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Genetic variability is essential in plant breeding for crop adaptation in a specific environment, enhancing yield potential, creating resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improving quality attributes, and most importantly, selecting desirable and better parents for hybridization programs. The study was designed to ascertain the genotypic diversity of 54 accessions of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). The study evaluated these accessions/genotypes for 13 different traits (morphological, yield, and oil quality) under the rainfed climate of Pakistan. Significant differences were observed for all studied traits. Likewise, significant difference in the percent coefficient of variability (CV%) was also found for these traits. The research included classifying the genotypes further into six different clusters using the Ward method. Principal component analysis was performed that showed variability in components for different traits. The first five principal components (PCs) showed an eigenvalue of more than one that contributed about 71.83% of the total observed variation. Major characters accounted for by PC1 included pod weight per plant, grain weight per plant, and the number of pods per plant. PC2 positively contributed to oleic acid and shelling percentage, PC3 contributed positively to dry pod yield, plant height, and days to flower initiation, and PC4 contributed for days to 50% flowering, the number of pods per plant, and dry pod yield. These data on genotypic diversity for studied traits in the recent investigation will help breed new groundnut lines to strengthen germplasm sources for cultivar development in rainfed areas of Pakistan.

Studies have primarily focussed on predicting mode-II debonding failure; whereas, in real-case-scenario, flexurally strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams observe premature failure mechanisms under mixed-mode loading conditions engaging geometrical and material variations. Peeling is a consequence of flexural crack as debonding is of interfacial shear crack. Under bending, peeling failure is considerably catastrophic over debonding due to the nature of crack formation; therefore, this needs to be distinguished in predictive analysis. In this paper, a new numerical modeling methodology is approached using eXtended finite element method (xFEM) for flexural cracks and Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) for shear cracks without predefining crack locations. The parameters of the constitutive models are identified through comparing finite element results with the experimental data. These parameters are related to key material properties. Based on proposed framework, the models provide a good estimation of plate strain distribution, cracks and failure type, in terms of mode and load of failure. Bilinear bond-slip curve is a closer match over exponential crack evolution at interface.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) functions as a second messenger to signal metabolic distress through highly compartmentalized production in mitochondria. The dynamics of ROS generation and diffusion between mitochondrial compartments and into the cytosol govern oxidative stress responses and pathology, though our understanding of these processes remains limited. Here, we couple the H2O2biosensor, HyPer7, with optogenetic stimulation of the ROS-generating protein KillerRed targeted into multiple mitochondrial microdomains. Single mitochondrial photogeneration of H2O2demonstrates the spatiotemporal dynamics of ROS diffusion and transient hyperfusion of mitochondria due to ROS. Measurement of microdomain-specific H2O2diffusion kinetics reveals directionally selective diffusion through mitochondrial microdomains. All-optical generation and detection of physiologically-relevant concentrations of H2O2between mitochondrial compartments provide a map of mitochondrial H2O2diffusion dynamicsin situ. These kinetic details of spatiotemporal ROS dynamics and inter-mitochondrial spreading forms a framework to understand the role of ROS in health and disease.

The geometric and material parameters are seen to directly affect the biomechanical response of cornea, for example in tonometry they are responsible for possible errors in pressure readings (referred to as Goldman IOP or IOPG). Some of the critical geometric parameters include radius, curvature, asphericity and, central and peripheral thicknesses that vary with ethnic origin of specimen. While the material parameters, such as stiffness, viscosity hyper elasticity and anisotropy largely depend on age, genetics and environmental exposure. Therefore, to understand the response of such parameters, experimental strip tests are normally used to characterise the problem. While other studies have identified the response and significance of geometrical parameters on IOP, the current study evaluates the impact of key assumptions made during optimisation through mathematical models. In addition, the assumptions are implemented on a set of experimental data (coupon tests on an Instron machine over expensive inflation test procedures) to obtain stress–strain response of corneal specimens. In addition to outlining the shortcomings in current experimental procedures and theoretical assumptions, possible conclusions are also made to improve the accuracy of the outcome of results: for example, an anisotropic behaviour is significantly reduced or diminished with further improvement in geometrical assumptions and careful clamping procedures. As a result, contrary to current assumptions in literature, it may be argued that the cornea has anisotropy along superior–inferior (vertical) and temporal–nasal (horizontal) directions.

