64 research outputs found
CD16a with oligomannose-type N-glycans is the only “low-affinity” Fc γ receptor that binds the IgG crystallizable fragment with high affinity in vitro
No full textFc γ receptors (FcγRs) bind circulating IgG (IgG1) at the surface of leukocytes. Antibodies clustered at the surface of a targeted particle trigger a protective immune response through activating FcγRs. Three recent reports indicate that the composition of the asparagine-linked carbohydrate chains (N-glycans) of FcγRIIIa/CD16a impacted IgG1-binding affinity. Here we determined how N-glycan composition affected the affinity of the “low-affinity” FcγRs for six homogeneous IgG1 Fc N-glycoforms (G0, G0F, G2, G2F, A2G2, and A2G2F). Surprisingly, CD16a with oligomannose N-glycans bound to IgG1 Fc (A2G2) with a KD = 1.0 ± 0.1 nM. This affinity represents a 51-fold increase over the affinity measured for CD16a with complex-type N-glycans (51 ± 8 nM) and is comparable with the affinity of FcγRI/CD64, the sole “high-affinity” FcγR. CD16a N-glycan composition accounted for increases in binding affinity for the other IgG1 Fc glycoforms tested (10–50-fold). This remarkable sensitivity could only be eliminated by preventing glycosylation at Asn162 with an Asn-to-Gln mutation; mutations at the four other N-glycosylation sites preserved tighter binding in the Man5 glycoform. None of the other low-affinity FcγRs showed more than a 3.1-fold increase upon modifying the receptor N-glycan composition, including CD16b, which differs from CD16a by only four amino acid residues. This result indicates that CD16a is unique among the low-affinity FcγRs, and modifying only the glycan composition of both the IgG1 Fc ligand and receptor provides a 400-fold range in affinities.This research was originally published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Subedi, Ganesh P., and Adam W. Barb. "CD16a with oligomannose-type N-glycans is the only “low-affinity” Fc γ receptor that binds the IgG crystallizable fragment with high affinity in vitro." Journal of Biological Chemistry 293, no. 43 (2018): 16842-16850. © the Author(s). doi: 10.1074/jbc.RA118.004998.</p
Safeguarding rice crops in Nepal: unveiling strategies against the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)
No full textAbstract Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital crop with enormous economic and nutritional importance in Nepal and worldwide. The yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a monophagous severe pest that poses a substantial threat to rice crops, causing significant yield losses by its larva feeding on stems and tillers. This review covers the life cycle, distribution, damage, and management and control strategies of YSB. YSB primarily targets rice plants, causing symptoms like dead hearts and whiteheads. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are crucial for effective YSB control. Cultural practices include selecting resistant rice varieties, using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) incorporated transgenic rice plants, synchronizing planting to reduce generations, and promoting natural enemies by conserving their habitats. Mechanical methods involve pheromone and light traps to disrupt mating and reduce adult populations. Biological control methods utilize natural predators like beetles and spiders and parasitoids such as Cotesia flavipes and Trichogramma spp. In contrast, chemical control involves targeted insecticide application when pest populations reach economic threshold levels that is when 5–10% dead hearts are seen. The article emphasizes the importance of IPM techniques in reducing YSB infestation and fostering sustainable rice production. These approaches not only help to lower the YSB population but also contribute to environmental preservation and long-term agricultural viability. As rice is a staple food for millions, effective management of YSB becomes crucial for guaranteeing food security and livelihoods across the globe
Effects of Different Mulching Practices on Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Growth and Production
No full textGarlic (Allium sativum L.) is a shallow-rooted crop mostly grown for cloves, which are used as a food flavoring condiment. Mulching helps to keep soil moisture by lowering energy loss through evaporation and preventing vapor transfer. A field study investigated how different mulches affect the garlic growth metrics. The experiment was conducted in the Chitwan District of Nepal from December to April 2022 under a randomized complete block design with three replications and five treatments (control, polythene mulch, straw mulch, banana leaf mulch, and sawdust mulch). The results reveal that the type of mulching materials employed substantially impacts on garlic growth and clove yield. Rice straw mulch exhibited the highest plant height (70.69cm) at 120 DAP followed by sawdust (64.44cm) and banana leaves (62.34cm). At 120 days after planting, leaf length was found to be statistically similar under rice straw (43.36) and plastic mulch (41.56 cm). Plastic mulch showed the highest results in number of leaves per plant(7.6), Stem diameter (1.58cm), Bulb weight (44.61gm),Bulb diameter(5.11cm), Root length(8.48cm) and Total yield (15.99t/ha). On the other hand, saw dust had a greater impact on bulb length (6.05cm). Notably, plastic mulch regularly outperformed other treatments in most criteria, with rice straw following closely. Based on these findings, plastic mulch appears to be the best option for garlic production
Ethical and responsive use of artificial intelligence in academic writing and publishing
No full textGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from novelty to a mainstream driving force in academic writing and scholarly publishing. These tools have become more conveniently accessed and utilized by scholars.1 AI is now directly used in generating text, synthesizing literature, refining grammar, and even proposing novel research directions. These capabilities offer extraordinary opportunities for enhancing productivity, broadening access, and supporting multilingual scholarship.
