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Introduction: Use of synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray source in medical imaging has shown great potential for improving soft-tissue image contrast such as the breast. The present study demonstrates quantitative X-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) technique derived from propagation-dependent phase change observed in the breast tissue-equivalent test materials. Materials and Methods: Indian synchrotron facility (Indus-2, Raja Ramanna Centre of Advanced Technology [RRCAT]) was used to carry out phantom feasibility study on phase-contrast mammography. Different phantoms and samples, including locally fabricated breast tissue-equivalent phantoms were used to perform absorption and phase mode imaging using 12 and 16 keV SR X-ray beam. Edge-enhancement index (EEI) and edge enhancement to noise ratio (EE/N) were measured for all the images. Absorbed dose to air values were calculated for 12 and 16 keV SR X-ray beam using the measured SR X-ray photon flux at the object plane and by applying the standard radiation dosimetry formalism. Results and Conclusion: It was observed in case of all the phantoms and test samples that EEI and EE/N values are relatively higher for images taken in the phase mode. The absorbed dose to air at imaging plane was found to be 75.59 mGy and 28.9 mGy for 12 and 16 keV SR energies, respectively. However, these dose values can be optimized by reducing the image acquisition time without compromising the image quality when clinical samples are imaged. This work demonstrates the feasibility of XPCI in mammography using 12 and 16 keV SR X-ray beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third order mock theta function f(q) is the generating function for the number of partitions with even rank minus the number of partitions with odd rank. In this paper, mock theta function f(q) is interpreted in terms of n{color partitions which lead to a combinatorial proof of the above fact. The two sixth order mock theta functions ɸ(q), ψ(q) from Ramanujan's Lost Notebook are also interpreted in terms of n{color partitions by attaching weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce and study a new class of spaces, namely β-topological vector spaces via β-open sets. The relationships among these spaces with some existing spaces are investigated. In addition, some important and useful characterizations of β-topological vector spaces are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf gas exchange and growth responses of three melon cultivars, i.e., Mission, Da Vinci (var. reticulatus), and Super Nectar (var. inodorus) to two irrigation regimes, 50 and 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were investigated under water-limited conditions of southwest Texas. In 2012, deficit irrigation (50% ETc) significantly decreased above-ground biomass, leaf area, leaf number, and specific leaf area, while leaf gas exchange, relative water content, water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and chlorophyll content (SPAD index) were not affected. However, in the drier year 2011, deficit irrigation significantly reduced net photosynthetic rate (PN) and stomatal conductance (gs). Further, the responses to water deficit varied with cultivars. At 50% ETc, PN and gs were maintained in cv. Da Vinci while decreased in Mission and Super Nectar. Thus, the late maturing cv. Super Nectar appeared to be more sensitive to drought stress, possibly due to the decrease in leaf area and PN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the melting slopes as a function of pressure for MgO up to a pressure of 135 GPa, and for LiF up to a pressure of 100 GPa using the Lindemann law. Values of melting temperature have also been calculated from the melting slopes using Euler's finite difference calculus method. It is found that the melting slope decreases continuously with the increase in pressure giving a nonlinear pressure dependence of the melting temperature. Values of bulk modulus and the Grüneisen parameter appearing in the Lindemann law of melting have been determined using the Stacey reciprocal K-primed equation of state and the Shanker reciprocal gamma relationship. The results for melting temperatures of MgO and LiF at different pressures are compared with the available experimental data. Values of melting temperatures at different pressures determined from the Al'tshuler relationship for the volume dependence of the Grüneisen parameter have also been included in the comparison presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charged hadron production in the e + e − annihilations at 91 to 206 GeV in full phase space and in p ¯ p collisions at 200 to 900 GeV collision energies are studied using nonextensive Tsallis and stochastic Weibull probability distributions. The Tsallis distribution shows better description of the data than the Weibull distribution. The 2-jet modification of the statistical distribution is applied to describe e + e − data. The main features of these distributions can be described by a two-component model with soft, collective interactions at low transverse energy and hard, constituent interactions dominating at high transverse energy. This modification is found to give much better description than a full-sample fit, and again Tsallis function is found to better describe the data than the Weibull one pointing at the nonextensive character of the multiparticle production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CNT nanofluids are getting attention in heat transfer applications due to their very high thermal conductivity in comparison with conventional fluids. For commercial exploitation of CNT nanofluids as heat transfer media, they must have long-term stability. In this study, the two-step method was modified to prepare dynamically stable CNT nanofluids by utilizing commercial grade multiwalled carbon nanotubes and SDBS as a surfactant. The modified technique consists of separation of coarse agglomerates of CNT from the CNT nanofluids by applying centrifugal action after its preparation. The effect of relative centrifugal force was also studied for the very first time on the stable concentration of CNT nanofluids. The stability of CNT nanofluids was analyzed by measurement of their CNT concentration and Zeta potential. Results showed that CNT nanofluids possess good stability and remain stable for more than 15 months. In addition to stability, thermo-physical properties such as thermal conductivity, density, and viscosity of CNT nanofluids were also measured. The results of this study elucidated the effect of RCF on the stable concentration of CNT nanofluids. It is expected that the results obtained in this study may significantly contribute to the proper tailoring of CNT nanofluids, by providing long-term stable CNT nanofluids which are suitable for industrial heat transfer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a chevron on a radiated (acoustic) component of near-field pressure fluctuations in a high-speed compressible jet is experimentally investigated for a nozzle exit Mach number of 0.8. The main focus in the present experimental study is to examine the effect of a chevron on noise sources, their