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Abstract: Nano-sized porous γ-aluminas have been successfully synthesized by control precipitation method using aluminium nitrate as precursor and different precipitating agents. The synthesized materials have been characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD and N2 adsorption–desorption. Sample prepared by ammonium bicarbonate route possess spherical nano-sized particle with crystallite size in the range 4.7–5.7nm, surface area 190m2/g and pore volume ∼0.467cm3/g. It also exhibits excellent fluoride adsorption capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Executive functions in 100 incarcerated adolescent female offenders were examined using the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). As hypothesized, mean scores for the sample were significantly lower than norms on measures of Planning and Successive Processing. Contrary to our hypothesis, the Attention mean did not differ significantly from the normative data. The Simultaneous mean was also significantly lower than norms although no hypothesis had been made and only a small effect size was noted. These findings suggest that incarcerated delinquent females can be differentiated from non-delinquent females on the basis of specific neuropsychological deficits in much the same way that male delinquents can be differentiated from non-delinquent males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Water vapor (WV) and infrared (IR) imageries from METEOSAT-5 are used to study the mid-upper and lower atmospheric water vapor patterns pertinent to the initiation of convective cells of Nor''wester, a severe thunderstorm during pre-monsoon season (March, April, and May) in northeastern part of Indian subcontinent. WV images are used to diagnose the mid-upper atmospheric dryness, while low-level water vapor patterns are monitored using IR images. Six important combinations of mid-upper and lower atmospheric moisture patterns are identified and their role in convective initiation for a variety of Nor''westers (A, B, and D type Nor''westers) is investigated. The detailed image analysis reveals that, in general, convective cells of Nor''wester have a strong tendency to be initiated along/near the edges of mid-upper atmospheric dryness passing over a low-level moist layer of atmosphere. Moisture patterns associated with dryline activity play a crucial role in convective initiation for A type Nor''wester while for B and D type Nor''westers they are totally absent. The features of combinations of moisture patterns are discussed in the context of a case study. The conceptual considerations describe the possible physical processes behind the phenomena. WV and IR images provide indications of convective instability and mesoscale lifting processes. These observations, at a higher temporal and spatial resolutions, could be very useful for forecasting Nor''westers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In situ optimized heat treatment in high-energy monochromatic beam of synchrotron light was conduced to generate fine nanoparticle dispersions in Zr-based alloys. Effect of embedded nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of our BMG-composites was investigated by compressive testing at room temperature. We found that the newly created nanostructured composites show good strength at high ductility with no work hardening. Based on TEM observations, a new mechanism was proposed which compensates for shear softening. The nanocrystals initially smaller than the elementary shear band were expected to growth in active shear band during deformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Executive functions in 111 adolescent male offenders were examined using the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). As hypothesized, mean scores for the sample were significantly lower than norms on CAS measures of Planning, Attention, and Successive Processing, and deficits remained for individuals with a childhood-onset when the sample was divided by age-of-onset for antisocial behaviors. Contrary to our hypothesis, mean scores for individuals with adolescent-onset antisocial behaviors were significantly below norms for Planning and Successive Processing. The study provides a direct rather than putative assessment of executive functions and identifies specific executive function deficits regardless of age-of-onset of antisocial behaviors. Implications for practice and limitations of the study are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of melt convection during the solidification of Ti45Al55 alloys was investigated in terms of microstructure evolution and the resulting mechanical properties. The samples were subjected to conventional induction melting as well as enhanced melt stirring by an external magnetic field using a specially designed floating zone arrangement. The stirred samples showed a significant improvement of plastic deformability. A strong change in the morphology from dendritic to spherical and an increased properitectic phase fraction were observed after stirring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oxybromination of phenol was carried out using an efficient and highly regioselective catalyst that is molybdophosphoric acid (MPA) and tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) intercalated zinc aluminium hydrotalcite-like-compounds (ZAH). The ZAH was prepared by co-precipitation method. The intercalation of MPA and TPA was done following indirect method by taking terephthalic acid intercalated ZAH as the precursor. All the materials were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, BET-surface area and surface acidity. The catalytic activity of these materials towards oxybromination of phenol was studied using KBr as a bromine source and H2O2 as an oxidant. The percentage of conversion was found to be maximum in case of 15wt% molybdophosphoric acid loaded sample; 82% of phenol conversion with 58% para, 38% ortho and 4% dibromo selectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Apoptotic cells are considered an important auto-antigenic source in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A human monoclonal antibody demonstrating exquisite specificity towards late-stage