Effect of age of plantation on seed characters and growth performance of Tokopatta (Livistona jinkensiana Griff.) seedling

Tokopatta palm (Livistona jinkensiana) is a valuable non timber multiple end uses forest species of Arunachal Pradesh. In order to establish improved plantation, the production of quality seedling of this species is essential. The present study was undertaken to determine tree age effects on seed characters, seed germination and performance of seedlings. The 500 seeds sample from each plantations aged 18, 25, 35, 45, 54, 63 and 74 years old around Pasighat town under East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India were taken to see the effect of tree ageon seed morphological characters, seed germination and seedling performance. Significant variation was observed for seed diameter and seed weight between plantations of different ages. The age effect was also seen in the germination patterns with middle aged plantations producing most superior seeds in terms of seed morphological parameters and germination behavior. Seedling attributes after 12 months showed that seedling obtained from young and middle aged plantations (between 18 to 45 years) performed better than those beyond 50 years

Prevailing Weather Conditions During Summer Seasons Around Gangotri Glacier

Meteorological data collected near the snout of the Gangotri Glacier suggest that the study area receives less rainfall. The average seasonal rainfall is observed to be about 260 mm. The rainfall distribution does not show any monsoon impact. Amount of seasonal rainfall is highly variable (131.4-368.8 mm) from year to year, but, in general, August had the maximum rainfall. A verage daily maximum and minimum temperatures were 14.7 and 4.1°C respectively, whereas average mean temperature was 9.4°C. July was recorded as the warmest month. During daytime, wind speed was four times higher than that at night-time. The average daytime and night-time winds were 12.6 and 3.0 km/h respectively. Mean seasonal evaporation was 640.8 mm, which is high with respect to the high altitude. Average relative humidity and daily sunshine duration were also high throughout the melting season

Enhancement of the optical gain in GaAs nanocylinders for nanophotonic applications

Semiconductor nanolasers based on micro disks, photonic crystal cavities, and metallo-dielectric nanocavities have been studied during the last decade for on-chip light source applications. However, practical realization of low threshold, room temperature operation of semiconductor nanolasers is still a challenge due to the large surface-to-volume ratio of the nanostructures, which results in low optical gain and hence higher lasing threshold. Also, the gain in nanostructures is an important parameter for designing all-dielectric metamaterial-based active applications. Here, we investigate the impact of p-type doping, compressive strain, and surface recombination on the gain spectrum and the spatial distribution of carriers in GaAs nanocylinders. Our analysis reveals that the lasing threshold can be lowered by choosing the right doping concentration in the active III-V material combined with compressive strain. This combination of strain and p-type doping shows 100x improvement in gain and ~5 times increase in modulation bandwidth for high-speed operation.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figure

Metastatic malignant melanoma in bone marrow with occult primary site – a case report with review of literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metastases of malignant melanoma to the bone marrow are very rare. A few case reports are published in the literature with a known primary site.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Herein we present a case of metastatic malignant melanoma in bone marrow with occult primary site in a 22- year-old-male. Diagnosis was confirmed by morphology and immunohistochemistry. A pertinent review of literature is also presented by using relevant articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) database. The search was based on the following terms: metastasis or metastases, malignant melanoma and bone marrow.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this report we discuss a rare case of metastatic malignant melanoma to the bone marrow with an unknown primary. Clinicians must be aware of the varied clinical manifestations of disseminated malignant melanoma even if the primary site is not evident.</p

Melimine-coated antimicrobial contact lenses reduce microbial keratitis in an animal model

PURPOSE. To determine the ability of antimicrobial peptide melimine-coated contact lenses to reduce the incidence of microbial keratitis (MK) in a rabbit model of contact lens wear. METHODS. In vitro antimicrobial activity of melimine-coated contact lenses was determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by viable count and a radiolabeled assay. The amount of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) associated with bacteria bound to melimine-coated and control lenses was determined. Ocular swabs from rabbit eyes were collected for assessment of ocular microflora. A rabbit model for MK was developed that used overnight wear of contact lenses colonized by P. aeruginosa in the absence of a corneal scratch. During lens wear, detailed ocular examinations were performed, and the incidence of MK was investigated. Bacteria associated with worn lenses and infected corneas were determined by viable plate count. RESULTS. Inhibition in viable and total P. aeruginosa adhesion by melimine-coated contact lenses was 3.1 log10 and 0.4 log10, respectively. After colonization, the amount of LPS on lenses was approximately the same with or without melimine. Gram-positive bacteria were found in all the ocular swabs followed by fungus (42%). Melimine-coated lens wear was protective and significantly (odds ratio 10.12; P = 0.012) reduced the incidence of P. aeruginosa-driven MK in the rabbit model. The antimicrobial lenses were associated with significantly (P < 0.001) lower ocular scores, indicating improved ocular signs compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS. This study showed that contaminated contact lenses can produce MK without corneal epithelial defect in an animal model. Melimine-coated contact lenses reduced the incidence of MK associated with P. aeruginosa in vivo. Development of MK requires viable bacteria adherent to contact lenses, and bacterial debris adherent at the lens surface did not cause keratitis

Impact of mothers’ knowledge and support for sustaining exclusive breastfeeding

Background: Breast milk is the best milk for the baby. It is beneficial for the baby as well as the mother, family, and nation.&nbsp;In spite of an established fact, still, a very low percentage (44.2%) is implementing it. Objective: The objective of this study&nbsp;was to find out the knowledge, concerns, and difficulties in breastfeeding and the obstacles in the practicing breastfeeding.&nbsp;Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at pediatric clinics in Warangal. A total of 1010 lactating mothers who&nbsp;were presenting for regular check-ups were enrolled. After taking oral consent, mothers were interviewed through a predesigned&nbsp;questionnaire containing 50 questions on pre- and post-natal counseling received, and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding,&nbsp;importance of skin-to-skin contact (SSC), and their educational status and hygiene. The entire session of interview was carried out&nbsp;in the optimum privacy to create a favorable environment of acquiring the data. Results: Of 1010 mothers enrolled, only 25.4%&nbsp;had received antenatal counseling, 15.8% had received postnatal counseling regarding exclusive breastfeeding, 56.4% followed&nbsp;exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and SSC was maintained by only 2%, after delivery which played an important role in breastfeeding,&nbsp;p=0.000003 for antenatal counseling and EBF. Conclusion: More attention should be given in educating mothers when they&nbsp;conceive, regarding breastfeeding, its problems and skills, during their first visit to health-care professionals

Material Study of Co2CrAl Heusler Alloy Magnetic Thin Film and Co2CrAl/n-Si Schottky Junction Device

The structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of Co2CrAl Heusler alloy magnetic thin films grown on n-type silicon (100) substrate (n-Si) and glass substrate were studied. The films were deposited using DC magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the films. The effect of grain size on transmittance was investigated. Magnetic measurements revealed the presence of magnetic ordering in the films. Partial densities of states (PDOS) of the Co2CrAl were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods using the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP). Co2CrAl thin film deposited over a silicon substrate was investigated for I-V characteristics. The electrical behaviour confirmed the existence of a Co2CrAl/n-Si Schottky contact, which suggests a spin injection phenomenon from Co2CrAl to n-Si by tunnelling through the lowered Schottky barrier