Micromegas TPC studies at high magnetic fields using the charge dispersion signal

The International Linear Collider (ILC) Time Projection Chamber (TPC) transverse space-point resolution goal is 100 microns for all tracks including stiff 90 degree tracks with the full 2 meter drift. A Micro Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD) readout TPC can achieve the target resolution with existing techniques using 1 mm or narrower pads at the expense of increased detector cost and complexity. The new MPGD readout technique of charge dispersion can achieve good resolution without resorting to narrow pads. This has been demonstrated previously for 2 mm x 6 mm pads with GEMs and Micromegas in cosmic ray tests and in a KEK beam test in a 1 Tesla magnet. We have recently tested a Micromegas-TPC using the charge dispersion readout concept in a high field super-conducting magnet at DESY. The measured Micromegas gain was found to be constant within 0.5% for magnetic fields up to 5 Tesla. With the strong suppression of transverse diffusion at high magnetic fields, we measure a flat 50 micron resolution at 5 Tesla over the full 15 cm drift length of our prototype TPC.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Phyto-pharmacology of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex. Willd: A Review

Momordica dioica Roxb. ex. Willd (Cucurbitaceae ) is commonly known as a biiter gourd. It is traditionally used as astringent, febrifuge, antiseptic, anthelmintic, spermicidal. Also Used in bleeding piles, urinary infection and as a sedative. Studies indicate that it possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid peroxidative, hypoglycemic and analgesic properties.This review aims to highlight the ethnobotany, pharmacognostic and pharmacological uses of Momordica dioicaKeywords: Momordica dioica, Cucurbitaceae, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological actions, Parora , kakor

Immunomodulatory Activity of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F

Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & Fernandes (Liliaceae) is a very popular herb in traditional Indian medicine and constitute a group of herbs used as ‘Rasayan’ or adaptogen. Ethanolic extract of the roots and its sapogenin were evaluated for their immunomodulatory activity. Effect of azathioprine-induced myelosuppresion and administration of extracts on hematological and serological parameters was determined. Administration of extracts greatly improved survival against Candida albicans infection. An increase in delayed-type hypersensitivity response (DTH), % neutrophil adhesion and in vivo phagocytosis by carbon clearance method was observed after treatment with extracts. Immunostimulant activity of ethanolic extract was more pronounced as compared to sapogenins. The results, thus justifies the traditional use of C. borivilianum as a rasayana drug

PHARMACOGNASTIC STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS FOR FLOWERS OF AVARTAKI (CASSIA AURICULATA LINN)

Context: Avartaki (Cassia auriculata linn) flowers are used for various conditions of ailments in traditional systems of medicine since ancient times. Aims: This study is designed to lay down the various pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards which will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of this medicinal plant. Materials and Methods: Various methods including macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical methods were applied to determine the diagnostic features for the identification and standardization of intact and powdered drug of Avartaki (Cassia auriculata Linn) flowers. Results: The shape, color, odour and surface characteristics were determined for the intact drug and powdered materials of Avartaki (Cassia auriculata Linn) flowers. Light and electron microscope images of cross-section of stamen and powdered microscopy revealed useful diagnostic features. Phytochemical, physicochemical analysis of powdered drug proved useful to differentiate the powdered drug material. High performance thin layer chromatography analysis showed the presence of important phytoconstituents. Conclusion: Morphology as well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and have been described here along with phytochemical and physicochemical studies, which will help in authentication and quality control

Effective and economic ecological weed management approaches for managing weeds in rice in the era of climate change

Rice will continue to be one of the major staple food expected 9 billion global population by 2050. Weeds are major constraints in limiting rice productivity to meet the increasing food demand. Weeds are more severe constraints in dry-direct-seeded with lower environmental foot print. Climate resilient rice cultivars, with greater competitiveness against weeds, play a key role in ecologically managing weeds

Realization of astrosat Model with Fused Deposition Modelling

The current work focuses on the challenges faced while realizing the 3D Model of ASTROSAT using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) - A material extrusion based additive manufacturing technology. Initially, the entire assembly of the ASTROSAT was studied and modified appropriately to suit the demonstration model. The modified assembly was scaled down to 1:6 scale. The scaled down model was then re-modified at the local subsystems (or individual component) level, according to the manufacturability through FDM and this was the major challenge faced due to constraint on minimum printable feature size. All the subsystems or individual components were converted to STL format and were printed on FORTUS 400MC of Stratasys. Thus obtained 3D printed parts were assembled as per the assembly drawing. It was found that, the FDM technology and Additive Manufacturing technology as a whole, is very useful in realizing the complicated demonstration modelsin a very short duration, without compromising the prominent engineering features