Aim:To investigate the impact of abnormal sperm morphology using the sperm deformity index (SDI) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and its correlation with sperm DNA damage.Methods:Semen samples were collect...Aim:To investigate the impact of abnormal sperm morphology using the sperm deformity index (SDI) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and its correlation with sperm DNA damage.Methods:Semen samples were collected from men undergoing infertility screening (n=7) and healthy donors (n=6).Mature spermatozoa were isolated and incubated with 5 mmol/L β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for up to 24 h to induce ROS.Sperm morphology was evaluated using strict Tygerberg's criteria and the SDI.ROS levels and DNA damage were assessed using chemiluminescence and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein- dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays,respectively.Results:SDI values (median [interquartiles]) were higher in patients than donors (2 [1.8,2.1] vs.1.53 [1.52,1.58],P=0.008).Aliquots treated with NADPH showed higher ROS levels (1.22 [0.30,1.87] vs.0.39 [0.10,0.57],P=0.03) and higher incidence of DNA damage than those not treated (10 [4.69,24.85] vs.3.85 [2.58,5.10],P=0.008).Higher DNA damage was also seen following 24 h of incubation in patients compared to donors.SDI correlated with the percentage increase in sperm DNA damage following incubation for 24 h in samples treated with NADPH (r=0.7,P=0.008) and controls (r=0.58,P=0.04). Conclusion:SDI may be a useful tool in identifying potential infertile males with abnormal prevalence of oxidative stress (OS)-induced DNA damage.NADPH plays a role in ROS-mediated sperm DNA damage,which appears to be more evident in infertile patients with semen samples containing a high incidence of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.展开更多
Graphene with an exceptional combination of electronic, optical and outstanding mechanical features has been proved to lead a completely different kind of 2-D electronics. The most exciting feature of graphene is its ...Graphene with an exceptional combination of electronic, optical and outstanding mechanical features has been proved to lead a completely different kind of 2-D electronics. The most exciting feature of graphene is its ultra-thin thickness, that can be conformally contacted to any kind of rough surface without losing much of its transparency and conductivity. Graphene has been explored demonstrating various prototype flexible electronic applications, however, its potentiality has been proven wherever transparent conductive electrodes（TCEs） are needed in a flexible, stretchable format. Graphene-based TCEs in flexible electronic applications showed greatly superior performance over their conventionally available competitor indium tin oxide（ITO）. Moreover, enormous applications have been emerging, especially in wearable devices that can be potentially used in our daily life as well as in biomedical areas. However, the production of high-quality, defect-free large area graphene is still a challenge and the main hurdle in the commercialization of flexible and wearable products. The objective of the present review paper is to summarize the progress made so far in graphene-based flexible and wearable applications. The current developments including challenges and future perspectives arc also highlighted.展开更多
Numerous experimental and theoretical observations have concluded that the probability of the three fragment emission(ternary fission)or binary fission increases when one proceeds towards the heavy mass region of nucl...Numerous experimental and theoretical observations have concluded that the probability of the three fragment emission(ternary fission)or binary fission increases when one proceeds towards the heavy mass region of nuclear periodic table.Many factors affect fragment emission,such as the shell effect,deformation,orientation,and fissility parameter.Binary and ternary fissions are observed for both ground and excited states of the nuclei.The collinear cluster tripartition(CCT)channel of the^(235)U(n^(th),f)reaction is studied,and we observe that the CCT may be a sequential or simultaneous emission phenomenon.To date,different approaches have been introduced to study the CCT process as a simultaneous or sequential process,but the decay dynamics of these modes have not been not fully explored.Identifying the three fragments of the sequential process and exploring their related dynamics using an excitation energy dependent approach would be of further interest.Hence,in this study,we investigate the sequential decay mechanism of the^(235)U(n^(th),f)reaction using quantum mechanical fragmentation theory(QMFT).The decay mechanism is considered in two steps,where initially,the nucleus splits into an asymmetric channel.In the second step,the heavy fragment obtained in the first step divides into two fragments.Stage I analysis is conducted by calculating the fragmentation potential and preformation probability for the spherical and deformed choices of the decaying fragments.The most probable fragment combination of stage I are identified with respect to the dips in the fragmentation structure and the corresponding maxima of the preformation probability(P0).The light fragments of the identified decay channels(obtained in step I)agree closely with the experimentally observed fragments.The excitation energy of the decay channel is calculated using an iteration process.The excitation energy is shared using an excitation energy dependent level density parameter.The obtained excitation energy of the identified heavy fragments is fur展开更多
The bulk of the world’s millet crop is produced by India,Nigeria,Niger,Mali,Burkina Faso,Chad,and China.Finger millet(Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn),little millet(Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem.&Schult.),foxtail m...The bulk of the world’s millet crop is produced by India,Nigeria,Niger,Mali,Burkina Faso,Chad,and China.Finger millet(Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn),little millet(Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem.&Schult.),foxtail millet(Setaria italica(L.)P.Beauvois)and proso millet(Panicum miliaceum L.)are most commonly found species among various millet varieties.In India,finger millet occupy the largest area under cultivation among the small millets.Finger millet stands unique among the cereals such as barley,rye and oats with higher nutritional contents and has outstanding properties as a subsistence food crop.It is rich in calcium(0.34%),dietary fiber(18%),phytates(0.48%),protein(6%–13%)minerals(2.5%–3.5%),and phenolics(0.3%–3%).Moreover,it is also a rich source of thiamine,riboflavin,iron,methionine,isoleucine,leucine,phenylalanine and other essential amino acids.The abundance of these phytochemicals enhances the nutraceutical potential of finger millet,making it a powerhouse of health benefiting nutrients.It has distinguished health beneficial properties,such as anti-diabetic(type 2 diabetes mellitus),anti-diarrheal,antiulcer,anti-inflammatory,antitumerogenic(K562 chronic myeloid leukemia),atherosclerogenic effects,antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.展开更多
This experiment was carried out with 375 male broilers(Ross 308) from days 1 to 28 to evaluate the influence of crimped kernel maize silage(CKMS) on the manifestation of subclinical necrotic enteritis,microbiota count...This experiment was carried out with 375 male broilers(Ross 308) from days 1 to 28 to evaluate the influence of crimped kernel maize silage(CKMS) on the manifestation of subclinical necrotic enteritis,microbiota counts, organic acid production and relative weights of gastrointestinal segments. A necrotic enteritis disease model was applied. Birds were allocated into 3 different dietary treatments: a maizebased feed(MBF, control diet), and 2 diets supplemented with 15%(CKMS15) or 30%(CKMS30) of crimped ensiled kernel maize. The disease model involved a 10-time overdose of an attenuated live vaccine against coccidiosis given orally on day 17, followed by oral inoculation of Clostridium perfringens Type A(S48,10~8 to 10~9 bacteria/bird) twice daily on days 18,19, 20 and 21. Scoring of intestinal lesions was performed on days 22, 23, 25 and 28. Ileal and caecal digesta samples were collected for the quantification of selected bacterial groups and organic acids. The results showed that there was no effect of dietary treatments on small intestinal lesion scores(P> 0.05). Lesions scores peaked on days 23 and 25 and decreased again on day 28(P = 0.001). No effect of age on microbiota counts was observed, but feeding of CKMS30 reduced the number of coliforms in ileal contents(P = 0.01). Dietary treatments did not affect organic acid concentrations in ileum and caeca, but there was an effect of age; butyric acid was higher on days 22, 23 and 25 than on day 28(P = 0.04). Acetic acid and propionic acid concentrations in caeca were the highest on days 22 and 28 but the lowest on days 23 and 25. Relative gizzard and caeca weights were increased, and relative ileum weights were decreased when birds were fed CKMS30(P < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of CKMS in broiler diets had no effects on the course of necrotic enteritis but had potential benefits in terms of inhibition of potentially harmful microorganisms.展开更多
A study was conducted with Hy-Line Brown laying hens to examine the effects of reduced protein diet,deficiency of arginine(Arg),and addition of crystalline Arg,citrulline(Cit)and guanidinoacetic acid(GAA)as substitute...A study was conducted with Hy-Line Brown laying hens to examine the effects of reduced protein diet,deficiency of arginine(Arg),and addition of crystalline Arg,citrulline(Cit)and guanidinoacetic acid(GAA)as substitutes for Arg.Hen performance,egg quality,serum uric acid,liver and reproductive organ weights,and energy and protein digestibility were measured using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments.Treatments were a standard diet(17%protein diet;SP),a reduced diet(13%protein diet deficient in Arg;RP)and RP with added Arg(0.35%,RP-Arg),GAA(0.46%equivalent to 0.35%Arg,RP-GAA)or Cit(0.35%,RP-Cit)to the level of SP.It was hypothesized that performance would decrease with Arg deficient RP diet and the addition of GAA or Cit in RP would allow birds to perform similar or greater than Arg-added RP treatment.The experiment was conducted from 20 to 39 wk of age but the treatment effect was seen only after 29 wk of age.The birds offered RP had reduced egg and albumin weights(P<0.01),lower yolk color score(P<0.01),lower protein intake and excretion(P<0.01)than those offered SP.When Arg or Cit were added to RP to make them equivalent to SP,feed intake(FI)and egg production were not different than those of RP(P>0.05).The birds offered RP-GAA decreased FI and egg production(P<0.01)compared to those offered RP.The addition ofArg,Cit or GAA to the RP had no effect on egg quality parameters,protein and energy digestibilities(P>0.05).However,birds offered the RP-Cit diet tended to have higher Haugh unit(P=0.095)and lower shell breaking strength(P=0.088)compared to all other treatments while those offered RP-GAA had higher energy digestibility(P<0.05)than all other groups but RP.The limited performance response of hens fed RP with added Arg,GAA,or Cit may be due to deficiency of some other nutrients in RP such as phenylalanine,potassium or non-essential amino acids and other components of soybean meal in the diet.展开更多
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been recognized as one of the biggest public health issues of the 21 st century. Both ARB and ARGs have been determined in water after tr...Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been recognized as one of the biggest public health issues of the 21 st century. Both ARB and ARGs have been determined in water after treatment with conventional disinfectants. Ultraviolet (UV) technology has been seen growth in application to disinfect the water. However, UV method alone is not adequate to degrade ARGs in water. Researchers are investigating the combination of UV with other oxidants (chlorine, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and photocatalysts) to harness the high reactivity of produced reactive species (C1-, C1O -, Cl2-,-OH, and SO4-_) in such processes with constituents of cell (e.g., deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and its components) in order to increase the degradation efficiency of ARGs. This paper briefly reviews the current status of different UV-based treatments (UV/chlorination, UV/H2O2, UV/PMS, and UV-photocatalysis) to degrade ARGs and to control horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in water. The review also provides discussion on the mechanism of degradation of ARGs and application of q-PCR and gel electrophoresis to obtain insights of the fate of ARGs during UV-based treatment processes.展开更多
Chemical leaching of coals would be required to produce cleaner coals for some special applications where physical benefi-ciation may not be effective enough.This would also help in recovering Li and rare earth metals...Chemical leaching of coals would be required to produce cleaner coals for some special applications where physical benefi-ciation may not be effective enough.This would also help in recovering Li and rare earth metals besides in the sequestration of CO_(2).About 20 Indian coals having complexly distributed moderate to high ash contents were sequentially treated with various alkali–acid such as NaOH-HCl,HF,HCl,HCl-HF,and NaOH-HCl-HF leaching.This aimed to establish and design the best stepwise sequential process for the highest degree of demineralisation through a chemical leaching process.Kinetics and process intensification studies were carried out.More than 80%demineralisation of Madhaipur and Neemcha coals was observed using the best sequential treatment designed presently.The repeated stepwise treatment of the alkali and the acid was also studied,which was found to significantly enhance the degree of demineralisation of coals.The integrated process of alkali–acid leaching followed by solvent extraction(Organo-refining)and vice versa of the treated coal was also studied for producing cleaner coals.展开更多
Objective:The objective of the study was to compare the outcome of tunica albuginea urethroplasty(TAU)and buccal mucosa graft(BMG)urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture.Methods:Thirty patients who met the inclu...Objective:The objective of the study was to compare the outcome of tunica albuginea urethroplasty(TAU)and buccal mucosa graft(BMG)urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture.Methods:Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomised into two groups:TAU(Group A)and BMG urethroplasty(Group B).Surgical outcome was evaluated with pre-and post-operative work-up involving retrograde urethrogram,voiding cystourethrogram,uroflowmetry,and urethroscopy.Patients were followed up till 1 year.Results:Mean duration of surgery was statistically significant between two groups(p=0.0005).Maximum urine flow rate was comparable when compared between two groups(p=0.22)but statistically significant when compared pre-and post-operatively(p<0.001).At follow-up of 1 year,the successful outcomes were 80% in Group A and 87%in Group B.A total of five patients who had unsuccessful results required redo urethroplasty.Complications were minimal in both the groups.Conclusion:TAU provides outcomes equivalent to those of BMG urethroplasty.TAU has less operative time,easy to perform,and beneficial in patients with poor oral hygiene.展开更多
The special property of the actinide mass region is that nuclei belonging to this group are radioactive and undergo different ground state processes,such as alpha decay,cluster radioactivity(CR),heavy particle radioac...The special property of the actinide mass region is that nuclei belonging to this group are radioactive and undergo different ground state processes,such as alpha decay,cluster radioactivity(CR),heavy particle radioactivity(HPR),and spontaneous fission(SF).In this study,the probable radioactive decay modes of the heavy mass region(Z=89−102)are studied within the framework of the preformed cluster model(PCM).In the PCM,the radioactive decay modes are explored in terms of the preformation probability(P0)and penetration probability(P)at the turning point Ra,where the penetration of fragments is initiated[Ra=RT(touching state)+ΔR(neck length parameter)].First,the alpha decay half-lives are calculated for light and heavy nuclei,and Ra points are obtained by optimizing the neck length parameter.These Ra points are further employed to fix the Q-value dependent turning point(Ra(Q)).Then,using the(Ra(Q))relation,the decay half-lives are computed,and the calculated results are compared with the available theoretical and experimental data.The isotopical trend of P0 and P is studied with respect to the mass number of the parent and daughter nucleus,respectively.The CR and HPR channels are also explored,and a comparison of calculated data is conducted with the available literature.Comparative analysis of the fragmentation potential and preformation probability is carried out for alpha decay and SF.The mass distribution of the nuclei is studied as a function of fragment mass(A2)by considering the spherical and hot-compact deformation of the decaying fragments.Finally,the most probable fission fragments are identified using the fragmentation structure,and the corresponding fission fragment total kinetic energy of the identified fragments is calculated and compared with available data,wherever applicable.展开更多
Pea starch consists predominantly of C-type of amylopectin chain which is more resistant to digestive enzymes than A-type of starch thus slowly digested in poultry.It was hypothesized that the presence of slowly diges...Pea starch consists predominantly of C-type of amylopectin chain which is more resistant to digestive enzymes than A-type of starch thus slowly digested in poultry.It was hypothesized that the presence of slowly digested pea starch in broiler diets will increase net energy and the efficiency of energy utilization in broilers.Two experiments were performed to investigate starch digestibility of pea at different in-cubation times(in vitro study)and the effect of dietary pea on heat increment and net energy in broilers using an open-circuit respiratory calorimetry system(in vivo study).One-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were fed a common starter crumble from d 1 to 10 and standard grower diets thereafter.At d 21,birds were transferred to the chambers each housing 2 birds.Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 2 identical runs of 3 replicates per treatment.A wheat-soybean meal-based diet was used as a control and the treatment diet contained 500 g of pea/kg pea.In vitro study showed that pellet processing increased(P<0.001)starch digestibility,particularly at shorter times for wheat and a much larger response for pea.Birds offered the pea-based diet had lower(P=0.002)feed intake,lower(P=0.020)body weight gain,but a similar(P>0.05)FCR compared to those offered the wheat-based diet.Net energy(NE)and apparent metabolizable energy(AME)values were higher in the pea-based diet than in the wheat-based diet(P-0.037 for NE and P-0.018 for AME).Heat production,respiratory quotient,heat increment of feed,efficiency of utilization of gross energy for AME,and efficiency of utilization of AME for NE did not differ(P>0.05)between the 2 treatments.There was no effect(P>0.05)of pea on the total tract di-gestibilities of dry matter,crude protein and ash,but the total tract digestibility of starch was higher(P-0.022)in the pea-based diet compared to the wheat-based diet.This study provides insight into the energy metabolism of broilers offered a pea-based diet and indicates that dietary pea supplementation increases dietary AME and展开更多
<strong>Backgroun</strong><strong>d</strong><strong>:</strong> Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has cardiovascular, neurological, and social complications. Surgical treatment has the p...<strong>Backgroun</strong><strong>d</strong><strong>:</strong> Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has cardiovascular, neurological, and social complications. Surgical treatment has the potential to improve airway patency but when and which surgery should be done is a controversy. <strong>Aims and objective<strong>s</strong></strong><strong>:</strong> To estimate the site of obstruction in patients with OSAS and to assess the surgical results of the site (of obstruction) directed surgical treatment.<strong> Methodology: </strong>Twenty patients with OSAS were included in the study with Eight adults and Twelve children. It was a prospective study. All patients were assessed for the airway collapse and surgery was done accordingly. Repeat PSG was done after surgery for success rate after 4 months of follow up. <strong>Result:</strong> 17 patients successfully completed the follow-up. Four (50%) adults and Two (17%) children have grade I or II tonsils while Four (50%) of adults and Ten (83%) children have tonsil size grade III or IV. Seven (88%) adults and one (8%) of the children have adenoid hypertrophy up to grade II. One adult (12%) and nine children (75%) have grade III Adenoid size. Two children (17%) have Adenoid grade IV size. In Four patients retropalatal more than retroglossal collapse was found (50%). One patient (12%) had retroglossal more than retropalatal collapse other one had only retropalatal collapse, and the other one had retroglossal collapse. ESS (Epworth sleepiness scale) decreased postoperatively in both groups. There is a significant change in AHI with the median pre-op AHI being 40.19 to median post-op AHI being 11.35 with a p-value 0.017. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in children pre-operatively was 12.98 (median) changed to 2.15 (median) which is statistically significant. Only one adult patient (12%) is surgically cured while in five patients (63%) surgical success achieved with a surgical success rate of 5/8 (63%). Whereas only one patient is surgically cured 1/8 (13%). Eight patients achieved su展开更多
The effect of graded levels of phytase on performance, bone characteristics, excreta/litter quality and odorant emissions was examined using 720 Ross 308 male d-old broilers. A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatment...The effect of graded levels of phytase on performance, bone characteristics, excreta/litter quality and odorant emissions was examined using 720 Ross 308 male d-old broilers. A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with 6 replicates of 15 birds per pen. Factors were: diets-positive and negative control(PC, NC); phytase-0, 500,1,000.1,500 FTU/kg. The PC was formulated to meet the 2014 Ross 308 nutrient specifications, whereas the NC was formulated with lower Ca(-1.4 g/kg), available P(-1.5 g/kg), Na(-0.3 g/kg), dLys(-0.2 g/kg) and MEn(-0.28 MJ/kg) equivalent to nutrient matrix values for 500 FTU/kg phytase in the starter,grower and finisher periods(i.e.,downspec diet). On d 24, phytase decreased FCR by 1.6, 4.3 and 4.6 points at inclusion levels of 500.1,000 and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively(P < 0.01) across all diets. Phytase by diet interactions on BW gain were observed on d 24 and 35(P < 0.01). The effect of phytase was much more pronounced in the NC diet as compared with the PC diet.On d 24, phytase increased BW gain by 37, 55 and 68 g in the PC and 127.233 and 173 g in the NC at 500,1,000 and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively. Diet by phytase interactions were also observed for tibia ash, litter quality and water to feed intake ratio(P < 0.01) with higher phytase effect in NC as compared with PC.Neither diet nor phytase impacted excreta moisture content on d 18 or 21(P> 0.05). Solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(SPME-GC-MS) analysis of gaseous emissions on d 39 indicated no difference in the emission of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, volatile fatty acids and phenols between treatments(P> 0.05). The results indicate that phytase has greater benefits when formulated using nutrient matrix values as compared with adding it over the top in an already nutrient sufficient diet. The later method would be expected to increase feed costs without concomitant performance benefits.展开更多
The present study focuses on the analysis of free vibrations of axisymmetric functionally graded hollow spheres. The material is assumed to be graded in radial di- rection with a simple power law. Matrix Frrbenious me...The present study focuses on the analysis of free vibrations of axisymmetric functionally graded hollow spheres. The material is assumed to be graded in radial di- rection with a simple power law. Matrix Frrbenious method of extended power series is employed to derive the analytical solutions for displacement, temperature, and stresses. The dispersion relations for the existence of various types of pos- sible modes of vibrations in the considered hollow sphere are derived in a compact form. In order to explore the character- istics of vibrations, the secular equations are further solved by using fixed point iteration numerical technique with the help of MATLAB software. The numerical results have been presented graphically for polymethyl methecrylate materials in respect of natural frequencies, frequency shift, inverse quality factor, displacement, temperature change, and radial stress.展开更多
Healthy cartilage is a water-filled super lubricious tissue.Collagen type II provides it structural stability,and proteoglycans absorb water to keep the cartilage in a swollen condition,providing it the ability to cre...Healthy cartilage is a water-filled super lubricious tissue.Collagen type II provides it structural stability,and proteoglycans absorb water to keep the cartilage in a swollen condition,providing it the ability to creep and provide weeping lubrication.Osteoarthritis(OA)is a degenerative and debilitating disorder of diarthrodial joints,where articular cartilage damage originates from enzymatic degradation and mechanical damage(wear).The objective of this research is to observe the level of cartilage damage present in knee arthroplasty patients and to understand the friction and creep behavior of enzymatically degraded bovine cartilage in vitro.Lateral(Lat)and medial(Med)condylar cartilages from OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty showed signs of enzymatic degradation and mechanical damage.Bovine cartilages were exposed to collagenase III and chondroitinase ABC to degrade collagen and proteoglycans,respectively.The loss of proteoglycans or collagen network and morphological changes were observed through histology and the atomic force microscope(AFM),respectively.A significant effect on creep due to enzymatic treatment was not observed.But the enzymatic treatment was found to significantly decrease the coefficient of friction(COF)at 4 N,while higher COF was shown from chondroitinase ABC degraded cartilage at 40 N.Collagenase III treatment leads to the release of intact proteoglycans at the sliding interface,while chondroitinase ABC treatment leads to the loss of chondroitin sulfate(CS)from the proteoglycans.Chondroitinase ABC-digested bovine cartilage mimicked patient samples the best because of the similar distributions of proteoglycans,collagen network,and friction behavior.展开更多
The global COVID-19 pandemic arising from SARS-CoV-2 has impacted many lives,gaining interest worldwide ever since it was first identified in December 2019.Till 2023,752 million cumulative cases and 6.8 million deaths...The global COVID-19 pandemic arising from SARS-CoV-2 has impacted many lives,gaining interest worldwide ever since it was first identified in December 2019.Till 2023,752 million cumulative cases and 6.8 million deaths were documented globally.COVID-19 has been rapidly evolving,affecting virus transmissibility and properties and contributing to increased disease severity.The Omicron is themost circulating variant of concern.Although success in its treatment has indicated progress in tackling the virus,limitations in delivering the current antiviral agents in battling emerging variants remain remarkable.With the latest advancements in nanotechnology for controlling infectious diseases,liposomes have the potential to counteract SARS-CoV-2 because of their ability to employ different targeting strategies,incorporating monoclonal antibodies for the active and passive targeting of infected patients.This review will present a concise summary of the possible strategies for utilizing immunoliposomes to improve current treatment against the occurrence of SARSCoV-2 and its variants.展开更多
Earth-abundant copper-tin(CuSn)electrocatalysts are potential candidates for cost-effective and sustainable production of CO from electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction(eCO_(2)R).However,the requirement of highoverp...Earth-abundant copper-tin(CuSn)electrocatalysts are potential candidates for cost-effective and sustainable production of CO from electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction(eCO_(2)R).However,the requirement of highoverpotential for obtaining reasonable current,low Faradaic efficiencies(FE)and low intrinsic catalytic activities require the optimisation of the CuSn nanoarchitecture for the further advancement in the field.In the current work,we have optimised Sn loading on Cu gas diffusion electrodes(GDEs)by electrochemical spontaneous precipitation.Samples with various Sn loadings were tested in a three-chamber GDE reactor to evaluate their CO_(2)reduction performances.The best performance of 92%CO Faradaic efficiency at a cathodic current density of 120 mA cm^(-2)was obtained from the 20 min Sn deposited Cu_(2)O sample operated at-1.13 V vs.RHE.The electrocatalyst had~13%surface coverage of Sn on Cu GDE surface,and had Sn in oxide form and copper in metallic form.The catalyst also showed stable performance and was operable for>3 h under chronoamperometric conditions.The surface of the GDE reduces from Cu2O to Cu during eCO_(2)R and goes further reconstruction during the eCO_(2)R.This study demonstrates the potential of Cu-Sn for selective CO production at high current densities.展开更多
Pervasive wireless computing and communication have created an ever-increasing demand for more radio spectrum. Since, most of the spectrum is underutilized, it motivated the introduction of the concept of cognitive ra...Pervasive wireless computing and communication have created an ever-increasing demand for more radio spectrum. Since, most of the spectrum is underutilized, it motivated the introduction of the concept of cognitive radios, a dynamic spectrum access enabling technology. The first stage of cognitive radio is to sense the environment and determine which parts of the spectrum are available. This is achieved through spectrum sensing. However, spectrum sensing poses the most fundamental challenge in cognitive radios. Moreover, cognitive radios suffer from many vulnerabilities and the security attacks can severely degrade the performance of cognitive radios. This paper surveys state-of-theart research on spectrum sensing and security threats in cognitive radios. Lastly, we also consider the analysis of issues related to spectrum handoffs in cognitive radios.展开更多
Heat stress causes significant economic losses in the broiler industry.Dietary supplementation of arginine(Arg)and citrulline(Cit)might increase the performance of broilers raised under warm temperature due to vasodil...Heat stress causes significant economic losses in the broiler industry.Dietary supplementation of arginine(Arg)and citrulline(Cit)might increase the performance of broilers raised under warm temperature due to vasodilation effects.This study investigated the effects of L-Arg or L-Cit supplementation in broilers fed a reduced protein wheat-based diet deficient in Arg under thermoneutral(NT)and cyclic warm temperature(WT).Ross 308 cockerels(n=720)were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 12 replicates of 15 birds per pen from d 7 to 21.The 4 treatments were:normal protein(NP),i.e.,22.3%and 20.9%crude protein in grower and finisher,respectively;reduced protein(RP),i.e.,2.5%lower protein and deficient in Arg;and RP supplemented with 0.28%Arg(RP-Arg)or 0.28%Cit(RP-Cit).A factorial arrangement of treatments was applied during the finisher phase(21 to 35 d).Factors were:diet(4 diets above);and temperature,NT(24℃)or cyclic WT(33±1℃for 6 h per day)with 6 replicate pens per treatment.During 7 to 35 d and 21 to 35 d,the birds fed the RP diet had lower body weight gain(BWG)and higher FCR compared to the NP diet(P<0.01).The addition of Arg or Cit to RP decreased FCR compared to RP(P<0.01).During 21 to 35 d,the birds exposed to WT had lower feed intake(FI),lower BWG(P<0.001)but similar FCR(P>0.05)compared to birds exposed to NT.Diet by temperature interactions were not observed for performance parameters during the period of WT(P>0.05).On d 35,the RP-fed birds had a lower yield of thigh and drumstick,higher fat pad,lower femur ash,and breaking strength but similar serum uric acid level and higher nitrogen digestibility on d 21 compared to those offered NP(P<0.05).Supplementation of Arg or Cit to RP resulted in increased femur ash on d 35(P<0.05).Thus,feeding the NP diets is necessary to maintain growth performance in broilers regardless of the temperature conditions.展开更多
