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The purpose of this study is to determine how the gas cure pressure affects the Mode II interfacial brittle material behaviour of undergrad Kenaf fibre reinforced polymers. Ending-notch deformation experiments were used to examine the shifts in materials and geometric characteristics caused by the use of pressure on uni-directional kenaf samples. When the rigidity of several composite structures hardened at elevated pressure was investigated, it was discovered that both material and geometrical rigidity contributed to the strength of the laminate, although their contributions to overall rigidity varied. It is demonstrated that micro hardness levels, GIIC, are unchanged by rigidity because they are exclusively connected to the forces generated by the initiation and propagation of cracks. It is demonstrated that the depth of a character affects all attributes, particularly toughness. The relative shatter strength of composite material treated at 6 psi, 300 psi, and 700 psi varies. An optimal height of a core layer provides combined cohesive and adhesion barriers to fracture development, resulting in good fracture toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine how the gas cure pressure affects the Mode II interfacial brittle material behaviour of undergrad Kenaf fibre reinforced polymers. Ending-notch deformation experiments were used to examine the shifts in materials and geometric characteristics caused by the use of pressure on uni-directional kenaf samples. When the rigidity of several composite structures hardened at elevated pressure was investigated, it was discovered that both material and geometrical rigidity contributed to the strength of the laminate, although their contributions to overall rigidity varied. It is demonstrated that micro hardness levels, GIIC, are unchanged by rigidity because they are exclusively connected to the forces generated by the initiation and propagation of cracks. It is demonstrated that the depth of a character affects all attributes, particularly toughness. The relative shatter strength of composite material treated at 6 psi, 300 psi, and 700 psi varies. An optimal height of a core layer provides combined cohesive and adhesion barriers to fracture development, resulting in good fracture toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine how the gas cure pressure affects the Mode II interfacial brittle material behaviour of undergrad Kenaf fibre reinforced polymers. Ending-notch deformation experiments were used to examine the shifts in materials and geometric characteristics caused by the use of pressure on uni-directional kenaf samples. When the rigidity of several composite structures hardened at elevated pressure was investigated, it was discovered that both material and geometrical rigidity contributed to the strength of the laminate, although their contributions to overall rigidity varied. It is demonstrated that micro hardness levels, GIIC, are unchanged by rigidity because they are exclusively connected to the forces generated by the initiation and propagation of cracks. It is demonstrated that the depth of a character affects all attributes, particularly toughness. The relative shatter strength of composite material treated at 6 psi, 300 psi, and 700 psi varies. An optimal height of a core layer provides combined cohesive and adhesion barriers to fracture development, resulting in good fracture toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the posterior ethmomaxillary (PEM) cells on computed tomographic scans for complete sinus clearance during endoscopic sinus surgery to prevent disease recurrence. Prospective single institution study. MAA ENT Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad. 350 patients were selected for the study. Computed tomographic scans of these patients were performed suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis and requiring endoscopic sinus surgery (primary or revision cases). The scans were evaluated and presence of PEM cells was noted. These findings were co-related intra-operatively and above-mentioned cells were opened. In revision cases, these cells were left unopened in previous cases and were cleared in present surgery and the patients were followed up for recurrence. A total number of 350 CT scans of nose and para-nasal sinus were studied. There were 176 males and 174 were females. The presence of PEM cells was 11.42% with bilaterality in 80%. In revision cases, it was 23%. PEM cells act as hidden areas in the para-nasal sinus and if not identified and cleared, it acts as a nidus for disease recurrence and cause for failure of surgery. Identification of PEM is important during surgery for complete disease clearance. As very little information exists in the current literature, we are submitting this study to enlighten Rhinologist regarding PEM cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial lipids, produced by oleaginous microorganisms, are emerging as sustainable feedstocks for biodiesel and other industrial applications. In this study, biolipid production from Aspergillus flavus was systematically optimized through cultivation studies, lipid extraction, and quantification, combined with classical and advanced modeling approaches. Key nutrients such as carbon sources, nitrogen sources, amino acids and metal salts were analyzed for their influence on lipid production. Optimization studies were performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. RSM, employing Plackett-Burman design and Central Composite Design (CCD), identified critical parameters (pH, glucose, and peptone) affecting lipid yield, achieving high predictive accuracy with an R2 value of 0.9911. The ANN model, with a configuration of 17 hidden neurons, outperformed RSM, yielding correlation coefficients (r) of 0.999 for training and validation and 0.981 for testing, along with lower Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). Further, 3D contour plots and sensitivity analysis elucidated the interactive and non-linear effects of key parameters. This integrated approach demonstrates the superiority of combining statistical (RSM) and computational (ANN) tools for bioprocess optimization. The study highlights A. flavus as a promising microbial resource for sustainable lipid production, providing a scalable framework for industrial biodiesel manufacturing. [Display omitted] • Biolipid production from Aspergillus flavus was optimized for industrial biodiesel applications. • Key nutrient factors (glucose, peptone, pH, amino acids and metal salts) were analyzed for their impact on lipid yield. • Response Surface Methodology (RSM) identified critical parameters using Plackett-Burman. • Integrated RSM-ANN modeling offers a robust and precise framework for optimizing bioprocess conditions. • The study highlights A. flavus as a sustainable microbial resource for scalable biolipid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delamanid and bedaquiline are recently approved drugs for the treatment of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis (TB). It was found that the concomitant use of both drugs helped in treating patients with high drug-resistant strains. Fixed dose combination of delamanid and bedaquiline can be a possibility to control drug resistance TB. Therefore, the objective of this review was to collect data on different analytical methods used so far for the specific quantitation of delamanid and bedaquiline. Such information would be valuable to the research community to develop a new analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of these drugs. Analytical techniques are existing for individually for the quantification of delamanid and bedaquiline, but an operative and dependable analytical technique has not been reported for their combination. Majority of the analysis is carried out using chromatographic methods, namely, RP-HPLC, UPLC, and LCMS/MS. However, the literature revealed lack of colorimetric, spectrofluorometric, spectrophotometric, and electrophoretic method for estimation of both the drugs either individually or simultaneously. Hence, there is a huge scope for the development of wide varieties of analytical methods for delamanid and bedaquiline in different sample matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gingival recession is a complex phenomenon with multifactorial etiology. It is defined as the apical migration of the soft tissue margin beyond the cemento‐enamel junction, thereby exposing the root surface. It results in the destruction of both soft and hard tissues. Case Presentation: Three patients with buccal gingival recession defects underwent surgical treatment consisting of transposition of a periosteal pedicle in conjunction with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique. As the cambium layer of the periosteum has greater osteoblastic potential than the fibrous layer, this study considered juxtaposing of the cambium layer directly onto the denuded root surface. A 9‐month review demonstrated satisfactory: root coverage; gain in clinical attachment, reduction in probing depth; and increase in width of keratinized gingiva with a good color match and minimal scarring. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, this CAF technique, in conjunction with the cambium layer of periosteum, showed a significant amount of root coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous cultivation of dry seeded rice in addition to adverse environmental factors make the rice soils deficient of nitrogen more than any other essential nutrient. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions in pots by varying soil N during seedling growth. Six cultivars with diverse genetic background, CL152, R4100412, Antonio, Bowman, Nipponbare, and Rex, were seeded in 6 × 12 inch PVC pots filled with 3:1 (sand: soil) as the rooting medium. All plants were irrigated with full-strength Hoagland nutrient solution, delivered three times for 28 days after sowing. Then, half the plants in each cultivar were supplied with 100% of control nutrient solution minus N for another 4 weeks. Agronomic, physiological and root parameters measurements recorded at optimum interval. Cumulative indices were calculated by summing each response index value as a ratio of treatment by control values. Cultivars were classified based on total cumulative N stress response index (TCNSRI), the sum of all the traits measured, into different groups based on mean and standard error. The reductions in most of the measured traits were less in CL152 and R4100412 than other rice cultivars to soil N stress. Based on total cumulative N stress response indices, the cultivars were classified. The cultivar R41004122 was identified as tolerant, CL152 as intermediate, and Antonio, Bowman, Nipponbare and Rex were sensitive to soil N stress. The identified soil N stress tolerant and intermediately tolerant cultivars will be useful to breeders to develop new genotypes and farmers to select cultivars best suited for dry seeded rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow field in a two-dimensional three-ramp hypersonic mixed-compression inlet in a freestream Mach number of M∞ = 5 is numerically solved to understand the unsteady throttling dynamics. Throttling conditions are simulated by varying the exit area of the isolator in the form of plug insets. Different throttling ratios between 0 ≤ ζ ≤ 0.7 in steps of 0.1 are considered. No unsteadiness is observed for ζ ≤ 0.2, and severe unsteadiness is found for 0.3 ≤ ζ ≤ 0.7. The frequency of unsteadiness (f) increases rapidly with ζ. As ζ increases, the amount of reversed mass inside the isolator scales with the frequency and the exit mass flow rate. A general framework is attempted to scale the unsteady events based on the gathered knowledge from the numerical study. The inlet–isolator flow is modeled as an oscillating flow through a duct with known upstream design conditions such as the freestream Mach number (M∞) and the isolator inlet Mach number (Mi). Factors such as the mass occupied by the duct volume, the characteristic unsteady frequency, the throttling ratio, and the exit mass flow rate through the duct are used to form a non-dimensional parameter β, which scales with the upstream design parameter ξ = Mi/M∞. The scaling parameters are further exploited to formulate a semi-empirical relation using the existing experimental results at different throttling ratios from the open literature. The unsteady frequencies from the present two-dimensional numerical exercise are also shown to agree with the proposed scaling and the resulting semi-empirical relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Do the long-term health outcomes following IVF differ depending upon the duration of embryo culture before transfer?Summary Answer: Using a mouse model, we demonstrate that in male but not female offspring, adverse cardiovascular (CV) health was more likely with prolonged culture to the blastocyst stage, but metabolic dysfunction was more likely if embryo transfer (ET) occurred at the early cleavage stage.What Is Known Already: ART associate with increased risk of adverse CV and metabolic health in offspring, and these findings have been confirmed in animal models in the absence of parental infertility issues. It is unclear which specific ART treatments may cause these risks. There is increasing use of blastocyst, versus cleavage-stage, transfer in clinical ART which does not appear to impair perinatal health of children born, but the longer-term health implications are unknown.Study Design, Size, Duration: Five mouse groups were generated comprising: (i) natural mating (NM)-naturally mated, non-superovulated and undisturbed gestation; (ii) IV-ET-2Cell-in-vivo derived two-cell embryos collected from superovulated mothers, with immediate ET to recipients; (iii) IVF-ET-2Cell-IVF generated embryos, from oocytes from superovulated mothers, cultured to the two-cell stage before ET to recipients; (iv) IV-ET-BL-in-vivo derived blastocysts collected from superovulated mothers, with immediate ET to recipients; (v) IVF-ET-BL-IVF generated embryos, from oocytes from superovulated mothers, cultured to the blastocyst stage before ET to recipients. Both male and female offspring were analysed for growth, CV and metabolic markers of health. There were 8-13 litters generated for each group for analyses; postnatal data were analysed by multilevel random effects regression to take account of between-mother and within-mother variation and litter size.Participants/materials, Settings, Methods: C57/BL6 female mice (3-4 weeks old) were used for oocyte production; CBA males for sperm with human tubal fluid medium were used for IVF. Embryos were transferred (ET) to MF1 pseudo-pregnant recipients at the two-cell stage or cultured in synthetic oviductal medium enriched with potassium medium to the blastocyst stage before ET. Control in-vivo embryos from C57BL6 × CBA matings were collected and immediately transferred at the two-cell or blastocyst stage. Postnatal assays included growth rate up to 27 weeks; systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 9, 15 and 21 weeks; lung and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity at time of cull (27 weeks); glucose tolerance test (GTT; 27 weeks); basal glucose and insulin levels (27 weeks); and lipid accumulation in liver cryosections using Oil Red O imaging (27 weeks).Main Results and the Role Of Chance: Blastocysts formed by IVF developed at a slower rate and comprised fewer cells that in-vivo generated blastocysts without culture (P < 0.05). Postnatal growth rate was increased in all four experimental treatments compared with NM group (P < 0.05). SBP, serum and lung ACE and heart/body weight were higher in IVF-ET-BL versus IVF-ET-2Cell males (P < 0.05) and higher than in other treatment groups, with SBP and lung ACE positively correlated (P < 0.05). Glucose handling (GTT AUC) was poorer and basal insulin levels were higher in IVF-ET-2Cell males than in IVF-ET-BL (P < 0.05) with the glucose:insulin ratio more negatively correlated with body weight in IVF-ET-2Cell males than in other groups. Liver/body weight and liver lipid droplet diameter and density in IVF-ET-2Cell males were higher than in IVF-ET-BL males (P < 0.05). IVF groups had poorer health characteristics than their in-vivo control groups, indicating that outcomes were not caused specifically by background techniques (superovulation, ET). No consistent health effects from duration of culture were identified in female offspring.Large Scale Data: N/A.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: Results from experimental animal models cannot be extrapolated to humans. Nevertheless, they are valuable to develop conceptual models, in this case, in the absence of confounding parental infertility, in assessing the safety of ART manipulations.Wider Implications Of the Findings: The study indicates that longer duration of embryo culture after IVF up to blastocyst before ET leads to increased dysfunction of CV health in males compared with IVF and shorter cleavage-stage ET. However, the metabolic health of male offspring was poorer after shorter versus longer culture duration. This distinction indicates that the origin of CV and metabolic health phenotypes after ART may be different. The poorer metabolic health of males after cleavage-stage ET coincides with embryonic genome activation occurring at the time of ET.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This work was supported through the European Union FP7-CP-FP Epihealth programme (278418) and FP7-PEOPLE-2012-ITN EpiHealthNet programme (317146) to T.P.F., the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) (BB/F007450/1) to T.P.F., and the Saudi government, University of Jeddah and King Abdulaziz University to A.A. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress leads to decreased animal productive and reproductive performance which may be due to malnutrition, oxidative damage and environmental factors. Oxidative stress occurs due to over production of free radicals and is responsible for lipid peroxidation and cell death. Oxidants i.e. free radicals are able to reduce themselves and oxidize other molecules. They are of two categories-reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS plays an important role in host immune response and leads to oxidative stress when produced in excess. RNS are derived from nitric oxide and superoxide and damage cells causing nitrosative stress. Oxidative stress may impair health in dairy animals causing sepsis, mastitis, enteritis, pneumonia and joint disease. Antioxidants prevent the chain reaction of reactive free radicals or oxidative stress and maintain the health and integrity of cells within the body. Several antioxidants viz. vitamin C, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, trace elements, carotenoids, herbs and spices protect animal body as a natural defence against oxidative damage. Hence, it is important to have a proper balance between free radical production and their detoxification for maintaining the health and productive potential of dairy animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the effect of TiO 2 reinforcement on the phase, microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of CrFeCuMnNi/TiO 2 high entropy alloy composites (HEACs) processed by powder metallurgy. The results reveal the formation of single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) structure after 30 h