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Background: The Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a pest of global significance causing huge economic loss to a wide range of agricultural crops. The pest is regarded as a cryptic species complex which differs in its adaptability to host, fecundity and resistance to insecticides. The expected outcome of the investigation is updated information on prevalence of cryptic species of B. tabaci in the major soybean growing areas in the region. Methods: A roving survey was carried out to assess the occurrence of B. tabaci in the major soybean growing areas of Northern Hills and North Western Plain zones during three consecutive crop seasons from 2018 to 2020. The survey locations were divided in to two broad groups viz., Hills and Plains (Tarai region) and a total of 76 villages were visited during the survey. Cryptic species composition was analyzed using the mtCOI sequence through PCR amplification. Result: The mean whitefly population per plant for the three years in hills and plains were 0.53 and 3.55, respectively. The highest whitefly population was observed in 2019 (1.79 per plant) followed by 2018 (1.50 per plant) and 2020 (1.11 per plant). There was significant (p<0.0001) negative correlation (r = -0.749) with altitude. Phylogenetic relationships indicated the existence of two cryptic species Asia-1 and Asia-II-1. Of these, Asia-II-1 was found to be prominent especially in the North Western Plain Zone. In the Northern Hill Zone both Asia 1 and Asia-II-1 were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we studied Bianchi type-III string cosmological models generated using a cloud of strings with particles connected to them in the framework of Lyra geometry considering five-dimensional spacetime. We assume that the shear scalar and scalar expansion are proportional to obtain the exact solutions of the survival field equations here. Secondly, we adopt the assumption considering the Reddy string condition. From the different cases obtained here, the first case gives the Bianchi type-III string cosmology in Lyra geometry in five-dimensional spacetime, and the second case gives the five-dimensional vacuum model in general relativity. The various parameters of the model universe, which are very important for the description of the Universe, are obtained, and their properties are studied and compared with the recent observational findings. The model universe obtained here starts with the Big Bang, and as time progresses, both particle density and energy density decrease with the expansion of our Universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato leaf curl disease is a serious constraint to tomato cultivation across the globe. The disease is characterized by leaf curling, crinkling, stunting and puckering with the drastic reduction in plant growth and yield. During two‐year survey in major tomato‐growing belt of Tarai region located in foothills of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, the mean incidence and per cent disease index of the disease were found to be 68.76% and 67.19%, respectively. In the morphological analysis using electron microscopy, pathogen contains twin geminate particles measuring 30 × 20 nm. The PCR amplification using RUGEMF1 and RUGEMR1 primers and sequencing of the amplicons, revealed more than 97% similarity to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV). Thus, based on the sequence similarity, morphology and whitefly transmission, begomovirus isolate was recognized as a Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and designated as ToLCNDV_[Pant]. Amplification and sequencing of the Bemisia tabaci partial mtCOI gene from the Tarai region revealed the prevalence of Asia‐II‐1 cryptic species in the region. The overall mean pairwise distance across the 10 sequences studied was 0.0139, whereas the reference Asia‐II‐1 distance ranged from 0.0031 to 0.0332. The current investigation will aid in the development of an integrated strategy to ToLCD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish the block matrix decomposition of kth order slant Toeplitz operators. We also establish some relations between the compressions of kth order slant Toeplitz and kth order slant Hankel operators on H². In the last section, we introduce the notion of kth order slant Toeplitz graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study, held at the Research cum Instructional Farm of the College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, India, ran during the Rabi season of 2021, to investigate superior radish cultivars for selection having high yield potential and better quality root for Bastar plateau. The experiment, laid out in randomized block design (RBD), had 15 treatments and three replications. Observing high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was for the following traits: dry and fresh weights of roots, plants, and leaves; root and leaf yields; days to 50% germination; the diameter and length of the root, North-South and East-West spread of the plant; plant height, and the number of leaf plant-1, having recorded significant heritability and high genetic advance. Similarly, high heritability showed for root yield and fresh and dry weights of roots. Moderate heritability levels appeared for the traits, viz., the plant's dry weight and the root diameter. The genetic gain resulted high for characters, viz., root yield and fresh and dry weights of roots. High heritability followed by high genetic advance indicates that selection may be effective for improving such characteristics. Root yield (t ha-1) exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with the fresh weight of the plant at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, followed by dry weight of roots, dry weight of the plant, East-West spread of the plant, the diameter of the root, and leaf yield plot-1. The fresh weight of roots had the maximum positive direct effect on root yield in the genotypic path, followed by the dry weight of roots and the plant, the East-West spread of the plant, the diameter of the root, and leaf yield in radish. The selection of these characters can benefit in improving the yield of radishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One pot synthesis of benzopyranones and benzoxazinones is aimed to develop an environment friendly strategy in which the requisite moiety is constructed by using functionality of chalcones and mixed metal oxides (MMO). MMO, as catalyst are the topic of continuing interest due to their versatile applications in the field of organic synthesis. A novel approach to the synthesis of benzopyranones and benzoxazines with high pharmaceutical activity is sought to eliminate the use of volatile organic solvents. A new methodology is designed to carry out the synthesis in a single step with enhance reaction rate and high yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between neuroendocrine and immune components of the gut maintains the organism's physical and psychological health. Its disruption may reflect in disease conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mental illness. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) disrupts the endocrine-immune homeostasis resulting in gut toxicity. The Neurotensin receptor-1 (NTR-1) agonist PD 149163 (PD) acts as an atypical antipsychotic drug in psychiatric illness, but its role in modulating gut pathophysiology remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of PD against LPS-induced gut toxicity. Swiss albino female mice (12 weeks) were divided into six groups (n = 6/group): (I) Control, (II) LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days), (III) LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days)+PD low (100 µg/kg, for 21 days), (IV) LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days)+PD high (300 µg/kg, for 21 days), (V) PD low (100 µg/kg, for 21 days), and (VI) PD high (300 µg/kg, for 21 days). Drugs were given intraperitoneal in the morning. PD administration prevented the LPS-induced gut inflammation observed in damage of epithelial barrier, disruption of goblet cells, and condensation of lamina propria (LP). The LPS-induced oxidative stress characterized by decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increased lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) (p < 0.001 for both), and enhanced interleukine-6 (IL-6) & tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.001 for both) as well as immunointensity of NT (p < 0.01) and NTR-1 (p < 0.05) were reversed and normalized to control after PD treatment. Thus, the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and cell proliferation properties of PD modulate the gut toxicity in LPS-challenged mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a leading cause of disability which at its worst leads to suicide. Its treatment relies on psychotherapy in combination with certain antidepressants (AD(s)) from various classes such as tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Among SNRIs, venlafaxine (VEN) is one such most commonly prescribed AD which is recently reported to be in the top 50 most prescribed drugs in the USA. Depression during pregnancy is a common condition, where prescribing an AD becomes necessary as untreated depression during pregnancy has its own complications for both mother and the child. This, probably, is why an incredible rise has been reported in prescribing ADs like VEN to pregnant women in the recent past, despite some studies, including the one from our own group, having reported the in-utero VEN-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in the fetal neocortex and the consequent neurobehavioral anomalies in adulthood. However, there still exists a lack of insight into the effects of intrauterine exposures of VEN on other fetal brain regions like the hippocampus (HPC) and striatum (STR) and the consequent effects on their cognitive and emotional wellbeing in later life. Hence, this study has been conducted where pregnant Charles-Foster (CF) rats were oral gavaged with VEN (25, 40, and 50 mg/kg bw) from gestation day (GD) 05–19. On GD-19, half of the control and treated dams were euthanized to collect their fetuses. Fetal brains were dissected and processed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) estimation neurohistopathology and confocal microscopic studies. The remaining dams were allowed to deliver naturally, and litters were reared for up to 8 weeks then tested for their cognitive abilities by the Morris water maze test and for their emotionality by the Forced swimming test. Our results showed substantial neurocytoarchitectural deficits in both HPC and STR, along with enhanced ROS levels and apoptotic neurodegenerations. Furthermore, VEN-treated young rat offsprings displayed cognitive impairments and depressive behavior as the long-lasting impact of VEN in a dose-dependent manner. So it may be inferred that prenatal VEN-induced oxidative stress causes apoptotic neurodegeneration leading to neuronal loss in HPC and STR which consequently affects the development of the said brain areas resulting in impaired cognitive and emotional abilities of young adult offsprings. Therefore, extrapolating these findings in animal models, caution may be taken before prescribing VEN to pregnant women, especially during the sensitive phase of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius 1794) causes myiasis in humans and other vertebrates. It has a wide distribution across tropical countries. In the present investigation, the effect of a juvenile hormone analogue, fenoxycarb has been observed on the last instar larvae of S. ruficornis. The last instar larvae (0, 1 and 2-days old) of this dipteran fly were treated topically with sub-lethal doses (10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/µl/larva) of fenoxycarb. Several effects were observed such as mortality, abnormal pupariation, reduction pupariation, adult emergence and eclosion failure. Pupal-adult intermediates and the emergence of abnormal adults were also observed. Log Inhibitory concentration (LogIC50) causing inhibition of normal pupariation was 1.68, 1.8 and 1.681 µg/µl in 0, 1 and 2-days of larval treatments respectively. Whereas LogIC50 values inhibiting the adult emergence were 1.297, 1.359 and 1.482 µg/µl in 0, 1, and 2-days of larval treatments respectively. Results manifest the potency of fenoxycarb in the control of larval-adult transformation in S. ruficornis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The anthracnose/pod blight disease caused by Colletotrichum species, is considered as a major limitation in soybean cultivation worldwide, causing significant yield losses. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of soybean anthracnose/pod blight in different geographical locations of Uttarakhand and to identify the Colletotrichum species associated with the disease. Methods: Roving survey was carried out in various soybean growing areas of Uttarakhand, covering 82 villages in 11 districts during kharif 2017 to 2019. In order to record the prevalence of the disease, incidence and severity were recorded periodically in soybean fields. From different surveyed locations, samples of anthracnose and pod blight were collected, isolated and identified on the basis of genetic analysis of the ITS region of rDNA. Result: The survey study revealed that disease was evident in all surveyed districts of Uttarakhand except district Haridwar. The pooled mean incidence and severity of pod blight infection in different districts ranged from 3.96 to 27.0 per cent and 2.04 to 15.69 per cent, respectively, maximum in the U. S. Nagar district and minimum in the Almora district. It was observed that disease incidence and severity decreased with rises in altitude with highly significant negative correlation of -0.89 and -0.89, respectively. Three distinct Colletotrichum species i.e., C. truncatum, C. cliviae (=C. cliviicola) and C. chlorophyti were identified through molecular characterization of the ITS-5.8S rDNA region (BLASTn queries), which were associated with soybean anthracnose/pod blight disease in Uttarakhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disruption of bidirectional communication between neuroendocrine and immune components by stressors leads to mental problems. The immunomodulation therapy of neuroinflammation-led psychiatric illness is an emerging area of research. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate immune modulation efficacy of PD 149163 (PD) against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. The Swiss albino mice (female/12 weeks) were divided into six groups (6 mice/group): (I) Control: 0.9% NaCl; (II) LPS: 1 mg/kg BW, for 5 days; (III) LPS + PD Low: LPS 1 mg/kg BW (for 5 days) after that PD 100 µg/kg BW (for 21 days); (IV) LPS + PD High: LPS 1 mg/kg BW (for 5 days) after that PD 300 µg/kg BW (for 21 days); (V) PD Low: PD 100 µg/kg BW (for 21 days); (VI) PD High: PD 300 µg/kg BW (for 21 days). All treatments were given intraperitoneal. The LPS-induced weight loss (body and brain) was normalized to control after PD treatment. The PD enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity while decreased lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) level altered in LPS-exposed mice. The significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in LPS exposure were also decreased by PD. Likewise, the LPS-induced HPA axis activation was stabilized by PD. In the hippocampus, the pyramidal cell layer thickness, pyramidal neurons number and size of CA1 and CA3 regions were reduced along with misalignment, shrinkage, and impairment of cytoarchitecture. In the co-treated group, the LPS-induced hippocampus disruption was reversed after PD exposure. We suggested that the PD modulates the LPS-induced neuroinflammation and psychiatric illness in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysomya megacephala is a vector for many pathogens and causes myiasis in vertebrates. In the present investigation, essential oil (EO) of Lantana camara was analysed by GC-MS to determine its chemical composition. Furthermore, this oil was tested against the eggs of C. megacephala to examine its ovicidal effect. Compositional analysis of EO revealed major components in the EO were α- pinene, caryophyllene, Geranyl acetate, and eucalyptol. Results of the contact toxicity are encouraging, as this EO proved fatal against blowfly eggs at 1 and 2 µl doses in a dose-dependent manner. Latent effects were also noticed in the progeny eclosed from treated eggs, leading to larval and pupal toxicity, reduced pupariation, pupal-adult intermediate formation, and suppressed emergence. We also report for the first time about the juvenoid nature of L. camara oil. Our result on the significant negative effects of L. camara EO on C. megacephala embryonic survival suggests that it can be considered in future designs of green pesticides against dipterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University Libraries Provides the information resources and services to meet the user information requirements, however, ICT has changed the way Information services and Knowledge is delivered especially in the recent dispensation, there is a dearth need for Libraries especially University libraries to apply ICT to their daily routine functions and changed the old method of information delivery to users with the present generations of clienteles been tech servy, the need for ICT based Services, Resources and Products is a Necessity. This study Investigates the application, availability of ICT-based Services, Resources, and Products, the Researchers Employed a structured Interview distributed to the Heads of the Libraries and Personal Observation Individually visiting each of the University Library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our AstroSat soft X-ray observations of a compact binary system, AR Sco, and analysis of its X-ray observations with Chandra that were taken only about a week before the AstroSat observations. An analysis of the soft X-ray (0.3–2.0 keV) data limits the modulation of the spin, orbital, or beat periods to less than 0.03 counts s - 1 or <10% of the average count rate. The X-ray flux obtained from both observatories is found to be almost identical (within a few percent) in flux, and about 30% lower than reported from the nine months older observations with XMM-Newton. A two-temperature thermal plasma model with the same spectral parameters fit Chandra and AstroSat data very well, and requires very little absorption in the line of sight to the source. The low-temperature component has the same temperature (∼ 1 keV) as reported earlier, but the high-temperature component has a lower temperature of 5.0 - 0.7 + 0.8 keV as compared to 8.0 keV measured earlier, however, the difference is not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations of four bright stars observed with the AstroSat Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT). Visible light from bright stars like these can leak through the very thin filter in front of the CCD in the focal plane CCD camera of the SXT and thus making the extraction of X-ray events difficult. Here, we show how to extract the X-ray events without contamination by the visible light. The procedure applied to four bright stars here demonstrates how reliable X-ray information can be derived in such cases. The sample of bright stars studied here consists of two A spectral types (HIP 19265, HIP 88580), one G/K giant (Capella), and a nearby M-type dwarf (HIP 23309). No X-ray emission is observed from the A-type stars, as expected. X-ray spectra of Capella and HIP 23309 are derived and modeled here, and compared with the previous X-ray observations of these stars to show the reliability of the method used. We find that optical light can start to leak in the very soft energy bands below 0.5 keV for stars with V = 8 mag. In the process, we present the first X-ray spectrum of HIP 23309. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the Polytropic Gas Dark Energy model and New Agegraphic Dark Energy model in the flat Friedmann Robertson Walker (FRW) Universe and establish a correspondence between them for the scalar fields. This correspondence allows reconstructing the potential of the Polytropic Gas scalar fields and dynamics of the scalar fields according to the evolutions of the New Agegraphic Dark Energy, which describes the accelerated expansion of the Universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two long AstroSat Soft X-ray Telescope observations were taken of the third recorded outburst of the symbiotic recurrent nova V3890 Sgr. The first observing run, 8.1–9.9 d after the outburst, initially showed a stable intensity level with a hard X-ray spectrum that we attribute to shocks between the nova ejecta and the pre-existing stellar companion. On day 8.57, the first, weak, signs appeared of supersoft source (SSS) emission powered by residual burning on the surface of the white dwarf. The SSS emission was observed to be highly variable on time-scales of hours. After day 8.9, the SSS component was more stable and brighter. In the second observing run, on days 15.9–19.6 after the outburst, the SSS component was even brighter but still highly variable. The SSS emission was observed to fade significantly during days 16.8–17.8 followed by re-brightening. Meanwhile, the shock component was stable, leading to increase in hardness ratio during the period of fading. AstroSat and XMM–Newton observations have been used to study the spectral properties of V3890 Sgr to draw quantitative conclusions even if their drawback is model dependent. We used the xspec to fit spectral models of plasma emission, and the best fits are consistent with the elemental abundances being lower during the second observing run compared to the first for spectra ≥1 keV. The SSS emission is well fitted by non-local thermal equilibrium model atmosphere used for white dwarfs. The resulting spectral parameters, however, are subject to systematic uncertainties such as completeness of atomic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen horses were presented in Hospital. Clinical examination revealed normal body temperature, increased heart rate, pulse rate, capillary refill time (> 2 seconds) and congested conjuctival mucous membrane. All animals were treated with injection Flunixin meglumine; injection Chlorphenramine maleate; injection B1, B6, B12; injection DNS and Injection Ringer Lactate. Followed by administration of 1 liter liquid paraffin orally on first day. All thirteen (13) animals showed signs of relief in abdominal pain after intravenous administration of Flunixin meglumine. Flunixin meglumine was found highly effective (84.61%) for treatment of impactive colic in equines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of eight goats in first/ second parity were presented with history of kidding 2-3 days back and edema of udder and teats after 12-24 hours of kidding. On palpation of the udder and teats, the swelling was found to be soft and cold. A watery to serous fluid was aspirated in all goats after inserting 18 gauge aseptic needle directly into the udder and pocket of fluid present in teats. The 'fingerprint' test was applied to diagnose the presence of edema. All the goats were treated with Furosemide; Ceftriaxone; Meloxicam; Chlorpheniramine maleate; Vitamin A, D3, E with massage and hot fomentation of the udder. The result indicated that recovery rate from post-parturient udder edema in goats was 87.5% after six days of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on 108 crossbred cows. All cows included had regular estrus cycle with normal estrus but failed to conceive. The animals were divided into 4 pre-artificial insemination and 4 post-artificial insemination treatment groups i.e. normal with treatment (n=18 each), repeat breeder with treatment (n=18 each), normal without treatment (n=9 each), repeat breeder without treatment (n=9 each). The animals not advocated any treatment were considered as control. 30 ml Levofloxacin, Ornidazole and --Tocopherol were infused intrauterine 10-12 hours pre-or post-artificial insemination and each cow was inseminated at mid-heat. The treatment response was assessed based on pregnancy diagnosis performed per rectum 55-60 days post insemination. The conception rate observed in normal and repeat breeding cows after pre-artificial insemination infusion of Levofloxacin, Ornidazole and -Tocopherol were 61.11 and 44.44%, respectively against 33.33 and 11.11% in untreated control groups and conception rates in normal and repeat breeding cows following post-artificial insemination intrauterine infusion were 66.66 and 50% respectively, as compared to their respective controls (44.44 and 22.22%) groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluates the efficacy of parenteral administration of different antimicrobial agents for treatment of mastitis in buffaloes. A total of 42 buffaloes, diagnosed with mastitis were randomly divided into three groups i.e. group-1, 2 and 3. In group 1 (n=14), Amoxycillin + Cloxacillin, in group 2 (n=14), Cefoperazone + Sulbactam and in group 3 (n=14), Cefquinome was administered for 4-7 days, respectively. Other supportive treatments given to all groups included injection Meloxicam, Chlorpheniramine maleate and Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 for 4-7 days. The clinical efficacy was assessed by gradual clinical improvements in term of swelling, pain, consistency of affected quarter/s of udder and teats, visual observation of milk, its characteristics and pH of milk. The results indicated that recovery rate from mastitis in buffaloes after four and seven days of therapies were 42.85% (6/14), 57.14% (8/14), 71.42% (10/14) and 71.42% (10/14), 85.70% (12/14) and 92.85% (13/ 14), respectively, in Amoxicillin + Cloxacillin, Cefoperazone + Sulbactam and Cefquinome treated groups of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the subject analysis of Punjabi language books written in 'Gurmukhi' script from 2004-2013 covering different fields of arts and humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, and technology. The distribution of major subjects and their subdivisions were based on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) 