The North-Eastern region (NER) of India falls under the Eastern Himalayan region and it is a bio-diversity hub. Diverse maize landraces with wide adaptability to extreme climatic and soil scenario like heavy rainfall, drought and acidic soil conditions have been grown in NER since time immemorial. However, maize diversity in NER region has drastically reduced due to introduction of high yielding varieties and hybrids. Modern maize breeding programmes are focused on high yield but other unique traits like stay green trait, prolificacy (more than one fertile ear per plant), self-fertilizing ability are also important and the local germplasm of the NER region can contribute with these unique traits. Prior to the selection of any lines in several breeding programmes, assessment of genetic diversity and population structure are basic requirements. Hence, in the present study assessment of genetic diversity and population structure study in 30 maize inbreds developed from different germplasm of NER was undertaken using SSR markers, selected for their broad distribution throughout the genome, in order to assess the extent of allelic diversity among the lines and whether any population structure could be established. In addition to assessing molecular diversity, the study aims to evaluate the potential for yield and other beneficial and unique alleles that have high potential to contribute in the genetic enhancement programme of maize.

Sustainability of maize production systems is threatened by poor economic returns and resource intensiveness. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2016–17 to 2017–18 to assess the effect of tillage and microbial inoculantsintegrated phosphorus (P) management on productivity, quality, economic outcome and energy dynamics of maize. Three tillage practices viz., CT–R (conventional tillage with no residue), ZT–R (zero tillage with no residue) and ZT + R (zero tillage with wheat crop residue at 2.5 Mg/ha) were assigned in main plots and five P management practices viz., P1 (control–NK as per recommendation, but no P), P2 (17.2 kg P/ha), P3 (17.2 kg P/ha + PSB), P4 (17.2 kg P/ha + compost inoculants) and P5 (34.4 kg P/ha) were allocated in subplots in three times replicated split-plot design. The maximum grain yield (5.96 Mg/ha), protein content (9.13%), protein yield (546 kg/ha) and gross energy returns (209 × 103 MJ/ha) were recorded under ZT + R while higher benefit: cost ratio (B: C ratio – the amount of economic gain per unit investment) (1.53) and energy efficiency (12.5) was noticed under ZT–R. Among the P management practices, the application of 34.4 kg P/ha recorded the highest grain yield (6.45 Mg/ha), protein content (9.34%), protein yield (603 kg/ha), B: C ratio (1.65) and energy efficiency (10.1). The results suggested that the application of P at the rate of 34.4 kg/ha under ZT + R is an economically robust approach for the quality maize production in semi-arid region.

Radio observations allow us to identify a wide range of active galactic nuclei (AGN), which play a significant role in the evolution of galaxies. Amongst AGN at low radio-luminosities is the ‘radio-quiet’ quasar (RQQ) population, but how they contribute to the total radio emission is under debate, with previous studies arguing that it is predominantly through star formation. In this talk, SVW summarised the results of recent papers on RQQs, including the use of far-infrared data to disentangle the radio emission from the AGN and that from star formation. This provides evidence that black-hole accretion, instead, dominates the radio emission in RQQs. In addition, we find that this accretion-related emission is correlated with the optical luminosity of the quasar, whilst a weaker luminosity-dependence is evident for the radio emission connected with star formation. What remains unclear is the process by which this accretion-related emission is produced. Understanding this for RQQs will then allow us to investigate how this type of AGN influences its surroundings. Such studies have important implications for modelling AGN feedback, and for determining the accretion and star-formation histories of the Universe.

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome, and delays to appropriate antibiotic therapy increases mortality. Order sets have shown decrease in time to antibiotics in pneumonia, and in sepsis, the implementation of order sets resulted in more intravenous fluids, appropriate initial antibiotics and lower mortality. Aim Statement: The goal was to create an order set for an approach to septic patients, to improve sepsis management. We sought to improve time from triage to first antibiotics, by 15 minutes, for Emergency Department (ED) patients with sepsis in three months after implementation compared to three months before. Measures & Design: We used a literature review, as well as comparison to existing order sets at other EDs to design our initial order set. We underwent multiple revisions based on stakeholder feedback. We educated physician and nursing teams about the order sets, although use was ultimately at physician discretion. We implemented the order set on April 9, 2017. After three months, an electronic retrospective chart review identified patients with a final sepsis diagnosis admitted to the critical care unit. For each patient, we captured triage time using the electronic record, and time to antibiotics from when the antibiotic was taken out of the medication cart. Finally, utilization of order sets was checked via manual chart audit. Evaluation/Results: A run chart did not demonstrate any shifts or trends suggesting a change after implementation. Median time to antibiotics in minutes, 3 months prior (n = 45) and post (n = 55) intervention, increased from 245 to 340 minutes, although the range was very large. Chart audits demonstrated clinicians were not using the order sets. There was 10% usage for 2 of the months and 0% usage the other month, post-intervention. Disucssion/Impact: There was insufficient uptake of the Sepsis Order Set by the Sunnybrook ED to result in any impact on time to antibiotics. Order sets require more than just implementation to be effective. Difficulties in implementation were due to the document not being readily available to physicians. To mediate, we have organized nursing staff to attach the order set onto charts based on triage assessment and will re-assess with another PDSA cycle after this intervention.

