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Pile foundations are provided for structures, where soil at the top layers possesses low bearing capacity. A comprehensive understanding of pile foundation located in liquefiable soils is a key requirement to enable designer to arrive at an economic design and for safe performance of structure during its intended service life. The failure of various structures on pile foundation system in liquefied soil subjected to earthquake load shows limitation of present methodologies available for design. Hence, study of pile foundations in liquefiable soil under earthquake loading attracted attention of researchers over many years. In addition, many governing factors, as compiled by researchers during analysis and design of pile foundation in liquefiable soils, need to be critically analysed. Therefore, in present paper comparative aspects of various issues addressed by different researchers are presented. It briefs about various International Codes followed in design and analysis. This review article also provides analytical study/numerical model developments, and experimental works performed by various researchers with an effort to bring out the progress in analysis and design. The current paper also discussed various behavioural issues, design aspects, recommendations by researchers dealing with proablems of pile foundation considering liquefaction condition of soil and some exemplary cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, many experiments have been done on lightweight Al and SiCp MMCs for aerospace and automotive applications. The results have been consistent in the development of structural and super alloys. Present work explores the performance characteristics of powder mix EDM by machining Al, LM-25 alloy with various weight fractions of reinforcement (0%, 5%, and 10% SiC) and variable electrode material. The impact of heat treatment on the microstructure of Al LM-25/10%SiC MMC has also been examined. Experimental investigation has been conducted to examine the machine response by adjusting the process parameters by employing the statistical design of RSM. The machining characteristics have been estimated to assess the machine response, namely metal removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR), which are closely related to process variables, discharge current (I p), pulse on time (Ton), servo voltage (V), different tool materials, varying work materials, and differing concentrations of abrasive particles. The ANOVA results show that tool material is the most crucial parameter for MRR, accounting for 11.90% of the total, followed by other process variables, and the pulse on time for TWR, accounting for 5.94% of the total. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to examine the macrostructure of machined MMCs. A chemical microanalysis technique such as Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the phase composition of the materials and material dispersion. Additionally, the desirability technique was used to identify the optimum machining conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the effects of damage (delamination) on the structural vibration characteristics of spar wingskin joints (SWJs) made with curved laminated composites are investigated. Three dimensional finite element analysis is employed to evaluate the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the joint structure considered. Virtual elements are implemented in the delamination region to prevent inter element penetration. The effectiveness of the finite element analysis technique used is validated with available results. Additionally, the effects of various parameters such as delamination size, curvature effect (shallowness angle), laminate stacking sequence, overlap length, and material anisotropy (modular ratio) on the free vibration responses of the curved SWJ are analyzed in details. The present delamination modeling and simulated results could serve as guidelines in designing curved laminated composite joint structures with/without delaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the promising growth of digital payments in India, this study aims to identify motivational factors influencing digital payment acceptance among Indian consumers and how consumers perceive these services when segregated by demographic profiles of gender, age, education and income levels. An online survey targeting 386 respondents was targeted to study the key determinants of digital payments adoption. The study reveals that trust, subjective norm, perceived risk, ease of use, and usefulness are key predictors of digital payment adoption. In addition, invariance analysis provides empirical evidence of scale non-invariance when consumers are segregated by gender and education. The study is pioneering in digital payments as useful insights are gained, which can help policymakers and service providers design future strategies for wider acceptance of digital payments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is the principal food crop for people in South and South-East Asia and is life for millions of rural households worldwide. Bacterial blight (BB) is a very common, widespread, and highly destructive disease of rice. By the introduction of nitrogen-responsive high-yielding rice varieties, there was many-fold increase in the productivity level of tropical rice in recent years. Continuous cropping of rice with high nitrogen use and general wet conditions aggravated the disease incidence. The cost of chemical control measures is high and often shows adverse effects on the environment. Development