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Human urine contains significant amounts of N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus); therefore it has been successfully used as fertilizer in different crops. But the use of urine as fertilizer has several constraints, such as, the high cost of transportation, an unpleasant smell, the risk of pathogens, and pharmaceutical residue. A combined and improved N stripping and P precipitation technique is used in this study. In this technique, Ca(OH)2 is used to increase the pH of urine which converts ammonium into ammonia gas and precipitate P as Ca-P compound. The ammonia gas is stripped and passed into the sulfuric acid where ammonium sulfate and hydrogen triammonium disulfate is formed. The experiment was performed using 700 mL of urine and the pH of the urine was increased above 12. Our results showed that 85-99% of N and 99% of P (w/w) can be harvested from urine in 28 h at 40 °C and in 32 h at 30 °C. The harvested N (13% N w/w) and P (1.5% P w/w) can be used as mineral fertilizer. The economic assessment of the technique showed that the extraction of N and P from 1 m3 of pure urine can make a profit of €2.25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging sensitive information related to cellulosic insulation can be obtained from the monotonically decaying dielectric relaxation function ?(?). Several circuits comprising of energy storing and dissipating elements are reported for modeling the dielectric relaxation function. Maxwell's ladder structure is one of the most popular approaches for modeling the dielectric response. For better modeling of dielectric response, a modified Maxwell's ladder structure is also reported that considers the effect of the aging due to the presence of a radial temperature gradient. In this paper it is proposed that for more accurate modeling of the dielectric response, the axial temperature gradient present in an operating transformer must also be taken into consideration. A further improved Maxwell two parameter model has been proposed that incorporates the effect of such axial temperature distribution. In the proposed technique each series branch of the two parameter model has been further divided into a number of parallel branches representing the effect of aging due to axial temperature gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper employs a multivariable PI (proportional-integral) controller for inner-loop control and SISO (single-input single-output) PI controllers for outer-loop control for a VSC-HVDC (voltage source converter-based high voltage direct current) transmission system. To design the control system, first, a state-space model of VSC-HVDC transmission link is obtained in dq -coordinate frame. Then, using linearization technique the small-signal model is obtained. Next, a multivariable optimal PI controller is designed for the (inner-loop) linearized model using LQR (linear quadratic regulator) approach. Finally, the outer-loop SISO PI controller parameters are obtained using sequential design method (i.e., assuming that the inner-loop is must faster than the outer-loop). The advantage of using the MIMO (multi-input multi-output) PI controller over the conventional decouple-based PI controller for inner-loop control is studied through different performance and robustness measures, and also verified through simulations in presence of several disturbances and parameter variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the effect of lead-borosilicate glass (65PbO 20B 2 O 3 15SiO 2 , mol%) (PBS) addition on the structure, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and energy storage properties of Ba 0.9995 La 0.0005 TiO 3 (BLT) ceramics system has been systematically investigated. XRD analysis revealed the tetragonal (T) phase at room temperature. Addition of PBS glass results in decrease in ferroelectricity and improved breakdown properties. High maximum polarization (P s ∼21.53 μC/cm 2 ) and remnant polarization values (2P r ∼8.75 μC/cm 2 ) were obtained from ferroelectric (P-E) hysteresis loops for the BLT ceramics. Two dielectric anomalies at 420 K and 600 K were observed due to the phase transformation. The glass-ceramics heat treated at 900 °C for 3 h was found to possess optimal properties with breakdown strength of >300 kV/cm and energy storage density of 0.564 J/cm 3 , which is a promising glass-ceramic ferroelectric capacitor material for high energy storage density dielectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the setting of a general real Banach space, we prove that the sum of a monotone operator A of type (FPV) and a maximal monotone operator B is maximal with domA∩int domB ≠ ϕ and either domB is open or for any x ∊ domA∩int domB, ‖x*‖ ≤ ∣B(x)∣, x* ∊ A(x). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crash test is a form of destructive testing in order to ensure safe design in case of an impact or collision. These impact tests are carried out to understand a components structural behaviour and its response under different collision conditions. But it is not always economical to destroy a specimen to ensure its safety, especially in case of small scale production. Moreover actual crash testing in different conditions requires high resources and time. Crash simulation is very popular now a days because it is a virtual representation of a destructive crash test of a vehicle using a computer simulation in order to examine the level of safety of the vehicle and its occupants in different conditions like collision velocity, collision direction, colliding object, material and number of component of colliding object etc and hence saves the time and cost. Data obtained from a crash simulation indicate the capability of the vehicle body to protect the vehicle occupants during a collision against injury. In this study a FE crash analysis of commercial truck cabin in two different cases (Bare cabin and loaded cabin) using Finite Element Approach (FEA) is focused. Crash analysis of truck cab is performed using FEA in order to predict the design parameters for minimization harm to the occupants of the vehicle. A bare truck cabin and a rigid wall were used to simulate crash conditions with different crashing velocity and impact angles. CATIA V5R20 CAD software is used for the modeling of the selected cabin components followed by FE meshing through Hypermesh and then analysis is done using LS-DYNA by setting the boundary conditions, material properties etc. appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method for estimation of tanδ of cellulosic parts in oil-paper insulation from frequency domain spectroscopy based on equivalent circuit model of oil-paper insulation in real-life transformers. Existing literature shows that overall condition of oil-paper insulation in transformer can be assessed by conventional frequency domain spectroscopy. Also, the condition of oil can be separately and easily predicted through analyzing its dielectric properties by taking out the oil samples from transformer. However, it is quite difficult to assess the dielectric properties of cellulosic parts in oil-paper insulation as it cannot be directly accessed from outside for an operating transformer. Considering the aforesaid fact, this paper presents a segregated equivalent circuit model of composite oil-paper insulation that can separately estimate the tanδ profiles for oil as well as cellulosic parts. The tanδ profiles of cellulosic parts obtained from the equivalent circuit model have been validated experimentally. Results show that the tan? profile obtained from experimental result holds good agreement with that of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present investigation, various forms of sulphur (S) viz., total S, organic S, inorganic S and available S were estimated in soils under four different land uses viz., Rice-rice, rice-green gram, mango orchard and a fallow. Soils samples were taken up to a profile depth of 0.60m at 3 depths i.e. 0-0.20m, 0.20-0.40m and 0.40-0.60m. The soils were found to be slightly acidic to moderately acidic in reaction (5.83-6.59), showing an increase along the depth irrespective of the land use pattern. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content (mean 5.5 gkg-1) was found well above the low level of SOC in soils. Calcium carbonate content, bulk density and clay content of soils didn't maintain any definite pattern along the depth. All forms of S were found to decrease along depth irrespective of the land use patterns. The available S content ranged from 12.2 to 21.4mgkg-1 of soils. The relative preponderance of all the forms of S followed the order: mango orchard> fallow> rice-rice> rice-green gram. On an average organic S and available S fractions constituted 93 and 6 per cent of total S respectively. A correlation matrix revealed that all the forms of S maintained a significant positive correlation with SOC content while a negative correlation with pH of the soils. The results of the study will be useful in managing the different fractions of S in soils in order to maintain its availability well above the critical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature stress is an important factor affecting the growth and development of rice in temperate and high-elevation areas. In this study, 220 germplasm lines were used for screening of tolerant genotypes, validation of molecular markers and identification of robust markers for seedling-stage chilling stress tolerance to be used in marker-assisted breeding (MAS) programme. The temperature regimes imposed in the growth chamber simulated cold-stress injuries at the seedling stages of the germplasm lines. The genotypes were classified into six classes: those having susceptible genotypes were classified into moderately and highly susceptible types, while tolerant types into moderately tolerant, tolerant, highly tolerant and very highly tolerant classes. Genotypes namely Langma, Umleng-1 and Geetanjali showed survival up to 25 d, which were better than the positive check Kalinga-III surviving up to 20 d under chilling stress. Ten simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were tested for differentiation of genotypes. Individual use of SSR markers like RM284, RM286, RM85, RM341 and RM5746 can be applied in MAS breeding including combination use of non-pair markers like RM284, RM239 and RM85, which was even better than the combined use of RM284 and RM85. However, combined use of all ten markers can most effectively be employed for cold tolerance through MAS breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When an alternating voltage is applied to a dielectric material, dipoles in the material try to align in the direction of the applied voltages and polarization process starts. For multi-dielectric media especially in which a liquid interface is involved, such as oilpaper insulation, interfacial