We present an interesting transient effect found in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) transistors, where the drain current responds slowly to a back-gate voltage ( ${V}_{\text {BG}}$ ) pulse. This transient mechanism is due to the deep-depletion region in the SOI substrate induced by the ${V}_{\text {BG}}$ pulse and has been validated by experimental and TCAD simulation results. The deep-depletion characteristic can be employed for photodetection in a fully depleted (FD)-SOI MOSFET device. We have measured the photoresponse of the FD-SOI MOSFET under various light illumination conditions and studied systematically the impact of the ${V}_{\text {BG}}$ pulse duty ratio, amplitude, and period on the responsivity and detection range. An optimized device structure, fabricated in an advanced ultrathin body and buried oxide (BOX) (UTBB) SOI technology, shows low operation voltage and extended detection range.

Superior diplomatic power does not necessarily translate into greater diplomatic success Although diplomatic assets help to frame the range of potential diplomatic activities, it is ultimately whether and how those assets are deployed that determines the range of potential diplomatic outcomes The Trump administration’s ideological opposition to multilateral diplomacy has provided a unique case study in self-inflicted diplomatic decline The administration has left a number of senior diplomatic posts unfilled and has withdrawn the United States from certain multilateral institutions altogether, like the UN Human Rights Council America’s retreat from multilateral diplomacy has limited the potential for US diplomacy to deliver desired policy outcomes In addition, that abdication of leadership has allowed other actors to fill the void, leading to negative policy outcomes This article will examine the Trump administration’s experiment in empty seat diplomacy, focusing in particular on the effects it has had on policy outcomes at the UN Human Rights Council and with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Although this diplomatic decline has been significantly costly, the damage need not be permanent This article discusses various investments in active US diplomatic leadership that can restore the potential for successful diplomatic outcomes through multilateral organizations

Introduction The pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy is multifactorial and is accompanied by the dysregulation of various signaling pathways contributing to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. While the hypertrophic response of cardiomyocytes (CM) has been extensively studied, the interplay of CMs with the non-parenchymal cells in the heart is less explored. Here, we apply high-resolution transcriptomic analysis on single cell level allowing the identification of cellular responses and communication in the hypertrophic human heart. Results We analyzed single nuclei RNA sequencing data of cardiac tissues from five patients with aortic stenosis and cardiac hypertrophy and 13 matched healthy subjects. Bioinformatic data analysis of 88,536 nuclei followed by clustering led to the identification of specific heterogenic cell type signatures. Analyzing cell type specific gene expression signatures, we found the expected up-regulation of the cardiac stress MYH7 (4.15-fold), CMYA5 (4.89-fold) and XIRP2 (6.13-fold) in cardiomyocytes (CM) (all p Conclusion Investigating the cross-talk in cardiac hypertrophy reveals novel disturbed communication signatures, with a striking reduction in the intercellular communication pathways of CMs. Reduced expression of receptors of the Ephrin family, particularly Ephrin-B1, in CM may prevent cardioprotective signaling by the agonist Ephrin-B2, which is highly expressed in ECs, leading to inhibition of cardioprotective cross-talk between ECs and CMs in the hypertrophic heart. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete StiftungDie Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftGerman Center for Cardiovascular Research

Beams that are strengthened with a plate at a soffit are susceptible to premature failure (peeling and debonding). Internationally available design standards provide varied recommendations...

