Superconductivity coupling of harmonic resonant oscillators: Homogeneous and heterogeneous extreme multistability with multi-scrolls.

Understanding and characterizing multistabilities, whether homogeneous or heterogeneous, is crucial in various fields as it helps to unveil complex system behaviors and provides insights into the resilience and adaptability of these systems when faced with perturbations or changes. Homogeneous and heterogeneous multistabilities refer, respectively, to situation in which various multiple stable states within a system are qualitatively similar or distinct. Generating such complex phenomena with multi-scrolls from inherent circuits is less reported. This paper aims to investigate extreme multistability dynamics with homogeneous and heterogeneous multi-scrolls in two coupled resonant oscillators through a shunted Josephson junction. Analysis of equilibrium points revealed that the system supports both hidden and self-excited attractors. Various dynamical tools, including bifurcation diagrams, spectrum of Lyapunov exponents, and phase portraits, are exploited to establish the connection between the system parameters and various complicated dynamical features of the system. By tuning both system parameters and initial conditions, some striking phenomena, such as homogeneous and heterogeneous extreme multistability, along with the emergence of multi-scrolls, are illustrated. Furthermore, it is observed that one can readily control the number of scrolls purely by varying the initial conditions of the investigated system. A multi-metastable phenomenon is also captured in the system and confirmed using the finite-time Lyapunov exponents. Finally, the microcontroller implementation of the system demonstrates strong alignment with the numerical investigations.

Boosting of stable synchronization in coupled non-identical counter-rotating chaotic systems.

Achieving synchronization in coupled non-identical chaotic systems has been a difficult endeavor, and improving the stability of synchronization in such systems poses additional challenges. This research work addresses these challenges by identifying stable synchronization in coupled non-identical chaotic systems and enhancing its stability. The study explores chaotic attractors that arise from various system parameters to provide generalized results. Furthermore, the impact of the transient uncoupling factor on improving synchronization stability in coupled non-identical counter-rotating chaotic oscillators is discussed. By investigating these aspects, the research aims to contribute to the understanding and advancement of synchronization in coupled non-identical chaotic systems.

Machine learning aided near-field acoustic holography based on equivalent source method.

In recent times, equivalent source method-based near-field acoustic holography methods have been extensively applied in sound source localization and characterization. The most commonly used equivalent sources are spherical harmonics. In a non-reverberant environment with no reflections, these equivalent sources could be the best choice since spherical harmonics are derived for the Sommerfeld boundary condition. However, these methods are not the best fit for reverberating environments. In such cases, a new relationship can be calculated between the field weights and the measured pressure with enough training examples. The proposed machine learning models include linear regression (LR) with adaptive moment estimation (Adam), LR with limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (L-BFGS), and multi-layer perceptron with one and two hidden layers. These methods are tested for multiple monopoles and vibrating plate simulations in a room with different wall absorption coefficients. The data-driven methods are also studied on loudspeakers numerically and experimentally in a free field environment. The results from these methods are compared with the results of one norm convex optimization (L1CVX). LR with L-BFGS performed the best among all the methods studied and performed better than L1CVX for less absorption coefficient for geometrically separable sources. LR with L-BFGS also has much faster inference times.

PbS/graphene hybrid nanostructures coated glassy carbon electrode for the electrochemical sensing of copper ions in aqueous solution.

In this research, we have studied the electrochemical sensing of Cu(II) ions in aqueous solution using PbS/Graphene composite nanostructure coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The SEM-EDAX analysis revealed that the lead sulphide nanocrystals are homogeneously embedded on the graphene nanosheets with an uniform particle size of 100 nm, and the elements presents 92.32% and Lead content of 5.45% and Sulfur content of 0.91%. Raman spectra exhibits G with respect to the E2g sp2 hybridized C-C and D band with respect to the A1g mode in the disordered edge region of the GNS. The composite nanostructure coated GCE (PbS/Graphene/GCE) was prepared and its performance in the existence of metal ions such us Cd(II),Pb(II), Mg(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) was studied using the current voltage curves in double distilled water within the scan rates of 25 to 300mVs-1. The PbS/Graphene coated carbon electrode exhibited the higher anodic and cathodic peak current for copper solution than the other metal ions studied, which various linearly proportional to concentration. The electrochemical sensing characteristics PbS/GNS/GCE was found to be significant towards detecting Cu2+ ion within the concentration range of 1 × 10-4 to 1 × 10-8 M, with a lowest sensing detection limit of 1 × 10-8 M.