polarization is predominantly active among all polarization processes. This interfacial polarization is a very slow process and is effective in lower frequency range. This interfacial polarization reflects the inherent condition of the oilpaper insulation. Due to this reason, frequency domain spectroscopy is performed in lower frequency range to assess the condition of oil-paper insulation. So, the time required for frequency response measurement using conventional frequency domain spectroscopy is quite long. Considering the aforesaid facts, a different procedure has been taken here to measure the dielectric response in a significantly lesser time keeping the entire frequency range of conventional frequency domain spectroscopy. Instead of using pure sinusoidal excitation voltages over wide frequency range, dielectric response current has been measured using excitation having time growing frequency sweep (TGFS) signal. For this purpose, test samples that emulate the oil-paper insulation of real-life transformer have been prepared in the laboratory. The moisture contents of the test samples have been kept different to investigate the reliability of the proposed method. A setup has been made in the laboratory to measure dielectric response currents using the both excitations. In order to investigate the applicability of the proposed method, experiment has also been performed on actual transformers. It has been observed that the use of excitation signal having time growing frequency sweep provides almost similar information regarding insulation condition as obtained by the use of conventional sinusoidal excitation voltages. Hence, the proposed method is capable of reduction in time in FDS nearly by an amount of 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Part VI. Presents an X-ray diffraction study of lattice imperfections in cold-worked face-centered-cubic alloys. Details of the experimental techniques used; Explanation for the observed asymmetry in the profiles of the alloys; Impact of an increase in solute concentration on the particle size and microstrains of the alloys.

Series capacitor protected by metal-oxide varistor and air-gap arrangement imposes problems to line protection and other online decisions. Discrete wavelet transform integrated with a fuzzy logic system is designed for fault classification of a transmission line possessing a series capacitor at the midpoint. The approach uses information obtained from the wavelet decomposition of current signals for faulty phase selection and section identification. Two different FLSs are designed for the two classification objectives in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A control system model was developed to analyze data on in vivo coronary blood flow regulation and to probe how different mechanisms work together to control coronary flow from rest to exercise, and under a variety of experimental conditions, including cardiac pacing and with changes in coronary arterial pressure (autoregulation). In the model coronary flow is determined by the combined action of a feedback pathway signal that is determined by the level of plasma ATP in coronary venous blood, an adrenergic open-loop (feed-forward) signal that increases with exercise, and a contribution of pressure-mediated myogenic control. The model was identified based on data from exercise experiments where myocardial oxygen extraction, coronary flow, cardiac interstitial norepinephrine concentration, and arterial and coronary venous plasma ATP concentrations were measured during control and during adrenergic and purinergic receptor blockade conditions. The identified model was used to quantify the relative contributions of open-loop and feedback pathways and to illustrate the degree of redundancy in the control of coronary flow. The results indicate that the adrenergic open-loop control component is responsible for most of the increase in coronary blood flow that occurs during high levels of exercise. However, the adenine nucleotide-mediated metabolic feedback control component is essential. The model was evaluated by predicting coronary flow in cardiac pacing and autoregulation experiments with reasonable fits to the data. The analysis shows that a model in which coronary venous plasma adenine nucleotides are a signal in local metabolic feedback control of coronary flow is consistent with the available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel technique to determine the optimized slope of triangular excitation in frequency domain spectroscopy that can provide better information about condition of oil-paper insulation. In conventional frequency domain spectroscopy, estimation of frictional losses due to the interactions of oscillating dipoles helps in investigating insulation condition. But, different types of dipoles in insulation cannot have similar dielectric relaxation times. Therefore, excitation having multiple frequencies is necessary for the dipoles to undergo more synchronized oscillations. This synchronized oscillation of dipoles reduces the inter-dipolar interactions and provides better information regarding insulation condition. Hence, in this work, triangular excitation is used for frequency domain spectroscopy since its harmonic contents can be varied by changing the slope. The slope of the triangular excitation is optimized to obtain more accurate information about the insulation condition. The optimized triangular excitation for insulation