Showing papers by "University of Rajasthan published in 2008"

The ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC

Abstract: ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model. It is designed to address the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at extreme values of energy density and temperature in nucleus-nucleus collisions. Besides running with Pb ions, the physics programme includes collisions with lighter ions, lower energy running and dedicated proton-nucleus runs. ALICE will also take data with proton beams at the top LHC energy to collect reference data for the heavy-ion programme and to address several QCD topics for which ALICE is complementary to the other LHC detectors. The ALICE detector has been built by a collaboration including currently over 1000 physicists and engineers from 105 Institutes in 30 countries. Its overall dimensions are 161626 m3 with a total weight of approximately 10 000 t. The experiment consists of 18 different detector systems each with its own specific technology choice and design constraints, driven both by the physics requirements and the experimental conditions expected at LHC. The most stringent design constraint is to cope with the extreme particle multiplicity anticipated in central Pb-Pb collisions. The different subsystems were optimized to provide high-momentum resolution as well as excellent Particle Identification (PID) over a broad range in momentum, up to the highest multiplicities predicted for LHC. This will allow for comprehensive studies of hadrons, electrons, muons, and photons produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. Most detector systems are scheduled to be installed and ready for data taking by mid-2008 when the LHC is scheduled to start operation, with the exception of parts of the Photon Spectrometer (PHOS), Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) and Electro Magnetic Calorimeter (EMCal). These detectors will be completed for the high-luminosity ion run expected in 2010. This paper describes in detail the detector components as installed for the first data taking in the summer of 2008.

Centrality dependence of charged hadron and strange hadron elliptic flow from √SNN = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions

Abstract: We present STAR results on the elliptic flow upsilon(2) Of charged hadrons, strange and multistrange particles from,root s(NN) = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The detailed study of the centrality dependence of upsilon(2) over a broad transverse momentum range is presented. Comparisons of different analysis methods are made in order to estimate systematic uncertainties. To discuss the nonflow effect, we have performed the first analysis Of upsilon(2) with the Lee-Yang zero method for K(S)(0) and A. In the relatively low PT region, P(T) <= 2 GeV/c, a scaling with m(T) - m is observed for identified hadrons in each centrality bin studied. However, we do not observe nu 2(p(T))) scaled by the participant eccentricity to be independent of centrality. At higher PT, 2 1 <= PT <= 6 GeV/c, V2 scales with quark number for all hadrons studied. For the multistrange hadron Omega, which does not suffer appreciable hadronic interactions, the values of upsilon(2) are consistent with both m(T) - m scaling at low p(T) and number-of-quark scaling at intermediate p(T). As a function ofcollision centrality, an increase of p(T)-integrated upsilon(2) scaled by the participant eccentricity has been observed, indicating a stronger collective flow in more central Au+Au collisions.

Tectonic Discrimination of Basic and Ultrabasic Volcanic Rocks through Log-Transformed Ratios of Immobile Trace Elements

Abstract: Most of the existing major- and trace element-based discrimination diagrams are characterized by major defects such as subjective field boundaries, the constant-sum problem, and inadequacy of samples in creating them. Although major advances toward the solution of all these problems have been recently achieved through major element-based discriminant function diagrams, their applicability to old, altered rocks may be questionable. We present new discriminant function diagrams based on immobile trace elements and log-ratio transformation of the data of basic and ultrabasic rocks. These new diagrams are extremely successful in distinguishing the four tectonic settings (island-arc, continental rift, ocean island, and mid-oceanic ridge) and especially the plate margin (island-arc and mid-ocean ridge grouped together) and intra-plate or plate interior (continental rift and ocean island combined together) settings. The overall success rate for these natural log-transformed ratio-based diagrams using five trace ...

Forward Neutral-Pion Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetries in p + p Collisions at √s = 200 GeV

Abstract: We report precision measurements of the Feynman x (x(F)) dependence, and first measurements of the transverse momentum (p(T)) dependence, of transverse single-spin asymmetries for the production of pi(0) mesons from polarized proton collisions at s=200 GeV. The x(F) dependence of the results is in fair agreement with perturbative QCD model calculations that identify orbital motion of quarks and gluons within the proton as the origin of the spin effects. Results for the p(T) dependence at fixed x(F) are not consistent with these same perturbative QCD-based calculations.

