Anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus leaf in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages

Background: Dictamnus dasycarpus is widely used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of eczema, rheumatism, and other inflammatory diseases in Asia. The current study investigates the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of the ethanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus leaf (DE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: Nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed by Griess reaction and the mRNA and protein expressions of pro inflammatory cytokines, transcription factor, and enzymes were determined by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting analysis. Results: DE (0.5 and 1 mg/mL) suppressed the NO production by 10 and 33%, respectively, compared to the untreated group in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DE (0.5 and 1 mg/mL) reduced the mRNA expression of key transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B by 7 and 24%, respectively compared to the untreated group in LPS activated macrophage. The pro inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor a and interleukin 1 beta were also decreased by DE treatment. Moreover, the protein expression of pro inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 were also dramatically attenuated by DE in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: These results suggest that Dictamnus dasycarpus leaf has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.

Phase transformation of ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphor: Color tunable photoluminescence and photocatalytic activities

The current study involves synthesis of a series of Tb3+ doped ZrO2 nanophosphors by solution combustion method using oxalyl dihydrazide as fuel. The as-formed ZrO2:Tb3+ nanophosphors having different concentrations of Tb3+ (1-11 mol%) were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques and the materials were subjected to photoluminescence and photocatalytic dye decolorization studies. The PXRD analysis indicates the formation of tetragonal symmetry up to 5 mol% concentration of Tb3+. Further increase in Tb3+ concentration has lead to cubic phase formation and the same was confirmed by Rietveld refinement analysis. SEM images revealed that material was highly porous in nature comprising of large voids and cracks with irregular morphology. TEM and SAED images clearly confirm the formation of high quality tetragonal nanocrystals. The emissive properties of nanophosphors were found to be dependent on Tb3+ dopant concentration. The green emission of the material was turned to white emission with the increase of Tb3+ ion concentration. The photocatalytic activities of these nanophosphors were probed for the decolorization of Congo red under UV and Sunlight irradiation. All the photocatalysts showed enhanced activity under UV light compared to Sunlight. The photocatalyst with 7 mol% Tb3+ showed enhanced activity attributed to effective separation of charge carriers due to phase transformation from tetragonal to cubic. The influence of crystallite size and PL on charge carrier trapping-recombination dynamics was investigated. The study successfully demonstrates synthesis of tetragonal and cubic ZrO2:Tb3+ green nanophosphors with superior photoluminescence and photocatalytic activities. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multispectral Bayesian reconstruction technique for real-time two color fluorescence microscopy

We have developed a real-time imaging method for two-color wide-field fluorescence microscopy using a combined approach that integrates multi-spectral imaging and Bayesian image reconstruction technique. To enable simultaneous observation of two dyes (primary and secondary), we exploit their spectral properties that allow parallel recording in both the channels. The key advantage of this technique is the use of a single wavelength of light to excite both the primary dye and the secondary dye. The primary and secondary dyes respectively give rise to fluorescence and bleed-through signal, which after normalization were merged to obtain two-color 3D images. To realize real-time imaging, we employed maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) techniques on a high-performance computing platform (GPU). The results show two-fold improvement in contrast while the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) is improved by a factor of 4. We report a speed boost of 52 and 350 for 2D and 3D images respectively. Using this system, we have studied the real-time protein aggregation in yeast cells and HeLa cells that exhibits dot-like protein distribution. The proposed technique has the ability to temporally resolve rapidly occurring biological events.

A matrix model for QCD: QCD color is mixed

We use general arguments to show that colored QCD states when restricted to gauge invariant local observables are mixed. This result has important implications for confinement: a pure colorless state can never evolve into two colored states by unitary evolution. Furthermore, the mean energy in such a mixed colored state is infinite. Our arguments are confirmed in a matrix model for QCD that we have developed using the work of Narasimhan and Ramadas(3) and Singer.(2) This model, a (0 + 1)-dimensional quantum mechanical model for gluons free of divergences and capturing important topological aspects of QCD, is adapted to analytical and numerical work. It is also suitable to work on large N QCD. As applications, we show that the gluon spectrum is gapped and also estimate some low-lying levels for N = 2 and 3 (colors). Incidentally the considerations here are generic and apply to any non-Abelian gauge theory.

