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Nitrogen (N), the most vital nutrient, undergoes a transformation in the soil and was subjected to loss through ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, and denitrification, which lower the soil fertility, crop yield and pollute the environment. Integrated nutrient management (INM) improves the nutrient supply system by integrating recommended dose fertilizers and biofertilizers, lessens the nitrogen losses, and synchronizes with the nutrient demand of the crop. To evaluate the impact of INM on minimization of N losses and improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and growth parameters, a field experiment was conducted with different combinations of biofertilizers along with the recommended dosage of fertilizers. Application of NPK + Azotobacter + mycorrhiza (Tram) in combination was found to improve soil nitrogen dynamics, availability of P, K, microbial activity, root growth, urease activity, and nitrogen use efficiency as compared to NPK (Tr) only. The cumulative emission from ammonia flux in the INM plot varied from 10.2 to 10.6 kg ha−1 and denitrification losses varied from 2.4 to 2.5 kg ha−1. At the same time, these were recorded significantly higher in Tr plot. The yield obtained under the INM plot receiving Tram was recorded as 6.4 t ha−1, which is higher than other treatments. [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]

This study explores diversity reporting by New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) listed companies, arguing that diversity goes beyond gender and includes differences in age, ethnicity, sexuality, religious beliefs and physical disability. We argue that gender diversity and deep diversity elements (race, age, sexual orientation, disabilities, ethnicity) have a synergistic relationship and that gender diversity objectives cannot be achieved without attaining diversity objectives in these other elements and vice versa. Designing a 30-item diversity disclosures index, this study undertakes a content analysis of the diversity-related disclosures made by 152 NZX listed companies. Analysing diversity-related disclosures in annual and sustainability reports, we find that the NZX listed companies predominantly relate diversity only to board gender diversity. Deep diversity elements at all organisational levels, however, do not receive much attention, with a few exceptions. Our results highlight that female representation on organisational boards has a positive impact on overall organisational gender and other diversity aspects and vice versa. The results of an emphasis on the totality of diversity have important implications for boards of directors, corporate managers and regulators interested in improving the corporate governance and diversity practices in New Zealand organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene amplification by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) in urothelial non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC), as HER2 is a potential therapeutic target in muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (MIBC) and HER2 expression and gene amplification in low/high-grade and pTa/pT1 NMIBC is not clear. The study included 93 bladder cancers; 25 MIBC and 68 NMIBC (37 low- and 31 high-grade). All HER2 positive (3+) and equivocal (2+) cases were subjected to FISH using a HER2/CEN 17 dual-colour probe kit. IHC and FISH were scored as per the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) 2013 Guidelines for breast cancers. Based on the number of signals/nuclei, amplification was categorised as low (≥6–10) and high-level (≥10). HER2 2–3+ expression was seen in 29% of NMIBCs (10.8% low- and 51.6% high-grade). HER2 3+ expression was seen in high-grade NMIBC (nine of 31; 29%) and MIBC (nine of 25; 36%). In all, 87% of high-grade NMIBCs were lamina invasive (pT1). Gene amplification was found in 45% (eight of 18) of 3+ tumours. None of the HER2 2+ tumours showed gene amplification. IHC and FISH results were in closest agreement when ≥50% of tumour cells showed 3+ expressions. High-level amplification correlated with increased gene expression on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. On multivariate analysis, lower stage, grade, and HER2 expression significantly correlated with progression-free survival. HER2 3+ expression in NMIBC correlated significantly with time to recurrence and progression. Our present results show that HER2 FISH should not be performed for HER2 2 + and low-grade NMIBC. This contrasts with breast cancers where it is recommended for equivocal 2+ tumours. About 50% of HER2 3+ MIBC and high-grade NMIBC show HER2 gene amplification and can be potential candidates for HER2-targeted therapy. ASCO/CAP: American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists; DAB: 3,3ʹ-diaminobenzidine; FISH: fluorescent in situ hybridisation; HER2: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; IHC: immunohistochemistry;(N)MIBC: (non-) muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma; MPUC: micropapillary variant of urothelial bladder cancer; PFS: progression-free survival; TURBT: transurethral resection of bladder tumour [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]