Contemporary Analysis of Olfactory Dysfunction in Mild to Moderate Covid 19 Patients in A Tertiary Health Care Centre.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The virus that causes COVID-19 was designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several studies have reported chemosensory dysfunction, such as anosmia and ageusia, as common findings in COVID-19 positive patients. To date, qualitative olfactory testing has been performed only in a very few cohort studies on COVID-19 patients. However, objective testing is necessary to verify or determine the true magnitude of their deficits. Moreover, the proportion of COVID-19 patients exhibiting true olfactory disturbances is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the true prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients by objective assessment in mild to moderate symptomatic patients. MATERIALS & METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective cross-sectional analytical study. All patients who were COVID-19 positive and having mild to moderate symptoms and not admitted in ICU formed part of the study group. Objective evaluation of smell function was done. RESULTS: Self-reported smell dysfunction was present in 26.9% patients (n=62) and taste dysfunction was seen in 10.9% (n=25) of patients. On quantitative assessment of smell dysfunction, it was noted that 41.3% (n=95) of patients had some form of smell dysfunction out of which 70.5% patients (n=67) had hyposmia and 29.5% patients (n=28) had anosmia. CONCLUSION: Incidence was found to be more by objective assessment when compared to self-reported symptoms.

Covid-19 Demographics from a Tertiary Care Center: Does It Depreciate Quality-of-Life?

Novel Coronavirus-disease-2019 (Covid-19) caused by the severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) shows a rapid spread all over the world. It's still an ongoing pandemic with greater morbidity and mortality. In our study, we describe clinical features, and demographics of patients presenting to our tertiary care center with Covid-19 infection. Global burden was around 14 million Covid-19 positive cases with .5 million deaths and rising as per WHO update. A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was carried out from June 1st to 30th, 2020 in a tertiary care center. Patients who tested positive by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase chain reaction were included in the study and clinical characteristics and outcome of the patients were analyzed along with impact on quality-of-life. Sample size was 250. Mean age was around 41 years, with age range from 15 to 75 years. Gender ratio was 1:2.4, with male preponderance. Most common presenting symptom was throat pain (60%). Rhinorrhea and sneezing complaints were not recorded. Clinical categorization was done and scored accordingly. Clinical outcomes of above patients showed complication rate 5.2%, mortality rate .8%, with discharge and recovery rate being rate 94.8% and 96% respectively. Fear of COVID-19 scale was used to assess quality-of-life impact. We found throat pain was the most common symptom in our study. No cases reported with rhinorrhea/sneezing. Good recovery rate noted. Quality-of-life impacted.

Cognitive function and behavioral problems in children born to mothers with preeclampsia: an Indian study.

Studies from high-income countries report associations of preeclampsia (PE) with reduced cognitive function and adverse behavioural outcomes in children. We examined these associations in Indian children aged 5-7 years. Children of mothers with PE (n=74) and without PE (non-PE; n=234) were recruited at delivery at Bharati Hospital, Pune, India. The cognitive performance was assessed using 3 core tests from the Kaufman Assessment Battery and additional tests including Verbal fluency, Kohs block design, and Coding A (from Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children). The parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess children's behavioral characteristics. Scores were compared between children from PE and non-PE groups, and associations analyzed further using regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. After adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status and maternal education, children of PE mothers had lower Kohs block design scores (adjusted odds ratio per score category 0.57, [95% CI 0.34-0.96] p=0.034; 0.62 [95%CI (0.36, 1.07), p=0.09 on further adjustment for birth weight and gestation) compared to children of mothers without PE. In the SDQ, there was a lower prevalence of abnormal 'conduct problem' scores in PE group than non-PE group (OR=0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.83, p=0.018, in the fully adjusted model); there were no differences for other behavioral domains. This preliminary study in Indian children suggests that fetal exposure to maternal PE may have an adverse impact on visuo-spatial performance but does not adversely affect behavior. Further studies with larger sample sizes are essential to understand effects of maternal PE on cognitive/behavioral outcomes in children.

Fabrication and Performance Evolution of AgNP Interdigitated Electrode Touch Sensor for Automotive Infotainment.

