All-optical detection of interfacial spin transparency from spin pumping in ß-Ta/CoFeB thin films.

Generation and utilization of pure spin current have revolutionized energy-efficient spintronic devices. Spin pumping effect generates pure spin current, and for its increased efficiency, spin-mixing conductance and interfacial spin transparency are imperative. The plethora of reports available on generation of spin current with giant magnitude overlook the interfacial spin transparency. Here, we investigate spin pumping in ß-Ta/CoFeB thin films by an all-optical time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect technique. From variation of Gilbert damping with Ta and CoFeB thicknesses, we extract the spin diffusion length of ß-Ta and spin-mixing conductances. Consequently, interfacial spin transparency is derived as 0.50 ± 0.03 from the spin Hall magnetoresistance model for the ß-Ta/CoFeB interface. Furthermore, invariance of Gilbert damping with Cu spacer layer thickness inserted between ß-Ta and CoFeB layers confirms the absence of other interface effects including spin memory loss. This demonstrates a reliable and noninvasive way to determine interfacial spin transparency and signifies its role in generation of pure spin current by spin pumping effect.

Artificial groundwater recharge zones mapping using remote sensing and GIS: a case study in Indian Punjab.

Artificial groundwater recharge plays a vital role in sustainable management of groundwater resources. The present study was carried out to identify the artificial groundwater recharge zones in Bist Doab basin of Indian Punjab using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) for augmenting groundwater resources. The study area has been facing severe water scarcity due to intensive agriculture for the past few years. The thematic layers considered in the present study are: geomorphology (2004), geology (2004), land use/land cover (2008), drainage density, slope, soil texture (2000), aquifer transmissivity, and specific yield. Different themes and related features were assigned proper weights based on their relative contribution to groundwater recharge. Normalized weights were computed using the Saaty's analytic hierarchy process. Thematic layers were integrated in ArcGIS for delineation of artificial groundwater recharge zones. The recharge map thus obtained was divided into four zones (poor, moderate, good, and very good) based on their influence to groundwater recharge. Results indicate that 15, 18, 37, and 30 % of the study area falls under "poor," "moderate," "good," and "very good" groundwater recharge zones, respectively. The highest recharge potential area is located towards western and parts of middle region because of high infiltration rates caused due to the distribution of flood plains, alluvial plain, and agricultural land. The least effective recharge potential is in the eastern and middle parts of the study area due to low infiltration rate. The results of the study can be used to formulate an efficient groundwater management plan for sustainable utilization of limited groundwater resources.

Recto-vaginal sex leading to colostomy and recto-vaginal repair.

Recto-vaginal tears have been described in association with foreign bodies, rape and accidental trauma victims. We describe a case of upper recto-vaginal tear without involvement of perineum or sphincter following consensual heterosexual coitus, which has not been previously reported.

Urethral metastases from carcinoma of prostate.

Three rare cases of urethral metastases from prostatic carcinoma are reported. Mechanism of metastasis, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Application of filter paper method for collection of blood for MLPA test.

The results of MLPA test using serum and filter paper eluate have been compared in this paper. Testing 64 patient samples at 1:32 dilution, 31 were negative by both serum and eluate, 20 were positive by both, six were positive only by serum and one was positive only eluate. In six other cases eluate gave equivocal results while serum result was clearly positive. Some eluates negative at 1:32 dilution gave weak positive agglutination at 1:16 dilution.

Sleeve urethroplasty: new technique.

A single-stage urethroplasty for penile urethral stricture is described. This method obviated some of the common complications, such as fistula formation. This operation was performed on 11 patients with encouraging results. Further study is needed to assess its ultimate value.