The microbial transformation of artemisinic acid (1) using cell culture of endophytic fungus Trichothecium roseum was investigated. Previously, we have reported two major metabolites, 3β-hydroxyartemisinic acid (2) and 3β,15-dihydroxyartemisinic acid (3) from the biotransformation of artemisinic acid by the fungus T. roseum CIMAPN1. Here in the present paper, we obtained a new minor compound 4 (5.2% in yield) along with compounds 2 and 3 through scale-up of biotransformation process of artemisinic acid using the same fungus. The structure of compound 4 was established as 3-oxoartemisinic acid on the basis of its IR, ESI-MS, HRMS, 1 D (1H and 13C, DEPT), and 2 D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC) NMR spectral data analysis. The possible reaction mechanism of the formation of 3-oxoartemisinic acid from artemisinic acid was proposed. Furthermore, all the three metabolites along with the artemisinic acid were evaluated for their antifungal activity against the three fungal strains Candida albicans (ATCC 14053), Candida albicans clinical isolates and Candida kefyr (ATCC 204093). 3-Oxoartemisinic acid was the most active (4 to 16 times more potent than artemisinic acid) with MIC ranges from 125 to 500 µg/mL among all tested compounds. This study suggested that the artemisinic acid molecule has a great potential to be exploited for further biotransformation by the different fungi and can produce chemically diverse molecules with better biological activity. [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]

Shatavarin IV (SIV), a steroidal saponin, is a major bioactive phytomolecule present in roots of Asparagus racemosus (Liliaceae) known for its anticancer activity. Age-associated neurodegenerative Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by alpha-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neuron resulting in neurodegeneration. The invention of bioactive molecules that delay aging and age-associated disorders endorses development of natural phytomolecule as a therapeutic agent for curing age-related diseases. Therefore, the present study for the first time explores the potential of SIV against aging and Parkinsonism utilising Caenorhabditis elegans model system. SIV significantly attenuated oxidative stress in terms of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as oxidative damage including protein carbonylation and also promotes longevity. SIV also significantly increased the mRNA expression of stress responsive genes namely sod-1, sod-2, sod-3, gst-4, gst-7 and ctl-2 suggesting its anti-oxidant property that might be contributed in the modulation of oxidative stress and promoting lifespan. Additionally, SIV improved PD symptoms by reducing the alpha-synuclein aggregation, lipid accumulation and enhancing dopamine level. Altogether, present findings indicate that SIV possibly utilising ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal system and attenuating oxidative stress by up-regulating PD-associated genes pdr-1, ubc-12 and pink-1. Therefore, this study is a forward step in exploring the anti-aging and anti-Parkinsonism potential of bioactive compound SIV in C. elegans. [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]

Meloidogyne incognita(Kofoid and White) Chitwood a calamitous plant pathogen affects almost all the commercial crops, especially medicinal plants viz.Bacopa monnieriL. In this study, the efficacy of indigenous chitinolytic microbes againstM. incognitainB. monnieriwas evaluated under sterilised and natural soil conditions. The plant growth was observed for various parameters viz. nutrient uptake, phytochemical activities and secondary metabolites (bacoside). In the natural soil under green house conditions, the isolates significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reducedM. incognitainfestation (1.38–2.78-folds) with significant increase in secondary metabolites (1.28–1.88-fold) over the untreated control. The potential strains were identified through 16S-rRNA asStreptomycessp., Microbacterium arabinogalactanolyticum, Cellulosimicrobium cellulans, Actinomycetales bacterium,Chitiniphilussp. andFlavobacterium johnsoniae.These findings thus highlight the potential of indigenous chitinolytic microbes that can be utilised for overall fitness of the plant along with the reduced root-knot nematode infestation inB. monnieri. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferaL. Dunal), a therapeutically imperative herb is known for its useful steroidal lactones (withanolide and withaferin) and acyl steryl glycosides. The plant is a highly susceptible host for the plant parasitic nematode,Meloidogyne incognita. Selected chitinolytic microbes, namelyCellulosimicrobium cellulansMTN13,Flavobacterium johnsoniaeMTN 20,Chitiniphilussp. MTN22 andStreptomycessp. MTN14, alone and in combination forM. incognitamanagement and enhancement of secondary metabolites inW. somniferacv. Poshita were evaluated. A significant enhancement in biomass yield (1.9-fold) and disease diminution (2.7-fold) was found in the dual microbial treatmentStreptomycessp. andChitiniphilussp. with respect to the untreated inoculated control plants. A significant augmentation (2.7- and 2.0-fold, respectively) in withanolide A and withaferin A was also found in the same treatment. The studies revealed increment of defence variables 1.1- to 1.3-fold and 1.6- to 2.1-fold in single- and dual-microbe treatments, respectively, than the untreated inoculated plants. The stimulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and phenolics accumulation was the maximum at 5 days post inoculation (dpi), whereas antioxidant enzymes activities were the highest at 7 dpi. The results thus highlight a possible new function of chitinolytic microbes alone and in combinations that can effectively manageM. incognita-induced stress along with enhanced active molecules ofW. somnifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progression in lifespan has been associated with elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress level which contributes to development of age related disorders. The discovery of lifespan modulating phytomolecules may promote development of natural therapies against age related afflictions. Acacetin (5,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyflavone), is a naturally occurring flavonoid known to possess therapeutic properties. To this end, the present study evaluates effect of acacetin (AC) on lifespan, stress and neurotoxicity for the first time by using well-established free living, multicellularCaenorhabditis elegansmodel system. The 25 μM dose of AC significantly prolonged the mean lifespan of worms by 27.31% in comparison to untreated control and other tested doses of AC. Additionally, AC enhanced stress resistance against oxidative and thermal stress in worms. Furthermore, AC attenuated age related intracellular ROS level, aggregation of age pigment lipofuscin and increased the mean survival in stress hypersensitivemev-1mutant by 40.5%. AC supplementation also reduced the alpha synuclein aggregation in transgenic worm model of Parkinson’s disease. The enhanced stress resistance, lifespan and alleviation of age related pathology can be attributed to increment in stress modulatory enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level. Altogether the results suggest AC exposure maintains stress level, health span and extends mean lifespan ofC. elegans. The longevity promoting and neuromodulatory effects of AC are mediated by up regulation of the stress response genessod-3andgst-4. The present finding gives new insights of natural remedies and their future prospects in developing therapeutic interventions for managing age related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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]

