Variations in the Cyclotron Resonant Scattering Features during 2011 outburst of 4U 0115+63

We study the variations in the Cyclotron Resonant Scattering Feature (CRSF) during 2011 outburst of the high mass X-ray binary 4U 0115+63 using observations performed with Suzaku, RXTE, Swift and INTEGRAL satellites. The wide-band spectral data with low energy coverage allowed us to characterize the broadband continuum and detect the CRSFs. We find that the broadband continuum is adequately described by a combination of a low temperature (kT ~ 0.8 keV) blackbody and a power-law with high energy cutoff (Ecut ~ 5.4 keV) without the need for a broad Gaussian at ~ 10 keV as used in some earlier studies. Though winds from the companion can affect the emission from the neutron star at low energies (< 3 keV), the blackbody component shows a significant presence in our continuum model. We report evidence for the possible presence of two independent sets of CRSFs with fundamentals at ~ 11 keV and ~ 15 keV. These two sets of CRSFs could arise from spatially distinct emitting regions. We also find evidence for variations in the line equivalent widths, with the 11 keV CRSF weakening and the 15 keV line strengthening with decreasing luminosity. Finally, we propose that the reason for the earlier observed anti-correlation of line energy with luminosity could be due to modelling of these two independent line sets (~ 11 keV and ~ 15 keV) as a single CRSF.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures (4 in colour), 6 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Typos corrected, Figure 8 changed and some changes to draf

Discovery of unusual pulsations in the cool, evolved Am stars HD 98851 and HD 102480

The chemically peculiar (CP) stars HD 98851 and HD 102480 have been discovered to be unusual pulsators during the ``Naini Tal Cape Survey'' programme to search for pulsational variability in CP stars. Time series photometric and spectroscopic observations of these newly discovered stars are reported here. Fourier analyses of the time series photometry reveal that HD 98851 is pulsating mainly with frequencies 0.208 mHz and 0.103 mHz, and HD 102480 is pulsating with frequencies 0.107 mHz, 0.156 mHz and 0.198 mHz. The frequency identifications are all subject to 1 d$^{-1}$ cycle count ambiguities. We have matched the observed low resolution spectra of HD 98851 and HD 102480 in the range 3500-7400 \AA with theoretical synthetic spectra using Kurucz models with solar metallicity and a micro-turbulent velocity 2 km s$^{-1}$. These yield $T_{eff}=7000\pm250$ K, log $g=3.5 \pm 0.5$ for HD 98851 and $T_{eff} = 6750 \pm 250$ K, log $g = 3.0 \pm 0.5$ for HD 102480. We determined the equivalent H-line spectral class of these stars to be F1 IV and F3 III/IV, respectively. A comparison of the location of HD 98851 and HD 102480 in the HR diagram with theoretical stellar evolutionary tracks indicates that both stars are about 1-Gyr-old, 2-$M_{\odot}$ stars that lie towards the red edge of the $\delta$ Sct instability strip. We conclude that HD 98851 and HD 102480 are cool, evolved Am pulsators. The light curves of these pulsating stars have alternating high and low amplitudes, nearly harmonic (or sub-harmonic) period ratios, high pulsational overtones and Am spectral types. This is unusual for both Am and $\delta$ Sct pulsators, making these stars interesting objects.Comment: 9 pages, 6 Figures, Accepted for publication in MNRA

Distribution and abundance of carangids along the EEZ India

Distribution and abundance of carangid groups of fish along the EEZ of India based on the data collected during 80 cruises undertaken by FORV Sagar Sampada is presented here. East coast of India showed maximum concentration of ctrangids with a catch rate of 64 kg/hr along the northeast coast. The least distribution was noticed along the northwest coast ( 5 kg/hr). Carangids formed up to a maximum of 19 % of the total bottom trawl catch along the northwest coast. With more than 20 species of carangids reported to be caught in various cruises, Decapterus spp formed the most dominant group, followed by species like Atule mate, Selar crumenophthalmus, Carangoides malabaricus etc. Depthwise distribution showed higher density in the 60-80 m range all along the coast excepting the Andaman-Nicobar archipelago. Areawise, higher densities of carangids were noticed at latitude-longitude 7°N - 77°E, 1TN - 75°E, 1TN - 79°E, 14°N - 80°E , 18°N - 72°E, 19°N -85°E and 19°N -86°E. Seasonally, carangids were represented in the catch more during the monsoon especially along the northeast and southwest coasts. Potential yield of carangids along the EEZ of India is estimated to be 94971 tonne

