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Grass evidence often encountered at the crime scene, helps in establishing the primary as well as secondary crime scenes. Due to the limited quantity and intricate nature of samples, there is a need for fast, sensitive and reliable techniques for the effective analysis of this vital evidence. In the current study, an attempt is made to study the feasibility of ATR FT-IR in combination with chemometric tools for chemical characterization and species differentiation of grass stains. Ten different grass species belonging to three subfamilies, Panicoideae, Chlorodoidae, and Bambusoideae, were collected and analyzed by using the ATR FT-IR spectroscopy combined with the PLSR chemometric tool. Results showed a clear difference between samples of Panicoideae, Chlorodoidae, and Bambusoideae subfamilies, and between species of each subfamily. To analyse the performance of the classification model, a set of 10 unknown/blind samples (unknown to the analyst) were randomly selected from the training dataset and all unknown/blind samples were accurately assigned in their corresponding group. ATR FT-IR spectroscopy requires minimal sample preparation and can be successfully used as an eco-friendly, non-destructive, and reliable alternative to other existing methods.

Abstract Evaluation of transcriptome data in combination with QTL information has been applied in many crops to study the expression of genes responsible for specific phenotypes. In oil palm, the mesocarp oil extracted from E. oleifera × E. guineensis interspecific hybrids is known to have lower palmitic acid (C16:0) content compared to pure African palms. The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of transcriptome data in revealing the expression profiles of genes in the fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis processes in interspecific hybrids. The transcriptome assembly yielded 43,920 putative genes of which a large proportion were homologous to known genes in the public databases. Most of the genes encoding key enzymes involved in the FA and TAG synthesis pathways were identified. Of these, 27, including two candidate genes located within the QTL associated with C16:0 content, showed differential expression between developmental stages, populations and/or palms with contrasting C16:0 content. Further evaluation using quantitative real-time PCR revealed that differentially expressed patterns are generally consistent with those observed in the transcriptome data. Our results also suggest that different isoforms are likely to be responsible for some of the variation observed in FA composition of interspecific hybrids.

Abstract Background Molecular breeding has opened new avenues for crop improvement with the potential for faster progress. As oil palm is the major producer of vegetable oil in the world, its improvement, such as developing compact planting materials and altering its oils’ fatty acid composition for wider application, is important. Results This study sought to identify the QTLs associated with fatty acid composition and vegetative traits for compactness in the crop. It integrated two interspecific backcross two (BC2) mapping populations to improve the genetic resolution and evaluate the consistency of the QTLs identified. A total 1963 markers (1814 SNPs and 149 SSRs) spanning a total map length of 1793 cM were integrated into a consensus map. For the first time, some QTLs associated with vegetative parameters and carotene content were identified in interspecific hybrids, apart from those associated with fatty acid composition. The analysis identified 8, 3 and 8 genomic loci significantly associated with fatty acids, carotene content and compactness, respectively. Conclusions Major genomic region influencing the traits for compactness and fatty acid composition was identified in the same chromosomal region in the two populations using two methods for QTL detection. Several significant loci influencing compactness, carotene content and FAC were common to both populations, while others were specific to particular genetic backgrounds. It is hoped that the QTLs identified will be useful tools for marker-assisted selection and accelerate the identification of desirable genotypes for breeding.

Shoe polish smears or stains are encountered as evidentiary material on a variety of substrates, particularly in cases related to sexual and physical assault, murder, theft, and robbery. This trace evidence can be used as proof of contact to narrow down the search in a criminal investigation. The identification and differentiation of samples with similar composition and the same hue can be a difficult task for the investigator. In the present work, the scope of Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for discriminating shoe polish samples of 15 different brands is investigated in combination with chemometric tools that is principal component analysis. The discriminating power of visual analysis is 99.04 %, while in principal component analysis it is 98.09 %, which is highly significant. The blind test is carried out with unknown samples to the analyst, to predict their respective sample source. Intra-brand variation, homogeneity and the effect of different substrates on sample analysis are also studied. The reported method provides considerable results for the identification and differentiation of shoe polish samples of different brands. The stains on substrates could be identified and linked to their parent source as well.

