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In recent years, the focus on methane (CH4) reductions in the global climate negotiations has grown significantly. The 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) urged countries to consider further actions to reduce non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions, including CH4, by 2030, which was reiterated by COP27 and COP28. This article discusses how an obsessive focus on CH4 reduction is a serious distraction from the real challenge of limiting and reducing CO2 emissions and masks the inability of developed countries to meet their commitments. Further, even with regard to reducing CH4 emissions, the article points out that these efforts need to be placed within national contexts and circumstances. In particular, CH4 emission reductions need to focus on energy, industry, and waste sector emissions rather than the agriculture sector to ensure that there are no adverse consequences for developmental imperatives such as protecting and enhancing small farmer livelihoods and ensuring food security. In this context, the article argues that India’s actions on CH4 are entirely consistent both with her national priorities and circumstances and with the foundational principles of the UNFCCC, which prioritize the importance of poverty alleviation and sustainable development for developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is frequently portrayed as the fourth largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter globally, based on the current annual emissions of sovereign nation-states. Through a comprehensive review and assessment, this article argues that other metrics of country-wise emissions provide a more holistic and unbiased view. The article argues that ranking per se by any metric is of minor value unless also placed along the actual quantities. India's cumulative emissions (excluding LULUCF, 1850-2019) amount to only 4.31% of the global total, well behind the three leading emitters, the United States (22.46%), the European Union (16.06%) and China (13.45%). Therefore, in terms of annual emissions, the story of India as the fourth largest emitter is very mistaken, as the gap between us and the third is substantial. The article argues that national emissions must be judged by equity in mitigation and in the light of climate action being undertaken. On both grounds, India, relative to its responsibility and what equity demands, is doing far more than her fair share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our prior findings demonstrated the additive value of echocardiographic parameters - specifically left ventricle end diastolic (LV ED) eccentricity index - to REVEAL lite 2.0 in early prediction of disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The latest 2022 ESC/ERS PH guidelines suggested the use of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion to Systolic Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) as a predictor of right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling and outcomes. In response, we performed a secondary analysis to determine whether TAPSE/sPAP combined with REVEAL lite 2.0 is superior to our previously published findings. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 74 patients with PAH who had REVEAL Lite 2.0 score, as well as echocardiography parameters between January 2016 and December 2019. A multivariable regression analysis was performed using REVEAL 2.0 Lite alone compared to combining REVEAL 2.0 Lite with different echocardiography parameters, including TAPSE/sPAP. The majority of our patients were women, WHO class II-III, with either idiopathic or connective tissue disease related PAH. REVEAL lite 2.0 alone for early prediction of disease progression was found to be AUC of 0.73 (CI = 0.60, 0.86). Adding TAPSE/sPAP to REVEAL 2.0 Lite improved AUC to 0.78 (CI = 0.66, 0.90). In this small cohort analysis, adding TAPSE/sPAP to REVEAL lite 2.0 improved the C statistics value to 0.78 compared to REVEAL lite 2.0 alone in early detection of disease progression event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight parental lines of okra and their 28 F1 hybrids obtained from half diallel were studied to investigate the extent of heterosis for yield and yield attributing characters. The magnitude of heterosis varied from cross to cross for all the characters studied. Maximum positive heterosis for fruit yild per plant over better parent and standard check (JOH 2) was observed to be 62.12 and 44.11 per cent, respectively. The cause of heterosis may be due to its component traits, mainly, days to first flowering, nodes per plant, length of internode, fruit weight and fruits per plant. The best performing hybrid AOL 09-25 x AOL 09-26 which recorded 44.11 per cent heterosis for yield over standard check may be exploited for commercial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted with 28 F1s developed through diallel hybridization technique excluding reciprocals along with eight parents in RBD with three replications. The gca and sca mean squares were significant for all the traits except gca mean square for fruit length. The ratio of gca and sca variances indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene effect for inheritance of all the traits. Genotypes AOL-09-25 and GO-2 showed good general combining ability for fruit yield appear to be worthy for exploitation of segregation and varietal development. The estimates of sca effects revealed that the cross combinations AOL-09-25 x AOL-09-26, GO-2 x AOL-09-28 and AOL-08-10 x AOL-08-2 were observed most promising for fruit yield and some of its related traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM OF THE STUDY: Zanthoxylum armatum DC is described as a hepatoprotective in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine. However, there is no scientific basis or reports in the modern literature regarding its usefulness as a hepatoprotective agent. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of bark of Zanthoxylum armatum DC in CCl(4) induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanolic extracts at doses of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg were administered orally once daily for 7 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, total protein and serum antioxidant enzymes along with histopathological studies of liver tissue. RESULTS: The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin were significantly restored towards normalization by the extracts. Bark extracts significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, as well as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have been known for their hepatoprotective activities. CONCLUSIONS: Zanthoxylum armatum DC possesses significant protective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl(4) which may be attributed to the individual or combined action of phytoconstituents present in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An earlier internal analysis on cardiovascular disease measures (completed in partnership with the RAND Corporation) found a significant gender disparity in compliance for LDL screening and control in both the diabetic and the CAD population. The objective of this study was to measure the gender disparity in the initiation and adherence of Statin therapy in the CAD population and identifying the factors associated with the disparity. [Extracted from the article]

The goal of effective conservation of wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh can only be achieved through education and awareness programs, active participation of tribal communities in conservation programs and putting sustainable livelihood conservation strategies in place (Masolene, [6]). Assessment of effectiveness of conservation action adopted for hornbill species in Arunachal Pradesh, India: the Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis). [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To study the probable site of the antinociceptive action of fluoxetine and its interaction with morphine and naloxone. Material and Methods: The antinociceptive activity of fluoxetine was studied using tail-flick method in the absence and presence of naloxone in mice. Different doses of fluoxetine (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and morphine (0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously to select the subanalgesic doses for both. Subanalgesic doses of both the drugs were administered simultaneously to study their interaction on tail-flick latency. Results: Fluoxetine and morphine produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive action. Combination of the subanalgesic dose of both fluoxetine (2 mg/kg) and morphine (0.5 mg/kg) produced an additive effect. Naloxone in a dose of 1 mg/kg produced a significant (P>0. 001) hyperalgesia at time intervals of 15, 30 and 60 min while in a dose of 2 mg/kg it produced significant (P<0. 001) hyperalgesia at time intervals of 30, 60 and 120 min. Naloxone (2 mg/kg) pretreatment significantly reduced the antinociception produced by fluoxetine. Conclusion: Analgesia produced by fluoxetine may be mediated by ‘μ’ opioid receptor, however, mechanisms involving other endogenous opioid peptides could not be ruled out. Fluoxetine as a monotherapy or in combination with other opioids could be useful in the management of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Technical Design Report presents a detailed description of all aspects of the LUXE (Laser Und XFEL Experiment), an experiment that will combine the high-quality and high-energy electron beam of the European XFEL with a high-intensity laser, to explore the uncharted terrain of strong-field quantum electrodynamics characterised by both high energy and high intensity, reaching the Schwinger field and beyond. The further implications for the search of physics beyond the Standard Model are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In normal cotton plants and in a variety with short fruiting branches, labelled assimilate was translocated to fruiting bodies on upper and lower sympodia when the sympodial leaf on the first node of the fourth sympodium was treated with [SUP14]C sucrose. Main stem leaves similarly treated, exported the assimilate to fruiting bodies only on the lower sympodia in the long-branch variety whereas in the short-branch variety, the assimilate also reached the upper