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We study the thermal effects on the nuclear matter (NM) properties such as binding energy, incompressibility, free symmetry energy and its coefficients using NL3, G3 and IU-FSU parameter sets of relativistic mean-field models. These models being consistent with the properties of cold NM, have also been used to study the effect of temperature by incorporating the Fermi function. The critical temperature for the liquid-gas phase transition in the symmetric NM is found to be 14.60, 15.37 and 14.50 MeV for NL3, G3 and IU-FSU parameter sets respectively, which is in excellent agreement with previous theoretical and experimental studies. We inspect that the properties related to second differential coefficient of the binding energy and free symmetry energy at saturation density ( i.e. K 0 ( n , T ) and Q s y m , 0 ) exhibit the contrary effects for NL3 and G3 parameters as the temperature increases. We find that the prediction of saturated curvature parameter ( K s y m , 0 ) for G3 equation of state at finite temperature favour the combined analysis of K s y m , 0 for the existence of massive pulsars, gravitational waves from GW170817 and NICER observations of PSR J0030+0451. Further, we investigate the cooling mechanism of newly born stars through neutrino emissivity controlled by direct Urca process and instate some interesting remarks about neutrino emissivity. We also deliberate the effect of temperature on the M-R profile of Proto-Neutron star.

Purpose: To determine the stabilization of refraction at 2 weeks following MSICS by comparing the difference in spherical, cylindrical component and also spherical equivalent of refraction of 2 weeks follow-up with that of 6 weeks following surgery. Methods: The difference of spherical, cylindrical component and also spherical equivalent of refraction at 2 weeks and 6 weeks follow-up of 194 eyes that underwent uncomplicated MSICS with implantation of PMMA IOL conducted by a single experienced surgeon were compared to find out the amount of change and its significance was statistically tested by Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test. Results: The difference in spherical power (0.04 ± 0.30), cylinder power (0.03 ± 0.40), and spherical equivalent (0.06 ± 0.34) were very small and not significant statistically (P-value ≤0.05). Conclusion: Necessary spectacle correction can safely be prescribed after 2 weeks following MSICS as subjective refraction stabilizes by that time without undergoing significant change. However, our observation was applicable in patients who had an uneventful cataract surgery without any risk factor, which can delay wound healing or cause poor visual outcome.

This study uses multiple ground and satellite‐based measurements to investigate the extreme ionospheric response to the Mother's Day storm on May 10–11, 2024. Prompt penetration electric field caused a significant enhancement in the ionospheric vertical drift (∼${\\sim} $95 m/s) and the equatorial electrojet strength (∼${\\sim} $  275 nT) over Jicamarca. These extreme eastward electric field perturbations, along with the large meridional wind, significantly altered the F‐region plasma fountain at different local times. The afternoon equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) not only sustained for an exceptionally long duration (∼${\\sim} $12 hr) but also expanded spatially over time. The separation between the two peaks of EIA crests exceeded ∼48°${\\sim} 48{}^{\\circ}$and ∼70°${\\sim} 70{}^{\\circ}$in the morning and evening sectors, respectively. This study shows, for the first time, that unusually strong EIA can not only develop at different local times but can also sustain for long duration under favorable conditions, which has implications for space weather applications. Plain Language Summary The Earth's upper atmosphere is significantly influenced by space weather events, particularly geomagnetic storms. In this study, we investigate the impact of an intense geomagnetic storm that occurred on 10–11 May 2024 (popularly known as Mother's Day storm) on the equatorial and low‐latitude ionosphere. Using datasets from various ground and satellites‐based (SWARM, and GOLD satellites, Global GNSS receivers, Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR), Fabry‐ Perot interferometers (FPI), and magnetometer) measurements, we show the impact of extreme prompt penetration of electric field on the development of plasma fountain during the storm. We observe a significant increase in electron density and TEC during the main phase of the storm. Our findings highlight the role of extreme space weather disturbances on the generation of EIA at different local times and the impact of the plasma distribution on the globe. We also observe different types of electric field perturbations on low latitude ionosphere during this severe geomagnetic storm. Key Points The plasma fountain during the Mother's Day storm was unusually strong across different local time sectors The combined effects of a strong penetration electric field and meridional wind sustained the plasma fountains for an extended period The EIA crest over the Jicamarca sector merged with the expanded auroral region