Abstract Blood is often encountered on different types of substrates in criminal investigations. Among such substrates, blood stained fabrics are one of the most commonly encountered evidence. Analysis of bloodstains on fabrics is restricted due to interference of fabric dyes, color of fabric which hampers visual identification, and limited sample quantity. Over the years, a plethora of research has been conducted to analyze recovered blood traces, however, the methods employed are limited by factors such as sample destructibility, chronophagus processing, and vulnerability to false positive results. To circumvent the aforementioned limitations, use of ATR FT-IR spectroscopy has surged as a non-destructive and reliable tool for the detection of traces of blood and other body fluids on fibers. In the present study, an attempt has been made to detect traces of blood in fibers of different types and colors using ATR FT-IR spectroscopy. The obtained results unequivocally concluded that by using ATR FT-IR spectroscopy blood can be successfully detected even on a single fiber through characteristic peaks positioned at 1650 cm-1 and 1543 cm-1 corresponding to amide I and amide II. On the basis of the IR marked protein region (1700-1500 cm-1) bloodstains could easily be discriminated from the blank fibers (except human hair, which overlapped with the peaks of bloodstained fibers) by using PCA chemometric tool. Although, further investigations are needed to be conducted, this proof-of-concept study establishes the potential use of ATR FT-IR spectroscopy for the non-destructive, rapid, eco-friendly.

Abstract Background A huge array of function is played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in development by balancing gene expression through the modulation of cell-specific DNA binding downstream effectors such as T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF). The β-catenin/TCF-4 complex is a central regulatory switch for differentiation and proliferation of intestinal cells (both normal and malignant). Thus, in the present study we evaluated each of 60 cases of sporadic adenocarcinoma, alongside adjoining and normal mucosa specimens of colorectum in humans, for mutation and expression analysis of the gene coding for TCF-4 protein. Methods DNA sequencing following PCR amplification and SSCP analysis (single strand conformation polymorphism) was employed to detect TCF-4 gene mutations in the case of exon 1. Quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), confocal microscopy and western blot analysis were used to detect TCF-4 gene/protein expression. Results Sequencing analysis confirmed 5/60 patients with a point mutation in exon 1 of the TCF-4 gene in tumor samples. mRNA expression using qRT-PCR showed approximately 83% decreased TCF-4 mRNA expression in tumor tissue and adjoining mucosa compared to normal mucosa. Similarly, a significant decrease in protein expression using IHC showed decreased TCF-4 protein expression in tumor tissue and adjoining mucosa compared to normal mucosa, which also corresponds to some important clinicopathological factors, including disease metastasis and tumor grade. Mutational alterations and downregulation of TCF-4 mRNA and hence decreased expression of TCF-4 protein in tumors suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of CRC. Conclusions A remarkable decrease in TCF-4 mRNA and protein expression was detected in tumorous and adjoining tissues compared to normal mucosa. Hence the alterations in genomic architecture along with downregulation of TCF-4 mRNA and decreased expression of TCF-4 protein in tumors, which is in accordance with clinical features, suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of CRC. Thus, deregulation and collaboration of TCF-4 with CRC could be a concrete and distinctive feature in the prognosis of the disease at an early stage of development.

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been suggested to regulate cancer cell metabolism, but the mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Here, the authors show that low FAK expression in stromal cells correlates with poor prognosis in breast and pancreatic cancer patients and that FAK-silencing in CAFs promotes tumourigenesis by the paracrine regulation of cancer cell metabolism.

