In the history of India, the Thar Desert always had a backseat due to its harsh weather conditions and apprehensions flowing from the adverse weather conditions. Ignorance of the region for long in ...writings of the discipline has pushed the region under the carpet and if any approach has been made to explore its history, it has been mainly in terms of the nomadic (Mer, Rebari, etc.) and professional groups like musicians (Maganiyars, Bhopa, etc.) and folk artists (Kalbeliyas, Dum, etc.). Keeping an insight of all the works done so far around the region of Thar, this study is an attempt to explore the ecological components of the Thar Desert as without taking stock of its resources, it will be impossible to relate with its history. It is significant to explore the ecological ingredients of the Thar Desert as their economic worth led to the formation of political alliances amongst various ruling houses—close and afar—as they all wanted a share in its resources and that too peacefully. Finally, all these associations led to the expansion of the imperial control that was aiming to gain a larger share in the resources and regulate the political moves of this environmentally harsh region.
Indolic secondary metabolites play an important role in pathogen defense in cruciferous plants. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), in addition to the characteristic phytoalexin camalexin, ...derivatives of indole-3-carbaldehyde (ICHO) and indole-3-carboxylic acid (ICOOH) are synthesized from tryptophan via the intermediates indole-3-acetaldoxime and indole-3-acetonitrile. Based on feeding experiments combined with nontargeted metabolite profiling, their composition in nontreated and silver nitrate (AgNO
)-treated leaf tissue was comprehensively analyzed. As major derivatives, glucose conjugates of 5-hydroxyindole-3-carbaldehyde, ICOOH, and 6-hydroxyindole-3-carboxylic acid were identified. Quantification of ICHO and ICOOH derivative pools after glucosidase treatment revealed that, in response to AgNO
treatment, their total accumulation level was similar to that of camalexin. ARABIDOPSIS ALDEHYDE OXIDASE1 (AAO1), initially discussed to be involved in the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid, and Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 71B6 were found to be transcriptionally coexpressed with camalexin biosynthetic genes. CYP71B6 was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and shown to efficiently convert indole-3-acetonitrile into ICHO and ICOOH, thereby releasing cyanide. To evaluate the role of both enzymes in the biosynthesis of ICHO and ICOOH derivatives, knockout and overexpression lines for CYP71B6 and AAO1 were established and analyzed for indolic metabolites. The observed metabolic phenotypes suggest that AAO1 functions in the oxidation of ICHO to ICOOH in both nontreated and AgNO
-treated leaves, whereas CYP71B6 is relevant for ICOOH derivative biosynthesis specifically after induction. In summary, a model for the biosynthesis of ICHO and ICOOH derivatives is presented.
In this work, a design is proposed to improve the performance of the conventional series-fed dipole pair (SDP) antenna by adding split-ring resonator (SRR). Firstly, a conventional SDP antenna that ...functions in the frequency range of 1.7–2.7 GHz is designed by adjusting the distances of the dipoles and the space between the two presentations. Later, a couple of SRR is mounted above the top dipole to improve the antenna performance. Then, the effects of SRR on the impedance, bandwidth and gain are examined. The experimental results show that the proposed antenna has an increased gain. The antenna is simulated, and parameter measurement is done using a CST microwave studio. The proposed antenna can be used for GPS, WIFI and Wi-MAX.
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•Mesoporous activated biochar (ABC) was prepared utilizing OFI for the first time.•The adsorption capacity of ABC is significant over the wide pH range of water.•The chemisorption ...along with diffusion might play a major role in the adsorption process.•The regeneration characteristic indicates the potential for practical application.
Applicability of biochar in water treatment is gaining interest due to its sustainability and low production cost. Herein, the biochar (BC) and activated biochar (ABC) synthesized from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cactus were evaluated as a renewable adsorbent for adsorption of organic as well as inorganic pollutants including malachite green (MG) dye, Cu+2 and Ni+2 heavy metals. The modification of biochar with NaOH resulted higher surface basicity regarding more oxygen containing functional groups on the surface. The maximum uptake of 1341 mg g−1, 49 mg g−1 and 44 mg g−1 onto activated biochar for malachite green dye, Cu+2 and Ni+2 was acquired through the best fitted Langmuir isotherm model. Pseudo-second-order and Elovich models were found to provide a suitable fit indicating towards the chemisorption of all three components. Film diffusion and chemisorption are the main steps in adsorption of MG dye and heavy metals on activated biochar. The adsorption mechanisms were also hypothesized for adsorption of MG dye, Cu+2 and Ni+2. The remarkable adsorption capacities with higher reusability characteristics for adsorption of organic pollutants as well as inorganic heavy metals entrusts this activated biochar as a potential cost-effective adsorbent to mitigate water pollution issue.
Stroke is the second most common medical emergency and constitutes a significant cause of global morbidity. The conventional stroke treatment strategies, including thrombolysis, antiplatelet therapy, ...endovascular thrombectomy, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, reducing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, hemostatic treatment, do not provide efficient relief to the patients due to lack of appropriate delivery systems, large doses, systemic toxicity. In this context, guiding the nanoparticles toward the ischemic tissues by making them stimuli-responsive can be a turning point in managing stroke. Hence, in this review, we first outline the basics of stroke, including its pathophysiology, factors affecting its development, current treatment therapies, and their limitations. Further, we have discussed stimuli-responsive nanotherapeutics used for diagnosing and treating stroke with challenges ahead for the safe use of nanotherapeutics.
