The Application of the Conjugate Gradient Method to the Solution of Transient Electromagnetic Scattering from Thin Wires

Previous approaches to the problem of computing scattering by conducting bodies have utilized the well-known marching-on-in-time solution procedures. However, these procedures are very dependent on discretization techniques and sometimes lead to instabilities as the time progresses. Moreover, the accuracy of the solution cannot be verified easily, and usually there is no error estimation. In this paper we describe the conjugate gradient method for solving transient problems. For this method, the time and space discretizations are independent of one another. The method has the advantage of a direct method as the solution is obtained in a finite number of steps and also of an iterative method since the roundoff and truncation errors are limited only to the last stage of iteration. The conjugate gradient method converges for any initial guess; however, a good initial guess may significantly reduce the computation time. Also, explicit error formulas are given for the rate of convergence of this method. Hence any problem may be solved to a prespecified degree of accuracy. The procedure is stable with respect to roundoff and truncation errors and simple to apply. As an example, we apply the method of conjugate gradient to the problem of scattering from a thin conducting wire illuminated by a Gaussian pulse. The results compare well with the marching-on-in-time procedure

Comparative evaluation of organic zinc supplementation as proteinate with inorganic zinc in buffalo heifers on health and immunity

Graded Murrah buffalo heifers (18) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary groups varying in source and level of Zn supplementation in concentrate mixture to study the effect of organic (O) Zn (Zn proteinate; Zn-prot) supplementation (80 or 140 ppm) compared to inorganic Zn (I) (ZnSO4) (140 ppm) on serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and ovarian folliculogenesis. Mineral and biochemical constituents in serum and antioxidant enzyme activities in haemolysate were measured on 90th d of experiment. Antibody titres (log2) against Brucella abortus S19 and chicken RBC antigens was measured in serum at 7, 14, 21 and 28th d post sensitization (humoral immunity) and cell mediated immunity was assessed (120 d) by in-vivo delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) against phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P). After 60 days of feeding, ovarian folliculogenesis study was made daily with ultrasound scanner in all the animals for next 60 days. Highest Zn concentration in serum without affecting the retention of other minerals (Cu, Mn and Fe) was observed with 140 ppm Zn supplementation as Zn-prot and mineral concentrations was comparable between 80 ppm Zn as Zn-prot and 140 ppm Zn as ZnSO4. Alkaline phosphatase, total protein, globulin, and glucose concentrations in serum increased with organic Zn supplementation. Organic Zn lowered lipid peroxidation (140O80O>140I) activities. Antibody titres against B. abortus and chicken RBC and in vivo DTH response improved with organic Zn supplementation. Similarly, irrespective of the dose, organic Zn supplementation significantly increased the number of large follicle with greater follicular size in ovary. The study indicated that 140 ppm Zn supplementation as Zn-prot resulted in better antioxidant status, immune response and folliculogenesis in ovaries than inorganic source and the Zn supplementation could be reduced from 140 to 80 ppm as Zn-prot without any adverse effect in buffalo heifers

Usage of Glimepiride/Metformin Fixed-dose Combination in Young Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: The Indian Experience

Background: The prevalence of diabetes has been rising among the younger population and is a cause for concern. The present case-based questionnaire survey evaluated the treatment pattern and clinical experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in prescribing glimepiride/metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) to young diabetes patients (up to 40 years of age) in the Indian setting. Material and methods: A retrospective, multicenter, observational, questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Indian healthcare centers using medical records of patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who were prescribed different strengths of glimepiride/metformin FDCs. Data was collected from the patients’ medical records and were analyzed using statistical tests. Results: A total of 2,715 patients aged between 18 and 40 years were included in the study. Mean diabetes duration among the young patients was 2.76 ± 1.97 years. Among the young T2DM patients, 83.2% patients received glimepiride/metformin FDC as first-line therapy, and 16.8% received it as second-line therapy. Hypoglycemia at 6 months was noted in only 2.47% of the young patients. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) before and after treatment was 8.7% ± 3.4% and 7.3% ± 3.9%, respectively. Mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was 171.8 ± 80.1 mg/dL in patients prior to treatment initiation and came down to 122.8 ± 41.8 mg/dL after treatment with glimepiride/metformin FDC. Mean postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) prior to combination therapy use was 248.7 ± 64.0 mg/dL and dropped to 177.2 ± 39.9 mg/dL after treatment. Good to excellent efficacy and tolerability were reported for 86% and 86.6% patients, respectively. Conclusion: This case-based questionnaire survey demonstrates the usage pattern of various strengths of glimepiride/metformin FDCs and the HCPs’ practice approach regarding the use of this combination in young T2DM patients in the Indian setting. The combination is commonly prescribed to young diabetes patients in India and is associated with beneficial effects on glycemic parameters

