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Working from home (WFH) is a new reality and norm in today's work culture. COVID-induced lockdown introduced the concept of WFH for many people. Blurring home and workplace boundaries was a prominent cause of disorientation in people's lives. Hence, WFH becomes a significant phenomenon to explore as it raises the fundamental question of body and space in shaping people's experiences. To study this, the researchers designed a phenomenological inquiry and examined the lived phenomenon of WFH during the COVID lockdown. Borrowing theoretical concepts from philosophers Martin Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty, they aimed to understand human experiences from an embodied perspective. They interviewed a few adults (age group 27–50) in three urban Indian cities during the first phase of the COVID-19 lockdown. The participants' experiences were transcribed, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted. The IPA themes highlighted their varied lived experiences and lifeworld, such as distractions in working from home, their changed routines, habits, and social interaction. The findings are discussed through phenomenological psychology concepts such as embodied cognition, body memory, extended self, shared empathy, intersubjectivity and pre-reflective bodily intelligence in coping. The study's contribution is that it advances a methodological understanding by interpreting people's experiences from a phenomenological view of being-in-the-world in which the individual is not an isolated entity but is in the world/placed in the world with other people and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opening of Neo-Tethys within Gondwanaland during the Guadalupian (transition signified a pivotal transgressive event) in the Permian Period. Consequently, an attempt has been undertaken to elucidate the sequence stratigraphy and palaeodepositional settings of fluvial sedimentary deposits encompassing coal and shale sediments within the Godavari Valley Coalfield, South India. The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content across the examined samples exhibits a discernible range from 0.07 to 65.53 wt%, with reactive carbon, measured as Pyrolyzable Carbon (PC), displaying variations from 0.02 to 15.93 wt% and non-reactive carbon, characterized, as Residual Carbon (RC), spans a percentage range of 0–66.86 wt% within the selected samples. The predominant organic matter manifests as type III kerogen, except Sh-47, where type II kerogen is identified. The combination of Rock–Eval pyrolysis alongside palynofacies analysis facilitates the differentiation of significant system tracts arising from relative sea level fluctuations within the deposited terrestrial sequences. These tracts include swampy and flooded palaeomires settings. Terminologies denoting system tracts within the sequences are indicted as T-lst, T-hst, T-tst and T-mfs corresponding to the Low Stand System Tract (LST), High Stand System Tract (HST), Transgressive System Tract (TST) and Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) respectively. A noteworthy one and half cycles are discerned within the sequence, predicted on Amorphous Organic Matter (AOM), TOC, Hydrogen Index (HI), PC and Gelification Index (GI) values. In the initial cycle, T-mfs is identified based on the preponderance of fluorescent AOM, coupled with the highest value of HI and PC. The ratio of opaque/translucent phytoclasts serves as a discriminant in delineating the boundaries of T-lst, T-tst and T-hst within the sequences, corroborating the aforementioned observation. This research serves as a preliminary assessment of the system tracts within fluvial environments. A more intricate, high-resolution exploration of deeper sequences holds the potential to furnish comprehensive insights for subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of marine components in the study area is attributed to seafloor spreading and opening in the Indian Ocean during the Aptian, coupled with eustatic sea-level rise throughout the Aptian–Albian period. The present investigation delineates a marine incursion in the Chintalapudi sub-basin of the Godavari Valley Coalfield based on the occurrence of dinocysts, acritarchs and prasinophytes. Noteworthy stratigraphic marker taxa are recognized as key components in the age assignment of the sedimentary rocks. Sum total of four zones have been recognised in the studied part of the sequence. The oldest zone in the deepest set of sedimentation is identified as Cicatricosisporites australiensis Zone. This zone is assigned based on the first occurrence (FO) of Cicatricosisporites australiensis and Biretisporites eneabbaensis. The next zone, further above in the sequence is Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis Zone. The FO of Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis attested to the initiation of this zone. The third zone is Cyclosporites hughesii Zone recognised by the FO of Foraminisporis asymmetricus. The accessory palynotaxa comprised of Retimonocolpites sp., Tricolpites confessus, Tricolpites sp., Tricolporites sp. and Triporites sp. in the recognition of this zone. The youngest zone of this sequence is recognised at the top of the sequence named Crybelosporites striatus zone based on the FO of Crybelosporites striatus. Palynological analysis places the studied part of succession between the Berriasian to early Albian. The primary objective of this investigation is to explicate the characteristics of sedimentation and paleoenvironmental contexts, with a specific emphasis on utilizing palynofacies and Botryococcus morphotypes as distinct benchmarks. Based on the palynofacies investigation three different depositional regimes have been assigned, which are distinguished as follows: (a) continental (384.30–203.75 m) dysoxic–anoxic basin; (b) shallowest nearshore–inner shelf, marginal marine/brackish water settings; and (c) heterolithic proximal shelf deposition with significant sea transgression (94.50–36.50 m). Unpredictable morphotaxonomical responses across diverse habitats with varying pH levels are projected to enhance comprehension of the palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental significance of fossil Botryococcus colonies. The uppermost marine part of the sequence denotes the least abundance, reduced size, and ill-defined amorphous forms of fossil Botryococcus colonies. The continental part displays the less abundant but well-defined and fully grown sporadic distribution of fossil Botryococcus colonies; the middle part records its presence with a well-diversified, sturdy structural framework and cellular cup-like structures. The investigation of the Cretaceous strata reveals a dynamic geological history influenced by tectonic activities, including plate drifting and rifting. Present investigation enhances our comprehension of palynostratigraphy, and paleoenvironmental history and facilitates the formulation of models elucidating environmental processes during the Early Cretaceous. In