FURTHER RECORDS OF THE SINDH AWL-HEADED SNAKE, Lytorhynchus paradoxus (GUNTHER, 1875), FROM INDIA WITH NOTES ON ITS HABITAT AND NATURAL HISTORY

This paper presents additional distributional records of the Sindh awl-headed snake Lytorhynchus paradoxus from India, along with scale counts, measurements and natural history observations of this poorly known species.

Analysis of modified microstrip line and its application

Analysis of a microstrip line with a symmetrically located aperture in its ground plane is reported in this paper. The solution is based on conformal mapping technique. Conformal mapping has been used to determine the characteristic impedance and effective permittivity of the line. The accuracy of results is within 5% error. An low pass filter has been designed based on the electrical parameters obtained using the proposed method.

Image deconvolution research: its scope and importance in live cell microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy has become an indispensable tool in cell biology research due its exceptional specificity and ability to visualize subcellular structures with high contrast. It has highest impact when applied in 4D mode, i.e. when applied to record 3D image information as a function of time, since it allows the study of dynamic cellular processes in their native environment. The main issue in 4D fluorescence microscopy is that the phototoxic effect of fluorescence excitation gets accumulated during 4D image acquisition to the extent that normal cell functions are altered. Hence to avoid the alteration of normal cell functioning, it is required to minimize the excitation dose used for individual 2D images constituting a 4D image. Consequently, the noise level becomes very high degrading the resolution. According to the current status of technology, there is a minimum required excitation dose to ensure a resolution that is adequate for biological investigations. This minimum is sufficient to damage light-sensitive cells such as yeast if 4D imaging is performed for an extended period of time, for example, imaging for a complete cell cycle. Nevertheless, our recently developed deconvolution method resolves this conflict forming an enabling technology for visualization of dynamical processes of light-sensitive cells for durations longer than ever without perturbing normal cell functioning. The main goal of this article is to emphasize that there are still possibilities for enabling newer kinds of experiment in cell biology research involving even longer 4D imaging, by only improving deconvolution methods without any new optical technologies.

Spatial variations of effective elastic thickness over the Ninetyeast Ridge and implications for its structure and tectonic evolution

We present new data on the strength of oceanic lithosphere along the Ninetyeast Ridge (NER) from two independent methods: spectral analysis (Bouguer coherence) using the fan wavelet transform technique, and spatial analysis (flexure inversion) with the convolution method. The two methods provide effective elastic thickness (T-e) patterns that broadly complement each other, and correlate well with known surface structures and regional-scale features. Furthermore, our study presents a new high resolution database on the Moho configuration, which obeys flexural isostasy, and exhibit regional correlations with the T-e variations. A continuous ridge structure with a much lower T-e value than that of normal oceanic lithosphere provides strong support for the hotspot theory. The derived T-e values vary over the northern (higher T-e similar to 10-20 km), central (anomalously low T-e similar to 0-5 km), and southern (low T-e similar to 5 km) segments of the NER. The lack of correlation of the T-e value with the progressive aging of the lithosphere implies differences in thermo-mechanical setting of the crust and underlying mantle in different parts of the NER, again indicating diversity in their evolution. The anomalously low T-e and deeper Moho (similar to 22 km) estimates of the central NER (between 0.5 degrees N and 17 degrees S) are attributed to the interaction of a hotspot with the Wharton spreading ridge that caused significant thermal rejuvenation and hence weakening of the lithosphere. The higher mechanical strength values in the northern NER (north of 0.5 degrees N) may support the idea of off-ridge emplacement and a relatively large plate motion at the time of volcanism. The low T-e and deeper Moho (similar to 22 km) estimates in the southern part (south of 17 degrees S) suggest that the lithosphere was weak and therefore younger at the time of volcanism, and this supports the idea that the southern NER was emplaced on the edge of the Indian plate. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of Nanocrystalline Ba2NaNb5O15 in 2BaO-0.5Na(2)O-2.5Nb(2)O(5)-4.5B(2)O(3) Glass System and Its Refractive Index and Band Gap Tunability