Background: Acute pain is a common presentation in the Emergency Department (ED) and inadequacy in its treatment can lengthen stay. Earlier analgesia use and discharge has been associated with positive patient experiences and improved pain management. Validated ‘fast-track pathways’ to aid physician decision making in analgesic administration is associated with decreased waiting times in renal colic diagnoses. Aim Statement: Our aim was to create an order set, for an approach to patients with acute pain, to reduce median time from point of triage to analgesia. We sought to reduce median time by 15 minutes, for ED patients with renal colic in the three months after implementation as compared to three months before. Measures & Design: We used a literature review and comparison to existing order sets at other EDs to design our draft. We focused our evaluation on patients with renal colic. We underwent multiple revisions based on stakeholder feedback and educated both physician and nursing teams about the order set. The utilization, however, was at physician discretion. We implemented the order set on March 30, 2017. After three months, an electronic retrospective chart review identified patients with a final renal colic diagnosis. For each patient, we captured triage time using electronic records and time to analgesia with the medication cart. Utilization of order sets was confirmed via manual chart audit. Evaluation/Results: A run chart showed worsening times after the intervention. Median time to analgesia in minutes, 3 months prior (n = 90) and post (n = 93) intervention, increased from 228 to 310 minutes, although the range was very large. Chart audits demonstrated a considerably low uptake of the order set with a small gradual increase from 0% to 20% over the 3-month period. Discussion/Impact: There was insufficient uptake of the Acute Pain order set preventing impact on time to analgesia. Changes in occupancy likely contributed to the worsening times. There was an increase in utilization over the 3-month period and could be due to increased awareness. This demonstrates that interventions require more than implementation to be effective. Difficulties in implementation were due to the document not being readily available. We have organized the nursing staff to attach order sets onto charts based on triage assessment and will re-assess with another PDSA cycle after this intervention.

This study examined the hypothesis that xanthosine (XS) treatment would promote mammary-specific gene expression and stem cell transcripts and have a positive influence on milk yield of dairy goats. Seven primiparous Beetal goats were assigned to the study. Five days after kidding, one gland (either left or right) was infused with XS (TRT) twice daily for 3 d and the other gland with no XS infusion served as a control (CON). Mammary biopsies were collected at 10 d and RNA was isolated. Gene expression analysis of milk synthesis genes, mammary stem/progenitor cell markers, cell proliferation and differentiation markers were performed using real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Results showed that the transcripts of milk synthesis genes (BLG4, CSN2, LALBA, FABP3, CD36) and mammary stem/progenitor cell markers (ALDH1 and NR5A2) were increased in as a result of XS treatment. Average milk yield in TRT glands was increased marginally (approximately ~2% P = 0·05, paired t-test) per gland relative to CON gland until 7 wk. After 7 wk, milk yield of TRT and CON glands did not differ. Analysis of milk composition revealed that protein, lactose, fat and solids-not-fat percentages remained the same in TRT and CON glands. These results suggest that XS increases expression of milk synthesis genes, mammary stem/progenitor cells and has a small effect on milk yield.

Agriculture in the Central Himalayan Region depends on the availability of suitable germplasm as well as natural conditions. Due to extreme weather conditions, food and nutrition security is a major issue for communities inhabiting these remote and inaccessible areas. Millets are common crops grown in these areas. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv) is an important crop and forms a considerable part of the diet in this region. The aim of the present study was to explore, collect, conserve and evaluate the untapped genetic diversity of foxtail millet at the molecular level and discover variability in their nutritional traits. A total of 30 accessions having unique traits of agronomic importance were collected and molecular profiling was performed. A total of 63 alleles were generated with an average of 2.52 alleles per locus and average expected heterozygosity of 0.37 ± 0.231. Significant genetic variability was revealed through the genetic differentiation (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) values. Structure-based analysis divided whole germplasm into three sub-groups. Rich variability was found in nutritional traits such as dietary fibre in husked grains, carbohydrate, protein, lysine and thiamine content. The collected germplasm may be useful for developing nutritionally rich and agronomically beneficial varieties of foxtail millet and also designing strategies for utilization of unexploited genetic diversity for food and nutrition security in this and other similar agro-ecological regions.

