Surveying the genomic landscape of silage-quality traits in maize(Zea mays L.)

Despite the longstanding importance of silage as a critical feed source for ruminants,its quality improvement has been largely overlooked.Although numerous quantitative trait loci(QTL)and genes affecting silage quality in maize have been reported,only a few have been effectively incorporated into breeding programs.Addressing this gap,the present study undertook a comprehensive meta-QTL(MQTL)analysis involving 523 QTL associated with silage-quality traits collected from 14 published studies.Of the 523 QTL,405 were projected onto a consensus map comprising 62,424 genetic markers,resulting in the identification of 60 MQTL and eight singletons.The average confidence interval(CI)of the MQTL was 3.9-fold smaller than that of the source QTL.Nine of the 60 identified MQTL were classified as breeder’s MQTL owing to their small CIs,involvement of more QTL,and large contribution to phenotypic variation.One-third of the MQTL co-localized with DNA marker-trait associations identified in previous genomewide association mapping studies.A set of 78 high-confidence candidate genes influencing silage quality were identified in the MQTL regions.These genes and associated markers may advance marker-assisted breeding for maize silage quality.

Lipocalin-2 as a biomarker for diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes is a major global public health issue.The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is comparatively static,as hereditary and genetic causes are involved,while type 2 diabetes(T2D)prevalence is increasing day by day.T2D is associated with chronic complications,including diabetic neuropathy(DN),nephropathy,retinopathy,and other complications like diabetic foot.DN is the main complication of both types of diabetes.DN can be diagnosed by routine laboratory tests,microalbuminuria>300 mg/24 h,and a gradual decrease in glomerular filtration rate.As the appearance of microalbuminuria is a late manifestation,an early marker for renal damage is needed.Lipocalin-2,also known as neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin(NGAL),is a small protein purified from neutrophil granules and a good marker for kidney disease.NGAL is a transporter protein responsible for many physiological processes,such as inflammation,generation of the immune response,and metabolic homeostasis.NGAL has been reported to depict the early changes in renal damage when urine microalbumin is still undetecable.Therefore,elucidating the role of NGAL in detecting DN and understanding its mechanism can help establish it as a potential early marker for DN.

Selenium and the Thioredoxin and Glutaredoxin Systems

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a small ubiquitous dithiol protein which together with the FADcontaining enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TR) and NADPH (the Trx system) is a hydrogen donor for ribonucleotide reductase essential for DNA synthesis and a general protein disulfide reductase involved in redox regulation. Selenite, selenodiglutathione (GS-Se-SG) and selenocystine are efficiently reduced by thioredoxins and also directly by NADPH and mammalian TR but not by the E. coli enzyme. Incubation of selenite or GS-Se-SG with the Trx system or with mammalian TR results in a rapid formation of selenide, which by redox cycling with oxygen may cause a large non-stoichiometric oxidation of NADPH. Selenocystine is efficiently reduced into two molecules of the selenol amino acid selenocysteine by mammalian TR with a Km-value (6μmol·L-1 ) and a high turnover number (kcat, 3200 min-1) almost identical to the natural substrate Trx-S2. TR also directly reduces lipid hydroperoxides and this peroxidase reaction is strongly stimulated by the presence of catalytic amounts of free selenocysteine. Glutaredoxin (Grx) which catalyzes GSH dependent disulfide reduction also via a redox-active disulfide and Trx are both efficient electron donors to the hut-nan plasrna glutathione peroxidase providing a mechanism by which human plasma glutathione peroxidase may reduce hydroperoxides in an environment almost free from glutathione. Selenate is reduced by Grx and Trx in the presence of GSH. The DNA-binding of the transcription factor AP-1 is strongly inhibited by GS-Se-SG and selenite. Furtherrnore, selenide formed by TR-mediated reduction of selenite and GS-Se-SG inhibits lipoxygenase and changes the electron spin resonance spectrum of the active site iron. Mammalian TR with two subunits of 57 kDa has recently been cloned and shown to be homologous to glutathione reductase. The rat enzyme contains a selenocysteine residue in a unique Cterminal position and a conserved SEClS sequence directing insertion of the selenocysteine. The discovery of selenocysteine in mammalian TR may explain the broad substrate specificity of the enzyme and the requirement of seleflium for cell proliferation

Fuzzy Inventory Model for Deteriorating Items with Time Dependent Demand and Partial Backlogging

In this paper we developed a fuzzy inventory model for deteriorating items with time dependent demand rate. Shortages are allowed and completely backlogged. The backlogging rate of unsatisfied demand is assumed to be a decreasing exponential function of waiting time. The demand rate, deterioration rate and backlogging rate are assumed as a triangular fuzzy numbers. The purpose of our study is to defuzzify the total profit function by signed distance method and centroid method. Further a numerical example is also given to demonstrate the developed crisp and fuzzy models. A sensitivity analysis is also given to show the effect of change of the parameters.