sympodia. This higher efficiency of the main stem leaf in short-branch cotton may be related to a reduction in the translocation path because of the particular spatial arrangement of its leaves and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echocardiography is routinely used for screening and longitudinal monitoring of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While several echocardiographic parameters have been explored to predict outcomes in PAH, they may be discrepant with other clinical findings. We sought to determine if echocardiographic parameters can predict early decline in PAH. We identified patients from the Houston Methodist PAH Clinic with WHO Group 1 PAH with an "Event," defined by initiation of IV prostacyclins, referral for transplant, or death between January 2016 and September 2019. We reviewed their echocardiographic parameters six months prior to the Event when they were clinically stable. We also reviewed these parameters in Group 1 PAH patients who remained stable during the study period as controls. Differences between groups were determined by Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. We included 41 patients: 12 with an Event (3 died, 3 were referred for transplant, 6 were started on IV prostacyclins) and 29 without an Event. Of the 41 patients, 34 were women and 7 were men. Of the 12 with an Event, 11 were women and one was a man. Of the 29 without an Event, 26 were women and 3 were men. The average age was 46 in the Event group and 52 in the control group, p=0.50. The echocardiogram in the Event group was obtained an average of 197 days prior to the Event. The WHO functional class (FC) and six minute walk distance (6MWD) (420m vs. 393m, p=0.46) did not differ significantly between groups. The B type natriuretic peptide was significantly higher in the Event group (142 pg/ml vs. 42 pg/ml, p=0.01). Right atrial (RA) volume index (54ml/m2 vs. 29ml/m2, p=0.01), end diastolic left ventricular eccentricity index (LVEI) (1.3 vs. 1.0, p=0.001), end systolic LVEI (1.5 vs. 1.1, p=0.001), estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (74mmHg vs. 52mmHg, p=0.02) and right ventricular (RV) basal dimension (5.0cm vs. 4.3cm, p=0.049) were significantly higher in the Event group. Left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) (51ml vs. 69ml, p=0.045) was significantly lower in the Event group. RA volume index, end diastolic/systolic LVEI, PASP, RV basal dimension and LVSV predict early decline in Group 1 PAH patients even when they are deemed clinically stable based on FC and 6MWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the study of adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs).

Aim: To evaluate a modified urine collection pad (UCP) method for its ability to reduce heavy mixed growth bacterial contamination of UCP samples in young children with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI). Method: Febrile children under 2 years of age were randomised to two UCP methods: the same UCP kept in the nappy until urine was passed (single UCP group), or the UCP replaced with a fresh one every 30 minutes until urine was passed (replaced UCP group). In both groups a moisture sensitive audio alarm was used to signal passage of urine. Results: Eighty children were enrolled and a satisfactory sample was obtained in 68 (37 in the single UCP group and 31 in the replaced UCP group). In 12 children (15%), collection failed, mainly because of faecal soiling of the pad. UTI occurred in three children (4%). In the remaining 65 samples, heavy mixed growth (>105 organisms/ml) occurred in 1/31(3%) in the replaced UCP group compared with 10/35 (29%) in the single UCP group (p = 0.008). There were no adverse effects from the use of the moisture sensitive audio alarm. Conclusion: Changing the UCP every 30 minutes almost eliminates heavy mixed growth contamination of UCP samples and substantially increases the proportion of UCP results that confidently exclude UTI. This represents a simple and clinically important improvement to the UCP method which is reliable for diagnosing and excluding UTI in young children still in nappies. It has potential for use in outpatient clinics, in the primary healthcare selling, or at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken during 2022 in the Regional Research Center of ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Anand, Gujarat, India to study the present status and potential in the development of freshwater aquaculture in the state of Gujarat. The present seed production (2608.37 million fry) and Inland fish production (0.158 MT) in Gujarat is forecasted to reach 3100 million fry and 0.22 MT in 2030; 4600 million fry and 3.14 MT in 2050, respectively. The Regional Research station of ICAR-CIFA had contributed significantly in promoting aquaculture by imparting skill training and providing technical backup to fish farmers. Authors argue that in order to further develop freshwater aquaculture value chain, concerted efforts are required to disseminate technology packages for fish breeding and seed rearing, semi-intensive culture practices, diversified fish farming, scientific management (fish feed and nutrition, water quality and fish health), ornamental