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International audience; In survey sampling, calibration is a popular tool used to make total estimators consistent with known totals of auxiliary variables and to reduce variance. When the number of auxiliary variables is large, calibration on all the variables may lead to estimators of totals whose mean squared error (MSE) is larger than the MSE of the Horvitz-Thompson estimator even if this simple estimator does not take account of the available auxiliary information. We study a new technique based on dimension reduction through principal components that can be useful in this large dimension context. Calibration is performed on the first principal components, which can be viewed as the synthetic variables containing the most important part of the variability of the auxiliary variables. When some auxiliary variables play a more important role than others, the method can be adapted to provide an exact calibration on these variables. Some asymptotic properties are given in which the number of variables is allowed to tend to infinity with the population size. A data driven selection criterion of the number of principal components ensuring that all the sampling weights remain positive is discussed. The methodology of the paper is illustrated, in a multipurpose context, by an application to the estimation of electricity consumption with the help of 336 auxiliary variables.

International audience; Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) hold great promise to degrade and detoxify industrial-based effluents. The Reactive Red 45 dye aqueous solutions were treated with AOP using UV and gamma radiation alone and then in the presence of H2O2. The dye initial concentration, UV exposure time, and gamma-ray absorbed dose were optimized for maximum degradation. The degradation of dye was 88.85% and 77.7% using UV/H2O2 (1 mL/L) at a UV exposure time of 180 min for 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively. The degradation was noted as 100% and 93.82% as the solutions were subjected to a gamma/H2O2 (1 mL/L) absorbed dose of 2 kGy. The chemical oxygen demand was reduced to 77% and 85% by treating the dye samples with UV/H2O2 and gamma/H2O2, respectively. The removal efficiency (G-value), dose constant (k), D-0.50, D-0.90, and D-0.99 for gamma-irradiated samples were also calculated. The reduction in toxicity for treated samples was monitored by using the Allium cepa, Hemolytic, and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) tests while the Ames test was performed for mutagenic assessment. The A. cepa test showed 39.13%, 36.36%, and 47.82% increases in root length (RL), root count (RC), and mitotic index (MI), respectively, in UV/H2O2-treated samples while 48.78%, 48.14%, and 57.14% increases were shown with gamma-ray in conjunction with H2O2. The hemolytic test showed 21.25% and 23.21% hemolysis after UV/H2O2 and gamma/H2O2 treatments, respectively. The brine shrimp (Artemia salina) test showed 84.09% and 90.90% decreases in the nauplii death after UV/H2O2 and gamma/H2O2 treatments, respectively. The mutagenicity of UV/H2O2-treated solutions was reduced up to 84.41% and 77.87%, while it was 87.83% and 80.88% using gamma/H2O2 using TA98 and TA100 bacterial strains, respectively. The advanced oxidation processes based on UV and gamma radiation in conjunction with H2O2 can be applied for the degradation and detoxification of textile waste effluents efficiently.

Vukičević and Gasperov introduced the concept of 148 discrete Adriatic indices in 2010. These indices showed good predictive properties against the testing sets of the International Academy of Mathematical Chemistry. Among these indices, twenty indices were taken as beneficial predictors of physicochemical properties. The inverse sum indeg index denoted by ISI G k of G k is a notable predictor of total surface area for octane isomers and is presented as ISI G k = ∑ g k g k ′ ∈ E G k d G k g k d G k g k ′ / d G k g k + d G k g k ′ , where d G k g k represents the degree of g k ∈ V G k . In this paper, we determine sharp bounds for ISI index of graph operations, including the Cartesian product, tensor product, strong product, composition, disjunction, symmetric difference, corona product, Indu–Bala product, union of graphs, double graph, and strong double graph.

Introduction - Salt stress affects the growth and development of many crops. Citrus is a major global fruit crop and its production is strictly affected by salinity. The use of polyploid citrus rootstocks has been proposed as a strategy to improve salt tolerance. Although tetraploid rootstocks have been found to be more salt tolerant under low and moderate salinity. But, the mechanisms of these dynamics are unknown, including how they compartmentalize the toxic ions under moderate and high saline soils. Materials and methods - Exploring the differences in salt tolerance mechanism between tetraploid and diploid volkamer lemon rootstock, the plants were exposed to moderate (75 mM) and high (150 mM) salinity for 80 days. Various growth parameters (plant height and diameter, leaves number, dry biomass) and various minerals nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Na and Cl) in leaves and roots of diploid and tetraploid rootstock were studied to understand tolerance mechanism. Results - The results exhibited that tetraploid rootstock behaved differently to cope with the salinity as compared to diploid. In both diploid and tetraploid rootstocks various growth traits were decreased under moderate and high salinity compared to the control. However the decrement was less in tetraploid as compared to diploid rootstocks in moderate and interestingly in high salinity. Conclusion - Tetraploid and diploid rootstocks compartmentalize the toxic ions differentially and/or different parts against moderate and high salt stress. These results suggest that the use of tetraploid citrus rootstocks will be useful and more beneficial for citrus cultivation in moderate and more importantly high saline soils.

