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Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem that increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction is a common cardiovascular complication of CKD. Anaemia is present in both dialysis & non dialysis CKD patients. Anaemia causes left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) which in turn leads to increases morbidity and mortality in CKD, even before progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Our study is aimed at to evaluate the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and its correlation with anaemia in hospitalized CKD patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 50 patients of different stages of CKD admitted in the chittagong medical college hospital (CMCH). All the clinical data were reviewed and recorded. Data was analyzed by SPSS-18 and p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Vol. 42, No. 1, January 2024 Results: Majority of study population 64% was male, 36% was female. Most of the male patient (40%) of the study population were having abnormal left ventricular mass index (>130 gm/m²). More patients with severe left ventricular hypertrophy were found in stage 5 of CKD in female and male which was 8 and 23 respectively. Regarding correlation of Hb% with LVMI there was a significant negative correlation was found (r= -0.420, p = 0.003) between them means if Hb% decreases LVMI level increases. It was also found in male and female patients separately (for male r = -0.778, p = 0.001 and for female r = -0.746, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Anemia is widely prevalent in our CKD patients. Severity of anemia is correlated to left ventricular hypertrophy in these patients. Hence correction of anemia early in these group of patients can halt or prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty soybean genotypes were evaluated for two consecutive years kharif 2018 and 2019 to determine genetic variability, heritability (h2 ) and genetic advance (GA) for yield and other yield attributing traits. The pooled analysis of variance revealed significant variation among year and treatment for all characters studied. The interaction of year x treatment also showed a significant difference for most of the traits. RVSM2011-35 recorded the highest mean performance of seed yield/plant and a high value of oil content over the two years indicating that the genotype was found to be promising and could be recommended for Assam. In the case of oil content, NRC 148 showed the highest mean value and also a high value of mean seed yield/ plant over the two years. Range estimation showed wide values for most of the traits except plant height, the number of branches and pods/plant in comparison with the check. The estimates of phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficient of variation indicated that the values of PCV were slightly higher than GCV. The highest values of GCV and PCV were observed for seed yield/plant, the number of seeds/pod and oil content. Higher values of heritability (h2) coupled with high genetic advance (GA) were recorded for seed yield/plant, the number of seeds/pod, oil content, the number of branches, days to 50% flowering, plant height, the number of pods/plant, and 100 seed weight, suggesting that these characters could easily be modified or improved through simple selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classification of remote sensing spatial information from multi spectral satellite imagery can be used to obtain multiple representation of the image and capture different structure lineaments. Pixels are grouped using clustering and morphology based segmentation for region based spatial information. This is used to calculate the spatial features of the contiguous regions by classifying the region into the statistics of the pixel properties. In the proposed work, analysis of Google Earth images for identification of morphological patterns of the river flow is done for remote sensing image using graph-cuts. Multi-temporal satellite images acquired from Google Earth to identify the digital elevation is used to formulate the energy function from images to compare the displacement in pixel value using similarity measure. A method is proposed to solve non-rigid image transformation via graph-cuts algorithm by modeling the registration process as a discrete labeling problem. A displacement vector associated to each pixel in the source image indicates the corresponding position in the moving image. The transformation matrix produced from change in the intensity of the pixels for a region is then optimized for energy minimization by using the graph-cuts algorithm and demon registration technique. The proposed study enhances the advantages of regional segmentation in order to know homogeneous areas for optimal image segmentation and digital footprints for change in the river bed patterns by identifying the change in LANDSAT data from temporal satellite images. By applying the proposed multi-level registration method, the number of labels used in each level is greatly reduced due to lower image resolution being used in coarser levels. The results demonstrate that the lineament detection for better accuracy compared to traditional sources of lineament identification methods. It has provided better geotectonic understanding of Cudappah rock in Ahobhilam with Quartzite. The imprints of Eastern Ghat orogeny are seen in upper stream section through a graph cut based segmentation approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we demonstrate heteroepitaxial growth of single-crystalline-like Si thin films on inexpensive and lightweight flexible metal foil substrates using radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD). Single-crystalline-like Ge thin film on ion-beam textured templates on metal foils served as epitaxy enabling substrates for Si growth. The epitaxial Si films were oriented along (004) direction and strongly biaxially-textured with narrow in-plane and out-of-plane spreads. Surface morphology was granular with 300–400 nm diameter grains having very low-angle grain boundaries (average ∼ 0.5°). Raman spectroscopy revealed near 100% crystallinity and high structural quality, comparable to bulk c-Si wafer. Controllable in-situ gas phase doping was carried out to achieve n- and p-type Si films with high electron and hole mobilities of 230 and 65 cm 2 /V-s respectively and carrier concentrations suitable for electronic device application. Direct deposition of high mobility single-crystalline-like Si thin films on flexible and inexpensive metal foils can be a potential route towards roll-to-roll scalable manufacturing of high-performance flexible electronics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of a solid solution of MnNiSi and FeNiGe alloys with nominal composition Mn 0.53 Fe 0.47 NiSi 0.53 Ge 0.47 have been investigated through dc magnetic measurements in ambient as well as in high pressure conditions. The alloy undergoes magneto-structural transition from the paramagnetic hexagonal