Major Cause Of Reduction Research Articles

Aging Resistance of Bitumen Modifiers: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract The deterioration of physical and mechanical properties of bituminous materials that are attributable to the aging of bitumen is one of the major causes of reduction in service life of flexible pavements. Thermal-oxidation and photo-oxidation aging are the two major types of aging of bitumen. Heat and oxygen cause thermal-oxidative aging, whereas ultraviolet irradiation and oxygen causes ultraviolet photo-oxidative aging of bitumen. Aging of binder leads to significant changes in the chemical composition of bitumen resulting in reduction of cracking resistance of bituminous mixes because of hardening of bitumen. So, it is quintessential to reduce the rate of hardening of bitumen induced by aging for prevention of premature failure of flexible pavements. The type of bitumen used for production of bituminous mixes have a significant effect on aging resistance of bitumen. The bitumen can be modified by using different types of modifiers such as antioxidants, bio-oils, nanomaterials, polymers, rubber, and ultraviolet absorbers. In addition to this, the modifiers such as fillers, warm mix additives, and rejuvenators also affect the aging resistance of bitumen. However, the effectiveness of these modifiers in preventing the hardening of bitumen because of aging varies with type of aging. The modifiers that exhibit improvement in thermal-oxidative aging resistance of bitumen are found to be less effective in improvement in photo-oxidative aging resistance and vice-versa. So, it is imperative to understand the effectiveness of different types of bitumen modifiers for the prevention of thermal-oxidative and photo-oxidative aging of bitumen. This review documents the resistance of different types of modifiers to thermal-oxidative and photo-oxidative aging. Finally, the scope for future work based on the critical gaps identified from existing works is also provided to assist further research.

Waterlogging effects on leaf element concentrations and cane weight of sugarcane genotypes

Aim: The aim of the present experiment was to examine whether waterlogging induced deficiency or excess of elements, is the cause for reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes under waterlogged conditions. Methodology: The experiment was conducted in pots with eleven sugarcane genotypes grown under control and waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging treatment was imposed at 120 days crop age for a period of 60 days. Cane weight and element concentrations were measured at the end of waterlogging. Results: Compared to control, reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes under waterlogging varied from 5.3% (A-46-11) to 32.3% (CoJ 64). Waterlogging caused a significant decrease in leaf N, P, K, S, Zn and Cu concentrations of sugarcane genotypes; the extent of decreases in leaf N and S were more and values for these elements dropped below their reported critical deficiency level for most genotypes. There was a significant inverse correlation between leaf K and S concentration, and reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes, indicating that genotypes with high leaf K and S under waterlogging have relatively less reduction in cane weight. There were significant increase in the leaf Fe, Al, Mn and Na concentrations under waterlogging, however, increase in these elements were not correlated with reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes. Interpretation: The results suggest that deficiencies of N, K and S rather than excess of Fe, Al and Mn is a major cause for reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes under waterlogged condition. The genotypes tolerant to N, K and S deficiencies under waterlogging can be utilized in breeding program for developing sugarcane varieties with improved waterlogging tolerance. Key words: Cane weight, Element deficiencies, Element toxicities, Sugarcane, Waterlogging

Automatic Classification Service System for Citrus Pest Recognition Based on Deep Learning.

Plant diseases are a major cause of reduction in agricultural output, which leads to severe economic losses and unstable food supply. The citrus plant is an economically important fruit crop grown and produced worldwide. However, citrus plants are easily affected by various factors, such as climate change, pests, and diseases, resulting in reduced yield and quality. Advances in computer vision in recent years have been widely used for plant disease detection and classification, providing opportunities for early disease detection, and resulting in improvements in agriculture. Particularly, the early and accurate detection of citrus diseases, which are vulnerable to pests, is very important to prevent the spread of pests and reduce crop damage. Research on citrus pest disease is ongoing, but it is difficult to apply research results to cultivation owing to a lack of datasets for research and limited types of pests. In this study, we built a dataset by self-collecting a total of 20,000 citrus pest images, including fruits and leaves, from actual cultivation sites. The constructed dataset was trained, verified, and tested using a model that had undergone five transfer learning steps. All models used in the experiment had an average accuracy of 97% or more and an average f1 score of 96% or more. We built a web application server using the EfficientNet-b0 model, which exhibited the best performance among the five learning models. The built web application tested citrus pest disease using image samples collected from websites other than the self-collected image samples and prepared data, and both samples correctly classified the disease. The citrus pest automatic diagnosis web system using the model proposed in this study plays a useful auxiliary role in recognizing and classifying citrus diseases. This can, in turn, help improve the overall quality of citrus fruits.