apoptotic cells was generated from an SLE patient. Polyreactive recognition of ribonucleoproteins Ro52 and Ro60 was observed. The antibody significantly diminished the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and a concomitant decrease in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) secretion was observed. Light and heavy chain sequencing revealed the antibody to be in essentially germline configuration. Elicited anti-idiotypic antibodies bound distinct self-antigens and showed augmented reactivity towards apoptotic cells as well. Thus, near-germline encoded antibodies recognizing antigens externalized during the process of apoptosis can mediate a variety of potentially pathogenic effects; decreases in the phagocytic uptake of dying cells would constitute a disease-perpetuating event and stimulation of the idiotypic network could lead to intermolecular epitope spreading, increasing the range of molecular targets.Cell Death and Differentiation (2006) 13, 1715–1726. doi:10.1038/sj.cdd.4401866; published online 10 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two newly developed β-titanium alloys have been investigated with respect to phase stability and deformation behavior. Martensitic transformation, twinning and slip are viewed as the operative deformation modes for the less-stabilized In-containing alloy, leading to distinct deformation behavior compared with the stabilized Cr-containing alloy in which only slip is operative. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ni70Nb30 metallic glass powders were prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequently combined with Al in order to form a metallic glass particle-reinforced Al-based metal matrix composite sintered below the melting temperature of Al by using the powder metallurgy method. The Young’s modulus, yield strength and ultimate strength are all higher than for single-phase pure Al. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A fuzzy rule based cloud classification scheme is proposed to estimate the cloud cover from satellite imagery. METEOSAT-5 images are classified into three classes: cloudy, partially cloudy, and clear sky. Five features, which measure the temporal and spatial properties of visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) images of METEOSAT-5, are used for this. The proposed classifier finds out a few human understandable rules (fuzzy rules) using exploratory data analysis. A novel attribute of the system is that it analyzes the behavior of misclassifications during training (i.e., typical mistakes) to extract a few more rules which are augmented to the initial rule base to improve its performance. The scheme is tested on images other than the training image(s) and the performance is found to be quite satisfactory. A post-processing scheme is also developed, which utilizes experts'' knowledge to generate additional rules to account for coastal region, sunglint areas, and snow-covered Himalayan region. This improves the performance of the system further. Finally, the classification results are compared with multispectral threshold tests, surface synoptic observations, and total cloud cover (tcdc) of reanalysis data produced by National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The high accuracy achieved by the proposed method may be attributed to (1) better design philosophy of classifiers; (2) good choice for the feature vectors; (3) accurate labeling of training data; and (4) exploitation of experts'' knowledge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We propose a novel scheme for designing fuzzy rule based classifiers. A self-organising feature map (SOFM) based method is used for generating a set of prototypes, which is used to generate a set of fuzzy rules. Each rule represents a region in the feature space that we call the context of the rule. The rules are tuned with respect to their context. We justified that the reasoning scheme may be different in different contexts leading to context sensitive inferencing. To realize context sensitive inferencing we used a softmin operator with a tuneable parameter. The proposed scheme is tested on several multispectral satellite image datasets and the performance is found to be much better than the results reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei ) is limited to a small area of western Assam in northeast India and Bhutan between the rivers Manas in the east, Sankosh in the west, and Brahmaputra in the south. It is one of the most seriously endangered primate species of India. A comparative analysis based on satellite images taken in 1988 and 1998 showed a 50% loss of original golden langur habitat. Data on population dynamics collected using line transect and total count methods are presented here. An average group size of 8.2 (range 4.0–22.0) individuals was recorded. A total of 1,064 individuals were counted living in 130 groups. The sex ratio was 1.9–2.5 adult females for each adult male. A low percentage of juveniles and infants suggests that the population is unstable. Most of the groups had only one adult male. Small group sizes, isolated distribution, proportionately few infants and juveniles, and degrading habitat are all causes of concern. Demographic trends indicate a decline in the golden langur population. Am. J. Primatol. 55:15–23, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Che Kan (C. K.) Leong was a Canadian educational psychologist specializing in special education and dyslexia in the Faculty of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. Stimulated by his understanding of the morphological structure of Chinese, C. K. was one of the first to explicitly address the role of morphology in reading (Leong, [1], [7]; Leong, Cheng & Mulcahy, [19]) and reading difficulties (Leong, [8]; Leong, [10]; Leong & Parkinson, [17]). Che Kan Leong (known to all as C. K.) was born in Canton, China, on May 10, 1931. [Extracted from the article]