fish farming, pearl production and cluster-based fish farming. However, successful implementation of suggested points will be depending on the sustainable adaptive capacity of the freshwater aquaculture producers, entrepreneurs, strategies and planning of policy makers and line departments of various state departments, input dealers and buyers in the state of Gujarat. Hence, they need to be supported in terms of skill, policy and market towards establishing a vibrant fish value chain. Therefore, adoption of BMPs, nurturing entrepreneurs, aggregating farmers and strengthening extension services are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Line x Tester mating design, 45 hybrids were produced and evaluated to know the extent of heterosis over better parent for green forage yield per plant and its quality traits in forage maize. The hybrids exhibited significant heterobeltiosis in desired direction for green forage yield per plant and its quality traits. Crosses African Tall x GWC-0319 and African Tall x GWC-0321 exhibited maximum significant positive hetero-beltiosis for green forage yield per plant with its quality traits, thus, strengthening the scope of heterosis breeding in forage maize. For dry matter content, the range of heterobeltiosis was from -26.33% (African Tall x IC-130643) to 24.74 % (GM-6 x GWC-0321). For dry matter yield per plant, the range of heterobeltiosis was from -50.80% (J-1006 x GWC-9603) to 122.79 % (African Tall x GWC-0319). For crude protein content, the range of heterobeltiosis was from -11.27% (J-1006 x GWC-0319) to 9.78 % (African Tall x GWC-0321). For crude protein yield per plant, the range of heterobeltiosis was from -53.10% (IC-130726 x GWC-0319) to 128.78 % (African Tall x GWC-0321). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tor tor, commonly called as Tor mahseer, is a high-valued food and game fish endemic to trans-Himalayan region. Mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene region of 967 bp was used to estimate the population structure of T. tor. Three populations of T. tor were collected from Narmada (Hosangabad), Ken (Madla), and Parbati river (Sheopur) in Madhya Pradesh, India. The sequence analysis revealed that the nucleotide diversity (π) was low, ranging from 0.000 to 0.0150. Haplotype diversity ( h) ranged from 0.000 to 1.000. The analysis of molecular variance analysis indicated significant genetic divergence among the three populations of T. tor. Neighboring-joining tree also showed that all individuals from three populations clustered into three distinct clades. The data generated by cyt b marker revealed interesting insight about population structure of T. tor, which would serve as baseline data for conservation and management of mahseer fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have improved electrical characteristics such as the efficiency ( η) and the fill factor (FF) of finished multicrystalline silicon ( mc-Si) solar cells by using a new chemical treatment with a hot phosphoric (HPO) acidic solution. These mc-Si solar cells were made by a standard industrial process with screen-printed contacts and a silicon nitride (SiN) antireflection coating. We have deposited SiN thin layer (80 nm) on p-type mc-Si substrate by the mean of plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) technique. The reactive gases used as precursors inside PECVD chamber are a mixture of silane (SiH) and ammonia (NH) at a temperature of 380°C. The developed HPO chemical surface treatment has improved η from 5·4 to 7·7% and FF from 50·4 to 70·8%, this means a relative increase of up to 40% from the initial values of η and FF. In order to explain these improvements, physical (AFM, EDX), chemical (FTIR) and optical (spectrophotometer) analyses were done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the pharmacodynamic interaction of H2-receptor antagonists (i.e., famotidine and roxatidine acetate) with a neuromuscular blocker, pipecuronium using sciatic nerve stimulated gastrocnemius preparation of rats in vivo. Materials and Methods: The dose-response curve of pipecuronium (10-50 µg/kg i.v.) was elicited and the dose (ID50; 26.89 µg/kg i.v.) required to cause 50% of blockade of basal contractile twitch response was calculated. Benzyl alcohol (0.9 % v/v), famotidine (0.5, 2.0, 5.0 mg/kg i.v.) or roxatidine acetate (0.05, 0.2, 0.5 mg/kg i.v.) were administered 30 min prior to pipecuronium administration and their effects were studied on the dose-response curve of pipecuronium. Results: Famotidine did not alter the basal contractile twitch responses but with a dose of 2 mg/kg it significantly decreased, while with 5 mg/kg, it significantly increased the ID50 of pipecuronium. At higher dose (5.0 mg/kg) it significantly increased the time required for the onset of blockade without affecting the other parameters. Roxatidine acetate (0.2, 0.5 mg/kg) by itself produced significant neuromuscular blockade but did not alter the ID50 of pipecuronium, while with higher dose (0.5 mg/kg) it significantly decreased the same. Roxatidine (0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg) significantly increased the time required for onset of pipecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. At