Monophasic Ba2NaNb5O15 was crystallized at nanometer scale (12-36 nm) in 2BaO-0.5Na(2)O-2.5Nb(2)O(5)- 4.5B(2)O(3) glass system. To begin with, optically transparent glasses, in this system, were fabricated via the conventional melt. quenching technique. The amorphous and glassy characteristics of the as-quenched samples were respectively confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analyses. Nearly homogeneous distribution of Ba2NaNb5O15 (BNN) nanocrystals associated with tungsten bronze structure akin to their bulk parent structure was accomplished by subjecting the as-fabricated glasses to appropriate heat-treatment temperatures. Indeed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) carried out on these samples corroborated the presence of Ba2NaNb5O15 nanocrystals dispersed in a continuous glass matrix. The as-quenched glasses were similar to 75% transparent in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The optical band gap and refractive index were found to have crystallite size (at nanoscale) dependence. The optical band gap increased with the decrease in crystallite size. The refractive indices of the glass nanocrystal composites as determined by Brewster angle method were rationalized using different empirical models. The refractive index dispersion with wavelength of light was analyzed on the basis of the Sellmeier relations. At room temperature under UV excitation (355 nm) these glass nanocrystal composites displayed violet-blue emission which was ascribed to the defects states.

Asymmetric cell division in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its unique features

Recently, several reports showed that about 80 % of mid-log phase Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium marinum, and Mycobacterium bovis BCG cells divide symmetrically with 5-10 % deviation in the septum position from the median. However, the mode of cell division of the pathogenic mycobacterial species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remained unclear. Therefore, in the present study, using electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy of septum- and nucleoid-stained live and fixed cells, and live cell time-lapse imaging, we show the occurrence of asymmetric cell division with unusually deviated septum/constriction in 20 % of the 15 % septating M. tuberculosis cells in the mid-log phase population. The remaining 80 % of the 15 % septating cells divided symmetrically but with 2-5 % deviation in the septum/constriction position, as reported for M. smegmatis, M. marinum, and M. bovis BCG cells. Both the long and the short portions of the asymmetrically dividing M. tuberculosis cells with unusually deviated septum contained nucleoids, thereby generating viable short and long cells from each asymmetric division. M. tuberculosis short cells were acid fast positive and, like the long cells, further readily underwent growth and division to generate micro-colony, thereby showing that they were neither mini cells, spores nor dormant forms of mycobacteria. The freshly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients' sputum samples, which are known for the prevalence of oxidative stress conditions, also contained short cells at the same proportion as that in the mid-log phase population. The probable physiological significance of the generation of the short cells through unusually deviated asymmetric cell division is discussed.

Three-Dimensional Study of Natural Convection in a Horizontal Channel With Discrete Heaters on One of Its Vertical Walls

Three-dimensional natural convection in a horizontal channel with an array of discrete flush-mounted heaters on one of its vertical walls is numerically studied. Effects of thermal conductivities of substrate and heaters and convection on outer sides of the channel walls on heat transfer are examined. The substrate affects heat transfer in a wider range of thermal conductivities than do the heaters. At lower heater thermal conductivities a higher heat portion is transferred by direct convection from the heaters to the adjacent coolant. However, higher substrate conductivity is associated with higher heat portion transferred through the substrate. The innermost heater column is found to become the hottest heater column due to the lower coolant accessibility. The heat transfer in the channel is strongly influenced by convection on the outer sides of the channel walls. Correlations are presented for dimensionless temperature maximum and average Nusselt number.

In vitro/In vivo assessment and mechanisms of toxicity of bioceramic materials and its wear particulates

With the progress in modern technological research, novel biomaterials are being largely developed for various biomedical applications. Over the past two decades, most of the research focuses on the development of a new generation of bioceramics as substitutes for hard tissue replacement. In reference to their application in different anatomical locations of a patient, newly developed bioceramic materials can potentially induce a toxic/harmful effect to the host tissues. Therefore, prior to clinical testing, relevant biochemical screening assays are to be performed at the cellular and molecular level, to address the issues of biocompatibility and long term performance of the implants. Along with testing strategies in the bulk material toxicity, a detailed evaluation should also be conducted to determine the toxicity of the wear products of the potential bioceramics. This is important as the bioceramics are intended to be implanted in patients with longer life expectancy and notwithstanding, the material will eventually release finer (mostly nanosized) sized debris particles due to continuous wear at articulating surfaces in the hostile corrosive environment of the human body. The wear particulates generated from a biocompatible bioceramic may act in a different way, inducing early/late aseptic loosening at the implant site, resulting in osteolysis and inflammation. Hence, a study on the chronic effects of the wear particulates, in terms of local and systemic toxicity becomes the major criteria in the toxicity evaluation of implantable bioceramics. In this broad perspective, this article summarizes some of the currently used techniques and knowledge in assessing the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of bioceramic implant materials. It also addresses the need to conduct a broad evaluation before claiming the biocompatibility and clinical feasibility of any new biomaterial. This review also emphasizes some of the case studies based on the experimental designs that are currently followed and its importance in the context of clinical applications.

