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The red palm weevil is a notorious insect pest of the palm family around the palm-growing regions of the world. This study investigated the biological effects of six commercially important date palm varieties viz. Dahki, Muzaft, Aseel, Gulistan, Begum Jungi and Fasley on red palm weevil. The newly emerged larvae were cultured on soft portion of the stem of selected varieties in plastic boxes at controlled conditions between 27 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 2% R.H. in incubators. The observations were documented on the number of eggs laid, fecundity, larval and pupal developmental periods, adult life span and sex ratio of red palm weevil. The Dhakki variety was found as the most susceptible having maximum number of eggs hatching (9.5) and weight losses (8.90 g) whereas; Fasley variety was found least susceptible having least egg hatching percentage (8.47) and weight losses (2.94). The maximum total larval developmental duration of 87.2 days was recorded on the variety Fasley which decreased to 64.8 days when red palm weevils were cultured on Dhakki variety. The maximum survival was recorded on variety Dhakki while the minimum survival was recorded on the variety Fasley. The maximum adult longevity (110 days) of female weevils was recorded on variety Dhakki while minimum adult longevity of 50.27 days was recorded on variety Fasley. Our results indicated that varieties significantly influence the development of red palm weevil and can be used as a viable tool for the management of red palm weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stacked layers in the form of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures can significantly extend the applications of its building materials. In this study, based on hybrid functional (HSE06) with vdW corrections, we systematically investigated the electronic structure and optical properties of BlueP/Sc 2 CX 2 (X = O , F , OH) vdW heterostructures and their corresponding monolayers. All three heterostructures are indirect bandgap semiconductors with type-II band alignment. The calculated bandgap of BlueP/Sc 2 CF 2 is found to be 1.528 eV. A small amount of charge transfers from BlueP to Sc 2 CF 2 and from Sc 2 CO 2 [Sc 2 C(OH) 2 ] to BlueP, rendering it p- and n-doped, respectively. The formation of heterostructures enhanced the optical absorption in the visible light region as compared to their parent monolayer, particularly in BlueP/Sc 2 CF 2 and BlueP/Sc 2 C(OH) 2. Heterostructures show excellent device absorption efficiencies (70%–80%) from infrared to ultraviolet spectrum of light. These results suggest that BlueP/Sc 2 CX 2 heterostructures are potential for nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaic device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The red palm weevil is considered the most notorious pest for different species of palms around the globe. Due to the concealed nature of the red palm weevil, the use of biocontrol agents, especially EPNs, is considered most effective. Among biocontrol agents, entomopathogenic nematodes provide effective control of the different developmental stages of the red palm weevil. In the current investigation, the infective capabilities of four different species of entomopathogenic nematodes were investigated against larvae (5th and 6th instars), pupae enclosed in their cocoons, and adult red palm weevil (newly formed), under laboratory and field conditions. Our results indicated that the S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora were the most effective EPN species against different developmental stages of the red palm weevil under laboratory as well as field conditions. The larval stage of the red palm weevil was found to be the most susceptible to infection by EPNs compared with pupal and adult stages. From the present findings, we can infer that S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora are the most effective EPN strains and recommend their use in the sustainable management of the red palm weevil. Entomopathogenic nematodes play a pivotal role as biocontrol agents for different species of insect pests, including the red palm weevil. In the current investigation, the infective capabilities of four species of entomopathogenic nematodes, including Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema glaseri, and Steinernema carpocapsae, were evaluated against larvae, pupae, and adult red palm weevil under laboratory and field conditions. The pathogenic potential of selected nematode species was assessed based on dissection and adult emergence of weevils. Our results indicated that S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora, with a respective 94.68 and 92.68% infection rate, were the most effective EPN species against red