Although several studies have shown that planning, attention, simultaneous, and successive (PASS) cognitive processes—operationalized with the cognitive assessment system (CAS; Naglieri & Das, 1997)—are significant predictors of academic performance in the general population, little is known about their role among children with superior academic skills. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether PASS processes can predict superior performance in reading and mathematics. We used the standardization sample of CAS (n = 1210) and further identified children with superior reading (n = 62) and mathematics (n = 73) performance on Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Achievement–Revised (Woodcock & Johnson, 1989). Results of the initial regression analyses showed that the PASS processes were significant predictors of superior reading and mathematics performance. Next, a classification and regression tree approach showed that the PASS scores could classify superior or not‐superior readers and mathematicians with 89% and 82% accuracy, respectively. Theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the variable TYC 5532-1333-1 (TYC) along with an investigation of its orbital period variation is presented for the first time. The B - and V -band photometric study indicates that TYC is an intermediate contact binary with degree of contact and mass ratio of 34 per cent and ∼0.24, respectively. The derived equivalent widths from the spectroscopic study of Hα and   Na-I lines reveal phase-dependent variation and mutual correlation. Using the available times of minimum light, an investigation of orbital period variation shows a long-term decrease at a rate of 3.98 × 10 −6 d yr−1. Expected causes for such decline in the orbital period could be angular momentum loss and a quasi-sinusoidal variation due to light-time effect probably caused by a third-body companion. The minimum mass of the third body (M 3) was derived to be |$0.65 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$|⁠. Our presented study is an attempt to evaluate and understand the evolutionary state of above-mentioned neglected contact binary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric properties of annealed and as-grown ferroelectric Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) grown by pulsed laser deposition on sputtered BST seed layers on strontium titanate (STO) substrates were investigated at microwave frequencies in the realm of tunability of its dielectric constant as well as phase shifters based on this material. The as-grown layers were nearly fully relaxed with measured lattice parameters nearly identical to those of bulk BST. The tuning of the relative dielectric constant (∼1750 at zero bias at 10 GHz) of the annealed BST was found to be as high as 59% and 56% at 10 and 19 GHz, respectively. The analysis of the loss in the BST results in a measured tan δ of 0.02 for the annealed as well as the unannealed films at a frequency of 18 GHz. Phase shifters also exhibited high tuning with differential phase shift figures of merit of 35 and 55°/dB at a field of 60 kV/cm at 10 and 19 GHz, respectively. Serendipitously, most of the tuning occurs at low fields, and thus we propose a new figure of merit, taking into account the amplitude of applied electric field in order to achieve the phase shift. In this new realm we achieved the values of this overall figure of merit of 1.2 and 1.8° cm/dB kV at 10 and 19 GHz, respectively, using an applied electric field of only 10 kV/cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have made AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with a Si3N4 passivation layer that was deposited in situ in our metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition reactor in the same growth sequence as the rest of the layer stack. The Si3N4 is shown to be of high quality and stoichiometric in composition. It reduces the relaxation, cracking, and surface roughness of the AlGaN layer. It also neutralizes the charges at the top AlGaN interface, which leads to a higher two-dimensional electron-gas density. Moreover, it protects the surface during processing and improves the Ohmic source and drain contacts. This leads to devices with greatly improved characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The affects of alkali-metal atoms on the electronic structure of disordered and highly ordered thin films of the medium-size aromatic hydrocarbon hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) have been investigated by valence and core level photoelectron spectroscopies—ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)—and accompanying quantum-chemical calculations. Deposition of Li or Na atoms in situ leads to new spectral features in the UPS spectra, which are related to formerly unoccupied molecular states. The binding energies and intensities of these features depend on the nature of the counterion. The smaller Li ion exhibits a stronger influence on the electronic structure than its sodium counterpart. In the intercalation of sodium into ordered films, a high degree of molecular order is preserved, and, at high deposition levels, a surface dipole is formed that is associated with the layered structure of the compound. Remarkably, high levels of alkali-metal storage of at least one alkali-metal atom for each four carbon atoms have been observed, indicating clearly the potential use of these graphene materials in lithium-ion batteries with a high charge-storage capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure of the propeller-shaped spiro-type molecules 2,2', 7,7-'tetraphenyl-9,9-' spirobifluorene (spiro-quarterphenyl) and 2,2,', 7,7'-tetrakis(biphenyl-4-yl)-9,9-spirobifluorene (spiro-sexiphenyl) and its evolution upon doping with Li atoms or Na atoms have been studied by means of photoelectron spectroscopy. With lithium atoms as the dopant, two charges are stored on the same spiro branch in the form of bipolarons, for both spiro-quarterphenyl and spiro-sexiphenyl. In contrast, for doping with sodium atoms, the size of the counter ion makes it less energetically desirable to store two charges onto a single branch, and the charged species are polarons independent of the level of doping; this result is confirmed by optical absorption data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We apply correlated quantum-chemical techniques to study the origin of the large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross sections, δ, in stilbene derivatives in which electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents provide a quadrupolar charge-transfer arrangement. An additional field created by a set of point charges is used to systematically modify the ground-state polarization to determine its consequences for the TPA response. The effect on the molecular structure can be quantified by the evolution of the π-bond-order alternation (π-BOA) of the conjugated backbone. For moderate ground-state polarizations, a marked increase of the TPA response occurs; for large polarizations, δ peaks and then drops dramatically. Insight into the origin of this evolution is gained by comparing the values of δ obtained via the converged sum-over-states approach to the results of a simple three-state model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure of the conjugated polymer poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) and the charge storage mechanism upon doping with lithium atoms have been studied using a combined experimental–theoretical approach. The density of states in the valence band region was measured using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and the spectra interpreted with the help of the results of quantum-chemical calculations carried out at the Austin Model 1/Valence Effective Hamiltonian level. The valence band spectra as well as the calculated band structure and derived density of valence states of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) are compared to those of poly(p-phenylene) and a ladder-type derivative of poly(p-phenylene). The deposition of lithium atoms, in situ, onto the surface of the polymer films resulted in uniform (bulk) diffusion of the lithium atoms, charge transfer to the polymer (resulting in lithium ions), and the appearance of new electronic states in the gap. At low doping levels (up to about 0.1 Li-atom per repeat unit of the polymer), these states are polarons, and, as the doping level increases, they evolve into bipolarons. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical model is developed to describe the intervalence transitions in the mixed-valence N,N,N,[sup ′]N[sup ′]-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1, 4-benzenediamine system. The excited-state energies and transition dipole moments are evaluated by means of time-dependent density functional theory while the shape of the lowest absorption band is analyzed in the framework of a dynamic vibronic model. Our results are discussed in relation with recent experimental data. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple approach is proposed to predict the magnitude of charge transfer between a polarized transition metal electrode and a chemisorbed molecule in an electrolytic solution. The approach is based on the equalization of the chemical potentials, as defined in density-functional theory (DFT). The system is modeled by a metal cluster, a molecule, and a set of point charges (counter ions) and the properties evaluated using methods derived from DFT; specifically, we study here the chemisorption of acrylonitrile on nickel. This approach allows us to point out the various factors determining the charge transfer. The results show a linear increase in the amount of charge transferred to the chemisorbed molecule with the polarization of the metal electrode. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Easy deformation-induced nanostructuring was found in a Ti–Nb–Ta–In β alloy with low stability against α″ martensitic transformation. Upon severe plastic deformation at the sample center, the reversible β→α″ martensitic transformation plays a significant role for grain refinement. A possible mechanism is proposed, in which the formation of fine martensite, the interaction among slip dislocations, martensite and twins, and the reversible transition from α″ back to β phase are considered as the main causes leading to pronounced grain refinement to the nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Fe addition and the moist environment on the high temperature isothermal oxidation behaviors of multiphase Mo 76- x Si 14 B 10 Fe x (x = 0, 0.5, 1 at.%) composites in the range of 1000–1300 °C have been investigated. The microstructure of all the composites with α–Mo solid solution (SS) and eutectic mixture of Mo 3 Si + Mo 5 SiB 2 phases, has been refined upon Fe addition, which improves the oxidation resistance and reduces the mass loss up to 55% in dry air and 31% in moist air for 24 h exposure. Whereas, the oxidation resistance in moist air improves due to the formation of a protective Fe-rich glassy borosilicate scale, which reduces the vaporization of MoO 3 by forming Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3. The cross-sectional area of the residual alloy for x = 1 were estimated to be 97% in dry air and 85% in moist air that of unoxidized coupons. The bulk hardness of the as-cast composite is 1031 Hv for x = 1, which reduced only by 6.7% (962 Hv) upon oxidation at 1300 °C in both dry and moist air, showing superior stability of the silicide matrix composites for high temperature application. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy studies were performed to identify the various products of oxidation and to explore the mechanism of protection. • Oxidation behaviour of Mo 76- x Si 14 B 10 Fe x at 1000–1300 °C has been studied. • Moist air improves the mass loss by 31% during isothermal oxidation. • Fe addition improves the oxidation resistance in both dry and moist air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate experimentally the electrical electron spin injection from a ferromagnetic metal/ tunnel barrier contact into a III-V semiconductor light emitting diode (LED). The injected electrons have in-plane spin orientation. By applying a relatively small oblique external magnetic field this spin orientation within the semiconductor can be manipulated to have a nonzero out-of-plane component. By measuring the resulting circular polarization of the emitted light, we observe injected spin polarization in excess of 9% at 80 K in a CoFe/AlO[sub x]/(Al,Ga)As/GaAs surface-emitting spin-LED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report the evolution of nanocrystalline γ-Ni of 3–7 nm size along with amorphous phase in (Ni 0.50 Fe 0.50) 70.5 B 17.7 Si 7.8 Ti 4 (at.