A 3.2 V Binary Layered Oxide Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) can offer high energy density, cyclability, and operational safety while being economical due to the natural abundance of potassium. Utilizing graphite as an anode, suitable cathodes can realize full cells. Searching for potential cathodes, this work introduces P3-type K0.5Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 layered oxide as a potential candidate synthesized by a simple solid-state method. The material works as a 3.2 V cathode combining Ni redox at high voltage and Mn redox at low voltage and exhibits highly reversible K+ ion (de)insertion at ambient and elevated (40-50 °C) temperatures. First-principles calculations suggest the ground state in-plane Mn-Ni ordering in the MO2 sheets is strongly correlated to the K-content in the framework, leading to an interwoven and alternative row ordering of Ni-Mn in K0.5Ni1/3Mn2/3O2. Postmortem and electrochemical titration reveal the occurrence of a solid solution mechanism during K+ (de)insertion. The findings suggest that the Ni addition can effectively tune the electronic and structural properties of the cathode, leading to improved electrochemical performance. This work provides new insights in the quest to develop potential low-cost Co-free KIB cathodes for practical applications in stationary energy storage.

Role of Co Content on the Electrode Properties of P3-Type K0.5Mn1-xCoxO2 Potassium Insertion Materials.

Potassium-ion batteries are widely being pursued as potential candidates for stationary (grid) storage, where energy dense K+ insertion cathodes are central to economic and energy efficient operation. To develop robust K-based cathodes, it is key to correlate their underlying electronic states to the final electrochemical performance. Here, we report the synthesis and structure-electrochemical property correlation in P3-type K0.5Mn1-xCoxO2 binary layered oxide cathodes. Spectroscopic analyses revealed a random distribution of Mn and Co in transition metal layers in the oxygen anion framework. In this solid-solution family, Co substitution improved the electronic conductivity and structural stability of P3 phases by minimizing local lattice distortion. Co substitution led to a systematic shift of the Co4+/Co3+ and Mn4+/Mn3+ redox potentials. Galvanostatic cycling showed that the Co substitution reduced the initial capacity while improving the cycling stability. The role of Co on final electrochemical properties of P3-layered oxides has been elucidated as a design tool to develop practical potassium-ion batteries.

Phosphorus distribution in the water and sediments of the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers, Uttar Pradesh, India: insights into pollution sources, bioavailability, and eutrophication implications.

River nutrient enrichment is a significant issue, and researchers worldwide are concerned about phosphorus. The physicochemical characteristics and phosphorus (P) fractions of 36 sediment and water samples from the Ganga (Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi) and Yamuna (Mathura, Agra, Prayagraj) rivers were examined. Among the physicochemical parameters, pH exceeded the permissible limit in Ganga and Yamuna River water and sediment samples. Electrical conductivity (EC) and alkalinity were within the permissible limits, whereas total nitrogen (TN) exceeded the limit in Yamuna water. The analysis of phosphorus fractions indicated the dominance of inorganic phosphorus (IP) (76% in Ganga and 96% in Yamuna) over organic phosphorus in both rivers, suggesting the mineralization and microbial degradation as major processes responsible for transforming OP to IP. The positive correlation of pH with IP, AP (apatite phosphorus), and NAIP (non-apatite inorganic phosphorus) explains the release of inorganic phosphorus under alkaline conditions. The correlation between total organic carbon (TOC), TN, and organic phosphorus (OP) indicated the organic load in the rivers from allochthonous and autochthonous sources. Phosphorus released from river sediments and the concentration of phosphate in overlying river water show a positive correlation, suggesting that river sediments may serve as phosphorus reservoirs. The average phosphorus pollution index (PPI) was above one in both rivers, with relatively higher PPI values observed in the Yamuna River, indicating the contamination of sediment with phosphorus, indicating the contamination of sediment with phosphorus. This study revealed variations in the P fractionation of the sediment in both rivers, primarily as a result of contributions from different P sources. This information will be useful for applying different mitigation techniques to lower the phosphorus load in both river systems.

Orexin and MCH neurons: regulators of sleep and metabolism.

Sleep-wake and fasting-feeding are tightly coupled behavioral states that require coordination between several brain regions. The mammalian lateral hypothalamus (LH) is a functionally and anatomically complex brain region harboring heterogeneous cell populations that regulate sleep, feeding, and energy metabolism. Significant attempts were made to understand the cellular and circuit bases of LH actions. Rapid advancements in genetic and electrophysiological manipulation help to understand the role of discrete LH cell populations. The opposing action of LH orexin/hypocretin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons on metabolic sensing and sleep-wake regulation make them the candidate to explore in detail. This review surveys the molecular, genetic, and neuronal components of orexin and MCH signaling in the regulation of sleep and metabolism.