palm weevil larvae. Focusing on adult emergence, the aforementioned EPNs were comparatively less pathogenic and resulted in 63.60 and 60.20% infested pupae, respectively. It is noted that adult emergence is the better option to evaluate the pathogenic potential of EPNs, compared with the dissection of insects. The S. carpocapsae was found to be most effective against the 6th instar larvae of the red palm weevil and caused 100% mortality at 240 h after treatment. On the other hand, S. glaseri and S. feltiae were found to be the least pathogenic and caused 70 and 76% mortality, respectively. All of the evaluated nematode species were found to be highly infective under field conditions. The S. carpocapsae was found to be the most pathogenic, causing 83.60% mortality of the red palm weevil. However, the tested nematodes were found most effective against larvae, followed by adult weevils, but their effect was minimal against the pupae of red palm weevils. Based on these findings, we conclude that the S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora could be used as a sustainable option for the efficient management of the red palm weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we report novel penta-like M 4 P 4 X 2 Y 2 (M = Pd, Pt; X≠Y S, Se, Te) Janus monolayers. The structural stability of the monolayers is double checked by using the phonon spectra and AIMD simulations. After confirming the thermodynamic stability of the monolayers, their structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties are systematically explored using the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results demonstrate indirect bandgap for these monolayers, ranging from 1.57 to 2.58 eV. Furthermore, the photocatalytic investigations show that M 4 P 4 X 2 Y 2 Janus monolayers exhibit the capability of oxidizing H 2 O/O 2 to O 2 , while reducing H+ to H 2. These findings strongly indicate the potential of M 4 P 4 X 2 Y 2 monolayers as photocatalysts for water splitting reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional materials have demonstrated outstanding electronic, optical, and photocatalytic characteristics. In this article, the physical properties of pentagonal-like structure penta-PtPX (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers are systematically investigated by employing density functional theory. Phonon spectra and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that these systems are thermodynamically stable. The hybrid HSE06 functional demonstrated that the PtPX monolayers are indirect band gap semiconductors, having band gap of 2.85 eV, 2.69 eV, and 2.14 eV for PtPS, PtPSe, and PtPTe respectively. The optical properties calculated using GW 0 +BSE approach reveal strong anisotropic absorption along x- and y-directions and the optical transitions are dominated by excitons. High absorbance in the visible and ultraviolet light region is observed, and the excitonic peaks are red shifted for heavy chalcogens. Furthermore, the photocatalytic study show that the PtPX monolayers can oxidize H 2 O/O 2 to O 2 and reduce H+ to H 2 , similar to the PdPX (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers. Our results suggest that the PdPX and PtPX (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers have potential for optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, and are promising photocatalysts for water splitting reaction. [Display omitted] • Square-planar pentagonal structure of penta-PdPS, -PdPSe, -PdPTe, -PtPS, -PtPSe, -PtPTe monolayers. • Electronic and optical properties penta-PtPX and -PdPX (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers. • High visible light absorbance by penta-PtPX and -PdPX (X = S, Se, Te monolayers. • Water splitting ability of penta-PtPX and -PdPX (X = S, Se, Te monolayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper (2DRP) halide perovskites Cs 2 B(X 1-u Y u) 4 where B = Pb, Sn; X/Y = Cl, Br, I; and u = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 are investigated for potential applications in optoelectronic, photoemission and photovoltaic devices. In these compounds the corner sharing B-centered [BX 2 Y 4 ]4- units build the 2D [BX 2 Y 2 ] n 2n− plane, where the halides occupy the in-plane bridging and out of plane apical site respectively, while the spacer cation (Cs+) balancing the charge and separate the octahedral layers. These compounds have direct band gaps and spin orbit (SOC) calculations split Pb/Sn p-orbital and reduce the band gaps. The wide (1.04–3.45) and direct band gaps enable these materials for futuristic applications in optoelectronics, high speed ultrathin transistors and photodetectors. The anti-bonding lone-pair Pb/Sn-s orbital at the valence band edge is excellent for light absorption and photovoltaic performance. These compounds