Unlocking growth potential: Synergistic potassium fertilization for enhanced yield, nutrient uptake, and energy fractions in Chinese cabbage

The implementation of integrated potassium management presents a viable approach for augmenting plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake while enhancing soil nutrient availability. A field experiment was executed during the rabi season of 2020, employing a randomized complete block design encompassing eight treatments involving standard (100%) and reduced (75% and 50%) rates of the recommended dose of potassium (RDK) administered through muriate of potash (MOP). Treatments included variations in the incorporation/exclusion of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), farmyard manure (FYM) at 25% of potassium recommendation, and foliar application of nano potash. The use of 100% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T8) exhibited significant enhancements in green fodder yield (64.0 ± 2.2 t ha-1) over control with no potassium application (47.3 ± 3.7 t ha-1) and found at par with and 75% RDK + 25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7). These treatments yielded maximum percent increase for plant height (34.9%), leaf count (38.5%), leaf dimensions (28.8-31.5%), stem girth (25.84%), root volume (27.0%), and root length (37.64%), observed at the harvest stage compared to control (T1-no potassium application). The treatment T8 was on par with T7 and recorded highest uptake of macro (N, P, and K) and micro (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) nutrients. While soil parameters such as available nitrogen and potassium levels were notably increased through the application of treatment T7 across various treatment combinations and found significantly superiority over treatment T8. Multivariate analysis also highlighted treatment T7 is more efficient in maintaining sustainability. Hence, based on the present findings it can be concluded that application of 75% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7) can be recommended for achieving enhanced productivity and soil fertility improvement within agricultural systems.

Heptanuclear Mixed-Valence Co4IIICo3II Molecular Wheel─A Molecular Analogue of Layered Double Hydroxides with Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior and Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions

We present a bifunctional heptanuclear cobalt(II)/cobalt(III) molecular complex formulated as [Co7(μ3-OH)4(H2L1)2(HL2)2](NO3)6·6H2O (1) (where H5L1 is 2,2'-(((1E,1'E)-((2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methanylylidene))bis(azanylylidene))bis(propane-1,3-diol)) and H2L2 is 2-amino-1,3-propanediol). Compound 1 has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis along with other spectral and magnetic measurements. Structural analysis indicates that 1 contains a mixed-valence Co7 cluster where a central Co(II) ion is connected to six different Co centers (four CoIII and two CoII ions) by four μ3-OH groups, giving rise to a planar heptanuclear cluster that resembles a molecular fragment of a layered double hydroxide (LDH). Two triply deprotonated (H2L1)3- ligands form the outer side of the cluster while two singly deprotonated (HL2)- ligands are located at the top and bottom of the central heptanuclear core. Variable temperature magnetic measurements indicate the presence of weak ferromagnetic CoII···CoII interactions (J = 3.53(6) cm-1) within the linear trinuclear CoII cluster. AC susceptibility measurements show that 1 is a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) with τ0 = 8.2(7) × 10-7 s and Ueff = 11.3(4) K. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of 1 in homogeneous phase shows an overpotential of 455 mV, with a Faradaic efficiency of 81% and a TOF of 8.97 × 104 μmol H2 h-1 mol-1.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

Co-N-C/C Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Dual Applications in Seawater Electrolysis and Catalyst in Hydrazine Fuel Cells

The convergence of water electrolysis and alkaline fuel cells offers captivating solutions for sustainably harvesting energy. The research explores both hydrazine-assisted seawater electrolysis (hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and hydrogen production reaction (HER)), as well as alkaline hydrazine fuel cell reactions (HzOR and Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)) by using a bifunctional cobalt polyaniline derived (Co PANI/C) catalyst. The catalyst shows excellent performance for hydrazine-assisted seawater electrolysis in harsh seawater environments to produce H2 as fuel with nearly 85% Faradaic efficiency and during alkaline HzOR, the bifunctional catalyst generates H2 with 95% Faradaic efficiency by acting as both anode and cathode side catalyst. Also, the same catalyst requires only a potential of 0.34 V versus RHE and 0.906 V versus RHE for HzOR and ORR, respectively, in 1 m KOH, which makes this overall process useful for a Hz/O2 fuel cell.

Reducing the environmental impact of rice production in subtropical India by minimising reactive nitrogen loss

