Unusual autofluorescence characteristic of cultured red-rain cells

The red cells found in the red rain in Kerala, India are now considered as a possible case of extraterrestrial life form. These cells can undergo rapid replication even at an extreme high temperature of 300 deg C. They can also be cultured in diverse unconventional chemical substrates. The molecular composition of these cells is yet to be identified. This paper reports the unusual autofluorescence characteristic of the cultured red rain cells. A spectrofluorimetric study has been performed to investigate this, which shows a systematic shift of the fluorescence emission peak wavelength as the excitation wavelength is increased. Conventional biomolecules are not known to have this property. Details of this investigation and the results are discussed.

THE RED RAIN PHENOMENON OF KERALA AND ITS POSSIBLE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGIN

A red rain phenomenon occurred in Kerala, India starting from 25th July 2001, in which the rainwater appeared coloured in various localized places that are spread over a few hundred kilometers in Kerala. Maximum cases were reported during the first 10 days and isolated cases were found to occur for about 2 months. The striking red colouration of the rainwater was found to be due to the suspension of microscopic red particles having the appearance of biological cells. These particles have no similarity with usual desert dust. An estimated minimum quantity of 50,000 kg of red particles has fallen from the sky through red rain. An analysis of this strange phenomenon further shows that the conventional atmospheric transport processes like dust storms etc. cannot explain this phenomenon. The electron microscopic study of the red particles shows fine cell structure indicat- ing their biological cell like nature. EDAX analysis shows that the major elements present in these cell like particles are carbon and oxygen. Strangely, a test for DNA using Ethidium Bromide dye fluorescence technique indicates absence of DNA in these cells. In the context of a suspected link between a meteor airburst event and the red rain, the possibility for the extraterrestrial origin of these particles from cometary fragments is discussed.

Anisotropy in elastic properties of lithium sodium sulphate hexahydrate single crystal—An ultrasonic study

The double sulfate family (ABSO4), where A and B are alkali metal cations, is the object of great interest owing to the complexity and richness of its sequence of phase transition induced by temperature variation. A new sulfate salt characterized by the presence of water molecule in the unit cell with the chemical formula, Li2Na3(SO4)2⋅6H2O (LSSW), was obtained. The ultrasonic velocity measurement was done with pulse echo overlap technique [PEO]. All the six second order elastic stiffness constants, C11 = C22, C33, C44 = C55, C12, C14 and C13 = C23 are reported for the first time. The anisotropy in the elastic properties of the crystal are well explained by the pictorial representation of the polar plots of phase velocity, slowness, Young’s modulus and linear compressibility in a–b and a–c planes.

Elastic constant measurements of super ionic LiKSO4:Na single crystals

Elastic properties of sodium doped Lithium potassium sulphate, LiK0.9Na0.1SO4, crystal has been studied by ultrasonic Pulse Echo Overlap [PEO] technique and are reported for the first time. The controversy regarding the type of crystal found while growth is performed at 35 °C with equimolar fraction of Li2SO4H2O, K2SO4 and Na2SO4 has been resolved by studying the elastic properties. The importance of this crystal is that it exhibits pyroelectric, ferroelectric and electro optic properties. It is simultaneously ferroelastic and superionic. The elastic properties of LiK0.9Na0.1SO4 crystal are well studied by measuring ultrasonic velocity in the crystal in certain specified crystallographic directions and evaluating the elastic stiffness constants, compliance constants and Poisson’s ratios. The anisotropy in the elastic properties of the crystal are well explained by the pictorial representation of the surface plots of phase velocity, slowness and linear compressibility in a-b and a-c planes.

