Flux free growth of large FeSe1/2Te1/2 superconducting single crystals by an easy high temperature melt and slow cooling method

We report successful growth of flux free large single crystals of superconducting FeSe1/2Te1/2 with typical dimensions of up to few cm. The AC and DC magnetic measurements revealed the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) value of around 11.5K and the iso-thermal MH showed typical type-II superconducting behavior. The lower critical field being estimated by measuring the low field iso-thermal magnetization in superconducting regime is found to be above 200 Oe at 0K.Comment: 15 pages text + Figs. Novel large cm size FeSe1/2Te1/2 superconducting crystal

High Field (up to 140kOe) Angle Dependent Magneto Transport of Bi2Te3 Single Crystals

We report the angle dependent high field (up to 140kOe) magneto transport of Bi2Te3 single crystals, a well-known topological insulator. The crystals were grown from melt of constituent elements via solid state reaction route by self-flux method. Details of crystal growth along with their brief characterization up to 5 Tesla applied field was reported by some of us recently [J. Magn. Mag. Mater. 428, 213 (2017)]. The angle dependence of the magneto-resistance (MR) of Bi2Te3 follows the cos Theta function i.e., MR is responsive, when the applied field is perpendicular (tilt angle Theta = o and/or 180) to the transport current. The low field (10 kOe) MR showed the signatures of weak anti localization (WAL) character with typical cusp near origin at 5 K. Further, the MR is linear right up to highest applied field of 140 kOe. The large positive MR are observed up to high temperatures and are above 250 and 150 percent at 140 kOe in perpendicular fields at 50 K and 100 K respectively. Heat capacity CP(T) measurements revealed the value of Debye temperature to be 135 K. ARPES (angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy) data clearly showed that the bulk Bi2Te3 single crystal consists of a single Dirac cone.Comment: 13 Pages text + Figs... Letter - Mat. Res. Ex

Study of Seismic Base Isolation of Bridge Considering Soil Structure Interaction

In this paper, a comprehensive study of seismic response of base isolated bridge is made by varying different parameters such as soil stiffness, embedment depth, hydrodynamic pressure and earthquake response spectrum. The object is to determine effect of soil-structure interaction on seismic response when isolation by elastomeric bearing is provided between superstructure and substructure. Elastomeric bearing is seen to be effective in reducing seismic response of substructure on rocky site. The increase in embedment depth also causes reduction in bending moments and shear forces in the substructure. The use of elastomeric bearing in place of Rocker-Roller bearing is seen to be beneficial from seismic considerations

Effect of l-proline and l-tryptophan on somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Pusa 169)

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Correlation of Assertive Behavior with Communication Satisfaction among Nurses

Background: Assertive nurses are likely to impart effective patient care as they can stand up for their rights and refuse unreasonable requests but nurses show non-assertive and submissive behaviour which result in lack of communication satisfaction, stress and low self esteem. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of assertive behaviour and interpersonal communication satisfaction among nurses. Methods: In a descriptive, co-relational, cross sectional survey, 220 eligible nurses working in selected hospitals of Punjab were identified conveniently and data were gathered using Socio demographic Data Sheet, Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and Interpersonal Communication Satisfaction Inventory (Com-Sat). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Assertive behavior has large positive correlation with interpersonal communication satisfaction at 0.01 level of significance (r= 0.505**). Older nurses who are on regular job, studied from Govt. nursing institutions and working in Govt. hospitals were more assertive. Nurses those are older (p<.002), studied from Govt. nursing colleges (p<.03) and with designation of nursing sister/ward in-charges had more score on communication satisfaction score as compared to staff nurses (p<.049). Conclusion: Study concluded that assertive behaviour of nurses results in high interpersonal communication satisfaction. Nurses should use assertive behaviour as it directly affects the interpersonal communication satisfaction ultimately results in high patient care. Policy makers can plan and organize assertiveness training or other intervention for non assertive nurses so that they can be trained for assertive behaviour and communication. Keywords: Assertive behaviour, Interpersonal communication satisfaction, Nurse

In vitro differentiation of plantlets from tissue cultures of Albizzia lebbeck L.

Attempts at inducing differentiation in various explants of Albizzia lebbeck resulted in the production of abundant shoot buds from the hypocotyl, root, cotyledon and leaflet explants, both directly and indirectly (i.e. without and with the intervention of callus formation). Rooting was achieved on transfer of the shoots to BM +2 mg/1 IAA after some growth. The plants could be successfully transferred to soil, providing a method for mass propagation of this important leguminous tree species

Protective effects of Punica granatum seeds extract against aging and scopolamine induced cognitive impairments in mice

Dementia is one of the age related mental problems and characteristic symptom of various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. This impairment probably is due to the vulnerability of the brain cells to increased oxidative stress during aging process. Many studies have shown that certain phenolic antioxidants attenuate neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum seeds on cognitive performance of aged and scopolamine treated young mice using one trial step-down type passive avoidance and elevated plus maze task. Aged or scopolamine treated mice showed poor retention of memory in step-down type passive avoidance and in elevated plus maze task. Chronic administration (21 days) of Punica granatum extract and vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the age induced or scopolamine induced retention deficits in both the paradigms. Punica granatum extract also significantly lowered lipid peroxidation level and increased antioxidant glutathione level in brain tissues. Punica granatum preparations could be protective in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.Key words: Punica granatum, Cognitive deficits, Vitamin C, Scopolamine, Antioxidant