Spectrophotometric determination of molybdenum with Syzygium jambolanum DC leaf extracts

A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum in industrial materials has been developed using the leaf extract of Syzygium jambolanum DC based on the reaction of Mo (VI) at pH 7.0 to produce an orange-yellow complex with an absorption maximum at 426 nm. The molar absorptivity of the complex is 4.27 x 10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1) and the absorbance, is linear in the range 0.05-0.8 ppm. Sandell sensitivity coefficient was found to be 2.25 x 10(-3) mu g/cm(2). The method is ten times more sensitive than the aqueous thiocyanate system. It has been applied successfully in micronutrient fertilizer, artificial freshwater and sea-water analyses.

Boron-doped carbon nanoparticles: Size-independent color tunability from red to blue and bioimaging applications

Here, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of boron-doped CNPs (B-CNPs) with different size/atomic percentage of doping and size-independent color tunability from red to blue. The variation of size/atomic percentage of B is achieved by simply varying the reaction time, while the color tunability is obtained by diluting the solution. With dilution, the luminescence spectra are not only blue-shifted, the intensity increases as well. The huge blue-shift in the emission energy (similar to 1 eV) is believed to be due to the increase in the interparticle distance. The quantum yield with optimum dilution is found to increase with boron doping though it is very low as compared to CNPs and nitrogen-doped CNPs. Finally, we show that B-CNPs with a quantum yield of 0.5% can be used for bioimaging applications. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO nano-pigment exhibiting intense blue color with impressive solar reflectance

The current study reports on the synthesis and characterization of a new inorganic nano-pigment with an intense blue color and high solar radiation reflective properties (70%). The nano-pigment YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO was synthesized by a sol-gel combustion method and characterized with the aid of X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Magnetic susceptibility, Transmission electron microscopy, UV ndash;vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and CIE-1976 L*a*b* color measurements. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns of the developed nano-pigment disclosed the existence of YIn0.9Mn0.1O3 and ZnO in a 1:1 ratio with hexagonal crystal structures. For comparison, YIn0.9Mn0.1O3 was also synthesized by the sol gel combustion route and its optical properties compared with that of YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO. It is interesting to note that the developed YIn0.9Mn0.1O3-ZnO nano-pigmeht exhibits superior blue hue (b* = -40.55) and solar reflectance (R* = 70%) values as compared to the YIn0.9Mn0.1O3 nano-pigment (b* = -22.28, R* = 50%). Most importantly, the potential utility of the nano-pigment as a ``Cool Pigment'' was demonstrated by coating onto roofing materials like aluminum roofing sheets. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Divergence in Patterns of Leaf Growth Polarity Is Associated with the Expression Divergence of miR396

Lateral appendages often show allometric growth with a specific growth polarity along the proximo-distal axis. Studies on leaf growth in model plants have identified a basipetal growth direction with the highest growth rate at the proximal end and progressively lower rates toward the distal end. Although the molecular mechanisms governing such a growth pattern have been studied recently, variation in leaf growth polarity and, therefore, its evolutionary origin remain unknown. By surveying 75 eudicot species, here we report that leaf growth polarity is divergent. Leaf growth in the proximo-distal axis is polar, with more growth arising from either the proximal or the distal end; dispersed with no apparent polarity; or bidirectional, with more growth contributed by the central region and less growth at either end. We further demonstrate that the expression gradient of the miR396-GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR module strongly correlates with the polarity of leaf growth. Altering the endogenous pattern of miR396 expression in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana leaves only partially modified the spatial pattern of cell expansion, suggesting that the diverse growth polarities might have evolved via concerted changes in multiple gene regulatory networks.