Effect of prostaglandin on estrus response and conception rate in lactating ongole cows

Aim: The present research work was carried to study the estrus response and conception rate in lactating Ongole cows consequence to double injection of prostaglandin. Material and Methods: Estrus synchronization was performed by double injection of PGF2α (Lutalyse, 5ml/cow) in purposively selected 22 lactating Ongole cows. The 1st injection was administered on 60 days post partum (day 0) followed by 2nd injection on 72 days postpartum (day 12) and then insemination was carried out at observed estrus. Results: The ovarian response by ultrasound scanning revealed a dominant follicle of 10.00 ± 0.78 mm 3-4 days after the PGF2α administration. Out of 22 cows treated with double injections of prostaglandins 18 cows exhibited estrus within 68.66 ± 10.24 hrs. The duration of estrus and mean estrous cycle length recorded as 14.20±2.56 hrs and 21.50±0.21 days, respectively. The estrous cycle was observed in 79.45 % cows. The remaining cows showed 11-17 (5.48%), 26-36 (9.59%) and 37- 60 (5.48 %) days of estrous cycle length. The conception rate of observed to be 67.00 ± 0.26 %. The mean calving to service period found to be 81.18±1.62 days in lactating multiparous Ongole cows. Conclusion: It may be concluded that double injection of Prostaglandin has reduced the calving to service period which would even truly reduce calving interval in lactating Ongole cows. [Vet World 2013; 6(7.000): 413-415

Vibrations of unsymmetrical sandwich beams and plates with viscoelastic cores

Analysis of flexural vibration of unsymmetrical sandwich beams and plates, with viscoelastic cores, has been carried out. In addition to transverse inertia effects, longitudinal translatory and rotary inertia effects have been included. Influence of inclusion of inertia effects, other than transverse ones, on the response due to forced harmonic excitation, is reported. Damping effectiveness, for each of the resulting families of modes of vibration, is evaluated for various non-dimensional parameters

Experimental study of vibrations of a four-point supported square plate

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Therapeutic efficacy of natural prostaglandin in the treatment of pyometra in bitches

Aim: The current study was done to study the therapeutic effect of natural prostaglandin in treatment of canine pyometra. Materials and Methods: Seven bitches were treated with natural PGF2 á i.e. dinoprost tromethamine at the dose rate of 100 μg/kg body weight subcutaneously once daily for 7 days with supportive therapies. The physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters were studied before (0th day) and after treatment (8th day). Therapeutic efficacy was assessed in terms of return of abnormal parameters to either normal or near normal value as compared to the untreated control group, intensity of side effects and post treatment reproductive status. Results: All physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters in the seven treated bitches returned to normal range at the end of treatment. The intensity of side effects was quite severe in the treatment group. Six bitches came to estrus within 2 months of treatment and out of them four conceived on subsequent mating. In rest three bitches there was recurrence of pyometra within 4 months of treatment. Conclusion: Though conception rate of recovered bitches is decreased when compared with that of normal healthy bitches still this treatment protocol can be used successfully in treatment of canine pyometra to conserve the breeding capability of bitches. [Vet World 2013; 6(6.000): 295-299

UTERINE HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CANINE PYOMETRA

Abstract: Pyometra is a common reproductive disorder which affects nearly one fourth of all female dogs. The study aimed at observing the morphological and histopathological changes occurring in uterus in canine pyometra. The bitches affected with pyometra (n = 18) were subjected to ovario-hysterectomy. The ovarian and uterine samples were collected for further studies. Grossly, the ovaries consistently contained multiple corpora lutea and occasionally follicular cysts. Uterus was dilated and distended with purulent to sanguinopurulent materials. Histopathological studies showed endometrium was irregularly thickened, ulcerated and haemorrhagic. The endometrium showed inflammatory changes, vacuolar degeneration and sqamous metaplasia. There was massive neutrophilic and mononuclear cell infiltration. The glandular elements showed hyperplasia, fibrosis and cystic distension