Optical absorption studies of free (H2Pc) and rare earth (RePc) phthalocyanine doped borate glasses

Optical absorption studies of free base and rare earth incorporated phthalocyanine doped borate glass matrix are reported for the first lime. The absorption spectra recorded in the UV- VIS region show two well defined absorption bands of phthalocyanine (Pc) molecule, namely the Soret band (B) and the Q band. The Q band always shows its characteristic splitting in all the doped glass matrices and the intensities of these components are found to vary from one Pc to another. Some of the important optical parameters, namely optical absorption coefficient (a), molar extinction coefficient (ε), absorption cross section (σa), oscillator strength (f), electric dipole strength (q2), absorption half bandwidth (Δλ) of the principal optical transitions have also been evaluated. Moreover, the spectral dependence of refractive index (n) and thereby the optical dielectric constant (ε) on wavelength yielded values of carrier concentration to effective mass ratio (N/m*) of the phthalocyanine molecule in the present glassy systems. Optical band gap (Eg) and width of the band tail (Et) are computed and their variations among the prepared samples are also discussed.

A sensitive fibre optic pH sensor using multiple sol-gel coatings

The fabrication and characterization of a fibre optic pH sensor based on evanescent wave absorption is presented. The unclad portion of a multi-mode optical fibre is coated with a pH sensitive dye, which is immobilized by the sol–gel route. The sensitivity of the device has been found to increase when multiple sol–gel coatings are used as the sensing region. The dynamic range and the temporal response of the sensor are investigated for two different dyes, namely bromocresol purple and bromocresol green. The performance of the device is evaluated in terms of the results obtained during actual measurements.

Optical properties of phthalocyanine molecules in cyano acrylate polymer matrix

Optical absorption and emission spectral studies of various phthalocyanine molecules, viz., LaPc, NdPc, SmPc, EuPc, CuPc and ZnPc in a polymer matrix of cyano acrylate are reported for the first time. All the absorption spectra show an intense B band (Soret) in the UV region followed by a weaker Q band in the visible region. The positions of the Q and B bands are found to have dependence on the metallic substitution. Values of the important spectral parameters, viz., molar extinction coefficient (ϵ), oscillator strength (f), radiative transition rate and decay time of the excited singlet state are also presented and compared with other solid matrices. The recorded fluorescence spectrum shows two broad emission bands in the case of NdPc, whereas for ZnPc only a very weak band is observed. The absence of emission bands for the other metallated phthalocyanines is attributed to increased spin orbit interaction and intersystem crossing.

NIR to UV absorption spectra and the optical constants of phthalocyanines in glassy medium

Optical absorption studies of phthalocyanines (Pc-s) in borate glass matrix have been reported for the first time. Measurements have been done corresponding to photon energies between 1.1 and 6.2 eV for free base, manganese, iron, nickel, molybdenum, cobalt and copper phthalocyanines. Several new discrete transitions are observed in the UV–vis region of the spectra in addition to a strong continuum component of absorption in the IR region. Values of some of the important optical constants viz. absorption coefficient (α), molar extinction coefficient (ε), absorption cross-section (σa), band width (Δλ), electric dipole strength (q2) and oscillator strength (f) for the relevant electronic transitions are also presented. All the data reported for Pc-s in the new matrix have been compared with those corresponding to solution, vapor and thin film media.

A new corner reflector antenna with periodic strip subreflectors

This paper presents the design of a new type of corner reflector (CR) antenna and the experimental investigation of its radiation characteristics. The design involves the addition of planar parallel periodic strips to the two sides of a CR antenna. The position, angular orientation, and number of strips have a notable effect on the H-plane radiation characteristics of the antenna. Certain configurations of the new antenna are capable of producing very sharp axial beams with gain on the order of 5 dB over the square corner reflector antenna. A configuration that can provide symmetric twin beams with enhanced gain and reduced half-power beam width (HPBW) is also presented.