Ni 2 In type structure to the ferromagnetic orthorhombic TiNiSi-type structure on cooling around 160 K. The alloy shows significant amount of training effect in magnetization when it is thermally cycled through the first order martensitic transition. We observe a colossal magnetocaloric effect (MCE) ( Δ S = −70.1 J/kg-K for H = 0–50 kOe) in ambient condition around the magneto-structural transition ( ∼ 176 K). Application of external hydrostatic pressure results in a significant decrease in the MCE value of the alloy. Reasonably large value of refrigeration capacity (RC) in ambient as well as in high pressure conditions (RC = 184.4 and 123 J/kg in ambient and 5 kbar of external pressure respectively) confirms its acceptance as a good magnetic refrigerant for practical uses. Metamagnetic behavior of the alloy around the magneto-structural transition presumably plays the key role towards the observation of such colossal value of MCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes about the preparation of semisolid metal (SSM) slurry by using an oblique plate. In this process, A356 aluminum alloy melt partially solidifies while flowing over a bottom cooled oblique plate. Melt flow inertia shears columnar dendrites formed on plate wall into equiaxed/fragmented grains by resulting semisolid slurry at plate exit. Effects of plate length providing required shear and cooling rate enabling necessary solidification are investigated. A 3-phase numerical model vis-à-vis transport of mass, momentum, energy and species is developed for prediction of velocity, temperature, macrosegregation and solid fraction. Model uses volume of fluid (VOF) for tracking-metal-air-interface and finite volume method (FVM) with enthalpy based phase change algorithm for tracking-solid-liquid-interface within the metal. Darcy model is used for porous mushy zone. Slurry variable viscosity is represented by Oldenburg model. Stokes model incorporates solid phase movement and gravity effect along the flow. Dendrite fragmentation is considered for generation of moving solid phase. Solid movement is handled by coherency point and characteristic diameter of moving grains. Model neglects nucleation and growth kinetics, solidification shrinkage/expansion and thermo-solutal buoyancy. Slurry solid fractions at plate exit are 16%, 22%, and 27% for plate lengths of 200 mm, 250 mm, and 300 mm, respectively. And, are 5%, 22%, and 27% for heat transfer coefficients of 1000 W/m 2 -K, 2000 W/m 2 -K and 2500 W/m 2 -K, respectively. Numerical predictions agree well with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study with organic manures, inorganic manures and biofertilizers alone and in combination was carried out on 11-year-old mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Himsagar spaced 10 m apart in a randomized block design at the University Research Station, Gayeshpur, BCKV, West Bengal, India. The objective was to determine their effect on growth, soil characters, and fruit quality of mango grown in a new alluvial zone of West Bengal. Respiration, physiological loss in weight (PLW) and shelf life at ambient room temperatures, and soil characters were also assessed. Results revealed that among the eight treatments, biofertiliser (Azotobacter + PSM) along with 50% inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the growth characters of mango trees. This treatment also increased the physico-chemical character of fruit while biofertilizers alone improved the fruit quality, viz. total soluble solids, total sugar and β-carotene. Fruits treated with biofertilizers also had increased shelf life with lower PLW and respiration rate. Soil microbial population and other soil characters were improved by application of biofertilizer as well. It is concluded that biofertilizer application in mango gives better growth, fruit quality, and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Ni-doped Ni 50+x Mn 35−x Sn 15 samples for x = −1, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been investigated by transport and dc magnetization measurements. The parent sample ( x = 0) undergoes martensitic phase transition around 180 K during cooling along with ferromagnetic Curie point ( T C ) to be 340 K. Interestingly, Ni doping at the Mn site leads to rather unusual non-monotonous variation of martensitic transition temperature ( T MS ) which is precisely corroborated by the similar non-monotonous variation of lattice volume ( V 300 K ). Between −1 ≤ x ≤ 2, the variation of various physical parameters in the studies alloys is conventional and can be explained on the basis of e / a ratio of the samples. However, for x > 2, parameters such as T C , T MS , V 300 K etc. show sudden change in the nature of their variation which is anomalous and cannot be accounted by the e / a ratio formalism. Present study reveals that possible reason behind this non-monotonous variation is closely connected with a self-sustained mechanism originating from the change in the strength of hybridization between Ni 3 d e g state and the excess Mn at the Sn site on Ni substitution. The samples also show large negative magnetoresistance near T MS with its magnitude showing similar non-monotonous variation with Ni doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground state magnetic properties of Eu 0.5 Sr 0.5 Mn 1− x Co x O 3 ( x = 0, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1) with perovskite structure were investigated through dc magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements. Smaller ionic radii of Eu +3 ion makes the ground state magnetic properties of these compounds more interesting. The samples show magnetic memory, large relaxation, frequency-dependent ac susceptibility and aging effects at low temperature, which indicate glassy magnetic ground state in the studied samples. A gradual transition from the spin-glass like ground state to cluster-glass state is also observed with increasing Co concentration. This observation is due to the decrease in double exchange interaction between Mn 3+ and Mn 4+ ion and hence the ferromagnetic interaction with Co doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of a typical ferrofluid (FF) lies in its explicit property of chain formation of magnetic nanoparticles. The most significant magneto-optic (MO) and magneto-viscous (MV) effects of FF are attributed to chaining effect. In the present research, an effort was made to analytically justify the dependence of the structure evolution of FFs on different measurable parameters involved in MO and MV effects. The problem is treated with the help of dimensional analysis and an empirical relation is formulated relating the equilibrium chain length with Verdet coefficient (constant), particle diameter, viscosity of the carrier fluid, particle density, magnetization and shear rate. The formulated relation of chain length is supported by error analysis to yield the uncertainty in the result. The maximum uncertainty in four sets of data is found as ∼0.75. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of antimalarial drug resistance malaria parasite is widespread in North eastern region of India. During January 2012-December 2013, we conducted active surveillance for detection of antifolate resistance-associated genetic polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite from different malaria endemic areas of Assam. Materials and Methods: A total of 281 field samples were collected from suspected malaria patients of which 106 malaria P. falciparum positive cases were detected in microscopic slide examination. A nested PCR was done for amplification of a 648 bp portion of the dhfr gene and 710 bp portion of the dhps gene. Results: Mutation analysis revealed existence of three different haplotypes of the P. falciparum dhfr gene of which ANRNI was highly prevalent (90%). Triple mutant haplotypes AIRNI (N51I + C59R + S108N) of the dhfr gene associated with pyrimethamine resistance were prevalent in Chirang district of Assam. Whereas, dhps mutation study revealed that triple mutant haplotype AGEAA (S436A + A437G + K540E) associated with Sulphadoxine resistance was found among 26% of P. falciparum field isolates. However, P. falciparum dhfr-dhps two locus mutation analysis showed that there were a total of nine dhfr-dhps genotypes. Conclusion: It was noticed that 93.62% (88/94) isolates had mutations in the sequences of both enzymes, which is an indication of prevalence of high grade of Sulphadoxine -- pyrimethamine resistance in P. falciparum malaria parasites in Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a preliminary report of the rare earth metal abundances in certain Pan-African granitoids of Karbi Hills, Assam, North East India. Higher abundance of rare earth metals is apparently related to the mineralogical abundance of certain key rare earth element (REE)-bearing accessory minerals like allanite, xenotime, bastnaesite, apatite, zircon and monazite. The bulk chemistry of the granitoids suggests their A-type, calcium-deficient but alkali-rich, anomalous, anorogenic, within-plate granitoid character. Textural variants considered for the present study are: (1) porphyritic to sub-porphyritic, medium to fine-grained, mylonitized grey and pink-coloured granitoids of the Panbari-Geleki area in northern Karbi Hills, and (2) the non-porphyritic, medium to fine-grained granitoids of Kathalguri area in northwestern Karbi Hills. Compositionally, the plutons are granitic to granodioritic in composition. The study reveals that the grey porphyritic granitoids are poor in REE, but the pink porphyry/sub-porphyry variety is enriched in REE. The pink granitoids show richness in La (average 1086 ppm) and Ce (average 2329 ppm) in particular. The average LREE content in the nonporphyritic Kathalguri granitoids is 607.46 ppm, but their HREE content is slightly higher (average 26.50 ppm) than normal granitoids. Chondrite normalized LREE-HREE profile and ratios of CeN/YbN, LaN/YbN, LaN/SmN and TbN/YbN of individual plutons indicate co-magmatic derivation of magmatic masses from the lower crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Eu0.5Sr0.5Mn1−x Co x O3 samples are found to be in Pbnm orthorhombic structure. [•] Ground state properties of studied samples are sensitive to Co concentration. [•] Except x =0.1, all other samples show field induced insulator-metal transition. [•] The samples show large (>99.9%) magnetoresistance below insulator-metal transition. [•] Low temperature resistivity depends strongly on previous history of applied field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Structural and magnetic properties of skyrmionic system, Cu 2 OSeO 3 are investigated. • Thermal hysteresis between FC and FCH data is observed. • Lattice distortion at the magnetic transition is noticed. • Large MCE is found near the ferrimagnetic transition for a small change in magnetic field. • The observed anomalous change in Cu(1)-Cu(2) distances tune the strength of the magnetic exchange interactions. [Display omitted] We report here the detailed investigation on structural and magnetic behavior of the polycrystalline sample of Cu 2 OSeO 3. The Mott insulator Cu 2 OSeO 3 is a fascinating material showing skyrmionic state and magneto-electric coupling. We observe clear signature of thermal hysteresis between field-cooled and field-cooled heating data in the low-field magnetization versus temperature curve just below the magnetic ordering temperature of T C ~ 60 K. Temperature dependent powder x-ray diffraction data indicate the presence of lattice anomaly below T C. The sample also shows reasonable value of conventional magnetocaloric effect for small value of applied magnetic field, which can be related to the change in the magnetic structure with field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary Lymphangitis carcinomatosis is an unusual metastatic manifestation of Oesophagogastric carcinoma and it occurs due to diffuse spread of the tumour to the pulmonary lymphatic system. We described a case of a 28 year old woman, presenting with gradually progressive dyspnoea and cough where results of Chest X-ray and HRCT thorax were consistent with features of Lymphangitis carcinomatosis. Upper GI endoscopic evaluation showed a tumour originating from oesophagogastric junction and extending to cardia of stomach. Biopsy from tumour revealed adenocarcinoma. As there is no definitive therapy to this condition, patient was managed conservatively only to succumb few days after hospitalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pituitary metastasis as a presenting manifestation of silent systemic malignancy is rare. We describe four such cases. Materials and Methods: Four patients (0.7%) of malignancy with pituitary metastasis out of 540 patients of sellar mass within a period of 10 years were analyzed for clinical, hormonal and radiological findings. Result: The age range of these patients was 39-60 years with lag time ranging from 2to 5 months. Pituitary pathology was presenting manifestation in all 4 patients including diabetes insipidus, ophthalmoplegia and variable anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. 