Enhanced strange baryon production in Au+Au collisions compared to p+p at sNN=200 GeV

Abstract: We report on the observed differences in production rates of strange and multistrange baryons in Au+Au collisions at √sNN=200 GeV compared to p+p interactions at the same energy. The strange baryon yields in Au+Au collisions, when scaled down by the number of participating nucleons, are enhanced relative to those measured in p+p reactions. The enhancement observed increases with the strangeness content of the baryon, and it increases for all strange baryons with collision centrality. The enhancement is qualitatively similar to that observed at the lower collision energy √sNN=17.3 GeV. The previous observations are for the bulk production, while at intermediate pT,1

Traditional zootherapeutic studies in India: a review

Abstract: The present study aims to review the zootherapeutic practices of the different ethnic communities of India. This work is also an attempt to present a list of animals' use for medicinal purposes by different communities of India. Data were gathered from 15 published research papers of various authors on zootherapeutic studies in India from 2000 to 2007. Approximately 109 animals and their 270 uses are reported in traditional medicine in different parts of India. Of these, the highest numbers of animal species (42, 38.5%) with 50 (18.5%) uses have been reported for the treatment of Respiratory system related problems. Rheumatic and other pains are treated with 32 species (29.4%) in 34 (12.9%) uses. Gastric problems are reported to be treated with 22 (20.2%) species in 26 (9.9%) uses. The mammals constitute the highest number of animals used for medicinal purposes. 44 (40%) mammals, 24 (22%) invertebrates, 18 (17%) birds, 12 (11%) reptiles, nine (8%) fishes and two (2%) amphibians have been reported for medicinal purposes. Of the total 109 animal species reported, 76(70%) are included in IUCN red data list and 36 (33%) animal species are listed in CITES appendix I, II, and III. This work will be helpful in biodiversity conservation in India and also give a clue to investigate bio-active compound in these animal raw materials.

System-Size Independence of Directed Flow Measured at the BNL Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider

Abstract: We measure directed flow (v(1)) for charged particles in Au + Au and Cu + Cu collisions at root s(NN) = 200 and 62.4 GeV, as a function of pseudorapidity (eta), transverse momentum (p(t)), and collision centrality, based on data from the STAR experiment. We find that the directed flow depends on the incident energy but, contrary to all available model implementations, not on the size of the colliding system at a given centrality. We extend the validity of the limiting fragmentation concept to v(1) in different collision systems, and investigate possible explanations for the observed sign change in v(1)(p(t)).

Extending Planned Environmentalism Anticipated Guilt and Embarrassment Across Cultures

Abstract: This paper cross-culturally tests an extended version of the planned behavior theory. Using cross-sectional surveys of 801 university students from four different cultures (high vs. low individualism, and English- vs. Spanish-speaking), we expected anticipated feelings of guilt to predict behavioral intention in cultures high on individualism, whereas anticipated feelings of embarrassment would be predictive of intention in cultures low on individualism. Results from a series of structural equation models showed that anticipated embarrassment had virtually the same effect as guilt across all four cultures. Although technically distinct, anticipated guilt and embarrassment were nearly indistinguishable from an individual perspective so that either concept is able to increase the explanatory power of the planned behavior theory for environmental conservation.

Longitudinal Double-Spin Asymmetry for Inclusive Jet Production in (P)Over-Right-Arrow + (P)Over-Right-Arrow Collisions at Root S=200 Gev

Abstract: We report a new STAR measurement of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry A(LL) for inclusive jet production at midrapidity in polarized p+p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of root s = 200 GeV. The data, which cover jet transverse momenta 5 < p(T) < 30 GeV/c, are substantially more precise than previous measurements. They provide significant new constraints on the gluon spin contribution to the nucleon spin through the comparison to predictions derived from one global fit to polarized deep-inelastic scattering measurements. They provide significant new constraints on the gluon spin contribution to the nucleon spin through the comparison to predictions derived from one global fit to polarized deep-inelastic scattering measurements.

