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An electronic circuit has been developed to study the pulse I-V characteristics of superconductors. A special feature of the circuit is its low rms_noise voltage of less than 10 nV, which allows measurements over a broad voltage range of 50 nV to 500 mV for the first time. In order to overcome the limitations of a four probe technique at high common mode voltages, a novel five probe geometry is developed. The measurements on single crystals of the Bi[sub 2]Sr[sub 2]CaCu[sub 2]O[sub x] superconductor are carried out to demonstrate the circuit performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-six inbred BALB/cBy mice were infected with live Mycobacterium leprae by injecting 6 ×10³ bacilli in the hind footpad. Bleeds were collected at monthly intervals. After 6 months, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were harvested monthly from the footpad of mice. The sera were analysed in enzyme immunoassay for antibodies against phenolic glycolipid 1 (PGL-1) of M. Ieprae and antigens of Mycobacterium w (M. w); 21 out of 26 (80.7%) mice demonstrated the presence of antibodies against PGL-I and M. w. Anti-M.w antibodies appeared slightly earlier than did anti-PGL-1 antibodies. The titre of anti-M. w antibodies was higher than that of anti-PGL-1 antibodies. The mice giving a positive antibody response had more than 7 × 105 AFB/footpad. The coefficient of correlation (r) between the number of AFB and antibody titres at the time of harvest was 0566 for PGL-1 and 0628 for M. w. The value of r for bacterial index and antibody titres in 188 leprosy patients was 0.566 for PGL-l and 0.628 for M. w; these values were statistically significant (P<0.001). The decrease in bacterial index and antibody titres in treated lepromatous leprosy patients correlated with increase in the duration of chemotherapy. The measurement of anti-PGL-1 antibodies of IgM class may serve as an adjunct to skin biopsy and skin-slit smear for serial monitoring of the bacterial load in the course of chemotherapy in leprosy control programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research interest in the study of sociology of sport in India is very recent. Data for the study were collected through a pretested questionnaire distributed to 200 sports participants (100 mate and 100 female) coming from the student population of the University of the Punjab State in India in 1984. The hypothesis that parents encourage their sons more than their daughters to participate in sports was not verified. The study revealed that it was the sportswomen who were given more encouragement. The hypothesis that teachers and coaches encourage their male students more than their female students was also not substantiated; quite to the contrary, the female students were given more encouragement. In our study the parents of sportswomen were better educated than those of the sportsmen; a large percentage of the parents of sportsmen was illiterate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nimesulide, a selective cyclooxygenase-2-inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been found to be a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, when administered orally, rectally or topically. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of intramuscularly injected nimesulide with that of diclofenac and to elucidate the pharmacokinetic profile of this formulation. Swiss albino mice were used in the experiment. Analgesic activity was tested using the acetic acid writhing test and the tail-flick latency test. Plasma levels of nimesulide and its active metabolite, hydroxynimesulide, were determined by a HPLC method. A peak analgesic effect was observed between 60 and 120 min, while C[sub max] (10.6 ± 3.8 µg/ml) of nimesulide was reached at 60 min (T[sub max] ). Analgesia was induced within 15 min of administration of nimesulide and was significantly higher than that of diclofenac at 90 and 120 min posttreatment in the writhing reflex and at 60 and 90 min in the tail-flick latency test. The results indicate that intramuscularly injected nimesulide may be an alternative mode of administration in uncooperative patients or when immediate analgesic effects are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To obtain the clinical appraisal and haemato-biochemical alterations in cattle suffering from anaemia in Jammu division of J&K, India. Materials and Methods: 125 cattle were screened for anaemia on the basis of Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Blood samples were taken for estimation of Hb, packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, plasma iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Faecal samples were screened for ova/ cyst and peripheral blood smear was examined for haemoprotozoa. The animals with Hb < 8g/ dl were categorized as anaemic. Results: Out of 125 cattle screened for anaemia, 47 (37.6%) were anaemic. Levels of Hb, PCV, TEC, MCH, MCHC and plasma iron were significantly lower in anaemic cattle than non-anaemic cattle while TIBC was significantly higher. The clinical signs in majority of the anaemic animals were depression, pale mucous membrane, dehydration and rough body coat. Faecal examination revealed parasitic infestation in 25 of those anaemic animals (Trichostrongyloids - 16 and Bunostomum- 09). Ticks were seen in seven animals, whereas three animals were lice/ flea infested. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed Babesia bigemina infection in five animals. Conclusion: Hb, PCV, Plasma iron and TIBC were significantly altered in the present study and can be used for diagnosis of anaemia in cattle. The major causes of anaemia in this study were endo- and ecto-parasitic infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and occur all over the world, especially in humid and subhumid nations such as India. They are very important vectors of many economically important livestock diseases, such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. Ticks were collected from organized and unorganized cattle farms situated in and around Mhow. The initially collected samples of ticks (≤200) were washed in tap water and identified as Rhipicephalus microplus. The study was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. Ticks were treated with 0.625, 1.25, 2.50, 5, and 10% oil of Azadirachta indica in both the adult immersion test and larval immersion test. All the concentrations were prepared with absolute ethanol. In the present study, fipronil was used as a positive control using various concentrations (x/8, x/4, x/2, x, and 2x) and was prepared in distilled water. The LC50 values against fipronil were observed as 1.03 and 1.12 ppm for adults and larvae, respectively. Results of the study showed that the oil of Azadirachta indica was responsible for the mortality of adults (LC50 = 2.70%) and larval stages (LC50 = 1.27%) at all the concentrations used. Furthermore, it was observed that this oil was also responsible for the inhibition of oviposition and had excellent repellent activity at 10% concentration. Based on the study, we can conclude that the oil of A. indica can be used in an integrated tick management system to reduce the tick burden on animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GRAPES-3 extensive air shower (EAS) array has been designed to study cosmic rays from 10 13 –10 16 eV. It employs 400 scintillator detectors spread across 25,000 m 2 , mainly of cone-type and fiber-type, each covering a 1 m 2 area. These detectors record EAS particle densities and arrival times, which are crucial for determining primary particle energy and direction. A decade (2013–2022) of EAS data is analyzed to investigate the dependence of particle densities on ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. Notably, ambient temperature exhibits a delayed response, with a more pronounced delay in fiber-type detectors, while cone-type detectors exhibit a higher observed temperature coefficient. In contrast, atmospheric pressure instantly and uniformly affects both detector types, with Monte Carlo simulations backing the observed pressure coefficient. These findings established a reliable pressure coefficient for EAS within this distinctive energy range and contributed to the refinement of correction algorithms, ultimately improving particle density precision for more accurate shower parameter estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millets gained a great attention at the global level in 2023 which is celebrated as the “International Year of Millets” to create awareness to eventually promote consumption and production. An attempt is made here to understand the cultivation and production dynamics of millets as influenced by their demand and supply. We also assess challenges and emerging opportunities to make millets more productive, competitive, and relevant to future farming. Millets registered a 60% decline in area and a 200% rise in productivity, but production has remained the same during the last seven decades. The demand of millets decreased as food due to greater incentives (purchasing grain at a pre‐determined price) and policies (distribution of grains to the public at a subsidized rate) in favor of wheat and rice. Millets would play a greater role in future agriculture due to challenges posed by climate change, limited water supply, and reduced agro‐biodiversity. This would need a much greater intensity of investment in millet research and adequate support as extended to wheat and rice. Increased emphasis on their genetic improvement and agronomic management is required to develop cultivars, using new tools and technologies, with high production potential and adequate environmental adaptation to make millets competitive with other crops. Mainstreaming the nutritional traits in millet breeding is also critically important to develop high‐yielding cultivars with improved grain quality traits. Promoting millet consumption would remain the key issue for increasing their demand as food, feed, and industrial raw materials through policies and awareness programs. Strengthening of value chain will help in diversifying agri‐food production system and creating an ecosystem for millet promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on a study titled "Temporal Development of Scour Holes around Submerged Stream Deflectors," by Pascale M. Biron and colleagues in the July 2011 issue of the journal. As stated, in the study the authors suggested a relationship for normalized scour depth as a function of normalized time and overtopping ratio. It showed that the depth, length, and volume of scour decreased with the increase in overtopping ratio.