Evaluation of P3-Type Layered Oxides as K-Ion Battery Cathodes.

Given the increasing energy storage demands and limited natural resources of Li, K-ion batteries (KIBs) could be promising next-generation systems having natural abundance, similar chemistry, and energy density. Here, we have investigated the P3-type K0.5TMO2 (where TM = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, or Ni) systems using density functional theory calculations as potential positive intercalation electrodes (or cathodes) for KIBs. Specifically, we have identified ground-state configurations and calculated the average topotactic voltages, electronic structures, on-site magnetic moments, and thermodynamic stabilities of all P3-K0.5TMO2 compositions and their corresponding depotassiated P3-TMO2 frameworks. Additionally, we evaluated the dynamic stability and K-mobility in select P3 structures. We find that K adopts the honeycomb or zig-zag configuration within each K-layer of all P3 structures considered, irrespective of the transition-metal (TM). In terms of voltages, we find the Co- and Ti-based compositions to exhibit the highest (4.59 V vs. K) and lowest (2.24 V) voltages, respectively, with the TM contributing to the redox behavior upon K (de-)intercalation. We observe all P3-K0.5TMO2 to be (meta)stable and hence experimentally synthesizable according to our 0 K convex hull calculations, while all depotassiated P3-TMO2 configurations are unstable and may appear during electrochemical cycling. Also, we verified the stability of the prismatic coordination environment of K compared to octahedral coordination at the K0.5TMO2 compositions using Rouxel and cationic potential models. Finally, combining our voltage and stability calculations, we find P3-KxCoO2 to be the most promising cathode composition, while P3-KxNiO2 is worth exploring. We also find P3-KxMnO2 to be worth pursuing given its dynamic stability and facile migration of K+ at both potassiated and depotassiated compositions. Our work should contribute to the exploration of strategies and materials required to make practical KIBs.

A multi-model forecasting approach for solid waste generation by integrating demographic and socioeconomic factors: a case study of Prayagraj, India.

Projecting municipal solid waste generation and identifying socioeconomic factors affecting waste generation is crucial for integrated waste management strategies. The present research work focuses on the projection of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Prayagraj, India, based on demographics and socioeconomic factors, using long short-term memory (LSTM), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and incremental increase models (IIM). The model was integrated with nine socioeconomic variables to improve accuracy. The influence of socioeconomic variables on MSW generation was evaluated using correlation and fuzzy logic approaches. Waste generation data collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from 1997 to 2015 were used to train the models. The results of the correlation study indicate that population growth, employment, and households have a substantial impact on waste generation rates. Root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R2) suggest that LSTM is the best model to forecast MSW generation in Prayagraj, India. The R2 value indicates that the LSTM is more accurate (0.92) than ARIMA (0.72) and IIM (0.70). LSTM projection indicates that the city will have a population of 1.6 million by 2031, and waste generation will increase by 70.6% in 2031.

First principles investigation of anionic redox in bisulfate lithium battery cathodes.

The search for an alternative high-voltage polyanionic cathode material for Li-ion batteries is vital to improve the energy densities beyond the state-of-the-art, where sulfate frameworks form an important class of high-voltage cathode materials due to the strong inductive effect of the S6+ ion. Here, we have investigated the mechanism of cationic and/or anionic redox in LixM(SO4)2 frameworks (M = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni and 0 ≤ x ≤ 2) using density functional calculations. Specifically, we have used a combination of Hubbard U corrected strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN+U) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA+U) functionals to explore the thermodynamic (polymorph stability), electrochemical (intercalation voltage), geometric (bond lengths), and electronic (band gaps, magnetic moments, charge populations, etc.) properties of the bisulfate frameworks considered. Importantly, we find that the anionic (cationic) redox process is dominant throughout delithiation in the Ni (Mn) bisulfate, as verified using our calculated projected density of states, bond lengths, and on-site magnetic moments. On the other hand, in Fe and Co bisulfates, cationic redox dominates the initial delithiation (1 ≤ x ≤ 2), while anionic redox dominates subsequent delithiation (0 ≤ x ≤ 2). In addition, evaluation of the crystal overlap Hamilton population reveals insignificant bonding between oxidized O atoms throughout the delithiation process in the Ni bisulfate, indicating robust battery performance that is resistant to irreversible oxygen evolution. Finally, we observe that both GGA+U and SCAN+U predictions are in qualitative agreement for the various properties predicted. Our work should open new avenues for exploring lattice oxygen redox in novel high voltage polyanionic cathodes, especially using the SCAN+U functional.