The future of reactive nitrogen (N) for subtropical lowland rice to be characterised under diverse N-management to develop adequate sustainable practices. It is a challenge to increase the efficiency of N use in lowland rice, as N can be lost in various ways, e.g., through nitrous oxide (N2O) or dinitrogen (N2) emissions, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrate (NO3-) leaching. A field study was carried out in the subsequent wet (2021) and dry (2022) seasons to assess the impacts of different N management strategies on yield, N use efficiency and different N losses in a double-cropped rice system. Seven different N-management practices including application of chemical fertilisers, liquid organic fertiliser, nitrification inhibitors, organic nutrient management and integrated nutrient management (INM) were studied. The application of soil test-based neem-coated urea (NCU) during the wet season resulted in the highest economic yield, while integrated nutrient management showed the highest economic yield during the dry season. Total N losses by volatilization of NH3, N2O loss and leaching were 0.06-4.73, 0.32-2.14 and 0.25-1.93 kg ha-1, corresponding to 0.06-5.84%, 0.11-2.20% and 0.09-1.81% of total applied N, respectively. The total N-uptake in grain and straw was highest in INM (87-89% over control) followed by the soil test-based NCU (77-82% over control). In comparison, recovery efficiency of N was maximum from application of NCU + dicyandiamide during both the seasons. The N footprint of paddy rice ranged 0.46-2.01 kg N-eq. t-1 during both seasons under various N management. Ammonia volatilization was the process responsible for the largest N loss, followed by N2O emissions, and NO3- leaching in these subtropical lowland rice fields. After ranking the different N management practices on a scale of 1-7, soil test-based NCU was considered the best N management approach in the wet year 2021, while INM scored the best in the dry year 2022.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

Chemistry of a series of heterobimetallic complexes MnIII2(CaII/SrII)X2 (X = Cl-, Br-)

This manuscript describes the syntheses, structures and magnetism of MnIII-CaII/SrII complexes which are compositionally relevant in the context of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PS II). A series of trimetallic tetraoxo complexes containing redox-inactive metal ions CaII or SrII were synthesized using a tetranucleating ligand framework. The structural characteristics of these complexes, with the oxido ligands bridging the redox-inactive metals and the manganese centres, make them particularly relevant to biological and heterogeneous metal-oxido clusters. Electrochemical studies of these compounds show that the reduction potentials are highly dependent upon the Lewis acidity of the redox-inactive metal, identifying the chemical basis for the observed differences in electrochemistry. This correlation provides insights into the role of the CaII/SrII ion in modulating the redox potential of the OEC and of other redox-inactive ions in tuning the redox potentials of other metal-oxide electrocatalysts. Temperature dependent magnetic measurements have also been performed for the complexes.

Observation of WZγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WZγ production and a measurement of its cross section using 140.1±1.2  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The WZγ production cross section, with both the W and Z bosons decaying leptonically, pp→WZγ→ℓ^{'}^{±}νℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}γ (ℓ^{(^{'})}=e, μ), is measured in a fiducial phase-space region defined such that the leptons and the photon have high transverse momentum and the photon is isolated. The cross section is found to be 2.01±0.30(stat)±0.16(syst)  fb. The corresponding standard model predicted cross section calculated at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and at leading order in the electroweak coupling constant is 1.50±0.06  fb. The observed significance of the WZγ signal is 6.3σ, compared with an expected significance of 5.0σ.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Search for Dark Photons in Rare Z Boson Decays with the ATLAS Detector

A search for events with a dark photon produced in association with a dark Higgs boson via rare decays of the standard model Z boson is presented, using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dark boson decays into a pair of dark photons, and at least two of the three dark photons must each decay into a pair of electrons or muons, resulting in at least two same-flavor opposite-charge lepton pairs in the final state. The data are found to be consistent with the background prediction, and upper limits are set on the dark photon's coupling to the dark Higgs boson times the kinetic mixing between the standard model photon and the dark photon, α_{D}ϵ^{2}, in the dark photon mass range of [5, 40] GeV except for the ϒ mass window [8.8, 11.1] GeV. This search explores new parameter space not previously excluded by other experiments.

Observation of Single-Top-Quark Production in Association with a Photon Using the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of single top quarks produced together with a photon, which directly probes the electroweak coupling of the top quark. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Requiring a photon with transverse momentum larger than 20 GeV and within the detector acceptance, the fiducial cross section is measured to be 688±23(stat) _{-71}^{+75}(syst)  fb, to be compared with the standard model prediction of 515_{-42}^{+36}  fb at next-to-leading order in QCD.

Measurement of Suppression of Large-Radius Jets and Its Dependence on Substructure in Pb+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This letter presents a measurement of the nuclear modification factor of large-radius jets in sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV Pb+Pb collisions by the ATLAS experiment. The measurement is performed using 1.72  nb^{-1} and 257  pb^{-1} of Pb+Pb and pp data, respectively. The large-radius jets are reconstructed with the anti-k_{t} algorithm using a radius parameter of R=1.0, by reclustering anti-k_{t} R=0.2 jets, and are measured over the transverse momentum (p_{T}) kinematic range of 158 Collapse

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Measurement of the Sensitivity of Two-Particle Correlations in pp Collisions to the Presence of Hard Scatterings

A key open question in the study of multiparticle production in high-energy pp collisions is the relationship between the "ridge"-i.e., the observed azimuthal correlations between particles in the underlying event that extend over all rapidities-and hard or semihard scattering processes. In particular, it is not known whether jets or their soft fragments are correlated with particles in the underlying event. To address this question, two-particle correlations are measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV using data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with an integrated luminosity of 15.8  pb^{-1}, in two different configurations. In the first case, charged particles associated with jets are excluded from the correlation analysis, while in the second case, correlations are measured between particles within jets and charged particles from the underlying event. Second-order flow coefficients, v_{2}, are presented as a function of event multiplicity and transverse momentum. These measurements show that excluding particles associated with jets does not affect the measured correlations. Moreover, particles associated with jets do not exhibit any significant azimuthal correlations with the underlying event, ruling out hard processes contributing to the ridge.

