population doublings in vitro, and can be differentiated to the osteocytes in mature mesenchymal tissues when grown in osteogenic differentiation media as detected by Alizarin Red-S staining. Results: It is reported for the first time that the cells derived from the canine endometrium (e-multipotent stem cells [MSCs]) were able to differentiate into a heterologous cell type: Osteocytes, thus demonstrating the presence of MSCs. Thus, the endometrium may be told as a potential source of MSCs which can be used for various therapeutic purposes. Conclusion: The endometrium can be used as a potential source of MSCs, which can be used for various therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In compound semiconductors which lack inversion symmetry, the combined interaction of the electrons with both acoustic and piezoelectric phonons is dominant at low lattice temperatures (~ 20 K). The field dependence of the effective electron temperature under these conditions, has been calculated by solving the modified energy balance equation that takes due account of the degeneracy. The traditionally used heated Fermi-Dirac (F.D.) function for the non-equilibrium distribution function is approximated by some well tested model distribution. This makes it possible to carry out the integrations quite easily and, thus to obtain some more realistic results in a closed form, without taking recourse to any oversimplified approximations. The numerical results that follow for InSb, InAs and GaN, from the present analysis, are then compared with the available theoretical and experimental data. The degeneracy and the piezoelectric interaction, both are seen to bring about significant changes in the electron temperature characteristics. The scope for further refinement is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted during 2012-13 to identify the role of different socio-economic variables on yield, income, technological gap and training need confronting the productivity of pineapple in the state of Meghalaya. Study revealed that the variable economic motivation (0.130) have recorded a positive and significant correlation with the variable income, of the respondents. The correlation coefficient between yield (Y2) and all independent variables revealed that education of farmers (0.125), Market orientation (0.095) and cultivation efficiency (0.130) have recorded significant and positive correlation with the yield of the respondents. It is also recorded that variables Family type (-0.105), Management orientation (-0.167) and utilization of mass media (-0.137) are significant but negatively correlated with the yield of pineapple. In the path analysis, it has been found that the variable utilization of mass media has routed highest indirect effect on income as many as 16 exogenous variables. Similarly, it has also identified that both the variables management orientation and education of farmers have routed highest indirect effect on yield as many as 8 exogenous variables. The result of technological gap revealed that the highest gap (60.75%) and the lowest gap (30.50%) was found in the knowledge of 'sucker' and in 'post harvest technology' respectively among the pineapple growers. The farmers have shown maximum interest (rank-I) for training on 'improved cultural practices' (59.66%) and minimum interest (rank-X) on 'cropping system' (45.86%) in pineapple cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al doped nanocrystalline ZnO (∼30 nm) with composition Zn 1−x Al x O (0.005 < x < 0. 03) were synthesised by pyrophoric technique and sintered at 650 °C. We performed detailed electron spin resonance (ESR) studies on this system to understand the spin ordering and magnetism. The spin canting order and magneto-crystalline anisotropy obtained through ESR measurements follow each other and have a broad peak for Al doping concentration of 0.02, which also matches with the saturation magnetisation ‘M s ’ maximum, that is obtained by direct magnetisation measurement using VSM. However, it is intriguing that the spin susceptibility has a broad minimum around the same doping level (0.02). Through the ESR measurement this observed weak ferromagnetism is attributed to the spin canted magnetism in the system. Other supportive experimental data from UV–Vis, PL and Raman analysis give a clear picture of defect structures in the form of oxygen vacancies that faciliates the occurrence of room temperature ferromagnetism which of course is through spin canting mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic investigation has been performed to study the oxidation response of Mo 76 Si 14 B 10 alloy doped with traceable amount of Ce and Al at temperature in the range of 900–1300 °C. The resistance to degradation of Mo 76 Si 14 B 10 ≥ 900 °C has increased due to the dissociation of Mo-oxides into Mo in protective glassy borosilicate layer. Addition of Ce aggrieves oxidation initially, but protection is achieved upon exposure within 3 h at all the different temperatures. No passivation has occurred in Al containing alloy due to the dissolution of Al 2 O 3 in the borosilicate scale leading to the precipitation of aluminum-borate and mullite along with unreacted cristoballite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basement in Upper Assam foreland basin exhibits a typical flexure pattern. An elongated continuous subsurface basement high has developed between Himalaya and