Background: Stroke is the one of leading causes of death, and paralytic upper extremity (hemiparesis) is a common effect of stroke. The mirror therapy is considered to be an effective therapy to improve muscle strength of upper extremities and activity of daily living of patients with hemiparesis in stroke. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of conventional mirror therapy on muscle strength and the activities of daily living in patients of stroke with hemiparesis. Methodology: Using total enumeration sampling technique, a prospective interventional study was conducted on 40 patients of stroke receiving conventional mirror therapy in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh from July to September 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained, and informed written consent was taken from patients. Data was collected by using interview schedule, which comprised of two parts, (a) socio demographic profile and (b) clinical profile, which were collected at the time of enrollment. Functional outcome, that is, muscle strength was assessed by using Wolf Motor Function Scale and Box and Block Test, and activities of daily living were assessed by using Functional Independent Measure at the time of enrolment (baseline). After enrollment of the patients mirror therapy demonstration, pamphlets were given to the patients and follow-ups were done on the first month and third month after interventions. Results: There was significant improvement in muscle strength based on Wolf Motor Function Scale (P < .001) and Box and Block Test (P < .001), and in activity of daily living based on Functional Independent Measure (P < .001) from baseline to third month after discharge. Conclusion: Conventional mirror therapy is one of the most effective therapies for improving the muscle strength and activity of daily living after stroke in case of hemiparesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case report related to fine needle aspiration cytology of a non-ulcerated penile lump. Penile plexiform schwannoma is extremely uncommon. So far, only two cases have been reported. This case report the cytological and histomorphological features in a 75-year-old patient with penile plexiform schwannoma.

Data collected with the 217-detector air shower array and the 560 m2 area tracking muon detector, being operated at Ooty in southern India by the India-Japan (Tata Institute-Osaka City University) collaboration, GRAPES, have been analyzed to study the shape of the energy spectrum and the composition around the knee. It is shown that the muon multiplicity distribution, observed with the highly modular muon detector, permits a relatively reliable measurement on the composition of primary flux which then helps in a more accurate reconstruction of the energy spectrum from the observed shower size spectrum. The highlights of the GRAPES array, the analysis procedure and the results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two male pigeons that are died due to accidental injury in the college premises after death tissue sample of lung were collected for histoarchitectural observations. The secondary bronchi, parabronchi, atria, infundibula and air capillaries were together with connective tissues constituted lobules of lungs. The epithelium of air capillaries and the endothelium of blood capillaries were separated by basement membrane only. Air and blood capillaries were intermingled with each other to form the blood-gas barrier. Histoarchitectural observations of lungs were made from the section stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The histological study involves the histological description of external and internal bronchi of the left and right lungs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase transitional, dielectric, electro-optical, polarizing optical microscopic, photoluminescence (PL), and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements have been carried out on ZnS:Mn quantum dots (QDs) dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC). A new dielectric relaxation mode has been envisaged in FLC material due to the presence of 0.25 wt.% ZnS:Mn (40 mol. %) QDs. The characteristics of the new mode have been compared with those of the soft mode. A significant fastening of the electro-optical response (~75%) has been observed in the case of 0.25 wt.% ZnS:Mn (20 mol. %) QDs doped FLC material. The induction of the new relaxation mode is attributed to the flexoelectric tilt fluctuations. The induced flexoelectric polarization in the FLC medium at the vicinity of QDs might be responsible for the enhanced spontaneous polarization in the FLC/QDs mixtures. Quenching in PL for the FLC/QDs mixtures has been observed, which strongly depends on Mn content in QDs. The change in FTIR spectra for the FLC/QDs composite clearly indicates the change in molecular dynamics of the pure FLC after the dispersion of QDs. The presented results will certainly pave a way to utilize QDs for obtaining faster response of the FLC material and potential material to tune the relaxation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron spin resonance (ESR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of as-grown and air heat treated CdTe thin films deposited by the solution growth method are studied. A single isotropic ESR absorption line at g=2.0002 attributed to Cd+ (I=0) is obtained on heating the films in air at and above 300 °C. Line intensity increases from 300 °C and reaches maximum at 500 °C beyond which it decreases. Electron diffraction studies of the as-grown CdTe films showed the presence of both the zinc blende and the wurtzite phases, whereas those of the films heated in air showed only the zinc blende phase but along with additional phases: TeO2 (observed at 300 °C) and CdTeO3 (observed at 550 