Trapping and sorting active particles: motility-induced condensation & smectic defects

We present an experimental realization of the collective trapping phase transition [Kaiser et al., PRL 108, 268307 (2012)], using motile polar granular rods in the presence of a V-shaped obstacle. We offer a theory of this transition based on the interplay of motility-induced condensation and liquid-crystalline ordering and show that trapping occurs when persistent influx overcomes the collective expulsion of smectic defect structures. In agreement with the theory, our experiments find that a trap fills to the brim when the trap angle $\theta$ is below a threshold $\theta_c$, while all particles escape for $\theta > \theta_c$. Our simulations support a further prediction, that $\theta_c$ goes down with increasing rotational noise. We exploit the sensitivity of trapping to the persistence of directed motion to sort particles based on the statistical properties of their activityComment: 6 pages, 5 figures, for supplementary mpg files, see "https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3cmswfoysdn0sb6/AACpEp-G3768B6Y62nDFj_Hea?dl=0". This paper supersedes our earlier version arXiv:1603.08535 and contains substantial new results including revised theoretical treatmen

Design/Development of Mini/Micro Air Vehicles through Modelling and Simulation: Case of an Autonomous Quadrotor

Design and development of an autonomous quadrotor micro aerial vehicle is undertaken following a systematic approach. A fairly detailed model was constructed and simulations were then carried out with the purpose of refining the baseline design, building a controller, and testing the flying qualities of the vehicle on a ground-based flight simulator. Following this, a smooth transition to rig and flight testing has been enabled in a cost- and time-effective manner, meeting all the design requirements.Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(4), pp.337-345, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.108

IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF TECTONICALLY ACTIVE POTENTIAL ZONES IN NORTHEASTERN PART OF ARAVALLI MOUNTAIN RANGE

The Great Boundary Fault (GBF) forms the eastern margin of the Aravalli Mountain Range (AMR) and, is exposed as boundary between highly deformed rocks of the AMR and relatively undeformed Vindhyan rocks. The GBF acts as important active dislocation zone between Himalayan regime in the north and, Son-Narmada regime in the south. Nevertheless, the intensity of active tectonics along GBF is relatively mild and hence, it requires special technique to identify and map active tectonics zone along this thrust. The thematic maps of geology, geomorphology, slope, and vegetation index of study area have been prepared using Landsat 7 ETM + digital data. These themes are integrated in GIS environment to assess the active tectonic potential in the area. The observed four high potential zones in the area are located at the intersection of NE-SW lineaments. The study brings out methodology for assessing active tectonic potential of the area. 1

Mechanism of Wound-Healing Activity of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Leaf Extract in Experimental Burns

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the healing efficacy of lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., family Elaeagnaceae) (SBT) and to explore its possible mechanism of action on experimental burn wounds in rats. The SBT extract, at various concentrations, was applied topically, twice daily for 7 days. Treatment with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) ointment was used as reference control. The most effective concentration of the extract was found to be 5.0% (w/w) for burn wound healing and this was further used for detailed study. The SBT-treated group showed faster reduction in wound area in comparison with control and SSD-treated groups. The topical application of SBT increased collagen synthesis and stabilization at the wound site, as evidenced by increase in hydroxyproline, hexosamine levels and up-regulated expression of collagen type-III. The histological examinations and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9) expression also confirmed the healing efficacy of SBT leaf extract. Furthermore, there was significant increase in levels of endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and decrease in lipid peroxide levels in SBT-treated burn wound granulation tissue. The SBT also promoted angiogenesis as evidenced by an in vitro chick chorioallantoic membrane model and in vivo up-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The SBT leaf extract had no cytotoxic effect on BHK-21 cell line. In conclusion, SBT aqueous leaf extract possesses significant healing potential in burn wounds and has a positive influence on the different phases of wound repair

Evaluation of the efficacy of tamsulosin with or without deflazacort for stone clearance after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for upper ureteral and renal calculi

Background: Medical expulsive therapy in the form of alpha blockers, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers is being used with success for medical treatment of lower ureteric calculus. Adjunctive use of these therapeutic agents in post extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy period is also being tried.With this background, we evaluated the efficacy of tamsulosin with or without deflazacort for various outcome factors after ESWL of upper ureteral and renal calculi.Methods: A Prospecive study during period from February 2014 to April 2015 including a total of 90 patients with solitary upper ureteral or renal calculus who underwent ESWL was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups. Group A(30 patients) were given standard therapy (analgesics and antibiotics for 5 days), Group B (30 patients) were given standard plus tamsulosin (0.4 mg once daily) for 4 weeks and Group C (30 patients) were given standard therapy plus tamsulosin (0.4 mg once daily) and deflazacort (6 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks . Patients were evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks post ESWL with X ray KUB and USG.Results: At the end of 4 weeks, 10, 17, and 26 patients in group A, B and C respectively cleared their stones. Out of these 2, 6 and 19 patients in group A, B and C respectively cleared their stones in first 2 weeks. Clearance in group C was significantly higher as compared to group A and B.Conclusions: Addition of alpha-blocker tamsulosin along with deflazacort post ESWL for renal and upper ureteric calculi increases the stone expulsion rate and reduces the expulsion duration as shown by highly statistically significant results in group C.