are good dielectric and optically functional materials for photovoltaic and energy storage devices due to their small values of charge carrier effective masses and large exciton binding energies. Therefore, the optical coefficients like dielectric function (real and imaginary), absorption coefficient and index of refraction are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, all-inorganic two-dimensional Dion–Jacobson halide perovskites (DJ-HPs) CsMX 2 Y 2 (M = Sb, Bi; and X/Y= I/I, I/Br, Br/Br, I/Cl, Br/Cl, Cl/Cl) have been studied for photovoltaic, photoemission and other potential applications in optoelectronic devices using first principle calculations within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The ground state crystal symmetry is tetragonal with a P 4/ mmm (No. 123) space group. In these compounds, Cs+ is a spacer cation, which separates the octahedral layers and balances the charge. The corner sharing M-centered (Sb, Bi) [MX 2 Y 4 ]3– unit constructs the 2D [MX 2 Y 2 ] n n– plane, where the X and Y (halogens) atoms occupy the out of plane apical and in-plane bridging sites, respectively. The DJ-HPs with P 4/ mmm crystal symmetry exhibit pseudo-direct band gap semiconducting nature and the spin orbit (SO) effect reduces the band gaps as well as splits the Sb/Bi-p orbital in the bottom of conduction band (CB) and X/Y-p orbital at the top of valence band (VB). Among these DJ-HPs, the band gap energies of CsSbI 2 Cl 2 (0.87 eV), CsSbBr 2 Cl 2 (1.00 eV), CsSbCl 4 (1.40 eV), CsBiI 4 (1.10 eV), CsBiI 2 Br 2 (1.40 eV) and CsBiBr 4 (1.60 eV) lie in a band gap energy range (0.9–1.6 eV) suitable for photovoltaic applications. The M-s (Sb-5s and Bi-6s) and X/Y-p (Cl-3p, Br-4p and I-5p) orbitals are responsible for the electron transition from the valence to conduction band, while the spacer cation (Cs+) has a limited effect on the charge carrier mobility. The effective masses of the charge carriers and exciton binding energies of these materials are suitable for solar cell and optoelectronic applications. From the optical coefficients it is clear that these DJ-HPs have excellent response to the incident photons in the visible and ultraviolet light region. • New Dion–Jacobson two dimensional halide are investigated for optoelectronic applications. • These compounds belongs to tetragonal symmetry having space group P 4/ mmm. • Band gap of these semiconductors are pseudo direct and spin orbit (SO) effect increases from Sb to Bi and Cl to I. • The effective masses of the carriers are increasing linearly with the increasing band gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-Inorganic perovskites CsPbX 3 (X = Cl, Br, I) are investigated for their potential ability and use as solar cells and energy storage materials, using density function theory, generalized gradient approximation and modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) exchange potential. Structural analysis shows that the lattice constant and unit cell volume varies when CsPbX 3 (X = Cl, Br, I) change from cubic phase to tetragonal and orthorhombic structures. The electronic properties show that CsPbCl 3 , CsPbBr 3 and CsPbI 3 all are semiconductor in with bandgap between 0.79 eV and 2.54 eV. It is also observed that the bandgap changes when the structure changes. Optical properties show that these materials have a good absorption ability of photons due to their narrow bandgaps. The real ε 1 (ω) and imaginary ε 2 (ω) parts of their dielectric functions show that CsPbCl 3 , CsPbBr 3 and CsPbI 3 also possess a great ability of retaining the energy it absorbs. These properties make them very suitable for solar cells and energy storage applications. These materials also behave as superluminescent material at high photon energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca 2+ ) has emerged as a significant secondary messenger that regulates the activities of hormonal and environmental signals that are associated with biotic and abiotic stresses. Ca 2+ binding proteins typically contain a Ca 2+ binding EF-hand (a helix-loop-helix structure) motif. In this study, tomato genes encoding calmodulin-like (CML) proteins that possess EF-hand motifs and no other identifiable functional domains were analyzed. Using genome analysis and BLAST searches in database, 52 CML genes were identified in tomato. Comprehensive analyses, including evolutionary relationships, gene structures, chromosomal locations, functional annotations, and gene duplications, were performed. Distribution mapping exhibited that 52 Sl CML proteins containing different intron/exon patterns were unevenly distributed among ten chromosomes. In addition, 24 Sl CML proteins were predicted as segmentally duplicated. Conserved motifs, promoter cis -regulatory elements, organ-based expression patterns and expression