Probing the time variability of five Fe low broad absorption line quasars

We study the time variability of five Fe Low ionization Broad Absorption Line (FeLoBAL) QSOs using repeated spectroscopic observations with the 2m telescope at IUCAA Girawali observatory (IGO) spanning an interval of upto 10 years. We report a dramatic variation in Al III and Fe III fine-structure lines in the spectra of SDSS J221511.93-004549.9 (z_em ~ 1.478). However, there is no such strong variability shown by the C IV absorption. This source is known to be unusual with (i) the continuum emission dominated by Fe emission lines, (ii) Fe III absorption being stronger than Fe II and (iii) the apparent ratio of Fe III UV 48 to Fe III UV 34 absorption suggesting an inverted population ratio. This is the first reported detection of time variability in the Fe III fine-structure lines in QSO spectra. There is a strong reduction in the absorption strength of these lines between year 2000 and 2008. Using the template fitting techniques, we show that the apparent inversion of strength of UV lines could be related to the complex spectral energy distribution of this QSO. The observed variability can be related to change in the ionization state of the gas or due to transverse motion of this absorbing gas. The shortest variability timescale of Al III line gives a lower limit on the electron density of the absorbing gas as n_e >= 1.1 x 10^4 cm^-3. The remaining 4 FeLoBALs do not show any changes beyond the measurement uncertainties either in optical depth or in the velocity structure. We present the long-term photometric light curve for all of our sources. Among them only SDSS J221511.93-004549.9 shows significant (>= 0.2 mag) variability.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, 3 tables, Accepted for publication in MNRA

Rhabdomyoma of larynx – A diagnaostic dilemma

AbstractIntroductionRhabdomyomas of the head and neck are unusual. Extracardiac rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor of striated muscle origin that is found in adults and children. We report a case of rhabdomyoma of the larynx, which presented a diagnostic dilemma.Case reportWe report an uncommon case of a 50-year-old man, who presented with change in voice for two years. Endoscopic examination of the larynx revealed a smooth mass covered by intact mucosa involving the right aryepiglottic fold and a false vocal cord with restricted right vocal cord mobility. Biopsy from the lesion revealed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent total laryngectomy. To our surprise, histologic examination and immunohistochemical diagnosis proved it to be rhabdomyoma of the adult type with no evidence of malignancy.DiscussionMost extracardiac rhabdomyomas arise from the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the floor of the mouth, or the base of the tongue. Rarely, rhabdomyomas may arise from the larynx. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis is essential for diagnosis. Treatment of rhabdomyoma consists primarily of complete excision with preservation of the surrounding tissues.ConclusionOur case demonstrates various differential diagnoses possible in laryngeal neoplasms. It also shows that immunocytochemistry plays an important role in differential diagnosis

Photorefractive polymeric solitons

We show the existence of photorefractive polymeric solitons in a bulk photorefractive polymer. We also show the existence of incoherently coupled two dimensional soliton pairs under steady state condition. The soliton pairs can exist under the condition that the two beams are mutually incoherent and have the same wavelength and polarization. The system was studied using the variational method and the result so obtained was analyzed using the finite-difference Beam Propagation method. Stable propagation of the soliton beam through the medium was observed

ASSESSMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS AND ANAEMIA RISK IN PATIENTS ON ANTICONVULSANT THERAPY

Objective: To assess the incidence of osteoporosis and anaemia in patients on anticonvulsant therapy and to educate those under risk.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 study participants. The Bone mineral density (BMD), vitamin D, hematological parameters and peripheral smear were noted. Data analyzed using different statistical methods. Patient information brochures for osteoporosis and anaemia were distributed to those on chronic anti-epileptic drug (AED) therapy.Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 16% and osteopenia 22%. The BMD of subjects showed an Insignificant reduction in BMD when compared with a standard reference value for south asian population (*P>0.05). The mean BMD in single therapy group was higher compared with multiple therapy groups. BMD of the enzyme-inducing class was less compared with non-enzyme inducing class but was not significant (P>0.05). Duration of therapy was compared with BMD of patients showed a negative correlation. The relationship between duration of therapy and hematological parameters showed a negative correlation (r =-0.128). The mean haematological parameters in single AED therapy were higher when compared with multiple AED therapy. The study demonstrated 40% microcytic hypochromic and 4% macrocytic hypochromic morphology.Conclusion: Chronic therapy with AEDs possesses a significant risk of developing osteoporosis and anaemia. The incidence rate varies according to the type, duration, and mode of therapy. Early detection and management through diet exercise or pharmacotherapy will decrease the incidence of unwanted effects due to AEDs and improve the quality of life.Keywords: Bone mineral density, Antiepileptic drug, Osteoporosi

Extraction and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Pineapple Crown Leaf Fibers (PCLF)

Apart from the widely discussed pineapple leaf fibers, normally referred to as PALF, fibers from other parts of the plant also exist, particularly those in the fruit crown, which are known as pineapple crown leaf fibers (PCLF). In this work, PCLF were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicated that the properties of PCLF do not greatly differ from those observed for PALF. In particular, a cellulose content of over 67% was observed, with approximately 76% crystallinity. The main degradation phenomena of the fibers took place between 230 and 380 degrees C, peaking at 324 degrees C, which is in line with observations in other fibers which have similar cellulose and crystalline contents. There was 13.4% residue at 680 degrees C. Bare mechanical retting of PCLF, although not allowing a full and thorough degumming, which would only be achieved through more aggressive chemical treatment, enabled aspect ratios of over 10(3) to be obtained. This indicates some potential for their application as short fibers in composites. In this respect, the considerable roughness of PCLF when compared to other leaf-extracted fibers, and in particular when compared to PALF, could suggest an ability to obtain a sufficiently sound fiber-matrix interface

Farming experiments and transfer of technology of bivalve culture along the southwest coast of India

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in India developed bivalve farming technologies in the 1970s. but these were not widely adopted at the time. In 1993, CMFRI undertook an action research program to encourage farming of edible oysters, mussels, clams and pearls along the southwest coast of India. Successful demonstration of the viability of bivalve farming led to the initiation of commercial farming of mussels and generated interest among farmers and entrepreneurs in developing production of pearls and farming of edible oysters. Given the high potential for mollusc aquacultu re, both for the local and export markets, issues such as demarcation and issuance of lease rights on aquaculture zones in public waterbodies by the government, organization of marketing systems and provisions for technical and fin ancial support to farmers need to be addressed