of milling in the original HEA, while TiO 2 peaks in the HEACs indicate uniform distribution. After sintering, multiple phases including FCC, Cr-rich, Cr 2 O 3 were observed. The hardness of HEAs increased from 330 ± 10 to 440 ± 10 HV and compressive yield strength increased from 480 to 760 MPa while scarifying the strain from 43.5 to 21 % with TiO 2 content. The addition of TiO 2 content slightly reduces the coefficient of friction and specific wear rate decreased by 45.16 % due to increased hardness and formation of stable oxide layer on the worn surface inhibits plastic deformation. The addition of TiO 2 reduces the dominance of abrasive and adhesive wear and enhances the strength of HEACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we proposed a new technique for channel estimation using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, (OFDM). Channel estimation is an integral part of the OFDM system based on the latest high speed transmission technology. Channel estimation is a vital technique used at the receiver side in order to estimate actual transmitted signal which gets affected by Interference. In OFDM, the known pilot signal is inserted to get a channel estimate and then the channel response is obtained by interpolation algorithms. We propose two algorithms and studied their characteristics qualities in channel estimation by simulation in NS-2. Firstly, the channel estimation scheme named Frequently Constructed Pilot Based Channel Estimation(FCPCE), which fully utilizes the pilot symbols is used to estimate the channel response and then the equalizer technique Maximum Minimizing Null Adaptive filters(MMNF) is used to completely remove the inter-symbol interference (ISI) and noise at the receiver side. Further, analysis and simulations show better performance of the proposed techniques based on 802.11p standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of environmental stressors on the parent may be transmitted to the F1 generation of plants that support global food, oil, and energy production for humans and animals. This study was conducted to determine if the effects of drought stress on parental soybean plants are transmitted to the F1 generation. The germination and seedling vigor of F1 soybean whose maternal parents, Asgrow AG5332 and Progeny P5333RY, were exposed to soil moisture stress, that is, 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% replacement of evapotranspiration (ET) during reproductive growth, were evaluated under controlled conditions. Pooled over cultivars, effects of soil moisture stress on the parents caused a reduction in the seed germination rate, maximum seed germination, and overall seedling performance in the F1 generation. The effect of soil moisture stress on the parent environment induced seed quality that carried on the F1 generation seed gemination and seedling traits under optimum conditions and further exasperated when exposed to increasing levels of drought stress. Results indicate that seed weight and storage reserve are key factors positively associated with germination traits and seedling growth. Our data confirm that the effects of soil moisture stress on soybean are transferable, causing reduced germination, seedling vigor, and seed quality in the F1 generation. Therefore, optimal water supply during soybean seed formation period may be beneficial for seed producers in terms of optimizing seed quality and vigor characteristics of commodity seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Soybean seed protein and oil negatively correlated under drought stress. • Soil moisture stress increased the production of smaller and shriveled seeds. • Sucrose had a higher sensitivity towards moisture stress than other sugars. • Soil moisture stress affected mineral uptake. • Optimum soil moisture during seed formation improved soybean seed quality. Abstract Soybean seed quality is often determined by its constituents which are important to sustain overall nutritional aspects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of soil moisture stress during reproductive stage on seed quality and composition. Plants were subjected to five levels of soil moisture stresses at flowering, and yield and quality traits were examined at maturity. Seed protein, palmitic and linoleic acids, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, N, P, K, and Ca significantly decreased whereas oil, stearic, oleic and linolenic acids, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, and B increased in response to soil moisture deficiency. The relationship between seed protein and oil was negatively correlated. The changes in seed constituents could be due to changes in nutrient accumulation and partitioning in soybean seeds under water stress. This information suggests the requirement of adequate soil moisture during flowering and seed formation stages to obtain the higher nutritional value of soybean seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is considered as a major environmental factor upon which the storage behavior of sweetpotatoes depends. To quantify shoot and root vigor responses during sweetpotato early transplant establishment, an experiment was conducted using sunlit environmental growth chambers at three day/night temperatures, 22/14 (low), 30/22 (optimum), 38/30 °C (high). Ten sweetpotato cultivars were transplanted in pots for 20 days and several shoot and root morphological and physiological traits were assessed. Sweetpotato cultivars varied significantly for many traits measured particularly root components. High and low temperatures significantly decreased the production of storage root number. Low temperature caused a marked decrease in vine length, node number, leaf area, total biomass, and net photosynthesis causing 95, 70, 78, 66, and 36% reduction compared to the optimum temperature. At high temperature, average leaf area was seven times more than optimum indicating strong temperature effects on leaf number, size, and leaf area development. Principal component analysis was used to classify sweetpotato cultivars to low and high-temperature tolerant, intermediate, and sensitive groups. The sweetpotato cultivars O’henry and Bonita were identified as tolerant, Evangeline, B14, Vardaman, and Covington as intermediate tolerant, and NC05198 and Travis as sensitive to both low and high temperatures. A poor correlation was observed between low and high temperature response indices indicating that cold and heat tolerance mechanisms are different and the selection has to be made independently in developing tolerance to low and high temperatures. The identified low and high temperature tolerant cultivars and their associated morpho-physiological characteristics may be useful for breeders to develop new cultivars that could withstand variable temperatures projected to occur in future climates aiming to increase storage root yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture stress is the major abiotic stress factor that causes extensive losses to soybean production worldwide. Quantitative relationships between soil moisture deficit and yield components are needed to improve algorithms of the existing soybean models predictability. The objective of this study was to quantify water stress effects on various plant growth and reproductive traits using two soybean cultivars with distinct growth habits, indeterminate type, Asgrow AG5332 and determinate type, Progeny P5333RY. Plants grown in pots outdoors were moved into sunlit controlled environment at flowering stage. Five water stress treatments, 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% of daily evapotranspiration of the control, were imposed at flowering and continued until maturity. Plant height and node numbers were recorded at 7-day intervals. Plant component dry weights, pod distribution patterns, and pod and seed yield were measured at the final harvest. A quadratic function best described the relationship between soil moisture content and midday leaf water potential and − 1.0 MPa leaf water potential was achieved at optimum soil moisture content of 0.15 m3 m− 3 soil. The middle region of the canopy in both cultivars accounted for about 60% of final yield compared to top and bottom regions. Branch pod yield was about threefold as high as mainstem yield, and it was more sensitive to moisture stress than mainstem yield. Harvest index declined linearly with decreasing soil moisture levels in the cultivars, and rate of decline in Asgrow AG5332 was lower (slope = 1.68) than the decline of Progeny P5333RY (slope = 2.42) m3 m− 3. The functional relationships between soil moisture stress and yield components will be useful to aid farm managers in scheduling irrigation and to improve the functionality of soybean crop models under varying soil moisture conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mini aerial vehicles have gained a lot of significance in the past five decades. The future defense strategies mainly rely upon mini aerial vehicles. In maneuvering a mini aerial vehicle, control of parameters like pitch angle, roll angle, side slip angle, etc., are very crucial and important. Due to geometry and weight constraints, controlling a mini aerial vehicle is very difficult. Mini aerial vehicles also gets easily disturbed from its path because of slight disturbance of wind. As weight constraint is imposed on mini aerial vehicle, low cost sensors are adopted. Low cost sensors gives noisy feedback, which still makes a challenging task to design a controller to track pitch angle for a mini aerial vehicle. The present work attempts to develop a flight simulator for Black Kite mini aerial vehicle and to design a proportional-integral controller to track pitch angle by taking feedback from an