Naga-Patkai ranges. A few prominent basement lows have developed adjacent to the foothill regions. It is noticed that the general topographic slope near the foothill regions is not only controlled by aggradation process, but also influenced by the flexured basement of the region. The basement lows have influenced the overlying topography significantly. Rivers flowing over those regions have shown unidirectional lateral migration. North bank tributaries like Subansiri, Jiadhal and Dikrang have been affected by the Subansiri basement low. Coseismic subsidence of sediments over Subansiri basement low had resulted subsidence of the North Lakhimpur-Ranga Nadi region in 1950 Assam earthquake. Some south bank tributaries like Disang and Dikhow have been affected by Nazira basement low. Topographic elevation along the Subansiri river is lower than that part of the Brahmaputra located south of Majuli. This typical topographic setting of the region makes the mouth of the Subansiri river and Majuli region highly susceptible to erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of STATCOM or STATCON is common in transmission systems—the device has a capability of P-Q control in four quadrants. DSTATCOM (for distribution systems) and dynamic voltage regulator are somewhat synonymous. This paper describes a unique distribution system with three in-plant generators and an interconnection to a weak utility system at 44 kV; the three-phase short-circuit level at the utility source is only 151.7 MVA. So long as the generators are in operation, the power factor at the utility interconnection can be maintained close to unity and the voltage profiles in the system are acceptable—a total of 64 MW of load is served from 3–13.8-kV interconnected bus system. To control the voltage dips on loss of generation, 31 Mvar of capacitor filters (as the distribution system has considerable drive system loads and harmonic analysis study is conducted) are installed, yet the voltage dip can exceed 25%. A STATCOM can restore the voltage in one-half cycle. The STATCOM is also briefly compared with other technologies like TCR and TSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterotopic pregnancy is a rare complication of pregnancy in which both extra-uterine (ectopic pregnancy) and intrauterine pregnancy occur simultaneously. The prevalence of heterotopic pregnancy is estimated at 0.6-2.5: 10,000 pregnancy. It is a challenge for obstetrician to manage the tubal pregnancy without interruption of intrauterine pregnancy. Here we describe a case who had left tubal alive ectopic pregnancy & also intrauterine alive pregnancy simultaneously after a natural conception. This patient was managed successfully with laparoscopic left salpingectomy, and intrauterine pregnancy has been continuing. There are some precautions during laparoscopic procedure & post operative period which can help for continuation of intrauterine pregnancy. In our clinical experience, this is an extreme rare disorder and we feel interest to report this case. A heterotopic pregnancy can result from a natural conception; it requires a high index of suspicious for early and timely diagnosis; a timely intervention can result in a successful outcome of the intrauterine fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lohit River is a south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River. Till 1987, the Lohit River used to meet the Brahmaputra at a place near Bairagi Chapari (27.77°N, 95.44°E). By 1995, the confluence point had shifted about 20 km downstream. One small channel of the Lohit River captured the Dangori River during the 1988 flood. Gradually the Lohit River started flowing along the captured channel. By 1995, it became the trunk channel of the Lohit River and Dibru Saikhowa region became an island. Banklines of Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers have undergone significant changes near their confluence point within the last few decades. By 1987, the south bank of the Brahmaputra near Rohmoria (27.55°N, 95.15°E) shifted about 1.6 km southward from its position in 1973. Interestingly, within the period 1988-90 the south bank shifted about 4.1 km south. This major shifting was the result of capturing of the Dangori River by the Lohit River. However, migration of the rivers towards the south has stopped after 1995. Analysis of SRTM DEM reveals that topographic elevation has played a major role in changing the course of the Lohit River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raised intracranial pressure in the absence of an intracranial mass or hydrocephalus (BIH or pseudotumor cerebri) has been described in association with many conditions including SLE. Several pathogenic pathways tie BIH with SLE as thrombotic obliteration of cerebral arteriolar and venous systems and immune complex deposition within the arachnoid villi that are responsible for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption. The diagnosis of BIH was confirmed by increased intracranial pressure in the absence of any abnormal radiological findings of the brain. We report a young woman with SLE complicated by BIH which resolved with corticosteroid therapy and osmotic diuretics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chipper motors in pulp and paper mill environment are of special design—the stability on impact loads is one important consideration. The power factor under normal operation will