Background: Exercise may have beneficial effects on both well-being and walking ability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise is shown to be neuroprotective in rodents and may also enhance cognitive function in humans. It may, therefore, be particularly useful for MS patients with pronounced neurodegeneration. Objective: To investigate the potential of standardized exercise as a therapeutic intervention for progressive MS, in a randomized-controlled pilot trial. Methods: Patients with progressive MS and moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 4–6) were randomized to one of three exercise interventions (arm ergometry, rowing, bicycle ergometry) for 8–10 weeks or a waitlist control group. We analyzed the drop-out rate as a measure of feasibility. The primary endpoint of the study was aerobic fitness. Secondary endpoints were walking ability, cognitive function as measured by a neuropsychological test battery, depression and fatigue. Results: A total of 42 patients completed the trial (10.6% drop-out rate). Significant improvements were seen in aerobic fitness. In addition, exercise improved walking ability, depressive symptoms, fatigue and several domains of cognitive function. Conclusion: This study indicated that aerobic training is feasible and could be beneficial for patients with progressive MS. Larger exercise studies are needed to confirm the effect on cognition. Trial Registration: ISRCTN (trial number 76467492) http://isrctn.org

Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB), an anatomical and clinical subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), is prevalent in regions where tobacco-chewing is common. Exome sequencing ( n =50) and recurrence testing ( n =60) reveals that some significantly and frequently altered genes are specific to OSCC-GB ( USP9X , MLL4 , ARID2 , UNC13C and TRPM3 ), while some others are shared with HNSCC (for example, TP53 , FAT1 , CASP8 , HRAS and NOTCH1 ). We also find new genes with recurrent amplifications (for example, DROSHA , YAP1 ) or homozygous deletions (for example, DDX3X ) in OSCC-GB. We find a high proportion of C>G transversions among tobacco users with high numbers of mutations. Many pathways that are enriched for genomic alterations are specific to OSCC-GB. Our work reveals molecular subtypes with distinctive mutational profiles such as patients predominantly harbouring mutations in CASP8 with or without mutations in FAT1. Mean duration of disease-free survival is significantly elevated in some molecular subgroups. These findings open new avenues for biological characterization and exploration of therapies. Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB) is the leading cancer among males in India. Here, the authors carry out exome sequencing and recurrence testing in patients with OSCC-GB and highlight genes and biological pathways associated with the disease.

The novel coronavirus, since its first outbreak in December, has, up till now, affected approximately 114,542 people across 115 countries. Many international agencies are devoting efforts to enhance the understanding of the evolving COVID-19 outbreak on an international level, its influences, and preparedness. At present, COVID-19 appears to affect individuals through person-to-person means, like other commonly found cold or influenza viruses. It is widely known and acknowledged that viruses causing influenza peak during cold temperatures and gradually subside in the warmer temperature, owing to their seasonality. Thus, COVID-19, due to its regular flu-like symptoms, is also expected to show similar seasonality and subside as the global temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere with the onset of spring. Despite these speculations, however, the systematic analysis in the global perspective of the relation between COVID-19 spread and meteorological parameters is unavailable. Here, by analyzing the region- and city-specific affected global data and corresponding meteorological parameters, we show that there is an optimum range of temperature and UV index strongly affecting the spread and survival of the virus, whereas precipitation, relative humidity, cloud cover, etc. have no effect on the virus. Unavailability of pharmaceutical interventions would require greater preparedness and alert for the effective control of COVID-19. Under these conditions, the information provided here could be very helpful for the global community struggling to fight this global crisis. It is, however, important to note that the information presented here clearly lacks any physiological evidences, which may merit further investigation. Thus, any attempt for management, implementation, and evaluation strategies responding to the crisis arising due to the COVID-19 outbreak must not consider the evaluation presented here as the foremost factor.

The recent pandemic caused by the 2019 outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or COVID-19) has affected more than 3.0 million people resulting ~ 212,000 deaths across 215 countries/territories as on 28th April 2020. The importation of the cases owing to enormous international travels from the affected countries is the foremost reason for local cycle of transmission. For a country like India, the second most populous country in the world with ~ 1.35 billion population, the management and control of 2019-nCoV domestic spread heavily relied on effective screening and strict quarantine of passengers arriving at various international airports in India from affected countries. Here, by extracting the data from FLIRT, an online airline database for more than 800 airlines, and scanning more than 180,000 flights and 39.9 million corresponding passenger seats during 4th – 25th March, we show that India experienced the highest risk index of importing the passengers from middle eastern airports. Contrary to perception, travelers from China imposed lowest risk of importing the infected cases in India. This is clearly evident form the fact that while the number of infected cases were on the peak in China India was one of the least affected countries. The number of cases in India started exhibiting a sharp increase in the infected cases only after the European countries and USA recorded large number of infected cases. We further argue that while the number of cases in middle eastern countries may still be very low, the airports in middle eastern countries, particularly Dubai, being one of the largest transit hubs for international passengers, including arriving in India, might have posed a higher risk of getting infected with 2019-nCoV. We suggest that any future travel related disease infection screening at the airports should critically assess the passengers from major transit hubs in addition to affected country of origin.

