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A chemo-mechanical model is developed to investigate the effects on the stress development of the coating of polycrystalline Ni-rich LiNixMnyCozO2 (x ⩾ 0.8) (NMC) particles with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The simulation results show that the coating of primary NMC particles significantly reduces the stress generation by efficiently accommodating the volume change associated with the lithium diffusion, and the coating layer plays roles both as a cushion against the volume change and a channel for the lithium transport, promoting the lithium distribution across the secondary particles more homogeneously. Besides, the lower stiffness, higher ionic conductivity, and larger thickness of the coating layer improve the stress mitigation. This paper provides a mathematical framework for calculating the chemo-mechanical responses of anisotropic electrode materials and fundamental insights into how the coating of NMC active particles mitigates stress levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment for cryptoglandular anal fistula (AF) is challenging and a lack of uniform outcomes in the literature prevents direct comparison of treatments. This can be addressed by developing a core outcome set, a standardised set of outcomes reported in all interventional studies for a specific condition. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the range of outcomes, their definitions, and the measurement instruments currently utilised in interventional studies for adult patients with AF. This will inform the development of an AF core outcome set. Methods: Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched to identify all patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in studies assessing medical, surgical or combination treatment of adult patients with AF published from January 2008 to May 2020. The resulting outcomes were categorized according to the Core Outcome Measurement in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy to better understand their distribution. Results: In total, 155 studies were included, 552 outcomes were extracted, with a median of three outcomes (interquartile range 2–5) per study. Only 25% of studies demonstrated high-quality outcome reporting. The outcomes were merged into 52 unique outcomes and structured into four core areas and 14 domains, with the majority in the domain of physiological or clinical (gastrointestinal) outcomes. The most commonly reported outcomes were healing (77%), incontinence (63%), and recurrence (40%), with no single outcome assessed across all studies. There was a wide variation in outcome definitions and measurement instruments used. Conclusions: There is substantial heterogeneity in outcomes, definitions, and measurement instruments reported in interventional studies for cryptoglandular anal fistula. This emphasises the need for standardised outcome reporting and measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal, which is affected adversely by nutrients deficiency. With the objective to combat nutrients deficiency in maize through bio-liquid (earthworm wash), experiments were conducted at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. First experiment was executed for the characterization of bio-liquids from three different plant sources. In the second experiment, the concentrations of extracted bio-liquids were optimized on morpho-physiological characteristics of hybrid maize (P-1543). The experiment was conducted under Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with factorial arrangement replicating four times. The treatments comprised of three sources of bio-liquids i.e. alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and rice (Oryza sativa) straw in first experiment and four concentrations of bioliquids (Zero, 10%, 15% and 20%) were tested on maize in second experiment. Foliar spray of bio-liquids was applied at 10, 15 and 20 days after the crop emergence. The evaluation was done 45 days after emergence on the basis of various morphological (plant height, number of leaf per plant, fresh weight of shoot, fresh weight of leaf) and physiological attributes (water potential, osmotic potential, chlorophyll fluorescence, cell membrane stability index and relative water contents). The results of first experiment showed that bio-liquid extracted from alligator weed proved to be best source of micro and macro nutrients as compared to alfalfa and rice straw bio-liquids. The results of second experiment indicated that foliar spray of bioliquids from all sources improved plant height (16.55 cm), number of leaves per plant (7.80), leaf area per plant (187.41 cm-2), total fresh weight per plant (5.74 g), water potential (-0.79 MPa), osmotic potential (-0.17MPa), chlorophyll fluorescence (0.84), cell membrane stability (40.27) and relative water content (91.80%) as compared to control. It can be concluded that growth of maize plants was improved when bio-liquids were sprayed on plants. Foliar application of alligator weed bio-liquid @ 15% showed maximum morpho-physiological performance of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusaric acid (FA) is one of the potential toxins produced by pathogenic Fusarium species which exerts oxidative stress and cell death in plants. In this work, the effects of different concentrations of FA were investigated on the photosynthetic activity in leaves of wild type and Never ripe (Nr) tomato plants to reveal the potential role of ethylene under mycotoxin exposure. FA induced a significant ethylene emission from leaves in a concentration- and timedependent manner. FA (1 mM) decreased the maximal and effective quantum yields of PSII and PSI in both tomato genotypes but photoprotective processes, such as the nonphotochemical quenching and the cyclic electron flow, were activated more effectively in Nr plants. However, the lipid peroxidation was higher in leaves of Nr. Our result confirmed that Nr plants were more sensitive to FA phytotoxicity suggesting the key role of ethylene in the activation of defense responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A perfect electrically conducting (PEC) cylinder (having a circular cross-section) encapsulated with uniaxial anisotropic chiral medium was studied emphasizing the features of scattering. A conducting sheath helix structure having a varying orientation with respect to the optical axis (or pitch angle) was assumed to be at the outermost surface. This allows alterations in scattering patterns. The echo width of the structure was evaluated under the assumption of parallel polarized oblique incidence of waves. The effect on scattering was evaluated under varying chirality and permittivity of the coating medium along with the variations in the helix pitch angle. The obtained results are compared with those achieved by replacing the chiral coating with a simple anisotropic kind of medium (without chirality). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first ethno-botanical study about the indigenous plants of district Faisalabad, Punjab-Pakistan. Main theme behind this study documents the existing ethno-medicinal data about local traditional herbal treatments. Overall, 300 local informants were interviewed from 22different locations of the district and collected data was analyzed by using different quantitative ethnobotanical tools. The 61 plants of 53 genera and 29 families be there found in use for 15 disease caused by microorganisms and contagious ones also. With reference to highest Use Value (UV), Ficus carica (0.83), Albizzia lebbeck (0.73) and Psidium guajava (0.71) were found the most used medicinal plant species in area. The 100% Fidelity Level (FL) was calculated for Acacia nilotica being used against gastro, respiratory, diabetics and hypertension. The highest Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) value was calculated for Citrus aurantifolia. The maximum Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) index was calculated for gastro and respiratory problems, fever, headache, and skin infection. The comparative study by calculating Jaccard Index (JI) with reported literature was shown that 8.18%resemblance and 12.81% distinction to earlier studies; however 79.01% medicinal uses of the reported species were documented the first time. The plants reported with high RPL index can be further analyzed for biochemical pharmaceutical and biotechnological screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of galaxy clustering was studied from the perspective of the gravitational phase transition, which is somewhat different from a phase transition in materials science. There is evidence that the phase transition describing galaxy clustering in an expanding universe is a first‐order phase transition exhibiting a mixed phase. As such, the Clausius–Clapeyron equation is relevant for studying such a system. In this work, we derive a general analog of the Clausius–Clapeyron equation that applies not only toward the coexistence curve in pressure–temperature space, but to a more general parameter space. One key finding is that a cusp exists at the critical point in this mixed phase when viewed in this more general parameter space. We extend this formalism to derive an equation for the curvature of the phase coexistence curve in pressure–temperature space and a more general parameter space. We also verify previous findings of hysteresis in the system via an independent free energy analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean growth and development response to ionic titanium application have never been investigated. Therefore, such study is needed to better explain the titanium (Ti) application for soybean crop. For the first time, we studied the effects of application of two Ti concentrations (12.5 and 25 mg L-1) on photosynthetic and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters of soybean under normal light (NL) and shade conditions (SC). Compared to NL, SC significantly decreased Chl contents, leaf area (LA), leaf thickness (LT), plant dry mater (PDM), photosynthetic and Chl fluorescence parameters, total soluble sugar, and Ti uptake. Overall, Ti application (12.5 mg L-1) had more distinct effects on LA, LT, PDM, Chl content and Chl fluorescence parameters. In conclusion, these results implied that an appropriate Ti content can improve plant morphological and anatomical features by enhancing the photosynthetic characteristics, especially under shade conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a perfectly electrical conducting (PEC) cylinder of circular cross-section, coated with uniaxial non-magnetic chiral anisotropic medium, was discussed. A conducting sheath helix structure with adjustable pitch angle exists over the outer surface of coated cylinder, which is interfaced with the free-space. Under the uniform parallel polarized plane wave with fixed oblique incidence angle, the echo widths were determined emphasizing the other relevant scattering-related parameters (e.g. scattering/extinction efficiency etc.), taking into account different pitch angle values (of the sheath helix) and the kinds of coating mediums. The results revealed that the coating of negative uniaxial chiral medium causes enhancement in scattering efficiency (of the scatterer). Also, the scattering efficiency was found to be the same as the extinction efficiency, thereby yielding vanishing absorption of the medium. The obtained results were also compared with the situation of vanishing chirality of coating medium over the PEC cylinder; the echo width and scattering efficiency both decrease in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the many desirable properties of polymeric coatings, the most important include ease of application, rapid cure time, adhesive properties and excellent mechanical properties. In this context, spray coated polyureas are finding increasing applications in niche areas that otherwise pose considerable challenge to the traditional coating chemistries. In this work, we demonstrate the effect of introducing chemical cross-linking on the mechanical, thermal and structural properties of spray coated polyurea. A long chain trifunctional amine was introduced as a co-reactant in the resin blend, the amount of crosslinker being varied from 0 to 3.5 mol % (crosslinking density 28–180 mol/m 3 , affine network model). The mechanical properties of spray coated polyurea films, both in quasi-static as well as dynamic conditions were determined. Physically crosslinked polyurea coatings (in the absence of chemical cross-linking) exhibited tensile strength ∼ 7.4 ± 0.7 MPa and elongation of 121 ± 3.7%. Introduction of long chain amine led to an improvement in these characteristic properties till maxima at 2.2 mol%, subsequent to which both strength and elongation decreased. Chemical cross-linking led to restraining of the segmental motions reflecting in terms of increased glass transition temperature, as evidenced by dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The chemical resistance of polyurea also improved substantially due to crosslinking, which reflected in terms of decreased swelling ratio in different organic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurea is a synthetic high-strength elastomeric coating that can be sprayed over existing structures for protection against weathering effects. In view of the fast kinetics associated with the isocyanate-amine reaction, practical processing of polyurea is performed using spray coating technique. In this paper, we report the effect of varying the type and amount of chain extender on the mechanical properties of spray coated polyurea. An optimal ratio of aromatic: aliphatic chain extender was found to result in optimal H-bonding, which in turn reflected in terms of improved mechanical properties of the coating. In this paper, the efficacy of polyurea towards improving the performance of the substrate towards shock and ballistic loading is demonstrated. Polyurea coated concrete tiles were subjected to controlled blast loadings, and an attempt was made to understand the mechanism responsible for the improved blast survivability. Unreinforced concrete tiles underwent extensive fragmentation at peak pressures <50 psi, while polyurea coated tiles could withstand much higher peak pressures. The extent of mitigation increased with the coating thickness and composites with 6 mm polyurea could withstand substantially higher pressures. Upon further loading, polyurea-concrete debonding was evidenced, however the membrane arrested the fragments formed. Dynamic mechanical studies revealed that polyurea remains as an elastomer under the frequency range associated with the shock tube testing and behaves as a catcher system for the fragments formed due to blast loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents transmission and reflection properties of multilayered chiro-ferrite mediums-based structure under the π/4 oblique angle of incidence of the electromagnetic (EM) wave. The spectral characteristics of bi-layer periodic structure revealed its possible usage as optical filter under the choice of suitable parameters. In particular, the chiro-ferrite structure under consideration can act as band-stop filter without the usage of defects in the configuration. Furthermore, in the case of TM-polarized wave, the structure exhibited strong filtering properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF) is one of the potential candidates as highly conducting networks with large surface area with a possibility to be used as catalyst support for low temperature fuel cells. In the present study, highly active state-of-the-art Pt Co@NCNTs (Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotube) catalyst was synthesized by pyrolyzing ZIF-67 along with Pt precursor under flowing Ar H 2 atmosphere. The multi-walled NCNTs were densely grown on the surface of ZIF particles after pyrolysis. The high resolution TEM examination was employed to examine the nature of the Pt Co particles as well as multi-walled NCNTs. Rotating disk electrode study was used for measuring oxygen reduction reaction performance for Pt Co@NCNTs in 0.1 M HClO 4 and compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst. Fuel cell performance with Pt Co@NCNT and commercial Pt/C catalysts was evaluated at 70 °C using Nafion-212 electrolyte using H 2 and O 2 gases (100% RH) and the observed peak power density of 630 and 560 mW cm −2 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae) are important pests in tropical countries. They are difficult to control with existing baiting methods, as chitin synthesis inhibitors are not effectual as active ingredients. We tested two neurotoxins, fipronil and imidacloprid, as potential bait active ingredients against Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) in Singapore. In laboratory bioassays, M. gilvus showed no preference for doses of 0-64 ppm fipronil, or for doses of 0-250 ppm imidacloprid, indicating no repellence. We tested each insecticide in toilet paper as a bait matrix in a field experiment. After 28 days, termites had eaten 5-13% of the fipronil treated toilet paper, abandoned bait and monitoring stations, contacted no new stations, and repaired poorly their experimentally damaged mounds. Termites ate no imidacloprid treated toilet paper, abandoned bait stations although contacted new stations, and repaired fully their damaged mounds. Termites ate 60-70% of the control toilet paper, remained in bait stations, and fully repaired damaged mounds. After 56 days, all five fipronil colonies were eliminated, whereas all of the imidacloprid and control colonies were healthy. The results suggest that fipronil could be an effective active ingredient in bait systems for fungus-growing termites in tropical countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves by perfectly magnetic conducting (PMC) cylinder coated with chiro-ferrite medium under the assumption of oblique angle of incidence wave with perpendicular polarization (transverse electric; TE). An on-demand (in respect of orientation) kind of conducting sheath helix structure is assumed to exist at the outer surface of cylinder. The effects of sheath helix orientation, along with the material parameters, such as chirality admittance and gyrotropy, on the echo width as well as the magnitude and phase of the electric and magnetic fields are investigated. Control on the anisotropic property remains greatly useful in obtaining the required optical response from the scatterer — the feature which would find fabulous sensing related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is prognostic in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, evaluation by routine haematoxylin and eosin histology (HE) limits nodal examination and is subjective. Missed LNMs from tissue allocation bias (TAB) might under-stage disease, leading to under-treatment. One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) for CK19 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), a marker of LNM, analyses the whole node. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess recent studies on OSNA versus HE and its implications for CRC staging and treatment. Methods: Databases including OVID, Medline and Google Scholar were searched for OSNA, LNM and CRC. Study results were pooled using a random-effects model. Summary receiver operator curves (SROC) assessed OSNA's performance in detecting LNM when compared to routine HE histology. Results: Five case-control studies analysing 4080 nodes from 622 patients were included. The summary estimates of pooled results for OSNA were sensitivity 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-0.93], specificity 0.94 (95% CI 0.93-0.95) and diagnostic odds ratio 179.5 (CI 58.35-552.2, p < 0.0001). The SROC curve indicated a maximum joint sensitivity and specificity of 0.88 and area under the curve of 0.94, p < 0.0001. On average, 5.4% HE-negative nodes were upstaged by OSNA. Conclusions: OSNA is as good as routine HE. It may avoid TAB and offer a more objective and standardised assay of LNM. However, for upstaging, its usefulness as an adjunct to HE or superiority to HE requires further assessment of the benefits, if any, of adjuvant therapy in patients upstaged by OSNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This communication is aimed at investigating the electromagnetic (EM) characteristics of silver metal cylinder coated with homogeneous dielectric material, which is loaded with tightly wound perfectly electrical conducting sheath helix (outside of the dielectric layer) structure of different angles of orientation. Considering the L-nihility kind of behavior of silver metal at a particular frequency, the current density distributions are discussed corresponding to the parallel polarization (transverse magnetic) of the incident EM wave. The investigations are made taking into account the different values of oblique incidence, and also, the orientation angle of sheath helix structure. It is found that the current density, and hence the scattering of radiation, greatly depends on these parameters, and its magnitude increases with the increase in helix pitch as well as the angle of incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Scattering of electromagnetic waves by perfectly electrical conducting (PEC) cylinder, coated with chiroferrite medium, is investigated under the oblique angle of incident. The coated PEC cylinder is wrapped with perfectly conducting sheath helix structure. For this structural configuration, the bi- and the mono-scattering echo widths are computed numerically while assuming the incident wave with parallel polarization. The roles of pitch angle (of sheath helix structure) and the material parameters on the echo width are analyzed. The obtained results for scattering echo widths are compared with those achieved when the PEC cylinder is coated with simply chiral material. It is found that the chiro-ferrite coating causes larger scattering of waves than the situation when the PEC cylinder is coated with simply chiral medium. Furthermore, a parallel orientation of the helix structure results in larger echo width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports scattering of plane waves by elliptical/circular homogenous, isotropic, and non-magnetic dielectric cylinders coated with chiral medium and surrounded by a perfectly electrical conducting sheath helix structure. The effect of pitch angle on the echo width under the assumption of parallel polarization is discussed, and the results are compared taking into account dielectric cylinders of different dimensions. The introduction of negative refraction in chiral mediums, and its effects on both the elliptical- and circular-shaped scattering objects are evaluated. The results indicate significant impact of the used chiral medium coating as well as the embedded sheath helix structure to alter the bi-scattering echo width of the object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the stochastic Burgers' equation, which is forced by multiplicative noise in the Stratonovich sense. To get a new trigonometric and hyperbolic stochastic solutions, we apply $ \exp (-\varphi (\mu)) $ exp ⁡ (− φ (μ)) -expansion method. In addition, we demonstrate the effect of multiplicative noise on the exact solutions of the Burgers' equation by introducing some graphic representations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the design of dispersion compensator comprised of dual-core planar chiral waveguide having different refractive indices, and cladded with homogeneous dielectric mediums. It has been found that the supermodes play vital role in tuning the group velocity dispersion (GVD) with the aid of chirality parameters, which is evident from the achieved giant GVD with narrow bandwidth. Apart from the material parameters, the effect of core spacing on the features of GVD is also investigated. It is expected that such dispersion compensators would be trendy and greatly useful in communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work compiles a correlated study of a gravitational quasi equilibrium thermodynamic approach for establishing and signifying a unique behavior of the cosmological entropy and phase transitions in an expanding Universe. On the basis of prescribed boundary conditions for the cluster temperature a relation for the intra-cluster medium (ICM) of galaxy clusters has been derived. A more productive and signifying approach of the correlation functions used for galaxy clustering phenomena shows a unique behavior of the entropy change where a phenomenon known as the gravitational phase transition occurs. This unique behavior occurs with a symmetry breaking from mild clustering to low clustering and from mild clustering to high clustering which differs from a normal symmetry breaking in material sciences. We also derive results for the specific latent heat associated with the phase transitions of 3.20 Tc and 0.55 Tc for the mildly clustered phase to the low clustered phase and from the mildly clustered phase to the highly clustered phase, respectively. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an approach to overcome the dispersion present in optical communication systems. The group velocity dispersion (GVD) remains an important issue in this context. The approach presented in this paper is based on the use of chiral nihility mediums with different chirality parameters in dual-core planar optical waveguide. It is found that the two cores can be resonantly coupled in the guide, and also, the waveguide would yield high GVD by choosing suitable design parameters. For the analytical investigation, transfer matrix method is used and the dispersion relation is derived by implementing appropriate boundary conditions. Excitation of supermodes in the guide may be achieved through the coupling of two particular core modes, which would ultimately result in giant GVD. This essentially demonstrates that the structure may find applications in dispersion compensating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, scattering from silver metal cylinder due to L-nihility, coated with dielectric material that encapsulates perfectly electric conducting sheath helix structure, is presented. The orientation of helix can be altered, and the cases of both the parallel (TM) and the perpendicular (TE) polarizations of electromagnetic (EM) waves are analyzed. Co- and cross-polarized fields for different values of pitch angle are formulated under oblique angle of incidence. The bi-static echo width of the scatterer is investigated as a function ofat the L-nihility frequency which lies within the optical frequency range. The results are compared with those obtained for perfect electric conductor (PEC) at different values of the angle of incidence. It is observed that the considered guiding structure behaves identically with the simple PEC cylinder under the situation when the helix structure is oriented parallel to the axial direction of the guide. However, for the other forms of the helix orientation, the structure behaves differently – thereby confirming the validity of the analytical approach for the aforementioned complex structured guide presented in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Integration of cellular signaling pathways with androgen receptor (AR) signaling can be achieved through phosphorylation of AR by cellular kinases. However, the kinases responsible for phosphorylating the AR at numerous sites and the functional consequences of AR phosphorylation are only partially understood. Bioinformatic analysis revealed AR serine 213 (S213) as a putative substrate for PIM1, a kinase overexpressed in prostate cancer. Therefore, phosphorylation of AR serine 213 by PIM1 was examined using a phosphorylation site-specific antibody. Wild-type PIM1, but not catalytically inactive PIM1, specifically phosphorylated AR but not an AR serine-to-alanine mutant (S213A). In vitro kinase assays confirmed that PIM1 can phosphorylate AR S213 in a ligand-independent manner and cell type-specific phosphorylation was observed in prostate cancer cell lines. Upon PIM1 overexpression, AR phosphorylation was observed in the absence of hormone and was further increased in the presence of hormone in LNCaP, LNCaP-abl and VCaP cells. Moreover, phosphorylation of AR was reduced in the presence of PIM kinase inhibitors. An examination of AR-mediated transcription showed that reporter gene activity was reduced in the presence of PIM1 and wild-type AR, but not S213A mutant AR. Androgen-mediated transcription of endogenous PSA, Nkx3.1 and IGFBP5 was also decreased in the presence of PIM1, whereas IL6, cyclin A1 and caveolin 2 were increased. Immunohistochemical analysis of prostate cancer tissue microarrays showed significant P-AR S213 expression that was associated with hormone refractory prostate cancers, likely identifying cells with catalytically active PIM1. In addition, prostate cancers expressing a high level of P-AR S213 were twice as likely to be from biochemically recurrent cancers. Thus, AR phosphorylation by PIM1 at S213 impacts gene transcription and is highly prevalent in aggressive prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Folic acid has been used as a template to generate molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), both thin films and nanoparticles. Systematic studies on binding behavior include using two different polymer systems, namely methacrylates and acrylate–vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers. Both yield sensor characteristics with lower limits of detection of 1–30ppm with QCM (quartz crystal microbalance), whereas the non-imprinted polymers do not generate any signals. For methacrylate-based systems, switching from thin films to MIP nanoparticles increases sensitivity by a factor of 3 and selectivity toward metabolites (leucovorin and anhydroleucovorin) from broadband to specific. In contrast to this, in poly vinyl pyrrolidone based materials going from thin films to MIP nanoparticles does not increase sensitivity, but selectivity: thin films yield selectivity factors of 2–3 between folic acid and its metabolites, whereas nanoparticles do not show any response toward the latter and thus can be regarded specific. Hence, not only the heterocyclic backbone, but also the carboxylic groups of the folic acid molecule play fundamental role in detection. Vinyl pyrrolidone thus is the more suitable monomer than methacrylic acid to ensure these properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims Many patients with type 2 diabetes are suboptimally managed with currently available therapies. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, has shown efficacy in reducing diabetic hyperglycaemia. This study assessed efficacy of three lower doses in recently diagnosed patients. Methods This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assigned treatment-naïve patients to placebo or dapagliflozin monotherapy (1, 2.5 or 5 mg) daily for 24 weeks. Patients were antidiabetic drug-naïve with inadequate glycaemic control [haemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c) ≥7.0 and ≤10.0%]. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline. Secondary endpoints included changes in body weight and fasting plasma glucose ( FPG), and proportions achieving HbA1c <7%. Results A total of 282 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. At week 24, mean HbA1c reduction was significantly greater with dapagliflozin: −0.68% for 1 mg, −0.72% for 2.5 mg, −0.82% for 5 mg, versus 0.02% for placebo (p < 0.0001); compared to mean baseline values of 7.8-8.1%. Mean FPG reduction was significantly greater for all dapagliflozin groups versus placebo (p < 0.02), as was mean weight reduction (p < 0.003). During the treatment period, 19.1% of placebo-treated patients received rescue medication or discontinued because of poor glycaemic control versus 6.9, 4.1 and 5.9% for dapagliflozin 1, 2.5 and 5 mg, respectively. Percentages of patients experiencing ≥1 adverse event were similar across groups. Conclusion Dapagliflozin at doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/day is effective in reducing glycaemic levels and body weight in treatment-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin was generally well tolerated. This insulin-independent mechanism suggests a new treatment for type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf canopy plays a determining role influencing source-sink relations as any change in source activity (photosynthesis) affects sink metabolism. Defoliation (removal of leaves) influences growth and photosynthetic capacity of plants, remobilizes carbon and nitrogen reserves and accelerates sink metabolism, leading to improved source-sink relations. The response of plants to defoliation could be used to manipulate source-sink relations by removing lower and senescing leaves to obtain greatest photosynthetic capacity and efficient carbon and nitrogen metabolism under optimal and stressful environments. The present work enhances our current understanding on the physiological responses of plants to defoliation and elaborates how defoliation influences growth, photosynthetic capacity and source-sink relations under optimal and changing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Vehari, Pakistan during 2006-07 to evaluate the effect of different seed rates and row spacings on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Four levels of seed rates (125, 150, 175 and 200 kg/ha) and three row spacings (11.25, 15.0 and 22.5 cm) were tried (cv. Uqab 2002), The results showed that seed rate of 150 kg gave higher grain yield (4.10 t/ha). Among row spacings 22.5 cm performed better (3.96 t/ha) as compared to other spacings (3.82-3.87 t/ha). Interaction effect of seed rates and row spacings was non-significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether the exogenous application of glycine betaine (GB) could alleviate the adverse effects of water deficit on sunflower. Two sunflower lines, Gulshan-98 and Suncross, were subjected to water deficit at the vegetative or the reproductive stages of plant growth. Three levels (0, 50 and 100 mmol l−1) of GB were applied as a pre-sowing seed treatment or as a foliar spray at the time of initiation of water deficit at the vegetative or reproductive stages. Foliar application of GB at the time of initiation of water deficit treatments showed a marginal increase in shoot biomass in drought-stressed plants. Exogenously supplied GB as a foliar spray also showed a positive role in reducing the effects of water deficit on net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate and sub-stomatal CO2 concentration in both sunflower lines. Pre-sowing seed treatment with GB had no effects on the above-mentioned physiological and growth attributes in both normally irrigated and drought-stressed plants. Taken together, foliar application of GB increased net CO2 assimilation rate which in turn showed a slight increase in growth of water-stressed plants but this increase was not related to stomatal regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two sunflower lines, namely, Gulshan-98 (dwarf) and Suncross (tall) were subjected to water stress environment at the vegetative or reproductive growth stage. Three levels (0, 50 and 100 mM) of glycinebetaine (GB) were applied before sowing (seed treatments) or at the start of water deficit treatments (foliar application) at the vegetative or reproductive growth stage. Water stress significantly decreased leaf water contents, osmotic and turgor potentials in both sunflower lines. Pre-treatment of seeds with both levels of GB did not affect above mentioned water relation parameters under both control (normal irrigation) and water stress environments. Foliar application of GB at the vegetative or reproductive growth stage, however, increased leaf water and turgor potentials to some extent in both sunflower lines when grown under water stress. The leaf osmotic potential was not affected by exogenous supply of GB at either growth stage. However, water stress induced decline in achene yield/plant was significantly reduced by the foliar application of GB. Foliar spray of 100 mM GB was found to be more beneficial in preventing the effects of water stress on above mentioned attributes as compared with 50 mM GB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nucleation kinetics of individual grains during solidification of an aluminium alloy are experimentally investigated by X-ray diffraction at a synchrotron source. The investigated aluminium alloy contained solute titanium along with micrometer size TiB2 particles, which act as substrates for heterogeneous nucleation of aluminium grains during solidification. The nucleation rate of aluminium grains during solidification is measured by different cooling rates ranging from 1 to 40K/min. The measurements indicate that for the continuous cooling, the nucleation rate strongly decreases with time. The nucleation process is complete for solid fractions below 30% for all cooling rates. The maximum nucleation rate significantly increases with increasing cooling rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The crystallization kinetics during the liquid to solid phase transformation of pure aluminium and various Al–Ti–B alloys is investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and three-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3D XRD). A reduced undercooling required to activate nucleation of aluminum grains is observed, when both solute titanium and TiB2 particles are present in the liquid. The cooling rate dependence of the onset temperature T o, the crystallization peak temperature T P, and the latent heat ΔH are evaluated and compared for all samples. The DTA curves for slow cooling of an Al–0.3Ti–0.02B (wt.%) alloy illustrate the formation of an aluminide phase (TiAl3) upon solidification. A comparison of the DTA curves during slow cooling of the hypoperitectic Al–0.1Ti–0.1TiB2 (wt.%) and the hyperperitectic Al–0.3Ti–0.02B (wt.%) alloys seem to exhibit a kinetic similarity at the onset of the solidification. In situ 3D XRD measurements clearly exhibit the formation of a metastable TiAl3 phase prior to solidification of both alloys. This explains the mechanism of grain refinement in the presence of solute titanium and TiB2 particles in the grain refined aluminum alloys. The influence of titanium diffusion, latent heat, and cooling rate on the growth behaviour of individual aluminium grains during the phase transformation is further quantified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The crystallisation kinetics of liquid aluminium–titanium alloys with microscopic TiB2 particles added to refine the grain size in the solidified material was studied by X-ray diffraction measurements at a synchrotron source. Real-time observation of the formation and growth of individual grains reveals the central role played by the added TiB2 particles during solidification. Prior to the main transformation, weak reflections of a metastable TiAl3 phase were detected. This observation finally pinpoints the highly debated mechanism responsible for enhanced grain nucleation in Al–Ti–B alloys. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nucleation and growth kinetics of α-Al grains in the systems Al–0.1Ti and Al–0.15TiB2 (wt.%) have been studied by time-resolved neutron diffraction measurements during the liquid–solid phase transformation under continuous cooling. The evolution of the static structure factor S(Q) was monitored for different cooling rates. The evolution of the solid fraction fS for both samples during the transformation was determined from the normalized variation of the height of first peak in the liquid structure factor. The transformation kinetics was analyzed in terms of the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model, and compared for both samples. The evolution of Bragg peaks emerging after the nucleation of the solid phase was monitored. The results reveal that the TiB2 particles in pure aluminum are not effective nucleation sites for α-Al grains during solidification. However, the presence of solute titanium in the Al–0.1Ti alloy changes the growth rate of crystallization during solidification. In the early stages of the phase transformation in the Al–0.1Ti alloy, pronounced oscillations in the Bragg peaks intensity are observed. These observations are discussed in the light of the present grain refinement theories. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Time-resolved neutron diffraction measurements have been carried out to study the crystallization dynamics during the liquid–solid phase transformation in an Al–0.3Ti–0.02B (wt.%) alloy. Starting from the liquid phase, the temperature was reduced to below the thermodynamic transition temperature of T0=933 K by continuous cooling at rates of 0.6 and 0.06 K/min and by step-wise cooling in temperature steps of 1 K. After nucleation of the solid phase on the micron-size TiB2 particles in the liquid alloy, pronounced fluctuations in the Bragg-peak intensity of the growing crystallites are observed during solidification. These fluctuations have been analyzed by a time-correlation function to extract the frequency and correlation time of the fluctuations. The deduced correlation time and oscillation frequency strongly depend on the cooling rate. The correlation time increases and the oscillation frequency decreases for decreasing cooling rate. For step-wise cooling a monotonic increase in correlation time is observed for decreasing temperatures demonstrating a slowdown of the dynamics during the liquid to solid phase transformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The microscopic structure and crystallization behavior of liquid Al and Al–0.3Ti–0.02B (wt.%) are studied by time-resolved neutron diffraction measurements during the liquid–solid phase transformation for continuous cooling. A specially developed furnace insert was used to obtain a temperature stability of 40 mK in the vicinity of the solidification temperature of To=933 K. The evolution of the static structure factor S(Q) has been monitored during the liquid to solid phase transformation as a function of the cooling rate. The evolution of the liquid fraction fL during the transformation is determined from the value of the first peak in the liquid structure factor. The evolution of the solid volume fraction fS=1−fL is analyzed in terms of the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model. The Avrami exponent n is found to change for pure Al as well as for Al–0.3Ti–0.02B alloy with cooling rate and the rate constant k decreases by an order of magnitude for Al–0.3Ti–0.02B alloy compared to pure Al. Anomalous temporal oscillations were observed in the Bragg peak intensity of the solid grains during the solidification of the Al–0.3Ti–0.02B alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Six wheat lines with recombination between Aegilops uniaristata chromosome 3N and wheat chromosome 3A were produced. These were characterized in terms of exchange points by RFLP analysis. Chromosome 3N carries an undesirable brittle rachis gene and three of the recombinant lines had lost this character. The results also support previously published evidence of a pericentric inversion in chromosome 3N relative to the wheat homoeologous group 3 chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A frequency‐domain implementation of the soft constraint satisfaction multimodulus blind algorithm is proposed. This leads to a significant reduction in the computational complexity, thus making it suitable for broadband wireless systems. The convergence of the developed algorithm is then improved by normalising each of the frequency bins in the weight update. Simulation results support the superior performance of the proposed algorithm over its time domain counterpart in terms of faster convergence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Corroded column capacity can be restored effectively by CFRP wrapping. • Design oriented models for CFRP wrapped corroded columns were proposed. • Proposed models were checked and compered with nominated earlier models. This paper introduces the outcomes of experimental and analytical investigation on the effectiveness of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) wrapping for retrofitting of the corrosion affected reinforced circular concrete columns. Small scale reinforced concrete columns were cast, cured, artificially corroded at different levels up to 30 %, repaired by epoxy and unidirectional carbon fibers (one or two layers), and finally tested under uniaxial compression loads. The experimental outcomes show that CFRP wrapping significantly improved the performance of columns (corroded and non-corroded). The increment of the one-layer wrapping ranged between about (55% to 75%) and (175% to 200%) for strength and strain respectively. While the comparative increment for two-layers wrapping ranged between (100% to 150%) and (420% to 615%) for strength and strain respectively. Based on the experimental results, new design oriented models were proposed for predicting the columns performance (strength and strain). Satisfactory agreement was identified between the predicted and experimental performance for the CFRP wrapped columns. Compared with some existing forecast models, the