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We report the discovery of Mothra, an extremely magnified monster star, likely a binary system of two supergiant stars, in one of the strongly lensed galaxies behind the galaxy cluster MACS0416. The star is in a galaxy with spectroscopic redshift $z=2.091$ in a portion of the galaxy that is parsecs away from the cluster caustic. The binary star is observed only on the side of the critical curve with negative parity but has been detectable for at least eight years, implying the presence of a small lensing perturber. Microlenses alone cannot explain the earlier observations of this object made with the Hubble Space Telescope. A larger perturber with a mass of at least $10^4$\,\Msun\ offers a more satisfactory explanation. Based on the lack of perturbation on other nearby sources in the same arc, the maximum mass of the perturber is $M< 2.5\times10^6$\,\Msun, making it the smallest substructure constrained by lensing above redshift 0.3. The existence of this millilens is fully consistent with the expectations from the standard cold dark matter model. On the other hand, the existence of such small substructure in a cluster environment has implications for other dark matter models. In particular, warm dark matter models with particle masses below 8.7\,keV are excluded by our observations. Similarly, axion dark matter models are consistent with the observations only if the axion mass is in the range $0.5\times10^{-22}\, {\rm eV} < m_a < 5\times10^{-22}\, {\rm eV}$., 26 pages and 27 figures

High upper-critical field superconducting alloys are required for superconducting device applications. In this study, we extensively characterized the structure and superconducting properties of alloys Ta$_{x}$ Hf$_{1-x}$ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.8). The substitution of Hf (T$_{C}$ = 0.12 K, type-I superconductor) with Ta (T$_{C}$ = 4.4 K, type-I superconductor) shows an anomalous enhancement of T$_{C}$ with variation of composition. Interestingly, all compositions exhibited strongly coupled bulk type-II superconductivity with a high upper critical field. In particular, for compositions x = 0.2, and 0.4, the upper critical field (H$_{C2}$) approached the Pauli limiting field., 8 pages, 6 figures

We present a constraint on the abundance of supergiant (SG) stars at redshift z approx. 1, based on recent observations of a strongly lensed arc at this redshift. First we derive a free-form model of MACS J0416.1-2403 using data from the BUFFALO program. The new lens model is based on 72 multiply lensed galaxies that produce 214 multiple images, making it the largest sample of spectroscopically confirmed lensed galaxies on this cluster. The larger coverage in BUFFALO allows us to measure the shear up to the outskirts of the cluster, and extend the range of lensing constraints up to ~ 1 Mpc from the central region, providing a mass estimate up to this radius. As an application, we make predictions for the number of high-redshift multiply-lensed galaxies detected in future observations with JWST. Then we focus on a previously known lensed galaxy at z=1.0054, nicknamed Spock, which contains four previously reported transients. We interpret these transients as microcaustic crossings of SG stars and compute the probability of such events. Based on simplifications regarding the stellar evolution, we find that microlensing (by stars in the intracluster medium) of SG stars at z=1.0054 can fully explain these events. The inferred abundance of SG stars is consistent with either (1) a number density of stars with bolometric luminosities beyond the Humphreys-Davidson (HD) limit (L ~ $6\times10^5 L_{\odot}$) that is below 400 stars per sq. kpc, or (2) the absence of stars beyond the HD limit but with a SG number density of ~ 9000 per sq. kpc for stars with luminosities between $10^5$ and $6\times10^5$. This is equivalent to one SG star per 10x10 pc$^2$. We finally make predictions for future observations with JWST's NIRcam. We find that in observations made with the F200W filter that reach 29 mag AB, if cool red SG stars exist at z~1 beyond the HD limit, they should be easily detected in this arc, 24 pages & 18 figures

Dark matter subhalos with extended profiles and density cores, and globular stars clusters of mass $10^6-10^8 M_\odot$, that live near the critical curves in galaxy cluster lenses can potentially be detected through their lensing magnification of stars in background galaxies. In this work we study the effect such subhalos have on lensed images, and compare to the case of more well studied microlensing by stars and black holes near critical curves. We find that the cluster density gradient and the extended mass distribution of subhalos are important in determining image properties. Both lead to an asymmetry between the image properties on the positive and negative parity sides of the cluster that is more pronounced than in the case of microlensing. For example, on the negative parity side, subhalos with cores larger than about $50\,$pc do not generate any images with magnification above $\sim 100$ outside of the immediate vicinity of the cluster critical curve. We discuss these factors using analytical and numerical analysis, and exploit them to identify observable signatures of subhalos: subhalos create pixel-to-pixel flux variations of $\gtrsim 0.1$ magnitudes, on the positive parity side of clusters. These pixels tend to cluster around (otherwise invisible) subhalos. Unlike in the case of microlensing, signatures of subhalo lensing can be found up to $1''$ away from the critical curves of massive clusters., ApJ, submitted, 21 pages, 17 figures

