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Abstract Background Neuroendocrine-immune homeostasis is a prerequisite for neurobehavioral performances. Dysregulation of this homeostasis manifested in behavioral dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. The present study aimed to investigate the role of PD 149163 (PD), a neurotensin agonist, in the modulation of behavioral disturbances induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Thirty-six female mice, 12 weeks old, were divided into 6 groups (n = 6/group). Group I (control) mice were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of saline. Group II (LPS) received LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 days. Group III (LPS + PD Low) and IV (LPS + PD High) have received an injection of LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days) and after that treated with PD 100 µg/kg and 300 µg/kg, i.p., respectively, for 21 days. Group V (PD Low) and VI (PD High) were exposed to PD 100 µg/kg and 300 µg/kg, respectively, for 21 days. Results In the open-field test, the PD attenuated the behavior of LPS-exposed mice by increasing the number of squares crossed, time spent in the central square, rearing and grooming, and decreasing immobility, latency and defecation. Likewise, in the elevated plus-maze test, PD increased the number of entries on open and enclosed arms, time spent on open and enclosed arms, grooming and rearing, and reduced the head dipping and immobility in LPS-challenged mice. The PD enhanced the immobility time in the forced swimming test, and sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test decreased after LPS exposure. Conclusion This study suggests that PD modulates the LPS-induced anxiety and depression-like behavioral impairments and could be an alternate choice of the atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs) in the future.

Abstract The previous few decades have seen widespread environmental exposure to munitions and explosives systems in and around war and weapon testing ranges. Most contemporary warheads use explosives to launch metal shards and charge jets to destroy targets. Presently, Warheads with improved blast performance and shelf life are manufactured using technologies with improved blast performance; among them, plastic-bonded explosives (PBX) have emerged as one of the most promising high explosives for use in various ammunition warheads. The hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) binder-based PBX has metals like aluminium (Al) and magnesium (Mg) to improve munitions performance by boosting blast pressure. Further, magnesium hydride and other derivatives are commonly added to energetic formulations to enhance the heat of explosion of aluminized explosives and to improve burn rate of certain propellants. So, explosions of these warheads and munitions leave thick fumes and residues in the battlefield soil, which release toxic chemicals, including magnesium, into the air, water, and soil. Later on, magnesium metal contamination negatively impacts the environment and food chain. Hence, magnesium toxicity in the environment, including soil, water, plants, and animals, is the subject of this research and a significant concern to animal and human health. Until now, enough literature has been unavailable; hence, this review brings knowledge on the ecotoxicology of magnesium-based explosives and their possible alarming effects on animal and human health by affecting the food chain.

Abstract Background Sheath blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most important diseases worldwide, causing considerable yield losses. The estimation of losses due to sheath blight of rice in India has been reported to be up to 54.30%. As a consequence of this fact, eco-friendly approaches were explored in this investigation. Results The pathogen R. solani was isolated from the infected sheath of rice plant, which was identified and characterized on the basis of morphology and through molecular Sequencing. The sequences of ITS were submitted to NCBI GenBank and the accession number allotted is SUB11543577. In dual culture best two potential isolates of biocontrol agents were selected Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf27) and Trichoderma harzianum (Th47). Their different combinations with Herbal Kunapajala (HKJ) were tested in glasshouse, experimental field and farmers’ fields against sheath blight pathogen R. solani. The maximum plant vigor index was found in treatment combination P. fluorescens (27) + T. harzanium (47) + Herbal Kunapajala, seed treatment, soil drenching and three foliar applications. Minimum disease severity and incidence at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and 60DAS, maximum Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Activity (PAL), Polyphenol Oxidase Activity (PPO) and Peroxidase Activity (PO) were also recorded in the same treatment. In field experiment the maximum population of biocontrol agents after 60 days of transplanting cfu/g soil for Trichoderma spp. (32.33 × 104) and Pseudomonas spp. (36.33 × 104) in rhizosphere and in rhizoplane. Maximum cfu/g soil for Trichoderma spp. (24.67 × 104) and Pseudomonas spp. (24.0 × 104) was observed in treatment Th + Pf + HKJ [seed treatment + soil drenching + foliar spray]. At experimental and farmers field minimum disease severity, disease incidence at 60 DAT was recorded in treatment Th + Pf + HKJ [seed treatment + soil drenching + foliar spray] and was at par with the chemical treatment Carbendazim, but the maximum yield was obtained in the treatment Th + PF + HKJ [seed treatment + soil drenching + foliar spray] due to the maximum growth promotion activity. Conclusions Among various treatment seed treatment, soil drenching and three foliar sprays with combination T. harzianum (47), P. fluorescens (27) and Herbal Kunapajala was found very effective in reducing the disease incidence, disease severity and increasing growth promotion activity at all conditions. Therefore, the recommendation of this investigation could be exploited under bio-intensive disease management program for sustainable cultivation of rice.

