Correlation between the exchange bias effect and antisite disorders in Sr2−x_{2-x}Lax_xCoNbO6_6

We unravel the effect of La substitution and hence antisite disorders on the exchange bias (EB) mechanism in Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$CoNbO$_6$ ($x=$ 0, 0.2) double perovskite samples using the detailed analysis of the field cooled magnetization isotherms (M--H) and training effect. The field dependence of the freezing temperature deviates from both Gabay-Toulouse (GT) and de Almeida-Thouless (AT) lines and the analysis suggests that the $x=$ 0 sample follows a different universality class with moderate anisotropy in the frozen spins. Interestingly, we find that the EB effect is significantly suppressed in the $x=$ 0.2 sample due to increase [decrease] in the size of ferromagnetic (FM) [cluster glass (CG)] domain, which reduces the effective disordered interface responsible for the EB. The changes in fraction of FM, AFM, and CG like interactions with the La substitution and applied magnetic field are found to be crucial in governing the EB effect in these samples. Further, the training effect measurements show the unequal shift in the left and right branches of the M--H loops and their different evolution with the field cycles ($n$). The analysis reveals that the rotatable spins relax approximately one order of magnitude faster than the frozen spins at the disordered interface. We find a possible correlation between the observed EB effect and the antisite disorders in these samples.Comment: submitte

Evidence of discrete energy states and cluster-glass behavior in Sr2−x_{2-x}Lax_xCoNbO6_6

We report the detailed analysis of specific heat [C$_{\rm P}$(T)] and ac-susceptibility for magnetically frustrated Sr$_{2-x}$La$_x$CoNbO$_6$ ($x=$ 0--1) double perovskites to understand low temperature complex magnetic interactions and their evolution with $x$. Interestingly, the observed Schottky anomaly in the $x\leqslant$ 0.4 samples shifts gradually towards higher temperature with magnetic field as well as $x$, and the analysis reveal the persistence of the discrete energy states in these samples resulting from the spin-orbit coupling and octahedral distortion. Moreover, the extracted values of Land\'e g--factor indicate the existence of high-spin state Co$^{3+}$ ions close to non-magnetic low-spin state. The specific heat data show the $\lambda$-type anomaly for the $x\geqslant$ 0.6 samples due to evolution of the long range antiferromagnetic ordering. Our analysis of low temperature C$_{\rm P}$(T) data for the $x\geqslant$ 0.6 samples demonstrate the 3D isotropic Heisenberg antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions and the temperature induced second order AFM--paramagnetic phase transition. More interestingly, we demonstrate the presence of the free Co$^{2+}$ like Kramers doublet ground state in the $x =$1 sample. Further, the ac susceptibility and time evolution of the magnetization data reveal the low temperature cluster-glass like behavior in the $x=$ 0--0.4 samples, where spin-spin correlation strength decreases with $x$.Comment: accepted for publication in PR

Tenapanor: new approach to counter irritable bowel syndrome with constipation

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder chronic in nature and characterized predominantly by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits, diagnosis requires characteristic symptoms during the last 3 months and onset ≥6 months ago. Symptom-based approaches for functional bloating, constipation and diarrhea are best utilised to identify IBS. IBS with constipation exerts significant impairment on work productivity by hampering quality of life. Inadequate relief by existing modalities, persistent hard stools and visceral abdominal pain demanded further clinical research. Tenanapor a novel molecule acts locally on gastrointestinal sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), an antiporter a counter transporter and exert antinociceptive effects on visceral sensation thereby decreases the frequency of abdominal pain. Action on NHE3 receptors located on small intestine and colon’s apical surface reduces the absorption of sodium and phosphate, with minimal systemic exposure. NHE3 Inhibition induced sodium absorption results in increase in water secretion into intestinal lumen resultant an accelerated intestinal transit time and softer stool consistency. Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) are diarrhea, abdominal distension, flatulence and dizziness. The drug is metabolised mainly by CYP3A4/5 and excreted in feaces (70%) and urine (7%). Tenapanor’s minimal systemic absorption is likely to be associated with a relatively inert safety and tolerability profile. Based on positive results from the phase III T3MPO trial program, tenapanor demonstrated promising results for IBS-C management and received US Food and Drug Administration approval as IBSRELA @ Ardelyx Pharma in September 2019 and augment existing modalities for management of IBS-C

Sensory evaluation of different pashmina shawls

Pashmina shawls prepared from different hand spun, machine spun and blended yarns have been evaluated subjectively. The important handle properties such as softness, smoothness, lustre and total hand value have been assessed by sensory evaluation through expert judges of different age and gender. The correlation coefficient between the groups for individual property has been determined.  The softness and smoothness values found highest agreement between different groups  followed by smoothness and total hand value. The good agreement between groups indicates that difference in pashmina shawl manufacturing and blend composition can be distinguished.  The subjective test results were compared with FAST objective values and good correlation has been observed