location in the jet flowfield, and the noise radiation pattern in the far-field through simultaneous measurement of near-field and far-field pressure fluctuations using a cross-correlation technique. The formation of lobes in the mixing layer close to the chevron nozzle exit alters the near-field and far-field noise characteristics as compared to the base nozzle. The overall sound pressure level closer to the chevron nozzle exit increases, whereas downstream of the potential core, it reduces in comparison with the base nozzle. Furthermore, the position of the near-field/far-field cross-correlation coefficient peak suggests that the interaction of chevrons with the jet flow moves the dominant noise source upstream and closer to the nozzle exit. The chevron nozzle disintegrates large-scale flow structures, thereby reducing the noise levels radiating at a lower polar angle in the far-field. The near-field/far-field cross-correlations suggest that an acoustic component of the near-field pressure fluctuations, propagating from the jet to the higher polar angles in the far-field, is generated by fine-scale turbulent flow structures in the region close to the nozzle exit, and the chevron nozzle is found to strongly support this mechanism. An increase in the noise levels closer to the nozzle exit in the near-field and at a higher polar angle in the far-field are due to high-frequency noise sources generated by the chevron nozzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model for the parabolic trough collector (PTC) having its absorber tubes fitted with serrated twisted tape inserts using therminol VP-1 as working fluid for high temperature applications in solar thermal electric power system was developed taking radiative terms into account. The model takes radiative terms into account, for the development of the mathematical expressions for collector efficiency factor, collector heat removal factor, outlet fluid temperature and thermal efficiency. A computer program in C++ language, based on mathematical models was developed, to estimate the temperature rise of fluid for evaluation of the performance of PTC under specified conditions. For numerical simulations, three different twist ratios, x = 1,2.5,4 and mass flow rates ranging from 0.06 kg/s to 0.16 kg/s (3000 ≤ Re ≤ 9000) and dimensionless insolation, Ψ(t) = 0.2 to 1.0 are used. This study demonstrates that twisted tape insert shows great promise for enhancing the performance of the PTC. The maximum value of outlet fluid temperature, useful heat gain and thermal efficiency are 452.52 K, 17711 W and 79.22 %, respectively for x = 1, Ψ(t) = 1.0 and mass flow rate of 0.16 kg/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy has been applied for the nondestructive, label free, and rapid analyses of the impact of copper (25, 50, and 75 μM) on maize seedlings at an early stage before the changes appear visually on the plant. The LIF measurement has been used to detect the signs of stress in the photosynthetic pigment. The integrated areal intensity and increasing fluorescence intensity ratios indicate decrease in the photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of maize plants stressed with copper. The ATR-FTIR technique has been utilized to estimate the changes arising in the cell wall polysaccharides, amino acid, secondary structure of protein and lipid content of the leaves of control and copper-treated maize seedlings. The second derivative and curve fitting analyses have been applied for the enhancement of the spectral variations and quantitative estimation of the changes arising in the biochemical profile. The result shows an increase in the pectin, lignin, amino acid, and protein content and reduction in the amount of cellulose and lipid in the leaves of maize seedlings due to the treatment of copper. This study indicates the toxic response of copper by hampering the growth and reduction in the photosynthetic pigments and biochemical content of the maize seedlings. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of the spectroscopic techniques (LIF and ATRFTIR) as a rapid, label free, and nondestructive probe for the assessment of stress and monitoring of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, polycrystalline BaTiO3 thin films have been synthesized on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using the low temperature Sol gel hydrothermal method and different metal nanoclusters (Au, Ag, Cu and Al) have been fabricated over the surface of BTO thin film using thermal evaporation technique. The hysteretic behavior of the BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films integrated with various top metal electrodes is studied, and emphasis has been given on the effect of leakage current and trap generated current on the shape and measured polarization of the hysteresis loop. Cu, Au, Ag and Al metals were used as top contacts over BTO/Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si and difference in ferroelectric PE hysteresis loops were studied. Variation in hysteresis loops due to different metal contacts is related to the leakage current and trap generated current variations. It is concluded that the properties of the top electrode interface with the ferroelectric film significantly impact the ferroelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The reversibility of the dehydration of monoclinic CaZn 2 (PO 4 ) 2 ·2H 2 O to the corresponding monohydrate is proven and the dehydration enthalpy determined by combination of thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The mechanism of the monohydrate formation is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and temperature dependent in situ X-ray powder diffraction. Mechanistic impact on the powder bulk properties are deduced. As for the orthorhombic dimorph, a crystalline monohydrate species is identified and firstly indexed. Thermal induced changes of the lattice parameters up to the formation of the monohydrate are analyzed. A linear elongation of the lattice parallel to the directions [100] and [001] is found. The corresponding elongation coefficients and the volumetric expansion of the unit cell are determined. With regard to the option of synthetic production of the compound, a possible application of the material for thermochemical energy storage and conversion is conceivable. The relevance of fundamental mechanistic features on the bulk behaviour upon cyclic de- and rehydration is discussed. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Reversibility of dehydration of synthetic monoclinic CaZn 2 (PO 4 ) 2 ·2H 2 O to CaZn 2 (PO 4 ) 2 ·H 2 O is proven. • Morphological changes upon dehydration to mono- and anhydrate are investigated. • The diffraction pattern of the monohydrate is presented and indexed. • Lattice constants up to the monohydrate are derived from in-situ XRD measurements. • A topotactic dehydration mechanism is deduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the control of powder formation in silane discharge by cathode heating and hydrogen dilution for high-rate deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films. Characterization of the films; Illustration of plasma chemical vapor deposition reactor; Variation of deposition rate with cathode temperature.