2 patients had bronchogenic carcinoma and one each had squamous cell and adenocarcinoma with unknown primary. Diagnosis of pituitary metastasis was confirmed in three on pituitary mass histopathology and in one it was based on rapidly appearing mass in a short time. Conclusion: Rapidly appearing mass in the sellar region, short lag time, sudden onset of ophthalmoplegia, -symptoms and signs disproportionate to the size of mass, presence of diabetes insipidus and destroyed but normal sized sella should invoke the suspicion of pituitary metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we prove a probabilistic contraction mapping principle in Menger spaces. This is in line with research in fixed point theory using control functions which was initiated by Khan et al. [Bull. Austral. Math. Soc., 30(1984), 1-9] in metric spaces and extended by Choudhury et al. [Acta Mathematica Sinica, 24(8) (2008), 1379-1386] in probabilistic metric spaces. An example has also been constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical solutions for the temperature distribution, heat transfer coefficient, and Nusselt number of steady electroosmotic flows with an arbitrary pressure gradient are obtained for two-dimensional straight microchannels. The thermal analysis considers interaction among advective, diffusive, and Joule heating terms in order to obtain the thermally developing behavior of mixed electroosmotic and pressure-driven flows with isothermal boundary conditions. Heat transfer characteristics are obtained for low Reynolds number microflows where the viscous and electric field terms are very dominant. The electroosmotic component of the flow velocity is modelled with Helmholtz-Smoluchowski slip velocity, and the mixed flow velocity is presented as linear superposition of pure electroosmotic velocity and plane Poiseuille velocity. In mixed flow cases, the governing equation for energy is not separable in general. Therefore, we introduced a method that considers the extended Graetz problem. Analytical results show that the heat transfer coefficient of mixed electroosmotic and pressure-driven flow is smaller than that of pure electroosmotic flow. For the parameter range studied here (Re<0.7), the fully developed Nusselt number is independent of the thermal Peclet number for both pure electroosmotic and mixed electroosmotic-pressure driven microflows. In mixed electroosmotic and pressure-driven flows, the thermal entrance length increases with the imposed pressure gradient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the important pathways of resistance to anthracyclines is governed by elevated levels of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells. Resistant cells having elevated levels of GSH show higher expression of multidrug-resistant protein (MRP); the activity of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) group of enzymes have also been found to be higher in some drug-resistant cells. The general mechanism in this type of resistance seems to be the formation of conjugates enzymatically by GSTs, and subsequent efflux by active transport through MRP (MRP1–MRP9). MRPs act as drug efflux pump and can also co-transport drugs like doxorubicin (Dox) with GSH. Depletion of GSH in resistant neoplastic cells may possibly sensitize such cells, and thus overcome multidrug resistance (MDR). A number of resistance modifying agents (RMA) like dl-buthionine (S, R) sulfoxamine (BSO) and ethacrynic acid (EA) moderately modulate resistance by acting as a GSH-depleting agent. As most of the GSH-depleting agents have dose-related toxicity, development of non-toxic GSH-depleting agent has immense importance in overcoming MDR. The present study describes the resistance reversal potentiality of novel copper complex, viz., copper N-(2-hydroxy acetophenone) glycinate (CuNG) developed by us in Dox-resistant Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC/Dox) cells. CuNG depletes GSH in resistant (EAC/Dox) cells possibly by forming conjugate with it. Depletion of GSH results in higher Dox accumulation that may lead to enhanced rate of apoptosis in EAC/Dox cells. In vivo studies with male Swiss albino mice bearing ascitic growth of EAC/Dox showed tremendous increase in life span (treated/control, T/C=453%) for the treated group with apparent regression of tumor. Resistance to Dox in EAC/Dox cells is associated with over expression of GST-P1, GST-M1 (enzymes involved in phase II detoxification) and MRP1 (a transmembrane ATPase efflux pump for monoglutathionyl conjugates of xenobiotics). CuNG causes down regulation of all these three proteins in EAC/Dox cells. The effect of CuNG as RMA is better than BSO in many aspects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple and an eco-friendly process for the hydration of 3-cyanopyridine to nicotinamide in the presence of manganese dioxide catalyst has been described. The reaction is conducted at moderate temperature with the reaction times of 5–8h using an aqueous solution of 3-cyanopyridine. The effect of various reaction parameters on the yield of nicotinamide was studied. In most instances, nearly quantitative yields of amides are obtained without any by-products. The IR and ESCA findings of the catalysts are correlated with the catalytic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study covers the performance of three cobalt-based catalytic systems (high surface area 15% Co/SiO2, low surface area 15% Co/SiO2, and 15% Co/Al2O3) of different characteristics in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) in both conventional gas-phase and supercritical hexane (SCH) phase. The reaction was conducted in a high-pressure FTS reactor setup at reaction temperature of 240°C, syngas (H2/CO ratio of 2) flow rate of 50sccm/gcat, and total pressures from 20 to 65bar. The surface characteristics of these catalysts were measured by N2 physisorption using a TriStar 3000 gas adsorption analyzer. Room temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature and magnetic field (H) variation of the magnetization (M), and low-temperature (5K) electron magnetic resonance were used for determining the electronic states (Co0, CoO, Co3O4, Co2+) of cobalt for the calcined, reduced (before the reaction), and used samples (after the reaction). Correlations of the catalyst activity and selectivity with the catalysts surface characteristics reveal that pore radius of the catalyst has an influence on both syngas and CO conversions in gas-phase FTS. However, no such correlation was observed in the case of SCH-FTS, indicating an alleviation of that mass transfer limitations typically controlled by interparticle characteristics of the catalyst. This is attributed to the higher solubility of heavy products in the SCH medium that inhibits the condensation of those products inside the catalyst pores and enhances their in situ extraction. The XRD and magnetic characterizations of the used catalysts reveal that in situ reducibility of the Co3O4 to hcp-Co0 or fcc-Co0 is taking place during the FTS reaction. However, minimal in situ reduction was observed in the case of gas-phase FTS, whereby significant changes in the reduced cobalt electronic state and support (alumina, and silica) phase were detected under SCH-FTS conditions. As a result, both the activity and selectivity of the cobalt catalyst was found to be very stable and recoverable during SCH-FTS for relatively long time-on-stream (15 days). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a single-period inventory problem in an imprecise and uncertain mixed environment. The aim of this paper is to introduce demand as a fuzzy random variable. To determine the optimal order quantity a new methodology is developed for this model in presence of fuzzy random variable demand where the optimum is achieved using a graded mean integration representation. To illustrate the model the classical newsboy problem is considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Catalytic conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons with the special emphasis on lower olefins (ethylene and propylene) was carried out using 12-heteropoly acids of W and Mo and P or Si and salts of 12-heteropoly acids. Amongst the metal salts of tungstophosphoric acid, cesium salt exhibited better activity and selectivity for the formation of ethylene and propylene. The maximum selectivity for C2–C4 olefins was 60.7%. Physico-chemical characterization of the catalysts has been made by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, DTA, acidity by n-butyl amine titration and surface area. Acidity and surface area of the catalysts influence the activity and selectivity for the olefins.Oligomerization of ethylene to higher olefins was carried out in liquid phase using TiCl4–Et3Al2Cl3, TiCl4–Et2AlCl, TiCl4–Et3Al and Ti(OBu)4–Et3Al2Cl3 catalyst systems. Among the catalysts tried, TiCl4 and Ti(OBu)4 based catalysts showed better activity and selectivity to alpha olefins in the range C4–C14. For vapour phase, HZSM-5, nickel salt supported on SAPO-5 molecular sieve, ZSM-5 and γ-alumina, heteropoly acid supported on ZSM-5 and potassium salt of tungstophosphoric acid were tested. The maximum selectivity of C4–C6 olefins was 10.0wt.% with HZSM-5 catalyst with a Si/Al ratio of 100. The selectivity for higher olefins was less than that obtained by liquid phase oligomerization of ethylene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The influence of high content of MoO3 (32mol%) in V2O5–MoO3–P2O5 catalyst system supported on alumina, silica, HZSM-5 and modified clay was investigated for ammoxidation of 3-picoline. Unsupported VMPO catalyst and supported catalysts were prepared by incipient wet impregnation method keeping the mole ratio of V2O5–MoO3–P2O5 (1.00:3.27:0.14) constant. FT-IR spectra and X-ray diffractograms showed interaction among the active oxides and the support. The major phases identified were Mo4V6O25, Mo6V9O40 and MoV2O8. TG–DTA also showed the exothermic peaks indicating the formation of new compounds above 400°C. The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were correlated with their activity and selectivity for ammoxidation of 3-picoline. The unsupported catalyst showed 96.0% selectivity whereas VMPO/HZSM-5 showed the highest selectivity (91.3%) amongst the supported catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Advancement of gas sensor technology over the past few decades has led to significant progress in pollution control and thereby, to environmental protection. An excellent example is the control of automobile exhaust emissions, made possible by the use of oxygen gas sensors. Since early 1970's there have been sustained studies on oxygen sensors and has led to development of sensors for various applications with varying performance characteristics. Solid electrolyte based potentiometric, amperometric and metal oxide based semiconducting resistive type sensors are used for high temperature applications. For solution-based pollution monitoring, dissolved oxygen sensors based on Clark electrodes have played a major role. More recently, for biological and medical applications, optical oxygen sensors are beginning to have an impact. In this review, we focus on both high temperature as well as dissolved oxygen sensors and compare the different methods of oxygen sensing, discuss underlying principles, and outline the designs and specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional transient mathematical model (following a fixed-grid enthalpy-based continuum formulation) is used to study the interaction of double-diffusive natural convection and non-equilibrium solidification of a binary mixture in a cubic enclosure cooled from a side. Investigations are carried out for two separate test systems, one corresponding to a typical model “metal–alloy analogue” system and other corresponding to a real metal–alloy system. Due to stronger effects of solutal buoyancy in actual metal–alloy systems than in corresponding analogues, the convective transport mechanisms for the two cases are quite different. However, in both cases, similar elements of three-dimensionality are observed in the curvature and spacing of the projected streamlines. As a result of three-dimensional convective flow patterns, a significant solute macrosegregation is observed across the transverse sections of the cavity, which cannot be captured by two-dimensional simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Stack-based thermal resistance network model developed for micro channel heat exchangers. • Correlations developed with straight, sinusoidal and zigzag channels for sCO 2 recuperator. • Hybrid model demonstrates that 20 rows are sufficient to attain the correct stack performance. • Several combinations of stack dimensions generated for different channel configurations. • Sinusoidal channel offered least pressure drop and stack volume compared to straight and zigzag channels. In this work, a full-scale Thermal Resistance Network (TRN) coupled with a unit-cell-based CFD model identified as the hybrid model is developed and implemented in designing a Mini Channel Heat Exchanger (MCHE) as a recuperator used in sCO 2 Brayton power block. The TRN framework converts the MCHE domains into a thermal circuit using resistances and advection currents that can be used to model the entire stack with varying thermo-physical properties of working fluids. The results from the TRN model with CFD-based heat transfer and pressure drop correlations developed for different channel lengths, are compared with the original CFD data to ascertain the lowest possible channel length for precise correlation development. An appropriate channel length is further used for deriving correlations for sinusoidal and zigzag flow paths. The hybrid model helps determine the upper limit of the side width (fin width) of the channels based on equivalent thermal resistance between fluid and walls as the lower limit is constrained by stress criteria. The present model estimates that at least 20 rows/plates need to be modelled for the correct performance estimation of a full-scale MCHE. The minimum rate of heat loss-based stack optimization approach is implemented in estimating the optimum number of rows and stack dimensions. The channel and stack dimensions are obtained and compared for straight, sinusoidal, and zigzag flow paths for Reynolds numbers ranging from 5 × 103 to 20 × 103, ensuring a temperature pinch of 5 °C at the cold inlet. For cold inlet Reynolds number and channel diameter of 1.5 × 104 and 1.5 mm, the stack volumes for straight, zigzag, and sinusoidal channels are 1.8 m3, 1.21 m3, and 1.15 m3, respectively with sinusoidal and zigzag paths resulting in almost similar pressure drop as ∼110 Pa, 27% lower compared to the straight channel. The article presents a guideline for hybrid model implementation in designing mini/micro channel heat exchangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which described a blind deconvolution method which allows the deconvolution of broad-band signals. Application of blind deconvolution on data obtained from liquid chromatography and deep level transient spectroscopy; Examples; Conclusions.