Effect of malathion on reproductive system of male rats

Abstract: The pesticides are one of the most potentially harmful chemicals liberated in the environment in an unplanned manner Malathion is widely used as a potent pesticide in many countries and has been shown to produce some adverse health effects. A study was conducted to asses the effects of malathion on the male reproductive system of wistar rats. The pesticide was administered to rats orally at dose levels of 50, 150 and 250 mg/kg/body wt/day for 60 days. In comparison to the control rats, there was a significant reduction in the weight of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. Testicular and epididymal sperm density were decreased in the animals treated with malathion. Pre and post fertility test showed 80% negative results after treatment Biochemical profile of the testis revealed a significant decline in the contents of sialic acid and glycogen. Whereas a significant increase in the protein content of testis and testicular cholesterol was observed. The activity of testicular enzyme acid phosphatase increased significantly while decreased alkaline phosphatase activity was found. Malathion also suppressed the level of testosterone significantly Results of the present study clearly suggest that malathion induce toxic effects on the male reproductive system of rats.

Structural, optical and electrical properties of CdZnS thin films

Abstract: The thin films of Cd1-x Zn x S (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) have been prepared by the vacuum evaporation method using a mechanically alloyed mixture of CdS and ZnS. The structural, optical and electrical properties have been investigated through the X-ray diffractometer, spectrophotometer and Keithley electrometer. The X-ray diffraction patterns of these films show that films are polycrystalline in nature having preferential orientation along the (002) plane. In the absorption spectra of these films, absorption edge shifts towards lower wavelength with the increase of Zn concentration. The energy band gap has been determined using these spectra. It is found that the energy band gap increases with increasing Zn concentration. The electrical conductivity of so prepared thin films has been determined using a I–V characteristic curve for these films. The result indicates that the electrical conductivity decreases with increasing Zn content and increases with temperature. An effort has also been made to o...

ρ0 photoproduction in ultraperipheral relativistic heavy ion collisions at sNN=200 GeV

Abstract: Photoproduction reactions occur when the electromagnetic field of a relativistic heavy ion interacts with another heavy ion The STAR Collaboration presents a measurement of rho(0) and direct pi(+)pi(-) photoproduction in ultraperipheral relativistic heavy ion collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV We observe both exclusive photoproduction and photoproduction accompanied by mutual Coulomb excitation We find a coherent cross section of sigma(AuAu -> Au*Au*rho(0)) = 530 +/- 19(stat) +/- 57(syst) mb, in accord with theoretical calculations based on a Glauber approach, but considerably below the predictions of a color dipole model The rho 0 transverse momentum spectrum (p(T)(2)) is fit by a double exponential curve including both coherent and incoherent coupling to the target nucleus; we find sigma(inc)/sigma(coh) = 029 +/- 003 (stat) +/- 008 (syst) The ratio of direct pi(+)pi(-) to rho(0) production is comparable to that observed in gamma(p) collisions at HERA and appears to be independent of photon energy Finally, the measured rho(0) spin helicity matrix elements agree within errors with the expected s-channel helicity conservation

Larvicidal activity of leaf extract of Millingtonia hortensis (Family: Bignoniaceae) against Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti.

Abstract: Mosquitoes are the principal vectors of malaria and other vector borne diseases and contribute to major disease burden in India. Disease transmission can be interrupted by controlling the vectors using various methods. However, the extensive and unbalanced use of chemical insecticides have created problems like enhancing resistance of mosquito population to synthetic insecticides, pollution of environment and adverse effects on the non-target flora and fauna inhabiting the same aquatic habitat. These steadily growing problems, demand an intensive search for new products that are environmentally safe, targetspecific and degradable.