Examines the short-range order and microstructure of a set of films deposited in different plasma conditions using Raman scattering, small-angle x-ray scattering and infrared vibrational spectroscopy. Information on the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique; Method used for the powder formation in the plasma; Factors considered in the deposition rates attained and sites of powder growth in the chamber for α-Si:H films.

Presents a complete characterization of trapping levels in red mercuric iodide single crystals. Result of photon simulated current measurements on red mercuric iodide single crystals; Discussion on the influence of trapping levels on the detector operation at room temperature; Experimental details and result of the study.

In this work, voltage linearity of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited silicon nitride (N) and stacked silicon dioxide-silicon nitride-silicon dioxide (ONO) metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors with other important parameters are investigated as a function of frequencies. Analog and mixed analog radio frequency integrated circuits require excellent voltage linear MIM capacitors. It was found that nitride voltage linearity coefficient β is between – 950 and 180 ppm/V and quadratic coefficient α is between −400 and 900 ppm/V2 in 1 Khz to 5 MHz frequency range. ONO has β between −120 and 190 ppm/V whereas α between −88 and 95 ppm/V2 in the same applied frequencies range, indicating prospective for precision analog circuit applications. The calculated capacitive density and dielectric constant of N and ONO MIM capacitors at 1 MHz are 1.98 fF/μm2 and 7.8 and ONOs are 1.03 fF/μm2 and 6.2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parking lot operator (PLO) as an interface between EV owners and System Operator (SO) optimizes V2G scheduling to maximize its profit through multi-markets participation viz. Energy and regulation, while ensuring EVs battery health and daily driving needs. PLO integrates Time-of-Use (TOU) Price-based Demand Response (PBDR) with V2G as more viable tool to unlock V2G potential, alleviate adverse impacts, enhance market efficiency, level load via boosting flexibility to the SO, and reduce charging costs of EV owners. DR integrated V2G scheduling framework is put in jeopardy from EVs' propulsive behaviour and electricity market prices uncertainties, posing financial risk to PLO. In this context, this paper puts forward a risk-averse integrated DR and dynamic V2G decision-making algorithm to maximize the expected profits of PLO. Results of PLO case study with 1000 EVs demonstrate benefits from economies of V2G operations, its resiliency to EVs' behaviour dynamics via sensitivity analysis of risk-averse and risk-neutral PLO performance with respect to round trip efficiency, battery degradation cost coefficient, number of EVs, and upper limit of charging/discharging rates. There is significant 22.2% reduction in cost, 33.82% reduction in revenue, and 14.92% reduction in profit from risk-neutral to risk-averse in V2G mode for charging/discharging rate value 12.1 kW. • V2G Scheduling of PLO considering multiple markets and battery degradation. • Uncertainty pose financial risk to PLO. • Designed TOU PBDR for enhanced flexibility from EVs and market efficiency. • Risk-management is necessary for computing its expected profit and CVaR. • Sensitivity analysis to parameters' values assess PLO risk-return performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chest radiography reveals bilateral lung infiltrates. References 1 Francois J. A new syndrome; dyscephalia with bird face and dental anomalies, nanism, hypotrichosis, cutaneous atrophy, microphthalmia, and congenital cataract. Option (b), Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is a rare progressive disorder of childhood due to a I de novo i heterozygous mutation in the lamin A gene ( I LMNA i ) on chromosome 1q22. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on testing for the COVID-19 virus in saliva. It mentions how the disease is transmitted through airborne droplets, the implications of COVID-19 for dental care, and how endodontists can manage point-of-care testing and prevention of transmission through analysis of saliva.