In this writing, we point out some errors made in [D. L. Boutin, Determining sets, resolving sets and the exchange property, Graphs and Combin., 25(2009), 789-806], where the author claims that a maximal independent set in a hereditary system is a minimal determining (resolving) set. Further more, the author claims that if the exchange property holds at the level of minimal resolving sets, then, the corresponding hereditary system is a matroid. We give counter examples to disprove both of her claims. Besides, we prove that there exist graphs having such maximal independent sets which are not necessarily determining (resolving) sets. Also, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a class of graphs to have a maximal independent set which is not minimal determining (resolving).; Dans cet écrit, nous signalons quelques erreurs commises dans [D. L. Boutin, Ensembles déterminants, ensembles résolvants et propriété d'échange, Graphs and Combin., 25(2009), 789-806], où l'auteur affirme qu'un ensemble indépendant maximal dans un système héréditaire est un ensemble déterminant (résolvant) minimal . De plus, l'auteur prétend que si la propriété d'échange se vérifie au niveau des ensembles résolvants minimaux, alors le système héréditaire correspondant est un matroïde. Nous donnons des contre-exemples pour réfuter ses deux affirmations. De plus, nous prouvons qu'il existe des graphes ayant de tels ensembles indépendants maximaux qui ne sont pas nécessairement des ensembles déterminants (résolvants). Aussi, nous donnons des conditions nécessaires et suffisantes pour qu'une classe de graphes ait un ensemble indépendant maximal qui ne soit pas un déterminant minimal (résolution).

The study of networks and graphs through structural properties is a massive area of research with developing significance. One of the methods used in studying structural properties is obtaining quantitative measures that encode structural data of the whole network by the real number. A large collection of numerical descriptors and associated graphs have been used to examine the whole structure of networks. In these analyses, degree-related topological indices have a significant position in theoretical chemistry and nanotechnology. Thus, the computation of degree-related indices is one of the successful topics of research. The general sum-connectivity GSC index of graph Q is described as χ ρ Q = ∑ qq ′ ∈ E Q d q + d q ′ ρ , where d q presents the degree of the vertex q in Q and ρ is a real number. The total graph T Q is a graph whose vertex set is V Q ∪ E Q , and two vertices are linked in T Q if and only if they are either adjacent or incident in Q . In this article, we study the general sum-connectivity index χ ρ Q of total graphs for different values of ρ by using Jensen’s inequality.

Background: High concentration of phosphate has been threatening human health and the ecosystem. Adsorption is one of high-efficiency and low-cost techniques to reduce the concentration of phosphate. This mini review aims to summarize the recent development of adsorption materials for phosphate removal. Method: We conducted a detailed search of “adsorption of phosphate” in the published papers and the public patents on the adsorbents for phosphate based on Web of Science database in the period from January 1 2012 to December 31 2017. The corresponding literature was carefully evaluated and analyzed. Results: One hundred and forty one papers and twenty two recent patents were included in this review. An increased trend in scientific contributions was observed in the development of adsorption materials for phosphate removal. Three kinds of promising adsorbents: layered double hydroxides, natural materials, and metal oxides were paid special attention including removal mechanism, performance as well as the relationship between adsorption performance and structure. Both the chemical composition and the morphology play a key role in the removal capacity and rate. Conclusion: The findings of this review confirm the importance of phosphate removal, show the development trend of high-performance and low-cost adsorption materials for phosphate removal, and provide a helpful guide to design and fabricate high-efficiency adsorbents.

Starch is a polymer of glucose where alpha-linkages are associated with glucopyranose units. It comprises a mixture of amylose and amylopectin. Furthermore, amylose is a linear chain of hundreds of glucose molecules. Starches are not allowed to be dissolved in water. They can be digested by breaking down alpha bonds (glycosidic bonds). Its cyclic degradation products, called cyclodextrins, are the best role models for amylose. They can be considered simple turns of the amylose propeller that has imploded into a circular path. Both humans and animals have amylases, which allow them to digest starches. The important sources of starch include potatoes, rice, wheat, and maize for human consumption. The production of starches is how plants store glucose. The blue colour of starch produced by an iodine solution or iodine reaction is used for its identification. Polysaccharides with a reduced degree of polymerization, known as dextrins, are produced in the starch’s partial acid hydrolysis. Complete hydrolysis leads to glucose. In this article, we compute the topological properties: Zagreb index M 1 Γ and M 2 Γ , Randić index R α Γ for α = − 1 / 2 , − 1 , 1 / 2 , 1 , atom-bond connectivity index ABC Γ , geometric-arithmetic index GA Γ , fourth atom-bond connectivity index ABC 4 Γ , fifth geometric-arithmetic index GA 5 Γ , and degree-based topological indices of a graph Γ representing polysaccharides, namely, amylose and blue starch-iodine complex. In the end, we compare these indices and depict their graphic behavior.