continuously swing due to varying loads. This paper describes the guesswork-free rigorous calculations of pull-out (out-of-step) power factor based on the parameter of an actual installation. Single phasing is rather a rare occurrence; however, such an event has been experienced in an installation due to overheating and arcing at the fuse clips in a NEMA E2 starter of a chipper motor. Discussions on the single-phase protection of synchronous motors and recommended settings are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a selective high-resistance grounding (HRG) system for a large industrial facility with two in-plant generators in cogeneration mode and two utility transformers. In a five-step coordination using sensitive ground fault nondirectional and directional relays, ground faults throughout the distribution system are cleared with a maximum pickup setting of 6 A, and time delay of 0.25 s. A major consideration for HRG systems is that the stray capacitance charging current of the system should be small (10–15 A) to prevent ground fault damage. If the fault is left in place for some duration for a single-line-to-ground fault, insulation stresses occur due to higher line-to-ground voltages on two unfaulted phases. This paper demonstrates that with selective HRG, both these concerns are mitigated. A selective HRG is a bridge between the classical concepts of HRG and low-resistance grounding. The modern advancements in ground sensors and protective relaying can selectively clear low levels of ground fault currents, which make selective HRG a reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In subduction zones, sediments, hydrothermally altered lithosphere, fluids, and atmospheric gases are transported into the mantle, where ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism takes place. However, the extent to which atmospheric noble gases are trapped in minerals crystallized during UHP metamorphism is unknown. We measured Ar and Ne trapped in phengite and omphacite from the youngest known UHP terrane on Earth to determine the composition of Ar and Ne returned from mantle depths to the surface by forearc recycling. An 40Ar/39Ar age [7.93 ± 0.10 My (1σ)] for phengite is interpreted as the timing of crystallization at mantle depths and indicates that 40Ar/39Ar phengite ages reliably record the timing of UHP metamorphism. Both phengite and omphacite yielded atmospheric 38Ar/36Ar and 20Ne/22Ne. Our study provides the first documentation, to our knowledge, of entrapment of atmospheric Ar and Ne in phengite and omphacite. Results indicate that a subduction barrier for atmospheric-derived noble gases does not exist at mantle depths associated with UHP metamorphism. We show that the crystallization age together with the isotopic composition of nonradiogenic noble gases trapped in minerals formed during subsolidus crystallization at mantle depths can be used to unambiguously assess forearc recycling of atmospheric noble gases. The flux of atmospheric noble gas entering the deep Earth through subduction and returning to the surface cannot be fully realized until the abundances of atmospheric noble gases trapped in exhumed UHP rocks are known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine the nature of the working memory and general cognitive ability deficits experienced by university students with a specific reading comprehension deficit. A total of 32 university students with poor reading comprehension but average word-reading skills and 60 age-matched controls with no comprehension difficulties participated in the study. The participants were assessed on three verbal working memory tasks that varied in terms of their processing demands and on the Das–Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System, which was used to operationalize intelligence. The results indicated first that the differences between poor and skilled comprehenders on working memory were amplified as the processing demands of the tasks increased. In addition, although poor comprehenders as a group had average intelligence, they experienced significant difficulties in simultaneous and successive processing. Considering that working memory and general cognitive ability are highly correlated processes, these findings suggest that the observed differences between poor and skilled comprehenders are likely a result of a deficient information processing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micrometer-sized γ−Ni dendrite reinforced nanoeutectic matrix composites have been developed in (Ni 0.92 Zr 0.08 ) 100– x Al x (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) by arc melting. The eutectic matrix is composed of alternate nano-lamellae of intermetallic Ni 5 Zr and fcc–Ni solid solution phases. All these composites exhibit very high strength, large compressive plasticity ∼25% and strain-hardening up to 1780 MPa. Al dissolves in γ−Ni(Zr) solid solution phase, decreases its hardness/strength, and increases the volume % of γ−Ni dendrite from 20% ( x = 0) to 29% ( x = 4). Whereas, refinement of the eutectic lamellae thickness from 275 nm ( x = 0) to 160 nm ( x = 4) increases the matrix hardness and retains the global strength of the composites. The effect of Al addition on the microstructure formation, volume fraction as well as the length scale of the constituent phases, and mechanical properties, have been discussed using an