Observation of an Excess of Dicharmonium Events in the Four-Muon Final State with the ATLAS Detector

A search is made for potential ccc[over ¯]c[over ¯] tetraquarks decaying into a pair of charmonium states in the four muon final state using proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} recorded by the ATLAS experiment at LHC. Two decay channels, J/ψ+J/ψ→4μ and J/ψ+ψ(2S)→4μ, are studied. Backgrounds are estimated based on a hybrid approach involving Monte Carlo simulations and data-driven methods. Statistically significant excesses with respect to backgrounds dominated by the single parton scattering are seen in the di-J/ψ channel consistent with a narrow resonance at 6.9 GeV and a broader structure at lower mass. A statistically significant excess is also seen in the J/ψ+ψ(2S) channel. The fitted masses and decay widths of the structures are reported.

Observation of the γγ→ττ Process in Pb+Pb Collisions and Constraints on the τ-Lepton Anomalous Magnetic Moment with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of τ-lepton-pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions Pb+Pb→Pb(γγ→ττ)Pb and constraints on the τ-lepton anomalous magnetic moment a_{τ}. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.44  nb^{-1} of LHC Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment in 2018. Selected events contain one muon from a τ-lepton decay, an electron or charged-particle track(s) from the other τ-lepton decay, little additional central-detector activity, and no forward neutrons. The γγ→ττ process is observed in Pb+Pb collisions with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations and a signal strength of μ_{ττ}=1.03_{-0.05}^{+0.06} assuming the standard model value for a_{τ}. To measure a_{τ}, a template fit to the muon transverse-momentum distribution from τ-lepton candidates is performed, using a dimuon (γγ→μμ) control sample to constrain systematic uncertainties. The observed 95% confidence-level interval for a_{τ} is -0.057 Collapse

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The synergy between electrochemical substrate oxidation and the oxygen reduction reaction to enable aerobic oxidation

Aerobic substrate oxidation reactions catalyzed by a heterogeneous catalyst can be looked upon as two independent half-cell reactions, viz. anodic substrate oxidation and the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this context, Fe PANI/C, a well-known catalyst for the ORR, is chosen to validate this hypothesis, wherein the anodic reaction is hydrazine oxidation. Fe PANI/C shows excellent activity in terms of the electrochemical ORR and hydrazine oxidation in both alkaline aqueous and non-aqueous media and taken together the aerobic oxidation efficacy of hydrazine-like small organic molecules is correlated with the electrochemical outcomes.

Molecular identification of Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni vectors of bluetongue virus

Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease causing significant economic losses throughout the world. The bluetongue vectors Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni, which play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens, are distributed across different geographical realms. Adults are minute in size with wide phenotypic variation, so morphology-based species identification is severely constrained by preparatory time and shortage of taxonomic expertise. To make the identification process rapid and effective, a specific primer was designed for the identification of C. actoni based on the multiple sequence alignment of ITS1 sequences of 11 Culicoides species. Along with this, a refined version of existing C. oxystoma specific primer was proposed. The primer sets distinguished C. oxystoma and C. actoni from a pooled sample consisting of other Culicoides species as well as closely related genera such as Forcipomyia and Alluaudomyia. Our findings suggest that the primers were species specific, sensitive and have potential to discriminate vector species C. oxystoma and C. actoni from pooled samples. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first ITS1 sequences generated and submitted in GenBank for Culicoides innoxius, Culicoides shortti, Culicoides palpifer and Culicoides anophelis and the first for Culicoides peregrinus, Culicoides fulvus and C. actoni from India.

Strong Constraints on Jet Quenching in Centrality-Dependent p+Pb Collisions at 5.02 TeV from ATLAS

Jet quenching is the process of color-charged partons losing energy via interactions with quark-gluon plasma droplets created in heavy-ion collisions. The collective expansion of such droplets is well described by viscous hydrodynamics. Similar evidence of collectivity is consistently observed in smaller collision systems, including pp and p+Pb collisions. In contrast, while jet quenching is observed in Pb+Pb collisions, no evidence has been found in these small systems to date, raising fundamental questions about the nature of the system created in these collisions. The ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider has measured the yield of charged hadrons correlated with reconstructed jets in 0.36  nb^{-1} of p+Pb and 3.6  pb^{-1} of pp collisions at 5.02 TeV. The yields of charged hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>0.5  GeV near and opposite in azimuth to jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30 or 60 GeV, and the ratios of these yields between p+Pb and pp collisions, I_{pPb}, are reported. The collision centrality of p+Pb events is categorized by the energy deposited by forward neutrons from the struck nucleus. The I_{pPb} values are consistent with unity within a few percent for hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>4  GeV at all centralities. These data provide new, strong constraints that preclude almost any parton energy loss in central p+Pb collisions.