International audience; Salinity restricts plant growth and production by specific ions toxicity to particular plants. Cl ion is exceptionally toxic to citrus. Citrus rootstock and scion has a significant effect on each other under unfavourable conditions. Nevertheless, their specific response can be different depending on the way to translocate and compartment the toxic ions, or to induce antioxidant systems. In this paper, we studied the behaviour of diploid (2x) and tetraploid (4x) Volkamer lemon rootstocks grafted with commercial cultivar Kinnow mandarin (KM/VM2x and KM/VM4x, respectively) when exposed to moderate (75 mM) and high salt stress (150 mM). Both genotypes showed a decrease in their photosynthetic variables (Pn, gs, E, Fv/Fm, Fv '/Fm ', NPQ), and the decline was more significant in KM/VM2x plants as compared to KM/VM4x. The highest increase in the concentration of stress indicators (MDA and H2O2) was observed in leaves and roots of KM/VM2x at 75 and 150 mM of salt stress. The KM/VM4x showed the maximum increase in antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, APx, GR) and osmolytes (PRO, GB) in leaves and roots at 75 and 150 mM. Minerals (Cl ion, Na, K, P, N, Ca) accumulation was also significantly affected in leaves and roots of KM/VM2x and KM/VM4x under moderate and high NaCl stress. Overall, our results showed that Cl ion accumulation presents a robust correlation with stress indicators and their scavenging enzymes in leaves and roots. Moreover, 2x scion significantly mitigated by the 4x rootstock and showed more tolerance as compared to grafted on 2x rootstock.

International audience; Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is an aphid-transmitted virus for which Melanaphis sacchari is the main vector. Almost all sugarcane varieties grown in Florida are susceptible to SCYLV infection. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of SCYLV in accessions of Sorghum bicolor which is another natural host of this virus. Two field experiments, one in 2016 with 19 sorghum lines and the other in 2017 with 15 lines, were established at Belle Glade, FL. Stalks collected randomly in planted and ratoon crops were tested by tissue-blot immunoassay (TBIA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Over the two-year period, 366 of 423 S. bicolor samples tested positive by TBIA but SCYLV was detected by RT-PCR in only 12 of 161 randomly selected subsamples. Full genome sequences of SCYLV, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and a new marafivirus were obtained by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) from three TBIA positive sorghum samples. HTS data for all three viruses were confirmed by RT-PCR. The SCMV isolates from S. bicolor appeared to be a new strain of this virus species. Positive reaction of S. bicolor by TBIA using SCYLV antibodies could not be systematically associated with plant infection by SCYLV or another virus. This suggested the occurrence of a non-specific serological reaction with an unknown S. bicolor antigen. SCMV and the new marafivirus were also detected in Sorghum almum, suggesting that this weed is a reservoir for S. bicolor-infecting viruses in Florida.

International audience; The agricultural square measures of Asian country are the underprivileged within the provision of the health care facilities. The expenditures in health sectors square measures overall regressive in rural Asian country likewise as at provincial and regional levels. The poor in the Asian country isn't solely empty monetary resources however additionally lack access to secondary and tertiary health care services. The health system in the Asian country shows that the tehsil/ district headquarters hospitals (secondary health care facilities) solely exists in tehsil/ city and dominion jurisdiction. Individuals living in rural and remote areas principally depend upon primary health care facilities, like Basic Health Unit, Lady Health Worker Clinic, provided by the general public sector. However, attributable to absentees and an enormous variety of non-functional primary health care facilities, the poor tends to consult the personal doctor. Even just in case of emergency, transport price is that the main hurdle for the poor to access the secondary and tertiary health facilities. Moreover, the patient himself/herself or the accompanied family head/member should lose the chance price attributable to travel and waiting time. Of these on top of mentioned factors contribute to the regressive nature of expenditure within the General Hospitals and Clinics. With this background, the study has been doled out to live the incidence of state payment on health in Asian country at provincial, each rural and concrete level. The study explores the inequalities in resource distribution and repair provision against the Govt. health expenditures. Quantitative research method utilized to collect the primary research data. Whereas, Multan city was selected as a case study for this research. Data were collected through survey research techniques with the help of semi-structured interview schedules. The sample size was selected through simple random sampling comprised of 150 doctors and 300 patients. It is found that lack of health resources, government rude attitude with doctors and overcrowding in hospitals are the major reasons for the failure of the health system in Pakistan. It is also found that Pakistan Muslim League, Quaid E Azam had much contributed to provide health services as compared to other political parties. In Pakistan, basic health units are very few while the patients are very much. Government is unable to provide the basic health services to the common people, so the government hospitals are overburdened and due to this doctor’s remained in tension. So, they do strike for more budget for medical services. It is a common phenomenon that most doctor’s do not check properly in government hospitals while at the same time they proffered to check these patients privately with very much carefully

Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD Ia) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the G6PC gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase. Early symptoms include severe fasting intolerance, failure to thrive and hepatomegaly, biochemically associated with nonketotic hypoglycemia, fasting hyperlactidemia, hyperuricemia and hyperlipidemia. Dietary management is the cornerstone of treatment aiming at maintaining euglycemia, prevention of secondary metabolic perturbations and long-term complications, including liver (hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas), kidney and bone disease (hypovitaminosis D and osteoporosis). As impaired vitamin A homeostasis also associates with similar symptoms and is coordinated by the liver, we here analysed whether vitamin A metabolism is affected in GSD Ia patients and liver-specific G6pc-/- knock-out mice. Serum levels of retinol and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) were significantly increased in both GSD Ia patients and L-G6pc-/- mice. In contrast, hepatic retinol levels were significantly reduced in L-G6pc-/- mice, while hepatic retinyl palmitate (vitamin A storage form) and RBP4 levels were not altered. Transcript and protein analyses indicate an enhanced production of retinol and reduced conversion the retinoic acids (unchanged LRAT, Pnpla2/ATGL and Pnpla3 up, Cyp26a1 down) in L-G6pc-/- mice. Aberrant expression of genes involved in vitamin A metabolism was associated with reduced basal messenger RNA levels of markers of inflammation (Cd68, Tnfα, Nos2, Il-6) and fibrosis (Col1a1, Acta2, Tgfβ, Timp1) in livers of L-G6pc-/- mice. In conclusion, GSD Ia is associated with elevated serum retinol and RBP4 levels, which may contribute to disease symptoms, including osteoporosis and hepatic steatosis.

The evolution of high performance computing architectures has increased the essence of effective utilization of resources. The cloud computing paradigm also incorporates high performance computing architectures with costly resources to provide services to end users. Its pay per use model makes it beneficial for cloud service providers as well as end-users. Through its layered architecture, the cloud computing paradigm offers services pertaining to the infrastructure, platform, and software layers [item 1) in the Appendix],[item 2) in the Appendix]. The fog computing, similar to the cloud computing, is one of the recently evolved paradigms for which the applications and services are set to be provided in proximity to the end-users [item 3) in the Appendix]. Cloud and fog computing are the recently evolved components of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) which has been effective in reducing energy consumption and gas emissions of the industry [item 4) in the Appendix]. However, management of heavy resources, job processing at computing nodes, and execution costs in these infrastructures require energy efficient and sustainable solutions for successful deployments.

Water shortage, public health and environmental protection are key motives to treat wastewater. The widespread adoption of wastewater as a resource depends upon development of an energy-efficient technology. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology has gained increasing popularity due to their ability to offset the disadvantages of conventional treatment technologies. However there are several hurdles, yet to climb over, for wider spread and scale-up of the technology. This paper reviews fundamental aspects of anaerobic digestion of wastewater, and identifies the challenges and opportunities to the further development of AnMBRs. Membrane fouling and its implications are discussed, and strategies to control membrane fouling are proposed. Novel AnMBR configurations are discussed as an integrated approach to overcome technology limitations. Energy demand and recovery in AnMBRs is analyzed. Finally key issues that require urgent attention to facilitate global penetration of AnMBR technology are highlighted., Water shortage, public health and environmental protection are key motives to treat wastewater. The widespread adoption of wastewater as a resource depends upon development of a technology. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology has gained increasing popularity due to their ability to offset the disadvantages of conventional treatment technologies. However there are several hurdles, yet to climb over, for wider spread and scale up of the technology. This paper reviews fundamental aspects of anaerobic digestion of wastewater, and identifies the challenges and opportunities to the further development of AnMBRs. Membrane fouling and its implications are discussed, and strategies to control membrane fouling are proposed. Novel AnMBR configurations are discussed as an integrated approach to overcome technology limitations. Energy demand and recovery in AnMBRs is analyzed. Finally key issues that require urgent attention to facilitate global penetration of AnMBR technology are highlighted.

