Tunable magnetic domains in ferrimagnetic MnSb2_2Te4_4

Highly tunable properties make Mn(Bi,Sb)$_2$Te$_4$ a rich playground for exploring the interplay between band topology and magnetism: On one end, MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ is an antiferromagnetic topological insulator, while the magnetic structure of MnSb$_2$Te$_4$ (MST) can be tuned between antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic. Motivated to control electronic properties through real-space magnetic textures, we use magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to image the domains of ferrimagnetic MST. We find that magnetic field tunes between stripe and bubble domain morphologies, raising the possibility of topological spin textures. Moreover, we combine in situ transport with domain manipulation and imaging to both write MST device properties and directly measure the scaling of the Hall response with domain area. This work demonstrates measurement of the local anomalous Hall response using MFM, and opens the door to reconfigurable domain-based devices in the M(B,S)T family

Numerical Model for Hydraulic Performance of Under-drained Perforated Pipe Surrounded by Loose Aggregate

Urbanization significantly alters the hydrological cycle, leading to reduced infiltration, increased flooding, and reduced water quality. Proper management of storm-water runoff is necessary to mitigate these undesired impacts. The use of Best Management Practices (BMP) and Low Impact Development (LID) is becoming more common day by day for this purpose and perforated pipes are one of the main components of these LIDs and BMPs. This poster presents results from a CFD model that combines both porous media flow and pipe flow. The model was developed in ANSYS FLUENT to examine the hydraulic behavior (stage-discharge relationship) of a porous pipe shrouded in loose aggregate for use as an underdrain in storm water management. The model was validated against the experimental data of Murphy et al. (2014) and was then used to undertake a detailed parametric study of porous pipe underdrain performance

Controlling calibration errors in gravitational-wave detectors by precise location of calibration forces

We present results of finite element analysis simulations which could lead to more accurate calibration of interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Calibration and actuation forces applied to the interferometer test masses cause elastic deformation, inducing errors in the calibration. These errors increase with actuation frequency, and can be greater than 50% at frequencies above a few kilohertz. We show that they can be reduced significantly by optimizing the position at which the forces are applied. The Advanced LIGO [1] photon calibrators use a two-beam configuration to reduce the impact of local deformations of the test mass surface. The position of the beams over the test mass can be chosen such both the local and the bulk induced elastic deformation are minimized. Our finite element modeling indicates that with two beams positioned within ±1 mm of their optimal locations, calibration errors due to test mass elastic deformation can be kept below 1% for frequencies up to 3.5 kHz. We thus show that precise control of the location of calibration forces could considerably improve calibration accuracy, especially at high frequencies

Antidiabetic Effects of Momordica Charantia (Karela) in Male Long Evans Rat

The hypoglycemic effect of Momordica charantia (Karela) has been reported from many laboratories. To our knowledge, the underlying biochemical mechanism of action of this important clinical effect has not been reported. During the course of investigation of this aspect of the herbal fruit, it was reported from our laboratory that ethanolic extract of Momordica charantia suppressed gluconeogenesis in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats by depressing the hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase. The herbal extract had also enhanced the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme of hexose monophosphate shunt (a pathway for the oxidation of glucose)

Formulate and evaluate once daily sustained release tablet of highly soluble drug of metformin HCL

The aim of the present study was to design an oral sustained release matrix tablet of highly water soluble biguanide anti diabetic drug. The matrix tablets are prepared by melt granulation method using HPMC K 200M as hydrophilic drug release retarding polymer, and stearic acid as melt able binder as well as hydrophobic carrier. The drug and excipients compatibility was studied by FT – IR. The formulated matrix tablets were characterized for physical parameters and in vitro dissolution profile. FT – IR spectra revealed the absence of drug excipients interaction. The physical parameters of the tablets were found within the limits. The drug release kinetics demonstrated that by increasing the concentration of hydrophilic polymer and hydrophobic carrier the drug release rate was retarded proportionally. Kinetic modelling of in vitro release profile revealing that the drug release from the matrix tablets following first order kinetics, and the drug release mechanism of optimized (F7) formula following non fickian transport mechanism. Accelerated stability studies were performed according to ICH guide lines. Temperature 40±20 c and relative humidity 75±5% RH to study physical and chemical changes of formulation. No physical or chemical changes were observed after t accelerated stability studies

Hydrogen induces chiral conduction channels in the topological magnet

Chirality, a characteristic handedness that distinguishes 'left' from 'right', cuts widely across all of nature$^1$, from the structure of DNA$^2$ to opposite chirality of particles and antiparticles$^3$. In condensed matter chiral fermions have been identified in Weyl semimetals$^4$ through their unconventional electrodynamics arising from 'axial' charge imbalance between chiral Weyl nodes of topologically nontrivial electronic bands. Up to now it has been challenging or impossible to create transport channels of Weyl fermions in a single material that could be easily configured for advancing chiral logic or spintronics$^{5,6}$. Here we generate chirality-directed conduction channels in inversion-symmetric Weyl ferromagnet (FM) $MnSb_2Te_4$, emergent from a deep connection between chirality in reciprocal and real space. We alter the bandstructure on-demand with an intake and a subsequent release of ionic hydrogen ($H^+$) $-$ a process we show to induce the tilt and rotation of Weyl bands. The transformed Weyl FM states feature a doubled Curie temperature $\geq50K$ and an enhanced angular transport chirality synchronous with a rare field-antisymmetric longitudinal resistance $-$ a low-field tunable 'chiral switch' that roots in the interplay of Berry curvature$^7$, chiral anomaly$^8$ and hydrogen-engendered mutation of Weyl nodes