Evaluación preliminar de sesenta y tres lineas avanzadas de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) de grano color negro en la Estación Experimental La Compañía, Carazo

El experimento fue establecido en la estación experimental “La Compañía”, San Marcos, Departamento de Carazo, Nicaragua, durante la época de postrera (Octubre-Diciembre) de 2003, con los objetivos de identificar genotipos de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L) con mejores resultados en cuanto a rendimiento, evaluar las principales características fenológicas y determinar la incidencia y severidad de las principales enfermedades. Las líneas estudiadas provienen del vivero de adaptación centroamericano de grano negro (VIDAC-Negro-2003). Se utilizó un testigo, la variedad Guaymí; el diseño empleado fue el de ensayo preliminar, el cual consistió en un surco por línea de 3m de longitud con el testigo intercalado cada 9 surcos. Los análisis estadísticos realizados a los datos fueron: media, desviación estándar, coeficiente de variación, distribución de frecuencias y correlaciones Pearson. Entre los caracteres evaluados se midieron 13 variables, 3 sobre fenología, hábito de crecimiento, cinco sobre el rendimiento y sus componentes y enfermedades, entre las cuales se evaluaron mustia hilachosa y mancha de la hoja. Se observaron amplios rangos de comportamiento sobre fenología, rendimiento y sus componentes y enfermedades. Respecto a las variables fenológicas se observaron rangos de 33 a 40 dds en el número de días a floración, los días a madurez fisiológica oscilaron entre 63 y 72 dds y los días a cosecha entre 70 y 83 dds. Respecto al hábito de crecimiento las líneas fueron en su totalidad indeterminadas (IIa y IIb), en su mayoría IIb. En cuanto a los componentes del rendimiento el número de vainas por planta osciló entre 1 y 15.6, el número de granos por vaina entre 3.1 y 6.5, las plantas cosechadas entre 8 y 40 y el peso de 100 granos entre 12.31 y 30.25 g. Respecto al rendimiento relativo osciló entre 7.86205.88 %, encontrándose 15 líneas que superaron al testigo. La mayoría de los materiales presentaron severidad a mustia hilachosa con valores de 1 a 6, para mancha de la hoja la severidad osciló entre 2 y 5.

Caracterización y evaluación de siete genotipos de frijol común grano color rojo (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) en la Estación Experimental La Compañía, Carazo, 2004-2005

El presente ensayo se realizó en el centro experimental La Compañía, San Marcos Departamento de Carazo, Nicaragua en la época de primera (junio–agosto del 2004), con el fín de caracterizar y evaluar el comportamiento de 7 genotipos de frijol rojo, proporcionadas por el Programa Internacional de Viveros de Adaptación y Rendimiento, del Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) , en coordinación con el Instituto Nicaragüense de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Fue establecido un diseño de bloques completamente al azar con tres repeticiones; el tamaño de la muestra fue de 10 plantas para caracteres cuantitativos y para los cualitativos se basó en el aspecto de predominancia de caracteres. Se realizó el análisis de varianza y la separación de medias por Tukey al 95% de confianza para las variables del rendimiento y sus componentes; así como la media, desviación estándar y coeficiente de variación para caracteres relacionados al desarrollo y crecimiento. Fueron evaluados 18 caracteres cuantitativos y 15 cu alitativos. De acuerdo con los resultados la semilla se clasificó como pequeña, con forma ovoidea, alargada ovoidea y arriñonada recta en el lado del hilo, esta última con mayor frecuencia; el grano presentó color, rojo claro con testa brillante y rojo marrón oscuro con testa intermedio, predominan do el color rojo claro con testa brillante. Los análisis estadísticos indican que solo dos genotipos difirieron estadísticamente en cuanto al rendimiento, obteniendo el mayor valor el SRC 1-12-1-43 con 2203.9 kg ha -1 , no mostrando diferencias estadísticas las demás variables relacionadas. Todos los genotipos mostraron hábito de crecimiento arbustivo indeterminado (IIb). Respecto a las variables fenológicas se observaron rangos de 36 a 38 dds para el número de días a floración, los días a madurez fisiológica oscilaron entre 62 y 68 dds y los días a cosecha entre 66 y 72 dds, ubicándose de esta manera como materiales precoces. Todos los materiales presentaron daños de las enfermedades mustia hilachosa ( Thanatephorus cucumeris Frank) y mancha angular ( Isariopsis griseola Sacc) con niveles de severidad intermedia con excepción de los genotipos SRC 1-12-1-43 y MPN 103-25, que mostraron susceptibilidad a la mustia hilachosa; sin embargo estos alcanzaron los mayores rendimientos.