proposed model can provide more accurate and reliable predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perianal fistulas affect approximately 2 in 10,000 people, causing symptoms such as pain and discharge, which can have a debilitating effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgical treatment, which can offer a potential cure or palliation of symptoms, must be considered carefully in cases with extensive sphincter involvement. In complex cases, the use of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to determine the best course of operative action. This review describes common and contemporary surgical procedures for perianal fistula, highlighting technical features, as well as important surgical considerations associated with each method and how these can be assessed radiologically. We focus on the anatomical features and MRI findings that take procedural elements into account and help determine the most appropriate method of treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a basis for informed and focused discussion between surgeons and radiologists to ensure the most appropriate procedure is selected for each case, with the ultimate aim of obtaining the most favourable outcomes for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanguinicoliasis is a serious disease of cultured carp causing high mortality in early fry. Experimental infections were used to study the pattern of penetration, and subsequent behaviour and development of the parasite. Maximum penetration of cercariac was achieved within 30 mm, followed by a period of rapid development and growth marked by a doubling in length within the first 12 h. Subsequent growth was slower, during which major organ development took place. with gonadal maturity being completed between 60 and 90 days p.i. Penetration occurred mainly through the fins, particularly the caudal fin, and large numbers of worms remained in the skin where they continued to develop to maturity. A small proportion of the worms were found in the heart and gill vessels soon after infection. However, migration from the skin began at 60 days p.i. and greater numbers (57%) of the worms were found in heart and gill vessels at 90 days. coinciding with onset of egg production. Decline in worm numbers in the Gill/heart region began after 120 days. Gull heart worms differed in a number of features from skin worms, but egg production occurred simultaneously in both sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of soil aluminium place serious constraints on wheat production on acidic soils, especially in the tropical areas of Africa and South America. Conventional plant breeding has improved the tolerance of the wheat crop, but available genetic variation is limited. The wild relatives of wheat provide a valuable gene pool for the introduction of further genetic variation. One wild species, Aegilops unianstata Vis. (2n = 2x = 14,NN), is being utilized as a new source of tolerance. Of the addition lines of individual N genome chromosomes of A. uniaristata to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) which have been established and characterized, chromosome 3N has been shown to confer tolerance to wheat. The three substitution lines in which 3N replaces the homoeologous wheat chromosomes, 3A, 3B or 3D, have also been produced. Growing plants to maturity in a low pH/high A1 hydroponics system confirmed that chromosome 3N conferred tolerance to the substitution lines as well as to the addition line. By manipulating the genetic control of homoeologous chromosome pairing, chromosome 3N is being recombined with its wheat homoeologues in order to introduce a smaller alien segment which carries the gene(s) for tolerance but not the agronomically unacceptable brittle rachis gene also carried on chromosome 3N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient BF3-OEt2 promoted C3-alkylation of indole has been developed to obtain3-indolylsuccinimidesfrom commercially available indoles and maleimides, with excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, anti-proliferative activity of these conjugates was evaluated against HT-29 (Colorectal), Hepg2 (Liver) and A549 (Lung) human cancer cell lines. One of the compounds, 3w, having N,N-Dimethylatedindolylsuccinimide is a potent congener amongst the series with IC50 value 0.02 µM and 0.8 µM against HT-29 and Hepg2 cell lines, respectively, and compound 3i was most active amongst the series with IC50 value 1.5 µM against A549 cells. Molecular docking study and mechanism of reaction have briefly beendiscussed. This method is better than previous reports in view of yield and substrate scope including electron deficient indoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adaptive frequency-domain equaliser for the single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system using the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) technique is proposed. Unlike the stochastic gradient and recursive least squares algorithms, the PSO is known to have fast convergence which does not depend on the underlying structure. The cost function used in a PSO is formulated based on the respective structure of the equaliser, whether it is a linear equaliser or a decision feedback equaliser. The robustness of the proposed PSO algorithm is demonstrated on a high Doppler scenario. Furthermore, it is shown that the performance improves more when using re-randomisation. Finally, it is shown that the PSO-based frequency domain equaliser is more computationally efficient than its time domain counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adaptive frequency‐domain equaliser for the single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC‐FDMA) system using the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) technique is proposed. Unlike the stochastic gradient and recursive least squares algorithms, the PSO is known to have fast convergence which does not depend on the underlying structure. The cost function used in a PSO is formulated based on the respective structure of the equaliser, whether it is a linear equaliser or a decision feedback equaliser. The robustness of the proposed PSO algorithm is demonstrated on a high Doppler scenario. Furthermore, it is shown that the performance improves more when using re‐randomisation. Finally, it is shown that the PSO‐based frequency‐domain equaliser is more computationally efficient than its time‐domain counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]