International audience; In general, nano-emulsions are submicron droplets composed of liquid oil phase dispersed in liquid aqueous bulk phase. They are stable and very powerful systems when it regards the encapsulation of lipophilic compounds and their dispersion in aqueous medium. On the other hand, when the properties of the nano-emulsions aim to be modified, e.g. for changing their surface properties, decorating the droplets with targeting ligands, or modifying the surface charge, the dynamic liquid / liquid interfaces make it relatively challenging. In this study, we have explored the development of nano-emulsions which were not anymore stabilized with a classical low-molecular weight surfactant, but instead, with an amphiphilic polymer based on poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAO) and Jeffamine®, a hydrophilic amino-terminated PPG/PEG copolymer. Using a polymer as stabilizer is a potential solution for the nano-emulsion functionalization, ensuring the droplet stabilization as well as being a platform for the droplet decoration with ligands (for instance after addition of function groups in the terminations of the chains). The main idea of the present work was to understand if the spontaneous emulsification –commonly performed with nonionic surfactants– can be transposed with amphiphilic polymers, and a secondary objective was to identify the main parameters impacting on the process. PMAO was modified with two different Jeffamine®, additionally differentoils and different formulation conditions were evaluated. As a control, the parent monomer, octadecyl succinic anhydride (OSA) was also modified and studied in the similar way as that of polymer. The generated nano-emulsions were mainly studied by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy, that allows discriminating the crucial parameters in the spontaneous process, originally conducted with polymers as only stabilizer.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an overwhelming greenhouse gas and agricultural soils, particularly acidic soils, are the main source of its release to the atmosphere. To ameliorate acidic soil condition, liming materials are added as an amendment. However, the impact of liming materials has not been well addressed in terms of exploring the effect of soil pH change on N2O emissions. In the present study, a soil with pH 5.35 was amended with liming materials (CaMg(CO3)2, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2 and CaO) to investigate their effects on N2O emissions. The results indicate that application of liming materials reduced the magnitudes of N2O emissions. The maximum reduction of soil N2O emissions took place for Ca(OH)2 treatment when compared to the other liming materials, and was related to increasing soil pH. Mineral N, dissolved organic C, and microbial biomass C were also influenced by liming materials, but the trend was inconsistent to the soil pH change. The results suggest that N2O emission mitigation is more dependent on soil pH than C and N dynamics when comparing the different liming materials. Moreover, ameliorating soil acidity is a promising option to mitigate N2O emissions from acidic soils The authors would like to thank the funding bodies of the National Science Foundation of China (417501 10485), China Post-Doctoral Science Foundation (2017 M 622478), and National Key R&D Program (2017 YFD 0800102) for financially assisting the present research SI

International audience; Malls are continuously adopting the positive change and promoting the creativity in the people lifestyle. There are various determinants which help the customer on the selection of shopping mall. Important factors were studied to see the customer preference for the shopping mall with the help of the structured questionnaire. We collected the data from 416 random visitors through a survey. Data were analyzed using simple linear regression. The study will also help the shopping mall management to understand the customer likeness for the services. Future research can be directed toward the shopping mall purchase intentions and customer loyalty.

International audience; In the current era where multi-core technologies are very common in use, the existing web browsers are unable to fully utilize the capability of multi-core processors.The web browsers execute the JavaScript code locally in order to produce an efficient response of web pages. This responsiveness is however limited by the fact that the JavaScript code is uni-threaded, and consequently, the efficiency of the code degrades if it involves a large number of computations. In this paper, we propose a framework called JSOPT (JavaScript Optimizer) which generates an efficient JavaScript code to effectively utilize multi-core architectures. The framework uses a template containing constructs for communication & synchronization, and subsequently generates optimized code to be executed on the multi-core architectures. Multiple instances of templates are then generated with different implementations of the code and the best instance is selected to be incorporated in the library. With the optimized code generated using JSOPT, our results show a significant improvement in the performance of several benchmarks involving intensive computations based matrix operations on the Mozilla Firefox web browser.

