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Tetramethyl-(p-tolyl)-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione (P-TX) was synthesized and characterized experimentally using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, 1H, 13 C N.M.R. and UV-Vis spectra, and theoretically using DFT calculations. The most stable optimized structure was discovered utilizing the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set, followed by FTIR and N.M.R. investigation. The researched chemical's ideal structure corresponds to the findings of the X-ray analysis. TD-DFT analysis also shed more light on how the electronic transitions in the UV–Vis spectra were estimated. The Hirshfeld surface analyses were presented and discussed, as well as the energy framework calculations. Other topics included topological and Mulliken charge distribution studies. The vibrational assignments were completed using individual vibrational modes, then compared to experimental data. The docking studies were utilized to investigate the interactions of the ligand (P-TX) with specific protein targets, suggesting that P-TX could be employed as a potential cytotoxic and antibacterial agent. P-TX may be considered a potential medicinal molecule due to the current research. The experimental and theoretical results were highly similar in geometric and spectroscopic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Cyano-N-cyclopropylacetamide (2CCPA) and 2-cyano-N-(1-phenylethyl) acetamide (2CPEA) compounds were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectrum analyses. Density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP and HF techniques with 6-31++G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets were used to determine the optimal molecular geometry, vibrational wavenumbers, infrared intensities, and Raman scattering activities. To get better results for the computed data, the vibrational wavenumbers are additionally adjusted with a scaling factor. 2CCPA and 2CPEA were investigated for their MEP, NBO analysis, NLO behavior, and thermodynamic characteristics. To determine the chemically active locations, the MEP and ELF have been illustrated. Fukui functions have shown the electrophilic and nucleophilic areas. The (GIAO) technique was used to compute the molecule 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) chemical shifts. UV-Vis and HOMO-LUMO studies, which characterize charge transfer between atoms in a molecule, have been used to elucidate the electronic characteristics of 2CCPA and 2CPEA molecules. The minimal binding energy was obtained using 2D and 3D molecular docking calculations on 2CCPA and 2CPEA to examine hydrogen bond interactions. Molecular docking methods were employed with 2CCPA and 2CPEA molecules with the different protein receptors (1H23, 1QXK, 1ZXM, 3PTA, 4JS9, 2C5Y, ABW, 3RDE, 6GU7, and 6J7A) t and -o find the best of two molecules for drug identification and binding energy was found to be −5.8 and −7.5 kcal/mol. A molecular dynamics simulation was used to explore biomolecular stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

9-(4-hydroxyphenyl-tetramethyl-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione (OH-X) was synthesized and characterized experimentally using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, 1H, 13 C NMR, and UV-Vis spectra, and theoretically using DFT calculations. To look at stability, different physicochemical properties have been compared. The most stable optimized structure was discovered using the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set, followed by FTIR and NMR investigation. Further details on the estimation of the electronic transitions in the UV-Vis spectra were provided by TD-DFT analysis. The Hirshfeld surface analyses were presented and discussed, as well as the energy framework calculations. The estimated maximum wavelength (λ) absorbance and the band-gap energy of OH-X were computed for various solvents and compared to the outcomes of experiments. Investigations of chemical reactivity, MEP map, and surface area maps were also carried out. To show electron delocalization in the molecule, electron localization function (ELF) and the local orbital localizer (LOL) were used. Other topics included topological and Mulliken charge distribution studies. Utilizing certain vibrational modes, the vibrational assignments were accomplished and experimental data was compared. The docking studies were utilized to investigate the interactions of the ligand (OH-X) with certain protein targets, suggesting that OH-X could be employed as a potential cytotoxic and antibacterial agent. OH-X may be considered a potential medicinal molecule as a result of the current research. In terms of geometric and spectroscopic features, the findings from the experimental and theoretical were highly comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino-N-cyclopropyl-5-heptylthiophene-3-carboxamide (ACPHTC) and its functional derivatives were synthesized and analyzed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 296 K, 1H,13C NMR, UV–Vis, FT-IR, and ESI-MS spectral analysis. ACPHTC crystallizes in a tetragonal crystal system, space group I-4 with Z = 16 and the following unit cell dimensions: a = 19.2919(4) Å, b = 19.2919(4) Å, c = 17.1515(5) Å. Using HF and DFT, B3LYP methods with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis established by the GAUSSIAN 16 program, the optimized molecular geometric parametersof ACPHTC and its derivatives were computed. The ACPHTC molecule hyper conjugative interactions are revealed by the NBO analysis, which has been carried