Acoustic phonon behavior of PbWO4 and BaWO4 probed by low temperature Brillouin spectroscopy

Temperature dependent acoustic phonon behavior of PbWO4 and BaWO4 using Brillouin spectroscopy has been explained for the first time. Low temperature Brillouin studies on PbWO4 and BaWO4 have been carried out from 320-20 K. In PbWO4, we observe a change in acoustic phonon mode behavior around 180 K. But in the case of BaWO4, we have observed two types of change in acoustic phonon mode behavior at 240 K and 130 K. The change in Brillouin shift omega and the slope d omega/dT are the order parameter for all kinds of phase transitions. Since we do not see hysteresis on acoustic phonon mode behavior in the reverse temperature experiments, these second order phase transitions are no related to structural phase change and could be related to acoustic phonon coupled electronic transitions. In PbWO4 he temperature driven phase transition at 180 K could be due to changes in he environment around he lead vacancy (V-pb(2-)) changes the electronic states. In the case of BaWO4, the phase transition at 240 K shows he decrease in penetration depth of WO3 impurity. So it becomes more metallic. The transition at 130 K could be he same electronic transitions as that of PbWO4 as function of temperature. The sound velocity and elastic moduli of BaWO4 shows that it could be the prominent material for acousto-optic device applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functions for rice RFL in vegetative axillary meristem specification and outgrowth

Roles for the transcription factor RFL in rice axillary meristem development were studied. Its regulatory effects on LAX1, CUC1, and OsPIN3 reveal its functions in axillary meristem specification and outgrowth.Axillary meristems (AMs) are secondary shoot meristems whose outgrowth determines plant architecture. In rice, AMs form tillers, and tillering mutants reveal an interplay between transcription factors and the phytohormones auxin and strigolactone as some factors that underpin this developmental process. Previous studies showed that knockdown of the transcription factor gene RFL reduced tillering and caused a very large decrease in panicle branching. Here, the relationship between RFL, AM initiation, and outgrowth was examined. We show that RFL promotes AM specification through its effects on LAX1 and CUC genes, as their expression was modulated on RFL knockdown, on induction of RFL:GR fusion protein, and by a repressive RFL-EAR fusion protein. Further, we report reduced expression of auxin transporter genes OsPIN1 and OsPIN3 in the culm of RFL knockdown transgenic plants. Additionally, subtle change in the spatial pattern of IR4 DR5:GFP auxin reporter was observed, which hints at compromised auxin transport on RFL knockdown. The relationship between RFL, strigolactone signalling, and bud outgrowth was studied by transcript analyses and by the tillering phenotype of transgenic plants knocked down for both RFL and D3. These data suggest indirect RFL-strigolactone links that may affect tillering. Further, we show expression modulation of the auxin transporter gene OsPIN3 upon RFL:GR protein induction and by the repressive RFL-EAR protein. These modified forms of RFL had only indirect effects on OsPIN1. Together, we have found that RFL regulates the LAX1 and CUC genes during AM specification, and positively influences the outgrowth of AMs though its effects on auxin transport.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2,5-di(4-aryloylaryloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles as anti-cancer agents

A series of 2,5-di(4-aryloylaryloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 9a-j were obtained via multistep synthesis from hydroxybenzophenones 4a-e. The cytotoxicity of compounds 9a-j was evaluated against human leukemia cell lilies (K562 and CEM). The compounds exhibited moderate to good anti-cancer activity with compounds 9b and 9i having a chloro group exhibiting the best activity (IC50 = 10 mu M). Compound 9i exhibited activity against both the cell lines and 9b only exhibited activity against CEM. Further, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and DNA fragmentation studies of the compounds 9a-j were also performed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Instruction Extensions on HyperCell, a Reconfigurable Datapath

In this paper we present HyperCell as a reconfigurable datapath for Instruction Extensions (IEs). HyperCell comprises an array of compute units laid over a switch network. We present an IE synthesis methodology that enables post-silicon realization of IE datapaths on HyperCell. The synthesis methodology optimally exploits hardware resources in HyperCell to enable software pipelined execution of IEs. Exploitation of temporal reuse of data in HyperCell results in significant reduction of input/output bandwidth requirements of HyperCell.

