bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Storage and retrieval of optical solitons in nanofiber-semiconductor quantum dot molecule coupling systems
Authors: Zeng Ying , She Yan-Chao , Zhang Wei-Xi , Yang Hong ,   Department of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Tongren University, Tongren 554300, China,   School of Physics and Mechatronics Engineering, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China
Published: July 2024

The best carrier for quantum information transmission is light signal, which has a fast propagation speed and can carry a large amount of information. However, during the propagation of light, dispersion effect and diffraction effect can cause quantum information to be distorted to a certain extent. On the contrary, optical solitons are formed due to the balance between the system’s dispersion (diffraction) effect and nonlinear effect, and they exhibit very high stability and fidelity. Therefore, they have received widespread attention in electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) media with ultracold atoms. However, cold atomic gas media require extremely low operating temperatures, and the performances of the materials are difficult to control precisely. These factors are unfavorable for the miniaturization and integration of future information devices, thus significantly limiting their practical applications. Semiconductor quantum dot media, on the other hand, possess advantages such as discrete energy level structures and spectral properties similar to those of cold atomic gases, longer decoherence times, larger electric dipole moments, more significant nonlinear optical effects, and easy integration, making them an ideal alternative to cold atomic media. In this work, semiconductor quantum dots are coupled with optical fibers, the most common carrier in optical communication, to explore the formation, storage, and retrieval of temporal optical solitons in the coupled system. The results show that due to the tunneling-induced transparency effect between dots in semiconductor quantum dot molecules, light absorption in the system is greatly suppressed. At the same time, the transverse confinement of the nanofiber can enhance the interaction between light and the system, and the enhanced nonlinear response of the system can balance the dispersion effect, resulting in stable temporal optical solitons. Further research indicates that by turning on and off the inter-dot tunneling coupling, the high-efficiency and high-fidelity storage and retrieval of optical solitons can be realized in the system. These findings have certain guiding significance and potential application value for the processing all-optical information in solid quantum materials.
Androgen deprivation triggers a cytokine signaling switch to induce immune suppression and prostate cancer recurrence
Authors: Sha Kai , Zhang Renyuan , Maolake Aerken , Singh Shalini , Chatta Gurkamal , Eng Kevin H , Nastiuk Kent L , Krolewski John J
Published: July 2024

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an effective but not curative treatment for advanced and recurrent prostate cancer (PC). We investigated the mechanisms controlling the response to androgen-deprivation by surgical castration in genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMM) of PC, using high frequency ultrasound imaging to rigorously measure tumor volume. Castration initially causes almost all tumors to shrink in volume, but many tumors subsequently recur within 5-10 weeks. Blockade of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling a few days in advance of castration surgery, using a TNFR2 ligand trap, prevents regression in a PTEN-deficient GEMM. Following tumor regression, a basal stem cell-like population within the tumor increases along with TNF protein levels. Tumor cell lines in culture recapitulate these
in vivo
observations, suggesting that basal stem cells are the source of TNF. When TNF signaling blockade is administered immediately prior to castration, tumors regress but recurrence is prevented. This implies that a late wave of TNF secretion within the tumor – which coincides with the expression of NFκB regulated genes – drives recurrence. The inhibition of signaling downstream of an NFκB-regulated protein – chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) – prevents post-castration tumor recurrence, phenocopying post-castration (late) TNF signaling blockade. CCL2 was originally identified as a macrophage chemoattractant and indeed at late times after castration gene sets related to chemotaxis and migration are up-regulated. Importantly, enhanced CCL2 signaling during the tumor recurrence phase coincides with an increase in pro-tumorigenic macrophages and a decrease in CD8 T cells, suggesting that recurrence is driven at least in part by tumor immunosuppression. In summary, we demonstrate that a therapy-induced switch in TNF signaling – a consequence of the increased stem cell-like character of the residual tumor cells surviving ADT – induces an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and concomitant tumor recurrence.
Elucidating ATP’s Role as Solubilizer of Biomolecular Aggregate
Authors: Sarkar Susmita , Gupta Saurabh , Mahato Chiranjit , Das Dibyendu , Mondal Jagannath
Published: July 2024

Proteins occurring in significantly high concentrations in cellular environments (over 100 mg/mL) and functioning in crowded cytoplasm, often face the prodigious challenges of aggregation which are the pathological hallmark of aging and are critically responsible for a wide spectrum of rising human diseases. Here we combine a joint-venture of complementary wet-lab experiment and molecular simulation to discern the potential ability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as sollubilizer of protein aggregates. We show that ATP prevents both condensation of aggregation-prone intrinsically disordered protein Aβ40 and promotes dissolution of pre-formed aggregates. Computer simulation links ATP’s sollubilizing role to its ability to modulate protein’s structural plasticity by unwinding protein conformation. We show that ATP is positioned as a superior biological solubilizer of protein aggregates over traditional chemical hydrotropes, potentially holding promises in therapeutic interventions in protein-aggregation related diseases. Going beyond its conventional activity as energy currency, the amphiphilic nature of ATP enables its protein-specific interaction that would enhance ATP’s efficiency in cellular processes.
Conservation of the cooling agent binding pocket within the TRPM subfamily
Authors: Huffer Kate , Denley Matthew CS , Oskoui Elisabeth V , Swartz Kenton J
Published: July 2024