analyses indicated the potential responsiveness of Sl CML proteins to abiotic stresses and phytohormones. These results illustrate the complexity of the CML gene family and indicate a potential vital role for these molecules in tomato growth and development as Ca 2+ signal transducers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate and identify the underlying dimensions of students' perception towards the Beijing pollution, particularly to identify the future intensions of students towards staying in Beijing and to identify the level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction among students. This study used non probabilistic sampling technique, particularly convenience, quota and judgmental techniques were applied. The sample size for this study is 80, which is the number of respondents who are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and doctorate program in the universities of Beijing, China. Finally the data was analyzed by using inferential statistics particularly exploratory factor analysis (EFA), one sample t-test, crosstab and descriptive statistics were used in this study. This study revealed extremely surprising results, even though air pollution makes the students unhappy, uncomfortable, sad, Sick extremely frustrated, they would love to settle down and stay in Beijing forever. Significant gender differences were seen in male and female students about overall satisfaction in terms of Beijing environment, and girls in Beijing are more health conscious than boys. Some hypothesis testing results show that air pollution does not make the students absent from their classes, and air pollution does not make students lazy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electronic structure and optical properties of Mo 2 CO 2 /W 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CF 2 /W 2 CO 2 heterostructures and their corresponding monolayers are investigated. • The bandstructure topology of Mo 2 CO 2 /W 2 CO 2 indicates a possible topological nature. • Mo 2 CO 2 /W 2 CO 2 heterostructure forms a type-II band alignment. • In case of Mo 2 CF 2 /W 2 CO 2 , an n-type Schottky contact is formed. M 2 CX 2 (M = Mo,W; X = O,F) MXenes and their van der Waals heterostructures are investigated by first-principle calculations. Phonon spectrum has shown that Mo 2 CO 2 /W 2 CO 2 and Mo 2 CF 2 /W 2 CO 2 heterostructures and corresponding monolayers are dynamically stable. W 2 CO 2 exhibits the properties of topological insulator and Mo 2 CO 2 is narrow band gap semiconductor, while Mo(W) 2 CF 2 are metals. Mo 2 CO 2 /W 2 CO 2 heterostructure indicates a possible topological feature similar to corresponding monolayers and reveals type-II band alignment. Mo 2 CF 2 /W 2 CO 2 heterostructure generating n-type Schottky contact with 0.139 eV barrier height. Large absorption in the visible region is observed for Mo 2 CO 2 and blue shift is noticed for W 2 CO 2 and W 2 CO 2 /Mo 2 CO 2 heterostructure, especially the part contributed by Mo 2 CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency of unusual findings in routine histopathological examination of appendicectomy specimens. Setting: Surgical Department of Govt: City Hospital, Lakki Marwat. Study Design: Descriptive study (cross sectional). Period: One year (01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016). Methodology: A total of 497 patients (both male and female) in age range of 18-60 years were studied. A complete history with clinical examination and relevant investigations were performed in all patients. After Establishment of diagnosis standard appendicectomy either open or Laparoscopic depending upon availability was done. Appendicectomy specimen was sent to Pathology Department of the hospital. Histopathology reports were collected by patient or his/her relatives and a copy was provided to the researcher by Pathology Department. All the relevant data received from histopathology report was recorded on predesigned proforma. Results: In this study mean age was 27 years with standard deviation ± 1.26. Forty two percent patients were male and 58% patients were female. Histopathology findings among 497 patients was analyzed as appendix was negative in 20% patients while positive appendix was found in 80% patients, in which 34% patients had lymphoid hyperplasia, 61% patients had fecolith, 4% patients had parasitic infestation (specify), 0.8% patients had tuberculosis and 0.5% patients had neoplasia. Conclusion: Although unusual pathological findings are seldom seen during an appendectomy, all appendectomy specimens should be sent for routine histopathological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the study, different control practices, such as host plant resistance, imidacloprid seed treatment combined with the use of blue sticky traps, neem seed