Purpose: To compare rates of acute and late skin toxicities and cosmetic outcomes after accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) or whole breast irradiation (WBI) using 3-dimensional conformal external beam radiation therapy in women with breast cancer after breast conservation surgery (BCS). Methods and Materials: Women >35 years of age with invasive or noninvasive breast cancer ≤4 cm treated by BCS were randomized to 3D-CRT APBI (34 Gy/10 fractions/5 days) or WBI (40 Gy/16 fractions/3 weeks ± boost irradiation). The primary outcome was ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence. Important secondary outcomes were skin toxicities using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scores, Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force and Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic scales, and adverse cosmetic outcome. This interim analysis focuses on the secondary endpoints of radiation toxicities and cosmesis. Patient and tumor characteristics and rates of adverse cosmetic outcomes and skin toxicities were compared using Fisher exact tests. All statistical tests were 2 sided, with P < .05 considered statistically significant. Results: Between June 2011 and December 2015, 133 women with breast cancer were randomized to 3D-CRT APBI or WBI. Patient and tumor characteristics were balanced between the 2 arms. Median follow-up was 60 months (range, 12-93 months). Grade 4 late toxicity was not seen in either of the treatment arms, and grade 3 toxicity was very low for each endpoint assessed in both the groups. The rates of grade ≥2 acute dermatitis were 8% and 15%, respectively, for APBI and WBI (P = .18). Rates of grade ≥1 late radiation toxicities were higher in the WBI arm compared with the APBI arm for breast shrinkage (P = .008), pigmentation (P = .028), fibrosis (P = .040), induration (P = .048), and edema (P = .33). Adverse cosmesis at last follow-up was significantly higher in patients treated with WBI: 33% compared with 6% with APBI (P < .001). Conclusions: In women with breast cancer after BCS, APBI was associated with better cosmetic outcome and fewer late radiation toxicities than WBI.

The morphology dependent optical properties of Tb3+ in YbPO4 host lattice have been investigated. 10 % Terbium doped ytterbium phosphate (YbPO4:Tb3+) nanostructures (NSs) were synthesized by five different synthetic methods i.e. sonochemical method, hydrothermal method, solvothermal method, sacrificial template method and coprecipitation method. Structural facets and optical properties of fabricated nanoparticles were studied in detail by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. We have investigated the impact of synthetic procedures employed on the morphology and uniformity of synthesized NSs and consequently on the optical properties of the NSs. The intense green emission from the nanophosphor shows that phosphor can be used in IR-sensors, LEDs and as solar spectrum converters.

Research into the metabolism of the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) proline in cancer has gained traction in recent years. The last step in the proline biosynthesis pathway is catalyzed by pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR) enzymes. There are three PYCR enzymes: mitochondrial PYCR1 and 2 and cytosolic PYCR3 encoded by separate genes. The expression of the PYCR1 gene is increased in numerous malignancies and correlates with poor prognosis. PYCR1 expression sustains cancer cells' proliferation and survival and several mechanisms have been implicated to explain its oncogenic role. It has been suggested that the biosynthesis of proline is key to sustain protein synthesis, support mitochondrial function and nucleotide biosynthesis. However, the links between proline metabolism and cancer remain ill-defined and are likely to be tissue specific. Here we use a combination of human dataset, human tissue and mouse models to show that the expression levels of the proline biosynthesis enzymes are significantly increased during colorectal tumorigenesis. Functionally, the expression of mitochondrial PYCRs is necessary for cancer cells' survival and proliferation. However, the phenotypic consequences of PYCRs depletion could not be rescued by external supplementation with either proline or nucleotides. Overall, our data suggest that, despite the mechanisms underlying the role of proline metabolism in colorectal tumorigenesis remain elusive, targeting the proline biosynthesis pathway is a suitable approach for the development of novel anti-cancer therapies.