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a large and diverse family of tetrameric cation-selective channels that are activated by many different types of stimuli, including noxious heat or cold, organic ligands such as vanilloids or cooling agents, or intracellular Ca2+. Structures available for all subtypes of TRP channels reveal that the transmembrane domains are closely related despite their unique sensitivity to activating stimuli. Here, we use computational and electrophysiological approaches to explore the conservation of the cooling agent binding pocket identified within the S1–S4 domain of the Melastatin subfamily member TRPM8, the mammalian sensor of noxious cold, with other TRPM channel subtypes. We find that a subset of TRPM channels, including TRPM2, TRPM4, and TRPM5, contain pockets very similar to the cooling agent binding pocket in TRPM8. We then show how the cooling agent icilin modulates activation of mouse TRPM4 to intracellular Ca2+, enhancing the sensitivity of the channel to Ca2+ and diminishing outward-rectification to promote opening at negative voltages. Mutations known to promote or diminish activation of TRPM8 by cooling agents similarly alter activation of TRPM4 by icilin, suggesting that icilin binds to the cooling agent binding pocket to promote opening of the channel. These findings demonstrate that TRPM4 and TRPM8 channels share related ligand binding pockets that are allosterically coupled to opening of the pore.
Anthropogenic fertilization influences a shift in barley rhizosphere microbial communities
Authors: Enagbonma Ben Jesuorsemwen , Fadiji Ayomide Emmanuel , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: July 2024

Background

Anthropogenic mediations contribute a significant role in stimulating positive reactions in soil–plant interactions; however, methodical reports on how anthropogenic activities impact soil microorganism-induced properties and soil health are still inadequate. In this study, we evaluated the influence of anthropogenic fertilization of farmland soil on barley rhizosphere microbial community structure and diversity, and the significant impacts on agro-ecosystem productivity. This will help validate the premise that soil amendment with prolonged synthetic fertilizers can lead to a significant reduction in bacterial abundance and diversity, while soils amended with organic fertilizers elicit the succession of the native soil microbial community and favor the growth of copiotrophic bacteria.

Methods

The total metagenomic DNA was extracted from soils obtained from the barley rhizosphere under chemical fertilization (CB), organic fertilization (OB), and bulk soil (NB). Subsequently, these samples were sequenced using an amplicon-based sequencing approach, and the raw sequence dataset was examined using a metagenomic rast server (MG-RAST).

Results

Our findings showed that all environments (CB, OB, and NB) shared numerous soil bacterial phyla but with different compositions. However, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria predominated in the barley rhizosphere under chemical fertilization, organic fertilization, and bulk soils, respectively. Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed that the diversity of bacteria under organic barley rhizosphere was significantly higher and more evenly distributed than bacteria under chemical fertilization and bulk soil.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of conventional and organic fertilizers on the structure, composition, and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome will assist in soil engineering to enhance microbial diversity in the agroecosystem.
Estimation of environment stability for fruit yield and capsaicin content by using two models in Capsicum chinense Jacq. (Ghost Pepper) with multi-year evaluation
Authors: Baruah Joyashree , Begum Twahira , Lal Mohan
Published: July 2024

Background

Capsicum chinense Jacq. (Ghost Pepper) is well-known for its high pungency and pleasant aroma. The recent years witnessed a significant decline in popularity of this important crop due to the use of inferior planting material and lack of elite lines. To maintain constant performance across a variety of settings, it is crucial to choose stable lines with high yield and capsaicin content, as these are the most promising traits of Ghost Pepper.

Method

In this study, 120 high-capsaicin genotypes were subjected to a 3-year (kharif 2017, 2018 and 2019) stability investigation utilizing two well-known stability methods: Eberhart-Russell (ER) and additive main effects and multiple interaction (AMMI). Three replications were used following Randomized Complete Block Design for 11 traits. The experiment soil was sandy loam with pH 4.9. Minimum and maximum temperature of 18.5 °C, 17.5 °C, 17.4 °C and 32.2 °C, 31.3 °C, 32.7 °C and rainfall of 1,781, 2,099, 1,972 mm respectively was recorded for the study period.

Result

The genotype-environment linear interaction (G×E Lin.) was highly significant for days to 50% flowering, capsaicin content, fruit length and girth, fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant at p < 0.005. G×E interaction for fruit yield and capsaicin content in AMMI-analysis of variance reported 67.07% and 71.51% contribution by IPCA-1 (interactive principal component axis) and 32.76% and 28.49% by IPCA-2, respectively. Eight genotypes were identified to be stable with high yield and capsaicin content. The identified stable lines can be opted for cultivation to reduce the impact of crop failure when grown in different macro-environments. Moreover, the pharmaceutical and spice sectors will also be benefitted from the lines with high capsaicin content. Further research assessing the lines’ performance across various regions of India can provide a solid foundation for the crop’s evaluation at national level.
Pan-cancer analysis identifies olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily A member 5 as a potential biomarker for glioma
Authors: Bao Yanqiu , Tang Ziqi , Chen Renli , Yu Xuebin , Qi Xuchen
Published: July 2024

Background

Human olfactory receptors (ORs) account for approximately 60% of all human G protein-coupled receptors. The functions of ORs extend beyond olfactory perception and have garnered significant attention in tumor biology. However, a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of ORs in human cancers is lacking.

Methods

Using data from public databases, such as HPA, TCGA, GEO, GTEx, TIMER2, TISDB, UALCAN, GEPIA2, and GSCA, this study investigated the role of olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily A member 5 (OR7A5) in various cancers. Functional analysis of OR7A5 in LGG and GBM was performed using the CGGA database. Molecular and cellular experiments were performed to validate the expression and biological function of OR7A5 in gliomas.

Results

The results revealed heightened OR7A5 expression in certain tumors, correlating with the expression levels of immune checkpoints and immune infiltration. In patients with gliomas, the expression levels of OR7A5 were closely associated with adverse prognosis, 1p/19p co-deletion status, and wild-type IDH status. Finally, in vitro experiments confirmed the inhibitory effect of OR7A5 knockdown on the proliferative capacity of glioma cells and on the expression levels of proteins related to lipid metabolism.

Conclusion

This study establishes OR7A5 as a novel biomarker, potentially offering a novel therapeutic target for gliomas.
Caracterização socioprodutiva de mulheres que atuam no agronegócio na região de Paragominas, estado do Pará
Authors: Pontes Ana Paula Ignácio , Alencar Keila Roberta de Carvalho , Lopes Maria Lúcia Bahia , Araújo Janayna Galvão de , Costa Deborah Luciany Pires , Brabo Marcos Ferreira , Santos Wânia Mendonça dos , Santos Marcos Antônio Souza dos
Published: July 2024

O objetivo deste artigo foi caracterizar o perfil das mulheres que atuam no agronegócio na Região Imediata de Paragominas, Amazônia Oriental, no estado do Pará. Abordando aspectos sociais, demográficos, econômicos, produtivos e profissional. O estudo foi realizado por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva exploratória por amostragem intencional, com variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas. Os dados referem-se a uma amostra de 103 mulheres empreendedoras, que atuam em diferentes segmentos do agronegócio. Os resultados revelaram um perfil social diversificado, mas predominantemente de mulheres na faixa dos 31 a 43 anos, católicas, pardas, com ensino superior completo, casadas, com um a dois filhos, empreendendo principalmente na produção agrícola. Elas ingressaram no agronegócio por meio de sucessão familiar, e pelo matrimônio, embora uma parcela significativa tenha optado por empreender no ramo. No perfil profissional, uma parcela significativa de mulheres afirmaram ser as principais gestoras de seus negócios. Embora muitas delas se sintam realizadas em seus trabalhos, há relatos de discriminação de gênero que impactam suas trajetórias, desde estereótipos machistas no campo até desafios de qualificação e reconhecimento. O estudo proporcionou uma visão detalhada das nuances e variabilidades dessas experiências, e revelou a necessidade de políticas e ações que promovam igualdade de oportunidades, capacitação profissional e empoderamento feminino no ambiente rural.
The influence of the variability of the support of the mortar base plate on the quality of the results obtained in the process of its numerical design
Authors: Bieniek Piotr , Tupaj Mirosław , Szwajka Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Due to the high costs associated with the purchase of ammunition and firing in certified training ground centers, tests of retaining plate deformations are increasingly replaced by computer simulations using numerical models. Computer programs usually use a single-parameter subsoil model (Winkler-Zimmermann) for calculations, which requires providing the subgrade susceptibility coefficient. The subgrade compliance coefficient is intended to determine the mutual reaction of the subgrade and the structure due to the pressure exerted on the soil by the retaining slab, which settles. When designing slabs in computer programs, it is assumed that the substrate compliance coefficient is constant. Determining the impact of the soil on the retaining slab is important when analyzing its deformations. The subject of the work was the analysis of the influence of ground support on the results obtained during modeling of the retaining slab. In order to obtain data for FEM analysis and validation, the actual strains occurring on the thrust plate were measured using strain gauge rosettes. The plate deformations were measured during field shooting tests. In order to vary the influence of supporting the slab on the ground and obtain reliable stress values on the slab surface, a method of successive iterations was proposed. Calculations are performed using this method until the error is smaller than the assumed one.
Marketing Channels of Pomegranate in Pune Division of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Tamboli Umesh D. , Prajapati Mahesh R.
Published: July 2024