analytical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Zn1-x(Mn:Ni)x0 sample for x = 0.02 were synthesized by solid state route. We have observed low field microwave absorption in these powder samples. Low field microwave absorption signal is out of phase with the regular resonance signal indicating the microwave absorption has a minimum at zero field and the absorption of microwaves increases with increase of magnetic field. Low field microwave absorption in these powders is qualitatively different from their bulk pellets. Temperature dependence of the low field microwave absorption indicates a line shape evolution and a non-monotonic peak to peak intensity change. Further, we have observed the absence of 2nd harmonic in this low field microwave absorption, indicating low field microwave absorption in these transition metal co-doped ZnO powders is not non-linear in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanical mixture of alumina and pulverized zircon sand in 3:2 M ratio has been plasma sprayed to obtain mullite coating. Thereafter, the top layer of the coating has been remelted using laser. The presence of a mullite phase in the as-sprayed and laser remelted coatings has been confirmed qualitatively using X-ray diffraction. Both as-sprayed and laser remelted coatings have been characterized for their microstructure, hardness and porosity. The ultrafine grain structure of the coating produced by rapid quenching has been analyzed using transmission electron microscope. Presence of a mullite phase in the coatings has also been confirmed using small angle electron diffraction. Laser remelting has resulted in an appreciable reduction in porosity and increase in hardness in the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and application of second-order high-pass filters are described for 2-8000-hp ID fan drives, which reduces the voltage harmonic distortion at point of common coupling (PCC) from a high value of 42.41% to 1.32% and also brings the current distortion at PCC within IEEE 519 limits. Failure of the electronic components of the 8000-hp ID fan drives and shutdown of electronic loads downstream of the main 13.8-kV buses were observed, which led to investigation of harmonic problems and their mitigation. The second-order high-pass filters are applied for the first time in industry for such a harmonic distortion problem. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The energy demand in the modern power system is increasing day by day. Thus integration of microgrid with the conventional grid can fulfill the high power demand but it can cause many changes in the power system. In this paper, a real valued Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) grid connected microgrid system is formed with the help of Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) software and analyzed the performance by Continuous Power Flow (CPF) method. A three phase short circuit fault is also introduced in the main grid and voltage profile is observed. It is also observed that the voltage profile of the faulty system is improved when a microgrid is connected with that main DVC grid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascaris infestation that too causing biliary obstruction is very rare in infancy even in endemic area. Adult Ascaris diameter (3-6 mm) is more than the average diameter of CBD in paediatric population, which is 1.27 +/- 0.67 mm. We are reporting a baby of seven months who presented with conjugated hypebilirubinemia and pancreatitis due to Round Worm in CBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• (Ni x Fe 1- x) 70.5 B 17.7 Si 7.8 Ti 4 (at.%) have been prepared by ball milling. • Milled powders consist of α and γ phase in x = 0.3 and 0.4, respectively. • The onset temperature of crystallization increases as Fe content decreases. • The heat-treated x = 0.4 powder shows a |−Δ S M | of 0.695 J/kgK at 19.9 kOe. We report the evolution of nanocrystalline α -Fe and γ-Ni phases in (Ni x Fe 1- x) 70.5 B 17.7 Si 7.8 Ti 4 (at.%) where, x = 0.3 and 0.4, upon mechanical alloying of elemental powder mixtures up to 36 h. The effect of milling time on the nanostructure evolution, thermal stability, and magnetic properties have been investigated throughly using x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). XRD analysis of the as-milled powders revealed that the lattice parameter and the crystallite size of α -Fe phase lies in between 0.2850-0.2972 nm and 3–14 nm; whereas the same for γ-Ni lies in between 0.3550-0.3608 nm and 8–41 nm, respectively, during milling. The thermal analysis of the as-milled powders suggests that the onset temperature of crystallization increases as Fe content decreases. The thermomagnetic measurement of the heat treated powders has revealed the T C of α -Fe phase in x = 0.3 to be 590 K and that of γ-Ni phase in x = 0.4 to be 375 K. The maximum magnetic entropy change has been estimated to be 0.159 Jkg-1K−1 in x = 0.3, while that of x = 0.4 has been found to be 0.695 Jkg-1K−1 at an applied magnetic field of 19.9 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile hydraulic machines are used in various operations like construction, material handling and mining. High powers to weight ratio and manoeuvrability in rough terrains are striking features that help in edging out their electrical and mechanical counterparts. Internal leakage in hydraulic actuators is a faulty condition frequently observed