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Graphene is a promising material for applications as a channel in graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) which may be used as a building block for optoelectronics, high-frequency devices and sensors. However, these devices require gate insulators which ideally should form atomically flat interfaces with graphene and at the same time contain small densities of traps to maintain high device stability. Previously used amorphous oxides, such as SiO2 and Al2O3, however, typically suffer from oxide dangling bonds at the interface, high surface roughness and numerous border oxide traps. In order to address these challenges, here we use 2 nm thick epitaxial CaF2 as a gate insulator in GFETs. By analyzing device-to-device variability for about 200 devices fabricated in two batches, we find that tens of them show similar gate transfer characteristics. Our statistical analysis of the hysteresis up to 175oC has revealed that while an ambient-sensitive counterclockwise hysteresis can be present in some devices, the dominant mechanism is thermally activated charge trapping by border defects in CaF2 which results in the conventional clockwise hysteresis. We demonstrate that both the hysteresis and bias-temperature instabilities in our GFETs with CaF2 are comparable to similar devices with SiO2 and Al2O3. In particular, we achieve a small hysteresis below 0.01 V for equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of about 1 nm at the electric fields up to 15 MV cm−1 and sweep times in the kilosecond range. Thus, our results demonstrate that crystalline CaF2 is a promising insulator for highly-stable GFETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), remains a leading cause of mortality globally and in India. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among young adults in India presents unique challenges, marked by earlier onset and distinct risk factor profiles. However, comprehensive data on young MI patients in rural areas are scarce, necessitating an investigation into their demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: This institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, NIMS Super Specialty Hospital, Jaipur, focused on individuals under 45 years old admitted with MI. Data encompassing demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and angiographic profiles were collected and analyzed. The study spanned from December 2022 to December 2023. Results: Among 45 young MI patients studied, males constituted a substantial majority (86.67%). Lower socioeconomic status (SES) was prevalent (71.11%), and risk factors such as smoking (51.11%) and hypertension (35.56%) were notable. Troponin-T/CPK MB levels were significantly elevated in 57.78% of cases, indicating myocardial damage. Angiographic assessments revealed predominance in left anterior descending (LAD) artery abnormalities (55.56%) and a significant proportion underwent primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (46.67%). Conclusion: The study highlights the concerning prevalence of MI among young adults in rural areas of India, with a predominance of males and a high prevalence of traditional risk factors such as smoking and hypertension, as well as the notable influence of low SES (P = 0.0046). Contrary to previous studies that linked higher SES and sedentary lifestyles to an increased risk of CAD, this study underscores the significant burden of CAD among young individuals from lower socioeconomic groups. The elevated levels of troponin-T and CPK-MB, along with the predominance of LAD artery abnormalities, emphasize the severity and distinct coronary involvement patterns in this demographic. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted preventive strategies and improved access to health-care services for young adults in lower socioeconomic groups in rural areas.

The Einstein-Cartan field equation of infinitely rotating rigid cylinder is obtained and solved using the techniques of Manko-Gutsunaev and Quevedo to describe gravitational field due to extended van-Stockum cylindrically perfect fluid distribution using improved energy-momentum tensor by Ray and Smalley. Key words: exact solution, Ray and Smalley energy-momentum tensor, Laplace solution. L'equation de champ d'Einstein-Cartan pour un cylindre rigide infini en rotation est obtenue et solutionnee en utilisant les techniques de Manko-Gutsunaev et de Quevedo. Nous visons ainsi a decrire le champ gravitationnel du a une distribution d'un fluide parfait de van-Stockum, cylindrique et etendu, utilisant le tenseur d'energie-impilsion ameliore de Ray et Smalley. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : solution exacte, tenseur d'energie-impulsion de Ray et Smalley, solution de Laplace., 1. Introduction It is known that infinite cylinders are not physically realized, but cylindrical structures can be used to investigate various structure and equilibrium configurations of elementary particles as well [...]

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health concern with significant implications for patient health. This study investigates the relationship between dyslipidemia and cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients. CKD is characterized by kidney damage, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and is associated with various complications, including cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels, is common in CKD patients and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. Materials and Methods: This 1-year cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in northern India. The study included 160 patients aged 16 and above who had been diagnosed with CKD. Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of lipid profiles in these patients and assessed cardiovascular morbidity through a review of clinical records. Results: In our study, we observed that 96 out of 160 patients diagnosed with CKD exhibited lower than recommended levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, in patients with CKD Stages IV and V, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were notably elevated. Triglyceride levels (TGs) were consistently elevated across the board in our study. Specifically, the mean TGLs were 159, 162.8, 211, and 246.8 in CKD Stages II, III, IV, and V, respectively, which was statistically significant. In addition, total cholesterol levels were found to be elevated in 110 out of 160 patients within our study group. Most of the patients with CKD were found to have systolic or diastolic dysfunction on two-dimensional echocardiography. Furthermore, associated coronary artery disease was higher in Grade III and Grade V CKD patients. The study yielded several notable findings regarding cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients. Cardiovascular morbidity was observed in a significant proportion of CKD patients, highlighting the strong link between CKD and heart-related complications. Abnormal lipid profiles, such as low levels of HDL and elevated levels of LDL-C, were prevalent in CKD patients with cardiovascular morbidity. An association between the severity of CKD, as determined by Stage, and the presence of cardiovascular morbidity was evident. Patients with advanced CKD Stages (IV and V) were more likely to exhibit cardiovascular complications. Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated TGLs, was implicated as a potential contributor to cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients. Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients and its association with dyslipidemia. Findings suggest that early diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia are essential for mitigating the long-term cardiovascular consequences in CKD patients. Health-care providers should be vigilant in monitoring lipid profiles in CKD patients and implementing appropriate interventions to reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications. By integrating the study's findings on cardiovascular morbidity with dyslipidemia in CKD patients, health-care practitioners can better understand the multifaceted nature of this condition and tailor their treatment strategies accordingly.