Depth wise variation of microbial load in the soils of midland region of Kerala: a function of important soil physicochemical characteristics and nutrients

Soil microorganisms play a main part in organic matter decomposition and are consequently necessary to soil ecosystem processes maintaining primary productivity of plants. In light of current concerns about the impact of cultivation and climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem performance, it is vital to expand a complete understanding of the microbial community ecology in our soils. In the present study we measured the depth wise profile of microbial load in relation with important soil physicochemical characteristics (soil temperature, soil pH, moisture content, organic carbon and available NPK) of the soil samples collected from Mahatma Gandhi University Campus, Kottayam (midland region of Kerala). Soil cores (30 cm deep) were taken and the cores were separated into three 10-cm depths to examine depth wise distribution. In the present study, bacterial load ranged from 141×105 to 271×105 CFU/g (10cm depth), from 80×105 to 131×105 CFU/g (20cm depth) and from 260×104 to 47×105 CFU/g (30cm depth). Fungal load varies from 124×103 to 27×104 CFU/g, from 61×103 to110×103 CFU/g and from 16×103 to 49×103 CFU/g at 10, 20 and 30 cm respectively. Actinomycetes count ranged from 129×103 to 60×104 CFU/g (10cm), from 70×103 to 31×104 CFU/g (20cm) and from 14×103 to 66×103 CFU/g (30cm). The study revealed that there was a significant difference in the depthwise distribution of microbial load and soil physico-chemical properties. Bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes load showed a decreasing trend with increasing depth at all the sites. Except pH all other physicochemical properties showed decreasing trend with increasing depth. The vertical profile of total microbial load was well matched with the depthwise profiles of soil nutrients and organic carbon that is microbial load was highest at the soil surface where organics and nutrients were highest

The Development and Promotion of ETDs in Kerala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) have become an important component of library service in all countries. Many Indian higher education institutions are actively engaged in the process of introducing ETDs. This study describes the development of ETD projects in Kerala. This paper examines the ETD project of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU)

Eduard Wechssler (1869-1949): Im Dienste der deutschen Nation

Der Berliner Professor Eduard Wechssler ist einer der wichtigsten und Vertreter der romanistischen „Kultur- und Wesenskunde“ Frankreichs in der Zeit von 1914 bis 1933. Die vorliegende Untersuchung rekonstruiert seine Biographie und Bibliographie und stellt sie in den politischen, intellektuellengeschichtlichen, bildungspolitischen und disziplingeschichtlichen Zusammenhang der Epoche. Sie fragt außerdem nach den Vorstellungen von Frankreich, die Wechssler verbreitete, nach dem Ziel seiner Bemühungen, das „Wesen des Deutschen und des Franzosen“ zu beschreiben und – unabdingbar – nach seiner tatsächlichen Beziehung zum Nationalsozialismus. Das umfassendste Werk Wechsslers, „Esprit und Geist“ (1927), eine Anleitung für Lehrer und Studenten und wichtigster Ausdruck der „Wesenskunde“, findet besondere Beachtung. Sein deklariertes Hauptziel war es, den Nachbarn und durch ihn wiederum sich selbst besser kennen zu lernen, um den Krieg, wenn auch verspätet, wenigstens auf anderem Niveau, doch noch zu gewinnen. „Esprit und Geist“ dient in dieser Studie als Grundlage für die Beschreibung von Genese und Entwicklung der Ideen Wechsslers durch sein schriftliches Gesamtwerk hindurch. Aufschlussreich sind in diesem Zusammenhang auch die Reaktionen auf dieses Buch, z.B. von Henri Lichtenberger, Félix Bertaux, Victor Klemperer, Benedetto Croce, Hermann Platz, Fritz Schalk u.a. Eine ausführliche Darstellung der „Conférences françaises“, zu denen Wechssler zwischen 1926 und 1934 französische Schriftsteller und Philosophen ans Romanische Seminar der Universität Berlin einlud, um den Studenten und sonstigen Interessierten das „junge Frankreich“ nahe zu bringen, zeigt die Bedeutung dieser Veranstaltung im Rahmen des kulturellen Austausches zur Zeit der Weimarer Republik. Abschließend findet Wechsslers Tätigkeit als Leiter des Instituts für Portugal und Brasilien zwischen 1936 und 1939 Erwähnung, das offiziell die Aufgabe hatte, die kulturellen Beziehungen zwischen Portugal und Brasilien auf der einen und Deutschland auf der anderen Seite zu pflegen.

La lectura popular en Asturias (1869-1936).