Novel Technique of Laparoscopic e-TEP (Extended View Totally Extraperitoneal Repair) for Umbilical Hernia at a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India: a Case Series.

Introduction:The field of abdominal wall hernias has undergone many innovations. Ventral hernias have conventionally been treated by open on-lay mesh hernioplasty, open retromuscular mesh hernioplasty (Rives-Stoppa procedure) and laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh hernioplasty. Objective: To develop an alternative strategy where a mesh is placed in retromuscular space by minimal access technique of the laparoscopic extended view totally extraperitoneal approach (e-TEP). Methodology: This was an interventional and prospective study on series of 25 cases of either sex with age ≥18 years and ≤65 years presenting with umbilical hernia with abdominal wall defect. Laparoscopic e-TEP (extended view totally extraperitoneal repair) for umbilical hernia was performed and patients were usually discharged within 48.72 hours of the procedure. Follow-up surveillance for complications and recurrence of hernia was performed in an outpatient clinic the sixth week after surgery and by telephonic conversation every sixth months. Demographic profile, medical history, preoperative (comorbidities), perioperative and postoperative (during hospital stay) clinical profile of each patient was documented. Results:Among our study participants there was a female preponderance, with a male to female ratio of 0.47:1. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 61 years, with a mean (SD) of 41.7 (11.4) years. Average defect size was 4.2 cm². One hernia involved divarication of recti muscles. A polypropylene mesh of size 15 x 15 cm was placed. The mean operative times were 94 minutes, ranging from 60 to 120 minutes. The average hospital stay was three days. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 months. Two patients developed seroma at umbilicus with discharge from suture site which resolved in two weeks with regular dressing. Prolonged ileus was noted in two patients, which resolved spontaneously by the fourth day. None of the patients developed surgical site infection, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bowel obstruction, urinary complications, or deep vein thrombosis. Also, none of the patients required conversion to open surgery. Conclusion:The current study generates evidence in support of this technique to be adapted in centers with advanced laparoscopic skills.

Isotopic and hydrogeochemical tracking of dissolved nutrient dynamics in the Brahmaputra River System: A source delineation perspective.

The Brahmaputra river system (BRS) produces the largest discharge in India, supplying water to more than 62 million inhabitants. The present study aims to quantify the environmental elements that affect the spatio-temporal variation of nutrients in the Brahmaputra river system (BRS). The association of physico-chemical characteristics of floodplain sediments with the distribution pattern of P during wet and dry periods in different depths were also studied. The seasonal variation suggest that the average dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolve inorganic phosphorus are found higher in monsoon while the average dissolve silica were higher in post-monsoon. The spatial variation of dissolve inorganic phosphate and nitrate concentration suggests both the nutrient are higher in upstream sites. The DiS concentrations tended to be higher in downstream. In 70% of the sampled tributaries, the average molar ratio for dissolved inorganic nitrogen/dissolved inorganic phosphorous (DIN/DIP) was greater than 16:1, which indicates phosphate limited biological productivity. In contrast, an average molar ratio of dissolved inorganic silica/DIN (DSi/DIN) of 3.8 ± 3.0 favoured diatom growth in those tributaries where DSi/DIN molar ratio was lower than 1, indicating eutrophication. The BRS transported 24.7, 5.93, and 312 × 104 tons/year-1 of DIN, PO4-P and SiO2-Si, respectively. The depth-wise variation of P-fraction during monsoon suggests that the authigenic phosphorus was most abundant followed by Fe-bound, exchangeable, detrital and organic. In the post-monsoon, Fe-bound P was found at a higher concentration followed by authigenic phosphorus. High nutrient concentrations with more δ18O depleted water implied precipitation being the major source of nutrients in the BRS.

Provenances, preponderances, and distribution of humic acids and organic pollutants in hydro-geosphere: The co-existence, interaction and isotopic biomarkers in the riverine ecosystem.