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Decays of W Bosons Using a Dilepton Displaced Vertex in sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

A search for a long-lived, heavy neutral lepton (N) in 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is reported. The N is produced via W→Nμ or W→Ne and decays into two charged leptons and a neutrino, forming a displaced vertex. The N mass is used to discriminate between signal and background. No signal is observed, and limits are set on the squared mixing parameters of the N with the left-handed neutrino states for the N mass range 3  GeV Collapse

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Test of CP Invariance in Higgs Boson Vector-Boson-Fusion Production Using the H→γγ Channel with the ATLAS Detector

A test of CP invariance in Higgs boson production via vector-boson fusion has been performed in the H→γγ channel using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The optimal observable method is used to probe the CP structure of interactions between the Higgs boson and electroweak gauge bosons, as described by an effective field theory. No sign of CP violation is observed in the data. Constraints are set on the parameters describing the strength of the CP-odd component in the coupling between the Higgs boson and the electroweak gauge bosons in two effective field theory bases: d[over ˜] in the HISZ basis and c_{HW[over ˜]} in the Warsaw basis. The results presented are the most stringent constraints on CP violation in the coupling between Higgs and weak bosons. The 95% C.L. constraint on d[over ˜] is derived for the first time and the 95% C.L. constraint on c_{HW[over ˜]} has been improved by a factor of 5 compared to the previous measurement.

The Implications of Coupling an Electron Transfer Mediated Oxidation with a Proton Coupled Electron Transfer Reduction in Hybrid Water Electrolysis

Electrolysis of water is a sustainable route to produce clean hydrogen. Full water-splitting requires a high applied potential, in part because of the pH-dependency of the H₂ and O₂ evolution reactions (HER and OER), which are proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. Therefore, the minimum required potential will not change at different pHs. TEMPO [(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl)oxyl], a stable free-radical that undergoes fast electro-oxidation by a single-electron transfer (ET) process, is pH-independent. Here, we show that the combination of PCET and ET processes enables hydrogen production from water at low cell potentials below the theoretical value for full water-splitting by simple pH adjustment. As a case study, we combined the HER with the oxidation of benzylamine by anodically oxidized TEMPO. The pH-independent electrocatalytic oxidation of TEMPO permits the operation of a hybrid water-splitting cell that shows promise to perform at a low cell potential (≈1 V) and neutral pH conditions.

The Implications of Coupling an Electron Transfer Mediated Oxidation with a Proton Coupled Electron Transfer Reduction in Hybrid Water Electrolysis

Invited for this month's cover are the groups of Menny Shalom at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel and Dr. Biswajit Mondal at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, India. The image shows the connection between two half-cells: an electron transfer-mediated [(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidin-1-yl)oxyl] (TEMPO)-catalyzed benzylamine oxidation at the anode and a proton-coupled electron transfer at the cathode for hydrogen generation. The difference in pH dependence of the anodic and cathodic processes enables hybrid water electrolysis at low cell potential (∼1.0 V) by adjusting only the pH value of the electrolytic medium. The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202202271.

Dissociative reactions of [Au25(SR)18]- at copper oxide nanoparticles and formation of aggregated nanostructures

Reactions between nanoclusters (NCs) have been studied widely in the recent past, but such processes between NCs and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs), belonging to two different size ranges, have not been explored earlier. For the first time, we demonstrate the spontaneous reactions between an atomically precise NC, [Au₂₅(PET)₁₈]^- (PET = 2-phenylethanethiolate), and polydispersed copper oxide nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50 nm under ambient conditions. These interparticle reactions result in the formation of alloy NCs and copper-doped NC fragments, which assemble to form nanospheres at the end of the reaction. High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS), transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), electron tomography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies were performed to understand the structures formed. The results from our study show that interparticle reactions can be extended to a range of chemical systems, leading to diverse alloy NCs and self-assembled colloidal superstructures.