%) upon mechanical alloying of the elemental powder mixture up to 36 h. The effect of milling time on the nanostructure, thermal stability and magnetic properties, have been investigated using x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, transmission electron microscope, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The lattice parameter of the γ-Ni phase gradually decreases from 0.3607 nm for 9 h milling down to 0.3554 nm upon 36 h of milling. A first-order magnetic transition has been identified using Arrott plot analysis at Curie temperature (T C) of 608 K along with a large magnetic entropy change (Δ S M) of 0.45 J/kg.K at an applied field of 13800 Oe, and relative cooling power (RCP) of 10.15 J/kg. The effects of nanostructure and phase constituents on the thermal stability, T C , magnetization and coercivity, have been correlated. Highlights • (Ni 0.50 Fe 0.50) 70.5 B 17.7 Si 7.8 Ti 4 (at.%) has been prepared by mechanical alloying. • Heat-treated powder contain nanocrystalline γ -Ni phase with 13–22 nm size. • A first order transition has been identified. • The transition involves a large entropy change of |- ΔS M | = 0.45 J/kg.K at 13800 Oe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper stresses on the designing and implementation of a nonlinear offline feed forward controller in association with a PID controller as a fault tolerant control measure for a closed loop hydraulic system. An off-line nonlinear feed forward control with proportional pressure relief valve (PRV) loading on the loading pump has been developed using the subsystem models without taking into considerations the oil compressibility, valve dynamics and leakages associated with various components of the hydraulic circuit. A PID feedback has been utilized in real-time to deal with the unmodeled features and the modelling approximations. The characteristics of the speed response are significantly influenced by the disturbances related to external torque, change in the input magnitude as well as system parameters like inertia load and supply pressure. The real-time control showed that the experimental and predicted closed-loop control performances justify each other quite well. Hence, the PID gains were estimated quite effectively with the help of the developed simulation tool here. The control model produced good agreement between the demanded and real-time speed response for various loading conditions such as step load, sinusoidal load, variable load, triangular load etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contactless electroreflectance (CER) has been applied to study the AlGaN potential-barrier height in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures without and with a SiN passivation layer. In the case of an unpassivated structure, an AlGaN band-edge signal with a strong Franz–Keldysh oscillation (FKO) was observed. On the basis of the FKO period, the surface potential barrier has been determined to be ∼1.1 eV. For the SiN passivated structure, a broad CER signal without FKO appears at the AlGaN edge. This observation is associated with a decrease in the height of the surface potential barrier, i.e., a shift in the Fermi level position at the AlGaN surface toward the conduction band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to detect the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine parvo virus (PPV) in 54 porcine aborted foetuses, stillborns and mummified foetuses. Foetal tissues of heart, lung, spleen and lymphnodes were used for extraction of total DNA and the presence of viral pathogens were confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Out of 54 samples, nine (16.6%) samples were positive for PCV2, eight (14.8%) samples were positive for PPV while co-infection with PCV2 and PPV was detected in four (7.4%) samples. The histopathological changes in the foetuses were found to be mostly necrosis in the cells of the developing organs viz. lungs, kidney, liver, heart, brain, spleen and lymphnodes. Lymphoid depletion was observed in the lymphoid follicles of the lymphnodes. Meningoencephalitis in the cerebrum was also seen in both PPV and PCV2 infected foetuses. The results indicated that PPV and PCV2 could be an important infectious agent in cases of porcine stillbirths, abortions and mummified foetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study tolerability and outcome of oral favipiravir treatment among COVID-19 patients in Nepal. In this multi-centered randomized, open-labelled phase III clinical trial, we enrolled 18-80 years old, RT-PCR confirmed patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection from 9 participating hospitals of Nepal, within 6 days of onset of symptoms. The investigational product (Favipiravir) was compared against placebo in patients with mild infection and against Remdesivir in moderate infection. Patients who met the eligibility criteria were randomly enrolled in the study after taking informed consent. This is a preliminary report of the data analysis. At the time of this preliminary data analysis, 90 cases were enrolled in the study including 70 mild and 20 moderate cases (see table). Among the participants with mild COVID19 infection, clinical improvement was noted in 30 (78.9%) and 27 (84.4%) patients who received Favipiravir and placebo, respectively (p=0.78). While among the participants with moderate infection, 9 (81%) and 8 (88.9%) patients who received Favipiravir and Remdesivir, respectively, had clinical improvement (p=1). Patients tolerated Favipiravir well with only 3 (6.12 %) patients showing adverse events, which were mainly elevated liver function test & uric acid level, both considered minor. None of the patients receiving placebo or remdesivir reported any adverse events. The investigational product has been tolerated well by this group of patients with only mild and reversible side effects in 6.12 % cases. The outcomes between the study groups were comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the non-resonant microwave absorption in the system of a nominal 2 wt % nano nickel particles added into YBCO powders (Ni-YBCO). With this dilute mixture of nano nickel particles, one is expected to have groups of normal Josephson junctions (JJs) and π JJs due to YBCO-nickel-YBCO