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rambouillet sheep (n=15) were subjected to superovulation treatment using FSH (Folltropin-V, Bioniche Animal Health, Canada) during the period between August and November, 2013. The sheep were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=7) animals were administered 80 mg of NIH-FSH-P1 in six divided doses for 3 days at 12 hour interval in a tapering doses schedule (20 mg, 20 mg, 15 mg, 15 mg, 5 mg and 5 mg) where as ewes of Group 2 (n=8) were given 100 mg NIH-FSH-P1 in the tapering dose schedule (25 mg, 25 mg, 15 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg and 10 mg) as that of group 1. All the ewes received progesterone (P4) impregnated vaginal sponges for 12 days with FSH treatment initiated either on day 9 or 11 and 200 IU eCG along with first/fifth FSH injection. P4 sponges were withdrawn at the time of penultimate FSH injection. Oestrus detection was done using apronized rams from 24-48 hr after sponge withdrawal and those in oestrus were naturally served for 2-3 times at 12 hr interval. Embryos were collected by retrograde surgical technique between day 3 and 5 after oestrus. Animal with two or more corpora lutea (CL) were considered to have responded to superovulation (SOV) treatment. A 57.14 % (4/7) and 75% (6/8) ewes of group 1 and 2, respectively responded to SOV treatment. The ovarian response was highly variable and ranged between two and eight CL irrespective of groups. The mean ovarian response was 2.0±1.06 (14/7) and 2.37 ± 0.8 (19/8) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean number of transferable embryos in groups 1 and 2, respectively was 1.0± 0.57 (4/4) and 1.83 ±0.75 (11/6). The mean ovarian response as well as embryo recovery did not differ significantly (P >0.05) between groups. From the results it may concluded that the reasons for poor ovulation rate (over all 2.2 ± 0.63; 33/15), high anovulation rate (over all 3.4 ± 0.93; 51/15), poor embryo recovery rate (45.45%; 15 embryos/33 CL) as well as less no. embryos recovered per animal (over all 1.50 ± 0.5) need to be investigated and warrant further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have established appropriate duality relations for a general nonlinear optimization problem under fuzzy environment, taking exponential membership functions and using the aspiration level approach. A numerical example has also been shown to justify the results presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the plains of western North India, traditional rice and wheat cropping systems (RWCS) consume a significant amount of energy and carbon. In order to assess the long-term energy budgets, ecological footprint, and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollutants from RWCS with residual management techniques, field research was conducted which consisted of fourteen treatments that combined various tillage techniques, fertilization methods, and whether or not straw return was present in randomized block design. By altering the formation of aggregates and the distribution of carbon within them, tillage techniques can affect the dynamics of organic carbon in soil and soil microbial activity. The stability of large macro-aggregates (> 2 mm), small macro-aggregates (2.0–2.25 mm), and micro-aggregates in the topsoil were improved by 35.18%, 33.52%, and 25.10%, respectively, over conventional tillage (0–20 cm) using tillage strategies for conservation methods (no-till in conjunction with straw return and organic fertilizers). The subsoil (20–40 cm) displayed the same pattern. In contrast to conventional tilling with no straw returns, macro-aggregates of all sizes and micro-aggregates increased by 24.52%, 28.48%, and 18.12%, respectively, when conservation tillage with organic and chemical fertilizers was used. The straw return (aggregate-associated C) also resulted in a significant increase in aggregate-associated carbon. When zero tillage was paired with straw return, chemical, and organic fertilizers, the topsoil's overall aggregate-associated C across all aggregate proportions increased. Conversely, conventional tillage, in contrast to conservation tillage, included straw return as well as chemical and organic fertilizers and had high aggregate-associated C in the subsurface. This study finds that tillage techniques could change the dynamics of microbial biomass in soils and organic soil carbon by altering the aggregate and distribution of C therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIntroductionMaterials and MethodsResultsConclusionsGranule cell dispersion (GCD) is pathognomonic of hippocampal sclerosis seen in the mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Current animal studies indicate deficiency of Reelin is associated with abnormal granule cell migration leading to GCD. The present study aimed to evaluate complete Reelin signalling pathway to assess whether Reelin deficiency is related to MTLE.Hippocampal sclerosis was confirmed by H and E stain. To explore the amount and cellular location of the Reelin cascade molecules, the hippocampal tissues from MTLE surgery and controls (n = 15 each) were studied using Immuno-histochemistry (IHC). Additionally, confocal imaging was used to validate the IHC findings by co-localization of different proteins. Quantification of IHC images was performed using histo-score and confocal images by Image J software.Immune expression of active Reelin was significantly reduced in patients. Reelin receptors were deranged, apolipoprotein E receptor 2 was increased while very low-density lipoprotein receptor was reduced. Disabled-1, a downstream molecule was significantly reduced in MTLE. Its ultimate target, cofilin was thus disinhibited and expressed more in MTLE. Reelin cleaving protease, matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and MMP-9 inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of matrix protease-1, showed reduced expression in extracellular matrix. Semi-quantification of immunohistochemistry was done using Histo (H) score. H score of Reelin in diseased patients was 15 against 125 for control patients. These results were validated by confocal fluorescence microscopy.Reelin signalling cascade was deranged in chronic MTLE. Pharmacological manipulation of Reelin cascade can be done at various levels and it may provide novel treatment options for MTLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present scenario, the rate of fossil fuel consumption is very high and increasing rapidly which lead to a further increase in air pollution levels. Due to an increase in pollution level, researchers are striving to discover some cleaner and environment-friendly fuels for the diesel engines. This study was focused on the optimization of the input parameters of the diesel engine running on pongamia biodiesel for improvement in the engine performance. The input parameters selected for optimization were fuel injection pressure, fuel injection timing, pongamia biodiesel blends, and engine load with respect to BTE, BSFC, exhaust gas temperature, and Pmax. An experimental analysis was performed according to the response surface methodology technique. The best engine input parameters setting for getting optimum performance was found at fuel injection timing 25 bTDC, fuel injection pressure 226 bar, 40% of pongamia biodiesel blending, at 74% of maximum rated engine load. Experimental and optimized results of the output responses at optimum input parameters were compared and found in the suggested error range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out on the forearm bones of camel preserved in the department. The distinguished gross anatomical features and various measurements for mean ± S.E. were recorded on different parts of right and left side bones of forearm, but there was no significant difference between these bones of same animal. The radius was more massive than ulna, but the ulna was much longer than radius. Forearm was 58.5±0.91 cm in length, which was constituted by radius (52±0.73 cm) and ulna (58.5±0.91 cm). These two bones were completely fused with each other leaving two interosseous spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis due to Salmonella enteritidis phage type 2 in an immunocompetent patient is reported. The patient initially presented with abdominal, urinary and chest symptoms, which were followed by a large pleural effusion. The infection was successfully treated with ciprofloxacin. This is the only case of salmonella thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient reported in the English literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici is a damaging disease and causes huge losses to the crop. To study the effect of temperature and pH on mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici, an experiment was conducted under in vitro conditions. The results revealed that pathogen grew well at temperature range 15-35 °C and pH range of 4.0-9.0. However, optimum temperature for mycelial growth was recorded at 25 °C (10.65 mm day-1) followed by 30 °C (9.65 mm day-1). The most suitable pH level for growth of fungus was 7.0 (12.75 mm day-1) followed by 6.0 (10.70 mm day-1). Growth of fungus reduced drastically below 15 and above 35 °C. Similarly very low and high pH levels were not suitable for mycelial growth. To study the effect of soil temperature and soil moisture on the development of Fusarium wilt of bell pepper, an experiment was conducted in sick pots. Bell pepper seedlings were transplanted in sick pots and different soil temperature and soil moisture were maintained. It was observed that incidence of Fusarium wilt disease was maximum (100%) at soil temperature of 25 °C followed by 30 °C (75.0%) and 20 °C (37.5%) while 40% soil moisture resulted in maximum disease incidence of 66.66% followed by 50% (58.33%) and 60% (50.00%). Hence, optimum temperature for the development of Fusarium wilt of bell pepper was 25 °C whereas optimum soil moisture was 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GRAPES-3 muon telescope located in Ooty, India records 4 × 109 muons daily. These muons are produced by interaction of primary cosmic rays (PCRs) in the atmosphere. The high statistics of muons enables GRAPES-3 to make precise measurement of various sun-induced phenomenon including coronal mass ejections (CME), Forbush decreases, geomagnetic storms (GMS) and atmosphere acceleration during the overhead passage of thunderclouds. However, the understanding and interpretation of observed data requires Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of PCRs and subsequent development of showers in the atmosphere. CORSIKA is a standard MC simulation code widely used for this purpose. However, these simulations are time consuming as large number of interactions and decays need to be taken into account at various stages of shower development from top of the atmosphere down to ground level. Therefore, computing resources become an important consideration particularly when billion of PCRs need to be simulated to match the high statistical accuracy of the data. During the GRAPES-3 simulations, it was observed that over 60% of simulated events don't really reach the Earth's atmosphere. The geomagnetic field (GMF) creates a threshold to PCRs called cutoff rigidity Rc, a direction dependent parameter below which PCRs can't reach the Earth's atmosphere. However, in CORSIKA there is no provision to set a direction dependent threshold. We have devised an efficient method that has taken into account of this Rc dependence. A reduction by a factor ∼ 3 in simulation time and ∼ 2 in output data size was achieved for GRAPES-3 simulations. This has been incorporated in CORSIKA version