Assessment of erosive wear performance of Pelton turbine injectors using CFD-DEM simulations

The problem of surface erosion due to sediment-laden water in hydropower stations is quite severe, especially in those located in the Himalayan region. It is one of the major causes of reduction in the operational economy for hydropower generation. In Pelton turbines, the injector assembly is subjected to severe erosion, yielding it inoperable in a relatively short period when compared to other parts of the hydropower plant. The present study aims to contribute to an understanding of hydro-abrasive erosion in Pelton turbine injectors due to changes in design and surface material with hard coating. Three different injector designs, conventional design (nozzle and spear angle of 90 o and 50 o , respectively) and two other designs proposed for better hydraulic performance (nozzle and spear angles of 110 o and 70 o , and 150 o and 90 o , respectively) are chosen for the analysis. The simulations are conducted using the CFD coupled discrete element method (DEM). Multi-size sand particles in the range of 75 μm to 300 μm have been selected to conduct the study. The particle-wall collision characteristics are used to estimate the erosion rate using the semi-empirical erosion models calibrated for martensitic steel, high-velocity air fuel (HVAF), and high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) processed WC-CoCr coatings erosion. The erosion distribution on the nozzle and spear for different injector designs with and without coating at different nozzle opening conditions has been studied. The results show that the erosion of the nozzle and spear is asymmetrical. The increase in design angle enhances nozzle erosion while decreasing spear erosion. The erosion resistance of the Pelton injector improves by an order of 100 with a coating of WC–CoCr. Compared to the HVOF technique, coating with the HVAF technique has superior erosive wear performance. The ratio of maximum to minimum erosion ratio reduces with coating. Also, the uniformity in erosion distribution improves for the coated surface compared to the uncoated surface. The results could provide some theoretical assistance for design optimization, coating performance, and maintenance of the Pelton turbine injector for application in sediment-laden water flows. • Comparison of injector designs for hydraulic and erosive wear performance. • Comparison of the erosion of injectors with and without surface coating. • Erosion model for martensitic steel, and HVAF and HVOF processed WC-CoCr coatings. • Identification of zone of higher erosion on nozzle and spear for different designs. • Analysis of particle collision characteristics on nozzle and spear surface.

Salinity Influences Endophytic Bacterial Communities in Rice Roots from the Indian Sundarban Area.

In "Sundarbans", the coastal regions of the West Bengal, soil salinity has always been one of the major causes of reduction in yield in these regions. The use of endophytic is a well-demanded strategy to mitigate the problems of salt stress and rice productivity. The present study attempted to analyze rice root endogenous microbial diversity and their relationship with soil salinity and physicochemical factors in the salt stressed region of Sundarbans, India using amplicon metagenomics approaches. Our investigation indicates, that the unique microbiome slightly acidic nutrient enriched non-saline zone is characterized by microbial genera that reported either having plant growth promotion (Flavobacterium, Novosphingobium, and Kocuria) or biocontrol abilities (Leptotrichia), whereas high ionic alkaline saline stressed zone dominated with either salt-tolerant microbes or less characterized endophytes (Arcobacter and Vogesella). The number of genera represented by significantly abundant OTUs was higher in the non-saline zone compared to that of the saline stressed zone probably due to higher nutrient concentrations and the absence of abiotic stress factors including salinity. Physicochemical parameters like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were found significantly positively correlated with Muribaculaceae highly enriched in the non-saline zone. However, relative dissolved oxygen was found significantly negatively correlated with Rikenellaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae, enriched in the non-saline soil. This study first provides the detailed characterizations of rice root endophytic bacterial communities as well as their diversity contributed by measured environmental parameters in salinity Sundarbans areas. Since this study deals with two gradients of salinity, connecting the microbial diversity with the salinity range could be targeted for the use as "bioindicator" taxa and bio-fertilizer formulation in salt-affected regions.

Modelling the asymmetric nexus between carbon emissions and COVID-19: Indian evidence employing NARDL model

After rising for decades, carbon emissions fell in 2020 by 2.3 billion tonnes. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on carbon emissions in India by employing the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model over the period March 25, 2020, to August 31, 2021. Unit root test confirms that all variables are integrated at order I(0) and I(1). Bounds test supports long-run association amongst the variables. Results of the study validate the asymmetric relationship between COVID-19 determinants and CO2 emissions. It presents that lockdown has significantly reduced the CO2 emissions. This asymmetric relationship indicates that COVID-19 has become the major cause of reduction in greenhouse gases, but this cannot be treated as a permanent solution to environmental destruction. Thus, the study suggested that governments and policymakers should formulate FDI policy on high-tech low carbon technology while preparing a strict environmental access system and promote environmentally sustainable investment through subsidies.

Physiological and Molecular Characterization of Crop Resistance to Abiotic Stresses

Abiotic stress represents a main constraint for agriculture, affecting plant growth and productivity. Drought and soil salinity, especially, are major causes of reduction of crop yields and food production worldwide. It is not unexpected, therefore, that the study of plant responses to abiotic stress and stress tolerance mechanisms is one of the most active research fields in plant biology. This Special Issue compiles 22 research papers and 4 reviews covering different aspects of these responses and mechanisms, addressing environmental stress factors such as drought, salinity, flooding, heat and cold stress, deficiency or toxicity of compounds in the soil (e.g., macro and micronutrients), and combination of different stresses. The approaches used are also diverse, including, among others, the analysis of agronomic traits based on morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical studies, and transcriptomics or transgenics. Despite its complexity, we believe that this Special Issue provides a useful overview of the topic, including basic information on the mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance as well as practical aspects such as the alleviation of the deleterious effects of stress by different means, or the use of local landraces as a source of genetic material adapted to combined stresses. This knowledge should help to develop the agriculture of the (near) future, sustainable and better adapted to the conditions ahead, in a scenario of global warming and environmental pollution.

Global reduction of solar power generation efficiency due to aerosols and panel soiling

Air pollution and dust prevail over many regions that have rapid growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation, potentially reducing PV generation. Here we combine solar PV performance modelling with long-term satellite-observation-constrained surface irradiance, aerosol deposition and precipitation rates to provide a global picture of the impact of particulate matter (PM) on PV generation. We consider attenuation caused by both atmospheric PM and PM deposition on panels (soiling) in calculating the overall effect of PM on PV generation, and include precipitation removal of soiling and the benefits of panel cleaning. Our results reveal that, with no cleaning and precipitation-only removal, PV generation in heavily polluted and desert regions is reduced by more than 50% by PM, with soiling accounting for more than two-thirds of the total reduction. Our findings highlight the benefit of cleaning panels in heavily polluted regions with low precipitation and the potential to increase PV generation through air-quality improvements. Air pollution and dust can reduce photovoltaic electricity generation. This study shows that, without cleaning and with precipitation-only removal, particulate matter can reduce photovoltaic generation in polluted and desert regions by more than 50%, with soiling being the major cause of reduction.

Sensitivity of hydrological connectivity in a semiarid basin with a high-density reservoir network

Water reservoirs, in general, have been considered to be the major cause of reduction of downstream hydrological connectivity in channels. Therefore, this study analyzed the sensitivity of hydrological connectivity in the Orós Reservoir hydrographic basin by using the ResNet model, designed to simulate the processes involved in fluvial hydrological connectivity in environments with a high density of reservoirs. The analysis of hydrological connectivity was performed with the model ResNetM, which simulated hydrological processes and considered hydrological connectivity between the reservoirs, according to the criteria established in this research. To identify the main elements that affect hydrological connectivity, sensitivity analysis (SI) was performed of some input parameters of the model. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the modification of the topology of the reservoir network was the variable that presented the highest sensitivity to hydrological connectivity, with a sensitivity value of 1.07, followed by the runoff coefficient, which obtained a sensitivity of 0.8. The modification of the rainfall and of the reservoir storage capacity, showed an intermediate sensitivity, with values of 0.46 and 0.45, respectively. On the other hand, the parameters of potential evaporation and transmission loss showed the lowest sensitivity, obtaining values of 0.19 and 0.01, respectively. In conclusion, the runoff coefficient and the reservoir network (change in the reservoir number of the network) were the parameters evaluated with the highest sensitivity of hydrological connectivity. Thus, the alteration of the landscape by man provides significant changes in river navigation between the reservoirs in the basin.