out. Electrophilic and nucleophilic sites have been identified throughMEP. The first-order hyperpolarizability, dipole moment, and polarizability of the ACPHTC were taken into account when analyzing its NLO behavior. Additionally, the energies of ACPHTC HOMO and LUMO were found. The TD-DFT has been used to determine the UV-Vis spectra and electronic features such as frontier orbitals and band gap energies. The GIAO method was used to determine the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of ACPHTC molecule and compare them to experimental results. Fingerprint plots,Hirshfeld surface are used to evaluate the properties of intermolecular interactions. Finally, docking studies were used to examine the binding affinity,of ACPHTC and its derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermoelectric properties of a new type of Pr2-xSrxFeCrO6 double perovskite were investigated at higher temperature after its sol-gel synthesis. The XRD results validate the single-phase orthorhombic structure, and the crystallite sizes meet the morphological measurements. XPS examination, which formed the defect sites in these oxides, confirmed the varied oxidation states of constituents. The temperature-dependent electrical conductivity (σ) was poor in the original Pr2FeCrO6 composition, but after substituting Sr on the Pr-site, a significant rise in σ with two semiconductors and one metal transition was observed. A positive Seebeck coefficient confirmed the presence of a p-type charge carrier in the entire composition, and the charge transport mechanism was driven by the SPH model. Thermal conductivity increases in all doped samples, while it decreases in pristine compounds over the broad analyzed temperature range. Thermal expansion coefficient increased after doping in oxygen-deficient compound. The PrSrFeCrO6 compound had the maximum ZT (0.105), which was 3.9 times higher than that of the pristine compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a HQ derivative using a one-pot multicomponent synthesis is reported. Single crystal X-Ray diffraction at 293 K was used to characterize the material, which was then investigated theoretically using the DFT method. The 3 D Hirshfeld surface and 2 D fingerprint plots were created and linked with the XRD results to elucidate intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice. In addition, FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H, and 13 C were used to support the synthesis. Theoretical data calculated via DFT/6-311++G(d,p) level, matched to experimental single crystal X-ray diffraction bond lengths and bond angle parameters, NMR and FT-IR spectra, coincides with experimental data. The time dependent (TD-DFT) results correlates with the experimental electronic absorption measurements. Mulliken population analysis, Molecular Electrostatic Potential analysis (MEP), and Electron Localization Function (ELF) study were also performed. TD-DFT and HOMO/LUMO computations were used to examine the electron transport. Molecular docking using 7 protein receptors and drug Likeness were used to find the best ligand-protein interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyl-2-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclo-hepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (EACHT) has been synthesized, characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 293 K and investigated quantum chemically by DFT approach, surface analysis by Hirshfeld and spectrochemically by NMR (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR), FTIR, and UV–Visible. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic crystal system with P21/c space group with Z = 4, with following unit cell dimensions: a = 9.5956 (3) Å, b = 9.5607 (4) Å, c = 13.7226 (7) Å. To get the optimized structure which is base for all the other calculations (vibrational frequency, NBO, natural hybrid orbital, nonlinear optical, frontier molecular orbital, etc.), B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set was used. Complete potential energy distribution assignments were done successfully by VEDA. 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR shifts were estimated by GIAO method and results were compared with experimental spectra. TDDFT method and PCM solvent model was utilized for electronic property analysis such as UV–Vis (in gas phase, ethanol, and DMSO) and compared with the experimental UV–Vis spectra. The HOMO and LUMO energy results emphasize adequate charge transfer was happened within the molecule. NBO analysis MEP surface analysis electron localization function Diagram and Fukui function analysis were done. Hole and Electron density distribution maps were drawn in two different excited states of higher oscillatory strength with DMSO, MeOH as solvents. Docking with seven different receptors, and drug likeness was also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of the macroscopic traffic stream variables is essential for traffic operation and management in an intelligent transportation system. Adverse weather conditions like fog, rainfall, and snowfall affect the driver's visibility, vehicle mobility, and road capacity. The rainfall effect on traffic is not directly proportional to the distance between the weather station and the road because of terrain feature constraints. The prolonged rainfall weakens the drainage system, affects soil absorption capability, which causes waterlogging. The weather event has a spatiotemporal correlation with traffic stream variables, as waterlogging on the road due to rainfall affects the traffic on adjacent roads. The spatiotemporal and prolonged impact of