22nd edition. The information centres, and academic institutions such as universities from the different parts of Northern India, having a good collection of Punjabi language books were the focus for data collection. The Punjabi language books publishers and several websites/resources were also consulted to get the required information. A total number of 7997 Punjabi books on different subjects published during the period 2004-2013 have been studied. The largest number of books in Punjabi [5587 (69.9%)] is published in the field of literature. Subject analysis, decadal growth, analysis of books translations from different Indic and foreign languages to the Punjabi language are also included in the study. A growth rate of 29.37% in the publication of Punjabi books is seen during the decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Publishing industry plays a vital role to spread knowledge. In modern days many local publishers are making knowledge available to the society through their native languages. Punjabi is one of the most popular languages of North Indian states. Many publishers from Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi are publishing books in Punjabi. The present study is attempted to provide the overview and analyse the growth and contribution of publishing books in Punjabi by various types of publishers for the decade 2004-2013. The study presents different categories of publishers with the number of books, major publishers of Punjabi books, the contribution of literary, government and academic institutions as publishers and geographical distribution of Punjabi books from Northern parts of India. The study reveals that most of the books have been published in Punjabi by commercial publishers. Punjab is the leading region to publish maximum books in Punjabi as compared to other states and 'Lokgeet Prakashan' is the top publisher among them all. This is the first study assessing book publishers of Punjabi books and a useful source of information for practitioners and academics interested in Punjabi language publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I Graphidaceae i , the largest crustose family within I Ostropales i comprising more than 2000 species (Lücking I et al. i [6]), is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In earlier publications, Singh & Swarnlatha ([19]) and Singh & Singh ([21]) made several new combinations for Indian taxa. Lücking I et al. i ([4]), in their world key, assigned I G. flavovirens i to "Group 8", I G. longissima i to "Group 17" and I G. sitapurensis i to "Group 4", based on details given in the protologues. Compared to the protologues (Makhija & Adawadkar [8]), I G. flavovirens i has 14-18-septate, 49-54 m long ascospores and not 3-9-septate, 16-42 × 4-6 m large ascospores; I G. sitapurensis i has a completely instead of laterally carbonized exciple; I G. longissima i has entire labia and rarely shows striae. [Extracted from the article]

Star clusters are ideal platforms for categorizing X-ray emitting stars and to study X-ray emission as a function of stellar age and activity. We present a comprehensive study of an open star cluster, NGC 2527, by combining data from XMM-UVOT- Gaia. Cluster membership of stars and their photometry are taken from Gaia and cross-matched with XMM and UVOT detections. We estimate the age of NGC 2527 as ∼630 Myr, reddening as E (B − V) = 0.13 mag, and a distance of 642 ± 30 pc using PARSEC isochrones. We detect five sub-subgiants and five bandgap stars, which defy single star evolution. We estimate the temperature, mass, radius, and luminosity of 53 single stars and 10 potential binary stars using a python code that fits single and composite Kurucz spectra to broad-band spectral energy distribution. Among the 12 X-ray emitting members, we find that five are potential RS CVn-type binaries, two are potential FK Comae type of red giant branch (RGB) stars, and five are main sequence (MS) stars with high coronal activity. Members with strong UV emission comprise one RGB star and several MS stars with UV excess suggestive of chromospheric activity. Based on comparison with other clusters, we tentatively suggest that X-ray luminosity of both RS CVn and contact binaries increases with age, suggesting that more active binaries are present in older clusters as compared to younger clusters. This study suggests possible presence of W UMa and FK Comae-type stars in younger (age ≃ 630 Myr) clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal research farm to study the effect of no-till planters such as inclined plate planter and broad bed shaper-cum-planter on yield, energetics and economics of maize crop production and compared with conventional practices of maize sowing using seed-cum-fertilizer drill. The maize hybrid variety of DMRH-1303 was sown in kharif season of 2019 using inclined plate planter and broad bed shaper-cum-planter under wheat residue load 8 t/ha (HI-1544). The wheat was harvested by combine harvester and its residue was chaffed using shredder. The actual field capacity and field efficiency of inclined plate planter, broad bed shaper-cum-planter and seed-cum-fertilizer drill were observed as 0.31, 0.32 and 0.39 ha/h and 51.67, 58.18 and 76.47%, respectively. The energy consumption for shredding of wheat straw was 399.31 MJ/ha. The energy consumption was maximum in case of sowing with convention seed drill (1965.30 MJ/ha) including single pass of each cultivator and rotavator, which was followed by broad bed shaper-cum-planter under permanent bed condition (792.39 MJ/ha) and inclined plate planter under permanent bed condition (468.77 MJ/ha). The broad bed shaper-cum-planter and inclined plate planter saved energy consumption by 59.7% and 76.14%, respectively as compared to conventional seed-cum-fertilizer drill. The use of inclined plate planter (Rs. 652/ha) or broad bed former-cum-planter (Rs. 664/ha) could save 67% in cost of operation compared to tillage followed by seed-cum-fertilizer drill (Rs. 2017/ ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplacental transmission (TPT) of wild-type Indian BTV-1 had never been experimentally proved. This study was first time investigated TPT of Indian BTV-1 (isolated from aborted and stillborn goat fetal spleens). The sequential pathology, virological and immune cell kinetics (CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes and NK cells in spleen and PBMCs), and apoptosis in IFNAR1-blocked pregnant mice during early (infected on 1 GD) and mid (infected on 8 GD) gestation have been studied. There was higher rate of TPT during