Effect of Duration of Hemostatic Compression on Radial Artery Occlusion after Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is now a major concern in transradial approach (TRA). RAO limits future radial artery use for further TRA, for as a conduit during CABG, for invasive hemodynamic monitoring and for creation of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients through same vascular approach. The effect of duration of hemostatic compression of RAO is unknown in Bangladesh. This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh (NICVD) from September 2018 to August 2019, to evaluate the effect of duration of hemostatic compression on the incidence of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial percutaneous coronary intervention. A total of 140 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through TRA. RAO was defined as an absence of antegrade flow or monophasic flow or invert flow on Duplex study. In this study 70 patients (Group I) received 2 hours hemostatic compression after transradial PCI. Another 70 patients (Group II) received 6 hours hemostatic compression after transradial PCI. Radial arterial blood flow assessed at early (24 hours) and late (30 days) by color duplex study after the procedure in both groups. Early radial artery occlusion occurred in 4.3% of patients in Group I and 12.8% of patients in Group II, (p=0.04). Late radial artery occlusion occurred in 2.8% of patients in Group I and 11.4% of patients in Group II, the difference was statistically significant (p=0.04). From multivariate logistic regression analysis duration of hemostatic compression time 6 hours (p=0.01), post-procedural nitroglycerine use (p=0.03) and procedure time (p=0.03) were predictors of RAO. Shorter duration of hemostatic compression is associated with a lower incidence of early and late radial artery occlusion after transradial intervention.

Evaluation of crop research institutes under data and resource constraints: An alternative approach

The evaluation of crop research institutes in the developing world under limited data availability has not been assessed in the past due to resource constraints. The paper assesses the social benefits of rice research taking the case of a research institute from India following a new approach. The area coverage of the varieties was estimated to be 3.4 million ha and the gain in production was 6.2 million tonnes per year in India. The additional return obtained due to the adoption of these varieties was about ₹ 14,621 million (US$ 232 million) per year at constant 2014-5 prices. The return per rupee investment in the institute's research and extension was ₹ 17. This approach is recommended for the impact evaluation of other crop research institutes in India and the developing world under resource constraints.

Tunable reactivity of silver nanoclusters: a facile route to synthesize a range of bimetallic nanostructures

Quantized energy levels and unique optoelectronic properties of atomically precise noble metal nanoclusters (NCs) have made them important in materials science, catalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. Recent studies on the profound chemical interactions of such NCs within themselves and with ultrasmall plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) indicate that depending on the size, shape, and composition of the second reactant, NCs can either take part in colloidal assembly without any chemical modifications or lead to products with atoms exchanged. Anisotropic NPs are a unique class of plasmonic nanomaterials as their sharp edges and protrusions show higher chemical reactivity compared to flat surfaces, often leading to site-specific growth of foreign metals and metal oxide shells. Here, using chemical interactions between gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) and Ag NCs of different compositions, we show for the first time that metal atom etching, alloying/atom exchange, and colloidal assembly can all happen at a particular length scale. Specifically, Ag₂₅(DMBT)₁₈ NCs (denoted as 1), upon reacting with AuNTs of ∼57 nm edge length, etch gold atoms from their sharp tips and edges. Simultaneously, the two nanosystems exchange metal atoms, resulting in Ag-doped AuNTs and Au_xAg_24-x(DMBT)₁₈ (x = 1, 2). However, another Ag NC with the same metallic core, but a different ligand shell, namely, Ag₂₅H₂₂(DPPE)₈ (denoted as 2), creates dendritic shells made of Ag, surrounding these AuNTs under the same reaction conditions. Furthermore, we show that in the case of a more reactive thiol-protected Ag NC, namely, Ag₄₄(pMBA)₃₀ (denoted as 3), gold etching is faster from the edges and tips, which drastically alters the identities of both the reactants. Interestingly, when the AuNTs are protected by pMBA, 3 systematically assembles on AuNTs through H-bonding, resulting in an AuNT core-Ag NC shell nanocomposite. Thus, while shedding light on various factors affecting the reactivity of Ag NCs towards AuNTs, the present study proposes a single strategy to obtain a number of bimetallic nanosystems of targeted morphology and functionality.

Vapor Pressure versus Temperature Relations of Common Elements

The vapor pressure values of common elements are available in the literature over a limited temperature range and the accuracy and reliability of the reported data are not generally available. We evaluate the reliability and uncertainty of the available vapor pressure versus temperature data of fifty common pure elements and recommend vapor pressure versus temperature relations. By synthesizing the vapor pressure values from measurements reported in the literature with the values computed using the Clausius Clapeyron relation beyond the boiling point, we extend the vapor pressure range from 10^-8 atm to 10 atm. We use a genetic algorithm to optimize the fitting of the vapor pressure data as a function of temperature over the extended vapor pressure range for each element. The recommended vapor pressure values are compared with the corresponding literature values to examine the reliability of the recommended values.

Blood meal analysis of Culicoides species associated with livestock in West Bengal, India

Knowledge gaps exist on the feeding pattern and host range of bluetongue virus vectors, Culicoides species, associated with livestock in India. Adult midges were trapped with ultraviolet light traps at 13 household farms adjacent to human biotope. Host DNA was isolated from individual females (n = 101; blood engorged-82, gravid-4 and parous-15) and subjected to PCR amplification targeting CytB and 16S rRNA gene fragments followed by sequencing of amplified DNA samples. However, DNA sequences from only 71 individuals (70.3%) comprising of 10 Culicoides species were obtained. Blood meal analysis revealed at least 10 species that fed on five mammalian hosts including humans, but surprisingly none tested positive for birds. Results revealed that Culicoides innoxius tested positive for four not previously recognized species indicating a potential role as a vector species. Likewise, Culicoides shortti and Culicoides hegneri preferred goat and cattle respectively as hosts, whereas Culicoides palpifer preferred cattle along with buffalo as hosts, which is being reported for the first time. This is the first document on DNA-based blood meal identification and feeding preference of Culicoides midges associated with livestock in India.