of host-plant resistance is therefore a preferred approach to control the disease. Evolution of pathogen differentiation in the Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) isolates often causes the breakdown of resistance against the disease. Efforts to deploy R-genes combinations are more important for managing the disease. Durable and broad-spectrum resistance may be achieved in host plants by precise gene incorporation through gene-pyramiding approach. To date, 45 genes conferring resistance to this disease have been identified in rice. The gene-for-gene concept of resistance governs the race-specific interaction between the host and the Xoo strains. Plants have developed different intrinsic mechanisms to defend the pathogen invasion. The pathogen also evolves to produce effectors with variation to counter the patterns-triggered immunity and convert the host plants response for effector-triggered susceptibility. This review discusses the progress in the identification of resistance genes, mechanisms of resistance, and deployment of resistance genes for durable and stable resistance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sources of organic matter (OM) in lower Narmada and Tapi river-estuaries were examined using organic carbon to nitrogen ratio (Corg/N), stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13Corg) and lignin phenol biomarkers. The signature of lower Corg (av. 0.50%) and higher δ13Corg (av. –20.3‰) in Narmada and, higher Corg (av. 0.85%) and lower δ13Corg (av. –22.8‰) in Tapi highlight the difference in OM characteristics of both systems, nevertheless they flow adjacent to each other. The OM in Tapi was predominated by fresh plant tissues, as indicated by higher Λ8 = 1.2–3.2 mg/100 mg Corg, lower Ad/Alv = 0.22–0.46 and lower LPVI = 17–23. The plant OM present in the sediments of Narmada was previously degraded and mixed with soil. The OM contribution from algae was restricted to estuarine stations in both the rivers, which was ∼50% in Narmada and ∼35% in Tapi. The contribution of OM from fresh vascular plant was higher (20% to 63%) in Tapi than Narmada (2% to 35%). This study illustrated the benefits of using lignin phenols along with Corg/N and δ13Corg to identify the potential OM sources in two large river–estuary systems of India, which highlighted the complex interaction of natural and anthropogenic processes acted on the terrestrial OM compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pb1-xSrxZr0.52Ti0.48O3(PSZT) with x = 0–10 mole % were prepared by sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show both rhombohedral and tetragonal crystal symmetries. Increase in lattice strain due to Sr incorporation results in enhanced dielectric constant and piezoelectric co-efficient (d33).With the increase in temperature relaxation time increases from 10−6sec to 10−7sec and spreading factor increases from 0.21 (±0.05) to 0.26 (±0.05) for 10 mole % PSZT. Also, the maximum remanent electric polarization and coercive electric field of 13.64 µC/cm2and 15.97 kV/cm respectively have been observed for 10 mole % samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PVDF with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mole% of PZT has been prepared by the solvent casting method. Prominent β phase has been observed from the XRD, FT-IR and Raman studies. The polarization of these samples starts at high field of 100 kv/cm and it increases with the increase in applied electric field. The 4 mole% PZT doped PVDF shows maximum polarization and high coercive field. The coercive field also increases with the increase in applied electric field. Hence, 4 mole% PZT doped PVDF composites can be used in high electric fields applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba0.70Sr0.30TiO3-(BST) ceramics were fabricated by conventional mixed oxide route. The structural phase transition, ferroelectric, dielectric and energy storage properties of BST ceramics capacitors were investigated. Electric field induced weak ferroelectricity is observed for BST ceramics. Temperature dependent dielectric property measurements of BST solid-solutions have shown a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Room temperature breakdown field strength and energy densities were obtained from P-E loops. The recoverable energy density is 0.17 J/cm3with dielectric breakdown strength as high as 150 kV/cm. BST ceramics have shown interesting energy densities; these might be the strong candidate materials for capacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiation and propagation of inter-laminar delamination in adhesive bonded spar wingskin joint (SWJ) made with laminated fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite curved panels have been studied employing three-dimensional finite element analyses. In-plane and out-of-plane normal and shear stress distributions are seen to be highly three-dimensional in nature. Tsai-Wu coupled stress failure criteria have been employed to identify critical locations of onset of delamination-induced damage. This occurs underneath the toe-end of the spar overlap and at the inter-laminar surface between the first and second plies of the curved FRP wingskin panel. Significant edge effects on the joint strength have been observed due to the curvature geometry of the composite wingskin panels. Non-linear finite element analyses have been carried out for study of delamination propagation using contact and multi point constraint (MPC) elements. The use of contact elements prevents inter-penetration of delaminated surfaces. Whereas, sequential release of MPC elements facilitates computation of opening, sliding and cross-sliding modes of delamination-induced strain energy release rates (SERR) by using virtual crack closure technique. Variation in delamination lengths significantly effects the variation of peel and inter-laminar shear stresses and different modes of SERRs. Variations on the two delamination fronts are seen to be quite different indicating dis-similar propagation rates. The Mode I SERR (GI) predominantly governs the delamination propagation in the SWJ. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ba0.70Ca0.30TiO3-(BCT),Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-(BZT) ceramics were fabricated by conventional mixed oxide route to develop inorganic dielectric materials suitable for use as an insulator with high dielectric constant and low energy loss for capacitor applications. The structural phase transition, ferroelectric, dielectric and energy storage properties of BCT, BZT ceramic capacitors were investigated. Room temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed prominent peaks corresponding to tetragonal perovskite crystal structure for both BCT, BZT solid solutions. Slim ferroelectric hysteresis (P-E) loops were observed for BCT, BZT solid solutions. Temperature dependent dielectric property measurements of BCT, BZT solid solutions have shown a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Room temperature (300K) breakdown field strength and energy densities were obtained from the integral area of P-E loops. For the BCT ceramics, the largest recoverable energy (unreleased energy) density is 1.41 J/cm3with dielectric breakdown strength as high as 150 kV/cm. For the BZT ceramics, the largest recoverable energy (unreleased energy) density is 0.71 J/cm3with dielectric breakdown strength as high as 150 kV/cm. Bulk BCT, BZT ceramics have shown interesting energy densities; these might be the strong candidate materials for capacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyacrylonitrile/functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (PAN/f-SWCNTs) nanocomposites were synthesized by an emulsifier-freein situpolymerization process. Interaction of polyacrylonitrile with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes was evidenced by ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. The structure and morphology of nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity was found to be increased by addition of f-SWCNTs. Thermogravimetric analysis study of PAN/f-SWCNT nanocomposites show more thermal resistance compared to the virgin PAN. The oxygen barrier property of PAN/f-SWCNT nanocomposites was reduced by eight times with increasing f-SWCNTs proportions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this report, we have investigated the effect of BaTiO3 on the preliminary structural analysis, ferroelectric phase transition and electrical properties of (1 − x) P b (F e 0.5 N b 0.5 ) O 3 − x B a T i O 3 (P F N − B T) (x = 0 , 0.025 , 0.05, and 0.1) solid solutions. Conventional solid-state reaction technique is adopted to synthesize P F N − B T solid solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is used to study the preliminary structural analysis, which suggests the formation of the single-phase materials. The surface morphology is studied using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The temperature-dependent dielectric properties display a broad diffuse phase transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric state and the phase transition temperature was found to be decreased with an increase in BT concentrations. Ferroelectric property of the solid solutions is confirmed by the polarization vs. electric field (P–E) loops study at room temperature. Variation of AC conductivity with frequency and temperature is also studied. The addition of BT leads to a decrease in the dielectric loss and phase transition temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric properties of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are quite sensitive to gases in contact with the tube walls. This effect makes possible a thermoelectric chemical sensor. Large, reversible swings in thermoelectric power (S), sometimes even involving sign changes in S, have been observed. Even contact of the SWNTs with He and N 2 and H 2 result in easily detectable and reversible changes in S. Smaller, polar alcohol molecules stimulate a large thermoelectric response, although H 2 O has no effect. For adsorption of six membered ring molecules C 6 H n in SWNTs, the large thermoelectric response observed for Benzene (n=6) is seen to decrease as the π electrons in the molecule are removed, and the coupling between the molecules and the SWNT is thereby reduced. These effects are discussed in terms of the diffusion thermopower for a rope, and a new scattering channel associated with adsorbed molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article presents a new approach for the estimation of power system frequency for power quality studies using bus voltage signals corrupted with noise and harmonics. The method involves application of a nonlinear filtering technique like a Kalman filter in the complex domain known as extended complex Kalman filter (ECKF). This article systematically outlines the development of the complex Kalman filter model using one phase measurement in the state space form and relevant equations to compute the Kalman gain. The nonlinear filter is then applied to several static and dynamic conditions of the power system and the frequency is estimated. Presence of harmonics and noise in bus voltage signal is taken into consideration in evaluating