C. elegans react to metabolic distress caused by mismatches in oxygen and energy status via distinct behavioral responses. At the molecular level, these responses are coordinated by under-characterized, redox-sensitive processes, thought to initiate in mitochondria. Complex I of the electron transport chain is a major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and is canonically associated with oxidative damage following hypoxic exposure. Here, we use a combination of optogenetics and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to exert spatiotemporal control over ROS production. We demonstrate a photo-locomotory remodeling of avoidance behavior by local ROS production due to the reversible oxidation of a single thiol on the complex I subunit NDUF-2.1. Reversible thiol oxidation at this site is necessary and sufficient for the behavioral response to hypoxia, does not respond to ROS produced at more distal sites, and protects against lethal hypoxic exposure. Molecular modeling suggests that oxidation at this thiol residue alters the ability for NDUF-2.1 to coordinate electron transfer to coenzyme Q by destabilizing the Q-binding pocket, causing decreased complex I activity. Overall, site-specific ROS production regulates behavioral responses and these findings provide a mechanistic target to suppress the detrimental effects of hypoxia.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a field with promising applications in building materials. Nanotechnology-based mortars are examples of such building materials that have widespread applications in the construction industry. The main nanomaterials used in mortars include nano-silica, nano-magnesium oxide, nano-alumina, nano-titanium oxide, nano-zinc oxide, nano-clay, and nano-carbon. This review paper presents a summary of the properties and effects of these nanomaterials on cement mortar in terms of its fresh-state and hard-state properties. The fresh-state properties include the setting time, consistency, and workability, while the hard-state properties include mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, tensile strengths, as well as the elasticity modulus, in addition to durability properties such as water absorption, shrinkage strain, strength loss due to freeze–thaw cycles, and chloride penetration, among others. Different nanomaterials cause different physical and chemical alterations within the microstructures of cement mortar. Therefore, the microstructural characterization and densification of mortar are discussed in detail at varying temperatures. In general, the involvement of nanomaterials in cement mortar influences the fresh-state properties, enhances the mechanical properties, and impacts the durability properties, while reducing the porosity present in the mortar matrix. Cementitious nanomaterials can create a pathway for the easy injection of binding materials into the internal microstructures of a hydration gel to impact the hydration process at different rates, whereas their non-cementitious counterparts can act as fillers. Furthermore, the research gaps and future outlook regarding the application of nanomaterials in mortar are discussed.

The microstructured reactor concept is very promising technology to develop a compact reformer for distributed hydrogen generation. In this work, a catalytic plate reactor (CPR) is developed and in...

In our previous work on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photodetectors, we have used the deep-depletion effect in SOI substrates to construct the photoelectron in-situ sensing device (PISD). The PISD is a one-transistor active pixel sensor (1T-Aps) that is more compact than conventional CMOS sensors. In this work, we study the crosstalk between different pixels in the PISD, which is severe in a conventional SOI substrate. Through TCAD simulations, the use of a double SOI (DSOI) substrate is shown to suppress crosstalk between PISD pixels. The on extra buried oxide layer completely separates the substrate into two parts which shield the movements of charges across the adjacent cells. The impact of top Si thickness and buried oxide thickness is observed.

A theoretical model is proposed to characterize the transient operation of Pseudo-MOSFET under gate pulses by considering the substrate effect. The analysis provides Zerbst-like expression of drain current with substrate biased in high frequency deep-depletion state. The model can be used for the extraction of carrier lifetime. The dependence of temperature on carrier lifetime was also modeled by including the temperature-dependent parameters (intrinsic carrier concentration and effective mobility). TCAD simulations and experiments validate our model with the temperature ranging from 300 K to 350 K.