Abiotic stresses including drought and salinity have become frontier areas in agricultural research, particularly due to their damaging potential to threaten global food security in near future. Constantly increasing soil salinity has severely damaged the global production of staple food crops. The ever-increasing world population is critically strained already due to the shrinkage of existing agricultural production system. Looking at the constraints, rigorous initiatives have been taken to yield several strategies to utilize conventional and modern approaches for increasing stress tolerance and/or mitigating the stress-induced ill-effects on crop to potentially improve the productivity. Recent literature signifies prominent attempts towards devising new strategies aiming at salinity and drought smart crop cultivation. The use of halophytes and halophyte-associated microbes is among the highly promising approach from both the perspectives of salinity stress mitigation, and saline soil reclamation in the long term. The cutting-edge omics tools have provided deeper insights into the understanding of the interactions of halophytes, associated microbiomes and the soil rhizosphere habitat. We have described ample of mechanism-based evidences to establish the role of halophytic plants and associated microbial communities in establishing a strong base for their application in bio-saline agriculture.

Contemporary distribution network can be seen with diverse dispatchable and non-dispatchable energy resources. The coordinated scheduling of these dispatchable resources with non-dispatchable resources can provide several techno-economic and social benefits. Since, battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and microturbine (MT) units are capital intensive, a thorough investigation of their coordinated scheduling on pure economic basis will be an interesting and challenging task while considering dynamic electricity price and uncertainty handling of non-dispatchable resources and load demand. This paper proposes a new methodology for optimal coordinated scheduling of BESSs and MT units considering existing renewable energy resources and dynamic electricity price to maximize daily profit function of the utility by employing a recently explored modified African buffalo optimization (MABO) algorithm. The key attributes of the proposed methodology are comprised of mean price-based adaptive scheduling embedded within a decision mechanism system (DMS) to maximize arbitrage benefits. DMS keeps a track of system states as a-priori thus guides the artificial intelligence based solution technique for sequential optimization. This may also reduce the computational burden of complex real-life engineering optimization problems. Further, a novel concept of fictitious charges is proposed to restrict the counterproductive operational management of BESSs. The application results investigated and compared on a benchmark 33-bus test distribution system highlights the importance of the proposed methodology.

Once only accessible in nearby galaxies, we can now study individual stars across much of the observable universe aided by galaxy-cluster gravitational lenses. When a star, compact object, or multiple such objects in the foreground galaxy-cluster lens become aligned, they can magnify a background individual star, and the timescale of a magnification peak can limit its size to tens of AU. The number and frequency of microlensing events therefore opens a window into the population of stars and compact objects, as well as high-redshift stars. To assemble the first statistical sample of stars in order to constrain the initial mass function (IMF) of massive stars at redshift z=0.7-1.5, the abundance of primordial black holes in galaxy-cluster dark matter, and the IMF of the stars making up the intracluster light, we are carrying out a 192-orbit program with the Hubble Space Telescope called "Flashlights," which is now two-thirds complete owing to scheduling challenges. We use the ultrawide F200LP and F350LP long-pass WFC3 UVIS filters and conduct two 16-orbit visits separated by one year. Having an identical roll angle during both visits, while difficult to schedule, yields extremely clean subtraction. Here we report the discovery of more than a dozen bright microlensing events, including multiple examples in the famous "Dragon Arc" discovered in the 1980s, as well as the "Spocks" and "Warhol" arcs that have hosted already known supergiants. The ultradeep observer-frame ultraviolet-through-optical imaging is sensitive to hot stars, which will complement deep James Webb Space Telescope infrared imaging. We are also acquiring Large Binocular Telescope LUCI and Keck-I MOSFIRE near-infrared spectra of the highly magnified arcs to constrain their recent star-formation histories.