We report studies on exchange bias effects in Ni-NiO nanoparticles with different particle diameters/distributions and concentration of metallic nickel, which vary from 0% to 32%. The exchange bias field, Hex, depends strongly upon both particle size and the concentration of metallic Ni, being maximum (~2.2 kOe) at 5 K for the sample with almost negligible concentration of metallic Ni, whereas the corresponding value for the sample with highest concentration of metallic Ni (~32±5.0%) is about 0.07 kOe. The structural features of the samples have been investigated thoroughly by using the Reitveld refinement of x-ray diffraction data and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, where as the magnetic properties using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the combinatorial interpretations of twelve mock theta functions in terms of ( n + t ) -color partitions with attached weights. We further find combinatorial interpretations of the generalized versions of all these mock theta functions and present these into six families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterocyclic compounds are known to exhibit a variety of biological activities because of their resemblance to a number of naturally occurring metabolites. Various 2-phenyl-1H-indoles and benzimidazole derivatives have been tested for total antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybednum reduction method and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazide free radical scavenging activity. The compounds with electron donating substituents were found to be better antioxidants with IIIa to be most effective. The best radical scavenger was IVb. Antimicrobial activity was screened in vitro against Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp. (Gram-negative) and Bacillus sp. (Gram-positive). It was found that Gram-negative bacteria were more susceptible than Grampositive bacteria. Indoles exhibited better antibacterial activity compared to benzimidazoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report facile synthesis of Cu incorporated multifunctional ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (Zn 1-x Cu x Fe 2 O 4 ) using simple wet chemical route. The as prepared samples having various Cu cation contents (x = 0 to 0.8) were calcined at 600 °C for 10 h. Samples of particular composition, x = 0.4 (Zn 0·6 Cu 0·4 Fe 2 O 4 ) were calcined at different temperatures (200 °C to 800 °C) to study the effect of calcination on structural and optical properties. X-ray diffraction studies reveal the presence of mixed phases, i.e. normal cubic spinel ferrite and hematite structure (α-Fe 2 O 3 ). Calcination of Zn 0·6 Cu 0·4 Fe 2 O 4 shows further improvement in the crystallinity without segregation of any additional impurity phase. UV-Vis absorbance studies show CuO phase at longer wavelengths for high Cu cation content, while Raman spectral analysis shows the presence of prominent peaks at 220 cm −1 , 287 cm −1 , 400 cm −1 , and relatively weak broad peak at 640 cm −1 corresponding to normal ferrite structure and α-Fe 2 O 3 structure, confirming the X-ray results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study primarily aimed to calculate the orientation of the cochlea pre-operatively, using high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone, and predict the ease of electrode insertion. Methods: Pre-operatively, high-resolution computed tomography scans were conducted on children scheduled for cochlear implantation, and two angles, α and β, were calculated. The values of α and β were then correlated with intra-operative difficulty in insertion of the electrode array. Results: Ninety-six children were included in the study. Of the seven patients who had an α angle of less than 50 degrees, the surgeon experienced difficulties in electrode insertion. However, there were four patients with an α angle of more than 50 degrees for whom the surgeon also experienced difficulties in electrode insertion. In all these patients, the β angle was more than 20 degrees. Conclusion: Calculation of cochlear orientation and its angle with the surgical axis (α and β) can aid the planning of surgery, particularly with regard to the cochleostomy site and preservation of residual hearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct numerical simulations of supersonic boundary layers (SBLs) over a flat plate for M∞=2.2 are performed for adiabatic and isothermal (cooled and heated) walls. Receptivity analysis based on five criteria, namely skin-friction coefficient, Stanton number, Reynolds shear stress, wall-normal Reynolds heat flux, and modal decomposition are performed. Effect of perturbation intensity and wall heat transfer on the receptivity and the transitional growth of SBLs are presented. It is found out that increasing perturbation intensity moves the transition onset location upstream and increases the transition length. Additionally, below 1% perturbation intensity, wall cooling stabilizes the flow while beyond this value it has the opposite effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation is used to simulate the capacitively coupled argon plasma for a range of excitation frequency from 13.56 MHz to 100 MHz. The argon chemistry set can, selectively, include two metastable levels enabling multi-step ionization and metastable pooling. The results show that the plasma density decreases when metastable atoms are included with higher discrepancy at a higher excitation frequency. The contribution of multistep ionization to the overall density increases with the excitation frequency. The electron temperature increases with the inclusion of metastable atoms and decreases with the excitation frequency. At a lower excitation frequency, the density of Ar** (3p5 4p, 13.1 eV) is higher than that of Ar* (3p5 4s, 11.6 eV), whereas at higher excitation frequencies, the Ar* (3p5 4s, 11.6 eV) is the dominant metastable atom. The metastable and electron temperature profile evolve from a parabolic profile at a lower excitation frequency to a saddle type profile at a higher excitation frequency. With metastable, the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) changes its shape from Druyvesteyn type, at a low excitation