As academic communities use AI-driven tools, questions of integrity, transparency, and authorship demand urgent attention.3 Who is the true author when machine-generated text enters the scholarly record? How do we safeguard originality and critical thinking in an era of algorithmic assistance? And what standards should guide the responsible use of AI across diverse academic writing and publishing
Leveraging NAIP,LiDAR and Sentinel data for accurate multiclass mapping of heterogenous grassland landscapes
No full textWith the advancement in remote sensing (RS), sensors, platforms and data processing, RS data have significantly contributed to science and policy. However, data processing capability has not fully matured to handle high spatial and temporal resolution data to make management decisions. Using high-spatial-resolution (NAIP), temporal (Sentinel), and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, I derived land use land cover (LULC) maps using machine learning and data fusion while accounting for spatial autocorrelation in the sample data. Chapter I offers a brief overview of the development and current state-of-the-art practices in accurate LULC mapping using high-spatial-resolution remote sensing data, then introduces a list of questions that were tackled in this dissertation. Finally, Chapter I presents a brief synopsis of subsequent chapters and summarize the limitations. The chapter outlines the process of data ingestion, pre-processing and machine learning to produce accurate LULC mapping. The chapter describes a methodological workflow that can be adapted to regular computing resources available in most office settings. Chapter III evaluated the efficacy and effectiveness of surface features derived from LiDAR data in improving the mapping of grass- and shrub-dominated landscapes. Chapter IV integrated the time-series Sentinel 2A data overhigh-resolution NAIP data in heterogeneous landscapes using stacking ensemble machine learning. Finally, chapter V summarizes each chapter and discusses each case study's overall significance. With data fusion and supervised machine learning, I showed a practical approach to producing accurate land use land cover maps of grass-and-shrub-dominated landscapes of Texas.Embargo status: Restricted until 09/2027. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
China’s Approach to Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Agenda
No full textThere is an apprehension in the democratic world about the possible impact of the economic rise of China on the UN human rights agenda. Although Communist China has embraced capitalism by liberalising its economy, by joining the WTO and by recognising private entrepreneurship and the right to private property, it has not been an enthusiastic partner when it comes to promoting and protecting human rights. China has supported the idea of so-called “Asian values”, or cultural and political relativism, as well as promoting the idea of a “China Model of Democracy”, which seeks to support economic growth at the expense of civil and political rights. This article examines China’s approach to human rights both within and outside of the UN and whether China’s rise as a major economic power poses a threat or offers an opportunity to the international human rights system led by the UN. In doing so, it considers how China is changing in terms of its approach to the rule of law, democracy and human rights and why it needs to become a willing and enthusiastic player within the UN system to promote and protect human rights. The author concludes that China will not pose a threat to the UN human rights agenda. One way or the other, the only way forward for China is to embrace the rule of law, and this will in turn entail respect for human rights. Thus, there is an opportunity for the UN to introduce human rights law and jurisprudence developed by the UN treaty bodies to the Chinese legal and constitutional system
Aerosol processing technique for the synthesis of mixed-phase copper on carbon catalyst : insights into CO₂ adsorption and photocatalytic activity
No full textAbstractIn this study, spray pyrolysis; an aerosol processing technique was utilized to produce a mixed-phase copper on carbon (Cu/CuxO@C) catalyst. The catalyst production was performed via chemical reduction of copper nitrate by a reducing sugar, i.e., glucose, using aqueous solution. The physical and chemical properties of the produced particles was assessed using various characterization techniques. The synthesis temperature had pronounced effect on the final particles. Since CO₂ adsorption onto the catalyst is an important step in catalytic CO₂ reduction processes, it was studied using thermogravimetric and temperature programmed desorption techniques. Additionally, photocatalytic activity of the particles was evaluated by gas-phase oxidation of acetylene gas which revealed excellent activity under both UV and visible light irradiation indicating the possible use of wider range of the solar spectrum.Abstract