rainfall is not studied in the literature. In this research, we examine whether the inclusion of the rainfall variable improves the traffic stream variables prediction of a deep learning model or not. We use the RNN and LSTM models to capture the spatiotemporal correlation between traffic and rainfall data using past and current traffic and weather information. To capture the prolonged impact of rainfall more extended past sequence of rainfall data than traffic data is used in this study. The roads prone to waterlogging are more affected due to rainfall compared to freeways. Thus we examine the effect of rain on traffic stream variables prediction for different types of roads. The test experiments show that the inclusion of weather data improves the prediction accuracy of the model. The LSTM outperforms other models to capture the spatiotemporal relationship between the rainfall and traffic stream variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-based Ni2CuCrFeAlx (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.5) high-entropy alloys with good magneto-caloric properties have been successfully prepared by a mechanical milling technique. The phase transformation from FM to PM at the transition point was linear with composition and Tc, respectively. Substitution of Al by mechanical milling with subsequent sintering induces a tetragonal distortion in the BCC structure. Prolonged hours of milling followed by sintering result in an increase in magnetic entropy that may result in high refrigeration capacity (RC). Temperature-dependent isothermal magnetization exhibits second-order magnetic phase transition with varying temperature. Moreover, it could be envisaged that distortion occurs in the alloy not only due to the milling effect, but sintering also plays a vital role in achieving large magnetic entropy due to the formation of different intermetallics. This study shows the variation in magnetic entropy of the alloy prepared by mechanical milling followed by sintering at 1073 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to determine the association of grip strength with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for occupational workers exposed to the risk of CTS. Experiments were performed on 60 workers, 15 each from four occupations. Grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Electrophysiological experiments were conducted to measure CTS. Three levels of CTS were identified on the basis of latency value and motor nerve conduction velocity, viz., mild, moderate and severe. Statistical results suggest that workers who have CTS lose their grip strength, and higher levels of CTS lead to greater reduction in the grip strength. Another objective of the article was to investigate the association of grip strength with three individual factors of occupational workers, viz., body mass index, age and work experience. It is statistically inferred using Fisher's exact test that grip strength is not associated with any of these individual factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) is one of the essential nutrients required by crops in large quantities; however, its use in agriculture by farmers is less than required in developing countries. This neglect has led to excess mining of K in soils by crop plants and has resulted in a negative balance of K in soils. This loss necessitates the need of more use of potassium fertilizers in agriculture. Rocks and minerals offer a potential fertilizer to utilize in agriculture as source of K. The crop trials revealed that feldspar, mica, glauconite, nepheline and shoenite are good sources of K for crops, especially in highly weathered acid soils. However, some researchers have reported no agronomic benefit of feldspar or granite rock application to crops. Overall the size modification, acidulation, microbial inoculants and preparation of K-enriched compost are the effective techniques to utilize K-bearing rocks and minerals. Very limited information is available on these aspects. Thus, in this review, an attempt has been to consolidate up-to-date information of indigenous rocks and minerals as possibilities for alternate sources of K for crop plants. Moreover, this area of research needs attention to utilize indigenous K sources, which can aid to limit the import and cost, of the establishment of potash fertilizer-based industries in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural measurement indicates that the system possesses A2 to B2 phase transformation at the extent of A2 phase at room temperature. The present system shows first order magneto-structural transformation (FOMST). The substitution of Cr by Fe causes a vital role for an increase in magnetocaloric properties. The change in magnetic entropy (ΔSM) and relative cooling power (RCP) are evaluated under an applied field of 20 KOe that shows drastic changes near the blocking temperature under the specific temperature regime. In the vicinity of these observed properties, critical exponent parameters such as, β, ϒ and δ were also observed using field dependence magnetic entropy change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) have emerged as a popular electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) in the last decade. Despite the absence of combustion products and toxins such as carbon monoxide (CO) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), carbonyls including short-chain, toxic aldehydes have been detected in e-cigarette-derived aerosols up to levels found in tobacco smoke. Given the health concerns regarding exposures to toxic aldehydes, understanding both aldehyde generation in