Hadronic resonance production in d+Au collisions at √sNN=200 GeV measured at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

Abstract: We present the first measurements of the {rho}(770){sup 0}, K*(892), {Delta}(1232){sup ++}, {Sigma}(1385), and {Lambda}(1520) resonances in d+Au collisions at {radical}s{sub NN} = 200 GeV, reconstructed via their hadronic decay channels using the STAR detector at RHIC. The masses and widths of these resonances are studied as a function of transverse momentum (p{sub T}). We observe that the resonance spectra follow a generalized scaling law with the transverse mass (m{sub T}). The of resonances in minimum bias collisions is compared to the of {pi}, K, and {bar p}. The {rho}{sup 0}/{pi}{sup -}, K*/K{sup -}, {Delta}{sup ++}/p, {Sigma}(1385)/{Lambda}, and {Lambda}(1520)/{Lambda} ratios in d + Au collisions are compared to the measurements in minimum bias p + p interactions, where we observe that both measurements are comparable. The nuclear modification factors (R{sub dAu}) of the {rho}{sup 0}, K*, and {Sigma}* scale with the number of binary collisions (N{sub bin}) for p{sub T} > 1.2 GeV/c.

A hydrochemical profile for assessing the groundwater quality of Jaipur City

Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate the water quality of Jaipur City. Groundwater samples from hand pumps and tube wells of eleven sampling stations were analyzed during monsoon session with the help of standard methods of APHA. The analytical results shows higher concentration of total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness and nitrate, which indicate signs of deterioration but values of pH, calcium, magnesium, sulphate and fluoride are within permissible limit as per WHO standards. From the Hill-Piper trilinear diagram, it is observed that the majority of ground water from sampling stations are calcium-magnesium-chloride-sulphate type water. The values of sodium absorption ratio and electrical conductivity of the ground water were plotted in the US salinity laboratory diagram for irrigation water. Most of the samples fall in C3S1 quality with high salinity hazard and low sodium hazard. Chemical analysis of groundwater shows that mean concentration of cation (in meq/l) is in order magnesium > sodium > calcium > potassium while for the anion (in meq/l) it is chloride > bicarbonate > sulphate > nitrate > carbonate > fluoride.

Secular trends in cholesterol lipoproteins and triglycerides and prevalence of dyslipidemias in an urban Indian population.