frequency, to bi-Maxwellian, at a high frequency plasma excitation; however, a three-temperature EEDF is observed without metastable atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffer-free, highly textured (0 0 1) oriented CeCo 5 thin films showing perpendicular magnetic anisotropy were synthesized on (0 0 1) Al 2 O 3 substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Ce exists in a mixture of Ce 3 + and Ce 4 + valence states as shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The first anisotropy constant, K 1 , as measured by torque magnetometry was 0.82 MJ/m 3 ( 8.2 × 10 6 erg / cm 3 ) . A maximum coercivity of 5.16 kOe with a negative temperature coefficient of −0.304%K −1 and a magnetization of 527.30 emu/cm 3 was measured perpendicular to the film plane at 5 K. In addition, a large anisotropy of the magnetic moment of 15.5% was observed. These magnetic parameters make CeCo 5 a potential candidate material for spintronic and magnetic recording applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing need of ocean surveying and exploration for scientific and industrial application has led to the requirement of routing strategies for ocean vehicles which are optimal in nature. Most of the op-timal path planning for marine vehicles had been conducted offline in a self-made environment. This paper takes into account a practical marine environment, i.e. Portsmouth Harbour, for finding an optimal path in terms of computational time between source and end points on a real time map for an USV. The current study makes use of a grid map generated from original and uses a Dijkstra algorithm to find the shortest path for a single USV. In order to benchmark the study, a path planning study using a well-known local path planning method artificial path planning (APF) has been conducted in a real time marine environment and effectiveness is measured in terms of path length and computational time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative availabilities of nitrogen and sulphur can modulate seed storage protein composition in grain legumes and cereals. Soybean contains two major seed storage proteins, glycinins and β-conglycinins that account for approximately 70% of total protein and their composition is affected by nitrogen and sulphur supplies. The present study demonstrated the effect of sulphur (Gypsum @ 20 kg S ha-1) and recommended a dose of nitrogen (Urea @ 31.25 kg N ha-1) alone or in combination on accumulation patterns of various protein fractions and protein quality in soybean seeds under agro-climatic conditions of Punjab. Application of nitrogen or sulphur alone decreased the relative proportion of β-subunit of purified β-conglycinin fraction than control. The acidic polypeptides of glycinin fraction of globulin and 11S/7S ratio were increased in all the treatments in comparison to control, and the maximum increase was reported in the combined application of gypsum with the recommended dose of urea. The lower proportion of total 7S, increased acidic polypeptides and improved 11S:7S ratio by combined treatment of nitrogen and sulphur suggests that gypsum @ 20 kg S ha-1 can be beneficial when applied along the recommended nitrogen dose to improve soybean protein quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work analytically investigates the thermal and thermohydraulic performances of double-flow double- and single-exposure solar air heaters with corrugated and flat plate absorbers. In the double-exposure solar collector, a reflector is placed below and parallel to the collector and reflects the solar radiation on the lower absorber surface. The performances of the collectors with different parameters, such as mass flow rate and insolation, are analyzed. The results of the single exposure collectors are compared with the experimental results to assess the accuracy of the present mathematical model and found to be reasonably well. The performances of the double-exposure collectors are significantly better than those of the single-exposure collectors. Moreover, the performance of the corrugated absorber solar air collector is superior to that of the flat plate solar air collector. The double-exposure corrugated absorber solar air heater is 10.85 % more efficient than the single-exposure flat plate solar air heater at a mass flow rate of 0.0277 kg/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on lunar occultations of Aldebaran ( α Tau) and other ten, mostly late-type, stars observed with the Devasthal 1.3-m telescope. We derive a detailed brightness profile for Aldebaran, confirming the presence of asymmetries already recently described in a related work. We test the origin of such asymmetries by means of simulations of the effect of scintillation on the reconstructed profiles. We also derive angular diameters for two M giants, Z Cnc and SAO 161635, which we discuss in the context of previous determinations. We find first-time companions around two other stars, SAO 161665 and WZ Psc, and we detect one more previously known binary, SAO 94060. This is the first systematic effort to observe lunar occultations events at this facility, and demonstrates the capability to carry out milliarcsecond-level investigations on sources down to  ≈ 9 mag. We plan to continue this routine program in the coming years, eventually utilizing also the 3.6 m DOT telescope recently erected at Devasthal for deeper sensitivity and higher accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic ecosystems are subject to multiple interacting stressors that obscure regulatory mechanisms and reduce the effectiveness of management strategies. Here we estimate the unique and interactive effects of continental climate systems, regional meteorology, river hydrology, and internal lake characteristics on patterns of landscape-scale water quality in six productive lakes within a 52 000 km2 catchment. We quantify variation in mean summer and monthly algal abundance, surface bloom intensity, water clarity, and density of potentially toxic cyanobacteria during 16 years on the Canadian Prairies. Internal lake characteristics best predicted overall water quality change, while climate systems, regional weather, and river hydrology characterized indirect pathways that influenced physicochemical environments. Scenario analysis of future environmental change predicted that atmospheric warming (3-5 °C) will have the strongest effect on water quality in these productive lakes, but unexpectedly predicted that even severe industrial water extraction (1% of inflow) will have negligible effects on transparency or algal abundance. Instead, nutrient management represents the only practical means to sustain water quality, although atmospheric and lake warming may override re-oligotrophication of eutrophied sites in future decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Proseal laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and laryngeal tube suction (LTS) are both supraglottic devices with an esophageal suction port. In the present prospective, randomized study, the effectiveness of airway seal, hemodynamic variables, ability to pass orogastric tube, and postoperative complications with the two devices were evaluated. Material and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, single-blind study conducted in a hospital-based setting. Sixty patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I and II) undergoing elective general surgery were randomly allocated to Group A (Proseal LMA) or Group B (LTS), and airway seal pressure (primary outcome), peak pressure, hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, pulse rate and pulse oximetry) during and 5 min after insertion, insertion time, ease of insertion, and postoperative complications (sore throat and hoarseness of voice for a period of 24 hours) (secondary outcomes) were noted. The quantitative data was summarized as mean and standard deviation, and analyzed using Student's t-test. All the qualitative data were summarized as proportions and analyzed using Chi-square test. The levels of significance and α-error were kept 95% and 5%, respectively, for all statistical analyses. P = 0.05 was considered significant (S). Results: Proseal LMA had shorter insertion time (16.4 ± 5.6 vs. 20.0 ± 3.9 s), higher seal pressure (27.6 ± 4.6 vs. 24.1 ± 5.6 cm of H2O), lesser peak pressure (16.3 ± 2.3 vs. 18.5 ± 3.9 cm of H2O), higher success rate of orogastric tube passage (86.7 vs. 76.7%), and lesser postoperative sore throat (3.3 vs. 10%). Conclusions: Both Proseal LMA and LTS were acceptable alternatives for airway management in elective surgeries with controlled ventilation, but the quality of ventilation was found to be significantly better with Proseal LMA (in terms of higher seal pressure, lesser peak pressure, lesser insertion time, and lesser complications). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phomopsis longicolla (Hobbs) causes Phomopsis seed decay and stem lesions in soybean ( Glycine max). In this study, a novel, high-throughput adaptation of RAD-seq termed MoNSTR-seq (Mutation analysis via Next-generation DNA Sequencing of T-DNA Regions) was developed to determine the genomic location of T-DNA insertions in P. longicolla mutants. Insertional mutants were created via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and one mutant, strain PL343, was further investigated due to impaired stem lesion formation. Mutation analysis via Next-generation DNA Sequencing of T-DNA Regions, in which DNA libraries are created with two distinct restriction enzymes and customized adapters to simultaneously enrich both T-DNA insertion borders, was developed to characterize the genomic lesion in strain PL343. MoNSTR-seq successfully identified a T-DNA insertion in the predicted promoter region of a gene encoding a cellobiose dehydrogenase ( CDH1), and the position of the T-DNA insertion in strain PL343 was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Thus, MoNSTR-seq represents an effective tool for molecular genetics in P. longicolla, and is readily adaptable for use in diverse fungal species. Significance and Impact of the Study This study describes MoNSTR-seq (Mutation analysis via Next-generation DNA Sequencing of T-DNA Regions), an adaptation of restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to identify the position of transfer-DNA (T-DNA) insertions in the genome of Phomopsis longicolla, an important pathogen of soybean. The technique enables high-throughput characterization of mutants generated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), thus accelerating gene discovery via forward genetics. This technique represents a significant advancement over existing approaches to characterize T-DNA insertions in fungal genomes. With minor modifications, this technique could be easily adapted to taxonomically diverse fungal pathogens and additional mutagenesis cassettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Shivering is one of the causes of discomfort in patients undergoing surgeries under spinal anesthesia. A variety of drugs and physical methods are used to control shivering. Among pharmacological interventions ondansetron, a 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonist has been found effective in controlling shivering. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of prophylactic administration of ondansetron for prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia. Methods: A prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was conducted on 70 patients, from either gender, aged 20-60 years, of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I or II, scheduled for various surgeries under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 35 each to receive either saline (Group S) or ondansetron 8 mg, (Group O) as slow intravenous infusion before spinal anesthesia. The primary outcome of the study was intraoperative incidence of shivering. Secondary outcomes, such as hemodynamic parameters and adverse reactions, were recorded. Results: A total of 16 patients in Group S (45.7%) and 4 (11.3%) patients in Group O experienced shivering (P = 0.014). A total of 14 patients in Group S (40%) and five patients in Group O (14.3%) had nausea (P = 0.155). A total of 11 patients in Group S (31%) and three patients in Group O (8%) had hypotension (P = 0.168). No patients in either group experienced bradycardia. Conclusion: Prophylactic administration of ondansetron