BACKGROUND -This study undertaken to screen a potential wound healing activity of an ethanolic extract of Anacardiumoccidentale(Ao)leaves in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS-Excision wound of 500mm2created on the back of Wistar rats. A total of thirty adult Wistar rats were prescreened and divided into five groups of six rats each.Group I and II rats were treated by normal saline (control) and povidone-iodine (standard drug), respectively. Group III and IV with 0.5% and 2%of Anacardiumoccidentale ointment (test drugs), respectively, and Group V rats treated with anti-wound healer drug dexamethasone, i.m. + 2% Anacardiumoccidentale. All drugs were applied topically except Inj. dexamethasone. In the model of excision wound, the wound healing effect was determined by parameters such as the percentage of wound contraction, duration of epithelialization, and histopathological examination. RESULT-All drugs, povidone-iodine, 0.5%, and 2% of the Ao ointment treated group of rats showed a statistically significant increase (P

Exploring superconductors which can possess pairing mechanism other than the BCS predicted s-wave have continually attracted considerable interest. Superconductors with low-lying phonons may exhibit unconventional superconductivity as the coupling of electrons with these low-lying phonons can potentially affect the nature of the superconducting ground state, resulting in strongly coupled superconductivity. In this work, by using magnetization, AC transport, specific heat, and muon spin rotation/relaxation ($\mu$SR) measurements, we report a detailed investigation on the superconducting ground state of the strongly coupled superconductor, IrGe, that has a transition temperature, T$_{C}$, at 4.7 K. Specific heat (SH), and transverse field $\mu$SR is best described with an isotropic s-wave model with strong electron-phonon coupling, indicated by the values of both $\Delta(0)/k_{B}T_{C}$ = 2.3, 2.1 (SH, $\mu$SR), and $\Delta C_{el}/\gamma_{n}T_{C}$ = 2.7. Zero-field $\mu$SR measurements confirm the presence of time-reversal symmetry in the superconducting state of IrGe., Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures

The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 to screen out twelve varieties/entries of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) for their relative susceptibility against aphids. None of the varieties/entries escaped the infestation of aphids. The build-up of aphid infestation started from second half of December and reached to its maximum in the first to third week of February in both years and then gradually declined. On the basis of grade index of mean aphid population, coriander varieties RCr- 684 (25.45 aphids/plant), RCr-446 (26.45 aphids/plant), ACr-1 (26.60 aphids/plant), RCr- 436 (41.75 aphids/plant), Gujarat Coriander-2 (42.45 aphids/plant), Pant Haritma (43.50 aphids/plant) and Gujarat Coriander-1 (43.70 aphids/plant) were categorized as least susceptible, Rajendra Swati and RCr-41 were moderately susceptible, whereas, Swati (CS-6), Sadhna (CS-4) and Sindhu (CS-2), 73.88, 70.60 and 69.50 aphids/plant, respectively were categorized as highly susceptible varieties of coriander against aphids under field conditions. Coriander variety RCr-684 received maximum yield (16.82 and 16.63 q/ha) for both the years followed by ACr-1 and RCr-446.

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal during 2018-19 to study the effect of mixed cropping and nutrient management on root traits, nutritional quality and yield of sorghum and guar fodder crops. Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with four seed rate combinations in different ratios of sorghum and guar along with six nutrient management treatments in three replications. Results showed that the root traits, viz. root length, volume and dry weight were higher under mixed cropping in comparison to sole crops however the difference was not significant, whereas the significant difference were observed in root traits under different nutrient management practices. Statistically higher green fodder yield was reported under sole sorghum but it was at par with 75% sorghum + 25% guar. Nutritionally enriched fodder with higher macro and micronutrients was also obtained under 75% sorghum + 25% guar treatment. Under mixed cropping nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status at crop harvest were higher in comparison to sole crops. Results pertaining to nutrient management practices revealed that higher supply of nutrients under 100% RDF, 100% RDF +PGPR, 100% RDF +seaweed extract and 75% RDF +seaweed extract treatments helped the crops to take up more nutrients besides leaving substantial balance in the soil at harvest. It was concluded that 75% sorghum + 25% guar mixed cropping with 75% RDF + seaweed extract was best combination to get higher and nutritionally enriched fodder and enriched soil at harvest.