addition, the lipid-rich composition of Botryococcus renders it promising for biofuel production, attracting attention in biotechnology and renewable energy research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the dynamics of cold atoms coupled to the light field via radiation pressure within a Fabry-Perot cavity. We observe the effects of changing the effective positioning of the atomic ensemble on the effective mechanical frequency and the damping rate of cold atoms. We further study the displacement spectrum of the atomic oscillator and analyze the occurrence of normal mode splitting into two modes. We mainly analyze how the position of the ensemble acts as an additional tool in significantly altering the atomic and cavity field interaction strength. The present scheme enables further studies of coherently controlling the dynamics of the cold atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the integrated and comprehensive study of the coal-bearing horizons from the South Karanpura Basin to delineate the biostratigraphy, palaeovegetation, palaeodepositional settings, and palaeoclimate in and around the investigated area during the deposition of Permian sediments. Highly diversified megafloral assemblages consist 13 genera and 72 species of order Glossopteridales, Cordaitales and Equisetales are documented among which 37 taxa are newly reported from Barakar and Raniganj formations of the area. Palynoassemblages-I and -II are recovered, which demonstrate the biostratigraphic age as Kungurian and Wordian–Capitanian, respectively. Overall the vegetation represents a luxuriant forest subjugated by arborescent deciduous trees bearing Glossopteris foliage with some conifers, cordaites, filicales, and peltaspermales. The biomarker study of the basin illustrates the unimodal distribution of n-alkanes in the sample set ranges from C14 to C29 which suggests major input from a single source of organic matter. The involvement of microbial activity and algal input is suggested for the basin. A relatively moderate-to-high water level condition can be inferred from elevated n-C25. The high CIA, PIA values and A–CN–K plot suggest intense weathering conditions in the source area. The source rocks are characterized by mature clayey type with abundant clay mineral, i.e., kaolinite. The current study portrays that the Permian climate was cooler in initial phase, which later on became warm temperate with high humidity. The palaeofloral entities and geochemical parameters suggest absolute diversification of Permian flora, the existence of continental freshwater setting in the vicinity and oxic to anoxic environment with fluctuating ground water conditions during the deposition of sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate optical bistability/multistability and transmission spectrum in a quadratically coupled optomechanical system consisting of an optical cavity with quantum dot molecules inside it. The optomechanical cavity is driven by a strong pump laser and a weak probe field. We observed that the optical tristability in the presence of quadratic optomechanical coupling transforms into optical bistability in the absence of quadratic optomechanical coupling. We further investigate this hybrid system's absorption and dispersion spectrum by changing the various control parameters like quadratic optomechanical coupling and intensity of strong pump laser field. In addition, we observed the superluminal effect of the transmitted probe field by calculating the group velocity index of light, which is influenced by system parameters. Such results may be useful for designing all-optical switching and novel quantum photonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the dynamics of an ensemble of cold atoms coupled to light through radiation pressure in an optical lattice. We show that the steady-state displacement of the atomic ensemble shows bistable behavior which can be tuned by the position of the cold atoms in the Brillouin zone. Further, we describe a scheme to transfer the quantum state of the light field to the atomic field of two ensembles of cold atoms inside two independent optical cavities. This method leads to quantum entanglement which can be used in implementing quantum communication and computing. An Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) state may be achieved with a judicious choice of parameters for our system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynofloral study along with palynofacies analysis has been undertaken in Nandira colliery, Talcher basin, Odisha, India. Recovered palynoassemblage is characterized by the dominance of monosaccate pollen grains viz., Parasaccites spp. (25%), Plicatipollenites spp. (5%), Potonieisporites sp. (1%) and Diavarisaccus lelei (1%) along with nonstriate bisaccate Scheuringipollenites maximus (35%). The recovered palynoflora shows its affinity towards the Upper Karharbari palynoflora of the early Artinskian age. The organic matter studied from the palynofacies investigation includes palynomorphs (SP), structured phytoclasts/translucent phytoclasts (ST), opaque phytoclasts/charcoal (CH), degraded organic matter (DOM), and amorphous organic matter (AOM). The carbonaceous shale (Sample Na) is dominated by SP (34.67%) and sub-dominated by ST (22%) along with CH (13.34%), DOM (19%), and AOM (11%). Coal samples (Nb to Ne) are completely devoid of palynomorphs. They are mainly dominated by CH (24.87–62.34%) and ST (20.20–73.38%) with presence of DOM (0.7–8.7%) and AOM (0.4–8.7%). Deposition of the sediments in a lower carbonaceous shale bed (Na) might have occurred in a dysoxic forest swamp in low-energy settings. The coal beds (Nb to Ne) have been deposited in the oxidized swamps in the proximal setting. The predominant occurrence of the opaque phytoclasts associated with the coal sediments may indicate a regular occurrence of palaeofires during the Artinskian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynofacies is based on the different types of the dispersed/sedimentary organic matter (DOM/SOM) and has been used as a proficient proxy for the palaeoclimatic reconstructions in sedimentary deposits of various time spans. It has also been acknowledged as an effective tool in the different domains like sequence biostratigraphy, palyno-biostratigraphy, palaeodepositional history, identification for depositional processes, oxic–anoxic environment, and variations in the water depth. It has been emerged as an analytical tool in palaeoclimatic reconstruction, which could complement geophysical and geochemical datasets. Since long palynofacies analysis has been exclusively applied in the marine sediments, it has recently dragged the attention of many researchers as a significant parameter for palaeoclimatic interpretation in continental deposits. In the last few decades, more consideration was focused on palynofacies that have become an essential proxy in the biostratigraphic and other non-biostratigraphic fields due to its requirement in the petroleum industries. The present study provides a