We present a multiwavelength spectral study of NGC 4151 based on five epochs of simultaneous AstroSat observations in the near-ultraviolet (NUV) to hard X-ray band (∼0.005–80 keV) during 2017–2018. We derived the intrinsic accretion disk continuum after correcting for internal and Galactic extinction, contributions from broad- and narrow-line regions, and emission from the host galaxy. We found a bluer continuum at brighter UV flux, possibly due to variations in the accretion disk continuum or the UV reddening. We estimated the intrinsic reddening, E ( B − V ) ∼ 0.4, using high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/STIS spectrum acquired in 2000 March. We used thermal Comptonization, neutral and ionized absorption, and X-ray reflection to model the X-ray spectra. We obtained the X-ray absorbing neutral column varying between N _H ∼1.2 and 3.4 × 10 ^23 cm ^−2 , which are ∼100 times larger than that estimated from UV extinction, assuming the Galactic dust-to-gas ratio. To reconcile this discrepancy, we propose two plausible configurations of the obscurer: (a) a two-zone obscurer consisting of dust-free and dusty regions, divided by the sublimation radius, or (b) a two-phase obscurer consisting of clumpy, dense clouds embedded in a low-density medium, resulting in a scenario where a few dense clouds obscure the compact X-ray source substantially, while the bulk of UV emission arising from the extended accretion disk passes through the low-density medium. Furthermore, we find a positive correlation between the X-ray absorption column and NUV − far-UV color and UV flux, indicative of enhanced winds possibly driven by the “bluer-when-brighter” UV continuum.

Xenografts are considered as an alternative strategy to restore a critical-sized bone defect. The present study was conducted to standardize the technique for seeding and cryopreservation of decellularized bubaline cancellous bone with Guinea pig fetal osteoblast for the development of a composite bone xenograft. The composite bone grafts were prepared by seeding the expanded osteoblasts on the acellular bubaline cancellous bone matrix. The foetal osteoblast seeded scaffold, acellular bone scaffold, and native bovine bone were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological examination. Composite bone xenograft was cryopreserved in 10% glycerol at - 80°C for three months and evaluated for post-thaw viability. Findings from the in vitro study suggested that the seeding of acellular scaffold was adequate, and osteoblasts had good adhesion and proliferation inside pores of acellular bone matrix. Histologically the integrity of collagen matrix was best preserved in the acellular group as compared to the freshly seeded and cryopreserved scaffold. The osteoblast seeded decellularized bubaline cancellous bone xenografts can be preserved for three months with adequate cell viability in the post-thaw evaluation at – 80°C in sterile tubes containing 10% glycerol as the cryoprotectant.

The saving and investment pattern of different forms sample group was studied during 2014-16 and it was observed that large farm holders were able to save higher income than small farmers while lowest income group had negative savings. In respect of investment on different fixed assets, irrigation was on first priority, followed by purchase of milch animals, farms buildings and investment in land and its improvement. Investment on working capital amongst different cash inputs, hired human labourer accounted highest share (29.44 per cent), followed by manure & fertilizers (22.33 per cent), hired power tractor (16.96 per cent), irrigation (13.61 per cent) and seeds (13.50 per cent) to total cash inputs. Marginal farmers could not invest for nonfarm physical capital because of no savings with them. Small and large farmers groups invested in all the items in which it was highest in working capital (61.28 to 61.84 per cent), followed by investment in fixed capital (14.41 to 16.84 per cent), financial capital (12-14 per cent) and non-farm capital (7-12 per cent). The highest investment was made on working capital (69.02 per cent) by sample farmers. Current income was found to be the main source of finance in all income groups which accounted for 49.70 to 94.79 per cent share of the total investment followed by savings which shared for 40.10 to 49.12 per cent in total investment.