Face recognition has grown in popularity due to the ease with which most recognition systems can find and recognize human faces in images and videos. However, the accuracy of the face recognition system is critical in ascertaining the success of a person’s identification. A lack of sufficiently large training datasets is one of the significant challenges that limit the accuracy of face recognition systems. Meanwhile, machine learning (ML) algorithms, particularly those used for image-based face recognition, require large training data samples to achieve a high degree of face recognition accuracy. Based on the above challenge, this research proposes a method for improving face recognition precision and accuracy by employing a hybrid approach of the Gabor filter and a stacked sparse autoencoders (SSAE) deep neural network. The face image datasets from Olivetti Research Laboratory (OLR) and the Extended Yale-B databases were used to evaluate the proposed hybrid model’s performance. All face image datasets used in our experiments are grayscale image type with a resolution of 92 × 112 for the OLR database and a resolution 192 × 168 for the Extended Yale-B database. Our experimental results showed that the proposed method improved face recognition accuracy by approximately 100% for the two databases used at a significantly reduced feature extraction time compared to the current state-of-art face recognition methods for all test cases. The SSAE approach can explore large and complex datasets with minimal computation time. In addition, the algorithm minimizes the false acceptance rate and improves recognition accuracy. This implies that the proposed method is promising and has the potential to enhance the performance of face recognition systems.

Abstract Aim To study the association of caregiver factors and stroke patient factors with rehospitalizations over the first 3 months and subsequent 3–12 months post-stroke in Singapore. Methods Patients with stroke and their caregivers were recruited in the Singapore Stroke Study, a prospective yearlong cohort. While caregiver and patient variables were taken from this study, hospitalization data were extracted from the national claims database. We used Poisson modelling to perform bivariate and multivariable analysis with counts of hospitalization as the outcome. Results Two hundred and fifty-six patient with stroke and caregiver dyads (N = 512) were analysed, with patients having spouse (60%), child (29%), sibling (4%) and other (7%) as their caregivers. Among all participants, 89% of index strokes were ischemic, 57% were mild in severity and more than half (59%) of the patients had moderate or severe disability post-stroke as measured on the Modified Rankin Scale. Having social support in the form of a foreign domestic worker for general help of caregiver reduced the hospitalization rate over 3 months post-stroke by 66% (IRR: 0.342; 95% CI: 0.180, 0.651). Compared to having a spousal caregiver, those with a child caregiver had an almost three times greater rate of hospitalizations over 3–12 months post-stroke (IRR: 2.896; 95% CI: 1.399, 5.992). Higher reported caregiving burden at the 3-month point was associated with the higher subsequent rate of hospitalization. Conclusion Recommendations include the adoption of a dyadic or holistic approach to post-stroke care provision by healthcare practitioners, giving due importance to both patients with stroke and their caregivers, integrating caregivers in the healthcare system to extend the care continuum to include informal care in the community and provision of timely support for caregivers.

The Devi Pindiyan Valley, an abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi, in Trikuta Hills (western Himalaya) is a unique hill-top land ecosystem with a diverse regional mixed subtropical and temperate flora. Because of its suitable geographic location, specific and unique habitat conditions, this mountainous belt of Shivalik Himalaya has a large number of endemic and threatened plant species. This study presents information on the plant diversity of Devi Pindiyan Valley of Trikuta Hills. Several line-transect (100m N-S and 100 E-W) surveys were conducted in which nested quadrats of 10m × 10m were laid for trees, within which interspersed two 5m × 5m sub-quadrats for shrubs and five 1m × 1m sub-quadrants for herbs at different places for determination of floristic composition. In the diverse habitats of this valley, we recorded 213 vascular plant species belonging to 164 genera under 71 families. This study area also harbors rich diversity of fungi, where the most visible 7 species of macrofungi belongs to 7 genera and 4 families were documented. Out of the documented species, 35 species have been categorized as threatened based on the latest IUCN Red list criteria, while 178 species are included in the catalogue of world life. Engelhardtia spicata Lechen ex Blume var. integra (Kurz) Manning ex Steenis has been categorized as Least Concerned (LC) by IUCN Red List site. The species diversity indicates the high conservation value of this area and documenting such an ecologically rich ecosystem becomes a prerequisite for developing and formulating conservation-cum-management strategies. Therefore, we recommend there is need for ecological research in terms of biodiversity conservation on Devi Pindiyan Valley and similar ecosystems.