Analizar las modalidades y características que presentó la incorporación masiva de la población trabajadora a las prácticas lectoras en la segunda mitad del siglo pasado y en el primer tercio del actual. Instituciones organizadas con el fin de propiciar el hábito lector entre las clases populares y, en especial, las entidades colectivas dedicadas a la promoción de la lectura que se consolidaron en Asturias. En concreto se estudian cuatro bibliotecas populares de componentes sociales diferenciados: la del Ateneo Obrero de Gijón, la Circulante de Castropol, la de la Sociedad de Cultura e Higiene de Cimadevilla (Gijón) y la del Ateneo Obrero de La Felguera. Se examinan sociológicamente (según edad, sexo y clase social), las preferencias lectoras de la región de Asturias. Se realiza un detenido estudio de la actividad y gustos lectores de las cuatro bibliotecas populares citadas. Estatutos y reglamentos. Libros de actas, libros de registro y memorias. Catálogos de obras. Del análisis de las preferencias lectoras en la región, se deduce un interés especial por la narrativa (novela realista y naturalista y novela erótica y por las Ciencias Sociales (lecturas sociopolíticas). 1) Biblioteca Popular Circulante del Ateneo Obrero de Gijón: durante los años 30 se produjo un aumento considerable de la práctica lectora; la sección más numerosa era la de Literatura, seguida por la Literatura infantil y las de Historia y Ciencias Sociales; la mayor parte de los préstamos correspondían a mujeres; entre los autores más leídos estaban Pérez Galdós, Blasco Ibáñez, Palacio Valdés y Baroja. 2) Biblioteca Popular Circulante de Castropol: el número de volúmenes creció de forma especial a partir de 1928; la temática dominante era la Literatura, seguida de la sección infantil; la mitad de los lectores eran mujeres y niños; los autores más leídos eran Pérez Galdós, Palacio Valdés, Baroja, Pereda y Valle Inclán. 3) Biblioteca de la Sociedad de Cultura e Higiene de Cimadevilla (Gijón): se caracterizaba por usar como vía de adquisición de libros la donación, al carecer de ayudas oficiales y tener pocos socios hasta 1932; los autores más leídos eran Pérez Galdós, Blasco Ibáñez, Palacio Valdés, Pérez de Ayala, Florez, Unamuno y Marañón. 4) Biblioteca Circulante del Ateneo Obrero de La Felguera: estaba organizada en tres secciones: fija, circulante y sala de prensa; el número de préstamos alcanzó el máximo en 1932; la mayoría de los préstamos se dirigían hacia la novela nacional; los autores más leídos eran Pérez Galdós, Palacio Valdés, Blasco Ibáñez, Curwood, Dumas, Baroja, Insua, Pérez de Ayala, Alarcón y Tolstoi. La temática literaria de las bibliotecas populares asturianas no se correspondía con una literatura proletaria, a pesar de que esta corriente estaba presente en los ambientes obreros y progresistas.

Gestaci??n, dotaci??n y expurgo de las bibliotecas escolares en Espa??a 1869-1939

En este trabajo se aborda el origen y desarrollo de las bibliotecas escolares en Espa??a. Se analizan las diversas modalidades de biblioteca escolar desde la aparici??n de este t??rmino, en 1849, hasta el periodo de la Segunda Rep??blica y la Guerra Civil. Para ello se hace un recorrido hist??rico por la legislaci??n del siglo XIX y del primer tercio del XX. A lo largo del XIX, se atisba la preocupaci??n por fundar y fomentar bibliotecas, pero no ser?? hasta el primer tercio del siglo XX, cuando se pueda hablar de modo pertinente del nacimiento de la biblioteca escolar. La Guerra Civil y las dr??sticas medidas adoptadas por el franquismo truncaron el breve impulso dado por el gobierno republicano a las bibliotecas escolares. Lo sucedido durante la guerra (destrucci??n, expurgo y prohibici??n de obras) ha impedido continuar construyendo sobre los logros alcanzados y ha obligado a partir de cero y a que a??n hoy sea necesario definir el modelo de biblioteca escolar y plantear planes especiales para conseguirlas.