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The curious phenomenon of cracking in organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) thin films for solar cells during scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be seen in literally thousands of published SEM micrographs. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the mechanisms responsible for this e -beam-induced damage in OIHP thin films, which is precluding their detailed SEM-characterization and understanding. The e -beam-induced rapid volatilization of the organic species from the OIHP surface in the SEM results in localized shrinkage and buildup of tensile stresses. These stresses drive grain-boundaries cracking, resulting in a 'mud-cracking' pattern that is influenced by the thin-film grain size. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) thin films at the heart of the new perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are very brittle, limiting the mechanical reliability of PSCs. Here we show that fine-grained MAPbI 3 (prototypical OIHP) films with grain size (~290 nm) smaller than the typical film thickness (~500 nm) tend to fracture intergranularly, resulting in low toughness (0.41 J.m−2). In contrast, MAPbI 3 /substrate interfacial fracture occurs in films with grains larger (~730 nm) than the film thickness, resulting in much higher toughness (1.14 J.m−2). Thus, coarse-grained OIHP films are deemed desirable for not only improved PSCs performance and stability but also mechanical reliability. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure formamidinium lead triiodide (α-FAPbI 3) organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) semiconductor is very attractive for use as light absorber in the new thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology. This is primarily because of its superior thermal stability, more suitable bandgap, and compositional simplicity. However, the existence of the photo-inactive non-perovskite δ-FAPbI 3 polymorph ('yellow' phase) is a major hurdle in the path towards the development of α-FAPbI 3 -based PSCs. Also, there is general consensus that the fine-grained nature of OIHP thin films is detrimental to the environmental stability and performance of the resulting PSCs. In this context, here we take advantage of the polymorphism in FAPbI 3 , and use solvent-vapor-assisted δ-to-α phase transformation to induce exceptional grain coarsening (up to 50-fold) in 0.3-μm thickness FAPbI 3 thin films, resulting in an unprecedented average grain size of up to ~9 μm. The underlying mechanisms are elucidated based on the results from a combination of some key experiments, which involve studying systematically the effects of time, temperature, initial grain size, and solvent polarity index (PI). The ultra-coarse-grained α-FAPbI 3 thin films show dramatically improved environmental stability over their medium-grained counterparts, which is explained based on grain-boundary density arguments. PSCs made using the ultra-coarse-grained α-FAPbI 3 thin films have improved photovoltaic (PV) performance, but it is somewhat modest. This is attributed to the underestimation of the effective grain size relevant to photocarrier dynamics. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) thin films at the heart of the burgeoning thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology possess poor mechanical properties, which is likely to limit the long-term reliability of PSCs as they are poised for commercialization. In an effort to address this issue, here we demonstrate that through-thickness cracks induced by bending-tension in thin films of the two prototypical OIHPs, methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI 3) and formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI 3), can be healed easily. This is through the application of either a moderate compressive stress (bending-compression) at room temperature or a simple heat-treatment at modest temperatures. The crack-healing process is found to be time-dependent, which indicates that facile mass-transport in OIHPs plays a key role in this phenomenon. An explanation for this phenomenon is provided, one based on the fundamentals of brittle fracture. This discovery has broad implications for the prevention and/or restoration of the overall performance, environmental stability, and mechanical reliability of PSCs, and other devices. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of leading-edge tubercles has been reported to provide superior lifting characteristics in the post-stall regime for three-dimensional foils. In this paper, different configurations of leading-edge protuberances are investigated for a marine rudder, the most widely used manoeuvring device for marine propulsion. Two modification strategies are considered-a rudder with a uniform distribution of tubercles, and an actual bio-mimicked rudder inspired by the humpback whale configuration. Numerical investigations of lift and drag characteristics are performed using CFD computations with the RANS approach to find the suitable geometry. Experiments with the selected designs are performed in the circulating water tank to investigate rudder forces. Velocity profiles are measured using Acoustic-Doppler Velocimetry. The bio-mimicked rudder shows a lesser extent of flow separation over the suction side at angles of attack greater than 15 degrees. The influence of tubercles is more prominent in the lower Reynolds number ranges. The most significant outcome of this study is the development of a bio-inspired foil and its modified configurations which has a potential for better performance compared to uniform wavy leading-edge configurations under certain conditions. Such bio-inspired designs can be employed in flow control devices for efficiency improvement over specific operation regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) are a remarkable family of hybrid materials at the heart of the emerging thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology and other applications. In this Viewpoint article, in addition to some original experimental results, thermo-mechanical analyses of residual macro- and micro-stresses in OIHP thin films are presented in the context of fracture of both the OIHP layer itself and its interface with the substrate. The implications of mechanical behavior of OIHPs and interfaces on the reliability of PSCs, as well as opportunities for future research directions in this general area, are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of partial substitution (50%) of Si by other sp-valent elements such as Al, Ga, Ge, In and Sn on structure, magnetic properties and electrical resistivity of full Heusler type Co 2 FeSi alloys was investigated. The results revealed that these alloys (except Sn substituted alloy) consist of mostly L2 1 ordered phase along with some B2 type disordered phase. The highest L2 1 ordering was seen in Co 2 FeSi 0.5 Ge 0.5 alloy. The magnetization studies showed all alloys obey the Slater–Pauling rule at 4 K except for Sn substituted alloy. However, at room temperature, only Ga, Ge and Al substituted alloys followed the Slater–Pauling rule. Electrical transport studies revealed the presence of half-metallic behavior at low temperatures in all alloys. However, half-metallicity was preserved to some extent at room temperature only in Ga and Ge substituted Co 2 FeSi alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co2FeSi thin films were deposited on Si (001) substrate by dc magnetron sputtering technique by varying the sputtering pressure and power. In all cases but one, the substrate temperature was kept at room temperature during deposition. In one case the deposition was carried out at a substrate temperature of 773K. All the films were post-deposition annealed at 773K. The composition, surface roughness, structure, magnetic properties and electrical resistivity of these films were examined to identify the suitability of these films for spintronic applications. The results showed that Co2FeSi thin films deposited at 3mTorr sputtering pressure and 100W sputtering power at a substrate temperature of 773K and subsequently annealed at the same temperature for 30min exhibited the same stoichiometry as the target, low surface roughness, L21 ordering as well as good magnetic properties. The variation of electrical resistivity with temperature and the sign crossover in the anisotrpoic magnetoresistance behavior in this film suggested the presence of half-metallic character and suitability for spintronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lineal-intercept method is commonly used to estimate the average grain size, where the 'Mendelson' multiplying factor (1.60) that is typically used explicitly assumes tetrakaidecahedral grains. While this is appropriate for bulk equiaxed microstructures, grains in thin films where the grain size exceeds the film thickness, are closer to prismatic polyhedrons in shape. Thus, assuming log-normal distribution of hexagonal-prism-shaped grains, a new multiplying factor of 1.20 is derived which relates the average grain size and measured intercept size. This model is successfully validated using experimental measurements of three different coarse-grained thin films of halide perovskites used in solar cells. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pure, Cu2+doped CdS-Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 composites are prepared by hydrothermal route. • XRD pattern exhibit both hexagonal phase of CdS, monoclinic β-phase Zn 3 (PO 4) 2. • With effect of Cu2+, SEM images show hexagonal spheres on rectangular flakes. • At higher Cu2+doping concentration there is a small increase in the band gap. • PL spectra show red shifting and strong luminescence in UV-Visible region. Pure and CuO (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mol%) doped CdS-Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 semiconducting nanophosphors were synthesized by hydrothermal technique under mild reaction temperatures. The prepared samples were systematically investigated by Powder X-ray diffraction [XRD], Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy [FT-IR], Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] with EDAX, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer [DRS] and Photoluminescence [PL] techniques. X-ray diffraction pattern shows hexagonal phase of CdS and monoclinic β-phase of Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 with good crystalline nature. The average crystallite size of nanocomposites are in the range 13 to 25 nm and found to decrease from 18 nm to 13 nm with increasing dopant concentration. FT-IR spectra indicate that the prepared samples are high in purity. The surface morphology of the samples has shown a hetero structure type morphology in which hexagonal CdS spheres network bonding accumulated on rectangular flakes. The obtained chemical composition of all the samples are identified by EDAX is in agreement with the calculated stoichiometry. The optical band gap values are determined by diffuse reflectance spectra and are found to be in the range 2.49 eV to 2.39 eV. The room temperature Photoluminescence spectra of pure CdS-Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 lattice shown a broad strong green emission peak at ~ 518 nm, while upon incorporation CuO ions in host lattice, a sharp luminescence peak around 393 nm has been observed in all the doped samples along with other peaks at 494 nm, 594 nm, 684 nm which are in the violet, blue-green-red fluorescence of UV-Visible region makes them suitable for optoelectronic device applications. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TEM pictures of ALTBT nanocomposites. • ALTBT nanocomposites were synthesized via low temperature hydrothermal method. • x = 0.2 & 0.4 showed tetragonal phases and x = 0.6 & 0.8 showed the cubic phases. • The microstructure results indicated the formation of nanorods for all composites. • Cole-Cole plots of x = 0.2, 0.6 & 0.8 composites showed the increasing spring model. Nanorods like (1-x) (Al 0.2 La 0.8 TiO 3) + (x) (BaTiO 3) (x = 0.2–0.8) composites were synthesized via hydrothermal technique. The XRD patterns indicated that tetragonal to cubic phase transformation was occurred from x = 0.4 to 0.6. The surface morphology revealed that the x = 0.2–0.8 exhibited the nanorods like structures. The photocatalytic activity was noticed for all nanocomposites during irradiation time from 0 to 150 min. In addition, the increasing spring model Cole-Cole plots were recorded for x = 0.2, 0.6 and 0.8 composites at high temperatures. The grain and grain boundary contribution in electrical conduction mechanism was described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Parametric and global wind fields are blended for the realistic estimates of inner and outer core cyclonic winds. • Performance of blended and parametric winds analyzed for different cyclonic events in the Bay of Bengal. • Performance of ADCIRC+SWAN model computed storm surge and waves is investigated using blended and non-blended wind fields. • Computed storm surge and wind-waves using blended winds performed better and thus having real-time practical applications. • Detailed validation of wind, waves and storm surge with parametric and blended winds is done against available in situ observations. Tropical cyclone induced storm surge and extreme waves pose a significant threat and danger to coastal inhabitants as well cause significant damage to infrastructure. Nevertheless, significant progress has been achieved over the past several years in tropical cyclone modeling, there are however inherent limitations in the quality of real-time wind forecast for near-field and far-field regions surrounding the cyclone eye. The reliability and quality of computed storm surge and extreme wind-waves remains a challenge due to their primary association with the quality of input wind forcing. Parametric wind field models are widely used owing to their simplicity and also in realistically representing the inner core region of cyclones. On the other hand, global atmospheric models have inherent limitations in underestimating the inner core winds, although they produce outer core winds much better as compared to the parametric formulation. In this study a blending technique is proposed which takes advantage of both these wind fields thereby producing a blended wind field using a smoothing algorithm and superposition technique that provides realistic estimates of both inner and outer core winds. Numerical simulations with a coupled wave-hydrodynamic model using both blended and the parametric winds