Amphibian (Rana nigromaculata)exposed to cyproconazole: Changes in growth index, behavioral endpoints, antioxidant biomarkers, thyroid and gonad development

Pesticides are a major cause of reduction in the global population of amphibians. This study investigates the effect of varying concentrations of cyproconazole (1 and 10 mg/L) on Rana nigromaculata during a chronic 90 days exposure period. High levels of cyproconazole (10 mg/L) induced declined body weight, short snout–vent length, slow metamorphic development and abnormal behavioral endpoints in R. nigromaculata tadpoles. Tadpoles exposed to 10 mg/L did not survive beyond 42 days. Abnormal behaviors were observed more frequently with exposure to the highest concentration of cyproconazole. Compared with controls, the concentrations of dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased in tadpoles exposed to 1 mg/L cyproconazole. However, when the concentration of cyproconazole increased to 10 mg/L, concentrations of SOD, GSH and CAT activity began to decline. In addition, thyroid and gonad development were also affected at the gene and hormone level, with varied effects observed with different exposure levels and days. Exposure to cyproconazole at the lower level of 1 mg/L induced damage to histological structures of the thyroid gland. Stereoselective tissue distribution and bioaccumulation of cyproconazole was observed in tadpoles. The ranked order of bioaccumulation was: enantiomer -4 > 3> 2 > 1, with the level of cyproconazole highest in the gut. These findings reflect the toxicity of cyproconazole to R. nigromaculata and further our understanding of the effects of pesticide exposure on global amphibian population declines.

Using Eccentrically Sample to Find the Relationship between Resistivity and Cracking Time in Cement Paste Vides Mechanical Strength and Electrical Resistivity

Early-age cracking is often attributed as a major cause of reduction in the durability of concrete structures. The objective of this paper is to study the hydration behavior of various samples of different water-cement ratios, that’s in order to assess crack potential, compressive strength and setting time of the cement paste. The behavior of hydration was monitored by using a non-contact electrical resistivity apparatus. While a new eccentrically steel cracking frame (ESCF), setting time and compressive strength standard test were considered to measure the restrained shrinkage cracks, compressive strength and setting time respectively. The objective of using the eccentrically sample is to provide a new method to assess the cracks at early age by presents a complicated and non-uniform circumferential stress in the eccentrically cement paste ring. The results show that the electrical resistivity measurement of all samples with different water cement ratios had similar trends. Whereas the lowest water-cement ratio paste indicates highest resistivity values, reaches an earlier inflection point, and obtained higher compressive strength than other cement pastes of higher water-cement ratio. The eccentrically restrained cracking test (ERCT) and setting time demonstrated that lower water-cement ratio paste set and cracked earliest, which is therefore, confirmed its highest cracking tendency. The cracks took place at the narrow regions of specimens, which can be an indicator for eccentrically restrained shrinkage test (ERST). The cracks were observed as growing at narrow areas and reach full-depth over time. A mathematical model for predicting the cracking age of cement is proposed. The equation showed the existence of a positive relationship between electrical resistivity represented by inflection points (Ti) and cracks time (Tc).

The effects of global dimming on the wheat crop grown in the Yangtze Basin of China simulated by SUCROS_LL, a process-based model

Low light spell, one of the major causes of reduction in global radiation (global dimming), has become a new challenge to crop production. For assessing impacts of low light spells on wheat yield, we proposed a low light index (LLI) and quantified the effects of low light spell conditions occurring at different development stages on five key crop parameters of wheat (leaf photosynthetic capacity, photosynthetic initial light-use efficiency, specific leaf area, dry matter partitioning index for green leaf and harvest index) as functions of LLI using data from field experiments with different levels (50%, 66% and 84% of reduction in incident radiation from ambient) and durations (2d, 4d, 6d and 8d) of shading treatments. These functions were then incorporated into the generic process-based crop growth model SUCROS97 to develop a model, called SUCROS_LL hereafter, for assessing potential yield loss of wheat caused by low light spells. SUCROS_LL was validated and tested using independent data from field shading experiments and 19 agro-meteorological experimental stations, and then used for assessing the potential yield loss of wheat caused by low light spells in the Middle-Lower Reaches of Yangtze River Basin during 1961–2010. Our field experimental data showed that responses of wheat parameters and yield to low light depended on not only LLI, but also the development stages. Plant adaptive responses cannot fully mitigate the negative effects of short-term substantial reduction in incident radiation on wheat crop yield. Compared with SUCROS97, SUCROS_LL significantly improved prediction accuracy of wheat yield by 37% under field shading experimental conditions and 29% under natural low light spell conditions at the 19 agro-meteorological experimental stations. The simulated potential yield loss of wheat caused by low light spells averaged over 1961–2010 increased from the North (below 10%) to the South (above 40%) in the studied region. Potential yield loss averaged over the whole studied region was estimated to increase from the 1960s to the 1990s by 2.9% per decade, but decrease in the 2000s by 9.1% per decade. Although potential wheat yield loss caused by low light spells has been decreased in the past decade in the studied region, the trends of global dimming suggests that breeding/choice of cultivars with better morphological plasticity in response to light availability is in need to mitigate the negative effects of reduction in incident radiation on wheat growth and yield.

Drought responses in six hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars

Drought is one of the major causes of reduction of crop yields worldwide, a problem that will increase in the next decades due to climate change. We describe here an initial attempt to define biochemical markers associated to water stress in several hazelnut cultivars, by measuring the levels of common osmolytes and the generation of secondary oxidative stress, in plants subjected to water stress, and after recovery from the stress treatment. Proline appears to be a reliable marker in this species, as its accumulation in leaves correlates well with the degree of stress affecting the plants. Differences between cultivars in relative Pro accumulation and oxidative stress suggested that some cultivars are more tolerant than others and could be selected for cultivation in drought-affected areas

Use of RAPD markers to characterize commercially grown rust resistant cultivars of sugarcane

The brown leaf rust caused by Puccinia melanaocephala (Syd. & P. Syd.) is a major cause of reduction in sugar production and withdrawal of sugarcane cultivars from growing fields. In The present study, the eight commercially grown sugarcane cultivar was characterized under natural inoculation and divided into two discrete groups i.e. four rust resistant and four rust susceptible. The extracted genomic DNA was subjected against RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. After screening of decamers, 7 were picked for further analysis on the basis of polymorphism, which is the most important application of DNA markers. These decamers generated 21 trackable loci with the range of 400-2500 bp and 100% polymorphic loci were recorded genomic DNA of eight sugarcane cultivars. From 7 primers, 3 generated 5 specific loci in 4 sugarcane cultivars, which is a potential use of RAPD-PCR for identifying Saccharum spp. hybrids and clones. Primer G-06 generated only one locus 1200 bp in the rust susceptible cultivar NSG-59 while J-05 had produced two loci i.e. 400 bp and 1100 bp in rust resistant cultivars NSG-555 and CP-77-400 respectively. Primer L-18 generated 700 bp and 1400 bp loci in rust susceptible cultivar CoJS-84. The homology tree was constructed using DNAMAN software based on binary data set. During cluster analysis, we found two major groups of cultivars with different minor groups. This study will be useful to characterize rust resistance in sugarcane and could be extended for the development of SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) marker, which is specific, reliable and reproducible marker.

Quantitative estimation of the impact of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus infection on milk production by dairy goats

This retrospective study investigated milk production losses associated with serological evidence (serostatus) of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection over one lactation in 4543 Murciano-Granadina goats from 22 herds in Spain. The seroprevalence of infection was 18%, ranging from 0% to 2% in 11 herds, 7% to 60% in 10 herds and was 100% in one herd. Seropositive does had significantly shorter lactations, produced less milk and milk fat, lactose and dry extract and had higher somatic cell counts than their seronegative counterparts, although differences in milk production between seropositive and seronegative animals were noted between herds.Mixed regression models confirmed the association between CAEV seropositivity and reduced milk production. The adjusted, least squares mean (LSM) test-day milk yield was 10% less in seropositive compared to seronegative does and this difference varied according to lactation number. In contrast, differences in the LSM of milk fat, lactose and dry extract percentages between seropositive and seronegative goats were only between 0.1% and 0.2% and did not increase with lactation number. The findings of this study provide strong evidence that CAEV-infection can be a major cause of reduction in milk yield in goats and its control should be considered as part of dairy goat herd health schemes.

The In Vitro Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant Reduced Energy Consuming in Biodesulfurization Activity of Genetically Engineered Strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027

Rhamnolipid biosurfactant plays an important role in accelerated bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. In this article, the in vitro effects of rhamnolipid biosurfactant on reduction of energy consumption of biodesulfurization activity were evaluated in recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027. The data obtained of these analyses showed that the amount of 2-hydroxybiphenyl production in the presence of rhamnolipid was approximately 150% higher than that produced without rhamnolipid. These analyses demonstrated that the rhamnolipid is a major cause of reduction of energy consumption in biodesulfurization of resting cells. However, the rhamnolipid had no effect in reduction of energy consumption in biodesulfurization of growing cells.

Defective expression of TGFBR3 gene and its molecular mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

背景与目的国外有研究表明，非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）中转化生长因子受体Ⅲ（TGFBR3）存在缺陷表达，但是分子机制尚未明确。本研究以正常支气管上皮细胞（human bronchial epithelial cell, HBEpiC）为对照，分析NSCLC细胞株中TGFBR3基因的表达情况，并探讨TGFBR3基因表达失活的分子机制。方法采用Western blot检测HBEpiC和NSCLC细胞株中TGFBR3的表达情况并做相对定量分析；采用DNA直接测序检测TGFBR3基因启动子基本转录元件区的突变情况；应用亚硫酸氢钠处理后测序法（bisulfite sequence-PCR, BSP）检测TGFBR3基因启动子区甲基化状态。结果NSCLC细胞株中TGFBR3表达水平明显低于HBEpiC；高转移细胞株95D明显低于非转移细胞株LTEP-α-2、A549、NCI-H460；HBEpiC与NSCLC细胞株中TGFBR3基因近端启动子区-165到-75区域无遗传突变，且未见甲基化，远端启动子区-314到-199区域均为高甲基化。结论TGFBR3基因在NSCLC细胞株中表达下调，在高转移细胞株95D中尤其明显，提示该基因的表达缺陷对NSCLC发生发展起重要作用，可能与NSCLC的侵袭和转移相关；然而，TGFBR3基因启动子区重要转录元件区域的甲基化状态并不是导致TGFBR3基因表达下调的主要原因。

Mutations in the Gene Encoding DMT1: Clinical Presentation and Treatment

Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is the protein that allows elemental iron entry into the duodenal cell. It is expressed ubiquitously and it also allows the iron exit from the endosomes. This protein plays a central role in iron metabolism and it is strictly regulated. Several animal models elucidate its role in physiology. Recently three patients affected with DMT1 deficiency have been described. This recessively inherited condition appears at birth with severe microcytic anemia. Serum markers could be particularly useful to establish a correct diagnosis: high serum iron, normal total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), increased saturation of transferrin (Tf), slightly elevated ferritin, and increased soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Increased free erythrocyte protoporphyrins (FEPs) could address the diagnosis to iron-deficient anemia. All patients appeared to respond to erythropoietin (Epo) administration. Because mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) did not change during Epo treatment, it was concluded that Epo did not improve iron utilization of the erythroblasts but likely reduced the degree or intensity of apoptosis, affecting erythropoiesis. Moreover liver iron overload was present and documented in all of the affected patients. In this review we analyze the role of DMT1 in iron metabolism and the major causes of reduction and their consequences in animal models as well in humans, and we attempt to define the correct treatment for human mutants.

Support Vector Machine Classifier for Predicting Drug Binding to P-glycoprotein

Unforeseen reduction in bio-availability of drugs contribute heavily to late phase failure in drug discovery processes. P-glycoprotein, an efflux pump, that evicts a wide range of drugs is a major cause for reduction in bioavailability. Classification of potential drugs into binders and non-binders of this protein will aid greatly in weeding out the failures early in the discovery processes. The need to tap the power of computational approaches for such prediction is increasingly becoming evident, given the speed and ease with which predictions can be integrated into the discovery programs. In this paper, we report development of a prediction method to identify substrates and nonsubstrates of Pglycoprotein, based on a support vector machine algorithm. The method uses a combination of descriptors, encoding substructure types and their relative positions in the drug molecule, thus considering both the chemical nature as well as the three dimensional shape information. A novel pattern recognition method, recently reported by us has been implemented for delineating substructures. The results obtained using the hybrid approach has been compared with those available in the literature for the same data set. An improvement in prediction accuracy with most methods is seen, with an accuracy reaching over 93%.

Sweet Potato Response to Boron Application on an Alfisols in the Subhumid Tropical Climate of India

Splitting of sweet potato tubers because of boron (B) deficiency is a major cause of reduction in marketable tuber yield in India. Soil and plant tests are employed in this study to determine the fertilizer B requirement (FBR). Fertilizer B requirement of sweet potatos grown on an Alfisols under rainfed conditions was evaluated by two simple methods. In the first method, the relationship between B uptake and sweet potato tuber yield was utilized to find the B uptake at a given sweet potato tuber yield. This relationship was then used to find the amount of B applied for that particular uptake to set the targeted yield. In the second method, FBR was determined using the equation: FBR=(UB−U0)/BRF, where UB is B uptake at a given yield, U0 is B uptake from unfertilized soil, and BRF is the recovery of applied B. All of these parameters were determined in a field experiment with sweet potatos grown on Alfisols under rainfed conditions. The results of the study indicated a very good relation between observed value of FBR and predicted values determined by both the methodologies. Results of the study suggest that the simple models developed based on B uptake can be utilized for determining the B requirements of sweet potato.