Supersolid and solitonic phases in one-dimensional Extended Bose-Hubbard model

We report our findings on quantum phase transitions in cold bosonic atoms in a one dimensional optical lattice using the finite size density matrix renormalization group method in the framework of the extended Bose-Hubbard model. We consider wide ranges of values for the filling factors and the nearest neighbor interactions. At commensurate fillings, we obtain two different types of charge density wave phases and a Mott insulator phase. However, departure from commensurate fillings yield the exotic supersolid phase where both the crystalline and the superfluid orders coexist. In addition, we obtain signatures for solitary waves and also superfluidity.Comment: 7 pages, 11 figure

Influence of Humidity on the NO₂ Sensing Properties of SrCo₀.₁Ti₀.₉O₃

Strontium Cobalt Titanate (SCT) was synthesized via solid state route. Phase formation was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Resistive sensors were made using screen printing technique and corresponding sensing properties were investigated in dry as well as humid environment (RH 50%). Experimental results demonstrated that sensors displayed least humidity interference at 400 °C. The operating temperature of the sensor was optimized for best responsiveness. These type of sensors can be effectively used in environmental monitoring of NO2 gas at low ppm

Double-minute chromosomes in the leukocytes of a patient with a previous history of cervical carcinoma

Double-minute chromosomes (DMs) were observed in repeated samples in the leukocytes of a patient with a previous history of cervical carcinoma. The most interesting cytogenetic finding was the coexistence of DMs and a dicentric chromosome along with chromosome- and chromatid-type breaks and gaps. This observation suggests that DMs might originate through the breakage of existing chromosomes. The presence of DMs in leukocytes may also indicate the possibility that certain common agents cause DMs in tumor cells as well as in normal cells

Analysis by polymerase chain reaction of the physical state of human papillomavirus type 16 DNA in cervical preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions

Integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA into the host cell genome is believed to be essential for malignant progression. However unambiguous detection of the physical state of HPV is a difficult and time-consuming procedure. To resolve this issue a simple, rapid and highly sensitive technique of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been utilized for detecting the physical state of HPV-16 DNA. Investigations were carried out in 122 cervical specimens comprising the whole spectrum of cervical lesions starting from cervical dysplasia to invasive carcinoma including HPV-16-positive normal controls. A pair of oligonucleotide primers specific to the E2 open reading frame, which is often deleted or disrupted following HPV integration, was used for the study. Distinction between episomal and integrated forms of viral DNA was accomplished by detecting amplification of the E2-specific fragment (1139 bp) in the PCR product. The PCR results were compared with those obtained by the conventional methods of Southern blotting, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and chromosomal in situ hybridization; a high degree of agreement was observed between the methods. The findings indicate that although integrated forms of HPV-16 DNA were detected in more than 70% of cervical cancer specimens, integration was less frequent (23%) in severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. Only 2.5% of cases showed both episomal and integrated forms of HPV-16 DNA. The difference between episomal and integrated forms was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The absence of integration in about 30% of cancer cases suggests that integration of HPV may not be necessary for malignant progression and alternative mechanism(s) of malignant transformation may occur without HPV integration. The PCR test thus provides an effective complement to Southern blotting and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for accurate detection of the integration of HPV DNA

Nucleolar organizer regions in patients with precancerous and cancerous lesions of the uterine cervix

Nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs) were studied in patients with cervical precancerous and cancerous lesions along with controls. The data revealed a statistically significant decrease of Ag-NORs in cancer patients, as well as in women with severe precancerous lesions as compared with controls. A similar decrease in the amount of Ag-staining was also observed in both cancer and severe dysplasia cases. The study suggests a possible relationship of Ag-NOR activity to malignancy

Mineral content of red skinned potatoes of Eastern India

Potato tuber colour is an important factor that influences consumer preferences. Eastern plain region of India contributes about 50% of total potato acreage and production. Consumers in this region generally prefer red skinned varieties. Growing awareness for nutrient rich food can create a niche market for nutritious potatoes. Potato is crop of choice for mineral biofortification owing to better mineral bioavailability due to its high ascorbic acid and minimal phytate content. Iron and zinc are the essentially required minerals for good health. Considering the nutritional importance of these elements and wider prevalence of their deficiency in Indian sub-continent, thirteen Eastern regions red skinned advanced hybrids and varieties were evaluated to find the genetic diversity for iron and zinc content. A significant wide range of contents was observed for both the elements. High heritability of both mineral suggests feasibility of selecting genotypes for breeding nutrient rich varieties. Identified genotypes can be utilised as parental lines for future breeding programme and can be released as nutrient rich potato variety

Barriers to coastal shipping development: an Indian perspective

Coastal shipping has been widely recognised as a sustainable and efficient alternative to road transport. However, the barriers encountered in the industry have not been systematically studied in any region. From an Indian perspective, this study aims to prioritise barriers to coastal shipping development for effective policy interventions. It identifies important barriers through a Delphi study and then quantifies their cause-and-effect relationships by the decision making-trial and evaluation laboratory analysis (DEMATEL) technique. It is interesting that the main barriers, those have most impact on coastal shipping development, are not necessarily the ones most widely recognised. The study also uncovers the hidden cause-and-effect relationships between several barriers. Four main barriers are identified: (1) Indian maritime legislation (especially cabotage rules); (2) issues in the infrastructure and procedures at port and port-centric areas; (3) underdevelopment of small ports; (4) lack of a collaborative culture among the various service providers involved in the logistics supply chain. This study finally recommends relaxing cabotage rules to stimulate the inflow of foreign capital to grow coastal shipping, improving the current port system through joint efforts of the ports, Indian customs and government, and fostering supply chain collaboration