A spectroscopic analysis of the chemically peculiar star HD207561

In this paper we present a high-resolution spectroscopic analysis of the chemically peculiar star HD207561. During a survey programme to search for new roAp stars in the Northern hemisphere, Joshi et al. (2006) observed significant photometric variability on two consecutive nights in the year 2000. The amplitude spectra of the light curves obtained on these two nights showed oscillations with a frequency of 2.79 mHz [P~6-min]. However, subsequent follow-up observations could not confirm any rapid variability. In order to determine the spectroscopic nature of HD207561, high-resolution spectroscopic and spectro-polarimetric observations were carried out. A reasonable fit of the calculated Hbeta line profile to the observed one yields the effective temperature (Teff) and surface gravity (log g) as 7300 K and 3.7 dex, respectively. The derived projected rotational velocity (vsin i) for HD207561 is 74 km/sec indicative of a relatively fast rotator. The position of HD207561 in the H-R diagram implies that this is slightly evolved from the main-sequence and located well within the delta-Scuti instability strip. The abundance analysis indicates the star has slight under-abundances of Ca and Sc and mild over-abundances of iron-peak elements. The spectro-polarimetric study of HD207561 shows that the effective magnetic field is within the observational error of 100 gauss (G). The spectroscopic analysis revealed that the star has most of the characteristics similar to an Am star, rather than an Ap star, and that it lies in the delta-Scuti instability strip; hence roAp pulsations are not expected in HD207561, but low-overtone modes might be excited.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables. Accepted for pubblication in MNRA

The Nainital-Cape Survey -- II:Report for pulsation in five chemically peculiar A-type stars and presentation of 140 null results

To search photometric variability in chemically peculiar A type stars in the northern hemisphere. High-speed photometric observations of Ap and Am star candidates have been carried out from ARIES (Manora Peak, Nainital) using a three-channel fast photometer attached to the ARIES 104-cm Sampurnanand telescope. This paper presents three new variables: HD 113878, HD 118660 and HD 207561. During the time span of the survey (1999 December to 2004 January) pulsations of the $\delta$ Sct type were also found for the two evolved Am stars HD 102480 and HD 98851, as reported in Joshi et al. (2002, 2003). Additionally, we present 140 null results of the survey for this time span. The star HD 113878 pulsates with a period of 2.31 hr, which is typical of $\delta$ Sct stars. HD 118660 exhibits multi-periodic variability with a prominent period of nearly 1 hr. These periods need to be investigated and make HD 118660 a particularly interesting target for further observations. For HD 207561, a star classified as Am, a probable pulsation with a period of 6 min was found in the light curves obtained on two consecutive nights. Both HD 102480 and HD 98851 exhibit unusual alternating high and low amplitude maxima, with a period ratio of 2:1. The analysis of the null results confirms the photometric quality of the NainitalComment: 14 pages, 13 figures, Accepted for publication in A&

Outcomes of safety and effectiveness in a multicenter randomized, controlled trial of whole-body hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body hypothermia reduced the frequency of death or moderate/severe disabilities in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in a randomized, controlled multicenter trial. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate outcomes of safety and effectiveness of hypothermia in infants up to 18 to 22 months of age. DESIGN/METHODS: A priori outcomes were evaluated between hypothermia (n = 102) and control (n = 106) groups. RESULTS: Encephalopathy attributable to causes other than hypoxia-ischemia at birth was not noted. Inotropic support (hypothermia, 59% of infants; control, 56% of infants) was similar during the 72-hour study intervention period in both groups. Need for blood transfusions (hypothermia, 24%; control, 24%), platelet transfusions (hypothermia, 20%; control, 12%), and volume expanders (hypothermia, 54%; control, 49%) was similar in the 2 groups. Among infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension (hypothermia, 25%; control, 22%), nitric-oxide use (hypothermia, 68%; control, 57%) and placement on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (hypothermia, 4%; control, 9%) was similar between the 2 groups. Non-central nervous system organ dysfunctions occurred with similar frequency in the hypothermia (74%) and control (73%) groups. Rehospitalization occurred among 27% of the infants in the hypothermia group and 42% of infants in the control group. At 18 months, the hypothermia group had 24 deaths, 19 severe disabilities, and 2 moderate disabilities, whereas the control group had 38 deaths, 25 severe disabilities, and 1 moderate disability. Growth parameters were similar between survivors. No adverse outcomes were noted among infants receiving hypothermia with transient reduction of temperature below a target of 33.5 degrees C at initiation of cooling. There was a trend in reduction of frequency of all outcomes in the hypothermia group compared with the control group in both moderate and severe encephalopathy categories. CONCLUSIONS: Although not powered to test these secondary outcomes, whole-body hypothermia in infants with encephalopathy was safe and was associated with a consistent trend for decreasing frequency of each of the components of disability