e-cigarette and e-cigarette exposure is critical. Thus, we measured aldehydes generated in aerosols derived from propylene glycol (PG): vegetable glycerin (VG) mixtures and from commercial e-liquids with flavorants using a state-of-the-art carbonyl trap and mass spectrometry. To track e-cigarette exposure in mice, we measured urinary metabolites of 4 aldehydes using ULPC-MS/MS or GC-MS. Aldehyde levels, regardless of abundance (saturated: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde ≫ unsaturated: acrolein, crotonaldehyde), were dependent on the PG:VG ratio and the presence of flavorants. The metabolites of 3 aldehydes - formate, acetate, and 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (3-HPMA; acrolein metabolite) - were increased in urine after e-cigarette aerosol and mainstream cigarette smoke (MCS) exposures, but the crotonaldehyde metabolite (3-hydroxy-1-methylpropylmercapturic acid, HPMMA) was increased only after MCS exposure. Interestingly, exposure to menthol-flavored e-cigarette aerosol increased the levels of urinary 3-HPMA and sum of nicotine exposure (nicotine, cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine) relative to exposure to a Classic Tobacco-flavored e-cigarette aerosol. Comparing these findings with aerosols of other ENDS and by measuring aldehyde-derived metabolites in human urine following exposure to e-cigarette aerosols will further our understanding of the relationship between ENDS use, aldehyde exposure, and health risk. © 2018 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C6H5Se−Na+ (generated in situ by NaBH4 reduction of (C6H5Se)2) on reaction with ClC3H6C4H8N2ClC6H5 under N2 atmosphere results in C6H5SeC3H6C4H8N2ClC6H5 (L) as a cream-colored solid. Its 1:1 metal complexes having the general formula [MLX2], where M = Zn, Cd, Hg, and X = Cl, have been prepared. Ligand L and its complexes 1-3 are characterized on the basis of physico-chemical and spectral (FT-IR, ESI Mass, 1H, 13C, DEPT 135° 13C {1H}, and 77Se{1H} NMR) studies. IR spectroscopy revealed that L is coordinated solely through selenium and nitrogen to zinc, cadmium, and mercury ions forming a six-membered chelate ring around M(II) ions. Elemental analysis measurements along with 1H, 13C, DEPT 135° 13C {1H}, and ESI-mass data also confirm the bidentate coordination mode of the ligand. Moreover, the coordination from selenium atom is also supported by the downfield shift of signal in 77Se{1H} NMR spectroscopy. Using DFT-based optimization of structures, the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps and molecular electrostatic potential surface of ligand L and complexes 1-3 were theoretically calculated at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. Ligand L and complexes 1-3 display significant antibacterial and antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a high biomass producing, drought tolerant succulent plant Mauritius hemp (Furcraea gigantea Vent.) for its tolerance to different levels of Cr (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg Cr kg soil−1) and its potential for phytoremediation purposes. Based on the data on inhibition of the growth of plants with Cr, tolerance index and grade of growth inhibition, it was observed that the plant could tolerate up to 50 mg Cr kg−1soil. Absorption of Cr from soil to plant and its translocation into plant tissues were discussed in terms of bio concentration factor (BCF), transfer factor (TF), and translocation efficiency (TE%). Cr was mainly accumulated in the roots and exclusion of Cr was found to be the principal physiological tolerance mechanism followed by a marked increase in proline, ascorbic acid, total free amino acids in the leaf tissue and malic acid in the rhizosphere samples to counter Cr stress. Based on the tissue concentration of Cr (< 300 μg g−1in the leaves and TF<1), it was concluded that,Furcraea giganteacould not be considered a hyperaccumulator and therefore unsuitable for phytoextraction of Cr. Nevertheless,Furcraea giganteacould be a suitable candidate for phytostablization of Cr contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Innumerable forest fire spread models exist for taking a decision, but far less focus is on the real causative factors which initiate/ignite fire in an area. It has been observed that the majority of the forest fires in India are initiated due to anthropogenic factors. In this study, we develop a geo-information system approach for management of forest fire in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India, with the objective to develop a forest fire likelihood model, integrating GIS and knowledge-based approach for predicting fire-sensitive initiation areas considering major causative and anti-causative factors. Amongst the various causative factors investigated, it was found that wildlife-dependent factor (antler collection and poaching) contributed significantly to fire occurrence followed by management-dependent factors (uncontrolled tourism and grazing), with much less influence of demographic factors. Similarly, anti-causative factor (stationing of anti-poaching/ fire camps) was considered as quite significant. The likelihood model so developed, envisaging various factors and flammability, accounted for different scenarios as a result of pair-wise comparison on an ordinal scale in a knowledge matrix. The inferential statistics computed indicated the robustness of the model and its insensitivity to moderate changes. It makes it possible for this forest fire likelihood model to predict and prevent a forest fire in an effective and scientific manner because it can assume forest fire likelihood