Background Chyle leak is an uncommon form of ascites occurring due to the accumulation of lipid‐rich lymph into the peritoneal cavity. Traumatic injury to the lymphatic system due to pancreaticobiliary surgery can lead to this phenomenon. Method We retrospectively evaluated the data of 159 patients of pancreticobiliary surgery from January 2012 to December 2016. Five patients (5/137, 3.6%) sustained a chylous leak following pancreaticoduodenectomy and one patient (1/22, 4.5%) sustained a chylous leak following Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy for postcholecystectomy biliary stricture. Results Average daily output was 441 mL (range: 150–800 mL/day), and total duration of output was 16.5 days (range: 4–35 days). Mean hospital stay increased to 19.1 days (range: 10–40 days). All the patients were successfully managed conservatively with a combination of customized enteral feeds, supplemental parenteral nutrition, and octreotide. One patient required additional percutaneous drainage. Conclusion Chyle leak can be successfully treated with conservative management but at the cost of increased hospital stay.

Abstract Objective The addition of residual oils such as palm fibre oil (PFO) and sludge palm oil (SPO) to crude palm oil (CPO) can be problematic within supply chains. PFO is thought to aggravate the accumulation of monochloropropanediols (MCPDs) in CPO, whilst SPO is an acidic by-product of CPO milling and is not fit for human consumption. Traditional targeted techniques to detect such additives are costly, time-consuming and require highly trained operators. Therefore, we seek to assess the use of gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) for rapid, cost-effective screening of CPO for the presence of characteristic PFO and SPO volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprints. Results Lab-pressed CPO and commercial dispatch tank (DT) CPO were spiked with PFO and SPO, respectively. Both additives were detectable at concentrations of 1% and 10% (w/w) in spiked lab-pressed CPO, via seven PFO-associated VOCs and 21 SPO-associated VOCs. DT controls could not be distinguished from PFO-spiked DT CPO, suggesting these samples may have already contained low levels of PFO. DT controls were free of SPO. SPO was detected in all SPO-spiked dispatch tank samples by all 21 of the previously distinguished VOCs and had a significant fingerprint consisting of four spectral regions.

Diatoms are an essential part of forensic investigation in drowning cases. They are used to differentiate between ante-mortem and post-mortem drowning and to ascertain the site of drowning. However, to do so it is imperative to perform the diatomological mapping of water sources in different regions. The issue of localizing a drowning site may be resolved with the help of diatomological monitoring and mapping of the water sources, which generates substantial references for meeting the ‘criterion of concordance’. The present study has generated a database of diatom diversity in relation to different seasons and altitudes. Water sampling was made from low, mid and high altitudes during summer and autumn seasons. Important information was found after a microscopic examination of diatoms in water samples from different water bodies at different geographical altitudes. Twenty-seven diatom genera have been observed in the water samples from the selected localities. The findings of the current study have exposed the significant effect of seasonal changes and varied altitudes on occurrence of diatoms. A variety of commonly occurring site restricted diatoms were identified in the water samples. This useful information can be significant while investigating drowning cases from this particular region when the drowning site is either questioned or unknown.

Germplasm evaluation, classification, characterization, and preservation are the initial requirements for any crop genetic improvement programs meant to promote economically important traits. Mean performance and range of different expressible traits through ANOVA showed highly significant differences within the various genotypes and helped to evaluate several promising carrot genotypes. The multivariate analysis method was used in this study, which was helpful in resolving different phenotypic and genotypic parameters/measurements of big collections into easy interpretable dimensions.The research work was carried out with eighty-one genotypes to evaluate genetic diversity in a germplasm collection through multivariate analysis.The divergence analysis grouped all eighty-one genotypes into ten clusters and cluster VI was found to be the biggest, comprised of 30 genotypes, followed by IV, which was comprised of 16 genotypes. Cluster X exhibited a high mean value for root weight and anthocyanin content; cluster III showed high value for days to 1st root harvest and root girth, and cluster V for dry matter content, total sugar content, and carotene content; respectively. The maximum distance between clusters was recorded among II and X cluster (43,678.5) follow by I and X (43,199.7), and it indicated that genotypes from these far away clusters could be used efficiently in breeding programs to obtain superior hybrids. Total sugar content (36.14%) contributed most to genetic divergence, followed by anthocyanin content (35.74%). Out of four principal components, PC1 largely contributed towards total variation, followed by PC2. The partial variances (%) from the first to fourth PC-axes were 36.77, 25.50, 12.67, and 10.17, respectively. Genotypes like PC-161, PC-173, PAU-J-15, PC-103, and PC-43 were considered superior with respect to marketable yield and its associated traits such as root length and root weight, and hence can be released directly as a variety.