is determined using the proposed equivalent circuit model. To experimentally determine the effectiveness of the model, three test samples having preset moisture content in paper have been prepared in the laboratory. The optimized triangular excitations are then applied to the test samples to estimate their insulation condition. Experimental results show that the use of optimized triangular excitation provides information regarding the condition of oil-paper insulation with greater accuracy. In order to investigate the applicability of the proposed equivalent circuit model, the experiment has also been performed on real-life transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Point kinetics approach in system code RELAP5 limits its use for many of the reactivity induced transients, which involve asymmetric core behaviour. Development of fully coupled 3D core kinetics code with system thermal-hydraulics is the ultimate requirement in this regard; however coupling and validation of 3D kinetics module with system code is cumbersome and it also requires access to source code. An intermediate approach with multi-point kinetics is appropriate and relatively easy to implement for analysis of several asymmetric transients for large cores. Multi-point kinetics formulation is based on dividing the entire core into several regions and solving ODEs describing kinetics in each region. These regions are interconnected by spatial coupling coefficients which are estimated from diffusion theory approximation. This model offers an advantage that associated ordinary differential equations (ODEs) governing multi-point kinetics formulation can be solved using numerical methods to the desired level of accuracy and thus allows formulation based on user defined control variables, i.e., without disturbing the source code and hence also avoiding associated coupling issues. Euler's method has been used in the present formulation to solve several coupled ODEs internally at each time step. The results have been verified against inbuilt point-kinetics models of RELAP5 and validated against 3D kinetics code TRIKIN. The model was used to identify the critical break in RIH of a typical large PHWR core. The neutronic asymmetry produced in the core due to the system induced transient was effectively handled by the multi-point kinetics model overcoming the limitation of in-built point kinetics model of RELAP5 and standalone 3D core kinetics codes. [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]

Infection with Aphanomyces invadans , also known as epizootic ulcerative syndrome, is a destructive disease of freshwater and brackishwater fishes. Although more than 130 species of fish have been confirmed to be susceptible to this disease, some of the commercially important fish species like common carp, milk fish and tilapia are reported to be resistant. Species that are naturally resistant to a particular disease, provide a potential model to study the mechanisms of resistance against that disease. In the present study, following experimental infection with A. invadans in common carp Cyprinus carpio , sequential changes in various innate immune parameters and histopathological alterations were monitored. Some of the studied innate immunity parameters viz . respiratory burst, alternative complement and total antiproteases activities of the infected common carp were higher compared to control fish, particularly at early stages of infection. On the other hand, some parameters such as myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and alpha-2 macroglobulin activities were not altered. Histopathological examination of the muscle at the site of injection revealed well developed granulomas at 12 days post infection, with subsequent regeneration of muscle fibers. From the results, it could be inferred that innate defense mechanisms of common carp are able to neutralize the virulence factors secreted by A . invadans , thereby, preventing its invasive spread and containing the infection. The results obtained here will help to better understand the mechanisms underlying resistance against A . invadans infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Gene activation in metazoans is accompanied by the presence of histone variants H2AZ and H3.3 within promoters and enhancers. It is not known, however, what protein deposits H3.3 into chromatin or whether variant chromatin plays a direct role in gene activation. Here we show that chromatin containing acetylated H2AZ and H3.3 stimulates transcription in vitro. Analysis of the Pol II pre-initiation complex on immobilized chromatin templates revealed that the E1A binding protein p400 (EP400) was bound preferentially to and required for transcription stimulation by acetylated double-variant chromatin. EP400 also stimulated H2AZ/H3.3 deposition into promoters and enhancers and influenced transcription in vivo at a step downstream of the Mediator complex. EP400 efficiently exchanged recombinant histones H2A and H3.1 with H2AZ and H3.3, respectively, in a chromatin- and ATP-stimulated manner in vitro. Our data reveal that EP400 deposits H3.3 into chromatin alongside H2AZ and contributes to gene regulation after PIC assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Salmonella enterica causes febrile illnesses leading to changes in hematological parameters. Developing countries like Nepal remain an endemic area for this disease. However, the changes in hematological parameters