Anomalous diffusion in correlated continuous time random walks

We demonstrate that continuous time random walks in which successive waiting times are correlated by Gaussian statistics lead to anomalous diffusion with mean squared displacement ~t^{2/3}. Long-ranged correlations of the waiting times with power-law exponent alpha (0<alpha<=2) give rise to subdiffusion of the form ~t^{alpha/(1+alpha)}. In contrast correlations in the jump lengths are shown to produce superdiffusion. We show that in both cases weak ergodicity breaking occurs. Our results are in excellent agreement with simulations.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures. Slightly revised version, accepted to J Phys A as a Fast Track Communicatio

Evolutionary history and identification of conservation units in the giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis.

The giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, occupies a range including the major drainage basins of South America, yet the degree of structure that exists within and among populations inhabiting these drainages is unknown. We sequenced portions of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (612 bp) and control region (383 bp) genes in order to determine patterns of genetic variation within the species. We found high levels of mtDNA haplotype diversity (h = 0.93 overall) and support for subdivision into four distinct groups of populations, representing important centers of genetic diversity and useful units for prioritizing conservation within the giant otter. We tested these results against the predictions of three hypotheses of Amazonian diversification (Pleistocene Refugia, Paleogeography, and Hydrogeology). While the phylogeographic pattern conformed to the predictions of the Refugia Hypothesis, molecular dating using a relaxed clock revealed the phylogroups diverged from one another between 1.69 and 0.84 Ma, ruling out the influence of Late Pleistocene glacial refugia. However, the role of Plio-Pleistocene climate change could not be rejected. While the molecular dating also makes the influence of geological arches according to the Paleogeography Hypothesis extremely unlikely, the recent Pliocene formation of the Fitzcarrald Arch and its effect of subsequently altering drainage pattern could not be rejected. The data presented here support the interactions of both climatic and hydrological changes resulting from geological activity in the Plio-Pleistocene, in shaping the phylogeographic structure of the giant otter

Mechanical, Wear, and Fracture Behavior of Titanium Diboride (TiB2) - Cerium Oxide (CeO2) Reinforced Al-6061 Hot-rolled Hybrid Composites

Development of aluminium composites by stircasting technique is an effective method for fabrication of better quality of MMCs. Stircasting technique is one of the most commonly accepted techniques. In this research work, Al6061 / TiB2+CeO2 hybrid MMCs have been fabricated with varying wt. % of TiB2 (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) particulates and constant 5% of CeO2 particulates. The monolithic alloy and hybrid composite were hot-rolled at a temperature of 515°C. Whereas, both the monolithic and hot-rolled hybrid composite was subjected to micro-structural study, hardness and tensile test. Optical microscope analysis revealed uniform dispersal of hard particles with in the base matrix in case of both of ascast and hot-rolled composites. Both ascast and hotrolled hybrid composites have shown extensive enhanced mechanical behavior and high wear resistance when compared with monolithic alloy. Though, ductility of the hybrid MMCs decreased with increasing TiB2 and CeO2 content. A tensile and wear fractography outcome shows the internal fractured structure of a tensile and wear specimen which was analysed using a SEM analysis

Study on Micro-structure, Hardness and Optimization of Wear Characteristics of Al6061/TiB2/CeO2 Hotrolled MMCs using Taguchi Method

Aluminium composites are extensively used in several industrial applications. The production of Metal Matrix Composite (MMCs) with varying wt. % of reinforcement/s leads to enhancement of wear and mechanical behavior. In the present work, the varying wt. % of TiB2 and constant wt. % of CeO2 particulates were reinforced in Al6061 alloy to manufacture hybrid Al MMCs by Vortex (Stircasting) technique. Developed hybrid MMCs were hotrolled at 515°C of temperature. Hardness of hybrid MMCs was evaluated by using hardness test rig (Vickers). Result revealed that the hardness strength of developed hybrid MMCs increased with increase of the reinforcement content. The rate of wear of developed hybrid MMCs was evaluated by using Pin on Disc wear test. Test trials were conducted according to Taguchi technique. L27 array was implemented for evaluation of data. Effect of varying factors on the rate of wear and COF was analyzed by applying ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) method. ANOVA outcomes showed that the reinforcement content had a more significant impact on wear behavior and COF of the MMCs. Finally, L27 array outcomes were verified through confirmation experiments. A wear fractography outcome shows the internal fractured structure of a wear specimen which was studied using a SEM