Priming is known to improve the germination of seed even under stress conditions. The present investigation was conducted at vegetable Research Farm, PAU, Ludhiana during 2016-17. Seeds of Punjab Sunehri variety of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were treated with eleven priming treatments (hydration, GA3, KNO3, KH2PO4 and ethrel along with placing in wet gunny bags for 24 h and 48 h and hydration + FYM for 48 hours) along with control were sown in two diverse environments. Seeds sown during third week of February shows better germination and vigour than January sown seeds. Seed priming treatments were significantly better over the control. Treating the seed with potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate for 12 hr and then placing in wet gunny bags for 48 hr resulted in maximum germination (%), speed of germination, seedling length, dry weight and vigour indices in January sown seeds and par with GA3 and at ethrel treatments in February sown seeds.

The study entailed the determination of Genotype × Environment (G × E) interaction through Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis to identify radish (Raphanus sativus L.) genotypes suitable for cultivation in the province of Punjab, India. Twelve newly developed advanced breeding lines of radish were sown on six different dates for two years, i.e. 2014-15 and 2015-2016, in a randomized complete block design, replicated thrice. The explicit analysis of the AMMI revealed pronounced performance differences among the genotypes due to environments, explained by high percentage of GEI through IPCA1 and IPCA2 (65.48 %-82.79%). The AMMI analysis clearly delineated the mega environments and provided information on the cultivars exhibiting enhanced performance in those mega-environments on the basis of stability, performance and genetic difference between genotypes and environments. Temperature and photoperiod were the major contributing factors in G × E interactions. RL-30 excelled across the environments in terms of root length, root weight, plant weight and total marketable yield whilst, RB-21 performed best under hostile environments (high – ve score on IPCA axis).

Lack of availability of commercial antibodies against whole-cell antigen or an antigenic epitope of Avibacterium paragallinarum (Av. paragallinarum) has hindered the development of novel immunoassays for the diagnose infectious coryza (IC). In this study, we raised polyclonal antisera against Av. paragallinarum and evaluated its antigenic-specificity using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We standardized antigen coating concentration(s), antibody detection limit, and optimal range of dilutions of primary antisera and secondary conjugated antibody. Our results show the development of antigen-specific antibody response in rabbits following repeated antigenic exposure with 0.5% formalinized antigen over a period of four weeks. Further, we showed its possible applicability in detection of pathogens in tissues by immunohistochemistry for confirmatory disease diagnosis and disease pathogenetic study.

A magnetic NG@CoFe2O4 photocatalyst was developed via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were found to have a size between 100-150 nm and were uniformly dispersed on the nitrogen doped graphene. Magnetic studies showed that the NG@CoFe2O4 photocatalyst can be easily separated from the solution by the simple bar magnet. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (MB) was studied under visible irradiation. The photocatalytic performance of NG@CoFe2O4 photocatalyst was found to be influenced by structural and optical properties as well as the surface area of the samples. The NG@CoFe2O4 photocatalyst exhibited improved photodegradation performance when compared with pure CoFe2O4. The as synthesized NG@CoFe2O4 can be a probable candidate used as a visible-light active magnetically separable photocatalyst and so could be used as a potent separation tool in waste water treatment.