mid stage (71.43%) than early (57.14%) stage. In early stage reduced implantation sites, early embryonic deaths, abortions, and necro-haemorrhagic lesions had observed. Mid stage, congenital defects and neurological lesions in foetuses like haemorrhages, diffuse cerebral edema, necrotizing encephalitis and decreased bone size (Alizarin red staining) were noticed. BTV-1 antigen was first time demonstrable in cells of mesometrium, decidua of embryos, placenta, uterus, ovary, and brain of foetuses by immunohistochemistry and quantified by real-time qRT-PCR. BTV-inoculated mice were seroconverted by 7 and 5 dpi, and reached peak levels by 15 and 9 dpi in early and mid gestation, respectively. CD4+ and CD8+ cells were significantly decreased (increased ratio) on 7 dpi but subsequently increased on 15 dpi in early gestation. In mid gestation, increased CD8+ cells (decreased ratio) were observed. Apoptotic cells in PBMCs and tissues increased during peak viral load. This first time TPT of wild-type Indian BTV-1 deserves to be reported for implementation of control strategies. This model will be very suitable for further research into mechanisms of TPT, overwintering, and vaccination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the Monte Carlo (MC) method for obtaining higher modes is an active area of current research. The method faces several difficulties in its implementation for practical problems. The study of simpler models in this context may be expected to provide insights into some of these problems. This technical note describes the development of a fission matrix algorithm based on the diffusion theory MC model to obtain fundamental and higher λ eigenvalues and eigenvectors (modes) of a reactor. A method for estimating variance in the estimated eigenvalues using first-order perturbation theory is also developed. The algorithm has been implemented in the space-time–kinetics MC code KINMC. The performance of the method for calculating higher eigenvalues and higher eigenvectors has been verified through comparison of the eigenvalues thus obtained with the results of other deterministic codes. Results of computation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors up to six modes are presented in this technical note. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presented in this paper deals with the study of thermodynamic properties of new working fluids for absorption machines, mainly for characterisation of absorbent–refrigerant pairs that could improve the cycle performance. The study of atomic motion in liquids plays an important role in understanding the solid-like behaviour of liquids. The accurate measurement of the energy changes due to scattering can be used to study the dynamical behaviour of liquids. Measurements of the ultrasonic velocity (u), density (ρ) and viscosity (η) for binary mixtures of polyethylene glycol 250 dimethyl ether with 1-propanol and 1-butanol have been made at three temperatures (T = 293, 303 and 313 K) over the entire composition range in order to investigate the nature of intermolecular interactions between the components of these liquid mixtures. Non-linear variation of derived quantities with the mole fraction supports the molecular interaction occurring between component molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acceleration of electrons by a circularly polarized laser pulse in the presence of a short duration intense axial magnetic field has been studied. Resonance occurs between the electrons and the laser field for an optimum magnetic field leading to effective energy transfer from laser to electrons. The value of optimum magnetic field is independent of the laser intensity and decreases with initial electron energy. The electrons rotate around the axis of the laser pulse with small angle of emittance and small energy spread. Acceleration gradient increases with laser intensity and decreases with initial electron energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a single dotlike defect on the transport through a quantum dot single electron transistor weakly coupled to external leads is studied. It is found that the conductance profile is changed significantly by the quantum mechanical tunneling between the dot and the defect and the interactions between them, both of which are dependent on the distance between the dot and the defect, as also by the morphology of the defect. In particular, we find that even a very small strength of interdot interaction has a major influence on the transport and must be taken into account in device fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuity equations governing electron and ion density are solved with Poisson’s equation to obtain spatial and temporal profiles of electron density, ion density, and voltage. The motion of electrons and ions results in charge separation and generation of an electrostatic electric field. Electron deposition downstream of the overlap region of the electrode results in formation of a virtual negative electrode that always attracts the charge separation. The value of charge separation e(ni-ne) and the force per volume F=e(ni-ne)E have been obtained near the dielectric surface for the 50th cycle. Domain integration of the force F=e(ni-ne)E has been obtained for different plasma densities, frequencies, and rf voltage wave forms. The time average of the x force is positive and the y force is negative over the domain; therefore there is an average net force on the plasma in the positive x and negative y directions. This will result in a moving wave of plasma over the dielectric surface in the positive x direction, which can find application in flow control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of CPF on the histopathology of the optic tectum and cerebellum, pseudobranchial neurosecretory system (PNS), biochemical assays of brain tissue, and locomotory behavior in catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. The fishes were exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of 0.09 and 0.192 mg/L of CPF for 7, 15, and 30 d. The CPF toxicity induced degenerative changes with significantly decreased cell size, number, and nucleo-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio of the PNS; and altered neuro-architectural pattern of optic tectum with degenerative changes in mononuclear and granular cells and necrotic variation in granular and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. The Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Catalase (CAT) activity in the CPF-exposed brain was significantly