文摘Aim:To investigate the impact of abnormal sperm morphology using the sperm deformity index (SDI) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and its correlation with sperm DNA damage.Methods:Semen samples were collected from men undergoing infertility screening (n=7) and healthy donors (n=6).Mature spermatozoa were isolated and incubated with 5 mmol/L β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for up to 24 h to induce ROS.Sperm morphology was evaluated using strict Tygerberg's criteria and the SDI.ROS levels and DNA damage were assessed using chemiluminescence and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein- dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays,respectively.Results:SDI values (median [interquartiles]) were higher in patients than donors (2 [1.8,2.1] vs.1.53 [1.52,1.58],P=0.008).Aliquots treated with NADPH showed higher ROS levels (1.22 [0.30,1.87] vs.0.39 [0.10,0.57],P=0.03) and higher incidence of DNA damage than those not treated (10 [4.69,24.85] vs.3.85 [2.58,5.10],P=0.008).Higher DNA damage was also seen following 24 h of incubation in patients compared to donors.SDI correlated with the percentage increase in sperm DNA damage following incubation for 24 h in samples treated with NADPH (r=0.7,P=0.008) and controls (r=0.58,P=0.04). Conclusion:SDI may be a useful tool in identifying potential infertile males with abnormal prevalence of oxidative stress (OS)-induced DNA damage.NADPH plays a role in ROS-mediated sperm DNA damage,which appears to be more evident in infertile patients with semen samples containing a high incidence of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(No.NRF-2015R1A3A2066337)
文摘Graphene with an exceptional combination of electronic, optical and outstanding mechanical features has been proved to lead a completely different kind of 2-D electronics. The most exciting feature of graphene is its ultra-thin thickness, that can be conformally contacted to any kind of rough surface without losing much of its transparency and conductivity. Graphene has been explored demonstrating various prototype flexible electronic applications, however, its potentiality has been proven wherever transparent conductive electrodes（TCEs） are needed in a flexible, stretchable format. Graphene-based TCEs in flexible electronic applications showed greatly superior performance over their conventionally available competitor indium tin oxide（ITO）. Moreover, enormous applications have been emerging, especially in wearable devices that can be potentially used in our daily life as well as in biomedical areas. However, the production of high-quality, defect-free large area graphene is still a challenge and the main hurdle in the commercialization of flexible and wearable products. The objective of the present review paper is to summarize the progress made so far in graphene-based flexible and wearable applications. The current developments including challenges and future perspectives arc also highlighted.
基金financial support from the Department of Science and Technology(DST),New Delhi,India,in the form of a research project(File no.CRG/2021/001144)。
文摘Numerous experimental and theoretical observations have concluded that the probability of the three fragment emission(ternary fission)or binary fission increases when one proceeds towards the heavy mass region of nuclear periodic table.Many factors affect fragment emission,such as the shell effect,deformation,orientation,and fissility parameter.Binary and ternary fissions are observed for both ground and excited states of the nuclei.The collinear cluster tripartition(CCT)channel of the^(235)U(n^(th),f)reaction is studied,and we observe that the CCT may be a sequential or simultaneous emission phenomenon.To date,different approaches have been introduced to study the CCT process as a simultaneous or sequential process,but the decay dynamics of these modes have not been not fully explored.Identifying the three fragments of the sequential process and exploring their related dynamics using an excitation energy dependent approach would be of further interest.Hence,in this study,we investigate the sequential decay mechanism of the^(235)U(n^(th),f)reaction using quantum mechanical fragmentation theory(QMFT).The decay mechanism is considered in two steps,where initially,the nucleus splits into an asymmetric channel.In the second step,the heavy fragment obtained in the first step divides into two fragments.Stage I analysis is conducted by calculating the fragmentation potential and preformation probability for the spherical and deformed choices of the decaying fragments.The most probable fragment combination of stage I are identified with respect to the dips in the fragmentation structure and the corresponding maxima of the preformation probability(P0).The light fragments of the identified decay channels(obtained in step I)agree closely with the experimentally observed fragments.The excitation energy of the decay channel is calculated using an iteration process.The excitation energy is shared using an excitation energy dependent level density parameter.The obtained excitation energy of the identified heavy fragments is fur
文摘The bulk of the world’s millet crop is produced by India,Nigeria,Niger,Mali,Burkina Faso,Chad,and China.Finger millet(Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn),little millet(Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem.&Schult.),foxtail millet(Setaria italica(L.)P.Beauvois)and proso millet(Panicum miliaceum L.)are most commonly found species among various millet varieties.In India,finger millet occupy the largest area under cultivation among the small millets.Finger millet stands unique among the cereals such as barley,rye and oats with higher nutritional contents and has outstanding properties as a subsistence food crop.It is rich in calcium(0.34%),dietary fiber(18%),phytates(0.48%),protein(6%–13%)minerals(2.5%–3.5%),and phenolics(0.3%–3%).Moreover,it is also a rich source of thiamine,riboflavin,iron,methionine,isoleucine,leucine,phenylalanine and other essential amino acids.The abundance of these phytochemicals enhances the nutraceutical potential of finger millet,making it a powerhouse of health benefiting nutrients.It has distinguished health beneficial properties,such as anti-diabetic(type 2 diabetes mellitus),anti-diarrheal,antiulcer,anti-inflammatory,antitumerogenic(K562 chronic myeloid leukemia),atherosclerogenic effects,antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
文摘This experiment was carried out with 375 male broilers(Ross 308) from days 1 to 28 to evaluate the influence of crimped kernel maize silage(CKMS) on the manifestation of subclinical necrotic enteritis,microbiota counts, organic acid production and relative weights of gastrointestinal segments. A necrotic enteritis disease model was applied. Birds were allocated into 3 different dietary treatments: a maizebased feed(MBF, control diet), and 2 diets supplemented with 15%(CKMS15) or 30%(CKMS30) of crimped ensiled kernel maize. The disease model involved a 10-time overdose of an attenuated live vaccine against coccidiosis given orally on day 17, followed by oral inoculation of Clostridium perfringens Type A(S48,10~8 to 10~9 bacteria/bird) twice daily on days 18,19, 20 and 21. Scoring of intestinal lesions was performed on days 22, 23, 25 and 28. Ileal and caecal digesta samples were collected for the quantification of selected bacterial groups and organic acids. The results showed that there was no effect of dietary treatments on small intestinal lesion scores(P> 0.05). Lesions scores peaked on days 23 and 25 and decreased again on day 28(P = 0.001). No effect of age on microbiota counts was observed, but feeding of CKMS30 reduced the number of coliforms in ileal contents(P = 0.01). Dietary treatments did not affect organic acid concentrations in ileum and caeca, but there was an effect of age; butyric acid was higher on days 22, 23 and 25 than on day 28(P = 0.04). Acetic acid and propionic acid concentrations in caeca were the highest on days 22 and 28 but the lowest on days 23 and 25. Relative gizzard and caeca weights were increased, and relative ileum weights were decreased when birds were fed CKMS30(P < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of CKMS in broiler diets had no effects on the course of necrotic enteritis but had potential benefits in terms of inhibition of potentially harmful microorganisms.
基金The authors would like to acknowledge and thank Australian Egg Corporation Limited for their financial support for this study.
文摘A study was conducted with Hy-Line Brown laying hens to examine the effects of reduced protein diet,deficiency of arginine(Arg),and addition of crystalline Arg,citrulline(Cit)and guanidinoacetic acid(GAA)as substitutes for Arg.Hen performance,egg quality,serum uric acid,liver and reproductive organ weights,and energy and protein digestibility were measured using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments.Treatments were a standard diet(17%protein diet;SP),a reduced diet(13%protein diet deficient in Arg;RP)and RP with added Arg(0.35%,RP-Arg),GAA(0.46%equivalent to 0.35%Arg,RP-GAA)or Cit(0.35%,RP-Cit)to the level of SP.It was hypothesized that performance would decrease with Arg deficient RP diet and the addition of GAA or Cit in RP would allow birds to perform similar or greater than Arg-added RP treatment.The experiment was conducted from 20 to 39 wk of age but the treatment effect was seen only after 29 wk of age.The birds offered RP had reduced egg and albumin weights(P<0.01),lower yolk color score(P<0.01),lower protein intake and excretion(P<0.01)than those offered SP.When Arg or Cit were added to RP to make them equivalent to SP,feed intake(FI)and egg production were not different than those of RP(P>0.05).The birds offered RP-GAA decreased FI and egg production(P<0.01)compared to those offered RP.The addition ofArg,Cit or GAA to the RP had no effect on egg quality parameters,protein and energy digestibilities(P>0.05).However,birds offered the RP-Cit diet tended to have higher Haugh unit(P=0.095)and lower shell breaking strength(P=0.088)compared to all other treatments while those offered RP-GAA had higher energy digestibility(P<0.05)than all other groups but RP.The limited performance response of hens fed RP with added Arg,GAA,or Cit may be due to deficiency of some other nutrients in RP such as phenylalanine,potassium or non-essential amino acids and other components of soybean meal in the diet.
文摘Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been recognized as one of the biggest public health issues of the 21 st century. Both ARB and ARGs have been determined in water after treatment with conventional disinfectants. Ultraviolet (UV) technology has been seen growth in application to disinfect the water. However, UV method alone is not adequate to degrade ARGs in water. Researchers are investigating the combination of UV with other oxidants (chlorine, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and photocatalysts) to harness the high reactivity of produced reactive species (C1-, C1O -, Cl2-,-OH, and SO4-_) in such processes with constituents of cell (e.g., deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and its components) in order to increase the degradation efficiency of ARGs. This paper briefly reviews the current status of different UV-based treatments (UV/chlorination, UV/H2O2, UV/PMS, and UV-photocatalysis) to degrade ARGs and to control horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in water. The review also provides discussion on the mechanism of degradation of ARGs and application of q-PCR and gel electrophoresis to obtain insights of the fate of ARGs during UV-based treatment processes.
文摘Chemical leaching of coals would be required to produce cleaner coals for some special applications where physical benefi-ciation may not be effective enough.This would also help in recovering Li and rare earth metals besides in the sequestration of CO_(2).About 20 Indian coals having complexly distributed moderate to high ash contents were sequentially treated with various alkali–acid such as NaOH-HCl,HF,HCl,HCl-HF,and NaOH-HCl-HF leaching.This aimed to establish and design the best stepwise sequential process for the highest degree of demineralisation through a chemical leaching process.Kinetics and process intensification studies were carried out.More than 80%demineralisation of Madhaipur and Neemcha coals was observed using the best sequential treatment designed presently.The repeated stepwise treatment of the alkali and the acid was also studied,which was found to significantly enhance the degree of demineralisation of coals.The integrated process of alkali–acid leaching followed by solvent extraction(Organo-refining)and vice versa of the treated coal was also studied for producing cleaner coals.
文摘Objective:The objective of the study was to compare the outcome of tunica albuginea urethroplasty(TAU)and buccal mucosa graft(BMG)urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture.Methods:Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomised into two groups:TAU(Group A)and BMG urethroplasty(Group B).Surgical outcome was evaluated with pre-and post-operative work-up involving retrograde urethrogram,voiding cystourethrogram,uroflowmetry,and urethroscopy.Patients were followed up till 1 year.Results:Mean duration of surgery was statistically significant between two groups(p=0.0005).Maximum urine flow rate was comparable when compared between two groups(p=0.22)but statistically significant when compared pre-and post-operatively(p<0.001).At follow-up of 1 year,the successful outcomes were 80% in Group A and 87%in Group B.A total of five patients who had unsuccessful results required redo urethroplasty.Complications were minimal in both the groups.Conclusion:TAU provides outcomes equivalent to those of BMG urethroplasty.TAU has less operative time,easy to perform,and beneficial in patients with poor oral hygiene.
基金Financial support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST),New Delhi,India in the form of a research project grant (CRG/2021/001144)
文摘The special property of the actinide mass region is that nuclei belonging to this group are radioactive and undergo different ground state processes,such as alpha decay,cluster radioactivity(CR),heavy particle radioactivity(HPR),and spontaneous fission(SF).In this study,the probable radioactive decay modes of the heavy mass region(Z=89−102)are studied within the framework of the preformed cluster model(PCM).In the PCM,the radioactive decay modes are explored in terms of the preformation probability(P0)and penetration probability(P)at the turning point Ra,where the penetration of fragments is initiated[Ra=RT(touching state)+ΔR(neck length parameter)].First,the alpha decay half-lives are calculated for light and heavy nuclei,and Ra points are obtained by optimizing the neck length parameter.These Ra points are further employed to fix the Q-value dependent turning point(Ra(Q)).Then,using the(Ra(Q))relation,the decay half-lives are computed,and the calculated results are compared with the available theoretical and experimental data.The isotopical trend of P0 and P is studied with respect to the mass number of the parent and daughter nucleus,respectively.The CR and HPR channels are also explored,and a comparison of calculated data is conducted with the available literature.Comparative analysis of the fragmentation potential and preformation probability is carried out for alpha decay and SF.The mass distribution of the nuclei is studied as a function of fragment mass(A2)by considering the spherical and hot-compact deformation of the decaying fragments.Finally,the most probable fission fragments are identified using the fragmentation structure,and the corresponding fission fragment total kinetic energy of the identified fragments is calculated and compared with available data,wherever applicable.
基金Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences(GXGC2017ZY002),ChinaAdministration of Foreign Experts Affairs(L20172200042 and 20182200010)for their financial support.
文摘Pea starch consists predominantly of C-type of amylopectin chain which is more resistant to digestive enzymes than A-type of starch thus slowly digested in poultry.It was hypothesized that the presence of slowly digested pea starch in broiler diets will increase net energy and the efficiency of energy utilization in broilers.Two experiments were performed to investigate starch digestibility of pea at different in-cubation times(in vitro study)and the effect of dietary pea on heat increment and net energy in broilers using an open-circuit respiratory calorimetry system(in vivo study).One-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were fed a common starter crumble from d 1 to 10 and standard grower diets thereafter.At d 21,birds were transferred to the chambers each housing 2 birds.Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 2 identical runs of 3 replicates per treatment.A wheat-soybean meal-based diet was used as a control and the treatment diet contained 500 g of pea/kg pea.In vitro study showed that pellet processing increased(P<0.001)starch digestibility,particularly at shorter times for wheat and a much larger response for pea.Birds offered the pea-based diet had lower(P=0.002)feed intake,lower(P=0.020)body weight gain,but a similar(P>0.05)FCR compared to those offered the wheat-based diet.Net energy(NE)and apparent metabolizable energy(AME)values were higher in the pea-based diet than in the wheat-based diet(P-0.037 for NE and P-0.018 for AME).Heat production,respiratory quotient,heat increment of feed,efficiency of utilization of gross energy for AME,and efficiency of utilization of AME for NE did not differ(P>0.05)between the 2 treatments.There was no effect(P>0.05)of pea on the total tract di-gestibilities of dry matter,crude protein and ash,but the total tract digestibility of starch was higher(P-0.022)in the pea-based diet compared to the wheat-based diet.This study provides insight into the energy metabolism of broilers offered a pea-based diet and indicates that dietary pea supplementation increases dietary AME and
文摘<strong>Backgroun</strong><strong>d</strong><strong>:</strong> Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has cardiovascular, neurological, and social complications. Surgical treatment has the potential to improve airway patency but when and which surgery should be done is a controversy. <strong>Aims and objective<strong>s</strong></strong><strong>:</strong> To estimate the site of obstruction in patients with OSAS and to assess the surgical results of the site (of obstruction) directed surgical treatment.<strong> Methodology: </strong>Twenty patients with OSAS were included in the study with Eight adults and Twelve children. It was a prospective study. All patients were assessed for the airway collapse and surgery was done accordingly. Repeat PSG was done after surgery for success rate after 4 months of follow up. <strong>Result:</strong> 17 patients successfully completed the follow-up. Four (50%) adults and Two (17%) children have grade I or II tonsils while Four (50%) of adults and Ten (83%) children have tonsil size grade III or IV. Seven (88%) adults and one (8%) of the children have adenoid hypertrophy up to grade II. One adult (12%) and nine children (75%) have grade III Adenoid size. Two children (17%) have Adenoid grade IV size. In Four patients retropalatal more than retroglossal collapse was found (50%). One patient (12%) had retroglossal more than retropalatal collapse other one had only retropalatal collapse, and the other one had retroglossal collapse. ESS (Epworth sleepiness scale) decreased postoperatively in both groups. There is a significant change in AHI with the median pre-op AHI being 40.19 to median post-op AHI being 11.35 with a p-value 0.017. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in children pre-operatively was 12.98 (median) changed to 2.15 (median) which is statistically significant. Only one adult patient (12%) is surgically cured while in five patients (63%) surgical success achieved with a surgical success rate of 5/8 (63%). Whereas only one patient is surgically cured 1/8 (13%). Eight patients achieved su
基金supported under the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres Programa part of Poultry CRC sub project grant 2.2.8
文摘The effect of graded levels of phytase on performance, bone characteristics, excreta/litter quality and odorant emissions was examined using 720 Ross 308 male d-old broilers. A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with 6 replicates of 15 birds per pen. Factors were: diets-positive and negative control(PC, NC); phytase-0, 500,1,000.1,500 FTU/kg. The PC was formulated to meet the 2014 Ross 308 nutrient specifications, whereas the NC was formulated with lower Ca(-1.4 g/kg), available P(-1.5 g/kg), Na(-0.3 g/kg), dLys(-0.2 g/kg) and MEn(-0.28 MJ/kg) equivalent to nutrient matrix values for 500 FTU/kg phytase in the starter,grower and finisher periods(i.e.,downspec diet). On d 24, phytase decreased FCR by 1.6, 4.3 and 4.6 points at inclusion levels of 500.1,000 and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively(P < 0.01) across all diets. Phytase by diet interactions on BW gain were observed on d 24 and 35(P < 0.01). The effect of phytase was much more pronounced in the NC diet as compared with the PC diet.On d 24, phytase increased BW gain by 37, 55 and 68 g in the PC and 127.233 and 173 g in the NC at 500,1,000 and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively. Diet by phytase interactions were also observed for tibia ash, litter quality and water to feed intake ratio(P < 0.01) with higher phytase effect in NC as compared with PC.Neither diet nor phytase impacted excreta moisture content on d 18 or 21(P> 0.05). Solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(SPME-GC-MS) analysis of gaseous emissions on d 39 indicated no difference in the emission of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, volatile fatty acids and phenols between treatments(P> 0.05). The results indicate that phytase has greater benefits when formulated using nutrient matrix values as compared with adding it over the top in an already nutrient sufficient diet. The later method would be expected to increase feed costs without concomitant performance benefits.
基金support provided by CSIR New Delhi via project grant No.25 (0184)/10/EMR–II
文摘The present study focuses on the analysis of free vibrations of axisymmetric functionally graded hollow spheres. The material is assumed to be graded in radial di- rection with a simple power law. Matrix Frrbenious method of extended power series is employed to derive the analytical solutions for displacement, temperature, and stresses. The dispersion relations for the existence of various types of pos- sible modes of vibrations in the considered hollow sphere are derived in a compact form. In order to explore the character- istics of vibrations, the secular equations are further solved by using fixed point iteration numerical technique with the help of MATLAB software. The numerical results have been presented graphically for polymethyl methecrylate materials in respect of natural frequencies, frequency shift, inverse quality factor, displacement, temperature change, and radial stress.