In the present scenario, a considerable assiduity is provided to develop novel human-machine interface technologies that rapidly outpace the capabilities of display technology in automotive industries. It is necessary to use a new cockpit design in conjunction with a fully automated driving environment in order to enhance the driving experience. It can create a seamless and futuristic dashboard for automotive infotainment application. In the present study, an endeavor was made to equip the In-vehicle bezels with printed capacitive sensors for providing superior sensing capabilities. Silver Nanoparticles based interdigitated pattern electrodes were formed over polycarbonate substrates to make printed capacitive sensors using screen printing process. The developed sensor was investigated to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative measures using direct and in-direct contact of touch. The proposed approach for sensors pattern and fabrication can highly impact on sensor performance in automotive infotainment application due to the excellent spatial interpolation with lower cost, light weight, and mechanical flexibility.

Hydrogen Peroxide Poisoning-A Rare Cause of Portal Venous Gas.

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear and odorless liquid at room temperature that can easily be mistaken for water. Its ingestion results in varied clinical and radiological squeals depending on the volume and concentration of the liquid. We present a case of a 22-year-old lady who accidentally ingested 30 to 40 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide and presented with hematemesis and abdominal pain. On further radiological evaluation, she was found to have portal venous gas and pneumatosis of the bowel wall. She was conservatively managed with 100% oxygen and nil per os for 2 days following which the portal venous gas resolved. Hydrogen peroxide ingestion causes a massive release of oxygen and when its volume exceeds its solubility in blood, gas embolism occurs that is responsible for portal venous gas and pneumatosis. Close monitoring with conservative management will suffice in mild cases without the need for any therapeutic intervention.

Proficiency-based progression training: implementing a novel approach to training for epidural analgesia in labour.

BACKGROUND: Epidural insertion is a challenging anaesthetic procedural skill to learn and may require up to 75 attempts to achieve competency. Proficiency-based progression (PbP) training based on unambiguously defined metrics was associated with a 53% reduction in epidural failure rate. The aim of this observational study was to examine the feasibility of implementation of innovative PbP training for labour epidural insertion performed by novices in a busy tertiary hospital. METHODS: All trainees who were scheduled to commence their obstetric anaesthesia training were invited to participate. Novices undertook intensive PbP training with one-to-one supervision by an anaesthetist trained in PbP. Trainees proceeded to the clinical phase only after attaining the pre-defined proficiency benchmark. All subsequent attempts at labour epidural catheter placement were evaluated. RESULTS: All 12 novice trainees who were scheduled for their initial exposure to obstetric anaesthesia completed PbP training in epidural catheter insertion successfully. The average duration of the training courses was 70 (SD 11) min. Trainee characteristics were broadly similar. They performed a total of 180 labour epidural catheter placements with an overall epidural failure rate of 12.2% (22/180). The proportion of supervisor takeover was 6% (11/179). The incidence of complications was 4% (8/180) and difficulty in epidural catheter insertion due to patient factors was 16% (29/180). Patient satisfaction rates were 80% (satisfied or very satisfied), with 20% unsatisfied with their experience of epidural insertion. CONCLUSION: In our experience, PbP training in epidural placement is feasible within existing departmental resources in a busy tertiary teaching hospital setting.

Microbial exposure during early human development primes fetal immune cells.

The human fetal immune system begins to develop early during gestation; however, factors responsible for fetal immune-priming remain elusive. We explored potential exposure to microbial agents in utero and their contribution toward activation of memory T cells in fetal tissues. We profiled microbes across fetal organs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and detected low but consistent microbial signal in fetal gut, skin, placenta, and lungs in the 2nd trimester of gestation. We identified several live bacterial strains including Staphylococcus and Lactobacillus in fetal tissues, which induced in vitro activation of memory T cells in fetal mesenteric lymph node, supporting the role of microbial exposure in fetal immune-priming. Finally, using SEM and RNA-ISH, we visualized discrete localization of bacteria-like structures and eubacterial-RNA within 14th weeks fetal gut lumen. These findings indicate selective presence of live microbes in fetal organs during the 2nd trimester of gestation and have broader implications toward the establishment of immune competency and priming before birth.

Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of the Small Intestine Presenting as Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum - A Rare Case Report.

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) is an extremely rare neoplasm arising from the antigen-presenting cells of the immune system. It usually involves the lymph nodes, and extranodal sites are rarely affected. Here, we report a first known case of spontaneous hemoperitoneum caused by the rupture of IDCS of the small bowel. A 61-year-old male presented with complaints of abdominal pain and fever for 3 days and breathlessness for 1 day. Ultrasound abdomen revealed a 15 cm × 7 cm heterogeneous collection with thick septations in the periumbilical region. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage revealed hemoperitoneum and gangrenous bowel. Emergency laprotomy was done and it revealed a friable mass arising from the ileum. Resection of 2 ft of the ileum and double-barrel ileostomy was done. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a positivity of S100 and leukocyte common antigen). A diagnosis of IDCS was made. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and planned for postoperative chemotherapy.