Nodal Spine Pairs Present in the Mimosoid <i>Prosopis juliflora</i>Are Not Stipules but Define a Distinct Class of Lateral Organs

The descriptions of Prosopis juliflora of subfamily mimosoideae in the family leguminosae, given in the floras of arid and semi-arid regions of the world, including the flora of Delhi, state that the spine pairs seen in association with compound leaf on nodes are stipules. The suggestions that spines are stipules were tested by morphological and histological examination of nodes of P. juliflora plants growing in the Arawalli range at New Delhi. The nascent nodes on growing branches of P. juliflora were observed to produce a pair of knife-like free bifacial stipules together with a leaf and a pair of spines. The stipules were missing from the mature nodes of the same branches whose young nodes carried stipule pairs, suggesting that the stipules were deciduous whereas leaves and spines were persistent. Anatomically, spines were observed to be appendages to stem and located adjacent to leaf petiole away from stipules. Vasculature of stipules was independent. The observations allowed the conclusion that P. juliflora nodes form regular stipules and spines produced on them are stem-like distinct lateral organs. It is suggested that nodal spine pairs borne on plant nodes in general are lateral organs different from stipules, leaves and secondary inflorescences.

Silibinin and colorectal cancer chemoprevention:a comprehensive review on mechanisms and efficacy

Globally,the risk of colorectal cancer（CRC） as well as the incidence of mortality associated with CRC is increasing.Thus,it is imperative that we look at alternative approaches involving intake of non-toxic natural dietary/non-dietary agents,for the prevention of CRC.The ultimate goal of this approach is to reduce the incidence of pre-neoplastic adenomatous polyps and prevent their progression to more advanced forms of CRC,and use these natural agents as a safe intervention strategy during the clinical course of this deadly malignancy.Over the years,pre-clinical studies have shown that silibinin（a flavonolignan isolated from the seeds of milk thistle,Silybum marianum） has strong preventive and therapeutic efficacy against various epithelial cancers,including CRC.The focus of the present review is to provide a comprehensive tabular summary,categorically for an easy accessibility and referencing,pertaining to the efficacy and associated mechanisms of silibinin against CRC growth and progression.

Integration of morpho-physico-biochemical traits with SSR and SRAP markers for characterization of castor genotypes of Indian origin

Castor(Ricinus communis L.)is an important tropical oilseed crop,whose oil has versatile,practical value,especially in industries.The present study aimed to estimate the nature and magnitude of variability in the castor germplasm concerning yield and its component traits and physico-biochemical characters.Seed yield per plant and oil content ranged from 80.90 g(ICS-165)to 248.30 g(RG-3216),and 34.7%(ICS-172)to 58.7%(JI-277),respectively.The iodine value of oil ranged from 76.36(JI-370)to 89.84(P2-135)with an average value of 83.02.The mean saponification value of oil was 182.24.The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were high for acid value,capsules on the main raceme,seed yield per plant,and total length of the main raceme.A positive association of porosity,average unit volume,and total length of the main raceme with seed yield per plant showed that these characters might be directly attributed to seed yield improvement.By Manhattan distances,the 30 genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters.Their genetic diversity was elucidated using SSR and SRAP markers.SRAP marker produced higher mean number of total bands(5.71),polymorphic bands(4.57),percentage polymorphism(83.10%),PIC(1.72),RP(5.90),mean RP(1.02),MR(5.71),EMR(4.57)and MI(1.44)values when compared to SSR(2.89,2.11,79.63%,0.61,1.90,0.72,2.89,2.11 and 0.49,respectively)marker.The highest genetic distance(0.77)was between 48-1 and JI-370,which indicated that these genotypes could be used in biparental mating schemes,QTL map development,and hybridization programmes to increase oil content and quality for industrial purposes.

DC Conductivity and Spectroscopic Characterization of Poly (o-toluidine) Doped with Binary Dopant ZrOCl₂/AgI

Aqueous binary dopant (ZrOCl2/AgI) is used in different ratio such as 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 (w/w) for chemical doping to enhance the conductivity of synthesized Poly (o-toluidine) (POT). The doping of Poly (o-toluidine) is carried out using tetrahydrofuran as solvent. Doped samples are characterized using various techniques such as I-V characteristics, UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), FTIR and Photoluminescence (PL) studies. A significant enhancement in DC conductivity has been observed with the introduction of binary dopant. UV-Visible study shows that optical parameters change considerably after doping. Interestingly, both direct and indirect band gaps are observed in the doped samples. XRD patterns show the semi-crystalline nature of doped Poly (o-toluidine). FTIR study shows structural modifications in functional groups with doping in POT. A Photolyminescence spectrum exhibits the emission properties of the samples.