interparticle weak links and as nickel is ferromagnetic. We experimentally show, for the first time multiple phase reversals in the non-resonant microwave absorption (NRMA) spectra from Ni-YBCO possibly due to the formation of π JJs. We also showed that these multiple phase reversals then depend on microwave power and temperature. We argue that microwave power induced coherence among some groups of JJs and breaking of some of the weaker JJs can then lead to the disappearance of multiple phase reversals at higher microwave power levels. Further, we also reported a role of pair breaking effects that shall give a linear field dependence of the derivative microwave absorption signal, essentially which is the NRMA signal. This pair breaking effect dominates at closer temperatures to T which is expected thermodynamically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of rate of loss of energy of non-equilibrium electrons due to inelastic interaction with the intravalley acoustic phonons in a nano-dimensional semiconductor wire has been developed under the condition of low lattice temperature, when the approximations of the well known traditional theory are not valid. Numerical results are obtained for narrow-channel GaAs-GaAlAs wires structures. On comparison with other available results it is revealed that the finite energy of the intravalley acoustic phonons and, the use of the full form of the phonon distribution without truncation to the equipartition law, produce significant changes in the energy loss characteristics at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic state of multiferroic Bi Dy FeO (where x = 0.0, 0.05) nanoparticles that synthesized by the sol-gel method has been probed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Systematic analysis of the obtained ESR spectra revealed that the strong signal with asymmetric line shape is due to the cycloidal spin structure in the bismuth ferrite (BFO) system. While the magnetic behaviour of BFO is intriguing with conflicting reports that attribute to its 'spin glass' and 'domain pinning' effects etc., our ESR data of line width temperature independence supports the spin glass scenario. Further, we have observed a dip or minimum with a narrow valley in the temperature dependence of Δ g/ g at 75 K for Bi Dy FeO (BDFO), indicating an abrupt disruption and decrease of canting spin order at that particular temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While apoptotic debris is believed to constitute the original antigenic insult in lupus (which is characterized by a time-dependent diversification of autoreactivity), whether such debris and autoantibodies specifically recognizing its constituents mediate differential effects on innate and humoral responses in lupus-prone mice is currently unknown. Apoptotic blebs (as opposed to cellular lysate) enhanced preferentially the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) from bone marrow precursors drawn from lupus-prone mice. Murine, somatically mutated, apoptotic cell-reactive immunoglobulin (Ig)G monoclonal antibodies demonstrated enhanced recognition of DCs and also displayed a prominent lupus strain-specific bias in mediating DC maturation. Further, immunization of such antibodies specifically in lupus-prone mice resulted in widespread humoral autoreactivity; hypergammaglobulinaemia (a hallmark of systemic autoimmunity) was observed, accompanied by enhanced antibody titres to cellular moieties. Induced antibodies recognized antigens distinct from those recognized by the antibodies employed for immunization; in particular, nephritis-associated anti-double stranded (ds) DNA antibodies and neonatal lupus-associated anti-Ro60 antibodies were elicited by a non-dsDNA, non-Ro60 reactive antibody, and Sm was a favoured target. Further, only in lupus-prone mice did such immunization enhance the kinetics of humoral anti-self responses, resulting in the advanced onset of glomerulosclerosis. These studies reveal that preferential innate and humoral recognition of the products of cell death in a lupus milieu influence the indices associated with autoimmune pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess if stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligoprogressive metastatic lung or breast cancer prolongs progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and alters circulating tumor (ct)DNA profile. We enrolled patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or breast cancer with ≤5 oligoprogressive lesions after ≥1 line of systemic therapy. Stratification factors included number of oligoprogressive lesions, prior immunotherapy, primary site, and receptor/mutation status. Patients were randomized 1:1 to standard of care (SOC) with or without SBRT to all progressive sites. The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints included OS, toxicity, and quality-of-life (QoL). Blood was collected at baseline and at 8 weeks for ctDNA analysis. A hybridization capture and deep sequencing assay was used to identify genomic alterations and calculate estimated variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of tumor-derived mutations. Patients were followed for 12 months for PFS and until death or last contact for OS. One-sided stratified log-rank test was used to assess survival outcomes. From January 2019 to July 2021, 106 patients were randomized - 59 with NSCLC and 47 with breast cancer. Most (75%) had >1 site of oligoprogression and 47% had >5 total lesions. The majority of NSCLCs (86%) had no actionable driver mutation and 66% of breast cancers were triple-negative. Median PFS was 3.2 months in SOC arm vs. 7.2 months in SBRT arm (p=0.002). Stratified analysis showed that NSCLC patients derived substantial PFS benefit from SBRT (2.2 months in SOC vs. 10 months in SBRT arm; p=0.002), whereas breast cancer patients did not (4.2 vs. 4.4 months, p=0.2). No difference in OS between arms has yet been seen in either cohort. Grade ≥2 toxicities occurred in 8 patients after SBRT. There was no difference in QoL between treatment arms. The study was closed to accrual after a preplanned interim analysis crossed a prespecified efficacy threshold. Analysis of 52 pairs of baseline and 8-week blood samples with detectable ctDNA showed significant