among Nepalese population have not been well documented in correlation with culture diagnosed cases. Methods: A total of 204 individuals (102 cases and 102 controls) were included in a cross-sectional, analytical comparative study. The cases and controls were recruited from the tertiary care centers in Kathmandu. The hematological parameters from both culture diagnosed and controls were measured. Results: Enteric fever (102 culture positive cases) caused a significant decrease in total white blood cell (p < 0.05), blood platelet count (p < 0.05), lymphocyte (p < 0.05), packed cell volume (p < 0.05), eosinophils (p < 0.05) and haemoglobin (p < 0.05) compared to healthy controls. Similarly, enteric fever led to significant increase in neutrophil and monocyte count in enteric fever patients (p < 0.05).S. typhi was isolated in 60 (59%) and S. paratyphi was isolated in 42 (41%) of the patients. Anemia was found in 24 (23.52 %).Leucopenia was found in 8 (7.84%) patients, leucocytosis in 3(2.94%), neutrophilia in 29 (28.43%), lymphocytopenia in 19 (18.62%), monocytopenia in 48 (47.05%), absolute eosinopenia in 95 (93.13%),thrombocytopenia in 24(23.52%) and thrombocytosis in 2(1.96%). Conclusion: Enteric fever was associated with leucopenia, mild neutrophilia, lymphopenia, absolute eosinopenia and decrease in haemoglobin among culture positive patients.Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi contributed febrile burden higher 59% (60). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the melting properties of natural mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) up to core–mantle boundary (CMB) pressures using laser-heated diamond anvil cell. Textural and chemical characterizations of quenched samples were performed by analytical transmission electron microscopy. We used in situ X-ray diffraction primarily for phase identification whereas our melting criterion based on laser power versus temperature plateau combined with textural analysis of recovered solidus and subsolidus samples is accurate and unambiguous. At CMB pressure (135 GPa), the MORB solidus temperature is 3970 ( ± 150 ) K . Quenched melt textures observed in recovered samples indicate that CaSiO 3 perovskite (CaPv) is the liquidus phase in the entire pressure range up to CMB. The partial melt composition derived from the central melt pool is enriched in FeO, which suggests that such melt pockets may be gravitationally stable at the core mantle boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure and 15 mol% Na, K-doped NdMnO3 compounds with perovskite structures are prepared by sol–gel method. Tiny single crystals are formed after sintering the compounds at 1000 °C. The effect of Na and K doping as well as the effect of sintering temperature on the formation and microstructure of NdMnO3 are studied in detail by the Rietveld refinement technique using X-ray powder diffraction data. Single phase formation and single crystalline growth are also confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Bond angles and bond lengths are calculated and shown by 3D diagrams. Monovalent doping induces noticeable changes in the microstructure and yields better structural stability in these compounds. Doping results in the change of Mn–O, Nd–O and Mn–O–Mn bond lengths which in turn reduces the lattice and octahedral distortion in the system along with an increase in the tolerance factor. The magnetic properties of these compounds are also modified as a result of doping. The temperature dependent magnetization results show that the Neel temperature of antiferromagnetic NdMnO3 compound is 67.2 K and the Curie temperatures of ferromagnetic Nd0.85Na0.15MnO3 and Nd0.85K0.15MnO3 compounds are 99.1 K and 98.6 K respectively. Both 15% Na and K doping results in a similar TC in doped NdMnO3 compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study deals with free vibration of functionally graded (FG) beams subject to different sets of boundary conditions. The analysis is carried out on the basis of a newly proposed generalized power-law exponent based shear deformation beam theory (PESDBT). The proposed theory exactly satisfies the transverse stress boundary conditions on the bottom and top surfaces of the beam. Material properties of the beam vary continuously in the thickness direction according to the power-law exponent form. The displacement components of the cross-sections of the beam are expressed in simple algebraic polynomials. Rayleigh–Ritz method is used to estimate frequency parameters in order to handle various sets of boundary conditions at the edges. The objective is to study the effects of constituent volume fractions, slenderness ratios and the beam theories on the natural frequencies. New results for frequency parameters are also incorporated after checking the convergence pattern and validation of results computed for previously published shear deformation beam theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the problem of designing a multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) proportional-integralderivative (PID) controller via direct optimal or suboptimal linear quadratic regulator (LQR) approach. To design the controller, first the MIMO PID design problem is transformed into a state feedback control and then the gains of the state feedback controller are chosen through an optimal or suboptimal LQR design. Given a minimal state space representation (A,B,C) of the plant, a necessary