in hydraulic machines. Internal leakage in the actuator affects the system's dynamic performance and decreases its energy efficiency. Also, internal leakage is apparent only when the leakage is extreme and the actuator stops responding to command signals. Thus, detecting internal leakage in its early stages is a difficult task. Early detection and corrective action save energy, reduce component degradation, and reduce machine downtime. There are many existing techniques for internal leakage detection of hydraulic actuators, but they are intended for actuators working in a laboratory environment. The main focus of this paper is to present a practical method for early detection of internal leakage fault present in boom actuator of mobile hydraulic machines by analysing the machine work-cycle data with minimum hardware. The method trains and validates a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier using pressure and boom angle displacement signals. The time-series signals are processed using 'event-based' feature extraction method. The binary version of Particle Swarm Optimisation is used for feature selection. The trained classifier can detect and classify internal leakage faults with more than 95% accuracy, which is sufficient for taking appropriate preventive maintenance steps on time. • A method for early detection of internal leakage in hydraulic excavator is presented. • Feature extraction from actuator pressure and boom angle displacement signals. • Feature selection using Binary particle swarm optimisation from the feature space. • Fault detection and classification is done using Support Vector Machine classifier. • Proposed method can be used for Condition Based Maintenance of hydraulic actuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperpigmentation as primary symptom is rare in vitamin B12 deficiency. This adolescent non vegetarian girl presented with hyperpigmentation, anaemia, glossitis and weight loss. She was worked up to find out the cause of anemia and hyperpigmentation. Addison disease was a strong provisional diagnosis. Her cortisol level was normal and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency was found. All of her symptoms were dramatically improved by injectable cobalamin. As vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition so it should be ruled out in patient presenting with hyperpigmentation. Early replacement therapy also prevents multisystem involvement like bone marrow failure and demyelinating neurological disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the low-field microwave absorption (LFMA) in polycrystalline pellet and powdered (0.1–0.2 µm particle size) samples with a nominal composition of Zn1 − x(Mn:Fe(Ni))xO (x = 0.02). LFMA signals are stronger in the case of Mn:Fe co-doped ZnO, as compared to that of Mn:Ni co-doped ZnO. While the bulk samples show hysteresis, it disappears in the case of powdered samples. Further the line shapes of LFMA were modified with powdering, leading to small saturation fields for LFMA. This indicates that the microwave absorption in these powders is more sensitive than in the pellet form. We interpret these results in terms of interparticle–interfacial pinning. In this work, we clearly establish the low-field tunability of microwave absorption in the Zn1 − x(Mn:Fe(Ni))xO (x = 0.02) system, which is good for the applications as microwave absorbers with small field tunability as a functionality. This means LFMA can give inputs for the right choice of material for field-tunable microwave absorber design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine whether components of the Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive (PASS) processing theory of intelligence predict reading and mathematics proficiency in a group of intellectually gifted children. One hundred forty-two intellectually gifted children (70 females, 72 males; Mage = 127.41 months, SD = 10.76) were assessed on PASS processes as well as on reading and mathematics. Results of regression analyses showed that planning was a significant predictor of both reading and mathematics. In addition, simultaneous processing predicted mathematics and successive processing predicted reading. These findings suggest that when intelligence is operationalized on the basis of neurocognitive processes it can explain individual differences in academic achievement even among a restricted range of high ability students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of the presence of under-5 siblings (⩾ 1) in a household on childhood malnutrition in urban Bangladesh. During 2000 and 2013, a total of 16,948 under-5 children were enrolled in the Diarrhoeal Disease Surveillance of icddr,b. Under-5 siblings were categorised as ⩾ 1 and none except the child himself. In univariate analysis, the presence of siblings was associated with 1.13 (risk ratios=1.13; 95% CI:1.06-1.20) times higher risk of being stunted, 1.17 (1.09-1.25) times for wasted and 1.19 (1.13-1.26) times underweight compared with their peers who did not have siblings. In multivariate analysis, such associations remained significant for stunting (1.08; 1.01-1.15), wasting (1.12; 1.04-1.21) and underweight (1.13, 1.06-1.19) after controlling for possible confounders such as age of child, sex, parental education, maternal employment, family size, wealth quintile and time (year). The presence of under-5 siblings increases the risk