Unusual Presentations of Abdominal Melioidosis.

Melioidosis is an endemic bacterial infection caused by soil saprophyte, Burkholderia pseudomallei. It infects adults with risk factors or immunosuppressed and exposed to moist soil. Its significance lies in its varied clinical presentation and high mortality (40%). We present two cases of abdominal melioidosis with unusual clinical presentations. The first case presented with intractable hiccups and had isolated splenic melioidosis with contained rupture. The second case presented with fever and acute abdominal pain found to have pancreatic melioidosis and splenic vein thrombosis. Both the patients were treated with IV antibiotics and subsequently discharged after improvement in symptoms. The imaging findings of isolated type of melioidosis can mimic various other infections and granulomatous disease. Hence high index of clinical suspicion for patients presenting from endemic areas will narrow down the differential diagnosis.

Can Mobile Health Improve Depression Treatment Access and Adherence Among Rural Indian Women? A Qualitative Study.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with low rates of treatment and medication non-adherence, more so in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mobile mental health (mHealth) interventions offer promise as a tool to address these problems. However, the feasibility and acceptability of mHealth interventions among rural women in LMICs is unknown. We examined barriers to accessing mental health treatment, reasons for non-adherence, and attitudes towards mHealth solutions among women with MDD in rural south India. Six focus groups were conducted among women with MDD (n = 69) who had been in treatment at a rural community health center. The discussion was transcribed and analyzed using a modified grounded-theory approach. Women perceived limited autonomy within their family structure, and experienced financial and systemic barriers as contributing to poor treatment access and non-adherence. Illiteracy, limited personal access to mobile phones, and preference for in-person clinical consultation were identified as barriers to use of mHealth. This is the first qualitative study, to our knowledge, that examines attitude towards mHealth among women with MDD in a rural setting in India. The study identified contextual barriers that will be important to address before implementing mHealth interventions.

Wavelength transduction from a 3D microwave cavity to telecom using piezoelectric optomechanical crystals.

Microwave-to-optical transduction has received a great deal of interest from the cavity optomechanics community as a landmark application for electro-optomechanical systems. In this Letter, we demonstrate a novel transducer that combines high-frequency mechanical motion and a microwave cavity for the first time. The system consists of a 3D microwave cavity and a gallium arsenide optomechanical crystal, which has been placed in the microwave electric field maximum. This allows the microwave cavity to actuate the gigahertz-frequency mechanical breathing mode in the optomechanical crystal through the piezoelectric effect, which is then read out using a telecom optical mode. The gallium arsenide optomechanical crystal is a good candidate for low-noise microwave-to-telecom transduction, as it has been previously cooled to the mechanical ground state in a dilution refrigerator. Moreover, the 3D microwave cavity architecture can naturally be extended to couple to superconducting qubits and to create hybrid quantum systems.

Triacontanoic ester of 5''-hydroxyjustisolin: Tumour suppressive role in cervical cancer via Bcl-2, BAX and caspase-3 mediated signalling.

Triacontanoic ester of 5"-hydroxyjustisolin, a lignan from Justicia simplex D. Don, possesses antitumor activity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this is not yet clearly understood. The present study showed significant inhibition in cell viability on HeLa cell line and induced minor toxicity in normal cells. This compound induced mitotic arrest at G0/G1 phase followed by apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells and was accompanied by the upregulation of BAX, caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Taken together, these data reveal that the title compound acts through multiple cellular/molecular pathways, which strongly suggest the role of pro and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Triacontanoic ester of 5''-hydroxyjustisolin may be a potential agent for the cervical cancer treatment.

Elimination of Thermomechanical Noise in Piezoelectric Optomechanical Crystals.

Mechanical modes are a potentially useful resource for quantum information applications, such as quantum-level wavelength transducers, due to their ability to interact with electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum. A significant challenge for wavelength transducers is thermomechanical noise in the mechanical mode, which pollutes the transduced signal with thermal states. In this Letter, we eliminate thermomechanical noise in the GHz-frequency mechanical breathing mode of a piezoelectric optomechanical crystal using cryogenic cooling in a dilution refrigerator. We optically measure an average thermal occupancy of the mechanical mode of only 0.7±0.4 phonons, providing a path towards low-noise microwave-to-optical conversion in the quantum regime.