International audience; Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an intracellular alpha-proteobacterium, Ehrlichia canis, which replicates within mononuclear cells in the host. This study was designed to use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol for the molecular detection of E. canis by the amplification of a portion of its 16S rRNA gene, as well as the effects of this alpha-proteobacterium on the haematological parameters of the sampled dogs and the risk factors associated with E. canis infection. A total of 151 blood samples were collected from dogs of various breeds at three sampling sites (Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Multan) in Punjab, Pakistan. Data regarding the epidemiological factors (including age, gender, breed, body temperature, deworming, vaccination, mucous membrane status, hydration status, the presence of haematuria and tick infestation) were collected through a questionnaire at the time of sample collection. A 400 bp DNA fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of E. canis was amplified from 42 dog blood samples (28% of the total), [Lahore (N=24), Rawalpindi/Islamabad (N=13) and Multan (N=05)] through PCR. Data analysis revealed that the character of the animals (age, sex and breed) had no significant association (P>0.05) with the presence of E. canis. Various haematological parameters were also compared, and the results revealed that all of the parameters remained unaffected, except significantly lower white blood cell counts (P=0.004) in E. canis-positive blood samples, as compared with the control group. We concluded that this is the first molecular confirmation of canine infection by E. canis using PCR. Moreover, no specific epidemiological parameter was found associated with the prevalence of E. canis in dogs.

International audience; This paper estimates the Mincer wage model for Pakistan's labor market, using a relatively recent dataset and new independent variables. We employ instrumental variables and two-stage least squares to address the problem of the endogeneity of education. Our results show that the returns to education are biased downward due to endogeneity, with significant wage gaps emerging among different regions, between genders and between urban and rural job markets. The study's choice of instruments has conceptual as well as empirical grounds. Our findings establish that the wage determination process is different for males and females across provincial labor markets.

International audience; In this report, a gold nanoparticle decorated single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) nanocomposite was shown to possess synergistic intrinsic peroxidase like activity and enhanced affinity towards H2O2 oxidation. The gold nanoparticle decorated SWCNTs nanocomposite was characterized by high catalytic activity, enhanced stability from the gold nanoparticles and improved dispersion from the SWCNTs. Subsequently, this nanocomposite was proved to be a novel peroxidase mimetic with great potential to catalyze the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 to yield a blue colored product. As a proof of concept, the gold nanoparticle decorated SWCNTs composite was used as a robust nanoprobe for the detection of D-alanine with improved analytical characteristics. Taking into account the valuable intrinsic peroxidase activity of the nanohybrid, the present work may find widespread applications in the field of sensors and biosensors for diverse applications.

International audience; Wheat being staple food of Pakistan is constantly attacked by major wheat aphid species, Schizaphis graminum (R.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobion avenae (F.). Due to concern on synthetic chemical use in wheat, it is imperative to search for alternative environment-and human-friendly control measures such as botanical pesticides. In the present study, we evaluated the comparative role of neem seed extract (NSE), moringa leaf extract (MLE) and imidacloprid (I) in the management of the aphid as well as the yield losses parameters in late planted wheat fields. Imidacloprid reduced significantly aphids infestation compared to the other treatments, hence resulting in higher yield, particularly when applied with MLE. The percentages of yield increase in I+MLE treated plots over the control were 19.15-81.89% for grains per spike, 5.33-37.62% for thousand grain weight and 27.59-61.12% for yield kg/ha. NSE was the second most effective control measure in suppressing aphid population, but the yield protected by NSE treatment over the control was comparable to that by imidacloprid. Population densities of coccinellids and syrphids in the plots treated with NSE-2 were higher than those treated with imidacloprid in two out of three experiments during 2013-14. Low predator density in imidacloprid-treated plots was attributed to the lower availability of prey aphids. The efficacy of NSE against aphids varied depending on degree of synchronization among the application timing, the activity of aphids, crop variety and environmental conditions. Despite that, we suggested NSE to be a promising alternative botanical insecticide compared to the most commonly recommended imidiacloprid. Further studies should consider the side effects of biopesticides on non-target organisms in order to provide better management practices in the field.