in real time and present in proper time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interaction between antigen presenting cells and T lymphocytes, through receptors and co-stimulatory molecules present on the surface of these cells, is one of the key means to modulate the adaptive immune system. Tucaresol, a Schiff-base-forming chemical, can be used as a substitute for the physiological donor of carbonyl groups of antigen presenting cells, which can interact with the amine groups of T lymphocytes to modulate the adaptive immune system. This study was done to determine whether tucaresol can enhance killing of cancer cells in vitro as well as protect non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice from tumor development by mucin 1 stimulated human mononuclear cells through the adaptive immune system. The expected hypothesis was not supported. Percent specific lysis of MCF-7 tumor cells by mucin 1 stimulated human mononuclear cells was reduced by tucaresol. Furthermore, tucaresol abolished the protective effect of mucin 1 stimulated human mononuclear cells against MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth in non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice. This study implies that tucaresol may be of use as an immunosuppressive agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different fractions of potassium (K) and the kinetics of K release as influenced by 21 cycles of rice–rice cropping with different rates of fertilizers and manuring were investigated on an Aeric Haplaquept (kaolinitic Inceptisol) soil profile from Bhubaneswar, India. The neutral 1 N ammonium acetate–extractable K in the surface soil layer (0–15 cm) increased from its initial value of 11.2 mg K kg−1to 14.8, 14.2, and 17.5 mg K kg−1soil in different treatments. However, the nonexchangeable K content in the surface soil layer dropped considerably to a level of 4.8–20.0 mg K kg−1soil. Cumulative nonexchangeable K release after 121 h of extraction with 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl2) was <14 mg K kg−1. The first-order kinetic model best described the nonexchangeable K release. The decrease in pH and increase in iron (Fe) content indicated the possibilities of K supply to plants through the dissolution of soil minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay investigates the sexual cultures of contemporary Hindi-language ‘detective’ novels by focusing on the writings of one of India's biggest-selling authors, Ved Prakash Sharma. Sharma's novels are usually available at railway stations and bus stands, as well as bookstalls in the poorer localities of north Indian cities. The essay suggests that the sexual motif in the novels sits alongside an unstated discourse of ‘Indian traditions’ – such as brahmcharya (celibacy) and ‘the stable Indian family’ – and that this discourse is established both through narratives within the novels, as well as techniques that lie outside them, such as the author's letter to readers that prefaces each novel. The silent presence of ‘Indian traditions’ forms the ground upon which engagements with consumerist modernity – marked by goods, technologies and transnational connections – is predicated. The pleasure and ‘efficaciousness’ of the novels lie in the constant relay of choices between the world of globalized consumerist modernity and ‘traditional’ morality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Starvation, like many other catabolic conditions, induces loss of skeletal muscle mass by promoting fiber atrophy. In addition to the canonical processes, the starvation-induced response employs many distinct pathways that make it a unique atrophic program. However, in the multiplex of the underlying mechanisms, several components of starvation-induced atrophy have yet to be fully understood and their roles and interplay remain to be elucidated. Here we unveiled the role of tumor necrosis factor receptor- associated factor 6 (TRAF6), a unique E3 ubiquitin ligase and adaptor protein, in starvation-induced muscle atrophy. T argeted ablation of TRAF6 suppresses the expression of key regulators of atrophy, including MAFBx, MuRF1, p62, LC3B, Beclin1, Atg12, and Fn14. Ablation of TRAF6 also improved the phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO3a and inhibited the activation of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle in response to starvation. In addition, our study provides the first evidence of the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolding protein response pathways in starvation-induced muscle atrophy and its regulation through TRAF6. Finally, our results also identify lysine 63-linked autoubiquitination of TRAF6 as a process essential for its regulatory role in starvation-induced muscle atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide widely used in many countries, causes significant adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems. The concentration of deltamethrin in water reservoirs and the run off from agricultural areas (in water) in many countries range up to 24.0 µg L-1 which is higher than the recommendation of the European Union standard. Hence, in this study the effects of deltamethrin were investigated, i.e. its toxic impacts on the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in terms of serum calcium and prolactin cells (located in the rostral pars distalis region of the pituitary). The fish were subjected to deltamethrin for a short-term experiment (96 h; 1.5 µg L-1 e.0.8 of 96 h LC50) and a long-term experiment (28 days; 0.37 µg L-1 e.0.2 of 96 h LC50). After short-term deltamethrin exposure, serum