Precision measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters at INO-ICAL detector

A magnetized Iron CALorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based neutrino observatory (INO) is used to study neutrino oscillation sensitivity using atmospheric muon neutrino source. The ICAL detector will be able to detect muon tracks and hadron showers produced by neutrino interactions with the iron target. We have performed precision measurement analysis for the atmospheric neutrino oscillation parameters with the muon neutrino events, generated by Monte Carlo NUANCE event generator. A marginalized χ² analysis based on reconstructed neutrino energy and muon zenith angle binning scheme has been performed to determine the sensitivity for the atmospheric neutrino mixing parameters, \(\sin ^{2}\theta _{23}\) and \(| {\Delta } m^{2}_{23}|\).     

Coefficient estimates of negative powers and inverse coefficients for certain starlike functions

For ?1≤B<A≤1, let \(\mathcal {S}^{*}(A,B)\) denote the class of normalized analytic functions \(f(z)= z+{\sum }_{n=2}^{\infty }a_{n} z^{n}\) in |z|<1 which satisfy the subordination relation z f ^′(z)/f(z)?(1 + A z)/(1 + B z) and Σ^?(A,B) be the corresponding class of meromorphic functions in |z|>1. For \(f\in \mathcal {S}^{*}(A,B)\) and λ>0, we shall estimate the absolute value of the Taylor coefficients a _n (?λ,f) of the analytic function (f(z)/z)^?λ . Using this we shall determine the coefficient estimate for inverses of functions in the classes \(\mathcal {S}^{*}(A,B)\) and Σ^?(A,B).     

A tandem synthesis of 3-aroylcoumarinoflavones catalyzed by <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-proline and their antioxidant activity

A facile, convenient, efficient and high-yielding synthesis of 3-aroylcoumarinoflavones has been developed by the condensation of easily synthesized 7-hydroxy-8-formylflavones and benzoyl acetonitriles in the presence of catalytic amount of l-proline in ethanol reflux. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity. Some of the compounds showed very good activity compared to standard BHT.     

Cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystal dimers and the twist-bend nematic phase

ABSTRACT

The synthesis and characterisation of several members of the 1,ω-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yl) alkane (CBnCB) and the 1-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)-ω-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yl) alkane (CBnOCB) homologous series are reported. The new odd members described CB5CB, CB13CB, CB4OCB, CB8OCB and CB10OCB all exhibit twist-bend nematic and nematic phases. The members of these series already reported in literature, CB7CB, CB9CB, CB11CB and CB6OCB, were also prepared in order to allow for a direct comparison of their transitional properties. The properties of these dimers are also compared to those of the corresponding members of the 1,ω-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4,-yloxy) alkanes (CBOnOCB). For any given total spacer length, for odd members of these series, the nematic–isotropic transition temperatures and associated entropy changes are greatest for the CBOnOCB dimer and lowest for the CBnCB dimer. These trends are understood in terms of molecular shape. For short spacer lengths, the twist-bend nematic–nematic transition temperature (T_NTBN) is higher for the CBnOCB series than for the CBnCB series but this is reversed as the spacer length increases. Of the CBOnOCB dimers, a virtual value of T_NTBN was estimated for CBO3OCB and T_NTBN was measured for CBO5OCB. These values are considerably lower than those observed for the corresponding members of the CBnCB or CBnOCB series. The dependence of T_NTBN on molecular structure is discussed not only in terms of the molecular curvature but also in the ability of the molecules to pack efficiently. As the temperature range of the preceding nematic phase increases, so the twist-bend nematic–nematic transition entropy change decreases and the transition approaches second order for the longer spacers. For comparative purposes, the transitional behaviour of the even-membered dimers CB6CB, CB5OCB and CBO4OCB is reported and differences accounted for in terms of molecular shape.     

Regional differences in rat brain displayed by fast MRI with superparamagnetic contrast agents

Gradient echo images of coronal sections through the brains of normal rats have been recorded at 2.0 T both before and at various times after intravenous bolus administrations of a superparamagnetic iron oxide suspension. The decrease in NMR signal due to the transit of the contrast agent has been quantified as a function of time. The image immediately following the injection can be subtracted from that pre-contrast to reveal regional differences related to blood flow.     

Synthesis and self‐assembly of diblock copolymers composed of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and poly(fluorooctyl methacrylate) segments

Regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(1H,1H‐dihydro perfluorooctyl methacrylate) (P3HT‐b‐PFOMA) diblock copolymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization of fluorooctyl methacrylate using bromoester terminated poly(3‐hexylthiophene) macroinitiators in order to investigate their morphological properties. The P3HT macroinitiator was previously prepared by chemical modification of hydroxy terminated P3HT. The block copolymers were well characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the nanostructured morphology of the diblock copolymers. The block copolymers are able to undergo microphase separation and self‐assemble into well‐defined and organized nanofibrillar‐like micellar morphology. The development of the morphology of P3HT‐b‐PFOMA block copolymers was investigated after annealing in solvent vapor and also in supercritical CO₂. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Harmful Substances on the Opera Stage: Possible Negative Effects on Singers'' Respiratory Tracts

Objective, quantitative information is lacking in the medical community about actual working conditions for professional singers onstage, and moreover, about which conditions are safe. Physicians, speech-language pathologists, and speech scientists focusing on laryngology should have relevant information about the opera as workplace and the medical sequelae of unhealthy environments. We describe five toxic substances to which singers presenting to our clinics were exposed while working professionally on the opera stage: (1) aromatic diisocyanates, (2) penicillium frequentans in cork granulate, (3) formaldehyde in cork granulate, (4) cobalt and aluminum (pigment components), and (5) quartz sand capable of entering the alveolae. Biological considerations and clinical data for some subjects suggest a direct causal link between the exposures and the patients' complaints and findings. Our observations suggest that whenever singers complain about deleterious conditions such as dry and hot onstage climate or suspicion of the presence of harmful substances, the specific conditions existing in the theater in question should be investigated. Harmful substances are not only poorly tolerated by singers, but also they should be preventable.     

Laryngeal and Vocal Changes During Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Epileptic Patients

Left vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) by means of an implanted electrode has proven to reduce seizure frequency in epileptic patients with medically refractory seizures. This technique is now widely applied over the world. Voice changes appear to be one of the major side effects. The morphodynamic changes in the larynx and the acoustic impacts have been analyzed in detail in 7 implanted patients. Basic vagus stimulation is well tolerated. Extra stimulation induces an adductory spasm of either the ipsilateral vocal fold or the vestibular fold. The result, when the patient phonates, consists of a slight increase of F0 as well as a moderate increase of random period perturbation, but there is no evidence for the occurrence of "bifurcations." Further, as the glottic closure remains sufficient, there is no increase in turbulent noise. The lack of increase in turbulent noise and the lack of "bifurcations" appears to clearly differentiate a spasmodic contraction of the vocal cord from a unilateral vocal fold paralysis.