Native Californian Persistence and Transformation in the Colonial Los Angeles Basin, Southern California Transformation in the Colonial Los Angeles Basin, Southern California

Contrary to long-held perceptions of rapid upheaval of Native Californian lifeways instigated by the establishment of Spanish missions in coastal southern California, archaeological and ethnohistorical research in the greater Los Angeles basin highlights the persistence and autonomy, as well as the transformation, of Native Californians in a missionized socio-political and economic landscape. Mission-period GabrieliÒo (Tongva) established post-contact communities that reinforced indigenous ideology, religion, and practice. At the same time, these communities also successfully navigated the environmental, social, and economic challenges created by colonial institutions. The successful persistence of many GabrieliÒo (Tongva) cultural rituals and subsistence practices for approximately 40 years after the establishment of Mission San Gabriel was due to the continuance, and transformation, of these long-lived native communities. This study looks broadly at evidence from both La Ballona, located in what is now west Los Angeles, and from the greater Los Angeles basin

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in critically ill obstetric patients

Background: The present study was done to analyze the outcome of critically ill antenatal and postnatal women in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study was done to identify and analyze the risk factors that influence maternal-perinatal morbidity and mortality.Methods: All the obstetric patients admitted to ICU during January 2009 to December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The indications for transfer to ICU, obstetric and non-obstetric causes were evaluated. Mortality Probability Model (MPM2) score was calculated and risk of mortality estimated. The course and complications during hospital stay were noted.Results: 57 obstetric patients were admitted during the above mentioned period representing 5/1000 deliveries. Postpartum patients outnumbered antenatal women (31 vs. 26). Obstetric causes- preeclampsia, hemorrhage and sepsis were common indications for admissions. Respiratory failure and the need for mechanical ventilation was the most common reason for critical care. Maternal mortality was 28% and the perinatal mortality was 50%.Conclusions: Pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and hemorrhage were the major risk factors apart from pneumonia and hepatitis that continue to take toll in obstetric patients. Adequate antenatal care, increased vigilance of women during pregnancy for subtle signs and symptoms, early transfer to tertiary centre and aggressive management to prevent complications can bring about the desired reduction in maternal-perinatal morbidity and mortality

Analysis of various types of ectopic pregnancies: a five-year review

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common, life threatening emergency during the first trimester and a significant cause for maternal morbidity and mortality. In any woman of reproductive age presenting with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy should be considered. The objectives of the present study is to determine the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, type of ectopic pregnancy, treatment, morbidity and mortality.Methods: Retrospective analysis of case sheets of patients admitted with ectopic pregnancy at PSGIMSR, Coimbatore during the period July 2011 to June 2016 was done. The details noted were age, parity, risk factors {previous abortion, previous EP, previous pelvic surgery, intrauterine contraceptive device, tubectomy, history of pelvic inflammatory disease}, treatment for infertility, clinical presentation, ultrasound findings, investigations including beta HCG value and hemoglobin level, treatment offered, need for blood transfusion, operative findings and morbidity.Results: During the five year, there were 12,407 deliveries at our hospitals and 88 cases of ectopic pregnancies were managed. The incidence is 6.6/1000 deliveries. Among them 44% belonged to the age group of 25-30 years and multi gravida were 73.8%. Most common risk factors were previous abortion (23.8%) and previous surgeries including caesarean section, tubectomy, appendicectomy, tubal microsurgery (23.8%). Most common presentation was pain abdomen (85.2%). Out of the 88 cases, 73 patients were managed surgically (82.9%) and 11 cases were managed successfully with methotrexate (12.5%). Three of them underwent conservative management and one had Uterine Artery Embolization.Conclusions: Early diagnosis based on risk factors and timely intervention plays a main role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy