Alfvén pulse driven spicule-like jets in the presence of thermal conduction and ion-neutral collision in two-fluid regime.

We present the formation of quasi-periodic cool spicule-like jets in the solar atmosphere using 2.5-D numerical simulation in two-fluid regime (ions+neutrals) under the presence of thermal conduction and ion-neutral collision. The nonlinear, impulsive Alfvénic perturbations at the top of the photosphere trigger field aligned magnetoacoustic perturbations due to ponderomotive force. The transport of energy from Alfvén pulse to such vertical velocity perturbations due to ponderomotive force is considered as an initial trigger mechanism. Thereafter, these velocity perturbations steepen into the shocks followed by quasi-periodic rise and fall of the cool jets transporting mass in the overlying corona. This article is part of the theme issue 'Partially ionized plasma of the solar atmosphere: recent advances and future pathways'.

A new approach to establish safe levels of available metals in soil with respect to potential health hazard of human.

Safe levels of extractable pollutant elements in soil have not been universally established. Prediction of metal solubility in polluted soils and the subsequent transfer of these metals from soil pore water to the human food supply via crops are required for effective risk assessment from polluted soils. Thus an attempt has been made to develop a novel approach to protect human health from exposure to toxic metals through assessing risk from metal polluted soils utilised for agriculture. In this study, we assess the relative efficacy of various forms of 'free ion activity model' (FIAM) for predicting the concentration of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in spinach and wheat as example crops, thereby providing an assessment of risk to human health from consumption of these crops. Free metal ion activity in soil solution was estimated using the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model VII (WHAM-VII) and the Baker soil test. Approximately 91, 81, 75, 94 and 70% of the variability in Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu content, respectively, of spinach could be described by a FIAM using an estimate of the free ion activity of the metals provided by WHAM-VII. Owing to the different concentration of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) used in the present experiment, higher prediction coefficients were obtained using EDTA (0.05 M), rather than DTPA (0.005 M), as the metal extractant in an integrated solubility-FIAM model. Out of three formulations, the FIAM, based on free ion activity of metals in soil pore water, determined from solution extracted with Rhizon samplers, was distinctly superior to the other formulations in predicting metal uptake by spinach and wheat. A safe level of extractable metal in soil was prescribed using a hazard quotient derived from predicted plant metal content and estimated dietary intake of wheat and spinach by a human population. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12665-021-09988-7.

Spatial prediction of soil depth using environmental covariates by quantile regression forest model.

Prediction of soil depth for larger areas provides primary information on soil depth and its spatial distribution that becomes vital for land resource management, crop, nutrient, and ecosystem modeling. The present study assessed the spatial distribution of soil depth over 160,205 km2 of Andhra Pradesh, India, using 20 covariables by quantile regression forest (QRF). An aggregate of 2854 soil datasets compiled from various physiographic units were randomly partitioned into 80:20 ratio for calibration (2283 samples) and validation (571 samples). Landsat imagery, terrain datasets (8), and bioclimatic factors (11) were utilized as covariates. The QRF model outputs signified that precipitation, multi-resolution index of valley bottom flatness (MrVBF), mean diurnal range, isothermality, and elevation were the most important variables influencing soil depth variability across the landscape. Spatial prediction of soil depth by QRF model yielded a ME of - 1.81 cm, RMSE of 34 cm, PICP of 90.2, and a R2 value of 42% as compared to ordinary kriging which results in a ME of - 0.14 cm, a RMSE of 37 cm, and a R2 value of 32%. As soil depth is spatially dynamic and has significant correlation with terrain and environmental covariates, better prediction was possible by the QRF model. However, high-density bioclimatic variables could be utilized along with high-resolution terrain variables to improve the predictive accuracy.

Pre-monsoon spatial distribution of available micronutrients and sulphur in surface soils and their management zones in Indian Indo-Gangetic Plain.