Pomegranate, scientifically named Punica granatum L., is prized globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like India, Iran, and Spain. Pomegranate cultivation has surged in India, notably in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, with India emerging as a top global producer. In 2020-21, India expanded pomegranate cultivation to 2.88 lakh hectares, yielding 32.70 lakh tonnes. Maharashtra led with 54.89% of national production and 59.38% of cultivated area, underscoring its key role despite slightly lower productivity than the national average. The objectives of the study were to identify different marketing channels of pomegranate, to estimate the price spread and marketing efficiency of identified marketing channels and to identify problems faced by stakeholders. The primary data was collected from 60 Pomegranate farmers and from 30 intermediaries. The study identified four different pomegranate marketing channels. Channel-1 (Producer →Pre-harvest contractor → Wholesaler-cum-commission agent→ Retailer →Consumer), Channel-2 (Producer →Wholesaler-cum-commission agent→ retailer → consumer), Channel-3 (Producer →Collection Center (CC) → Distribution Center (DC) → Consumer), Channel-4 (Producer →Village trader →Wholesaler-cum-commission agent →Retailer → Consumer). Channel-3 providing producers with 69.78% of the consumer price and demonstrating highest efficiency (2.31) for its Acharya-Agarwal marketing efficiency method was used. Pomegranate producers face challenges including high transportation costs, storage issues, price volatility, and market information deficits. Production problems include pest infestations, high input costs, and labor shortages. Intermediaries grapple with quality variation, labor scarcity, and price fluctuations. Strategic interventions in infrastructure, logistics, and market intelligence are crucial for sustainable profitability.
Optimizing Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Breeding and Larval Nurturing for Materialistic Aquaculture Utilizing Synthetic Hormones
Authors: Panja Dhrubajyoti , Das Rakhi , Mahapatra Bijay Kali , Kher Deepak
Published: July 2024

Gold fish (Carassius auratus) are familiar in India as an ornamental freshwater fish with economic importance. This experiment aimed to explore the possibility for mass-scale breeding and larval rearing of goldfish under biofloc setup. Natural brooders were collected, acclimatized and induced to breed utilizing synthetic hormones at various dosages. Breeding execution parameters namely spawning success, fertilization rate and hatching performance were analysed. The highest fertilization and hatching rate were gradually noticed at 80.8% and 80.9% by using a dose of 0.4ml/kg body weight for females and 0.2ml/kg for males. Larval rearing was accomplish by applying several live and formulated feeds across various life stages in normal rearing tanks and biofloc tanks also. The growth performance of larvae in biofloc tanks express a satisfactory rate, with a maximum weight gain of 7.1 g and length gain of 5 cm over 120 days compared to 5.1 g and 3.5 cm in normal tanks. Water quality parameters were kept within the optimum range all over the experiment. The functionable study exhibits the viability of captive breeding and mass scale larval nurturing of goldfish employing induced breeding techniques and biofloc technology.
Assessment of Endogenous Soil Fertility to Update Fertilization of Maize (Zea mays L) Crops in the Savannah Region of Togo
Authors: Lare Mouhamadou , Sogbedji Jean Mianikpo
Published: July 2024

The diagnosis of soil fertility is a prerequisite for the formulation of balanced and site-specific fertilizer recommendations. Macro elements (nitrogen – N, phosphorous – P and potassium – K) based nutrient omission trials were conducted in the districts of Oti, Tandjoare, Tone and Kpendjal of the Savannah region. The objective was to assess endogenous soil fertility under maize cropping to further develop updated site-specifique fertilization schemes for the crop. A total of twenty-five producers were selected in the region (eight in Tandjoare, seven in Tone, five in Oti and five in Kpendjal) for the study in a paticipatory approach. The approach was participatory in order to involve the end user in the exercise. A randomized complete block design was adopted with five fertilization treatments including N0P0K0 (T1), N0P60K70 (T2), N120P0K70 (T3), N120P60K0 (T4) and N120P60K70 (T5) kg ha-1 for the trial. The unit plot size was 100 m2 (10 m x10 m).
Grain yield, yield response to nutrients and Agronomic Efficiency (AE) were determined. Genstat Edition 12th was used to discriminate means.The average yields were 0.56, 0.83, 3.18, 3.44 and 4.57 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Tandjoare, 0.32, 0.52, 1.06, 2.39 and 3.02 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Tône, 1.01, 1.35, 2.56, 3.16 and 4.39 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Oti and 0.39, 0.75, 1.54, 2.33 and 3.31 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Kpendjal. The ranking of yield data by fertilizer treatment indicates that all three macronutrients (N, P and K) are required for maize production in the Savannah region, with a priority ranking of N>P>K. The results also showed that the best Agronomic Efficiency is obtained when all macronutrients are supplied in all four districts. The results of this diagnostic will be used as a basis for formulating balanced, site-specific fertilizer recommendations for intelligent, environmentally-friendly agriculture.
Evaluation of the Nutrients, Anti-nutrients and Anti-oxidant Activities of Leafy Vegetable Powders Fortified "Danwake" (A Northern Nigerian Cassava- Cowpea Dumpling)
Authors: Fatima Masaya Ajiya , Ikechukwu Agbara Gervase , Litini Afodia Kassum , Bawagana Kyari , Yakaka Alkali Mohammed
Published: July 2024

Danwake is cassava-cowpea flour with baobab leaf powder-based dumpling a common meal for the lower-income people of Northern Nigeria. In this study, attempts were made to compare danwake produced 10 g eight hitherto leafy powders or their combination (5 g+5 g) with traditional baobab powder were used to fortify randomized cassava-cowpea (70:30) in a completely linear and interactive experimental design. Standard procedures were used to evaluate the proximate, mineral, phytonutrient, vitamin Aand C and the antioxidant activity of the cooked danwake using a total of 15 raw formulations (8 linear and 7 interactive runs). Moisture, crude protein, total ash, crude fat, crude fiber and carbohydrate contents varied significantly in both the linear and interactive outcomes as follows (29-49.80%; 21.91-68.52%; 3.33-6.17%; 6.480-11.74%; 2.177-4.633, 2.467-4.467%; 0.420-0.657%,0.350-0.500%; 1.850-5.210%; 3.43-6.76% and 34.24-58.43%, 9.307-64.11%). Potassium was the dominant element of all greater in the linear outcome (1716-1258 mg/100 g) than in the interactive outcome (1400.69-101 mg/100 g) because of the addition of potash, iron, zinc, copper and manganese level were low in both outcomes. Phytate and oxalate content were higher in the interactive outcome than the linear 209.1-230.0 mg/100g, 206.2-273.01 mg/100 g and 0.040-0.545%, 0.014-0.240% respectively. While total flavonoids and phenolic compounds were observed to be greater in the linear outcome respectively (145.7-200.04 mg/QE/100 g and 326.0-836.8 mgGAE/100 g). Combined leafy powders produced danwake with greater vitamin C (6.455-8.331 mg/100 g) and vitamin A (0.027-0.490 µg/100 g) but comparable radical scavenging activity (81.10-116.99%). In general vegetable powders from mint, celery, parsley, moringa among others produced danwake with greater nutritional values and antioxidant activity and are recommended for use in danwake preparation.
Institutional Quality, Monetary Policy and Banking System Stability in Nigeria
Authors: Adewumi Orina Tobi , Adeniyi Demehin James
Published: July 2024

The study used a Generalized Method of Moments to examine the effect of six IQ indices (voice and accountability, rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, corruption control and political stability and absence of violence) and MP tools (monetary policy rate, loan-deposit ratio, lending rate, logarithm of broad money supply and banking system liquidity ratio) on the Z-Score, a proxy for banking system stability.
The study found that, among the six MP indices, only corruption control index has a positive and significant effect on bank stability (coefficient = 0.245124, p = 0.0042). Also, out of five MP variables, only the loan-deposit ratio has a significantly positive effect on bank stability (coefficient = 0.0070482, p = 0.0072). The effect of the other IQ and MP indicators are not significant enough for inference purposes.
We conclude that IQ affects banking system stability positively and significantly. We also found that MP affects the stability of the banking system positively and significantly. We recommend, among others, that authorities should continue to pursue zero corruption in institutions and that banks should be mandated to improve on the existing anti-corruption measures. Also the Central Bank of Nigeria should continue to maintain the range of loan-deposit ratio that has existed for many years. There is the need to re-appraise other IQ and MP variables with no significant positive effect on banking system stability in Nigeria.
Performance of Seaweed Extracts on Yield and Quality of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) with Organic Input Management
Authors: Belagumpi Mahendra , Ramani Gorle Roja , Sreeja Konathachira , Ghosh (LKN) D.K. , Chattopadhyay N. , Bandyopadhyay A.
Published: July 2024

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of the two consecutive years of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal to examine the effectiveness of seaweed extract on yield and quality of black cumin. The treatments were composed of 9 different doses of seaweed extract granule soil application, liquid foliar spray and control. Among the 10 treatments, T5 (e.g., SWE granules @4kg ha-1) recorded the highest average plant height of 29.80 cm, 59.45cm and 73.30 cm, at 60, 90 and 120 DAS and the highest number of primary branches (7,10) and secondary branches (24,10) plant-1 respectively at 120 DAS. Similarly, the highest seed yield of 536 kg ha-1 along with different yield attributing characters like the highest mean fresh pod weight (1.40g), dry pod weight (0.36 g) and pod diameter (0.91cm), seed yield plant-1 (2.76g) and 1000 seed weight (2.45 g) were recorded under the treatment T5. The highest B: C ratio (1.97) and highest net return (Rs.52816 ha-1) were also recorded under T5 during the same period of experimentation. From the above experiment, it may be concluded that the soil application of Seaweed Extract in granular formulation @ 4kg ha-1 has a positive influence on growth, yield and quality of black cumin.
Influence of Silver Nanoparticles on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Vigor
Authors: Patidar Prashant , Kumar Pushpendra , Parmar Shipra S. , Khan Neha
Published: July 2024

During this study on the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on growth of L-883 onion varieties Allium cepa L. AgNPs 100 nm size were used in four different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) and T0 was kept as control. The seeds of onion were brought from NHRDF Indore. The findings revealed that 25 ppm of silver nanoparticle led to the highest seed germination percentage as compared to other concentrations. On the other hand, all the other concentrations were found to have a harmful effect on both seed germination and seedling growth as the level of toxicity are strongly associated with concentration of the suspensions. AgNPs of 100ppm concentration was found to have lowest rate of seed germination, however non-significant difference was found in 75ppm and 100ppm concentrations. Therefore, a concentration of 25ppm of AgNPs proved to be the most effective treatment for promoting optimal seed germination and seedling growth in onions.
Enhancing Terrain Analysis from Digital Elevation Models Using 2-D Kalman Filtering Technique
Authors: Lawrence Hart, , Hilda Celestine Marcus,
Published: July 2024

Three-dimensional spatial information, particularly elevation, is crucial for understanding terrain characteristics essential for meaningful development, often expressed as a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). To achieve reliable and accurate DEM values for terrain analysis, modeling uncertainties is necessary. The primary objective of this study is to determine improved terrain variables from the Digital Elevation Model of the study area. The recursive 2-D Kalman filtering technique was applied four times at different orientations to 121 elevation values extracted from a 30-meter resolution ALOS DEM of the study area using QGIS Desktop 3.22.7 software of an area covering approximately 10.80 Hectares using QGIS, the process involved 144 iterations. MATLAB was used for the computations. The terrain variables (elevation, first partial derivatives along the X and Y axes) of the central point of the DEM were obtained as a linear combination of the four filtering results. The final estimated values for the central point were 26.5589m for elevation, 0.0002m and 0.0011m for partial derivatives along the X and Y directions, with standard errors of ±0.0001m, ±0.0005m, and ±0.0007m, respectively. A 3-D plot of the terrain surface of the study area using Surfer10 software showed that the recursive 2-D Kalman filtering significantly improved the quality of the terrain surface when applied over the DEM. Therefore, the adopted recursive 2-D Kalman filter is well-suited for terrain surface modeling using grid DEMs. Its use is encouraged for determining improved values of terrain topographic variables, leading to more accurate terrain interpretation. In addition, when compared with ground survey data confirmed the technique's efficiency in reducing DEM noise. These results are promising as they are necessary information for flood route modelling, land use allocation and enhance functionality of the urban space domain of the study area.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Eupatorium odoratum Against Cell- Wall Anchored Proteins (CWAPs) of Streptococcus Mutans (Gram Positive Bacteria) Responsible for Dental Disorders in Humans
Authors: Alrazn Raghad Sharqi Luaibi
Published: July 2024

Aim: In the environmentally friendly manufacturing of silver nanoparticles, plant components like carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids are employed as reducing agents. We aimed to green synthesize the silver nanopartciles (AgNPs) and study their effect on the expressive patterns of the cell wall anchored proteins in S. mutans.
Methods: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles were done using Eupatorium odoratum leaf extract and were screened for antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Further we studied the antibacterial activity of the AgNPs by well diffusion, MIC, Biofilm and gene expression studies.
Results: Utilizing optical inspection, it was found the nanoparticle production was successful when the yellow fluid turned brown. When compared to zone of inhibition (30mm) for the positive control at 50µg/ml, the zone of inhibition of the synthesised AgNPs was almost significantly similar (26mm) (p<0.05). The size of the silver nanoparticles (SNPs) produced in the current work ranged between 30 and 70nm and were biosynthesized utilising an aqueous extract of E.odoratum which acted as reducing agent.
Conclusion: The large-scale manufacture of NPs and the creation of biomedicines can be benefitted by this method of SNP synthesis that uses green chemistry. We conclude the potent antibacterial activity of the AgNPs synthesized at the molecular level.
Effect of Bioagents on Fruit Quality and Soil Analysis in Ridge Gourd
Authors: Sushma K. , Padma M. , Rajkumar M. , Goud Ch. Raja , Kumar B. Naveen , Gouthami P
Published: July 2024

The present investigation entitled effect of bioagents on fruit quality and soil analysis in ridge gourd was carried out during Kharif, 2021 and Summer, 2022 at P.G block, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, SKLTSHU, Hyderabad. The experiment was carried out with 11 treatments in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results reported that the T1 (RDF + Trichoderma viride recorded highest in fruit quality, soil parameters and benefit-cost ratio in ridge gourd.
First Report of Aphid, Astegopteryx bambusae (Buckton) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Bamboo, Dendrocalamus strictus (Poaceae) from Gujarat, India
Authors: N. L Parmar, , C. S Barad, , Sushma Deb , R. M Patel, , V. J Joshi,
Published: July 2024

The Survey was conducted on Bamboo, Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees during November, 2023 at C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India. During survey we noticed Aphid, Astegopteryx bambusae (Buckton) infesting bamboo plantation. Damage is caused by sucking sap and upper side of infested leaves were covered with sticky exude. Adult female was apterous, broadly pear shaped, small in size and yellowish green or pale green in colour. Based on morphological and molecular characterization, the pest is identified as Astegopteryx bambusae (Buckton) and it is the first confirmed report of occurrence of new pest in Bamboo plantation of Gujarat, India.
The effect of herbal approaches on oral mucosıtıs ın adult cancer patıents - a systematıc revıew of nursing studies - O efeito das abordagens herbais na mucosite oral em pacientes adultos com câncer - uma revisão sistemática de estudos de enfermagem
Authors: Özkan Tuncay Fatma , Yapar Sena Nur
Published: July 2024

Objective: to examine the effects of herbal approaches on oral mucositis in adult cancer patients. Method: systematic review following Cochrane guidelines, with a search for experimental and randomized studies from 2013 to 2023. English studies on herbal interventions in patients over 18 years were included. Results: eight studies that used herbal interventions to treat oral mucositis were evaluated. The herbs tested included aloe vera, althaea root, turmeric, chamomile, grape vinegar, rose water, fruit/vegetable juice, and mulberry extract. The interventions varied in frequency and duration but showed positive results, reducing oral mucositis intensity, pain, and other symptoms. Some interventions were as effective as conventional treatments like chlorhexidine. Conclusion: the research suggests that herbal approaches can be beneficial in managing oral mucositis in cancer patients, but more studies are needed to confirm these results.
Drug Interactions for Therapeutic Proteins: A Journey Just Beginning
Authors: Zhou Honghui , Meibohm Bernd
Published: June 2013