significantly reduced shivering in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia without significant side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined experimental and theoretical study is performed on DMSO solvated 7′-amino-1′,3′-dimethyl- 2,2′,4′-trioxo-1′,2′,3′,4′,4a′,8a′-tetrahydrospiro[indoline-3,5′-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine]-6′-carbonitrile. The compound is studied by NMR, IR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray analysis. The crystal structure of the molecule is stabilized by intermolecular N-H…N, N-H…O, and C-H…π interactions. In the crystal, the molecules form hydrogen-bonded chains running along the b axis of the unit cell. In the present work, we have applied density functional theory (DFT) to explore the nonlinear properties of the molecule. The harmonic vibrational frequencies are calculated and compared with experimental FT-IR frequencies. The observed and calculated frequencies are found to be in good agreement. The calculated values of the HOMO-LUMO energy gap shows that a charge transfer occurs within the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building-Integrated Concentrated Photovoltaics (BICPV) is based on Photovoltaic (PV) technology which experience a loss in their electrical efficiency with an increase in temperature that may also lead to their permanent degradation over time. With a global PV installed capacity of 303 GW, a nominal 10 °C decrease in their average temperature could theoretically lead to 15 GW increase in electricity production worldwide. Currently, there is a gap in the research knowledge concerning the effectiveness of the available passive thermal regulation techniques for BICPV, both individually and working in tandem. This paper presents a novel combined passive cooling solution for BICPV incorporating micro-fins, Phase Change Material (PCM) and Nanomaterial Enhanced PCM (n-PCM). This work was undertaken with the aim to assess the unreported to date benefits of introducing these solutions into BICPV systems and to quantify their individual as well as combined effectiveness. The thermal performance of an un-finned metallic plate was first compared to a micro-finned plate under naturally convective conditions and then compared with applied PCM and n-PCM. A designed and fabricated, scaled-down thermal system was attached to the electrical heaters to mimic the temperature profile of the BICPV. The results showed that the average temperature in the centre of the system was reduced by 10.7 °C using micro-fins with PCM and 12.5 °C using micro-fins with n-PCM as compared to using the micro-fins only. Similarly, the effect of using PCM and n-PCM with the un-finned surface demonstrated a temperature reduction of 9.6 °C and 11.2 °C respectively as compared to the case of natural convection. Further, the innovative 3-D printed PCM containment, with no joined or screwed parts, showed significant improvements in leakage control. The important thermophysical properties of the PCM and the n-PCM were analysed and compared using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter. This research can contribute to bridging the existing gaps in research and development of thermal regulation of BICPV and it is envisaged that the realised incremental improvement can be a potential solution to (a) their performance improvement and (b) longer life, thereby contributing to the environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the analytical investigation of the double flow flat plate and corrugated absorber solar air heaters having different configurations of flow channels. The energy balance equations are analytically derived and solved by developing a computer program in C++ language in order to analyze the effect of system configurations and operating parameters on energy and exergy performance. The results of different configurations of double flow corrugated absorber solar air heaters have been compared with double flow flat plate absorber solar air heater and it indicates that the corrugated absorber solar air heaters (SA-1, SA-2 and SA-3) have much higher efficiency than the flat plate solar air heater (SA-4). It is found that the maximum enhancement in energy efficiency of SA-1 solar air heater is 7.20% for the mass flow rate of 0.035 kg/s. It is also observed that the exergy efficiency become negative at higher mass flow rate (i.e. m > 0.072 kg/s) for all types of solar air heater. The results also show that increasing the solar intensity leads to achieve higher air temperature rise and efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of various process parameters, such as surfactant concentration, core-to-shell ratio taken in the initial feed, temperature and agitation speed on the core content of microcapsules. For this study epoxy loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) microcapsules were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Taguchi orthogonal array with L25 matrix was implemented to optimize the experimental parameters for such microcapsules. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were also performed to determine the optimum parameters and significance of various parameters. Morphological characterization (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) and particle size analysis (mean particle size and particle size distribution) was done to investigate the effect of various parameters on the prepared microcapsules. SNR analysis identified the optimum levels of various parameters as: surfactant concentration- 10 wt%, core-to-shell ratio- 3:1, temperature- 40 °C and agitation speed- 300 rpm. ANOVA analysis showed that surfactant concentration was the most significant parameter in improving the core content of such microcapsules. The findings of Taguchi method were also verified with contour plots. Maximum core content obtained under optimum conditions was 63.53 wt% and such microcapsules can find applications for the development of self-healing polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explores the feasibility of artificial aging treatment to aluminium alloy 6061 hybrid composites reinforced with graphite and fine granite particulates to suit structural