基金The tribometer(UMT-3,Bruker,USA)setup was purchased thanks to the Grant No.91112026 from the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development(ZON-MW).Figure 8 is created with biorender.comWe also would like to thank China Scholarship Council for a four-year scholarship to Ph.D.candidate Ke REN(Grant No.CSC201806400039).
文摘Healthy cartilage is a water-filled super lubricious tissue.Collagen type II provides it structural stability,and proteoglycans absorb water to keep the cartilage in a swollen condition,providing it the ability to creep and provide weeping lubrication.Osteoarthritis(OA)is a degenerative and debilitating disorder of diarthrodial joints,where articular cartilage damage originates from enzymatic degradation and mechanical damage(wear).The objective of this research is to observe the level of cartilage damage present in knee arthroplasty patients and to understand the friction and creep behavior of enzymatically degraded bovine cartilage in vitro.Lateral(Lat)and medial(Med)condylar cartilages from OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty showed signs of enzymatic degradation and mechanical damage.Bovine cartilages were exposed to collagenase III and chondroitinase ABC to degrade collagen and proteoglycans,respectively.The loss of proteoglycans or collagen network and morphological changes were observed through histology and the atomic force microscope(AFM),respectively.A significant effect on creep due to enzymatic treatment was not observed.But the enzymatic treatment was found to significantly decrease the coefficient of friction(COF)at 4 N,while higher COF was shown from chondroitinase ABC degraded cartilage at 40 N.Collagenase III treatment leads to the release of intact proteoglycans at the sliding interface,while chondroitinase ABC treatment leads to the loss of chondroitin sulfate(CS)from the proteoglycans.Chondroitinase ABC-digested bovine cartilage mimicked patient samples the best because of the similar distributions of proteoglycans,collagen network,and friction behavior.
基金the financial support obtained from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(DIP-2021-001)ASEANIndia Science&Technology Development Fund(AISTDF)(SERB/F/3955/2022-2023).
文摘The global COVID-19 pandemic arising from SARS-CoV-2 has impacted many lives,gaining interest worldwide ever since it was first identified in December 2019.Till 2023,752 million cumulative cases and 6.8 million deaths were documented globally.COVID-19 has been rapidly evolving,affecting virus transmissibility and properties and contributing to increased disease severity.The Omicron is themost circulating variant of concern.Although success in its treatment has indicated progress in tackling the virus,limitations in delivering the current antiviral agents in battling emerging variants remain remarkable.With the latest advancements in nanotechnology for controlling infectious diseases,liposomes have the potential to counteract SARS-CoV-2 because of their ability to employ different targeting strategies,incorporating monoclonal antibodies for the active and passive targeting of infected patients.This review will present a concise summary of the possible strategies for utilizing immunoliposomes to improve current treatment against the occurrence of SARSCoV-2 and its variants.
基金The authors would like to acknowledge the support from the UKRI Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy(EP/V011863/1)EPSRC LifesCO2R project(EP/N009746/1 EP/N009746/2)and EPSRC NECEM Energy Material Centre(EP/R021503/1)Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre Pump Prime grant which enabled the access to the characterisation facilities is also acknowledged.
文摘Earth-abundant copper-tin(CuSn)electrocatalysts are potential candidates for cost-effective and sustainable production of CO from electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction(eCO_(2)R).However,the requirement of highoverpotential for obtaining reasonable current,low Faradaic efficiencies(FE)and low intrinsic catalytic activities require the optimisation of the CuSn nanoarchitecture for the further advancement in the field.In the current work,we have optimised Sn loading on Cu gas diffusion electrodes(GDEs)by electrochemical spontaneous precipitation.Samples with various Sn loadings were tested in a three-chamber GDE reactor to evaluate their CO_(2)reduction performances.The best performance of 92%CO Faradaic efficiency at a cathodic current density of 120 mA cm^(-2)was obtained from the 20 min Sn deposited Cu_(2)O sample operated at-1.13 V vs.RHE.The electrocatalyst had~13%surface coverage of Sn on Cu GDE surface,and had Sn in oxide form and copper in metallic form.The catalyst also showed stable performance and was operable for>3 h under chronoamperometric conditions.The surface of the GDE reduces from Cu2O to Cu during eCO_(2)R and goes further reconstruction during the eCO_(2)R.This study demonstrates the potential of Cu-Sn for selective CO production at high current densities.
文摘Pervasive wireless computing and communication have created an ever-increasing demand for more radio spectrum. Since, most of the spectrum is underutilized, it motivated the introduction of the concept of cognitive radios, a dynamic spectrum access enabling technology. The first stage of cognitive radio is to sense the environment and determine which parts of the spectrum are available. This is achieved through spectrum sensing. However, spectrum sensing poses the most fundamental challenge in cognitive radios. Moreover, cognitive radios suffer from many vulnerabilities and the security attacks can severely degrade the performance of cognitive radios. This paper surveys state-of-theart research on spectrum sensing and security threats in cognitive radios. Lastly, we also consider the analysis of issues related to spectrum handoffs in cognitive radios.
基金the Poultry Hub Australia(grant number:18414)for their funding for this study。
文摘Heat stress causes significant economic losses in the broiler industry.Dietary supplementation of arginine(Arg)and citrulline(Cit)might increase the performance of broilers raised under warm temperature due to vasodilation effects.This study investigated the effects of L-Arg or L-Cit supplementation in broilers fed a reduced protein wheat-based diet deficient in Arg under thermoneutral(NT)and cyclic warm temperature(WT).Ross 308 cockerels(n=720)were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 12 replicates of 15 birds per pen from d 7 to 21.The 4 treatments were:normal protein(NP),i.e.,22.3%and 20.9%crude protein in grower and finisher,respectively;reduced protein(RP),i.e.,2.5%lower protein and deficient in Arg;and RP supplemented with 0.28%Arg(RP-Arg)or 0.28%Cit(RP-Cit).A factorial arrangement of treatments was applied during the finisher phase(21 to 35 d).Factors were:diet(4 diets above);and temperature,NT(24℃)or cyclic WT(33±1℃for 6 h per day)with 6 replicate pens per treatment.During 7 to 35 d and 21 to 35 d,the birds fed the RP diet had lower body weight gain(BWG)and higher FCR compared to the NP diet(P<0.01).The addition of Arg or Cit to RP decreased FCR compared to RP(P<0.01).During 21 to 35 d,the birds exposed to WT had lower feed intake(FI),lower BWG(P<0.001)but similar FCR(P>0.05)compared to birds exposed to NT.Diet by temperature interactions were not observed for performance parameters during the period of WT(P>0.05).On d 35,the RP-fed birds had a lower yield of thigh and drumstick,higher fat pad,lower femur ash,and breaking strength but similar serum uric acid level and higher nitrogen digestibility on d 21 compared to those offered NP(P<0.05).Supplementation of Arg or Cit to RP resulted in increased femur ash on d 35(P<0.05).Thus,feeding the NP diets is necessary to maintain growth performance in broilers regardless of the temperature conditions.