kernel extract, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and synthetic insecticides (acephate and chlorfenapyr), were tested individually and in various combinations for managing thrips (Megalurothrips distalis). A mungbean genotype, 13TM-04, known for its comparative resistance, was chosen for these trials. The treatments, whether applied alone or in various combinations, showed significant differences in efficacy when compared with each other. A combination of treatments viz., imidacloprid seed treatment+ installation of blue sticky traps and chlorfenapyr 360 SC @ 100ml/acre spray was observed to be the most successful against thrips and resulted in maximum yield 1970.1 kg/ha of mungbean. While imidacloprid seed treatment with blue sticky trap installation, alone, did not show distinctive impact on the thrips population as well as on the yield in mungbean. The imidacloprid seeds treatment remained effective up to 38 days after sowing against the thrips. The application of chlorfenapyr and acephate, either individually as sprays or in combination with other control measures, resulted in a notable reduction in the thrips population. For the management of M. distalis in mungbean combination of imidacloprid seed treatment, blue sticky traps installation and chlorfenapyr at 100 ml/acre should be applied. Current studies provide useful information to adopt integrated pest management of thrips at Bhakkar district for the local farmers for better crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have studied the magnetic and transport properties of Fe doped La0.65A0.35Mn0.95Fe0.05O3 (A = Ca, Sr, Pb, Ba) manganites. All the compositions show ferromagnetic/metal to paramagnetic/insulator transition (T C) except the Pb doped sample which is insulating and ferromagnetic (FM) in the entire temperature range. The magnetization and T C are decreased by decreasing the cation size on La site. The transition temperature and magnetic moment at 77 K is a maximum for Sr doped sample and is decreasing if we increase or decrease the cation size from Sr size. The maximum value of T C and magnetic moment for Sr based sample is most likely due to the closer ionic sizes of La and Sr as compared to the other dopants (Ca, Pb, and Ba). We observed a spin freezing type effect in the Pb doped sample below 120 K in resistivity, ac susceptibility and in magnetization. This suggests that the AFM interactions introduced by the Fe are most effective in the Pb doped composition leading to increased competition between the FM and AFM interactions. This FM and AFM interaction generates some degree of frustration leading to the appearance of spin glass like phase whose typical magnetic behavior is studied for small ion when the metallic like behavior is lost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Using two theoretical lenses – social identity theory and generation cohort theory – the present study analyzes the influence of sport motivations (i.e., patriotism, drama and excitement of the game, nostalgic associations, interest in star players and social influence) on the intentions to watch the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty-20 (T20) World Cup of three different generation cohorts (i.e., Generations X, Y and Z). Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from N = 499 cricket lovers from Pakistan based on a non-probability sampling technique. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group modeling techniques were used as methods. Findings: SEM results show that cricket fans' intentions to watch the T20 World Cup are positively influenced by patriotism, drama and excitement of the game, and social influence. The results of multi-group modeling reveal significant differences between Generation X-ers, Y-ers and Z-ers regarding the effect of sport motivations on their intentions to watch the ICC T20 World Cup. Specifically, our findings show that for X-ers, interest in star players and nostalgic associations are the main motivations behind watching the T20 World Cup, whereas drama and excitement appeared to be an important predictor for Y-ers, and patriotism and social influence are more likely to increase Z-ers' intentions to watch the T20 World Cup. Originality/value: This study is the first of its kind to report the motivations of Generations X, Y and Z to watch the T20 World Cup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromite mining activities in Balochistan are causing serious heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. Due to high adsorption capacity of biochar, its amendment in heavy metal-contaminated soils is known for reducing soil toxicity to crops. This pot-based study investigated influences of wood-derived biochar and farmyard manure-derived (cow dung-derived) biochar as mixtures with air-dried