observer, which takes consideration of noisy sensor inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaching kinetics of rare earth element (REE) cerium (Ce) from red mud was investigated using different shrinking core models. The effect of various pertinent parameters such as acid concentration, liquid–solid ratio (LS), average particle size (PS), temperature and leaching time on the leaching efficiency was studied. The maximum recovery of 70.32% was obtained for 2 M HCl solution and an LS of 20:1 v/v. It was observed that the leaching process was limited by diffusion within the porous ash layer of the solid, thus making it ash diffusion controlled. The apparent activation energy was 11.38 kJ/mol, and the Arrhenius constant was 3.36 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fibers to strengthen materials, which are weak in tension, goes back to ancient times. Nowadays, many types of commercially available corrosion free fibers are being used to reinforce cement concrete, thereby improving the behaviour of structural elements. Even though extensive investigations have been conducted to study the behaviour of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) and polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PFRC), the use of jute fibers, which are locally available in large quantities, has not received much attention and studies reported so far are old and few. The present study focuses on the use of jute fibers in improving flexibility and ductility properties in concrete and has been carried out to investigate the feasibility of developing jute fiber reinforced concrete (JFRC) using jute fibers varying from 0.15 to 0.6, by volume. To improve the concrete toughness, a small fraction of short fibers and fly ash (0 to 30% by weight of cement) was added to the concrete mix. fibers provide resistance to crack propagation and crack widening before being pulled out or stressed to rupture. Tests were conducted on different specimens with optimum fiber parameters and results are compared with those normally used for reinforced concrete specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry direct seeding is the common practice for growing rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the US Mid-South. Dry soil conditions during sowing may cause delayed and nonuniform seed germination that can be further aggravated by the low temperature conditions. Understanding the response of rice cultivars to drought stress during seed germination would be useful in optimizing direct seeding practices. An in vitro experiment was conducted to study the impact of osmotic stress using polyethylene glycol on seed germination traits of 15 rice cultivars commonly grown in the US Mid-South production system. Time series data for seed germination were generated at a wide range of osmotic potentials (0 to −1.0 MPa with −0.2-MPa increments). Seed germination rate, maximum seed germination, maximum osmotic potential when seed germination was zero, and maximum osmotic potential when seed germination rate was zero were derived based on regression techniques between these parameters and osmotic potential. The rate of maximum seed germination and the seed germination rate decreased significantly with decreasing osmotic potential. A cumulative drought response index was developed by summing individual response indices of parameters. It was used to classify cultivars into three drought-tolerant groups: high, medium, and low. Among the 15 cultivars tested, Cheniere was identified as least tolerant and RU1204122 as the most tolerant to drought. The identified tolerance among the rice cultivars would help the rice producers in selecting the cultivar that can best germinate in a specific environment and would help rice breeders in developing drought tolerant cultivars for variable climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing of global aerosols has constituted a great scientific interest in a variety of applications related to global warming and climatic change. In the present study we investigate the spatial and temporal variations of aerosol optical properties and its impact on various properties of clouds over Southern India for the last ten years (2005–2014) by using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data retrieved from the onboard Terra and Aqua satellites. The spatial distributions of annual mean lowest Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) value is observed in Bangalore (BLR) (0.22±0.04) and the highest AOD value is noted in Visakhapatnam (VSK) (0.39±0.05). Similarly high Fine Mode Fraction (FMF) is noticed over VSK and Thiruvananthapuram (TVM), while lower values are observed in Anantapur (ATP), Hyderabad (HYD), Pune (PUNE) and BLR. From the results, a negative correlation was found between AOD and Cloud Top Temperature (CTT), Cloud Top Pressure (CTP) where as, a positive correlation was observed between AOD and Cloud Fraction (CF), Water Vapor (WV) over the selected regions. Monthly average AOD and FMF are plotted for analysis of the trends of aerosol loading in a long-term scale and both values showed statistically significant enhancing trend over all regions as derived from the MODIS measurements. Further, the annual variation of spatial correlation between MODIS and MISR (Multi - Angle Imaging Spectro Radiometer) AOD has been analyzed and the correlation coefficients are found to be higher in two of the regions VSK and PUNE (>0.8), and considerably lower for TVM (<0.7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture-dependent, quantitative information on sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)] plant processes is vital for crop management and modeling because of the projected shrinking and uneven distributions of rainfall and irrigation water supply due to climate change. This study was conducted to quantify the growth, physiology, biomass, and storage root yield responses of sweetpotato under four evapotranspiration-based irrigation treatments (100, 60, 40, and 20% ET) in sunlit growth chambers. Irrigation treatments were imposed from 41 to 97 d after transplanting. Midday leaf water potentials (LWP) and soil moisture contents were measured throughout the experiment. Gas exchange and other physiological measurements were recorded during last 3 wk of the experiment. Plant growth and developmental parameters were measured at 97 d after transplanting. The midday LWP was strongly and linearly correlated with soil moisture content showing the interplay between these two processes. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) declined while photosynthetic water-use efficiency (Pn/Tr) increased with decreasing LWP. Both total chlorophyll content and cell membrane thermostability (CMT) declined linearly with decreasing LWP. Vine length, leaf area, and node number per plant decreased linearly, by 3.2 cm, 96.6 cm2, and 0.39 no. plant-1, respectively, per unit change in ET-based irrigation. The optimum soil moisture for total plant and storage root dry weights were obtained under the irrigation treatments of 100 and 72% ET, respectively. Biomass partitioning to storage roots declined linearly and leaf and stem portioning increased with increased irrigation. Outcomes of this research will help producers schedule irrigation to maximize yield and researchers to develop sweetpotato crop models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS affecting both white and grey matter. Inflammation and oxidative stress are also thought to promote tissue damage in multiple sclerosis. Recent data point at an important role of anti-oxidative pathways for tissue protection in chronic MS, particularly involving the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Thus, novel therapeutics enhancing cellular resistance to free radicals could prove useful for MS treatment. Oxidative stress and anti-oxidative pathways are important players in MS pathophysiology and constitute a promising target for future MS therapy with dimethyl fumarate. The clinical utility of DMF in multiple sclerosis is being explored through phase III trials with BG-12, which is an oral therapeutic agent. Currently a wide research is going on to find out the exact mechanism of DMF, till date it is not clear. Based on strong signals of nephrotoxicity in non-humans and the theoretical risk of renal cell cancer from intracellular accumulation of fumarate, post-marketing study of a large population of patients will be necessary to fully assess the long-term safety of dimethyl fumarate. The current treatment goals are to shorten the duration and severity of relapses, prolong the time between relapses, and delay progression of disability. In this regard, dimethyl fumarate offers a promising alternative to orally administered fingolimod (GILENYA) or teriflunomide (AUBAGIO), which are currently marketed in the United States under FDA-mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs because of serious safety concerns. More clinical experience with all three agents will be necessary to differentiate the tolerability of long-term therapy for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This write-up provides the detailed information of dimethyl fumarate in treating the neuro disease, multiple sclerosis and its mechanism involved via oxidative stress pathway. The rapid screening methods are also need to be developed to estimate DMF in biological samples to perform and proceed for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article presents a comprehensive study on the prediction of thermal conductivity (TC) as a primary outcome for an artificial neural network (ANN) model in the context of nanoenhanced phase change materials (NEPCMs). To improve predictive accuracy and to reduce variation within the NEPCM dataset, a targeted dataset was employed, consisting exclusively of NEPCMs synthesized using paraffin wax (PW) and metal oxide nanoparticles. Unlike existing empirical models that predict TC of NEPCM without simultaneously considering multiple factors influencing it, this study integrates multiple factors, providing a more accurate prediction of NEPCM thermal conductivity. Additionally, the study explores the impact of synthesis parameters on the thermal performance of NEPCMs, focusing on the examination of factors such as the melting temperature of pure phase change material (PCM), nanoparticle size, and NEPCM composition. The thermal characterizations demonstrate outstanding thermophysical properties in NEPCMs, particularly in terms of thermal conductivity, phase change enthalpy, and thermal stability compared to their respective base PCM. An ANN TC prediction model demonstrates exceptional correlation (>99%) with reported NEPCMs, providing a reliable tool for TC forecasting in similar NEPCM categories. The backpropagation ANN model predicts NEPCM TC with a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.031124 within eight epochs. The dataset used exhibits high fit values, with R -values of 0.99825, 0.99208, and 0.9824 for training, validation, and testing, respectively. These values closely match experimentally determined TC, with less than 4% error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing dissemination of carbapenemasesin Gram-negativebacteria has threatened the clinical usefulness of the β-lactamclass of antimicrobials. A program was initiated to discover a newseries of serine β-lactamase inhibitors containing a boronicacid pharmacophore, with the goal of finding a potent inhibitor ofserine carbapenemase enzymes that are currently compromising the utilityof the carbapenem class of antibacterials. Potential lead structureswere screened in silico by modeling into the active sites of key serine β-lactamases.Promising candidate molecules were synthesized and evaluated in biochemicaland whole-cell assays. Inhibitors were identified with potent inhibitionof serine carbapenemases, particularly the Klebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC), with no inhibition of mammalian serine proteases.Studies in vitro and in vivo show that RPX7009 (9f) isa broad-spectrum inhibitor, notably restoring the activity of carbapenemsagainst KPC-producing strains. Combined with a carbapenem, 9fis a promising product for the treatment of multidrug resistantGram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient (N) stress affects cotton growth, primary physiological processes and fiber properties. This study utilized two sunlit growth chambers to compare cotton (cv. TM-1) responses to two levels of N nutrition imposed at the onset of flowering stage of development, 100 and 0% of optimum N, in plants grown under otherwise optimal temperature and soil moisture conditions. Flowers and bolls were tagged daily to estimate boll maturation period (BMP). Leaf N concentration was determined every four days from flowering to maturity. Plant height and main stem nodes were determined every four days from emergence to 25 days after treatment (DAT) and photosynthetic measurements were recorded weekly from 0 to 56 DAT. Plant and boll-component dry weights were recorded at end of the experiment. Fiber quality was determined in samples of lint that were grouped based on average leaf N concentration during the BMP. Total plant biomass was reduced 23% by N deficient treatment and these plants produced 14 bolls per plant as compared with 21 bolls in N sufficient plants. Stress-induced decrease in leaf N was associated with linear decreases in leaf photosynthesis (r²=0.92) and stomatal conductance (r²=0.86). Fiber length and strength increased linearly with increase in lean N concentration, while fiber micronaire and uniformity declined linearly with increase in leaf N concentration. Among the measured fiber properties, fiber micronaire was the most sensitive to changes in leaf N followed by strength, length and uniformity. Knowledge of the functional relationship between leaf N concentration and a fiber property can be used to develop a fiber quality submodel for cotton under optimal temperature and water conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The optimization of leaching operation of Rare earth bearing ores is a complex process since many attributes simultaneously affect the operation, with some of them being conflicting in nature. Therefore a proper selection of the leaching process with pertinent attributes is crucial for the user in order to maximize the percentage recovery with minimal operating costs. In this paper a methodology is proposed for evaluation, comparison and ranking of various leaching process alternatives which we define as leaching candidates, in order to select the best candidate from the available options. Coding scheme for 28 attributes is proposed in order to evaluate the available candidates. A three stage procedure with elimination search, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) followed by line graphs and spider diagrams, is used for the optimal selection of candidate leaching system. The proposed methodology is illustrated with an example by choosing a few pertinent attributes from the attributes. The suitability index for the best leaching candidate was calculated to be 0.5225 and the coefficient of similarity (COS) values for the best candidate based on line graph and spider diagram obtained were 0.6183 and 0.2711 respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] storage root formation is a complex developmental process. Little quantitative information is available on storage root initiation in response to a wide range of soil moisture levels. This study aimed to quantify the effects of different levels of soil moisture on sweetpotato storage root initiation and to develop functional relationships for crop modeling. Five levels of soil moisture, 0.256, 0.216, 0.164, 0.107, and 0.058 m³ x m-3 soil, were maintained using sensor-based soil moisture monitoring and semiautomated programmed irrigation. Two commercial sweetpotato cultivars, Beauregard and Evangeline, were grown in pots under greenhouse conditions and treatments were imposed from transplanting to 50 days. Identification of storage roots was based on anatomical, using cross-sections of adventitious roots, and visual features harvested at 5-day intervals from 14 to 50 days after transplanting (DAT). Recorded time-series storage root numbers exhibited sigmoidal responses at all soil moisture levels in both cultivars. Time to 50% storage root initiation and maximum storage root numbers were estimated from those curves. Rate of storage root development was determined as a reciprocal of time to 50% storage root formation data. Time to 50% storage root initiation declined quadratically from 0.05 to 0.15 m³ x m-3 soil moisture and increased slightly at the higher soil moisture levels in both the cultivars. Cultivars differed in time to 50% storage root initiation and the storage root developmental rate. Soil moisture optima for storage root initiation were 0.168 and 0.199 m³ x m-3 soil, equivalent to 63% and 75% field capacity for cultivars Beauregard and Evangeline, respectively. The data and the inferences derived from the functional algorithms developed in this study could be used to advise growers to schedule irrigation more precisely, make planting decisions based on available soil moisture, and to develop sweetpotato crop models for field applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Century natural fibers (Agave americanaL.) have superior mechanical properties. For their usage as an effective reinforcement in biocomposites, they require surface modification. In the present study, these fibers were treated with 5% aq. NaOH solution for optimized 1-h period. The effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties was been studied. The results indicated thinning and surface roughening of the fibers and removal of hemicellulose on alkali treatment. The tensile strength and elongation at break improved on alkali treatment. X-ray studies indicated increase of crystallinity for alkali-treated fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Treated and untreated woven century fiber (CF) composites are investigated for evaluating their flexural, tensile, and impact strengths, Barcol hardness, glass transition temperature, thermal resistance, and water absorption properties. Scanning electron microscopy study revealed a brittle fracture for treated fiber composite, while significant fiber pull-out is observed for the untreated fiber composite. Higher tensile and hardness properties, higher glass transition and thermal decomposition temperatures, and low water absorption properties are obtained for alkaline-treated composites. Enhanced interface bonding due to improved adhesion has helped in the formation of covalent bonds at the fiber–matrix interface, resulting in superior tensile, thermal, and water absorption properties of the treated fiber composite. Flexural and impact properties are higher for untreated fiber composite. This is due to the weak fiber–matrix interface and a differential strain in fiber and matrix. The weak interface has provided an energy absorbing mechanism and enhanced the impact energy absorption capacity. The tensile strength of CF composite is very much comparable with that of sisal fiber composite. The tensile and flexural properties are higher for the woven CF composites than those of short CF composites. But the impact properties are superior for short fiber composites compared to the woven fiber composites. Increased number of interfaces for the short fiber composites has contributed for