varying doses roxatidine also significantly increased the time required for peak effect and the recovery from the paralysis. Conclusion: Compared to roxatidine, famotidine produced less pharmacodynamic drug interaction with pipecuronium in rats. Such an interaction should be explored in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the analgesic activity of venlafaxine and its interactions with tramadol, celecoxib and amlodipine. Materials and Methods: Antinociceptive action of venlafaxine (5, 7.5, 10 and 22.5 mg/kg) was studied in mice (tail flick and writhing tests). Sub-analgesic doses of venlafaxine, tramadol, celecoxib and amlodipine were obtained using these methods. A sub-analgesic dose of venlafaxine was combined with sub-analgesic doses of tramadol, celecoxib and amlodipine to study their interactions. Results: The antinociceptive action of venlafaxine was found only at higher doses (10 and 22.5 mg/kg). When a sub-analgesic dose of venlafaxine was combined with sub-analgesic doses of tramadol, amlodipine or celecoxib, the combination resulted in a significant antinociceptive effect. Conclusion: Evidence of analgesic activity, as indicated by increase in tail flick latency and decrease in number of writhing movements following venlafaxine treatment, suggests that it could possibly have central as well as peripheral action. The findings indicate that the potential use of venlafaxine in antidepressant dose could produce marked pain relief. Thus patients of depression, who are on venlafaxine, may be able to tolerate mild to moderate pain without any additional analgesic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of shilajit (a herbomineral preparation) on blood glucose and lipid profile in euglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and its effects on the above parameters in combination with conventional antidiabetic drugs. Material and Methods: Diabetes was induced in albino rats by administration of a single dose of alloxan monohydrate 5% (125 mg/kg, i.p.). Effects of three different doses of shilajit (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, orally), alone for 4 weeks and a combination of shilajit (100 mg/kg/day, orally) with either glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day, orally) or metformin (0.5 g/kg/day, orally) for 4 weeks were studied on blood glucose and lipid profile. Results: In the diabetic rats, all the three doses of shilajit produced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and also produced beneficial effects on the lipid profile. The maximum effect was observed with the 100 mg/kg/day dose of shilajit. Combination of shilajit (100 mg/kg) with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) or metformin (0.5 gm/kg/day) significantly enhanced the glucoselowering ability and improvement in lipid profile than any of these drugs given alone. Conclusion: Shilajit is effective in controlling blood glucose levels and improves the lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotic stresses, including diseases, severely affect rice production, compromising producers' ability to meet increasing global consumption. Understanding quantitative responses for resistance to diverse pathogens can guide development of reliable molecular markers, which, combined with advanced backcross populations, can accelerate the production of more resistant varieties. A candidate gene (CG) approach was used to accumulate different disease QTL from Moroberekan, a blast-resistant rice variety, into Vandana, a drought-tolerant variety. The advanced backcross progeny were evaluated for resistance to blast and tolerance to drought at five sites in India and the Philippines. Gene-based markers were designed to determine introgression of Moroberekan alleles for 11 CGs into the progeny. Six CGs, coding for chitinase, HSP90, oxalate oxidase, germin-like proteins, peroxidase and thaumatin-like protein, and 21 SSR markers were significantly associated with resistance to blast across screening sites. Multiple lines with different combinations, classes and numbers of CGs were associated with significant levels of race non-specific resistance to rice blast and sheath blight. Overall, the level of resistance effective in multiple locations was proportional to the number of CG alleles accumulated in advanced breeding lines. These disease resistant lines maintained tolerance to drought stress at the reproductive stage under blast disease pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about the study of the antinociceptive effect of neem leaf extract and its interaction with morphine in mice.