basic idea of dispersed organic matter characterization, methodology, interpretations, and its application with special emphasis on the Gondwana deposits. The study also includes the summary of the worldwide distribution of the Gondwana sediments, especially for palaeodepositional settings through palynofacies along with other parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated work on palynofloral and palynofacies studies along with megafloral analysis has been carried out with the samples recovered from Balaram Opencast Coal Project (N20°56′58″ latitude and E85°05′31″ longitude), Talcher Basin, Odisha, India. The analyzed samples are characterized by the dominance of degraded organic matter (39–49.5%, avg. 44.2%) and sub-dominance of palynomorphs (13.7–41.2%, avg. 27.45%). Recovered palynoassemblage along with the lithology (carbonaceous shale, dark gray shale, sandstone, silty shale, and coal seams) of the studied area explicitly depicts that the investigated sediments belong to the Barakar Formation of late Early Permian (late Artinskian to Kungurian) age. For the first time, an exclusive record of Vertebraria is made from this location, demonstrating the presence of a deciduous Glossopterids forest during the deposition of Barakar sediments. In addition, the present study also reveals a warm, humid, temperate climate with abundant rainfall during this period. The palynofacies analysis demonstrates a flooded palaeomires/marshy condition in the distal dysoxic-oxic low energy settings during late Artinskian to Kungurian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave absorption behaviour of nano-scale cobalt-zirconium co-substituted nickel-zinc ferrites Ni0.6Zn0.4(CoZr)xFe2-2xO4 (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) synthesized via a sol–gel citrate precursor is reported in Ku (12.4-18 GHz) and K (18-26.5 GHz) band frequencies. The dielectric characterization of the ferrites exhibits that values of real permittivity (ε′) decrease over the range of Ku band frequencies but less dispersion is found in the K band. Dielectric losses are found to be maximum in composition Ni0.6Zn0.4(CoZr)0.25Fe1.5O4. The magnetic characterization exhibits that real permeability (μ′) has a constant trend over the increasing range of frequencies but prominent peaks are observed in the spectra of imaginary permeability (μ″). Highest magnetic losses are observed for composition Ni0.6Zn0.4(CoZr)0.25Fe1.5O4 similar to dielectric losses. The reflection loss (RL) minima of −42.83 dB at 16.992 GHz and −26 dB at 18.68 GHz is found for the same composition in Ku and K band, respectively, with a matching thickness of 2 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of unique taper-ended GaN-Nanotowers structure based highly efficient ultraviolet photodetector is demonstrated. Hexagonally stacked, single crystalline GaN nanocolumnar structure (nanotowers) grown on AlN buffer layer exhibits higher photocurrent generation due to high quality nanotowers morphology and increased surface/volume ratio which significantly enhances its responsivity upon ultraviolet exposure leading to outstanding performance from the developed detection device. The fabricated detector display low dark current (~ 12 nA), high ILight/IDark ratio (> 104), fast time-correlated transient response (~ 433 µs) upon ultraviolet (325 nm) illumination. A high photoresponsivity of 2.47 A/W is achieved in self-powered mode of operation. The reason behind such high performance could be attributed to built-in electric field developed from a difference in Schottky barrier heights will be discussed in detail. While in photoconductive mode, the responsivity is observed to be 35.4 A/W @ − 3 V along with very high external quantum efficiency (~ 104%), lower noise equivalent power (~ 10–13 WHz−1/2) and excellent UV–Vis selectivity. Nanotower structure with lower strain and dislocations as well as reduced trap states cumulatively contributed to augmented performance from the device. The utilization of these GaN-Nanotower structures can potentially be useful towards the fabrication of energy-efficient ultraviolet photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if the timing of administration of systemic enzyme therapy [SET] has any effect on its efficacy in controlling postoperative sequelae of third molar surgery. Study design: A double blinded prospective randomized control trial was planned. The sample included patients requiring impacted mandibular third molar surgical extraction. Patients were randomly allocated to four groups (50 patients per group). Group A included administration of SET 48 h prior to surgery; Group B, started on the day of surgery; Group C started immediately after surgery and control group D included NSAIDS started 3 h after surgery. The predictor variable was timing of administration of SET. The primary outcome variables were pain and swelling measured on 1st day, 5th day, and 7th day after surgery. Findings: Groups A and D reported lower mean and median VAS scores and lesser swelling than groups C and D on postop day 1. On days 5 and 7, all four groups were comparable. On overall analysis, no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was evident. Interpretation: The results of the study showed that the differences in swelling and pain with starting the SET 2 days before, on the day of surgery, or immediately after when compared with diclofenac was not statistically significant. Trial registration: CTRI Registration Number CTRI/2018/03/012502 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the structural, morphological, magnetic, and microwave absorption properties of screen-printed Ba1−xLaxFe12O19 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20) thick films. Single phase P63/mmc was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns in fabricated thick films. SEM revealed dense packed microstructure with an average grain size of 2–3 μm for all films. La-substituted films showed increase in magnetization, coercivity, magnetocrystalline anisotropy with enhancement in perpendicular anisotropy. Overall microwave absorbance was increased for La-substituted BaM in Ku-band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megafloristics and palynology of a fossiliferous section near Kumunda Village, Angul district, Talcher Basin, Odisha have been studied. The exposure is located at 20°58′32″ N latitude and 85°01′45″ E longitude. The megafloral assemblage of the investigated section comprises Glossopteris, Vertebraria indica (Glossopteridales); Trizygia speciosa (Sphenophyllales); Schizoneura gondwanensis, Equicetaceous stems (Equisetales) and Neomariopteris hughesii (Filicales) along with stem casts. The genus Glossopteris dominates the assemblage with 20 different species and more than 60% in occurrence. The specimens are preserved as both impressions and compressions on compact, fine-grained carbonaceous shales. In addition, two distinct palynofloral assemblages have been recognized in this section. Palynoassemblage-I is characterized by the predominance of