reduction of median VAFs over time comparing SBRT to SOC in the NSCLC cohort (p=0.03), but not the breast cancer cohort (p=0.56). Increasing median VAFs at 8 weeks was predictive of subsequent disease progression (Hazard Ratio: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.36, p=0.03), independent of treatment arm or primary site. In this first and largest randomized trial of radiotherapy for oligoprogressive metastatic cancer, we observed a more than 4-fold PFS benefit in patients with oligoprogressive metastatic NSCLC receiving SBRT, with corresponding decrease in ctDNA VAFs. There was no PFS benefit or change in ctDNA after SBRT for breast cancer, suggesting a more diffusely systemic pathophysiology. The benefit of SBRT in oligoprogressive metastatic NSCLC will require validation in a larger study and the distinction in oligoprogressive biology between these diseases warrants further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a correlation between the Curie temperature (TC) and lattice parameter (a) of γ-Ni phase in Fe-Ni-base alloys. The Bethe-Slater curve represents the dependence of exchange integral (J) on the ratio of the interatomic spacing (D) to the diameter of 3d orbital (d) of an element. According to the mean field model, the exchange integral J is directly proportional to the TC. A large number of Fe-Ni base alloys were surveyed to establish a mathematical relationship between TC and D/d, as well as to predict the TC of FCC γ-Ni phase by estimating its lattice parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indian tea industry workers are exposed to various exposures at their workplace. Objective: To investigate the respiratory health of Indian tea industry workers. Methods: We administered a respiratory questionnaire to and measured lung function in workers of 34 tea gardens and 46 tea factories. We used correlation matrices to test the association between their respiratory symptoms and lung functions. Results: The garden workers complained of shortness of breath 3 times higher than the factory workers. However, nasal allergy was more predominant among the factory workers compared to garden workers (69.6% vs 41.2%, p=0.02). The factory workers had higher total (median 107.3% vs 92.9%, p=0.05, as measured by R at 5 Hz) and peripheral airway resistance (143.8% vs 61.1%, p=0.005, as measured by R at 5–20 Hz) than the garden workers. Respiratory symptoms were inversely associated with airway obstruction as measured by the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and positively correlated with increased overall airway reactance among the workers. Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms and increased allergen susceptibility of Indian tea industry workers due to occupational exposures warrant routine systematic surveillance of their workplace air quality and health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of microstructure and the mechanical properties of a series of (Ni 0.912 Zr 0.088 ) 100- x Al x (0≤ x ≤4) eutectic composites, constitute of γ-Ni and Ni 5 Zr nanolamellar phases, have been presented. Al dissolves in γ-Ni phase preferentially, decreases its hardness and refines the microstructure. Strain rate jump test was performed in order to investigate the rate sensitivity. It has been found that activation volume increases from 39 b 3 to 46 b 3 upon Al addition. The strain rate sensitivity of the composites has been estimated to be ~0.008. The scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies have confirmed that dislocation meditated flow in nano-lamellar phases dominates the plastic deformation mechanism. Analysis based on Stroh's pile-up model suggests that the required shear stress for slip decreases and that for cleavage crack nucleation increases around a dislocation pile-up at the lamellae interface, upon Al addition. The nano-lamellar Ni 5 Zr strengthen the composite, whereas, dislocation slip endorses the global plasticity of high strength Ni-Zr-(Al) nanoeutectic composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visible light driven, direct Z-scheme reduced graphene oxide-Ag3PO4 (RGO-Ag3PO4) heterostructure was synthesized by means of a simple one-pot photoreduction route by varying the amount of RGO under visible light illumination. The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and growth of Ag3PO4 took place simultaneously. The effect of the amount of RGO on the textural properties and photocatalytic activity of the heterostructure was investigated under visible light illumination. Furthermore, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis confirmed 97.1 % mineralization of organic dyes over RGO-Ag3PO4 in just five minutes under visible-light illumination. The use of different quenchers in the photomineralization suggested the presence of hydroxyl radicals ( .OH), superoxide radicals ( .O2−), and holes (h+), which play a significant role in the mineralization of organic dyes. In addition to that, clean hydrogen fuel generation was also observed with excellent reusability. The 4 RGO-Ag3PO4 heterostructure has a high H2 evolution rate of 3690 μmol h−1 g−1, which is 6.15 times higher than that of RGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on thermal anomaly from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data for the earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015. The findings include the Himalayan thermal line (HTL) having reached its peak both in terms of intensity and extent along the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT) on April 25, 2015, and the earthquake caused by thrust faulting accompanying convergent tectonism.