DNA barcoding is a promising technique for species identification using a short mitochondrial DNA sequence of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. In the present study, DNA barcodes were generated from 72 species of freshwater fish covering the Orders Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Perciformes, Synbranchiformes, and Osteoglossiformes representing 50 genera and 19 families. All the samples were collected from diverse sites except the species endemic to a particular location. Species were represented by multiple specimens in the great majority of the barcoded species. A total of 284 COI sequences were generated. After amplification and sequencing of 700 base pair fragment of COI, primers were trimmed which invariably generated a 655 base pair barcode sequence. The average Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distances within-species, genera, families, and orders were 0.40%, 9.60%, 13.10%, and 17.16%, respectively. DNA barcode discriminated congeneric species without any confusion. The study strongly validated the efficiency of COI as an ideal marker for DNA barcoding of Indian freshwater fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, 67 advance genotypes of rice were analyzed for their physicochemical, cooking, pasting and antioxidant properties. Wide variations were observed in most of the traits under study such as amylose (9.96-22.43%), amylopectin (77.57-90.04%), starch (20.65-52.11%), volume expansion ratio (1.71- 4.67 ml), length of blue gel (59.00-116.00 mm) and cooking time (19-26 minutes). Peak viscosity and final viscosity were found to be highest in genotype VL-7852 (292.5 RVA) and VL-30425 (496.08 RVA), respectively. Antioxidative activities were found correlated with total polyphenols. DPPH radical inhibition was recorded in the range of 9.23-17.34 μM Trolox equivalents/g DW, while ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was in the range of 6.76-30.19 μM Trolox equivalents/g DW. Principal component analysis (PCA) was done to find out relationships among groups of variables in a data set and between genotypes. Two major clusters were formed using agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) that explained good variation in the traits. The existence of wide variability for various parameters in the present study suggests that the selected genotypes might be useful for rice breeders working on the development of new varieties with value-added traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon sequestration potential (CSP) and sustainability of gardenpea-french bean cropping system was assessed with farmyard manure (FYM) application vis-à-vis mineral fertilization as recommended NPK (NPK) and integrated nutrient management practices (INM) after six years’ cropping in Indian Himalayas. Application of 20 tons FYM ha−1provided highest CSP (0.527 Mg C ha−1year−1) in soil and sustainability index. With the help of quadratic equations, it was estimated that maximum profit (optimum yield) and turn over of invested money could be achieved with application of 20.0 and 15.6 t FYM ha−1, respectively. Application of 5.9 and 8.9 tons FYM ha−1would substitute NPK and INM, respectively. Pod number plant−1was the most important yield-contributing attribute as found from principal component analysis. Pod yield could be modelled through multiple linear equation with help of yield attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation experimentation is an effective technique for probing the dynamics of proton spins in porous media, but interpretation requires the application of appropriate spindiffusion models. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of porous silicate-based systems containing a quasitwo- dimensional water-filled pore are presented. The MD simulations suggest that the residency time of the water on the pore surface is in the range 0.03-12 ns, typically 2-5 orders of magnitude less than values determined from fits to experimental NMR measurements using the established surface-layer (SL) diffusion models of Korb and co-workers [Phys. Rev. E 56, 1934 (1997)]. Instead, MD identifies four distinct water layers in a tobermorite-based pore containing surface Ca2+ ions. Three highly structured water layers exist within 1 nm of the surface and the central region of the pore contains a homogeneous region of bulklike water. These regions are referred to as layer 1 and 2 (LI, L2), transition layer (TL), and bulk (B), respectively. Guided by the MD simulations, a two-layer (2L) spin-diffusion NMR relaxation model is proposed comprising two two-dimensional layers of slow- and fast-moving water associated with L2 and layers TL+B, respectively. The 2L model provides an improved fit to NMR relaxation times obtained from cementitious material compared to the SL model, yields diffusion correlation times in the range 18-75 ns and 28-40 ps in good agreement with MD, and resolves the surface residency time discrepancy. The 2L model, coupled with NMR relaxation experimentation, provides a simple yet powerful method of characterizing the dynamical properties of proton-bearing porous silicate-based systems such as porous glasses, cementitious materials, and oil-bearing rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partially vitrified Zr60Cu10Al15Ni15 bulk metallic glass has been synthesized using water cooled copper mold drop casting technique. Kinetically favorable microstructures having different morphologies are observed throughout the volume of the bulk metallic glass sample. X-ray diffraction studies indicate formation of hard intermetallic compounds such as Zr3Al2 and Zr2Ni in certain regions along with amorphous structures. Microindentation studies carried out in different regions of the sample reveal microstructure dependent deformation behavior. Highest hardness is observed