This paper aims to critically review the importance of geochemical fingerprinting and tracing using biomarkers and stable isotopes in the riverine ecosystem and depicts that isotopic ratios of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S can be used for tracing pollution sources. Stable isotopes like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur are being used for this purpose, and their isotopic signatures are primarily used to distinguish close sources of organic matter through dual isotopes. The present review is articulated to bridge the critical research gaps of the previous and contemporary documented literature on the genesis and transport of OM between freshwater and marine systems. This review comprehensively provides methods and techniques in geochemical tracing and discusses the future directions to address the challenges of the current methods to enhance the knowledge about the source identification of organic matter in the riverine environment. Tracer geochemistry emphasizes the implications of elemental abundances and isotope ratio variations in geologic substances to track natural earth processes, anthropogenic contaminants, and geochemical signatures in the hydrologic system. The principal constituent of organic matter comprises humic substances like humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin, and these comprise 50-75% of the sediments and DOC in natural waters. Their structural and functional characterization is required to elucidate the transport and fate of organic matter, which are often influenced by several paleoenvironmental factors.

A review of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and airborne particulates and its use for virus spreading surveillance.

According to the WHO, on October 16, 2020, the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, reached 235 countries and territories, and resulting in more than 39 million confirmed cases and 1.09 million deaths globally. Monitoring of the virus outbreak is one of the main activities pursued to limiting the number of infected people and decreasing the number of deaths that have caused high pressure on the health care, social, and economic systems of different countries. Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE), already adopted for the surveillance of life style and health conditions of communities, shows interesting features for the monitoring of the COVID-19 diffusion. Together with wastewater, the analysis of airborne particles has been recently suggested as another useful tool for detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in given areas. The present review reports the status of research currently performed concerning the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 spreading by WBE and airborne particles. The former have been more investigated, whereas the latter is still at a very early stage, with a limited number of very recent studies. Nevertheless, the main results highlights in both cases necessitate more research activity for better understating and defining the biomarkers and the related sampling and analysis procedures to be used for this important aim.

Distinct feedback actions of behavioural arousal to the master circadian clock in nocturnal and diurnal mammals.

The master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus provides a temporal pattern of sleep and wake that - like many other behavioural and physiological rhythms - is oppositely phased in nocturnal and diurnal animals. The SCN primarily uses environmental light, perceived through the retina, to synchronize its endogenous circadian rhythms with the exact 24 h light/dark cycle of the outside world. The light responsiveness of the SCN is maximal during the night in both nocturnal and diurnal species. Behavioural arousal during the resting period not only perturbs sleep homeostasis, but also acts as a potent non-photic synchronizing cue. The feedback action of arousal on the SCN is mediated by processes involving several brain nuclei and neurotransmitters, which ultimately change the molecular functions of SCN pacemaker cells. Arousing stimuli during the sleeping period differentially affect the circadian system of nocturnal and diurnal species, as evidenced by the different circadian windows of sensitivity to behavioural arousal. In addition, arousing stimuli reduce and increase light resetting in nocturnal and diurnal species, respectively. It is important to address further question of circadian impairments associated with shift work and trans-meridian travel not only in the standard nocturnal laboratory animals but also in diurnal animal models.

Making Waves Perspectives of Modelling and Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in Aquatic Environment for COVID-19 Pandemic.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the aquatic environment pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a global concern. Though SARS-CoV-2 is known as a respiratory virus, its detection in faecal matter and wastewater demonstrates its enteric involvement resulting in vulnerable aquatic environment. Here, we provide the latest updates on wastewater-based epidemiology, which is gaining interest in the current situation as a unique tool of surveillance and monitoring of the disease. Transport pathways with its migration through wastewater to surface and subsurface waters, probability of infectivity and ways of inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 are discussed in detail. Epidemiological models, especially compartmental projections, have been explained with an emphasis on its limitation and the assumptions on which the future predictions of disease propagation are based. Besides, this review covers various predictive models to track and project disease spread in the future and gives an insight into the probability of a future outbreak of the disease.

Characterization of heavy metal pollution in an anthropogenically and geologically influenced semi-arid region of east India and assessment of ecological and human health risks.