applications. Aging at 100 °C retrieved a better response of the hybrid composites as compared to that at 150 °C in terms of peak hardness and strength. Among the five different stir-cast compositions, the composition of aluminium 6061 with 2 wt. % graphite and 4 wt. % granite showed enhanced mechanical properties than that of the base alloy as well as mono reinforcement type composites which was attribued to the formation of rod-shaped β-Mg2Si precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus ( HEV) infection can be vertically transmitted, but the factors that transmit the disease to foetuses are still unclear. We studied a total of 144 pregnant women with HEV infection. Cord blood and newborn samples were taken for analysis. Nutritional factors were evaluated on the basis of anthropometric parameters and biochemical factors, and HEV viral load was quantified by real-time PCR. Sequencing of HEV-positive samples was performed. Approximately 14.63% (6/41) of pregnant patients with acute liver failure ( ALF) died before delivery. Vertical transmission was observed in 46.09% (59/128) of HEV-IgM-positive mothers. Approximately 23.80% (10/42) of newborns in the acute viral hepatitis group and 29.41% (5/17) in the ALF group were positive for HEV- RNA. No significant difference was observed in the occurrence of vertical transmission in HEV groups. Viral load was found to be a significant predictor for vertical transmission of HEV infection adjusted with haemoglobin and folate in derivation cohort group. Incorporating these variables, a new score predicting vertical transmission of HEV was derived. Using these significant predictors, the probability for vertical transmission of HEV was well stratified in the validation group ( P>.05). In conclusion, viral load was associated with vertical transmission of HEV infection. A valid prediction score model was generated that was verified in a validation cohort group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports characterization of fibrolytic enzymes from rumen bacteria of migratory Gaddi sheep in North- West Himalayan Region (NWHR). A total of 70 cellulolytic bacteria were isolated. Two isolates viz., CDB1 and CDB5 due to higher secretion of fibrolytic enzymes, namely endoglucanase and β-glucosidase were studied. The endoglucanase and βglucosidase activities in isolate CDB1 and isolate CDB5 were found to be 0.720 and 0.696 U/mL and 0.820 and 0.758 U/mL, respectively. The isolate CDB1showed optimal enzyme production using yeast extract, while isolate CDB5 used peptone as nitrogen source for production of the enzyme. The endoglucanase (0.720 and 0.750 U/mL) and βglucosidase (0.710 and 0.722 U/mL) activities in CDB1 and CDB5 were optimal at 40°C and 50°C, respectively. Highest level of endoglucanase (0.742 and 0.850 U/mL) and βglucosidase activities (0.724 and 0.810 U/mL) produced by CDB1 and CDB5 were detected at pH 6.0 to 7.0, and 6.0 to 8.0, respectively. In view of ability of the isolates to inhibit some undesirable microorganisms, and activity of enzymes produced at 40°C and 50°C, it is envisaged that these isolates may have applications as probiotics and additives in silage making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL. var. grossum Sendt.) production is often constrained by prevailing sub-optimal temperature conditions. The treatments that enhance earliness and extend availability period may substantially increase value of the crop. This two-year study (2010–11 and 2011–12) was conducted to investigate the comparative effect of two growing environments (open field vs. polyhouse), three planting dates (15 October, 30 October, and 15 November), and four mulch treatments (black polythene, clear polythene, paddy straw, and no-mulch) on growth and yield of bell pepper. The highest fruit number, fruit weight, early yield, marketable yield, and total yield were obtained when the crop was planted in the polyhouse on 30 October under black polythene mulch. Thus, the use of polyhouse and black plastic mulch, when combined with appropriate planting date, improves early and total yields of bell pepper in areas where the production is constrained by sub-optimal temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nickel doped bismuth vanadate [ $$\hbox {Bi}_{4}(\hbox {V}_{0.90}\hbox {Ni}_{0.10})_{2}\hbox {O}_{11- \delta }$$ ;BINIVOX] calcined at $$800\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$ (BINIVOX-800) catalyst is prepared by a solution combustion method. The catalytic activity study is carried in the temperature range of 250- $$400\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$ , and with the molar feed ratios of water: ethanol at 23:1 and 2.5:1. The study reveals an increase in the ethanol conversion and selectivity of carbon dioxide & hydrogen but a decrease in the selectivity of carbon monoxide and methane with an increase in temperature and water: ethanol mole ratio. Fresh and used catalysts are characterized using DTA, TGA, XRD and FTIR. XRD results reveal that the fresh catalyst is phase pure $$\upgamma $$ -BINIVOX. The phase purity and crystallinity of the catalyst is retained after 30 h of activity study. Graphical Abstract : Catalytic activity of nickel-doped bismuth vanadate (BINIVOX) powder for hydrogen production from ethanol via low-temperature steam reforming is reported here. Preliminary results show an increase in ethanol conversion and selectivity of carbon dioxide and hydrogen with temperature and water: ethanol mole ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current study explores the feasibility of artificial aging treatment to aluminium alloy 6061 hybrid composites reinforced with graphite and fine granite particulates to suit structural applications. Aging at 100 °C retrieved a better response of the hybrid composites as compared to that at 150 °C in terms of peak hardness and strength. Among the five different stir‐cast compositions, the composition of aluminium 6061 with 2 wt. % graphite and 4 wt. % granite showed enhanced mechanical properties than that of the base alloy as well as mono reinforcement type composites which was attribued to the formation of rod‐shaped β‐Mg2Si precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]