and sufficient condition (based on matrices A,C) for which the optimal problem (i.e. PID design via optimal LQR) is solvable is obtained. When this optimal problem is not solvable, a suboptimal solution (i.e. PID design via suboptimal LQR), if exists, is obtained by converting the problem into trace minimisation one, which is solved using linear matrix inequality-based method. Suitable examples are considered to illustrate the approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the problem of designing a multi‐input and multi‐output (MIMO) proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller via direct optimal or suboptimal linear quadratic regulator (LQR) approach. To design the controller, first the MIMO PID design problem is transformed into a state feedback control and then the gains of the state feedback controller are chosen through an optimal or suboptimal LQR design. Given a minimal state space representation (A, B, C) of the plant, a necessary and sufficient condition (based on matrices A, C) for which the optimal problem (i.e. PID design via optimal LQR) is solvable is obtained. When this optimal problem is not solvable, a suboptimal solution (i.e. PID design via suboptimal LQR), if exists, is obtained by converting the problem into trace minimisation one, which is solved using linear matrix inequality‐based method. Suitable examples are considered to illustrate the approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the study of the low-temperature fabrication of ZnO thin film transistors on high-k gate dielectrics: Al 2 O 3 , HfO 2 and ZrO 2 . All gate dielectrics were grown by atomic layer deposition at 150 °C and the ZnO semiconductors were grown by rf magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The electrical characteristics and device performance have been investigated systematically, along with the thin film structural properties by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Highly (0 0 0 2)-oriented ZnO thin films were observed and their surface morphology revealed similar microstructures regardless of the bottom gate oxides. The fabricated thin film transistors showed high on/off ratio larger than 10 5 and low subthreshold voltage swing. The discrepancy of the device performance in these combinations indicated a significant gate dielectrics and interface dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impact of Nd doping on the structural, microstructural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and transport properties of Pb (1 - x) Nd x (Fe 0.5 Nb 0.5) 1 - x / 4 O 3 (PNFN) solid solutions ( x = 0 , 0.02 , 0.04 , 0.08 , and 0.1 ) is reported. For all the solid solutions, room temperature Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the monoclinic crystal structure with Cm space group. From Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) studies, the polyhedral-shaped grains are found to be homogeneously distributed. Variation of dielectric properties with temperature displays the decrease of phase transition temperature (TC) with increasing Nd content. The temperature-dependent AC conductivity follows the Arrhenius behavior and the activation energies are calculated for high temperature regions. The frequency dependent AC conductivity behavior obeys the Johnscher's power law. Impedance spectroscopy results show the impact of conductivity from the bulk (grain) and displays non-Debye type of behaviour. Electric modulus demonstrates thermally activated relaxation phenomenon in the materials. Polarization vs. electric field (P-E) loops analysis confirms the ferroelectric nature of the materials. With increase in Nd concentrations, the value of remanent polarization (2Pr) increases, on the other hand, the coercive field (2Ec) value decreases. Both of these properties are suitable for enhancement of the physical properties of the multiferroic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being the backbone element of deoxyribonucleic acid, phosphorus is a key component in the search for life in the Universe. To aid in its detection, we present line emissivity ratios for the five lowest-lying forbidden [P  ii ] transitions, namely those among the levels 3s23p2(3P0, 3P1, 3P2, 1D2, and 1S0). The wavelengths range between 0.44 and 70 µm, and several lie within the spectroscopic domain observable with the JWST. These line ratios have been calculated using a new collisional-radiative-cascade (CRR) model combining calculated collision strengths and level-specific recombination rate coefficients, with both data sets computed using the accurate Breit–Pauli R-matrix method. The CRR model includes a new scheme for (e + ion) recombination to emission-line formation. We compare its effect to models incorporating only electron-impact excitation and spontaneous radiative decay. We find that (e + ion) recombination has a significant impact on all line ratios, and represents a major improvement in physical accuracy of emission-line models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The study was done to analyze the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment aspect of patients with ectopic pregnancy at Kathmandu Model Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with ectopic pregnancy who received treatment at Kathmandu Model Hospital from January 2008 to September 2015. Data were analyzed from patient records and discharge summary. Delivery number was obtained from maternity record. Results: There