were also verified against in situ data. The study reveals that simulations using blended winds performed better and has practical relevance to real-time operational forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is an economically important livestock disease worldwide besides having a noteworthy impact on human health. In this study, a rapid, simple, and ultra-sensitive nuclei-acid diagnostic technique was developed for the detection of brucellosis harnessing saltatory rolling circle amplification (SRCA). The diagnostic method was developed using World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) approved primers targeting the bcsp31 gene of the Brucella genome. The assay can be accomplished within 90 min at a temperature of 65 °C without the requirement of sophisticated instrumentation. The result interpretation can be done with the naked eye with the aid of SYBR green dye. The developed technique displayed 100% specificity by amplifying only 10 reference and field strains of Brucella spp. and there was no cross-reactivity with the other tested pathogens. The lower limit of detections of SRCA and end-point PCR assays were 9.7 fg/μL (2.7 genome copies of Brucella) and 970 fg/μL, respectively. Thus, the developed SRCA assay was found to be 100× more sensitive than the end-point PCR assay. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first one to develop an SRCA-based assay for the detection of brucellosis and it can be a diagnostic tool for resource-constrained laboratories and veterinary hospitals. • Saltatory rolling circle amplification technique for the detection of Brucella. • Simple and ultrasensitive diagnostic method for specific detection of Brucella. • Technique operates at isothermal temperature and provides results in 90 min. • Detection limit (9.6 fg/μL) is 100× more sensitive than end-point PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 85°E Ridge, located in the Bay of Bengal of the northeastern Indian Ocean is an enigmatic geological feature as it possesses unusual geophysical signatures. The ridge's internal structure and mode of eruptions are unknown due to lack of deep seismic reflection and borehole data control. Here, we analyze 10 km of long-streamer seismic reflection data to unravel the ridge's internal structure, and thereby to enhance the understanding of how the ridge was originated and grew over a geologic time. Seismic facies analysis reveals the ridge structure consisting of volcanic vent and several stratigraphic units including packs of prograding clinoforms. The clinoform sequences are interpreted as volcanic successions, and led to the formation of lava-delta fronts. Interpreted features of lava-fed deltas and intervening erosional surfaces, and mass flows along ridge flanks suggest that the 85°E Ridge is a volcanic construct, and was built by both subaqueous and multiphase sub-marine volcanism during the Late Cretaceous (approximately from 85 to 80 Ma). At later time, from Oligocene-Miocene (∼23 Ma) onwards the ridge was buried under the thick sediments of the Bengal Fan system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing tillage intensity and retaining residues are important components of conservation agriculture but in small holder systems in developing countries where crop residues have alternate uses such as fodder and fuelwood, recycling or external additions of organic matter may be a possible option. Information on impacts of long term reduced tillage on soil carbon, labile organic carbon fractions and their depth distribution is scant in drylands of semi arid regions. The effect of tillage intensity (CT—conventional tillage; RT—reduced tillage and MT—minimum tillage) and sources of nitrogen (100% OS: 100% of recommended N through organic source; 50% OS +50%IOS: 50% N through organic source and 50% N through inorganic source and 100% IOS: 100% N through inorganic source) on crop yields, soil organic carbon and C fractions in an Alfisol was assessed at the end of a 10 year long term experiment. Finger millet yields decreased significantly with reduction in tillage intensity (29%). Among N sources, highest yields were recorded with substitution of 50% of the N through organic source. After 10 years, the soil organic carbon (SOC) in 0–20 cm soil layer with MT was 11% higher than with CT. The labile fractions of carbon, viz. particulate organic carbon (POC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and permanganate oxidizable carbon (KMnO 4 -C) under MT were 47%, 16% and 43% higher, respectively, in comparison to CT in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC) with MT were higher by 28% and 27% over CT and higher by 20% and 20% with 100%OS over 100% IOS. Labile carbon fractions revealed differential sensitivity and POC, MBC and KMnO 4 -C are sensitive indicators to detect short term management effects. Reducing tillage intensity and