Spatial reorganization of analytes in charged aqueous microdroplets

Imprinted charged aqueous droplets of micrometer dimensions containing spherical gold and silver nanoparticles, gold nanorods, proteins and simple molecules were visualized using dark-field and transmission electron microscopies. With such studies, we hoped to understand the unusual chemistry exhibited by microdroplets. These droplets with sizes in the range of 1-100 μm were formed using a home-built electrospray source with nitrogen as the nebulization gas. Several remarkable features such as mass/size-selective segregation and spatial localization of solutes in nanometer-thin regions of microdroplets were visualized, along with the formation of micro-nano vacuoles. Electrospray parameters such as distance between the spray tip and surface, voltage and nebulization gas pressure influenced particle distribution within the droplets. We relate these features to unusual phenomena such as the enhancement of rates of chemical reactions in microdroplets.

Photoelectrochemical alcohols oxidation over polymeric carbon nitride photoanodes with simultaneous H2 production

The photoelectrochemical oxidation of organic molecules into valuable chemicals is a promising technology, but its development is hampered by the poor stability of photoanodic materials in aqueous solutions, low faradaic efficiency, low product selectivity, and a narrow working pH range. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of value-added aldehydes and carboxylic acids with clean hydrogen (H₂) production in water using a photoelectrochemical cell based solely on polymeric carbon nitride (CN) as the photoanode. Isotope labeling measurements and DFT calculations reveal a preferential adsorption of benzyl alcohol and molecular oxygen to the CN layer, enabling fast proton abstraction and oxygen reduction, which leads to the synthesis of an aldehyde at the first step. Further oxidation affords the corresponding acid. The CN photoanode exhibits excellent stability (>40 h) and activity for the oxidation of a wide range of substituted benzyl alcohols with high yield, selectivity (up to 99%), and faradaic efficiency (>90%).

Host preference of bluetongue virus vectors, Culicoides species associated with livestock in West Bengal, India: Potential relevance on bluetongue epidemiology

Determination of host choice of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV), is pivotal to ascertain the role of each species in the transmission of pathogens, pest management and enumeration of disease prediction models. Host preference of livestock associated Culicoides midges was investigated in West Bengal, India with four replicates of a 3 × 3 Latin square design during August and September 2021. Adult Culicoides were mouth aspirated from three BTV hosts viz., cattle, sheep and goats. Mouth aspirating was validated by the sweep net collections. The host-baited collections recorded seven Culicoides species; with the highest landing rate on cattle (n = 5,667; 92.9%) followed by sheep (n = 365; 6.0%) and goat (n = 67; 1.1%). Based on the Jacob's selectivity index, all midge species, except for Culicoides fulvus Sen & Das Gupta, encountered, preferred cattle over other mammalian hosts. Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer, the subgenus Trithecoides Wirth & Hubert and Culicoides actoni Smith, predominated on the ventral region (belly/flank) of the cattle. However, Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer and C. actoni were observed to be prevalent in the leg region of sheep. A significantly higher percentage of female (99.9%) with only 0.3% of male were trapped in aspiration based animal baited collections. On the other hand sweep net and light trap catch comprises of 50.7%, 89.7% female and 49.2%, 10.2% male respectively. Surprisingly, DNA based blood meal analysis revealed human blood from the midges trapped in UV-LED light traps. Supplying the first evidence that Culicoides similis Carter, Ingram & Macfie, C. fulvus and Culicoides palpifer Das Gupta & Ghosh, feed on humans.

Observation of WWW Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WWW production and a measurement of its cross section using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with two same-sign leptons (electrons or muons) and at least two jets, as well as events with three charged leptons, are selected. A multivariate technique is then used to discriminate between signal and background events. Events from WWW production are observed with a significance of 8.0 standard deviations, where the expectation is 5.4 standard deviations. The inclusive WWW production cross section is measured to be 820±100 (stat)±80 (syst)  fb, approximately 2.6 standard deviations from the predicted cross section of 511±18  fb calculated at next-to-leading-order QCD and leading-order electroweak accuracy.