In this work, examination of joint properties of ferritic and dual-phase stainless steel dissimilar welds was carried out by using E2209 duplex and E309LMo austenitic electrodes. The results of E2209 weld showed dual-phase microstructure of ferrite and austenite in the form of grain boundary austenite, Widmanstatten and intragranular austenite, whereas E309LMo weld showed acicular ferrite in the cores of subgrain of austenite. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to study the evolution of the microstructure and micro-texture. The significant variations in the feature of weldments illustrated the presence of a very strong texture. Ferritoscope measurement revealed higher ferrite content in the E2209 weld. Tensile strength, hardness, and absorbed energy of weld metal were dominated by E2209 weld. The modified Strauss test indicated intergranular corrosion attack in the AISI 430 ferritic side heat affected zone. Higher pitting resistance showed by E2209 weld than E309LMo weld. While higher galvanic corrosion observed in the E309LMo weld and AISI 430 ferritic base metal couple.

Fungal blast disease is one of the major constraints in finger millet production. Breeding for disease resistance in finger millet, needs characterization of genetic polymorphism among and between the resistant and susceptible genotypes. In total, 67 finger millet genotypes, which are resistant or susceptible to fungal blast disease, were analysed using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to assess genetic variations and select diverse parents. Twelve each of SRAP and SSR primers produced 95.1 and 93.1% polymorphic bands and grouped them into unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average clusters. Two of the finger millet genotypes, IE 4709 (blast resistant) and INDAF 7 (susceptible) were distinguished as most diverse genotypes as parents. Several genotype-specific bands observed with SSR primers are potential in developing genotype-specific markers. A high genetic diversity within the resistant and susceptible genotypes, rather than between them, was revealed through Nei's gene diversity (h) index and analysis of molecular variance. The finding helps us to understand the extent of genetic polymorphism between blast disease resistant and susceptible finger millet genotypes to exploit in resistance breeding programs.

The north eastern region (NER) of India receives a high amount of rainfall (2450 mm) both in terms of intensity and frequency. Most of the precipitation goes waste because of improper conservation measures and inadequate rainwater harvesting. Growing a second crop during winter (rabi) season on hill slopes and uplands without moisture conservation measure is almost impossible. A simple and very low-cost technique of in situ soil moisture conservation in maize (Zea mays L.)–toria (Brassica campestris L.) system has been developed using residue of preceding rainy season maize crop and mulching with locally available weed biomass Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Six residue mulching combinations tested were viz. control, Maize stalk cover (MSC), MSC + Ambrosia sp. 5 t/ha, MSC + Ambrosia sp. 10 t/ha, MSC + farmyard manure (FYM) 10 t/ha and MSC + Ambrosia sp. 5 t/ha + poultry manure 5 t/ha under zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. Results showed that in situ residue retention of preceding maize crop along with green biomass of Ambrosia sp., applied before sowing of toria, maintained optimum soil moisture for good growth and higher yield of toria. The soil moisture content was consistently higher under residue mulched plots than that under control. All the residue mulching measures recorded higher crop yield for maize and toria than those observed under residue removal (control). The productivity of toria was enhanced by about 99%, only due to retention of MSC as mulch. Mulching with MSC + Ambrosia sp. 5 t/ha + poultry manure 5 t/ha recorded the highest seed yield of toria (four-year average: 641 kg/ha), which was 228% and 64% higher than no mulching (control) and MSC alone. MSC + FYM 10 t/ha (568.3 t/ha) and MSC + Ambrosia sp. 10 t/ha (517.4 t/ha) were found equally effective and produced significantly higher toria yield than that of control. MSC + Ambrosia mulch 10 t/ha gave the highest net returns and B:C ratio of the maize–toria system. The overall B:C ratios were better under ZT than CT. Thus, the study indicated that the integrated management of crop residues and weed biomass (Ambrosia sp.) under ZT created favourable soil moisture to support double cropping with high yield in hill eco-system of northeastern Indian Himalayas.

Classical swine fever (CSF) is one of the most devastating epizootic diseases of pigs, causing high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The diversity of clinical signs and similarity in disease manifestations to other diseases make CSF difficult to diagnose with certainty. The disease is further complicated by the presence of a number of different strains belonging to three phylogenetic groups. Advanced diagnostic techniques allow detection of antigens or antibodies in clinical samples, leading to implementation of proper and effective control programs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, including portable real-time PCR, provide diagnosis in a few hours with precision and accuracy, even at the point of care. The disease is controlled by following a stamping out policy in countries where vaccination is not practiced, whereas immunization with live attenuated vaccines containing the ‘C’ strain is effectively used to control the disease in endemic countries. To overcome the problem of differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals, different types of marker vaccines, with variable degrees of efficacy, along with companion diagnostic assays have been developed and may be useful in controlling and even eradicating the disease in the foreseeable future. The present review aims to provide an overview and status of CSF as a whole with special reference to swine husbandry in India.