Abstract: Coronary heart disease is increasing in urban Indian subjects and lipid abnormalities are important risk factors. To determine secular trends in prevalence of various lipid abnormalities we performed studies in an urban Indian population. Successive epidemiological Jaipur Heart Watch (JHW) studies were performed in Western India in urban locations. The studies evaluated adults ≥ 20 years for multiple coronary risk factors using standardized methodology (JHW-1, 1993–94, n = 2212; JHW-2, 1999–2001, n = 1123; JHW-3, 2002–03, n = 458, and JHW-4 2004–2005, n = 1127). For the present analyses data of subjects 20–59 years (n = 4136, men 2341, women 1795) have been included. In successive studies, fasting measurements for cholesterol lipoproteins (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol) and triglycerides were performed in 193, 454, 179 and 252 men (n = 1078) and 83, 472, 195, 248 women (n = 998) respectively (total 2076). Age-group specific levels of various cholesterol lipoproteins, triglycerides and their ratios were determined. Prevalence of various dyslipidemias (total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl, non-HDL cholesterol ≥ 160 mg/dl, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, low HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dl, high cholesterol remnants ≥ 25 mg/dl, and high total:HDL cholesterol ratio ≥ 5.0, and ≥ 4.0 were also determined. Significance of secular trends in prevalence of dyslipidemias was determined using linear-curve estimation regression. Association of changing trends in prevalence of dyslipidemias with trends in educational status, obesity and truncal obesity (high waist:hip ratio) were determined using two-line regression analysis. Mean levels of various lipoproteins increased sharply from JHW-1 to JHW-2 and then gradually in JHW-3 and JHW-4. Age-adjusted mean values (mg/dl) in JHW-1, JHW-2, JHW-3 and JHW-4 studies respectively showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (174.9 ± 45, 196.0 ± 42, 187.5 ± 38, 193.5 ± 39, 2-stage least-squares regression R = 0.11, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (106.2 ± 40, 127.6 ± 39, 122.6 ± 44, 119.2 ± 31, R = 0.11, p < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (131.3 ± 43, 156.4 ± 43, 150.1 ± 41, 150.9 ± 32, R = 0.12, p < 0.001), remnant cholesterol (25.1 ± 11, 28.9 ± 14, 26.0 ± 11, 31.7 ± 14, R = 0.06, p = 0.001), total:HDL cholesterol ratio (4.26 ± 1.3, 5.18 ± 1.7, 5.21 ± 1.7, 4.69 ± 1.2, R = 0.10, p < 0.001) and triglycerides (125.6 ± 53, 144.5 ± 71, 130.1 ± 57, 158.7 ± 72, R = 0.06, p = 0.001) and decrease in HDL cholesterol (43.6 ± 14, 39.7 ± 8, 37.3 ± 6, 42.5 ± 6, R = 0.04, p = 0.027). Trends in age-adjusted prevalence (%) of dyslipidemias in JHW-1, JHW-2, JHW-3 and JHW-4 studies respectively showed insignificant changes in high total cholesterol (26.3, 35.1, 25.6, 26.0, linear curve-estimation coefficient multiple R = 0.034), high LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl (24.2, 36.2, 31.0, 22.2, R = 0.062), and high low HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dl (46.2, 53.3, 55.4, 33.7, R = 0.136). Increase was observed in prevalence of high non-HDL cholesterol (23.0, 33.5, 27.4, 26.6, R = 0.026), high remnant cholesterol (40.1, 40.3, 30.1, 60.6, R = 0.143), high total:HDL cholesterol ratio ≥ 5.0 (22.2, 47.6, 53.2, 26.3, R = 0.031) and ≥ 4.0 (58.6, 72.5, 70.1, 62.0, R = 0.006), and high triglycerides (25.7, 28.2, 17.5, 34.2, R = 0.047). Greater correlation of increasing non-HDL cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, triglycerides and total:HDL cholesterol ratio was observed with increasing truncal obesity than generalized obesity (two-line regression analysis p < 0.05). Greater educational level, as marker of socioeconomic status, correlated significantly with increasing obesity (r2 men 0.98, women 0.99), and truncal obesity (r2 men 0.71, women 0.90). In an urban Indian population, trends reveal increase in mean total-, non-HDL-, remnant-, and total:HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and decline in HDL cholesterol levels. Prevalence of subjects with high total cholesterol did not change significantly while those with high non-HDL cholesterol, cholesterol remnants, triglycerides and total-HDL cholesterol ratio increased. Increasing dyslipidemias correlate significantly with increasing truncal obesity and obesity.

Micronutrient optimization results into highly improved in vitro plant regeneration in kodo ( Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) and finger ( Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) millets

Abstract: Basal medium constituents and their concentration play an important role in growth and morphogenesis of plant tissues cultured in vitro. In this study effect of different inorganic nutrients (CoCl2, MnSO4, ZnSO4, CuSO4 and AgNO3) on callus induction and plant regeneration in Paspalum scrobiculatum and Eleusine coracana was examined. A 5× and 3× increase in regeneration response at enhanced levels of CuSO4 was noted for kodo and finger millets, respectively. Significant improvement in plant regeneration was also observed with the increase in levels of Co and Mn. Addition of AgNO3 to the basal medium also had a stimulatory effect on callus induction and plant regeneration. Optimization of nutrient level in the basal medium has highly significant role in obtaining maximum regeneration response from explants and callus culture.

Effects of Chemical Reactions on MHD Micropolar Fluid Flow Past a Vertical Plate in slip-flow Regime

Abstract: Heat and mass transfer effects on the unsteady flow of a micropolar fluid through a porous medium bounded by a semi-infinite vertical plate in a slip-flow regime are studied taking into account a homogeneous chemical reaction of the first order. A uniform magnetic field acts perpendicular to the porous surface absorb micropolar fluid with a suction velocity varying with time. The free stream velocity follows an exponentially increasing or decreasing small perturbation law. Using the approximate method, the expressions for the velocity microrotation, temperature, and concentration are obtained. Futher, the results of the skin friction coefficient, the couple stress coefficient, and the rate of heat and mass transfer at the wall are presented with various values of fluid properties and flow conditions.