poultry manure on the growth and concentration of heavy metals in edible tissues of tomato and lettuce. These biochars were separately mixed with poultry manure as 1:1 ratio on air-dry weight bases. Soil was contaminated with chromite mine tailing debris at 2% amendment rate (980 g soil + 20 g debris). Biochar-poultry manure mixtures were applied in soil at 10% and 20% amendment rates (respectively, 900 g soil + 100 g mixture and 800 g soil and 200 g mixture of poultry manure and biochar in 1:1 mixture ratio). After harvest of tomato, lettuce was grown in the same soil. As compared to control, amendments of biochar-poultry manure mixtures had a significantly positive influence on growth of both crops. There was ~ 254.49% - 871.9% (~3.5 - 9 fold) increase in aboveground biomass of tomato and 25.67% - 94.59% increase in aboveground plant biomass of lettuce. These fertilizers also increased significantly water use efficiency by ~3.5 - 12.5 times (364.8% - 1166.6%) of tomato plants (as only tomato plants were analyzed for WUE). Furthermore, these amendments reduced concentration of heavy metals in plants of both crops. As compared to contaminated control treatment, amendment of biochar-poultry manure mixtures increased the concentration of soluble mineral phosphorus by 288% - 914% in soil. Our study suggests that amendment of wood-derived biochar and cow manure-derived biochar as mixtures with poultry manure, significantly improved growth of both crops and increased concentration of bioavailable phosphorus in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic band structure, spontaneous polarization, hyperfine fields and electric field gradients (EFG) of the desirable multiferroic BiFeO 3 (BFO) are explored in R3c space group, using density functional theory. Improved TB-mBJ approach resolves the long-standing inconsistency between the theoretical and experimental band gap nature and value of BFO. In this study the calculated direct band gap is 2.84 eV, which was reported indirect band structures in other theoretical studies. The ferroelectric spontaneous polarization 88 μC/cm2 by PBE-GGA and 81 μC/cm2 by TB-mBJ were obtained using the Berry phase approach. Furthermore, the hyperfine interaction and EFG of the compound are also investigated. Image 1 • Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO 3) is attractive ferroelectric material. • The long-standing controversy in its experimental and theoretical band-gap is resolved. • The hyperfine fields and electric field gradients are calculated for the first time. • The spontaneous polarization of the compound is also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electronic and optical properties. • Effects of chemical bond strength and electronegativity difference on electronic properties. • Accuracy of improved TB-mBJ exchange potential. • Improved TB-mBJ approach results compared with experimental. The recently developed improved Tran and Blaha modified Becke-Johnson exchange potential (TB-mBJ) approach within the framework of DFT is used to calculate band gaps and optical properties of cubic perovskites ABO 3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba and B = Ti, Zr, Hf). The bonding nature and electronegativity difference between B-cation and O atoms are considerably influencing the electronic band gaps of these compounds. Improved TB-mBJ treats the electronic density appropriately between them, producing accurate band gaps. The optical response shows wide range of light absorption, from visible to ultraviolet, in these compounds expecting their possible applications in various optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the aluminum-rich intermetallic alloy Al13Fe4 are investigated using full potential linearized augmented plane waves (FPLAPW) approach in the frame work of density functional theory (DFT). The calculated structural parameters are consistent with the experimentally reported data. In this alloy, Fe atoms possess different coordination numbers with Al atoms, i.e., Fe(1) and Fe(2) have the same coordination number 5, whereas Fe(3), Fe(4) and Fe(5) have 4, 7 and 9 coordination numbers, respectively. The compound is found metallic and ferromagnetic in nature. Post-DFT (BoltzTraP code) calculations confirm the ferromagnetic and anisotropic behavior. The Fe(5) atom plays a central role in the electronic and magnetic properties of the alloy due to the large coordination with Al atom as compared to the rest Fe atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary palladium and platinum oxides NaPd3O4 and NaPt3O4 are studied theoretically using DFT. The calculated structural parameters and geometry are found consistent with the experiments. The mechanical properties analysis show that both compounds are elastically stable; anisotropic and reveal the ductile