This paper presents test results from cast-in situ reinforced concrete single and group piles subjected to strong horizontal excitation. The tests were conducted for different eccentric moments simulating different excitation levels to obtain the frequency-amplitude response of the pile. Moderate nonlinear behavior is observed in both horizontal and rocking components of vibration. The experimental results were compared with dynamic interaction factor approach using nonlinear solutions. The accuracy of the nonlinear analysis in predicting the dynamic response depends on the choice of parameters that best characterize the response of boundary zone around the pile and the realistic length of pile separation. It is shown in this study that by allowing for boundary zone and separation between pile and soil, close agreement between theoretical predictions and measured response curves can be achieved. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000388 CE Database subject headings: Vibration; Separation; Soil-pile interactions; Dynamic response; Excitation. Author keywords: Horizontal vibration; Nonlinear vibration; Resonant amplitude; Resonant frequency; Rocking; Separation; Soil-pile interaction.

This paper presents the results of vertical vibration tests on two full-scale single piles. The diameter of pile and embedded depth were 0.45 and 22 m, respectively. The soil samples were collected from three boreholes located at the site of investigation and it was explored to a depth up to 30.45 m below the ground level. The vertical vibration tests were conducted for different eccentricities to determine the frequency-amplitude response of the pile. Static load tests were also carried out on two single piles. A simple axisymmetric two-dimensional finite-element model was developed to predict the dynamic pile response. Novak's plane strain model was also used for the prediction of the dynamic response of single pile. It was observed that the finite-element model predicted the natural frequency and peak displacement amplitude of pile reasonably well. However, prediction of dynamic response of the pile was found unsatisfactory by Novak's plane strain model. Possible reasons for unsatisfactory performance of Novak's model were investigated and presented. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000110 CE Database subject headings: Dynamic response; Pile foundations; Natural frequency; Resonance; Layered soils; Vibration; Experimentation.

Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Ww.) produces a unique golden yellow silk in North Eastern (NE) India. Nosema assamensis (Protozoa: Microsporida) cause pebrine disease in A. assamensis. Mature spore of N. assamensis appears to be elongated in shape (4.375 ± 0.051 µm x 2.681± 0.022 µm). Length/Breadth is 1.636 ± 0.025 and volume of a mature spore is 16.450 µm³. Mature spore consists of a fibrous hard coating and slight concavity in the middle are observed under SEM. The major components of the spore viz., sporoplasm, polar filament, polar cap, anterior and posterior vacuole and spore wall are observed under TEM. The polar filament runs an oblique course backward from its base at the center of the polar sac, narrowed slightly in diameter gradually up to the end and formed a coil in the peripheral layer of cytoplasm. The number of coils is 9 - 10. Extra-cellular bi-nucleated Plannont and intra-cellular bi-, tetra- and octanucleated Schizont (Meront) are observed under TEM. Life cycle includes spore and vegetative stages and it is completed in 5 - 6 to 6 - 8 days during hot and cold climate, respectively. The pathogen is very devastating in muga silkworm. Overall achievement for generation of muga seed cocoons is only 38% due to occurrence of pebrine disease in NE India. 20 - 87.5%, 10 - 37% and 78% pebrine disease has been recorded at seven P4/P3 units, P4/P3 unit at Tura/Rompara and P3 unit, Hahim during Baisakhi, Aherura and Bhodia of 2016, respectively. In this crucial situation, a strategy has been adopted. 1750 disease free layings (dfls) has been prepared at P3 unit Hahim from muga seed cocoons collected from a farmer of Arodanga village, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya and the DFLs has been brushed at six P4/P3 units during late Bhodia crop (Oct-Nov., 16). Out of this, 108914 seed (actual) cocoons has been harvested (dfl: cocoon = 1:62) and 37765 DFLs has been prepared from 94400 seed cocoons (cocoon: dfl = 2.5:1 & dfl: dfl = 1:21.6). Besides, a farmer of Rangjhuli village, Goalpara, Assam utilized the same seed cocoons from same farmer of Meghalaya and generated 45600 seed cocoons out of which 17466 dfls (cocoon:dfl = 2.6:1) were prepared at P3 unit Adokgiri. In this manner, the constraints faced for muga seed production have been resolved and the muga seed cocoons are ensured free of pebrine disease at NE states. So, this recent strategy, to utilize elite stock from forest and simultaneous discarding of the entire pebrine infected lot of seed cocoons, may be implemented for sustainable development of vanya silkworm in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]