calcium levels decrease. No histological change in prolactin cells is noticed throughout the short-term experiment. Fish exposed to deltamethrin for 7 days also exhibit a decrease in serum calcium level. This decrease persisted until the end of the experiment (28 days). Prolactin cells of fish treated for 14 days with deltamethrin exhibit increased nuclear volume and degranulation, increasing progressively from the 21st day onwards. After 28 days, a few degenerated cells are discerned. The results of this study show that deltamethrin is moderately toxic for the freshwater fish H. fossilis by producing adverse effects on serum calcium and prolactin cells. Hence, it should be used with caution in areas near fish-inhabited waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pregnane glycoside hindicusine (1) was isolated from the CHCl3-EtOH (3 : 2) extract of Hemidesmus indicus, whose structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic studies. The glycoside (1) and its acetylated derivative (5) were evaluated for their anti-oxidant and anti-dyslipidemic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author discusses the Five-Factor Model of personality as a model of social perception. According to the author, psychologist Jack Block was not right in criticizing the Five-Factor Model of personality. The author says that to really understand the Five-Factor Model, researchers need to frame their own questions in terms of perception.

A new pregnane glycoside roylenine (1) was isolated from the CHCl3-EtOH (4:1) extract of Marsdenia roylei. Its structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic studies. The glycoside (1) and its acetylated derivative (6) were evaluated for their antioxidant and antidyslipidemic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is a famous boys’ boarding school in the North Indian city of Dehra Dun. The Doon School was founded in 1935 and was soon hailed by a wide cross‐section of the postcolonial Indian intelligentsia as the site for the production of the ‘modern ‘ Indian citizen. The discussion below suggests that we need to focus on specific sites of the production of the discourses of the nation and citizenship rather than simply announce their demise as an ‘inevitable’ by‐product of ‘globalisation'; this appears to be the stand taken by certain strands of theorisation in the so‐called globalisation debate and in particular versions of cultural studies. I argue that rather than having simply dissolved, the ‘national’ emotion, at least in the Indian context, may have been transformed into the production of ‘postcolo‐niality’ as a differentiating category to distinguish the ‘progressive’ populations of the nation state from its ‘backward’ counterparts. I employ Baudrillard's concept of the ‘real’ and Veena Das's analysis of the Union Carbide disaster at Bhopal to argue for situated analyses of the contemporary global condition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of chilli, which covers 20% of the total area in Southern India. The imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has detrimental effect on soil physico-chemical and biological properties thereby affecting soil and crop quality. In accordance with this concept, the field experiments were conducted to develop and validate fertilizer prescription equations for chilli crop under rainfed condition. The experiments were conducted in three phases. The basic parameters to develop the targeted yield equations were derived. Further, the developed targeted yield equations were validated in comparison with soil fertility rating approach and general recommended dose (GRD). The results revealed that 4.50, 1.76 and 2.95 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively were required for producing 100 kg of dry chilli. The STCR approach, with or without FYM, at the targeted yield of 1.30 and 1.00 t ha−1 enhanced the yield over GRD and soil fertility rating approach. The STCR approach also exhibited a higher NPK uptake, use efficiency, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity along with better profitability. Hence, STCR-targeted yield approach could improve the yield, nutrient use efficiency, soil microbial properties and economics of chilli crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast tumors are heterogeneous with a complex etiology. The immune system plays a crucial role in the development of tumors and can facilitate tumor growth pleiotropically. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines to suppress T cells, dendritic cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Hence, the inhibition of MDSCs could be an important strategy for anticancer therapeutics. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a bioactive compound present in cruciferous vegetables, is known to have anticancer properties. However, the effects of PEITC administration on the immune system have not been previously reported. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of administering PEITC to immunocompromised NOD-SCID IL2Rγ−/−(SCID/NSG) host mice bearing MDA-MB-231 xenografts on MDSCs in the peripheral blood. Our results reveal that oral administration of 12 μmol PEITC attenuated tumor growth by 76%. This was marked tumor-inhibitory phenotype was associated with a significant reduction in the levels of MDSCs bearing the surface markers CD33, CD34 and CD11b in PEITC treated mice, indicating that overall tumor growth suppression by PEITC correlates with inhibition of MDSCs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing effects of PEITC on MDSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]