Complete and balanced nutrition has always been the first line of plant defense due to the direct involvement of mineral elements in plant protection. Mineral elements affect plant health directly by modulating the activity of redox enzymes or improving the plant vigor indirectly by altering root exudates, and changing microflora population dynamics, rhizosphere soil nutrient content, pH fluctuation, lignin deposition, and phytoalexin biosynthesis. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important macronutrients having a significant impact on the host-pathogen axis. N negatively affects the plant’s physical defense along with the production of antimicrobial compounds, but it significantly alleviates defense-related enzyme levels that can eventually assist in systemic resistance. Potassium (K) is an essential plant nutrient, when it is present in adequate concentration, it can certainly increase the plant’s polyphenolic concentrations, which play a critical role in the defense mechanism. Although no distinguished role of phosphorus (P) is observed in plant disease resistance, a high P content may increase the plant’s susceptibility toward the invader. Manganese (Mn) is one of the most important micronutrients, which have a vital effect on photosynthesis, lignin biosynthesis, and other plant metabolic functions. Zinc (Zn) is a part of enzymes that are involved in auxin synthesis, infectivity, phytotoxin, and mycotoxin production in pathogenic microorganisms. Similarly, many other nutrients also have variable effects on enhancing or decreasing the host susceptibility toward disease onset and progression, thereby making integrative plant nutrition an indispensable component of sustainable agriculture. However, there are still many factors influencing the triple interaction of host-pathogen-mineral elements, which are not yet unraveled. Thereby, the present review has summarized the recent progress regarding the use of macro- and micronutrients in sustainable agriculture and their role in plant disease resistance.

This paper proposes a novel fractional order proportional integral derivative plus second-order derivative (FOPID+DD) controller for the load frequency control (LFC) of a hybrid power system (hPS). The investigated hPS incorporates conventional and certain distributed generation sources. Parameters of the proposed controller are optimised using a newly developed and powerful water wave optimisation (WWO) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is established by considering multiple disturbances and nonlinearities like generation rate constraint, governor dead band and time delay related with the hPS. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with other controllers that are well studied in the literature. Simulation results reveal that the frequency dynamics of the hPS are enhanced with the proposed controller in terms of reduced frequency deviations and improved transient specifications. The sensitivity of the proposed controller is validated subject to wide variations in the hPS parameters.

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious viral disease which affects a wide range of ruminants and was first reported in India in 1964. In view of the absence of comprehensive information on the BT status in India, this study presents the seroprevalence on BT in farm animals of India based-on a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review was conducted to identify the published articles (2001–2018) reporting the seroprevalence of BT in sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, camels, and Mithun (Bos frontalis) from India. From 409 research articles, 71 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and meta-analysis for proportions was carried out targeting the eligible studies. From these, 144 strata level data were extracted with a sample size of 14048 sheep, 14696 goats, 5218 cattle, 2653 buffaloes, 2062 camels, and 222 Mithun. Overall, the analyses showed that the BT seroprevalence of 43% (95% CI: 38–49%) in goats, 39% (95% CI: 33–46%) in sheep, 38% (95% CI: 25–45%) in cattle, 34% (95% CI: 20–51%) in buffaloes, 16% (95% CI: 10–22%) in camels, and 66% (95% CI: 17–95%) in Mithun. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis suggested that serological tests, geographical region, and sample size were the prime moderators. Meta-analytic study indicates the BT seropositivity in 25.35 million sheep (95% CI: 21.5–29.9), 58 million goats (95% CI: 51.3–66.2), 66.8 million cattle (95% CI: 47.7–86), 37.0 million buffaloes (95% CI: 21.7–55.4), 0.06 million camels (95% CI: 0.04–0.09), and 0.19 million Mithun (95% CI: 0.05–0.28). The findings highlight the variation of BT seropositivity in different geographical regions of India.