The efficient (site-specific) management of soil nutrients is possible by understanding the spatial variability in distribution of phyto-available nutrients (here after called available nutrients) and identifying the soil management zones (MZs) of agricultural landscapes. There is need for delineating soil MZs of agricultural landscapes of the world for efficient management of soil nutrients in order to obtain sustainability in crop yield. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to understand the spatial distribution pattern of available micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)), available sulphur (S), and soil properties (soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic carbon (SOC) content) in soils of intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India and to delineate soil MZs for efficient management of soil nutrients. Totally, 55101 soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were obtained from 167 districts of IGP during 2014 to 2017 and were analysed for different soil parameters. Soil pH, EC and SOC content varied from 4.44 to 9.80, 0.02 to 2.13 dS m-1 and 0.10 to 1.99%, respectively. The concentration of available Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and S varied from 0.01 to 3.27, 0.01 to 3.51, 0.19 to 55.7, 0.05 to 49.0, 0.01 to 5.29 and 1.01 to 108 mg kg-1, respectively. Geostatistical analysis resulted in varied distribution pattern of studied soil parameters with moderate to strong spatial dependence. The extent (% area) of nutrient deficiencies in IGP followed the order: S > Zn > B > Mn > Cu > Fe. Principal component analysis and fuzzy c-means clustering produced six distinctly different soil MZs of IGP for implementation of zone-specific soil nutrient management strategies for attaining sustainability in crop yield. The developed MZ maps could also be utilized for prioritization and rationalization of nutrients supply in IGP of India.

Prediction of free metal ion activity in contaminated soils using WHAM VII, baker soil test and solubility model.

Bioavailability and ecotoxicity of metals in contaminated soils depend largely on their solubility. The present investigation was carried out to predict the free ion activity of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ in contaminated soils as a function of pH, organic carbon content and extractable metal concentration. Twenty-five composite soil samples were collected from various locations which had a history of receiving sewage sludge (Keshopur and IARI, Delhi), municipal solid waste (Kolkata, West Bengal), polluted river water (Madanpur, Delhi) and industrial effluents (Debari, Rajasthan and Sonepat, Haryana). Four composite soil samples were also collected from adjacent fields which had not received contaminated amendments. Free ion activities (-log10 values), viz. pZn2+, pCu2+, pNi2+, pPb2+ and pCd2+ as measured by the Baker soil test, were 10.1 ± 1.12, 13.4 ± 1.23, 12.9 ± 0.85, 11.6 ± 0.74 and 12.6 ± 2.26, respectively. Free metal ion activities were also determined using the geochemical speciation model WHAM-VII following extraction of soil solution with porous Rhizon samplers from the rhizosphere of growing plants. pH dependent Freundlich model based on soil properties could explain the variation in pZn2+, pCu2+, pNi2+, pPb2+ and pCd2+ to the extent of 84, 52, 73, 60 and 70%, respectively, in the case of data from Rhizon samplers coupled with speciation modelling. Whereas, C-Q model could explain 84, 57, 82, 72 and 74% variability in pZn2+, pCu2+, pNi2+, pPb2+ and pCd2+, respectively, based on soil properties and free metal ion activity as determined with integrated use of Rhizon-WHAM-VII. Modelling approach was superior compared to that based on the Baker soil test solution.

Galactic Cosmic Radiation Induces Persistent Epigenome Alterations Relevant to Human Lung Cancer.