Objective: To determine whether a single dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist administered subcutaneously in addition to the regular progesterone supplementation could provide a ...better luteal support in antagonist protocol fresh embryo transfer cycles. Methods: This prospective, multicentric, cohort study included total 140 women, 70 in each group. Controlled ovarian stimulation was carried out as per fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. The trigger was given with hCG. In vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) was performed and day-3 embryos were transferred. Patients were divided into groups 1 and 2 based on computer generated randomization sheet. Six days following oocyte retrieval, group 1 received 0.2 mg decapeptyl subcutaneously in addition to regular progesterone support while group 2 received progesterone only. Luteal support was given for 14 days to both groups; if pregnancy was confirmed luteal support was continued till 12 weeks of gestation. The clinical pregnancy rate was the primary outcome. The implantation rate, miscarriage rate, live birth delivery rate, and multiple pregnancy rates were the secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 140 patients were analysed, 70 in each group. Clinical pregnancy rates (47.1% vs. 35.7%; P=0.17), implantation rates (23.4% vs. 18.1%, P=0.24), live birth delivery rates (41.4% vs. 27.1%, P=0.08), and multiple pregnancy rates (21.2% vs. 16.0%, P=0.74) were higher in group 1 than in group 2. Group 1 had a lower miscarriage rate than group 2 (5.7% vs. 8.6%; P=0.75). However, these differences were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusions: Administration of a single dose of GnRH agonist in addition to regular natural micronized vaginal progesterone as luteal support in GnRH antagonist protocol cycles marginally improves implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth delivery rates. However, more studies with higher sample sizes are needed before any conclusive statements about GnRH agonist as luteal phase support can be made.
Graphenes have unique physicochemical properties that can be engineered for pollutant adsorption and their dielectric properties can facilitate subsequent microwave regeneration. First, graphenes ...have the potential for high-level control of oxygen content at the edges of the material without compromising the conjugated electronic structure of the basal plane. Because the basal plane contains lightly functionalized sp2-hybridized carbon atoms while sp3-hybridized ones are on the periphery of the sheets. Edges of graphenes can be oxidized while the basal plane can still be electronically stable with conjugated π-electrons perpendicular to the graphene lattice. For this, graphenes can be oxidized to attain controlled dispersion in water without disrupting the conjugated electron network on the basal plane, which is critical for pollutant adsorption. Graphenes have sheet-like surfaces that form dynamic, porous aggregates in water and can facilitate synthetic organic compound adsorption by the complex interplay of ‘pore’ accessibility and favorable intermolecular interactions. Thus, studying the role of oxidation of graphenes can help unravel the interplay between inter-sheet distance and the adsorption of synthetic organic compounds. Second, the sp2 hybridized basal planes of graphenes have mobile π-electrons that are expedient for rapid dielectric heating, which can be harvested for rapid and efficient microwave regeneration. Fundamental research on graphene chemistry can lead to a paradigm shift in the water treatment industry towards the safe and sustainable deployment of regenerable nano-scale adsorbents. This article presents a perspective on how to approach edge functionalization of graphene with an aspiration to advance their safe and sustainable use in water treatment.
The performance of the conventional Series Fed Dipole Pair Antenna (SDP) antenna is raised by adding Split Ring Resonator (SRR). Firstly, a conventional SDP antenna that operates in the frequency ...range of 1.8–2.62 GHz is designed by adjusting the lengths of the dipoles and the distance between the two displays. Afterwards, a couple of SRR is mounted above the top dipole to improve the antenna performance. Compact size and increase in bandwidth and gain are attained.
•A novel bio-coagulant from cactus was used for pre-treatment of OSPW.•Without extra adjustment of pH, 98% turbidity removal was obtained.•Pectic polysaccharides are predominantly responsible for ...coagulation/flocculation.•Coagulation mechanism was proposed for this bio-coagulant.
Environmentally benign natural agents in the treatment of water are increasingly gaining interest due to their cost effectiveness, low toxicity and inherently renewable characteristics. In this context the aqueous mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), a species of cactus, was utilized as a bio-coagulant for pre-treatment of OSPW (Oil sands process-affected water) for the first time. Coagulation/ flocculation tests were performed both on model turbid water and OSPW to explore the performance of extracted bio-coagulant on different types of water with varying turbidity. Effect of different operating parameters such as initial turbidity, pH, different salts, storage time and dosages was studied. The bio-coagulant performed extremely well with 98% turbidity removal from OSPW at initial pH of 7 and 8 using 1500 mg/l within 60 min. The active coagulant compound in mucilage of OFI was found to be a combination of pectic polysaccharide, non-polysaccharide and the natural electrolytes especially divalent cations such as Ca+2 and Mg+2. Formation of exceptionally thread like large flocs reveals the possibility that mechanism of coagulation by OFI is adsorption facilitated by inter-particle bridging. A comparative study between bio-coagulant and alum was also conducted and it was found that bio-coagulant resulted a compact sludge with less volume compared to alum.
The camel is a strange animal for various reasons. Historically, it was mainly used for transportation activities. The presence of this animal in the Indian subcontinent is not very ancient as ...suggested by few researchers. Throughout the medieval centuries, it was mainly used for transportation, travelling and military purposes. Camel troopers were an essential unit of the postal departments. Many kings and emperors had special affection and association with camels. The engagements of camels in the military units were very popular as evident through the Shutur-khanas of various medieval states. Participating in various military campaigns under the banner of united jack, the Bikaner Camel Corps—Ganga Risala—earned international fame. In the desert of Thar, camels are revered for their social and economic value that was maintainable with minimum efforts. A vibrant culture evolved around the animal due to its economic significance and utility. It is evident that with the introduction of the new modes of transport and warfare, this animal has lost the significant position attained in the history. The engagement of camels in alternate professions for earning livelihood has taken a heavy toll on the species. So much so that now it appears in the list of endangered species.
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