The light neutron-rich nuclei play a vital role in nucleosynthesis process and the extent of alpha (α) clustering significantly influence the astrophysical rates. Thus, it is significant to explore the α clustering in these nuclei and in the present work, we have studied the α clustering in 41,45,49Ca* nuclei formed in neutron induced reactions within the dynamical cluster decay model (DCM). The results present that with progression towards neutron-rich 45Ca* and 49Ca* nuclei, there is a significant decrease in the α-cluster preformation factor P0. The inclusion of relativistic mean field theory (RMFT) based microscopic temperature-dependent binding energies (T.B.E.) within DCM, give relatively enhanced α-cluster preformation factor for 41,45,49Ca* nuclei compared to the case of macroscopic T.B.E. based upon Davidson mass formula. The cross-section associated with α-cluster emission depicts strong isospin dependence and falls off significantly with increasing neutron number of Ca* nuclei. Further, for the first time, we inculcate the microscopic nuclear potential constructed via folding the standard Fermi form fitted RMFT cluster densities and M3Y nucleon-nucleon interaction within the DCM. The neutron skin thickness of the Ar cluster, complementary to α-cluster, is varied and its effect upon the nuclear interaction potential and α-cluster preformation factor is analysed. The results present that with growing neutron skin of Ar cluster, the α-cluster preformation factor decreases. It explores a strong correlation among the neutron skin thickness and α-cluster preformation factor in light mass 41,45,49Ca* nuclear systems.

Scientific literature has overlooked how PM 2.5 concentrations vary with varying pedestrian heights near a roadway. Understanding this is important because walking is an essential commuting element of a sustainable transportation system, and pedestrians’ height varies widely. Therefore, the focus of the current study is to bridge this gap using results from CALINE 4 model and mobile PM 2.5 measurements. In CALINE 4, a simple pedestrian pathway depicting the selected study site located near the Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, India, was simulated. The PM 2.5 concentrations were estimated on this pathway at varying heights (0.1−1.8 m) in 135 simulated runs. Subsequently, the sensitivity of the PM 2.5 exposure difference across heights was explored with varying ambient PM 2.5 concentrations, wind speed, traffic volume, and traffic compositions. Results indicated that the PM 2.5 concentrations reduced with increasing heights of pedestrians in all the modelled runs. When this PM 2.5 exposure difference was investigated with varying surrounding conditions, it was found that the difference in PM 2.5 exposure across heights was influenced by the wind speed, traffic volume, and traffic composition. Ambient PM 2.5 concentrations had no discernible effect on it. Car-dominated traffic with a higher mode share of heavy commercial vehicles was marked with the highest PM 2.5 exposure difference across heights. For traffic volume, it was observed that for every 100 vehicles hr −1 increase in traffic volume, the PM 2.5 exposure difference increased by 0.13 µg m −3 m −1 in the range of pedestrian’s height. For wind speed, calculations suggested that for every 1 m s −1 increase in wind speed, the PM 2.5 exposure difference was reduced by 0.095 µg m −3 m −1 in the range of pedestrian’s height. Finally, to bolster the modelling results, mobile PM 2.5 measurements (using portable, low-cost optical particle sensors) were conducted near a busy urban roadway at two different heights, 80 cm and 150 cm, during peak and off-peak hours. The results of mobile measurements were found to be consistent with CALINE 4 modelled results.

Traditionally, naturally extracted Indigo has been used for dyeing cotton. Amongst all the classes of dyes for cellulosic material, vat dyes are most widely used due to their excellent fastness properties. The vat dyeing process, depending upon the subclasses, has to go through reduction phase for solubilisation, dyeing and oxidation phases at specific conditions. Even with the advent of new techniques like the electrochemical and bacterial process, their industrial use is relatively limited. Prior investigation on bacterial reduction suggests only a few possible varieties of indigo-reducing bacteria, sources of most of which are still unknown. Also to implement this processes, they are required to be performed at higher temperatures. In the present study, we have developed a novel method of vatting and dyeing using bacterial cell lysate at room temperature followed by air oxidation. This paper also compares the newly proposed processing route with the existing conventional ones, and the experimental results have shown promising results regarding improvement in dye uptake, faster dyeing, and better levelness along with their fastness properties. Besides, the proposed process ensures energy saving, dye effluent load reduction and simplifies the existing process. Graphical Abstract