v75600 onwards. Detailed implementation of this along the potential benefits are discussed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In service, the piping components (pipes/elbows) are subjected to different operational loadings such as thermal stress, internal pressure, self-weight, external loading from soil movement, flow induced vibration, vortex induced vibrations and third party damage. Structural integrity assessment of these piping components under postulated accidental conditions is essential for ensuring smooth operation of power plant piping system. In order to understand crack growth behaviour of piping components under operating conditions, fracture studies were carried out on two straight pipes and three elbows of 219 mm OD having circumferential through-wall notch with internal pressure. Fracture tests on pipes were carried out under four-point bending and elbows were tested under in-plane bending. A sealing arrangement consisting of stainless steel plate as backing material and silicon rubber sheet with two-component super strength epoxy based adhesive was used to seal the through-wall notch in the pipes and elbows. The pipe and elbows specimens were filled with water through threadolets and the desired internal pressure was achieved using an automatic high-pressure hydraulic pump. The internal pressure was varied from 10 to 25 MPa. The load carrying capacity of pipes decreased by a factor 1.95 with the increase of initial notch angle from 90.5° to 152.8° under an internal pressure of 10 MPa. In the case of elbows, with an increase of internal pressure from 10 to 25 MPa, load-line displacement corresponding to maximum load increased by 41.1%. Ovalization (intrados-extrados) in the elbows was found to be varying from 2.74% to 6.85% at the end of fracture tests. The pipe specimens have undergone initial stable crack growth followed by crack instability and crack growth deviated from the initial plane of the notch. The collapse load obtained for through-wall cracked elbows under internal pressure was found to be conservative compared to the values obtained using twice elastic slope method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Role of Homocysteine & MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism As Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Young Indians" published in the journal in 2012 is presented.

Three-Dimensional Digital Image Correlation (3D-DIC) is a technique used widely in both academic and industrial settings to measure object morphology, velocity, and full-field strain. However, conventional methods require the use of two synchronized cameras and a lengthy calibration process of taking thirty or more images of specialized target, after which the cameras must be kept fixed. This paper proposes a new approach for obtaining 3D-DIC measurements using only a single camera moved between different positions by a robotic arm, with the extrinsic calibration parameters obtained by manipulation of the internal position and orientation information known to the robot, obviating the need for a calibration target in order to calculate the extrinsic matrix for various positions (after the intrinsic matrix has been established). The specifications of a prototype are presented, and the method is quantitatively and qualitatively compared to the traditional 3D-DIC approach to determine relative accuracy and reliability in shape measurements. By correcting for errors in the reported orientation of the robotic arm, it was possible to achieve the same accuracy as the traditional 3D-DIC approach for stereo angles up to 30o, beyond which the loss of image overlap results in linear increasing errors that are up to an order of magnitude greater. The method is also further extended to allow for images from more than two positions to be combined in a single analysis, which enables an expanded view of up to 360° using only a single camera and without the additional calibrations required by current multi-camera expanded view systems. The integration of this new 3D-DIC approach into future robotic systems will facilitate new capabilities for performing vital tasks, such as material analysis, infrastructure assessment, and human-robot interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici is a damaging disease and causes huge losses to the crop. To study the effect of temperature and pH on mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici, an experiment was conducted under in vitro conditions. The results revealed that pathogen grew well at temperature range 15-35 °C and pH range of 4.0-9.0. However, optimum temperature for mycelial growth was recorded at 25 °C (10.65 mm day-1) followed by 30 °C (9.65 mm day-1). The most suitable pH level for growth of fungus was 7.0 (12.75 mm day-1) followed by 6.0 (10.70 mm day-1). Growth of fungus reduced drastically below 15 and above 35 °C. Similarly very low and high pH levels were not suitable for mycelial growth. To study the effect of soil temperature and soil moisture on the development of Fusarium wilt of bell pepper, an experiment was conducted in sick pots. Bell pepper seedlings were transplanted in sick pots and different soil temperature and soil moisture were maintained. It was observed that incidence of Fusarium wilt disease was maximum (100%) at soil temperature of 25 °C followed by 30 °C (75.0%) and 20 °C (37.5%) while 40% soil moisture resulted in maximum disease incidence of 66.66% followed by 50% (58.33%) and 60% (50.00%). Hence, optimum temperature for the development of Fusarium wilt of bell pepper was 25 °C whereas optimum soil moisture was 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Iterative Formulas and Estimation Formulas for Computing Normal Depth of Horseshoe Cross-Section Tunnel," that was published in volume 136, number 11 of the November 2010 issue.

