Controllability of linear impulsive systems – an eigenvalue approach

summary:This article considers a class of finite-dimensional linear impulsive time-varying systems for which various sufficient and necessary algebraic criteria for complete controllability, including matrix rank conditions are established. The obtained controllability results are further synthesised for the time-invariant case, and under some special conditions on the system parameters, we obtain a Popov-Belevitch-Hautus (PBH)-type rank condition which employs eigenvalues of the system matrix for the investigation of their controllability. Numerical examples are provided that demonstrate--for the linear impulsive systems, null controllability need not imply their complete controllability, unlike for the non-impulsive linear systems

Mitral Leaflet Separation Index in Assessing the Severity of Mitral Stenosis

Determining the severity of mitral stenosis (MS) is important for both prognostic and therapeutic reasons. The mitral valve area (MVA) can be measured by planimetry, pressure half-time, continuity equation, and proximal isovelocity surface area methods. In this study, we propose a novel yet simple, independent measure of MS severity–the mitral leaflet separation (MLS) index. This new index could be a useful surrogate measure of the MVA. This index would also help when there is a discrepancy between severities of MS estimated by existing methods, in the presence of atrial fibrillation and in the presence of mitral regurgitation

Seaweed distribution on diversity on the intertidal rocks at Nochiyurani coast of Gulf of Mannar

The present study deals with 21 seaweed species from the intertidal rocks at nine sampling stations along Nochiyurani coast during six month period from January to June 2014. Among the different species of seaweeds, the dominant species Gracilaria corticata in all the sampling stations indicated it's adaptability to the surf zone. Acanthophora spicifera and Caulerpa scalpellifomis var. denticulata were the next two dominant species. The present study reveals that intertidal rocks occurring along the entire coast of Nochiyurani offer suitable substratum for the luxuriant growth of seaweeds. The lack of anthropogenic activity along this coast favours for the good growth of different seaweeds

Detailed Bathymetric Surveys in the Central Indian Basin

Over 420,000 line kilometers of echo-sounding data was collected in the Central Indian Basin. This data was digitized, merged with navigation data and a detailed bathymetric map of the Basin was prepared. The Basin can be broadly classified into three regions as high relief area, medium relief area and plain area represented by western, eastern and central portions of the Basin, respectively. The bathymetric map prepared from this survey is the first of its kind for this region and will in the future be used as a base by navigators and researchers

Coronary artery fistula: A case series with review of the literature

SummaryCoronary artery fistula (CAF) is an anomalous connection between a coronary artery and a major vessel or cardiac chamber. Most of the coronary fistulas are discovered incidentally during angiographic evaluation for coronary vascular disorder. The management of CAF is complicated and recommendations are based on anecdotal cases or very small retrospective series. We present three cases of CAF, two of which were symptomatic due to hemodynamically significant coronary steal phenomenon. They underwent successful transcatheter coil embolization, leading to resolution of their symptoms. Percutaneous closure offers a safe and effective way for the management of symptomatic patients. CAFs are rare cardiac anomalies but can give rise to a variety of symptoms because of their hemodynamic consequences or complications. They should be part of cardiac differential diagnosis particularly in patients without other risk factors. Correction of CAF is indicated if the patients are symptomatic or if other secondary complications develop

Note on the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761) rescued at Vizhinjam, Kerala

A large leather back turtle was rescued on 17th June 2008 from fishermen at Vizhinjam landing centre. It was entangled in a gill net and was brought to the landing centre for handing over the same to illegal traders. However, the forest officials along with police personnel intervened and the turtle was released back

An epigenetic breeding system in soybean for increased yield and stability

Epigenetic variation has been associated with a wide range of adaptive phenotypes in plants, but there exist few direct means for exploiting this variation. RNAi suppression of the plant-specific gene, MutS HOMOLOG1 (MSH1), in multiple plant species produces a range of developmental changes accompanied by modulation of defence, phytohormone and abiotic stress response pathways along with methylome repatterning. This msh1-conditioned developmental reprogramming is retained independent of transgene segregation, giving rise to transgene-null ‘memory’ effects. An isogenic memory line crossed to wild type produces progeny families displaying increased variation in adaptive traits that respond to selection. This study investigates amenability of the MSH1 system for inducing agronomically valuable epigenetic variation in soybean. We developed MSH1 epi-populations by crossing with msh1-acquired soybean memory lines. Derived soybean epi-lines showed increase in variance for multiple yield-related traits including pods per plant, seed weight and maturity time in both glasshouse and field trials. Selected epi-F2:4 and epi-F2:5 lines showed an increase in seed yield over wild type. By epi-F2:6, we observed a return of MSH1-derived enhanced growth back to wild-type levels. Epi-populations also showed evidence of reduced epitype-by-environment (e 9 E) interaction, indicating higher yield stability. Transcript profiling of epi-lines identified putative signatures of enhanced growth behaviour across generations. Genes related to cell cycle, abscisic acid biosynthesis and auxin response, particularly SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs), were differentially expressed in epi-F2:4 lines that showed increased yield when compared to epi-F2:6. These data support the potential of MSH1-derived epigenetic variation in plant breeding for enhanced yield and yield stability

Unusual landings of shrimps, trichiurids, ballistids and ornamental fishes along Vizhinjam coast

Heavy landings of shrimps and fin fishes were recorded from Vizhinjam, Trivandrum during 22nd to 24th June with peak landings on 24th June 2007. A mud bank like phenomenon was observed in the area. Water was very turbid and wave action was considerably reduced in the near shore waters