Striatopodocarpites spp. and Faunipollenites spp., while Palynoassemblage-II is dominated by Striatopodocarpites spp. and Faunipollenites spp. along with Densipollenites spp. The Palynoassemblages I and II correlate with Striatopodocarpites-Faunipollenites assemblage zone and Striatopodocarpites-Densipollenites assemblage zone respectively of the Late Permian Raniganj Formation in the Damodar Basin. The presence of key species viz., Densipollenites magnicorpus, Falcisporites nuthallensis, Strotersporites spp., Lunatisporites pellucidus, Guttulapollenites hannonicus, Corisaccites alutus, Weylandites lucifer and Hamiapollenites bifurcates in these palynoassemblages assign their affinity to the Late Permian. The present palynological investigations have identified the presence of Raniganj/Lower Kamthi (Late Permian) sediments exposed near Kumunda village, which is lithologically designated as Barakar Formation (Early Permian). Hence a precise and more thorough sampling for palynological studies and detailed geological mapping of this area should be attempted to delimit more accurately the distribution of the different Lower Gondwana formations in this investigated area of this basin. The rich diversity of Glossopteris leaves in the fine sediments infers seasonal falling and favourable conditions for plant growth with warm, humid (very high), temperate climate with intermittent rainfall during this period in Talcher Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural, dielectric and electromagnetic properties of spinel ferrites Ni1 − xZnxFe2O4 have been reported in this study. Zinc substituted nickel ferrites Ni1 − xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0 to 1, Δx = 0.2) have been prepared with the sol gel citrate route with final sintering temperature of 1000°C for 8 h. The structural parameters of these ferrites are measured with the help of x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The dielectric properties of the prepared ferrites have been measured with the help of an impedance analyzer and analyzed as a function of frequency in the MHz frequency range. The electromagnetic properties of these Ni-Zn ferrites in the X-band frequencies (8.2–12.4 GHz) have been obtained from the vector network analyzer (VNA) data. A study of reflection loss (RL) revealed that a minimum RL of − 17.54 dB is achieved at 9.62 GHz with matching thickness of 3.5 mm and absorption bandwidth of 3.108 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The traditional Caldwell-Luc approach for maxillary diseases has been criticized for its shortcomings such as removal of a large amount of bone, numbness of the teeth, flap dehiscence, and recurrent sinusitis. On account of its minimal invasiveness and physiological approach, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has come to replace the Caldwell-Luc approach for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin (CMSDO) is a less common variant on the chronic rhinosinusitis spectrum whose treatment involves simultaneous management of both the diseased maxillary sinus and the dental source of infection. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of FESS when combined with an intra-oral approach for the treatment of CMSDO. Material and methods: Eighteen patients with CMSDO in the age group of 18–50 years were treated with a combined endoscopic and intra-oral approach (buccal advancement flap with/without buccal fat pad) in this study. The patients were followed up for a total duration of 18 months. The primary outcome measurements were the SNOT-22 Quality of Life questionnaire and the Lund and Mackay CT Scan Scoring Criteria. The Friedman test was used to assess improvement in the above variables and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Observations and results: There was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in both the above parameters at all post-operative intervals. Two patients presented with epistaxis (immediate post-operative phase) and synechiae (second week follow-up interval). Both complications were successfully resolved. Two patients showed recurrence at the 6th-month interval for which they underwent revision surgery successfully. Overall, results were maintained even at the 18th month follow-up interval. Conclusion: The endoscopic approach appears to be a reliable, minimally invasive technique associated with less morbidity and stable long-term results. Thus, a multi-disciplinary approach between maxillofacial surgeons and otolaryngologists is essential in the treatment of CMSDO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to provide the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of freshwater sequences in the Lingala-Koyagudem Coalbelt of the Godavari Graben, using palynofacies. The palynofacies analysis was conducted on 57 samples from borehole MMK-19 (Mamakannu) and MLG-23 (Gundala) from the Lower Gondwana successions of the Godavari Graben. Palynofacies/Sedimentary Organic Matter (SOM) were analyzed quantitatively, and cluster analysis was performed on different percentages of SOM to obtain zones for the depositional pattern in the lake deposit. The work is based on the hypothesis that huge coal bearing lacustrine deposits developed during the Gondwana time-span and these coal formations need to be fully understood in terms of the palynofacies to provide insight into the physical and biological processes. Based on the dominance and sub-dominance of the existing Sedimentary Organic Matter, four (A-D), distinct palynofacies units were identified, representing the differential environmental setting in the lake. The palynofacies components are dominated by terrestrial palynomorphs, structured terrestrial particles, black oxidized particles (charcoal) and degraded terrestrial particles, respectively. The Palynofacies A has been attributed to the freshwater peat environment in a low energy setting; Palynofacies B has been inferred under shortly transported (high percentage of wood particles) large terrestrial influx in oxidizing environments; Palynofacies C indicates the redeposition of organic matter from fluvio-deltaic settings (oxic); Palynofacies D reflects low energy freshwater swamps (dysoxic-anoxic). The data demonstrate the combination of lacustrine and fluvio-deltaic depositional environments. The stratigraphic distribution of the four distinct palynofacies assemblages (A-D) indicates their deposition from terrestrial to the aquatic ecosystem. The findings in the Gundala deposits took place in the continental part as compared to the Mamakannu succession which sourced more towards the aquatic regime as Palynofacies A is more frequent in the Gundala deposits as compared to Mamakannu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palynological and palynofacies studies have been undertaken on the sub-surface sediments of borehole AK-19 from Asthona area of the Wardha coalfield, India. The present investigation has revealed the existence of two distinct palynological assemblages, which have been designated as palynoassemblage - I and II