High-pressure die-casting (HPDC) is a proven manufacturing technology to cast aluminum and magnesium alloys. Transportation industries are under increased pressure to reduce the mass of cast parts in order to cut fuel use and CO2 emissions, and increase load. Reducing mass and improving mechanical properties with current HPDC is not practical due to processing limitations that result from air entrapped during metal filling as well as limitations on performing additional processes such as heat treatment that can expose the porosity or voids. Super vacuum die-casting (SVDC) is an innovation that aims to overcome this challenge by introducing a vacuum to draw air from the die cavity before filling. While there is a significant literature on the technical performance of vacuum assisted technology, the authors are unaware of previous work focused in analyzing short- and long-term cost-benefit tradeoffs. This manuscript's goal is to evaluate the strategic and economical implications of novel SVDC technology as well as its upstream and downstream processes, however, the cost implications of use-life and end-of-life is not considered in this study. To do this, we develop and describe an analytical model to map future scenarios, both production and product, to expected production cost difference between SVDC and conventional die-casting. Using these models we find that materials and die casting process costs dominated the cost in both HPDC and SVDC. From analysis of several case studies, these dominant costs translate directly into the strategic advantages and disadvantages of SVDC. SVDC can provide cost savings if a part can be redesigned to reduce mass. Some of that cost savings is lost, however, due to added heat treatment costs and added tooling and system costs. The effect means that SVDC can reduce cost particularly for larger parts and when production volumes are higher. The cost advantage of SVDC is strongly dependent on production volume, and realized mass savings. From a variance-based sensitivity analysis, it can be seen that at higher production volumes (around 100k per year or more) breakeven requires a mass savings of 15% for small parts and around 12.5% for medium and large parts. However, when production volumes are low (say around 5000 parts per year) these values rise to 45%, 35%, and 30%, respectively.

In this paper, we demonstrate experimentally a photodetector based on silicon-on-insulator substrate. The photosensing diode is formed in the substrate induced by the backgate bias instead of doping. TCAD simulation is conducted to confirm that the field-induced junction performs similarly as the doped p-n junction in terms of photodetection. A simplified process flow with low process temperature is developed to fabricate the device, which can save implantation step and reduce the cost. The photoresponses of the device under various biases, light intensities, and wavelengths are studied systematically with both experiment and TCAD simulation. Responsivity up to 1150 A/W is achieved experimentally. In addition, the response spectrum can be modulated by the back gate bias, which is a very attractive feature for multiband photodetection application. The field-induced photodiode in the substrate modulates the threshold voltage of the MOSFET at top Si layer as efficiently as the doped junction, confirmed by TCAD simulation.

Die chirurgische Koronarrevaskularisation galt uber Jahrzehnte als Goldstandard zur Behandlung der Hauptstammstenose. In den letzten Jahren wird jedoch auch diese Koronarpathologie vermehrt mithilfe perkutaner Koronarinterventionen behandelt. Welche der beiden Therapieoptionen fur den individuellen Patienten eingesetzt werden sollte, wurde bereits vielfach diskutiert und ist Gegenstand zahlreicher Studien mit teils widerspruchlichen Ergebnissen. Wahrend einige Studien bei geeigneten Patienten beide Verfahren als gleichwertig beschreiben, zeigen andere einen klaren Vorteil fur die chirurgische Therapie. Der vorliegende CME-Beitrag stellt die aktuellen nationalen und internationalen Leitlinien sowie wesentliche Studien zum Thema vor und zeigt die potenziellen Vor- und Nachteile der jeweiligen Therapieverfahren auf. Des Weiteren wird erlautert, wie durch die Etablierung eines interdisziplinaren Koronar-Heart-Teams die optimale, patientenzentrierte Therapie erfolgen kann.

Haptoglobin (Hp) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) are a group of blood proteins whose concentrations in animals can be influenced by infection, inflammation, surgical trauma or stress. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), and Mycolic acid is a virulent factor extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis. There is a dearth of sufficient evidence on the clinical implication of MAs on the responses of Hp and SAA in goats. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Mycolic acid (MAs) and C. pseudotuberculosis on the responses of Hp and SAA in female goats. A total of 12 healthy female goats was divided into three groups; A, B and C each comprising of 4 goats and managed for a period of three months. Group (A) was inoculated with 2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (as a negative control group) intradermally, while group (B) and (C) were inoculated intradermally with 2 ml each of mycolic acid and 1‏ × 109 cfu of active C. pseudotuberculosis respectively. The result of the study showed that the Hp concentration in goats inoculated with C. pseudotuberculosis was significantly increased up to 7-fold (1.17 ± 0.17 ng/L) while MAs showed a 3-fold increased (0.83 ± 0.01 ng/L) compared with the control. Whereas SAA concentration in C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs groups showed a significant 3-fold (17.85 ± 0.91 pg/mL) and 2-fold (10.97 ± 0.71 pg/mL) increased compared with the control. This study concludes that inoculation of C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs have significant effects on Hp and SAA levels, which indicates that MAs could have a role in the pathogenesis of caseous lymphadenitis.