There is a growing interest from owners of distributed energy resources (DERs) to actively participate in the energy market through peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading. Many strategies have been proposed to base P2P energy trading on. However, in those schemes neither the costs of assets usage nor the losses incurred are so far taken into account. This article presents a transaction-oriented dynamic power flow tracing (PFT) platform for distribution networks (DNs) implemented in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. It introduces a new transaction model that quantifies the use of the DN, apportions the losses and unlocks a flexible use of the surplus generation enabling that prosumers can adopt simultaneously different mechanisms for participation in energy trading, maximizing renewable energy usage. The platform is also helpful for future distribution system operators (DSOs) to overcome the status invisibility of low voltage (LV) DNs, determine who makes use of the assets, debit the losses on them and explore the effects from new connections. A case study is conducted over the IEEE European LV Test Feeder. The tool provides a clear, intuitive, temporal and spatial assessment of the network operation and the resulting power transactions, including losses share and efficiency of DERs.

Exploring superconductors which can possess pairing mechanism other than the BCS predicted s-wave have continually attracted considerable interest. Superconductors with low-lying phonons may exhibit unconventional superconductivity as the coupling of electrons with these low-lying phonons can potentially affect the nature of the superconducting ground state, resulting in strongly coupled superconductivity. In this work, by using magnetization, AC transport, specific heat, and muon spin rotation/relaxation ($��$SR) measurements, we report a detailed investigation on the superconducting ground state of the strongly coupled superconductor, IrGe, that has a transition temperature, T$_{C}$, at 4.7 K. Specific heat (SH), and transverse field $��$SR is best described with an isotropic s-wave model with strong electron-phonon coupling, indicated by the values of both $��(0)/k_{B}T_{C}$ = 2.3, 2.1 (SH, $��$SR), and $��C_{el}/��_{n}T_{C}$ = 2.7. Zero-field $��$SR measurements confirm the presence of time-reversal symmetry in the superconducting state of IrGe., 8 pages, 7 figures

Demand response (DR) refers to change in electricity consumption pattern of customers during on-peak hours in lieu of financial gains to reduce stress on distribution systems. Existing dynamic price models have not provided adequate success to price-based demand response (PBDR) programs. It happened as these models have raised typical socio-economic problems pertaining to cross-subsidy, free-riders, social inequity, assured profit of utilities, financial gains and comfort of customers, etc. This paper presents a new dynamic price model for PBDR in distribution systems which aims to overcome some of the above mentioned problems of the existing price models. The main aim of the developed price model is to overcome the problems of cross-subsidy and free-riders of the existing price models for widespread acceptance, deployment and efficient utilization of PBDR programs in contemporary distribution systems. Proposed price model generates demand-linked price signal that imposes different price signals to different customers during on-peak hours and remains static otherwise. This makes proposed model a class apart from other existing models. The novelty of the proposed model lies in the fact that the financial benefits and penalties pertaining to DR are self-adjusted among customers while preserving social equity and profit of the utility. Such an ideology has not been yet addressed in the literature. Detailed investigation of application results on a standard test bench reveals that the proposed model equally cares regarding the interests of both customers and utility. For economic assessment, a comparison of the proposed price model with the existing pricing models is also performed., Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures

Problem statement and aim The esthetics of the complete denture primarily depend upon the color of the denture teeth; however, there are situations where the teeth are subjected to extrinsic and intrinsic stains and discolor over time. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of smoking and two different denture cleaners on the color stability of the denture teeth. Material and methods Commercially available maxillary anterior teeth made up of acrylic resin were selected for the study and were divided into two groups (n=10): persulfate-free denture cleanser and persulfate containing denture cleansers. The acrylic teeth were set in the smoke chamber with a distance to absorb the smoke equally from the cigarette. The smoke was released for 10 minutes, and the results are observed by the spectrophotometer. Results All the values were collected after the 21st day, and data were analyzed with the SPSS software. It was found that denture cleansers with persulfate are effective on color stability. Conclusions Even though the persulfate containing denture cleansers are injurious to health, they can be recommended to the smokers with clear instructions of use. However, for non-smokers, persulfate-free denture cleansers are preferred over the persulfate containing denture cleansers.