On the new computable solution of the generalized fractional kinetic equations involving the generalized function for the fractional calculus and related functions

Abstract: In view of the usefulness and a great importance of the kinetic equation in certain astrophysical problems the authors develop a new and further generalized form of the fractional kinetic equation involving the G-function, a generalized function for the fractional calculus. This new generalization can be used for the computation of the change of chemical composition in stars like the Sun. The Mellin-Barnes contour integral representation of the G-function is also established. The manifold generality of the G-function is discussed in terms of the solution of the above fractional kinetic equation. A compact and easily computable solution is established. Special cases, involving the generalized Mittag-leffler function and the R-function, are considered. The obtained results imply more precisely the known results.

Spin alignment measurements of the K*(0)(892) and phi(1020) vector mesons in heavy ion collisions at root S-NN=200 GeV

Abstract: We present the first spin alignment measurements for the K*{sup 0}(892) and (1020) vector mesons produced at midrapidity with transverse momenta up to 5 GeV/c at {radical}s{sub NN} = 200 GeV at RHIC. The diagonal spin-density matrix elements with respect to the reaction plane in Au+Au collisions are {rho}{sub 00} = 0.32 {+-} 0.04 (stat) {+-} 0.09 (syst) for the K*{sup 0} (0.8 < p{sub T} < 5.0 GeV/c) and {rho}{sub 00} = 0.34 {+-} 0.02 (stat) {+-} 0.03 (syst) for the {phi} (0.4 < p{sub T} < 5.0 GeV/c) and are constant with transverse momentum and collision centrality. The data are consistent with the unpolarized expectation of 1/3 and thus no evidence is found for the transfer of the orbital angular momentum of the colliding system to the vector-meson spins. Spin alignments for K*{sup 0} and {phi} in Au+Au collisions were also measured with respect to the particle's production plane. The {phi} result, {rho}{sub 00} = 0.41 {+-} 0.02 (stat) {+-} 0.04 (syst), is consistent with that in p+p collisions, {rho}{sub 00} = 0.39 {+-} 0.03 (stat) {+-} 0.06 (syst), also measured in this work. The measurements thus constrain the possible size of polarization phenomena in the production dynamicsmore » of vector mesons.« less

Sperm motility inhibitory effect of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in langur monkey, Presbytis entellus entellus.

Abstract: Aim: To assess the contraceptive efficacy of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in langur monkeys. Methods: The test substance was given p.o. to five monkeys at 50 mg/kg body weight/day for 360 days. Control animals (n = 3) received olive oil as vehicle. Sperm parameters as per World Health Organization standards, sperm functional tests, morphology of testis and epididymis, haematology, clinical biochemistry, serum testosterone and libido were evaluated. Following completion of 360 days treatment the animals were withdrawn from the treatment and the recovery pattern was assessed by semen analysis and sperm functional tests. Results: Total inhibition of sperm motility was observed following 60 days of treatment that continued until 360 days study period. Sperm count, percent viability and percent normal spermatozoa showed a drastic decline following 30 days of treatment. Sperm morphology showed predominant mid piece abnormalities. Sperm functional tests scored in sterile range. Histology and ultrastructure of testis revealed vacuolization in the Sertoli cells and germ cells. Loss of cytoplasmic organelles was evident in spermatocytes and round spermatids. Histology and ultrastructure of epididymis of treated animals were comparable to those of control animals. Hematological and serum clinical parameters and testosterone levels fluctuated within the control range throughout the study period. Recovery was evident following 60–120 days of treatment withdrawal. Conclusion: The results suggest that the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya shows contraceptive efficacy without adverse toxicity, mediated through inhibition of sperm motility. (Asian J Androl 2008 Mar; 10: 298–306)