We study accretion disk emission from eight Seyfert 1–1.5 active galactic nuclei (AGN) using far-ultraviolet (FUV) (1300–1800 Å) slitless grating spectra acquired with AstroSat/UVIT. We correct for the Galactic and intrinsic extinction, contamination from the host galaxies, narrow and broad-line regions, Fe ii emission, and Balmer continuum, and derive the intrinsic continua. We use Hubble Space Telescope COS/FOS spectra to account for the emission/absorption lines in the low-resolution UVIT spectra. We find generally redder power-law ( f _ν ∝ ν ^α ) slopes ( α ∼ −1.1 to 0.3) in the FUV band than predicted by the standard accretion disk model in the optical/UV band. We fit accretion disk models such as the multitemperature disk blackbody ( DISKBB ) and relativistic disk ( ZKERRBB , OPTXAGNF ) models to the observed intrinsic continuum emission. We measure the inner disk temperatures using the DISKBB model for seven AGN. These temperatures in the range ∼3.6–5.8 eV are lower than the peak temperatures predicted for standard disks around maximally spinning supermassive black holes accreting at Eddington rates. The inner disks in two AGN, NGC 7469, and Mrk 352, appear to be truncated at ∼35–125 and 50–135 r _g , respectively. While our results show that the intrinsic FUV emission from the AGN is consistent with the standard disks, it is possible that UV continua may be affected by the presence of soft X-ray excess emission, X-ray reprocessing, and thermal Comptonization in the hot corona. Joint spectral modeling of simultaneously acquired UV/X-ray data may be necessary to further investigate the nature of accretion disks in AGN.

Aim: This study was conducted to know the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites of free-ranging wild herbivores and adjoining livestock of Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 374 fecal samples from wild herbivores (Chital Axis axis - 123, Sambar Rusa unicolor - 94, Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus - 86, and Chinkara Gazella bennettii - 71) and 284 fecal samples of domestic herbivores (cattle - 118, buffalo - 78, and goat - 88) were collected from common grazing land and adjoining area of tiger reserve. Detailed coprological examination for the presence of parasitic eggs/oocysts by direct smear examination, standard sedimentation, and floatation techniques was performed. Results: Fecal samples (n=374) of four different species of wild herbivores were screened. Out of which, 55.61% (n=208) were positive for parasitic infection. Among them, 13.10% (n=49) were positive for mixed parasitic infection of two or more parasite and 42.5% (n=159) were found positive for single parasitic infection. A total of 284 fecal samples of domestic animals were screened from adjoining areas of the tiger reserve. Out of which, 66.54% (n=189) were positive for parasitic infections, out of which 19.71% (n=56) were positive for mixed infection of two or more parasites, and 46.83% (n=133) were found positive for single parasitic infection. Conclusion: Wild herbivores at Panna Tiger Reserve were exposed to parasites including some that are known to be pathogenic; majority of wild animals had mixed infection of Eimeria spp., Trichuris spp., Moniezia spp., Amphistome, Strongyloides spp., Balantidium spp., and Fasciola spp.

Gamma-ray emission from the bright radio source 3C 84, associated with the Perseus cluster, is ascribed to the radio galaxy NGC 1275 residing at the centre of the cluster. Study of the correlated X-ray/gamma-ray emission from this active galaxy, and investigation of the possible disk-jet connection, are hampered because the X-ray emission, particularly in the soft X-ray band (2–10 keV), is overwhelmed by the cluster emission. Here we present a method to spectrally decouple the cluster and active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission in imaging X-ray detectors. We use three sets of simultaneous Niel Gehrels Swift XRT and NuStar data. These observations were made during the period 2015 November to 2017 February, when a huge increase in the gamma-ray emission was observed. We find that the gamma-ray emission shows a very high degree of variability (40%–50%) on time scales of 1–10 days, whereas the hard X-ray emission, associated with the AGN, shows a low variability (∼15%–30%), on various time scales in the range of 0.01–60 days.