in the fully crystallized regions compared to pure glassy regions in the same sample. Further nanoindentation in the same sample is used to understand dynamic mechanical properties of microstructures in different regions. The pile-up morphologies around the indent and differences in load-displacement curves provide vital information on deformation behavior of sample in different microstructure sensitive regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partially vitrified Zr 60 Cu 10 Al 15 Ni 15 bulk metallic glass has been synthesized using water cooled copper mold drop casting technique. Kinetically favorable microstructures having different morphologies are observed throughout the volume of the bulk metallic glass sample. X-ray diffraction studies indicate formation of hard intermetallic compounds such as Zr 3 Al 2 and Zr 2 Ni in certain regions along with amorphous structures. Microindentation studies carried out in different regions of the sample reveal microstructure dependent deformation behavior. Highest hardness is observed in the fully crystallized regions compared to pure glassy regions in the same sample. Further nanoindentation in the same sample is used to understand dynamic mechanical properties of microstructures in different regions. The pile-up morphologies around the indent and differences in load–displacement curves provide vital information on deformation behavior of sample in different microstructure sensitive regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:An elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor outcome in various tumours. Its prognostic utility in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) is yet to be fully elucidated.Methods:A cohort of patients undergoing RC for UCB in a tertiary referral centre between 1992 and 2012 was analysed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was computed using complete blood counts performed pre-RC, or before neo-adjuvant chemotherapy where applicable. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff point for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). The predictive ability of NLR was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The likelihood-ratio test was used to determine whether multivariable models were improved by including NLR.Results:The cohort included 424 patients followed for a median of 58.4 months. An NLR of 3 was determined as the optimal cutoff value. Patients with an NLR⩾3.0 had significantly worse survival outcomes (5y-RFS: 53% vs 64%, log-rank P=0.013; 5y-CSS: 57% vs 75%, log-rank P<0.001; 5y-OS: 43% vs 64%, log-rank P<0.001). After adjusting for disease-specific predictors, an NLR ⩾3.0 was significantly associated with worse RFS (HR=1.49; 95% CI=1.12-2.0, P=0.007), CSS (HR=1.88; 95% CI=1.39-2.54, P<0.001) and OS (average HR=1.67; 95% CI=1.17-2.39, P=0.005). The likelihood-ratio test confirmed that prognostic models were improved by including NLR.Conclusions:Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an inexpensive prognostic biomarker for patients undergoing RC for UCB. It offers pre-treatment prognostic value in addition to established prognosticators and may be helpful in guiding treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under off-seasonality, high-value vegetable cultivation in the greenhouse is more profitable and gaining more acceptances day by day. This study aims to analyze the energy requirement and energy input-output relationship with the economics of vegetable-based cropping sequences viz., tomato nursery-tomato-pepper-onion nursery (CS1), tomato nursery-pepper-soil treatment-cucumber (CS2), tomato nursery-tomato-soil treatment-cucumber (CS3), tomato nursery-cucumber-soil treatment-pepper (CS4), and tomato nursery-tomato-soil treatment-pepper (CS5) in greenhouse conditions of Indian sub-Himalayas. The five sequential treatments were statistically analyzed in randomized block design with four replications. Results reveal that cucumber production required highest input energy (1,059.9 MJ/100 m) than tomato or pepper. The highest input (3,477.4 MJ/100 m) and output (4,787.5 MJ/100 m) energy was observed with CS3. Crop protection (28.9-55.7 %), manures and chemical fertilizers (17.5-33.1 %), and plant stacking, training and pruning (16.3-21.9 %) consumed the bulk of the energy for all cropping sequences. The CS3 with the highest tomato equivalent yield produced the highest net energy (1,310.1 MJ/100 m), energy productivity (0.63 MJ/100 m), energy intensiveness (0.297 MJ/100 m), and benefit/cost ratio (1.82). Energy consumption in the form of indirect (70.6-80.2 %) and non-renewable (83.9-85.7 %) energy was higher than direct and renewable energy, respectively. Considering these, CS3 (tomato nursery-tomato-soil treatment-cucumber) cropping sequence will be a more suitable option for greenhouse cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brackishwater aquaculture is basically farming in coastal region, and it utilizes the saline water from either sea or estuary or creek. Assessment of hydrogeochemisty of groundwater resources in shrimp farming areas is very much required not only for monitoring the shrimp farming impacts, but also to suggest better management strategies for