the performance of this new filter in terms of rejecting noise and harmonics. In the presence of decaying dc components in the signal, the new filter is found to be very effective as validated from the digital simulation tests. Further the ECKF is applied for the frequency estimation of an ac-dc system during load and line reactance changes and the estimation results reveal high accuracy and convergence. In general, it is observed that the proposed filter outperforms in terms of accuracy and speed of convergence the reported real extended Kalman filter during sudden transient changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric properties of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are quite sensitive to gases in contact with the tube walls. This effect makes possible a thermoelectric chemical sensor. Large, reversible swings in thermoelectric power (S), sometimes even involving sign changes in S, have been observed. Even contact of the SWNTs with He and N 2 and H 2 result in easily detectable and reversible changes in S. Smaller, polar alcohol molecules stimulate a large thermoelectric response, although H 2 O has no effect. For adsorption of six membered ring molecules C 6 H n in SWNTs, the large thermoelectric response observed for Benzene (n=6) is seen to decrease as the π electrons in the molecule are removed, and the coupling between the molecules and the SWNT is thereby reduced. These effects are discussed in terms of the diffusion thermopower for a rope, and a new scattering channel associated with adsorbed molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices significantly influences the trip boundaries of a distance relay in a two-terminal system connected by a double-circuit transmission line. This paper provides the apparent impedance calculations for line-to-ground fault at different locations of the FACTS elements on one of the circuits, taking arc resistance in the fault path and infeed into consideration. Three important FACTS devices, namely the unified power flow controller (UPFC), the thyristor-controlled phase shifting transformer (TCPST), and the thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC), whose presence in the line modulates the trip characteristics, are considered in this paper. Although the case studies for a single line-to-ground fault are included in this paper, extensions to include other types of faults, such as line-to-line and double line-to-ground, are straightforward and involve simple manipulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new algorithm for the estimation of the instantaneous magnitude and frequency of the voltage flicker, which is a major concern in the area of power quality. This periodic fluctuation in the voltage supply system is modeled as an amplitude-modulated signal, and the voltage flicker, which is the modulating signal, is a sinusoid of random frequency and random magnitude. A p-power error criterion is used to update the parameters of an LMS algorithm for estimating the voltage flicker magnitude and frequency. The frequency of the fundamental AC supply voltage is assumed constant throughout the computational process. The new adaptive LMS algorithm with the p-power error criterion yields an accurate estimate of the voltage flicker, which is essential for monitoring of power quality. An on-line frequency correction scheme is also presented to take into account small-frequency variations of the base voltage waveform. Simulation results are presented to confirm the convergence speed and accuracy of this algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Delamination and cracking of matrix/fiber is a common failure phenomena reported in fiber reinforced composite materials. As complex stress states develop in laminated structures, they are prone to develop fracture phenomena. Therefore, designs with large damage tolerance are currently implemented in most of the industrial sectors. This can be achieved by designing such materials with superior fracture resistance, which requires a comprehensive understanding of failure mechanisms. Cohesive Zone Models (CZM) are a popular technique to study debonding and decohesion in composite structures. Furthermore, due to the accurate simulation of complex crack paths including crack branching, the Phase Field (PF) approach has gained notable relevance in fracture studies, including the interplay between debonding and crack propagation in the matrix. In order to get a further insight into these intricate scenarios, involving bridging mechanisms in intralayer and interlayer, crack simulation coupling the phase field approach and the cohesive zone model is herein exploited for identifying crack migration through material layers. The crack paths and the related force–displacement curves of 2D multilayered material models of complex laminates are predicted and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureas and thioureas, otherwise known as carbamides and thiocarbamides, respectively, are rich sources of nitrogen. Urea has a wide range of applications in agriculture, the chemical industry, and automobile systems, and is an important chemical in medical uses. Thiourea, an organosulfur compound, has long been known as an important reagent in organic synthesis, and has been employed in textile processing, used as a source of sulphides, and acts as a precursor in the synthesis of several heterocyclic compounds. The exceptional ligating properties of these compounds enable them to form a large number of complex compounds with transition metals, a vast majority of which find abundant applications in potential areas. This has stimulated researchers to explore novel applications of the synthesized ligands and the metal complexes thereof. This review presents a report of the studies on the biological activities, sensor properties, opical nonlinear properties, corrosion inhibitior potential, and catalytic activities of these compounds and their metal complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten predominant bacteria (CSB 1-10), isolated from chromite mine soil of Sukinda, Odisha, were characterized by means of biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All of the bacterial isolates were Gram-positive, spore-forming, and motile rods with diameter ranging from 1.57–2.79 μm and identified asBacillusspecies. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree construction, 10Bacillusspecies were grouped into two clusters:Bacillus subtiliscluster with four species (two ofB. amyloliquefaciens,and one each ofB. tequilensisandB. mojavensis); andBacillus cereuscluster containing six species ofB. cereus. Secondary rRNA structure predicted for all 10 bacteria using 16S rRNA sequences revealed some degree of genetic variations among the species. Among the isolated bacteria, CSB-9 was found to be the most efficient chromate reducing strain (0.8 × 10−4mg mg−1h−1) in comparison to the others. Chromate reduction of the bacteria was associated with the contribution of extracellular enzyme production, and highest enzyme activity (0.9 ± 0.09 U mL−1) was observed in CSB-9 (B. amyloliquefaciens).The present study revealed the dominance ofBacillusspecies in the chromite mine soil and their potential for bioremediation of hexavalent chromium from the polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bismuth layer structured ferroelectric (BLSF) ceramics consisting of four-layers (BaLa0.75Bi3.25Ti4O15) and five-layers (Ba2La0.75Bi3.25Ti5O18) were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. Summerfield ac-conductivity scaling analysis was used to evaluate the electrical behavior and the ac-conductivity isotherm curves. The relaxation results were corroborated with the Raman Peak positions and full width at half maximum was obtained by using Lorentzian peak fit method. Finally, the results were compared with the two-layered relaxor-compound (Bi2.45La0.55TiNbO9) and technologically standard three-layered compounds (La0.75Bi3.25Ti3O12; BLT). The dielectric relaxation of Bi2.45La0.55TiNbO9was verified using modified Curie-Weiss law and Vögel-Fulcher relationship. An attempt is made to realize the typical collective nature of the ionic conductivity of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the rice insects, brown planthopper (BPH), (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is a monophagous migratory phloem-sucking insect causing severe loss in Asiatic countries. High nitrogen and willful insecticide application coupled with an increase in temperature have created havoc by this pest during the last few years in certain parts of India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Though chemical control measures are advocated to mitigate this insect, yet, the incorporation of host-plant resistance factor is the preferred approach to manage this insect attack owing to the high cost of chemical control and adverse effects on the environment. To date, more than 40 major resistance genes and 22 minor genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are identified. Cloning of 11 BPH resistance genes has been completed to date. Majority of the cloned genes produced coiled-coil nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat protein for the defense response in the host plant. Salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene, mitogen-activated protein kinases, Ca2+, OsRac1, and other signaling molecules play a definite role in the defense response. Signal transduction may lead to sieve tube sealing, production of metabolites, and induction of proteinase inhibitor for defense response against BPH attack. Plants have intrinsic mechanisms for recognition of damage-associated and herbivore-associated molecular patterns and elicitors for host defense response. This review provides an update on the sources of resistance, identification of resistance genes, gene maps, (QTL) detection, cloning, insights into the molecular mechanisms of resistance, and deployment of resistance genes for durable and broad-spectrum resistance in the cultivars against BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents a systematic study of conductivity and dielectric relaxations in the solid solution of (BiFeO3)1-x -(YMnO3)x for compositional range (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) as function of frequency, temperature, and magnetic field. The samples have been synthesized by combustion method. The thermal activations of dc-conductivity and relaxation time obey Arrhenius behavior for, x = 0.0, 0.025, 0.05 but follow variable range hopping of small polarons above, x ≥ 0.075 with activation energy 0.45 eV. The compositional time-temperature superposition of dielectric modulus data suggests that conduction mechanism changes with composition. The bulk capacitance decreases with increase in magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel ferrites have been widely studied due to their remarkable properties such as high saturation magnetisation, large magnetic permeability, and high electrical resistivity. Among the oxides-based magneto strictive spinel ferrite, CoFe2O4 (CFO) possess the highest value of absolute magnetostriction coefficient (–110 ppm). But CFO has the disadvantage of large magnetic anisotropy and high