Tectonic inheritance of the Indian Shield: New insights from its elastic thickness structure

A new evaluation of the elastic thickness (Te) structure of the Indian Shield, derived from isotropic fan wavelet methodology, documents spatial variations of lithospheric deformation in different tectonic provinces correlated with episodic tectono-thermal events. The Te variations corroborated by shear velocity, crustal thickness, and seismogenic thickness reveal the heterogeneous rheology of the Indian lithosphere. The thinned, attenuated lithosphere beneath Peninsular India is considered to be the reason for its mechanically weak strength (<30 km), where a decoupled crust-mantle rheology under different surface/subsurface loading structures may explain the prominent low Te patterns. The arcuate Te structure of the Western Dharwar province and a NNE-trending band of low Te anomaly in the Southern Granulite Terrane are intriguing patterns. The average Te values (40-50 km) of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone, the Bastar Craton, and the northern Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt are suggestive of old, stable, Indian lithosphere, which was not affected by any major tectono-thermal events after cratonic stabilization. We propose that the anomalously high Te (60-85 km) and high S-wave velocity zone to the north of the Narmada-Son Lineament, mainly in NW Himalaya, and the northern Aravalli and Bundelkhand Cratons, suggest that Archean lithosphere characterized by a high velocity mantle keel supports the orogenic topographic loads in/near the Himalaya. The Te map clearly segments the volcanic provinces of the Indian Shield, where the signatures of the Reunion, Marion, and Kerguelen hotspots are indicated by significantly low Te patterns that correlate with plume- and rift-related thermal and mechanical rejuvenation, magmatic underplating, and crustal necking. The correlations between Te variations and the occurrence of seismicity over seismically active zones reveal different causal relationships, which led to the current seismogenic zonation of the Indian Shield. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies on an improved indigenous pressure wave generator and its testing with a pulse tube cooler

Earlier version of an indigenously developed Pressure Wave Generator (PWG) could not develop the necessary pressure ratio to satisfactorily operate a pulse tube cooler, largely due to high blow by losses in the piston cylinder seal gap and due to a few design deficiencies. Effect of different parameters like seal gap, piston diameter, piston stroke, moving mass and the piston back volume on the performance is studied analytically. Modifications were done to the PWG based on analysis and the performance is experimentally measured. A significant improvement in PWG performance is seen as a result of the modifications. The improved PWG is tested with the same pulse tube cooler but with different inertance tube configurations. A no load temperature of 130 K is achieved with an inertance tube configuration designed using Sage software. The delivered PV power is estimated to be 28.4 W which can produce a refrigeration of about 1 W at 80 K.

A Novel C-Terminal Homologue of Aha1 Co-Chaperone Binds to Heat Shock Protein 90 and Stimulates Its ATPase Activity in Entamoeba histolytica

Cytosolic heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has been shown to be essential for many infectious pathogens and is considered a potential target for drug development. In this study, we have carried out biochemical characterization of Hsp90 from a poorly studied protozoan parasite of clinical importance, Entamoeba histolytica. We have shown that Entamoeba Hsp90 can bind to both ATP and its pharmacological inhibitor, 17-AAG (17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin), with K-d values of 365.2 and 10.77 mu M, respectively, and it has a weak ATPase activity with a catalytic efficiency of 4.12 x 10(-4) min(-1) mu M-1. Using inhibitor 17-AAG, we have shown dependence of Entamoeba on Hsp90 for its growth and survival. Hsp90 function is regulated by various co-chaperones. Previous studies suggest a lack of several important co-chaperones in E. histolytica. In this study, we describe the presence of a novel homologue of co-chaperone Aha1 (activator of Hsp90 ATPase), EhAha1c, lacking a canonical Aha1 N-terminal domain. We also show that EhAha1c is capable of binding and stimulating ATPase activity of EhHsp90. In addition to highlighting the potential of Hsp90 inhibitors as drugs against amoebiasis, our study highlights the importance of E. histolytica in understanding the evolution of Hsp90 and its co-chaperone repertoire. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conditional silencing of topoisomerase I gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis validates its essentiality for cell survival