A dynamical instability is observed in experimental studies on micro-channels of rectangular cross-section with smallest dimension 100 and $160~\mathrm{\mu} \mathrm{m} $ in which one of the walls is made of soft gel. There is a spontaneous transition from an ordered, laminar flow to a chaotic and highly mixed flow state when the Reynolds number increases beyond a critical value. The critical Reynolds number, which decreases as the elasticity modulus of the soft wall is reduced, is as low as 200 for the softest wall used here (in contrast to 1200 for a rigid-walled channel). The instability onset is observed by the breakup of a dye-stream introduced in the centre of the micro-channel, as well as the onset of wall oscillations due to laser scattering from fluorescent beads embedded in the wall of the channel. The mixing time across a channel of width 1.5 mm, measured by dye-stream and outlet conductance experiments, is smaller by a factor of105 than that for a laminar flow. The increased mixing rate comes at very little cost, because the pressure drop (energy requirement to drive the flow) increases continuously and modestly at transition. The deformed shape is reconstructed numerically, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are carried out to obtain the pressure gradient and the velocity fields for different flow rates. The pressure difference across the channel predicted by simulations is in agreement with the experiments (within experimental errors) for flow rates where the dye stream is laminar, but the experimental pressure difference is higher than the simulation prediction after dye-stream breakup. A linear stability analysis is carried out using the parallel-flow approximation, in which the wall is modelled as a neo-Hookean elastic solid, and the simulation results for the mean velocity and pressure gradient from the CFD simulations are used as inputs. The stability analysis accurately predicts the Reynolds number (based on flow rate) at which an instability is observed in the dye stream, and it also predicts that the instability first takes place at the downstream converging section of the channel, and not at the upstream diverging section. The stability analysis also indicates that the destabilization is due to the modification of the flow and the local pressure gradient due to the wall deformation; if we assume a parabolic velocity profile with the pressure gradient given by the plane Poiseuille law, the flow is always found to be stable.

Due to the poor positive predictive value of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for gonorrhoea when applied to a low-prevalence setting, current guidelines recommend the use of supplementary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a different gene for confirmation of true positives in urogenital specimens. This study sought to standardize and evaluate performance of an in-house opa gene-based PCR assay for gonorrhoea compared to assays targeting the porA pseudogene and 16S rRNA gene. Four hundred samples (300 endocervical, 100 urethral swabs) from patients attending STD clinics in New Delhi, India were used. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the opa-based PCR were 100%, 97·9%, 89·5% and 100%, respectively. In females, the use of NAATs provided enhanced diagnosis of gonorrhoea.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of probiotic fermented milk (FM) containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, alone as well as in combination with chlorophyllin (CHL) as an antioxidant agent in male Wistar rats administered aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1). AFB1 was injected intraperitoneally at the rate of 450 μg/kg body weight per animal twice a week for 6 weeks, maintaining an equal time interval between the two consecutive AFB1 administrations. A total of 125 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five groups, each group having twenty-five animals. Group I was offered FM containing L. rhamnosus GG and L. casei strain Shirota. Group II was administered AFB1 and served as the control group; group III was administered FM-AFB1, in which besides administering AFB1, FM was also offered. Group IV was offered CHL and AFB1, and group V was offered both FM and CHL along with AFB1. The rats were euthanised at the 15th and 25th week of the experiment and examined for the biochemical and hepatopathological profile. A significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was observed in the FM–CHL–AFB1 group compared with the AFB1 control group. FM alone or in combination with CHL was found to show a significant (P < 0·05) hepatoprotective effect by lowering the levels of TBARS and by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase, indicating that probiotic FM alone or in combination with CHL possesses a potent protective effect against AFB1-induced hepatic damage.

A flow-induced instability in a tube with flexible walls is studied experimentally. Tubes of diameter 0.8 and 1.2 mm are cast in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer gels, and the catalyst concentration in these gels is varied to obtain shear modulus in the range 17–550 kPa. A pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the tube is used to drive fluid flow, and the friction factor is measured as a function of the Reynolds number . From these measurements, it is found that the laminar flow becomes unstable, and there is a transition to a more complicated flow profile, for Reynolds numbers as low as 500 for the softest gels used here. The nature of the – curves is also qualitatively different from that in the flow past rigid tubes; in contrast to the discontinuous increase in the friction factor at transition in a rigid tube, it is found that there is a continuous increase in the friction factor from the laminar value of in a flexible tube. The onset of transition is also detected by a dye-stream method, where a stream of dye is injected into the centre of the tube. It is found that there is a continuous increase of the amplitude of perturbations at the onset of transition in a flexible tube, in contrast to the abrupt disruption of the dye stream at transition in a rigid tube. There are oscillations in the wall of the tube at the onset of transition, which is detected from the laser scattering off the walls of the tube. This indicates that the coupling between the fluid stresses and the elastic stresses in the wall results in an instability of the laminar flow.