the long-term sustainability of shrimp farming and integrated water resources management in coastal regions. Watershed-based assessment is ideal as watershed is a geohydrological unit, and it will give the realistic and cumulative effects more precisely. With this background, the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the geochemical process regulating groundwater quality in shrimp farming areas of coastal miniwatersheds of Vellar and Coleroon river, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, along the east coast of India. Representative groundwater (29) samples from shallow aquifer (hand pump and open well) were collected periodically (June 2008, January 2009, April 2009 and July 2009) using the simple random sampling method and analyzed for various water quality parameters viz. pH, TDS, total hardness, alkalinity, cations (Ca, Mg, Na) and anions (Cl, SO, NO, HCO). The groundwater data indicated that the HCO was the dominant ion in the study area with sodium (Na > Ca > Mg) and bicarbonate (HCO > Cl > SO) as the predominant cation and anion, respectively. The large variations in mean and standard deviation of ionic concentration suggest that the water chemistry in the study region was not homogenous and may be influenced by complex sources for the hydrogeochemical processes. The piper trilinear diagram depicts the status of the groundwater quality and also suggests that the cation exchange and mineral dissolution was responsible for this elevated ionic composition at some locations in the study area. The multivariate statistical analysis viz., principal component analysis and cluster analysis clearly elucidated that the groundwater quality in the area is mainly due to natural process and the shrimp farming is not an influencing factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) methods are used to determine the spin-pair correlation function G*(t) for the diffusion of bulk water in three dimensions (3D) and pore water in two dimensions (2D) and quasi-two dimensions (Q2D). The correlation function is required for the determination of the nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times T1 and T2. It is shown that the analytic form of the powder-average correlation function, introduced by Sholl [Sholl, J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys. 7,3378 (1974)] for the diffusion of spins on a 3D lattice, is of general validity. An analytic expression for G*(t) for a uniform spin fluid is derived in 2D. An analytic expression for the long-time behavior of G*(t) is derived for spins diffusing on 3D, 2D, and Q2D lattices. An analytic correction term, which accounts for spin pairs outside the scope of the numerical simulations, is derived for 3D and 2D and shown to improve the accuracy of the simulations. The contributions to T1 due to translational and rotational motion obtained from the MD simulation of bulk water at 300 K are 7.4 s and 10 ± 1 s, respectively, at 150 MHz, leading to an overall time of 4.3 ± 0.4 s compared to the experimental value of 3.8 s. In Q2D systems, in which water is confined by alpha-quartz surfaces to thicknesses of 1-5 nm, T1 for both translational and rotational relaxation is reduced due to the orientation and adsorption of spins at the surfaces. A method of parametrizing the MC lattice-diffusion simulations in 3D, 2D, and Q2D systems is presented. MC results for G*(t) for 3D and 2D systems are found to be consistent with an analytic uniform fluid model for t ≿ 40 ps. The value of T1 for translational diffusion obtained from the MC simulation of bulk water is found to be 4.8 s at 15 MHz. G*(t) obtained from MC simulations of Q2D systems, where water is confined by hard walls, is found to execute a distinct transition from 3D to 2D behavior. The T1 is found to be similar to the 3D bulk water result at all pore thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Patients with CF experience pulmonary exacerbations. These are often initially empirically treated with intravenous antibiotics, with antibiotic choice refined after susceptibility testing. Methods: We completed a 5-year retrospective review of children attending the Paediatric CF Unit, Nottingham. The respiratory sampling, antibiotic prescribing and susceptibility testing guidance were audited. Episodes were classified according to the concordance between the antibiotics prescribed and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Results: Of 52 patients who had previously isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 103 antibiotic courses were commenced that coincided with an isolation of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa was fully susceptible, partially susceptible or fully resistant on 33%, 44.7% or 16.5% of occasions respectively. The antibiotic prescriptions were never changed following antibiotic susceptibility testing. We found no association between change in FEV1 (p=0.54), change in BMI (p=0.12) or time to next exacerbation (p=0.66) and concordance between antibiotic susceptibility and the antibiotics administered. Conclusion: This study contributes to mounting evidence questioning the utility of routine antibiotic susceptibility testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]