respectively. The former, has shown a predominance of monosaccates viz., Parasaccites, Plicatipollenites, Potonieisporites, and Crucisaccites, whereas, the latter is characterized by the dominance of striate bisaccates such as Faunipollenites and subdominance of non-striate bisaccate Scheuringipollenites along with other striate forms such as Striatopodocarpites, Crescentipollenites, and Rhizomaspora. The other genera recorded mainly includes Parasaccites, Indotriradites, and Callumispora, which suggests that primarily herbaceous and the arborescent plants where luxuriantly growing in the forest with the prevalence of hygrophilous and mesophilous environmental conditions. The recovered palynoassemblages are governed mainly by the gymnosperms such as glossopterids, conifers, and cordaites, etc., flourished in near shore areas in riverine, lacustrine conditions as well as in large swamps and marshy habitat with the prevalence of initially cold climatic conditions (Palynoassemblage-I) which later on became temperate (Palynoassemblage-II).The present palynoassemblages have a closer affiliation with the known early Permian palynofloras of other Gondwana basins of India such as Umrer and Kamthi coalfields and Godavari, Damodar, Son-Mahanadi and Satpura basins. It can also be tentatively correlated with the early Permian palynoassemblages ofo South America, Antarctica, Australia, Africa and Salt range of Pakistan. Hence, Artinskian and Kungurian age (early Permian) has been assigned to the studied palynoassemblages respectively.The study of organic matter has revealed three distinct palynofacies (I-III) which are characterized by the dominance of palynomorphs (Palynofacies-I), phytoclasts (Palynofacies-II) and biodegraded organic matter (Palynofacies-III) respectively. Palynofacies-I-III reflects the proximal fresh water settings; oxidizing fluvio-deltaic near shore conditions and distal dysoxic waterlogged settings respectively. Palynofacies-I and II represent the oxidizing conditions while Palynofacies-III represents the reducing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In severe TMJ ankylosis cases, the lack of growth of the mandible creates an anatomically narrow airway with a reduced pharyngeal airway space [PAS] which predisposes these patients towards obstructive apnoea [OSA]. There is evidence in the literature that such patients experience severe discomfort during physiotherapy if such airway abnormalities are not corrected prior to ankylosis release. This eventually leads to non-compliance towards physiotherapy and increases the risk of re-ankylosis.Objective: In our study, pre-arthroplastic mandibular distraction osteogenesis [DO] was used to increase the PAS and resolve the underlying OSA prior to releasing the ankylosis.Materials and methods: Twenty-five cases of TMJ ankylosis with micrognathia and OSA were included in this prospective observational sleep study. They were further divided into a paediatric group [14 subjects] and an adult group [11 subjects]. All cases presented with a history of onset of ankylosis during childhood [before the completion of craniofacial growth] as result of which there was a lack of forward growth of the mandible. Subjects included in our study underwent initial DO of the mandible followed by a second procedure for distractor removal and ankylosis release. Questionnaires, lateral cephalograms and sleep studies were taken pre-operatively (T0), immediate post-distraction to the desired length (T1) and 12 months post the distractor removal and ankylosis release (T2). The parameters studied were PAS width, apnoea hypopnea index [AHI], O2 saturation, mouth opening and mandibular advancement.Results: The paediatric group variables were as follows: mean PAS width which increased from 3.5 mm [T0] to 9 mm [T2], mean AHI which decreased from 48.04 [T0] to 3.60 [T2], mouth opening which increased from 4.5 mm [T0] to 34 mm [T2] and mean O2 saturation which increased from 89.86% [T1] to 96.88% [T2]. The adult group variables were as follows: mean PAS width which increased from 5 mm [T0] to 11 mm [T2], mean AHI which decreased from 31.45 [T0] to 1.43 [T2], mouth opening which increased from 5 mm [T0] to 34 mm [T2] and mean O2 saturation which increased from 92.01% [T0] to 96.84% [T2]. Statistical analysis revealed that DO of the mandible significantly improved OSA by increasing the PAS which was evident by the lower AHI score. Mouth opening was also significantly improved post ankylosis release and maintained at the T2 interval. Ten subjects followed up beyond the T2 interval [mean 28 months post ankylosis release] and their data also revealed positive compliance towards physiotherapy, adequate mouth opening and maintenance of normal AHI.Conclusion: Pre-arthroplastic mandibular DO has proved to be a successful modality for treatment of OSA in TMJ ankylosis patients with stable results at 12 months. By resolving the narrow airway and OSA, compliance towards physiotherapy was improved thus reducing the risk of re-ankylosis in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the fabrication of a GaN/sapphire ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) with asymmetric (Pt-Ag) and symmetric (Pt-Pt) metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) structure. The fabricated devices display Schottky behavior. Time-dependent photoresponse analysis reveals a significant enhancement in photocurrent leading to a photoresponsivity of 37 mA/W and 267 mA/W under 13 mW optical power at 5 V bias for Pt-Pt and Pt-Ag devices, respectively. Further, power-dependent measurements reveal a peak responsivity of 633 mA/W at 4mW optical power and 5 V bias for the Pt-Ag asymmetric MSM photodetector. The significant enhancement in responsivity for asymmetric MSM UV PD is ascribed to the built-in potential gradient in the GaN semiconductor, which drives a large number of charge carriers for enhanced charge collection. Further, the noise equivalent power was lowest for the Pt-Ag MSM structure, which was calculated to be 4.6 × 10−14 WHz−1/2. This high performance asymmetric MSM GaN UV PD can be integrated into efficient UV PD-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, palynological and palaeoenvironmental investigations have been carried out on a 601 m-thick sedimentary sequence intersected by borehole MCP-8 (Sattupalli-Chintalapudi coal belt, Chinatalapudi sub-basin, Godavari Graben). These studies have been carried out for the dating and correlation of sediments to understand the biostratigraphy and climatic change documented by terrestrial plant ecosystem across the Permian-Triassic boundary interval. The palynological investigation revealed the presence of five distinct floral assemblages (Assemblages I-V). Assemblages I-III (Guadalupian-Lopingian) represent Raniganj palynoflora (591.27-157.20 m), whereas Assemblages IV-V (Induan) represent Panchet palynoflora (137.79-136.08 m). The Gondwanan flora underwent a considerable change after the end-Permian mass extinction event. The late Permian glossopterids, conifer and cordaites dominated palynoflora