Considering the potential of polymer nanocomposites in resistive memory application, electrical conduction in poly methyl methacrylate thin films embedded with Al doped ZnO nanoparticles has been investigated. This polymer nanocomposite was spin coated on indium tin oxide coated glass plate and a titanium film was coated on top of this to form a device. Current-voltage characteristics of the fabricated device was measured. The current increased gradually with the increase of voltage, reaching a peak and dropped down to the low current (OFF) state. Upon further increase of voltage, a sharp increase of current (three orders of magnitude) or switching from low current (OFF) state to high current (ON) state occurred at ~ 2.9 V. Current-voltage characteristics have shown Ohmic behaviour in the low voltage regime followed by hopping type of conductivity prior to switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 1- x Sc x FeO 3 ( x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.25) nano particles were synthesized by sol gel method. We then probed the spin system in these nano particles using electron spin resonance technique. Our ESR results strongly suggest the scenario of modified spin canted structures. Spin canting parameter Δg/g as a function of temperature for Scandium doped BFO is qualitatively different from undoped BFO. A broad peak is observed for all the Scandium doped BFO samples and an enhanced spin canting over a large temperature range (75–210 K) in the case of x = 0.15 doping. We also showed that the asymmetry parameter and thereby the magneto-crystalline anisotropy in these BSFO nanoparticles show peaks around 230 K for ( x = 0.10 and 0.15) and beyond 300 K for x = 0.25 system. Thus, we established that the Sc doping significantly modifies the spin canting and magneto crystalline anisotropy in the BFO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of Fe refines the microstructure of Mo 76-x Si 14 B 10 Fe x ( x = 0, 0.5, 1 at.%) composites containing α-Mo, Mo 3 Si and Mo 5 SiB 2 phases, increases the hardness from 950 Hv ( x = 0) to 1031 Hv ( x = 1), and improves the oxidation resistance at temperature in the range of 800–1300 °C. The hardness of the base alloy substrate decreases only by <7% than that of as-solidified ingots, indicating good microstructural stability of the composite for high temperature application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One two months old calf was presented with history of abnormal growth with profuse continuous lachrimation from both eyes since birth. On examination, it was diagnosed as bilateral ocular dermoid and advised surgical correction. Dermoids were excised carefully by superficial lamellar keratectomy. The patient recovered uneventfully and showed no reocurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:17β-Oestradiol (E2)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in regulating the growth of breast cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism of this is not clear. Here we show how ROS through a novel redox signalling pathway involving nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and p27 contribute to E2-induced growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.Methods:Chromatin immunoprecipitation, qPCR, mass spectrometry, redox western blot, colony formation, cell proliferation, ROS assay, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to study the role of NRF-1.Results:The major novel finding of this study is the demonstration of oxidative modification of phosphatases PTEN and CDC25A by E2-generated ROS along with the subsequent activation of AKT and ERK pathways that culminated in the activation of NRF-1 leading to the upregulation of cell cycle genes. 17β-Oestradiol-induced ROS by influencing nuclear proteins p27 and Jab1 also contributed to the growth of MCF-7 cells.Conclusions:Taken together, our results present evidence in the support of E2-induced ROS-mediated AKT signalling leading to the activation of NRF-1-regulated cell cycle genes as well as the impairment of p27 activity, which is presumably necessary for the growth of MCF-7 cells. These observations are important because they provide a new paradigm by which oestrogen may contribute to the growth of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bengal slow loris Nycticebus bengalensis is the only strepsirrhine primate in north-east India. It is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The limited information on its status and ecology is the main hindrance to developing a conservation strategy for this species in India. Therefore during February 2009–May 2010 we surveyed the species in 16 protected areas in Assam and one protected area in Arunachal Pradesh. We used recce transects to estimate encounter rates for the species. A team of 3–4 conducted night-time surveys (18.00–03.00) on foot, covering 370 km over 99 full and 28 partial nights. We recorded lorises a total of 22 times in nine protected areas in Assam and three times in the protected area in Arunachal Pradesh. The mean distance of lorises from transects at the time of encounter was 15.04 m, at a mean height of 12.36 m above ground. The encounter rate was 0.06–0.2 lorises per km, which is relatively low compared to encounter rates for slow lorises elsewhere in their range but higher than recorded by other studies in north-east India. We found that despite hunting and habitat loss Bengal slow lorises still exist in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, albeit patchily within a forest block. The protected area network in these states is important for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of diseases and mortalities in aquaculture and development of antibiotics resistance in aquatic microbes, has renewed a great interest towards alternative methods of prevention and control of diseases. Nanoparticles have enormous potential in controlling human and animal pathogens and have scope of application in aquaculture. The present investigation was carried out to find out suitable nanoparticles having antimicrobial effect against aquatic microbes. Different commercial as well as laboratory synthesized metal and metal oxide nanoparticles were screened for their antimicrobial activities against a wide range of bacterial and fungal agents including certain freshwater cyanobacteria. Among different nanoparticles, synthesized copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), silver (Ag) and silver doped titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO) showed broad spectrum antibacterial activity. On the contrary, nanoparticles like Zn and ZnO showed antifungal activity against fungi like Penicillium and Mucor species. Since CuO, ZnO and Ag nanoparticles showed higher antimicrobial activity, they may be explored for aquaculture use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]