decreased, whereas Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly increased in comparison with control. In CPF-exposed fishes, the respiratory movements and locomotory behavioral pattern like swimming speed, total distance traveled, time mobile, absolute turn angle, head: distance traveled, maximum speed were significantly decreased, whereas time immobile and time freezing episodes were significantly increased as compared to control fishes. The present study concludes that environmentally relevant concentration of CPF may induce histopathological, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral disturbances in a non-target organism, H. fossilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight horses were presented with history of impaired vision, corneal opacity, epiphorea, blepharospasm, ocular discomfort and lacrimation of affected eyes since last 7-10 days. Examination of affected eyes revealed vigorous wavy movement of white thread like worm in aqueous humour of anterior chamber in all horses. Diagnosis was based on correlation with history, clinical signs and worm activity in aqueous humour and confirmed by removal of worm from affected eye. The worm was identified as Setaria species based on microscopic examination. All horses were restrained in lateral recumbency followed by auriculo palpebral nerve block. The affected eye was irrigated with normal saline solution followed by 4-5 drops of 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride were instilled as topical anesthesia. A 16 guage neddle was inserted in anterior chamber of eye through 4 o'clock position of cornea/corneo scelaral junction approximately 1 mm away from the limbus as the worm appeared near the site. The eye worm was escaped through needle hub due to aqueous humour pressure. After removal of worm, Flunixin meglumine @ 1.1 mg/kg b. wt. intravenous on first day and topical application of Gentamicin and Dexamethasone eye drop 4q 6 h for 20-30 days was undertaken to avoid concurrent infection and inflammatory changes in eyes. All eight equines showed successful management of removal of Setaria species from anterior chamber of eye with paracentesis of 16 guage needle without any post-operative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's space astronomy observatory AstroSat was launched on 28 September 2015, carrying instruments to observe cosmic sources over a large spectral band, from optical/UV to hard X-rays. The mission, with all its payloads, has been operating successfully since its launch. After an initial period of performance verification and calibration, the satellite is now in full science operation. This article gives a brief introduction about the capabilities of the mission and presents some of the early science results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Soft X-ray focusing Telescope (SXT) is a moderateresolution X-ray imaging spectrometer supplementing the ultraviolet and hard X-ray payloads for broadband studies of cosmic sources with AstroSat. Well suited for observing bright X-ray sources, SXT observations of nearby active galactic nuclei (AGN), binary star systems with compact companions, active stars, etc. are producing long soft X-ray light curves and high-quality spectra. The strong X-ray variability and multiple spectral components exhibited by SXT observations of nearby Seyfert 1 galaxies show excellent promise to probe accretion disks and central engines in AGN through multi-band variability and spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mare was presented with prolapsed rectum mass after complaint of diarrhea and intermittent abdominal pain. The prolapsed mass was injured, oedematous and contaminated with mud, faeces and wheat straw. The case was diagnosed as type I rectal prolapse after co-relation of history, clinical signs and thorough examination of elongated, cylindrical and protruded prolapsed mass. The prolapsed mass was washed thoroughly followed by flushing with Metronidazole solution. The prolapsed mass was lubricated, replaced into normal position by applying gentle pressure and post-operative care was undertaken. The animal was kept off fed for twenty four hours to reduce the possible irritation of rectal mucosa during defecation. The animal showed recovery after three days and non-reoccurrence of prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study accretion disk emission from eight Seyfert 1–1.5 active galactic nuclei (AGN) using far-ultraviolet (FUV) (1300–1800 Å) slitless grating spectra acquired with AstroSat/UVIT. We correct for the Galactic and intrinsic extinction, contamination from the host galaxies, narrow and broad-line regions, Fe ii emission, and Balmer continuum, and derive the intrinsic continua. We use Hubble Space Telescope COS/FOS spectra to account for the emission/absorption lines in the low-resolution UVIT spectra. We find generally redder power-law (f ν ∝ ν α ) slopes (α ∼ −1.1 to 0.3) in the FUV band than predicted by the standard accretion disk model in the optical/UV band. We fit accretion disk models such as the multitemperature disk blackbody (DISKBB) and relativistic disk (ZKERRBB, OPTXAGNF) models to the observed intrinsic continuum emission. We measure the inner disk temperatures using the DISKBB model for seven AGN. These temperatures in the range ∼3.6–5.8 eV are lower than the peak temperatures predicted for standard disks around maximally spinning supermassive black holes accreting at Eddington rates. The inner disks in two AGN, NGC 7469, and Mrk 352, appear to be truncated at ∼35–125 and 50–135 r g , respectively. While our results show that the intrinsic FUV emission from the AGN is consistent with the standard disks, it is possible that UV continua may be affected by the presence of soft X-ray excess emission, X-ray reprocessing, and thermal Comptonization in the hot corona. Joint spectral modeling of simultaneously acquired UV/X-ray data may be necessary to further investigate the nature of accretion disks in AGN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonella foenum-graecum is an annual flowering species largely cultivated in the Mediterranean basin countries, Central Asia and especially in India. The grain is rarely grown outside its native habitat. A study on trait variation was undertaken on 102 diverse genotypes of fenugreek along with 3 superior varieties as check at the of Department of Horticulture, JNKVV Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during the Rabi seasons of 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. The results obtained in this investigation revealed presence of