of malnutrition in children in urban Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On June 21, 2022, a shallow earthquake of Mw 6.0 struck southeastern Afghanistan at the interaction of the Eurasian and Indian Plates. The earthquake was VIII (severe) intensity. It drew the attention of many seismologists and earth scientists. The presented work brings satellite-based detection of pre-earthquake transient thermal anomaly, co-seismic ground deformations estimation using InSAR (SAR Interferometry) and inversion of InSAR deformations results to estimate focal solution parameters. Near the Afghanistan earthquake, a rise of 5–7 °C from the normal temperature in both day and night Land Surface Temperature (LST) time series along the SW, NW, NE and east parts of the fault is observed using MODIS satellite thermal data. Sentinel-1A microwave satellite data with the InSAR technique is used to analyze co-seismic ground deformations for both passes, and the estimation of source parameters of the fault and slip distribution of the earthquake using the Bayesian inversion approach is carried out. InSAR-based ground deformations estimate upliftment of about 325 mm and subsidence of –160 mm. The inversion results of ground deformations show that the event might be occurred due to the left lateral slip mechanism. The fault seems to be steeply dipping in eastward with NE–SW trends at a depth of 7 km. A number of aftershocks have occurred till now in the regions as evident by the Coulomb static stress along the NE, east side of the fault. The correlation between high-stress regions using thermal anomaly before the occurrence of event and coulomb static stress map after the occurrence of event have been also observed. The total seismic moment for the event using the inversion result yields a value of 1.08 × 1025 dyne-cm, which is equivalent to Mw 5.99. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presence of Zn deficiency in soils and its subsequent management forms the basis of the present investigation. To find out the optimum dose and frequency of Zn application a field experiment was conducted by taking fou graded doses of Zn applied in phasing through three frequencies upto 5 year to a rice-rice cropping system grown in an Inceptisols of central farm,OUAT,Bhubaneswar,Odisha. Zinc fractionation study was conducted in initial and post harvest soil to address the possible fate of Zn application on various Zn pools and on yield of rice – rice cropping system. Results after five cropping cycles revealed that rice crop responded to Zn application both to increasing dose and frequency of Zn by producing highest mean grain yield of 4.3 t/ha as well as cumulative yield of 21.3 t/ha in the treatment of every year Zn application @ 5 kg/ha with highest gross return of 1.33 per rupee investment. Highest response of 37% over no Zn application was observed in the same treatment. Among the soil Zn pools affected by Zn application was organic and amorphous oxide bound forms. Residual fraction constituted the highest percent of total Zn among all fractions. Nominal increase in DTPA extractable Zn in post harvest soil under every year Zn application was noticed. Hence for rice growing lowland soils of Odisha application of small dose Zn@ 5 kg/ha every year to the first crop of a rice-rice cropping system can produce a sustainable yield upto 5 year without any adverse effect on soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxidation behaviour of Mo 76- x Si 14 B 10 Fe x at 700–800 °C has been studied. • Moist air improves the mass loss by 99% during isothermal oxidation. • Fe addition improves the oxidation resistance in both dry and moist air. The effect of moist environment on the isothermal oxidation behavior of Mo 76- x Si 14 B 10 Fe x (x = 0, 0.5, 1 at.%) ultrafine composites containing proeutectic α–Mo solid solution phase and eutectic mixture of Mo 3 Si (A15) and Mo 5 SiB 2 (T2) phases, have been investigated at temperatures in the range of 700–800 °C. The mass loss has been greatly improved by 99% in moist environment than that of dry air both at 700 °C and 800 °C. The addition of Fe further improves the oxidation resistance in both dry and moist air up to 24 h exposure. The x–ray diffraction and the scanning electron microscopic studies have been performed to reveal the evolution of different phases in the oxide scale and to explore the mechanism of oxidation. The cross-sectional area of the residue alloy in the oxidized coupons has been measured to be 98% in moist air for x = 1 and 50% in dry air for x = 0 than that of the initial alloy coupon pointing that the oxidation resistance of Mo Si B can be greatly improved in presence of moist air as well as upon Fe addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field investigations were conducted during 2015 and 2016 kharif seasons at the experimental farm of ICAR, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema to study weed growth and nutrient uptake in organically managed rice and maize as affected by N management and live mulching with cowpea. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with two kharif crops viz., rice (C1) and maize (C2), two organic N management viz., vermicompost @ 2 t/ha (N1) and vermicompost @ 2.7 t/ha (N2) and two mulches viz., control (No mulching) (L1) and live mulching with cowpea (L2). The dominant weed species observed were Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria setigera, Ageratum conyzoides, Amaranthus viridis, Cyperus iria and Cyperus rotundus. Weed density, dry weight and NPK uptake was found to be significantly lower in maize compared to rice during both years. Weed growth and NPK uptake was also found to be significantly higher with application of vermicompost @ 2.7 t/ha (N2) compared to 2 t/ha (N1) whereas, significantly lower weed growth as well as NPK uptake was also recorded with cowpea live mulch (L2) as compared to no mulching (L1). Cowpea live mulch (L2) with application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha (N1) was found to record significantly lower NPK uptake by weeds in both crops. Yield and yield attributes of rice and maize were observed to be higher under cowpea live mulch with application of vermicompost @ 2.7 t/ha (N2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the role of cognitive processes, such as planning, attention, simultaneous, and successive (PASS) processing in reading ability has been examined in samples of typically developing children and children with reading difficulties, it remains unclear if these processes also contribute to superior reading performance. Thus, in this study we examined (a) which PASS processes differentiate superior readers from average readers and (b) what is the individual profile of the superior readers. Thirty-six children with superior reading performance (standard score in Broad Reading equal to or higher than 130) and 43 average readers (standard score in Broad Reading between 85 and 115) were assessed on measures of general intelligence, planning, attention, simultaneous, and successive processing. The results of multivariate analyses indicated that the superior readers performed significantly better than the average readers only in simultaneous and successive processing. However, the superior readers exhibited diverse individual profiles of cognitive assets. The psychoeducational implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction of a ligand with DNA is often the basis of drug action of many molecules. Flavones are important in this regard as their structural features confer them the ability to bind to DNA. 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (4NCO) is an important biologically active synthetic flavone derivative. We are therefore interested in studying its interaction with DNA. Absorption spectroscopy studies included standard and reverse titration, effect of ionic strength on titration, determination of stoichiometry of binding and thermal denaturation. Spectrofluorimetry techniques included fluorimetric titration, quenching studies and fluorescence displacement assay. Assessment of relative viscosity and estimation of thermodynamic parameters from CD spectral studies were also undertaken. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses were also done with different short DNA sequences. The fluorescent flavone 4NCO reversibly interacted with DNA through partial intercalation as well as minor-groove binding. The binding constant and the number of binding sites were of the order 10 4  M −1 and 1 respectively. The binding stoichiometry with DNA was found to be 1:1. The nature of the interaction of 4NCO with DNA was hydrophobic in nature and the process of binding was spontaneous, endothermic and entropy-driven. The flavone also showed a preference for binding to GC rich sequences. The study presents a profile for structural and thermodynamic parameters, for the binding of 4NCO with DNA. DNA is an important target for ligands that are effective against cell proliferative disorders. In this regard, the molecule 4NCO is important since it can exert its biological activity through its DNA binding ability and can be a potential drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hydraulic system, the occurrence of fault is a common phenomenon which mainly results due to abnormal behavior of its decisive components leading to sudden alarming rise in some of its critical parameters, and hence, the need for condition monitoring techniques arises. Residuals which happen to be an indicator of faulty signal are equivalent to the number of sensors set up in the plant. Hence, the need is to place in considerable number of sensors throughout the plant to create residuals, a prime requisite required for isolating fault. But it appears a tedious task and seems technically improbable to isolate all potential faults with the instruments at our disposal, and it can turn out to be an expensive affair to put inexact number of sensors in order to evaluate individually every physical state. To tackle with such problem, an already-developed methodology has been implemented on the test setup, i.e., a closed-loop hydrostatic transmission system consisting of a variable-displacement pump and a fixed displacement motor. In this way, an experimental exposure is added to the revisited methodology which was lacking. Moreover, the parameter estimation technique in the revisited methodology is modified to tackle with the situations where the generation of symbolic expression for estimating the suspected parameters is not trivial due to nonlinearity in equation. Therefore, the estimation problem is resolved numerically in Simulink. Due to same reason of the absence of symbolic expression, the observer-based residual is generated instead of ARR-based residual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]