An Inventory Model for Perishable Items with Time Varying Stock Dependent Demand and Trade Credit under Inflation

In the classical inventory models, it is assumed that the retailer pays to the supplier as soon as he received the items and in such cases the supplier offers a cash discount or credit period (permis-sible delay) to the retailer. In this paper we presented an inventory model for perishable items with time varying stock dependent demand under inflation. It is assumed that the supplier offers a credit period to the retailer and the length of credit period is dependent on the order quantity. The purpose of our study is to minimize the present value of retailer’s total cost. Numerical examples are also given to demonstrate the presented mode.

Spectral Investigations of Kiton Red-620 Doped Polymethylmethacrylate

Chemical modifications by incorporating organic dye molecules in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix may open up the possibility of the development of smart materials. In the present work, Kiton red-620 laser dye is embedded in synthesized PMMA matrix by chemical doping process. The spectral investigations of Kiton red-620 doped PMMA matrix has been carried out using FTIR, UV-visible and photoluminescence spectrophotometers. FTIR study showed that the absorption band region 1800 - 1000 cm-1 becomes sharper with the concentration of dye in PMMA matrix. UV-visible and photoluminescence study showed that a slight shifting appears in the absorption spectra, emission spec- tra and intensity of emission peaks as concentration of dye increases in PMMA matrix.

Design of polysaccharide gum based network copolymeric hydrogels for drug delivery and wound dressing applications

This article deals with the exploration of the design of network crosslinked structure by covalent bonding for use as wound dressing materials keeping in view inherent therapeutic role of neem gum in wound healing.These copolymeric hydrogels were prepared by graft-copolymerization reaction of carbopol and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)(poly(NVP).Antibiotic drug levofloxacin was encapsulated in dressings for better wound healing.The scanning electron microscopy(SEM),atomic force microscopy(AFM),Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy,^(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),differential thermal gravimetry(DTG),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)techniques were applied for characterization.NMR and FTIR demonstrated incorporation of carbapol and poly(NVP)in dressings.XRD indicated amorphous state in copolymeric dressings.Interactions of copolymers with drug,blood and bio membrane were studied to evaluate biomedical properties which revealed controlled release of drug from hydrogel dressings which were possessing blood-compatible(haemolytic value=2.4±0.82)and mucoadhesive(detachment force=124±41 mN)properties.Dressings were permeable to O2 and H2O vapour and absorbed 6.68±±0.62 g/g wound fluid which is ideal dressing characteristic.Diffusion mechanism type of drug levofloxacin was Fickian with kinetic model First order.These properties suggested use of hydrogel material for wound dressing and drug delivery applications for better wound care management.This article deals with the exploration of the design of network crosslinked structure by covalent bonding for use as wound dressing materials keeping in view inherent therapeutic role of neem gum in wound healing.These copolymeric hydrogels were prepared by graft-copolymerization reaction of carbopol and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)(poly(NVP).Antibiotic drug levofloxacin was encapsulated in dressings for better wound healing.The scanning electron microscopy(SEM),atomic force microscopy(AFM),Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy,13C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),differential thermal gravimetry(DTG),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)techniques were applied for characterization.NMR and FTIR demonstrated incorporation of carbapol and poly(NVP)in dressings.XRD indicated amorphous state in copolymeric dressings.Interactions of copolymers with drug,blood and bio membrane were studied to evaluate biomedical properties which revealed controlled release of drug from hydrogel dressings which were possessing blood-compatible(haemolytic value=2.45±.82)and mucoadhesive(detachment force=124±41 mN)properties.Dressings were permeable to O2 and H_(2)O vapour and absorbed 6.68±0.62 g/g wound fluid which is ideal dressing characteristic.Diffusion mechanism type of drug levofloxacin was Fickian with kinetic model First order.These properties suggested use of hydrogel material for wound dressing and drug delivery applications for better wound care management.

Performance of Bt cotton evaluated in relation to mulching and weed control measures in northwest India

Background Weed infestation in cotton has been reported to offer severe competition and cause yield reduction to a large extent.Weeding via cultural practices is time consuming,tedious,and expensive due to long duration of cotton crop and regular monsoon rains during cotton production in India.Chemical weed control has been successfully utilized in cotton in the recent past.However,continuous use of similar herbicides leads to resistance in weeds against herbicides.And when sprayed to the field,herbicides not only suppress weeds but leave undesirable residues in the soil that are hazardous to the environment.Therefore,a study was performed at cotton research area at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University,Hisar,Haryana during two consecutive kharif seasons(2020 and 2021)to determine the most suitable and sustainable weed management strategy through the integration of chemical and cultural methods.Results Mulching with rice straw of 7.5 t ha^(-1)resulted in significantly higher cotton seed yield(3189 and 3084 kg ha^(-1))and better weed control in comparison to no mulch treatments(2990 and 2904 kg ha^(-1))in 2020 and 2021,respectively.Among various weed management levels,the significantly lowest cotton seed yield was recorded in untreated control(1841 and 1757 kg·ha^(-1)during 2020 and 2021,respectively)in comparison to other treatments while all other treatments were statistically at par with each other during both years of crop experimentation.Conclusion Mulching with rice straw of 7.5 t·ha^(-1)along with a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin(active ingredient)at 1.5 kg·ha^(-1)fb(followed by)one hoeings at 45 days after sowing(DAS)and fb glyphosate 2 kg·ha^(-1)(Shielded spray)at 90 DAS is a viable option for effective control of grassy and broadleaved weeds in Bt cotton in north-west India.

An emerging threat Fileless malware:a survey and research challenges

With the evolution of cybersecurity countermeasures,the threat landscape has also evolved,especially in malware from traditional file-based malware to sophisticated and multifarious fileless malware.Fileless malware does not use traditional executables to carry-out its activities.So,it does not use the file system,thereby evading signature-based detection system.The fileless malware attack is catastrophic for any enterprise because of its persistence,and power to evade any anti-virus solutions.The malware leverages the power of operating systems,trusted tools to accomplish its malicious intent.To analyze such malware,security professionals use forensic tools to trace the attacker,whereas the attacker might use anti-forensics tools to erase their traces.This survey makes a comprehensive analysis of fileless malware and their detection techniques that are available in the literature.We present a process model to handle fileless malware attacks in the incident response process.In the end,the specific research gaps present in the proposed process model are identified,and associated challenges are highlighted.

Numerical study on thermal therapy of triple layer skin tissue using fractional bioheat model

This paper deals with the study of heat transfer and thermal damage in triple layer skin tissue using fractional bioheat model. Here, we consider three types of heating viz. sinusoidal heat flux, constant temperature and constant heat flux heating on skin surface. An implicit finite difference scheme is obtained by approximating fractional time derivative by quadrature formula and space derivative by central difference formula. The temperature profiles and thermal damage in the skin tissue are obtained to study the effect of fractional parameter a on diffusion process for constant temperature and heat flux boundary heating on skin surface. A parametric study for sinusoidal heat flux at skin surface has also been made.

An emerging threat Fileless malware:a survey and research challenges

With the evolution of cybersecurity countermeasures,the threat landscape has also evolved,especially in malware from traditional file-based malware to sophisticated and multifarious fileless malware.Fileless malware does not use traditional executables to carry-out its activities.So,it does not use the file system,thereby evading signature-based detection system.The fileless malware attack is catastrophic for any enterprise because of its persistence,and power to evade any anti-virus solutions.The malware leverages the power of operating systems,trusted tools to accomplish its malicious intent.To analyze such malware,security professionals use forensic tools to trace the attacker,whereas the attacker might use anti-forensics tools to erase their traces.This survey makes a comprehensive analysis of fileless malware and their detection techniques that are available in the literature.We present a process model to handle fileless malware attacks in the incident response process.In the end,the specific research gaps present in the proposed process model are identified,and associated challenges are highlighted.

Quantum cascade lasers operating from 1.4 to 4 THz

The development of teranertz （THz） quantum cascade lasers （QCLs） has progressed considerably since their advent almost a decade ago.THz QCLs operating in a frequency range from 1.4 to 4 THz with electron-phonon scattering mediated depopulation schemes are described.Several different types of GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice designs are reviewed.Some of the best temperature performances are obtained by the so-called resonant-phonon designs that are described.Operation above a temperature of 160 K has been obtained across the spectrum for THz QCLs operating at ν 〉 1.8 THz.The maximum operating temperature of previously reported THz QCLs has empirically been limited to a value of ～ω/k B.A new design scheme for THz QCLs with scattering-assisted injection is shown to surpass this empirical temperature barrier,and is promising to improve the maximum operating temperatures of THz QCLs even further.