was replaced by the lycopsids and few forms of peltasperms and conifers during Early Triassic. The decline in the glossopterid diversity and abundance along with concomitant rise in the lycopsids suggest a gradual but obvious palynofloral and environmental change across the Permian-Triassic boundary. Palynofacies studies have been carried with regards to reconstruct palaeoenvironment and palaeovegetation. These studies predict a thick closed forest cover during the deposition of the Raniganj palynoflora (late Permian), dominated by striate glossopterid and non-striate conifer and peltasperm pollen grains, which were the main peat-forming elements and the vegetation of the hinterland. The Panchet (Early Triassic) palynoflora was dominated by cingulate cavate spore bearing lycopsids and arborescent to sub-arborescent plants of conifers bearing taeniate bisaccates forming an open forest. On the basis of recovered palynoflora and palynofacies studies, the upper Permian (Guadalupian and lower Lopingian) deposits have been inferred as fluvio lacustrine while extensive peat-forming swamp dominating conditions prevailed during Changhsingian times. The Lower Triassic deposits represent hot-arid conditions along the braided river systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw [BIONJ] is a relatively new pathological condition which was first described in the year 2003. The prevalence of BIONJ in patients on oral formulations is around 0.05% within the first 3 years and increases up to 0.2% after 4 years of consumption. Proven systemic risk factors like anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, corticosteroid therapy, and chemotherapy in neoplastic diseases [e.g., high doses of methotrexate up to 30 mg daily] significantly increase the chances of acquiring BIONJ. We present three patients with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis [RA] who consumed oral bisphosphonates [alendronate] for less than 1 year and developed BIONJ within 2 to 5 months of undergoing a traumatic dental procedure. The patients also gave a history of consuming low doses of methotrexate [disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs] up to 20 mg weekly for 4 to 10 years. No history of steroid consumption was given by any of the patients. This case series highlights the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis and low-dose methotrexate being potential risk factors for BIONJ. This may be on account of the synergistic effect of methotrexate and bisphosphonates and the pro-inflammatory state created by RA which increased the risk of acquiring BIONJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of very thin GaN ultraviolet photodetectors on Si (111) substrate integrated with asymmetric (Pt-Ag, Pt-Cr) metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) structure have been illustrated. Designed GaN photodetection device displays significant enhancement in responsivity for asymmetric (Pt-Ag) MSM structure (280 mA/W) in comparison to symmetric (Pt-Pt) MSM structure (126 mA/W) at 10 V bias. The fabricated asymmetric and symmetric devices also exhibit fast response time in the range of 30-59 ms. The enhancement in responsivity using asymmetric MSM structure ascribed to large difference in work function which lead to change in Schottky barrier height of the metal semiconductor junction. Additionally, power dependent photoresponse analysis of GaN asymmetric (Pt-Ag) ultraviolet photodetector was showing a responsivity of 116 mA/W at low optical power of 1 mW. Such GaN asymmetric MSM ultraviolet photodetectors having high responsivity can extensively be used for low power, high speed ultraviolet photo detection applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalexin BP, USP an orally active, semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic is made into different dosage forms. However, its melting point and decomposition temperature, two important formulation parameters, have not been clearly defined. Melt temperature at 196-198, 321-326.8 °C or unknown has been as reported in the literature. Furthermore, the study differential scanning calorimetry published by El-Shattawy et al. exhibited an exotherm with a maximum peak of transition at 195 °C. Five approaches, one- and two-step DSC, MEL-TEMP apparatus, visual inspection of powder before and after heat stress to simulate an industrial operation procedure, UV and HPLC assays, were used in this study. A sample was heated to one of the several predetermined temperatures; the calorimeter chamber was next quench-cooled to room temperature, while the sample remained inside doubly covered. It was then reheated to 250 °C to explore the endotherm at approximately 80 °C and the exotherm at 190 °C that we found in the one-step DSC study. From the integrated results of these five studies, we concluded that the melting of cephalexin is atypical and cephalexin monohydrate absorbs energy from 31.5 to 121.9 °C (with dip temperature at 69.5 ± 7.6 °C, n = 6) to allow both bound and free water to evaporate. If insisted on removing the bound water from the cephalexin monohydrate powder, the added enthalpy may endanger drug stability as the degradation starts much earlier than its actively decomposed temperature ranging from 176.2 to 200.3 °C (with apex temperature at 196.9 ± 0.3 °C, n = 6). The data also disclosed that the hydrate of cephalexin exhibits interaction with crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have exhibited glucose lowering action in animal models of diabetes; however, their potential in diabetes-related complications has not yet been evaluated. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to investigate the renoprotective potential of lansoprazole in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in wistar rats. Diabetic nephropathy was induced with a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, i.p.). Lansoprazole (40 mg/kg; 80 mg/kg, p.o.; 4 weeks) was administered to diabetic rats after 4 weeks of STZ treatment. A battery of biochemical tests such as serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, albumin, and kidney weight/body weight (%) ratio were performed to evaluate the renal functions. Oxidative stress was determined by estimating renal thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Lipid profile was assessed by determining serum cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The STZ-treated rats demonstrated deleterious alterations in kidney functions, enhanced oxidative stress, and disturbed lipid profile. Administration of lansoprazole to diabetic rats significantly reduced serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, BUN, creatinine, albumin levels, and oxidative stress. Serum lipids like TC and TG were decreased, and HDL was enhanced in lansoprazole-treated STZ rats. The findings of our study indicate that renoprotective effects of lansoprazole may be attributed to its glucose-lowering, lipid-lowering, and antioxidative potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved therapy for treatment of endobronchial and esophageal cancers that are accessible to light. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive and highly metastatic form of breast cancer that spreads to dermal lymphatics, a site that would be accessible to light. IBC patients have a relatively poor survival rate due to lack of targeted therapies. The use of PDT is underexplored for breast cancers but has been proposed for treatment of subtypes for which a targeted therapy is unavailable. We optimized and used a 3D mammary architecture and microenvironment engineering (MAME) model of IBC to examine the effects of PDT using two treatment protocols. The first protocol used benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid A (BPD) activated at doses ranging from 45 to 540 mJ/cm. The second PDT protocol used two photosensitizers: mono- l-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) and BPD that were sequentially activated. Photokilling by PDT was assessed by live-dead assays. Using a MAME model of IBC, we have shown a significant dose-response in photokilling by BPD-PDT. Sequential activation of NPe6 followed by BPD is more effective in photokilling of tumor cells than BPD alone. Sequential activation at light doses of 45 mJ/cm for each agent resulted in >90 % cell death, a response only achieved by BPD-PDT at a dose of 360 mJ/cm. Our data also show that effects of PDT on a volumetric measurement of 3D MAME structures reflect efficacy of PDT treatment. Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential of PDT for treating IBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, and no disease-modifying therapy is yet available for this devastating pathology. Deposition of different physicochemical forms of amyloid-β peptides is a critical phase in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. β-Site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) is a major enzyme responsible for amyloid-β production; therefore, inhibition of this enzyme represents a promising approach for the discovery of amyloid-β-lowering agents. In this study, a series of novel 2,6-dialkyl-4-chromon-3-yl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates ( 14- 23) were synthesized and assessed as BACE-1 inhibitors using the Förster resonance energy transfer-based enzyme assay. Synthesized dihydropyridines exhibited weak-to-relatively-good BACE-1 inhibitory activities. Enzyme inhibitory activities ranged from 6.84 ± 6.62 ( 23) to 51.32 ± 1.04 ( 14) percent enzyme inhibitions at the concentration of 10 μM. The structure-activity relationship study showed that the presence of 4-[7-(ethanoyloxy)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl] moiety at C4 position of dihydropyridine ring ( 14, 16 and 18) confers higher activity compared with other substitutions at this position. Docking simulation predicted a key H-bond interaction between Asp32 residue and dihydropyridine NH group. Moreover, all docked dihydropyridines made good hydrophobic contacts with S1 and S2 subpockets of BACE-1. A good correlation between estimated binding affinities (pK) and experimental BACE-1 inhibitory activities at 10 μM was obtained ( R = 0.639). The findings of this study suggested that 2,6-dialkyl-4-chromon-3-yl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates could be promising scaffolds for the discovery of novel BACE-1 inhibitors for management of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of a genetic code made it possible to create ordered sequences of amino acids. In this article we provide two perspectives on code origin by carrying out simulations of code-sequence coevolution in finite populations with the aim of examining how the standard genetic code may have evolved from more primitive code(s) encoding a small number of amino acids. We determine the efficacy of the physico-chemical hypothesis of code origin in the absence and presence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) by allowing a diverse collection of code-sequence sets to compete with each other. We find that in the absence of horizontal gene transfer, natural selection between competing codes distinguished by differences in the degree of physico-chemical optimization is unable to explain the structure of the standard genetic code. However, for certain probabilities of the horizontal transfer events, a universal code emerges having a structure that is consistent with the standard genetic code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of the genetic code marked a major transition from a plausible RNA world to the world of DNA and proteins and is an important milestone in our understanding of the origin of life. We examine the efficacy of the physico-chemical hypothesis of code origin by carrying out simulations of code-sequence coevolution in finite populations in stages, leading first to the emergence of ten amino acid code(s) and subsequently to 14 amino acid code(s). We explore two different scenarios of primordial code evolution. In one scenario, competition occurs between populations of equilibrated code-sequence sets while in another scenario; new codes compete with existing codes as they are gradually introduced into the population with a finite probability. In either case, we find that natural selection between competing codes distinguished by differences in the degree of physico-chemical optimization is unable to explain the structure of the standard genetic code. The code whose structure is most consistent with the standard genetic code is often not among the codes that have a high fixation probability. However, we find that the composition of the code population affects the code fixation probability. A physico-chemically optimized code gets fixed with a significantly higher probability if it competes against a set of randomly generated codes. Our results suggest that physico-chemical optimization may not be the sole driving force in ensuring the emergence of the standard genetic code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynological investigations of five borecores, viz., GAM-3, GAM-6, GAM-7, GAM-8 and GAM-10 from Mailaram area have suggested the occurrence of complete Lower Gondwana succession in Mailaram area. Total nine palynozones have been identified on the basis of dominance, sub-dominance and appearance of various palynotaxa. These palynozones belong to Talchir, Upper Karharbari and Barakar (Early Permian), Raniganj (Late Permian) and Panchet (Early Triassic) palynofloras of Indian Gondwana. The oldest Palynozone-1 demonstrated in borecore GAM-6 (331.4-500 m) and borecore GAM-10 (505.66-581.55 m), is characterized by the dominance of Parasaccites and sub-dominance of Plicatipollenites belongs to Talchir Palynoflora; Palynozone-2 identified in borecore GAM-7 (667-749 m) and borecore GAM-8 (89.75 m) is characterized by the dominance of Parasaccites and sub-dominance of Scheuringipollenites which belongs to Upper Karharbari Palynoflora. Palynozone-3, identified in borecore GAM-6 (149.7-240.05 m) and borecore GAM-8 (84.95 m), is characterized by the dominance of Scheuringipollenites akin to Scheuringipollenites zone of Barakar palynoflora; Palynozone-4, recorded in borecores GAM-3 (294-437.98 m), GAM-7 (453-640.5 m) and GAM-8 (35.35 m) is characterized by the dominance of Faunipollenites and sub-dominance of Striatopodocarpites along with certain stratigraphically significant taxa, viz., Weylandites, Guttulapollenites, Corisaccites, Aurangapollenites and Osmundacidites. Palynozone-5, demarcated in borecore GAM-3 (144.86-221.3 m) and borecore GAM-10 (35.35 m), is distinguished by the dominance of striate disaccates along with at least 30% pollen assigned to Striasulcites; Palynozone-6, identified in borecore GAM-3 (35.1-73.08 m) and borecore GAM-7 (231-423 m), is characterized by the dominance of striate disaccates along with 20-30% of Densipollenites; Palynozone-7, recorded in borecore GAM-7 (206 m), is distinguished by the dominance of Crescentipollenites along with striate disaccates; Palynozone-8, identified in borecore GAM-7 (178.4 m), is characterized by the distinguished presence of taeniate pollen Guttulapollenites. Palynozones 4-8 belong to Raniganj Palynoflora. Palynozone-9, identified in borecore GAM-7 (166 m), is discriminated by the dominance of trilete spore Verrucosisporites and sub-dominance of taeniate pollen Lunatisporites which belongs to Triassic palynoflora. On the basis of palynological data Palynozone-1 (= Talchir palynoflora), Palynozone-2 and Palynozone-3 have been assigned to Early Permian age; Palynozones 4-8 (= Raniganj palynoflora) have been assigned to Late Permian age and Palynozone-9 (= Triassic palynoflora) has been assigned to Early Triassic age. With the aim of correlating the Permian and Triassic sediments of Mailaram area palynological investigations of five borecores were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entire 606 m-thick sedimentary sequence in borecore MCP-7 from Chintalapudi area, Chintalapudi sub-basin has been lithologically designated as Kamthi Formation. However, the palynological investigation revealed five distinct palynoassemblages, which essentially fall under two groups, one group (Palynoassemblage-I, II and III) having dominance of striate disaccates along with presence of some stratigraphically significant taxa, belongs to Late Permian (Raniganj) palynoflora, while the other group (Palynoassemblages IV and V) shows sharp decline in percentage of characteristic taxa of first group, i.e., striate disaccates, and consequent rise or dominance of taeniate and cingulate cavate spores, belongs to Early Triassic (Panchet) palynoflora. Palynoassemblage-I, II and III (Group I) are characterized by dominance of striate disaccates chiefly, Striatopodocarpites spp. and Faunipollenites spp. along with presence of rare but stratigraphically significant taxa, viz., Gondisporites raniganjensis, Falcisporites nuthaliensis, Klausipollenites schaubergeri, Chordasporites sp., Striomonosaccites, ovatus, Crescentipollenites multistriatus, Verticipollenites debiles, Strotersporites crassiletus, Guttulapollenites hannonicus, G. gondwanensis, Hamiapollenites insolitus, Corisaccites alutus, Lunatisporites ovatus, Weylandites spp. and Vitreisporites pallidus. Palynoassemblage-I is distinguished by significant presence of Densipollenites spp. while Palynoassemblage-II shows significant presence of Crescentipollenites spp. and Palynoassemblage-III differs from the above two assemblages in having significant presence of Guttulapollenites hannonicus. Palynoassemblage-IV (Group II) is characterized by high percentage of taeniate disaccates chiefly Lunatisporites spp., while Palynoassemblage-V (Group II) is characterized by cingulate-cavate trilete spores chiefly, Lundbladispora spp. and Densoisporites spp. Striate disaccates show a sharp decline in these two assemblages. In Chintalapudi area Late Permian and Early Triassic palynoflora has been recorded for the first time indicating existence of Raniganj and Panchet sediments as well. The study further supports the earlier studies of Jha and Srivastava () that Kamthi Formation represents Early Triassic (=Panchet Formation) overlying Raniganj equivalent sediments with a gradational contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distributional pattern of various palynotaxa in the coal bearing sediments recovered from six borecores (MLG-23, MLG-24, MLG-28, SGK-2, SGK-3 and SGK-4) in Gundala area of Godavari Graben has suggested occurrence of five distinct palynoassemblages: Palynoassemblage-A marked in borecore MLG-23 shows dominance of monosaccates chiefly Parasaccites along with Plicatipollenites, Caheniasaccites, Divarisaccus, and Potonieisporites, represents Talchir palynoflora; Palynoassemblage-B characterized by dominance of radial monosaccates chiefly Parasaccites along with trilete taxa Callumispora in borecores MLG-23 and MLG-24, corresponds to Lower Karharbari palynoflora; Palynoassemblage-C distinguished in borecores MLG-24, MLG-28, SGK-2, SGK-3 and SGK-4 is marked by dominance of radial monosaccates mainly Parasaccites along with nonstriate disaccate Scheuringipollenites, represents Upper Karharbari palynoflora; Palynoassemblage-D in borecores MLG-23, MLG-24 and MLG-28 demarcated by dominance of nonstriate disaccates chiefly Scheuringipollenites, Ibisporites along with sub-dominance of few striate disaccates, viz., Faunipollenites, Striatopodocarpites, Crescentipollenites and Striatites signifies Barakar palynoflora; the youngest, Palynoassemblage-E identified in borecores MLG-24 and MLG-28 shows dominance of striate disaccates, viz., Striatopodocarpites and Faunipollenites in conjunction with Strotersporites, Crescentipollenites, Hamiapollenites, Corisaccites, Weylandites and Falcisporites. This palynoassemblage also shows the appearance of some stratigraphically significant palynomorphs, viz., Lunatisporites, Lundbladispora, Playfordiaspora, Klausipollenites, Kamthisaccites, Guttulapollenites and Crustaesporites symbolizing Late Permian Raniganj palynoflora. Almost a complete palynological succession from Talchir to Raniganj has been demarcated in Lower Gondwana succession of Gundala area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Various methods are deployed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to control the osteotomised/ fractured bony segments intraoperatively till the time a stable fixation in the desired position is achieved. Few of these include the use of bone holding crocodile forceps, towel clips, reduction forceps, wires, digital control (Thota and Mitchell in Br J Orthod 26(4):325, 1999). In our technique, we present the use of an IMF screw to manipulate bony segments intraoperatively.Materials and Methods: We used this novel technique in a series of 12 patients. An IMF screw was fixed in the greatest bulk of the bony fragment so as to control it and hold it in the desired position in various surgical procedures.Conclusion: This technique was found to be minimally invasive and easy to perform to achieve a good hold and control of the bony segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]