Innumerable Escherichia coli of animal origin are identified, which are of economic significance, likewise, cattle, sheep and goats are the carrier of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, which are less pathogenic, and can spread to people by way of direct contact and through the contamination of foodstuff or portable drinking water, causing serious illness. The immunization of ruminants has been carried out for ages and is largely acknowledged as the most economical and maintainable process of monitoring E. coli infection in ruminants. Yet, only a limited number of E. coli vaccines are obtainable. Mucosal surfaces are the most important ingress for E. coli and thus mucosal immune responses function as the primary means of fortification. Largely contemporary vaccination processes are done by parenteral administration and merely limited number of E. coli vaccines are inoculated via mucosal itinerary, due to its decreased efficacy. Nevertheless, aiming at maximal mucosal partitions to stimulate defensive immunity at both mucosal compartments and systemic site epitomises a prodigious task. Enormous determinations are involved in order to improve on novel mucosal E. coli vaccines candidate by choosing apposite antigens with potent immunogenicity, manipulating novel mucosal itineraries of inoculation and choosing immune-inducing adjuvants. The target of E. coli mucosal vaccines is to stimulate a comprehensive, effective and defensive immunity by specifically counteracting the antibodies at mucosal linings and by the stimulation of cellular immunity. Furthermore, effective E. coli mucosal vaccine would make vaccination measures stress-free and appropriate for large number of inoculation. On account of contemporary advancement in proteomics, metagenomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics research, a comprehensive appraisal of the immeasurable genes and proteins that were divulged by a bacterium is now in easy reach. Moreover, there exist marvellous prospects in this bourgeoning technologies in comprehending the host bacteria affiliation. Accordingly, the flourishing knowledge could massively guarantee to the progression of immunogenic vaccines against E. coli infections in both humans and animals. This review highlight and expounds on the current prominence of mucosal and systemic immunogenic vaccines for the prevention of E. coli infections in ruminants.

Health is the most important facility for the people by the government if it is provided properly.There is a lack of trust among people about healthcare system particularly in public hospitals ofPakistan. People do not trust doctors and hospitals due to poor management and low standardscheck-up by the doctors. This is due to the lack of feedback system which leads to themismanagement of healthcare institutions. In this research, we have developed a reputation-basedfeedback management system that will overcome all the problems related to the trust of the patientsregarding their medical care. This will enhance the system and will let doctors, staff, andmanagement to work honestly to make their repute well.

In this work Ru (1.5 wt%)/La (3 wt%)-modified-Al2O3 coated a-alumina monoliths of different geometries (100 cpsi square channel, 170 cpsi hexagonal channel, diameter 9 mm, length 30 mm) were prepared by in-situ catalyst washcoating technique with catalyst loadings in the range 100-250 mg. The powder and structured catalysts were characterized by various physio-chemical characterization techniques: particle size distribution, zeta potential, slurry viscosity, N-2 physisorption, H-2 chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, washcoat adherence, optic and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of catalyst loading was investigated on geometric, hydraulic and catalytic performance towards methane steam reforming (SMR) reaction by varying temperature (600-900 degrees C), weight hourly space velocity (WHSV = 27-368 NL h(-1) g(cat)(-1)) at fixed molar steam to carbon ratio (S/C = 3.0). Well adhered and uniform catalyst layers were achieved with stable catalytic performance towards methane steam reforming. Characteristic time analysis and dimensionless numbers were utilized to identify the controlling regime in catalytic monoliths. The values of optimum washcoat thickness for 100 cpsi and 170 cpsi monoliths are found to be 58.5 mu m and 78.9 mu m respectively. SMR is reaction controlled for 100-150 mg catalyst loaded monoliths. No external diffusion control regime is observed. At higher catalyst loadings (> 200 mg) SMR is influenced by washcoat diffusion limitation and availability of less contact time for the reaction, suggesting the use of higher cell density monoliths with smaller hydraulic diameter, and higher geometric surface area.