applying various N sources enhanced SOC marginally and the C sequestration rate varied from 62 to 186 kg ha −1 yr −1 . Based on the study it can be recommended for substitution of 50% of the recommended N with organic source as it increases crop yields and soil carbon and could be a potential alternative for residue retention for crops which have fodder value. Reducing the tillage intensity can enhance the SOC in semi arid rainfed systems but lower crop yields under MT is a concern which needs to be addressed in order to make these systems acceptable to the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new approach combining the chaos game representation and the two dimensional multifractal detrended cross correlation analysis methods to examine multifractal behavior in power law cross correlation between any pair of nucleotide sequences of unequal lengths. In this work, we analyzed the characteristic behavior of coding and non-coding DNA sequences of eight prokaryotes. The results show the presence of strong multifractal nature between coding and non-coding sequences of all data sets. We found that this integrative approach helps us to consider complete DNA sequences for characterization, and further it may be useful for classification, clustering, identification of class affiliation of nucleotide sequences etc. with high precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The premature chromosome condensation (PCC) assay is considered as complementary bio-dosimetry tool for chromosome aberration assay and the PCC assay can be used to estimate high dose exposure. Though the PCC ring is considered as prospective biomarker, chromosome length ratio (ratio of longest and shortest chromosome length in PCC spreads) of chemically induced PCC is shown to be very good indicator of ionizing radiation. In view of this, an in-vitro study has been performed using PCC assay to suggest chromosome length ratio (LR) as potential bio-dosimeter induced by high dose ionizing radiation. Blood samples were collected from healthy subjects (n = 3) after prior consent and irradiated to ten different doses ranging between 0 and 20 Gy using 6 MV LINAC X-rays with dose rate of 5.6 Gy/min. Irradiated lymphocytes were cultured and calyculin induced PCC spreads were prepared. PCC spreads were captured using image analysis system and chromosome lengths were measured using open-source ImageJ software. For each dose, LR for 50 chromosome spreads were computed and mean LR value was calculated. LR varies between 6.0 ± 0.08 and 23.6 ± 0.55 for the dose range between 2 and 20 Gy. The dose response curve for LR was observed to be linear with y = 1.02x + 3.36, R2 = 0.97. Linear dose response relationship obtained in the present study confirms the prospective use of LR measurement. This study is first of its kind to examine chromosome length ratio as a biomarker of DNA damage in cells exposed to high dose X-ray exposure. • An in-vitro study using chemically induced PCC in X-ray irradiated lymphocytes. • Chromosome length ratio (LR) shown to be good indicator for high dose exposure. • Dose response curve of length ratio (longest/shortest) observed to be linear. • First of its kind to examine LR as a biomarker of DNA damage for high dose X-ray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Ponatinib is the only currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that suppresses all BCR-ABL1 single mutants in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph + ) leukemia, including the recalcitrant BCR-ABL1 T315I mutant. However, emergence of compound mutations in a BCR-ABL1 allele may confer ponatinib resistance. We found that clinically reported BCR-ABL1 compound mutants center on 12 key positions and confer varying resistance to imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, ponatinib, rebastinib, and bosutinib. T315I-inclusive compound mutants confer high-level resistance to TKIs, including ponatinib. In vitro resistance profiling was predictive of treatment outcomes in Ph + leukemia patients. Structural explanations for compound mutation-based resistance were obtained through molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings demonstrate that BCR-ABL1 compound mutants confer different levels of TKI resistance, necessitating rational treatment selection to optimize clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes causes foodborne listeriosis, which is an important food safety and public health problem. Monitoring them in the food chain using simple and affordable methods is of paramount importance to avoid untoward consequences. In this study, we have developed and evaluated a novel helix loop-mediated isothermal amplification (HAMP) assay integrating simple three-step centrifugation DNA isolation and pre-added hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) dye-based result interpretation. Specific amplification