Estimation of genetic components, heterosis and combining ability of elite Pakistani wheat varieties for yield attributing traits and stripe rust response

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food and major source of dietary calories in Pakistan. Improving wheat varieties with higher grain yield and disease resistance is a prime objective. The knowledge of genetic behaviour of germplasm is key. To achieve this objective, elite wheat varieties were crossed in 4 by 3, line × tester design, and tested in 2019 in a triplicate yield trial to estimate genetic variance, general and specific combining ability, mid-parent heterosis and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis L.). High grain 3358 kg·ha-1 was recorded in F1 hybrid (ZRG-79 × PAK-13). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant genotypic variance in grain yield. Broad sense heritability (H2) was recorded in the range of 28 to 100 %. General combining ability (GCA) significant for grain yield in parents except FSD-08 and PS-05 was recorded, while specific combining ability (SCA) was recorded to be highly significant for grain yield only in two crosses (ZRG-79 × NR-09 and ZRG-79 × PAK-13). Mid-parent heterosis was estimated in the range of -28 to 62.6 %. Cross combinations ZRG-79 × PAK-13 depicted highly significant mid-parent heterosis (62.6 %). Highly significant correlation was observed among spike length, spikelets per spike, plant height and 1000-grain weight. Rust resistance index was recorded in the range of 0 to 8.5. These findings suggest exploitation of GCA for higher grain yield is important due to the presence of additive gene action and selection in the filial generations will be effective with improved rust resistance, while cross combinations ZRG-79 × PAK-13 high GCA are best suited for hybrid development.

A Mesopore-Dependent Catalytic Cracking of n-Hexane Over Mesoporous Nanostructured ZSM-5

Herein, pore size, crystalinity, and Si/Al ratio of mesoporous ZSM-5 (MFI) nanocrystals was controlled by synthesis parameters, such as surfactant concentration ([3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] hexa-decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), sodium hydroxide concentrations, synthesis temperature and time. The morphology, surface structure and composition of the MFI particles was systematically investigated. More notably, the mesopore-dependent catalytic activity of ZSM-5 was evaluated by studying the cracking of n-hexane. The findings suggest the porosity has pronounced impact on the catalytic activity, selectivity and stability of ZSM-5 nanocrystals. Critical surface attributes such as nature of acid sites (Brønsted and Lewis), concentration, and strength are obtained by the infrared study of adsorbed probe molecules (pyridine) and the temperature programmed desorption. In spite of being weaker in Si/Al ratio or acidic strength, mesoporous catalysts showed more stable and efficient cracking of n-hexane suggesting that acidity seems not the predominant factor operative in the activity, selectivity and stability.

Correction to: Strategic crossing of biomass and harvest index-source and sink-achieves genetic gains in wheat

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s10681-017-2040-z.].

Correction to: Strategic crossing of biomass and harvest index-source and sink-achieves genetic gains in wheat

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s10681-017-2040-z.].

Molecular detection of Anaplasma in apparently healthy Cholistan breed of cattle from the Bahawalpur district, Pakistan

The present study was designed to report the prevalence of Anaplasma sp. in blood samples of Cholistan breed of cattle from Bahawalpur District and to determine the risk factors associated with the prevalence of this parasite. A total of 148 blood samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy cattle. On the sampling sites, data on the characteristics of the animals (species, gender, age) were collected through questionnaires. 47 blood samples (31.8% of total) produced the 577 base pairs DNA fragment specific for 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma sp. by PCR amplification. Out of 47 Anaplasma sp. positive PCR products, 9 were found to be Anaplasma marginale by restriction with BssNa1 and 9 were confirmed to be Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) as they amplified 550 bp fragment from the amplified MSP 2 gene of this species. Risk factor analysis indicated that the presence of parasite was not limited to a particular sex or age group of the infected animals. Comparison of hematological profile revealed that Anaplasma sp. positive cattle had significantly reduced levels of mean corpuscular volume (P=0.02) and eosinophils (P=0.02) than in parasite negative animals. While studied serum biochemical profile remain unaffected when compared between the two groups.

A novel fabrication methodology for sulfur-doped ZnO nanorods as an active photoanode for improved water oxidation in visible-light regime

Incorporation of foreign moiety in the lattice of semiconductors significantly alters their optoelectronic behavior and opens a plethora of new applications. In this paper, we report the synthesis of sulfur-doped zinc oxide (S-doped ZnO) nanorods by reacting ZnO nanorods with diammonium sulfide in vapor phase. Microscopic investigation revealed that the morphological features, such as, the length (2-4 μm) and width (100-250 nm) of the original hexagonal ZnO nanorods remained intact post-sulfidation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the sulfide sample confirmed the incorporation of sulfur into ZnO lattice. The optical measurements suggested the extension of absorption threshold into visible region upon sulfidation. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) activities of pure and S-doped ZnO nanorods were compared for water oxidation in visible light (λ > 420 nm), which showed several-fold increment in the performance of S-doped ZnO sample; the observed amelioration in the PEC activity was rationalized in terms of preferred visible light absorption and low resistance of sulfide sample, as evidenced by optical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Selective photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols into aldehydes by tungsten blue oxide (TBO) anchored with Pt nanoparticles

Hypostoichiometric Pt/WO₃ shows efficient, selective and stable conversion of aromatic alcohols into corresponding aldehydes under simulated sunlight in aqueous solution.

Single-Pot Synthesis of ⟨001⟩-Faceted N-Doped Nb2O5/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Due to exciting catalytic activity and selectivity, tailoring of nanocatalysts consisting of preferred crystal facets and desired structural properties remains at the forefront of materials engineering. A facile one-step nonhydrolytic solvothermal synthesis of a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide and one-dimensional nitrogen-doped Nb2O5 (N-NbOx) with exposed ⟨001⟩ facet is described. Triethylamine performed the dual role as nitrogen source and capping agent to control the size and unidirectional growth of Nb2O5 nanocrystallites. The nanocomposite showed efficient visible-light-mediated (λ > 420 nm) water splitting in a photoelectrochemical cell. A plausible mechanism for the formation of N-NbOx nanorods and improved photoelectrochemical efficacy in terms of their oriented growth is proposed.

Highly efficient and selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols photocatalyzed by nanoporous hierarchical Pt/Bi2WO6 in organic solvent-free environment

Selective conversion of aromatic alcohols into corresponding aldehydes is important from energy and environmental stance. Here, we describe highly selective (>99%) and efficient conversion (>99%) of aromatic alcohols (e.g., 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol and 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol) into their corresponding aldehydes in the presence of Pt-modified nanoporous hierarchical Bi2WO6 spheres in water under simulated sunlight at ambient conditions. Overoxidation of p-anisaldehyde, formed during photooxidation process, was not observed until comprehensive alcohol oxidation was attained. Furthermore, the catalyst showed substantial oxidation under dark and course of conversion was different than that of under light. Dependency of alcohol oxidation on substrate concentration, photocatalyst amount, and Pt loading was studied. The effect of various radical scavengers was investigated, and the rate-determining step was elucidated. It has been envisaged that the reduction site of semiconductor photocatalysts plays more decisive role in determining the selectivity as alcohol preferably get oxidized over that of water. Furthermore, the chemical stability and recyclability of the photocatalyst were investigated.

Laser-induced efficient reduction of Cr(VI) catalyzed by ZnO nanoparticles

The present study demonstrates the complete removal of Cr(VI) in aqueous suspensions of zinc oxide nanoparticles using a novel laser-induced photocatalytic process without the use of any additive. The study showed that ∼95% Cr(VI) was removed within short time (60 min) of laser exposure in the presence of ZnO. However, the removal of chromium using conventional setup under identical conditions was found to be negligible. Effect of critical parameters, such as laser energy, catalyst concentration, chromium concentration, and added electron donor and acceptor on the photocatalytic reduction process was also investigated. The data regarding temporal behavior of metal removal was fitted to first-order kinetic and reaction rate was computed.

TiO2-based nanotubes modified with nickel: synthesis, properties, and improved photocatalytic activity

Titanate nanotubes containing 2.5 wt% Ni were synthesized from TiO2 sol using alkali hydrothermal treatment followed by a simple ion-exchange process. The changes in phase, shape and morphology, surface area, and photocatalytic activity of these nanotubes have been explored as a function of calcination temperature. The samples were characterized using standard techniques, including x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Brauner-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. The study revealed that the titanate phase containing Ni ions can be converted to the anatase phase after certain heat treatments but, at the same time, the tubular morphology was partially lost. Investigation of photocatalytic properties demonstrated that the as-prepared Ni-titanate nanotubes were photocatalytically inactive, but when heated at temperatures below 500 degrees C their activity was significantly enhanced with the change in phase. The calcined nanotube samples carrying nickel ion showed better photocatalytic activity than calcined nanotube samples containing protons. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of these titanates has also been measured, and it was found that Ni-titanate nanotubes can adsorb more hydrogen than its counterpart Na-titanate.