Dimethoate, a moderately toxic insecticide, has a wide range of agricultural and domestic applications. Like other organophosphates, dimethoate has anticholinesterase activity. Fish are non-target organisms, inadvertently exposed to pesticides and their metabolic products. The present study includes short-term (96 h) and long-term (36 d) effects of dimethoate exposure on some serum electrolytes Ca2+, Mg2+, and Pi in the freshwater air-breathing catfishHeteropneustes fossilis. The concentration of dimethoate for short-term exposure was 2.24 mg L−1(75% of 96 h LC50) and for long-term exposure 0.75 mg L−1(25% of 96 h LC50). The study includes the recovery pattern in serum electrolytes after placing the fish in pesticide-free water. Fish show hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia after short-term and long-term exposure to dimethoate. When placed in pesticide-free water, these electrolytes exhibit recovery towards normalization, indicating significant (p< 0.05) recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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]

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]

Measures exposed eye area (EEA) in photographs of Indian adults who modeled six emotions--happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust--as well as a neutral expression. Factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA); Results.

Drought is a major abiotic stress in mustard. In the present investigation, the interactive effects of rhizobacterium Bacillus sp. MRD-17 and nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, K), 100% and 50% of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF) on shoot-root growth and nutrient uptake by mustard under well-watered (−0.33 bar) and water deficit (−8 bar) conditions were determined. Drought stress for 30 days, reduced root growth, but rhizobacterial inoculation under drought and nutrient stress improved root viability (73%, and 39%, respectively) and architecture, nitrate reductase (20% and 12%, respectively) and glutamine synthetase activity (21% and 14%, respectively), shoot nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and seed K content. The protective effects of Bacillus sp. MRD-17 to mustard under drought stress was also accompanied by decreased acid phosphatase activity. However, rhizobacterial and macro-nutrient interactions had no impact on seed N and P content on drought and nutrient-stressed plants. Therefore, in terms of plant growth and nutrient uptake, the efficiency of Bacillus sp. MRD-17 was dependent on the soil nutrient status. Furthermore, rhizobacterial application might facilitate a higher uptake of water and nutrients by the plant from the soil and thus sustain crop productivity under water and nutrient stress scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a popular medicinal plant which has been traditionally used in India as spice and medicine to counter various ailments. However, the stress modulatory and antiaging potential of this plant is yet to be characterized. Therefore, the present study evaluates the effect of clove oil (CO) on oxidative stress, lifespan, mobility, and the expression of aging-related proteins using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. The CO (10 ppm) was found to extend mean lifespan in worms by 21.4% (p < 0.001) under normal and by 63% (p < 0.0001) under juglone-induced oxidative stress conditions. The extension of mean lifespan in mev-1 mutant and elevated expression of gst-4 and sod-3 confirmed stress modulatory effects of CO. Additionally, the CO reduced intracellular ROS and Aβ1-42 proteotoxicity. Altogether, the present study unravels the anti-aging and stress modulatory potential of CO and suggests CO as a potential pharmaceutical entity in modulating aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]