A digital high-accuracy interface for sine--cosine shaft encoders (SCE) is proffered. The outputs of SCE vary as a sine and cosine functions of shaft angle. The proposed interface processes these outputs and renders a linear direct-digital output for 360° operating range. The interface has minimal dependence on many circuit non-idealities including the phase error of quadrature oscillator. The performance of the interface is verified using simulation and emulation-based studies. Furthermore, the interface is tested with a magneto-resistance-based SCE. Test results show that the output non-linearity remains around 0.27% for typical values of phase errors. The interface also possesses features such as low-component count, high linearity, direct-digital output etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SQUID magnetometry and electron magnetic resonance (EMR) spectroscopy at 9.28 GHz were employed to probe magnetism and surface spin disorder in Fe3 O4 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed magnetite particles with size ≃8 nm. Magnetization (M) versus temperature studies yielded blocking temperature TB ≃ 170 K in H = 50 Oe. For T > TB, M scales approximately as H/T with μP ≃ 5400 μB as the magnetic moment/particle. At 5 K, the magnitudes of hysteresis loop parameters viz. coercivity Hc ≃ 37 Oe and saturation magnetization M8 = 62 emu/g are considerably smaller than the reported values for larger 150 nm Fe3 O4 particles. In EMR studies, a single symmetric line at g ≃ 2.11 with linewidth ΔH = 850 Oe is observed at 300 K with the g-value and ΔH increasing with decreasing T. These results are interpreted in terms of a disordered surface spin layer of 0.5 nm thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we compare the magnetic relaxation of DNA-coated γFe2 O3 with that of parent 7-nm γFe2 O3 particles by measuring the temperature dependence of AC susceptibilities (χ′ and χ″) at frequency f = 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 Hz and electron magnetic resonance (EMR) at 9.28 GHz. Changes in the blocking temperature TB (where χ′ peaks) with frequency are analyzed using the relation: TB = Ta + [T0/ln(f0/f)] derived from Vogel-Fulcher relaxation, where Ta(T0) measures the effective energy barrier (interparticle interaction). The fit to the data yields f0 = 1.3 × 1016 Hz, Ta = 2760 K(2960 K), and T0 = 40 K(20 K) for the uncoated (DNA-coated) γFe2 O3. From the relative shift ΔTm of Tm (the temperature where χ″ peaks) with change Δ log f in frequency, the parameterΦ = ΔTm/(TmΔ log f) is determined to be 0.04(0.06) for the uncoated (coated) ΔFe2 O3. These results show only minimal changes in the magnetic dynamics of γFe2 O3 upon DNA coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keshab Chandra Sarma (1898-1973) was one of the distinguished mycologist in the field of tea research and had notable contributions on various phyto-pathological aspects of tea diseases. He achieved domain knowledge in the identification of significant tea pathogens prevalent in tea plantations of North East India. Although Sarma started his career as a part-time researcher in a premier tea research institute in NE India, due to some sterling qualities like sharpness, intelligence, sincerity, devotion to duty and the capacity to learn and formulate novel ideas despite the lack of a formal higher education, he earned his reputation as tea mycologist during 1950s. Throughout his career, Sarma had published a number of research notes, invited lectures, articles and scientific reports. His comprehensive memorandum on 'Diseases of tea and ancillary crops of North East India' is highly valued by the tea-growing communities throughout the world. Under the joint guidance of renowned mycologists A. C. Tunstall and V. Agnihothrudu, Sarma flourished and became a leading scientist in the field of tea pathology and plant protection. Identification of tea diseases in relation to environment and development of effective strategies in disease management were the related areas of his research. This note is an effort to highlight the scientific contributions of Sarma towards tea research and development, for the benefit of present and future generations in biological sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AgNP doped Eu SiO 2 glasses were prepared by the sol-gel method with fixed Eu3+ and varying Ag concentrations. The samples have been characterized structurally by XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM. The effects of incorporation of AgNPs on the radiative properties of the Eu3+ in SiO 2 matrix are studied with the help of Absorption and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy. Various radiative parameters like oscillator strength, Judd Ofelt intensity parameters, spontaneous emission probabilities, branching ratio, radiative lifetime, emission cross-section etc. are calculated from the observed absorption and photoluminescence spectra using Judd Ofelt theory, whereas the experimental lifetime of 5D 0 state of Eu3+ ion and colour chromaticity is estimated from lifetime and CIE 1931 colour chromaticity measurements. The observed enhancement in the absorption and emission intensities of Eu3+ ions are elucidated in the light of enhanced local field in the vicinity of the AgNPs due to the LSPR effect and also the network modifying role of AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the probability function method for the calculation of turbulent particle dispersion. Description of the method; Dispersion of liquid drops in spray combustion systems; Involvement of flow trajectory models in dispersion calculations; Application of a discrete probability density method to drop dispersion calculations.

