Some common fixed point theorems in bipolar metric spaces and applications

In this article, we prove some common fixed point theorems for generalized rational type contractions in bipolar metric spaces. These theorems also generalize and extend several interesting results of metric fixed point theory to the bipolar metric context. In addition, we provide some examples to illustrate our theorems, and applications are obtained in areas of homotopy theory and integral equations by using iterative methods for mathematical operators on a bipolar metric space

Room temperature multiferroic properties and magnetoelectric coupling in Sm and Ni substituted Bi4-xSmxTi3-xNixO12 +/-delta (x=0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.07) ceramics

Lead free multiferroic Bi4-xSmxTi3-xNixO12 +/-delta (x = 0.02, 0.05, and 0.07) samples have been synthesized by conventional solid state route. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals single phase up to x = 0.07, and a secondary phase appears at x > 0.07. Raman spectroscopy confirms the local distortions in the crystal. Field emission scanning electron microscopy shows plate like grains. Substitution has increased the orthorhombic distortion, grain size, and hence the ferroelectric transition temperature (T-c). A significant reduction in the values of dielectric constant (epsilon') and loss tangent (tan delta) has been observed with the increase of Sm and Ni ions. The increase in dc resistivity at room temperature has been found with substitution. Enhancement in the values of remnant polarization (2P(r)) and magnetization (2M(r)) is observed. Magnetoelectric coupling coefficient (alpha) values of 0.60mV/cm/Oe are achieved in Bi4-xSmxTi3-xNixO12 +/-delta ceramic samples. Hence, we have successfully converted the ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 into a multiferroic, which is a new lead free multiferroic material, can be useful for future electromagnetic devices

Room temperature multiferroic behaviour and magnetoelectric coupling in Sm/Fe modified Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics synthesized by solid state reaction method

Lead-free and single phase Bi4-xSmxTi3-xFexO12 +/-delta (0 <= x <= 0.3) ceramics were synthesized using solid state reaction method. Relaxation of distortion in TiO6 octahedron was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy analysis. The study of surface morphology by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) reveals the growth of plate-like grains. Frequency dependent dielectric studies display the reduction of dispersion in both dielectric constant as well as loss tangent with substitution. It is observed that ferroelectric transition temperature (T-c) of bismuth titanate (BIT) decreases with increasing content of Sm3+ and Fe3+ ions. The increase in dc resistivity at room temperature has been found with substitution. A significant improvement in remnant polarization (2P(r)) and magnetization (2M(r)) has been found in the system on substitution. Magnetoelectric coupling coefficient, alpha = 0.84 mV/cm Oe is realized for x = 0.3 ceramic sample at room temperature. Our results clearly demonstrates the lead-free, multiferroic nature of Sm/Fe substituted BIT, which may find useful application in designing multiple state memory elements, data storage devices and sensors. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Room-temperature multiferroic properties and magnetoelectric coupling in Bi4-x Sm (x) Ti3-x Co (x) O12-delta ceramics

We present the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric studies of lead free; single phase Bi4-x Sm (x) Ti3-x Co (x) O12-delta (0 a parts per thousand currency sign x a parts per thousand currency sign 0.07) ceramics, synthesized using a standard solid-state reaction technique. Raman spectroscopy analysis reveals the relaxation of distortion in TiO6 octahedron. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the growth of plate-like grains. It is observed that with the substitution of Sm3+ and Co3+ ions the dielectric constant, loss tangent and ferroelectric transition temperature decreases. Electrical dc resistivity, remnant polarization and magnetization increases with increasing Sm3+ and Co3+ contents. The magnetoelectric coupling co-efficient, alpha = 0.65 mV cm(-1) Oe(-1) is realized for Bi4-x Sm (x) Ti3-x Co (x) O12-delta (x = 0.07) ceramic sample. Our results clearly demonstrate the lead free, multiferroic nature of Sm/Co-substituted Bi4Ti3O12, which may find useful application in designing cost-effective electromagnetic devices

Partial Left Ventriculectomy to Treat End-Stage Heart Disease

Background. It is reasoned that reducing left ventricular diameter (Laplace’s law) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, will improve ventricular function. Methods. Partial left ventriculectomy was performed in 120 patients with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathies of varying causes. Most patients were in New York Heart Association functional class IV. The procedure consisted of removal of a wedge of left ventricular muscle from the apex to the base of the heart. Depending on the distance between the two papillary muscles, the mitral valve apparatus was either preserved, repaired, or replaced with a tissue prosthesis. Results. The 30-day mortality was 22% and the 2-year survival was 55%. Although 10% of surviving patients showed no improvement in New York Heart Association functional class, most of the surviving patients were in either class I (57%) or II (33.3%), and the others were in class III and IV. Conclusions. Partial left ventriculectomy can be used to treat end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. Further studies and a longer follow-up period are needed to fully assess the effects of this procedure

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Not AvailableHeat stress is one of the significant constraints affecting wheat production worldwide. To ensure food security for ever-increasing world population, improving wheat for heat stress tolerance is needed in the presently drifting climatic conditions. At the molecular level, heat stress tolerance in wheat is governed by a complex interplay of various heat stress-associated genes. We used a comparative transcriptome sequencing approach to study the effect of heat stress (5°C above ambient threshold temperature of 20°C) during grain filling stages in wheat genotype K7903 (Halna). At 7 DPA (days post-anthesis), heat stress treatment was given at four stages: 0, 24, 48, and 120 h. In total, 115,656 wheat genes were identified, including 309 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in many critical processes, such as signal transduction, starch synthetic pathway, antioxidant pathway, and heat stress-responsive conserved and uncharacterized putative genes that play an essential role in maintaining the grain filling rate at the high temperature. A total of 98,412 Simple Sequences Repeats (SSR) were identified from de novo transcriptome assembly of wheat and validated. The miRNA target prediction from differential expressed genes was performed by psRNATarget server against 119 mature miRNA. Further, 107,107 variants including 80,936 Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and 26,171 insertion/deletion (Indels) were also identified in de novo transcriptome assembly of wheat and wheat genome Ensembl version 31. The present study enriches our understanding of known heat response mechanisms during the grain filling stage supported by discovery of novel transcripts, microsatellite markers, putative miRNA targets, and genetic variant. This enhances gene functions and regulators, paving the way for improved heat tolerance in wheat varieties, making them more suitable for production in the current climate change scenario.Not Availabl