Human deep space and planetary travel is limited by uncertainties regarding the health risks associated with exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), and in particular the high linear energy transfer (LET), heavy ion component. Here we assessed the impact of two high-LET ions 56Fe and 28Si, and low-LET X rays on genome-wide methylation patterns in human bronchial epithelial cells. We found that all three radiation types induced rapid and stable changes in DNA methylation but at distinct subsets of CpG sites affecting different chromatin compartments. The 56Fe ions induced mostly hypermethylation, and primarily affected sites in open chromatin regions including enhancers, promoters and the edges ("shores") of CpG islands. The 28Si ion-exposure had mixed effects, inducing both hyper and hypomethylation and affecting sites in more repressed heterochromatic environments, whereas X rays induced mostly hypomethylation, primarily at sites in gene bodies and intergenic regions. Significantly, the methylation status of 56Fe ion sensitive sites, but not those affected by X ray or 28Si ions, discriminated tumor from normal tissue for human lung adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Thus, high-LET radiation exposure leaves a lasting imprint on the epigenome, and affects sites relevant to human lung cancer. These methylation signatures may prove useful in monitoring the cumulative biological impact and associated cancer risks encountered by astronauts in deep space.

Image-guided genomics of phenotypically heterogeneous populations reveals vascular signalling during symbiotic collective cancer invasion.

Phenotypic heterogeneity is widely observed in cancer cell populations. Here, to probe this heterogeneity, we developed an image-guided genomics technique termed spatiotemporal genomic and cellular analysis (SaGA) that allows for precise selection and amplification of living and rare cells. SaGA was used on collectively invading 3D cancer cell packs to create purified leader and follower cell lines. The leader cell cultures are phenotypically stable and highly invasive in contrast to follower cultures, which show phenotypic plasticity over time and minimally invade in a sheet-like pattern. Genomic and molecular interrogation reveals an atypical VEGF-based vasculogenesis signalling that facilitates recruitment of follower cells but not for leader cell motility itself, which instead utilizes focal adhesion kinase-fibronectin signalling. While leader cells provide an escape mechanism for followers, follower cells in turn provide leaders with increased growth and survival. These data support a symbiotic model of collective invasion where phenotypically distinct cell types cooperate to promote their escape.

Long-term impact of sewage irrigation on soil properties and assessing risk in relation to transfer of metals to human food chain.

A case study was undertaken to assess the risk of sewage-irrigated soils in relation to the transfer of trace elements to rice and wheat grain. For this purpose, peri-urban agricultural lands under the Keshopur Effluent Irrigation Scheme (KEIS) of Delhi were selected. These agricultural lands have been receiving irrigation through sewage effluents since 1979. Sewage effluent, groundwater, soil, and plant (rice and wheat grain) samples were collected with GPS coordinates from this peri-urban area. Under wheat crop, sewage irrigation for four decades resulted into a significant buildup of zinc (141 %), copper (219 %), iron (514 %), nickel (75.0 %), and lead (28.1 %) in sewage-irrigated soils over adjacent tube well water-irrigated ones. Under rice crop, there was also a significant buildup of phosphorus (339 %), sulfur (130 %), zinc (287 %), copper (352 %), iron (457 %), nickel (258 %), lead (136 %), and cadmium (147 %) in sewage-irrigated soils as compared to that of tube well water-irrigated soils. The values of hazard quotient (HQ) for intake of trace toxic elements by humans through consumption of rice and wheat grain grown on these sewage-irrigated soils were well within the safe permissible limit. The variation in Zn, Ni, and Cd content in wheat grain could be explained by solubility-free ion activity model (FIAM) to the extent of 50.1, 56.8, and 37.2 %, respectively. Corresponding values for rice grain were 49.9, 41.2, and 42.7 %, respectively. As high as 36.4 % variation in As content in rice grain could be explained by solubility-FIAM model. Toxic limit of extractable Cd and As in soil for rice in relation to soil properties and human health hazard associated with consumption of rice grain by humans was established. A similar exercise was also done in respect of Cd for wheat. The conceptual framework of fixing the toxic limit of extractable metals and metalloid in soils with respect to soil properties and human health hazard under the modeling framework was established.

Low expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins sets the apoptotic threshold in Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a proliferative disorder of IgM-secreting, lymphoplasmacytoid cells that inhabit the lymph nodes and bone marrow. The disease carries a high prevalence of activating mutations in MyD88 (91%) and CXCR4 (28%). Because signaling through these pathways leads to Bcl-xL induction, we examined Bcl-2 family expression in WM patients and cell lines. Unlike other B-lymphocyte-derived malignancies, which become dependent on expression of anti-apoptotic proteins to counter expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, WM samples expressed both pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins at low levels similar to their normal B-cell and plasma cell counterparts. Three WM cell lines expressed pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bim or Bax and Bak at low levels, which determined their sensitivity to inducers of intrinsic apoptosis. In two cell lines, miR-155 upregulation, which is common in WM, was responsible for the inhibition of FOXO3a and Bim expression. Both antagonizing miR-155 to induce Bim and proteasome inhibition increased the sensitivity to ABT-737 in these lines indicating a lowering of the apoptotic threshold. In this manner, treatments that increase pro-apoptotic protein expression increase the efficacy of agents treated in combination in addition to direct killing.

Release of zinc and cadmium from sludge amended soil as influenced by varying levels of moisture and temperature.

Limited information is available related to the effect of moisture and temperature on release of metals from sludge treated soils. In an incubation experiment, effect of ten levels of sludge (0, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48, 8.96, 17.9, 35.8, 71.6, 142, 285 g kg(-1)), two levels of moisture (field capacity and 2.5 cm standing water) and two levels of temperature (20 and 35 degrees C) on the release of zinc and cadmium was evaluated in acid and alkaline soils. The results indicated that application of sludge was more effective in enhancing EDTA extractable Zn and Cd in acid soil than in alkaline soil. On an average, maximum increase in release of EDTA extractable Zn and Cd were 32.0 and 5.2 fold in sludge treated soil over control. There was decrease in EDTA extractable Zn and Cd by 37.7% and 25.4%, respectively under submergence as compared to that under field capacity. On an average, the amount of EDTA extractable Zn and Cd increased by 22.6% and 43.6%, respectively at 35 degrees C than that at 20 degrees C.

Predicting bioavailability of metals from sludge-amended soils.

We attempted to develop a protocol for fixing the maximum permissible limit of sludge in agricultural lands based on transfer of metals from sludge-amended soils to human food chain. For this purpose, spinach was grown as a test crop on acid and alkaline soils with graded doses of sludge (0, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48, 8.96, 17.9, 35.8, 71.6, 142 and 285 g kg(-1) of soil) in a pot experiment. Biomass yield of spinach was increased due to sludge application in both acid and alkaline soils. Among the chemical extractants, EDTA extracted the highest amount of metals from sludge-amended soil followed by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and CaCl2. Elevated levels of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd and Pb in spinach were observed due to sludge application over control. Application of sludge was more effective in increasing metal content in spinach grown on acid soil than alkaline soil. Solubility-free ion activity model as a function of pH, organic carbon and extractable metal was far more effective in predicting metal uptake by spinach grown on sludge-amended soils as compared to that of chemical extractants. Risk in terms of hazard quotient (HQ) for intake of metals through consumption of spinach by humans grown on sludge-treated soils was computed for different metals separately. In a 90-day pot experiment, safe rates of sludge application were worked out as 4.48 and 71.6 g kg(-1) for acid and alkaline soils, respectively.

Prediction of the solubility of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and lead in metal-contaminated soils.