were 61 cases of ectopic pregnancy with the hospital incidence of 1.46%. Highest number of patients 20 (32.79%) were in the age range of 28-32 years. Most of the patients were nullipara 22 (36.06%) or with parity two 20 (32.79%). Some risk factors were found in 29 (47.54%) cases. The commonest risk factor was pelvic inflammatory disease in 12 (19.67%). All presented with pain abdomen, 48 (78.68%) had per vaginal bleeding, 17 (27.87%) presented in shock. Cervical excitation was present in 38 (62.29%). Urine for pregnancy test was positive in all and 37 (60.66%) had ultrasonography. Ten (16.39%) patients underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery and 40 (65.57%) had emergency laparotomy. Salpingectomy was required in 53 (86.89%) cases. The average hospital stay was 5 days. Conclusions: The study showed that ectopic pregnancy could occur at any reproductive age without obvious risk factors. Although not all patients gave history of amenorrhoea, pain abdomen was present in all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study deals with static analysis of functionally graded (FG) rectangular plates subjected to various possible boundary conditions within the framework of classical plate theory. Material properties of the FG plate are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction according to power-law form. The trial functions denoting the transverse deflection of the plate are expressed as simple algebraic polynomials. Uniformly distributed load (UDL) and hydrostatic pressure are considered to be the external mechanical loads. Rayleigh-Ritz method along with mechanical kinematic relations and non-dimensionalization technique are employed in the numerical modeling to obtain the system of linear equations for the pure bending. Here the main objective is to study the effect of aspect ratio and volume fraction of the constituents on numerical factors associated with centroidal deflection, bending moments and normal stresses. New results for these factors are presented after checking the convergence pattern and validation has been done with the available results in special cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The K α resonance fluorescence (RFL) effect via photoabsorptions of inner shell electrons as the element goes through multiple ionization states is studied. We demonstrate that the resonances observed recently in K α (1s–2p) fluorescence in aluminum plasmas by using a high-intensity X-ray free-electron laser [1] are basically K-shell resonances in hollow atoms going through multiple ionization states at resonant energies as predicted earlier for gold and iron ions [2] . These resonances are formed below the K-shell ionization edge and shift toward higher energies with ionization states, as observed. Fluorescence emission intensities depend on transition probabilities for each ionization stage of the given element for all possible K α ( 1 s → 2 p ) transition arrays. The present calculations for resonant photoabsorptions of K α photons in Al have reproduced experimentally observed features. Resonant cross sections and absorption coefficients are presented for possible observation of K α RFL in the resonant energy ranges of 4.5–5.0 keV for Ti ions and 8.0–8.7 keV for Cu ions respectively. We suggest that theoretically the K α RFL process may be driven to enhance the Auger cycle by a twin-beam monochromatic X-ray source, tuned to the K-edge and K α energies, with potential applications such as the development of narrow-band biomedical X-ray devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian infectious bronchitis is ubiquitous and highly contagious disease of poultry, with profound effect on commercial poultry production. For effective control of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), quick and specific diagnosis is of utmost importance. In this study, the virus was isolated from clinical samples from India and the full length nucleocapsid (N) gene was amplified, cloned and expressed in a prokaryotic system. The purified recombinant N protein based single serum dilution enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for IBV to measure specific antibody in the sera of chickens. A total of 310 chicken sera samples were tested using the commercial IDEXX kit along with the assay developed. A linear correlation was obtained between predicted antibody titres at a single working dilution of 1:100 and the corresponding serum titres observed as determined by the standard serial dilution method. Regression analysis was used to construct a standard curve from which an equation was derived which confirmed their correlation. The developed equation was then used to extrapolate predicated ELISA antibody titer from corrected absorbance readings of the single working dilution. The assay proved to be specific (95.8%) and sensitive (96.8%) when compared to the commercial IDEXX ELISA test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductivity relaxation using modulus formalism has been used to explore the coupling of ionic conductivity to dielectric relaxation in polymer electrolyte based on polyethylene oxide complexed with various content of LiAsF6. The temperature dependence of conductivity followed the VTF behavior suggesting close correlation between conductivity and the segmental relaxation process in polymer electrolytes. The coupling of conductivity to the segmental process has been discussed in terms of coupling index. For