Domain wall dynamics in a single CrO2_2 grain

Recently we have reported on the magnetization dynamics of a single CrO$_2$ grain studied by micro Hall magnetometry (P. Das \textit{et al.}, Appl. Phys. Lett. \textbf{97} 042507, 2010). For the external magnetic field applied along the grain's easy magnetization direction, the magnetization reversal takes place through a series of Barkhausen jumps. Supported by micromagnetic simulations, the ground state of the grain was found to correspond to a flux closure configuration with a single cross-tie domain wall. Here, we report an analysis of the Barkhausen jumps, which were observed in the hysteresis loops for the external field applied along both the easy and hard magnetization directions. We find that the magnetization reversal takes place through only a few configuration paths in the free-energy landscape, pointing to a high purity of the sample. The distinctly different statistics of the Barkhausen jumps for the two field directions is discussed.Comment: JEMS Conference, to appear in J. Phys. Conf. Se

Formation of finite antiferromagnetic clusters and the effect of electronic phase separation in Pr{_0.5}Ca{_0.5}Mn{_0.975}Al{_0.025}O{_3}

We report the first experimental evidence of a magnetic phase arising due to the thermal blocking of antiferromagnetic clusters in the weakened charge and orbital ordered system Pr{_0.5}Ca{_0.5}Mn{_0.975}Al{_0.025}O{_3}. The third order susceptibility (\chi_3) is used to differentiate this transition from a spin or cluster glass like freezing mechanism. These clusters are found to be mesoscopic and robust to electronic phase separation which only enriches the antiphase domain walls with holes at the cost of the bulk, without changing the size of these clusters. This implies that Al substitution provides sufficient disorder to quench the length scales of the striped phases.Comment: 4 Post Script Figure

Whale origins as a poster child for macroevolution

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The adsorptive removal of a cationic drug from aqueous solution using poly (methacrylic acid) hydrogels

This study describes adsorptive removal of the antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin hydrochloride from simulated water using poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) as adsorbent. The adsorbent was characterised by various instrumental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The adsorption equilibrium data, as studied at 3 temperatures, namely, 15, 25 and 37°C, were best interpreted by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.  Moreover, an increase in temperature reduces drug uptake. A pH of the adsorption system in the range of 5.0 to 8.0 causes maximum adsorption of the drug. The presence of drug molecules in the adsorbent particles was shown by various techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and  scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Antibacterial studies also  reveal the adsorption of the drug from solution.Keywords: Adsorption, ciprofloxacin, Langmuir isotherm, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscop

A new miocene sirenian from Kutch, India

We report a new Miocene sirenian from District Kutch, State of Gujarat, India: Domingia sodhae gen. et sp. nov. The new species is a dugongine dugongid with flattened tusk-like upper incisors. Like some other Miocene dugongids, Domningia is large and has complex, bilophodont molars and three-rooted premolars, which are strongly worn. The rostrum is downturned significantly, similar to modern dugongs, and indicative of a specialized feeding mode. Phylogenetically, it is closely related to Dioplotherium, Rytiodus, Corystosiren, and Bharatisiren. Among these, Domningia is most similar to Bharatisiren indica and Dioplotherium manigaulti, in that all three taxa retain multi-rooted premolars. Similar to Bharatisiren, the nasal process of the premaxilla is long. Bharatisiren and Domningia are part of a late Oligocene and early Miocene radiation of dugongines in South Asia

Novel insights into biochemical and hormonal factors regulating floral transition in mango (Mangifera indica L.)