Strong and Elastic Membranes via Hydrogen Bonding Directed Self-Assembly of Atomically Precise Nanoclusters

2D nanomaterials have provided an extraordinary palette of mechanical, electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. Ultrathin 2D nanomaterials are classically produced via exfoliation, delamination, deposition, or advanced synthesis methods using a handful of starting materials. Thus, there is a need to explore more generic avenues to expand the feasibility to the next generation 2D materials beyond atomic and molecular-level covalent networks. In this context, self-assembly of atomically precise noble nanoclusters can, in principle, suggest modular approaches for new generation 2D materials, provided that the ligand engineering allows symmetry breaking and directional internanoparticle interactions. Here the self-assembly of silver nanoclusters (NCs) capped with p-mercaptobenzoic acid ligands (Na₄ Ag₄₄ -pMBA₃₀ ) into large-area freestanding membranes by trapping the NCs in a transient solvent layer at air-solvent interfaces is demonstrated. The patchy distribution of ligand bundles facilitates symmetry breaking and preferential intralayer hydrogen bondings resulting in strong and elastic membranes. The membranes with Young's modulus of 14.5 ± 0.2 GPa can readily be transferred to different substrates. The assemblies allow detection of Raman active antibiotic molecules with high reproducibility without any need for substrate pretreatment.

A detailed map of Higgs boson interactions by the ATLAS experiment ten years after the discovery

The standard model of particle physics1-4 describes the known fundamental particles and forces that make up our Universe, with the exception of gravity. One of the central features of the standard model is a field that permeates all of space and interacts with fundamental particles5-9. The quantum excitation of this field, known as the Higgs field, manifests itself as the Higgs boson, the only fundamental particle with no spin. In 2012, a particle with properties consistent with the Higgs boson of the standard model was observed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN10,11. Since then, more than 30 times as many Higgs bosons have been recorded by the ATLAS experiment, enabling much more precise measurements and new tests of the theory. Here, on the basis of this larger dataset, we combine an unprecedented number of production and decay processes of the Higgs boson to scrutinize its interactions with elementary particles. Interactions with gluons, photons, and W and Z bosons-the carriers of the strong, electromagnetic and weak forces-are studied in detail. Interactions with three third-generation matter particles (bottom (b) and top (t) quarks, and tau leptons (τ)) are well measured and indications of interactions with a second-generation particle (muons, μ) are emerging. These tests reveal that the Higgs boson discovered ten years ago is remarkably consistent with the predictions of the theory and provide stringent constraints on many models of new phenomena beyond the standard model.

Shell-Isolated Assembly of Atomically Precise Nanoclusters on Gold Nanorods for Integrated Plasmonic-Luminescent Nanocomposites

In this work, we integrate atomically precise noble metal nanoclusters (NCs) on gold nanorods (AuNRs) to create hybrid plasmonic-luminescent nanomaterials. Initially, we assemble luminescent Ag₂₉(LA)₁₂ NC (LA = lipoic acid) to silica shell-encapsulated AuNRs. The resulting nanostructure shows plasmon-enhanced luminescence in aqueous medium as well as in the solid state. Atomic precision of the fluorophores used in this case allows detailed characterization of individual nanocomposites by diverse techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and 3D electron tomographic reconstruction. We extend this strategy to prepare similar structures with gold NC protected with bovine serum albumin (Au₃₀BSA). These two examples demonstrate the generic nature of the present strategy in preparing plasmonic-luminescent hybrid nanostructures using atomically precise NCs.

Chemical and Electrochemical O2 Reduction on Earth-Abundant M-N-C Catalysts and Implications for Mediated Electrolysis

M-N-C catalysts, incorporating non-precious-metal ions (e.g. M = Fe, Co) within a nitrogen-doped carbon support, have been the focus of broad interest for electrochemical O₂ reduction and aerobic oxidation reactions. The present study explores the mechanistic relationship between the O₂ reduction mechanism under electrochemical and chemical conditions. Chemical O₂ reduction is investigated via the aerobic oxidation of a hydroquinone, in which the O-H bonds supply the protons and electrons needed for O₂ reduction to water. Mechanistic studies have been conducted to elucidate whether the M-N-C catalyst couples two independent half-reactions (IHR), similar to electrode-mediated processes, or mediates a direct inner-sphere reaction (ISR) between O₂ and the organic molecule. Kinetic data support the latter ISR pathway. This conclusion is reinforced by rate/potential correlations that reveal significantly different Tafel slopes, implicating different mechanisms for chemical and electrochemical O₂ reduction.

Search for Lepton-Flavor Violation in Z-Boson Decays with τ Leptons with the ATLAS Detector

A search for lepton-flavor-violating Z→eτ and Z→μτ decays with pp collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC is presented. This analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of Run 2 pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and is combined with the results of a similar ATLAS search in the final state in which the τ lepton decays hadronically, using the same data set as well as Run 1 data. The addition of leptonically decaying τ leptons significantly improves the sensitivity reach for Z→ℓτ decays. The Z→ℓτ branching fractions are constrained in this analysis to B(Z→eτ)<7.0×10^{-6} and B(Z→μτ)<7.2×10^{-6} at 95% confidence level. The combination with the previously published analyses sets the strongest constraints to date: B(Z→eτ)<5.0×10^{-6} and B(Z→μτ)<6.5×10^{-6} at 95% confidence level.