The present study evaluated the heavy metal contamination in groundwater and associated ecological and human health risks of a geologically and anthropogenically diverse semi-arid region of Birbhum district, India. For a reliable evaluation, concentrations of nine heavy metals in 680 groundwater samples (N = 680) which were collected during premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons of consecutive two years from 170 wells were measured. The human health risk assessment using the USEPA model which is based on single value for each parameter may inherit certain inaccuracy and uncertainties in the evaluation. Unlike earlier studies, a higher degree of accuracy in carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk assessments was achieved through Monte Carlo simulations, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis. The study revealed the occurrence of the target heavy metals in groundwater with mean dominance order of Fe > Zn > Sr > Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd where mean concentrations of the carcinogens, Pb and Fe exceeded their maximum permissible limits. The water quality status evaluated using the modified heavy metal pollution index, Nemerow index and Heavy metal evaluation index methods resulted in medium to high heavy metal contamination in groundwater within a large portion of the study area which indicated its unsuitability for drinking purpose. The study suspects a moderate to very high risk for the groundwater dependent ecosystems in major part of the study area. The study further revealed cancer risks, ranging from high to very high within the residents due to accumulative exposure of the carcinogenic heavy metals in groundwater through ingestion and dermal contact. Minor populations of the study area were found to be more vulnerable to the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic diseases than teenagers and adults, mainly through oral exposure. The study recommends the residents to consume treated groundwater since the primary route of heavy metal exposure was identified to be the ingestion route.

Pretreatment of Leucaena leucocephala wood by acidified glycerol: optimization, severity index and correlation analysis.

In this study, Leucaena leucocephala wood was pretreated with aqueous glycerol having H2SO4 as the catalyst. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to optimize the process parameters, catalyst concentration (1-3%), duration (120-300 min) and temperature (100-150 °C). ANN gave more accurate predictions for total reducing sugar yield than RSM. ANN also had lower values for error functions. Severity index (SI) was calculated based on the temperature, duration and catalyst concentration. Increase in SI from 0.21 * 103 to 2.06 * 103 increased total reducing sugar (TRS) production from 39.97 g/kg to 321.8 g/kg. Further increase in SI reduced the TRS and this change positively correlates with the loss of cellulose content. Correlation analysis showed that severity index can also be used to describe pretreatment process.

Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine Treatment Potentiate Photic Resetting of the Master Circadian Clock in a Diurnal Rodent.

Circadian rhythms in nocturnal and diurnal mammals are primarily synchronized to local time by the light/dark cycle. However, nonphotic factors, such as behavioral arousal and metabolic cues, can also phase shift the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCNs) and/or reduce the synchronizing effects of light in nocturnal rodents. In diurnal rodents, the role of arousal or insufficient sleep in these functions is still poorly understood. In the present study, diurnal Sudanian grass rats, Arvicanthis ansorgei, were aroused at night by sleep deprivation (gentle handling) or caffeine treatment that both prevented sleep. Phase shifts of locomotor activity were analyzed in grass rats transferred from a light/dark cycle to constant darkness and aroused in early night or late night. Early night, but not late night, sleep deprivation induced a significant phase shift. Caffeine on its own induced no phase shifts. Both sleep deprivation and caffeine treatment potentiated light-induced phase delays and phase advances in response to a 30 min light pulse, respectively. Sleep deprivation in early night, but not late night, potentiated light-induced c-Fos expression in the ventral SCN. Caffeine treatment in midnight triggered c-Fos expression in dorsal SCN. Both sleep deprivation and caffeine treatment potentiated light-induced c-Fos expression in calbindin-containing cells of the ventral SCN in early and late night. These findings indicate that, in contrast to nocturnal rodents, behavioral arousal induced either by sleep deprivation or caffeine during the sleeping period potentiates light resetting of the master circadian clock in diurnal rodents, and activation of calbindin-containing suprachiasmatic cells may be involved in this effect.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Arousing stimuli have the ability to regulate circadian rhythms in mammals. Behavioral arousal in the sleeping period phase shifts the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei and/or slows down the photic entrainment in nocturnal animals. How these stimuli act in diurnal species remains to be established. Our study in a diurnal rodent, the Grass rat, indicates that sleep deprivation in the early rest period induces phase delays of circadian locomotor activity rhythm. Contrary to nocturnal rodents, both sleep deprivation and caffeine-induced arousal potentiate the photic entrainment in a diurnal rodent. Such enhanced light-induced circadian responses could be relevant for developing chronotherapeutic strategies.