Heavy Metals in afforested Mangrove Sediment From the World\u27s Largest Delta: Distributional Mapping, Contamination Status, Risk assessment and Source Tracing

This study aims to assess seasonal and spatial variations, contamination status, ecological risks, and metal sources (Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn) in human-afforested mangrove sediments in a deltaic region. Five sampling locations were sampled during dry and wet seasons. Heavy metal concentrations followed the order: Mn \u3e Zn \u3e Ni \u3e Cr \u3e Cu \u3e Pb. Metal loads, except Cu and Pb, were higher during the dry season, aligning with national and international recommendations. Sediment quality guidelines, contamination factor, geoaccumulation index, enrichment factors, and pollution load index indicated uncontaminated sediment in both seasons. Potential ecological risk assessment showed low risk conditions in all sites. However, modified hazard quotient indicated moderate pollution risk from all metals except Pb. Analysis suggests anthropogenic sources, particularly evident near shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda. While initially uncontaminated, ongoing metal influx poses a potential risk to mangrove ecosystems

Epidemiological profile and clinico-pathological features of pediatric gynecological cancers at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya

Background: The main pediatric (0–18 years) gynecologic cancers include stromal carcinomas (juvenile granulosa cell tumors and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors), genital rhabdomyosarcomas and ovarian germ cell. Outcomes depend on time of diagnosis, stage, tumor type and treatment which can have long-term effects on the reproductive career of these patients. This study seeks to analyze the trends in clinical-pathologic presentation, treatment and outcomes in the cases seen at our facility. This is the first paper identifying these cancers published from sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Retrospective review of clinico-pathologic profiles and treatment outcomes of pediatric gynecologic oncology patients managed at MTRH between 2010 and 2020. Data was abstracted from gynecologic oncology database and medical charts. Results: Records of 40 patients were analyzed. Most, (92.5%, 37/40) of the patients were between 10 and 18 years. Ovarian germ cell tumors were the leading histological diagnosis in 72.5% (29/40) of the patients; with dysgerminomas being the commonest subtype seen in 12 of the 37 patients (32.4%). The patients received platinum-based chemotherapy in 70% of cases (28/40). There were 14 deaths among the 40 patients (35%) Conclusion: Surgery remains the main stay of treatment and fertility-sparing surgery with or without adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy are the standard of care with excellent prognosis following early detection and treatment initiation. LMICs face several challenges in access to quality care and that affects survival of these patients. Due to its commonality, ovarian germ cell cancers warrant a high index of suspicion amongst primary care providers attending to adnexal masses in this age group

Barriers and Enabling Factors for Central and Household Level Water Treatment in a Refugee Setting: A Mixed-Method Study among Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Water chlorination is widely used in emergency responses to reduce diarrheal diseases, although communities with no prior exposure to chlorinated drinking water can have low acceptability. To better inform water treatment interventions, the study explored acceptability, barriers, and motivating-factors of a piped water chlorination program, and household level chlorine-tablet distribution, in place for four months in Rohingya refugee camps, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. We collected data from June to August 2018 from four purposively selected refugee camps using structured observation, key-informant-interviews, transect-walks, group discussions, focus-group discussions, and in-depth-interviews with males, females, adolescent girls, and community leaders. Smell and taste of chlorinated water were commonly reported barriers among the population that had previously consumed groundwater. Poor quality source-water and suboptimal resultant treated-water, and long-queues for water collection were common complaints. Chlorine-tablet users reported inadequate and interrupted tablet supply, and inconsistent information delivered by different organisations caused confusion. Respondents reported fear of adverse-effects of "chemicals/medicine" used to treat water, especially fear of religious conversion. Water treatment options were reported as easy-to-use, and perceived health-benefits were motivating-factors. In vulnerable refugee communities, community and religious-leaders can formulate and deliver messages to address water taste and smell, instil trust, allay fears, and address rumours/misinformation to maximise early uptake.</jats:p

Non-escaping frost tolerant QTL linked genetic loci at reproductive stage in six wheat DH populations

Reproductive stage frost poses a major constraint for wheat production in countries such as Australia. However, little progress has been made in identifying key genes to overcome the constraint. In the present study, a severe frost event hit two large-scale field trials consisting of six doubled haploid (DH) wheat populations at reproductive stage (young microspore stage) in Western Australia, leading to the identification of 30 robust frost QTL on 17 chromosomes. The major 18 QTL with the phenotype variation over 9.5% were located on 13 chromosomes including 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5A, 5D, 6D, 7A, 7B and 7D. Most frost QTL were closely linked to the QTL of anthesis, maturity, Zadok stages as well as linked to anthesis related genes. Out of those, six QTL were repetitively detected on the homologous regions on 2B, 4B, 4D, 5A, 5D, 7A in more than two populations. Results showed that the frost damage is associated with alleles of Vrn-A1a, Vrn-D1a, Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b, and the high copy number of Ppd-B1. However, anthesis QTL and anthesis related genes of Vrn-B1a and TaFT3-1B on chromosomes 5B and 1B did not lead to frost damage, indicating that these early-flowering phenotype related genes are compatible with frost tolerance and thus can be utilised in breeding. Our results also indicate that wild-type alleles Rht-B1a and Rht-D1a can be used when breeding for frost-tolerant varieties without delaying flowering time