Amisulpride: tackling postoperative nausea and vomiting not a nightmare any more

Vomiting and nausea remains concern in postoperative patients for anaesthesiologists and surgeons. Patients remain at risk for adverse medical consequences as wound dehiscence, dehydration, electrolyte derangement’s and gastric aspiration. This entity delays discharge and is one of the causes of unanticipated admission after ambulatory surgery. Presently dopamine (D2), serotonin (5-HT3), and histamine (H1) antagonists are widely used prophylactic agents, as is the corticosteroid dexamethasone, but the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is still appreciable. Safety concerns as QT interval prolongation has led to nearly phasing out of use of D2-antagonist Droperidol, a potent and most favoured formulation. With minimal studies and randomized studies to back up the efficacy of existing modalities viz 5HT-antagonist, promethazine, metoclopramide and dimenhydrinate for management of postoperative nausea and vomiting, need for evaluation, study and incorporation into formulary for management was always persisting. Amisulpride is an anti-psychotic agent, used routinely in >50 countries worldwide is a potent but atypical D2-antagonist with minimal adverse profile mainly QT interval prolongation, extrapyramidal signs and symptoms, which had plagued out other members of same class. In addition to D2 antagonism this drug exhibits potent antagonist action against D3 receptors, implicated in the emetic response. In pre clinical studies and multiple randomized controlled multicenter studies the effectiveness and safety of low dose intra venous Amisulpride was established and approved as Barhemsys @Acacia Pharma by US Food and drug administration in February 2020. This drug will soon add to protocol-based management of PONV

Performance of the tsunami forecast system for the Indian Ocean

The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS) at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, is responsible for issuing tsunami bulletins in India. The tsunami centre oper- ates on a 24×7 basis and monitors seismological sta- tions, bottom pressure recorders and tidal stations throughout the Indian Ocean to evaluate potentially tsunamigenic earthquakes and disseminating tsunami bulletins. The end-to-end capabilities of this warning system have been well proven during all the tsunami- genic earthquakes that occurred since September 2007. Comparison of the earthquake parameters estimated by ITEWS with other international seismological agencies suggests that the system is performing well and has achieved the target set up by the Inter- governmental Oceanographic Commission

Efficacy of natural dye from Gerardiana diversifolia on pashmina (Cashmere) shawls

The present investigation deals with studies on potentiality of a colour extract from Gerardiana diversifolia as a source of natural dye, and on identification of chemical constituents responsible for dyeing ability. The efficacy of the extracted dye(s) on pashmina (Cashmere) fabrics has been evaluated for colour strength and fastness properties. Phytochemical studies reveal that the quinone and tannin are major components contributing to dyeing properties. The extracted colorant from Gerardiana diversifolia has potential to dye pashmina fabric with brown and grey shades having excellent wash and good to very good light fastness properties

Synthesis of thyroglobulin in thyroid carcinoma patients after radioiodine therapy

Endogenously radioiodinated thyroglobulin (Tg) and the serum concentration of Tg have been measured in patients with metastatic thyroid carcinoma after therapeutic doses of radioiodine. Serial samples of blood were analyzed for both these parameters over a period of 10 to 22 days. The specific activity of Tg (cpm/ng) was calculated for each sample. Among the six patients studied, three showed constant specific activity. The specific activity of the other three fell, indicating the entering of newly synthesized Tg into the circulation. The respective amounts of Tg entering into the circulation in these three patients were 120, 852, and 20,935 ng/ml serum/day

Stability analysis for grain yield and its components under different moisture regimes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The present study was undertaken to identify stable genotypes for grain yield and its components with resilient performance under water deficit and irrigated conditions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The combined analysis of variance depicted significant g × e interaction mean squares for all the characters, except spike length and peduncle length. The highest pooled mean for grain yield/plant ranged from 4.98 to 7.05 g and the highest mean was exhibited by Raj 4037 (7.05 g) followed by PBW 373 (6.96 g), GW 273 and WR 544 (both 6.89 g) etc, respectively. For 1000 grain weight the genotypes, viz. DPW 621-50 (µ=36.67 g, b=1.01** and S2di=-0.54) followed by UP 2425 (µ=36.67 g, b=0.89** and S2di=-0.56) and Raj 4037(µ=36.50 g, b=0.95 and S2di=-0.58) showed stable performance across the environments. The genotypes namely, viz. WR 544, GW 273, DBW 39, HD 2987, Raj 3777, UP 2425, Raj 3765, PBW 343 and UP 2338 revealed consistent performance for high biomass and grain yield in water stress and as well as in irrigated conditions

Tide gauges

Tide gauge measurements provide data for routine tidal predictions in ports as well as for extreme events such as storm surges and tsunamis. Along with satellite altimeter measurements, tide gauges also provide measurements used for sea-level rise estimates. This is particularly important for impact assessment in low-lying coastlines of south Asia as well as islands such as the Maldives in the Indian Ocea