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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
<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
A spectacularly exposed slump is described from a 120-m-long road cut between the villages of Kanod and Deva in the northeastern Jaisalmer Basin of Rajasthan,India.The Upper Jurassic part of the sediments at the outcr...A spectacularly exposed slump is described from a 120-m-long road cut between the villages of Kanod and Deva in the northeastern Jaisalmer Basin of Rajasthan,India.The Upper Jurassic part of the sediments at the outcrop was formed in a near-shore setting and belongs to the Ludharwa Member of the Baisakhi Formation.The 3-m-thick unit shows a number of asymmetric folds and thrust faults leading to an imbrication of partly lithified sandstone beds.The deformation structures allow the reconstruction of a movement towards the northwest.This agrees well with the basin configuration that shows a deepening into this direction.Although the determination of a specific trigger mechanism is difficult for soft-sediment deformation structures,an earthquake caused by synsedimentary tectonics in the basin seems to be the most likely explanation.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
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
This review describes briefly the beneficial use of two vaccines developed by us for treatment of cancers. The vaccine against Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) is effective in carcinoma of prostate as well...This review describes briefly the beneficial use of two vaccines developed by us for treatment of cancers. The vaccine against Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) is effective in carcinoma of prostate as well as in breast cancers dependent on androgens and estrogens respectively. LHRH being identical in both males and females, the same vaccine is usable in both Prostate and Breast steroid hormones-dependent-cancers. Monoclonal antibodies are finding therapeutic utility in several cancers, and many have received Drugs Regulatory approval. The monoclonals developed by us against hCG and against epitopes present on androgen-independent castration resistant prostate cancers are briefly recapitulated. Anti-hCG antibodies kill several cancers expressing hCG. An example is given of A549 lung carcinoma. MoAb730 and MoAb7B2G10 kill DU-145 and PC-3 androgen-independent castration resistant prostate cancer cells. Some cancers such as MOLT-4, a T-lymphoblastic leukemia, though expressing hCG are not killed by PiPP, the high affinity anti-hCG antibody. Linking the antibody to curcumin however works like a “Magic Bullet”. All MOLT-4 cells are killed by this conjugate, the antibody homes selectively to cancer cells expressing hCG to deliver curcumin which exercises the killing effect. A recombinant vaccine, hCGβ-LTB (human chorionic gonadotropin subunit β linked to B subunit of heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli) has been made, which induces high titre bioeffective antibodies not only in BalbC, but also in other genetic strains of mice. The vaccine employs autoclaved Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MiP) as adjuvant. MiP invigorates both humoral and cell mediated immune responses against Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Besides being a potent adjuvant, MiP used alone heals anogenital warts in humans and has the property of preventing and curing SP2/O Myelomas in mice.展开更多
The role of humic substance-associated persistent free radicals(PFRs)in the fate of organic contaminants under various redox conditions remains unknown.This study examined the characterization of original metal-free p...The role of humic substance-associated persistent free radicals(PFRs)in the fate of organic contaminants under various redox conditions remains unknown.This study examined the characterization of original metal-free peat humin(HM),and HM treated with varying concentrations of H2O2 and L-ascorbic acid(VC)(assigned as H2O2-HM and VC-HM).The concentration of PFRs in HM increased with the addition of VC/H2O2 at concentrations less than 0.08 mol/L.The evolution of PFRs in HM under different environmental conditions(e.g.,oxic/anoxic and humidity)was investigated.Two types of PFRs were detected in HM:a relatively stable radical existed in the original sample,and the other type,which was generated by redox treatments,wa s relatively unstable.The spin densities of VC/H2O2-HM readily returned to the original value under relatively high humidity and oxic conditions.During this process,the HM-associated"unstable"free radicals released an electron to O2,inducing the formation of reactive oxygen species(ROS,i.e.,·OH and·O2-).Th e generated ROS promoted the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons based on the radical quenching measurements.The transformation rates followed the order naphthalene>phenanthrene>anthracene>benzo[a]pyrene.Our results provide valuable insight into the HM-induced transformation of organic contaminants under natural conditions.展开更多
A new process of flat absorber black nickel alloy coating tion from a bath containing nickel, zinc and ammonium was developed on stainless steel by electrodeposi- sulphates; thiocyanate and sodium hypophosphite for sp...A new process of flat absorber black nickel alloy coating tion from a bath containing nickel, zinc and ammonium was developed on stainless steel by electrodeposi- sulphates; thiocyanate and sodium hypophosphite for space applications. Coating process was optimized by investigating the effects of plating parameters, viz concentration of bath constituents, current density, temperature, pH and plating time on the optical properties of the black deposits. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed the inclusion of about 6% phosphorous in the coating. The scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the amorphous nature of the coating. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） and linear polarization （LP） techniques. The results revealed that, phosphorous addition confers better corro- sion resistance in comparison to conventional black nickel coatings. The black nickel coating obtained from hypophosphite bath provides high solar absorptance （αs） and infrared emittance （εIR） of the order of 0.93. Environmental stability to space applications was established by the humidity and thermal cycling tests.展开更多
Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria(PGPB)is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity.Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic...Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria(PGPB)is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity.Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid(ACC)deaminase-producing drought-tolerant bacteria were isolated from a rain-fed agriculture field in the Central Himalaya of Kumaun region,Uttarakhand,India and evaluated for their efficiency in improving finger millet(Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn.)plant growth under non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions.These bacteria withstood a substrate metric potential of -1.0 MPa(30% polyethylene glycol 8000)and therefore were considered drought-tolerant.These strains were identified as Pseudomonas spp.by fatty acid methyl ester analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.The ACC deaminase activity of these strains was characterized at the biochemical level,and the presence of acd S gene,the structural gene for ACC deaminase,was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction.Two sets of pot trials in glass house were set up,one for normal(non-stressed)and the other for drought-stressed conditions.After 5 weeks,one set of plants was subjected to drought stress for 5 d,while the other set continued to be watered.The same growth parameters were recorded for both sets of plants after 40 d of plant growth.The results of pot trials showed that treatments inoculated with ACC deaminase-producing bacterial strains significantly improved the growth performance of finger millet plants and foliar nutrient content as compared to uninoculated treatments under both non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions.In addition,a significant increase in antioxidant activity was observed,wherein bacterial stain inoculation improved plant fitness by protecting it from oxidative damage induced by drought.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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany [Matthias Alberti]the Department of Science and Technology, India [Dhirendra K.Pandey]the Jagiellonian University, Poland [Alfred Uchman]
文摘A spectacularly exposed slump is described from a 120-m-long road cut between the villages of Kanod and Deva in the northeastern Jaisalmer Basin of Rajasthan,India.The Upper Jurassic part of the sediments at the outcrop was formed in a near-shore setting and belongs to the Ludharwa Member of the Baisakhi Formation.The 3-m-thick unit shows a number of asymmetric folds and thrust faults leading to an imbrication of partly lithified sandstone beds.The deformation structures allow the reconstruction of a movement towards the northwest.This agrees well with the basin configuration that shows a deepening into this direction.Although the determination of a specific trigger mechanism is difficult for soft-sediment deformation structures,an earthquake caused by synsedimentary tectonics in the basin seems to be the most likely explanation.
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.
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This review describes briefly the beneficial use of two vaccines developed by us for treatment of cancers. The vaccine against Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) is effective in carcinoma of prostate as well as in breast cancers dependent on androgens and estrogens respectively. LHRH being identical in both males and females, the same vaccine is usable in both Prostate and Breast steroid hormones-dependent-cancers. Monoclonal antibodies are finding therapeutic utility in several cancers, and many have received Drugs Regulatory approval. The monoclonals developed by us against hCG and against epitopes present on androgen-independent castration resistant prostate cancers are briefly recapitulated. Anti-hCG antibodies kill several cancers expressing hCG. An example is given of A549 lung carcinoma. MoAb730 and MoAb7B2G10 kill DU-145 and PC-3 androgen-independent castration resistant prostate cancer cells. Some cancers such as MOLT-4, a T-lymphoblastic leukemia, though expressing hCG are not killed by PiPP, the high affinity anti-hCG antibody. Linking the antibody to curcumin however works like a “Magic Bullet”. All MOLT-4 cells are killed by this conjugate, the antibody homes selectively to cancer cells expressing hCG to deliver curcumin which exercises the killing effect. A recombinant vaccine, hCGβ-LTB (human chorionic gonadotropin subunit β linked to B subunit of heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli) has been made, which induces high titre bioeffective antibodies not only in BalbC, but also in other genetic strains of mice. The vaccine employs autoclaved Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MiP) as adjuvant. MiP invigorates both humoral and cell mediated immune responses against Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Besides being a potent adjuvant, MiP used alone heals anogenital warts in humans and has the property of preventing and curing SP2/O Myelomas in mice.
基金This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41571446 and 41877126)Shaanxi Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(Grant No.2019JC-18)National Key Technologies R&D Program(Grant No.2018 YFC 1802004)。
文摘The role of humic substance-associated persistent free radicals(PFRs)in the fate of organic contaminants under various redox conditions remains unknown.This study examined the characterization of original metal-free peat humin(HM),and HM treated with varying concentrations of H2O2 and L-ascorbic acid(VC)(assigned as H2O2-HM and VC-HM).The concentration of PFRs in HM increased with the addition of VC/H2O2 at concentrations less than 0.08 mol/L.The evolution of PFRs in HM under different environmental conditions(e.g.,oxic/anoxic and humidity)was investigated.Two types of PFRs were detected in HM:a relatively stable radical existed in the original sample,and the other type,which was generated by redox treatments,wa s relatively unstable.The spin densities of VC/H2O2-HM readily returned to the original value under relatively high humidity and oxic conditions.During this process,the HM-associated"unstable"free radicals released an electron to O2,inducing the formation of reactive oxygen species(ROS,i.e.,·OH and·O2-).Th e generated ROS promoted the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons based on the radical quenching measurements.The transformation rates followed the order naphthalene>phenanthrene>anthracene>benzo[a]pyrene.Our results provide valuable insight into the HM-induced transformation of organic contaminants under natural conditions.
文摘A new process of flat absorber black nickel alloy coating tion from a bath containing nickel, zinc and ammonium was developed on stainless steel by electrodeposi- sulphates; thiocyanate and sodium hypophosphite for space applications. Coating process was optimized by investigating the effects of plating parameters, viz concentration of bath constituents, current density, temperature, pH and plating time on the optical properties of the black deposits. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed the inclusion of about 6% phosphorous in the coating. The scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the amorphous nature of the coating. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） and linear polarization （LP） techniques. The results revealed that, phosphorous addition confers better corro- sion resistance in comparison to conventional black nickel coatings. The black nickel coating obtained from hypophosphite bath provides high solar absorptance （αs） and infrared emittance （εIR） of the order of 0.93. Environmental stability to space applications was established by the humidity and thermal cycling tests.
基金the Indo-Australian project for providing financial support for this study
文摘Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria(PGPB)is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity.Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid(ACC)deaminase-producing drought-tolerant bacteria were isolated from a rain-fed agriculture field in the Central Himalaya of Kumaun region,Uttarakhand,India and evaluated for their efficiency in improving finger millet(Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn.)plant growth under non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions.These bacteria withstood a substrate metric potential of -1.0 MPa(30% polyethylene glycol 8000)and therefore were considered drought-tolerant.These strains were identified as Pseudomonas spp.by fatty acid methyl ester analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.The ACC deaminase activity of these strains was characterized at the biochemical level,and the presence of acd S gene,the structural gene for ACC deaminase,was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction.Two sets of pot trials in glass house were set up,one for normal(non-stressed)and the other for drought-stressed conditions.After 5 weeks,one set of plants was subjected to drought stress for 5 d,while the other set continued to be watered.The same growth parameters were recorded for both sets of plants after 40 d of plant growth.The results of pot trials showed that treatments inoculated with ACC deaminase-producing bacterial strains significantly improved the growth performance of finger millet plants and foliar nutrient content as compared to uninoculated treatments under both non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions.In addition,a significant increase in antioxidant activity was observed,wherein bacterial stain inoculation improved plant fitness by protecting it from oxidative damage induced by drought.