Effects of Ecklonia cava as fucoidan-rich algae on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and caecal microflora in weanling pigs.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, role of increasing levels of Ecklonia cava (seaweed) supplementation in diets was investigated on growth performance, coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, serum immunoglobulins, cecal microflora and intestinal morphology of weanling pigs. METHODS: A total of 200 weaned pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc; initial body weight 7.08±0.15 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments on the basis of body weight. There were 5 replicate pens in each treatment including 10 pigs of each. Treatments were divided by dietary Ecklonia cava supplementation levels (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, or 0.15%) in growing-finishing diets. There were 2 diet formulation phases throughout the experiment. The pigs were offered the diets ad libitum for the entire period of experiment in meal form. RESULTS: The pigs fed with increasing dietary concentrations of Ecklonia cava had linear increase (p<0.05) in the overall average daily gain, however, there were no significant differences in gain to feed ratio, CTTAD of dry matter and crude protein at both phase I and phase II. Digestibility of gross energy was linearly improved (p<0.05) in phase II. At day 28, pigs fed Ecklonia cava had greater (linear, p<0.05) Lactobacillus spp., fewer Escherichia coli (E. coli) spp. (linear, p<0.05) and a tendency to have fewer cecal Clostridium spp. (p = 0.077). The total anaerobic bacteria were not affected with supplementation of Ecklonia cava in diets. Polynomial contrasts analysis revealed that villus height of the ileum exhibited a linear increase (p<0.05) in response with the increase in the level of dietary Ecklonia cava. However, villus height of duodenum and jejunum, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio of different segments of the intestine were not affected. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Ecklonia cava had beneficial effects on the growth performance, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology of weanling pigs.

Effects of central gastrin-releasing peptide on glucose metabolism.

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) mediated signals in the central nervous system (CNS) influence many functions associated with energy metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the central effect of GRP on glucose metabolism in the male rat. Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of GRP caused an immediate hyperglycaemia which was sustained till the end of the infusion. The rise in plasma glucose levels was accompanied by an increase in endogenous glucose production (EGP), as well as increases in plasma glucagon and insulin concentrations. Furthermore, no differences in plasma corticosterone levels were noted between control and GRP treated rats. These results demonstrate that central GRP increases plasma glucose levels, probably by stimulating pancreatic glucagon release and concomitantly or subsequently endogenous glucose production.

Assessment of Cryptococcus albidus for biopulping of eucalyptus.

Cryptococcus albidus shows delignification activity in nature. It was used for the biopulping of eucalyptus wood (Eucalyptus grandis) to access its potential for industrial application in the pulp and paper industry. Enzyme analysis on days 15, 30, and 60 showed the presence of laccase and xylanase as key enzymes. The production of endo-glucanase (CMCase) and exo-glucanase (FPase) was very low. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the surface colonization of wood and loosening of wood fibers in C. albidus-treated samples. Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated the chemical modification of eucalyptus wood. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis on days 15, 30, and 60 confirmed the presence of C. albidus throughout the experiments. Cryptococcu albidus was able to suppress the growth of a native population. Further, after 60 days both the control and treated eucalyptus wood chips were given kraft pulping treatment. The kappa number of pulp of control wood was 21 and for treated wood was 17. Kappa number is considered a measure of lignin content in wood; hence the treatment of eucalyptus by C. albidus (biopulping) was effective in reducing its lignin content and can be used for biopulping in the pulp and paper industry.

Assessment of denitrification process in lower Ishikari river system, Japan.

Sediment denitrification rate and its role in removal of dissolved nitrate load in lower Ishikari river system were examined. Denitrification rate were measured using acetylene inhibition technique on the sediment samples collected during August 2009-July 2010. The denitrification rate varied from 0.001 to 1.9 µg Ng(-1) DM h(-1) with an average value of 0.21 µg Ng(-1) DM h(-1) in lower Ishikari river system. Denitrification rate showed positive correlation with dissolved nitrate concentration in the river basin, indicating overlying water column supplied nitrate for the sediment denitrification processes. Nutrient enrichment experiments result showed that denitrification rate increased significantly with addition of nitrate in case of samples collected from Barato Lake however no such increase was observed in the samples collected from Ishikari river main channel and its major tributaries indicating that factors other than substrate concentration such as population of denitrifier and hydrological properties of stream channel including channel depth and flow velocity may affects the denitrification rate in lower Ishikari river system. Denitrification rate showed no significant increase with the addition of labile carbon (glucose), indicating that sediment samples had sufficient organic matter to sustain denitrification activity. The result of nutrient spiraling model indicates that in- stream denitrification process removes on an average 5%d(-1) of dissolve nitrate load in Ishikari river. This study was carried out to fill the gap present in the availability of riverine denitrification rate measurement and its role in nitrogen budget from Japanese rivers characterize by small river length and high flow rate.