Over the last three decades, therapeutic proteins, in particular, antibody‐based biotherapeutics, have played an increasingly important role in pharmacotherapy,and in some therapeutic areas, such as immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and oncology, therapeutic proteins have fundamentally changed the therapeutic paradigm. Therapeutic proteins have also presented enormous commercialpotential. As a result, hundreds of investigational antibody‐based and other protein therapeutics are currently under development at different stages, spanning discovery to phase III clinical investigations. As discussed in this chapter, although the majority of reported drug interactions associated with therapeutic proteins seem to be indirect, a mechanistic understanding for many of the observed interactions is still lacking.
Disease–Drug–Drug Interaction Assessments for Tocilizumab—A Monoclonal Antibody against Interleukin‐6 Receptor to Treat Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Brennan Barbara J.
Published: June 2013

Tocilizumab (TCZ, Actemra) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass that selectively binds to human interleukin 6 (IL‐6) receptors. TCZ binds to both membrane‐bound and soluble forms of IL‐6R, blocking signal transduction pathways through competitive inhibition of IL‐6 binding.

1 TCZ 8 mg/kg given intravenously (IV) is currently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in over 106 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, European countries, and Japan. IL‐6 receptor blockade was considered a mechanism for pharmacologic treatment of RA due to the central role of IL‐6 in inflammatory processes. IL‐6 is a pleiotropic cytokine with numerous activities, including effects on the immune response and inflammation (e.g., interaction with neutrophils in the synovium), bone metabolism, and hematopoiesis.

Elevated IL‐6 levels have been found in the serum and synovial fluid of RA patients, and inflammatory cell infiltration has been correlated withIL‐6 levels in synovial tissues. As discussed in this chapter, IL‐6 levels correlate with disease activity in RA patients and improvement of the disease after treatment with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is accompanied by a reduction in serum IL‐6.
Toxicological Assessment of Nanomedicine
Authors: Nehoff Hayley , Taurin Sebastien , Greish Khaled
Published: June 2013

The potential for using nanotechnologies in medicine as well as for improving current nanotechnologies is growing rapidly. Comprehensive new studies are needed to address the concern of the potential toxicity of nanomaterials in medicine. Currently, there is no standard for defining nanomedicine exposure or assessing toxicity. In this chapter, the toxic attributes of nanomedicines are shown, indicating that a complete understanding of these parameters is essential to predict the safety of a specific nanomedicine. A summary of the current knowledge on the safety of commonly used nanoconstructs is presented, as well as recommendations for conducting studies to assess nanomedicine safety.
The Curious Out‐of‐Plane Conductivity of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: van de Ruit Kevin , Katsouras Ilias , Bollen Dirk , van Mol Ton , Janssen René A. J. , de Leeuw Dago M. , Kemerink Martijn
Published: June 2013

For its application as transparent conductor in light‐emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells, both the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane conductivity of PEDOT:PSS are important. However, studies into the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS rarely address the out‐of‐plane conductivity and those that do, report widely varying results. Here a systematic study of the out‐of‐plane charge transport in thin films of PEDOT:PSS with varying PSS content is presented. To this end, the PEDOT:PSS is enclosed in small interconnects between metallic contacts. An unexpected, but strong dependence of the conductivity on interconnect diameter is observed for PEDOT:PSS formulations without high boiling solvent. The change in conductivity correlates with a diameter dependent change in PEDOT:PSS layer thickness. It is suggested that the order of magnitude variation in out‐of‐plane conductivity with only a 3‐4‐fold layer thickness variation can quantitatively be explained on basis of a percolating cluster model.
Structure–Function Relationships in Glycopolymers: Effects of Residue Sequences, Duplex, and Triplex Organization
Authors: Sletmoen Marit , Stokke Bjørn Torger
Published: June 2013

The importance of residue sequence and duplex and triplex structures as basis for establishing molecular understanding of the structure–function relationships within glycopolymers is highlighted. The copolysaccharide alginate is the selected example for elucidating effects of residue sequence on functional properties like ionotropic gelation. Xanthan and comblike branched β‐d‐glucans are used as examples of impact of duplex and triplex organization on global conformation and functional properties. Combined with further examples within self‐interactions of mucins possessing different saccharide decorations, polyelectrolyte complexation and multilayer formation, the examples indicate that a molecular understanding of various properties related to impact of residue sequences, duplex, and triplex organization can be established. Strategies similar to those included in the highlighted examples, also combined with novel tools, for example single‐molecule approaches, interrogated by combination of experimental and theoretical/numerical approaches, and investigated closer to the native biological state, are expected to further advance the field. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 757–771, 2013.
Rapid and simultaneous determination of multiple classes of abused drugs and metabolites in human urine by a robust LC‐MS/MS method – application to urine drug testing in pain clinics
Authors: Wang Jianmei , Yang Zhen , Lechago James
Published: June 2013