Facioscapulo humeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare type of myopathy and differs clinically and genetically from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is an autosomal dominant disorder and as the name designates it has the characteristic distribution of the weakness. The face is almost always affected. Progression of the disease is slow and symptoms begin in adolescence but signs may be evident in children. We present a case of facioscapulo humeral muscular dystrophy in a 14 year old girl & the case was sporadic in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides updates on the treatment of epilepsy among children. It points out that treatment preference for various pediatric epilepsies is dependent on the type of epilepsy syndrome or seizure. It notes the usage of valproate in treating symptomatic myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures. Valproate is considered as the most effective antiepileptic agent for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and idiopathic generalised seizures treatment. It also serves as a preferred preventive therapy for seizures, febrile and childhood epilepsy and regraded optimal for specific patient.

The article discusses the case of a 34-year-old male who suffered from diminution of vision and weakness of all the four limbs. He underwent physical examination and found that he had wide palpebral fissure, tachycardia and enlarged thyroid and tremors of the outstretched hands. However, his final diagnosis revealed that he had thyrotoxic myopathy with myasthenia gravis.

An attempt is made in this paper to present the application, design, and performance analysis of a novel optimal controller (OC) for automatic generation control (AGC) of interconnected two-area electrical power systems in a deregulated power environment with energy storage units. The OC is designed via full state vector feedback strategy to carry out the study. Swift acting energy storage units such as redox flow batteries (RFBs) are integrated into the power system models, and their efficacy in boosting AGC performance is executed and compared. Initially, the efficacy of OC is investigated in a restructured two-area single-source thermal system, and then, the study is extended to a proposed more realistic restructured two-area multi-source thermal-hydro-diesel-gas power system. It is observed that OC is able to satisfy the AGC requirement under different power contracts in the open electricity market and shows better performance in comparison to a recently published artificial cooperative search algorithm optimized proportional integral controller. MATLAB simulation results demonstrate the improvements in the dynamic performance of the system in the presence of RFB. Sensitivity analysis reveals the robustness of OC under ample variations in the system parameters, initial loading and size and positions of uncontracted load power demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 35-year-old man became symptomatic 26 months after a head injury. CT showed an occipital-suboccipital chronic extradural haematoma (EDH). A surrounding membrane, with neovascularisation, was evident, both, on CT and at surgery. This unusually long interval between trauma and onset of symptoms suggests that delayed expansion of a chronic EDH should be kept in mind if planning conservative management. An EDH can be considered 'cured' only after disappearance of the membrane and haematoma on CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) enzyme, mainly associated with LDL, hydrolyzes its phospholipids producing proinflammatory compounds like lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized non-esterified fatty acids. Accumulating evidence suggests Lp-PLA2 to be very good marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). However its role and levels have not been documented clearly in diabetic patients with CAD in an Indian population. The aim of this study was to explore the association of LpPLA2 levels between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with CAD and compare it with other established markers like hs-CRP.Methods: Sixty individuals with angiographically proven CAD and 30 healthy individuals matched for age & sex were studied. CAD patients were divided into two groups based on presence (n=30) [Group I] and absence (n=30) [group II] of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The serum levels of LpPLA2, hs-CRP were measured by ELISA and routine lipid profile was measured by automated analyzer. Angiographic clinical vessel scoring was also done for all the patients.Data is presented as Mean±S.D. and relationships were determined by Pearson correlations.Results: Both groups of CAD with and without DM had significantly higher levels of LpPLA2 (Group I-408.48 +/- 38.96 ng/ml, Group II- 272.88 +/- 34.21ng/ml respectively) and hsCRP (Group I-10.61 +/- 1.34 mg/l, Group II-5.75 +/- 2.59 mg/l respectively) when compared with healthy control subjects (LpPLA2 =200.82 +/- 20.97ng/ml & hsCRP=1.89 +/- 1.34mg/l) [p<0.001]. LpPLA2 levels between the two CAD groups were highly significant(p<0.001), levels being maximum for CAD with type 2 diabetes (Group I) which could be due an increase in its substrate sLDL and oxidised LDL in DM. Angiographic clinical vessel score of CAD severity was also higher in CAD with DM. LpPLA2 levels correlated strongly (r=0.763,p<0.001) with the angiographic clinical vessel score in diabetes patients with CAD while hsCRP has moderate correlation with the vessel score (r=0.475, p<0.01).Conclusion: LpPLA2 and hsCRP elevation is increased in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with CAD as compared to only CAD patients. Measurement of LpPLA2 may be considered as a marker for better prediction of cardiovascular risk in diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

By 2050, the population of the world is anticipated to increase from 7.7 billion to 9.7 billion people, and, and wheat is expected to continue to play a vital role in ensuring food security globally. It is the main diet for 40% of the world's population and supplies food for more than 4.5 billion people in 94 countries contains 21% of the joules and 20% of the protein. The present investigations were carried out during rabi 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 to determine how optimal nutrient management (INM) practices enhance fertilizer usage efficiency, productivity, soil health, and viability in wheat (Variety DBW 71) through innovative nutritional sources and their modes of application methods. The treatments comprised of, viz., control, basal applications of recommended NPK (80:60:40)/NPK granules (200 kg/ha) + FYM (5 t ha−1) + bio-stimulant granules (62.5 kg/ha), +NPK bio-fertilizer (seed treatment), along with a top dressing of urea (20 kg/ha)/bio-stimulant (625 mL ha−1)/NPK Powder (1%) sprays (40/55/70 DAS), which had triplicated randomized block design (RBD) at the crop research farm of SVPUA&T, Meerut (U.P.). The results revealed that wheat grown with incorporation of FYM and bio-stimulant –L attained significantly better growth and higher dry matter accumulation across the stages. The crop contained 1.63% N, 0.31% P, 0.69% K in grain, and 0.57% N, 0.11% P and 1.34% K in straw. Such crops exhibited agronomic, physiological, and apparent recovery efficiency of NPK of the order of 3.2 kg kg−1 of nutrient applied, 14.0 kg kg−1 of nutrient uptake, and 0.23% against recommended NPK. Applications of FYM, NPK bio-fertilizer+ urea, and bio-stimulant + NPK sprays worked synergistically and increased grain yields by 29.8, 35.2, 50.3 and 41.1% over their respective controls. The results also indicated that soil organic carbon (0.47%), available NPK (227.0, 27.7, 172.1 kg/ha), dehydrogenase activity, and microbial population (bacteria, fungal and actinomycetes) in soil was also highest with the treatment. Finally, the wheat crop required an investment of Rs ha−1 131,453 and fetched a net reoccurrence of Rs. 96,154, with benefits of Rs. 3.72 over cost, respectively. Therefore, the study reveals that integrated nutrient management, viz., FYM 5 t ha−1 +NPK (12–32–16) -G @ 200 kg/ha + NPK bio-fertilizer (seed treatment) + urea @ 20 kg/ha, foliar application NPK (18−18−18) -P@ 1% and bio-stimulant –L 0.62 L ha−1 improved the better growth, productivity, soil health and profitability of wheat crops. Finally, to boost production, the region must emphasize the wheat crop's part in integrated nutrition management with foliar application of bio-stimulants. Furthermore, these investigations must be reinvestigated at different sites with different agro-climatic conditions and texturally divergent soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General strategic bidding procedure has been formulated in the literature as a bi-level searching problem, in which the offer curve tends to minimise the market clearing function and to maximise the profit. Computationally, this is complex and hence, the researchers have adopted Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions to transform the model into a single-level maximisation problem. However, the profit maximisation problem with KKT optimality conditions poses great challenge to the classical optimisation algorithms. The problem has become more complex after the inclusion of transmission constraints. This paper simplifies the profit maximisation problem as a minimisation function, in which the transmission constraints, the operating limits and the ISO market clearing functions are considered with no KKT optimality conditions. The derived function is solved using group search optimiser (GSO), a robust population-based optimisation algorithm. Experimental investigation is carried out on IEEE 14 as well as IEEE 30 bus systems and the performance is compared against differential evolution-based strategic bidding, genetic algorithm-based strategic bidding and particle swarm optimisation-based strategic bidding methods. The simulation results demonstrate that the obtained profit maximisation through GSO-based bidding strategies is higher than the other three methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Focuses on a study of the thermodynamic properties of the TiIr intermetallic molecule. Information on the Engel-Brewer theory of metal bonding; Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Novel curcumin-derived 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones (IV), obtained by Biginelly-type reaction under solvent-free conditions, are screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activity as well as for their cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in which the author warns other authors to protect themselves from internet fraud.

Radioiodine therapy (RIT) is an accepted treatment for hyperthyroidism and a 555-MBq (15-mCi) dose is frequently used. We aimed to assess treatment outcome with this dose, and to identify predictors of successful treatment. An analysis of 478 treated patients demonstrated an overall four-month cure rate of 79.5%; success rate was higher in patients with toxic multinodular goitre, solitary toxic adenoma, a smaller thyroid or less severe disease. This information may be of further assistance if variation in the dose of RIT is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]