Comparative high pressure Raman studies on perfluorohexane and perfluoroheptane

High pressure Raman spectroscopic studies on perfluorohexane and perfluoroheptane have performed up to 12 GPa. Perfluorohexane under goes two pressure induced transitions: (1) liquid-solid transition at 1.6 GPa and (2) solid-solid transition at 8.2 GPa. On the contrary, perfluoroheptane under goes three phase transitions, they are as follows: (1) liquid-solid transition at 1.3 GPa, (2) intermediate solid I transition at 3 GPa, (3) solid II transition at 7 GPa. The change in slope (d omega/dP) shows that the solid I transition at 3.0 GPa could be the conversion of mid-gauche defect into trans conformers for perfluoroheptane. The pressure induced Raman spectra and the behavior of individual band with pressure shows that the solid phase comprises more than one conformer beyond crystallization. The intensity ratio for both the compounds shows that the high pressure phase beyond 8.2 and 7.0 GPa tends to have close packing with distorted all-trans conformers. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A rapid method to assess reactive oxygen species in yeast using H2DCF-DA

A protocol to efficiently assess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels in yeast cells using H2DCF-DA is described here. This method employs lithium acetate to permeate the cell wall, and thus, augments the release of the fluorescent product, dichlorofluorescein from the cells. This protocol obviates the need for both physical and enzymatic lysis methods that are arduous and time consuming. This method is simple, less time consuming and reproducible, especially while dealing with a large sample size. The lithium acetate method gave significantly reproducible and linear results (P < 0.0001), as compared with direct measurement (P = 0.0005), sonication (P = 0.1466) and bead beating (P = 0.0028).

Structural studies on tobacco streak virus coat protein: Insights into the pleomorphic nature of ilarviruses

Tobacco streak virus (TSV), the type member of Ilarvirus genus, is a major plant pathogen. TSV purified from infected plants consists of a ss-RNA genome encapsidated in spheroidal particles with diameters of 27, 30 and 33 nm constructed from multiple copies of a single species of coat protein (CP) subunits. Apart from protecting the viral genome, CPs of ilarviruses play several key roles in the life cycle of these viruses. Unlike the related bromo and cucumoviruses, ilarvirus particles are labile and pleomorphic, which has posed difficulties in their crystallization and structure determination. In the current study, a truncated TSV-CP was crystallized in two distinct forms and their structures were determined at resolutions of 2.4 angstrom and 2.1 angstrom, respectively. The core of TSV CP was found to possess the canonical beta-barrel jelly roll tertiary structure observed in several other viruses. Dimers of CP with swapped C-terminal arms (C-arm) were observed in both the crystal forms. The C-arm was found to be flexible and is likely to be responsible for the polymorphic and pleomorphic nature of TSV capsids. Consistent with this observation, mutations in the hinge region of the C-arm that reduce the flexibility resulted in the formation of more uniform particles. TSV CP was found to be structurally similar to that of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) accounting for similar mechanism of genome activation in alfamo and ilar viruses. This communication represents the first report on the structure of the CP from an ilarvirus. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Freeze-dried strawberry powder improves lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in women with metabolic syndrome:baseline and post intervention effects

Strawberry flavonoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in prospective cohort studies. Effects of strawberry supplementation on metabolic risk factors have not been studied in obese populations. We tested the hypothesis that freeze-dried strawberry powder (FSP) will lower fasting lipids and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation at four weeks compared to baseline. We also tested the tolerability and safety of FSP in subjects with metabolic syndrome. FSP is a concentrated source of polyphenolic flavonoids, fiber and phytosterols.

Influence of Selected Dietary Micronutrient Elements on Growth and Biochemistry of Farmed Prawns

From the present study, it is clear that all the three metals, selenium, molybdenum and cobalt have significant effect on the antioxidant status of the shrimps. Selenium and molybdenum were observed to induce peroxidative damage at elevated levels. But at the same level, cobalt did not show such an effect. Selenium was found to be growth promoting at lower levels of dietary supplementation. Even though low levels of dietary selenium had a protective effect against the lipid peroxidation, the present study indicates that high levels of dietary selenium could promote lipid peroxidation. The selenium-dependent antioxidant enzyme, GPx behaved differently in muscle and hepatopancreas. A high concentration of selenium was required for the active expression of the enzyme in the muscle, where as in hepatopancreas maximum activity was observed at lower selenium concentration. Selenium supplementation had a positive effect on GSH concentration. The other antioxidant enzymes such as GST, SOD and CAT showed enhanced activity at higher concentration of selenium. Molybdenum supplementation significantly reduced the free radical scavenger enzymes SOD and CAT. This resulted in enhanced lipid peroxidation in tissues. The activity of antioxidant enzyme GPx and the concentration of the substrate for the enzyme, GSH also were lower at elevated levels of molybdenum supplementation. In addition to this amino acids and fatty acids were also altered in molybdenum supplemented groups. In trace amounts, dietary molybdenum exerts a beneficial effect on the growth and also in the activities of the enzymes XO and SO. At the same time it also indicates a possibility of oxidative damage as a result of the peroxidation caused by the activities of the enzymes SO and XO at elevated concentrations of molybdenum is also indicated. The absorption of various trace elements was also altered by molybdenum supplementation.Among the three metals studied, cobalt was the least toxic one at the administered levels. But this metal has a significant effect on the lipid content, amino acid composition, cholesterol levels and phospholipid levels. Increased growth was also observed as a result of cobalt supplementation in shrimps. The antioxidant system of the animal was activated by dietary cobalt. Tissue levels of the trace metals were also found to be altered in cobalt supplemented groups of shrimps.These studies, thus shows that influence of dietary trace metals calls for more detailed studies in farmed shrimp. They may hold the key to growth and even disease resistance in shrimp. But this still remains as a virgin field which demands more attention, especially in view of the increasing importance of shrimp farming.

Development of bioreactors for nitrifying sewage

Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonium, first to nitrite and then to nitrate by two groups of aerobic, chemolithotrophic bacteria belonging to the family Nitrobacteriaceae. The biological nitrification in municipal wastewater treatment is important in those cases were ammonia removal requirement specially exist. In a trickling filter or in an activated sludge system nitrification is rate limiting and thus necessitates longer detention time. The combined carbon oxidation-nitrification processes generally have low population of nitrifiers due to a high ratio of BOD to total nitrogen in the effluent. This necessitates, separate carbon and nitrogen oxidation processes, which thus minimizes wash out ofthe nitrifiers. Therefore, a separate stage nitrification has become essential to achieve faster and efficient removal of ammonia from the wastewater. The present work deals with the development of bio reactor for nitrifying of sewage as the tertiary process so that the treated wastewater can be used for irrigation, algal culture or fish culture

Optimum growth requirements of nitrifying consortia developed from treated sewage

The optimum growth requirements of two nitrifying consortia developed from treated sewage by enrichment technique were determined by a series of experiments. There was total inhibition of nitrification at above 2.75 g r' NH/- Nand 2.5g r' N02' - N and the ammonia oxidizing consortium preferred a pH at 8.5 and the nitrite oxidizing consortium a pH of 7.5 as the optima for nitrification. Optimum temperatures were between 20° and 30°C for both the groups. As the rate of airnow was increased from I to 7 Ilmin, the build-up of N02- -N increased 10-fold and the consumption of N02- -N increased by a factor of 28.8 implying that the ammonia oxidizing consortium in a bioreactor required three times more aeration than that for nitrite oxidizers for ex pressing their full nitrifying potential. These data directly contribute for developing a fermentati on process for the mass production of nitrifiers as well as for designing bio reactors for nitrifying sewage.

A REVIEW OF SOIL CONSTITUTIVE MODELS FOR SOIL STRUCTURE INTEREACTION ANALYSIS

Soils are multiphase materials comprised of mineral grains, air voids and water. Soils are not linearly elastic or perfectly plastic for external loading. Various constitutive models are available to describe the various aspects of soil behaviour. But no single soil model can completely describe the behaviour of real soil under all conditions. This paper attempts to compare various soil models and suggest a suitable model for the Soil Structure Interaction analysis especially for Kochi marine clay.

PRABHAKAR MACHWE KI KAV|THA-EK ADHYAYAN

HINDI

Sudden infant death syndrome-associated mutations in the sodium channel beta subunits.

BACKGROUND Approximately 10% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases may stem from potentially lethal cardiac channelopathies, with approximately half of channelopathic SIDS involving the Na(V)1.5 cardiac sodium channel. Recently, Na(V) beta subunits have been implicated in various cardiac arrhythmias. Thus, the 4 genes encoding Na(V) beta subunits represent plausible candidate genes for SIDS. OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine the spectrum, prevalence, and functional consequences of sodium channel beta-subunit mutations in a SIDS cohort. METHODS In this institutional review board-approved study, mutational analysis of the 4 beta-subunit genes, SCN1B to 4B, was performed using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and direct DNA sequencing of DNA derived from 292 SIDS cases. Engineered mutations were coexpressed with SCN5A in HEK 293 cells and were whole-cell patch clamped. One of the putative SIDS-associated mutations was similarly studied in adenovirally transduced adult rat ventricular myocytes. RESULTS Three rare (absent in 200 to 800 reference alleles) missense mutations (beta3-V36M, beta3-V54G, and beta4-S206L) were identified in 3 of 292 SIDS cases. Compared with SCN5A+beta3-WT, beta3-V36M significantly decreased peak I(Na) and increased late I(Na), whereas beta3-V54G resulted in a marked loss of function. beta4-S206L accentuated late I(Na) and positively shifted the midpoint of inactivation compared with SCN5A+beta4-WT. In native cardiomyocytes, beta4-S206L accentuated late I(Na) and increased the ventricular action potential duration compared with beta4-WT. CONCLUSION This study provides the first molecular and functional evidence to implicate the Na(V) beta subunits in SIDS pathogenesis. Altered Na(V)1.5 sodium channel function due to beta-subunit mutations may account for the molecular pathogenic mechanism underlying approximately 1% of SIDS cases.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Aerosolized Vaccine against Measles.

Background Aerosolized vaccine can be used as a needle-free method of immunization against measles, a disease that remains a major cause of illness and death. Data on the immunogenicity of aerosolized vaccine against measles in children are inconsistent. Methods We conducted an open-label noninferiority trial involving children 9.0 to 11.9 months of age in India who were eligible to receive a first dose of measles vaccine. Children were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of vaccine by means of either aerosol inhalation or a subcutaneous injection. The primary end points were seropositivity for antibodies against measles and adverse events 91 days after vaccination. The noninferiority margin was 5 percentage points. Results A total of 1001 children were assigned to receive aerosolized vaccine, and 1003 children were assigned to receive subcutaneous vaccine; 1956 of all the children (97.6%) were followed to day 91, but outcome data were missing for 331 children because of thawed specimens. In the per-protocol population, data on 1560 of 2004 children (77.8%) could be evaluated. At day 91, a total of 662 of 775 children (85.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5 to 88.0) in the aerosol group, as compared with 743 of 785 children (94.6%; 95% CI, 92.7 to 96.1) in the subcutaneous group, were seropositive, a difference of -9.2 percentage points (95% CI, -12.2 to -6.3). Findings were similar in the full-analysis set (673 of 788 children in the aerosol group [85.4%] and 754 of 796 children in the subcutaneous group [94.7%] were seropositive at day 91, a difference of -9.3 percentage points [95% CI, -12.3 to -6.4]) and after multiple imputation of missing results. No serious adverse events were attributable to measles vaccination. Adverse-event profiles were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Aerosolized vaccine against measles was immunogenic, but, at the prespecified margin, the aerosolized vaccine was inferior to the subcutaneous vaccine with respect to the rate of seropositivity. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Measles Aerosol Vaccine Project Clinical Trials Registry-India number, CTRI/2009/091/000673 .).