A simple LC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantitatively analyzing six classes of 26 abused drugs and metabolites in human urine: (1) illicit drugs; (2) opiates; (3) synthetic opioids; (4) sedative; (5) stimulants; and (6) γ‐aminobutyric acid analogs. All urine samples were diluted with a mixture of isotope‐labeled internal standards, hydrolyzed with β‐glucuronidase and directly injected in a gradient chromatographic run. The mobile phase was composed of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% of formic acid in methanol. A 4.9 min run time using the multiplexing driver and ultra‐biphenyl column (50 × 2.1 mm, 5 µm, RESTEK) allowed all drugs to have sufficient resolution in a short elute time. The overlapping liquid chromatography runs and scheduled multiple reaction monitoring acquisition method resulted in a higher overall throughput for the system. The result was linear over the studied range (2–16,000 ng/mL) for all compounds with correlation coefficients r2 ≥ 0.995. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions and accuracies were within 15% and recovery was between 83 and 115% for all analytes. Freeze–thaw stability for three cycles and long‐term stability (57 days, −20°C) were established for all analytes. The cross‐validation between College of American Pathologists and in‐house was validated (0.06% ≤ bias ≤ 12.3%). The applicability of the method was examined by analyzing urine samples from chronic pain patients (n = 610). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of antibiotics as chiral selectors for capillary electrophoretic enantioseparation of pharmaceuticals: a review
Authors: Dixit Shuchi , Park Jung Hag
Published: June 2013

Recent years have witnessed several new trends in chiral separation, for example, the enantiorecognition ability of several new antibiotics has been explored using capillary electrophoresis (CE) prior to HPLC; antibiotics have been employed as chiral selectors (CSs) in a nonaqueous CE (NACE) mode; and several new detection techniques (namely, capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection) have been used in combination with CE for quantification of enantiomers. On account of these emerging trends, this article aims to review the application of various classes of antibiotics for CE enantioseparation of pharmaceuticals. A detailed account of the basic factors affecting enantioseparation, certain limitations of antibiotics as CSs and strategies to mitigate them, and advantages of NACE while using antibiotics as CSs has also been presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of near‐infrared spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography for detection of lipid
Authors: Yonetsu Taishi , Suh William , Abtahian Farhad , Kato Koji , Vergallo Rocco , Kim Soo‐Joong , Jia Haibo , McNulty Iris , Lee Hang , Jang Ik‐Kyung
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To compare intracoronary near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the detection of lipid, to identify NIRS signals to differentiate superficial lipid, and to characterize the plaque with yellow block (YB) chemograms on NIRS.

Background

Intracoronary NIRS has been developed to detect lipid core plaque (LCP).

Methods

We investigated a total of 17 patients who underwent both OCT and NIRS. NIRS analysis included plaque lipid core burden index (LCBI), LCP length, and the presence of YB on the block chemogram. OCT analysis included maximum lipid arc (LA), the length of lipid (LL), lipid index, and the thinnest fibrous cap thickness (FCT).

Results

Twenty‐five plaques with >40% plaque burden were analyzed. LCP, showing LCBI > 0, was observed in 20 plaques (80%) and YB was detected in seven plaques (28%). Plaque LCBI showed modest correlations with maximum LA and lipid index by OCT (r2 = 0.319, P = 0.003 and r2 = 0. 404, P = 0.001, respectively). Lipid length showed a significant correlation between NIRS and OCT measurements (r2 = 0.581, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in NIRS parameters between superficial and deep lipid. Plaques with YB compared with those without YB showed a larger LA, longer LL, and thinner FCT (185 ± 29° vs. 105 ± 76°, P = 0.014; 8.5 ± 3.3 mm vs. 3.3 ± 2.7 mm, P = 0.001; 112 ± 42 vs. 166 ± 61 µm, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

NIRS and OCT parameters showed modest linear correlations in the measurement of lipid. The accurate depth of lipid in the vessel wall could not be identified by quantitative NIRS parameters. YB chemograms represented more vulnerable features on OCT. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Knowledge‐Based View of the Porter Hypothesis
Authors: Ziesemer Thomas
Published: June 2013

It is commonly held that environmental regulation affects competitiveness negatively. The Porter Hypothesis contests this view by proposing a dynamic perspective in which innovations induced by apt environmental policies may offset regulation costs. The existing theoretical evidence largely suggests that the classic perception of a trade‐off between economic and ecological goals prevails. Some empirical evidence, however, supports the Porter Hypothesis. With the aim to shed more light on these ambiguities this paper argues that the Porter Hypothesis lacks a comprehensive microeconomic foundation as it does not consider the properties and ramifications of knowledge capital. To address this shortcoming the paper develops a novel knowledge‐based view of the hypothesis that introduces cumulative knowledge capital as the most important asset in attaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the sense of the resource‐based view of the firm. Based on the basic properties of knowledge the new perspective, which is applicable to both incremental and radical innovations, highlights the development and accumulation processes of superior knowledge capital and further discusses the barriers to its growth. In combination with the exogenous pressure of environmental regulation these insights are finally compiled into a knowledge‐based view of the Porter Hypothesis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment