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This study demonstrated the plant growth-promoting capabilities of native actinobacterial strains obtained from different regions of the rice plant, including the rhizosphere (FT1, FTSA2, FB2, and FH7) and endosphere (EB6). We delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of these plant-microbe interactions by conducting a transcriptional analysis of a select group of key genes involved in phytohormone pathways. Through in vitro screening for various plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, all tested isolates exhibited positive traits for indole-3-acetic acid synthesis and siderophore production, with FT1 being the sole producer of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). All isolates were identified as members of the Streptomyces genus through 16S rRNA amplification. In pot culture experiments, rice seeds inoculated with strains FB2 and FTSA2 exhibited significant increases in shoot dry mass by 7% and 34%, respectively, and total biomass by 8% and 30%, respectively. All strains led to increased leaf nitrogen levels, with FTSA2 demonstrating the highest increase (4.3%). On the contrary, strains FB2 and FT1 increased root length, root weight ratio, root volume, and root surface area, leading to higher root nitrogen content. All isolates, except for FB2, enhanced total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis supported these findings, revealing differential gene expression in auxin (OsAUX1, OsIAA1, OsYUCCA1, OsYUCCA3), gibberellin (OsGID1, OsGA20ox-1), and cytokinin (OsIPT3, OsIPT5) pathways in response to specific actinobacterial treatments. These actinobacterial strains, which enhance both aboveground and belowground crop characteristics, warrant further evaluation in field trials, either as individual strains or in consortia. This could lead to the development of commercial bioinoculants for use in integrated nutrient management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied a star-forming complex S193 using near-infrared (NIR) observations and other archival data covering optical to radio wavelengths. We identified stellar clusters in the complex using the NIR photometric data and estimated the membership and distance of the clusters. Using the mid-infrared (MIR) and far-infrared (FIR) images, the distribution of the dust emission around H  ii regions is traced in the complex. The Herschel column density and temperature maps analysis reveal 16 cold dust clumps in the complex. The H α image and 1.4 GHz radio continuum emission map are employed to study the ionized gas distribution and infer the spectral type and the dynamical age of each H  ii region/ionized clump in the complex. The 12CO(J  = 3 − 2) and 13CO(J  = 1 − 0) molecular line data hint at the presence of two velocity components around [−43, −46] and [−47, −50] km s−1, and their spatial distribution reveals two overlapping zones toward the complex. By investigating the immediate surroundings of the central cluster [BDS2003]57 and the pressure calculations, we suggest that the feedback from the massive stars seems responsible for the observed velocity gradient and might have triggered the formation of the central cluster [BDS2003]57. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows a reduced responsivity to implicit as well as explicit facial emotion recognition (emotional dampening) in prehypertensives and hypertensives. This study explored auditory and audiovisual emotion recognition in prehypertensives and hypertensives. Participants (N = 175) who were normotensives, prehypertensives, and hypertensives (n = 57, 58, and 60, respectively) completed an auditory implicit task (matching auditory target with auditory distractors) and two cross‐modal implicit tasks (matching visual target with auditory distractors, and vice‐versa), and an auditory explicit task (labelling emotions in audio‐clips). Findings showed an aberrant speed–accuracy trade‐off, where prehypertensives focused more on accuracy at the cost of speed while hypertensives showed the opposite. Discriminant function analysis revealed that blood pressure (BP)‐associated emotional dampening is a highly specific but moderately sensitive correlate of hypertension. Our study highlights that prehypertensives and hypertensives demonstrate emotional dampening in implicit (but not explicit) auditory emotion recognition and a greater deficit for auditory than visual recognition of implicit emotions. Findings show emotional dampening as an observable correlate of elevated BP and hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma-leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) is a rare subtype of cutaneous lymphomas, with high frequency of extra-cutaneous relapse and poor prognosis. We report a case of 70-year-old lady who was diagnosed with PCDLBCL-LT on biopsy and underwent a baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT, followed by interim and post-treatment PET/CTs. With this case report, we highlight the findings of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the staging of this cutaneous lymphoma, and also emphasize on its role in the response assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma-leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) is a rare subtype of cutaneous lymphomas, with high frequency of extra-cutaneous relapse and poor prognosis. We report a case of 70-year-old lady who was diagnosed with PCDLBCL-LT on biopsy and underwent a baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT, followed by interim and post-treatment PET/CTs. With this case report, we highlight the findings of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the staging of this cutaneous lymphoma, and also emphasize on its role in the response assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using multi-wavelength data sets, we studied the star-formation activity in H ii region Sh 2-61 (hereafter S61). We identified a clustering in the region and estimated the membership using the Gaia proper motion data. The physical environment of S61 is inspected using infrared to radio wavelength images. We also determined the Lyman continuum flux associated with the H ii region and found that the H ii region is formed by at least two massive stars (S1 and S2). We also analyzed the 12 CO ( J = 3 –2) JCMT data of S61, and a shell structure accompanying three molecular clumps are observed towards S61. We found that the ionized gas in S61 is surrounded by dust and a molecular shell. Many young stellar objects and three molecular clumps are observed at the interface of the ionized gas and surrounding gas. The pressure at the interface is higher than in a typical cool molecular cloud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High oil prices and concern about limited oil reserves lead to increase interest in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Selecting the most efficient development plan is of high interest to optimize economic cost. Hence, the main objective of this study is to construct a novel deep-learning classifier to select the best EOR method based on the reservoir's rock and fluid properties (depth, porosity, permeability, gravity, viscosity), and temperature. Our deep learning-based classifier consists of a one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network, long short-term memory (LSTM), and densely connected neural network layers. The genetic algorithm has been applied to tune the hyperparameters of this hybrid classifier. The proposed classifier is developed and tested using 735 EOR projects on sandstone, unconsolidated sandstone, carbonate, and conglomerate reservoirs in more than 17 countries. Both the numerical and graphical investigations approve that the structure-tuned deep learning classifier is a reliable tool to screen the EOR scenarios and select the best one. The designed model correctly classifies training, validation, and testing examples with an accuracy of 96.82%, 84.31%, and 82.61%, respectively. It means that only 30 out of 735 available EOR projects are incorrectly identified by the proposed deep learning classifier. The model also demonstrates a small categorical cross-entropy of 0.1548 for the classification of the involved enhanced oil recovery techniques. Such a powerful classifier is required to select the most suitable EOR candidate for a given oil reservoir with limited field information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, well-test research has witnessed several works to automate reservoir model identification and characterization using computer-assisted models. Since the reservoir model identification is a classification problem, while its characterization is a regression-based task, their simultaneous accomplishment is always challenging. This work combines genetic algorithm optimization and artificial neural networks to identify and characterize homogeneous reservoir systems from well-testing data automatically. A total of eight prediction models, including two classifiers and six regressors, have been trained. The simulated well-test pressure derivatives with varying noise percentages comprise the training samples. The feature selection and hyperparameter tuning have been performed carefully using the genetic algorithm to enhance the prediction accuracy. The models were validated using nine simulated and one real-field test case. The optimized classifier identifies all the reservoir models with a classification accuracy higher than 79%. In addition, the statistical analysis approves that the optimized regressors accurately perform the reservoir characterization with mean relative errors of lower than 4.5%. The minimized manual interference reduces human bias, and the models have significant noise tolerance for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, well-test research has witnessed several works to automate reservoir model identification and characterization using computer-assisted models. Since the reservoir model identification is a classification problem, while its characterization is a regression-based task, their simultaneous accomplishment is always challenging. This work combines genetic algorithm optimization and artificial neural networks to identify and characterize homogeneous reservoir systems from well-testing data automatically. A total of eight prediction models, including two classifiers and six regressors, have been trained. The simulated well-test pressure derivatives with varying noise percentages comprise the training samples. The feature selection and hyperparameter tuning have been performed carefully using the genetic algorithm to enhance the prediction accuracy. The models were validated using nine simulated and one real-field test case. The optimized classifier identifies all the reservoir models with a classification accuracy higher than 79%. In addition, the statistical analysis approves that the optimized regressors accurately perform the reservoir characterization with mean relative errors of lower than 4.5%. The minimized manual interference reduces human bias, and the models have significant noise tolerance for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimized deep learning model consisting of long short-term memory and fully connected neural networks has been proposed for the automatic interpretation of constant rate pressure drawdown tests conducted in infinite acting homogeneous reservoirs. The pressure change and pressure derivative data along with their corresponding log (CDe2S) value has been used for training purpose. The hyper-parameter tuning has been conducted to obtain 80:10:10 data split ratio, batch size of 64, Adam optimization algorithm, learning rate of 0.01, and 100000 dataset size as the most suitable choices for training the model. The mean relative errors of 0.0034, 0.0042, and 0.0046 and mean absolute errors of 0.0438, 0.0556, and 0.0585 have been obtained for the train, validation, and test data, respectively, during training. The performance of the trained model has been validated using simulated data for six pressure drawdown test cases. The minimum and maximum absolute errors of 0.0110 and 0.0813, respectively, have been obtained for the test cases. The proposed model provides high accuracy in predicting log (CDe2S) from pressure change and pressure derivative data input for noisy data as well, with minimized manual intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease clinically characterized by the appearance of red colored, well-demarcated plaques with thickened skin and with silvery scales. Recent studies have established the involvement of a complex signalling network of interactions between cytokines, immune cells and skin cells called keratinocytes. Keratinocytes form the cells of the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Visible plaques in psoriasis are developed due to the fast proliferation and unusual differentiation of keratinocyte cells. Despite that, the exact mechanism of the appearance of these plaques in the cytokine-immune cell network is not clear. A mathematical model embodying interactions between key immune cells believed to be involved in psoriasis, keratinocytes and relevant cytokines has been developed. The complex network formed of these interactions poses several challenges. Here, we choose to study subnetworks of this complex network and initially focus on interactions involving TNF α , IL-23/IL-17, and IL-15. These are chosen based on known evidence of their therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we explore the role of IL-15 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its potential as a future drug target for a novel treatment option. We perform steady state analyses for these subnetworks and demonstrate that the interactions between cells, driven by cytokines could cause the emergence of a psoriasis state (hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes) when levels of TNF α , IL-23/IL-17 or IL-15 are increased. The model results explain and support the clinical potentiality of anti-cytokine treatments. Interestingly, our results suggest different dynamic scenarios underpin the pathogenesis of psoriasis, depending upon the dominant cytokines of subnetworks. We observed that the increase in the level of IL-23/IL-17 and IL-15 could lead to psoriasis via a bistable route, whereas an increase in the level of TNF α would lead to a monotonic and gradual disease progression. Further, we demonstrate how this insight, bistability, could be exploited to improve the current therapies and develop novel treatment strategies for psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective reduction sites are important for systematically building alloy nanostructure assemblies on various substrates. Utilizing a galvanic exchange protocol, in the present study, multimetallic alloy‐type nanostructures were developed on selective reduction sites, which were found to exist on the edges of a commercial graphite foil. Notably, the evaluated method is environmentally friendly and involves sustainable techniques. It was determined that a ternary alloy nanostructure on graphite, consisting of Au, Pd, and Ni, exhibits superior catalytic activity toward ethanol electro‐oxidation reaction in an alkaline medium in comparison to the corresponding unimetallic or bimetallic alloy nanostructures. Correspondingly, a bimetallic Fe and Ni‐based alloy material on graphite was shown to display improved oxygen evolution reaction response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic goal of the study was to explore the nature and mechanisms of self-compassion through which it shapes perceived positive mental health outcomes of the adults. Using a qualitative research design fifty-one adults (26 males and 25 females) in the age range of 20–25 years were interviewed following a semi-structured interview protocol. The responses were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Thematic Analysis Method. The findings revealed that self-compassion is a complex process bringing in cognitive, affective and behavioural resources for the individual. Self-compassion was found efficacious in gaining enhancement in perceived self-understanding, positive self-regard, forgiveness, resilience, hope, optimism, well-being, self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intellectual and emotional strengths, productivity, positive emotions and decreased stress. It was also found to catalyse positive intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Findings imply that self-compassion provides protective and supportive strengths to affect the genesis, maintenance, consolidation and promotion of perceived positive mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although the prevalence and mental health consequences of childhood maltreatment among adolescents have been studied widely, there are few data addressing these issues in Asian lower middle–income countries. Here, we assessed the prevalence and types of childhood maltreatment and, for the first time, examined their association with current mental health problems in Indian adolescents with a history of child work. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two adolescents (12–18 years; 114 males, 18 females) with a history of child work were interviewed using the Child Maltreatment, Conventional Crime, and Witnessing and Indirect Victimisation modules of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Potential psychiatric diagnoses and current emotional and behavioural problems were assessed using the culturally adapted Hindi versions of the Youth's Inventory–4R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively. Results: A large proportion of the sample reported childhood abuse or neglect (83.36%), direct or indirect victimisation (100%) and experienced symptoms of one or more psychiatric disorders (83.33%). Of the most common maltreatment types, physical abuse was present for 72.73% (extra-familial 56.25%, intra-familial 42.71%), emotional abuse for 47.7% (extra-familial 74.6%, intra-familial 12.9%), general neglect for 17.4% and unsafe home for 45.5% of the adolescents. All these maltreatment types were associated with poor mental health, with emotional abuse showing the strongest and wide-ranging impact. Conclusions: Indian adolescents with a history of child work are at an extremely high risk of extra-familial physical and emotional abuse as well as victimisation. They also experience a range of psychiatric symptoms, especially if they suffered emotional abuse. There is an urgent need for routine mental health screening and to consider emotional abuse in all current and future top-down and bottom-up approaches to address childhood maltreatment, as well as in potential interventions to ameliorate its adverse effects on mental health and well-being, of child and adolescent workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large volume of data gathered by healthcare repository is very complex to be analyzed and processed by using conventional methods. Data mining provides the tactic and knowledge of extracting unknown interesting patterns from huge record for management. The Healthcare business is usually in order affluent and not sufficient to handle physically. Huge amounts of information are extremely significant in data mining to mine helpful information for establishing interaction between attributes. From the collection of disease repository prediction of disease is making by using datasets. Health industry contains diverse data that give a variety of helpful information for the doctors to identify a disease, prediction of survivability of diseases. Though, there are many challenges that happen when dealing with huge amount of data, particularly how to investigate data in good manner. This review article contains the relevance of data mining in medical support industry for prediction technique of CKD. By applying various data mining techniques CKD could be predicted very well. In supplement, these facts can develop the worth of healthcare existing to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new design for an asymmetric supercapacitor combining a vertically aligned Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanowire array electrode and a graphite‐based electrode. The arrangement of these two electrodes in a sandwiched fashion allows the device to function at a high operating voltage window of 2.0 V in an aqueous electrolyte. A thin layer of Ni(OH)2 can be readily formed on Ni nanowires (NiNWs) to yield a Ni/Ni(OH)2 structure. The redox reaction of Ni(OH)2 formed on the surface of NiNWs was crucial in achieving improved capacitance over this wide voltage window. The modification of the graphite electrode using graphene flakes was found to provide a more stable response at high current densities. The shape of the voltammogram can be retained up to high values and thus the device can operate at very rapid charge/discharge rates at an enhanced voltage window. Furthermore, the capacitance was found to be unchanged after 10000 continuous potential cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of sense modality (auditory/visual) on emotional dampening (reduced responsiveness to emotions with elevation in blood pressure). Fifty‐six normotensive participants were assessed on tasks requiring labelling and matching of emotions in faces and voices. Based on median split of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), participants were divided into low BP, high BP and isolated BP groups. On emotion‐labelling tasks, analysis revealed reduced emotion recognition in the high BP than the low BP group. On emotion‐matching tasks, reduced emotion recognition was noted in high and also isolated BP group as compared to low BP group for the task that required matching a visual target with one of the four auditory distractors. Our findings show for the first time that even isolated elevations in either SBP or DBP may result in emotional dampening. Furthermore, the study highlights that the emotional dampening effect generalises to explicit processing (labelling) of emotional information in both faces and voices—and that these effects tentatively occur during more pragmatic and covert (matching) emotion recognition processes too. These findings require replication in clinical hypertensives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxidative damage is accrual of molecular deterioration from reactive oxygen species (ROS) while decrease in generation of ROS is related with free radical scavenging enzymes. Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) derived novel molecule Boeravinone B (BOB) possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, yet their anti-aging potential has not been explored. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of BOB mediated oxidative stress resistance and lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that the BOB significantly extends the lifespan of C. elegans with its anti-oxidative potential via reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). BOB was found to recover the shortened lifespan of oxidative stress prone mutants mev-1 and gas-1 (14.75 and 16.11%, respectively). Additionally, this finding supported by the reduced ROS levels seen in BOB treated worms. Further, the effective concentration of BOB (25 μM) significantly enhanced the expressions of target genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-3), glutathione-S-transferase (GST-4) and heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP), and it does so by modulating the stress-related signaling pathways (SEK-1) and transcription factors (SKN-1/Nrf and DAF-16/Foxo). Moreover, BOB exposure (25 μM) caused significant changes of age-dependent biomarkers such as pharyngeal pumping, body bend, locomotor activity and lipofuscin accumulation were also showed that BOB retards the aging. Overall, the findings highlight the antioxidant supplement triggering pharmaceutical potential of BOB which may serve as a new future perspective for healthy aging or delayed onset of oxidative related diseases. Highlights • BOB promote longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. • BOB enhances stress resistance (Oxidative, Thermal etc.) and reduces lipofuscin in C. elegans. • BOB recover the shortened lifespan of oxidative stress prone mutants mev-1 and gas-1. • BOB enhanced the expressions of SOD-3, GST-4 and HSP-16.2 transgenic strains of C. elegans. • The BOB deserves future investigations for treating age related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, charge transfer phenomenon through the films of an ionic discotic liquid crystal (discogen) that is pyridinium tethered with hexaalkoxytriphenylene (PyTp) and its complex with DNA (PyTp‐DNA) was studied by using electrochemical methods. The PyTp and PyTp‐DNA hybrid films were first formed at the air‐water interface and then transferred onto the gold substrates by Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) technique. Electrochemical measurements carried out on these films in three different redox systems, namely, ferrocene, hexaammineruthenium (III), and ferrocyanide, revealed that the ferrocene and the hexaammineruthenium (III) systems allow the electron transfer reaction between redox probes and metal, whereas the ferrocyanide system completely blocks it. The electrochemical response of the films, in the former two systems, has been attributed to the bridge mediated electron transfer process, whereas, in the ferrocyanide system, the impermeability of redox ions through these LB films is responsible for the complete blocking of electron transfer. Based on the observed results, this work highlights the possibility of novel charge transfer properties of discogen‐DNA type hybrid films for applications in molecular electronics. A multilayered hybrid assembly of a discotic liquid crystal and DNA is found to show interesting electron transfer behavior. The film acts as a conducting bridge helping the transfer of electrons between the metal and ferrocene redox probe while not allowing the electron transfer for ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological factors are known to play an important part in the origin of many medical conditions including hypertension. Recent studies have reported elevated blood pressure (even in the normal range of variation) to be associated with a reduced responsiveness to emotions or ‘emotional dampening’. Our aim was to assess emotional dampening in individuals with more extreme blood pressure levels including prehypertensives (N = 58) and hypertensives (N = 60) by comparing their emotion recognition ability with normotensives (N = 57). Participants completed novel facial emotion matching and facial emotion labelling tasks following blood pressure measurement and their accuracy of emotion recognition and average response times were compared. The normotensives demonstrated a significantly higher accuracy of emotion recognition than the prehypertensives and the hypertensives in labelling of facial emotions. This difference generalised to the task where two facial halves (upper & lower) had to be matched on the basis of emotions. In neither the labelling nor matching emotion conditions did the groups differ in their speed of emotion processing. Findings of the present study extend reports of ‘emotional dampening’ to hypertensives as well as to those at-risk for developing hypertension (i.e. prehypertensives) and have important implications for understanding the psychological component of such medical conditions as hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religion and spirituality play a significant role as coping resources under stressful circumstances. Nursing professionals confront with a variety of stressors repeatedly and are found to employ religious/spiritual coping techniques in managing the negative impact of work stress. The present review explores different religious and spiritual coping strategies utilized by nurses of different socio-cultural and religious backgrounds and highlights the importance of treating religion and spirituality as two separate entities in studying their stress-buffering effect. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycArticles databases and Google Scholar were searched from 2006 to 2017 with the key words nursing, stress, religious coping, religiosity and spirituality. Various notions of the divine/transcendent aspect of life have led to lack of consensus over a functional definition of religion as well as spirituality. This is found to be the core element of methodological inadequacy in studying individuals’ reliance on religion and spirituality during stress. Further, most of the existing measures do not adequately explore spirituality as a construct independent of religion. Measures should be more culture sensitive to discover culturally enriched religious practices and rituals adopted by individuals belonging to different socio-cultural milieu to overcome stress. The role of religion and spirituality in stress resilience, emotion regulation and burnout among nurses around the globe needs further empirical support. Multiple levels at which religious and spiritual coping may moderate/mediate the relationship between work stress and behavioral/emotional outcomes among human service personnel who face high emotional labor demands should be more comprehensively analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photosynthetic (PS) gene expression in Rhodobacter sphaeroides is regulated in response to changes in light and redox conditions mainly by PrrB/A, FnrL and AppA/PpsR systems. The PrrB/A and FnrL systems activate the expression of them under anaerobic conditions while the AppA/PpsR system represses them under aerobic conditions. Recently, two mathematical models have been developed for the AppA/PpsR system and demonstrated how the interaction between AppA and PpsR could lead to a phenotype in which PS genes are repressed under semi-aerobic conditions. These models have also predicted that the transition from aerobic to anaerobic growth mode could occur via a bistable regime. However, they lack experimentally quantifiable inputs and outputs. Here, we extend one of them to include such quantities and combine all relevant micro-array data publically available for a PS gene of this bacterium and use that to parameterise the model. In addition, we hypothesise that the AppA/ PpsR system alone might account for the observed trend of PS gene expression under semi-aerobic conditions. Results: Our extended model of the AppA/PpsR system includes the biological input of atmospheric oxygen concentration and an output of photosynthetic gene expression. Following our hypothesis that the AppA/PpsR system alone is sufficient to describe the overall trend of PS gene expression we parameterise the model and suggest that the rate of AppA reduction in vivo should be faster than its oxidation. Also, we show that despite both the reduced and oxidised forms of PpsR binding to the PS gene promoters in vitro, binding of the oxidised form as a repressor alone is sufficient to reproduce the observed PS gene expression pattern. Finally, the combination of model parameters which fit the biological data well are broadly consistent with those which were previously determined to be required for the system to show (i) the repression of PS genes under semi-aerobic conditions, and (ii) bistability. Conclusion: We found that despite at least three pathways being involved in the regulation of photosynthetic genes, the AppA/PpsR system alone is capable of accounting for the observed trends in photosynthetic gene expression seen at different oxygen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new systems model of psoriasis is presented and analysed from the perspective of control theory. Cytokines are treated as actuators to the plant model that govern the cell population under the reasonable assumption that cytokine dynamics are faster than the cell population dynamics. The analysis of various equilibria is undertaken based on singular perturbation theory. Finite-time stability and stabilisation have been studied in various engineering applications where the principal paradigm uses non-Lipschitz functions of the states. A comprehensive study of the finite-time stability properties of the proposed psoriasis dynamics is carried out. It is demonstrated that the dynamics are finite-time convergent to certain equilibrium points rather than asymptotically or exponentially convergent. This feature of finite-time convergence motivates the development of a modified version of the Michaelis-Menten function, frequently used in biology. This framework is used to model cytokines as fast finite-time actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on thermodynamic properties of CH4+CO2+N2hydrate formation and equilibrium condition has been studied. The three-phase (hydrate–liquid–gas) equilibrium calculation has been carried out using the Peng–Robinson equation of state (PR EoS) and Universal Quasi Chemical (UNIQUAC) activity coefficient models. The PR EoS coupled with classic mixing rule is applied for the vapor phase. The calculations of the gas hydrate formation pressures are performed in the absence and presence of sodium chloride inhibitor for the gas hydrate systems. The Chen–Guo model has been used for the hydrate phase and the UNIQUAC activity coefficient is applied for non-ideality of the liquid phase. To obtain higher accuracy, the solubility of the gases in the aqueous phase is also taken into account using pressure corrected Henry's law. Finally, the stepwise procedure has been followed to obtain the results and compared with the experimental results. The addition of 2% (by volume) sodium chloride to water results in large shifts in phase equilibrium boundary to increase pressure for the same temperature condition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an immune-driven inflammatory skin disease that is known to have a significantly high life-time prevalence in the human population. T-helper (Th) immune cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of AD which is marked by defects in the skin barrier function along with a significant increase in the population of either Th1 or Th2 sub-types of Th cells. The progression of AD from the acute to chronic phase is still poorly understood, and here we explore the mechanism of this transition through the study of a mathematical model for indirect cell–cell interactions among Th and skin cells via the secreted cytokines IFN γ and IL-4, both known to have therapeutic potential. An increase in the level of cytokine IFN γ can catalyse the transition of AD from an acute to a chronic stage, while an increase in the level of cytokine IL-4 has the reverse effect. In our model, the transition of AD from the acute to chronic stage and vice versa can be abrupt (switch-like) with hysteresis: this bistable behaviour can potentially be used to keep AD in the acute phase since therapy based on suppression of IFN γ can retard the transition to the chronic phase. • We have constructed two networks mediated by IFN γ and IL-4 cytokines that are involved in the pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis. • For both networks, mathematical models are developed. • Our model results suggest that an increase in the level of IFN γ would result in a transition of AD from acute to chronic. An increase in the level of IL-4 would lead to the transition of AD from chronic to the acute stage. • Our results suggest that the transitions from acute to chronic and vice-versa could occur via two different routes — either through a gradual increase in Th2/Th1 cells or via a switch like manner increase in Th1/Th2. • Demonstrated how to use the bistable behaviour of the networks for finding a new treatment strategy for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the vast exploration of bioinoculants for disease resistance and crop yield enhancement, knowledge about their impact on quality and quantity of essential oil as well as induction of antioxidant is scarce, especially in medicinal and aromatic crops. In the present two-year field experimentation, a subset ofBacillusspp., namelyBacillus flexus, B. subtilis,B. megateriumandB. aryabhattai, was evaluated against the most devastating root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognita(Kofoid and White) Chitwood infestation and essential oil yield enhancement inOcimum basilicumvar. CIM-Soumya (Sweet basil). The plants treated withB. subtilisshowed significant (P< 0.05) enhancement in fresh biomass (42%), essential oil content (121%), nutrient uptake (83%) and reduced root-knot infestation (54%) as compared to untreated control. The defence afforded by bioinoculants was observed based on augmentation of the phenolic (97%), flavonoid (93%), free radical scavenging activity (34%) and total antioxidant (33%) inBacillus-treated infected plants as compared to untreated infected plants. The higher concentration of essential oil constituents, namely linalool (54%) and methyl chavicol (33%), was also recorded in same treatment. An increase in essential oil yield was reflected by induction of antioxidant machinery. The present study for the first time delineates nematicidal potentials ofB. flexusandB. aryabhattai. Altogether these findings suggest that exploitation of bioinoculants could be helpful for effective management of the root-knot nematode infestation along with higher qualitative and quantitative essential oil yield with augmented antioxidants in sweet basil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-forgiveness (letting go of the feelings of victimization, resentment, and vengeance) is possibly shaped in its nature and extent by self-esteem and self-compassion, through various mechanisms. The latter two represent well-known affirmative self-resources with significant implications for life outcomes in individualistic and collectivistic cultures. However, the literature linking self-forgiveness and self-esteem is limited, and whether self-compassion mediates this relationship is not known. The present study addressed this gap by examining the mediating role of Positive and Negative Self-compassion (PSC & NSC, respectively) in the relationship between Self-esteem and Self-forgiveness. Employing convenience sampling, 144 males (Mean age = 22.10 years, SD = 1.66 years) and 124 females (Mean age = 21.98 years, SD = 1.90 years) participants were chosen. Correlation and regression analyses along with the path analytic method were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that both Self-esteem and PSC significantly and positively correlated with the dimensions of self-forgiveness (except Guilt). NSC correlated positively with self-esteem but negatively with PSC. NSC significantly and negatively correlated with some self-forgiveness dimensions like Realization and Reparation, and Attribution but positively with the Guilt dimension. Both PSC and NSC significantly mediated the relationships among Self-esteem, Realization and Reparation, Guilt, and Attribution. Findings suggest the association between self-esteem and self-forgiveness could be explained by elevated PSC and reduced NSC, highlighting the coexistence and simultaneous functioning of both self-esteem and self-compassion in a collectivist culture like India, with more pronounced effects of the latter. Future studies should verify these preliminary correlational findings using diverse cross-cultural samples and methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GaSb was grown epitaxially on semi-insulating GaAs (001) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. The effect of varying ion energy and fluence of Si ion implantation on the structure, topology, chemical composition and electrical characteristics of GaSb epilayers is investigated. Si ion implantation was done with energies of 50, 100, and 150 keV and the fluence ranging between 1 × 1012 - 1 × 1015 ions/cm2. The effects of post-implantation annealing have also been investigated. High-resolution x-ray diffraction ω-2ϴ scans clearly revealed the damage and the recovery post-annealing.The surface morphology observed by atomic force microscopy was found to change significantly only at the highest fluence of 1 × 1015 ions/cm2. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the implantation-induced disorder as well as the evolution of surface oxides; the latter being also corroborated with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Hall measurement has been used to confirm the doping characteristics in the implanted annealed samples. The morphological variations and the mobility are understood from the displacement per atom induced by the ion beam. • Si ions implanted at fluencies 1 × 1012-1x1015 ions/cm2 at 150 keV in GaSb epilayer. • Strain induced in GaSb due to Si ion implantation and increases with fluence. • The induced strain is reversed substantially after annealing. • Carrier concentration in implanted GaSb increases then saturates with fluence. • XPS reveals Sb–O, detrimental to GaSb based devices, reducing at higher fluences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The most harmful storage pest of pulses is known to be the bruchid or pulse beetle, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Chemical insecticides work well to reduce bruchid infestation; however, they have negative effects on the health of food consumers. One of the best mitigating methods among efficient, safe and sustainable strategies to lessen crop losses during storage is the development of pulse-beetle-resistant cultivars. Unfortunately, the majority of pulses lack resistance to the pulse beetle. Consequently, it is necessary to look for pulse beetle resistance in wild and exotic germplasms. Identifying potential donors for pulse beetle resistance and examining their characters in bruchid-susceptible and -resistant genotypes were the goals of the present investigation. Among the tested genotypes, two genotypes, i.e., PRR 2008-2 and PRR 2008-2-sel, were found to be highly resistant, and one accession, TCR-93, was found to be resistant to the pulse beetle. The biochemical basis of resistance modulated by the basal expression of antioxidants in highly resistant genotypes has also been studied. Currently, a quicker option for generating substantial genetic gain for desired trait improvement is molecular breeding. In the present investigation, start codon targets (SCoT) markers were used to analyse the genetic differences. Pulses are a key source of dietary proteins in human nutrition. Despite several efforts to increase the production, various constraints, such as biotic and abiotic factors, threaten pulse production by various means. Bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) are the serious issue of concern, particularly in storage conditions. Understanding host–plant resistance at morphological, biochemical and molecular levels is the best way to minimize yield losses. The 117 mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes, including endemic wild relatives, were screened for resistance against Callosobruchus chinensis; among them, two genotypes, PRR 2008-2 and PRR 2008-2-sel, which belong to V. umbellata (Thumb.), were identified as highly resistant. The expression of antioxidants in susceptible and resistant genotypes revealed that the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) was upregulated in the highly resistant wild Vigna species and lower in the cultivated susceptible genotypes, along with other biomarkers. Further, the SCoT-based genotyping revealed SCoT-30 (200 bp), SCoT-31 (1200 bp) and SCoT-32 (300 bp) as unique amplicons, which might be useful for developing the novel ricebean-based SCAR markers to accelerate the molecular breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the history, use, effects and safety concerns related to glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] herbicide. It includes increased use of genetically modified (GM) glyphosate-tolerant crops, movement of glyphosate in plant ecology and inhibit of enzyme 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate 3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). Effects of glyphosate concerning human health include its inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzyme and illness such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present study is an attempt to understand the properties of an interesting self-assembled monolayer system composed of inclusion complexes of thiocholesterol and cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins were used as host compound while thiocholesterol was used as the entrant molecule into the cavity of cyclodextrins. The improved electron transfer barrier property towards a redox couple indicates a sturdy inclusion complex monolayer. A very large Rct value, 64.6kΩ·cm2 for a redox system was obtained in the case of methyl-β-cyclodextrin and thiocholesterol inclusion complex self-assembled monolayer. A rather low value of capacitance 1.2μFcm−2 measured in supporting electrolyte further signifies the fact that inclusion complex monolayer is quite impermeable for ionic species. In addition lateral force microscopy combined with force–distance analysis revealed the presence of an interesting mixed hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study describes the outcome of the electrocatalysis of small organic molecules methanol, ethanol and formic acid on palladium nanodendritic film on graphite electrode. Higher oxidation currents than commercial Pd/C catalyst and low activation energies are obtained for electro-oxidation of organic molecules, indicating that the nanodendrites are highly effective for the electro-oxidation of these molecules. The nanocomposite film is effective in alkaline medium for alcohols oxidation, and in acidic media for formic acid oxidation. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Interesting one step/pot synthetic approach for electrochemically synthesizing gold nanoparticles with conjugated polymers. [•] Complete characterization using UV–vis, XPS, TEM, etc. [•] Could be easily used for bulk synthesis of metal nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of Zn(ii)-based metallo-supramolecular polymers were prepared by 1 : 1 complexation of Zn(ClO4)2 and bis(terpyridine)s with electron-donating (alkoxy) or electron-withdrawing (cyano) groups at the 6-position of the peripheral pyridine moiety. The Zn(ii)-based polymers displayed relatively high quantum yields (ΦPL = 0.68–0.76) in solution at room temperature. More importantly, they showed different luminescent colours of blue, cyan, and green in the film state, because of the large Stokes shift caused by the substituent effect of the ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous empirical evidences show that though, alexithymia is associated with a variety of somatic and mental health problems, the exact mechanism that makes alexithymic individual prone to mental or somatic illness has not yet been uncovered. Based on earlier observations that alexithymic individuals are characterized by anhedonia and a proneness to negative emotional experiences, the present study examines the mediational role of positive negative emotional experiences in alexithymia - health relationship. Hundred fifty adults were assessed on the measures of alexithymia, mental health, and positive/negative affectivity. The correlation analysis revealed alexithymia and its various dimensions correlated significantly positively with mental health problems and negative affect correlated significantly and negatively with positive affect which suggest that alexithymic individuals are prone to mental health problems and negative emotional experiences and lack hedonic capacity. Further, it was also noted that negative emotional experiences and reduced capacity for positive emotions were related with greater number of mental health problems. This pattern of relationship among the measures of alexithymia, mental health and positive-negative affect suggests the possibility that anhedonia and proneness to negative emotions may explain the link between alexithymia and mental illness. To test this possibility a structural relationship model linking alexithymia an mental health directly as well as indirectly through positive and negative affect was tested using AMOS 20. The findings revealed a significant direct effect of alexithymia on mental health as well as indirect effect through positive/negative emotions. The findings suggest that alexithymia is associated with mental health problems and these problems may be part!y due to the alixithymics anhedonic tendency and their propensity to experience negative emotions. The findings have been discussed in the light of the existing literature and a future direction for research has also been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic and peripancreatic tuberculosis is an extremely uncommon disease, presenting as hypoechoic mass on ultrasonography and imaging mimicking malignancy. Consequently, it represents a diagnostic challenge. Aims: To study 14 unusual cases of pancreatic and peripancreatic tuberculosis undergoing ultrasound-/endoscopic-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the 5-year period from 2006 to 2010. Materials and Methods: Endoscopic-guided FNAC was done in two cases, while ultrasound?guided FNAC was performed in 12 cases using 22-G needles via a percutaneous transabdominal approach. The aspirated material was quickly smeared onto glass slides, air dried, and wet fixed in 95% ethyl alcohol for subsequent Papanicolaou staining. Results: All pancreatic and peripancreatic tuberculosis cases showed solid-cystic pancreatic mass. Smears showed epithelioid cell granulomas, multinucleated giant cells, mixed inflammatory cells and histiocytes against a necrotic background. The common anatomic locations were the head, peripancreatic, tail and body of the pancreas. Conclusions: Ultrasound-/endoscopic-guided FNAC is a safe, reliable and cost-effective method for preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic and peripancreatic tuberculosis. Clinical symptoms and accurate diagnostic approach by ultrasound-/ endoscopic-guided FNAC of pancreatic and peripancreatic tuberculosis is needed to avoid performing redundant laparotomy. Despite its rarity, pancreatic and peripancreatic tuberculosis should be considered for differential diagnosis of pancreatic and peripancreatic cystic mass in endemic developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression has often been linked with anomalous pattern of hemispheric asymmetry and recent studies provide support that neuro-behavioural measures of hemispheric asymmetry may potentially be used as a marker of depression. With this background the present study examines the nature of hemispheric asymmetry in depression using dichotic listening test. The rhymed fused alphabets were presented in dichotic listening paradigm to clinically, sub-clinically, previously depressed individuals as well as on age and gender matched healthy controls. The findings revealed that all the four groups showed a significant right ear (i.e., left hemispheric) advantage. However, this left hemispheric advantage was less pronounced in depressed groups (clinically and sub-clinically depressed) as compared to depression free groups (previously depressed and normal controls). The observed gradient in the magnitude of left hemispheric asymmetry from depression to no-depression suggests that with increasing severity of depression the individuals tend to show reduced left hemispheric performance and as the symptoms of depression gradually becomes less severe or disappear the left hemispheric performance tend to recover. The findings imply that reduced left hemispheric asymmetry may serve as a potential neuro-behavioural marker of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple bacteria derive energy from aerobic respiration or photosynthesis depending on the availability of oxygen and light. Under aerobic conditions, photosynthesis genes are specifically repressed by the PpsR protein. In Rhodobacter sphaeroides, the repressive action of PpsR is antagonized by the blue-light and redox-sensitive flavoprotein AppA, which sequesters PpsR under anaerobic conditions into transcriptionally inactive complexes. However, under semi-aerobic conditions, blue-light excitation of AppA causes the AppA-PpsR complexes to dissociate, again leading to a repression of photosynthesis genes. We have recently developed a simple mathematical model suggesting that this phenotype arises from the formation of a maximum in the response curve of reduced PpsR at intermediate oxygen concentrations. However, this model focused mainly on the oxygen-dependent interactions whereas light regulation was only implemented in a simplified manner. In the present study, we incorporate a more detailed mechanism for the light-dependent interaction between AppA and PpsR, which now allows for a direct comparison with experiments. Specifically, we take into account that, upon blue-light excitation, AppA undergoes a conformational change, creating a long-lived signalling state causing the dissociation of the AppA-PpsR complexes. The predictions of the extended model are found to be in good agreement with experimental results on the light-dependent repression of photosynthesis genes under semi-aerobic conditions. We also identify the potential kinetic and stoichiometric constraints that the interplay between light and redox regulation imposes on the functionality of the AppA/PpsR system, especially with respect to a possible bistable response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study attempts to compare the electrocatalytic effect of gold nanoparticles dispersed conjugated polymers using activation energy, Tafel slopes and reaction orders for the evaluation of their performance. A simple and rapid in situ chemical and electrochemical method was adopted for the synthesis of gold and different conducting polymers nanocomposites on electrode surfaces. The method involves the polymerization of the monomer to yield the polymer nanocomposite film with dispersed gold nanoparticles. Polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) are the four polymers studied in this work. A systematic comparison among the nanocomposites reveals that although all the conducting polymers have good catalytic activity in alkaline medium however polyaniline dispersed with gold nanoparticles has the best catalytic properties among them as evidenced by its very low activation energy, low onset potential and reproducible currents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dimensionality of the construct of affect intensity is still a debated issue and most of the studies dealing with this debate have used the Affect Intensity Measure (AIM; Larsen & Diener, 1987) although this measure has been criticized on various psychometric grounds. We speculate that the inconsistency regarding the dimensionality of affect intensity may be either because of lack of clarity in its conceptualization or inappropriateness of its psychometric measures. In view of this, the present study attempts to explore the dimensionality of affect intensity using the Hindi version of the Emotional Intensity Scale (EIS; Bachorowski & Braaten, 1994) that claims to overcome the psychometric limitations of the AIM. The EIS-H was administered to 284 Hindi speaking Indian adults (119 males and 165 females). Exploratory factor (principal component) analysis identified two factors that were labelled as positive and negative emotional intensity. However, observation of some overlap and/or cross loading undermines the factorial purity of the EIS-H. Thus, a maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test two models - one assuming the two factors to be uncorrelated and the other as correlated. Findings revealed that the correlated two factors model provided a better fit to the data as compared to that which assumed the two factors to be uncorrelated. Findings imply that affect intensity is a multidimensional construct that encompasses two independent yet related dimensions of positive and negative affect intensity and the EIS-H may be used to reliably measure it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researches indicate that culturally induced differences in self-perception have significant influence on an individual's general attitude and behaviour including his/her evaluation of subjective happiness and self-worth. The individualistic cultures focus more on independence, self-sufficiency, uniqueness, and personal success leading to an independent view of self, whereas the collectivist cultures give emphasis on cooperation, group cohesion, interpersonal harmony etc. that leads to interdependent self-view. Based on such cultural differences in self-construal, it was hypothesized that culturally construed dual sources (independent and interdependent) of well-being may also exist. To test this hypothesis a 20 item inventory (10 related to independent and 10 interdependent sources) was developed that asked participants about the importance given to various sources well-being on a 5-point scale. The inventory was administered on 179 participants along with a measure of selfconstrual. The factor analysis yielded two factors. On the first factor, most of the items reflecting interdependent sources of well-being loaded significantly whereas on the second those items loaded significantly that reflected independent sources of well-being. However, a close examination of the pattern of loading revealed that some items initially considered as indicator of independent source of well-being loaded with items reflecting interdependent sources of well-being and vice versa. Thus, the thematic coherence of the items of each factor was re-examined and these factors were re-labelled as 'interdependent and intrinsic sources' of well-being and 'independent and extrinsic sources' of well-being, respectively. Further, it was noted that independent/extrinsic source of wellbeing correlated positively with both independent and interdependent self but the interdependent/ intrinsic source correlated (positively) only with interdependent self. This pattern of correlation provides some support to the validity of the dual sources of well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usefulness of Trichoderma harzianum was tested along with farmyard manure, cow urine, neem oil seed cake, and vermicompost separately and in combination to manage Meloidogyne incognita in Withania somnifera. A treatment combination of nematode inhibitory vermicompost and T. harzianum was found to be most effective against M. incognita. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The use of herbs in pharmaceutical preparation is ever increasing, and the demand for pesticides free material by the concern industries is on the rise. Consequently the need to grow disease-free plants using non-chemical fertilizers and pesticides is the need of the hour. Mentha arvensis cv. kosi is highly infested with Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, and severe oil yield loss occurs due to this nematode pest. Employing ecofriendly ways of nematode management, the mutualistic endophytes (Trichoderma harzianum strain Thu, Glomus intraradices) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were assessed individually and in combination on plant biomass, oil yield of menthol mint (M. arvensis cv. kosi), reproduction potential and population development of root knot nematode, M. incognita under glasshouse conditions. These microbes enhanced the plant biomass and percent oil yield both with and without M. incognita inoculation. Dual application of mutualistic fungal endophytes and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) may be a wise option for enhancing the oil yield and tolerance of menthol mint against M. incognita infection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Alexithymia, characterized by difficulty in identifying and describing feelings and a deficit in the cognitive modulation of emotions, has been linked with health related problems. Indirect empirical evidences suggest the possibility that alexithymia may potentially also relate with emotion regulation difficulties. However, the exact nature of the relationship between the two constructs has not been fully explored. The relationship between the two constructs may reflect the overlap of the content domains or dependence of one (e.g., emotion regulation difficulties) on the other (e.g., alexithymia). Given the link between the two constructs, it is also likely that alexithymics' health related difficulties may result from their impaired ability to regulate emotions. The present study tested the above theoretical propositions on 27 alexithymic and 26 non-alexithymic participants who were assessed on self-report measures of emotion regulation difficulties and general mental health. The findings revealed that compared to non-alexithymics, the alexithymics showed greater emotion regulation difficulties and such affective difficulties differentiated the two groups with a very high accuracy. Further, the observation of two orthogonal components (emotion regulation difficulties and alexithymia) with a minimum overlap suggests that these constructs represent two independent domains of behavior. Findings also revealed that alexithymics reported more health related problems as compared to non-alexithymics and the health problems of alexithymics are likely to be an outcome of their emotion regulation difficulties (indicated by a non-significant health difference after controlling for emotion regulation difficulties). The findings imply that alexithymia is associated with emotion regulation difficulties and such difficulties largely contribute to health related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty rural women within the age group 20-45 years were identified for field experiment from three different villages of Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh to assess and test the feasibility of the revolving stool in terms of percentage reduction in ergonomic cost of rural women. The results revealed a 26 per cent saving in cardiac cost of women workers per unit of out put for milking a buffalo using a revolving stool as compared to the continuous squatting position while milking an animal traditionally. The women could milk 4.4 litres of milk in 9.43 min using a revolving stool. Respondents did not complain for pain in low back, knees, ankles and calf muscles due to the use of revolving stool during milking. Saving in the reduction of grip strength was to the tune of 11.81 per cent when milking was done using revolving stool. The reduction of grip strength was only 9.03 per cent as compared to the squatting position where strength in grip reduction was 14.9 per cent. Reduction in perceived exersion and total cardiac cost of work with the use of revolving stool for milking were 24.00 per cent and 32.72 per cent, respectively. The drudgery index was also calculated based on linear combination method using the scores obtained from degree of difficulty on body posture handling, time spent on activity and frequency of operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship emotion and health has been a focus of scientific inquiry in psychology for a long time but it occupied pivotal position with the advent of Alexander's psychosomatic paradigm. Since then, a number of affect related constructs have been explicated with potential implications for health. The present paper makes an attempt to review the role of some affect related constructs in health that have been centre of attention in the contemporary psychological researches. We have reviewed empirical evidences that demonstrate the relationship of such affect related constructs, as emotion regulation, emotional disclosure, emotional intelligence, alexithymia, positive/negative affect, and affect intensity with health. In general, the review suggests that some affect related constructs such as cognitive regulations of emotion, emotional disclosure, positive emotional experiences and most of the dimensions of emotional intelligence have a beneficial influence on the health status of an individual. On the other hand, such affect related variables as effortful suppression of emotions, alexithymia, affect intensity, and negative emotional experiences have adverse consequences for health. As far as the role of valence and magnitude of emotional experience is concerned, the existing literature suggests that high intensity of experienced emotion has an adverse effect on health irrespective of the emotional valence. The potential mediating mechanisms linking various affect related dimensions to health have also been reviewed. Future research, however, is needed to develop an integrated holistic theory of health based on affect related variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematode problems are increasing tremendously in arable soil due to the continuous cultivation of susceptible agricultural crops. Besides the scope of effective chemical armory to combat with, this pest is gradually decreasing. The major factor behind such a scenario is the adverse effect of chemical nematicides on human health, useful organisms, the environment as well as underground water. Therefore, effective chemical nematicides for field use may not be available in the future. Consequently, it has become inevitable to manage this pathogen through such non-chemical management tactics like fallow, flooding, changes in time of sowing/planting material, tillage practices, crop rotations, use of antagonistic crop, trap crop/cover crop, use of nematode free planting materials or seeds, solarization, organic amendment and biological control. Plant parasitic nematodes, if not checked, prove to be a major obstacle in the future prospects of medicinal and aromatic plants in India causing significant damage. Pogostemon cablin (Syn. P. patchouli) suffers greatly from infection of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, resulting in a considerable reduction in oil yield. A glasshouse experiment was designed to evaluate the relative efficacy of bioagents (Glomus mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum), and a pesticide (Furadan) on reproduction and infection potential of M. incognita in P. cablin. Trichoderma harzianum enhanced the growth, biomass and oil yield of the test plant. Significant reduction in the severity of root-knot disease and population of M. incognita was recorded in the pots treated with T. harzianum when compared to the Furadan treated pots. G. mosseae also performed well but it was less effective than Furadan. It is therefore suggested that T. harzianum can be considered as a wise option instead of hazardous pesticides for reducing root-knot disease in P. cablin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Direct electron transfer of redox proteins on electrode surfaces using surface immobilized protein films is gaining importance as it provides significant insight into the functioning of biological systems and in the development of biosensors. We have studied functionalized cytochrome c (cyt c) surfaces by covalently using glutaraldehyde as a cross linker and also non-covalently by a simple immersion process of physical adsorption. The third method described in this paper involves combining the affinity of the redox proteins for single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) surface and its non-covalent binding to the 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) self-assembled monolayer on Au. The immobilized composite films facilitate the interfacial electron transfer and electrocatalytic activity of cyt c. The cyt c immobilized surfaces were characterized by scanning probe techniques, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. The AFM images of the protein immobilized surface show dense distribution of SWNT- cyt c on the surface forming several clusters. A closer examination using STM shows dense distribution of proteins on 4-ATP surface. We have correlated the voltammetric results with the information obtained from AFM and STM images to explain the electrocatalytic activity of the protein layer on the electrode surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]