Like their animal counterparts, plant glutamate receptor-like (GLR) homologs are intimately associated with Ca(2+) influx through plasma membrane and participate in various physiological processes. In pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP)-/elicitor-mediated resistance, Ca(2+) fluxes are necessary for activating downstream signaling events related to plant defense. In this study, oligogalacturonides (OGs), which are endogenous elicitors derived from cell wall degradation, were used to investigate the role of Arabidopsis GLRs in defense signaling. Pharmacological investigations indicated that GLRs are partly involved in free cytosolic [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)]cyt) variations, nitric oxide (NO) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and expression of defense-related genes by OGs. In addition, wild-type Col-0 plants treated with the glutamate-receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitriquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) had a compromised resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Moreover, we provide genetic evidence that AtGLR3.3 is a key component of resistance against H. arabidopsidis. In addition, some OGs-triggered immune events such as defense gene expression, NO and ROS production are also to different extents dependent on AtGLR3.3. Taken together, these data provide evidence for the involvement of GLRs in elicitor/pathogen-mediated plant defense signaling pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Remediation of colored wastewater loaded with dyes and metal ions is a matter of interest nowadays. In this study, 220 bacteria isolated from textile wastewater were tested for their potential to decolorize each of the four reactive dyes (reactive red-120, reactive black-5, reactive yellow-2, and reactive orange-16) in the presence of a mixture of four different heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd) commonly found in textile effluents. Among the tested bacteria, the isolate ZM130 was found to be the most efficient in decolorizing reactive dyes in the presence of the mixture of heavy metals and was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ZM130 by 16S rRNA gene analysis. The strain ZM130 was highly effective in simultaneously removing hexavalent chromium (25 mg L(-1)) and the azo dyes (100 mg L(-1)) from the simulated wastewater even in the presence of other three heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cd). Simultaneous removal of chromium and azo dyes ranged as 76.6-98.7 % and 51.9-91.1 %, respectively, after 180 h incubation. On the basis of quadratic polynomial equation and response surfaces given by the response surface methodology (RSM), optimal salt content, pH, carbon co-substrate content, and level of multi-metal mixtures for decolorization of reactive red-120 in a simulated textile wastewater by the strain ZM130 were predicted to be 19.8, 7.8, and 6.33 g L(-1) and a multi-metal mixture (Cr 13.10 mg L(-1), Pb 26.21 mg L(-1), Cd 13.10 mg L(-1), Zn 26.21 mg L(-1)), respectively. Moreover, the strain ZM130 also exhibited laccase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced)-dichlorophenolindophenol reductase (NADH-DCIP reductase) activity during the decolorization of reactive red-120. However, the laccase activity was found to be maximum in the presence of 300 mg L(-1) of the dye as compared to other concentrations. Hence, the isolation of this strain might serve as a potential bio-resource required for developing the strategies aiming at bioremediation of the wastewater contaminated with dyes and heavy metals.

International audience; An exciting isatin-thiazoline hybrid molecule 2 having -C=N-N=C- linkage has been synthesized in 88% yield by the reaction of 5-fluoroisatin with N-(4-fluorophenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide followed by condensation of the resultant isatin-thiosemicarbazone intermediate with p-chlorophenacyl bromide. The solid state self-assembly of this hybrid molecule was studied by X-ray crystallographic technique. A layered assembly composed of 1D-chains with methanol molecules encapsulated between every two chains is obtained, making a bi-chain sandwich like structure. The supramolecular forces involved in the stabilization of this structure are importantly fluorine-mediated interactions (C-H···F, F···S and F···π) along with others i.e. N-H···O, O-H···O, C-H···O, Cl···π, C-H···π and π···π interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of solid state fluorine-mediated C-H···F, F···S and F···π interactions found in a family of isatin-based compounds

International audience; Nutrient disorders in saline-sodic soils can adversely affect crop growth. In order to evaluate the growth response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Cu and Zn and the phytoavailability of these essential elements, a pot experiment was conducted in three different textured saline-sodic soils [sandy loam (SL), sandy clay loam (SCL) and clay (C)] having an ECe 8.63, 8.80, 8.98 dS m-1 and SAR 21.66, 23.48, 24.84 (mmol L-1)1/2 respectively. Seven treatments including levels of Cu (4, 6 and 8 mg kg-1) and levels of Zn (4, 6 and 8 mg kg-1) were separately applied together with a single control treatment. Dry matter yield (straw + grain) of wheat increased up to 35.2% with Cu and up to 31.2 % with Zn application relative to the control. As soil clay content increased, dry matter yield decreased up to 39.2% in SCL and up to 62.7% in C soil when compared to SL soil. Application of Cu increased the concentration in both wheat straw and grains up to 2.46 and 2.20 mg kg-1 DW respectively relative to the control. Zinc concentration in wheat straw and grains was also increased up to 29.97 and 29.40 mg kg-1 DW respectively relative to the controls. Copper application significantly increased Zn concentrations in wheat plants.

International audience; Different physiological behavior of a wide range of varieties and species belonging to the Citrus genus was analyzed when subjected to salt stress with the aim to seek new sources of tolerance that might be specie-specific. Our goal was to use physiological results obtained along a salt stress in order to clarify if it would be possible to associate them with the known citrus genetic diversity. For that purpose, we have selected 20 different genotypes representing the major species on the basis of the genetic diversity of Citrus genus complemented with one intergeneric hybrid Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis 9 P. trifoliata). A moderate salt stress of 75 mM of NaCl was applied for 12 weeks. For control plants, the main parameters contributing for more than 25 % to the diversity on the two axes of principal component analysis (PCA) were chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and Fv/ Fm under light. However, the dispersal of species and varieties on the PCA did not show any particular structure. Under salt stress condition, four parameters (leaf chloride content, leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance) contributed more specifically to the dispersion on PCA representation with more than 15 % of contribution for each parameter. Large differences were observed within citrus genus: mandarin and pummelo presented good tolerance to salt stress while citron was very sensitive. Furthermore, all secondary genotypes that presented good tolerance to salt tolerance shared mandarin or pummelo as female parent.

Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth and productivity. It is one of the most limiting macronutrients in soil because it is mainly present as unavailable, bound P whereas plants can only use unbound, inorganic phosphate (iP), which is found in very low concentrations in soil solution. Some ectomycorrhizal fungi are able to release organic compounds (organic anions or phosphatases) to mobilize unavailable P. Recent studies suggest that bacteria play a major role in the mineralization of nutrients such as P through trophic relationships as they can produce specific phosphatases such as phytases to degrade phytate, the main form of soil organic P. Bacteria are also more effective than other microorganisms or plants at immobilizing free iP. Therefore, bacterial grazing by predators, such as nematodes, could release iP locked in bacterial biomass. Free iP may be taken up by ectomycorrhizal fungus by specific phosphate transporters and transferred to the plant by mechanisms that have not yet been identified. This mini-review aims to follow the phosphate pathway to understand the ecological and molecular mechanisms responsible for transfer of phosphate from the soil to the plant, to improve plant P nutrition.

β-Amino dicarbonyl compounds comprise a class of useful ligands on the coordination chemistry. In view of their importance, an efficient and facile method for the synthesis of β-amino dicarbonyl compounds has been developed, exploring the aza-Michael addition reactions in an aqueous medium. It was possible to achieve good to excellent yields, along with regioselectivity, the substituted diethyl 2-(phenylmethyl)malonates that were easily isolated without any chromatographic purification. The correct configuration of two of these β-amino dicarbonyl compounds were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A complementary mechanism of this aza-Michael protocol is proposed to explain the results obtained. Compostos β-amino-dicarbonilados constituem uma classe de ligantes promissores para a química de coordenação. Diante desta perspectiva, um método eficiente e fácil visando à síntese de compostos β-amino-dicarbonilados foi desenvolvido, explorando a reação de adição do tipo azo-Michael em meio aquoso. Com isso, uma série de dez dietil 2-(feniletil)malonatos dissubstituídos foram obtidos de uma maneira regiosseletiva e facilmente purificados, levando à rendimentos satisfatórios. As análises cristalográficas de dois destes compostos forneceram as informações apropriadas sobre a conformação e configuração dos mesmos. Por último, uma proposta complementar do mecanismo reacional para as reações de adição de Michael em meio aquoso foi também descrito.

Diethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylate (3 or L) reacts with RuCl3 · 3H2O to give cis-(Cl)-[Ru(L)2Cl2] · H2O (4) and structure of the complex was determined by spectral (IR, 1H-NMR), and mass spectroscopic data, elemental analyses and X-ray crystallography. The structure is solved in triclinic, space group p-1 with a = 10.658 (2), b = 12.446 (3), c = 14.186 (5) A, α = 104.856 (3), β = 108.704 (3), γ = 94.973 (2)°, V = 1693.2 (8) A3, Z = 2 with final R = 0.012. The geometry of the complex is shown to be a distorted octahedral with four nitrogens of two 2,2′-bipyridyl ligands in two different planes with Ru–N distance as 2.021 (2)−2.071 (3) A. The cis-position is occupied by two chloride atoms with Ru–Cl distance as 2.4156 (12) and 2.4167 (13) A. The trans-axial Cl2–Ru1–N and Cl1–Ru1–N4 angles are respectively, 172.42 (7) and 174.12 (7)°. A weak hydrogen bonding is observed between the two chlorides and hydrogens of neighbouring molecule [C–H···Cl distance as 2.72, 2.77 (4) A]. A second type of weak hydrogen bonding is also observed between the oxygens of carboxylate groups and hydrogens of a neighbouring molecule [C–H···O distance as 2.53, 2.56 and 2.34 (4) A]. The structure of anti-tubercular precursor complexes, cis-(chloro)-[N,N′-bis-(diethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylate)]ruthenium(II) monohydrate is solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis which reveals geometry of the complex to be a distorted octahedral with four nitrogens of two 2,2′-bipyridyl ligands in two different planes. The cis-position is occupied by two chloride atoms.