the cushioning effect and an enhanced energy absorbing mechanism. Water absorption properties have improved for the treated fiber composites due to formation of a strong interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Judicial management of nitrogen (N), a major nutrient affecting several facets of crop development, growth, and finally yield, require developing tools to monitor N and pigment status in the field. An experiment was conducted under out-door pot-culture conditions to determine N deficiency effects on castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), cv. ‘Hale’ leaf N, pigments and reflectance properties, and to identify N- and pigment-specific wavebands for N management in the field. Castor bean plants were grown in 12-L pots with complete Hoagland''s solution from emergence to 34 days after sowing (DAS). Then, the treatments imposed were complete Hoagland''s nutrient solution (control, 100N), reduced N to 20% of the control (20N) and withheld N from the solution (0N) from 34 to 66 DAS. Leaf N, pigments and reflectance properties were measured twice weekly. Plant height, total leaf area, and above-ground dry matter were measured at the end of the experiment, 66 DAS. Even though, all plant growth parameters declined in the 20 and 0N treatments compared to 100N, the reduction in leaf area was greater than reductions in stem lengths and above-ground biomass at the end of N treatments. Leaf N, total chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations declined linearly over time in all treatments except for leaf N in the 100N treatment. The variations in leaf N ranged from 3.3 to 1.2gNm−2 while the concentrations of chlorophyll and carotenoids declined from 0.427 to 0.256gm−2, and 0.094 to 0.055gm−2, respectively during the course the experiment. The reductions in pigments increased leaf reflectance at 555 and 715nm, and caused a red-edge (680–750nm) shift to shorter wavelengths. Reflectance ratios of 455/605 and 505/605nm were highly correlated with leaf N on dry matter (r 2 =0.93) and area-based (r 2 =0.90) estimations, respectively. Similarly, reflectance ratios of 715/505 and 705/675 were highly correlated with total chlorophyll (r 2 =0.94) and carotenoid (r 2 =0.80) concentrations, respectively. The N- and pigment-specific wavebands provide rapid, non-destructive estimation of leaf N and pigments for N management strategies of castor bean plants in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an analysis of the geometry-related constraints of a single-input single output (SISO) minimum effort active noise control system with feedback inclusion architecture which includes the feedback path in the controller formulation. Realisation of this type of minimum effort controller imposes an infinite gain control (IGC) requirement for certain geometrical arrangements. In the investigation into these geometrical arrangements with fixed primary and secondary source locations, the IGC locus is found to be two circles occupied by the detector and observer respectively in three dimensions. Varying the minimum effort parameter term has the effect of moving these two circles closer or away from each other, hence varying their location and radii. As a result, the minimum effort parameter, apart from constraining the control signal has a potential of overcoming the IGC constraints for a fixed geometrical arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Functional relationships between leaf nitrogen (N) and crop growth processes are not available in many crops including castor bean plant that is considered as a potential bioenergy crop. An out-door pot-culture experiment was conducted to determine N deficiency effects on castor bean plant growth and physiology. Castor bean, cv. ‘Hale’, was seeded in 12-L pots filled with fine sand and irrigated with full-strength Hoagland''s nutrient solution from emergence. After 34 days of sowing (DAS), the treatments imposed were full-strength Hoagland''s nutrient solution (control, 100N), reduced N to 20% of the control (20N) and no N (0N) until final harvest, 66DAS. Growth (plant height, leaf development and leaf area), photosynthesis and leaf N were measured twice weekly and plant components biomass was measured, 66DAS. Maximum growth and developmental rates were achieved at 7.0gNkg−1, much higher than many other crops grown under similar nutrient conditions. Even though all growth rates declined with lower leaf N, leaf area expansion was more sensitive to leaf N followed by rates of stem elongation, node addition and photosynthesis. Critical leaf N levels (90% of maximum) varied for various processes; 55.3gNkg−1 for stem elongation, 63gNkg−1 for node addition, 65.4gNkg−1 for leaf area expansion, and 60.3gNkg−1 for photosynthesis. Among the plant components, leaf dry weight had the greatest decrease while root/shoot ratio increased under N deficiency. The functional algorithms and critical leaf N levels for various growth processes will be useful for modeling, leaf N assessment and managing castor bean crop the in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the development of a self-tuning controller design of minimum effort active noise control (ANC) for feedforward single-input single-output (SISO) architecture which includes the feedback acoustic path in the controller formulation. The controller design law is derived for suitable self-tuning implementation and the self-tuning controller is evaluated in a realistically constructed ANC simulation environment. The self-tuning controller design involves a two-stage identification process where the controller is replaced by a switch. This switch is closed and opened in sequence generating two transfer functions which are then used in constructing the controller specified by a minimum effort control law. The implementation requires an estimate of the secondary path transfer function which can be identified either online or offline. The controller design and implementation are evaluated in terms of the level of cancellation at the observer through simulation studies for various values of modified effort weighting parameter in the range 0 ≤ γ ≤ 1. It was found that the optimal controller designed using this technique which is constrained only by the accuracy of the two models identified using recursive least squares algorithm, yields good cancellation level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article is a literature review on biodiesel production, combustion, performance and emissions. This study is based on the reports of about 130 scientists who published their results between 1980 and 2008. As the fossil fuels are depleting day by day, there is a need to find out an alternative fuel to fulfill the energy demand of the world. Biodiesel is one of the best available sources to fulfill the energy demand of the world. More than 350 oil-bearing crops identified, among which some only considered as potential alternative fuels for diesel engines. The scientists and researchers conducted tests by using different oils and their blends with diesel. A vast majority of the scientists reported that short-term engine tests using vegetable oils as fuels were very promising but the long-term test results showed higher carbon built up and lubricating oil contamination resulting in engine failure. They concluded that vegetable oils, either chemically altered or blended with diesel to prevent the engine failure. It was reported that the combustion characteristics of biodiesel are similar as diesel and blends were found shorter ignition delay, higher ignition temperature, higher ignition pressure and peak heat release. The engine power output was found to be equivalent to that of diesel fuel. In addition, it observed that the base catalysts are more effective than acid catalysts and enzymes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Current and projected increases in ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (280–320nm) may alter crop production. An experiment was conducted to study the influence of UV-B radiation on photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry, pigments, UV-B absorbing compounds, vegetative and reproductive growth responses of three cowpea cultivars, California Blackeye (CB)-5, CB-27, and Mississippi Pinkeye (MPE). Cowpea cultivars were subjected to four levels of biologically effective UV-B radiation of 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15kJm−2 d−1 from 8 days after emergence (DAE) to maturity of the crop in sunlit, controlled environment chambers. Increase in UV-B radiation caused a decrease in maximum light-saturated photosynthesis (A max) in all the three cultivars, but the magnitude of decrease varied, 12% in MPE, 37% in CB-27, and 43% in CB-5 at 15kJ of UV-B. The lower damaging effect of UV-B on A max in MPE was supported by a smaller decrease in maximum rate of Rubisco activity (V cmax) coupled with higher levels of light-saturated rate of electron transport (J max) compared to other sensitive cultivars, CB-5 and CB-27. The tolerance nature of MPE was further evidenced by less or no effect of UV-B on photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), photochemical quenching (q P), and quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Φ PSII) compared to CB-5 and CB-27 across the UV-B treatments. Further, maximal electron transport rates (ETRmax) estimated at saturated light substantially decreased with increase in UV-B in CB-5 and CB-27, while there was no or less influence on MPE. All cultivars showed linear relationship between Φ PSII and quantum yield of CO2 fixation derived from light–response curves and internal-CO2-response curves of chlorophyll a (Chla) fluorescence. MPE maintained significantly higher concentration of UV-B absorbing compounds compared to the CB-5 and CB-27 across UV-B levels. Plants grown at elevated UV-B radiation produced significantly lower plant and seed dry weights in both the sensitive cultivars (CB-5 and CB-27) while the effect on MPE was minimal. This study revealed that the current and projected UV-B radiation could significantly decrease the growth and yield of sensitive cowpea cultivars, possibly caused by reduction in the photosynthetic efficiency of plants. In general, MPE showed more tolerance to UV-B radiation based on most of the parameters studied as compared to the CB-5 and CB-27. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adefovir dipivoxil, a marketed drug for the treatment of hepatitis B, is dosed at submaximally efficacious doses because of renal toxicity. In an effort to improve the therapeutic index of adefovir, 1-aryl-1,3-propanyl prodrugs were synthesized with the rationale that this selectively liver-activated prodrug class would enhance liver levels of the active metabolite adefovir diphosphate (ADV-DP) and/or decrease kidney exposure. The lead prodrug ( 14, MB06866, pradefovir), identified from a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays, exhibited good oral bioavailability ( F= 42%, mesylate salt, rat) and rate of prodrug conversion to ADV-DP. Tissue distribution studies in the rat using radiolabeled materials showed that cyclic 1-aryl-1,3-propanyl prodrugs enhance the delivery of adefovir and its metabolites to the liver, with pradefovir exhibiting a 12-fold improvement in the liver/kidney ratio over adefovir dipivoxil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change factors interact to modify plant growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to temperature of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) development, growth, reproduction and biomass partitioning under low and high carbon dioxide concentrations ([CO2]) grown in controlled environmental conditions. Ten sunlit soil–plant–atmosphere-research (SPAR) chambers were used to study the effects of two [CO2] of low (360μLL−1) and high (720μLL−1), and five different day/night temperatures of 20/12, 25/17, 30/22, 35/27 and 40/32°C. Big bluestem cv. Bonelli seeds were sown in pure, fine sand, in 11 rows at equal spacing and after emergence were thinned to 10 plants per row. At maturity, individual plants were harvested and divided into leaves, stems, panicles and roots. Biomass decreased either above or below the optimum temperature of 30/22°C. The effect of high [CO2] on biomass accumulation (12–30% increase) was visible at less than optimum temperature (30/22°C) and absent at two high temperatures. With increase in temperature, irrespective of the [CO2], biomass partitioned to leaves increased (35%) where as that to stems decreased (33%). Panicle weight was 6–7% of biomass at 25/17°C and fell to 1.6% at 40/32°C. The biomass partitioned to roots, across the temperatures, was constant for plants grown at low [CO2] but decreased by 7% for those grown at high [CO2]. The decrease in panicle/seed production at two high temperatures (>30/22°C) might reduce this species population and dominance in tallgrass prairies. The temperature response functions at different [CO2] will be useful to improve the predictive capabilities of dynamic global vegetation models in simulating dynamics of rangelands, where big bluestem is the dominant species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - This paper aims to study the effects of couple stresses and surface roughness on the minimum film thickness of heavily loaded rollers and to discuss these by following Grubin's approach and Crook's approximations. Design/methodology/approach - A generalised form of Reynolds equation for rough surfaces with lubricant as couple stress fluid is derived. This equation is then used to study the combined effect of couple stresses and surface roughness on the roller bearings under heavily loaded conditions. EHD minimum film thickness expressions is obtained by following Grubin's approach and Crook's approximation and it is studied numerically. Findings - It is found that, as the chain length of the additive molecules increases, the elastohydrodynamic minimum film thickness increases. Also, as the mean height of roughness asperities increases, the elastohydrodynamic minimum film thickness increases for the transversal roughness and it decreases in the case of longitudinal roughness. Research limitations/implications - These effects are studied theoretically by the mathematical equations in heavily loaded roller bearings. Practical implications - Reduction of the film thickness in the EHD lubrication between the rollers can be compensated by the use of lubricants containing additives of molecules of size. As a result the bearing performance can be improved. Originality/value - This research paper provides a closed form of the expressions for the bearings in EHD lubrication and is studied with regard to couple stress parameter. This paper helps to manufacture better bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2‘-C-Methyladenosine exhibits impressive inhibitory activity in the cell-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenomic replicon assay, by virtue of intracellular conversion to the corresponding nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) and inhibition of NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). However, rapid degradation by adenosine deaminase (ADA) limits its overall therapeutic potential. To reduce ADA-mediated deamination, we prepared cyclic 1-aryl-1,3-propanyl prodrugs of the corresponding nucleoside monophosphate (NMP), anticipating cytochrome P450 3A-mediated oxidative cleavage to the NMP in hepatocytes. Lead compounds identified in a primary rat hepatocyte screen were shown to result in liver levels of NTP predictive of efficacy after intravenous dosing to rats. The oral bioavailability of the initial lead was below 5%; therefore, additional analogues were synthesized and screened for liver NTP levels after oral administration to rats. Addition of a 2‘,3‘-carbonate prodrug moiety proved to be a successful strategy, and the 1-(4-pyridyl)-1,3-propanyl prodrug containing a 2‘,3‘-carbonate moiety displayed oral bioavailability of 39%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic modifications of agronomic crops will likely be necessary to cope with global climate change. Projected changes in global climate include increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), temperatures (T) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation which have significant effects on plants, however, their interactions are not clearly known to date. In this study we tested the hypothesis that soybean genotypes differ in growth and physiology with exposure to treatments of [CO2] [360 and 720μmolmol−1 (+[CO2])], temperature [30/22 and 38/30°C (+T)] and UV-B radiation [0 and 10kJm−2 d−1 (+UV-B)] and their interactions. Six soybean genotypes (D 88-5320, D 90-9216, Stalwart III, PI 471938, DG 5630 RR, and DP 4933 RR) representing five maturity groups were grown in eight sunlit, controlled environment chambers in which control treatment had 360μmolmol−1 [CO2] at 30/22°C temperatures and 0kJ UV-B. Results showed that elevated CO2 levels compensated the damaging effects caused by negative stressors such as high temperature and high UV-B radiation levels on most of the growth and physiological parameters studied. Total stress response index (TSRI) for each genotype was developed from the cumulative sum of response indices of vegetative and physiological parameters such as plant height, leaf area, total biomass, net photosynthesis, total chlorophyll content, phenolic content, relative injury and wax content. Based on TSRI, the genotypes were classified as tolerant (PI 471938 and D 88-5320), intermediate (DG 5630 RR and D 90-9216) and sensitive (DP 4933 RR and Stalwart III). The disruption of growth and physiology was significantly reduced in tolerant genotypes compared to sensitive genotypes. Strong correlations between total response of relative injury (RI), an indicator of cell membrane thermo stability and TSRI developed in this study show that RI could be used to predict the overall vegetative performance of the crop. However, the total response of RI did not show any linear correlation with TSRI of our previous study (which was developed with responses of reproductive traits). This suggests that there is a need to develop better screening tools and/or breeding strategies in developing genotypes suitable to cope future climates at both vegetative and reproductive stages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in 2001–2002 to investigate relationships between canopy spectral reflectance and leaf area index (LAI), aboveground biomass (ABM), and lint yield of irrigated cotton across four N fertilizer rates of 0, 56, 112, and 168kgNha−1. These N rates were used to generate a wide range of difference in canopy structure and lint yield. Measurements of canopy reflectance were made throughout the growing season using a hand-held spectroradiometer. Samples for LAI and ABM were obtained four (2001) or five (2002) times during squaring and fruiting. Mean reflectance values in red (R red) and near infrared (R NIR) regions were obtained from canopy reflectance data based on the Landsat Thematic Mapper bands. The reflectance ratio vegetation index (RVI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), wide dynamic range vegetation index (WDRVI) as well as several hyperspectral reflectance indices were calculated. Most reflectance indices had exponential relationships with both LAI and ABM and reached saturation at high LAI and ABM, but were linearly correlated with log(LAI) and log(ABM). Relative lint yield was linearly correlated to the reflectance indices measured any time after the first square stage and the strongest correlation was obtained at the early flower stage with r 2 of 0.56–0.89 (P <0.01). Therefore, the canopy reflectance indices measured at early flower stage of cotton growth could serve as input to a crop growth model for predicting potential yield loss. These results indicate that the early flower stage is an appropriate time to collect canopy reflectance data for cotton yield estimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Successful fruit set depends on several reproductive processes including pollen germination and tube growth processes. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of temperature on pollen germination characteristics and to identify species/genotypic differences in Capsicum using the cumulative temperature response index (CTRI) concept. Pollen was collected from plants of seven genotypes from five Capsicum species, adapted to various parts of the world and grown outdoors in large pots. The pollen was subjected to in vitro temperatures ranging from 15 to 50°C at 5°C intervals. Pollen germination and tube lengths were recorded for all species after 24h of incubation at the respective treatments. Species/genotypes differed significantly for in vitro pollen germination percentage and pollen tube length with mean values of 78% and 734μm, respectively. The mean cardinal temperatures (T min, T opt, and T max) averaged over genotypes, were 15.2, 30.7, and 41.8°C for pollen germination and 12.2, 31.2, and 40.4°C for pollen tube growth. The CTRI of each species/genotype calculated as the sum of eight relative individual stress response values, such as maximum pollen germination, maximum pollen tube length; T min, T opt, and T max temperatures of pollen germination, and pollen tube lengths, identified species tolerance to high temperatures. Capsicum annum cv. Mex Serrano from Mexico was identified as tolerant, C. chacoense cv. 1312 and C. spp. cv. Cobanero from Argentina and Guatemala, respectively as intermediate and C. frutescens cv. Early Spring Giant from China, C. annum cv. Long Green from South Korea, C. spp. cv. NM89C130 and C. pubescens cv. 90002 from Guatemala as sensitive to high temperatures. The tolerant species/genotypes can be used in breeding programs to develop new genotypes that can withstand high temperature conditions both in the present climate and particularly in a future warmer climate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nutrient stress in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) depresses lint yield, particularly of late-season fruit (bolls), and may disrupt fiber development. A 2-year (1999 and 2000) study was conducted outdoors in large pots to determine individual effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) stress at flowering stage on lint yield and fiber quality. Treatments were half-strength nutrient solution from emergence to crop maturity (control), 20% and 0% of control N from first flower onward, and 20% and 0% of control K from first flower onward in 1999 and first square onward in 2000. Leaf N and K were determined every 2–3 days from an uppermost, fully expanded leaf on the main-stem of five plants selected at random. Mature bolls were harvested from sympodial (fruiting) branches only and grouped according to week of anthesis across a 35-day flowering period, providing five flowering groups, from which fiber length, strength, and micronaire were determined. Fiber length was not consistently altered by stress, suggesting early stages of fiber development were indirectly affected by plant N and K status. Nitrogen deficiency decreased yield through early termination of reproductive growth. In 1999, although flowering group four of N-deficient cotton had low length, strength, and micronaire, values for weighted-sum micronaire (whole-plant micronaire) increased under N stress by about 12% in 0% N treatment and about 18% in 20% N treatment. In general, N and K stress had opposite effects on weighted-sum micronaire. The year by N treatment interaction was significant for weighted-sum strength, due to weak fibers in N-deficient cotton in 1999, but no treatment difference in 2000. Apparently, crop response to N stress was influenced by environment, as flowering groups with low quality fiber also comprised a large fraction of total lint, and thus placed heavy demands on plant N and carbohydrate reserves. Severe K deficiency in 2000 decreased yield and lint weight boll−1, and micronaire values of 3.7 or less were evident in flowering groups two, three and four. Results support evidence that N stress indirectly affects cotton growth, as N deficiency decreased fiber length, strength and micronaire primarily in flowering groups with large percentage of bolls. Results from 2000 support evidence that K deficiency adversely affects reproductive growth, boll weight, and sugar translocation in cotton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Socioeconomic development of mankind and well-being depend on the environment and the way in which development influences the environment. Thus, environment and development are interdependent. In fact, economic development is closely linked with the development of resources. These resources can be classified into three categories: public goods, semi-public goods (also known as common property resources) and private goods. In poor countries common property resources make a valuable contribution to the sustainable livelihoods of rural populations. The impact of globalisation on the commons shows various patterns of ownership, control, use and misuse. The commons were subjected to degradation as well as conservation in the process of centralized management in India. After the reform period, the administration of natural resources was given significant attention by specialized departments such as the Forest Department and the Revenue Department. All the land, apart from private land, was regarded as state property and controlled by the state. This paper highlights the need to examine the common property resources sector in the context of wider economic policy reform processes in the Indian economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In modern cotton production systems, potassium (K) deficiency is one of the major factors limiting lint yield and affecting fiber quality. Although influence of K deficiency on cotton plant physiology and growth and lint yield responses to K fertilizer applications have received intensive studies, it is not clear whether elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] affects plant requirements and sensitivity to K. An experiment was conducted in sunlit controlled-environment chambers to determine the interaction effects of elevated [CO2] and K deficiency during squaring and flowering on cotton plant growth, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation and partitioning. The treatments included two levels of [CO2] (360 and 720μLL−1) and five levels of K supply (optimum (control) and 40, 20, 5, and 0% of the control K) at each [CO2] level. Elevated [CO2] significantly increased photosynthesis, leaf area and biomass production of K sufficient plants, but did not affect leaf K concentration. Potassium deficiency not only reduced these growth variables but also changed biomass partitioning among plant tissues with the greatest decrease in fruit biomass. There were significant interactive effects of [CO2]×K on leaf area, canopy photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation and partitioning. The stimulation of the physiological and growth parameters observed due to elevated [CO2] was lost under severe K deficiency. Under ambient [CO2], leaf critical K level depended on growth variables measured and was 17gkg−1 for leaf area expansion and 12gkg−1 for canopy photosynthesis, stem elongation and biomass accumulation. Plants grown under elevated [CO2] were more sensitive to K deficiency with higher leaf critical K levels. The information from this study is useful for understanding the cotton K requirement in the present as well as in the future higher [CO2] environment and for recommendations of K application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synthesis of HepDirect™ prodrugs of nucleoside monophosphates via phosphorylation with a chiral reagent forms a new asymmetric center at phosphorus and produces two diastereomers. Coupling of chiral phosphoramidite 6 derived from (S)-diol 5 with ara-A followed by oxidation of the intermediate phosphite gave ara-AMP prodrugs 8 (4S,2S isomer) and 9 (4S,2R isomer). Several methods were explored to identify routes for the selective synthesis of each diastereomer. Two successful stereoselective approaches to ara-AMP prodrugs 8 and 9 are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new class of phosphate and phosphonate prodrugs, called HepDirect™ prodrugs, has been developed to deliver drugs to the liver while simultaneously diminishing drug exposure to extra-hepatic tissues. The technology combines liver-selective cleavage and kinase by pass with high plasma and tissue stability to achieve increased drug levels in the liver. Lamivudine (LMV), a nucleoside analogue, is a currently approved treatment for hepatitis B infection, but shows modest efficacy and significant drug resistance due to inefficient phosphorylation. LMV is inadequately phosphorylated to the corresponding nucleoside triphosphate in rat and human hepatocytes. A HepDirect prodrug of LMV monophosphate generated 34-fold higher levels of the triphosphate in rat hepatocytes and 320-fold higher triphosphate levels in the liver of treated rats relative to LMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]