The 12C(20Ne,16O)16O {\alpha}-transfer reaction at Elab=150 MeV is first time used to determine the ANC of the 6.92 MeV and 7.12 MeV states of 16O. The 20Ne+ 12C potential parameters are also obtained from elastic scattering. The direct reaction code FRESCO is used to determine the {\alpha}-spectroscopy factor (S{\alpha} ) of the three states of 16O (6.92 MeV, 7.12 MeV and 11.52 MeV) and ANC of the two states (6.92 MeV and 7.12 MeV) of 16O. The extracted ANC and S{\alpha} are compareable to previous measurements., Comment: 8 pages and 18 figures

The 12C(20Ne,16O)16O ��-transfer reaction at Elab=150 MeV is first time used to determine the ANC of the 6.92 MeV and 7.12 MeV states of 16O. The 20Ne+ 12C potential parameters are also obtained from elastic scattering. The direct reaction code FRESCO is used to determine the ��-spectroscopy factor (S�� ) of the three states of 16O (6.92 MeV, 7.12 MeV and 11.52 MeV) and ANC of the two states (6.92 MeV and 7.12 MeV) of 16O. The extracted ANC and S�� are compareable to previous measurements., 8 pages and 18 figures

Additional file 1. Supplementary Figures. Screen captures of Facebook posts and survey items

Supplemental_material for The Performance of Diagnostic Criteria for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Critically Ill Patients by Nikhil K. Meena, Odai Sinokrot, Abhijit Duggal, Daisy Alpat, Zeba N. Singh, Jean M. Coviello, Manshi Li, Xiaofeng Wang, and Eduardo Mireles-Cabodevila in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine

Background: The influence of shell effect on the dynamics of the fusion fission process and it's evolution with excitation energy in the pre-actinide Hg-Pb region in general is a matter of intense research in recent years. In particular, a strong ambiguity remains for the neutron shell closed $^{210}$Po nucleus regarding the role of shell effect in fission around $\approx$ 30 - 40 MeV of excitation energy. Purpose: We have measured the fission fragment mass distribution of $^{210}$Po populated using fusion of $^{4}$He + $^{206}$Pb at different excitation energies and compare the result with recent theoretical predictions as well as with our previous measurement for the same nucleus populated through a different entrance channel. Mass distribution in the fission of the neighbouring nuclei $^{213}$At is also studied for comparison. Methods: Two large area Multi-wire Proportional Counters (MWPC) were used for complete kinematical measurement of the coincident fission fragments. The time of flight differences of the coincident fission fragments were used to directly extract the fission fragment mass distributions. Results: The measured fragment mass distribution for the reactions $^{4}$He + $^{206}$Pb and $^{4}$He + $^{209}$Bi were symmetric and the width of the mass distributions were found to increase monotonically with excitation energy above 36.7 MeV and 32.9 MeV, respectively, indicating the absence of shell effects at the saddle. However, in the fission of $^{210}$Po, we find minor deviation from symmetric mass distributions at the lowest excitation energy (30.8 MeV). Conclusion: Persistence of shell effect in fission fragment mass distribution of $^{210}$Po was observed at the excitation energy $\approx$ 31 MeV as predicted by the theory; at higher excitation energy, however, the present study reaffirms the absence of any shell correction in the fission of $^{210}$Po.

Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological disorder with an enigmatic pathogenesis. Current treatment strategy mainly involves surgery and medications, which provide only temporary relief. Endometriosis is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response, one of the recent pathogenesis is RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted) in endometriotic stromal cells, which is responsible for 70% of monocyte migration in the peritoneal fluid. This RANTES can be inhibited by the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor system. Thiazolidinediones (PPAR Gamma Agonists) exhibited the ability shown to suppress existing endometriotic lesions without suppressing ovulation. In vivo studies have shown some promising results which could be incorporated in humans. These results have promised new avenues of treatment emerging from older drugs. Since the existing conventional drugs have undesirable side effects, there is always a need for highly efficacious and better tolerated drugs acting through novel mechanisms of action. Hence, in this review we have highlighted the usage of a class of drugs commonly used to treat diabetes mellitus, which could also be used to treat endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological disorder with an enigmatic pathogenesis. Current treatment strategy mainly involves surgery and medications, which provide only temporary relief. Endometriosis is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response, one of the recent pathogenesis is RANTES (regulated upon activation normal Tcell expressed and secreted) in endometriotic stromal cells, which is responsible for 70% of monocyte migration in the peritoneal fluid. This RANTES can be inhibited by the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor system. Thiazolidinediones (PPAR Gamma Agonists) exhibited the ability shown to suppress existing endometriotic lesions without suppressing ovulation. In vivo studies have shown some promising results which could be incorporated in humans. These results have promised new avenues of treatment emerging from older drugs. Since the existing conventional drugs have undesirable side effects, there is always a need for highly efficacious and better tolerated drugs acting through novel mechanisms of action. Hence , in this review we have highlighted the usage of a class of drugs commonly used to treat diabetes mellitus, which could also be used to treat endometriosis.

Heart failure is one of the major problems related to heart diseases in the modern era. Multiple comorbidities like coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anemia etc. have a great contribution in the development of heart failure.It is primarily two types systolic and diastolic heart failure. Insufficient or decreased pumping of the heart is Systolic heart failure whereas diastolic heart failure is because of lack of ability of the heart to relax or increased muscle inflexibility. The pathophysiology of heart failure is due to enhanced activity of sympathetic system, Renin Angiotensin system and structural changes in the wall of ventricle. The two definite targets of medical treatment in heart failure are: (1) Alleviation of obstructive (or) decreased output manifestations and replenishment of cardiac function. The drugs used are Frusemide, thiazides,ACE inhibitors/ARBs,Amrinone/Milrinone,Dopamine/ Dobutamine,Levosimendan,Digoxin, Hydralazine,Nitroprusside, Nitrate, Bisoprolol,Metoprolol, Nebivolol, Carvedilol (2) Prevention ofadvancementof heart failure and extension of patient survival - drugs used are β blockers,ACE inhibitors/ ARBs, Spironolactone andEplerenone

Mass distributions of the fragments in the fission of $^{206}$Po and the N=126 neutron shell closed nucleus $^{210}$Po have been measured. No significant deviation of mass distributions has been found between $^{206}$Po and $^{210}$Po, indicating the absence of shell correction at the saddle point in both the nuclei, contrary to the reported angular anisotropy and pre-scission neutron multiplicity results. This new result provides benchmark data to test the new fission dynamical models to study the effect of shell correction on the potential energy surface at saddle point., Accepted for publication as Rapid Communications in Phys. Rev. C

The even-even nucleus $^{26}$Mg has been studied through the reaction $^{27}$Al(d,$^{3}$He) at 25 MeV beam energy. The spectroscopic factors have been extracted upto 7.50 MeV excitation energy using local, zero range distorted wave Born approximation. The comparison of the spectroscopic factors have been done with previously reported values using the same reaction probe. The extracted spectroscopic factors for different excited states were found to be in good agreement with the previously reported values for the same. The present results were also compared with the predictions from shell model as well as rotational model. The analog states of $^{26}$Al and $^{26}$Mg were found to be in good agreement.

High-spin states in the doubly-odd $^{198}$Bi nucleus have been studied by using the $^{185,187}$Re($^{16}$O, xn) reactions at the beam energy of 112.5 MeV. $\gamma-\gamma$ coincidence were measured by using the INGA array with 15 Compton suppressed clover HPGe detectors. The observed levels have been assigned definite spin-parity. The high spin structure is grouped into three bands (B1, B2 and B3), of which two (B1 and B2) exhibit the properties of magnetic rotation (MR). Tilted axis cranking calculations were carried out to explain the MR bands having large multi-quasiparticle configurations. The calculated results explain the bands B1 and B2 very nicely, confirming the shears mechanism and suggest a crossing of two MR bands in both the cases. The crossing is from 6-qp to 8-qp in band B1 and from 4-qp to 6-qp in band B2, a very rare finding. A semiclassical model has also been used to obtain the particle-hole interaction strengths for the bands B1 and B2, below the band crossing., Comment: Published as a Regular Article in Physical Review C

The excited states in the odd-$A$ $^{197}$Tl nucleus have been studied by populating them using the $^{197}$Au($\alpha$, 4$n$)$^{197}$Tl reaction at the beam energy of 48 MeV. The $\gamma-\gamma$ coincidence data were taken using a combination of clover, LEPS and single crystal HPGe detectors. Precise spin and parity assignments of the excited states have been done through the polarization and the DCO measurements. A new band structure has been identified and the evidence for a possible intruder $\pi i_{13/2}$ state has been found for the first time. Possible configurations of the observed bands have been discussed. The total Routhian surface calculations have been performed to study the shape of $^{197}$Tl for different configurations., Comment: Accepted for publication in PRC

An excited state of $^{12}$C having excitation energy E$_x \sim$ 9.65 $\pm$ 0.02 MeV and width (FWHM) $\sim607\pm$ 55 keV, which decays to three $ \alpha $-particles via Hoyle state ($E_x \sim$ 7.65 MeV), has been directly identified for the first time in the exclusive inelastic scattering of 60 MeV $^{4}$He on $^{12}$C, measured in coincidence with the recoiling $^{12}$C$ ^* $ Hoyle state (decaying mostly as $^{12}$C$ ^* $ $\rightarrow \ ^{8} $Be + $ \alpha $ $\rightarrow \ \alpha + \alpha + \alpha$) by event-by-event kinematic reconstruction of the completely detected (4$ \alpha $) events. This state is likely to be a candidate for 2$_2^+$ first excited Hoyle state, the existence of which has recently been indirectly evidenced from the recent inclusive inelastic scattering studies., Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures

The 1p transfer channel in the $^{27}$Al($^{12}$C, $^{11}$B)$^{28}$Si reaction has been studied at E$_{lab}$ = 73, 81 and 85 MeV. The finite range distorted wave Born approximation calculations have been performed using phenomenological optical model potential to analyze the angular distributions for 3 transitions populating the 0.0, 1.78 and 4.62 MeV states of $^{28}$Si and 2 transitions populating the 2.12 and 4.44 MeV states of $^{11}$B via the $^{27}$Al($^{12}$C, $^{11}$B)$^{28}$Si reaction. The spectroscopic strengths as well as spectroscopic factors have been extracted for all the five states. The extracted strength values are compared with shell model calculations., Comment: 8 pages, 8 figures, 3 tables

Many herbal remedies individually or in combination have been recommended in various medical treatises for the cure of different diseases. Kshara is a kind of medication described in Ayurveda Texts for the management of various disorders. The genus Piper L. is estimated to contain over 1000 species which are distributed mainly in tropical regions of the world. This review mainly focuses on the plants of family Piperaceae that are used in Kshar so that more research work is carried out in the direction of standardization, therapeutic level determination of Kshar plants.

Fission fragment mass distribution has been measured from the decay of $^{246}$Bk nucleus populating via two entrance channels with slight difference in mass asymmetries but belonging on either side of the Businaro Gallone mass asymmetry parameter. Both the target nuclei were deformed. Near the Coulomb barrier, at similar excitation energies the width of the fission fragment mass distribution was found to be drastically different for the $^{14}$N + $^{232}$Th reaction compared to the $^{11}$B + $^{235}$U reaction. The entrance channel mass asymmetry was found to affect the fusion process sharply., Comment: 4 pages,6 figures

Pharmacoeconomics is defined as a description and analysis of the cost and consequences of drug therapy to healthcare systems and society. It is concerned with identifying healthcare therapies that represent an efficient use of scarce resources. Patients are affected by the high prices of medicines. In the era of therapeutic jungle, the prescriber can help the society by using generic names while prescribing. The doctors must be trained in the initial years of learning to develop a habit of prescribing drugs based on safety and efficacy. When the safety and efficacy are comparable, it is furthermore important to consider the cost of drug, and not get allured by the marketing gimmicks of the pharmaceutical companies. Understanding of pharmacoeconomic principles and evaluation methods will help the health care decision makers in reducing the economic burden on patients and society in India where the health care costs are mainly met out of pocket by the patients.

Productivity and quality traits of forage crops are largely affected by agronomic management at field conditions in different climatic strata. Therefore, the present field investigation was carried out during kharif season of 2014 and 2015 at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal to evaluate the effect of different planting densities and fertility levels on nutritive yields and quality of fodder maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was laid out in split plot arrangement with three treatments in main-plot of planting densities of 60, 75 and 90 kg seed/ha and six treatments in subplot of nutrient levels, i.e. 0, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), i.e. 120 kg N/ha and 60 kg P2O5/ha. All the seed rates were found statistically at par for all the parameters except fiber fractions, i.e. neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content, in which 60 kg/ha seed rate accumulated significantly lower fiber contents. However, numerically higher values of fodder yields and quality parameters were observed at lower planting density. Nutrient levels showed significant increase in fodder yields with increase in dose of fertility up to 125% RDF. The combined use of 60 kg/ha seed rate and 125% RDF obtained significant maximum green (61.7 t/ha) and dry fodder yield (14.1 t/ha). The results showed that use of 150% RDF improved CP content by 20.2%, ether extract by 20.1% and ash content by 23.3% over control. Further, the maize fodder supplied with 150% RDF attributed minimum level of fiber fractions and magnitude of reduction in NDF was 3.49%, ADF was 3.54% and that of ADL was 7.65% in comparison to 0% RDF. The combination of 60 kg/ha seed rate and 125% RDF obtained significant maximum CP (1542.1 kg/ha), EE (367.4 kg/ha) and ash yield (1280.0 kg/ha). The use of 150% RDF also resulted into improvement in the nutrient content to the tune of 20.2% in N and 12.5% in P and enhanced nutrient uptake by 50.5% of N and 41.9% that of P over control. It can be concluded that to realize higher productivity with enhanced quality of fodder maize with optimum density (60 kg/ha) and use of 125% of RDF are quite helpful, which will further strengthen and sustain the performance of livestock in terms of health and milk production.