nature. Electronic cloud explain that the chemical bond between Na and Pd/Pt is ionic, whereas between O and Pd/Pt is covalent. The electronic band structures and densities of states demonstrate that these compounds are metals. The d-state splitting explains the origin of the electronic behaviour of these oxides. The optimised magnetic phase energies and magnetic susceptibility confirm that these oxides are paramagnetic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation plays an essential role in regulating plant development. Here, we described an early flowering trifoliate orange (precocious trifoliate orange, Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf) was treated with 5-azacytidine and displayed a number of phenotypic and developmental abnormalities. These observations suggested that DNA methylation might play an important role in regulating many developmental pathways including early flowering trait, and then the expression level of five key or integrated citrus flowering genes were analyzed. Our results showed that FLOWERING LOCUS T (CiFT) relative expression level was increased with the increasing concentrations of 5-AzaC. However, LEAFY (CiLFY), APETELA1 (CiAP1), TERMINAL FLOWER1 (CiTFL1), and FLOWERING LOCUS C (CiFLC) showed highest relative expression levels at 250 µΜ treatment, while decreased sharply at higher concentrations. In order to further confirm DNA methylation affects the expression of these genes, their full-length sequences were isolated by genome-walker method, and then was analyzed by using bioinformatics tools. However, only one locus-specific methylation site was observed in CiLFY sequence. Therefore, DNA methylation level of the CiLFY was investigated both at juvenile and adult stages of precocious trifoliate orange by bisulfate sequencing PCR; it has been shown that the level of DNA methylation was altered during phase change. In addition, spatial and temporal expression patterns of CiLFY promoter and a series of 5′ deletions were investigated by driving the expression of a β-glucuronidase reporter gene in Arabidopsis. Exogenous GA3 treatment on transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that GA3 might be involved in the developmental regulation of CiLFY during flowering process of precocious trifoliate orange. These results provided insights into the molecular regulation of CiLFY gene expression, which would be helpful for studying citrus flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Increasing concern over bacterial resistance to cotrimoxazole, which is recommended by WHO as a first-line drug for treating non-severe pneumonia, led to the suggestion that this might not be optimal therapy. However, changing to alternative antimicrobial agents, such as amoxicillin, is costly. We compared the clinical efficacy of twice-daily cotrimoxazole in standard versus double dosage for treating non-severe pneumonia in children. Methods A randomized controlled multicentre trial was implemented in seven hospital outpatient departments and two community health programmes. A total of 1143 children aged 2-59 months with non-severe pneumonia were randomly allocated to receive 4 mg trimethoprim plus 20 mg sulfamethoxazole/kg of body weight or 8 mg trimethoprim plus 40 mg sulfamethoxazole/kg of body weight orally twice-daily for 5 days Treatment failure occurred when a child required a change of therapy, died or was lost to follow-up. Children required a change of therapy if their condition worsened (they developed chest in drawing or danger signs) or if at 48 hours after enrolment, their clinical condition was the same (defined as having a respiratory rate that was 5 breaths/minute higher or lower than at the time of enrolment). Findings The results of 1134 children were analysed: 578 were assigned to the standard dose of cotrimoxazole and 556 to the double dose. Treatment failed in 112 children (19.4%) in the standard group and 118 (21.2%) in the double-dose group (relative risk 1.10; 95% confidence interval = 0.87-1.37). Using multivariate analysis we found that treatment was more likely to fail in children who were not given the medicine correctly ( P = 0.001), in those younger than 12 months ( P = 0.004), those who had used antibiotics previously ( P = 0.002), those whose respiratory rate was ⩾ 20 breaths/minute above the age-specific cut-off point ( P = 0.006), and those from urban areas ( P = 0.042). Conclusion Both standard and double strength cotrimoxazole were equally effective in treating non-severe pneumonia. Close followup of patients is essential to prevent worsening of disease. Definitions of clinical failure need to be more specific. Surveillance in both rural and urban areas is essential in the development of treatment policies that are based on clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]