of the hlyA gene of L. monocytogene s was ascertained by deploying reference and field strains of L. monocytogenes (n = 16), non-monocytogenes Listeria (n = 3) and other bacteria (n = 15). The analytical sensitivity of HAMP, real-time, and end-point PCR methods was 5.4 fg/μL, 540 fg/μL and 5.4 pg/μL, respectively, displaying 100x more sensitivity than real-time PCR. The detection limit (LoD) of the developed HAMP assay was determined by analysing milk and chicken meat artificially spiked with ten-fold sequential dilutions of L. monocytogene s. The influence of brief enrichment (3 h/6 h) in LoD was also analysed and compared with endpoint and real-time PCR assays. In artificially contaminated milk, the limits of detection of the HAMP assay were 120 CFU/mL, 12 CFU/mL, and 1.2 CFU/mL without any enrichment, after 3 h and 6 h enrichment, respectively. Whereas in artificially contaminated chicken meat, the detection limits without any enrichment, after 3 h and 6 h enrichment were 1500 CFU/g, 150 CFU/g, and 15 CFU/g, respectively. The real-world applicability of the HAMP assay was also assessed by screening field milk and meat samples (n = 200). The developed HAMP assay is more simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific for the detection of L. monocytogenes in food samples, especially in resource-poor establishments. To our knowledge, this is the first study to develop a HAMP assay for the detection of a bacterial pathogen. • A novel HAMP assay for the detection of L. monocytogenes using pre-added HNB dye. • HAMP assay integrated a simple 3-step centrifugation method for DNA extraction. • Assay sensitivity (5.4 fg/μL) is 1000x & 100x more than endpoint and real-time PCR. • LoD of 120 CFU/mL and 1.2 CFU/mL milk is achieved with 0 h and 6 h enrichment. • LoD of 1500 CFU/g and 15 CFU/g meat is achieved with 0 h and 6 h enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Spondyloptosis is grade V on the Meyerding classification. Traumatic spondyloptosis can occur throughout the spinal column, particularly at junctional levels, and finding an ideal surgical strategy to address it remains a challenge for spinal surgeons. The sacrum is considered a united bone in adults, and sacral intersegmental spondyloptosis is extremely rare. Case Report Herein, we present an unusual case of S2/S3 spondyloptosis in a 27-year-old female patient with spontaneous solid fusion. Conclusions This case demonstrates that similar distal sacral pathologies may be managed conservatively when there is no associated neurologic deficit, and the osteodiskoligamentous integrity of the lumbosacropelvic unit remains intact. Our report plus the very few published papers in the literature illustrate the natural history of uncomplicated traumatic spondyloptosis and support the role of in situ fusion and instrumentation as a reliable alternative to circumferential fusion in patients who cannot tolerate staged or prolonged operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing cultivars with traits that can enhance and sustain productivity under climate change will be an important climate smart adaptation option. The modified CSM-CERES-Pearl millet model was used to assess yield gains by modifying plant traits determining crop maturity duration, potential yield and tolerance to drought and heat in pearl millet cultivars grown at six locations in arid (Hisar, Jodhpur, Bikaner) and semi-arid (Jaipur, Aurangabad and Bijapur) tropical India and two locations in semi-arid tropical West Africa (Sadore in Niamey and Cinzana in Mali). In all the study locations the yields decreased when crop maturity duration was decreased by 10% both in current and future climate conditions; however, 10% increase in crop maturity significantly (p < 0.05) increased yields at Aurangabad and Bijapur, but not at other locations. Increasing yield potential traits by 10% increased yields under both the climate situations in India and West Africa. Drought tolerance imparted the lowest yield gain at Aurangabad (6%), the highest at Sadore (30%) and intermediate at the other locations under current climate. Under climate change the contribution of drought tolerance to the yield of cultivars either increased or decreased depending upon changes in rainfall of the locations. Yield benefits of heat tolerance substantially increased under climate change at most locations, having the greatest effects at Bikaner (17%) in India and Sadore (13%) in West Africa. Aurangabad and Bijapur locations had no yield advantage from heat tolerance due to their low temperature regimes. Thus drought and heat tolerance in pearl millet increased yields under climate change in both the arid and semi-arid tropical climates with greater benefit in relatively hotter environments. This study will assists the plant breeders in evaluating new promising plant traits of pearl millet for adapting to climate change at the