54-64Alternate or biennial bearing is an alternating pattern of large and small fruit yield occurring in consecutive years in mango, which is a major issue related to erratic productivity. This bearing behaviour is known to be regulated by internal physiological cues including biochemical and hormonal status of the adult shoots and accessibility to external stimulus that influences floral transition. This study aims to compile evidences to establish biochemical and hormonal patterning in floral transition utilizing standard protocols of colorimetric and transcriptomic studies. Floral tissues exhibited temporal pattern of higher accumulation of chlorophyll (0.40 to 0.99 mg gm-1 tissue in Chausa), total sugar (8.83 to 26.65 mg gm-1 tissue in Dashehari) and phenol content (0.21 to 0.83 mg gm-1 tissue in Dashehari), implying sufficient built-up of these in bud burst stage to be associated with floral morphogenesis. Furthermore higher accumulation of anthocyanins and auxin content with concomitant lower gibberellins in floral flush in all varieties validate the crosstalk among pathways to regulate the outcomes of floral transition. The genes sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase 1 (log 2 fold change value upto 4.98), ATP synthase, polyphenol oxidase and auxin response factor were found to be differentially expressed in the floral buds as observed by transcriptome data which corroborate the leads obtained by biochemical and hormonal assays. The study gives novel insights into the role of genes implicated in accumulation of carbohydrate reserves and establishment of hormonal gradients, that have decisive role in the flowering processes in mango

Physicochemical and antibacterial activities of Apis honey types derived from Coorg, Karnataka, India

Natural honey has various ingredients in it that contribute to its incredible properties. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the physicochemical and antibacterial activity of various Apis honey from Coorg, Karnataka. Four samples of Apis honey viz., A. florea, A.  mellifera, A. cerana and A.  dorsata were collected from various regions of Coorg, Karnataka. The honey samples' physicochemical properties and antibacterial activities against Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus sp were determined in vitro. The moisture and ash content varied from 13.6 - 17.2% and 0.32 – 0.49%, respectively. Hydroxy methyl furfurals) content of A. dorsata honey samples was highest with 9.2±0.5 mg/Kg and least was recorded with 6.8±0.4 mg/Kg for A. florae honey. The reducing sugar content of A. florea honey sample was highest with 87.5±3.2 (%) and the peroxide levels were in the range of 10.2 – 14.9 µg/g/h at 20°C. The antibacterial assay revealed that S. aureus, Enterococcus sp and Streptococcus sp were most susceptible against the honey varieties tested and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 25-6.5 (%v/v) were determined. In conclusion, honey varieties from Coorg could be used in specific antibacterial prophylaxis as the activity depends on the honey bee species, their metabolism and floral sources in specific geographical regions

The origin and early evolution of whales: macroevolution documented on the Indian Subcontinent

The origin of whales (order Cetacea) from a four-footed land animal is one of the best understood examples of macroevolutionary change. This evolutionary transition has been substantially elucidated by fossil finds from the Indian subcontinent in the past decade and a half. Here, we review the first steps of whale evolution, i.e. the transition from a land mammal to obligate marine predators, documented by the Eocene cetacean families of the Indian subcontinent: Pakicetidae, Ambulocetidae, Remingtonocetidae, Protocetidae, and Basilosauridae, as well as their artiodactyl sister group, the Raoellidae. We also discuss the influence that the excellent fossil record has on the study of the evolution of organ systems, in particular the locomotor and hearing systems

Trend of fatal poisoning in Kanpur: a two year autopsy based study

Background: Kanpur is not only the biggest city of the Uttar Pradesh but also 9th most populated city of the India and is the main centre of commercial and industrial activities. Kanpur is situated at the bank of holy river Ganga. It is very crowded city and facing the problems of population influx from neighboring towns and villages. Apart from fame for industry, Kanpur lies between two rivers Ganga and Pandu. The land of Kanpur district is plain and fertile with Cultivable Barren Land 185480 Hectare. Kanpur is an only notified metropolitan area by UP Government under Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, and therefore has a Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Poisoning is an important public health issue in India and worldwide. The present study is aimed to assess the epidemiological variables of fatal poisonings in Kanpur.Methods: All medico legal autopsies of the city were conducted in the GSVM Medical College mortuary, Kanpur. During the study period, 582 cases of fatal poisoning were autopsied. Only autopsies with confirmed diagnosis of poisoning were included in this prospective study.Results: A total of 7648 medico legal autopsies were performed at the aforementioned centre. Poisoning deaths comprised 582 cases (7.6%) of the total autopsies conducted during the study period.Conclusions: Suicidal poisoning is accountable for majority of poisoning deaths in India. Societies at large owe a collective responsibility to this manner of death and mere condemnation or sympathy is not sufficient to curb these avoidable deaths