Risk assessment of metal-contaminated soil depends on how precisely one can predict the solubility of metals in soils. Responses of plants and soil organisms to metal toxicity are explained by the variation in free metal ion activity in soil pore water. This study was undertaken to predict the free ion activity of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb in metal-contaminated soil as a function of pH, soil organic carbon, and extractable metal content. For this purpose, 21 surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from agricultural lands of various locations receiving sewage sludge and industrial effluents for a long period. One soil sample was also collected from agricultural land which has been under intensive cropping and receiving irrigation through tube well water. Soil samples were varied widely in respect of physicochemical properties including metal content. Total Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb in experimental soils were 2,015 ± 3,373, 236 ± 286, 103 ± 192, 29.8 ± 6.04, and 141 ± 270 mg kg(-1), respectively. Free metal ion activity, viz., pZn(2+), pCu(2+), pNi(2+), pCd(2+), and pPb(2+), as estimated by the Baker soil test was 9.37 ± 1.89, 13.1 ± 1.96, 12.8 ± 1.89, 11.9 ± 2.00, and 11.6 ± 1.52, respectively. Free metal ion activity was predicted by pH-dependent Freundlich equation (solubility model) as a function of pH, organic carbon, and extractable metal. Results indicate that solubility model as a function of pH, Walkley-Black carbon (WBC), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-extractable metals could explain the variation in pZn(2+), pCu(2+), pNi(2+), pCd(2+), and pPb(2+) to the extent of 59, 56, 46, 52, and 51%, respectively. Predictability of the solubility model based on pH, KMnO4-oxidizable carbon, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable or CaCl2-extractable metal was inferior compared to that based on EDTA-extractable metals and WBC.

A critical review of concept of aging in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda has a holistic approach toward all the miseries of man and aging is one of these. It is classified as one of the natural and Yapya (palliative) diseases. It is the process of becoming old and decaying. As age advances, several changes take place in the body, in the external appearance, in the condition of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Oja, and so on, as well as in the mental and cognitive functions. Elderly people are susceptible to several chronic diseases also. The problems of the elderly are becoming a matter of great concern as increased life expectancy due to better medical services and improved technology is resulting in an increasing population of the aged. By the year 2020, the World will have more than one billion people aged 60 and over, and more than two-thirds of them will be living in the developing countries. A major concern related to the rapid increase in the population of the aged is that there will be an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities, both being conditions that tend to accompany the aging process. This burden is increasing day by day. In the Ayurvedic texts, a comprehensive description has been given of aging. The aim of this conceptual article is to compile and re-evaluate the various principles related to different aspects of aging.

Complex dynamics of toxin producing algal species and primary productivity in two water ponds of Faizabad.

In order to develop a method of predicting and assessing pond eutrophication, which is a serious environmental problem, and to propose effective measure of improvement of water quality. The present study was performed to measure water quality variables, primary productivity, chl-a and biomass of toxin producing algal species and fish production. High nutrient influx and toxin producing algal species have been observed during June 1999 to May 2000 in two water bodies [Girija Kund (A) and Maqubara pond (B)] of Faizabad. The maximum chl-a concentration, toxins producing algal species biomass were found to be 415.00 and 515.00 in pond A, while 451.00 microg/l and 541.22 mg/l in pond B, respectively in the case of Microcystis aeruginosa. Ecological parameters to evaluate GPP, NPP and CR were found to be 297.00, 134.000 and 182.00 mgCm3/h in summer season in pond B, respectively which is higher than pond A. A poor association existed between chl-a and GPP. Temporal variation (Photosynthetic rate) in A(max) & P(max) was also observed to evaluate the productivity of pond. Annual fish production potential of the ponds A and B has been estimated to be around 342.00 Kg and 204. 00 Kg, respectively which may be due to the presence of toxin producing algal species.

Synthesis of some pyrazoline and isoxazolin derivatives as possible fungicides.

1-Acetyl/aroyl-3-methyl-4-substituted anilido-5-aryl pyrazolines and 3-methyl-4-substituted anilido-5-aryl isoxazolines were conveniently prepared from synthon, 4-aryl-3-substituted anilido but-3-en-2-ones in presence of hydrazine hydrate/hydrazides and hydroxylamine hydrochloride respectively. All the compounds have been assayed against Cephalosporium sacchari and Helminthosporium oryzae and found remarkably active. Two species of aquatic fungi viz. Saprolegnia parasitica and Achlya orion responsible for fish mycoses were tested and also found remarkably active.