selected locations and other similar environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This novel methodology develops a Pseudo Trust in Peer-to-Peer networks using Lagrange Interpolation and Zero-Knowledge Protocol and creates a non-forgeable pseudonym. Authentication of a peer can be done without disclosing any sensitive information by using Zero-Knowledge Protocol. Each node in a peer maintains a unique I.D. It is not necessary to reveal the credential information at the time of verification. The implementation of distributed trust model is done incrementally in P2P networks. This proposed methodology generates different polynomials at the source and destination, respectively. After creating polynomials, authentication is performed using a challenge-based system (Zero-Knowledge Protocol) by exchanging pseudo-random numbers. Source and destination generate the same polynomial without exchanging any secret information. This polynomial can be used for encryption and decryption. The proposed algorithm is analysed by considering three parameters of network Throughput, the number of packets dropped and the number of packets delivered. These results measure the performance of the proposed algorithm applied in Peer-to-Peer networks over public networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel saltatory rolling circle amplification (SRCA) assay was established for prompt identification of Listeria monocytogenes in milk and Indian milk cake (kalakhand). The SRCA and conventional PCR were independently able to detect 63 fg and 630 fg L. monocytogenes DNA per reaction, respectively. The detection limit of SRCA was evaluated in artificially contaminated milk and kalakhand. In milk, without any enrichment, SRCA was able to detect 4.4 × 102 cfu mL−1 of milk, indicating 100-fold greater sensitivity than PCR (4.4 × 104 cfu mL−1). After enrichment up to 3 h and 6 h, detection in SRCA improved to 4.4 cfu mL−1 of milk. Spiking studies in kalakhand showed 10-times better results for SRCA than PCR. The study illustrates that the developed SRCA-based test is sensitive, cost-effective, rapid, and most importantly simple for the detection of L. monocytogenes and it can be adopted for on-site detection of L. monocytogenes in a variety of milk and milk products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urine is a non-invasive source of biological fluid, which reflects the physiological status of the mammals. We have profiled the cow urinary proteome and analyzed its functional significance. The urine collected from three healthy cows was concentrated by diafiltration (DF) followed by protein extraction using three methods, namely methanol, acetone, and ammonium sulphate (AS) precipitation and Proteo Spin urine concentration kit (PS). The quality of the protein was assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). In-gel digestion method revealed more proteins (1191) in comparison to in-solution digestion method (541). Collectively, 938, 606 and 444 proteins were identified in LC-MS/MS after in-gel and in-solution tryptic digestion of proteins prepared by AS, PS and DF methods, respectively resulting in identification of a total of 1564 proteins. Gene ontology (GO) using Panther7.0 grouped the majority of the proteins into cytoplasmic (location), catalytic activity (function), and metabolism (biological processes), while Cytoscape grouped proteins into complement and coagulation cascades; protease inhibitor activity and wound healing. Functional significance of few selected proteins seems to play important role in their physiology. Comparative analysis with human urine revealed 315 overlapping proteins. This study reports for the first time evidence of more than 1550 proteins in urine of healthy cow donors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteomics in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify surgical practice patterns in the literature for nonpediatric syringomyelia by systematic review and to determine the following: 1) What is the best clinical practice of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion to maximize clinical improvement or to achieve the lowest recurrence rate? 2) Does arachnolysis, rather than CSF diversion, lead to prolonged times to clinical recurrence? Methods A database search comprising PubMed, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted to find pertinent articles on postinfectious, posttraumatic, or idiopathic syringomyelia. Results An advanced PubMed search in August 2012 yielded 1350 studies, including 12 studies meeting Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria for level IV evidence as a case series, with a total of 410 patients (mean age, 39 years). Data on 486 surgeries were collected. Mean follow-up data were available for 10 studies, with a mean follow-up time of 62 months. On regression analysis, increased age had a significant