A study on coating of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose incorporated with a nano-emulsion of Piper betel leaf essential oil to enhance shelf-life and improve postharvest quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Edible coating films derived from essential oils effectively preserve farm produce, especially fruits and vegetables, and the technology is widely prevalent in improving their shelf life. The present study aimed to reduce the post-harvest loss and extend the shelf life of tomatoes using edible coatings based on Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) containing Piper betel leaf essential oil nano-emulsion as an antibacterial and bioactive compound. It also aimed for optimal extraction of essential oils (EO) from Piper betel leaves which contain various medicinal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant compounds such as chavibetol, eugenol, and other compounds. The essential oils were extracted, and nano-emulsion was prepared by a low-energy emulsification method and incorporated into edible HPMC composite to determine whether the edible coatings of the nano-emulsion of Piper betel leaf could delay the changes that lead to deterioration of the fruit. Results showed that the coatings delayed 5 % changes in color, 8% weight loss, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, soluble solids concentration, lycopene, and decay percentage, compared to uncoated control fruits. It was inferred that tomatoes that were coated with 15% nano-emulsion containing dipping solution showed a significant increase in the shelf life of tomatoes up to 8 days. Therefore, it is suggested to use HPMC containing the Piper betel oil nano-emulsion as an edible coating, extending the shelf-life of tomato fruits post-harvest

Quantifying signals with power-law correlations: A comparative study of detrended fluctuation analysis and detrended moving average techniques

Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and detrended moving average (DMA) are two scaling analysis methods designed to quantify correlations in noisy non-stationary signals. We systematically study the performance of different variants of the DMA method when applied to artificially generated long-range power-law correlated signals with an {\it a-priori} known scaling exponent $\alpha_{0}$ and compare them with the DFA method. We find that the scaling results obtained from different variants of the DMA method strongly depend on the type of the moving average filter. Further, we investigate the optimal scaling regime where the DFA and DMA methods accurately quantify the scaling exponent $\alpha_{0}$, and how this regime depends on the correlations in the signal. Finally, we develop a three-dimensional representation to determine how the stability of the scaling curves obtained from the DFA and DMA methods depends on the scale of analysis, the order of detrending, and the order of the moving average we use, as well as on the type of correlations in the signal.Comment: 15 pages, 16 figure

AYURVEDA SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF HEPATITIS B – A CASE STUDY

A successful case study of Ayurveda management of Hepatitis B was reported. A 19 year old patient with classical symptoms of hepatitis B assessed subjectively and objectively and meticulously recorded at all stages. Yellow discoloration of eye, urine, nails and tongue, loss of appetite, generalized itching and fatigue was noted. After enhancing digestive capacity, medicated ghee –‘Vyoshadi grta,’ was administered as per Shaman principles in a dose of 10gm twice daily. Mrudu virechana (mild purgation) induced by Trivrth lehya 20gm which resulted in 5 to 6 Vegas (bouts of loose stools). Agni (digestive capacity) has slowly but gradually increased. Diet quantity and quality was rectified as required. Rasayan prescribed in one single dose daily was Draskhavlehya, after patient showed clinically significant clearance of all symptoms. Rasayana and Ahara vihara management was continued until blood serum hepatitis antigen B reported negative. Liver Function Test, HB percent in laboratory registered normalization and clinical confirmation showed significant results. Photographs of urine and eye documented periodically. Blood reports showed radical improvements. Physically, mentally and spiritually patient has reported wellbeing. Patient moved towards Swasthya (complete wellbeing). This case study guaranteed Ayurveda management as quick, safe and effective. Large scale study was required to reconfirm reports and can be initiated on similar principles and practices

Mild clinical course of covid-19 in 3 patients receiving therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting c5 complement for hematologic disorders

© Am J Case Rep, 2020. Objective: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Background: Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies might be more susceptible to COVID-19. Conversely, an exaggerated inflammatory response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection might be blunted by certain forms of immunosuppression, which could be protective. Indeed, there are data from animal models demonstrating that complement may be a part of the pathophysiology of coronavirus infections. There is also evidence from an autopsy series demonstrating complement deposition in the lungs of patients with COVID-19. This raises the question of whether patients on anti-complement therapy could be protected from COVID-19. Case Reports: Case 1 is a 39-year-old woman with an approximately 20-year history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), who had recently been switched from treatment with eculizumab to ravulizumab prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case 2 is a 54-year-old woman with a cadaveric renal transplant for lupus nephritis, complicated by thrombotic microangiopathy, who was maintained on eculizumab, which she started several months before she developed the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case 3 is a 60-year-old woman with a 14-year history of PNH, who had been treated with eculizumab since 2012, and was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of her scheduled infusion. All 3 patients had a relatively mild course of COVID-19. Conclusions: We see no evidence of increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in these patients on anti-complement therapy, which might actually have accounted for the mild course of infection. The effect of anti-complement therapy on COVID-19 disease needs to be determined in clinical trials