In this study, spray pyrolysis; an aerosol processing technique was utilized to produce a mixed-phase copper on carbon (Cu/CuxO@C) catalyst. The catalyst production was performed via chemical reduction of copper nitrate by a reducing sugar, i.e., glucose, using aqueous solution. The physical and chemical properties of the produced particles was assessed using various characterization techniques. The synthesis temperature had pronounced effect on the final particles. Since CO₂ adsorption onto the catalyst is an important step in catalytic CO₂ reduction processes, it was studied using thermogravimetric and temperature programmed desorption techniques. Additionally, photocatalytic activity of the particles was evaluated by gas-phase oxidation of acetylene gas which revealed excellent activity under both UV and visible light irradiation indicating the possible use of wider range of the solar spectrum
Variability for growth and yield traits in single cross hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.)
No full textSaabunud / Received 29.09.2021 ; Aktsepteeritud / Accepted 18.11.2021 ; Avaldatud veebis / Published online 18.11.2021 ; Vastutav autor / Corresponding author: Jiban Shrestha [email protected] single-cross hybrids of maize were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate genetic variability and correlation among growth and yield traits at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal from March 13 to September 05, 2021. The hybrids were grouped into four clusters using Euclidean Average Linkage method. The cluster analysis showed the presence of genetic variability in the evaluated hybrids. The maximum distance between cluster centroids (194.28) was found between cluster 2 and cluster 4, indicating genetic dissimilarity. Grain yield had the maximum values of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) (35.02%), followed by ear height (17.82%) and plant height (12.22%). Similarly, grain yield had the maximum values of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (26.24%) followed by the number of kernel rows/cob (8.77%) and days to 50% silking (8.72%). Days to 50% silking and days to 50% tasseling had the highest values of heritability (86%) followed by cob diameter (84%) and no. of kernel rows in cob (68%). The leaf area per plant had the maximum values of genetic advance (GA) (74.87 cm2), followed by plant height (27.80 cm) and days to 50% silking (9.66 days). Similarly, the maximum values of genetic advance as percent of the mean (GAM) was found for grain yield (40.50%) followed by days to 50% silking (16.70%) and days to 50% tasseling (16.17%). The hybrids namely KWM-91 × KWM-93 produced the maximum values of grain yield (9.99 t ha–1) followed by KWM-93 × KWM-91 (9.63 t ha–1) and KWM-92 × KWM-93 (9.40 t ha–1). Grain yield showed positive and significant phenotypic correlation with days to 50% silking (r = 0.41), days to 50% tasseling (r = 0.39), plant height (r = 0.37), cob diameter (r = 0.49) and the number of kernel rows in cob (r = 0.38). Therefore, utilization of present genetic variability along with indirect selection for traits having significant association with grain yield, high heritability and GAM could aid in the improvement of maize productivity
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on socioeconomic and mental health aspects in Nepal
No full text© The Author(s) 2020. Background: Public health concern is increasing with recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Nepal. To curb this pandemic, Nepal is facing some forms of lockdown, encouraging people to implement social distancing so as to reduce interactions between people which could eventually reduce the possibilities of new infection; however, it has affected the overall physical, mental, social and spiritual health of the people. Methods: Published articles related to psychosocial effects due to COVID-19 and other outbreaks were searched and reviewed. Conclusion: While many countries are supporting their citizens with sophisticated health safety-nets and various relief funds, some developing countries have unique challenges with vulnerable populations and limited resources to respond to the pandemic. This review presents the consequences of pandemic and lockdown on socioeconomic, mental health and other aspects in Nepalese society
- …