correlation with a higher likelihood of having clinically significant recurrence on mean follow-up ( P < 0.05). The use of arachnolysis in surgery was associated with a longer duration until clinically symptomatic recurrence ( P = 0.02). Data on mortality were unavailable. The mean number of surgeries per patient across all studies was 1.20 (range, 0.95–2.00). Conclusions With postinfectious and posttraumatic etiologies, arachnolysis was the only surgical treatment to have a statistically significant effect on decreasing recurrence rates. More prospective, randomized, controlled studies are required to reach a clear consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior studies published in the cardiothoracic, orthopedic and gastrointestinal surgery have identified the importance of nasal (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) MRSA screening and subsequent decolonization to reduce MRSA surgical site infection (SSI). This is the first study to date correlating nasal MRSA colonization with postoperative spinal MRSA SSI. Objective: To assess the significance of nasal MRSA colonization in the setting of MRSA SSI. Methods: A retrospective electronic chart review of patients from year 2011 to June 2013 was conducted for patients with both nasal MRSA colonization within 30 days prior to spinal surgery. Patients who tested positive for MRSA were put on contact isolation protocol. None of these patients received topical antibiotics for decolonization of nasal MRSA. Results: A total of 519 patients were identified; 384 negative (74%), 110 MSSA-positive (21.2%), and 25 (4.8%) MRSA-positive. Culture positive surgical site infection (SSI) was identified in 27 (5.2%) cases and was higher in MRSA-positive group than in MRSA-negative and MSSA-positive groups (12% vs. 5.73% vs. 1.82%; p = 0.01). The MRSA SSI rate was 0.96% (n = 5). MRSA SSI developed in 8% of the MRSA-positive group as compared to only in 0.61% of MRSA-negative group, with a calculated odds ratio of 14.23 (p = 0.02). In the presence of SSI, nasal MRSA colonization was associated with MRSA-positive wound culture (66.67 vs. 12.5%; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Preoperative nasal MRSA colonization is associated with postoperative spinal MRSA SSI. Preoperative screening and subsequent decolonization using topical antibiotics may help in decreasing the incidence of MRSA SSI after spine surgery. Nasal MRSA+ patients undergoing spinal surgery should be informed regarding their increased risk of developing surgical site infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant burden to both patients and the health care system with recent focus on the identification and modification of applicable risk factors in spine surgery. However, there is a paucity of literature evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients treated for infection after spine surgery. To compare the clinical outcomes of patients who developed SSI after thoracolumbar spine surgery to an aseptic control cohort. Retrospective propensity matched case-control study. Adult patients who underwent thoracolumbar spinal fusion between March 2014 and January 2020. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Back and Leg, Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component (MCS) of the SF-12. Structured query language query (SQL) was used to identify patients and extract patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Demographic data was extracted through chart review. Patients who developed an SSI were matched to a control cohort based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes status, smoking status and race through propensity score matching. A total of 176 patients (132 Control, 44 SSI) with a mean age of 66 years, body-mass index of 34, ASA of 2.76 were included in final analysis. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in ODI (Control: p<0.001, SSI: p=0.006), VAS Back (Control: p<0.001, SSI: p=0.002), VAS Leg (Control and SSI:p<0.001), and PCS-12 (Control:p<0.009, SSI:p=0.01) after surgery. Despite comparable preoperative and ∆ODI scores, patients who had an SSI had significantly worse postoperative ODI scores (Control:28.5, SSI: 37.5, p=0.024). ∆VAS Leg, ∆VAS Back, ∆PCS-12, and ∆MCS-12 did not differ significantly between groups with no difference in the proportion of individuals meeting MCID for VAS Leg (60.6% vs 57.1%, p=0.899), VAS Back (Control: 63.6%, SSI: 57.1%, p=0.667), PCS-12 (Control: 22.1%, SSI: 26.1%, p=0.868) or MCS-12 (Control: 20.5%, SSI: 30.4%, p=0.427). Despite the associated morbidity of infection after spine surgery, the results of this study demonstrate that patients who sustain SSI after lumbar fusion can ultimately expect similar clinical outcomes as those without postoperative complications and can be used by surgeons to help counsel patients. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]