coercivity. Therefore, doping of zinc (Zn) at Co-site of CFO is reported to reduce the magnetic coercivity and increases the resistivity (108Ω) keeping the magnetostriction coefficient with a sizable value. Also, substitution of Zn for Co in CFO reduces magnetic anisotropy. So, in view of this we have prepared Zn modified CFO compound: Co0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 using sol-gel combustion technique. The room temperature (RT) XRD patterns indicate the formation of single-phase material without appearance of any impurity phases within the detection limit of X-ray diffractometer. The Rietveld refinement on the RT XRD pattern of CZFO sample was carried out using cubic crystal structure with space group Fd-3m. A good agreement between the experimental and the fitted data has been observed. The average crystallite size for the composition was calculated from the XRD patterns using Williamson–Hall method. Scanning electron micrographs displays homogeneous distribution of grains throughout the sample microstructure with the presence of minute amount of pores. The dielectric and electrical properties were studied as function of frequencies at different temperatures. Complex impedance spectroscopic technique study on this sample suggests existence of non-Debye type dielectric relaxation behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between transcription, histone modification, and RNA processing. In fact, genome-wide analyses that correlate histone marks with RNA processing signals raise the possibility that specific RNA processing factors may modulate transcription and help to "write" chromatin marks. Here we show that the nuclear cap binding complex (CBC) directs recruitment of transcription elongation factors and establishes proper histone marks during active transcription. A directed genetic screen revealed that deletion of either subunit of the CBC confers a synthetic growth defect when combined with deletion of genes encoding either Ctk2 or Bur2, a component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog of P-TEFb. The CBC physically associates with these complexes to recruit them during transcription and mediates phosphorylation at Ser-2 of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. To understand how these interactions influence downstream events, histone H3K36me3 was examined, and we demonstrate that CBCΔ affects proper Set2-dependent H3K36me3. Consistent with this, the CBC and Set2 have similar effects on the ability to rapidly induce and sustain activated gene expression, and these effects are distinct from other histone methyltransferases. This work provides evidence for an emerging model that RNA processing factors can modulate the recruitment of transcription factors and influence histone modification during elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a directional relaying algorithm based on a voting technique for the protection of a series-compensated line where the capacitors are present at both the ends of the line. The directional relaying issues in a series-compensated line related to voltage inversion, current inversion, high-resistance fault, and load change are addressed. Four classifiers based on positive- and negative-sequence components are selected and integrated using the voting technique to derive the final decision. The technique is evaluated using data simulated with EMTDC/PSCAD (Manitoba Hydro) for a series-compensated line, and the dynamic performance of the algorithm is also studied. The integration approach is found to be advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Quantum computing is one of the most significant anticipation towards the accomplishment of interminable consumer demands of small, high speed, and low-power operable electronics devices. As reversible logic circuits have direct applicability to quantum circuits, design and synthesis of these circuits are finding grounds for emerging nano-technologies of quantum computing. Multiple Controlled Toffoli (MCT) and Multiple Controlled Fredkin (MCF) are the fundamental reversible gates that playing key role in this phase of development. A number of special reversible gates have also been presented so far, which were claimed superior for providing certain purposes like logic development and testing. This paper critically analyses a range of these gates to procure an optimal solution for design, synthesis and testing of reversible circuits. The experimentation is facilitated at three subsequent levels, i.e. gates properties, quantum cost and design & testability. MCT and MCF gates are found up to 50% more cost-effective than special gates at design level and 34.4% at testability level. Maximum reversibility depth (MRD) is included as a new measurement parameter for comparison. Special gates exhibit MRD up to 7 which ideally should be 1 for a system to be physically reversible as that of MCT and MCF gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Saussurea comprises many species with highly medicinal, religious or other economical values. The chromosome number in the genus ranges from 2n = 24 to 108, based on x = 12, 13, 16, or 17, but the primary base number is still not clear. The present meiotic study cover 8 species (14 populations) of Saussurea from the Northwest Himalayas, and add new or varied cytotypes, as an attempt to solve the enigmatic cytogenetic variations in the genus. The chromosome numbers in Saussurea auriculata (n = 16) is new to the world, while S. costus (n = 17), S. jacea (n = 17) and S. roylei (n = 17) reveal the varied cytotypes at world level. Besides, S. taraxicifolia (n = 16) is a first