An acellular cholecyst derived extracellular matrix (b-CEM) of bubaline origin was prepared using anionic biological detergent. Healing potential of b-CEM was compared with commercially available collagen sheet (b-CS) and open wound (C) in full thickness skin wounds in rats. Thirty-six clinically healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats of either sex were randomly divided into three equal groups. Under general anesthesia, a full thickness skin wound (20 × 20 mm2) was created on the dorsum of each rat. The defect in group I was kept as open wound and was taken as control. In group II, the defect was repaired with commercially available collagen sheet (b-CS). In group III, the defect was repaired with cholecyst derived extracellular matrix of bovine origin (b-CEM). Planimetry, wound contracture, and immunological and histological observations were carried out to evaluate healing process. Significantly (P

Pitch-angle diffusion coefficients have been calculated for resonant interaction with electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves in the magnetospheres of Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Calculations have been performed at two radial distances of each planet. It is found that observed wave electric field amplitudes in the magnetospheres of Earth and Jupiter are sufficient to put electrons on strong diffusion in the energy range of less than 100 eV. However, for Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, the observed ECH wave amplitude are insufficient to put electrons on strong diffusion at any radial distance.

Frequency control in a microgrid (μG) is problematic due to low inertia of distributed generators (DGs) and uncertainty of the renewable energy source-dependent DGs. Consequently, deploying distributed storage units (DSUs) in a μG is crucial for quickly arresting frequency deviations. The electric vehicle (EV) technology, as DSU, is being preferred over conventional energy storage due to its lower cost and slower degradation rate, facilitating demand side response in a μG. The adoption of the EV technology necessitates an open communication infrastructure in the μG, with a pre-existing communication time delay (CTD). This article explores the impact of EV integration on load frequency control (LFC) performance of a multi-microgrid (MμG) system and determines an optimal CTD value simultaneously. A cyclical parthenogenesis algorithm-optimized 2DOF-FOPID controller is implemented to obtain dynamic responses of the MμG system. Simulation results reveal significant improvements in dynamic responses when integrating EVs in the MμG, with a 97.33% increase in objective function value. The recommended controller also outperforms standard controllers in terms of how quickly frequency and tie-line power variations settle down to zero. Thus, the proposed controller meets the LFC requirements. Robustness of the proposed LFC scheme is tested against parametric variations in the MμG system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six cases of the congenital lower lip fistula are described. Included in this is a brief summary of three cases all present in one family. The suggested factors in ctiology are mentioned.

Economic dispatch (ED) is one of the key problem in power systems. ED tends to minimize the fuel/operating cost by optimal sizing of conventional generators (CG). Greenhouse/toxic gas emission is one of the major problem associated with the CG. Emission dispatch (EMD) deals with the reduction of greenhouse/toxic gas emissions by the optimal output of generators. The multi-objective economic emission dispatch (MOEED) problem has been formulated by considering both fuel cost and emission objectives. The main objective is optimization of fuel cost and environmental emissions from the CG in a compromised way. In this paper, CONOPT solver in General Algebraic modeling system (GAMS) has been proposed to find the the optimal solutions for ED, EMD, and MOEED problems of a microgrid. The microgrid consists of a wind turbine generator (WTG), a photovoltaic (PV) module, three CGs, and a battery energy storage system (BESS) option. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in four case studies, including all energy sources, without WTG, without PV module, and without renewable energy sources (RES). To establish the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, it has been compared with various algorithms. The comparison result shows that proposed algorithm is more effective, novel, and powerful. Finally, result shows the effectiveness of proposed approach to optimize the objective function for all aforementioned case studies and the CONOPT solver in GAMS outperformed all the approaches in comparison. The impact of BESS on the operating/fuel cost of the microgrid has also been presented for ED. Paradigm is changing in terms of demand response in μG. Demand flexibility (DF) model has also been established with consumers demand variation in optimization process. Result with DF shows the reduction in cost and better management from demand side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]