Relationship between zinc deficiencies in soil that inturn in crop plants, animal and ultimately in human nutrition is reported in several studies. Agronomic fortification through soil and foliar application of zinc could be viable option to improve the productivity and quality of fodder maize, which ultimately helps in alleviate zinc deficiency in animals. Therefore, we attempted to evaluate the performance of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) in two consecutive kharif seasons, i.e. 2014 and 2015. The experiment was laid out in split plot arrangement with two main-plot treatments consisting of varieties (African tall and J-1006) and six sub-plot treatments of zinc fertilization (Zn0-No zinc sulphate; Zn1-10 kg/ha ZnSO04 as basal dose ; Zn2 -20 kg/ha ZnSO04 as basal dose ; Zn3 -0.5% one foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 30 DAS ; Zn4 -0.5% two foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 30 and 45 DAS and Zn5 -10 kg/ha ZnSO4 as basal dose +0.5% one foliar spray at 30 DAS). Results shows that both the verieties tested were found statistically at par for all the tested parameters except crude protein (CP) content, in which J-1006 accumulated higher CP over African tall. The highest green and dry fodder yield were recorded with Zn2(60.16 and 14.15 tonnes/ha) which was on par to Zn5 and Zn4 while lowest with Zn0 (46.69 and 10.25 tonnes/ha). Likewise CP, ether extract (EE) and ash content and their yields found maximum with treatment soil application @ 20 kg ZnSO4 followed by combined fertilization soil application @ 10kg ZnSO4 + one foliar spray of 0.5% Zn sulphate and two foliar spray of 0.5% of Zn sulphate. However, in contrast to these the maximum values of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) reported with Zn0 (66.87, 43.43 and 5.44% DM) while lowest with Zn4 (64.30, 41.56 and 5.20% DM). The zinc fertilization of maize with 20 kg/ha ZnSO4 hepta hydrate as basal dose resulted in 31.3 and 50.9% higher zinc content and uptake, respectively over control. Overall, our study suggest that zinc fertilization of maize through soil and/or foliar spray can enhance not only fodder productivity and quality but also improve, nutrient uptake of fodder maize in north-western region of India and elsewhere under similar agro-climatic conditions.

A field experiment was carried-out for two consecutive years 2016-17 and 2017-18 during winter at ICARDirectorate of Rapeseed and Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan to evaluate the performance of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under innovative transplanting technique of crop establishment. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with two factors, i) planting geometries, i.e. 30 × 30 cm (T1), 45 × 30 cm (T2) and 60 × 30 cm (T3) and ii) transplanting dates, i.e. 13th October (D1), 22nd October (D2) and 01st November (D3) with three replications. The maximum plant height (199.2 cm), leaf area index (5.82) and chlorophyll content (43.29) were recorded with T2 and D1 during both the years. The significantly higher value of yield attributes, i.e. length of siliquae, number of seeds/siliquae, test weight and oil content were also recorded with T2D1 treatment during both years. Seed yield was recorded maximum with T2D1 treatment during both the years. Seed yield improved significantly with T2 by 9.1 and 19.5% over T1 and T3 respectively, whereas, yield improvement with D1 also recorded significantly higher by 8.3 and 32.2% over D2 and D3, respectively. The maximum net returns (` 100835) and B:C ratio (3.77) was also found with T2 than the other treatments. Among the date of transplanting treatments, D1 recorded the maximum values of these monetary parameters. Thus, we can conclude that transplanting of mustard on 13th October with 45 × 30 cm planting geometry is beneficial for getting higher yield as well as net monetary returns in the Rajasthan.