ever report for Indian populations. The meiotic studies on different populations reveal a substantial amount of meiotic abnormalities in the form of chromosome stickiness, un-oriented bivalents, cytomixis, laggards, etc. leading to the meiocytes with less (aneuploidy) or more (polyploidy) chromosome numbers. These abnormalities may produce unreduced pollen grains and adversely affect pollen viability. The high number of these meiotic abnormalities may be responsible for the chromosome number variation in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single phase lead-free ferroelectric ceramic Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3(NBT) is synthesized using sol-gel method and sintered using microwave sintering technique. The structural, microstructural, and electrical properties are investigated in detail. Rietveld refinement technique is used to analyse XRD pattern. SEM micrograph shows the densely packed micrometre sized grains. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops for unpoled and poled samples confirm its ferroelectric nature. The characteristic ferroelectric properties like remanent polarization and coercive field are found to be 84.8 µC/cm2, 71.8 µC/cm2and 58.8 kV/cm, 58.6 kV/cm respectively for the unpoled and poled samples. The current versus voltage curve of the NBT follow the bulk-limited space-charge conduction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent Salmonella outbreaks associated with dry pet food and treats raised the level of concern for these products as vehicle of pathogen exposure for both pets and their owners. The need to characterize the microbiological and risk profiles of this class of products is currently not supported by sufficient specific data. This systematic review summarizes existing data on the main variables needed to support an ingredients-to-consumer quantitative risk model to (1) describe the microbial ecology of bacterial pathogens in the dry pet food production chain, (2) estimate pet exposure to pathogens through dry food consumption, and (3) assess human exposure and illness incidence due to contact with pet food and pets in the household. Risk models populated with the data here summarized will provide a tool to quantitatively address the emerging public health concerns associated with pet food and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Results of such models can provide a basis for improvements in production processes, risk communication to consumers, and regulatory action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation and characterization of soy lecithin (SL) and palm oil (PO) based organogels have been reported in this study. The optimization of the composition of the organogels was carried out by varying the proportions of SL, PO and water. Microscopic studies suggested the presence of aqueous phase either as spherical droplets or fluid filled fibers or both, depending on the composition of the organogels. FTIR study indicated strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding among the organogel components. The release of metronidazole (model drug, MZ) suggested diffusion mediated drug release. MZ loaded organogels showed good antimicrobial property againstB. subtilisandE. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sols of starches have been reported to form phase-separated systems when mixed with the gelatin solution. This has been attributed to the thermodynamic incompatibility of the starch-gelatin systems. The current work has been designed to study the effect of processed starches on the properties of the gelatin-starch based phase-separated physical hydrogels. The hydrogels were prepared using corn starch, soluble starch and boiled starch. The hydrogels were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal studies, textural studies and impedance spectroscopy. Metronidazole was incorporated within the hydrogels. The drug-loaded gels have shown good antimicrobial activity againstEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we present a systematic method for designing single error correcting (SEC) and double error detecting finite field (Galois field) multipliers over GF(2m). The detection and correction are done on-line. We use multiple Parity Predictions to detect and correct errors. Specifically, a structural approach is first presented. The predicted parity bits are derived from the primitive polynomials for generating the fields. Further, a hybrid approach is presented where the multipliers and PP circuits are synthesised, and the decoding and correction circuits are structurally combined to form the complete error correcting designs. Although the article considers only a finite field multiplier, without loss of generality, the technique could be applied to any combinational logic circuit. Our technique, when compared with existing techniques, gives better performance. We show that our SEC multipliers over GF(2m) require about 100% extra hardware, whereas with the traditional SEC techniques, such as the triple-modular redundancy (TMR), this figure is more than 200%. Moreover, the multiple bit error detection and correction using multiple Hamming code were also introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have shown that excitation and emission spectra and emission kinetics of Eu: Y 2 O 3 powder can be influenced by aggregated Ag nanoparticles. This demonstrates that basic physical and spectroscopic properties of novel advanced luminescent and gain media and, in particular, materials for random lasers can be engineered at the nanoscale level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]