Numerical Analysis of Non-Fickian Diffusion with a General Source

The inadequacy of Fick’s law to incorporate causality can be overcome by replacing it with the Green–Naghdi type II (GNII) flux relation. Combining the GNII assumption and conservation of mass leads to [see document for equation] where r (x, t) is the density function, S(p) is a source term and c¥ is a positive constant which carries (SI) units of m/sec. A general source term given by [see document for equation] is proposed. Here, the constants y and ps are the rate coefficient and saturation density respectively. The travelling wave solutions and numerical analysis of four special cases of equation (2), namely: Pearl-Verhulst Growth law, Zel’dovich Law, Newmann Law and Stefan- Boltzmann Law are investigated. For both analysis, results are compared with the available literature and extended for other cases. The numerical analysis is carried out by imposing well-studied Initial Boundary Value Problem and implementing a built-in method in the software package Mathematica 9. For Pearl-Verhulst source type, the results are compared to those found in literature [1]. Confirming the validity of built-in method for Pearl-Verhulst law, the generic built-in method is extended to study the transient signal response for similar initial boundary value problems when the source terms are Zel’dovich law, Newmann law and Stefan-Boltzmann law

Feasibility study of a hard x-ray FEL oscillator at 3 to 4 GeV based on harmonic lasing and transverse gradient undulator

We studied the feasibility of a hard x-ray FEL oscillator (XFELO) based on a 3 to 4 GeV storage ring considered for the low-emittance upgrade of NSLS-II. We present a more detailed derivation of a formula for the small-gain gain calculation for 3 GeV XFELO published in the proceedings of IPAC'21 [1]. We modified the small-signal low-gain formula developed by K.J. Kim, et.al. [4{6] so that the gain can be derived without taking the \no focusing approximation" and a strong focusing can be applied. In this formula, the gain is cast in the form of a product of two factors with one of them depending only on the harmonic number, undulator period, and gap. Using this factor, we show that it is favorable to use harmonic lasing to achieve hard x-ray FEL working in the small-signal low-gain regime with the medium-energy electron beam (3-4 GeV). Our formula also allows FEL optimization by varying the vertical gradient of the undulator, the vertical dispersion, and the horizontal and vertical focusing, independently. Since a quite high peak current is required for the FEL, the collective effects of beam dynamics in medium-energy synchrotrons significantly affect the electron beam parameters. We carried out a multiple-parameter optimization taking collective effects into account and the result indicates the XFELO is feasible for storage ring energy as low as 3 GeV, with local correction of betatron coupling

Comparing Digital Image Analysis and Visual Rating of Gamma Ray Induced Perennial Rye Grass (Lolium perenne) Mutants

Not AvailableTo generate variability in perennial rye grass and to select genotypes responsive to low management, gamma-ray irradiation was used for induction of dwarfness and other quality attributes. The main objective of this study was to identify changes and correlations among turf visual rating and digital image analysis in evaluating turf grass quality under different treatments. Differences were significant among irradiated population with respect to hue angle, brightness and saturation. The correlations of hue and DGCI were significantly positive with all the parameters of visual rating. There were non-significant correlation of brightness with quality and texture, and saturation and texture. The DGCI values were in tune with each of these parameters when the slope of regression line was significantly different from zero (p<0.05). These relationships were better in DGCI and hue (r2 = 0.3531) DGCI and saturation (r2 = 0.3017); DGCI and brightness (r2 = 0.1196) and DGCI and colour (r2 = 0.1725). Non-linear relationship was noticed between DGCI and quality (r2 = 0.0004).Not Availabl

Mutagenesis and digital image analysis of mutants for quality attributes of native Cynodon dactylon

The ability to capture information of turf grass in situ makes digital camera based image analysis, a viable tool to quantify turf grass (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) in field experiments. In addition to colour quantification, digital image analysis has been used successfully to quantify percentage turf grass cover and has also been proved to be useful in quantifying turf parameters such as weed infestation, disease incidence, herbicide toxicity, leaf area and recovery from injury. Colour is one of the major criteria used to evaluate the quality of turf and lawn. To generate variability in Bermuda grass to select genotypes responsive to low management, gamma-ray irradiation was used for induction of dwarfness and other quality attributes. Five dwarf mutant lines (DFR 440, DFR-C-444, DFR-C-445, DFR-C 446 and DFR-C-448) were isolated. In the present study, camera and image analysis technique is applied to measure turf colour by its reflectance in the HSB colour scale. The data depicts that the dwarf mutant lines had better quality of lower canopy height, shorter internodes and shorter leaves than the parent. It is demonstrated that image analysis is a suitable non-destructive tool to assess turf grass colour in a reproducible and calibrated manner, over a wide span of structural and colour attributes of turf grass

A prospective, multi center, single blind, randomized controlled study evaluating “AyurCoro3” as an adjuvant in the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients

Background: There is so far no proven treatment for the unprecedented COVID-19 infections. Ayurveda holds promise in the treatment of this viral infection. We carried out a randomized controlled trial of ‘AyurCoro-3’, a combination of Gomutra (Bos indicus urine), hot water, turmeric, Turati Churna (potassium Alum), candy sugar (Khadisakhar), Bos indicus milk with two teaspoons of Go Ghrut (Ghee) as an adjuvant to standard care, in comparison to standard care alone in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections. Methods: A randomized, blinded, controlled trial was carried out in adult patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Interventional group was administered single dose of ‘AyurCoro-3’ as an adjuvant with standard care, and the control group received only standard of care. Validated clinical improvement scale was used for evaluating the clinical improvement, time of resolution of presenting symptoms, duration of hospitalization, proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, and functional status scale were the key outcomes. Results: One-hundred and seventy-four patients were recruited. Significantly more proportions of patients had resolution of all symptoms (cough, fever, breathlessness, weakness, and tastelessness) in the interventional group compared to control. Similarly, the interventional group also had shorter time for clinical improvement as well as shorter time of resolution for cough, breathlessness, and weakness. No significant differences were observed in the duration of hospitalization, proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, functional status scale, and adverse events between the groups. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic medicine ‘AyurCoro-3’ was observed to significantly shorten the duration of COVID-19 infections and was well tolerated

OncomiRdbB: a comprehensive database of microRNAs and their targets in breast cancer

Background: Given the estimate that 30% of our genes are controlled by microRNAs, it is essential that we understand the precise relationship between microRNAs and their targets. OncomiRs are microRNAs (miRNAs) that have been frequently shown to be deregulated in cancer. However, although several oncomiRs have been identified and characterized, there is as yet no comprehensive compilation of this data which has rendered it underutilized by cancer biologists. There is therefore an unmet need in generating bioinformatic platforms to speed the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Description: We describe here OncomiRdbB, a comprehensive database of oncomiRs mined from different existing databases for mouse and humans along with novel oncomiRs that we have validated in human breast cancer samples. The database also lists their respective predicted targets, identified using miRanda, along with their IDs, sequences, chromosome location and detailed description. This database facilitates querying by search strings including microRNA name, sequence, accession number, target genes and organisms. The microRNA networks and their hubs with respective targets at 3'UTR, 5'UTR and exons of different pathway genes were also deciphered using the 'R' algorithm. Conclusion: OncomiRdbB is a comprehensive and integrated database of oncomiRs and their targets in breast cancer with multiple query options which will help enhance both understanding of the biology of breast cancer and the development of new and innovative microRNA based diagnostic tools and targets of therapeutic significance

High-charge 10 GeV electron acceleration in a 10 cm nanoparticle-assisted hybrid wakefield accelerator

In an electron wakefield accelerator, an intense laser pulse or charged particle beam excites plasma waves. Under proper conditions, electrons from the background plasma are trapped in the plasma wave and accelerated to ultra-relativistic velocities. We present recent results from a proof-of-principle wakefield acceleration experiment that reveal a unique synergy between a laser-driven and particle-driven accelerator: a high-charge laser-wakefield accelerated electron bunch can drive its own wakefield while simultaneously drawing energy from the laser pulse via direct laser acceleration. This process continues to accelerate electrons beyond the usual decelerating phase of the wakefield, thus reaching much higher energies. We find that the 10-centimeter-long nanoparticle-assisted wakefield accelerator can generate 340 pC, 10.4+-0.6 GeV electron bunches with 3.4 GeV RMS convolved energy spread and 0.9 mrad RMS divergence. It can also produce bunches with lower energy, a few percent energy spread, and a higher charge. This synergistic mechanism and the simplicity of the experimental setup represent a step closer to compact tabletop particle accelerators suitable for applications requiring high charge at high energies, such as free electron lasers or radiation sources producing muon beams

Rapid assessment of facilitators and barriers related to the acceptance, challenges and community perception of daily regimen for treating tuberculosis in India

Introduction: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) is the largest tuberculosis (TB) control program in the world based on Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) strategy. Globally, most countries have been using a daily regimen and in India a shift towards a daily regimen for TB treatment has already begun. The daily strategy is known to improve program coverage along with compliance. Such strategic shifts have both management and operational implications. We undertook a rapid assessment to understand the facilitators and barriers in adopting the daily regimen for TB treatment in three Indian states. Methods: In-depth interviews were planned across six districts of three purposively selected states of Maharashtra, Bihar and Sikkim, among health system personnel at various levels to identify their perspectives on adoption of a daily regimen for TB. These districts were sampled on the basis of TB notification rates. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was undertaken. Results: 62 respondents were interviewed from these 6 districts. During the analysis, it was observed that an easily accessible, patient-centred and personalized outreach is an enabling factor for adherence to treatment. Lack of transportation facilities, out-of-pocket expenses and loss of wages for accessing DOTS at institutions are major identified barriers for treatment adherence at individual level. At program level, lack of trained service providers, poor administration of treatment protocols and inadequate supervision by health care providers and program managers are key factors that influence program outcomes. Conclusion: A major observation that emerged from the interviews is that the key to achieve a relapse-free cure is ensuring that a patient receives all doses of the prescribed treatment regimen. However, switching to a daily regimen makes adherence difficult and thus new strategies are needed for its implementation at patient and health provider levels. Most stakeholders appreciate the reasons for switching to a daily regimen. The stakeholders recognised the efforts of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in spearheading the program. Strategies like the 99 DOTS call-centre approach may also further ensure treatment adherence