Organocatalytic synthesis of (Het)biaryl scaffolds via photoinduced intra/intermolecular C(sp2)-H arylation by 2-pyridone derivatives

A unique N,O-bidentate ligand 6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridone-2-carboxylic acid dimethylamide (L1) catalyzed direct C(sp²)-H (intra/intermolecular) arylation of unactivated arenes has been developed to expedite access to (Het)biaryl scaffolds under UV-irradiation at room temperature. The protocol tolerated diverse functional groups and substitution patterns, affording the target products in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigations were also carried out to better understand the reaction pathway. Furthermore, the synthetic applicability of this unified approach has been showcased via the construction of biologically relevant 4-quinolone, tricyclic lactam and sultam derivatives.

Effects of oils, lotions, hand sanitizers, and mehendi on fingerprints captured through digital fingerprint scanner

Background

In this modern era, advancement in technology is seen in every aspect of our life making it comparatively much easier. Likewise, in the field of fingerprinting, the digital scanners have replaced conventional methods of taking fingerprints, as it is accurate and less time-consuming. In daily life, people often apply oils, lotions, hand sanitizers, and occasionally mehendi on their hands. These cosmetic and daily use products affect the digital recording of fingerprints, thus making it difficult for forensic experts to identify the real offender in many cases. The purpose of the study was to check the effect of oils, lotions, hand sanitizers, and mehendi on the fingerprint pattern.

Results

The present study was undertaken by taking 2700 fingerprints from 30 individuals. These fingerprints were recorded with the help of the SecuGen Hamster IV fingerprint scanner under controlled environmental conditions. The examination and comparison of fingerprint patterns were done on the basis of visibility (clarity and intensity). The presence of cosmetic and daily use products affected the visibility of digitally captured fingerprints. Different products caused different effects based on their properties. Synthetic mehendi, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, greasy lotion, and viscous oil caused significant differences in the fingerprint images by degrading the fingerprint quality. The non-greasy lotion and non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer showed less effect, whereas non-viscous oil and natural mehendi caused a minimal effect on the quality of fingerprint images.

Conclusion

The application of cosmetic and daily use products added an additional layer on the fingers which is not present naturally. The additional layer caused alterations in the fingerprint pattern of an individual. So, digital fingerprints should be collected after proper washing of hands.

Direct imaging of lattice planes in atomically precise noble metal cluster crystals using a conventional transmission electron microscope

Imaging finer structural details of atomically precise noble metal cluster crystals has been difficult with electron microscopy, owing to their extreme beam sensitivity. Here we present a simple method whereby lattice planes in single crystals of nanoclusters can be observed using a conventional transmission electron microscope, enabling further expansion of cluster research.

Translational Chickpea Genomics Consortium to Accelerate Genetic Gains in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The Translational Chickpea Genomics Consortium (TCGC) was set up to increase the production and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). It represents research institutes from six major chickpea growing states (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh) of India. The TCGC team has been engaged in deploying modern genomics approaches in breeding and popularizing improved varieties in farmers’ fields across the states. Using marker-assisted backcrossing, introgression lines with enhanced drought tolerance and fusarium wilt resistance have been developed in the genetic background of 10 elite varieties of chickpea. Multi-location evaluation of 100 improved lines (70 desi and 30 kabuli) during 2016–2017 and 2018–2019 enabled the identification of top performing desi and kabuli lines. In total, 909 Farmer Participatory Varietal Selection trials were conducted in 158 villages in 16 districts of the five states, during 2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2019–2020, involving 16 improved varieties. New molecular breeding lines developed in different genetic backgrounds are potential candidates for national trials under the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Chickpea. The comprehensive efforts of TCGC resulted in the development and adoption of high-yielding varieties that will increase chickpea productivity and the profitability of chickpea growing farmers.

Evaluation of rice research: An alternate method to capture outcomes

Policy-makers, research managers, and donors are interested in knowing the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of investment in agricultural research. Several institutions are engaged in rice research and impact assessment of rice research requires area coverage information for rice varieties. The area coverage information for individual varieties is not available at the national level in many developing countries as the conventional household survey method is expensive and time-consuming. This article aims to find a cost-effective and quick method to estimate the area under popular rice varieties in India and their spread in different states. Secondary data collected from 27 states and 1 union territory of India were used to estimate the area. The results of the new method compared well with some of the studies conducted at the state level. The most important varieties identified using the new method were Swarna, Cottondora Sannalu, Samba Mahsuri, Vijetha, IR-64, and Ranjeet, which covered more than 1 million ha each in the country. On geographical coverage, IR-64 has spread to 17 states followed by Swarna, Cottondora Sannalu, Samba Mahsuri, Vijetha, IR-36, and Swarna Sub-1 which covered 14, 14, 12, 11, 11, and 10 states, respectively. The area information can be used to compute returns to rice research by different research institutions and study dynamics of varietal change over time. The popular varieties identified should be used in future breeding programs and biotechnological studies for the development of superior varieties.