Topoisomerases are an important class of enzymes for regulating the DNA transaction processes. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the most formidable pathogens also posing serious challenges for therapeutic interventions. The organism contains only one type IA topoisomerase (Rv3646c), offering an opportunity to test its potential as a candidate drug target. To validate the essentiality of M.tuberculosis topoisomerase I (TopoI(Mt)) for bacterial growth and survival, we have generated a conditionally regulated strain of topoI in Mtb. The conditional knockdown mutant exhibited delayed growth on agar plate. In liquid culture, the growth was drastically impaired when TopoI expression was suppressed. Additionally, novobiocin and isoniazid showed enhanced inhibitory potential against the conditional mutant. Analysis of the nucleoid revealed its altered architecture upon TopoI depletion. These studies establish the essentiality of TopoI for the M.tuberculosis growth and open up new avenues for targeting the enzyme.

Phase and Dimensionality of Tin Oxide at graphene nanosheet array and its Electrochemical performance as anode for Lithium Ion Battery

We incorporated tin oxide nanostructures into the graphene nanosheet matrix and observed that the phase of tin oxide varies with the morphology. The highest discharge capacity and coulumbic efficiency were obtained for SnO phase of nanoplates morphology. Platelet morphology of tin oxide shows more reversible capacity than the nanoparticle (SnO2 phase) tin oxide. The first discharge capacity obtained for SnO@GNS is 1393 and 950 mAh/g for SnO2@GNS electrode at a current density of 23 mu A/cm(2). A stable capacity of about 1022 and 715 mAh/g was achieved at a current rate of 23 mu A/cm(2) after 40 cycles for SnO@GNS and SnO2@GNS anodes, respectively. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

FeatureMatch: A General ANNF Estimation Technique and its Applications

In this paper, we propose FeatureMatch, a generalised approximate nearest-neighbour field (ANNF) computation framework, between a source and target image. The proposed algorithm can estimate ANNF maps between any image pairs, not necessarily related. This generalisation is achieved through appropriate spatial-range transforms. To compute ANNF maps, global colour adaptation is applied as a range transform on the source image. Image patches from the pair of images are approximated using low-dimensional features, which are used along with KD-tree to estimate the ANNF map. This ANNF map is further improved based on image coherency and spatial transforms. The proposed generalisation, enables us to handle a wider range of vision applications, which have not been tackled using the ANNF framework. We illustrate two such applications namely: 1) optic disk detection and 2) super resolution. The first application deals with medical imaging, where we locate optic disks in retinal images using a healthy optic disk image as common target image. The second application deals with super resolution of synthetic images using a common source image as dictionary. We make use of ANNF mappings in both these applications and show experimentally that our proposed approaches are faster and accurate, compared with the state-of-the-art techniques.

Length-scale dependent mechanical properties of Al-Cu eutectic alloy: Molecular dynamics based model and its experimental verification

This paper attempts to gain an understanding of the effect of lamellar length scale on the mechanical properties of two-phase metal-intermetallic eutectic structure. We first develop a molecular dynamics model for the in-situ grown eutectic interface followed by a model of deformation of Al-Al2Cu lamellar eutectic. Leveraging the insights obtained from the simulation on the behaviour of dislocations at different length scales of the eutectic, we present and explain the experimental results on Al-Al2Cu eutectic with various different lamellar spacing. The physics behind the mechanism is further quantified with help of atomic level energy model for different length scale as well as different strain. An atomic level energy partitioning of the lamellae and the interface regions reveals that the energy of the lamellae core are accumulated more due to dislocations irrespective of the length-scale. Whereas the energy of the interface is accumulated more due to dislocations when the length-scale is smaller, but the trend is reversed when the length-scale is large beyond a critical size of about 80 nm. (C) 2014 Author(s).