Theory of the asymmetric ripple phase in achiral lipid membranes

We present a phenomenological theory of phase transitions in achiral lipid membranes in terms of two coupled order parameters -- a scalar order parameter describing lipid chain melting, and a vector order parameter describing the tilt of the hydrocarbon chains below the chain-melting transition. Existing theoretical models fail to account for all the observed features of the phase diagram, in particular the detailed microstructure of the asymmetric ripple phase lying between the fluid and the tilted gel phase. In contrast, our two-component theory reproduces all the salient structural features of the ripple phase, providing a unified description of the phase diagram and microstructure

Phase behavior of two-component lipid membranes: theory and experiments

The structure of the ripple phase of phospholipid membranes remains poorly understood in spite of a large number of theoretical studies, with many experimentally established structural features of this phase unaccounted for. In this article we present a phenomenological theory of phase transitions in single- and two-component achiral lipid membranes in terms of two coupled order parameters -- a scalar order parameter describing {\it lipid chain melting}, and a vector order parameter describing the {\it tilt of the hydrocarbon chains} below the chain-melting transition. This model reproduces all the salient structural features of the ripple phase, providing a unified description of the phase diagram and microstructure. In addition, it predicts a variant of this phase which does not seem to have been experimentally observed. Using this model we have calculated generic phase diagrams of two-component membranes. We have also determined the phase diagram of a two-component lipid membrane from x-ray diffraction studies on aligned multilayers. This phase diagram is found to be in good agreement with that calculated from the model.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure

Higher Order Numerical Methods for Fractional Order Differential Equations

This thesis explores higher order numerical methods for solving fractional differential equations

An algorithm for the numerical solution of two-sided space-fractional partial differential equations.

We introduce an algorithm for solving two-sided space-fractional partial differential equations. The space-fractional derivatives we consider here are left-handed and right-handed Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives which are expressed by using Hadamard finite-part integrals. We approximate the Hadamard finite-part integrals by using piecewise quadratic interpolation polynomials and obtain a numerical approximation of the space-fractional derivative with convergence orde

Work-related stressors and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study on reflections of frontline health care workers from India

Background: Frontline healthcare workers, a vital workforce in developing countries is often out of mainstream vision and their challenges and coping behaviors under stressful conditions remain unclear to stakeholders. This study was undertaken with the objective to explore the challenges faced by community surveillance workers and their coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study with constructivism paradigm was undertaken for a period of one year by conducting eight focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews among the health workers undertaking COVID-19 surveillance selected purposively from eight wards within three Boroughs of a Municipal Corporation using interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to compare and contrast the codes to generate themes inductively under two constructs. Results: The first construct, factors influencing work related stress was categorized into four themes related to- work environment, community’s response towards pandemic surveillance, organizational support and personal factors. Main predisposing factors of work place stress were risk of self-infection, concern for family safety, inadequate training, shortage of manpower and protective equipment etc. While a strong commitment towards work, assistance from local community influencers, administrative appreciation and supportive supervision were protective factors against stress. Second construct on coping strategies was categorized into managing stress by problem-focused strategies like adapting with experience, gathering information and sharing experiences, adopting self-care practices; while emotion-based coping strategies included denial, venting out, or turning to religion etc. Conclusion: Community surveillance workers faced considerable and variable stress during pandemics due to various underlying work stressors, managed innovatively, using self-coping strategies

Therapeutic efficacy of low dose (Dhaka regimen) versus high dose (Pritchard regimen) magnesium sulphate for management of eclampsia and impending eclampsia

Background: To compare the efficacy of low dose (Dhaka regimen) vis-a vis high dose (Pritchard regimen) magnesium sulphate in management of eclampsia and impending eclampsia.Methods: The open-label, comparative study was conducted on 90 pregnant patients. They were admitted to emergency Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Amritsar with eclampsia or impending eclampsia. 10 patients dropped out at various stages of study and finally, 80 were enrolled and randomized (1:1 ratio) into two groups. Group-1, N=40 were given low dose MgSO4 (Dhaka regime) and Group-2, N=40 were given high dose MgSO4 (Pritchard). Termination of pregnancy was done as per Bishop’s score, gestation age, maternal and fetal status. Primary outcome measure was therapeutic efficacy of equivalence for control of seizures whereas secondary outcome was adverse side-effects of both the regimens.Results: Mean age in Group-1 was 24.90±4.02 years and that of Group-2 was 25.67±3.79 years. Antepartum eclampsia was the most common diagnosis among groups i.e., 47.5% and 55% respectively. After treatment, the seizure control was 97.5% in Group-1 and 100% in Group-2 with comparable results (2=1.013; p=0.314). However, highly significant difference was observed among dosage of MgSO4 that was required for control of seizure (23.75±2.71 gm versus 41.35±4.76 gm; p<0.001). Group-1 showed lower incidence of side-effects that is, loss of deep tendon reflex as compared to Group-2, but neonatal outcomes were comparable in both groups.Conclusions: Low dose (Dhaka regimen) was equally effective in control of seizures as compared to high dose (Pritchard regimen) with lower incidence of side-effects

Extraction and Evaluation of Mucilage of Persea Duthiei as a Tablet Binder

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A Pathway to Cyber Crime Free Digital Society with Human Rights Measures

Cyber Crime, e-Banking, Information Technology Act 2000, Knowledge Society, Hacker, Human Right, Digital Signature, National Security Agency, IT Acts, Cyber Crime Offences

Security Issues in Cloud based e-Learning Part 3(e-Learning Architecture)

Security Issues in Cloud based e-Learning Part 3(e-Learning Architecture

A maximum principle for a fractional boundary value problem with convection term and applications

We consider a fractional boundary value problem with Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative of order 1 < α < 2 We prove a maximum principle for a general linear fractional boundary value problem. The proof is based on an estimate of the fractional derivative at extreme points and under certain assumption on the boundary conditions. A prior norm estimate of solutions of the linear fractional boundary value problem and a uniqueness result of the nonlinear problem have been established. Several comparison principles are derived for the linear and nonlinear fractional problems. First Published Online: 21 Nov 201