considerable amount of genetic variability and mean values for all the characters showed wide range of variability for all the traits studied. Genotype UM-117 recorded the maximum primary branches (8) as well as secondary branches (6) plant-1. Number of seeds per pod-1 in different fenugreek germplasm lines ranged between 7.3 and 22.2 with its average being 15.3 seeds. The maximum (22.2) seeds pod-1 was observed in genotype HM-279 while, the maximum seed yield plot-1 was recorded in genotype UM-116 (439.5 g). With regard to the vegetative yield plant-1, genotypes UM-122 and ACC-006 recorded the maximum (2.44 kg) value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an X-ray analysis of a 4 Gyr old open cluster, M67, using archival XMM-Newton data. The aim of this study was to find new X-ray members of M67, and to use the updated member list for studying X-ray variability, and derive the X-ray luminosity functions (XLFs) of different stellar types and compare them with other star clusters of similar age. We report the detection of X-ray emission from 25 members of M67, with membership based primarily on their proper motion, of which one X-ray source is a new member. Supplementing this study with previous ROSAT and Chandra studies of M67, and using the most recent proper motion study by Vereshchagin et al., we have compiled a revised list of X-ray emitting members of M67 consisting of 43 stars. 16 of these are known RS CVn type binaries having orbital periods < 10 d, and near-circular orbits, five are contact binaries with orbital periods < 6 h, five are yellow and blue stragglers, two are Algol-type binaries, and one source is a cataclysmic variable. 14 members do not have any orbital information and cannot be classified. 14 of the X-ray sources detected do not have any optical counterpart down to a magnitude of V ≃ 22, and their membership is uncertain. Finally, we report the XLFs of RS CVn type and other types of stars in M67 and compare them with other open clusters of intermediate-to-old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the fertilizer use efficiency at different depth in crop root zone a differential depth furrow opener for tractor-drawn seed-cum-fertilizer drill under raised beds sowing was evaluated at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal. The furrow opener was evaluated based on draft and power requirements under soil bin at four depths (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm), four forward speeds (1.8, 3.2, 4.3 and 5.4 km/h) and three compaction level (200, 400 and 600 kPa). The field performance evaluation of furrow opener was done in two wheat crop varieties; HI-1544 (Triticum aestivum) and HI-8663 (Triticum durum) under raised beds. The experiment consisted fertilizer (NPK mixed) placement depth 0 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm in split-plot design. Highest grain yield was observed in 15 cm depth treatment (6048 kg/ha) followed 10 cm by (5611 kg/ha.) 5cm, (5223 kg/ha.), (4739 kg/ha.) and 0cm depth application (4493 kg/ha).From crop attributes point of view, parallel results were observed for 10 cm and 15 cm. But considering the draft and power requirement, 15 cm deep fertilization required 47 % and 42% higher draft and power, respectively as compared to 10 cm deep fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on eighteen caprines of 2-4 years of age and reported with history of accidental feeding of excessive amount of wheat and rice, anorexia, abdominal distention and passing yellow coloured loose faeces. Clinical examination revealed sub-normal body temperature, increased respiration rate, increased heart rate, pulse rate and CRT. Physical examination of rumen revealed atony and tympany. Auscultation and percussion revealed fluid splashing sound in left para lumbar fossa. Ruminal fluid analysis revealed dark brown colour, acidity with pH ranging between 4-5 and no protozoal activity on microscopic examination. Gram's staining revealed dominancy of gram positive organism. The cases were diagnosed as ruminal acidosis on the basis of co-relating history, clinical findings and ruminal fluid examination. All animals were treated with Antihistaminics, Vitamin B-complex, 5% Sodium bicarbonate, Normal saline, Ringers Lactate, synbiotics and rumen buffers. Out of the eighteen (18) animals, sixteen (16) (88.88 percent) animals completely recovered after four days of therapy and two (11.11 percent) animals died after first day of therapy. So 88.88 percent animals recovered after four days of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this technical note, an analysis of an integral experiment of the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) Critical Facility (CF) with a diffusion-based Monte Carlo (MC) method is discussed. In this method, the diffusion kernel is converted into probabilities per unit time for tracking the particle in the problem domain. The diffusion-based MC method is coupled with a time-dependent MC algorithm developed earlier and has been used for space-time simulations in neutron multiplication assemblies. Kinetics simulations are best solved using a transport MC route, but this requires long computational time. The diffusion-based MC method provides a faster solution in such space-time simulations. Most of the space-time kinetics studies and benchmarks are based on diffusion theory, and there are very few transport theory or MC benchmarks. Thus, the diffusion-based MC facilitates exact comparison with the large number of diffusion theory benchmarks. The efficacy of this method was tested earlier by comparison with the results of realistic space-time kinetics benchmarks based on diffusion theory methods involving multiregion reactors and detailed energy dependence. Comparison of our results with these benchmarks has shown satisfactory agreement. As a step toward more detailed benchmarking, the ability and accuracy of this method are tested on the recent experiment done in the AHWR CF. The integral experiments with one thoria-based mixed oxide experimental fuel assembly in the core of the AHWR CF were analyzed with this method and were compared with the observed experimental values. The experiments consisted of measurement of the critical height and worth of shut-off rods (SORs) with the experimental fuel assembly placed at different lattice locations. Neutron count rates as a function of time after reactor trip for estimation of the worth of the SORs were also simulated, and the results are found to be in good agreement with the observed values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]