Laser-induced removal of a dye C.I. Acid Red 87 using n-type WO3 semiconductor catalyst

Water contamination by organic substances such as dyes is of great concern worldwide due to their utilization in many industrial processes and environmental concerns. To cater the needs for waste water treatment polluted with organic dyes, laser-induced photocatalytic process was investigated for removal of a dye derivative namely Acid Red 87 using n-type WO3 semiconductor catalyst. The degradation was investigated in aqueous suspensions of tungsten oxide under different experimental conditions using laser instead of conventional UV lamp as an irradiation source. The degradation process was monitored by measuring the change in dye concentration as a function of laser irradiation time by employing UV spectroscopic analysis. The degradation of dye was studied by varying different parameters such as laser energy, reaction pH, substrate concentration, catalyst concentration, and in the presence of electron acceptors such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and potassium bromate (KBrO3). The degradation rates were found to be strongly dependent on all the above-mentioned parameters. Our experimental results revealed that the dye degradation process was very fast (within few minutes) under laser irradiation as compared to conventional setups using broad spectral lamps (hours or days) and this laser-induced photocatalytic degradation method could be an effective means to eliminate the pollutants present in liquid phase. The experience gained through this study could be beneficial for treatment of waste water contaminated with organic dyes and other organic pollutants.

Heterogeneous photocatalysed degradation of two selected pesticide derivatives, triclopyr and daminozid in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

Heterogeneous photocatalysed degradation of two selected pesticide derivatives, triclopyr (1) and daminozid (2), has been investigated in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide by monitoring the change in substrate concentration employing the UV Spectroscopic analysis technique and depletion of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time. The degradation kinetics were studied under different conditions such as reaction pH, substrate and catalyst concentration, different types of TiO2 and in the presence of electron acceptors such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), potassium bromate (KBrO3) and ammonium persulphate (NH4)2S2O8 in addition to molecular oxygen. The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The photocatalyst Degussa P25 was found to be more efficient as compared with other photocatalysts. The pesticide derivative triclopyr (1) was found to degrade faster as compared to daminozid (2). An attempt was also made to identify the intermediate products formed during the photooxidation process using GC/MS analysis. Probable pathways for the formation of products have been proposed.

Heterogeneous photocatalysed reaction of three selected pesticide derivatives, propham, propachlor and tebuthiuron in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

Heterogeneous photocatalysed reaction of three selected pesticide derivatives such as propham (1), propachlor (2) and tebuthiuron (3) has been investigated in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide by monitoring the change in substrate concentration employing UV Spectroscopic analysis and depletion in Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time. The degradation kinetics was studied under different conditions such as pH, catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, different types of TiO(2) and in the presence of electron acceptors such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), potassium bromate (KBrO(3)) and ammonium persulphate (NH(4))(2)S(2)O(8) besides molecular oxygen. The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The photocatalyst Degussa P25 was found to be more efficient as compared with other photocatalysts. The pesticide derivative propham (1) was found to degrade faster as compared to propachlor (2) and tebuthiuron (3). An attempt has also been made to identify the products formed during the photooxidation process through GC/MS analysis technique. All the model pollutants showed the formation of several intermediate products, which were identified on the basis of molecular ion and mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern. A probable mechanism for the formation of the products has been proposed.

Comparative photocatalytic study of two selected pesticide derivatives, indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

Heterogeneous photocatalysed degradation of two selected pesticide derivatives such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) has been investigated in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide by monitoring the change in substrate concentration employing UV spectroscopic analysis technique and depletion in total organic carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time. The degradation kinetics was studied under different conditions such as pH, types of TiO2) substrate and catalyst concentration, and in the presence of electron acceptor such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) besides molecular oxygen. The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The photocatalyst Degussa P25 showed comparatively highest photocatalytics. The pesticide derivative, indole-3-acetic acid was found to degrade slightly faster than indole-3-butyric acid.

Measurement of normal portal venous blood flow by Doppler ultrasound

The volume flow rate of blood in the portal vein was measured using a duplex ultrasound system. The many errors inherent in the duplex method were assessed with particular reference to the portal vein and appropriate correction factors were obtained by in vitro calibration. The effect of posture on flow was investigated by examining 45 healthy volunteers in three different positions; standing, supine and tilted head down at 20 degrees from the horizontal. The mean volume blood flow in the supine position was 864 (188)ml/min (mean 1SD). When standing, the mean volume blood flow was significantly reduced by 26% to 662 (169)ml/min. There was, however, no significant difference between flow when supine and when tilted head down at 20 degrees from the horizontal.