A response by P. Dutta and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article "Pituitary Metastasis As a Presenting Manifestation of Silent Systemic Malignancy: A Retrospective Analysis of Four Cases," published in the 2011 issue, is presented.

The article presents a medical case of a diabetic man, who had poor compliance to treatment with left lower limb pain and deformity of his left foot for two months. On evaluation, he had bilateral loss of pain, touch, temperature, and vibration sense below the ankle joint. His vibration perception threshold was increased to 46 mV on the left side and 38 mV on the right side. The overall picture was of chronic neuroarthropathic joint due to diabetes mellitus. Calcium, vitamin D, and alendronate 40 mg per day were prescribed. Bisphosphonates have been used in the treatment of Charcot's foot because increased osteoclastic activity secondary to autonomic dysfunctions has been documented and vitamin D were started to prevent bisphosphonate induced osteomalacia.

Proximal interruption of the unilateral pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly, which is often associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities. It is usually diagnosed in children but rarely discovered in adulthood as an isolated phenomenon, occurring more frequently on the right side and is often associated with a contralateral aortic arch. We are presenting a rare case of a sixty year old male who was diagnosed with left lung hypoplasia due to proximal interruption of left pulmonary artery with left sided aortic arch without any associated cardiovascular anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fats and oils can be modified by various methods to prepare products with desired physical, chemical and nutritional properties. The enrichment and retention of the minor lipid components, the incorporation of capric acid and oxidative stability in low temperature fractionated rapeseed oil (RSO) in acetone were assessed in this study. The fractionated liquid part (L-RSO), the solid part (S-RSO) and the RSO were transesterified with capric acid (CA) at different mole ratios using lipase. The yields of L-RSO and S-RSO were 30 and 70 g per 100 g, respectively. The L-RSO contained higher levels of linoleic acid and linolenic acid, and a lower level of oleic acid compared to the S-RSO. The S-RSO contained a higher amount of total sterols than the RSO and the L-RSO. In contrast, the L-RSO contained a higher amount of total tocopherols than the RSO and the S-RSO. The incorporation of CA was ideal at a mole ratio of 1:3. The content of sterols and tocopherols gradually decreased with an increased mole ratio for the CA incorporation. The oxidative stability shown as onset temperature, determined by DSC, of the S-RSO was higher compared to those of the L-RSO and RSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many vegetable oils are marketed as specialty oils because of their retained flavors, tastes and distinct characteristics. Specialty oil samples which were commercially produced and retailed were purchased from local superstores in Reading, UK, and Uppsala, Sweden and profiled for detailed lipid composition and oxidative status. These oil samples include: almond, hazelnut, walnut, macadamia nut, argan, avocado, grape seed, roasted sesame, rice bran, cold pressed, organic and cold pressed, warm pressed and refined rapeseed oils. The levels of PV were quite low (0.5-1.3mEq O2kg) but AV and Rancimat values at 100 °C (except for rapeseed oils) varied considerably at (0.5-15.5) and (4.2-37.0 h) respectively. Macadamia nut oil was found to be the most stable oil followed by argan oil, while walnut oil was the least stable. Among the specialty oils, macadamia nut oil had the lowest (4%) and walnut oil had the highest (71%) level of total PUFA. The organic cold pressed rapeseed oil had considerably lower PUFA (27%) compared with other rapeseed oils (28- 35%). In all the samples, α- and γ- tocopherols were the major tocopherols; nut oils had generally lower levels. Total sterols ranged from 889 to 15,106 µg/g oil. The major sterols were â-sitosterol (61-85%) and campesterol (6-20%). Argan oil contained schottenol (35%) and spinasterol (32%). Compared with literature values, no marked differences were observed among the differently processed, organically grown or cold pressed rapeseed oils and other specialty oils in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The variation in temperature and concentration plays a crucial role in predicting the final microstructure during solidification of a binary alloy. Most of the experimental techniques used to measure concentration and temperature are intrusive in nature and affect the flow field. In this paper, the main focus is laid on in-situ, non-intrusive, transient measurement of concentration and temperature during the solidification of a binary mixture of aqueous ammonium chloride solution (a metal-analog system) in a top cooled cavity using laser based Mach–Zehnder Interferometric technique. It was found from the interferogram, that the angular deviation of fringe pattern and the total number of fringes exhibit significant sensitivity to refractive index and hence are functions of the local temperature and concentration of the NH4Cl solution inside the cavity. Using the fringe characteristics, calibration curves were established for the range of temperature and concentration levels expected during the solidification process. In the actual solidification experiment, two hypoeutectic solutions (5% and 15% NH4Cl) were chosen. The calibration curves were used to determine the temperature and concentration of the solution inside the cavity during solidification of 5% and 15% NH4Cl solution at different instants of time. The measurement was carried out at a fixed point in the cavity, and the concentration variation with time was recorded as the solid–liquid interface approached the measurement point. The measurement exhibited distinct zones of concentration distribution caused by solute rejection and Rayleigh Benard convection. Further studies involving flow visualization with laser scattering confirmed the Rayleigh Benard convection. Computational modeling was also performed, which corroborated the experimental findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chitosan-silver oxide encapsulated nanocomposite film was prepared by solution casting method. The prepared film was characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal studies, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The elemental composition of the film was studied by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The antibacterial activity of the composite film against pathogenic bacteria viz. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was measured by agar diffusion method. Our observations suggest that chitosan as biomaterial based nanocomposite film containing silver oxide has an excellent antibacterial ability for food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Since cabergoline has a long half-life and sustained occupancy of dopamine (D2) receptors in lactotrophs, its doses are slowly built up either monthly or two monthly. This possibly results in delayed normalization of serum prolactin and slow reduction in turnout size. This study was planned to assess the efficacy and safety of rapid escalation of cabergoline doses in men with macroprolactinomas. Materials: Fifteen consecutive men with macroprolactinomas underwent evaluation for anterior pituitary functions, visual fields, quality of life (QOL) score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at baseline and after 6 months of cabergoline therapy. Serum prolactin and testosterone levels were assessed at monthly intervals. Cabergoline was started at a dosage of 0.5 mg twice per week and increased to 1.5 mg twice per week (3 mg) by the third week, as 3 mg is usually considered as effective dose. Subsequent increase in doses was done as per protocol. Results: The mean age of patients at presentation was 31.7 ± 3.3 yr and duration of symptoms was 25.0 ± 3.6 months. Serum prolactin at baseline was 6249.3 ± 3259.2 µg/l with a tumour volume of 28.9 ± 8.3 cm³. Eighty six per cent of the patients had visual field defects while 53 per cent had decreased visual acuity. The mean dose of cabergoline required was 3.2 mg/wk. Symptoms improved in majority (93%) of patients after four weeks of cabergoline therapy with a dramatic fall in serum prolactin by 99 per cent from 6249.3 ± 3259.2 to 46.9 ± 14.9 µg/l and it was normalized in 93 per cent of the patients by 8.2 wk. Improvement in visual field defects was noted in all but one, after one month and there was further improvement at 6 months. All patients had >25 per cent reduction in turnout size, and 73 per cent had > 50 per cent reduction after six months of cabergoline therapy. Basal circulating testosterone levels were low in 11 (73%) patients and started improving from first month of cabergoline therapy and became normal in around half of the patients after 6 months. No major side effects were observed requiring discontinuation of cabergoline therapy. Interpretation & conclusions: Our preliminary findings show that rapid build-up of cabergoline doses increases its efficacy as well as rapidity of response in terms clinical improvement, normalization of serum prolactin and gonadal functions and reduction in tumour size, without compromising its safety in men with macroprolactinomas. Further studies with a larger sample size and control group for comparison need to be done to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multithreaded software implementation of the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAXi) medium access control (MAC) layer and its performance results on massively multithreaded (MMT) systems. The primary design goals of the implementation are to support the high WiMAX data rates, seamlessly scale with the number of available hardware threads, and provide per-flow guaranteed services. Our experimental results demonstrate that multithreading can be exploited to meet the high data rates of WiMAX and thus validate the IBM wire-speed processor MMT chip as a suitable platform for building WiMAX network appliances. The implementation consists of separate threads in the data and control planes, and thread coordination through concurrent data structures to enable multithreading in both the uplink and downlink data paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Numerical and experimental studies on transport phenomena during solidification of an aluminum alloy in the presence of linear electromagnetic stirring are performed. The alloy is electromagnetically stirred to produce semisolid slurry in a cylindrical graphite mould placed in the annulus of a linear electromagnetic stirrer. The mould is cooled at the bottom, such that solidification progresses from the bottom to the top of the cylindrical mould. A numerical model is developed for simulating the transport phenomena associated with the solidification process using a set of single-phase governing equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species conservation. The viscosity variation of the slurry, used in the model, is determined experimentally using a rotary viscometer. The set of governing equations is solved using a pressure-based finite volume technique, along with an enthalpy based phase change algorithm. The numerical study involves prediction of temperature, velocity, species and solid fraction distribution in the mould. Corresponding solidification experiments are performed, with time–temperature history recorded at key locations. The microstructures at various temperature measurement locations in the solidified billet are analyzed. The numerical predictions of temperature variations are in good agreement with experiments, and the predicted flow field evolution correlates well with the microstructures observed at various locations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PurposeTo describe a surgical technique as an alternative to allograft corneal transplantation for management of cases with cataract and corneal opacity.MethodsSeven eyes of seven patients with adherent leucomas and cataract underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. An automated vitrector was used to release the adherent leucoma and create an optical iridectomy at the start of surgery. Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed in all eyes. The release of the iris adherence along with creation of an optical iridectomy improved visualization during phacoemulsification.ResultsPhacoemulsification and IOL implantation could be performed successfully in all seven eyes. The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1/60 (range: (light perception) 6/36) preoperatively to 6/18 (range: 6/36–6/12) at last follow-up (average: 41 days).ConclusionsThis surgical technique is a viable option in cases with partial corneal opacification with coexisting cataract.Eye (2009) 23, 1345–1348; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.283; published online 14 November 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keeping in mind the significance of hydrogels as an external stimuli sensitive super absorbing material, some transparent covalent hydrogels of chitosan were prepared by crosslinking with varying amounts of formaldehyde solution used as crosslinking agent. The characteristics of hydrogels were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and swelling experiments. The effect of crosslinking agent on water absorbency has been investigated. The hydrogels exhibited a relatively higher swelling ratio in the range of 2066-3306% and equilibrium water content (EWC) in the range of 95.38-97.06% at pH 7 and 35°C temperature. The influence of external stimuli such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength of the swelling media on equilibrium swelling properties has been observed. Hydrogels showed a typical pH and temperature responsive behaviour such as low pH and high temperature has maximum swelling while high pH and low temperature show minimum swelling. An increase in the ionic strength of swelling media caused a continuous decrease in the swelling of hydrogels at both acidic and basic pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel process has been developed which allows the growth of device grade ultra-smooth epitaxial layers of antimonide based III-V compounds with a controlled thickness using Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE). GaSb epilayers (with thickness in the range of 20-50 m) on GaSb single crystalline substrates have been grown with a root mean square surface roughness of less than 1 nm over an area of 5 § ←5 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]