Evaluación de dieciseis genotipos de frijol comun de color negro (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) en epoca de apante, Yasica Sur, San Ramón, Matagalpa

El presente ensayo se realizó en Yasica Sur, San Ramón, Matagalpa, en época de apante del 23 de Noviembre del 2002 al 24 de Febrero del 2003, con el objetivo de evaluar el comportamiento agronómico de 16 genotipos de fríjol común de grano color negro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a las condiciones de la localidad, a fin de encontrar alternativas de materiales genéticos para pequeños y medianos productores de frijol común. Para el estudio se utilizó un diseño experimental unífactorial en bloques completos al azar (B.C.A) con 4 repeticiones y 16 tratamientos. Los resultados de campo se procesaron mediante el programa sistema análisis estadístico (SAS V.8), la prueba de rango múltiple de Tukey al 0.01 por ciento de error para las variables evaluadas y correlación de Person para las mismas variables. Con base en los datos obtenidos se puede afirmarque, los componentes del rendimiento grano por vainas, vainas plantas y peso de 100 granos presentaron diferencias significativas; sin embargo, la variable del rendimiento de los genotipos no muestra diferencias significativas entre sí. El análisis de correlación múltiple efectuado a las variables fenológicas mostró diferencias significativas en días a flor, madurez fisiológica y días a cosechas. Los principales hábitos de crecimiento que se presentaron entre los materiales fueron indeterminados IIb y IIIb, a diferencia del genotipo B2059 con hábito indeterminado Ib. Los genotipos evaluados con relación a enfermedades fúngicas mostraron resistencia a Roya (Uromyces appendiculatus. Pers.Unger.), Mancha angular (Isariopsis griseolas Sacc) y Tizón bacteriano o bacteriosis común (Xanthomonas campestrispv.phaseoli). .

Assessment Method for Leaf Litters Allelopathic Effect on Cyanobacteria

A new bioassay technique combining leaf disk and softagar over-layer methods was developed to investigate the allelopathic effect of deciduous leaf litters on the growth of cyanobacteria ( Microcystis aeruginosa Kütz.). Bioactive substances exuded from leaf disks caused inhibitory plaques on the agar plate containing cyanobacteria , and the rate of diffusion depended on the specific leaf disk area. Most of the leaf litters collected around reservoirs in Japan showed inhibitory activity to M. aeruginosa , with Rhus trichocarpa Miq., Quercus variabilis Blume and Mallotus japonicus (Thunb.) Muell. Arg. being the strongest among the 22 tested species.(PDF has 4 pages.)

Combining Plant Pathogenic Fungi and the Leaf-Mining Fly, Hydrellia pakistanae, Increases Damage to Hydrilla

Four fungal species, F71PJ Acremonium sp., F531 Cylindrocarpon sp., F542, Botrytis sp., and F964 Fusarium culmorum [Wm. G. Sm.] Sacc. were recovered from hydrilla [ Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle] shoots or from soil and water surrounding hydrilla growing in ponds and lakes in Florida and shown to be capable of killing hydrilla in a bioassay. The isolates were tested singly and in combination with the leaf-mining fly, Hydrellia pakistanae (Diptera: Ephydridae), for their capability to kill or severely damage hydrilla in a bioassay.

Effects of Triclopyr on Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil

The objective of the study described here was to determine the effect on variable-leaf watermilfoil of various combinations of triclopyr concentrations and exposure times using dosage rates that controlled Eurasian watermilfoil under laboratory and field conditions (Netherland and Getsinger 1992, Getsinger et al. 1997, Petty et al. 1998).