all compositions studied, the coupling index was within the range of 1-11 in the temperature range of investigation, which was in agreement with the coupled systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three dimensional non-linear finite element analyses of Lap Shear Joints (LSJs) made with curved laminated FRP composite panels having pre-existing delaminations between the first and second plies of the strap adherend have been carried out using contact and Multi-Point Constraint elements (MPC). Progressive growth of delamination has been simulated by sequential release of the MPC elements. Strain Energy Release Rate (SERR), being an indicative parameter has been computed using Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) for assessing the growth and propagation of the delamination damage fronts. The inter-laminar stresses and the SERRs at the two fronts of the pre-embedded delamination are found to be significantly influenced by the delamination size. The three individual modes of SERR on the two delamination fronts are found to be much different from each other, indicating dissimilar rates of propagation. The curvature geometry of adherends significantly influences the SERR values. It is seen that decrease of radius of curvature of adherend panels, keeping their widths unchanged, increases the SERR values. Flatter FRP composite adherends have superior resistance to delamination damage propagation as compared to LSJs made with curved composite laminated panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulated photophysical property of strong electronically coupled naphthyl uridine linked via a single C–C bond was explored in DNA detection via wavelength shifting and enhanced fluorescence emission by a simple ‘Just-Mix & Read’ strategy of homogeneous DNA detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Plasmonic materials (PMs), featuring large static or dynamic tunability, have significant impact on the optical properties due to their potential for applications in transformation optics, telecommunications, energy, and biomedical areas. Among PMs, the carrier concentration and mobility are two tunable parameters, which control the plasma frequency of a metal. Here, we report on large static and dynamic tunability in wavelengths up to 640 nm in Al-doped ZnO based transparent conducting degenerate semiconductors by controlling both thickness and applied voltages. This extreme tunability is ascribed to an increase in carrier concentration with increasing thickness as well as voltage-induced thermal effects that eventually diminish the carrier concentration and mobility due to complex chemical transformations in the multilayer growth process. These observations could pave the way for optical manipulation of this class of materials for potential transformative applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fish pathogenic oomycete Aphanomyces invadans is the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS), a fish disease of international significance and reportable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. In spite of the current and potential impact of A. invadans infection on fisheries and aquaculture sectors of the world, very little is known about the host-A. invadans interactions. In the present study, following experimental infection with A. invadans in one of the Indian major carps, Labeo rohita, sequential changes in various innate immune parameters were monitored. The results indicated that at early stages of infection, no significant changes in any of the studied innate immune parameters were observed. However, at the advanced stages of infection from 6 to 12 days post infection (dpi), the respiratory burst and alternate complement activity were significantly higher whereas lysozyme, antiproteases and α-2 macroglobulin values were significantly lower than the control group and also from the infected group at earlier stages of infection. Since, the possibility of vaccination of fish against A. invadans appears remote due to difficulties in eliciting a specific antibody response, the information generated in the present study could be useful for developing strategies for improving resistance to A. invadans infection by stimulating the innate immunity through immunomodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS), a disease listed by World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has been reported in 26 countries across 4 continents. Till date, 94 fish species have been found to be naturally infected with EUS and its host range is gradually expanding. In the year 2010-11, outbreaks resulting in heavy fish mortality were recorded in wetland districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, and EUS was confirmed as the cause of mortality on the basis of histopathology, isolation of Aphanomyces invadans, bioassay and PCR. A prevalence of ~ 69% (371/540) was recorded and 13 fish species were found to be infected. Interestingly, EUS was observed in seven new species (Aristichthys nobilis, Channa punctatus, Wallago attu, Mastacembelus armatus, Mystus cavasius, Anabas testudineus and Puntius conchonius) for the first time in natural outbreaks. Furthermore, the disease was observed even in the month of May when the mean water temperature was 31.6 ± 0.65°C. This suggests that the disease can result in severe losses even after two decades of its emergence. [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]